cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Methodology for Preparing Pediatric Doses of Tc-99m MAA for Pulmonary Perfusion Studies

The use of Tc-99m labeled macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m MAA) and human albumin microspheres (Tc99m HAM) for lung perfusion and other studies is well known (1-3). The potential consequences of too many or too few administered particles per study have been investigated and discussed in both normal and disease states (4,5). Webster eta!. (6) have reviewed the diagnostic use of Tc-99m MAA in pediatrics as well as methodologies for determining the desired quantity of radioactivity to administer to infants and children. Heyman (7) and Davis and Taube (8) have addressed the toxicity and safety factors associated with lung perfusion studies using radiolabeled particles, specifically in regard to pediatric doses. They have suggested splitting vials ofTc-99m MAA while preparing doses of 17,000 and 21,000 particles, respectively, for the newborn. Once the desired number of albumin particles to administer for a study is chosen, package insert directions for preparing the radiopharmaceutical for infants and children in a reasonable volume of administration are not provided. It has been suggested (9) that the optimal number of particles to administer to the adult is in the range of 100,000-150,000 particles. For the newborn, the number should not exceed 50,000 particles. The one-year-old infant should not receive more than 165,000 particles if 500,000 particles are regarded as safe for the adult (7,8). We describe four possible methods for preparing Tc99m MAA. However, three of these four methods are unacceptable for preparing a pediatric lung perfusion dose because of unattainable specific activities (radioactivity I particle); volume limitations; and lack of package insert directions.
Note: Dynamic meso-scale full field surface deformation measurement of heterogeneous materials

A dynamic experiment at mesoscale is developed to measure local deformation and strain in granular materials at high temporal and spatial resolutions. The experimental setup is comprised of a high-speed camera along with a high magnification extension tube. The method is demonstrated by measuring the full field strain across and in the boundary of the crystals at a high temporal resolution in polymer bonded sugar crystals and glass beads filled epoxy particulate composite specimens under dynamic loading. In both cases, the local strain heterogeneity is captured successfully. The measured strain and deformation field can be further used to obtain the relative motion of each crystal, crystal rotation, and the relative displacement between the polymer interface and the crystal, which are very critical to understand the local failure mechanisms in heterogeneous materials.
Cation Distribution in Transition Metal Oxide Spinels: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Considerations

The point defect reaction which governs the magnetic and electrical properties of transition metal oxide spinels is the distribution of cations between tetrahedral and octahedral sublattices. Two types of redistribution occur -- ionic and electronic. The thermodynamics and kinetics of these processes can be studied via the electrical properties, thermoelectric coefficient and conductivity.
Riemann, Betti and the birth of topology

This Archive has recently published a conscientious study ([1]) of the relations between Riemann and his Italian contemporaries. Unfortunately the writer missed what might otherwise have been the gem of his collection two letters from Betti to his colleague and friend Tardy, describing in detail his conversations with Riemann on "analysis situs". They seem to be almost unknown, in spite of having been duly quoted by Bourbaki in one of the historical notes to his Topology (cf. [2]); they were originally published by G. Loria, as one of the appendices to his obituary notice on Tardy ([3]). They are as follows (I have merely corrected obvious misprints):
Lessons Learned from the Broadcast Cigarette Advertising Ban

Antismoking forces hailed the ban on cigarette advertising in the broadcast media as a major victory in their campaign against the tobacco industry. Expectations were that this legislation would re...
Selective abnormality of the cone B-wave in a patient with retinal degeneration

A 44-year-old woman with midperipheral pigmentary changes that resemble retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is described; unlike typical patients with RP, her photopic b-wave was markedly attenuated as compared with her photopic a-wave. Otherwise, her electroretinogram (ERG) was typical of patients with early stages of photoreceptor degeneration. Scotopic and photopic a-wave amplitudes were reduced about 50%; her scotopic b/a appeared normal.
Continental and Analytic lenses in relation to the communicative action paradigm: Reconstructive thoughts

This essay develops the idea that Analytic and Continental orientations to political theory are best comprehended not as mortal enemies, but rather as alternative lenses that, together, allow us to...
Cervical myelopathy due to a solitary osteochondroma: a case report

Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor. However, the incidence of osteochondroma in the spine is reported to be very rare. This report presents the case of a 57-year-old man who suffered from osteochondroma of the cervical spine. He had bilateral lower extremity pain for 3 years, developing pain of right upper extremity and gait disturbance. Plain radiographic images and computed tomography scans showed bony lesion in right C6/7 foramen and C6 lamina. Magnetic resonance images of whole spine showed severe compression of spinal cord at the C6/7 and spinal canal stenosis at the L3/4 level. First, we performed a surgery of the cervical spine, and removed the tumor covered with the cartilaginous cap. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was osteochodroma. After the surgery, the symptoms on his right upper extremity improved smoothly. Because the bilateral lower extremity pain remained, a L3/4 partial laminectomy was performed 1 month later, and the symptom improved. At 1 year after his primary operation, we could not find a recurrence of the tumor. It is very important to perform a complete en bloc resection of the tumor (especially cartilaginous cap) to prevent the recurrence.
Treatment with the KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM-34 during diabetic ketoacidosis reduces inflammatory changes in the brain.

Author(s): Glaser, Nicole; Little, Christopher; Lo, Weei; Cohen, Michael; Tancredi, Daniel; Wulff, Heike; O'Donnell, Martha | Abstract: BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes brain injuries in children ranging from subtle to life-threatening. Previous studies suggest that DKA-related brain injury may involve both stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport and microglial activation. Other studies implicate the Na-K-Cl cotransporter and the Ca-activated K channel KCa3.1 in activation of microglia and ischemia-induced brain edema. In this study, we determined whether inhibiting cerebral Na-K-Cl cotransport or KCa3.1 could reduce microglial activation and decrease DKA-related inflammatory changes in the brain.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, we investigated cellular alterations in brain specimens from juvenile rats with DKA before, during and after insulin and saline treatment. We compared findings in rats treated with and without bumetanide (an inhibitor of Na-K-Cl cotransport) or the KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM-34.ResultsGlial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining intensity was increased in the hippocampus during DKA, suggesting reactive astrogliosis. OX42 staining intensity was increased during DKA in the hippocampus, cortex and striatum, indicating microglial activation. Treatment with TRAM-34 decreased both OX42 and GFAP intensity suggesting a decreased inflammatory response to DKA. Treatment with bumetanide did not significantly alter OX42 or GFAP intensity.ConclusionsInhibiting KCa3.1 activity with TRAM-34 during DKA treatment decreases microglial activation and reduces reactive astrogliosis, suggesting a decreased inflammatory response.
A Study of the Pattern“NP_1+bei+NP_2+VP_1+VP_2”

The two possibilities in the governing scope of bei in the passive sentence-pattern: “NP 1+bei+NP 2+VP 1+VP 2” cause the existence of two grammatical relations in “bei+NP 2+VP 1+VP 2”. When bei governs “VP 1” only, “bei+NP 2+VP 1+VP 2” is a structure of successive predicates; when bei governs boty “VP 1” and “VP 2”, “bei+NP 2+VP 1+VP 2” is of an endocentric adverbial structure. Different semantic relations of agentive and objective also exist between “NP 1” “NP 2” and “VP 1” “VP 2” of the above-mentioned structures.
Effect of Exogenous Phytic Acid Application on Rice Grain Yield and Quality During Mid and Late Growth Stage

The effect of exogenous phytic acid application on rice grain yield and quality was investigated by foliar spraying at six concentrations during mid and late growth stages with the hybrid rice Zhongzheyou 1as material.The results showed that rice grain yield per plant increased by 4.1%-9.8% under foliar spraying of phytic acid at various concentrations,economic coefficient and plant height increased,but panicle length shortened,dry matter weights of main organs per plant at mature period dropped,moreover,quality traits such as brown and head milled rice rate,grain chalkiness increased,but milled rice yield,rice starch alkali digestion value and gel consistency descended,the contents of amylose and protein varied discrepantly. However,the effect of exogenous phytic acid spraying was not concentration-related but application stage-related on seed setting rate,1000-grain weight,dry matter weight,economic coefficient,head milled and brown rice rates,grain chalkiness,rice starch alkali digestion value,protein content etc.The results indicated that foliar spraying of phytic acid at concentration of 0.25%-0.5% contributed to the improvement of rice grain yield and quality at the full heading or the grain filling stages.
A survey of sanitary working status 20 days after the earthquake in Dujiangyan municipality

Objective To investigate the sanitary working status in the districts for locating residents after earthquake in Dujiangyan municipality.Methods Some immediate measures were taken after the earthquake including water source surveillance,restoring immunization system and epidemic surveillance.A questionnaire survey was also conducted to collect information in 107 locating districts of 18 towns.Results Generally,the sanitary working status was good.Temporary sheds in most districts were Tents(75.70%,81/107)and simple sheds(19.63%,21/107),and 69.16%(74/107)districts could use water supply and 94.39%(101/107)arrange specialized persons to disinfect the environment and kill pests.The fly density wag 2 per eye-view.The proportions for the correct responds to health knowledge,action adopted and attitude of residents were all above 90%.According to the epidemic surveillance system and mobile syndrome surveillance system in disaster area,there was no increasing trend for the incidences of contagious diseases.Conclusion 20 days after earthquake,the whole situation of disease prevention in disaster area is stable. Key words: Natural disasters; Universal precautions; Questionnaires; Evaluation studies
Evolutionary genetics of birdsComparative molecular evolution in New World warblers and rodents

cations 25 . Of the approximately 120 species and 30 genera currently recognized' 3 - 2 5 , about 37 species and 12 genera regularly nest in eastern North America. This study describes electrophoretically assayed protein variation and differentiation in 28 species representing all of these eastern United States genera. One purpose of this study is to elucidate genetic and systematic relationships among wood warblers. However, the major motivation for this report derives from recent observations in several laboratories that protein evolution in birds appears conservative relative to that of many in
Kant and the Metaphysics of Causality: Kant's Reply to Hume: Historical and Contemporary Considerations

INTRODUCTION Now that we have a comprehensive and detailed description of Kant's views on causality, we can turn to consider how they are related to the views of others. Since Kant repeatedly relates his views on causality to Hume's, it is natural to begin with the historical question of what Kant's reply to Hume is in light of the account of causality attributed to Kant in the previous chapters. While it is commonly assumed (especially in the context of the Second Analogy of Experience) that Kant's reply to Hume is (at least supposed to be) a direct refutation of Hume's position, I argue for three contrary theses in the first half of this chapter. First, when the reception of Hume in Germany is taken into account, we see that Kant would have been justified in assuming that the majority of his readers (especially those interested in what “pure reason” can establish) would not have thought that a refutation of Hume's views on causality was at all necessary. Second, Kant's explicit references to Hume in the first and second editions of the Critique suggest that Hume's views on causality were important to him not primarily in their own right, but rather as an illuminating illustration of Hume's more general skeptical approach, which, due to its inherent instability, should be replaced with his own Critical methodology. Finally, when Kant's and Hume's models of causality are compared, one can see that they are so radically different that they do not share enough assumptions for a refutation to be possible. Instead, one should view Kant as attempting to develop an alternative account of causality, one that competes against rather than refutes Hume's views.
Amygdule Minerals in Keweenawan Basalt, South Range Quarry, Douglas County, Wisconsin

(1990). Amygdule Minerals in Keweenawan Basalt, South Range Quarry, Douglas County, Wisconsin. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 65, No. 5, pp. 412-415.
No Second Chance to Make a First Impression: The “Thin‐Slice” Effect on Instructor Ratings and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education

Prior research has found strong and persistent effects of instructor first impressions on student evaluations. Because these studies look at real classroom lessons, this finding fits two different interpretations: (1) first impressions may color student experience of instruction regardless of lesson quality, or (2) first impressions may provide valid evidence for instructional quality. By using scripted lessons, we experimentally investigated how first impression and instruction quality related to learning and evaluation of instruction among college students. Results from two studies indicate that quality of instruction is the strongest determinant of student factual and conceptual learning, but that both instructional quality and first impressions affect evaluations of the instructor. First impressions matter, but our findings suggest that lesson quality matters more.
Viscometric Techniques and the Rheology of Blood

Measurements of apparent viscosity and first critical Taylor number were made on red blood cell suspensions with a Couette viscometer of special construction. The normal saline suspensions were chemically treated to alter cell shape and size and a comparison of results shows that the apparent viscosity and critical Taylor number are a sensitive indicator of cell state.
GaN based high brightness LEDs and UV LEDs

This talk summarizes the important materials and device results in gallium nitride based light emitter technology. GaN has emerged as the most promising material for high brightness LEDs with colors ranging from UV to blue, green, and white. Recent progress on ultra-violet (UV) emitting LEDs using AlGaN single quantum wells indicates wavelengths as short as 292 nm are achievable. UV LEDs are of great interest for solid state white lighting due to the high conversion efficiencies of typical phosphors in the UV spectrum. This paper focuses on recent progress in improving the properties of UV LEDs.
Cobalt Nanoparticle‐Embedded Porous Carbon Nanofibers with Inherent N‐ and F‐Doping as Binder‐Free Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions

Efficient, low cost, non-precious metal based, and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts are key to various energy storage and conversion devices such as regenerative fuel cells and metal-air batteries. In this work, we report cobalt nanoparticle-embedded porous carbon nanofibers with inherent N- and F- doping as binder-free bifunctional electrocatalysts with excellent activity for both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) in alkaline medium. Single-step electrospinning of a solution of selected polymer mixture (carbon precursor) and the cobalt precursor followed by controlled pyrolysis with an intermediate reduction step in H2 (to reduce cobalt oxides to cobalt) was utilized to synthesize an integrated freestanding catalyst. The fabricated catalyst with effective structural and electronic interaction between the cobalt metal nanoparticles and the N- and F-doped carbon defect sites showed enhanced catalytic properties compared to the benchmark catalysts for ORR and OER (Pt, Ir, and Ru). The ORR potential at the current density of -3 mA cm-2 was 0.81 VRHE and the OER potential at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 was 1.595 VRHE, resulting in a ∆E of only 0.785V.
Linear versus Hierarchical Agreement Feature Processing in Comprehension

Two experiments examined whether syntactic number features are tracked during comprehension with a linear slot-based memory system or with a hierarchical feature-passing system. In a construction such as The pond near the trail(s) for the horse(s) was ¨, a linear account of subject-number tracking predicts greater interference from horses (N3), whereas a hierarchical account predicts greater interference from trails (N2). Experiment 1 used singular-head subject noun phrases (e.g., pond) and showed equal interference from N2 and N3, failing to differentiate between linear and hierarchical accounts. Experiment 2 used plural-head subjects and revealed more interference from N2 than N3. The pattern across the experiments accords with the ideas that (1) feature-tracking is hierarchical (e.g., Vigliocco & Nicol, 1997), (2) plurals are marked (e.g., Eberhard, 1997), and (3) subject-number information decays across intervening number-marked elements.
Faculty and Instructor Perceptions of Open Educational Resources in Engineering

Anderson, T., Gaines, A., Leachman, C., & Williamson, EP. (2017). Faculty and instructor perceptions of open educational resources in engineering. Post-print. The Reference Librarian. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2017.1355768.
Engaging Millennials: Best Practice for Using Pinterest

Abstract Through a storied format, the authors show how they designed and implemented Pinterest in nursing education for use in clinical, skills laboratory, and the classroom. Supported by The 7 Principals for Good Practice in Education , pins and boards are used to encourage student and faculty contact, reciprocity, cooperation, active learning, feedback, and time management. Moreover, the combination of the 7 Principals and Pinterest addresses the diverse talents and ways of learning identified in millennial students.
Challenges to measuring Chinese students’ perceptions of freedom of expression: An application of Rasch analysis:

Rapid social development and recent changes in views concerning childhood have urged a more holistic approach to measuring children’s well-being, particularly in the domain of rights. In light of a...
Place-Based Pathways to Proenvironmental Behavior: Empirical Evidence for a Conservation–Recreation Model

ABSTRACTThis study expands existing models of proenvironmental behavior (PEB) to examine the potentially important and interacting influences of nature-based recreation and sense of place on participation in conservation-oriented activities. We tested hypothesized relationships using a structural equation modeling approach that accounted for common behavioral antecedents within a sample of 1,124 nature-based recreationists and property owners in rural counties of New York, USA. We found that place attachment played an important role in strengthening connections between nature-based recreation and PEB. Birdwatching and hunting participation contributed independently and significantly to PEB, both directly and indirectly through effects on place meanings and place attachment. While birdwatching appeared to influence place attachment by impacting environmental place meanings, hunting exerted similar effects by affecting sociocultural place meanings. Ultimately, our synthesis results in the articulation of a ...
Historical Review of Solid Organ Transplantation

One of the most remarkable achievements in modern medicine has been the ability to replace the failing organs of one individual with those from another. Over the last 60 years, solid organ transplantation has evolved from an experimental concept to a standard of care with increasing clinical efficacy. The collaborative effort across multiple disciplines brought transplantation from the laboratory into hospitals where it has transformed the lives of thousands. Today over 100,000 individuals await a lifesaving organ transplant with an ever-widening gap between the supply of suitable organs and demand for them. While the field works to address these challenges, it is important to recognize the pioneers who have led the journey.
Olfactory dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We utilized the well-validated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) to examine whether olfactory dysfunction occurs in ALS participants. After adjusting for relevant confounders in a multiple linear regression model, ALS participants scored significantly lower on the UPSIT compared with control participants, with an estimated mean difference of 2.31 points (P = 0.015). ALS participants also had twice the rate of olfactory dysfunction (microsmia or anosmia). This study suggests that olfactory dysfunction exists in ALS patients, which expands our understanding of the extramotor findings in ALS. Future investigations could determine whether there are correlations between olfactory dysfunction and specific ALS phenotypes.
Neutral Xenon Beam for Plasma Diagnostics

A novel plasma diagnostic technique for simultaneous measurements of internal magnetic fields, ion temperature, and plasma potential is described. This technique consists of the injection of a 120-...
Mucocutaneous Infections in the Immunocompromised Host

To take advantage of the skin as an early warning the physician and the patient should routinely search for cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions.Unexplained skin lesions should be evaluated by biopsy for culture and histologic examination.
Axiomatizations of Hyperbolic Geometry: A Comparison Based on Language and Quantifier Type Complexity

Hyperbolic geometry can be axiomatized using the notions of order andcongruence (as in Euclidean geometry) or using the notion of incidencealone (as in projective geometry). Although the incidence-based axiomatizationmay be considered simpler because it uses the single binary point-linerelation of incidence as a primitive notion, we show that it issyntactically more complex. The incidence-based formulation requires some axioms of the quantifier-type \forall\exists\forall, while the axiom system based on congruence and order can beformulated using only \forall\exists-axioms.
P126 Comparison study of CDC and flow crossmatch vs. donor specific antibodies in transplantation

Aim Our approach to transplant highly sensitized patients has been to perform CDC crossmatch (XM) when the results of flow xm are above 200 mean channel shifts (MCS) with donor specific antibodies (DSA). The aim of our study was to determine if the flow crossmatch and solid phase antibody testing can be used as the only measures for decisions to transplant. Methods Results of flow xm, CDC xm and solid phase DSA testing were analyzed for 44 donor and recipient pairs. In all cases, the flow xm were positive with greater than 200 MCS values. Undiluted patient sera were tested by Luminex single antigen (LSA) test for HLA antibodies (ABS). The ABS detected by this method were grouped into weak (MFI 2500–5000) moderate (MFI 5000–7500), and strong (MFI 7500-greater than 17000). The CDC xm was performed with and without DTT treatment using the same sera for flow xm. Results In 70% of this group with positive T and/or B CDC xm at least one DSA detected was in the strong binding range above 17,000 MFI. In 30% of cases multiple DSA detected in weak to moderate range below 7500 MFI values. In 50% of neg T cell and 96% of neg B cell CDC crossmatches, the MFI of DSA detected was in moderate to strong range. In 90% of negative CDC xms the MCS values for flow T was below 300 and flow B below 400 MCS. The range of flow MFI values for positive CDC B cells xm was 156–596 and 238–671 for T cells. Conclusions While the CDC xm test is the classical standard to exclude transplant, it is not always a reliable test. This assay is quite subjective and dependent on quality and strength of complement, technical skills of the laboratory technician and donor cell viability. This assay is also not reliable when patient is under desensitization therapy. There is a need to develop this assay using flow cytometer platform. Use of solid phase testing methods and determination of standards for decision to transplant based on number, type and strength of antibodies can be a better method
Circuit Model of Computation

We provide a brief review of Boolean logic, the circuit model of computation, and I show how to assemble logic gates from their Boolean components. I present examples of classical circuits, including the half, full and ripple adder, and discuss reversible and irreversible gates. Quantum logic gates, including the Pauli, Hadamard and controlled-not gates are introduced, and we learn how to construct quantum circuits from them. The notions of quantum parallelism and interference enable Deutsch’s algorithm, the first proof-of-principle for quantum advantage. We dissect the quantum circuit for the Deutsch-Josza algorithm and demonstrate its ability to perform massively parallel computations; a capability inaccessible to machines based on the bit paradigm. We introduce and discuss the unitary time development of quantum states.
EMPHASIS/Nevada UTDEM User Guide Version 1.0

The Unstructured Time-Domain ElectroMagnetics (UTDEM) portion of the EMPHASIS suite solves Maxwell's equations using finite-element techniques on unstructured meshes. This document provides user-specific information to facilitate the use of the code for applications of interest. UTDEM is a general-purpose code for solving Maxwell's equations on arbitrary, unstructured tetrahedral meshes. The geometries and the meshes thereof are limited only by the patience of the user in meshing and by the available computing resources for the solution. UTDEM solves Maxwell's equations using finite-element method (FEM) techniques on tetrahedral elements using vector, edge-conforming basis functions. EMPHASIS/Nevada Unstructured Time-Domain ElectroMagnetic Particle-In-Cell (UTDEM PIC) is a superset of the capabilities found in UTDEM. It adds the capability to simulate systems in which the effects of free charge are important and need to be treated in a self-consistent manner. This is done by integrating the equations of motion for macroparticles (a macroparticle is an object that represents a large number of real physical particles, all with the same position and momentum) being accelerated by the electromagnetic forces upon the particle (Lorentz force). The motion of these particles results in a current, which is a source for the fields in Maxwell's equations.
Breaking Symmetry: A Quantitative Analysis of Facial Skeleton Disharmony in Children Born with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) occurs when craniofacial precursors fail to form or fuse properly during development. The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional investigation was to quantify directional asymmetry (DA) of the facial skeleton of children born with Veau Class IV nonsyndromic BCLP. To accomplish this goal, coordinate values of anatomical landmarks were acquired from three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic images of the craniofacial skeleton of middle- to late-aged children born with BCLP and age- and sex-matched controls and used to compare patterns of asymmetry variation. Multivariate analyses revealed different patterns of DA variation across samples and identified approximately 30% of DA measures as significantly different. Magnitudes of statistically significant linear distances differ in the craniofacial region, with most smaller DA differences located near the orbits and frontal bone, while larger differences were localized mostly to the midface, alveolar ridge, and nasal borders. Generally, areas of the craniofacial skeleton derived from the maxillary and nasal prominences demonstrated the highest magnitudes of DA. The methods and results presented will be useful to biomedical researchers when identifying the extent to which patients with BCLP diverge from typical developmental expectations. Quantifying DA and assessing local differences across the craniofacial complex can aid medical practitioners when developing treatments to improve BCLP surgical algorithms and outcomes. Anat Rec, 302:1726-1732, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
Handwriting Movement Abnormalities in Symptomatic and Premanifest Huntington's Disease

Background Kinematic measures of handwriting movements are sensitive to mild subclinical motor abnormalities stemming from a wide range of disorders involving the basal ganglia including Huntington's disease (HD). Prior research has not investigated handwriting movements in at-risk individuals in the premanifest stage of HD. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine whether handwriting movement abnormalities are present prior to clinically manifest chorea in HD. Methods A total of 38 symptomatic HD, 30 gene-positive premanifest, and 25 healthy control participants completed handwriting tasks consisting of circles, loops, sentences, and spirals with a noninking pen on a digitizing tablet. Multiple measures of pen stroke kinematics and pressure were measured along with the cognitive and motor status of each participant. Burden of pathology and CAG × age product scores were obtained from each participant with HD. Results Participants with HD exhibited significantly longer and more variable stroke durations, decreased handwriting smoothness, and increased and more variable pen pressures when compared with the healthy controls. We found significant positive associations between stroke duration and both burden of pathology and CAG × age product. Results from a discriminant function analysis revealed a 7-factor model that distinguished premanifest from healthy controls with 85% accuracy. Factors in the model included greater variability in stroke amplitude, velocity and pen pressure, higher levels of pen pressure, longer stroke durations, and lower velocities for combinations of handwritten circles, sentences, and spirals. Conclusions These findings support the clinical utility of dynamic measures of handwriting kinematics as a potential early behavioral biomarker in HD.
Unheard voices in Nella Larsen’s Quicksand

Though often credited to Alyssa Milano and her 15 October 2017 Twitter hashtag, the #MeToo movement belongs to civil rights activist Tarana Burke, who in 2006 used her platform on the now defunct M...
Four Lectures on Asymptotically Flat Riemannian Manifolds

After an introduction to the mathematical description of isolated gravitating systems, we present a proof of the positive mass theorem relying on the compactification trick that lies behind the argument proposed by Schoen and Yau in 2017 to handle the possible occurrence of high-dimensional singularities of minimizing cycles. From there, we describe some rigidity phenomena involving Riemannian manifolds of non-negative scalar curvature, and survey various recent results concerning the large-scale geometric structure of asymptotically flat spaces. In the last section, we outline the construction, due to Schoen and the author, of localized solutions of the Einstein constraints and discuss its implications both on the physical and the geometric side.
Liquid-like protein interactions catalyze assembly of endocytic vesicles

Abstract During clathrin-mediated endocytosis, dozens of proteins assemble into an interconnected network at the plasma membrane. As early initiators of endocytosis, Eps15 and Fcho1 are responsible for locally concentrating downstream components on the membrane surface. However, they must also permit dynamic rearrangement of proteins within the budding vesicle. How do initiator proteins meet these competing demands? Here we show that Eps15 and Fcho1 rely on weak, liquid-like interactions to efficiently catalyze endocytosis. In reconstitution experiments, these weak interactions promote the assembly of protein droplets with liquid-like properties, including rapid coalescence and dynamic exchange of protein components. To probe the physiological role of liquid-like interactions among initiator proteins, we tuned the strength of initiator protein assembly in real time using light-inducible oligomerization of Eps15. Low light levels drove initiator proteins into liquid-like assemblies, restoring normal rates of endocytosis in mammalian Eps15 knockout cells. In contrast, initiator proteins formed solid-like assemblies upon exposure to higher light levels. Assembly of these structures stalled vesicle budding, likely owing to insufficient molecular rearrangement. These findings suggest that liquid-like assembly of early initiator proteins provides an optimal catalytic platform for endocytosis.
The Global Financial Crisis and Regional Trade Agreements

This article argues that the global financial crisis has weakened institutional support for financial liberalization in regional trade agreements and increased transaction costs in the financial services sector. Due to the lack of cooperation among international economic organizations, regional trade agreements, such as the TPP and TTIP, are at odds with international financial policies such as Basel III. This article analyzes the design of regional trade agreements and finds shortcomings — a proliferation of micro-prudential carve-outs, an absence of a macro-prudential perspective, and a fragmentary FTA dispute settlement. I argue that these shortcomings erode not only trade liberalization, but also international regulatory cooperation in financial services. This article brings together issues in international trade and finance that have been examined separately and calls for cooperation among international economic organizations.
Impact damage detection in composite plates using acoustic emission signal signature identification

Barely visible impact damage (BVID) due to low velocity impact events in composite aircraft structures are becoming extremely prevalent. BVID can have an adverse effect on the strength and safety of the structure. During aircraft inspections it can be extremely difficult to visually detect BVID. Moreover, it is also a challenge to ascertain if the BVID has in-fact caused internal damage to the structure or not. In this paper, multiple 2-mm quasi-isotropic carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite coupons were impacted using the ASTM D7136 standard in a drop weight impact testing machine to determine the mass, height and energy parameters to obtain approximately 1" impact damage size in the coupons iteratively. For subsequent impact tests, four piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) were bonded at specific locations on each coupon to record the acoustic emission (AE) signals during the impact event using the MISTRAS micro-II digital AE system. Impact tests were conducted on these instrumented 2-mm coupons using previously calculated energies that would create either no damage or 1" impact damage in the coupons. The obtained AE waveforms and their frequency spectrums were analyzed to distinguish between different AE signatures. From the analysis of the recorded AE signals, it was determined if the structure had indeed been damaged due to the impact event or not. Using our proposed structural health monitoring technique, it could be possible to rapidly identify impact events that cause damage to the structure in real-time and distinguish them from impact events that do not cause damage to the structure. An invention disclosure describing our acoustic emission structural health monitoring technique has been filed and is in the process of becoming a provisional patent.
Clinicopathologic Features and Outcome of Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Canal: A Population-Based Study.

Background Anal canal adenocarcinoma (AA) is an uncommon tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. We seek to provide a detailed description of the incidence, demographics, and outcome of this rare tumor in the United States. Methods The data on anal canal adenocarcinoma from SEER Program, between 1973-2015, were extracted. We analyzed the incidence rates by demographics and tumor characteristics, followed by analysis of its impact on survival. Results The incidence of AA increased initially by 4.03% yearly from 1973 to 1985 but had a modest decline of 0.32% annually thereafter. The mean age for diagnosis of AA was 68.12 ± 14.02 years. Males outnumbered females by 54.8 to 45.2%. Tumors were mostly localized on presentation (44.4%) and moderately differentiated (41.1%). Age generally correlated with poor overall cancer survival. However, young patients (age <40 years) also showed poor long-term survival. Patients with localized disease and well-differentiated tumors showed better survival outcomes. Surgical intervention improved survival significantly as compared to patients who did not (116.7 months vs 42.7 months, p < 0.01). Conclusions Anal canal adenocarcinoma demonstrated a poor bimodal cancer-free survival in both younger and older patient groups. Surgery significantly improves odds of survival and should be offered to patients amenable to intervention.
Evaluation of Use of Shorter Radiation Regimens for Breast and Prostate Cancer in the US, 2015-2017.

This cross-sectional study examines the usage rates and trends of shorter vs longer radiation regimens for breast cancer and prostate cancer treatments in the US.
MYANMAR’S FOREIGN STRATEGY TOWARD CHINA SINCE ROHINGYA CRISIS: CHANGES, OUTLOOK AND IMPLICATIONS

Myanmar has crafted a neutral foreign policy since its colonial years to avoid leaning too much on any foreign power, but a spiraling political crisis at home is pushing it toward China as a buffer against international outrage. Myanmar faces charges of genocide against the Rohingya. China has backed Myanmar in the UN. In fact, China is in a similar situation. China is grappling with international criticism over the perceived repression of ethnic Uighur people. Myanmar is exposed to various words and loud in the international community. So Myanmar wants to improve relations with China and is turning into an active cooperative attitude as a strategy to secure a friendly army. This paper shows how the diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China are changing, and how Myanmar’s foreign strategy toward China is approaching. Also, this article analyzes the outlook of diplomatic relations and the implications of the current situation.
A sanctuary: Mourning the loss of the classroom during COVID

This reflexive essay explores the challenges and successes that I encountered as a professor during the transition from face-to-face teaching to remote teaching due to COVID. The essay outlines my thought processes and emotional responses to how unfamiliarity with teaching remotely, coupled with the stress of a pandemic, significantly impacted my teaching style. It also highlights my observations of students' experiences from their shared discussions and interactions with other students as they navigated the initial onset of challenges during the spring term of 2020. The essay discusses the importance of adaptability during a time when we were collectively experiencing trauma, and embracing teaching practices that were supportive of students' educational and emotional needs. It highlights how navigating these challenges were beneficial for both myself and students, as we collectively addressed the complexities of changes to our personal and academic lives. This essay includes lessons learned as a professor and how I was able to maintain the integrity of the classroom by holding space for the experiences of students during a pandemic.
Centering Transgender Individuals in Forensic Anthropology and Expanding Binary Sex Estimation in Casework and Research

Due to disproportionate violence impacting the transgender community, forensic anthropologists may encounter the remains of trans individuals; however, it is unknown how often trans individuals are represented in casework and if practitioners have sufficient knowledge about trans bodies. After contextualizing forensically relevant demographics for the trans community, this study uses survey data of forensic anthropologists to critically explore the collective knowledge of and experience working with trans individuals; practitioners’ perceptions of sex and gender; and potential opportunities for trans-oriented research. The results indicate that 28.9% of respondents have worked with trans individuals in casework, but most forensic anthropologists were unfamiliar with forms and evidence of gender affirming procedures. Additionally, the survey indicates that forensic anthropologists struggle with the binary nature of forensic sex estimation, with 42.4% agreeing that sex is binary and 56.2% disagreeing. Similar opposition was found with reporting gender: 39.5% indicated that gender should be reported in casework and 31.0% disagreed. Moreover, current sex estimation methods are: rigidly binary; not reflective of human biological variation; and inadequate for trans individuals as they are based on assigned sex. To dismantle rigidly binary sex categorization, we propose the adoption of a biocultural and queer theoretical approach to forensic sex estimation and in sexual dimorphism research that challenges heteronormative assumptions, questions typological two-sex categorization, and combats the presumptions that gender and sex are stable, independent entities that convey universal meaning. Relatedly, the expansion of trans-oriented research, which is supported by 95.8% of respondents, will further improve methodological accuracies.
Feasibility of Electrospinning the Globular Proteins Hemoglobin and Myoglobin

Various concentrations of the globular protein hemoglobin were successfully electrospun to create micro-fibrous mats of varying physical and mechanical characteristics. The electrospinning parameters are reported. One concentration of myoglobin was electrospun into a mat for comparison to the hemoglobin mats. Scanning electron microscopy revealed ribbon-like morphologies for the hemoglobin and myoglobin structures. Mean fiber width and thickness for each mat electrospun from a different hemoglobin concentration increased from 2.68 ± 0.83 to 3.55 ± 1.49 μm and from 0.49 ± 0.08 to 0.99 ± 0.41 μm, respectively, for increasing hemoglobin solution concentrations (from 150 to 225 mg/mL). For calculations of surface area to volume ratio for the four different electrospun hemoglobin concentrations, there was a negative correlation (r = -0.84) with concentration; the surface area to volume ratio ranged between 0.50 ± 0.16 and 1.53 ± 0.24 m 2 /cm 3 . Also, there appears to be a positive correlation between electrospun hemoglobin concentration and porosity, which increased with increasing concentration from 69.5 to 83.3 %. Following cross-linking with glutaraldehyde, the mechanical
Homological and finiteness properties of picture groups

Picture groups are a class of groups introduced by Guba and Sapir. Known examples include Thompson's groups F, T, and V. In this paper, a large class of picture groups is proved to be of type F∞. A Morse-theoretic argument shows that, for a given picture group, the rational homology vanishes in almost all dimensions.
Global Total Ozone from Tiros Measurements: 1979–1983

Infrared radiance measurements by the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounders (TOVS) aboard the NOAA environmental satellites have been used since early 1979 to deduce global distributions of total ozone amount. Measurements have been made with instruments on four satellites: TIROS-N and NOAA-7 operating near 3 p.m. local time and NOAA-6 and -8 operating near sunrise and sunset.
Owner assessment in judging the efficacy of airway disease treatment

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Efficacy of medications for recurrent airway obstruction is typically tested using clinical, cytological and lung function examinations of severely affected animals. These trials are technically challenging and may not adequately reflect the spectrum of disease and owner complaints encountered in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To determine if owners of horses with chronic airway disease are better able to detect drug efficacy than a veterinarian who clinically examines horses infrequently. METHOD: In a double-blinded randomised controlled trial, owners and a veterinarian compared the efficacy of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg bwt per os, q. 24 h, for 3 weeks; n = 9) to placebo (n = 8) in horses with chronic airway disease. Before and after treatment, owners scored performance, breathing effort, coughing and nasal discharge using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The clinician recorded vital parameters, respiratory distress, auscultation findings, cough and nasal discharge, airway mucus score, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and arterial blood gases. RESULTS: The VAS score improved significantly in dexamethasone- but not placebo-treated horses. In contrast, the clinician failed to differentiate between dexamethasone- and placebo-treated animals based on clinical observations, BALF cytology or endoscopic mucus score. Respiratory rate (RR) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO(2)) improved with dexamethasone but not placebo. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the design of clinical trials of airway disease treatments, more emphasis should be placed on owner-assessed VAS than on clinical, cytological and endoscopic observations made during brief examinations by a veterinarian. Quantifiable indicators reflecting lung function such as RR and PaO(2) provide a good assessment of drug efficacy.
Parametrial abscess and puerperal septicemia due to an unusual organism

Abstract 1.1. A case of parametrial abscess and septicemia following childbirth is reported. 2.2. An organism, isolated repeatedly in pure culture from the blood stream and in mixed culture from the uterus and parametrial abscess, is described as to: (a) Morphology and staining properties, (b) cultural characteristics, (c) biochemical reactions, (d) pathogenicity, and (e) serologic reactions. 3.3. This organism corresponds closely to the B. cereus described by Clark and also bears some resemblance to B. mycoides as far as many of its cultural, morphologic and serologic characteristics are concerned.