cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Uses for Task-Based Language Assessment

Task-based language assessment (TBLA) has generated interest since the early 1990s, primarily in conjunction with the ongoing development of task-based language teaching (TBLT) and the pursuit of developing appropriate testing models for this approach to pedagogy (Norris, 2002 , 2009 ). However, tasks also offer considerable advantages for language assessment, beyond their obvious relevance within TBLT classes and programs. In fact, major innovations in the general domain of language assessment over the past two decades have occurred in conjunction with the introduction of tasks into assessment design, largely in response to the need for tests that better represent examinees’ abilities to use the language (Mislevy, Steinberg, & Almond, 2002 ), but also because tasks offer a meaningful space for language teachers, testers, learners, and others to examine, understand, and improve language learning endeavors (Van Gorp & Deygers, 2013 ). This article reviews the considerable range of current uses for TBLA, illustrating different types of assessment with concrete examples and highlighting distinct roles for tasks as a basic unit of analysis in test design, interpretation, and intended consequence. Ultimately, it argues that tasks offer a fundamental, though not exclusive, foundation for useful language assessment, and that task-based assessment, though challenging, is probably worth the effort.
COMPARISION OF RUN BACK STRATEGY BETWEEN SUPERCRITICAL AND SUBCRITICAL UNITS

The reliability of run back(RB) function has important signigicance for preventing abnormal shutdown of the units and for enhancing stability of the power grid.Based on the RB control strategy of the subcritical units,directing against the operation characters of supercritical units,the identical and exceptional points in RB control strategy of supercritical and subcritical units have been expounded.In the case of RB on subcritical unit,false water level in the drum can't appear under variation velocity of the main steam pressure≤1 MPa/min,but,in the event of RB on supercritical unit,the set value for velocity of load reduction of the main steam pressure is greater than that of subcritical unit.
Teaching Vocabulary to Preschool Children With Hearing Loss

Despite poor vocabulary outcomes for children with hearing loss, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of specific vocabulary teaching methods on vocabulary learning for this group. The authors compared three vocabulary instruction conditions with preschool children with hearing loss: (a) explicit, direct instruction; (b) follow-in labeling; and (c) incidental exposure using an adapted alternating-treatments single-subject experimental design. Nine preschool children with hearing loss participated in the study across 6 weeks, with intervention implemented by 4 teachers of the deaf. Visual analysis of the results of the data indicated that participants learned the most words in the explicit, direct instruction condition and the fewest words in the incidental exposure condition. These results are not consistent with some recommendations currently made to educators. The authors discuss implications for practice, including emphasis on direct instruction.
microRNA Therapeutics in Cancer — An Emerging Concept

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionarily conserved class of small, regulatory non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate protein coding gene and other non-coding transcripts expression. miRNAs have been established as master regulators of cellular processes, and they play a vital role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Further, widespread deregulation of microRNAs have been reported in several cancers, with several microRNAs playing oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Based on these, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this review, we have focused on the roles of miRNAs in tumorigenesis, the miRNA-based therapeutic strategies currently being evaluated for use in cancer, and the advantages and current challenges to their use in the clinic.
Impact of attenuation correction on quantitative hybrid CZT SPECT/CT imaging in relation to BMI

1699 Objectives 64-slice CT has been routinely used for attenuation correction (AC) with PET, although now is being applied with hybrid CZT SPECT/CT systems for quantification of myocardial defect size. This X-ray CT AC approach has not been validated for SPECT imaging in a large patient population. This study explores the effects of CT-based AC on SPECT defect quantification in relation to BMI. Methods We conducted a single-center study with 522 consecutive patients (mean age 62 +/-13 yr, BMI 29.3+/-5.9, 60% male) having stress and rest Tc-99m tetrofosmin SPECT images acquired on a hybrid CZT SPECT/64-slice CT system. The integrated myocardial perfusion defect (IMPD) was calculated using standard circumferential profile analyses and gender-matched low disease risk databases applying the WLCQ software on stress images with and without AC. Segments were grouped into coronary territories (LAD/LCx/RCA). A paired two-tail T-test was used to compare the AC and non-AC studies for stress. Patients were further segregated based on the BMI; Results In patients with BMI Conclusions There is a small but significant reduction in the IMPD with AC in this large cohort of consecutive patients imaged with a hybrid CZT SPECT/CT system, especially in patients with a larger BMI. LAD defects were also more likely to normalize with AC compared to RCA defects in this cohort.
Overshoot in transient and steady-state in GaAs, InP, Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As, and InAs bipolar transistors

A relatively complete description of the band structure and scattering of GaAs, InP, Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As, and InAs has been used to analyze, by the Monte-Carlo method, the switching and quiescent state of bipolar transistors during their turn-on process. Device structures with designs useful for high current densities are used to show the importance of the changes in the overshoot behavior during the switching transient. In logic applications, where breakdown is a significant constraint, broader velocity overshoot profiles and higher maximum overshoot velocities can be obtained over a wider bias range in Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As and InP bipolar transistors. InAs bipolar transistors show the largest overshoot and the smallest delay; however, because of their smaller bandgap, the operating bias range of these devices is restricted. >
Correct or usable? the limits of traditional verification (impact paper award)

Since our work on verification sixteen years ago, our views of the role of verification, and the centrality of correctness, have evolved. In our presentation, we’ll talk about some of our concerns about the limitations of this kind of technology, including: usability as a key factor; the unknowable properties of the environment; and the inadequacy of specifications as a means of capturing users’ desires. We’ll describe two approaches we’re currently working on to mitigate these concerns — (1) moving to higher level abstractions with correctness by construction and (2) focusing on the conceptual structure of applications — and will argue that, combined with traditional verification tools, these offer the possibility of applications that are both usable and correct.
A study of the tonicity of the sphincter at the duodenal end of the common bile duct

Abstract The tone of the sphincter at the duodenal end of the common bile duct was studied in species of animals possessing a gall bladder and in two species in which the gall bladder is lacking. It was found that the tone of the sphincter under the experimental conditions studied varied considerably in the different animals and various species. In each species possessing a gall bladder, however, the sphincter was usually able to withstand a minimum pressure of from 75 to 100 mm. water. In the species lacking a gall bladder, the sphincter would not withstand pressure, or only pressures of less than 30 mm. water. While anatomic studies have shown that a sphincter is present in each species lacking a gall bladder, the sphincter does not seem to functionate appreciably.
Optimization of Ultrasound Transducer Positioning for Endotracheal Tube Placement Confirmation in Cadaveric Model.

Objectives Sonography has been suggested as a possible means of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement confirmation. However, optimum ultrasound transducer placement has not been established. Using a cadaveric model, ETT placement by the sonographic appearance at the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and suprasternal notch in the upper airway was assessed to determine which ultrasound transducer placement offered the most optimal images for ETT confirmation in the airway. Methods One provider intubated 5 cadavers, with the ultrasound transducer at each of the 3 levels, for a total of 30 intubations per specimen, while 2 providers assigned a visual score of 1 (subtle), 2 (clear), or 3 (pronounced) to each sonogram of the ETT in the airway. Results At the level of the thyroid cartilage, tracheal intubation was detected at a rate of 40%, with a median visualization scale of 1 (subtle movement). At the level of the cricoid cartilage, the visualization scale improved to a median of 2 (clear movement), with a 70% intubation detection rate. At the level of the suprasternal notch, 100% of the tracheal intubations were visualized on sonography, with a median score of 3 (pronounced movement). Conclusions In comparing sonographic detection of ETT placement at 3 levels of the upper airway in a cadaveric model, our results clearly indicate that visualization was superior at the level of the suprasternal notch, with 100% of intubations detected with the best visualization scores.
Practical corrections for p(H,D) measurements in mixed H2O/D2O biological buffers

Mixtures of light and heavy water are used in NMR, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), growth media for producing deuterated biological molecules, and analytical methods such as hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry. It is common to measure the pH of these solutions with a combination glass electrode with all chambers filled with aqueous (H2O) potassium chloride solutions. In the daily measurement of samples containing mixtures of H2O with D2O in some ratio – call this measurement p(H,D) – we generally do not control for all of the contributions to the differences measured in carefully controlled electrochemical experiments. For example, the calibration solutions contain relatively low concentrations of the calibrant buffer with low or no added salt. Meanwhile the tested solutions can contain widely varying levels of any number of different salts as well as both polar and nonpolar organics and polymers and proteins. In this note, the p(H,D) behaviors of 50 mM solutions of five different buffers used in biological in vitro solutions were measured over the full range of H2O : D2O ratios in the open atmosphere. After calibration, pH measurements were made with the buffer solutions alone and with 100 mM KCl added to model a significant ionic strength difference. The solutions consisted of 1 : 1 volume mixtures of the acid and base forms of acetate, monobasic/dibasic phosphate, 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol (tris), 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol (HEPES), and glycine to span the common, full range for biological buffers. The pH values of the 1 : 1 mixtures mean that the measurements were, in fact, of their formal pKa values. Each of the buffers exhibited a unique pattern of behavior, and none of them exhibited a measured ΔpKa = pKDa − pKHa as large as 0.4, a value that has been suggested to be added to a pH measured in H2O to match the equivalent pD measured in D2O. The results do indicate that when a reasonable, required accuracy for pH measurement is ±0.1 units, three general guidelines apply: (1) where p(H,D) values are less than 8 for any D2O content, no correction is needed for the p(H,D) measurement when comparing it to pHH; (2) for less than 50% D2O, if the 8 8, any corrections required will depend on the specific conditions and the specific buffer. Outside of the range 4 < p(H,D) < 10 or for needed greater accuracy, any corrections required will depend on the specific conditions and the identity of the buffer.
Einstein: Philosophisches Rätsel gelöst (25.11.1915)

Sind Ruhe und Bewegung absolute Grosen oder sind sie lediglich vom gewahlten Bezugssystem abhangig, also relativ? Diese alte philosophische Frage, die auch im Streit um die geozentrische oder heliozentrische Beschreibung des Planetensystems eine Rolle spielte, wurde von Albert Einstein 1915 durch die Allgemeine Relativitatstheorie (ART) beantwortet. Diese ist eine Synthese seiner Speziellen Relativitatstheorie (SRT) mit der klassischen Newtonschen Gravitationslehre. In der SRT ist die Lichtgeschwindigkeit anstelle der Zeit eine absolute Grose, unabhangig vom Bezugssystem, was durch eine besondere Geometrie im vierdimensionalen Raum-Zeit-Kontinuum ( ”Raumzeit“) beschrieben wird. Isaac Newton erkannte, dass sich frei fallende Massen durch die Raumzeit auf Bahnen bewegen, die von der Grose der Masse unabhangig sind. Diese Bahnen werden in der ART zu Geodaten einer Riemannschen Metrik auf der Raumzeit, die lokal aber nicht (wie bei Riemann) die euklidische Geometrie, sondern die der SRT approximiert. Wie Newtons Gravitationsfeld durch grose Massen erzeugt wird, ist auch die Metrik der ART bestimmt von der Verteilung vonMasse und Energie, dem ”Massetensor“, denn dieser ist laut ART dem ”Einstein-Tensor“ gleich, einer Kombination von Krummungen der Metrik.
Boll sampling protocols and their impact on measurements of cotton fiber quality

Abstract Within plant fiber variability has long contributed to discrepancy and inconsistency in fiber quality and yarn quality. Fiber quality uniformity is a primary plant breeding objective related to cotton commodity economic value. The physiological impact of source and sink relationships render stress on the upper sympodial branches of the cotton plants thereby leading to reduced genetic potential for fiber growth. Objectives of this study were to quantify variability within the top and bottom halves of the plants and evaluate various boll sampling protocols for efficient fiber quality estimation. This research was conducted in College Station, Texas for three years in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research farm. Ten fiber samples were collected from each plot varying in boll numbers and regions within the plant and compared against a machine harvested sample. Fiber quality testing was done using High Volume Instrument (HVI) and Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS). Statistical analyses inclusive of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and correlations among fiber properties were performed. It was concluded that the best boll sampling method for accurate fiber quality estimation included a mixed sample of at least 25 bolls picked from all regions of the plant. A statistic to identify the least variable genotype was calculated using the difference between top and bottom bolls. It was concluded that the extent of variability within a plant for fiber length and length uniformity are genotype dependent. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships among fiber length uniformity, strength, UHML, maturity ratio, and fineness. Strong negative relationships of fiber length measurements with short fiber content and immature fiber content were observed. Correlation analysis within the bottom and top bolls of the plants revealed opposite trends in fiber relationships.
Phase 1 healthy volunteer willingness to participate and enrollment preferences

Background/aims:Healthy volunteers in phase 1 clinical trials contribute to the development of safe drugs and other biologics and accept risks and burdens without anticipated health benefits from p...
Array calibration in the presence of linear manifold distortion

We consider the problem of calibrating an antenna array using received signals from known or unknown directions. A linear distortion model is used to characterize the mismatch between the true and assumed array manifolds. An iterative algorithm is presented for the joint estimation of the directions-of-arrival and the distortion matrix based on data collected during multiple time intervals.
QUANTUM SOLITON IN QED IN S1 × R2 SPACETIME

We consider QED in S1 × R2 spacetime. We show that there exists a kink-like soliton. This soliton does not exist in the classical theory, but arises through competing quantum and classical effects. We also provide a calculation which supports the use of the effective potential in obtaining the soliton.
Planning, Scheduling, and Timetabling in Transportation

The second section of this chapter focuses on oil tanker scheduling. These models are used in practice in a rolling horizon manner. Among all models discussed in this chapter, this one is the easiest to formulate. The subsequent section considers aircraft routing and scheduling. In aircraft routing and scheduling the goal is to create a periodic (daily) timetable. In a certain sense this model is an extension of the model for oil tanker scheduling. The integer programming formulation of the aircraft routing and scheduling problem is very similar to the formulation described for the oil tanker scheduling problem; however, in the airline case there are additional constraints that enforce periodicity. The fourth section discusses timetabling of trains. Track capacity constraints in railway operations specify that one train can pass another only at a station, and not in between stations. The fifth section describes the airline routing and scheduling systems designed and implemented by Jeppesen Systems. The discussion section focuses on the similarities and differences between tanker scheduling, a irline routing and scheduling, and train timetabling.
Statistical software for analyzing the health effects of multiple concurrent exposures via Bayesian kernel machine regression

Estimating the health effects of multi-pollutant mixtures is of increasing interest in environmental epidemiology. Recently, a new approach for estimating the health effects of mixtures, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), has been developed. This method estimates the multivariable exposure-response function in a flexible and parsimonious way, conducts variable selection on the (potentially high-dimensional) vector of exposures, and allows for a grouped variable selection approach that can accommodate highly correlated exposures. However, the application of this novel method has been limited by a lack of available software, the need to derive interpretable output in a computationally efficient manner, and the inability to apply the method to non-continuous outcome variables. This paper addresses these limitations by (i) introducing an open-source software package in the R programming language, the bkmr R package, (ii) demonstrating methods for visualizing high-dimensional exposure-response functions, and for estimating scientifically relevant summaries, (iii) illustrating a probit regression implementation of BKMR for binary outcomes, and (iv) describing a fast version of BKMR that utilizes a Gaussian predictive process approach. All of the methods are illustrated using fully reproducible examples with the provided R code. Applying the methods to a continuous outcome example illustrated the ability of the BKMR implementation to estimate the health effects of multi-pollutant mixtures in the context of a highly nonlinear, biologically-based dose-response function, and to estimate overall, single-exposure, and interactive health effects. The Gaussian predictive process method led to a substantial reduction in the runtime, without a major decrease in accuracy. In the setting of a larger number of exposures and a dichotomous outcome, the probit BKMR implementation was able to correctly identify the variables included in the exposure-response function and yielded interpretable quantities on the scale of a latent continuous outcome or on the scale of the outcome probability. This newly developed software, integrated suite of tools, and extended methodology makes BKMR accessible for use across a broad range of epidemiological applications in which multiple risk factors have complex effects on health.
Multi-methodology research and democratization studies: intellectual bridges among islands of specialization

This article offers an assessment of recent research employing multi-methodology approaches, both of the triangulation and integrative varieties, in the field of democratization studies. I argue th...
Evaluating the Relationship of Animal Temperament to Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality

The purpose of this study was to compare meat quality and sensory characteristics of steaks from longissimus dorsi of steers with different temperaments. Calves (n = 49; 314kg) were processed and scored for temperament according to Beef Improvement Federation Guidelines and divided into three groups: Docile (D), Restless (R) and Nervous-Flighty (NF). Steers were housed with access to pasture then transferred to a research feedlot until harvest and processed with carcass data recorded. Striploins were wet-aged for 14 d before, frozen and were then cut into 2.54 cm steaks, and individually vacuum packed. Instrumental color was measured on thawed and tray overwrapped steaks on d 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 of simulated retail display. The CIE L*, a*, and b* color values were collected and oxymyoglobin, hue angle and saturation index values were calculated. A 7-member trained sensory panel evaluated steak samples for myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount, overall tenderness, juiciness, and beef flavor intensity. The NF group had reduced (P 0.05) between groups for redness (a*), saturation index, and oxymyoglobin ratio were observed. Display time affected color with d 0 being redder (a*; P 0.05) in off-flavor between the temperament groups. Temperament had minimal effect on carcass characteristics except hot carcass weight. Sensory panelists detected differences between temperament groups.
What Can Be: Stakeholder Perspectives for a Sustainable Food System

Any multistakeholder initiative that aims to build the basis for change in a food system, regardless of geographic scale, requires an understanding of what is important to stakeholders, how they view the boundaries of the system, and what changes they feel are needed. An assessment of stakeholder perspectives of the Phoenix Valley food system was conducted as an initial step in a process of food system coalition-building. The objectives of the research were to explore how active partici­pants in the food system visualized a “sustainable food system” and to juxtapose their perspectives on food system sustainability with those in the academic literature to create an initial picture of food sustainability. Respondents emphasized the importance of education, local food, reducing corporate power, and a strong desire to build a sense of community to better serve vulnerable communities. Nevertheless, the responses also revealed the difficulty of conceptualizing food system boundaries for intervention and the confla­tion of realist and idealist perspectives on what food systems are or could be. Stakeholders placed considerable weight on localism and the power of education and “demand constraint” on improving food system outcomes, while also attributing the root cause of Phoenix’s problems to broader-scale structural factors that were outside of their control or capacity to influence. This case study describes the potential utility of conducting such preliminary assessments in other cities, allowing stakeholders to reflect on their interests, agency, and capacities in the food system space prior to any efforts to build consensus and take collective action. We argue that this process is a crucial first step in any work on building alternative food systems, as it allows hidden areas of contestation (beliefs, values, goals) to arise. This enables participants to begin addres­sing differences and fostering trust, cooperation, and inclusiveness—thus ensuring the longevity of the coalition or group. See the press release for this article.
Stereochemistry of olefins—VIII

Abstract Assignment of stereochemistry using the d—d transitions of platinum (II)-olefin complexes has been developed and a quadrant rule evolved. The treatment has been applied to complexes of both mono- and di-olefins. In an appendix possible extension of this concept to palladium complexes is indicated.
Sticky reflecting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck diffusions and the Vasicek interest rate model with the sticky zero lower bound

This article studies Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) diffusions with sticky reflection at zero. Sticky reflecting OU diffusions are defined as weak solutions of a system of SDEs involving the local time at...
Does the format of design information affect hazard recognition performance in construction hazard prevention through design reviews

Abstract A series of simulated design for safety reviews with civil engineering students, construction and engineering designers, and construction supervisors were conducted across the United States to explore the effects that different formats of design information have on hazard recognition performance during construction hazard prevention through design (CHPtD) reviews. In total, 117 participants were provided one of three information formats including: two-dimensional (2D) computer aided design (CAD) drawings, three-dimensional (3D) computerized visualizations, and a combination of the two (2D & 3D). Participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups using blocked counterbalanced design. In the experiment, participants were asked to explore the design and identify as many safety hazards as possible for three separate construction work activities: rooftop skylight installation, interior soffit drywall installation, and interior metal wall stud framing. Mean and dispersion and ANOVA tests suggest that the format of design information did not have any significant effects on the hazard recognition skill during CHPtD reviews. These findings challenge the pervasive assumption that three-dimensional design information is superior to two-dimensional information in terms of safety planning. The primary theoretical contribution of this research lies in the exploration of how design information affects the ability of an individual to forecast and address construction dangers from different abstractions of the target facility. The practical implication of the findings is that the format of design information may be far less important than the experience of the professionals and the time they invest in searching for and correcting hazards.
Computational Study of the Ene/Rearrangement Reaction between (F3C)2B═NMe2, 1, and Acetonitrile: Reactant-Catalyzed Mechanism of the Ketenimine─Nitrile-Like Rearrangement

The reaction between (F3C)2B═NMe2, 1, and acetonitrile at low temperature in pentane yields a bora-acetonitrile rather than the expected coordination complex. This appears to arise from the two undergoing an ene reaction followed by a rearrangement analogous to a ketenimine-nitrile rearrangement. Computational studies indicate that mechanistic steps suggested for the latter require energies too large for the reaction to take place under the experimental conditions. Instead, a mechanism in which the ene reaction product is attacked by a second molecule of 1, followed by hydrogen transfer and decomposition, exhibits barriers lower than that for the ene reaction. The mechanism implies that the fragment of 1 in the observed product is not the one that underwent the ene reaction. The ene reaction barrier is rate-determining, and it is low enough to conform to the experimental conditions.
Abstract 423: Kinase Independent Signaling of PI3Kγ Mediates Cardiac Fibrosis

Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase γ (PI3Kγ) belongs to a family of lipid kinases genetic deletion of which leads to pressure overload induced cardiac fibrosis in mice. However, the mechanism by which PI3Kγ...
Pathology and Cardiotoxicity of the Epicardial Adipose Tissue

Intra-organ fatty infiltration is associated with end-organ damages and increased cardiovascular risk. Ectopic fat deposition occurs also within the heart and may cause a metabolic cardiomyopathy. Epicardial fat (EAT) can be considered ectopic fat accumulation of the heart. Epicardial fat and intra-myocardial triglycerides content are related. Excessive EAT can produce lipotoxic effects throughout an abnormal lipid deposition and fatty infiltration in the myocardium. As cardiomyocytes fat storage capacity is very limited, high levels of plasma lipids cause cardiac steatosis, hypertrophy, dysfunction, and ultimately failure, as observed in morbid obesity and uncontrolled diabetes. Due to its anatomical and functional vicinity to the myocardium, EAT can affect the morphology and function of all of the heart chambers. Increased epicardial fat has been largely associated with increased left ventricular mass, abnormal geometry, enlarged atria, and diastolic dysfunction. Multifactorial physical and biomolecular mechanisms can explain the effects of excessive EAT on the heart.
Visible-Light-Driven Triplet Sensitization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Thionated Perinones

Metal-free chromophores that efficiently generate triplet excited states represent promising alternatives with respect to transition metal-containing photosensitizers, such as those featuring metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states. However, such molecular constructs have remained underexplored due to the unclear relationship(s) between molecular structure and efficient/rapid intersystem crossing. In this regard, we present a series of three thionated perinone chromophores serving as a newly conceived class of heavy metal-free triplet photosensitizers. We demonstrate that thionation of the lone C═O substituent in each highly fluorescent perinone imparts red-shifted absorbance bands that maintain intense extinction coefficients across the visible spectrum, as well as unusually efficient triplet excited state formation as inferred from the measured singlet O2 quantum yields at 1270 nm (ΦΔ = 0.78-1.0). Electronic structure calculations revealed the emergence of a low energy S1 (n → π*) excited state in the proximity of a slightly higher energy S2 (π → π*) excited state. The distinct character in each of the two lowest-lying singlet state manifolds resulted in the energetic inversion of the corresponding triplet excited states due to differences in electron exchange interactions. Rapid S1 → T1 intersystem crossing was thereby facilitated in this manner through spin-orbit coupling as predicted by the El Sayed rules. The lifetimes of the resultant triplet excited states persisted into the microsecond time regime, as measured by transient absorbance spectroscopy, enabling effective bimolecular triplet sensitization of some common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The synthetically facile interchange of a single O atom to an S atom in the investigated perinones resulted in marked changes to their photophysical properties, namely, conversion of dominant singlet state fluorescence in the former to long-lived triplet excited states in the latter. The combined results suggest a general strategy for accessing long-lived triplet excited states in organic chromophores featuring a lone C═O moiety residing within its structure, valuable for the design of metal-free triplet photosensitizers.
Menachem Begin and the Israel-Egypt Peace Process: Between Ideology and Political Realism: by Gerald M. Steinberg and Ziv Rubinovitz. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2019. 261 pp., $ 50.00 hardcover.

In his 1985 memoir, The Making of a Public Man, Ambassador Sol Linowitz recalled an early encounter he had with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin while serving as a negotiator for President Jim...
Monolithically Integrated Parametric Mixers With Time-Varying Transmission Lines (TVTLs)

Mixers are frequency conversion devices that are widely used in radio applications. This article presents an in-depth theoretical study on the parametric mixing and amplification performance of the time-varying transmission lines (TVTLs) and utilizes the concept to design two TVTL parametric mixers on a commercially available InGaP HBT process. Unlike traditional passive mixers, these parametric mixers can provide a mild conversion gain and achieve a relatively low-noise figure. For the traveling-wave TVTL, the theory of the parametric mixing with the single-sideband condition is reviewed and compared with the double-sideband mixing case. The noise performance analysis shows that the noise figure of the TVTL can be made arbitrarily low to the quantum noise limit through the input reactive termination. The theory serves as a guideline for the design of MMIC parametric mixers. Measurement results have shown that the MMIC traveling-wave TVTL can achieve a maximum of 2.1-dB conversion gain. The mean noise figure was 2.7 dB within the measured frequency band. For the reflective TVTL parametric mixer, the conversion gain and the pump power consumption can be significantly improved. The noise figure, however, is degraded due to the multiple reflections created in the matching circuit. These conclusions are supported by theoretical analyses, ADS harmonic balance simulations, and experiments in this article.
Medicaid Expansion and Mortality Among Patients With Breast, Lung, and Colorectal Cancer.

Importance Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may be associated with increased screening and may improve access to earlier treatment for cancer, but its association with mortality for patients with cancer is uncertain. Objective To determine whether Medicaid expansion is associated with improved mortality among patients with cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference (DID), cross-sectional, population-based study. Patients in the National Cancer Database with breast, lung, or colorectal cancer newly diagnosed from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, were included. Data analysis was performed from January to May 2020. Exposure Living in a state where Medicaid was expanded vs a nonexpansion state. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was mortality rate according to whether the patient lived in a state where Medicaid was expanded. Results A total of 523 802 patients (385 739 women [73.6%]; mean [SD] age, 54.8 [6.5] years) had a new diagnosis of invasive breast (273 272 patients [52.2%]), colorectal (111 720 patients [21.3%]), or lung (138 810 patients [26.5%]) cancer; 289 330 patients (55.2%) lived in Medicaid expansion states, and 234 472 patients (44.8%) lived in nonexpansion states. After Medicaid expansion, mortality significantly decreased in expansion states (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99;P = .008) but not in nonexpansion states (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.02;P = .43), resulting in a significant DID (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05;P = .01). This difference was seen primarily in patients with nonmetastatic cancer (stages I-III). After adjusting for cancer stage, the mortality improvement in expansion states from the periods before and after expansion was no longer evident (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02;P = .94), nor was the difference between expansion vs nonexpansion states (DID HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02;P = .84). Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with newly diagnosed breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, Medicaid expansion was associated with a decreased hazard of mortality in the postexpansion period, which was mediated by earlier stage of diagnosis.
The organ thieves: The shocking story of the first heart transplant in the segregated south.

On May 25, 1968, the heart of Bruce Tucker was transplanted into Joseph G. Klett at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Hospital. This was recorded as the world's 16th heart transplant during a time when there was a feverish race for a successful heart transplant program. What made this transplant concerning is that Mr. Tucker was a working-class Black man, Mr. Klett was a successful White business man, and Mr. Tucker's family was unaware of the "donation" at the time that it occurred. Mr. Tucker suffered a traumatic head injury after falling off of a 3-foot wall the day before. Mr. Tucker's brother, William, sued MCV and lost at the hands of an all-White jury. The events surrounding the transplant and the subsequent legal case are detailed in The Organ Thieves.
Synthetic CT-based multi-organ segmentation in cone beam CT for adaptive pancreatic radiotherapy

The inter-fraction motion management of pancreatic radiotherapy remains a challenge in current clinical practice. CBCT-based adaptive radiotherapy is an emerging technique for either offline or online plan adaptations. Accurately delineating tumor targets and organs-at-risk (OARs) is an important step in adaptive re-planning process; however, manual delineation can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Especially for online adaptation, rapid re-planning is generally required. In this study, we present a fully automated delineation method to expedite the contouring process of adaptive radiotherapy re-planning and dose-volume based plan evaluation and monitoring. In particular, to avoid scatter artifact from CBCT and improve the image quality, a cycle-consistent adversarial network was firstly used to generate synthetic CT given CBCT. Then, a mask scoring regional neural network (RCNN) has been developed to extract the features from synthetic CT for obtaining final segmentation. Metrics including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance 95% (HD95), mean surface distance (MSD), and residual mean square distance (RMS) were used to evaluate our proposed method. Overall, DSC values ranging from 0.82 to 0.94 were achieved among 8 organs.
The material foundations of a low-carbon economy

The transition to a low-carbon environment is rapidly accelerating and with it the potential for severe environmental and social degradation. The extraction and processing of key materials have already begun to affect developing economies, and policy changes are essential to ensuring a just transition.
Epilepsy at the intersection of disability, gender, and culture: A duoethnography.

Abstract Epilepsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of adults and children. Several different types of seizures, ranging from generalized which affect both sides of the brain to focal seizures that are rooted in one location of the brain. In addition to the physical impact of epilepsy, there are many emotional and identity consequences of living with epilepsy. An area that is not yet explored is the impact of epilepsy on the lives of women of color. In this paper, we fill this gap by exploring the experiences of two women of color who have had epilepsy beginning in early childhood through motherhood. One of the women is Mexican-American and an early career faculty in social work. The other identifies as a Chinese immigrant doctoral student in disability studies. Together, these stories bring to the literature voices that have not been actively engaged by epilepsy research or academia. We use a duoethnographic approach in this work given that this method provides an opportunity to explore identity and intersectionality and juxtapose our narratives surrounding epilepsy. By applying disability critical race theory (DisCrit) to our narratives, we identified how fluctuating epileptic symptoms, gender, and culture, interact with the layers of our epileptic identities. Furthermore, we discuss how our experiences with epilepsy exposes the lack of accommodative efforts in both the healthcare and education systems for individuals with invisible neurodevelopmental disabilities. This duoethnography has important implications for engaging youth with epilepsy and other invisible disabilities. By showcasing our journey of “coming to terms” with epilepsy, our dialog provides insights into how to support youth in building a positive disability identity. Our experiences in academia set up a basis to discuss accommodations for students with epilepsy and other invisible disabilities.
Rapid antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in pediatric healthcare workers.

Background The durability of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remains unknown. Our objective was to evaluate a rapid SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibody detection kit as a qualitative screen for humoral response to vaccination. Methods Study participants (n=125) included pediatric healthcare workers (HCW) who received 2 doses of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Participants were tested on study entry 3/12/21-4/9/21. The mean number of days post 2nd dose was 22 (range: 17-36). Participants were tested for IgM/IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the RightSign COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. ELISA/Competitive Inhibition ELISA (CI-ELISA) were subsequently run to assess for neutralization effect and SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid IgM/IgG antibodies. Results 98.4% of participants were IgG+ and 0.8% were IgM+ on rapid RightSign testing. Of those with IgG+ results, 100% were anti-spike protein IgG+ on CI-ELISA; none who tested IgG- via the rapid test were IgG+ on CI-ELISA. All HCWs who tested RightSign positive demonstrated neutralizing capability on CI-ELISA. 1.6% demonstrated anti-nucleocapsid IgM antibodies; 5.6% demonstrated anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. Conclusion The strong agreement between the rapid RightSign IgG results and confirmatory CI-ELISA testing suggests this test may be used to assess for positive, and neutralizing, antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Posttraumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

We report a case of posttraumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus, which resulted after a fall from a six-foot ladder. This patient presented with multiple injuries to the skull bones, face, and limbs. A diagnosis of ulnar translocation of the carpus was missed on initial radiographs. Ulnar translocations require a high clinical index of suspicion and should be considered in the context of any high-impact injury to the wrist. A volar fleck just distal to the radial articular surface represents evidence of ligamentous disruption and should alert physicians that a more severe injury may be present. Nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are reviewed.
Thermal and magnetic measurements on YBa2Cu3O7−y

Specific heat measurements in zero and7T magnetic fields from 0·4 to 100 K, and magnetic susceptibility measurements aboveT c on a series of polycrystalline samples of YBa2Cu3O7−y (YBCO) reveal a number of regularities. The size of ΔC(T c )/T c for the samples [ΔC(T c ) is the jump in the specific heat atT c ] appears to vary linearly with the low-temperature value of the Debye Θ, with the entropy change between ≈ 85 K andT c induced by the application of a 7 Г magnetic field, and with the variation of the observed low temperatureγ with magnetic field, dγ/dH. On the other hand the temperature-independent part of the magnetic susceptibility aboveT c appears to be essentially independent of ΔC(T c )/T c . These results are consistent with the idea that samples of YBCO belowT c are a mixture of superconducting and normal phases.
1. While millions and millions of lives have been saved, organ transplantation still faces massive problems after 50 years; organ preservation is a big part of the solution

Heart transplantation is the therapy of choice for selected patients with end-stage heart diseases. Despite its life saving therapeutic potential, heart transplantation is currently facing significant challenges: (i) the number of heart transplantation surgeries has remained static or declined in some geographies; (ii) donor heart utilization has remains limited to approximately 30% of available donors annually; (iii) primary graft dysfunction/failure continues to contribute significantly to post-operative morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation. Despite significant progress in most aspects of heart transplantation (i.e. donor management, operative technique, immunosuppressive regimens, and post-operative care), the technique for donor heart preservation remains cold ischemic storage. Cold ischemic preservation has several clinical and metabolic limitations: (a) It subjects the donor hearts to time-dependent ischemic and subsequent reperfusion injuries that could impair heart function post-transplant. This causes transplanting physicians to only select those hearts most likely to withstand the potential damage associated with cold ischemic preservation. It also imposes significant time and geographical limitations on the heart retrieval process, adversely impacting the utilization of available donor hearts. (b) It lacks any resuscitative capabilities. The brain dead donor milieu is known to adversely affect donor heart function and may lead to refusal of “acceptable” donor hearts and consequently under-utilization of the available donor heart pool. (c) It lacks any ability to evaluate the donor hearts’ metabolic state or function after procurement and during preservation, to determine the suitability of the donor hearts for transplantation. The portable Organ Care System (OCS) Heart technology is the first and only clinical platform to maintain the donor hearts in a warm, beating, near-physiologic state ex-vivo, for transplantation. OCS has several potential clinical advantages: (1) It reduces the time-dependent ischemic injury to the donor hearts during preservation. (2) It allows optimization of donor heart ex-vivo environment, by optimizing oxygen and substrate delivery, while also replenishing key hormones and nutrients that are depleted due to donor brain death. (3) It allows ex-vivo assessment of the donor heart by determining the adequacy of the perfusion, using standard clinical (perfusion pressures, coronary flow and EKG) and chemical parameters (circulating arterial and venous lactate level) to allow physicians to judge the suitability of the organ for transplantation, thus minimizing the risk of transplanting diseased hearts into recipients. The PROCEED study reports the results of the international, multi-center, prospective, randomized non-inferiority trial comparing the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing heart transplantation with donor hearts preserved on OCS vs. standard of care cold ischemic preservation.
Chicano, Hispanic, or Mexican American: What's in a Name?.

This study examined the impact of three ethnic labels—Chicanos, Hispanics, and Mexican Americans—on the stereotyping behavior of a sample of white university undergraduates. Using the Katz and Braly (1933) paradigm, two hypotheses were tested. First, it was expected that “Chicanos” would receive a larger percentage of subjects selecting negative stereotypes than would “Hispanics” or “Mexican Americans” (Mexican Americans were expected to be stereotyped most positively). Second, the rate of stereotyping behavior was expected to be affected in similar ways. Results gave modest support for the first hypothesis—Chicanos were more often viewed as ignorant and cruel, for example—but only obtained nonsignificant trends for the second hypothesis. These results are discussed in terms of the importance of ethnic labels in racial attitude development and maintenance and of the need for additional research.