cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Gastrointestinal Malformations on the Outcomes of Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Background The goal of this study was to assess the effect of associated gastrointestinal malformations (GI) on the outcomes of patients undergoing congenital heart operations. Methods Neonates and infants with thoracic (esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula) and abdominal (duodenal stenosis/atresia, imperforate anus, Hirschsprung disease) GI malformations undergoing congenital heart operations between 1995 and 2015 were included. Two control groups were created, one for each group. Patients were matched by diagnosis, procedure, history of prematurity, presence of genetic syndrome, and a propensity score including weight and year of operation. Results The cohort included 383 patients: 52 (14%) with thoracic GI malformations and 98 (25%) thoracic GI controls, 80 (21%) with abdominal GI malformations and 153 (40%) abdominal GI controls. Median follow-up was 6 years (range, 16 days to 20 years). Patients with thoracic GI malformations had longer length of stay (p Conclusions Patients with thoracic GI malformations have worse perioperative outcomes than controls, but their long-term survival does not seem to be significantly different. Abdominal GI malformations do not have a significant effect on outcomes. The presence of GI malformations should likely not preclude patients from undergoing congenital heart operations, but careful family counseling is necessary, especially for thoracic GI malformations.
Projection and Quantifier Elimination Using Non-uniform Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition

Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition (CAD) is an established tool in the computer algebra community for computing with semi-algebraic sets / Tarski formulas. The key property of CAD is that it provides a representation in which geometric projection and set complement (the analogues of the logical operations of quantifier elimination and negation for Tarski formulas) are trivial. However, constructing a CAD often requires an impractical amount of time and space. Non-uniform CAD (NuCAD) was introduced with the goal of providing a more practically efficient alternative to CAD for computing with semi-algebraic sets / Tarski formulas. As a first step towards that goal, previous work has shown that Open NuCADs do provide a much more efficient representation than Open CADs. However, it hasn't been shown that the key operation of projection can be computed efficiently in the NuCAD representation, because while set complement is trivial for NuCADs, as it is for CADs, projection, in contrast to the CAD case, is not. This paper provides another step towards the larger goal by showing how projection can be done efficiently in the Open NuCAD representation. The importance of this contribution is not restricted to Open NuCADs, since the same approach to projection will carry over to the general case for NuCADs where, we hope, the practical benefits of the much smaller representation NuCAD provides will be even greater.
SMART LIFE IN SMART CITIES

The idea of a smart city has caught the imagination of the urban sector in India. There is excitement about the application of new technologies and the deployment of development models that can deliver social and economic outcomes that can ensure the sustainability of urban interventions. The smart cities mission of the Government of India applies the concept of ‘area improvement’ of existing Indian cities, bringing the best practices related to the new urbanism movement into the purview of development activities that can stimulate the local economy, harness the economic identity of a place and its people and improve the quality of life for all citizens. It is necessary that the government establish clarity about how the city comprises various systems, networks and environments that lend themselves to transformation for achieving the objectives of the Smart City mission. The study is to find the different indicators for the development of smart life in Smart Cities. Key Words: Smart Life, Smart Cities, Smart Resource Management etc.
Tendon Adhesions: A Novel Method of Objectively Measuring Adhesions by Assessing Tendon Glide Through a Soft Tissue Envelope in a Rat Model.

Purpose To develop a rat model of extra-synovial tendon adhesions that will enable accurate testing of scar barriers and adhesion inhibiting treatments to facilitate future research. Methods Thirty-six 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of the 3 groups of 12. In Group A, the middle one-third portion of the left Achilles tendon was excised. In Group B, the tendon and soft tissue bed was abraded with steel wool. In Group C, a silk suture was sewn along the tendon. The right hind limbs served as controls. At 4 weeks, biomechanical testing was performed on the bilateral hind limbs. The Achilles tendon was cut at the gastrocnemius-tendon junction proximal to the "adhesion zone" (or analogous level in the control limb). The calcaneal insertion of the Achilles was attached to a tensiometer. The force needed to pull the tendon out of its soft tissue envelope at a fixed rate was measured. Results Three rats were excluded because of complications during data collection. Pair-wise comparison testing was performed, comparing the mean peak force to pull the Achilles tendon from its soft tissue envelope in 33 control limbs and the contralateral limb from each group. The average peak force for the cut tendon group (A) was 20.1 N, 18.8 N in the steel wool group (B), and 21.1 N in the suture group (C). The average peak force in the control limbs was 15.6 N. There was a significant difference noted in peak forces between the control limbs and each experimental group. Conclusions A consistent and statistically increased force was necessary to pull a rodent Achilles tendon from an adhesion-induced tissue bed compared with controls. No statistical difference was detected between experimental groups. Clinical relevance Our study demonstrates an objective method of biomechanical tendon adhesion assessment in a rat model.
Biological Image Analysis via Matrix Approximation

Understanding the roles of genes and their interactions is one of the central challenges in genome research. One popular approach is based on the analysis of microarray gene expression data (Golub et al., 1999; White, et al., 1999; Oshlack et al., 2007). By their very nature, these data often do not capture spatial patterns of individual gene expressions, which is accomplished by direct visualization of the presence or absence of gene products (mRNA or protein) (e.g., Tomancak et al., 2002; Christiansen et al., 2006). For instance, the gene expression pattern images of a Drosophila melanogaster embryo capture the spatial and temporal distribution of gene expression patterns at a given developmental stage (Bownes, 1975; Tsai et al., 1998; Myasnikova et al., 2002; Harmon et al., 2007). The identification of genes showing spatial overlaps in their expression patterns is fundamentally important to formulating and testing gene interaction hypotheses (Kumar et al., 2002; Tomancak et al., 2002; Gurunathan et al., 2004; Peng & Myers, 2004; Pan et al., 2006). Recent high-throughput experiments of Drosophila have produced over fifty thousand images (http://www. fruitfly.org/cgi-bin/ex/insitu.pl). It is thus desirable to design efficient computational approaches that can automatically retrieve images with overlapping expression patterns. There are two primary ways of accomplishing this task. In one approach, gene expression patterns are described using a controlled vocabulary, and images containing overlapping patterns are found based on the similarity of textual annotations. In the second approach, the most similar expression patterns are identified by a direct comparison of image content, emulating the visual inspection carried out by biologists [(Kumar et al., 2002); see also www.flyexpress.net]. The direct comparison of image content is expected to be complementary to, and more powerful than, the controlled vocabulary approach, because it is unlikely that all attributes of an expression pattern can be completely captured via textual descriptions. Hence, to facilitate the efficient and widespread use of such datasets, there is a significant need for sophisticated, high-performance, informatics-based solutions for the analysis of large collections of biological images.
Measurement of the 235U(n,f) Cross Section from 0.3 to 3.0 MeV Using the NBS Electron Linac

Progress is reported on a measurement of the 235U(n,f) cross section from 0.3 to 3.0 MeV using the NBS electron linac as a pulsed neutron source. Fission events were detected using a parallel-plate, ionization fission chamber located 69.5 m from the neutron-producing tungsten target and containing 170.9 ± 2.1 mg of 235U. The absolute neutron flux was measured with the NBS black neutron detector, located at 200.4 m and coaxial with the fission chamber. A Monte Carlo program was used to calculate the neutron detection efficiency of the black detector. The present paper gives preliminary results. The fission cross section shape is shown compared to that of the ENDF/B-V 235U(n,f) cross section. Absolute values await a complete analysis of the experimental data and the measurement of the black detector efficiency at 2.6 MeV using the associated-particle technique at the NBS Van de Graaff. Accuracies of ± 2% are expected in the final analysis of this 235U(n,f) cross section measurement.
Reliability of parent report measures of behaviour in children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND Behavioural problems are common among children with Down syndrome (DS). Tools to detect and evaluate maladaptive behaviours have been developed for typically developing children and have been evaluated for use among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, these measures have not been evaluated for use specifically in children with DS. This psychometric evaluation is important given that some clinically observed behaviours are not addressed in currently available rating scales. The current study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a commonly used screening tool developed for typically developing children and commonly used with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. METHODS The study investigated the psychometric properties of the CBCL among school-aged children with DS, including an assessment of the rate of detecting behaviour problems, concerns with distribution, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability and convergent and discriminant validity with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form. Caregivers of 88 children with DS aged 6-18 years rated their child's behaviour with the CBCL, Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form. Teachers completed the Teacher Report Form. RESULTS About one-third of children with DS were reported to exhibit behaviours of clinical concern on the total score of the CBCL. Internal consistency for CBCL sub-scales was poor to excellent, and inter-rater reliability was generally acceptable. The sub-scales of the CBCL performed best when evaluating convergent validity, with variable discriminant validity. Normative data conversions controlled for age and gender differences in this sample. CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that, among children with DS, some CBCL sub-scales generally performed in a psychometrically sound and theoretically appropriate manner in relation to other measures of behaviour. Caution is warranted when interpreting specific sub-scales (Anxious/Depressed, Somatic Complaints and Thought Problems). The CBCL can continue to be used as a screening measure when evaluating behavioural concerns among children with DS, acknowledging poor discriminant validity and the possibility that key behaviour concerns in DS may not be captured by the CBCL screen.
Anatomic Nuances of the Ophthalmic Artery Origin from a Ventral Viewpoint: Considerations and Implications for Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

Background The origin of the ophthalmic artery is within the surgical field of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the suprasellar and parasellar regions. However, its anatomy from the endoscopic point-of-view has not been adequately elucidated. Objective To highlight the anatomy of the ophthalmic artery origin from an endoscopic endonasal perspective. Methods The origin of the ophthalmic artery was studied bilaterally under endoscopic visualization, after performing transplanum/transtubercular EEAs in 17 cadaveric specimens (34 arteries). Anatomic relationships relevant to surgery were evaluated. To complement the cadaveric findings, the ophthalmic artery origin was reviewed in 200 "normal" angiographic studies. Results On the right side, 70.6% of ophthalmic arteries emerged from the superior aspect, while 17.6% and 11.8% emerged from the superomedial and superolateral aspects of the intradural internal carotid artery, respectively. On the left, 76.5%, 17.6%, and 5.9% of ophthalmic arteries emerged from the superior, superomedial, and superolateral aspects of the internal carotid, respectively. Similar findings were observed on angiography. All ophthalmic arteries emerged at the level of the medial opticocarotid recess. Overall, 47%, 26.5%, and 26.5% of ophthalmic arteries (right and left) were inferolateral, inferior, and inferomedial to the intracranial optic nerve segment, respectively. On both sides, the intracranial length of the ophthalmic artery ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 mm (mean: 2.90 ± standard deviation of 0.74 mm). Conclusion Awareness of the endoscopic nuances of the ophthalmic artery origin is paramount to minimize the risk of sight-threatening neurovascular injury during EEAs to the suprasellar and parasellar regions.
Adoption: A Strategy to Fulfill Sex Preferences of U.S. Parents

Objective This article examines adoption as a strategy used by parents to fulfill their preference for a specific sex composition among their children in the United States. Background Evidence from the United States suggests that parents with children of the same sex are more likely to continue childbearing, as parents generally desire at least one girl and one boy. What is unknown, however, is whether parents use adoption to fulfill this same preference. Method Using data from the 2016 American Community Survey (n=1,107,800 children), the authors test the relationships among the sex composition of preceding siblings, child sex, and adoption status. Results Children who had same-sex preceding siblings were more likely to be adopted, as opposed to biologically related to their parents, than children who had mixed-sex preceding siblings. Further, adopted children were more likely to be of the missing sex (i.e., adopted girls were more likely than were adopted boys to have only preceding brothers). Conclusion These findings suggest a need to consider parental sex preferences and child sex in studies on adoption decisions. Further, adoption provides one mechanism parents can use to achieve a balanced sex composition among their children.
Pneumatic dilation improves esophageal emptying and symptoms in patients with idiopathic esophago-gastric junction outflow obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Idiopathic Esophago-gastric outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a new clinical entity resulting in delayed esophageal emptying secondary to a poorly relaxing lower esophageal sphincter. Little is known about treatment outcomes of idiopathic EGJOO patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical response of pneumatic dilation (PD) in idiopathic EGJOO patients with a standing barium column and/or with pill arrest on timed barium esophagram (TBE) before and after undergoing PD. METHODS Idiopathic EGJOO patients with retained liquid barium on TBE at 1 minute and/or with pill arrest in esophagus at 5 minutes were included. Patients were treated with PD and evaluated with post-procedural TBE. RESULTS A total of 33 patients with Idiopathic EGJOO and poor esophageal emptying on TBE were treated with PD. 67% of Idiopathic EGJOO patients reported subjective symptom relief, 18% improved and symptoms later recurred, 6% were lost to follow up, and 9% reported no change. TBE results of pre-PD showed 1 minute average barium column height of 11.0 cm and 1 minute barium column width of 1.7 cm. There was significant decrease in 1 minute liquid barium column height and width (P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) as well as significant improvement in pill passing (P < 0.006) after undergoing PD. No complications occurred after PD. CONCLUSION PD is an effective initial treatment for Idiopathic EGJOO patients with abnormal TBE. Pneumatic dilation relieved symptoms and improved esophageal emptying in Idiopathic EGJOO patients on TBE.
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy in Immunocompromised Children

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs commonly in immunocompromised children with cancer and has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Early identification of patients at risk is of critical importance so that targeted and effective management can be implemented. While therapy for AKI remains mainly supportive, recent progress in the science of AKI has allowed for advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of AKI. Caring for critically ill children with AKI requires a multidisciplinary approach with input from all practitioners. With further innovation in the application of current therapies and the development of new treatment modalities, survival for children with cancer will continue to improve.
Joint optimization of signal phasing and timing and vehicle speed guidance in a connected and autonomous vehicle environment

A joint traffic signal optimization algorithm is proposed which utilizes connected vehicle (CV) information to identify optimum signal timing and phasing plans while also providing speed guidance t...
Graphical Lasso for High-dimensional Complex Gaussian Graphical Model Selection

We consider the problem of infemng the conditional independence graph (CIG) of both proper and improper, complex-valued, high- dimensional multivariate Gaussian vectors. A $p$-variate complex Gaussian graphical model (CGGM) associated with an undirected graph with $p$ vemces is defined as the family of complex Gaussian distributions that obey the conditional independence restrictions im- plied by the edge set of the graph. For real random vectors, consider- able body of work exists, whereas that on proper complex Gaussian graphical models (PCGGMs) is sparse, while that on ICGGMs is non-existent. In this paper, we present a graphical lasso based penal- ized log-likelihood approach for both PCGGMs and ICGGMs. An alternating minimization algorithm is used to optimize the objective functions. Numerical examples illustrate the proposed algorithms.
Sources of Revenue and Government Performance: Evidence from Colombia

I study whether governments financed through taxes are better governed than those relying on non-tax revenue. Focusing on Colombian municipalities, I leverage variation in property tax revenue and natural resource royalties arising from cadastral updates and fluctuations in the world price of oil. Additional tax revenue has a larger effect than a same-sized increase to oil royalties on local public goods in the areas of education, health and water, despite earmarking of royalties for this purpose. Higher tax revenue also reduces the probability of a disciplinary prosecution against the municipal mayor, while the opposite is true for royalties.
Sacral nerve stimulation improves colonic inflammation mediated by autonomic-inflammatory cytokine mechanism in rats.

Background Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) was reported to have a therapeutic potential for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study was designed to determine effects and mechanisms of SNS on colonic inflammation of in rodent models of IBD and compare the difference among SNS, VNS, and SNS plus VNS. Methods Intestinal inflammation in rats was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS (2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) on the first day. Five days after intrarectal TNBS, the rats were treated with sham-VNS, VNS, Sham-SNS, SNS, and SNS + VNS for 10 days. In another experiment, after 10 days of 4% DSS (dextran sodium sulfate) in drinking water, rats were treated with 10-day sham-SNS and SNS. Various inflammatory responses were assessed; mechanisms involving autonomic functions and inflammatory cytokines were investigated. Key results (a) VNS, SNS, and VNS + SNS significantly and equally decreased the disease activity index and macroscopic scores, and normalized colon length; (b) IL-10 was decreased by TNBS but increased with SNS, VNS, and SNS + VNS; pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-17A, MCP-1 and TNF-α, were increased by TNBS but decreased with SNS, VNS, and SNS + VNS (P Conclusions & inferences SNS presents similar anti-inflammatory effects as VNS by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines via the autonomic pathway. Similar to VNS, SNS may also have a therapeutic potential for colonic inflammation.
Promoting congregant health in faith-based organizations across Los Angeles County, 2013-2016.

Abstract The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) launched the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (NEOP) Project in fall 2013. As the local arm of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), this project partnered with faith-based organizations (FBOs) in Los Angeles County to implement policy, systems, and environmental change interventions (PSEs) at selected church sites, alongside the usual delivery of health education. A 2-part programmatic assessment was conducted to better understand how the NEOP Faith Based Project at one of the FBOs was implemented during the 2013–2016 SNAP-Ed funding cycle. A qualitative component (key informant interviews) sought to understand and describe the PSE implementation process at each of the participating church sites, whereas the quantitative component (surveys) focused on assessing congregant perceptions about their awareness of the PSEs, their knowledge and beliefs about health, and their self-reported health behaviors after exposure to onsite changes. Among congregants who participated in the survey, 52% expressed desire for more health education classes. However, only 37% reported being aware of them at church sites that hosted them. When asked to compare their behaviors for “today” versus 6 months ago, more than half reported greater interest in eating more fruits and vegetables (66%), choosing water over soda (69%), and becoming more physically active (59%). Results from the NEOP Project have implications for how local health departments could partner with FBOs to outreach and promote health among congregants, particularly for those who are at high-risk of diet-related diseases due to poor nutrition and obesity.
Fuck the law: decolonizing nomophilitis with the discourse of love

This papyrus questions the assumption that global cultures and especially Indigenous peoples are to be civilized and modernized by being subjected to the rule of European law, Euro Reschtaat, under...
Above-ground carbon stock in merchantable trees not reduced between cycles of spruce budworm outbreaks due to changing species composition in spruce-fir forests of Maine, USA

Abstract Disturbances are a primary force regulating the successional development and associated carbon cycling in forest ecosystems, but our understanding of these dynamics is based on studies mostly limited to relatively homogeneous and high intensity forest disturbances such as harvesting and wildfire. Contrarily, extensive insect defoliations such as that caused by spruce budworm (SBW; Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) often are species-specific and vary greatly in their intensities and consequent influences on forest carbon dynamics over large spatial and temporal extents. In this study, we applied an individual tree growth model across a large forested area in the state of Maine, USA to simulate the impact of SBW outbreaks on above-ground carbon stock in merchantable trees, which is the primary carbon pool of interest in forest management and its associated downstream industries. The model, the Acadian Variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS-ACD), provides the necessary resolution needed to capture the spatio-temporal variability in SBW defoliation and its impacts on the mixed species, structurally complex spruce-fir (Picea-Abies) forests of Maine. Our evaluation of two 40-year SBW outbreak cycles (1975–2015 and 2017–2057) indicates that, due primarily to changing species composition (particularly significant increases of hardwood species), this carbon stock of spruce-fir forests was not reduced and not significantly different than what it would be without an outbreak at the end of either cycle. However, there were temporary decreases in carbon growth immediately following these outbreaks. These decreases were at smaller scales in the 40-year cycle starting 2017 where significant increases of hardwood species along with decreases of SBW's primary host species were observed. As this trend of changing species composition continues in this region, a future SBW outbreak would cause less reduction in carbon growth and less likely to result in a decrease of carbon stock in spruce-fir forests. Overall, the utilized tree-level modeling framework may prove useful for assessing the influence of complex disturbances like insect defoliation in other regions.
Procedural Justice and the Risks of Consumer Voting

Firms are increasingly giving consumers the vote. Eight studies show that, when firms empower consumers to vote, consumers infer a series of implicit promises—even in the absence of explicit promis...
Cremating Transfer Taxes: Is There Hope for a Resurrection?

Our transfer taxes are in decay. Legislators have lessened their impact and threaten now to weaken them further or to eliminate them. Imaginative taxpayers with the help of their advisors, too, have received judicial approval to drain much of the life from transfer taxes. Yet, transfer taxes continue to raise significant revenue and temper accumulations of wealth. Transfer taxes could be restored to a robust state through the adoption of measures patterned on the Tax Reform Act of 1986, including broadening the transfer tax base, reducing transfer tax rates, and introducing administrative simplification measures. The authors detail both the problems plaguing the transfer tax system and the path to meaningful reform.
Randomized control study on two different protocols of ketogenic diet for refractory epilepsy in children

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of two different protocols of ketogenic diet （KD） -eating on demand or eating at regular intervals for refractory epilepsy in children. Methods Sixty children with refractory epilepsy were randomly divided into eating on demand group （ n = 30） and eating at regular intervals group （n = 30） by random number table method. After taking the whole amount of KD, the capillary blood ketone and glucose level and urine ketone were monitored every 6 hours in 72 continuous hours. Seizure frequency and onset time were recorded. Antiepileptic efficacy and diet tolerability of the two groups were evaluated on 4 weeks, 12 weeks,24 weeks and 48 weeks after initiating the diet. Adverse effects were monitored. Results After treatment of 4 weeks,the complete seizure remission rates of eating on demand group and eating at regular intervals group were 33.3% （10/30） and 30. 0% （9/30） respectively ,which suggested a com- parable efficacy for two groups （P 〉0. 05）. The day when KD started to work was averaged （6. 18 ±2. 42） d and （ 8. 63 ± 2. 63 ） d respectively. The group of eating on demand showed a faster onset of action （ P 〈 0. 05 ）. After treatment of 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks, complete seizure remission rates of eating on demand group were 30. 0% （9/30） ,34. 8 % （8/23） and 36. 8 % （7/19 ） respectively;the eating at regular intervals group were 33.3% （ 10/30）, 30.4% （ 7/23 ） and 44.4% （ 8/18 ） respectively. The two groups had no significant difference （P 〉 0. 05 ）. One year later, the treatment retention rates of the two groups were 63.3 % （19/30） and 60. 0% （18/30） respectively. There was no significant difference （P 〉0. 05）. The adverse effects mainly inclu- ding transient gastrointestinal symptoms and metabolic disturbances were mostly tolerable and curable. Conclusion The two different protocols of KD-eating on demand and eating at regular intervals are both effective and well-tolerated for refractory epilepsy in children. While protocol of eating on demand is more easier to achieve ketotic state and the effect is more quickly, so it can be more easily received by children. Therefore in clinical practice ,we can choose flexible eating time according to children＇s eating habits ,which can improve the therapeutic compliance. Key words: Ketogenic diet; Refractory epilepsy ; Children
Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of intractable epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia

Objective To study the correlation with subtypes of focal cortical dysplasia(FCD) and surgical outcomes in patients with intractable epilepsy due to FCD.Method According to Palmini's FCD classification,the clinical,radioiogical and pathological features of 42 intractable epilepsy patients of FCD received surgical treatment were reviewed retrospectively.Results Among 42 epilepsy patients,the FCD lesions were located in 24 temporal lobes,14 frontal lobes,6 parietal lobes,3 occipital lobes,5 multilple lesions.The positive rate of preoperative MRI examination was 62%.The subtypes of FCD were identified as following:FCD type Ⅰ A in 9,FCD type Ⅰ B in 21,FCD type Ⅱ A in 5 and FCD type Ⅱ B in 7,respectively.FCD type Ⅰ B was the predominant pathological subtype and almost located in temporal lobe associated hippocampal sclerosis.The curative rate of FCD surgery in temporal lobe epilepsy group was 67% and that in extratemporal group was 43% (Engle Ⅰ a)during follow -up period (at leastⅠ year).Conclusions FCD is a common cause of intractable epilepsy.The different intrinsic neuropathological characteristics,particularly the potential epileptogenic feature,have significant correlations with clinical findings.Further study should be made between each category with its surgical outcome. Key words: Focal cortical dysplasia; Intractable epilepsy; Pathology; Surgical procedures,operative
Legitimacy Loss Following Data Breach: Examining Government Contract Awards and Firm Lobbying

Seeking and securing government contracts can be a lucrative strategy for legitimate firms. However, firms’ ability to secure such contracts following a transgression that threatens its legitimacy ...
Dynamics of gene expression in single root cells of A. thaliana

ABSTRACT Single-cell RNA-seq can yield high-resolution cell-type-specific expression signatures that reveal new cell types and the developmental trajectories of cell lineages. Here, we apply this approach to A. thaliana root cells to capture gene expression in 3,121 root cells. We analyze these data with Monocle 3, which orders single cell transcriptomes in an unsupervised manner and uses machine learning to reconstruct single-cell developmental trajectories along pseudotime. We identify hundreds of genes with cell-type-specific expression, with pseudotime analysis of several cell lineages revealing both known and novel genes that are expressed along a developmental trajectory. We identify transcription factor motifs that are enriched in early and late cells, together with the corresponding candidate transcription factors that likely drive the observed expression patterns. We assess and interpret changes in total RNA expression along developmental trajectories and show that trajectory branch points mark developmental decisions. Finally, by applying heat stress to whole seedlings, we address the longstanding question of possible heterogeneity among cell types in the response to an abiotic stress. Although the response of canonical heat shock genes dominates expression across cell types, subtle but significant differences in other genes can be detected among cell types. Taken together, our results demonstrate that single-cell transcriptomics holds promise for studying plant development and plant physiology with unprecedented resolution.
Semiotic Limits to Markets Defended

Jason Brennan and Peter Jaworski argue in recent work that “semiotic” or “symbolic” objections to markets are unsuccessful. I counter-argue that there are indeed some semiotic limits on markets and that anti-commodification theorists are not merely expressing disgust when they disapprove of markets in certain goods on those grounds. One central argument is that, contrary to what Brennan and Jaworski claim, semiotic arguments against markets do not depend fundamentally on meanings that prevail about markets. Rather, they depend on the meanings that attach to various goods, meanings that give us moral bases on which to make judgments about their prospective commodification.
Mitochondrial disease

•Mitochondrial diseases are disorders of energy metabolism that include defects of pyruvate metabolism, Krebs cycle, respiratory chain (RC), and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). •Treatment of pyruvate metabolism, Krebs cycle, and RC disorders is, in general, disappointing. Therapeutic approaches consist of electron acceptors, enzyme activators, vitamins, coenzymes, free-radical scavengers, dietary measures, and supportive therapy. These treatment assumptions are based on current understanding of the pathophysiology, on anecdotal clinical reports, and on a few controlled clinical trials, which have not been encouraging. Although it is difficult to perform clinical trials in these conditions due to their rarity and genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity, there is a great need for well-performed double-blind placebocontrolled clinical trials with comparable groups of patients and with sufficient follow-up periods. •Treatment options for FAO disorders are, in general, satisfactory and are mainly based on diet, lifestyle recommendations, and administration of L-carnitine and, in some cases, riboflavin. •Special conditions that involve primary deficiencies of L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and cofactor- and vitamin-responsive enzyme defects must be systematically considered, because supplementation with these substances may be curative or produce dramatic improvements. •While awaiting more specific therapies for mitochondrial disorders, it is useful to reach a consensus regarding the management of these patients. The expected outcome is a slowing of the disease process and stabilization of the clinical syndrome. More definitive treatments hopefully will follow in the near future.
Soybean Foliage Consumption Reduces Adult Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Survival and Stimulates Flight.

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, biology is tied to the continuous availability of its host (corn, Zea mays L.). Annual rotation of corn with a nonhost, like soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) was a reliable tactic to manage western corn rootworm. Behavioral resistance to annual crop rotation (rotation resistance) allowed some eastern U.S. Corn Belt populations to circumvent rotation by laying eggs in soybean and in cornfields. When active in soybean, rotation-resistant adults commonly consume foliage, in spite of detrimental effects on beetle survival. Rotation-resistant beetle activity in soybean is enabled by the expression of certain proteinases and an adapted gut microbiota that provide limited protection from soybean antiherbivore defenses. We investigated the effects of corn and soybean herbivory on rotation-resistant female survival and initiation of flight using mortality assays and wind tunnel flight tests. Among field-collected females tested with mortality assays, beetles from collection sites in a cornfield survived longer than those from collection sites in a soybean field. However, reduced survival due to soybean herbivory could be restored by consuming corn tissues. Field-collected beetles that fed on a soybean tissue laboratory diet or only water were more likely to fly in a wind tunnel than corn-feeding beetles. Regardless of collection site and laboratory diet, 90.5% of beetles that flew oriented their flights upwind. Diet-related changes in the probability of flight provide a proximate mechanism for interfield movement that facilitates restorative feeding and the survival of females previously engaged in soybean herbivory. Rotation-resistant western corn rootworm females feeding on soybean tissues experience reduced survival in mortality assays and display increased flight probability (which may facilitate flight back to a cornfield where consumption of host tissues improves survival potential and facilitates maturation of eggs). The consequences of soybean herbivory provide a proximal mechanism for behavioral resistance to crop rotation. Increased egg-laying probability while feeding on soybean tissues, facilitation of egg maturation while feeding on corn tissues, and interfield movement are previously documented consequences.
Investigating Arcjet Mixing and Enthalpy Loss Using Atomic Oxygen Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

Scanned-direct absorption spectroscopy was implemented to improve sensing capabilities in the mixing volume (MV) of the 60 MW Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) at NASA Ames Research Center. The IH...
Knots and Surfaces: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics

Networks (Chapter 1) Surfaces (Chapter 2) Knots (Chapter 3) Projects (Chapter 4) Bibliography Index.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory follicular disorder, primarily affecting black men, which presents with persistent papules and, in some cases, keloidal plaques on the occipital scalp and posterior neck. Acne keloidalis nuchae overwhelmingly affects postpubertal men of African descent. The condition can be treated with various medical treatments, lasers, and surgical modalities depending on the stage of development. This chapter will review the pathomechanisms, clinical presentations, and treatment of acne keloidalis nuchae.
Activity and Seasonal Dormancy

In natural environments animals are exposed to more-or-less regular and predictable periodic events, such as (1) daily changes in intensity of light, (2) the lunar cycle, (3) tides (reflecting the combined gravitational forces of the sun and moon) and (4) seasonal weather changes. Very few, if any, vertebrates escape the influence of these cycles.
Integration by Pullback

We interrupt our study of differential calculus to apply the results of Section 4 of Chapter 7 to the outstanding problem of evaluating pullbacks.
Electron Interaction in Metals

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a short historical review, considering the independent electron model in somewhat greater detail and stressing the problems that arise in attempting a consistent treatment of electron interaction within this framework. It discusses the physical basis for the collective description and discusses in some detail the mathematical derivation of the Hamiltonian, which is used as a starting point for our discussion of electron interaction in metals. It carries out the program of including the effects of electron interaction on various metallic properties in a self-consistent way. It also discusses the experimental evidence derived from electron-electron scattering for the existence of an effective short-range interaction between electrons in metals. It discusses the excitation of collective oscillations in solids, the evidence for their existence, and the influence they exert on the stopping power of metals. Electron interaction is of special importance in the treatment of the electron-phonon interaction in metals. It discusses the influence of electron interaction on the frequencies of sound waves and on the electrical conductivity. This chapter discusses the relationship of the collective description of electron interactions to the treatment of other many-body problems of prominent interest in present-day physics.
Principles of Chemotherapy for Genitourinary Cancer

Cytotoxic chemotherapy evolved from the concepts of Lissauer and Ehrlich early in the 20th century. The initial chemotherapy protocols were characterized by a lack of specificity, often with significant toxicity to the host. This has been subsequently improved due to a better understanding of tumor biology, the basis of the cell cycle and constituency of the human genome, and the biochemical basis of action of the chemotherapy regimens. In the past century, insight into the intracellular pathways that result in sensitivity and resistance of the neoplastic cells to drug treatment have led to significant refinement of our technology, leading to more effective and less toxic treatment regimens.
Dynamic and photometric evolutionary models of tidal tails and ripples

An Investigation into the causes of star formation in tidal tails has been conducted using a restricted three-body dynamical model in conjunction with a broad-band photometric code. The test particles are initially placed in circular orbits around a softened point mass and then perturbed by a companion passing in a parabolic orbit (Toomre and Toomre 1972, Eneev et al. 1973). During the passage, the density evolution of the gala^qr is examined both in regions within the disk and in selected comoving regions in the tidal features. Eiven without the inclusion of self-gravity and hydrodynamics, regions of compression form inside the disk and along the tidal tail and tidal bridge causing local density increases of up to 500%. The density changes found from these models and the mechanisms which lead to them are discussed. The effects these changes have on the colors of the tidal features are examined with a broad-band photometric code. A spiral galaxy population is synthesized and the effects of modest changes in the star formation rate are explored. Assuming the density changes are related to the star formation rate via a Schmidt (1959) law allows us to calculated limits on the density changes needed to make detectable changes in the colors. Density changes similar to those found in the dynamical models will cause detectable changes in the colors of a stellar population.
Structural domains of human apolipoprotein B-100: differential accessibility to limited proteolysis of B-100 in low density and very low density lipoproteins

The structural domains of human apolipoprotein B-100 in low density lipoproteins (LDL) and the conformational changes of B-100 that accompany the conversion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) to LDL were investigated by limited proteolysis with 12 endoproteases of various specificities, and their cleavage sites were determined. In B-100 of LDL, we identified two peptide regions that are highly susceptible to proteolytic cleavage. One region encompassed about 40 amino acids (residues 1280-1320, designated as the NH2-terminal region) and the other about 100 amino acids (residues 3180-3280, designated as the COOH-terminal region). IN LDL, the cleavage sites in both susceptible regions of B-100 were readily accessible to limited proteolysis; but in VLDL, only sites in the COOH-terminal region were readily accessible. Moreover, B-100 in VLDL appeared less degraded than B-100 in LDL by all enzymes used. Reduction of disulfide bonds of B-100 in both LDL and VLDL before digestion by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and clostripain exposed additional cleavage sites and increased the rate of B-100 degradation, suggesting that disulfide bonds probably exert conformational constraints. These results indicate the presence of three principal structural domains in B-100 of LDL that are relatively resistant to limited proteolysis. These three domains are connected by the two susceptible peptide regions. Our results also demonstrate differential accessibility of cleavage sites in B-100 of LDL and VLDL to limited proteolysis. This differential accessibility suggests that substantial changes in the conformation or environment of B-100 accompany the conversion of VLDL to LDL.
Effect of Loading Rate on Dynamic Fracture of Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride

Wedge-loaded, modified tapered double cantilever beam (WL-MTDCB) specimens under impact loading were used to determine the room temperature dynamic fracture response of reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN). The crack extension history, with the exception of the terminal phase, was similar to that obtained under static loading. Like its static counterpart, a distinct crack acceleration phase, which was not observed in dynamic fracture of steel and brittle polymers, was noted. Unlike its static counterpart, the crack continued to propagate at nearly its terminal velocity under a low dynamic stress intensity factor during the terminal phase of crack propagation. These and previously obtained results for glass and RBSN show that dynamic crack arrest under a positive dynamic stress intensity factor is unlikely in static and impact loaded structural ceramics.
Interactions between aluminum and the actions and metabolism of vitamin D3 in the chick

The effects of intraperitoneal injections of aluminum chloride were tested on the intestinal calcium absorption and bone calcium mobilization responses to vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3, as measured by bioassay in chicks. Aluminum at 5 mg/kg given 5 days before the bioassay in vitamin D— deficient chicks, partially blocked the intestinal calcium absorption response to low (0.65 and 3.2 nmol), but not to higher (32 nmol) doses of vitamin D3. The responses to all doses (0.32–2.1 nmol) of 1,25(OH)2D3 were partially blocked by aluminum treatment. Serum calcium values were elevated in vitamin D—deficient chicks by aluminum administration, but no consistent effects of the treatment on bone calcium mobilization in response to vitamin D3 or 1,25(OH)2D3 were noted. Aluminum treatmentin vivo led to decreased 25-OH-D3-1-hydroxylase activity subsequently measured in renal homogenates; under a variety of conditions, no direct effect of aluminum on 25-OH-D3 metabolism by primary cultures of chick kidney cells was observed. The results suggest that the ability of the intestine to respond normally to 1,25(OH)2D3 may be compromised by exposure to high levels of aluminum and that the effect of this element on 25-OH-D3 metabolism observedin vivo may not be exerted by direct action on the renal cell.
Morphological resonances for multicomponent immunoassays

An immunoassay technique capable of detecting and identifying a number of species of microorganisms in a single analysis is described. The method uses optical-resonance size discrimination of microspheres to identify antibodies to which stained microorganisms are bound.
UV-LIGA fabrication of microscale two-level mold inserts for MEMS applications

Techniques for fabricating high-aspect-ratio microscale structures (HARMS) are being investigated for wide-ranging applications. Microdevices employing metal-based HARMS are of particular interest for mechanical, electro-mechanical, and chemical applications. In many applications, HARMS with two or several distinct heights are necessary, the fabrication of which necessitates two-level or multi-level mold inserts. In addition, tapered mold inserts would help achieving easy insert-part separation. Here we report a process for fabricating two-level, tapered mold inserts by combining UV-lithography on SU-8 resist, one-step metal electrodeposition, polish and level, and SU-8 resist removal. Without tilt and rotation during the lithography process, tapered SU-8 plating molds are obtained by employing light diffraction during lithography and proper development procedures. The SU-8 resist removal process does not reduce its strength. Efficacy of this approach is demonstrated with a two-level insert prototype suitable for fabricating micro heat exchanger parts by compression micromolding.