cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Climate Change: What Is to Be Done?

This book will help people who want an overview of today's mortgage mess. Immer gluck surveys a century of mortgage activity, although he really concentrates on the last few decades. For earlier times, he relies rather heavily on a few sources, which unfortunately do not include Guy Stuart's Discriminating Risk: The U.S. Mortgage Lend ing Industry in the Twentieth Century (2003). But he finishes well with an insightful dis cussion of the last two decades, constructing a complex and acronym-strewn narrative in a comprehensible fashion.
Outcome results of self-efficacy in children with sickle disease pain who were trained to use guided imagery.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to describe self-efficacy as a theoretical component of behavior change in various therapeutic treatments such as the management of SCD pain. Method The participants were prepared to self-initiate the GI for 5 to 10minutes three times each day regardless of pain and also during each pain episode. As part of the GI training a tape or CD with guided imagery messages was provided. Participants were monitored for 4weeks pre and 4weeks post intervention (GI training). Children kept a daily record of pain episodes. During this time, children continued to record as before in their personal study diary: pain episodes (intensity and treatment), school attendance, and also the frequency of GI use. At the conclusion of this 4-week period, usual pain patterns (PAT), visual imagery ability (KIAQ), and disease specific self-efficacy scale were measured again. The Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) is a new nine-item scale measuring disease-specific perceptions of self-efficacy. The instrument's developers established internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha of 0.89. Results H1: Children with SCD who are trained in guided imagery will have greater disease-specific self-efficacy following the training than they had prior to learning guided imagery; the hypothesis was tested and supported using t-tests of mean interval-level scores on the SCSES. Conclusion Eighteen children had positive gained scores and sixteen children raised their scores more than one standard deviation above the mean score for this sample distribution. Greater self-efficacy scores are associated with better physical and psychological functioning.
Density-based control of multiple robots

In recent years, the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) method has been successfully applied to model swarm robotic systems as incompressible/compressible fluids. Essentially, the SPH approach models inter-robot interactions using attraction-repulsion force profiles and in this respect is reminiscent of traditional analytical frameworks used in swarm systems such as Artificial Potential Field based methods. However, in contrast to other virtual force based approaches, the SPH method provides a much more effective way to control the density of the robots; a particularly useful feature in several applications of swarm systems including pattern generation and coverage control. In this paper, we revisit the SPH method from a control point of view with an emphasis on density control, and propose the idea of density-based control for multiple robots. In addition, we modify the original SPH method by fully decentralizing the SPH controller while retaining its density control feature, and introducing an inter-robot collision avoidance mechanism. This enhances the capability of the model in controlling a swarm of real-world robots. Finally, the effectiveness of our density-based control of a large number of robots is demonstrated through implementing two important tasks in multi-robot control: group motion and shape control, and group segregation.
Modeling and prediction of natural gas fracking pad landscapes in the Marcellus Shale region, USA

Natural gas fracking pad sites, as a type of industrial landscape, have been blooming up in Marcellus Shale region especially within the State of Pennsylvania in the last few years. However, no study has explored the driving landscape and environmental variables of fracking pad sites, and how gas fracking pads as a specific landscape spread out in the Marcellus Shale region. Using the Washington County, Pennsylvania, USA as the study area, this paper proposes a novel GIS landscape modeling approach to model the relationships between landscape variables and natural gas fracking pad sites. The impacts of significant landscape variables on natural gas fracking pad sites are assessed. Statistic diagnostics of spatial logistic regression modeling find significant landscape variables of elevation, slope, and land use land cover. Higher elevation will result in higher probability to be fracking pad sites, while deeper slopes will result in a lower probability to be fracking pad sites. Natural gas fracking pad sites do not randomly intrude the initial landscapes, while land use land cover experiences different invasive risks of natural gas fracking, and in the order of open water, developed land, barren land, forest land, shrub land, grassland, agriculture land, and wetland, the probability of being intruded by natural gas fracking sites increases at 3.76%. This landscape model finally is used to predict natural gas fracking pad sites. The predicted spatial distribution provides significant insight for landscape and natural resources regulation, land use administration, transportation and urban planning, and ecosystem and environment conservations.
Intraurethral stimulation for reflex bladder activation depends on stimulation pattern and location

Aims Reflex bladder excitation has been demonstrated by stimulation of the pudendal nerve and several of its distal branches. However, excitation parameters have not been consistent and the relationship to anatomical locations within the urethra has not been fully investigated. An improved understanding of the lower urinary tract neurophysiology will improve human studies and neuroprosthetic device development. Methods Intraurethral stimulation was performed in nine cats at near isovolumetric bladder volumes before and/or after spinalization. Bladder excitability profiles were obtained for lower (2 Hz) and higher (33 Hz) frequency stimuli along the urethra between the bladder neck and external meatus. Results Higher frequency stimuli were excitable at all urethral locations prior to spinalization but only excitable in the middle and distal urethra after spinalization. Lower frequency stimuli were excitable at proximal and middle locations before spinalization but not excitable at any location after spinalization. In most evaluations, bursting pulse stimulation patterns evoked greater bladder pressures than the dominant continuous frequency (2 or 33 Hz). Conclusions These data indicate the potential presence of two distinct pathways for reflex bladder activation within the urethra: a supra-T10 circuit initiated in the proximal and mid urethra that responds to lower and higher frequency stimuli, and a sacral circuit initiated in the mid and distal urethra that responds to higher frequency stimuli. This work suggests potential anatomical targets and stimulus patterns for clinical evaluations of peripheral nerve-based neuroprostheses for bladder control. Neurourol. Urodyn. 28:561–566, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
To sexually perform or protect: masculine identity construction and perceptions of women's sexuality on a university campus in the Midwestern USA

Modern universities in the USA are places of recreation and leisure in addition to institutional spaces of education. Often characterized by alcohol-fueled socializing and sexualized interaction, university social life rivals the formal curriculum, and hooking up – or recreational sexual interaction outside of committed relationships – has become a defining feature. This article examines the spatiality of sexual and gender identities among heterosexual men at a 4-year residential university located in the Midwestern USA. Drawing on in-depth and focus group data, the article examines how men from contrasting peer cultures construct masculine identities in relation to casual sex and perceptions of women's sexuality. Particular attention is paid to how men negotiate senses of self in relation to the sexual practices, processes, and identities played out in the dominant party scene on campus.
Architectures émergentes à El Alto (Bolivie): essai d’interprétation sociologique

This article applies Bourdieu’s analysis of the formation of the “scholastic habitus” in medieval times, elaborated in his 1967 afterword to his French translation of Erwin Panofsky’s Gothic Architecture and Scholasticism (2005 [1967]), to a different historical case and social context, namely the correspondence between indigenous mental categories and architectural efflorescence in a city of the contemporary Andes: El Alto. This same principle of homology between mental categories and building layout (rooted in a common habitus) can be used to interpret one of the most spectacular characteristics of “emerging architectures” known as chalets in Bolivia. The term chalet designates a hybrid structure consisting of a penthouse and storey dwelling built on the rooftops. The chalets are architectural forms embedded within an economy of symbolic goods characterized by a “dual truth”: they are at once material and symbolic; they perform economic functions while at the same time seeking conspicuous exposure and public visibility. The hypothesis developed here is that the conspicuous lifestyle revealed by the construction of chalets on the rooftops can be understood by reference to the emerging social power of the indigenous (cholos) elites. This article thus identifies in the fraternities of El Alto the structural equivalent of the scholastic institution that Bourdieu associated with Gothic architecture, in order to reveal the formation of a specific habitus, shared among urban categories defined by similar residential locations, economic activities and forms of collective organization.
Profiles of Resilience and Psychosocial Outcomes among Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men.

Young Black gay/bisexual men (YBGBM) are affected by contextual stressors-namely syndemic conditions and minority stress-that threaten their health and well-being. Resilience is a process through which YBGBM achieve positive psychosocial outcomes in the face of adverse conditions. Self-efficacy, hardiness and adaptive coping, and social support may be important resilience factors for YBGBM. This study explores different profiles of these resilience factors in 228 YBGBM in New York City and compares profiles on psychological distress, mental health, and other psychosocial factors. Four profiles of resilience were identified: (a) Low self-efficacy and hardiness/adaptive coping (23.5%); (b) Low peer and parental support (21.2%); (c) High peer support, low father support (34.5%); and (d) High father and mother support, self-efficacy, and hardiness/adaptive coping (20.8%). YBGBM in profile 1 scored markedly higher on distress (d = .74) and lower on mental health functioning (d = .93) compared to men in the other profiles. Results suggest that self-efficacy and hardiness/adaptive coping may play a more important role in protecting YBGBM from risks compared to social support and should be targeted in interventions. The findings show that resilience is a multidimensional construct and support the notion that there are different patterns of resilience among YBGBM.
Response of Female Screwworm Flies to a Selected Odor

The diminishing effect on female Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) exposed for short periods to the odor(s) of fermented blood albumin in a field cage that indicated habituation as demonstrated by a waning in response, may have occurred. Even when the interval between tests with the same flies and odors was lengthened from IS to 75 to 120 minutes, complete recovery did not occur. However, at least 120 minutes were required between tests before significant results could be obtained. Female screwworm flies did not respond to the odor(s) unless the minimum temperature was 17.8°C.
Identification of potential biomarkers of exposure to diundecyl phthalate

Diundecyl phthalate (DUP) is a high production volume chemical used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride and other plastics. Specific biomarkers of DUP would be useful for human exposure assessment. To identify such biomarkers, we investigated the in vitro metabolism of DUP with human liver microsomes using online solid phase extraction coupled to HPLC-mass spectrometry. Using high resolution mass spectrometry, we conclusively confirmed the structures of four DUP specific metabolites: monoundecyl phthalate (MUP), mono-hydroxyundecyl phthalate (MHUP), mono-oxoundecyl phthalate (MOUP), and mono-carboxydecyl phthalate (MCDP). We also used high resolution mass spectrometry to isolate MCDP and MHUP from co-eluting isobaric metabolites of diisononyl phthalate (i.e., monocarboxyisononyl phthalate) and diisododecyl phthalate (i.e., monohydroxyisododecyl phthalate), respectively, that could not be separated with low resolution tandem mass spectrometry. To evaluate the potential usefulness of the newly identified DUP metabolites as exposure biomarkers, we analyzed 36 human urine samples by high resolution mass spectrometry. We detected MHUP and MCDP in >83% of the samples; median concentrations were 0.21ng/mL and 0.36ng/mL, respectively. MOUP was detected only in 14% of the samples analyzed, and MUP was not detected. All three metabolites eluted as peak clusters likely because of the presence of multiple oxidation sites and multiple isomers in DUP technical mixtures. Taken together, these findings suggest that with the appropriate mass spectrometry quantification techniques, MHUP and MCDP may serve as suitable biomarkers for assessing background exposure to DUP.
Short-Term Effects of Defoliation by Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) on Above- and Below-ground Growth of Three Ponderosa Pine Genotypes

Diprionid sawflies (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) feeding on ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Lawson, divide food resources by feeding at different times during the season and on different aged trees. Whereas some species prefer adult trees, others have specialized on pole-size trees, and yet others on seedlings. Some attempts have been made to determine whether conifer growth compensates in response to herbivore damage as do certain nonwoody plants; however, the impact of defoliation in conifers may depend on the growth stage of trees, The presence or absence of compensatory growth in seedlings is critical because for most pine species, early growth allocation can impact growth in the long term. We induced attacks by Neodiprion gillettei Rohwer on 1-yr-old ponderosa pine seedlings to determine the effect of defoliation on above- and below-ground growth. Three pine half-sib families whose parent trees were either susceptible or resistant to pine sawflies were used in the experiment, Growth was evaluated through destructive sampling. We found no evidence of seedling compensatory growth in response to herbivores. Defoliation reduced both above- and below-ground biomass. Stable root:shoot ratios indicated that foliage removal resulted in an approximately equivalent reduction in below-ground biomass. Differences in growth patterns among genotypes were found as well.
Dendrimer-based multivalent vancomycin nanoplatform for targeting the drug-resistant bacterial surface

Vancomycin represents the preferred ligand for bacteria-targeting nanosystems. However, it is inefficient for emerging vancomycin-resistant species because of its poor affinity to the reprogrammed cell wall structure. This study demonstrates the use of a multivalent strategy as an effective way for overcoming such an affinity limitation in bacteria targeting. We designed a series of fifth generation (G5) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers tethered with vancomycin at the C-terminus at different valencies. We performed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies to determine their binding avidity to two cell wall models, each made with either a vancomycin-susceptible (d)-Ala-(d)-Ala or vancomycin-resistant (d)-Ala-(d)-Lac cell wall precursor. These conjugates showed remarkable enhancement in avidity in the cell wall models tested, including the vancomycin-resistant model, which had an increase in avidity of four to five orders of magnitude greater than free vancomycin. The tight adsorption of the conjugate to ...
The Magnetic Configuration of Stylus Recording

A cylindrical magnetic stylus driven by a coil can be used to transfer bits of information onto a magnetic surface. These bits are recorded as round spots and combinations of these spots can form a desired pattern, e.g., numbers or letters. A mathematical model corresponding to the magnetic properties of a recorded spot is proposed and analyzed. The major considerations in the analysis are the field pattern existing about the spot, the self-demagnetization of the spot, and interference resulting from crowding the spots. Field mappings, obtained with a miniature Hall probe, were used to experimentally verify the proposed model. The experimental results show that the analytic model can predict the magnetic configuration of the spot at distances away from the recording surface that are considerably greater than the surface thickness. An alternate model is proposed for studying spot properties in regions quite close to the recording surface.
Latin American democratisation and currency crises (1975–2008)

Latin America experienced a deep political transformation from authoritarianism to democracy in the recent decades. During the same period, many countries in the region also suffered severe currency crises. We contend that these two phenomena are causally related. Specifically, we argue that democratic transitions increase political demand for public spending, leading to budget deficits, and this increases investors’ propensity to liquidate local currency holdings. Moreover, we note an important ‘threshold’ effect, in which democratisation is particularly likely to lead to currency crises when the pre-existing fiscal deficits are already relatively high. Statistical analysis confirms these arguments in a sample of 25 Latin American countries in the period from 1975 to 2008.
Bardhaman (A): Shrachi and the West Bengal Housing Board

A real estate developer decides whether to enter into a public private partnership with the government of West Bengal to develop a township on farmland. The decisions include whether to expand operations from the company's base in Kolkata to Bardhaman, 100 km away; whether to subdivide and sell raw land lots or follow the developer's vision and build a planned township; whether to enter into a public private partnership with the government of West Bengal, led by the Left Front and the Communist Party of India as equity partners; whether to also accept a private equity firm into the project, what to build, and in what sequence.
Increase in spinal deformity surgery in patients age 60 and older is not associated with increased complications.

Abstract Background Context Surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity improves patient quality of life; however, trends in surgical utilization in the elderly, who may be at higher risk for complications, remain unclear. Purpose To identify trends in the utilization of adult deformity and determine complication rates among older patients. Study Design This is a retrospective database analysis. Patient Sample The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried from 2004 to 2011 to identify adult patients who underwent spinal fusion of eight or more levels using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) coding. Outcome Measures Incidence of surgery, complication rates, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Methods The incidence of surgery was normalized to United States census data by age group. Trends in complications, length of stay, and inflation-adjusted hospital charges were determined using linear regression and Cochran-Armitage trend testing. Results An estimated 29,237 patients underwent adult spinal deformity surgery with an increase from 2,137 to 5,030 cases per year from 2004 to 2011. Surgical incidence among patients 60 years and older increased from 1.9 to 6.5 cases per 100,000 people from 2004 to 2011 (p Conclusions Operative management of adult spinal deformity increased 3.4-fold among patients ≥60 years from 2004 to 2011, with an associated 1.8-fold increase in hospital charges. Although the exact reasons for the striking increase in hospital charges remain unclear, some of the increase is likely related to decreasing reimbursement of charges by payors over the same period of time. The large majority of cases were performed in large academic centers, and growth in deformity trained spine specialists in these centers may have contributed to this trend. Despite the increased utilization of surgery for adult spinal deformity, in-hospital complications remained stable across all ages.
Combining habitat loss and agricultural intensification improves our understanding of drivers of change in avian abundance in a North American cropland anthrome

Identification of means to accommodate demand for food, fiber, and fuel while protecting biodiversity is essential. Given the scales of change associated with agriculture, effective analysis of the impact of biomass production on species abundance requires science and practice to address multiple measures of agricultural change. We analyzed the response of avian species abundance to multiple measures of agricultural change over a 40-year period along the 41st parallel in the central United States, an area that is perhaps the most agriculturally expansive, intensive, and productive in the world. We prepared indexes of change for area farmed, chemicals used, and biomass produced. Competing singular and additive model combinations were evaluated using Akaike's information criterion model selection and used to estimate abundance of fifty-five species of birds. The negative response of among grassland birds to both agricultural expansion and intensification suggests successful conservation in highly productive agroecoregions must consider elements of both land-sparing and land-sharing approaches. The response of nongrassland obligates to intensification and expansion was mixed, and conservation efforts may need to combine local and regional data to design successful management strategies. Inclusion of multiple processes of agricultural change provides greater insight for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. These data provide evidence that a more comprehensive analysis of the relationship between North American biodiversity and agricultural production is necessary to improve conservation decision-making and regional conservation prioritization.
Planar array REDOX cells and pH sensors for ISS water quality and microbe detection

This paper describes results acquired from E-Tongue 2 and E-Tongue 3 which are arrays of planar three-element electrochemical cells and pH sensors. The approach uses ASV (Anodic Stripping Voltammery) to achieve a detection limit, which in the case of Pb, is below one μM which is needed for water quality measurements. The richness of the detectable species is illustrated with Fe where seven species are identified using the Pourbiax diagram. The detection of multiple species is illustrated using Pb and Cu. The apparatus was used to detect the electroactivity of the metabolic-surrogate, PMS (phenazine-methosulphate). Finally, four types of pH sensors were fabricated and characterized for linearity, sensitivity, and responsiveness.
Toward Interactive Relational Learning

This paper introduces the Interactive Relational Machine Learning (iRML) paradigm in which users interactively design relational models by specifying the various components, constraints, and relational data representation, as well as perform evaluation, analyze errors, and make adjustments and refinements in a closed-loop. iRML requires fast real-time learning and inference methods capable of interactive rates. Methods are investigated that enable direct manipulation of the various components of the RML method. Visual representation and interaction techniques are also developed for exploring the space of relational models and the trade-offs of the various components and design choices.
Poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)–valproic acid conjugates as block copolymer nanocarriers

We report nanoassemblies based on block copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) in which drug cleavage enhances the biological compatibility of the original polymer carrier by regeneration of HPMA units. Drug release via ester hydrolysis suggests this approach offers potential for stimuli-responsive drug delivery under acidic conditions.
Guest Editor's Column: Clinical Management of Communicatively-Impaired Adult Neurorehabilitation Caseloads in a Diverse Aging World

Steady aging in the world's population is estimated to substantially increase the prevalence of age-related neurological disabilities across the world primarily from stroke and dementia. Yet, as th...
Conceptualizing China–Latin America relations in the twenty-first century: the boom, the bust, and the aftermath

ABSTRACTDespite the emergence of a rich literature on the rise of China in Latin America (LAC) since 2000, we are still grappling with this phenomenon. In this article we seek to theorize this expanding South–South relationship from two vantage points. First, from the perspective of China, we argue that, by necessity, the PRC has had to internationalize its development strategy in order to compensate for its serious natural resource deficit, feed the world's largest domestic population, and fuel the soon-to-be largest economy in the world. LAC has been just one slice of China's ‘go out’ strategy. Our second perspective probes the effect of China's entry into the region. Through the lens of development economics, we identify three separate political economy scenarios that have been accentuated within those countries that have the strongest economic ties with China. We rely on measures of institutional performance and macro-economic trends to illustrate the variable effects of China on LAC.
Gender Identity Disorders

To the extent that psychopathology illuminates the subtle healthy processes of development, the gender identity disorders teach us about the most fundamental aspects of our sexual selves. Suffering and lost potential abound among the gender-disordered, but so do courage, determination, and triumph of the belief in self-expression.
Management of Recurrent Urinary Stress Incontinence by the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz Vesicourethropexy

AbstractWe studied 114 women who underwent the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz vesicourethropexy as a secondary procedure for recurrent stress incontinence. Of 99 patients for whom data were available the first operation consisted of vaginal procedures only in 57 (group 1) and suprapubic procedures somewhat related to our method of vesicourethropexy in 42 (group 2). The success rate for group 1 was 80 per cent, while it was 90 per cent for group 2. Cured and improved rates were similar (95 to 96 per cent, respectively). Significant complications occurred in 12.6 per cent of the patients. The high success rate combined with a reasonably long followup indicates that a repeat Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz vesicourethropexy certainly is warranted and can be expected to provide a good result in at least 90 per cent of the cases.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Developing Pulmonary Hypertension in Children with Down Syndrome.

Objectives To determine the incidence, characteristics of, and risk factors contributing to the development of pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome. Study design This retrospective, review of a large cohort (n = 1242) of children with Down syndrome receiving care at a specialized referral center evaluated clinical data and serial echocardiograms from a clinic database and electronic medical records. Pulmonary hypertension characteristics and comorbidities were reviewed. Pulmonary hypertension was considered transient if echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension resolved without recurrence, persistent if no resolution, and recurrent if evidence of pulmonary hypertension returned after a period of resolution. Results The incidence of pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome was 28% (n = 346). Median age at initial diagnosis was 5 days (range: 0-7067 days). Pulmonary hypertension was differentiated into transient (70%), persistent (15%), and recurrent (15%) disease. Median duration of transient pulmonary hypertension was 8 months (range: 0.1-130.2 months). Median age at recurrence was 2.5 years (range 0.2-11.5 years). Initial pulmonary hypertension diagnosis was classified as World Health Organization group I disease in 82%, with 45% associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), and 38% persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The pulmonary hypertension recurrence rate was significant and similar for both those with initial PPHN (12%) and non-PPHN (16%). A majority (87%) of patients with recurrent pulmonary hypertension were classified as World Health Organization group III. Frequently identified comorbid conditions included CHD, obstructive sleep apnea, intermittent hypoxia, and recurrent pneumonia. Conclusions Pulmonary hypertension is common in children with Down syndrome, is typically transient, and related to CHD or PPHN but can recur in the setting of respiratory disease such as obstructive sleep apnea, intermittent hypoxia, and recurrent pneumonia.
Successful Use of Rituximab in a Case of Riedel Thyroiditis Resistant to Treatment with Prednisone and Tamoxifen

ABSTRACT Objective: Riedel thyroiditis (RT) is a rare disorder with high morbidity and limited treatment options. We describe a case resistant to conventional treatment with corticosteroids and tam...
Medicaid’s EPSDT Benefit: An Opportunity to Improve Pediatric Screening for Social Determinants of Health:

The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit is a key component of Medicaid policy intended to define an essential set of services provided to patients younger than a...
Research on the fault mechanism of FOCT and its reliability improvement measures

In this paper, the working principle of fiber-optical current transformer(FOCT) is introduced and its fault mechanism is further studied to provide a more comprehensive review of the operation fault. The results show that the component of second harmonic in the FOCT output is the main cause of the FOCT fault. According to the influencing factors of the second harmonic, the fault cause of FOCT can be divided into the optical path fault and modulation signal fault. Simulation is carried to show the changing relationship between the two causes and the component of second harmonic. Finally, the improvement measures to promote the reliability of FOCT are proposed from the aspects of operation and maintenance. The researches provide important guidelines for the mechanism fault of FOCT and its operation reliability.
Understanding cation doping achieved by atomic layer deposition for high-performance Li-Ion batteries

Abstract As Li ion battery (LIB) technology develops, its nanoscale design is attracting more and more interest. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has emerged as a promising technique to provide conformal and ultrathin coating for LIB materials. In this work, an iron oxide (FeOx) ALD was performed on LiMn1·5Ni0·5O4 (LMNO) cathode particles, followed by an annealing process. Fe was doped into LMNO during the ALD process; and it was found that lattice oxygen loss and structural change of LMNO occurred at a reaction temperature of 450 °C under vacuum. Meanwhile, Fe diffused from the surface to the bulk of LMNO. After post-annealing, FeOx-coated LMNO recovered its structure and lattice oxygen under proper annealing conditions, and exhibited significant enhancement of specific capacity, rate capability, and cyclic stability.
Spotlight on Mogamulizumab-Kpkc for Use in Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Mycosis Fungoides or Sézary Syndrome: Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Selection

Advanced cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL) including mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) are often difficult to manage once they become resistant to initial systemic treatment. Current systemic treatments usually provide a limited duration of disease control, leaving this an area in desperate need of new treatment options for better long-term control. These conditions often affect the older population where transplantation may not be a feasible option. Recent studies evaluated a novel CCR4 humanized monoclonal antibody, mogamulizumab, in relapsed/refractory MF and SS, which show a meaningful progression free survival (PFS) benefit. In August 2018, mogamulizumab was approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory MF/SS who have failed at least one treatment. Approval was based on the Phase III MAVORIC study comparing mogamulizumab to vorinostat, an FDA approved drug for this indication, in 372 patients. In this trial, mogamulizumab was found to have a superior PFS with a median of 7.7 months compared to 3.1 months in the vorinostat arm, with a hazard ratio of 0.53, p<0.001. Mogamulizumab was well tolerated with the most common AE being infusion-related reactions (32%), drug rash (20%), diarrhea (23%), and fatigue (22%). We reviewed the literature leading to the development and approval of mogamulizumab and suggest which patients may benefit the most from this treatment.
Long-term outcome among females with Alport syndrome from a single pediatric center.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a multisystem condition which can result in progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular changes. X-linked inheritance is observed in 85% of affected individuals. As a result, most prior studies have focused on males. Girls with AS can also be symptomatic although historically thought to have few clinical manifestations in childhood. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentation and course of females with AS. A single-center retrospective study of all young females with AS between January 1, 1987, and May 20, 2019. Subjects were identified using ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes for AS, familial hematuria, or nephritis. Clinical data were extracted by retrospective chart review. Thirty-six female patients were included in the analysis. Mean age at presentation was 5.58 ± 3.0 years, and mean follow-up was 5.9 ± 3.9 years. Twenty-nine patients (80%) had a family history of AS. At end of the follow-up period, gross hematuria was observed in 15 patients (42%), 20 (56%) developed proteinuria, and 2 (6.7%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73m2 with one patient developing stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Four of the twenty-seven (14.8%) who underwent audiologic testing had an abnormal exam. Known family histories of AS or gross hematuria were the most common reasons for the initial presentation in our cohort. Development of proteinuria, eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.73m2, and abnormal audiology exam are not exceptional findings, suggesting that close monitoring of young females into adulthood is warranted.
Getting Better at Getting Better: Improvement Dispositions in Education:

Background/ContextContinuous improvement methods are becoming increasingly popular in education. Existing research has emphasized the technical aspects of improvement practice and has rarely focuse...
Spaceflight and hind limb unloading induces an arthritic phenotype in knee articular cartilage and menisci of rodents

Reduced knee weight-bearing from prescription or sedentary lifestyles are associated with cartilage degradation; effects on the meniscus are unclear. Rodents exposed to spaceflight or hind limb unloading (HLU) represent unique opportunities to evaluate this question. This study evaluated arthritic changes in the medial knee compartment that bears the highest loads across the knee after actual and simulated spaceflight, and recovery with subsequent full weight-bearing. Cartilage and meniscal degradation in mice were measured via microCT, histology, and proteomics and/or biochemically after: (1) ~ 35 days on the International Space Station (ISS); (2) 13-days aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis; or (3) 30 days of HLU, followed by a 49-day weight-bearing readaptation with/without exercise. Cartilage degradation post-ISS and HLU occurred at similar spatial locations, the tibial-femoral cartilage-cartilage contact point, with meniscal volume decline. Cartilage and meniscal glycosaminoglycan content were decreased in unloaded mice, with elevated catabolic enzymes (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases), and elevated oxidative stress and catabolic molecular pathway responses in menisci. After the 13-day Shuttle flight, meniscal degradation was observed. During readaptation, recovery of cartilage volume and thickness occurred with exercise. Reduced weight-bearing from either spaceflight or HLU induced an arthritic phenotype in cartilage and menisci, and exercise promoted recovery.
Accidental ingestions to known allergens by food allergic children and adolescents

BACKGROUND Accidental ingestions (AI) of food allergens in children compared with adolescents with food allergies are poorly characterized. It is suggested that AIs are higher in adolescents than children and that their reactions may be more severe, presumptively due, at least in part, to increased risk-taking behavior. We compared reported AIs in children versus adolescents. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to parents of children with food allergies via Twitter, food allergy advocacy groups in the UK, South Africa, and Australia, and locally at Children's Hospital Colorado. RESULTS Of 558 respondents, 105 were parents of adolescents, and 453 had children <12 years. 73% (341) reported an AI since diagnosis, with 85% of adolescents having had an AI versus 70% of children (p = 0.0058). The annualized rate of AI was significantly lower in the adolescent population at 0.21 versus 0.53 in children (p = <0.0001). Although adolescents reported fewer severe reactions (2% vs. 16%, p = 0.0283), more adolescents required epinephrine administered by a medical professional for their most severe AI, (48% vs. 24%, p = 0.0378). Comparison of the two age groups is limited by the fact that many AIs in the adolescent group occurred prior to age 12. There was no significant difference between the groups as to where the food was consumed or the type of food. There was a significant difference in accidental ingestions in patients in all age groups with more than one reported food allergy; 78% of those with more than one food allergy reported a prior history of at least one accidental ingestion, compared with 59% in those with a single food allergy (p < 0.0001). Regional differences were also noted with respondents in the United States reporting 0.3 accidental ingestions a year, 0.4 in the UK, and 0.5 in other countries (p = 0.0455). The number of reactions was, on average, 27% lower (95% CI: 40, 11%) in the United States compared with the UK (p = 0.0019). CONCLUSION The number of severe reactions, and epinephrine need, differs in children compared with adolescents, although many of the reported reactions in both groups occurred before the age of 12. There were also regional differences with the United States reporting a lower number of AIs and less AIs per year than the other participating regions, as well as increased rates of AI in participants with more than one food allergy. Further characterization of the differences in AIs between children and adolescents, as well as between regions, is needed to assist with more patient-centered anticipatory guidance.
Fully epitaxial ferroelectric ScAlN grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We report on the demonstration of ferroelectricity in ScxAl1-xN grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaN templates. Distinct polarization switching is unambiguously observed for ScxAl1-xN films with Sc contents in the range of 0.14–0.36. Sc0.20Al0.80N, which is nearly lattice-matched with GaN, exhibiting a coercive field of ∼ 4.2 MV/cm at 10 kHz and a remnant polarization of ∼135 μC/cm2. After electrical poling, Sc0.20Al0.80N presents a polarization retention time beyond 105 s. No obvious fatigue behavior can be found with up to 3 × 105 switching cycles. The work reported here is more than a technical achievement. The realization of ferroelectric single-crystalline III–V semiconductors by molecular beam epitaxy promises a thickness scaling into the nanometer regime and makes it possible to integrate high-performance ferroelectric functionality with well-established semiconductor platforms for a broad range of electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic device applications.
Cryptocurrency, Decentralized Finance, and the Evolution of Exchange: A Transaction Costs Approach

We leverage a transaction costs narrative to provide a theoretically unified presentation of the evolution of exchange, with the latest evolutionary frontier being cryptocurrency and decentralized finance. We show that with each new development in the evolution of money, the new form or medium of exchange must reduce transaction costs relative to relevant alternatives. The development of blockchain and cryptocurrency reduced the cost of transfering currency by removing the need for a trusted third party to intermediate funds while also providing the benefit of anonymity/pseudonymity. Likewise, decentralized finance does not require a third party to intermediate savings and investment and can provide contingent anonymity to borrowers. While these innovations have attracted investment in the economically developed world, they appear to have significantly reduced transaction costs for transactors who might otherwise be defrauded of funds by corrupt governments that extort third parties responsible for intermediating funds.
Practical Review of the Comprehensive Management of Morel-Lavallée Lesions.

Morel-Lavallee lesions have been described in the literature since the mid-19th century, yet contemporary clinical management continues to be challenging and remains variable. These closed degloving injuries are usually seen in the setting of blunt trauma and are due to shearing forces, creating a space for the collection of hemolymphatic fluid. These fluid collections can be persistent despite conservative treatment attempts and can require staged surgical interventions. Methods A literature search of peer-reviewed articles pertaining to Morel-Lavallee lesions was performed. Articles relating to the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complications of Morel-Lavallee lesions were included to formulate recommendations for clinical management. Results Fifty-six relevant articles were included in the review. Recognition of these lesions may be delayed and the use of imaging is important in diagnosis. Initial attempts at conservative management may be appropriate for smaller, uncomplicated Morel-Lavallee lesions. Surgical interventions such as open debridement, techniques to close dead space, negative pressure wound therapy, and skin grafts or flaps are critical to managing complex or recurring lesions. An algorithm for the treatment of Morel-Lavallee lesions is proposed based on review of the literature. Conclusions Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are frequently involved in more complex Morel-Lavallee lesions such as those exhibiting delayed healing or super-infection. The skillset needed for successful management of patients with Morel-Lavallee lesions is well within the armamentarium of plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Experiment, theory, and simulation of a flow-electrical-split flow thin particle separation device.

Abstract Herein, we describe the simulation of a novel flow-electrical-split flow thin (Fl-El-SPLITT) separation device and validate it using existing theory and experimentation for the first time using polystyrene particles of 28 and 1000 nm diameters. The fraction of particles exiting selected ports with DC El-SPLITT is predicted with existing theory, but the theory does not include AC fields, nor does it incorporate the use of crossflows. Using DC fields the El-SPLITT simulation and theory calculated transition points result in the same values. These calculated values accurately predict the experimentally obtained transition point using a 50:50 outlet splitting plane (OSP). Relative to actual experimentally obtained transition points, the calculated values lag behind for a 90:10 OSP, and lead ahead for a 10:90 OSP. The simulation explains trends seen in AC testing, and reasonably predicts the fraction of particles exiting each port. As DC current increases, the amount of AC current required to scatter the particles away from the DC-intended port decreases. The simulation also models a crossflow in a SPLITT system with a DC current applied in a direction opposite the crossflow with some success. Long term steady-state testing without crossflows shows a DC voltage dependent loss of particles. At 8V DC, total recovery of 28 and 1000 nm particles was 70% and 26% respectively. This work effectively models a new Fl-El-SPLITT system via Matlab simulation by demonstrating key experimental results such as the influence of DC, AC, and crossflows on the SPLITT separation of polystyrene particles.
The Restatement of the Obvious: Or, What's Right Got to Do With It?

A variation of Moral Realism, as specified in Appendix One of this essay, is a non-proprietary, non-sectarian, and non-antiquarian set of foundational principles upon which a rule of law, grounded in morality and history and balanced by analytic and pragmatic concerns, can be established among free and equal citizens. A restatement at this level of generality is both possible and highly desirable. This essay proposes a first tentative draft of such a restatement.
Point Loads on Composite Deck-Reinforced Slabs

The behavior of composite deck-reinforced floor systems under concentrated loads is described. Laboratory experiments show that these floor systems may have a considerably larger capacity to support concentrated loads than indicated by existing design techniques. There are two sources of this additional strength. First, continuity of the slab and slip restraint of stud shear connectors increase the shear bond capacity. Further benefit is obtained through the distribution of the load effects over the weak direction of the one way slab. The utilization of these benefits may produce significant economics in the design of floors to resist concentrated loads.
CT Dose Optimization in Pediatric Radiology: A Multiyear Effort to Preserve the Benefits of Imaging While Reducing the Risks

Steps taken to optimize CT dose at a tertiary children’s hospital through education, system improvement, quality control, and CT protocol standardization are described.
Claw-free graphs. V. Global structure

A graph is claw-free if no vertex has three pairwise nonadjacent neighbours. In earlier papers of this series we proved that every claw-free graph either belongs to one of several basic classes that we described explicitly, or admits one of a few kinds of decomposition. In this paper we convert this ''decomposition'' theorem into a theorem describing the global structure of claw-free graphs.
Design and synthesis of a chiral hapten for a radioimmunoassay of the antidepressant (2S, 3S, 5R)-2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-2-morpholinol hydrochloride

Abstract The synthesis of a hapten for a radioimmunoassay of the antidepressant (2S, 3S, 5R)-2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-2-morpholinol hydrochloride is described.