cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Annotated Bibliography of the Face Fly, Musca Autumnaus (Diptera: Muscidae)

The face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer, is currently believed to be Palaearctic in origin. It is known to be present in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America (Hennig 1964). The species seemed to be of minor importance until its introduction into North America ca. 1952 (Vockeroth 1953). The rapid spread of face fly populations throughout the United States and southern Canada during the past 30 years has caused much concern among livestock producers because of resulting annoyance to cattle. The flies' habit of overwintering in houses and similar buildings has brought them to the attention of the general rural population.
Imaging of Inflammation in Unexplained Cardiomyopathy

Myocarditis is a recognized but underdiagnosed cause of cardiomyopathy due to its wide clinical spectrum and nonspecific presentation. Accurate diagnosis is important because 25% of patients with acute myocarditis develop cardiomyopathy, and of those, approximately 5% per year require heart transplantation or die. Current guidelines for the recognition and treatment of the inflammatory cardiomyopathies are limited. The gold standard for diagnosis, endomyocardial biopsy, has low sensitivity, and thus, multimodality imaging of inflammation plays a crucial role in defining the cardiac abnormalities and in assisting with diagnosis and management. The literature on inflammatory cardiomyopathies is limited to small studies of selected populations due to the diverse etiologies and inherent difficulties in definitive diagnosis. This review focuses on the current and projected use of various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging to better define inflammatory cardiomyopathies and aid in their management; it specifically focuses on cardiac sarcoidosis, and giant cell, eosinophilic, and lymphocytic myocarditis.
Knowledge and Habits Survey on Hand Hygiene of Medical Staff

Objective To investigate the hand-hygiene knowledge and habits among the medical staff of a children's hospital. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 300 medical professionals by stratified cluster sampling from a children's hospital in April,2010. Results The medical professionals had insufficient understanding of hand-hygiene and lacked good hand-hygiene habits. Conclusions Medical staff's insufficient hand-hygiene knowledge may be one of the important factors to induce their poor hand-hygiene habits.
Effects of heavy hazy episode on daily life and health among residents in Lishan district of Anshan city

Objective To assess acute effects of the continuous and heavy hazy weather occurred in January 2013 on the quality of daily life and health of residents in Lishan district of Anshan city. Methods A total of 2 350 subjects aged over 18 years were randomly selected from Lishan district of Anshan with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Demographic information,the influences of hazy weather on daily life,irritating symptoms,consultations in hospitals and / or drug administration for respiratory and / or cardiovascular diseases,and methods taken to cope with the bad weather were investigated during 1- 7,January 2013. Results The response rate was 91. 15%. Of the residents,60% and 70% felt smoky and reduced outdoor activities or exercises; 1 /4th reported dusty smell in the air and cought; 1 /5th had throat pain or misted eye. We found significantly positive correlations among the scores of daily life influence,irritating symptoms,medical consultations and / or drug administration for respiratory or cardiovascular diseases after adjustment for age, sex,education,address,smoking and disease history,with the correlation coefficients of 0. 27 to 0. 76. Conclusion The heavy hazy episode significantly increased the incidence of respiratory and other mucosa irritating symptoms and reduced the daily life quality of the residents and the residents with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are more likely to be influenced by the heavy air pollution.
Cooperating without co-laboring: How formal organizational power moderates cross-functional interaction in project teams.

I examine how different distributions of ownership and governance rights in firms affect the optimal organization of cross-functional project teams for knowledge-intensive work. I analyze multi-method data from two competing automated manufacturing equipment engineering firms with contrasting formal power structures, one a worker cooperative with ownership and governance rights distributed across occupations and the other a conventional firm with ownership and governance rights concentrated in the hands of several senior workers in one occupational group. Contrary to prior research, my findings suggest that when collective tasks are uncertain and complex, the benefits of cross-functional interactions depend on organizations’ formal power structure: cross-functional interactions improve teams’ productivity in the context of concentrated ownership and governance rights but not when ownership and governance rights are widely distributed among workers. Fieldwork at the two firms revealed three mechanisms by w...
A High-Order Low-Order Algorithm with Exponentially Convergent Monte Carlo for Thermal Radiative Transfer

We have implemented a new high-order low-order (HOLO) algorithm for solving thermal radiative transfer problems. The low-order (LO) system is based on the spatial and angular moments of the transpo...
Global mapping of attenuation at RF frequencies; application to spaceborne communication and RF systems

The propagation of radio waves for Earth-space slant path at C-band and higher frequencies are dominated by precipitation in the atmosphere. At a given frequency, attenuation depends on the length of the radio path, the size distribution and the phase state of the hydrometeor profile. Using the observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) space-borne Ku-band (13.8GHz) radar at Low Earth Orbit of 350km above earth, global attenuation maps are produced at the Ku-band frequency. A simple microphysical model for precipitation developed using hydrometeor size distributions and thermodynamic phase state is used to estimate attenuation and reflectivity observations at Ka-band (35GHz) where numerous high bandwidth satellite applications are being planned including the next generation space-based radar for the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). Differences in the microphysical structure in convective and stratiform precipitation are also incorporated in the model. The results show substantial attenuation variation in a 12-month period at both Ku- and Ka-bands over the various regions of the globe, including the contrast between land and ocean. The estimates of attenuation made at Ku- and Ka-band will be useful in the design and development of space-borne communications and RF systems.
Na2Ti3O7 Nanoplatelets and Nanosheets Derived from a Modified Exfoliation Process for Use as a High-Capacity Sodium-Ion Negative Electrode

The increasing interest in Na-ion batteries (NIBs) can be traced to sodium abundance, its low cost compared to lithium, and its intercalation chemistry being similar to that of lithium. We report that the electrochemical properties of a promising negative electrode material, Na2Ti3O7, are improved by exfoliating its layered structure and forming 2D nanoscale morphologies, nanoplatelets, and nanosheets. Exfoliation of Na2Ti3O7 was carried out by controlling the amount of proton exchange for Na+ and then proceeding with the intercalation of larger cations such as methylammonium and propylammonium. An optimized mixture of nanoplatelets and nanosheets exhibited the best electrochemical performance in terms of high capacities in the range of 100-150 mA h g-1 at high rates with stable cycling over several hundred cycles. These properties far exceed those of the corresponding bulk material, which is characterized by slow charge-storage kinetics and poor long-term stability. The results reported in this study demonstrate that charge-storage processes directed at 2D morphologies of surfaces and few layers of sheets are an exciting direction for improving the energy and power density of electrode materials for NIBs.
The nature of photoinduced phase transition and metastable states in vanadium dioxide.

Photoinduced threshold switching processes that lead to bistability and the formation of metastable phases in photoinduced phase transition of VO2 are elucidated through ultrafast electron diffraction and diffusive scattering techniques with varying excitation wavelengths. We uncover two distinct regimes of the dynamical phase change: a nearly instantaneous crossover into an intermediate state and its decay led by lattice instabilities over 10 ps timescales. The structure of this intermediate state is identified to be monoclinic, but more akin to M2 rather than M1 based on structure refinements. The extinction of all major monoclinic features within just a few picoseconds at the above-threshold-level (~20%) photoexcitations and the distinct dynamics in diffusive scattering that represents medium-range atomic fluctuations at two photon wavelengths strongly suggest a density-driven and nonthermal pathway for the initial process of the photoinduced phase transition. These results highlight the critical roles of electron correlations and lattice instabilities in driving and controlling phase transformations far from equilibrium.
Cord Blood NK Cytotoxic Activity Can Be Selelctively Modulated by Accessory.

Introduction The expansion of cord blood (CB) derived natural killer (NK) cells is a promising cell therapy approach. CB NK cell expansion and activation has proven to be feasible and effective. However, the selectivity of NK killing in an allograft setting raises concern. Accessory cells, in particular dendritic cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been shown to interact with and modulate NK cell proliferation and function. We explored the ability of accessory cells to modulate NK activity in the setting of clinically-relevant CB NK expansion protocols. Methods Human MSCs were isolated from normal bone marrow donors. 5 × 10 6 CD56-selected NK cells or 5 × 10 7 unselected or CD3-depleted CB mononuclear cells (MNC) (averaging 10% CD56+ NK cells) were layered on top of the MSCs in the presence of 200u/mL IL-2. CB NK cells were tested for cytolytic activity by 51 Cr release assay using MSCs and K562 AML cells. IFN-g secretion was detected by Elispot assay. Results Cord blood-derived NK cells activated by exposure to IL-2 efficiently kill allogeneic MSCs in vitro . A 4 hour chromium release assay revealed that CD56-selected CB NK cells lysed 60% of allogeneic MSCs at E:T ratio 10:1. MSC co-culture with CB NK induced IFN-g secretion as determined by IFN-γ Elispot assay. In contrast, unselected or CD3-depleted CB MNCs with equal numbers of CD56+ NK cells were unable to lyse MSCs despite IL-2 activation. This suggests that CB accessory cells can modulate the activation or cytolytic activity of CB-derived NK cells. To address these two possibilities, we tested the ability of these CB cultures to kill a classic NK target, K562 human myeloid leukemia cells. Surprisingly, in all three CB cultures NK efficiently lysed K562 cells, 95% of lysis at 10:1 E:T ratio by chromium release assay suggesting that these accessory cells did not prevent IL-2 activation of NK cells, but selectively-modulated the cytolytic activity. Thus, preserving anti-leukemia killing while protecting non-malignant MSCs. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for selective modulation of cord blood-derived NK cell cytolytic activity by CB accessory cells. Indeed, activation of cord-derived NK cells in the presence on CD3-depleted accessory cells yields NK cells capable of killing K562 target cells but not allogeneic MSCs. Although the underlying mechanism is unknown, this selective modulation of NK cells may be exploited in the clinical expansion of cord blood NK cells.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Bicuspid Versus Tricuspid Aortic Valves.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis has been considered a contraindication to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of TAVI in patients with BAV with those with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) using balloon-expandable and self-expanding transcatheter heart valves. This retrospective study included 823 consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic aortic valve stenosis undergoing TAVI in 2 institutions, Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital (Dallas, TX) and The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano (Plano, TX), from January 2012 to February 2016. Efficacy was evaluated by postprocedural valve function as mean gradient, peak velocity, effective orifice area, and ≥moderate paravalvular leak. Safety end points included all-cause 30-day and 1-year mortality, immediate postprocedural mortality and 30-day cardiovascular mortality, procedural success, pacemaker implantation, and procedural complications. Of the 823 included patients, 735 had TAV and 77 had BAV. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Procedural success was high in both BAV and TAV (98.7% vs 99.1%, p = ns). There were no significant differences between groups in valve hemodynamics after TAVI, pacemaker implantation rate, or procedural complications. There were no differences regarding immediate postprocedural mortality (BAV vs TAV, 1.1% vs 0.8%, p = ns), nor 30-day cardiovascular mortality (3.4% vs 2.3%, p = ns). All-cause mortality at 30 days (3.4% vs 3.1%, p = ns) and 1-year (8.5% vs 10.5%) were similar. Patients with BAV showed similar procedural and clinical outcomes to patients with TAV. Therefore, TAVI appears to be a safe and effective procedure for patients with BAVs as well as those with TAVs.
Functional brain-specific microvessels from iPSC-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells: the role of matrix composition on monolayer formation.

Background Transwell-based models of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) incorporating monolayers of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (dhBMECs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells show many of the key features of the BBB, including expression of transporters and efflux pumps, expression of tight junction proteins, and physiological values of transendothelial electrical resistance. The fabrication of 3D BBB models using dhBMECs has so far been unsuccessful due to the poor adhesion and survival of these cells on matrix materials commonly used in tissue engineering.
In-Situ Characterization of Strain in Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

Anode material expansion and cracking is a well-known issue with high-capacity, rechargeable lithium ion battery systems. Substantial strains develop within the anode during both the lithium ion infusion and removal processes. In this work, a custom configuration of the standard CR2032 coin cell battery is used to allow in-situ monitoring of in-plane strain development within the anode via digital image correlation. An anode thin films consisting of amorphous silicon deposited on a metal substrate is tested to determine the influence of film adhesion and battery cycling parameters on the strain-to-failure behavior.
Mechanistic Insight into Additions of Allylic Grignard Reagents to Carbonyl Compounds

Allylic Grignard reagents exhibit high reactivity and low selectivity in additions to carbonyl compounds. Additions of allylic Grignard reagents to carbonyl compounds were investigated using prenylmagnesium chloride as a mechanistic probe. When the carbonyl group is relatively unhindered, the addition proceeds through a six-membered transition state with allylic transposition. This process generally occurs with no diastereoselectivity because the reaction rates approach the diffusion limit. With hindered ketones, however, this pathway is disfavored, and the addition proceeds through a transition state resembling that of other Grignard reagents.
Analytics for local knowledge: exploring a community’s experience of risk

In privileging expert risk assessments, we may be failing to recognize the authenticity of a community’s actual experience of risk. We should remind ourselves that expert measures are always only p...
Moments of the asset price for the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard model

In this paper, we derive closed-form formulas for moments of the asset price in the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard (BN–S) stochastic volatility model. We also present similar results where the market is driven by a BN–S-type stochastic process. It is shown that in both cases the results depend on the cumulant transform of the background driving Levy process for the models. In this paper, we have also obtain various approximate expressions for the expected value of the square-root process for the shifted asset price with respect to the BN–S model.
MR in Congenital and Hereditary Metabolic Disorders Associated with Epilepsy

Metabolic disorders result in various types of brain lesion. The commonest neurological symptoms are developmental delay, movement disorders and epileptic seizures. In some metabolic disorders, epilepsy is the most prominent symptom; in others it is one of several associated symptoms, and in other forms seizures are rare. This depends on the degree of disruption of normal brain structure. In general, the severity of epilepsy reflects the degree of cortical grey matter involvement and the level of maturity of the brain. The latter is relevant because metabolic disorders often become manifest during the early phases of development. MR imaging is invaluable for defining the underlying neuropathology. In this chapter we examine correlations between the brain lesion, type of epilepsy and MR appearances.
Nutritional value of dry‐extruded blends of seafood processing waste and plant‐protein feedstuffs in diets for juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus, L.)

Six thermally processed blends were manufactured by dry‐extruding mixtures of seafood processing waste with either soybean meal (SBM) or distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) at three different ratios (50:50, 60:40 and 70:30; wet basis). To assess the energy and nutrient digestibility of each blend, a digestibility trial was conducted using advanced red drum juveniles (~70 g). After computing the apparent digestibility coefficients for the mixtures, a comparative feeding trial evaluated replacement of menhaden fishmeal (FM) on digestible protein (DP) and digestible energy (DE) bases with the manufactured blends. A diet formulated to derive 70% of DP from FM and 30% from SBM served as a Control. Groups of 14 fish were stocked in 21, 110‐L aquaria operating as a recirculating aquaculture system, and treatments were randomly distributed in triplicate. Weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed SBM 50:50, DDGS 50:50 and DDGS 60:40 were significantly lower compared to that of fish fed the Control diet. However, the inclusion of SBM 60:40, SBM 70:30 and DDGS 70:30 blends succeeded in partially replacing FM and reducing fish oil inclusion in the diet of red drum without compromising production performance.
Semantics and multimedia: an introduction to symbolic artificial intelligence applied to multimedia

This short course is an introduction to symbolic artificial intelligence (AI) applied to multimedia. We assume no previous knowledge of AI and only basic knowledge of multimedia. The short course is divided into three parts. In the first part, we present general notions of AI and discuss the challenges involved in the construction of intelligent multimedia applications, that is, applications enriched with the capacity for semantic query, reasoning, and recommendation. In the second part, we detail the main technologies for symbolic AI and discuss their application to multimedia. In particular, we present the ontology languages RDF(S) and OWL, the description logics (DLs) which give these languages a formal basis, the SPARQL query language, and the vocabularies and extensions that allow us to apply these technologies to multimedia data. In the third and last part, we discuss the Hyperknowledge model: a hybrid model for the representation of knowledge and content. The Hyperknowledge model extends the NCM model, a classic hypermedia model, with the notion of semantic links, which allow for the integrated representation of multimedia content together with its semantic description.
Ethical implications of emotion mining in medicine

Abstract Background: The tools of emotion mining were developed in the field of computer science to detect and evaluate human emotions. The development of social media and digital phenotyping has empowered researchers to apply these techniques to the field of medicine. In recent years we have seen an evolution of novel health technologies that utilise data-driven emotion mining for mental health diagnostics and assessment. Aim: In this review of psychiatric AI we provide a high level overview of these technologies and their integration into clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to describe novel ethical scenarios posed by these models through a series of case studies, and establish how existing ethics frameworks can be adapted to meet these new challenges. With the techniques of emotion mining being used increasingly for predictions of self-harm, suicide and homicide this review comes at a crucial time. Methods: The article is presented as a narrative review and therefore does not detail the methodology of a systematic literature review. Instead, we offer a high level overview of AI in mental health and explore a number of case studies which highlight the novel ethical challenges these tools present. Results and Conclusion: Despite the growth of these technologies, there has not been a parallel growth in the ethical debate. For digital health to be implemented in an equitable manner, clinicians must be ethically equipped to appraise these systems. In the final section of our review we provide practical recommendations for healthcare professionals who are faced with implementing these new systems.
Monotonicity in Syntax

Extending previous work on monotonicity in morphology and morphosyntax, I argue that some of the most important constraints in syntax can be analyzed in terms of monotonic functions that map specific kinds of syntactic representations to fixed, universal hierarchies. I cover the Ban Against Improper Movement, the Williams Cycle, the Ban Against Improper Case, and omnivorous number. The general method of analysis is remarkably similar across all phenomena, which suggests that monotonicity provides a unified perspective on a wide range of phenomena in syntax as well as morphology and morphosyntax. I also argue that syntax, thanks to extensive work in computational syntax, provides a unique opportunity to probe whether the prevalence of monotonicity principles in natural language is due to computational complexity considerations. Not only, then, is it possible to extend the purview of monotonicity from semantics to syntax, doing so might yield new insights into monotonicity that would not be obtainable otherwise.
Central Adiposity and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer by Menopause Status.

Background Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher postmenopausal breast cancer risk and lower premenopausal breast cancer risk. Less is known about the central adiposity-breast cancer risk association, particularly for tumor subtypes. Methods We used prospective waist (WC) and hip circumference (HC) measures in the Nurses' Health Studies. We examined associations of WC, HC, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with breast cancer independent of BMI, by menopausal status. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for breast cancer risk factors, with and without BMI. Results Adjusting for BMI, WC and HC were not associated, and WHR was positively associated with premenopausal breast cancer risk (WHR, quintile 5 vs 1: HRQ5vQ1, BMI-adjusted = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.54; Ptrend = .01), particularly for estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) and progesterone receptor-negative (PR-) and basal-like breast cancers. Premenopausal WC, HC, and WHR were not associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk, with or without BMI adjustment. Postmenopausal WC, HC, and WHR were each positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer (eg, WC HRQ5vsQ1 = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.36 to 1.86); after adjustment for BMI, only WC remained statistically significant (HRQ5vsQ1, BMI-adjusted = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.64; Ptrend = .002). In postmenopausal women, associations were stronger among never-users of hormone therapy and for ER+/PR+ breast cancers. Conclusions Central adiposity was positively associated with pre- and postmenopausal breast cancers independent of BMI. This suggests that mechanisms other than estrogen may also play a role in the relationship between central adiposity and breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy waist circumference may decrease pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
Exposure to a mimetic or non-mimetic model avian brood parasite egg does not produce differential glucocorticoid responses in an egg-accepter host species

Abstract Avian obligate brood parasitism, a reproductive strategy where a parasite lays its egg into the nest of another species, imposes significant fitness costs upon host parents and their offspring. To combat brood parasitism, many host species recognize and reject foreign eggs (rejecters), but others are accepters that raise the parasitic progeny. Some accepter hosts may be unable to grasp or pierce parasitic eggs even if they recognize them as foreign eggs in the clutch, whereas other accepters may not have evolved the cognitive skillsets to recognize dissimilar eggs in the nest. Here we assessed the endocrine responses of an accepter host species to model parasitic eggs to address these two alternatives. We experimentally parasitized nests of a locally common host of the brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea; a cowbird-egg accepter), with a mimetic or non-mimetic model cowbird-sized egg. Our goal was to determine whether they perceived the non-mimetic egg as a greater stressor by measuring circulating corticosterone levels. We added eggs to nests during the incubation stage and obtained blood plasma samples from females on the nest 2 h later, using females with unmanipulated clutches as controls. Incubating females showed no differences in baseline plasma corticosterone levels between our different treatments. We conclude that exposure to foreign eggs does not activate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis of prothonotary warbler hosts in this experimental paradigm.
Metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma and high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm mimicking acute appendicitis in a post-radiation therapy patient.

Prostate cancer is the most common visceral malignancy diagnosed in males. Surveillance for post-treatment neoplasms is very crucial. Here we report the first case of recurrent metastatic prostate ...
First Successful Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis Due to Severe COVID-19 Infection in the US

Introduction Lung transplantation can potentially be a life-saving treatment for patients with non-resolving COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Concerns limiting transplant include recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the allograft, technical challenges imposed by viral-mediated injury to the native lung. Here, we report the first successful lung transplantation in a patient with non-resolving COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome in the United States. Case Report The recipient was a 28-year old female with past medical history of neuromyelitis optica treated with mycophenolate and rituximab who developed COVID pneumonia leading acute respiratory distress syndrome. The patient was intubated for 8 days with prone prior to initiation of VV ECMO. Her ECMO course was complicated by right sided pneumothorax requiring multiple pleural tubes and the development of Serratia marcescens pneumonia with left lower lung necrosis, and a liver capsular bleed necessitating emergent exploratory laparotomy. (Figure1a, b) She received antibiotics, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and convalescent plasma. However there was no signs of recovery and she was listed for lung transplantation after ECMO support for 32 days . Implantation was supported with central VA ECMO, and there was severe dense vascular adhesions bilaterally with severe distortion of hilar. (Figure1c) Explanted Lungs damaged by COVID-19 were free of virus but pathology showed extensive evidence of acute interstitial inflammation with fibrosis which consistence with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. (Figure1d, e) The patient was decannulated from VV ECMO on POD 17, and was discharged on POD 27. (Figure1f) Four months after transplantation, she is at home with oxygen saturations above 98% on room air. Summary Our experience suggest that lung transplant is the only option for survival for some patients with severe COVID-19 develop fibrotic lung.
Alternative food distribution networks, resilience, and urban food security in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic

This article explores the potential of alternative food networks (AFNs) for food security and resili­ence as COVID-19 has raised challenges to the global food supply chain. Pandemic-induced dis­ruptions to conventional food production, distri­bution, and consumption networks have revealed problems with the global food system and have drawn attention to the re-localization and regional­ization of food systems. Lockdown and mobility restrictions have also disrupted the availability, quality, and stability of food. We evaluate how AFNs have responded to these challenges in a non-western context through a case-study ap­proach informed by participant observation and semistructured interviews. After examining the multiple factors that have been critical to the emergence and expansion of AFNs in Turkey since the mid-2000s, we argue that these food distribu­tion networks have aimed to address food security, environmental sustainability, and farmer liveli­hoods in complementary ways. We provide a time­line of state-led measures in response to COVID-19 in Turkey as we consider their impacts on food distribution systems and access in urban areas. We then compare two AFNs: a food community work­ing within a participatory guarantee system, and a consumer cooperative that connects producers and consumers in urban areas. Although the two AFNs faced initial challenges due to disruptions in deliv­ery services and lockdowns, they have been able to continue their services and address increasing de­mand. They also provided special solidarity pack­ages for those adversely affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19. By building on the existing networks and relationships of trust between con­sumers and producers, and the capacity and will­ingness of producers to adapt to the new regulatory environment, the two AFNs have been able to continue their activities and start new initiatives.
Time-Domain Ultrawideband Chipless RFID Readers

This article evaluates time-domain techniques for the applications of ultrawideband (UWB) chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. In UWB time-domain readers, the chipless RFID tag response to a UWB pulse excitation is simultaneously measured in time domain and then the frequency-domain signature of the tag is calculated by a time-to-frequency conversion method such as fast Fourier transform. A 32-bit UWB chipless RFID tag is designed and three time-domain readers based on impulse radio UWB, chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW), and dual-comb techniques are analyzed and implemented by using microwave equipment including arbitrary waveform generator, network analyzer, and high-speed oscilloscope. It is demonstrated that CP-FTMW reader is a fast, accurate with high signal-to-noise ratio, and high-frequency resolution time-domain technique. Dual-comb reader is slower, however, it offers a viable solution for a low cost and potentially miniaturized and portable chipless RFID readers.
Accuracy of proton stopping power estimation of silicone breast implants with single and dual-energy CT calibration techniques.

A major contributing factor to proton range uncertainty is the conversion of computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield Units (HU) to proton relative stopping power (RSP). This uncertainty is elevated with implanted devices, such as silicone breast implants when computed with single energy CT (SECT). In recent years, manufacturers have introduced implants with variations in gel cohesivity. Deriving the RSP for these implants from dual-energy CT (DECT) can result in a marked reduction of the error associated with SECT. In this study, we investigate the validity of DECT calibration of HU to RSP on silicone breast implants of varying cohesivity levels. A DECT capable scanner was calibrated using the stoichiometric method of Bourque et al for SECT and DECT using a tissue substitute phantom. Three silicone breast implants of increasing gel cohesivity were measured in a proton beam of clinical energy to determine ground-truth RSP and water equivalent thickness (WET). These were compared to SECT-derived RSP at three CT spectrum energies and DECT with two energy pairs (80/140 kVp and 100/140 kVp) as obtained from scans with and without an anthropomorphic phantom. The RSP derived from parameters estimates from CT vendor-specific software (syngo.via) was compared. The WET estimates from SECT deviated from MLIC ground truth approximately +11%-19%, which would result in overpenetration if used clinically. Both the Bourque calibration and syngo.via WET estimates from DECT yielded error ≤0.5% from ground truth; no significant difference was found between models of varying gel cohesivity levels. WET estimates without the anthropomorphic phantom were significantly different than ground truth for the Bourque calibration. From these results, gel cohesivity had no effect on proton RSP. User-generated DECT calibration can yield comparably accurate RSP estimates for silicone breast implants to vendor software methods. However, care must be taken to account for beam hardening effects.
Factors Affecting Higher Readmission Rates and Costs in Pediatric Patients With Hirschsprung Disease.

ABSTRACT Background Hirschsprung disease is a relatively uncommon disorder of the developing gastrointestinal tract that requires surgical intervention to restore long-term function. While readmission for Hirschsprung-related complications is a known concern in these patients, we sought to identify patient-level factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay, increased costs at the time of a pull-through operation, as well as the risk for all-cause inpatient readmission after surgery. We hypothesized that higher level of care requirement during the operative stay, age at operation, and length of stay (LOS) would portend increased readmissions and disease-related complications such as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. Methods Data was obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System database on all Hirschprung patients who underwent a pull-through operation between 2004 and 2019. Regression analyses were performed on this cohort of 3345 patients. Multivariable regression models were utilized to analyze the key outcome variables of postoperative LOS and adjusted charges. Results Post-operative LOS was significantly increased by the presence of a surgical complication, congenital/genetic defect, or neurologic/neuromuscular defect. Increased LOS was also seen in Black patients. The cost of pull-through operations was significantly higher in patients admitted to the NICU and ICU during index hospitalization, with a cost increase of approximately $75,000 and $57,000 respectively. Presence of a surgical complication, comorbid congenital/genetic defect, and need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher odds of inpatient readmission. Conclusion The management of patients with Hirschsprung disease is longitudinal and complex. Identification of key patient metrics can aid clinicians in developing targeted care and education strategies to minimize readmission and excessive hospital charges.
Innovative local prestressing system for concrete crossties using shape memory alloys

Abstract This paper focuses on introducing and investigating a new prestressing system for railroad concrete crossties using shape memory alloys (SMAs). Concrete crossties are typically prestressed with straight high strength steel wires throughout the entire length, which could lead to splitting cracks at end regions and excessive compressive stress concentration at compressive zones. A new prestressing system with adjustable wire configuration allows prestressing force to be applied selectively at target regions in the crosstie. The proposed prestressing system can help prevent end-splitting cracks, adjust prestressing force depending on the demands at different sections, and adjust the reinforcement configuration along the length. In the proposed system, pre-strained SMA wires are placed in the forms prior to casting the concrete at the locations where prestressing is needed. After the concrete is set, the prestressing force can be applied at any time by activating the SMA wires using electrical resistivity heating. In this work, both experimental and numerical studies using SMAs (NiTiNb) are presented for proof of concept. Three small-scale concrete crosstie specimens with different SMA wire configurations are tested. Comparison between the SMA prestressed concrete crosstie model and steel prestressed model is performed using finite element analysis considering prestress losses. The results indicate that the new prestressing system can effectively apply prestress at target regions as designed.
Design and development of 1.5 kV vertical GaN pn diodes on HVPE substrate

We report the design and development of vertical 1.5 kV GaN p–n diodes that consists of an 8 μm drift layer and a thin p-GaN/p+-GaN layer grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on a hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) synthesized GaN substrate. The drift layer has a low doping concentration of ∼9 × 1015 cm−3 and electron mobility ~ 1200 cm2/Vs at room temperature. The fabricated devices with an optimized guard ring design as edge termination exhibit a breakdown voltage of > 1.5 kV with specific on-resistance of ~ 1.5 mΩ cm2. The breakdown efficiency of these diodes is over 72% when compared to ideal analytical calculations and over 90% with respect to numerical simulations. Temperature-dependent measurements show that the devices have a positive temperature coefficient suggesting the avalanche breakdown mechanism. These results suggest that these MOCVD grown vertical GaN-on-GaN (HVPE) p–n diodes are promising for low-mid range voltage power switching applications.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Measured Tire Contact Stresses and Their Effects on Instability Rutting of Asphalt Mixture Pavements

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Measured Tire Contact Stresses and Their Effects on Instability Rutting of Asphalt Mixture Pavements
Factors that Influence Sexual Behavior

The tendency to engage in high-risk sexual behavior may be influenced by a number of factors. In this chapter, we will examine the effects of psychological variables, such as low self-esteem, locus of control, dissociation, and denial, on sexual practices. We will also look at the evidence for effects of alcohol and other drugs on sexual behavior. The ways in which poverty and the associated lack of opportunity impact risky behavior will be discussed, as will the effects of lack of knowledge about sex, about reproductive biology, and about their associated risks.
Interest-risk sensitive deposit insurance premia: Stable ACH estimates

Abstract The parameters of interest rate uncertainty are estimated by maximum likelihood for the period 1952–1982, and used to evaluate bank or thrift deposit insurance as a function of duration mismatching, capital/asset ratio, and the recent history of interest rate forecasting errors. Homoskedasticity is overwhelmingly rejected in favor of adaptive conditional heteroskedasticity (ACH). Even after removing this heteroskedasticity, normality gives much lower likelihood than Paretian stable distributions with characteristic exponent in the range 1.614 to 1.714. The conditional deposit insurance values fluctuate by factors in excess of 300 for some duration gaps over the past three decades.
Just Culture: A Foundation for Balanced Accountability and Patient Safety

Background The framework of a just culture ensures balanced accountability for both individuals and the organization responsible for designing and improving systems in the workplace. Engineering principles and human factors analysis influence the design of these systems so they are safe and reliable. Methods Approaches for improving patient safety introduced here are (1) analysis of error, (2) specific tools to enhance safety, and (3) outcome engineering. Conclusion The just culture is a learning culture that is constantly improving and oriented toward patient safety.
Cation dependent transport in a field effect nanofluidic device

We demonstrate preferential transport of monovalent cations with respect to divalent cations in a field effect nanofluidic switching device. Ion transport, quantified by the measured current through 16 nm deep channels, is controlled using an embedded gate electrode. Preferential ion transport based on valence in a nanofluidic channel with the ability to switch off ionic current via an embedded gate electrode as a function of cation type is reported for the first time.
Chapter 15 Acanthamoeba castellanii: Methods and Perspectives for Study of Cytoskeleton Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods and perspectives for study of cytoskeleton proteins in Acanthamoeba castellanii . Actin and myosin are the proteins primarily responsible for force generation in amoeboid movement and phagocytosis. All actins have a molecular weight of about 42,000 and contain one mole of N ′-methylhistidine. It is found that of the 228 residues of Acanthamoeba actin that have been sequenced, only 14 are different from the corresponding positions in rabbit skeletal-muscle actin, which contains a total of 374 residues. Actin functions in nonmuscle and muscle cells not as the monomeric globular G-actin but as two-stranded double-helical polymeric F-actin. In nonmuscle cells, at least, the temporal and spatial regulation of actin polymerization will exert profound control of its cytoskeletal and motile activities. Myosin IB heavy chain can be isolated free of any light chains and shown to possess all of the enzymatic activities of the holoenzyme. Profilin has the property of inhibiting the rate of polymerization of actin apparently by inhibiting the nucleation step. The most direct assay would be to test the ability of protein fractions to inhibit the increase in viscosity when the ionic strength of a solution of G-actin is raised by addition of 0.1 M KCl and 2 mM MgCl 2 .
Linear quadratic control of SSSC to increase power oscillations damping of HVDC-AC power system

The HVDC-AC transmission system is becoming more and more popular for its numerous benefits, such as low cost, low losses for long distance transmission, etc. However, the power oscillation of this hybrid system has become a major obstacle for its further application. Tons of methods have been tried to damp the power oscillation and static series synchronous compensator (SSSC) is proved to be one of the most effective way for its excellent inherent characteristics. The SSSC offers many advantages as a FACTS device, but it is challenging to design a perfect controller for its application in a nonlinear system. In this paper, a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) for SSSC is designed to increase power oscillations damping (POD) of an HVDC-AC power system. The LQR optimizes the system input (injected voltage of SSSC) to the reference value with full state feedback so that no vague controller parameter (such as PI controller parameters) is needed. The Algebraic Riccati Equation is introduced as well to provide the solutions for the controller parameters. Simulation results validate the feasibility of proposed modeling and control approach.
Hospital competition, resource allocation and quality of care.

Background A variety of approaches have been used to contain escalating hospital costs. One approach is intensifying price competition. The increase in price based competition, which changes the incentives hospitals face, coupled with the fact that consumers can more easily evaluate the quality of hotel services compared with the quality of clinical care, may lead hospitals to allocate more resources into hotel rather than clinical services.
A GWAS assessment of the contribution of genomic imprinting to the variation of body mass index in mice

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism that can lead to differential gene expression depending on the parent-of-origin of a received allele. While most studies on imprinting address its underlying molecular mechanisms or attempt at discovering genomic regions that might be subject to imprinting, few have focused on the amount of phenotypic variation contributed by such epigenetic process. In this report, we give a brief review of a one-locus imprinting model in a quantitative genetics framework, and provide a decomposition of the genetic variance according to this model. Analytical deductions from the proposed imprinting model indicated a non-negligible contribution of imprinting to genetic variation of complex traits. Also, we performed a whole-genome scan analysis on mouse body mass index (BMI) aiming at revealing potential consequences when existing imprinting effects are ignored in genetic analysis. 10,021 SNP markers were used to perform a whole-genome single marker regression on mouse BMI using an additive and an imprinting model. Markers significant for imprinting indicated that BMI is subject to imprinting. Marked variance changed from 1.218 ×10−4 to 1.842 ×10−4 when imprinting was considered in the analysis, implying that one third of marked variance would be lost if existing imprinting effects were not accounted for. When both marker and pedigree information were used, estimated heritability increased from 0.176 to 0.195 when imprinting was considered. When a complex trait is subject to imprinting, using an additive model that ignores this phenomenon may result in an underestimate of additive variability, potentially leading to wrong inferences about the underlying genetic architecture of that trait. This could be a possible factor explaining part of the missing heritability commonly observed in genome-wide association studies (GWAS).