cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Use of Interactive Television in Identifying Autism in Young Children: Methodology and Preliminary Data

Children living in rural and underserved areas experience decreased access to health care services and are often diagnosed with autism at a later age compared to those living in urban or suburban areas. This study examines the utility and validity of an ASD assessment protocol conducted via video conferencing (VC). Participants (n = 17) included families with young children (2.5–6 years) requesting an evaluation for ASD in an interdisciplinary clinic. We randomly assigned families to complete an additional evaluation either in-person or via VC prior to their clinic appointment and compared diagnostic impressions to their interdisciplinary clinic evaluation. Results demonstrate excellent inter-rater agreement on diagnoses between clinicians in the VC setting and the interdisciplinary team, which suggests VC may be a viable method to increase access to autism diagnostic services, and ultimately early intervention, for families in rural and underserved areas.
Stale-safe security properties for group-based secure information sharing

Attribute staleness arises due to the physical distribution of authorization information, decision and enforcement points. This is a fundamental problem in virtually any secure distributed system in which the management and representation of authorization state are not globally synchronized. This problem is so intrinsic, it is inevitable that access decision will be based on attribute values that are stale. While it may not be practical to eliminate staleness, we can limit unsafe access decisions made based on stale subject and object attributes. In this paper, we propose and formally specify four stale-safe security properties of varying strength which limit such incorrect access decisions. We use Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) to formalize these properties making them suitable to be verified, for example, using model checking. We show how these properties can be applied in the specific context of group-based Secure Information Sharing (g-SIS) as defined in this paper. We specify the authorization decision/enforcement points of the g-SIS system as a Finite State Machine (FSM) and show how this FSM can be modified so as to satisfy one of the stale-safe properties.
The Need for Routine Bleomycin Test Dosing in the 21st Century

OBJECTIVETo review the clinical evidence for routine use of bleomycin test dosing.DATA SOURCESEnglish-language review articles, references from retrieved articles, case reports, and clinical trials were identified from a MEDLINE literature search (1966–July 2005). Key search terms included bleomycin, test dose, anaphylactic reactions, and hypersensitivity. Information from an unpublished E-mail survey, the manufacturer, and the Internet was also used.DATA SYNTHESISEarly clinical trials and isolated case reports suggest that bleomycin-induced acute hypersensitivity reactions occur in 1% of patients with lymphoma and <0.5% of those with solid tumors. The reactions are mainly characterized by high-grade fever, chills, hypotension, and in a few cases, cardiovascular collapse, which can lead to death. The exact mechanism of these reactions is unclear, but is thought to be related to the release of endogenous pyrogens from the host cells. Evidence does not suggest any correlation between doses and the onset or ...
Differential Expression of JunB in Cutaneous CD30‐Positive Disorders

Although some classic differences exist histologically between malignant and benign CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin, the distinction can only be made by correlation with the patient’s clinical course. There has been limited investigation into the genetic abnormalities seen in this class of disorders. Cutaneous ALCL has been shown to exhibit increased expression of JunB, but differences in expression of JunB between c-ALCL and benign CD30-positive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders have yet to be evaluated. A study to determine the prevalence of JunB coexpression in CD30-positive cells of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and benign CD30-positive disorders of the skin was undertaken. The two c-ALCL cases had an average of 98.3%(+/− 0.7%) of CD30-positive cells coexpressing JunB and the seven benign CD30-positive disorders exhibited an average of 88.9%(+/− 7.4%) of CD30-positive cells coexpressing JunB. There was a trend towards lower JunB and CD30 coexpression with benign CD30 lesions compared to cutaneous ALCL, but with our limited sample size, this difference did not achieve statistical significance. Further investigation is needed to more fully evaluate the sensitivity of the expression of JunB and other proteins as markers for clinical behavior in CD-30 positive lymphoproliferative disorders.
A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Potency of lipid-lowering therapy and Race-gender Differences in LDL cholesterol control

Reasons for race and gender differences in controlling elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may be related to variations in prescribed lipid-lowering therapy. We examined the effect of lipid-lowering drug treatment and potency on time until LDL control for black and white women and men with a baseline elevated LDL. We studied 3,484 older hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in 6 primary care practices over a 4-year timeframe. Potency of lipid-lowering drugs calculated for each treated day and summed to assess total potency for at least 6 and up to 24 months. Cox models of time to LDL control within two years and logistic regression models of control within 6 months by race-gender adjust for: demographics, clinical, health care delivery, primary/specialty care, LDL measurement, and drug potency. Time to LDL control decreased as lipid-lowering drug potency increased (P < 0.001). Black women (N = 1,440) received the highest potency therapy (P < 0.001) yet were less likely to achieve LDL control than white men (N = 717) (fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% CI 0.56-0.78]). Black men (N = 666) and white women (N = 661) also had lower adjusted HRs of LDL control (0.82 [95% CI 0.69, 0.98] and 0.75 [95% CI 0.64-0.88], respectively) than white men. Logistic regression models of LDL control by 6 months and other sensitivity models affirmed these results. Black women and, to a lesser extent, black men and white women were less likely to achieve LDL control than white men after accounting for lipid-lowering drug potency as well as diverse patient and provider factors. Future work should focus on the contributions of medication adherence and response to treatment to these clinically important differences.
Interfacial reactions between titanium and borate glass

Interfacial reactions between melts of several borate glasses and titanium have been investigated by analytical scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A thin titanium boride interfacial layer is detected by XPS after short (30 minutes) thermal treatments. ASEM analyses after longer thermal treatments (8--120 hours) reveal boron-rich interfacial layers and boride precipitates in the Ti side of the interface.
Marketing Initiatives, Expected Cash Flows, and Shareholders'Wealth

Abstract It is widely accepted that marketing initiatives help firms acquire and retain customers. However, the link between the cash flows generated by customers' purchases and shareholders' wealth is not fully understood, and the literature is increasingly advocating the need for greater “marketing accountability.” In this interdisciplinary research, the authors adapt the theory of firm valuation from finance and show that a marketing action can affect the shareholders' wealth by (1) determining the firm's net present value (the “stock price effect”) and (2) potentially reducing the firm's cash needs (the “released working capital effect”). In demonstrating these results, the authors advance marketing theory by answering calls made in the literature to link marketing actions to the investors' cash flows, the firm's working capital needs, and the owners' wealth.The approach also shows that by reducing the firm's cash needs, marketing can increase the firm's productivity (operating efficiency). This imput...
High resolution in vivo characterization of apparent diffusion coefficient at the tumor-stromal boundary of breast carcinomas: a pilot study to assess treatment response using proximity-dependent diffusion-weighted imaging.

Purpose To evaluate diffusion changes in the breast tumor–stromal boundary and adjacent tissue in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy using high resolution diffusion-weighted imaging (HR-DWI). Materials and Methods Seven patients with invasive breast cancer were imaged with HR-DWI before and early during treatment. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was plotted in 1-mm increments around the tumor boundary. Early change in ADC was measured for tumor, tumor boundary, and stromal regions, and the relationship to treatment response was evaluated using Spearman's correlation. Results Statistically significant correlations between treatment response and early changes in ADC were found for: (i) whole tumor (ρ = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (0.58, 0.99), P = 0.003); (ii) tumor rim (ρ = 0.75, 95% CI = (−0.007, 0.96), P = 0.05); and (iii) boundary transition region (ρ = 0.86, 95% CI = (0.29, 0.98), P = 0.01). Early change in ADC of distal stroma had a marginally statistically significant positive correlation to treatment response (ρ = 0.71, 95% CI = (−0.084, 0.95), P = 0.07). Conclusion Proximity-dependent evaluation of HR-DWI data in the breast tumor–stromal boundary and adjacent tissue may provide information about response to therapy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:1308–1313. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the diagnosis of programmable interconnect systems: Theory and application

This paper considers the diagnosis of field programmable interconnect systems (FPIS) in which programmable grids made of switches are included. For this type of interconnects, the number of times the grid must be programmed and the programming sequence of the switches an two of the most important figures of merit for full diagnosis (defection and location with no aliasing and confounding). A hierarchical approach to diagnosis is proposed and fully characterized. The application of this technique to commercially available FPIS such as FPGAs, is discussed. It is shown that the proposed diagnostic technique can be applied to the general purpose interconnect of the FPGAs in the 3000 family by Xilinx.
Clinical Presentation and Self-Reported Patterns of Pain and Function in Patients with Plantar Heel Pain

Background: Plantar heel pain is a common disorder of the foot. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between duration of symptoms in plantar fasciitis patients and demographic ...
Double-Carbapenem Therapy Not Proven To Be More Active than Carbapenem Monotherapy against KPC-Positive Klebsiella pneumoniae

Hopes of a new option for therapy of KPC-associated infections may have been raised by the report of Bulik and Nicolau that double-carbapenem therapy comprising ertapenem and doripenem can be more active than either drug alone ([3][1]). While not discounting the possibility that carbapenem
Optical coupling between antibonding film plasmon modes and perpendicularly polarized light

We demonstrate the spectral properties of resonant transmission induced by perpendicularly polarized light through an individual hole in a thin metallic film, using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. Our measurements and intuitive understanding show that the resonance is activated by a coupling between the perpendicular component of incident light and existing antibonding film plasmon modes.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy of Triangular Aluminum Nanoparticles

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Al nanoparticles fabricated by nanosphere lithography (NSL) was examined by UV−vis extinction spectroscopy and electrodynamics theory. Al triangular nanoparticle arrays can support LSP resonances that are tunable throughout the visible and into the UV portion of the spectrum. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope studies point to the presence of a thin native Al2O3 layer on the surface of the Al triangular nanoparticles. The presence of the oxide layer, especially on the tips of the nanotriangles, results in a significant red shift in the LSPR λmax. The refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the Al triangular nanoparticle arrays in bulk solvents was determined to be 0.405 eV/RIU. Theoretical results show that the oxide layer leads to a significant decrease in this RI sensitivity compared to unoxidized triangular nanoparticles of similar size and geometry. A comparison of Al, Ag, Cu, and Au triangular nanoparticles for a similar shape and g...
Quality of life outcomes in proton and photon treated pediatric brain tumor survivors

Background Radiotherapy can impair Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in survivors of childhood brain tumors, but proton radiotherapy (PRT) may mitigate this effect. This study compares HRQoL in PRT and photon (XRT) pediatric brain tumor survivors.
High-Technology Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies: Firm Informality and Contextualization of Resource-Based Theory

High-technology entrepreneurship in emerging economies takes place in a context very different from that of developed economies. In large measure, this difference is due to greater resource constraints and higher levels of firm informality in emerging economies. In this study, we examine formal versus informal young high-technology ventures, assessing the extent to which firm informality moderates the relationship between technology investments and firm performance in an emerging economy. We find that technology investments are positively related to firm performance. Yet, firm informality positively moderates the relationship between resources and firm performance. The effect of resources tends to be contingent on the level of firm informality in an emerging economy. Greater resource constraints and higher levels of firm informality not only represent critical factors in emerging economies, but also are essential for contextualizing resource-based theory.
Genetic-induced variations in the GAD65 T-cell repertoire governs efficacy of anti-CD3/GAD65 combination therapy in new-onset type 1 diabetes.

To enhance efficacy of forthcoming type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinical trials, combination therapies (CTs) are envisaged. In this study, we showed that efficacy of a CT, using anti-CD3 antibody and glutamic acid decarboxylase of 65 kd (GAD65)-expressing plasmid, to reverse new-onset T1D was dependent upon the genetic background. Synergism between both treatments was only observed in the RIP-LCMV-GP but not in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) or RIP-LCMV-NOD models. Efficacy was associated with an expansion of bystander suppressor regulatory T cells (Tregs) recognizing the C-terminal region of GAD65 and secreting interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In addition, we found that frequency and epitope specificity of GAD65-reactive CD4+ T cells during antigen priming at diabetes onset and Tregs detected after CT correlated. Consequently, NOD mice harbored significantly lower levels of GAD65-reactive CD4+ T cells than RIP-LCMV-GP before and after treatment. Our results demonstrate that antigen-specific T cells available at treatment may differ between various major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and genetic backgrounds. These cells play a major role in shaping T-cell responses following antigen-specific immune intervention and determine whether a beneficial Tregs response is generated. Our findings hold important implications to understand and predict the success of antigen-based clinical trials, where responsiveness to immunotherapy might vary from patient to patient.
Designing for community: the effects of gender representation in videos on a Web site

This paper analyzes a professional development Web site for teachers that features 'virtual classroom visits' - video clips of teachers teaching, together with asynchronous forums for discussing the videos. The site was designed with the explicit goal of fostering community among teachers and teachers to training, where community is defined in part as self-sustaining, ongoing interaction. We analyze the relationship between the design of the 'classroom visit' interface and the textual conversations taking place there, pointing out ways in which unintentional bias in the representation of gender in the videos is reflected in asymmetries in participation by males and females, to the detriment of the community design goal. Based on this evidence, we argue that designers of CMC systems should take user gender into account in creating multimodal interfaces that represent humans directly.
Distance From Peers in the Group's Perceived Organizational Structure: Relation to Individual Characteristics

The relation between perceived dissimilarity to peers, assessed with replicated multidimensional scaling (RMDS), and a host of peer-reported characteristics was examined with data collected from 478 students from 26 fourth-grade through sixth-grade classrooms. Three hypotheses as to why a student might be perceived as dissimilar to peers were examined. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that perceived dissimilarity was related positively to perceptions that a student was odd, socially excluded and withdrawn, bullying, and inattentive and negatively with being fun to hang around. Furthermore, peer-rejected students who were on the periphery of their group's RMDS space were behaviorally discriminable (i.e., more odd, inattentive, excluded, and shy or anxious) from peer-rejected students located more proximally to peers. It was argued that in early adolescence, when learning to fit in with peers is an important task, being perceived as dissimilar to others and on the periphery of the group's organiza...
An Experimental Study of Rain Effects on Fine Structures of Wind Waves

Abstract Previous experiments suggested that rain had dual effects on wind waves: damping in the gravity range and enhancement in the capillary–gravity/capillary range. These results in the frequency domain obtained from fixed-point measurements, however, might be contaminated by the Doppler effect. In the present study, wave slopes were spatially mapped with a scanning laser slope gauge under wind velocities of 3, 5, and 7 m s−1 and rain intensities of 42, 68, and 115 mm h−1. Synthesized spectral densities, which are not affected by the Doppler effect, were obtained by processing the data in both “fixed point” and “spatial scan” modes. The existence of dual effects is clarified with the present results.
Giving Thanks: Spiritual and Religious Correlates of Gratitude

Gratitude is a Christian virtue and an emotional disposition that has recently become the focus of systematic scientific research. We explore first the theological origins of gratitude as a virtue that is emphasized in Judeo-Christian traditions, and we then examine spiritual and religious predictors of dispositional gratitude and grateful emotions measured on a daily basis in a sample of persons with neuromuscular disease (NMDs). In this primarily Christian sample, grateful emotions and tendencies were related to both conventional religious practices (e.g., church attendance and reading the Bible) as well as to spiritual self-transcendence. Sanctification through personal goals (the perceived degree to which strivings enable one to feel closer to God) was also predictive of gratitude. Some implications of the research for psychospiritual assessment, religion and health, and the integration of psychology and theology are discussed. Let the peace of Christ mle in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3: 15-17). Gratitude, the affirmation of a bond between giver and receiver, is central to the humandivine relationship. As long as people have believed in God, believers have sought ways to express gratitude and thanksgiving to this God, their ultimate giver. Gratitude is thus a universal religious sentiment, evident in the thank offerings described in ancient scriptures to contemporary praise and worship music. The idea that one should reflect upon the abundance of God's gifts, and express that in thanksgiving and praise is a theme that permeates texts, prayers, and teachings of Biblical faith. In both Jewish and Christian worldviews, gratitude is the appropriate response to the benevolence of a creator whose purposes are the well-being of the world and its inhabitants (Plantinga, 2000). Because of its centrality in Christian theology, it would not be an exaggeration to say that gratiCorrespondence concerning this article should be
In Support of Use of the Yale Swallow Protocol: Longer-Term (5 Day) Success of Diet Recommendations and Oral Alimentation

Passing the Yale Swallow Protocol allowed for initial determination of aspiration risk followed by successful oral alimentation for 1–5 days in medically and neurologically stable acute care hospitalized patients and without the need for instrumental dysphagia testing.
The Eyes Absent Proteins in Developmental and Pathological Angiogenesis

Management of neoangiogenesis remains a high-value therapeutic goal. A recently uncovered association between the DNA damage repair pathway and pathological angiogenesis could open previously unexplored possibilities for intervention. An attractive and novel target is the Eyes absent (EYA) tyrosine phosphatase, which plays a critical role in the repair versus apoptosis decision after DNA damage. This study examines the role of EYA in the postnatal development of the retinal vasculature and under conditions of ischemia-reperfusion encountered in proliferative retinopathies. We find that the ability of the EYA proteins to promote endothelial cell (EC) migration contributes to a delay in postnatal development of the retinal vasculature when Eya3 is deleted specifically in ECs. By using genetic and chemical biology tools, we show that EYA contributes to pathological angiogenesis in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Both in vivo and in vitro , loss of EYA tyrosine phosphatase activity leads to defective assembly of γ-H2AX foci and thus to DNA damage repair in ECs under oxidative stress. These data reveal the potential utility of EYA tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors as therapeutic agents in inhibiting pathological neovascularization with a range of clinical applications.
A composition-dependent model for the complex dielectric function of In 1-x Ga x As y P 1-y lattice-matched to InP

Accurate and numerically efficient models for the complex dielectric function vs wavelength and material characteristics are essential for the use of nondestructive optical techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry or reflectometry. These optical techniques are commonly used for real-time and run-to-run monitoring and control of growth and etch processes to determine a material's composition and thickness. In this work, we discuss an improved composition-dependent model for the complex dielectric function for lattice-matched In1-xGaxAsyP1-y/InP systems valid over the entire composition range 0 ≤ y ≤ 1. We describe our model, which is an extension of the critical point parabolic band method and is based on the model proposed by Charles Kim et al. for the AxGa1-x/GaAs system. We demonstrate the quality of the model in fitting optical data for individual compositions and compare our results to other established models including the harmonic oscillator approximation and the model of Adachi. Using results obtained from the individual fits, we generate a composition-dependent model that is valid for the entire range of lattice-matched compositions. Also, we show how this model can be used to accurately determine the composition (±0.01) of an unknown material whose dielectric response has been obtained using spectroscopic ellipsometry or a similar technique.
Mechanical Properties of Vulcanizates Containing Covalent, Ionic, and Mixed Crosslinks

Abstract Vulcanization by peroxide and sulfur are the two common methods to crosslink diene elastomers. Crosslinks using peroxide are simple carbon-carbon covalent bonds, whereas, with sulfur, a distribution of sulfur linkages, Sx, of various rank, x, may be present. Networks in which x=1 exclusively are said to be monosulfidic; these, as well as peroxide-cured vulcanizates, possess low-set characteristics, low stress relaxation, and good resistance to aging—all evidence of the permanence of C-S-C and C-C linkages. On the other hand, when x is large, the networks are termed polysulfidic; stress relaxation and set are higher, while resistance to aging (network stability) is poorer compared to rubbers with monosulfidic or carbon covalent linkages. It has been proposed that these properties result from the relative weakness of polysulfide bonds, which can break and reform under load. In applications such as tires, where resistance to fracture under severe loads is required, accelerated-sulfur vulcanization w...
Higher Education at Risk

This study will examine the impact of the work of conservative interest groups, policy planning institutes, and think-tanks like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on recent public higher education pronouncements and policy enactments at both the national and state levels. It will look at the substance of this conservative agenda, their supporting issue frames, and specific policy proposals as well as the success of the resulting laws, educational programs and administrative regulations, particularly in those states where Republicans have gained control over state governorships and legislatures. Special attention will be given to the likely impact of this recent legislative activity and supporting government administrative appointments on the humanities and the social sciences at the nation’s public universities. Finally, the paper will discuss and attempt to project the general implications for the American political system that may be likely to evolve out of the relative success of this right-wing education policy agenda and its programmatic implementation at the major institutions of U.S. higher education.
News Coverage of US Presidential Campaigns: Reporting on Primaries and General Elections, 1988-2012

Content analysis research of news coverage of presidential elections conducted by the Center for Media and Public Affairs and by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press demonstrated that both traditional and new media focused on horse-race coverage at the expense of treatment of issues in 2012. Network news coverage of the 2012 nomination campaign employed the Robinson and Sheehan (1983) “triage” model, with the most positive coverage devoted to long-shot candidates like Ron Paul and John Huntsman. Online news sources discussing the 2012 general election, particularly Twitter, were notably more favorable of Barack Obama than Mitt Romney. Facebook postings, blogs and network television news also treated the incumbent president somewhat more positively than his Republican challenger.
The importance of clinical stage among patients with a complete pathologic response at radical cystectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients without evidence of disease at radical cystectomy (RC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have the greatest potential for survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Historically, 15 % of such patients will experience disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality. We sought to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment clinical factors on the risk of recurrence in patients who were ypT0N0 at RC. We performed a multi-institutional review of patients treated with NAC + RC for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (≥cT2) without pathologic evidence of disease at surgery (ypT0N0). The association of pre-treatment clinicopathologic features with recurrence was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards. A total of 78 patients were identified with ypT0 disease at RC after NAC. Median postoperative follow-up was 32.4 months (IQR 16.8, 60.0), during which time 17 patients recurred at a median of 6.4 months after RC. Estimated 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) of this cohort was 74.8 %. In univariate analysis, cT4 disease (HR 3.12; p = 0.04) and time to RC (HR 1.17 for each month increase; p < 0.01) were associated with inferior RFS. Patients without evidence of disease at the time of RC are still at risk of recurrence and death from bladder cancer. Higher clinical stage and increased time to RC were associated with an increased risk of recurrence and subsequent death. These data highlight the importance of timely RC and the continued risk of recurrence in higher clinically staged patients—underscoring the need for close monitoring and patient counseling.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided placement of the lumen-apposing self-expandable metallic stent for gallbladder drainage: a promising technique

Acute cholecystitis and other clinical problems requiring gallbladder removal or drainage have conventionally been treated with surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the gallbladder and/or extrahepatic bile duct. Patients unable to undergo these procedures due to functional status or anatomical anomalies are candidates for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gallbladder drainage with stent placement. The aim of this review was to evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of EUS-guided placement of the recently developed lumen-apposing self-expandable metallic stent (LASEMS). A literature review was performed to identify the studies describing this technique. In this review article we have summarized case series or reports describing EUS-guided LASEMS placement. The indications, techniques, limitations and complications reported are discussed. A total of 78 patients were included across all studies described thus far in the literature. Studies have reported near 100% technical and clinical success rates in selected cases. No major complications were reported. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage and LASEMS placement can be a safe and effective alternative approach in the management of selected patients.
Interferometric probing by broadband optical radiation: Downconversion of Raman frequencies and Fourier transforms of Raman spectrograms

Conventional methods such as cw Raman spectroscopy and time resolved coherent Raman scattering (TRCRS) have long been used to probe molecular interactions in the condensed phase.
Seed Removal Experiments on Desert Rodents: The Microhabitat by Moonlight Effect

. 1980. Food habits of the guanaco (Lama guanicoe) of Tierra de Fuego, Chile. Turrialba, 30:177-181. REDON, J. 1982. Lichens of arid South America. J. Hattori Bot. Lab., 53:337-339. ROCHELLE, J. 1980. Mature forests, litterfall and patterns of forage quality as factors in the nutrition of black-tailed deer on northern Vancouver Island. Unpubl. Ph.D. dissert., Univ. British Columbia, Vancouver, 295 pp. RUNDEL, P. 1978. Ecological relationships of desert fog zone lichens. Bryologist, 81:277-293. RUNDEL, P. W., AND M. MAHU. 1976. Community structure in a coastal fog desert in northern Chile. Flora, 165:493-505. SIMONETTI, J. A., AND E. R. FUENTES. 1985. Guanacos versus cabras y conejos como moduladores del matorral de Chile central. Pp. 76-87, in Actas de la IV Convencion Internacional sobre Camelidos Sudamericanos, Punta Arenas, Chile (C. Venegas and C. Cunazza, eds.). 285 pp.
Pure and stable metallic phase molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for hydrogen evolution reaction

Metallic molybdenum disulfide is a metastable phase of the material. Here, the authors synthesize two-dimensional metallic molybdenum disulfide nanosheets, stabilized by adsorbed aqueous monolayers, and evaluate their catalytic hydrogen evolution activity.
Appendicitis Simulating Torsion of the Spermatic Cord: A Case Report

A case of acute non-perforated appendicitis presenting as acute scrotal swelling and erythema is reported. A communicating hydrocele containing serous cloudy fluid was encountered on examination, suggesting the intra-abdominal pathology.
Subcutaneous tissue oximetry: implications for wound healing and monitoring critically ill patients.

Availability of oxygen and adequate blood flow to wounded tissues are important factors for the prevention of impaired wound healing. Oxygen is essential for the growth of new blood vessels, formation of collagen, and the prevention of infection. Subcutaneous tissue oximetry, an experimental technology for evaluating tissue oxygen and perfusion, is being researched for use in the evaluation of hypovolemia, hemorrhagic shock, sepsis, and wound healing. This technology eventually may assist in the management of critically ill patients by promptly alerting physicians to decreased oxygen delivery and allowing for more timely intervention.
“Overview of short-reach optical interconnects: From VCSELs to silicon nanophotonics”

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation on short-reach optical interconnection from VCSELs to silicon nanophotonics. Some of the specific topics discussed include: an introduction to the technology of optical interconnects; fibers, connectors, and module packaging; packaging processes; energy efficiency metrics and goals; silicon photonoics and wavelength division multiplexing; an overview of recent optical componeents; and the key features and applications supported by microchips.
Working With Families to Inspire Children's Persistence in STEM

Policymakers and educators emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction as key to individuals' and nations' future economic prosperity. It can be considered to be of particular value to students in developing countries and for disadvantaged students in developed countries. As families play a critical role in a child's education, their attitudes and understandings will directly influence the success of efforts to increase participation in STEM learning. This article explores how teachers can work with families to support their children's participation in STEM activities, and thus ultimately broaden the diversity within STEM education and careers.
IPMC-driven thrust generation: a new conceptual design (Conference Presentation)

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) are highly functional actuators that find many uses in the field of soft robotics due to their low actuation voltage and ability to operate in aquatic environments. The actuation of an IPMC relies on the swelling of the negatively charged side when a potential is applied, due to the free-moving cations and water molecules migrating to that half. While this bending type actuation can be utilized to perform many tasks, it is ill suited for the primary propulsion mechanism in certain soft robotic applications. Here, a new conceptual design is presented which utilizes the bending of IPMC materials to achieve complex actuation motion in an attempt to generate a non-zero net thrust for propulsion of soft robots. The design capitalizes on advances in the manufacturing processes of electroactive polymer materials, which now allow for more complex shapes and thus new and unique modes of actuation. By utilizing the consistent bending deformation of IPMC actuators, in conjunction with carefully considered geometry, an IPMC driven body may serve as a primary mode of propulsion through a positive net thrust generation. This work consists of the initial feasibility study, concept testing, and optimization for such an actuator through computer modeling and simulation. COMSOL will be used for the finite element analysis to design the most efficient and optimized design for a positive net thrust generation. Such an IPMC design may find a great deal of applications, and the potential of future integration into other soft robotic systems is considered.
A Less Invasive Approach to Periacetabular Osteotomy Improves Patient Reported Outcomes without Compromising Orientation

A less-invasive modification of the approach to periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has recently been popularized by sparing the rectus femoris origin (RS-PAO). The RS-PAO approach with its lack of intra-articular inspection and associated treatment is novel, and there are few published results on the outcomes following this technique. We report on a consecutive series of RS-PAO cases, including patient reported outcomes (PROs), acetabular fragment reorientation, and complications. We reviewed a consecutive series of 103 patients (103 procedures) who underwent RS-PAO from June 2012 to January 2016 with a mean 2-year follow-up. We collected PROs, radiographic, and clinical outcomes. PROs consisted of PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) measures covering the domains of physical function, mental health, and a numeric pain score (NPS). Physical function and mental health were reported as standardized T-scores. Appropriate bivariate statistics were used for the analyses. Physical function improved from a preoperative mean of 39.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.0–42.0) to a postoperative value of 50.0 T-score units (95% CI, 47.01–52.7; dav = 1.2). The PROMIS global mental-health T-scores improved from a preoperative median of 45.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 41.1–50.8) to a postoperative value of 53.3 (IQR, 50.8–59.0; p
Electrical preconditioning of stem cells with a conductive polymer scaffold enhances stroke recovery

Exogenous human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) are promising stroke therapeutics, but optimal delivery conditions and exact recovery mechanisms remain elusive. To further elucidate repair processes and improve stroke outcomes, we developed an electrically conductive, polymer scaffold for hNPC delivery. Electrical stimulation of hNPCs alters their transcriptome including changes to the VEGF-A pathway and genes involved in cell survival, inflammatory response, and synaptic remodeling. In our experiments, exogenous hNPCs were electrically stimulated (electrically preconditioned) via the scaffold 1 day prior to implantation. After in vitro stimulation, hNPCs on the scaffold are transplanted intracranially in a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. Electrically preconditioned hNPCs improved functional outcomes compared to unstimulated hNPCs or hNPCs where VEGF-A was blocked during in vitro electrical preconditioning. The ability to manipulate hNPCs via a conductive scaffold creates a new approach to optimize stem cell-based therapy and determine which factors (such as VEGF-A) are essential for stroke recovery.
Localized trichiasis causing focal full-thickness corneal edema, endothelial cell loss, and corneal scarring requiring penetrating keratoplasty

The purpose of the study was to report a case of focal trichiasis causing full-thickness corneal edema, scarring, and endothelial cell loss requiring penetrating keratoplasty (PK). A 66-year-old male was referred for trichiasis of the right upper eyelid corresponding to an area of full-thickness corneal edema. No keratic precipitates or guttata was noted. Specular microscopy showed diffuse endothelial cell loss. He was treated with topical steroids and acyclovir with epilation of lashes. Anterior chamber paracentesis was negative for varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. The patient developed diffuse stromal scarring with a decrease in vision and ultimately underwent PK with preceding eyelid repair. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first reported case of chronic trichiasis causing full-thickness corneal edema, scarring, and endothelial cell loss requiring PK.
Effects of lexical features, textual properties, and individual differences on word processing times during second language reading comprehension

This study examines whether lexical features and textual properties along with individual differences on the part of readers influence word processing times during second language (L2) reading comprehension. Forty-eight Spanish-speaking adolescent and adult learners of English read nine English passages in a self-paced word-by-word reading experiment. Linear mixed effects models revealed that for word-level effects, more frequent words facilitated L2 word processing times. In contrast, words with higher concreteness and words with higher orthographic distinctiveness inhibited L2 word processing times. For text-level effects, processing times for L2 words in passages that were simplified at the beginning and intermediate levels were significantly faster than those for words in authentic passages, and L2 word processing times decreased as L2 learners encountered each new passage and as they read words further into each passage. With respect to individual differences, L2 word processing times became quicker for more proficient L2 readers. It was also found that L2 reading proficiency interacted with orthographic distinctiveness, such that more proficient L2 readers had smaller effects of orthographic distinctiveness on L2 processing times than less proficient L2 readers. These findings indicate that various sources, including lexical features, textual properties, and individual differences, all affect word processing during L2 reading comprehension.
A Multi-Resolution Multi-Scale Computational Approach for Characterization and Analysis of Nanostructured Surfaces

Abstract Structures and property of surfaces are very important in different chemical, physical and biological processes. Understanding the surface characteristics in the microscopic level is essential in order to relate the surface characteristics to the performance of the product. R elation of product performance with surface characteristics helps to improve the product performance through optimizing the manufacturing process. Spatial distribution of surface features which defines the surface characteristics can be captured by the multi-resolution capabilities of wavelet transforms (WT) that can provide not only frequency localization but also spatial localization of feature signatures. A multi-scale molecular simulation can help to investigate the physical and chemical mechanism in the surface. Together with the multi-resolution surface feature analysis, the multi-scale molecular simulation will give a better understanding of the surface phenomena and its relation with the performance matrices. In this paper we discuss the application of this approach for surface characterization of Rh(111) in the adsorption desorption of CO. The adsorption on the surface depends on it s crystal lattice structures and the presence of defects. In the atomic level a first principle density functional theory (DFT) calculation is used to find the adsorption energy. In the mesoscopic level a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model of the surface is used to simulate the temperature programmed desorption (TPD) from the surface. The on-top adsorption energy increases with surface defects in the form of vacancies which shifts the peak maximum of TPD to a higher temperature. To characterize the surface, fractal dimension of the crystal surface is found using wavelet transformation. The fractal dimension of the surface increases with presence of vacancies .
What can we (machine) learn about welfare dynamics from cross-sectional data?

This paper implements a machine learning approach to estimate intra-generational economic mobility using cross-sectional data. A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) procedure is applied to explore poverty dynamics and household-level welfare growth in the absence of panel data sets that follow individuals over time. The method is validated by sampling repeated cross-sections of actual panel data from Peru. In general, the approach performs well at estimating intra-generational poverty transitions; most of the mobility estimates fall within the 95 percent confidence intervals of poverty mobility from the actual panel data. The validation also confirms that the Lasso regularization procedure performs well at estimating household-level welfare growth between two years. Overall, the results are sufficiently encouraging to estimate economic mobility in settings where panel data are not available or, if they are, to improve panel data when they suffer from serious non-random attrition problems.
Mapping Aboveground Biomass of Trees Using Forest Inventory Data and Public Environmental Variables within the Alaskan Boreal Forest

A method for mapping forest biomass was developed and tested on a study area in the boreal forest of interior Alaska. In order to understand above ground biomass values within this forest, we employed the Boruta algorithm, Random Forest (RF), and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis (three different machine learning techniques) to predict above ground woody biomass for the entire region using a combination of forest inventory data and a suite of 32 predictors from public open-access data archives that included spectral reflectance, climatic, soil, distance from various features, and topographic variables. We also developed prediction maps at a 1km2 resolution for aboveground woody biomass. The method employed here yielded good accuracy for the huge Alaskan landscape despite the rather limited training set. The results indicate that the geographic patterns of biomass are strongly influenced by the tree size class diversity which contributed of a given stand.
Electron cryo-microscopy structures of remodeler-nucleosome intermediates suggest allosteric control through the nucleosome

Abstract The SNF2h remodeler slides nucleosomes most efficiently as a dimer, yet how the two protomers avoid a tug-of-war is unclear. Furthermore, SNF2h couples histone octamer deformation to nucleosome sliding, but the underlying structural basis remains unknown. Here we present cryo-EM structures of SNF2h-nucleosome complexes with ADP-BeFx that capture two reaction intermediates. In one structure, histone residues near the dyad and in the H2A-H2B acidic patch, distal to the active SNF2h protomer, are disordered. The disordered acidic patch is expected to inhibit the second SNF2h promoter, while disorder near the dyad is expected to promote DNA translocation. The other structure doesn’t show octamer deformation, but surprisingly shows a 2bp translocation. FRET studies indicate that ADP-BeFx predisposes SNF2h-nucleosome complexes for an elemental translocation step. We propose a model for allosteric control through the nucleosome, where one SNF2h protomer promotes asymmetric octamer deformation to inhibit the second protomer, while stimulating directional DNA translocation. One sentence summary Cryo-EM structures capture different conformational states of chromatin remodeler-nucleosome complexes.
Multimodality imaging of small bowel neoplasms

Although the small intestine accounts for over 90% of the surface area of the alimentary tract, tumors of the small intestine represent less than 5% of all gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Common small bowel tumors typically are well evaluated with cross-sectional imaging modalities such as CT and MR, but accurate identification and differentiation can be challenging. Differentiating normal bowel from abnormal tumor depends on imaging modality and the particular technique. While endoscopic evaluation is typically more sensitive for the detection of intraluminal tumors that can be reached, CT and MR, as well as select nuclear medicine studies, remain superior for evaluating extraluminal neoplasms. Understanding the imaging characteristics of typical benign and malignant small bowel tumors is critical, because of overlapping features and associated secondary complications.