cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Visual-Acoustic Biofeedback Intervention for Residual Speech Errors.

Recent evidence suggests that the incorporation of visual biofeedback technologies may enhance response to treatment in individuals with residual speech errors. However, there is a need for controlled research systematically comparing biofeedback versus non-biofeedback intervention approaches. This study implemented a single-subject experimental design with a crossover component to investigate the relative efficacy of visual-acoustic biofeedback and traditional articulatory treatment for residual rhotic errors. Eleven child/adolescent participants received ten sessions of visual-acoustic biofeedback and ten sessions of traditional treatment, with the order of biofeedback and traditional phases counterbalanced across participants. Probe measures eliciting untreated rhotic words were administered in at least 3 sessions prior to the start of treatment (baseline), between the two treatment phases (midpoint), and after treatment ended (maintenance), as well as before and after each treatment session. Perceptual accuracy of rhotic production was assessed by outside listeners in a blinded, randomized fashion. Results were analyzed using a combination of visual inspection of treatment trajectories, individual effect sizes, and logistic mixed-effects regression. Effect sizes and visual inspection revealed that participants could be divided into categories of strong responders (n=4), mixed/moderate responders (n=3), and non-responders (n=4). Individual results did not reveal a reliable pattern of stronger performance in biofeedback versus traditional blocks, or vice versa. Moreover, biofeedback versus traditional treatment was not a significant predictor of accuracy in the logistic mixed-effects model examining all within-treatment word probes. However, the interaction between treatment condition and treatment order was significant: biofeedback was more effective than traditional treatment in the first phase of treatment, and traditional treatment was more effective than biofeedback in the second phase. This is consistent with existing theory and data suggesting that detailed knowledge of performance feedback is most effective in the early stages of motor learning. Further research is needed to confirm that an initial phase of biofeedback has a facilitative effect, and to determine the optimal duration of biofeedback treatment. In addition, there is a strong need for correlational studies to examine which individuals with residual speech errors are most likely to respond to treatment.
A Comparison of Barbed Sutures and Standard Sutures with regard to Wound Cosmesis in Panniculectomy and Reduction Mammoplasty Patients

Cosmesis is a vital concern for patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery. Many variations in wound closure are employed when attempting to minimize a surgical scar's appearance. Barbed sutures are one potential method of achieving improved wound cosmesis and are more common in recent years. To determine if barbed sutures differ from nonbarbed in wound cosmesis, we conducted a single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 18 patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty or panniculectomy. Patients were their own controls, receiving barbed sutures on one side and standard sutures on the contralateral side. Surgical scars were evaluated postoperatively by patient preference self-assessment and an observer. Ten patients were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively, yielding a mean Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) rating of 4.4 for barbed suture and 3.5 for regular suture (p = 0.15). At 6 months, 8 patients performed self-assessment to determine their preference; 4 preferred the barbed sutures, 1 preferred the regular sutures, and 3 had no preference. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to determine if barbed sutures convey any advantage over standard sutures in wound healing. However, our results suggest that barbed sutures are a reasonable alternative to standard sutures particularly with regard to wound cosmesis.
Predictive Value of the Functional Movement Screen for Sports-Related Injury in NCAA Division I Athletes:

Objectives:Assessing risk of injury among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes remains a significant challenge for sports medicine professionals. The Functional Movement Screen ...
A hybrid heuristic approach to minimize number of tardy jobs in group technology systems

We consider the problem of scheduling jobs on a single machine in a group technology (GT) system with the objective of minimizing the number of tardy jobs without preemption. In this system, we group jobs into families such that jobs within a family have similar processing requirements. Hence, no scheduled setup exists between any two jobs of the same family. However, a sequence-independent setup time occurs between families. The problem is of practical interest for industries such as plastic manufacturing and metal drawing operations, which often employ a GT setup. This problem has been discussed in the academic literature and shown to be NP-hard. However, no solution methods have been proposed in the literature. To solve this NP-hard problem, we develop a hybrid heuristic based on greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) meta-heuristics. We conduct extensive experiments with respect to problem size and parameter settings. We benchmark the performance of the hybrid heuristic with a simple GRASP application as well as with optimal solutions. Overall, results show the hybrid heuristic performs very well, finding optimal solutions for 63% of the problem instances.
Long-run and short-run relationships between oil prices, producer prices, and consumer prices: What can we learn from a permanent-transitory decomposition?

Abstract We use a permanent-transitory decomposition to provide new econometric evidence on long-run and short-run relationships between oil prices, producer prices and consumer prices. Results support cointegration and suggest a single common I(1) factor driving all three variables. Impulse responses to a permanent shock to the common factor indicate an important long-run relationship between oil prices, producer prices, and consumer prices. Impulse responses to a transitory oil price shock show no consumer price index response and only weak evidence of a short-run response in the producer price index. Hence, the conclusion is that oil price shocks have to be perceived as permanent before there is a strong link to consumer prices. Policy focused on ameliorating the effects of oil price shocks should pay close attention to whether shocks are permanent or transitory. Conclusions are robust to alternative measures of consumer prices and over different sub-samples of the data, although there is some evidence that the cointegration relationships disappear in the latter part of the sample.
The effect of grinding chemistry on cyanide leaching of gold in the presence of pyrrhotite

Abstract In this paper, the role of grinding media type on cyanide-based gold leaching in the presence of pyrrhotite was investigated. Pyrrhotite commonly occurs in many gold ores together with pyrite and/or arsenopyrite. A synthetic ore was prepared by mixing pyrrhotite with gravity gold concentrate and quartz. Pyrrhotite is of interest to grinding and leaching chemistry because this sulfide mineral is the highest cyanide- and oxygen-consuming iron sulfide and, contrary to pyrite, tends to behave as a reactive anode. The results showed that when the grinding of the ore was performed using the ceramic media, the gold extraction process was up to three times more efficient than that when the forged steel media was used. The reason is that the galvanic interactions between the forged steel media and pyrrhotite resulted in the formation of iron hydroxide; the formed iron hydroxide converted free cyanide to ferrocyanide that cannot dissolve gold (i.e. 75% of free cyanide was converted to ferrocyanide). Additionally, the galvanic interactions also significantly reduce the dissolved oxygen content and thus cyanide gold leaching is more difficult. In contrast, when grinding was performed with the ceramic or high chromium (30%Cr) media, an insignificant amount of free cyanide was decomposed (i.e. 1% of free cyanide was converted to ferrocyanide while 2.5% of that was converted to thiocyanate). For that reason, cyanide gold leaching is very efficient when ceramic or high chromium media was used during the grinding of the ore. It can be expected that the leach behaviour would be different if leaching is preceded by pre-oxidation, as is often done for pyrrhotite bearing ores. In addition, a theoretical model was developed to describe the correlation between the galvanic current and the grinding media oxidation, as measured by using EDTA extraction technique and dissolved sulfur analysis by HPLC during grinding. The electrochemical data were correlated with the amount of the grinding media oxidation during grinding with different media type. A linear relationship between the galvanic current and grinding media oxidation was obtained. It was found that the higher the galvanic current, the higher the amount of iron hydroxide was produced during grinding. Bench scale cyanide leaching can therefore serve as a useful diagnostic to determine the extent of galvanic interactions between media and minerals in grinding mills (similar to bench scale flotation which has also been used as diagnostic tool).
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Treatment as Prevention: Epidemic and Cost-Effectiveness Modeling

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a blood-borne disease. Without treatment, chronic HCV infection can progress to serious liver complications including cirrhosis, liver cancer, or end-stage liver disease. One of the main risk groups for HCV transmission is people who inject drugs, where approximately 67% have a history of HCV infection globally. There is no vaccine for HCV, but traditional harm reduction interventions such as needle and syringe programs and opiate substitution therapy are effective at preventing the acquisition of HCV, but are insufficient to eliminate HCV in isolation. Recent development of short duration and highly tolerable direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV can result in cure in >90% of individuals. In addition to the individual benefits of treatment, HCV treatment for those at risk of transmission could also act as a means of prevention. In this chapter, we review the global epidemiology of HCV, and we discuss how epidemic and economic modeling has been used to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of HCV treatment as prevention.
Dancing at Both Weddings: Democracy, Religion, and Israeli Haredi Women’s Accidental Political Revolution

A new feminist movement is on the rise in Israel. It is led by haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women, usually known for their silent acquiescence to the rabbinate. They are not looking to create a revolution, but their activism may have implications not only for women, but for Israel in general. Based on interviews with haredi activists, Knesset (Parliament) members, secular and religious women heads of NGO s, and academics, we contend that political activism, especially for haredi women with little education, experience, and resources, is not ironic, but rather, an appropriate vehicle for advancing their agenda. Other avenues of activity are closed for haredi women. Politics, which is assimilated into the category of “secular” activities, is likely to generate less opposition from their community. Haredi women and the state of Israel are trying to dance at two different weddings: at one, the tune being played is that of women’s rights and democracy; at the other, it is Jewish law, with its religious patriarchy.
Replacement of Arg with Nle and modified D-Phe in the core sequence of MSHs, Ac-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH2, leads to hMC1R selectivity and pigmentation

Abstract Melanoma skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the US [1]. A great need exists for improved formulations and mechanisms to prevent and protect human skin from cancers and other skin damage caused by sunlight exposure. Current efforts to prevent UV damage to human skin, which in many cases leads to melanoma and other skin cancers. The primordial melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is involved in regulating skin pigmentation and hair color, which is a natural prevention from UV damage. The endogenous melanocortin agonists induce pigmentation and share a core pharmacophore sequence “His-Phe-Arg-Trp”, and it was found that substitution of the Phe by D-Phe results in increasing melanocortin receptor potency. To improve the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) selectivity a series of tetra-peptides with the moiety of Ac-Xaa-Yaa-Nle-Trp-NH2, and structural modifications to reduce electrostatic ligand-receptor interactions have been designed and synthesized. It is discovered that the tetrapeptide Ac-His-D-Phe(4-CF3)-Nle-Trp-NH2 resulted in a potent and selective hMC1R agonist at the hMC1R (EC50: 10 nM). Lizard anolis carolinensis pigmentation study shows very high potency in vivo. NMR studies revealed a reversed β turn structure which led to the potency and selectivity towards the hMC1R.
Programming self-organizing multicellular structures with synthetic cell-cell signaling

A common theme in the self-organization of multicellular tissues is the use of cell-cell signaling networks to induce morphological changes. We used the modular synNotch juxtacrine signaling platform to engineer artificial genetic programs in which specific cell-cell contacts induced changes in cadherin cell adhesion. Despite their simplicity, these minimal intercellular programs were sufficient to yield assemblies with hallmarks of natural developmental systems: robust self-organization into multidomain structures, well-choreographed sequential assembly, cell type divergence, symmetry breaking, and the capacity for regeneration upon injury. The ability of these networks to drive complex structure formation illustrates the power of interlinking cell signaling with cell sorting: Signal-induced spatial reorganization alters the local signals received by each cell, resulting in iterative cycles of cell fate branching. These results provide insights into the evolution of multicellularity and demonstrate the potential to engineer customized self-organizing tissues or materials.
Some Properties of the Disclination Structure of Grain Boundaries

The interaction between a simple tilt boundary made of wedge disclination dipoles and a single edge dislocation is studied. It is found that in general edge dislocations can be generated or absorbed at the wedge disclination dipoles. The dilatation field of such a boundary is calculated and from which the interaction with impurity atoms which cause dilatational distortions of the lattice is studied. The resulting periodic distribution of impurity atoms along the boundary is suggested to play a role in intergranular embrittlement and grain boundary sliding.
Tubular Actions of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites

The actions of products of arachidonic acid metabolism on renal tubular function has been the subject of intense investigation for well over a decade. The dissection of specific responses has utilized a miriad of techniques and approaches. The results, while not without some inconsistencies, can be integrated into several themes which, in general, follow a teleologically and physiologically consistent pattern.
Fertilization of Ova in Selenium/Vitamin E-Treated Ewes Maintained on Two Planes of Nutrition

Studies were conducted to evaluate uterine motility and fertility of ova in ewes either given or not given supplemental selenium/vitamin E (SSE or NSE, respectively). The ewes were maintained on either an adequate plane of nutrition (APN) or an inadequate plane of nutrition (IPN). In a fertility study, 60 ewes were allotted to four treatment groups, (15 ewes per group): SSE-APN, NSE-APN, SSE-IPN and NSE-IPN. A 2-ml injection, containing 10 mg of Se as selenite and 136 IU of vitamin E as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, was given IM to designated ewes (SSE) at 21-day intervals. NSE ewes were given injection of corn oil. After 150 days of SSE supplementation, ewes were checked for estrus, bred to rams and laparotomized approximately, 72 hr after the onset of estrus for determination of fertility of ova. The proportion of recovered ova that were fertilized was, for each treatment: SSE-APN (19 of 19), NSE-APN (17 of 22), SSE-IPN (five of 10) and NSE-IPN (six of 14). Fertility of ova was affected (P < .005) by plane of nutrition and tended to be affected (P < .1) by Se/vitamin E supplementation. Throughout the fertility study, ewes in the APN group maintained their body weight, while ewes in the IPN groups lost .075 kg/ewe/day. In a uterine contraction study, ewes in the SSE-APN and NSE-APN groups were laparotomized at the onset of estrus for quantitation of the directional pattern of uterine contractions. The number of total contractions for SSE-APN ewes and NSE-APN ewes during a 10-min interval was 42.7 +/- 3.5 and 33.2 +/- 2.6 (P < .05), respectively, and number of contractions moving toward the oviduct was 21.0 +/- 2.8 and 13.4 +/- 1.2 (P < .025), respectively. Se was greater (P < .001) in serum of SSE ewes than in serum of NSE ewes, while vitamin E was greater in serum of SSE-APN ewes than in that of both groups of NSE ewes.
A Design of its Own: How to Protect the Fashion Industry

This note discusses the gap in intellectual property protections for the fashion industry. First, it details why fashion is art of the type that typically qualifies for copyright protection, and not just a means of covering the body. Next, it discusses why this hybrid nature makes it unique and worthy of protection under current U.S. copyright law. Because designs are often chosen not just for their functional purpose, but for their artistic and expressive qualities, clothing is different from many other types of works protected by IP frameworks, including trademark and patent. The dual purpose and ability of fashion to be used as a form of expression should not keep if from the protection it deserves. The Supreme Court addressed the standard for copyright protection in the context of clothing design in Star Athletica v. Varsity Brands. This Note suggests that this recent development marks an opportune time to push for new legislation that will expand the Star Athletica ruling. These increased protections for the fashion industry should be developed by drawing on other forms of IP protection for fashion in the United States, and protections in place in other countries. These hybrid works call for a hybrid solution. Though its solution, this Note fills the gap for fashion designs, particularly for designers that are just starting out or less conspicuous when it comes to branding.
PicoGrid Smart Home Energy Management System

Due to increased automation in the home, the needed capacity of electrical distribution grids is continuously growing larger to accommodate peak usage, leading to underutilized capacity during nonpeak usage hours. To assist homeowners in identifying large electrical loads and wasted energy usage in the home environment, this paper proposes a novel method of measuring power usage and automatically identifying and classifying the device through the use of an artificial neural network. The result would be a method of reviewing energy usage per device connected to the picogrid over a defined interval regardless of which monitored outlet the device is connected to for utility power. The neural network classifier further provides the ability to track appliance performance over time and compare changes in power draw. Prototype testing of the proposed system has yielded promising results in both the ability to measure consumed power and to classify devices when connected to the metered outlet.
Targeting High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) Promotes Cell Death in Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Purpose: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is associated with a dysregulated innate immune system. The purpose of this study was to determine whether modulation of the innate immune system via high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) could reduce cell viability in MDS. Experimental Design: We quantified HMGB1 in an MDS cell line MDS-L and in primary MDS cells compared with nonmalignant hematopoietic cells. We performed loss-of-function studies of HMGB1 using pooled siRNAs and a small-molecule inhibitor sivelestat compared with standard chemotherapy. We measured levels of engraftment of MDS-L cells in NOD-scidIL2Rgnull (NSG) mice following treatment with sivelestat. Mechanistically, we interrogated cell survival pathways and 45 targets within the NFκB pathway using both protein analysis and a proteome profiler array. Results: We discovered that HMGB1 had increased expression in both MDS-L cells and in primary CD34+ MDS cells compared with healthy CD34+ hematopoietic cells. Sivelestat impaired MDS cell expansion, increased cellular death, and spared healthy hematopoietic cells. MDS-L marrow engraftment is reduced significantly at 17 weeks following treatment with sivelestat compared with control mice. Treatment of CD34+ MDS cells with sivelestat and azacitidine or decitabine was additive to increase apoptotic cell death compared with chemotherapy alone. Sivelestat promoted apoptosis with increased expression of PUMA, activated caspase 3, and increased DNA double-strand breaks. Inhibition of HMGB1 reduced levels of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and suppressed activation of NFκB in MDS-L cells. Conclusions: Inhibition of HMGB1 could promote MDS cell death and alter innate immune responses via suppression of NFκB pathways.
Weighted Trigonometric Approximations in L2 (Rn)

One may describe the general problem as that of finding the best approximation to an arbitrary function from the closed subspace generated by functions of the form ei(v,w)f(w), where f is a fixed function and where the arguments v are taken to be from a given set S. By use of functional analytic and group theoretic methods we are able to treat a class of weighted trigonometric approximation problems for L 2(R n) with S either a half-space or a quadrant. In so doing we also arrive at a beginning of a new theory for inner and outer functions for L (R n) , n ≧ 2 As a biproduct we obtain an abstract characterization of the regular representation of R n, answering a question of Chatterji (Springer Lec. Notes in Math. 645, 1978).
Does Race Impact Survival in Multiple Myeloma

Purpose: Multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer involving abnormal antibody production from plasma cells, accounts for approximately 1.8% of all new cancer cases in the US. The International Staging System (ISS) for MM classifies patients with serum beta2 microglobulin The median age at time of diagnosis of MM is 69 years, with approximately 62% of all patients being at least 65 years old at time of diagnosis. There is a 2-fold increase in MM incidence amongst blacks as compared to whites in both the male and female population. This study was conducted to further characterize our MM patient population and to potentially identify racial and gender impact on mortality. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients in our geographic region diagnosed with MM between 2012 and 2017 was conducted using the Louisiana Tumor Registry Board database. Clinical data abstraction included epidemiology, laboratory, and pathologic data at time of diagnosis, and time to autologous stem cell transplant and death, if applicable. We performed chi-square analysis, linear regression, and survival analysis to compare survival outcomes between groups. Results: Chart review data was available for 184 of the 243 patients diagnosed with MM between 2012-2017, including 89 (47.6%) males and 98 females (52.4%), and 90 (48.1%) whites and 88 (47.1%) blacks. Females were significantly older than males (66.1 vs 62.6 years, p=0.037) at time of diagnosis yet whites were not significantly older compared to blacks (65.1 vs. 63.9 years, p=0.498). Among the 108 patients with documented stage of disease, 17 (15.7%) patients were diagnosed with stage I MM compared to 40 patients (37.0%) diagnosed at stage II and 51 (47.2%) diagnosed at stage III. With regards to stage, there was no significant difference between race or sex in our population. When adjusted for gender and age at diagnosis, race was a significant predictor of survival time with survival being 6.45 months shorter for black patients with MM compared to whites with the disease. (95% CI, 1.1 to 11.8; p = 0.019) Conclusion: Our data suggest that race exists as an independent predictor of shorter survival in our black patient population with MM. Additional studies investigating the biologic diversity of this disease are warranted to explain this racial disparity. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The impact of board diversity on strategic change: a stakeholder perspective

This article uses the US freight railroads, which underwent enforced restructuring due to increased competition following deregulation, to study the impact of board diversity on strategic change, where board diversity is measured from a stakeholder perspective. CEO human capital is also taken into account. By analyzing with panel data methodology a sample including 15 US Class I railroads covering a 20-year period from 1984 to 2004 and representing more than 90% of the railroad market, with a total of 190 observations, we find that strategic decisions are significantly influenced by both board composition and CEO human capital, but that boards exercise more influence in determining firms strategies. We find significant differences in the way directors influence restructuring decisions depending on their stakeholder status. Results indicate the importance of including measures of board composition reflecting diversity of interests in board research.
Behavioral Interventions for Prevention and Control of STDs Among Adolescents

277 For the last several decades, public health professionals have increasingly recognized that the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is disproportionately high among adolescents and young adults. The Hidden Epidemic, the 1997 seminal report of the Institute of Medicine, clearly identified adolescents as a population at high risk for STIs (1). There has been a concerted effort to track rates of STI in this population, investigate its causes, and develop interventions to reduce risk and associated disease. In this chapter, we will define the burden of STI among youth, review behavioral and biological risk for STI, and discuss the current literature on effective adolescent risk reduction interventions. We will take an ecological or social context approach that acknowledges the impact of social environmental factors on health and, therefore, intervention strategy (2). By social context, we mean the important people (e.g., peers, parents), places (e.g., neighborhoods), institutions (e.g., schools, health care organizations), and societal processes (e.g., culture, policy) that can influence adolescent behavior and health. As a period of biologic, cognitive, and psychosocial transitions, adolescence may be more sensitive to contextual influences than other periods. Biologic, cognitive, and social changes during adolescence can affect behaviors and relationships and require guidance from important others and institutions that may not be prepared for their roles. For example, peers share information that may not be correct, parents may not recognize adolescent risk behavior, and schools may be too politically or financially challenged to provide effective prevention programming. In our review, we will identify the social context influences on adolescent risk for STIs and intervention strategies designed to address those influences. The difficulties in determining burden, risk, and intervention strategies for adolescents are numerous. First, the age range that constitutes adolescence is ill defined. Risks for STI may start before puberty, especially when familial, biologic, and environmental factors are taken into account. The average age of puberty has decreased, with at least the physical aspect of adolescence starting earlier. The implications of teenage risk factors for young adulthood suggest that we must look further into the future to examine the impact of prevention strategies (3). There also appear to be distinct periods and transition points within adolescence that may lead to increased risk behavior, such as the move
Etiological analysis of common and severe hand-foot-mouth disease in kunming and surrounding areas of 2010

Objective To analyze the etiological pathogenesis between common hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and severe HFMD in kunming and surrounding areas of 2010,and study significance of clinical manifestations caused by hand-foot-mouth disease in molecular epidemiology.Methods The clinical data of 1304 children with HFMD in children hospital of Kunming from January to December in 2010 were collected,and at the same time,1272 cases of stool specimens (518 cases of common HFMD,severe HFMD 754 cases) did half nested RT-PCR detection and nucleic acid sequencing cause credits type.Results Eleven kinds of pathogens were detected in common HFMD cases,coxsackie virus group A(CA),CA(60.4％) (the main CA16)was highest proportion.The difference were statistically significant(x2 =579.78,P ＜0.01),CA (mainly CA16) for common HFMD were the main pathogen.In severe HFMD cases,8 kinds of pathogens were detected,the proportion of CA (45.6％) and EV71 (29.2％) were higher than other pathogens,CA (mainly CA16) and EV71 were the main pathogen in severe HFMD.But CA infection case of 52.4％ were severe,47.6％ were the common type,the difference had no statistically significant(x2 =1.46,P ＞ 0.05).While the EV71 infection rate 70.3％ was severe type,29.7％ was common type,the difference was statistical significant(x2 =51.53,P ＜ 0.01),EV71 infection in children with HFMD likely to develop into severe HFMD.Conclusions Many kinds of pathogens are detected in Kunming and the surrounding areas of children with HFMD in 2010,but main pathogens are EV71 and CA16,CAl6 is the main pathogens of common HFMD,CA16 and EV71are the main pathogens of severe HFMD.But EV71 infection in children with HFMD likely to develop into severe HFMD. Key words: Hand-foot-mouth disease ; Severe ; Common ; Enterovirus ; Etiology
Switching and Short-Circuit Performance of 27 nm Gate Oxide, 650 V SiC Planar-Gate MOSFETs with 10 to 15 V Gate Drive Voltage

In this paper, the switching and short-circuit performance of 650 V (BV=850V) 4H-SiC planar-gate MOSFETs with a gate oxide thickness of 27 nm are reported for the first time. The switching and short-circuit withstand times (t SC ) of devices with gate oxide thickness of 55 nm and 27 nm have been compared at various gate voltages. The R on,sp for the 27 nm device at V gs = 15 V is 1.7x smaller than that for the conventional 55 nm device at V gs =20 V while their total switching energy loss (E total ) is the same. The t SC for the 27 nm device at V gs = 10 V is 1.5x better than the 55 nm device at V gs =20 V. It is demonstrated for the first time that a much better trade-off can be obtained between shortcircuit capability and the specific on-resistance (R on,sp ) by reducing the gate oxide thickness from 55 to 27 nm.
Antiaromatic compounds: a brief history, applications, and the many ways they escape antiaromaticity

Abstract Beginning from a historical viewpoint, this chapter discusses the evolution of the antiaromaticity concept—covering the early synthetic challenges of preparing cyclobutadiene, orbital symmetry considerations of antiaromaticity, and transformations that convert [4n] π-antiaromatic rings into “aromatic” systems, ending with a brief survey of some applications of antiaromatic compounds.
Maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain in association with autism and developmental disorders in offspring.

Objective Maternal prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) are examined in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders (DD) in offspring in a multisite case-control study. Methods Maternal prepregnancy BMI, obtained from medical records or self-report, was categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity Class 1, or obesity Class 2/3. GWG was standardized for gestational age (GWG z score), and the rate (pounds/week) was categorized per adherence with clinical recommendations. Logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic factors, were used to assess associations with ASD (n = 1,159) and DD (n = 1,617), versus control children (n = 1,633). Results Maternal obesity Class 2/3 was associated with ASD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.40-2.51) and DD (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22-2.13). GWG z score was not associated with DD (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95-1.36), but the GWG z score highest tertile was associated with higher odds of ASD, particularly among male children (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15-1.88). Conclusions Results indicate that maternal prepregnancy severe obesity increases risk of ASD and DD in children and suggest high gestational-age-adjusted GWG is a risk factor for ASD in male children. Because maternal BMI and GWG are routinely measured and potentially modifiable, these findings could inform early interventions for high-risk mother-child dyads.
Factors impacting adoption of point-of-use activated carbon faucet mount water filters

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Point-of-use (POU) water filters are a cost-effective measure for reducing exposure to waterborne lead; yet widespread filter adoption has not been achieved in the United States...
Study of Radical Cations by Time-Resolved Magnetic Resonance

This review focuses on the study of hydrocarbon radical cations by time-resolved magnetic resonance methods. These studies attempt to elucidate the early chemical events induced by ionizing or photoionizing radiation. The development of specialized time-resolved magnetic resonance tools has allowed us to dispense with a key element that has been vital to a wide range of radical cation studies using static EPR, i.e., a stabilizing (rigid, chemically inert, electron capturing) matrix (e.g., frozen halocarbons, inert gases). The time-resolution and sensitivity achieved with the methods described in this chapter allow observations of very reactive radical cations in essentially neat systems (pure hydrocarbons) and in fluids up to room temperature. These methods open the way for the study of chemical intermediates such as hexamethyl(Dewar benzene)+ where implications and insights provided by theory are in need of further experimental data on radical cation structure and behavior under conditions less influenced by solvent/matrix interactions.
The rate of chemical reaction at the surface of non-porous catalytic sphere in concentration and temperature gradients—II: Stability of nonisothermal solutions

Abstract The stability of the multiple steady state solutions to the problem of a non-isothermal reaction at a spherical surface in the presence of large concentration gradients is rigorously determined. Solutions which are located in either the kinetically controlled or the diffusion controlled regimes are found to be stable. The solution which lies between these extremes is unstable. The partial differential equations which describe the unsteady behaviour of this system are solved for perturbations away from the steady state by the method of Laplace transformations. The solution is put into a form from which the stability criterion can be determined by a modification of the Nyquist method. The solution method and the techniques employed to determine the stability are believed to be generally applicable to questions of stability in distributed parameter systems.
Women's Risk Factors and Screening for Coronary Heart Disease

Age, race, poverty, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. Menstrual cycle irregularity, preeclampsia, and decreasing levels of sex hormones in postmenopausal women are also implicated. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine CHD risk stratification using nontraditional markers (e.g., lipoprotein(a), Ankle-Brachial Index [ABI], and inflammatory markers). Nurses should counsel all women regarding lifestyle behaviors to reduce CHD risk.
Development of a core RFLP map in maize using an immortalized F2 population.

A map derived from restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in maize (Zea mays L.) is presented. The map was constructed in an immortalized Tx303 x CO159 F2 mapping population that allowed for an unlimited number of markers to be mapped and pooled F3 seed to be distributed to other laboratories. A total of 215 markers consisting of 159 genomic clones, 16 isozymes and 35 cloned genes of defined function have been placed on 10 chromosomes. An examination of segregation data has revealed several genomic regions with aberrant segregation ratios favoring either parent or the heterozygote. Mapping of cloned genes and isozymes that have been previously mapped by functional criteria has provided 29 points of alignment with the classical maize genetic map. Screening of all mapped RFLP probes against a collection of U.S. Corn Belt germplasm using EcoRI, HindIII and EcoRV has resulted in a set of 97 core markers being defined. The designation of a set of core markers allows the maize genome to be subdivided into a series of bins which serve as the backbone for maize genetic information and database boundaries. The merits and applications of core markers and bins are discussed.
In vivo induction of anti-herpes simplex virus immune response by type 1 antigens and lipid A incorporated into liposomes

To establish the requirements for a potential subunit vaccine against herpes simplex virus (HSV), we analyzed the effects on immunogenicity of incorporating detergent-extracted glycoprotein-enriched HSV type 1 (HSV-1) antigens into liposomes alone or with the adjuvant lipid A. Incorporating HSV-1 antigens into liposomes enhanced their immunogenicity for antibody production as detected by radioimmunoassay. Antibody levels to free and liposome-bound antigens were enhanced by administering lipid A as an adjuvant. The maximum immunogenic effect was obtained by incorporating lipid A into liposomes containing the HSV-1 proteins. Such liposomes induced secondary antibody responses higher than those engendered by virus infection. Whereas infectious virus induced cell-mediated immunity detectable by the delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and cytotoxic T lymphocyte production, none of the liposome preparations induced cell-mediated immunity. Images
Cancer Stem Cells in the Mechanism of Metal Carcinogenesis

Environmental metal carcinogenesis is a major public health concern. The mechanism underlying metal-induced carcinogenesis remains unclear. The concept of cancer stem cell recently has drawn considerable attention. Various studies indicate that the generation of cancer stem cells might contribute to the overall mechanism of development of metal-induced cancer. It is believed that oxidative stress and abnormal signaling caused by metals lead to the enrichment of cancer stem cells and eventually initiate cancer. In addition, metal-induced angiogenesis may also contribute to the generation of cancer stem cells. Studies using animal models further suggest that metals could induce the production of cancer stem cells and thus cause the development of cancer. This review summarizes recent studies of oxidative stress and cancer stem cells in relation to the mechanism of metal carcinogenesis.
Scale-dependent deformation of porous single crystals

Abstract An elasto-viscoplastic strain gradient crystal plasticity formulation is applied to study the deformation of a porous single crystal and its macroscopic stress carrying capacity under plane strain condition. Both uniaxial and biaxial loadings are considered. Computational model is a unit cell containing one single void. Attention is focused on investigating the effects of varying void size with respect to a representative constitutive length scale l, at arbitrarily fixed void volume fractions, on its growth rate, the local strain distribution around the void and the macroscopic stress sustained by the material. It is found that both void growth rate and the local strain gradient is decreased by several times when its radius is reduced to l. This indicates that “small” voids are less susceptible to growth than ‘large’ voids. Computations also show that strain gradient effects significantly elevates the macroscopic stress, especially under large biaxiality of loading. Overall, as the void size increases, the gradient theory predictions gradually approach the classical theory predictions which are size-independent.
Increased photosynthesis and water potentials in Silphium integrifolium galled by cynipid wasps.

Interactions between drought, insect herbivory, photosynthesis, and water potential play a key role in determining how plants tolerate and defend against herbivory, yet the effects of insect herbivores on photosynthesis and water potential are seldom assessed. We present evidence that cynipid wasp galls formed by Antistrophus silphii on Silphium integrifolium increase photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g), and xylem water potential (Ψ). Preliminary data showed that in drought-stressed plants galled shoots had 36% greater A, and 10% greater stem Ψ than ungalled shoots, while in well-watered plants leaf gas exchange was not affected by galls. We hypothesized that 1) galled shoots have higher Ψ, g, and A than ungalled shoots, but this differences diminishes if plant drought stress is reduced, and 2) galls can reduce decreases in A and g if water availability decreases. A field experiment testing the first hypothesis found that galls increased g and Ψ, but that differences between galled and ungalled shoots did not diminish after plants were heavily watered. A laboratory test of the second hypothesis using potted Silphium found that galled plants had smaller drops in A and g over a 4-day dry-down period. A vs g and A vs intercellular CO2 concentration relationships were consistent with the explanation that increased Ψ allows galls to increase A by reducing stomatal limitation of A, rather than by altering sink-source relationships or by removing low-Ψ limitations on non-stomatal components of A. Our working hypothesis is that galls increase Ψ and A by reducing the shoot: root ratio so that the plant is exploiting a greater soil volume per unit leaf area. We argue that increased A is an ineffective way for Silphium to compensate for negative effects of gall insect attack. Instead, increased Ψ and A may protect gall insects from variation in resource availability caused by periodic drought stress, potentially reducing negative effects of drought on plant quality and on gall insect populations.
Intervention in general topology gene regulatory networks

We present an optimal intervention framework in general topology gene regulatory networks. In particular, we do not make any assumptions about the structure or the connectivity of the initial gene network. The proposed framework finds an optimal perturbation, which forces the network to converge towards a unique desired steady-state distribution. We cast the intervention as an optimization problem, and we show that it admits at most one optimal solution. The existence of the optimal solution depends on the initial network topology and the desired steady-state distribution. In the case where no optimal solution exists, we construct a sequence of suboptimal perturbations, which converge towards a limiting optimal solution. The general topology intervention framework is applied to the Human melanoma gene regulatory network.
Graph-Based Analysis of Nuclear Smuggling Data

Much of the data that is collected and analyzed today is structural, consisting not only of entities but also of relationships between the entities. As a result, analysis applications rely on automated structural data mining approaches to find patterns and concepts of interest. This ability to analyze structural data has become a particular challenge in many security-related domains. In these domains, focusing on the relationships between entities in the data is critical to detect important underlying patterns. In this study we apply structural data mining techniques to automate analysis of nuclear smuggling data. In particular, we choose to model the data as a graph and use graph-based relational learning to identify patterns and concepts of interest in the data. In this article, we identify the analysis questions that are of importance to security analysts and describe the knowledge representation and data mining approach that we adopt for this challenge. We analyze the results using the Russian nuclear...
Thermoelectric efficiency of rare earth sesquisulfides

Abstract Thermo-electric efficiency of several rare earth sesquisulfides is presented and compared with those of commonly known thermo-electric materials. The available data show that at high temperatures dysprosium sesquisulfide has the best thermo-electric efficiency when compared with other well-known materials.
NEW MULTIDENTATE LIGANDS. XXV. THE COORDINATION CHEMISTRY OF DIVALENT METAL IONS WITH DIGLYCOLIC ACID, CARBOXYMETHYLTARTRONIC ACID AND DITARTRONIC ACID

Abstract Potentiometric determinations of protonation constants and metal binding constants of the ether polycarboxylate ligands diglycolic, carboxymethyltartronic, and ditartronic acid are reported. The magnitudes of the equilibrium constants are discussed in terms of the functional groups present. Competition between ditartronic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) for calcium(II) demonstrates that the ether polycarboxylates are particularly effective as sequestering agents in weakly to moderately acid solutions.
Adenotonsillectomy vs Observation for Management of Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of adenotonsillectomy vs observation on quality of life (QOL) in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study DesignProspective, nonrandomized trial.SettingTertiary children’s hospital.Subjects and MethodsSixty-four children (ages 3-16 years) with mild OSA (apnea hypopnea index between 1 and 5 on polysomnogram) completed the study. Caregivers chose between management options of adenotonsillectomy and observation and completed validated QOL instruments (OSA-18 and Children’s Health Questionnaire) at baseline, early, and late follow-ups. The primary outcome measure was QOL.ResultsThirty patients chose adenotonsillectomy, while 34 were observed. Total OSA-18 scores at baseline were significantly poorer (P = .01) in the surgery group (72.3) compared with the observation group (58.5). Four months following surgery, OSA-18 scores improved by 39.1 points over baseline (P = .0001), while there was no change for the observation group (P = .69). After 8 months, OSA-18 scor...