cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What are the risks of low-level exposure to α radiation from radon?

The target organ for radon exposure is the epithelial lining of the lung, leading to an enhanced risk for the development of lung cancer. Epidemiologic studies of populations exposed to indoor radon have yielded conflicting results, and as a whole have not been very informative. One approach has been to utilize epidemiologic data from underground miners exposed to very high radon levels to estimate the risk associated with the very low levels present in homes (2). In their paper in the April 15 issue of the Proceedings, Hei et al. (3) present results from laboratory studies that shed new light on our understanding of the biological effects of α radiation.
Decreased insulin-stimulated GLUT-4 translocation in glycogen-supercompensated muscles of exercised rats.

It was recently found that the effect of an exercise-induced increase in muscle GLUT-4 on insulin-stimulated glucose transport is masked by a decreased responsiveness to insulin in glycogen-superco...
The presence of brain amyloid is preceded by accelerated cognitive decline in non-demented older adults: Results from a multi-ethnic population

189 Objectives Alzheimer disease has been shown to be preceded by accelerated decline in multiple cognitive functions. We aimed to examine whether a positive or higher level of brain amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is preceded by a faster cognitive decline. Methods Ninety-eight dementia-free participants (mean age 84 years) of Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed F-18-florbetaben PET imaging. Positive or negative F-18-florbetaben binding to cerebral Aβ deposition was assessed visually. Quantitative cerebral Aβ burden was calculated as the standardized uptake value ratio in pre-established regions of interest using cerebellar cortex as the reference region. We examined cross-sectional associations between Aβ deposition status or burden and composite cognitive scores in memory, language, speed and visuospatial domains and mean score. We also examined longitudinal cognition change up to14 years before PET scan using latent growth curve models. Results There was no cross-sectional association between any of the cognitive scores and PET Aβ after controlling for age, gender, education, ethnicity, and APOE ϵ4 genotype. Aβ positive elders declined in processing speed faster relative to Aβ negative elders (B=-0.052, p=0.01). Similarly, higher Aβ burden in the frontal (B=-0.067, p=0.04) and temporal (B=-0.075, p=0.03) regions was associated with faster decline in processing speed. Higher Aβ deposition was associated with faster longitudinal declines in overall cognition, language and speed in Blacks, and higher Aβ deposition was associated with faster longitudinal declines in overall cognition and memory scores in APOE ϵ4 carriers. Conclusions High Aβ deposition in old adults is associated with faster cognitive decline in the preceding decade, and the association might vary by ethnic groups and APOE ϵ4 genotype. Research Support (NIH) AG07232 and Piramal Life Sciences
Data fusion in Cultural Heritage – A Review

Abstract. Geometric documentation is one of the most important task of the Cultural Heritage (CH) conservation and management policies. 3D documentation, prior to any conservation and restoration works, is considered a basic pre-requisite for preserving, understanding, communicating and valorizing CH sites and objects (London Charter, 2009; Sevilla Principles, 2011). 3D models have become the usual way of digitally preserving, communicating, explaining and disseminat ing cultural knowledge, as they have the capability of reproducing ancient states and behaviors. Using photo-realistic and accurate 3D models, the current conservation state can be shown and preserve for future generations. But despite the large request of 3D models in the CH field, there is no 3D documentation method which can properly satisfy all the areas with their requirements, therefore a fusion methodology (of data and sensors) is normally required and performed. The paper analyzes the fusion concept and levels as well as some merging approaches so far presented in the research community. While the paper will be necessarily incomplete due to space limitations, it will hopefully give an understanding on the actual methods of data fusion and clarify some open research issues.
Fucosylation in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells

Altered glycosylation is a phenotypic characteristic of cystic fibrosis (CF), and some of the alterations are summarized. The lungs are the site of the lethal pathology of the disease. Therefore, two of the characteristics were examined in CF and non-CF immortalized airway epithelial cell lines (AEC). The activity of α-l-fucosidase was elevated (280%) in CF AEC when compared with non-CF AEC, whereas the activities of the other lysosomal enzymes which were examined were similar in both cell types. α-l-Fucosidase activity was transiently increased in the non-CF cells after treatment with Brefeldin A (BFA) for 6 h. Thus BFA caused the normal cells to express a phenotypic characteristic of CF. Glycopeptides from the CF and non-CF AECs metabolically labeled withl-[3H]fucose were examined for binding to lentil lectin-Sepharose. A higher percentage of CF glycopeptides bound to lentil lectin, 43% compared with 23% for non-CF control. In addition a higher percentage of CF glycopeptides were bound tightly to lentil lectin and required 0.2M α-methylmannoside to be eluted. This species of tightly bound glycopeptides increased dramatically to 77% from 46% when the CF AEC were treated with BFA. In contrast, the non-CF cell glycopeptides had a minor decrease in tightly bound glycopeptides to 26% from 33% after BFA treatment. Thus, the CF AEC showed fucosylation alteration observed previously for other CF cells and tissue.
Comparison of the effect of temporary or permanent myocardial ischemia on cardiac function and pathology.

Summary To determine the exact safe period of temporary myocardial ischemia with preservation of the ventricular function and the myocardial histology, studies were carried out in 98 dogs which were divided into two groups. In chronic experiments, an area of localized myocardial ischemia was produced by temporarily occluding the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery at various intervals. In this group, at least 40 minutes of ischemia was required to produce histologic changes of myocardial infarction comparable to those of a permanently occluded artery. In acute experiments, marked depression of the right and left ventricular function curves ensued, if the period of ischemia exceeded 15 minutes. It was concluded that temporary periods of localized myocardial ischemia, which result in left ventricular failure, are not necessarily associated with permanent myocardial damage. On the basis of these experiments the situation seen in patients who die of myocardial infarction, with or without complete occlusion of their coronary arteries, are explained. The authors would like to express their gratitude for the assistance of Mary E. Smith and Patricia Pollard.
Enhanced dispersion and properties of a two-component epoxy nanocomposite using surface modified cellulose nanocrystals

Abstracts Epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with acetyl, hexanoyl, and dodecanoyl surface modified Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) were fabricated. Surface modified CNCs were dispersed in epoxy resin with a co-solvent. After complete removal of the co-solvent, a typical two component epoxy system was achieved where hardener was then added to cure the resin. Acetyl grafted CNC (CNC_a) and hexanoyl grafted CNC (CNC_h) both had good dispersion in cured epoxy as observed visually and through electron microscopy. Tensile modulus, tensile strength, and work of fracture of epoxy were improved with the addition of CNC_a and CNC_h. CNC_a reinforced epoxy had the highest increases in mechanical properties. Dodecanoyl grafted CNC (CNC_d) led to aggregation in the epoxy which led to insignificant changes in mechanical properties. The addition of CNC_a increased glass transition temperature (Tg) of epoxy while CNC_h and CNC_d led to Tg depression.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy Prior to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Is High Yield: an Analysis of Outcomes and Costs.

There is currently no standardized regimen for management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC), and treatment includes varying sequences of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. This study examines the diagnostic yield and cost of performing staging diagnostic laparoscopy (SDL) prior to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in BRPC. Sequential patients treated for BRPC between January 2010 and October 2013 were included. SDL was adopted in a staged fashion due to surgeon preference, and included biopsy of visible lesions and washings for cytology. Cost ratios (CRs) were calculated to compare the direct cost of the SDL versus no-SDL groups and to compare patients with positive versus negative SDL. Of 116 patients evaluated for BRPC, 75 patients underwent SDL and 19 (25%) revealed occult metastatic disease. Sixteen patients had a positive biopsy and three had positive cytology alone. There was no difference in overall treatment cost (CR 0.95, 95% CI 0.62–1.37), oncologic treatment (CR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32–1.23), or remaining surgical treatment (CR 1.14, 95% CI 0.77–1.71) for patients who underwent SDL compared to those who did not. Patients with a positive SDL incurred lower overall cost compared to those with a negative SDL (CR 0.23, 95% CI 0.16–0.32) due to lack of further surgery or radiation, and less intensive chemotherapy regimens. SDL prior to NAT is a useful adjunct to CT to diagnose occult metastatic disease in BRPC.
Aspects of spermiogenesis in Arrhenothrips ramakrishnae Hood (Insecta: Thysanoptera)

Aspects of spermiogenesis inArrhenothrips ramakrishnae are described based on light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic studies.
Feasibility and acceptability of an integrated behavioral medicine service within a post-bariatric surgery clinic.

Abstract Background Long-term medical and psychological follow-up after weight loss surgery is associated with improved patient outcomes. Weight regain after weight loss surgery is a common concern that has behavioral and psychological components; however, most patients do not attend behavioral medicine (BMED) follow-up appointments post-surgery. Innovative treatment models are needed to improve access to BMED to optimize long-term outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an integrated BMED service within a bariatric surgery clinic. Setting University medical center, outpatient clinic. Methods Patients (n = 198) in a post–bariatric surgery clinic were screened for psychosocial/behavioral concerns and offered a same-day BMED consult, when appropriate. Patients rated their satisfaction with the consult and their confidence in being able to carry out the plan created during the consult. Results The top 3 concerns identified during screenings were emotional eating, body image, and cravings. The top 3 concerns addressed during consults were emotional eating, mood, and cravings. The mean length of consult was 26.1 minutes. The mean severity of problems addressed was 7 of 10. Patients' confidence ratings had a mean of 9.4 of 10 (1 = low, 10=high) and satisfaction ratings had a mean of 9.8 of 10. Conclusions In this clinic, the integration of a BMED service provided 40% of patients with behavioral intervention for psychosocial/behavioral concerns during routine surgery follow-up appointments. Patients indicated high satisfaction with consults and reported high confidence in being able to carry out the plan created during the consult.
Physical mechanisms of ultrasonic neurostimulation of the retina

Focused ultrasound has been shown to be effective at stimulating neurons in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro preparations. Ultrasonic neuromodulation is the only non-invasive method of stimulation that could reach deep in the brain with high spatial-temporal resolution, and thus has potential for use in clinical applications and basic studies of the nervous system. Understanding the physical mechanism by which energy in a high acoustic frequency wave is delivered to stimulate neurons will be important to optimize this technology. Two primary candidates for a physical mechanism are radiation force, the delivery of momentum by the acoustic wave, and cavitation, oscillating gas bubbles. We imaged the isolated salamander retina during ultrasonic stimuli that drive ganglion cell activity and observed micron scale displacements consistent with radiation force. We recorded ganglion cell spiking activity with a planar multielectrode array and changed the acoustic carrier frequency across a broad range (0.5 - 43 MHz), finding that increased stimulation occurs at higher acoustic frequencies, a result that is consistent with radiation force but not cavitation. A quantitative radiation force model can explain retinal responses, and could potentially explain previous in vivo results in the mouse, suggesting a new hypothesis to be tested in vivo. Finally, we found that neural activity was strongly modulated by the distance between the transducer and the electrode array showing the influence of standing waves on the response. We conclude that radiation force is the physical mechanism underlying ultrasonic neurostimulation in the ex vivo retina, and that the control of standing waves is a new potential method to modulate these effects.
Consultation systems for physicians: the role of artificial intelligence techniques

ABSTRACT Computer systems for use by physicians have had limited impact on clinical medicine. When one examines the most common reasons for poor acceptance of medical computing systems, the potential relevance of artificial intelligence techniques becomes evident. This paper proposes design criteria for clinical computing systems and demonstrates their relationship to current research in knowledge engineering. The MYCIN System is used to illustrate the ways in which our research group has attempted to respond to the design criteria cited.
Subharmonic resonance and critical eccentricity for the classical hydrogen atomic system

Subharmonic resonance behaviors are investigated for the classical hydrogen atom, with classical radiation damping and circularly polarized light acting on the classical electron. This study is intended for both potential experimental applications as well as for deeper theoretical purposes. Long resonant states are predicted for realistic Rydberg atoms and highly excited hydrogen states. Several previously undiscovered physical effects are predicted. First, the semimajor axis remains relatively constant when in subharmonic resonance; second, the eccentricity steadily increases until a maximum, critical value is reached, at which point orbital decay sets in. If the initial orbit is circular, this critical eccentricity value is shown to always be the same for each subharmonic condition, regardless of the initial orbital radius. An analytic derivation for this result is presented. The illustrated dynamics are of interest for the classical theory of stochastic electrodynamics (SED) regarding whether SED can fundamentally describe more of quantum phenomena, particularly atomic excited state behavior and related emission and absorption spectra. Also of interest are how classical resonances can be imposed on a near continuum of quantum states. Finally, there may be future technological applications, such as “reading” and “writing” information into Rydberg atoms in the form of subharmonic resonances.
Human Habitat Selection: Using Tools from Wildlife Ecology to Predict Recreation in Natural Landscapes

Understanding human use of landscapes is important for managing recreational lands. Predicting human behavior is difficult, however, and methods for assessing human habitat use could benefit from advances in other fields. Habitat selection methods from wildlife ecology provide useful tools for studying such topics. We present a case study of the adoption of wildlife habitat selection methods to human land use. We use the locations of recreational shooters in Idaho and environmental features along with a species distribution model (that uses a presence-only modeling framework) to identify features associated with shooting locations. Additionally, we derive maps of the predicted suitability of locations for recreational shooting. These results illustrate the way habitat selection methods from wildlife ecology can be translated to research on human space use and highlight the potential for adoption of such methods. Providing land managers with maps that predict human use in natural landscapes may aid in the identification of areas of conflict and the implementation of management.
Legal Uniformity in American Courts

Intercircuit splits occur when two or more circuits on the U.S. Courts of Appeals issue different legal rules about the same legal question. When this happens, federal law is applied differently in different parts of the country. Intercircuit splits cause legal nonuniformity, are an impediment to lawyering and judging, and have practical consequences for U.S. law. Despite intercircuit splits’ importance, there is almost no quantitative research about them. We created a unique original dataset that includes intercircuit splits that arose between 2005 and 2013. For each intercircuit split, we identified every circuit and every case involved. These data reveal that one‐third of intercircuit splits are resolved by the Supreme Court. Two‐thirds are not. We show that those that will be resolved are resolved within three years after they arise and that splits are more likely to be resolved when they exhibit contemporaneous and growing disagreement. However, many such splits are never resolved by the Supreme Court. Those that are not resolved by the Supreme Court continue to yield litigation and do not dissipate on their own. The likelihood of resolution does not rise as time passes.
The Hulk: Design and Development of a Weather-proof Vehicle for Long-term Autonomy in Outdoor Environments

In recent years the range of robotics platforms available for research and development has increased dramatically. Despite this, there are areas and applications which are not currently well served by the existing available platforms. Many of them are designed for indoor use; the range of outdoor and off-road robotics platforms is less diverse and few address the issue of deployment in hazardous weather conditions and integrate a suitable sensor suite. In addition almost all of the commercially available Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are unsuitable for deployment on delicate surfaces. Given the widespread use of manicured grass within the built environment and agriculture across the Western world, this severely limits where they can be deployed and the tasks that can be accomplished. This paper introduces the design principles of a suitable autonomous vehicle. Hulk is built from a commercial zero-turn mower modified for fly-by-wire operation and equipped with a full sensor suite and computing payload. To enable remote, long-term autonomy in diverse environments, several layers of redundant safety systems were designed and installed and the entire assembly made weatherproof.
Abstract P155: Chronic Muscadine Grape Extract Intake Improves Diastolic Function Associated With Lower Circulating Aldosterone in Hannover Sprague Dawley Male Rats

Muscadine grapes are rich sources of polyphenols, which are natural anti-oxidants linked to cardiovascular health. Circulating aldosterone may contribute to cardiac diastolic dysfunction via pro-ox...
Daily Associations between Child and Parent Psychological Factors and Home Opioid Use in Youth with Sickle Cell Disease

Background Opioid analgesics are frequently used in the home setting to manage episodic pain in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). Given the risk of adverse side effects, including constipation and sedation, understanding factors associated with at-home opioid use is important for maximizing pain relief while minimizing negative side effects. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between individual psychological factors (pain catastrophizing and negative affect), caregiver psychological factors (catastrophizing about child's pain and caregiver negative affect), and home opioid use in youth with SCD. Methods Youth with SCD (n = 32) and a caregiver (n = 28) recruited during a routine outpatient hematology visit completed electronic 14 day diaries assessing pain, opioid use, and psychological factors. Results Approximately 28% of youth (n = 9) reported pain ≥50% of diary days and a third of youth (n = 11, 34%) used opioid analgesics at least one of the diary days. The number of days opioid analgesics were used ranged from 0 to 7 (50% of diary days). Results from generalized linear mixed models indicated greater child negative affect accounted for increased odds of opioid use on a given day when accounting for pain intensity. Greater caregiver catastrophizing about children's pain was also associated with increased odds of children's opioid use. Conclusions Child and parent psychological factors relate to child opioid use at home for SCD-related pain. Future research is warranted in larger samples to identify targets for interventions to enhance pain management while reducing opioid-related risk and side effects.
What Are the Floor and Ceiling Effects of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computer Adaptive Test Domains in Orthopaedic Patients? A Systematic Review.

Purpose To perform a systematic review to answer the following: (1) What are the floor and ceiling (F/C) effects of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive test (CAT) domains of physical function (PF), upper extremity physical function (UE), pain interference (PI), and depression (D) in adult orthopaedic patients? (2) Do the PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-PI domains have differing F/C effects depending on use in upper extremity, lower extremity, spine, neck, and back, or trauma patients?. Methods (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed, the review was registered on PROSPERO, and the methodological index for non-randomized studies was used for this systematic review. Studies reporting the F/C effects of at least 1 of 4 PROMIS CAT domains in orthopaedic patient cohorts accessed through PubMed and Embase on October 30, 2018, were included. F/C effects for each study were reported within forest plots. Results Forty-three studies were included. Generally, varying cohorts demonstrated no F/C effects for PROMIS-PF (0%-9.0%), variable ceiling effects for PROMIS-UE (lower in v2.0; 0%-28.2%), variable floor effects for PROMIS-PI (0%-19.0%), and significant floor effects for PROMIS-D (0.4%-23.4%). Conclusions The orthopaedic literature demonstrated generally favorable floor and ceiling effects for PROMIS CAT domains, with the exception of variable ceiling effects for PROMIS-UE (the newer version exhibits only minor effects), variable floor effects for PROMIS-PI, and significant floor effects for PROMIS-D. In addition, the F/C effects of PROMIS-PF did not vary based on patient population. Although the floor effects of PROMIS-PI did vary based on patient population, the variability does not appear to be based solely on anatomic location. The PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-UE v2.0 demonstrate consistently low floor and ceiling effects. However, the PROMIS-PI and PROMIS-D may need modification before widespread adoption for clinical and research purposes. Level of Evidence III; systematic review of Level I-III studies.
Dual-Action Ru(II) Complexes with Bulky π-Expansive Ligands: Phototoxicity without DNA Intercalation

We report the synthesis and photochemical and biological characterization of Ru(II) complexes containing π-expansive ligands derived from dimethylbenzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (Me2dppn) adorned with flanking aryl substituents. Late-stage Suzuki couplings produced Me2dppn ligands substituted at the 10 and 15 positions with phenyl (5), 2,4-dimethylphenyl (6), and 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl (7) groups. Complexes of the general formula [Ru(tpy)(L)(py)](PF6)2 (8-10), where L = 4-7, were characterized and shown to have dual photochemotherapeutic (PCT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) behavior. Quantum yields for photodissociation of monodentate pyridines from 8-10 were about 3 times higher than that of parent complex [Ru(tpy)(Me2dppn)(py)](PF6)2 (1), whereas quantum yields for singlet oxygen (1O2) production were ∼10% lower than that of 1. Transient absorption spectroscopy indicates that 8-10 possess long excited state lifetimes (τ = 46-50 μs), consistent with efficient 1O2 production through population and subsequent decay of ligand-centered 3ππ* excited states. Complexes 8-10 displayed greater lipophilicity relative to 1 and association to DNA but do not intercalate between the duplex base pairs. Complexes 1 and 8-10 showed photoactivated toxicity in breast and prostate cancer cell lines with phototherapeutic indexes, PIs, as high as >56, where the majority of cell death was achieved 4 h after treatment with Ru(II) complexes and light. Flow cytometric data and rescue experiments were consistent with necrotic cell death mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species, especially 1O2. Collectively, this study confirms that DNA intercalation by Ru(II) complexes with π-expansive ligands is not required to achieve photoactivated cell death.
Empowering patients and reducing inequities: is there potential in sharing clinical notes?

Patients who read their clinical notes via online patient portals (‘open notes’) report that doing so engages them actively in their care, improves their sense of control over their health and enhances safety.1–3 In several surveys, patients who are older, less educated, non-white or whose first language is not English report even greater benefits than do their counterparts.2–4 However, for many reasons, persons from these demographic groups are less likely to use health portals than other patient populations.5 Drawing on promising preliminary evidence,2–4 6 we suggest that open notes may, over time, prove important in the care of patients who are at risk of experiencing healthcare disparities. Consumers seek convenience, speed and security for their online data. In more than 10 countries worldwide—including Denmark, France, USA and Sweden—growing numbers of patients can now readily retrieve their clinical notes via portals.7 Studies suggest that the practice of sharing notes does not produce major disruptions to clinical workflow,1 and that clinicians with longer-term experience with the practice are more positive about it.8 For patients, evidence suggests strongly that the benefits of open notes outweigh the risks. In a recent large US survey conducted across three health systems with over 22 000 respondents, most reported that reading their notes was very important for taking care of their health (73%, 16 354/22 520), feeling more in control of their healthcare (70%, 15 726/22 515) and remembering their treatment plan (66%, 14 821/22 516).2 Surveys in Sweden indicate similarly that many patients feel more empowered and involved in their care as a result of reading their clinical notes.9 Disparities in health outcomes reflect multiple, often interrelated factors. They include environmental, economic, and social determinants, along with issues relating to accessibility and variable quality of the healthcare delivered. …
Trilateration-Based Multilevel Method for Minimizing the Lennard-Jones Potential

Simulating atomic evolution for the mechanics and structure of materials presents an ever-growing challenge due to the huge number of degrees of freedom borne from the high-dimensional spaces in which increasingly high-fidelity material models are defined. To efficiently exploit the domain-, data-, and approximation-based hierarchies hidden in many such problems, we propose a trilateration-based multilevel method to initialize the underlying optimization and benchmark its application on the simple yet practical Lennard-Jones potential. We show that by taking advantage of a known hierarchy present in this problem, not only a faster convergence, but also a better local minimum can be achieved comparing to random initial guess.
Applying the phonological intervention taxonomy to expansion points intervention

Abstract Purpose The Phonological Intervention Taxonomy ( Baker, Williams, McLeod, & McCauley, 2018 ) was developed on the basis of cataloguing the elements of 15 phonological interventions in the domains of the goal of intervention, the teaching moment, the context (who provides the intervention and where it is provided), and procedural issues. Additionally, three summary measures are computed from the tallying of elements in the taxonomy: concentration (the number of required plus optional elements, with a maximum of 72; flexibility (the number of optional elements compared to the total present for the intervention), and distinctiveness (the number of rare elements plus the number of common elements that are absent). In the present paper, the taxonomy is applied to a novel intervention called Expansion Points Intervention (EXP; Smit, Brumbaugh, Weltsch, & Hilgers, 2018 ) in order to (a) determine how well the taxonomy captures elements of EXP, and (b) compare EXP to other phonological interventions. Method The four domains of the taxonomy were systematically applied to EXP to determine which elements were required, optional, or not relevant to the implementation of EXP, using the definitions supplied with the taxonomy. Results Of the 72 elements in the taxonomy, 25 were considered required elements in EXP and 15 were considered to be optional, resulting in a concentration of 40 and a flexibility of 37.5 %, both of which were in the lower part of the range for the 15 comparison interventions. By way of contrast, distinctiveness, at 15 % was at the high end of the range. Conclusions Based on the ease with which EXP aligns with elements of the taxonomy, the taxonomy was readily applied to EXP. EXP appeared to be comparable to the 15 original interventions, which means that the principles underlying EXP resemble those of other interventions. The implications of these findings for a theory of therapeutic intervention for phonological disorders are discussed.
Fairness, Equity, and a Level Playing Field: Development Goals for the Resilient City

In the wake of the Great Recession and in the midst of a political climate that endorses the devolution of governmental power to more localized levels there has been a resurgence in recent years of the idea of the city as the center of American life. Competition between cities in capturing economic development projects has become palpable. Success can lead to job creation and growth, private investment, and, importantly, increased tax revenues. Cities often compete with one another by each offering their own package of public incentives. In the waning hours of negotiations hundreds of millions of public dollars can be promised in order to obtain the ultimate prize. In view of this intense competition cities must be prudent when competing for and championing private projects that are clothed with the mantle of economic development. An unbridled desire for growth can lead to the support of projects that inure to the benefit of the few at the expense of the many. This Article posits that a truly resilient city is one that places equity and fairness at the forefront of its economic development decision-making by creating a level playing field where equal economic opportunity is the centerpiece. And in those cases where it is decided that public resources should be accorded to the benefit of a particular private interest for the greater good, the process from which these decisions ultimately derive must be considered, sober, tempered, and informed. In adopting such a policy view new developments and physical systems, so essential to a city’s success, will be rooted in a philosophy that not only engenders a business climate of opportunity and equality, but also lays an economic foundation for the city to weather future economic storms.
The perfect storm. An analysis of the processes that increase lethal violence in Mexico after 2006

Research on ‘the War on Drugs’ in Mexico finds that military interventions increase lethal violence in the country. However, these studies fail to account for other processes that may be driving the behavior of lethal violence in the Mexican municipalities. We find confirmation that these rival processes influence the relative impact that military interventions have on lethal violence. In particular, we find that seasonality in violence, competition for scarce resources and PAN’s governance in the municipalities are associated with higher levels of lethal violence, as measured by the young male homicide rate. We argue that the literature may have overestimated the effect that military interventions have in lethal violence in municipalities and that other drivers of violence should be taken into account to accurately measure the impact that military interventions have on lethal violence.
Robotic Roux en Y gastric bypass can be safe and cost-effective in a rural setting: clinical outcomes from a community hospital bariatric program.

Robotic Roux en Y gastric bypass (R-RYGB) is becoming more common due to the shifting trend toward robotic gastrointestinal surgery. The goal of this study is to determine if R-RYGB can be safely implemented at a robotic bariatric surgery program in a community hospital with similar results to laparoscopic RYGB (L-RYGB) in a cost-effective manner. A total of 50 R-RYGB procedures were performed with the Xi and the X da Vinci systems and compared with 50 L-RYGB cases by a single surgeon from October 2018 to January 2020 at an acute-care community hospital in a rural setting with a high-volume MBSAQIP-accredited program. A retrospective chart review was conducted with IRB approval and statistical analysis of 30-day morbidity, mortality, re-interventions, and resolution of co-morbidities, with financial analysis of cost reduction. Both groups were similar in age, gender, ASA class, co-morbidities, and body mass index (BMI). There was no mortality or anastomotic leak. The 30-day morbidity for R-RYGB was 10.0% with a re-operation rate of 4.0%. There were no conversions to open, and the mean hospital length of stay was 2.22 ± 1.19 days. There were no statistically significant differences between R-RYGB and L-RYGB with respect to any measured outcome, including intraoperative time (121.94 vs. 113.52, respectively; p = 0.1495). However, when incidences and percentages were used, R-RYGB had improved performance for most of the outcomes measuring safety. There was an average cost reduction of $816.90 per case (total saving of $40,845.00 for 50 cases) in the R-RYGB by transitioning from a hybrid approach to a totally robotic approach. R-RYGB appears to be as safe as L-RYGB and can be performed in a rural community hospital while maintaining a low complication rate, achieving a high co-morbidity resolution rate, and saving costs with a totally robotic approach.
A Multimodal Platform to Teach Mathematics to Students with Vision-Impairment

The advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in the last decade have led many developers, universities, and researchers to invest in the research and development of digital teaching platforms. This paper compares existing features implemented in the first prototype and provides visually impaired high-school students with a system to learn and practice mathematical problems. This project describes possibilities provided by open-source APIs such as Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) and shows how to implement them to make education universal and accessible. We aim to achieve this by introducing an open-source platform, which will provide a set of modules for personalized speech recognition and accessible online tutoring. The system is divided into two modules: First, an intelligent conversational agent to help students learn new mathematical concepts, which opens up possibilities of providing students with a personalized response. Second, a mathematical expression parser and evaluator to help the student practice mathematical questions. The implementation and development of the system shall open doors towards self-directed learning for visually impaired students.
Room-Temperature Photoreflectance Spectra Of Thin-Layer (<200A) InP Doping Superlattices

Room temperature optical modulation spectra of InP doping superlattice with thin layers (20A, 38A and 158A) have been obtained by using the photoreflectance (PR) technique. We have found that Franz-Keldysh oscillations (FKO) dominated the spectrum and is caused by the large built-in electric field in contrast with the previous identification of the subband energy transitions between conduction and valence band in the thicker layer (>200A) of InP doping superlattice. The interpretation of different periods of the oscillations among the three samples has been made and the theoretical calculations of electric field based on nonuniformity of charge distribution and Debye screen effect agree well with the experimental results within the acceptable errors. The PR spectra of thinner layer sample have been found to be more sensitive to the temperature and independent on the power density of the modulating light source. Based on these design parameters, such as thinner,layer thickness, higher doping concentration (ie. 2x10 18cm-3) and high quality material of the InP doping superlattice, the impact of using doping superlattice for optoelectronid device applications will be discussed.
Surgical Aspects of Moyamoya Disease

This chapter describes the surgical aspects of moyamoya disease. Moyamoya disease is a relatively uncommon cerebrovascular occlusive disorder characterized by unilateral or bilateral stenosis or occlusion of main trunks of the Circle of Willis and development of an abnormal network of fine collateral vessels at the base of the brain. Combined procedure of encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) and encephalomyosynangiosis (EMS) is a highly effective operation for promoting a much wider, diffuse revascularization and that neurological improvement has been observed in many instances. The objective of revascularization for moyamoya disease is a wide-range development of cortical neovasculature, embedding of the superficial temporal artery (STA) pedicles and muscle flap have more advantage than single site STA-middle cerebral artery anastomosis. The operative technique of EDAS and EMS is simple and easy with negligible risks. It is found that a wide range revascularization procedure with EDAS through a large frontotemporal craniotomy is recommended as a definitive advantage for the development of extensive neovascularization in moyamoya disease.
The Moon in Antiquity and in the Development of Modern Science

To begin our journey to understand the puzzle of lunar magnetism, we first look at the long history of the development of our understanding of the earth moon system to set the stage for Apollo.
The Library of Congress, Collections Security and the Role of its Inspector General

The Inspector General of the Library of Congress discusses the Library's collections security program and how his office manages audits and investigations.
Deterministic high-yield creation of nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond photonic crystal cavities and photonic elements

We demonstrate the high-yield creation of nitrogen-vacancy centers in the mode-maxima of a variety of functional photonic elements with less than 30nm precision. We create 1.1 NVs per photonic-crystal-cavity and show strong Purcell enhancement.
Detecting Small Differences in Fuel Economy: Air Conditioning Versus Open Windows

An experimental procedure for detecting small changes in automotive fuel economy via on-road testing is described. The approach uses standard statistical methods for experimental design. The procedure is demonstrated by measuring the change in fuel economy caused by using air conditioning and by opening side windows. Analysis of results for two test vehicles shows that the air conditioning effect is significantly greater than that of open windows for both vehicles. This result is consistent with estimates based on the best available information, and is supported by recent results from other similar studies.
Endotélio e cirurgia da catarata: grandes desafios

O aumento no volume de cirurgias de catarata na segundametade do seculo XX proporcionou uma serie de descobertase melhoramentos tecnologicos nesta area, inclusive a impor-tância do endotelio corneano. Por incrivel que pareca, oconhecimento das funcoes endoteliais de barreira a entrada defluidos e de bomba ativa de transporte de ions e agua para forado estroma corneano, foi desvendado somente a partir dadecada de 50, principalmente por estudos de Davson
Numerical Methods in Engineering with MATLAB

Numerical Methods in Engineering with MATLAB is a text for engineering students and a reference for practicing engineers. The choice of numerical methods was based on their relevance to engineering problems. Every method is discussed thoroughly and illustrated with problems involving both hand computation and programming. MATLAB M-files accompany each method and are available on the book website. This code is made simple and easy to understand by avoiding complex book-keeping schemes, while maintaining the essential features of the method. MATLAB was chosen as the example language because of its ubiquitous use in engineering studies and practice. This new edition includes the new MATLAB anonymous functions, which allow the programmer to embed functions into the program rather than storing them as separate files. Other changes include the addition of rational function interpolation in Chapter 3, the addition of Ridder's method in place of Brent's method in Chapter 4, and the addition of downhill simplex method in place of the Fletcher-Reeves method of optimization in Chapter 10.
Advanced ROADM technologies and architectures

This paper reviews the dependencies between the node-level architecture, the wavelength selective switches, the multiplexer/demultiplexers, and the transceivers within advanced reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing networks supporting colorless, directionless and contentionless multiplexing/demultiplexing.
Characterization and Stability of Ribosomes from Mesophilic and Thermophilic Bacteria

Ribosomes were isolated from three mesophilic and three thermophilic strains of Bacillus. The ribosomes consisted of about 55% protein and 45% ribonucleic acid. Average ratios for the absorbance at 260/235 and 260/280 mmu were 1.77 and 1.92 for the mesophiles and 1.63 and 1.84 for the thermophiles. Ultracentrifugation revealed mainly components with sedimentation coefficients of about 30, 50, 70, 100, and 120S. All the preparations were shown to contain a ribonuclease which, in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, led to ribosome breakdown as measured by the increase in acid-soluble nucleotides. The stability of the ribosomes from the thermophiles was consistently greater than that of the ribosomes from the mesophiles. After 5 hr at 37 C, the breakdown was about 80% for the ribosomes from the mesophiles and 55 to 70% for those from the thermophiles. At 60 C, the ribosomes from the mesophiles were broken down slightly more and at a faster rate than those from the thermophiles. At temperatures above 60 C, the breakdown was again more pronounced for the ribosomes from the mesophiles.
Sensitivity stabilization for a class of fuzzy systems

We examine the problem of stabilizing the sensitivity of a model based system that is controlled via fuzzy logic and fuzzy sets. A general state space nonlinear system model is considered with possibly multiple regimes of operation so that a linearized model would suffice at each regime, thus giving rise to class of Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy system. The system is parameterized via its membership function description. The parameters that characterize the membership functions of the system's states basically accentuate the essential fuzziness in the system by specifying for instance, the spread and location of a membership function in the universe of discourse. While stability analysis of fuzzy control systems is important and even necessary, particularly for a model based fuzzy control system, the problem of sensitivity analysis is equally important, even when not discussed, as usual, in the framework of robust stability. Furthermore, sensitivity stabilization is important in its own right.
Nogo‐B receptor is necessary for cellular dolichol biosynthesis and protein N‐glycosylation

Dolichol monophosphate (Dol-P) functions as an obligate glycosyl carrier lipid in protein glycosylation reactions. Dol-P is synthesized by the successive condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), with farnesyl diphosphate catalysed by a cis-isoprenyltransferase (cis-IPTase) activity. Despite the recognition of cis-IPTase activity 40 years ago and the molecular cloning of the human cDNA encoding the mammalian enzyme, the molecular machinery responsible for regulating this activity remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) as an essential component of the Dol-P biosynthetic machinery. Loss of NgBR results in a robust deficit in cis-IPTase activity and Dol-P production, leading to diminished levels of dolichol-linked oligosaccharides and a broad reduction in protein N-glycosylation. NgBR interacts with the previously identified cis-IPTase hCIT, enhances hCIT protein stability, and promotes Dol-P production. Identification of NgBR as a component of the cis-IPTase machinery yields insights into the regulation of dolichol biosynthesis.
Multi-Layer Coating of Ultrathin Polymer Films on Nanoparticles of Alumina by a Plasma Treatment

Multi-layer ultrathin polymer films have been deposited on the surfaces of nanoparticles of alumina using a plasma polymerization treatment. The nanoparticles ranged from 10-150 nm in spherical shapes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) experiments showed that an extremely thin film of the pyrrole layer (10-20 A) was uniformly deposited on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. In particular, the particles of all sizes (10-150 nm) exhibited equally uniform ultrathin films indicating well-dispersed nanoparticles in the fluidized bed during the plasma treatment. After single layer coating, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) was coated again as a second layer onto the surface of pyrrole. Subsequently, a third layer of pyrrole was coated on the top of HMDSO film completing the multi-layer coating process. Time-of-Flight Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOFSIMS) experiments confirmed the deposition of these multi-layer thin films on the nanoparticles. The deposition mechanisms and the effects of plasma treatment parameters are discussed.