cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dural Calcifications: Normal Locations and Appearances

Normal physiologic calcifications of the dura increase in frequency with increasing age and are typically not of any clinical significance. They are particularly common among the elderly and are rare in children. However, in children they can be related to an underlying etiology or metabolic disorder, while in adults they are considered abnormal only if they are marked and progressive. Etiologies that may lead to the abnormally progressing dural calcifications include underlying inflammation or fibrosis such as arises from chronic subdural hematoma (SDH), dural osteoma, intracranial hypotension, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, hyperparathyroidism, basal cell nevus syndrome (in children), chronic involvement by lymphoma or plasmacytoma (or any other tumor that invades the dura mater), chronic renal failure, or rarely, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. It should be noted that since extra-axial lesions can cause hyperostosis or dural calcification as a reactive phenomenon, the presence of dural calcifications should alert the radiologist to exclude an adjacent mass. However, the overwhelming majority of dural calcifications are physiologic, particularly in the elderly. Such calcifications may enlarge very slowly. Dural calcifications may also occur in conjunction with hyperostosis of the calvarial bones, most commonly along the vertex of the skull (especially hyperostosis frontalis) or even along the inner aspect of the sphenoid or temporal bones.
Spontaneous involution (regression) of a solitary cutaneous myofibroma in an adult patient

Myofibromas are unusual benign tumors most commonly seen in infant children. Clinical involution of the tumor often occurs within the first few years of life. Solitary cutaneous myofibroma is the synonymous adult counterpart of infantile myofibromatosis. Although solitary myofibromas have been reported in patients of all ages, only the infantile variant is believed to regress spontaneously. There are only a few case reports of adolescent and young adult patients with regressing solitary lesions that have been described in the literature to date. We report a 71-year-old male with spontaneous regression of solitary cutaneous myofibroma. The residual lesion was excised and to date has not recurred. This report describes the historical, clinical and histopathological features of adult myofibromas and a novel manifestation that may guide future clinical considerations when approaching solitary tumors with regressive features.
Origins of fractional control in regulated cell death

Individual cells in clonal populations often respond differently to environmental changes; for binary phenotypes, such as cell death, this can be measured as a fractional response. These types of responses have been attributed to cell-intrinsic stochastic processes and variable abundances of biochemical constituents, such as proteins, but the influence of organelles has yet to be determined. We use the response to TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and a new statistical framework for determining parameter influence on cell-to-cell variability through the inference of variance explained, DEPICTIVE, to demonstrate that variable mitochondria abundance correlates with cell survival and determines the fractional cell death response. By quantitative data analysis and modeling we attribute this effect to variable effective concentrations at the mitochondria surface of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Further, we demonstrate that inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, used in cancer treatment, may increase the diversity of cellular responses, enhancing resistance to treatment.
BCRABL transcript detection by quantitative real-time PCR : are correlated results possible from homebrew assays?

Background: Quantitative real-time PCR has become the predominant molecular technique to monitor BCRABL levels in response to treatment in Ph+ leukemia patients. However, without some form of standardized methodology between laboratories, the correlation of results is difficult. Methods: Using TaqMan®-based assays, parallel quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed on 70 clinical specimens at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Virginia Commonwealth University. While the same positive control cell line (K562) and quality control gene (BCR) were used, the RNA isolation technique, cDNA synthesis, BCR control cell line, and PCR primer and probe sequences were different. Results: The detection of BCRABL-positive results spanned a dynamic range from 100 to 105/100 000 cells. Forty-three samples were negative at both facilities. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed for the 22 BCRABL-positive paired results. The correlation coefficient, rs, was 0.9435 (p < 0.00001), suggesting a strong correlation of the results. One discordant result was obtained for consecutive samples from one patient with a low BCRABL copy number as a result of a minimal RNA yield at one laboratory. Conclusions: These results suggest that quantitative real-time PCR assays for BCRABL detection can be comparable between laboratories despite significant differences in methodologies if the same positive control cell line and quality control gene are used. It is imperative that some level of assay standardization be adopted between laboratories, not only for patients who are monitored at different facilities, but also for larger investigative studies in which hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular responses are to be compared.
Mouse Models of Intestinal Cancer.

Intestinal cancers are a category of heterogeneous tumors that occur sporadically or through inherited susceptibility, each characterized by genetic alterations affecting a number of molecular pathways. As a result of this complexity, numerous genetically engineered mice (GEM) have been generated to model different genetic, morphologic, or clinical features of intestinal cancer. Mouse models of intestinal cancer can be broadly divided into six groups based on the underlying signaling pathway disrupted or by the means with which tumors were induced: Wnt-related GEM; GEM associated with alterations in TGF-beta (β) signaling; mismatch repair-deficient GEM; immunedeficient mice; carcinogen-treated mice; and others that do not neatly fit into the aforementioned categories. Although differences have been noted in lesions arising in these broadly grouped genetic and other models, some characteristics are shared. Adenomas are the most common lesion in mouse models of intestinal cancer. Unlike humans, lesions can be present throughout the intestinal tract, with no predilection for the colon. Invasion and metastasis occur rarely. This chapter will summarize the findings from most of the available mouse models of intestinal cancer.
Zero and High Field Mössbauer Spectroscopy Studies of the Magnetic Ordering Behavior of One, Two and Three Dimensional Systems

The use of zero and high field iron-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy in the study of magnetic ordering phenomena is reviewed. Highlights of cooperative magnetic behavior are presented for 3D salt, 2D layer, and 1D chain examples. Correlations with the results of single crystal structure determinations as well as susceptibility measurements are emphasized.
Real-time compression and streaming of 4D performances

We introduce a realtime compression architecture for 4D performance capture that is two orders of magnitude faster than current state-of-the-art techniques, yet achieves comparable visual quality and bitrate. We note how much of the algorithmic complexity in traditional 4D compression arises from the necessity to encode geometry using an explicit model (i.e. a triangle mesh). In contrast, we propose an encoder that leverages an implicit representation (namely a Signed Distance Function) to represent the observed geometry, as well as its changes through time. We demonstrate how SDFs, when defined over a small local region (i.e. a block), admit a low-dimensional embedding due to the innate geometric redundancies in their representation. We then propose an optimization that takes a Truncated SDF (i.e. a TSDF), such as those found in most rigid/non-rigid reconstruction pipelines, and efficiently projects each TSDF block onto the SDF latent space. This results in a collection of low entropy tuples that can be effectively quantized and symbolically encoded. On the decoder side, to avoid the typical artifacts of block-based coding, we also propose a variational optimization that compensates for quantization residuals in order to penalize unsightly discontinuities in the decompressed signal. This optimization is expressed in the SDF latent embedding, and hence can also be performed efficiently. We demonstrate our compression/decompression architecture by realizing, to the best of our knowledge, the first system for streaming a real-time captured 4D performance on consumer-level networks.
Why What You May Not Know About Fecal Immunochemical Testing Matters

Imperiale and colleagues' systematic review included 31 studies involving 120 255 patients and concluded that single-application FITs have moderate to high sensitivity and specificity for CRC, depe...
Optimal Economic Analysis of Hybrid Off Grid (Standalone) Energy System for Provincial Capitals of Pakistan : A comparative Study Based On Simulated Results Using Real-Time Data

Pakistan is suffering from acute shortage of electricity. Electricity supply shortfall is increasing day by day. The main purpose of this research is to design a technical and economical feasible standalone/hybrid (PV/Wind/Diesel/Battery) off-grid system to raise the contribution of renewables in the total energy mix of Pakistan. In this study, every 10 minutes measured real-time weather data for solar irradiance (Kwh/m2/day) is taken from MHPs stations installed by the World Bank in the different nine cities of Pakistan. Seven different cases are considered, two as standalone while five as hybrid energy models to design the system. The load data is estimated by a number of devices per home with an average of five family members per household and their usage. HOMER Pro is used to perform optimization and simulation for all the selected Provincial capitals of Pakistan using their own climate data while viability is examined on financial parameters like the cost of energy (COE) and net present cost (NPC). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid energy system is more feasible than stand-alone proposed systems for all selected Provincial capitals of Pakistan.
Positive health: rebranding an old package with a new name?

The authors take a longitudinal and intergenerational approach to studying infants born at extremely early gestational age, highlighting the extent to which a high-risk pregnancy is experienced by both mother and infant, with potentially lasting effects on the physical – and mental – health of the dyad. They focus their study on what they call positive child health outcomes at 10 years of age, measured using an index of chronic health problems. Yet concepts of positive health include attributes beyond the absence of disease, such as participation, resilience, and happiness. To study positive health outcomes – an endeavor that has much merit in light of the developmental plasticity children possess – we should use measures that explicitly and more fully encompass the many facets of well-being. Otherwise, we risk simply rebranding negative disease as positive health by providing it a new name.
China’s urban ideology: new towns, creation cities, and contested landscapes of memory

This paper argues that “the urban” has emerged as the most significant ideological realm in contemporary China. In developing this argument, I suggest an alternative approach to how we theorize urb...
Modeling and simulation of industrial waterjet stripping for complex geometries

Industrial waterjet stripping/cleaning is a prime example of a dull, dirty, dangerous manufacturing process that is ripe for automation, yet it remains a manual task in most instances due to complex workpiece geometry and/or low-volume, high-mix production. Recently developed automated tool trajectory planning algorithms and collaborative path planning frameworks offer a potential solution but are of limited use without corresponding process models and simulation tools to evaluate toolpath quality. Existing process models do not consider the spray impingement angle or the cumulative effect of successive tool passes—both of which are inevitable when spraying geometries that possess concave and/or discontinuous features. This research proposes a novel process model that includes impingement angle and accounts for the cumulative, ablative nature of the process. It also develops a simulation algorithm that applies this model to complex geometries while considering shading effects caused by protrusions and overhangs. Model parameters are determined via a design of experiments approach and nonlinear regression, and verification experiments on complex test parts show good agreement between predicted and measured results. Paired with the aforementioned trajectory planning tools, this research represents a complete robotic process planning solution for waterjet stripping/cleaning of complex parts in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
Outcomes and a New Prognostic Model in Posttransplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLD): Intent-to-Treat (ITT) Analysis of 81 Patients in the Post-Rituximab Era.

The outcome of PTLD has a reported approximate 3-year (yr) overall survival (OS) rate of 35%–40% in the pre-RTX era (JCO2001; 19:772). The impact, if any, of RTX on the prognosis or outcome of PTLD is not known. We retrospectively studied the clinical features, treatment, outcomes (ITT), and prognostic factors among a large multi-center cohort of solid organ transplantation (SOT)-related PTLD cases over a 10-yr period in the post-RTX era (1/98–2/08) at 4 Chicago academic institutions. Prognostic factors were evaluated in Cox proportional hazards regression for indicators of progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. 81 pts were identified with a median age at PTLD diagnosis (dx) 48 yrs (range, 20–72) and median time from SOT to PTLD dx 42 months (mo) (range, 1-216 mo). EBV+ PTLD pts more commonly were treated by concurrent reduction of immune suppression (median reduction 75%) with single agent RTX whereas EBV-neg pts more frequently received RTX/chemotherapy with median immune suppression reduction of 90%. On ITT (median follow-up 36 mo), the 3-yr PFS for all pts was 58% and 3-yr OS was 62%. Of note, 13/81 (16%) pts died ≤6 weeks from PTLD dx, primarily due to progressive disease. Univariate analysis found several factors highly predictive of outcome (Table 1): performance status (PS), serum albumin, >1 extranodal (EN) site, bone marrow (BM) involvement, CNS disease, and RTX as part of initial therapy (alone or combined with chemotherapy). Neither EBV status nor time to PTLD predicted outcome. Table 1. PTLD characteristics and univariate predictors of EFS and OS (n=81). Table 2. Three-year survival (Kaplan-Meier) based on prognostic variables (univariate).
Assessing the Social Validity of a Telepractice Training and Coaching Intervention

Developing communication skills is critical for all young children, especially for those receiving early intervention (EI) services. Thus, many researchers have investigated evidence-based practices for teaching social communication skills. In an attempt to minimize the gap between research and practice, research investigating training caregivers to use communication teaching strategies has been conducted and replicated. In many studies, interventions have been delivered by researchers rather than natural change agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the social validity of a caregiver-implemented communication strategies intervention program in which the caregiver was trained and coached by a natural change agent, the family’s EI service provider, via telepractice. We analyzed multiple sources of data to investigate the social validity of the intervention program. We found that some aspects of the program had high levels of social validity (e.g., goals and outcomes). Other aspects of the program had lower levels of social validity (e.g., procedures and technology use). The findings, limitations, and implications for practice and research are discussed.
Characterization of Astrocytic Response after Experiencing Cavitation In Vitro

When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs, low-pressure regions inside the skull can cause vapor contents in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to expand and collapse, a phenomenon known as cavitation. When these microbubbles (MBs) collapse, shock waves are radiated outward and are known to damage surrounding materials in other applications, like the steel foundation of boat propellers, so it is alarming to realize the damage that cavitation inflicts on vulnerable brain tissue. Using cell-laden microfibers, the longitudinal morphological response that mouse astrocytes have to surrounding cavitation in vitro is visually analyzed. Astrocytic damage is evident immediately after cavitation when compared to a control sample, as their processes retract. Forty-eight hours later, the astrocytes appeared to spread across the fibers, as normal. This study also analyzes the gene expression changes that occur post-cavitation via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods. After cavitation a number of pro-inflammatory genes are upregulated, including TNFα, IL-1β, C1q, Serping1, NOS1, IL-6, and JMJD3. Taken together, these results confirm that surrounding cavitation is detrimental to astrocytic function, and yield opportunities to further the understanding of how protective headgear can minimize or eliminate the occurrence of cavitation.
Know the Flow: Non-Contact Magnetic Flow Rate Sensing for Water Meters

Positive displacement water meters are found throughout the world’s water distribution networks to totalize water consumption. Containing internal permanent magnets, the water meters are underutilized sensors. Flow data from these meter locations can be used to non-intrusively identify the operation of individual water loads from an aggregate data stream at the meter. This article models these meters as nonideal magnetic encoders and presents a methodology for inexpensively retrofitting these meters with digital flow rate measurement capabilities, effectively bringing them into the growing body of smart metering devices and non-intrusive load monitoring without any contact with the water passing through them. We present a model of the magnetic field produced by these meters, discuss associated magnetic sensing hardware, and describe compensation, flow rate estimation, and post-processing algorithms for flow rate extraction. Verification is provided with experimental results.
Detection of Babesia odocoilei in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected from Songbirds in Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

Songbirds widely disperse ticks that carry a diversity of pathogens, some of which are pathogenic to humans. Among ticks commonly removed from songbirds, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, can harbor any combination of nine zoonotic pathogens, including Babesia species. From May through September 2019, a total 157 ticks were collected from 93 songbirds of 29 species in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. PCR testing for the 18S gene of Babesia species detected Babesia odocoilei in 12.63% of I. scapularis nymphs parasitizing songbirds in Ontario and Quebec; none of the relatively small numbers of Ixodes muris, Ixodes brunneus, or Haemaphysalis leporispalustris were PCR-positive. For ticks at each site, the prevalence of B. odocoilei was 16.67% in Ontario and 8.89% and 5.26% in Quebec. Of 31 live, engorged I. scapularis larvae and nymphs held to molt, 25 ticks completed the molt; five of these molted ticks were positive for B. odocoilei. PCR-positive ticks were collected from six bird species—namely, Common Yellowthroat, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, House Wren, Baltimore Oriole, and American Robin. Phylogenetic analysis documented the close relationship of B. odocoilei to Babesia canis canis and Babesia divergens, the latter a known pathogen to humans. For the first time in Canada, we confirm the transstadial passage of B. odocoilei in I. scapularis molting from larvae to nymphs. A novel host record reveals I. scapularis on a Palm Warbler. Our findings show that B. odocoilei is present in all mobile life stages of I. scapularis, and it is widely dispersed by songbirds in Ontario and Quebec.
Correction to: Safety and efficacy of a novel cephalomedullary nail in femoral shaft fractures: a retrospective observational cohort in 33 patients.

Despite advances in femoral shaft fracture fixation, the nonunion rate remains relatively high; and there is limited data on the efficacy and failure rate of specific implants. A novel cephalomedullary nail provides the ability to treat femur shaft fractures in isolation, with associated ipsilateral femur injuries, and provides various options for proximal and distal fixation exists on the market; but literature remains limited on the safety and efficacy of this implant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early failure rate of this cephalomedullary nail, while comparing the nonunion rate to what is currently presented in the literature. This study is the first of its kind in evaluation of a specific implant for treatment of femoral shaft fractures and ipsilateral pathology. Patients over 18 years of age, with traumatic femur shaft fractures, treated with this particular cephalomedullary nail and available for a minimum of 3-month follow-up were included for analysis. Data was collected by retrospective chart review and review of existing radiographs. Demographic data, injury details, AO/OTA fracture classification, and implant details were recorded for each patient. Primary outcome measured was implant failures (screw or nail breakage). Secondary outcomes measured included malunion, nonunion, deep infection, post-operative complications, and need for reoperation. Of the 33 patients included for analysis, 1 patient went on to non-union. There were no cases of implant failure. The single nonunion was a high-energy mechanism, open fracture, and higher level AO/OTA classification. The remaining 32 reached radiographic union at 3 months. The nonunion rate of this novel cephalomedullary nail is comparable to what is reported in the literature. This nail is a safe and effective implant to treat femoral shaft fractures with a variety of ipsilateral femoral shaft injuries and reliably leads fracture union. Further studies are needed analyzing implant failure and comparing specific implants.
Can ICT Create Public Value in Africa? Efficiency Assessment Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Approach

Recently, researchers and international bodies have recognized the potential of ICT in public service value creation. Many countries have implemented ICT to transform public services and create public value. Citizens are increasingly demanding public value from their governments, the notion being similar to return on investment from private sectors. However, little research has been conducted on ICT and public value creation. This article adopts public value framework to interrogate ICT public value creation. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and cluster analysis, data for 53 African countries were analyzed. The findings indicate that for a period from 2010 to 2019, ICT has efficiently transformed public values in Africa by 14%, 35%, and 63% in countries of clusters 1, 2, and 3, respectively. More compelling, the findings indicate that the highest performer of ICT efficiency among the clusters’ best performers have low human development. This is consistent with the public value theory, which predicts doing more with less. The current study has theoretical and methodological implications.
Feral horse cause-specific mortality relative to mustering (gathering) and individual demographic attributes in the USA

Abstract Context Mustering (gathering) feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) often cause mortalities, yet cause-specific details are lacking. Aims Given the need to optimise horse welfare, we analysed public horse muster data from the USA to understand specific causes of mortalities. Methods We coded 393 individual horse mortality reports for 92 cause-specific mortality terms (keywords informing the deciphering of specific causes of mortality classified as anatomical, causal or conditional) and demographic details (age, sex, and body condition). Data were derived from 50 musters across seven states with at least one horse mortality. Musters were coded for type (helicopter or bait), emergency or regular planned efforts, and number of horses mustered and shipped daily. Key Results More horses were euthanased than died naturally (330 (84.0%) and 39 (9.9%) respectively), and more horses had chronic than acute conditions (317 (80.7%) and 76 (19.3%) respectively), with both trends holding for both sexes and across ages. Body condition scores (BCS) for female horses were skewed low, whereas male horse BCS data were more normally distributed. Female horses had lower BCS than did male horses (P < 0.001). On average, each horse mortality had two cause-specific mortality terms, ranging from 1 to 7. Only 57 horses (14.5%) had terms describing anatomy, cause and condition, concurrently. Phi coefficients (φ; indicators of fidelity and constancy) for cause-specific terms were related to demographic or muster attributes and were analysed with post hoc ANOVA tests of estimated marginal means to allow for ranking. Female horses were most often described as emaciated, weak, and starving, whereas male horses were described as lame, arthritic, blind or dangerous. Bait trapping and emergency musters included horses that were starving, dehydrated and weak. Conclusions Generally, disorders associated with legs and feet, eyes, necks and nutrition were the most prevalent cause-specific mortality issues. Using a machine learning approach, validation and test accuracy were high for predicting euthanasia versus natural mortalities, but low for predicting acute versus chronic mortalities. Individual horse demographics or daily muster features had a greater relative influence than did capture type or emergency status in both comparisons. Implications These results provide practical insight for potential cause-specific mortalities relative to demographics and muster techniques.
Ability of Video Telemetry to Predict Unplanned Hospital Admissions for Single Ventricle Infants.

Background Our Cardiac High Acuity Monitoring Program (CHAMP) uses home video telemetry (HVT) as an adjunct to monitor infants with single ventricle during the interstage period. This study describ...
Attitudes and beliefs about how chefs can promote nutrition and sustainable food systems among students at a US culinary school.

OBJECTIVE Chefs have the potential to influence diet quality and food systems sustainability through their work. We aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of culinary students about nutrition and sustainability as part of their roles, responsibilities and future work as chefs. DESIGN We surveyed students attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in the fall of 2019 (n 546). Descriptive statistics compared food priority rankings and Likert-scale distributions of nutrition and sustainability attitudes and beliefs. Adjusted generalised linear models were used to evaluate whether there were differences in attitudes and beliefs across demographic groups. SETTING The CIA, a private, not-for-profit college and culinary school with US campuses in New York, California and Texas. PARTICIPANTS Students >18 years old currently enrolled in any of the school's associate's or bachelor's degree programs. RESULTS Students agreed that chefs should be knowledgeable about nutrition (96·0 %) and the environmental impact of their ingredients (90·8 %) but fewer considered healthfulness (57·8 %) and environmental impact (60·2 %) of their food to be primary considerations in their career as a chef. Taste was the primary factor influencing culinary students' food choices but food priorities differed by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Culinary students believe nutrition and sustainability are important. Opportunities exist to empower them with knowledge and skills for promoting public health and sustainable food systems in their future work as chefs.
Guerras de conciencia en las Américas (Conscience Wars in the Americas)

Spanish Abstract: Alrededor del mundo, sujetos y entidades pertenecientes a los sectores publico y privado estan invocando la conciencia como base para objetar leyes o decisiones judiciales que confieren dere-chos reproductivos a la poblacion LGBT y a otras/os ciudadanas/os. Las objeciones de conciencia que se dan en el contexto de las guerras culturales respecto de derechos reproductivos y LGBT, difieren de las situaciones paradigmaticas en las que se conceden excepciones al cumplimiento de la ley, donde alguien de una religion minoritaria busca observar un ritual religioso o vestirse conforme a su religion, en violacion a leyes generalmente aplicables. En cambio, el otorgamiento de objeciones de conciencia que se da en el contexto de las guerras culturales puede causar danos significativos a terceros e imponer visiones tradicionales a ciudadanos/as cuyos derechos han sido recientemente protegidos por la ley. La contribucion de este trabajo es practica y critica. Por un lado, ofrecemos una guia para mostrar como el Gobierno puede promover el pluralismo a traves de proveer excepciones a la ley para ob-jetores y al mismo tiempo protege a ciudadanos/as que pueden verse afectados/as. Por otro lado, consideramos que cuando el Gobierno protege la conciencia en un marco que no preserva los derechos de otros/as ciudadanos/as, podria estar utilizando la objecion de conciencia para crear un orden juridico de facto en favor de las creencias de los objetores. English Abstract: Across the globe, public and private actors are now invoking conscience as a ground for objecting to laws or judicial decisions that confer on citizens reproductive and LGBT rights. Conscience claims in culture-war conflicts over reproduction and sexuality differ from paradigmatic religious accommodation claims, where an individual from a minority faith seeks to engage in ritual observance or religiously-motivated dress that runs afoul of generally applicable laws. Accommodation of culture-war conscience claims may inflict significant harms on other citizens and impose older, traditional views on citizens whose rights the law only recently has come to protect. Our intervention is practical and critical. We offer guidance on accommodation, showing how government might promote pluralism by accommodating objectors while protecting citizens who may be affected. We suggest that when government accommodates conscience in a framework that does not preserve the other citizens’ rights, government may be employing accommodation to create a de facto public order favoring objectors’ beliefs. This paper is a Spanish translation of Conscience Wars in the Americas, an article originally published in English: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3600175
A Universal Heat Transfer Correlation for Intake and Exhaust Flows in an Spark-Ignition Internal Combustion Engine

In this paper, the available correlations proposed in the literature for the gas-side heat transfer in the intake and exhaust system of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine were surveyed. It was noticed that these correlations often are of the form b Re a Nu = and differ only by empirically fitted constants. This similarity provided the impetus for the authors to explore if a universal correlation could be developed . Based on a scaling approach using microscales of turbulence , the authors have fixed the exponential factor on the Reynolds number and thus reduced the number of adjustable coefficients to just one; the latter can be determined from a least squares curve-fit of available experimental data. Using intake and exhaust side data, it was shown that the universal correlation 4 3 Re 07 . 0 Nu = can be used for engine manifold flows. The correlation coefficient of this proposed heat transfer model with all available experimental data is 0.845 for the intake side and 0.800 for the exhaust side.
A hybrid method for analyzing scattering from a large planar slotted waveguide array antenna in a real environment

A hybrid numerical method is presented to analyze scattering from a large planar slotted waveguide array antenna. The total scattering consists of two parts, namely the structural scattering and slot scattering. These two parts are solved independently through the application of the equivalence principle. The former is calculated by a high-frequency method, such as the physical optics (PO) and the shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) method. The latter is solved using the method of moments (MoM). Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effects of a variety of factors on the RCS of a slot array. Also given are the RCS space distribution and probability curves of slot arrays to illustrate their unique scattering characteristics. The RCS of a complicated real slot array in a real environment is given finally to demonstrate the capability of the numerical method as well as the distinct features of its RCS pattern. The numerical method developed is useful in applications such as target identification, electromagnetic compatibility, EMP penetration, and stealth technology.
Response: Learning to Listen and Listening to Learn: The Significance of Listening to Histories of Trauma

Sharon Todd presents us with a fundamentally disturbing, disruptive and vitally important challenge in asking us to learn more about listening...to learn from listening without projection of selves, egos, or predispositions onto the Other. And though listening in order to learn, to expand one’s self, is a worthy enough endeavor, the responsibility to listen reaches deeper. Todd argues that we have an ethical obligation to listen to and to hear in this way especially those who suffer. Indeed, there is much in the literature about trauma to suggest that the difficulty involved in beginning to understand another’s trauma is profound, corroborating at the very least Todd’s assertions about the difficulty of truly hearing another, and that listening in this way is not simply a “common sense” phenomenon that “decent people do anyway.” It is this connection, made explicit in Todd’s essay title, between listening and suffering that I wish to explore and elaborate further.
New Foundations for Taxing Multinational Corporations

In order to suggest new foundations for the taxation of multinational corporations, this paper revisits the legislative foundations for much of the international tax regime and distills the lessons of recent economic research. The review of the Revenue Act of 1962 suggests that the international provisions that remain today were the result of a political miscalculation, were targeted at transient concerns, and were expanded well beyond their original scope as the result of administrative complexities. Evidence from the 1960s and 1990s is also suggestive of the fact that anti-deferral provisions may foster the tax avoidance and tax haven activities that they seek to combat. Recent research on the growing role of non-income taxes, the interactions between tax systems and corporate governance and new welfare benchmarks that arise from viewing FDI as being associated with productivity differences all recommend alternative rules for taxing the activities of U.S. multinational firms than are currently in place.
El águila y el dragón: el papel de las organizaciones transnacionales de inmigrantes en China y México

The literature on development in economics and sociology has tended to focus on capital flows, investments, and, more recently, institutions as key causal factors. Nor does it consider important developmental synergies produced by the rising interactions between immigrant organizations and send- ing-country governments. Using data from a recently completed comparative study, we document these processes for two major coun- tries of out-migration: Mexico and China. The study compiled inventories of migrant or- ganizations from both countries in the United States, interviewed leaders of the major ones, and complemented these data with interviews with officials and community leaders in each sending country. Profiles of these transnational ties were constructed, exemplifying their in- creasing density and developmental impact at the local and national levels.
A two-term exponential functional description of the time course of sustained attention

A consensus of critical reviews of single-process theories of vigilance or sustained attention has supported the view that the vigilance decrement must be the result of two or more coacting or interacting processes or systems. One theoretical position, as well as the ubiquity of exponential functions in characterizing the time course of biological processes, led to the hypothesis that the time course of sustained attention could be best modeled by the functionA[e-T1-time 11(1 + eT2*time)].An experimental test (n = 613) using 23 points showed that this function accounted for 96.7% of the variance of detection accuracy and was 1.2 times better than a previously proposed single-term model. All parameter estimates were highly statistically significant. Fits to data from three other studies also supported the two-term exponential model. The model fitted target response time less well, accounting for 75.6% of the variance.
Predicting outcome in papillary thyroid carcinoma: Development of a reliable prognostic scoring system in a cohort of 1779 patients surgically treated at one institution during 1940 through 1989

Abstract Background. Multivariate analyses in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have shown that age, tumor size, local invasion and distant metastasis are independent predictive variables. This study attempted to define a reliable prognostic scoring system for predicting PTC mortality rates with 15 candidate variables that included completeness of primary tumor resection but excluded histologic grade and DNA ploidy. Methods. The study group comprised 1779 patients with PTC (followed up for > 26,000 patient-years), divided by treatment dates into 1940 to 1,964 (n = 764) and 1965 to 1989 (n = 1015). Cox model analysis and stepwise variable selection led to a prognostic model initially derived from the training set (n = 764). The initial prognostic score was thereafter validated externally with the later (1965 to 1989) "test" data set. Results. The final model included five variables abbreviated by metastasis, age, completeness of resection, invasion, and size (MACIS). The final prognostic score was defined as MACIS=3.1 (if aged ≤ years) or 0.08 X age (if aged ⪰40 years), + 0.3 Xtumor size (in centimeters), + 1 (if incompletely resected), + 1 (if locally invasive), + 3 (if distant metastases present). Twenty-year cause-specific survival rates for patients with MACIS less than 6, 6 to 6.99, 7 to 7.99, and 8 + were 99%, 89%, 56%, and 24%, respectively (p Conclusions. Because the five variables needed for MACIS scoring are readily available after primary operation, such a prognostic system could have widespread applicability in assessment of PTC.
Studies on Manganese I. Determination in Serum by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry offers a method applicable to the determination of serum manganese in clinical research. The signal-to-noise ratio is great enough to yield precise data even with 10X scale expansion. The method has the required sensitivity for the measurement of the concentrations encountered in human serum, even though the signals produced are very small. It requires a few manipulative steps, and the possibility of contamination is kept to a minimum. Interference from other materials usually present in the matrix does not present a problem. The mean manganese concentration in the serum of normal fasting human subjects was 2.4 ± 0.7 µg/100 ml without any variation between the sexes. The concentration in the same individual does not vary over long periods of time. Initial observations do not indicate diurnal variation. Large quantities of manganese administered to two normal individuals for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively, did not produce a detectable change in the serum manganese concentrations. Studies are underway to adapt the method to the determination of manganese in blood cells and other tissues.
Adult survivors' lived experience of burns and post-burn health: A qualitative analysis.

Abstract Introduction The individual implications of major burns are likely to affect the full spectrum of patients' physical, emotional, psychological, social, environmental, spiritual and vocational health. Yet, not all of the post-burn health implications are inevitably negative. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this heuristic phenomenological study explores the experiences and perceptions early (ages 18–35) and midlife (ages 36–64) adults providing insight for how participants perceived their burns in relationship to their post-burn health. Methods Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interview questions framed around seven domains of health. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim then coded line by line, identifying dominant categories related to health. Categories were analyzed identifying shared themes among the study sample. Results Participants were Caucasian, seven males and one female. Mean age at time of interviews was 54.38 and 42.38 at time of burns. Mean time since burns occurred was 9.38 years with a minimum of (20%) total body surface area (TBSA) burns. Qualitative content analysis rendered three emergent health-related categories and associated themes that represented shared meanings within the participant sample. The category of "Physical Health" reflected the theme physical limitations, pain and sensitivity to temperature. Within the category of "Intellectual Health" were themes of insight, goal setting and self-efficacy, optimism and humor and within "Emotional Health" were the themes empathy and gratitude. Conclusions By exploring subjective experiences and perceptions of health shared through dialog with experienced burned persons, there are opportunities to develop a more complete picture of how holistic health may be affected by major burns that in turn could support future long-term rehabilitative trajectories of early and midlife adult burn patients.
Sequential Oxidative/Reductive Bleaching and Dyeing of Wool in a Single Bath at Low Temperatures

A new bleaching and dyeing process applicable to wool involves a sequential oxidative/reductive bleaching combined with a subsequent dyeing in a single bath. Apart from dyebath bleaching processes in which the bleaching agent is added towards the end of the dyeing process when almost all the dye is exhausted, bleaching and subsequent dyeing are normally done in separate baths due to the sensitivity of the dyes to bleaching agents. In the latter process, it is important that all bleaching agents be thoroughly washed off before dyeing, because any residual bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide, reductive bleach) may adversely affect the results. The newly developed single-bath process begins with an oxidative hydrogen peroxide bleaching followed by addition of thiourea to the residual hydrogen peroxide in the same bath. Thiourea dioxide formed by the resulting chemical reaction hydrolyzes in solution to sulfonate anion and urea. Sulfinate anion is a strong reducing agent and effects reductive bleaching. At the...
The challenge of Morgellons disease.

Two letters that describe patients with ‘‘Morgellons disease,’’ appearing in this month’s issue of the Journal, serve to remind us that the spectrum of those with cutaneous dysesthesia is broad indeed. Though we cannot yet delineate the pathway exactly, some of the mechanisms by which the itch sensation is generated and transmitted are now understood, 1-3 and we feel that we have some sort of a grip on winter itch, itching in the elderly, the infant with atopic dermatitis, 4,5 or urticaria, lichen planus, and others of the recognized pruritic dermatoses. Less well understood are other sensations that patients may describe to us, such as crawling, biting, stinging, pricking, burning, shooting, and so forth. These sensations may be focal or generalized, and while some patients may present to us with no visible change in the skin—those with brachioradial pruritus, 6 for example—others, reporting that the discomfort is relieved only by picking, squeezing, or pulling hair, present with neurotic excoriations, prurigo nodularis, or trichotillomania. 7,8 A separate group of patients are those unfortunate few who have an inherent need to ‘‘know’’ and to understand what is going on with their skin. These patients, made very anxious by the vacuum in their knowledge, and perhaps also by their inability to attain relief from professionals will, with great ingenuity, ‘‘create’’ a ‘‘cause’’ for their symptoms, which makes logical sense to them, and with which they can be comfortable. Because of the nature of the sensation, many of these patients believe themselves to have an infection or infestation, and we are of course all familiar with the syndrome of delusions of parasitosis, or Ekbom’s disease, 6,9-12 as is described
Relationship between nicotine-induced seizures and hippocampal nicotinic receptors.

Abstract A controversy has existed for several years concerning the physiological relevance of the nicotinic receptor measured by α-bungarotoxin binding. Using mice derived from a classical F2 and backcross genetic design, a relationship between nicotine-induced seizures and α-bungarotoxin nicotinic receptor concentration was found. Mice sensitive to the convulsant effects of nicotine had greater α-bungarotoxin binding in the hippocampus than seizure insensitive mice. The binding sites from seizure sensitive and resisntant mice were equally affected by treatment with dithiothreitol, trypsin or heat. Thus it appears that the difference between seizure sensitive and insensitive animals may be due to a difference in hippocampal nicotinic receptor concentration as measured with α-bungarotoxin binding.
Fluorescence of the fluorinated phenylalanines.

Abstract Fluorinated phenylalanines are much more intensely fluorescent than phenylalanine or the corresponding chlorinated or brominated compounds. The p -derivative fluoreces with a quantum efficiency of 0.40. These compounds possess excitation maxima at about 268 mμ and fluoresce at about 292 mμ. It appears that aromatic substitution with fluorine generally leads to increased fluorescent properties, in part due to the greater absorption of these compounds in the ultraviolet region as compared to the unsubstituted molecules.
A temporal proper decomposition (TPOD) for closed-loop flow control

Motivated by closed-loop flow control appli- cations, a formulation of the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is demonstrated, which is capable of characterizing not only the controlled and natural states of a given flow, but also the transient behavior between these states. This approach, which is termed temporal POD (TPOD), extracts the optimum frame of reference and the temporal infor- mation regarding the dynamics of the flow in the natural, controlled and transient states. In this paper, the TPOD concept is developed and is subsequently demonstrated in two experiments using dielectric barrier discharge plasma flow control: (1) flow over a circular cylinder at subcritical Reynolds number and (2) flow over a NACA 0015 airfoil at a large post-stall angle of attack. Both flows exhibit well- defined and distinct natural and controlled flow states. For the cylinder flow, the TPOD technique is used to develop a low-order dynamical systems model that is shown to properly capture the dynamics of the first TPOD mode, including the natural, forced and transient regimes. In the airfoil experiment, the TPOD approach is shown to provide the unique ability to conditionally examine the families of flow trajectories between natural and controlled states for user-selected initial conditions. This can be extremely useful in order to understand the physical mechanisms of flow control in complex flows where there may be very little a priori knowledge regarding the system behavior.