cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Application of Motor Learning Concepts to the Treatment of Children with Compensatory Speech Sound Errors

Children with cleft palate frequently present with compensatory speech sound errors, which are generally targeted in treatment. Often, treatment consists of different phonetic teaching methods and ...
Pedagogy of the Other: A Levinasian Approach to the Teacher-Student Relationship

What conditions are present in the relation that creates the possibility of one person learning something from another? What central characteristics condition the events of teaching someone, for example, to ride a bicycle, to recognize a plant, to care for a pet, to know the name of something, or to understand algebra? What characterizes the relationship between teacher and learner? In this essay I explore these questions through the concept of “the other” developed by the French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. I will argue that pedagogy is a set of asymmetric relations in which each side of the relation is “other” for the other side.
Utilization of a test gradient enhances islet recovery from deceased donor pancreases

BackgroundIslet transplantation is a viable treatment alternative for a select group of patients with type 1 diabetes. However, variables unique to the donor pancreas, such as age, fibrosis and edema, can influence the number and purity of the isolated islets. Thus isolation of a sufficient number of islets for transplantation from the pancreas remains challenging because of the lack of methods enabling reproducible isolation.MethodsIslets were isolated from 38 consecutive deceased donors using the semi-automated Ricordi method of islet isolation, and purified on a COBE 2991 cell processor using Ficoll-based continuous density gradients. Three different gradient protocols were used. These included a pre-defined gradient using different densities of Ficoll (1.100 g/mL and 1.077 g/mL) mixed with HBSS (group 1), a pre-defined gradient using single-density Ficoll (1.100 g/mL) mixed with University of Wisconsin solution (UW) (group 2) and a variable gradient using single-density Ficoll (1.100 g/mL) with UW and...
Docosatetraenoyl LPA is elevated in exhaled breath condensate in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease with no effective medical therapies. Recent research has focused on identifying the biological processes essential to the development and progression of fibrosis, and on the mediators driving these processes. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a biologically active lysophospholipid, is one such mediator. LPA has been found to be elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of IPF patients, and through interaction with its cell surface receptors, it has been shown to drive multiple biological processes implicated in the development of IPF. Accordingly, the first clinical trial of an LPA receptor antagonist in IPF has recently been initiated. In addition to being a therapeutic target, LPA also has potential to be a biomarker for IPF. There is increasing interest in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis as a non-invasive method for biomarker detection in lung diseases, but to what extent LPA is present in EBC is not known. Methods: In this study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to assess for the presence of LPA in the EBC and plasma from 11 IPF subjects and 11 controls. Results: A total of 9 different LPA species were detectable in EBC. Of these, docosatetraenoyl (22:4) LPA was significantly elevated in the EBC of IPF subjects when compared to controls (9.18 pM vs. 0.34 pM; p = 0.001). A total of 13 different LPA species were detectable in the plasma, but in contrast to the EBC, there were no statistically significant differences in plasma LPA species between IPF subjects and controls. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that multiple LPA species are detectable in EBC, and that 22:4 LPA levels are elevated in the EBC of IPF patients. Further research is needed to determine the significance of this elevation of 22:4 LPA in IPF EBC, as well as its potential to serve as a biomarker for disease severity and/or progression.
Planes, ships and taxes: charging for international aviation and maritime emissions

International aviation and maritime transport account for a significant and growing share of global carbon emissions. Yet they are not only excluded from the Kyoto agreement and all current carbon pricing schemes, but do not even pay fuel excises of the type standard for other transport activities. Moreover, each sector benefits from preferential tax treatment – failure to charge VAT on international aviation, and the application of tonnage tax regimes rather than the normal corporate tax in maritime. This paper considers the design of fuel charges in these sectors to address these distortions, and quantifies their impact on emissions, revenue and welfare – showing, amongst other things, that the gain from offsetting the pre-existing tax distortions may be as significant as those from reducing emissions. It shows, too, how compensation schemes can be designed to protect the poorest countries – a key ingredient in the politics of the issue, given the practical need for wide applicability of such charges. The real challenge is to amass the degree of international cooperation required (especially strong for maritime), failure of which to some degree explains their current under-taxation – and, unsurprisingly, to decide who gets the money. Technically, these charges should, if anything, be rather easy to implement. — Michael Keen, Ian Parry and Jon Strand
The Politics of Industrial Recruitment: Japanese Automobile Investment and Economic Development in the American States

Preface State Industrial Recruitment and Japanese Automobile Investment Industrial Policies in the American States: Historical and Comparative Perspectives State Incentive Packages and the Industrial Location Decision Constitutional Dimensions of State Industrial Recruitment Mid-American State Perspectives Flat Rock, Michigan, Trades a Ford for a Mazda: State Policy and the Evaluation of Plant Location Incentives Economic Development and Diamond-Star Motors: Intergovernmental Competition and Cooperation Japanese Automobile Investment in West Central Ohio: Economic Development and Labor-Management Issues Local Images of Japanese Automobile Investment in Indiana and Kentucky Problems of Coalition Building in Japanese Auto Alley: Public Opposition to the Georgetown/Toyota Plant Japanese Investment in Tennessee: The Economic Effects of Nissan's Location in Smyrna Search for an American Industrial Policy The National Level Roots of the Failure of State Industrial Policy Select Bibliography Index
Representation in International Organizations: The IMF Case

What does “representation” mean when applied to international organizations? This paper examines representation as a fundamental, if often neglected, aspect of democratic governance which, if perceived by enough members to be deficient or unfair, can interfere with the other components of good governance, as well as with performance of an organization’s core tasks. Using the case of the IMF, we examine how the concept can be applied an international organization. We posit that IMF decision making comprises a two-stage process. In the first stage members are assigned a quota, which drives their respective shares of votes. Descriptive representation best fits this stage. The second stage consists of decision-making in the Fund’s Executive Board, including the formation of constituencies in the Board and the consensual mode of decision making that is employed therein. Here, some form representation construed in principal-agent terms provides the most traction. We find that subjecting the IMF to this kind of conceptual scrutiny highlights important deficiencies in its representational practices.
Risky Business - Uncertain Access to Specialized Complementary Assets, Vertical Integration, and the Commercial Performance of New Products

The present study explores the antecedents and consequences of vertical integration choices in the context of new product development using project-level data from the motion picture industry. I show that uncertain access to specialized complementary assets can generate market failures for certain products, which drive the owners of these assets to vertically integrate into upstream innovation. Furthermore, I explore whether vertical integration affects downstream investments in specialized complementary resources and ultimately, the commercial performance of new products. I find that vertical integration promotes greater commercial success and that this effect is completely mediated by enhanced downstream investments.
Cauda equina syndrome in patients with low lumbar fractures.

Object Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (CES) can include low-back pain, sciatica, lower-extremity weakness, sensory deficit, perineal hypesthesia or anesthesia, and loss of bowel or bladder function. Several causes of the syndrome are recognized, but its optimal treatment remains controversial and has been broadly based on data gathered from series involving herniated discs. Information on the treatment of CES caused by low lumbar traumatic injuries has not been well documented. Methods Between January 2000 and December 2003, 17 consecutive cases of CES caused by low lumbar traumatic injuries at L2-5 were identified. The traumatic injuries consisted of gun shot wound in two cases, motor vehicle accident in 11, and a fall from height in four. Conus medullaris injuries causing CES were excluded from this review. Presenting symptoms, mechanisms of injury, radiographic images, timing of surgery, surgical approaches, and neurological status at the final follow up were documented. All patients underwent follow up of at least 12 months. Fourteen of 17 patients had satisfactory outcomes. Despite undergoing surgery within the first 24 hours postinjury, three patients had what was classified as a poor outcome given their residual deficits and included two cases with gunshot injuries. Recovery of leg weakness occurred within 4 months, whereas bladder and bowel function recovered within 3 months. All patients in this series underwent decompression within less than 48 hours after syndrome onset. Overall, the authors found no difference regarding timing of surgery between patients in the satisfactory outcome group and those in the poor outcome group. Conclusions Based on the evidence in this study, the severity of a patient's condition on initial presentation is the most crucial factor in predicting outcome following CES due to low lumbar injuries. Although the matter of the timing of surgery remains controversial, the authors of this study recommend that surgery be performed within 48 hours of syndrome onset.
The Active Safety of the Automobile in the Future

The automobile industry has come a long way since the day of invention. The automobile is undergoing the complex and profound changes. The main themes are focused on fuel economy, environment protection, safety, comfort, and intelligentization. From both the status and tendency [1], several main problems of active safety will be presented in this paper, including the cyber physical system, dynamics control and the closed-loop system consisting of driver-vehicle-infrastructure (DVI).© 2015 ASME
Size scale-up in hybrid rocket motors

Computational fluid dynamic analyses of the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with solid-phase pyrolysis, gas-phase combustion, turbulence and radiation are performed to study hybrid rocket combustor flowfields. The computational study is closely coordinated with a companion experimental program using a planar slab burner configuration with HTPB as fuel and gaseous oxygen. The major objective of this computational study is to extend the results of the labscale tests to a full-scale configuration. Toward mis end, experimental data of the fuel regression rates and surface temperatures obtained from the subscale tests are used to verify the computational model. The computational model is then applied to a full-scale axisymmetric configuration to see how the results scale with size and geometric configuration. The model predictions indicate that fuel surface regression rates are considerably impacted by both the size and geometry of the configuration. The results thus demonstrate that detailed CFD analyses can play a useful role in the understanding of hybrid combustion and in the design of hybrid combustors. The model predictions indicate that the scaling from the planar slab configuration to the axisymmetric is quite complex.
Obesity in the intensive care unit: risks and complications

The steady growing prevalence of critically ill obese patients is posing diagnostic and management challenges across medical and surgical intensive care units. The impact of obesity in the critically ill patients may vary by type of critical illness, obesity severity (obesity distribution) and obesity-associated co-morbidities. Based on pathophysiological changes associated with obesity, predominately in pulmonary reserve and cardiac function, critically ill obese patients may be at higher risk for acute cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal complications in comparison to non-obese patients. Obesity also represents a dilemma in the management of other critical care areas such as invasive mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilation liberation, hemodynamic monitoring and pharmacokinetics dose adjustments. However, despite higher morbidity associated with obesity in the intensive care unit (ICU), a paradoxical lower ICU mortality ("obesity paradox") is demonstrated in comparison to non-obese ICU patients. This review article will focus on the unique pathophysiology, challenges in management, and outcomes associated with obesity in the ICU.
Universal, but not free: Household schooling costs and equity effects of Uganda’s Universal Secondary Education policy

Abstract A general consensus regarding universal schooling policies is that they have boosted enrollments while ignoring the quality of learning, although there is burgeoning research interest in the extent to which such policies have contributed to more equitable educational delivery. This paper analyzes household and school level effects of Uganda’s Universal Secondary Education (USE) policy, launched in 2007. We rely on data drawn from the Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) rounds in 2005 and 2009–11, which are included as part of the World Bank’s Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS). We find that receipt of the USE capitation grant has increased substantially for most pupils, and is associated with a 60% reduction in household spending on education per child, at the lower secondary level. At the same time this relationship does not differ by wealth or by region. Further, we do not find evidence to suggest the policy boosted school attendance or retention, at the lower secondary level. Overall, our findings suggest a need for greater attention to the equity effects of universal education policies.
Assessing Text-Based Writing of Low-Skilled College Students

The problem of poor writing skills at the postsecondary level is a large and troubling one. This study investigated the writing skills of low-skilled adults attending college developmental education courses by determining whether variables from an automated scoring system were predictive of human scores on writing quality rubrics. The human-scored measures were a holistic quality rating for a persuasive essay and an analytic quality score for a written summary. Both writing samples were based on text on psychology and sociology topics related to content taught at the introductory undergraduate level. The study is a modified replication of McNamara et al. (Written Communication, 27(1), 57–86 2010), who identified several Coh-Metrix variables from five linguistic classes that reliably predicted group membership (high versus low proficiency) using human quality scores on persuasive essays written by average-achieving college students. When discriminant analyses and ANOVAs failed to replicate the McNamara et al. (Written Communication, 27(1), 57–86 2010) findings, the current study proceeded to analyze all of the variables in the five Coh-Metrix classes. This larger analysis identified 10 variables that predicted human-scored writing proficiency. Essay and summary scores were predicted by different automated variables. Implications for instruction and future use of automated scoring to understand the writing of low-skilled adults are discussed.
Neuroprotection and acidosis induced by cortical spreading depression.

Dear editor We read with interest the article “Cortical spreading depression produces a neuroprotective effect activating mitochondrial uncoupling protein-5″ published in Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat by Viggiano et al.1 The authors showed that cerebral spreading depression (CSD) triggered uncoupling protein-5 (UCP-5),1 which had been reported to exert a long-term effect upon neuron protection.2 The result is another piece in CSD literature on modifying gene expressions to provide neuroprotection to subsequent ischemic episodes.3,4 An unmentioned but additional factor for neuroprotection in CSD could be acidosis. Acidosis is a known consequence of CSD.5 In the literature, brief acidosis in ischemic conditions when oxygen supply is low has been shown to be cytoprotective and neuroprotective,6–10 a result related sometimes to the concept of the “pH paradox.”9,11,12 Acidosis had been reported to reduce stroke infarct size with CO2 applied for a short time after reperfusion6 as well as during ischemic stroke.10 Brief acidosis applied after birth asphyxia7 was reported to successfully suppress brain alkalosis, which led to seizures. Hence, brief and relatively mild acidosis induced under the condition of CSD may be one of the neuroprotective factors for CSD. The role of acidosis in neuroprotection by CSD warrants further investigation. Interestingly, CSD-induced acidosis could be one explanation of impaired cerebral vascular reactivity13–16 after CSD. It has been reported that once tissue reaches a certain low pH threshold, blood flow increase would be insignificant in response to even stronger CO2 challenge.10
CHAPTER 44 – Erythropoietin Receptor as a Paradigm for Cytokine Signaling

Members of the cytokine receptor superfamily undergo major conformational reorganizations in order to respond to ligand binding and elicit appropriate signal activation. In each member of the family, strict regulation is important forspecific response to the signaling molecule, and aberrant signaling can have considerable medical consequences. Studies on EPOR have led to a greater appreciation of the subtleties of receptor activation. The variety of ligands capable of binding to a single interface of the receptor is a consequence of slight variations of loops and side chains on the receptor surface. Furthermore, each of these bound ligands is capable of eliciting a different signal response by propagating slight changes in the orientations of the cytoplasmic domains of the receptors through the membrane. The knowledge gained from the structural data permits the further design of peptide mimetics and small molecules. These future advances not only may help to further our understanding of the intricacies of the cytokine receptor signaling but also may have direct applications for clinical use.
Future Perspectives on Counseling and Treatment of Criminal and Delinquent Offenders

The field of corrections does not exist in a vacuum. Corrections is only one component of the criminal justice system, and what happens in the law enforcement and judicial components affects the corrections component. In addition, the economic, social, and political factors in play at any period of time also have an effect on the present situation and the future of corrections. In recent years, new state and federal legislation in the United States has been favorable toward the decriminalization of some offenses, particularly those related to drug abuse. There has been an emphasis on diversion, the development of community based treatment, and providing treatment for special groups of offenders. The recognition that almost all criminal offenders, even those sentenced to long term prison sentences, will eventually return to the community has contributed to the increased involvement of various public and private service agencies and groups in the treatment of offenders. It is likely that the current emphasis on using evidence-based programs in the supervision and treatment of offenders will continue in the future.
Treatment of Self-Injurious Behavior Using Self-Control Techniques with a Severe Behaviorally Disordered Adolescent.

This study investigated the efficacy of a self-control technique to reduce the incidence of self-injurious behavior. The 15-year-old subject had a history of mumbling to himself; yelling, laughing,...
Why eyewitnesses fail.

Eyewitness identifications play an important role in the investigation and prosecution of crimes, but it is well known that eyewitnesses make mistakes, often with serious consequences. In light of these concerns, the National Academy of Sciences recently convened a panel of experts to undertake a comprehensive study of current practice and use of eyewitness testimony, with an eye toward understanding why identification errors occur and what can be done to prevent them. The work of this committee led to key findings and recommendations for reform, detailed in a consensus report entitled Identifying the Culprit: Assessing Eyewitness Identification. In this review, I focus on the scientific issues that emerged from this study, along with brief discussions of how these issues led to specific recommendations for additional research, best practices for law enforcement, and use of eyewitness evidence by the courts.
INTEGRACIÓN LABORAL Y SOCIAL DE LAS COLECTIVIDADES ÁRABES EN LAS CIUDADES MEDIANAS DE CHILE DURANTE EL SIGLO XX: EL CASO DE QUILLOTA

Arab communities established in various medium and small cities of Chile applied similar strategies to settle and integrate into the host society. From the analysis of the Arab community established in Quillota we hope to understand the evolutionary process that has lived the immigrant community throughout Chile, Santiago except through a century. Economic integration and social displayed their ability to adapt to the environment and inserted properly into the labor market by making good use of their social and cultural capital. Although it is a small community were transformed into a social group with outstanding leadership, with outstanding public visibility as a result of their active participation in public activity instead host. Keywords: labor integration, social capital, receiving society, labor market.
Self-Sustainable Robotic Environment Discovery for Energy Harvesting Internet of Things

This paper considers autonomous environment discovery for energy harvesting Internet of things (IoT) applications. A self-sustainable mobile micro-robot explores an unknown environment to collect data under energy constraints. The data are fed into a machine- learning model to construct an energy harvesting map of the environment, which will then be used by IoT devices for self-sustainable operations in the same environment. The objective is to develop an efficient robotic exploration algorithm that helps construct as accurate an energy harvesting map as possible. The challenge lies in the unknown environment and the sometimes conflicting goals of data collection and energy management during the robotic exploration. We propose an efficient exploration algorithm in combination with the support vector regression (SVR) model. Simulation validates the effectiveness of the proposed method and shows exemplary traces of robotic exploration to illustrate the core ideas.
Multiplication in Egg Yolk and Survival in Egg Albumen of Genetically and Phenotypically Characterized Salmonella Enteritidis Strains

ABSTRACT Prompt refrigeration of eggs to prevent the multiplication of Salmonella Enteritidis to high levels during storage is an important practice for reducing the risk of egg-transmitted human illness. The efficacy of egg refrigeration for achieving this goal depends on the interaction among the location of contamination, the ability of contaminant strains to survive or multiply, and the rate at which growth-restricting temperatures are attained. The present study assessed the significance of several characterized genetic and phenotypic properties for the capabilities of 10 Salmonella Enteritidis isolates to multiply rapidly in egg yolk and survive for several days in egg albumen during unrefrigerated (25°C) storage. The growth of small numbers of each Salmonella Enteritidis strain (approximately 101 CFU/mL) inoculated into egg yolk samples was determined after 6 and 24 h of incubation. The survival of larger numbers of Salmonella Enteritidis (approximately 105 CFU/mL) inoculated into albumen samples w...
Electrolyte dictated materials design for beyond lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries have reshaped our life with their omnipresence in portable electronics. However, increasing the specific energy of these batteries is reaching its limit and high-profile fire accidents (e.g. cell phones spontaneously combusting) cast doubt of their applications in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage. Intrinsically safe batteries such as aqueous batteries and all-solid-state batteries are being actively studied in the battery community but also faced with several challenges. In this paper, we review our recent progress on the electrolyte-dictated materials design of organic redox materials as potent enablers for aqueous and solid-state electrolytes/batteries.
Power of the eternal youth: Nanog expression in the gestational choriocarcinoma.

This commentary expands on Nanog expression in normal placentas and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, providing the functional role of this protein in choriocarcinoma cells.
The Self and its Development in an African Society A Preliminary Analysis

This chapter is a brief report on findings from a long- term study of the Gusii of western Kenya and a preliminary exploration of the developmental formulations of Heinz Kohut in the context of Gusii culture.
Materielles Recht und Rechtsschutz in der EU

Der nachste Abschnitt lautet nun das Thema »Politiken der EG« ein. Diese Politiken, also was der EGV materiell regelt, sind im 3. Teil des EGV zusammengefast. Das materielle Recht regelt die einzelnen Rechte und Pflichten als solche, das formelle Recht regelt dagegen ihre Durchsetzung. Zunachst zu den Freiheiten des EGV. Vom eisigen Wind, der den EG-Organen bei ihrer Arbeit um die Ohren weht, sind wir nun im Tal des Gemeinschaftsrechts angelangt. Dort sehen wir uns dem warmen Regen der Grundfreiheiten gegenuber. Die Grundfreiheiten schlagen gewaltige Lucken in die Grenzschlagbaume.
Interneuronal Communication II: Neurotransmitter Receptors and Second Messenger Systems

Neurotransmitters are not inherently excitatory or inhibitory; in fact, certain neurotransmitters are excitatory in some situations and inhibitory in others. The action of a neurotransmitter depends upon its postsynaptic receptor and the intracellular processes that are influenced by the receptor. As noted in Chapter 3, it is useful to distinguish between two general classes of receptors: those linked to or part of ion channels (ionophore-linked) and those coupled to second messenger-generating systems (second messenger-linked). These will be considered separately.
Photosensitive and Rare-Earth Doped Ceramics for Optical Sensing: A Review

This work reviews two inorganic materials classes used for optical sensors: photosensitive glasses and rare-earth doped materials. The underlying physical mechanisms contributing to the photosensitive response of germanosilicate glasses are discussed, along with a summary of optical sensor strategies which have been developed based upon photo-imprinted Bragg gratings. Particular attention is paid to the fabrication and characterization of photosensitive germanosilicate thin-films. Insights into the ability to control the photosensitivity of these materials through manipulation of material compositions and structures are also included. The discussion of rare-earth doped optical sensor materials emphasizes the important contribution of the host material to the observed optical behavior of the rare-earth ions. The use of rare-earth doped materials in applications ranging from temperature sensing to fiber-optic gyroscopes is also described.
Quantifying the Effects of a G137S Substitution in the Cytochrome bc1 of Venturia effusa on Azoxystrobin Sensitivity Using a Detached Leaf Assay.

The quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides are known for their inherently high resistance risk owing to substitutions in amino acid residues 129, 137, or 143 of the cytochrome b gene of phytopathogens. In Venturia effusa, cause of pecan scab, an intron adjacent to position 143 likely reduces this risk; however, the effects of a recently discovered substitution at position 137 (G137S) are unknown. Traditional in vitro assays are not useful for determining sensitivity of isolates of V. effusa to the QoI fungicides, owing to the fungitoxic effects of required alternative oxidase inhibitors. A detached leaf assay was developed to quantify the sensitivity of 59 isolates to azoxystrobin: 45 wild-type isolates and 14 carrying G137S. Isolate EC50 values ranged from <0.0001 to 0.3047 µg/ml; EC50 values for wild-type isolates ranged from <0.0001 to 0.2007 µg/ml (median 0.0023 µg/ml), whereas EC50 values for G137S isolates ranged from 0.0033 to 0.3047 µg/ml (median 0.0178 µg/ml). The median EC50 value for G137S isolates was significantly greater than that of the wild-type isolates; however, there was overlap between the two groups. This is the first report of sensitivity of V. effusa isolates to a QoI fungicide and evidence of G137S as a potential mechanism of partial resistance. However, although a complete control failure is unlikely, the impact of this substitution on QoI efficacy in Georgia pecan orchards remains to be determined.
Computed Tomography-Assessed Skeletal Muscle Mass as a Predictor of Outcomes in Lung Cancer Surgery

Background Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle and strength, associated with aging, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and long-term illness. We sought to evaluate the current evidence on the prevalence of sarcopenia assessed by computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients undergoing lung cancer resection and its predictive value for perioperative and long-term outcomes. Methods We performed a systematic literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database to identify studies that examined CT-assessed muscle mass and outcomes of patients undergoing lung resection. Pooled odds ratio for complications and hazard ratio for survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using the Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance methods with random effects models. Results Nine observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies measured skeletal muscle at the thoracic level (T5, T12, T8) and 5 studies at the lumbar level (L3). The prevalence of sarcopenia by CT skeletal muscle measurements ranged from 22.4% to 55.8%, with an average of 42.8% in 1010 patients. Four of 6 studies that reported perioperative outcomes were included in the meta-analysis, which showed higher risk of perioperative complications for patients with sarcopenia (odds ratio 2.51, 95% CI: 1.55-4.08, P Conclusions Sarcopenia can be frequently detected in patients undergoing lung cancer resection with the use of CT-based muscle measurements. Sarcopenia was associated with greater risk of perioperative complications and worse long-term prognosis.
Examining the debt implications of the Belt and Road Initiative from a policy perspective

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hopes to deliver trillions of dollars in infrastructure financing to Asia, Europe, and Africa. If the initiative follows Chinese practices to date for infrastructure financing, which often entail lending to sovereign borrowers, then BRI raises the risk of debt distress in some borrower countries. This paper assesses the likelihood of debt problems in the 68 countries identified as potential BRI borrowers. We conclude that eight countries are at particular risk of debt distress based on an identified pipeline of project lending associated with BRI. Because this indebtedness also suggests a higher concentration in debt owed to official and quasi-official Chinese creditors, we examine Chinese policies and practices related to sustainable financing and the management of debt problems in borrower countries. Based on this evidence, we offer recommendations to improve Chinese policy in these areas. The recommendations are offered to Chinese policymakers directly, as well as to BRI’s bilateral and multilateral partners, including the IMF and World Bank.
Left transradial access for cerebral angiography.

Introduction Transradial access is increasingly used among neurointerventionalists as an alternative to the transfemoral route. Currently available data, building on the interventional cardiology experience, primarily focus on right radial access. However, there are clinical scenarios when left-sided access may be indicated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of left transradial access to cerebral angiography across three institutions. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent cerebral angiography accessed via the left radial artery at three institutions between January 2018 and July 2019. The outcome variables studied were successful catheterization, vascular complications, and fluoroscopic time. Results Nineteen patients underwent a total of 25 cerebral angiograms via left transradial access for cerebral aneurysms (n=15), basilar occlusion (n=1), carotid stenosis (n=1), arteriovenous malformation (n=1), and cervical neurofibroma (n=1). There were 12 diagnostic angiograms and 13 interventional angiograms. The left transradial approach was chosen due to left vertebrobasilar pathology (n=22), right subclavian stenosis (n=2), and previous right arm amputation (n=1). There was one instance of radial artery spasm, which resolved after catheter removal, and one conversion to transfemoral access in an interventional case due to lack of distal catheter support. There were no procedural complications. Conclusions Left transradial access in diagnostic and interventional cerebral angiography is a technically feasible, safe, and an effective alternative when indicated, and may be preferable for situations in which pathology locations or anatomic limitations preclude right-sided radial access.
Comparing Diagnostic Criteria for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (bpd) of Vermont Oxford Network (von) to the National Institute of Child Health and Development (nichd) Network

Background: BPD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in extremely premature infants. Incidence of BPD is used in neonatal centers as an index of quality of care. NICHD has adapted the criteria for BPD as need of oxygen support (>21%) at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) in infants born 28 days but 32 weeks. It was further categorized by severity based on …
Critical and narrative research perspectives on in-service intercultural teaching

Research at the intersection of teaching, teacher education, and international school settings predominantly examines pre-service educators’ placements in host countries from a critical stance. Mor...
Training Pediatricians to Implement Autism Screening Tools: a Review of the Literature

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using an autism-specific screening tool for all young children at primary care well visits. Screening can detect risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children whose parents and pediatrician may not otherwise have developmental concerns. The identification of children with or at-risk for ASD increases their access to early intervention services, which helps ameliorate skill deficits associated with ASD. Recent studies indicate pediatricians use autism-specific screening and diagnostic tools infrequently. Some research has been conducted to determine whether providing training to primary care providers increases screening practices; however, evidence-based practices for training pediatricians to conduct ASD screenings or use other ASD identification tools have not been identified. We conducted a review of the research on training primary care providers (e.g., pediatricians) on the use of ASD identification tools with young children and their families. The results of this review point to a lack of high-quality research in this area. The information can be used to advance research, policy, and practice.
When does attrition lead to biased estimates of alcohol consumption? Bias analysis for loss to follow-up in 30 longitudinal cohorts.

Objectives Survey nonresponse has increased across decades, making the amount of attrition a focus in generating inferences from longitudinal data. Use of inverse probability weights [IPWs] and other statistical approaches are common, but residual bias remains a threat. Quantitative bias analysis for nonrandom attrition as an adjunct to IPW may yield more robust inference. Methods Data were drawn from the Monitoring the Future panel studies [twelfth grade, base-year: 1976-2005; age 29/30 follow-up: 1987-2017, N = 73,298]. We then applied IPW imputation in increasing percentages, assuming varying risk differences [RDs] among nonresponders. Measurements included past-two-week binge drinking at base-year and every follow-up. Demographic and other correlates of binge drinking contributed to IPW estimation. Results Attrition increased: 31.14%, base-year 1976; 61.33%, base-year 2005. The magnitude of bias depended not on attrition rate but on prevalence of binge drinking and RD among nonrespondents. The probable range of binge drinking among nonresponders was 12-45%. In every scenario, base-year and follow-up binge drinking were associated. The likely range of true RDs was 0.14 [95% CI: 0.11-0.17] to 0.28 [95% CI: 0.25-0.31]. Conclusions When attrition is present, the amount of attrition alone is insufficient to understand contribution to effect estimates. We recommend including bias analysis in longitudinal analyses.
Aerosol pH indicator and organosulfate detectability from aerosol mass spectrometry measurements

Abstract. Aerosol sulfate is a major component of submicron particulate matter (PM 1 ). Sulfate can be present as inorganic (mainly ammonium sulfate, AS) or organosulfate (OS). Although OS is thought to be a smaller fraction of total sulfate in most cases, recent literature argues that this may not be the case in more polluted environments. Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometers (AMSs) measure total submicron sulfate, but it has been difficult to apportion AS vs. OS as the detected ion fragments are similar. Recently, two new methods have been proposed to quantify OS separately from AS with AMS data. We use observations collected during several airborne field campaigns covering a wide range of sources and air mass ages (spanning the continental US, marine remote troposphere, and Korea) and targeted laboratory experiments to investigate the performance and validity of the proposed OS methods. Four chemical regimes are defined to categorize the factors impacting sulfate fragmentation. In polluted areas with high ammonium nitrate concentrations and in remote areas with high aerosol acidity, the decomposition and fragmentation of sulfate in the AMS is influenced by multiple complex effects, and estimation of OS does not seem possible with current methods. In regions with lower acidity (pH > 0) and ammonium nitrate (fraction of total mass 0.3), the proposed OS methods might be more reliable, although application of these methods often produced nonsensical results. However, the fragmentation of ambient neutralized sulfate varies somewhat within studies, adding uncertainty, possibly due to variations in the effect of organics. Under highly acidic conditions (when calculated pH 0 and ammonium balance 0.65), sulfate fragment ratios show a clear relationship with acidity. The measured ammonium balance (and to a lesser extent, the H y SO x + / SO x + AMS ratio) is a promising indicator of rapid estimation of aerosol pH 0, including when gas-phase NH 3 and HNO 3 are not available. These results allow an improved understanding of important intensive properties of ambient aerosols.
Host sex and transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cell phenotype interact to influence sensorimotor recovery in a mouse model of cortical contusion injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a substantial cause of disability and death worldwide. Primary head trauma triggers chronic secondary injury mechanisms in the brain that are a focus of therapeutic efforts to treat TBI. Currently, there is no successful clinical strategy to repair brain injury. Cell transplantation therapies have demonstrated promise in attenuating secondary injury mechanisms of neuronal death and dysfunction in animal models of brain injury. In this study, we used a unilateral cortical contusion injury (CCI) model of sensorimotor brain injury to examine the effects of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) transplantation on pathology in male and female adult mice. We determined transplanted hiPSC-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and neuroblasts but not astrocytes best tolerate the injured host environment. Surviving NSC and neuroblast cells were clustered at the site of injection within the deep layers of the cortex and underlying corpus callosum. Cell grafts extended neuritic processes that crossed the midline into the contralateral corpus callosum or continued laterally within the external capsule to enter the ipsilateral entorhinal cortex. To determine the effect of transplantation on neuropathology, we performed sensorimotor behavior testing and stereological estimation of host neurons, astrocytes, and microglia within the contused cortex. These measures did not reveal a consistent effect of transplantation on recovery post-injury. Rather the positive and negative effects of cell transplantation were dependent on the host sex, highlighting the importance of developing patient-specific approaches to treat TBI. Our study underscores the complex interactions of sex, neuroimmune responses and cell therapy in a common experimental model of TBI.
War, traumatic health shocks, and religiosity

Abstract This study uses the setting of war to study the causal impact of traumatic life-and-death health shocks on religiosity. Exploiting the administrative procedures by which U.S. Armed Forces senior commanders conditionally randomly assign active-duty servicemen to war deployments as a natural experiment, we find that post-September 11 combat service substantially increases the probability that a serviceman subsequently attends religious services and engages in private prayer. Estimated effects are largest for enlisted servicemen, those under age 25, and servicemen wounded in combat. The physical and psychological health effects of war, as well as the presence of military chaplains in combat zones, emerge as partial mechanisms to explain increases in religiosity. We find that combat service increases servicemen's demand for both religious and secular psychological services.
The Effects of Water Quality on Nursery Pig Performance and Health

Water is an essential nutrient necessary for survival. There are minimal literature and water quality suggestions available to aid in describing ideal drinking water for pigs. An initial survey was conducted to understand how Minnesota pig producers perceive the quality of water in their nursery barns. Initial survey responses were summarized and 15 barns with perceived “excellent” or “intolerable” water quality were chosen to be sampled and analyzed for 29 analytes. An experiment was then conducted to determine effects of drinking waters of differing qualities on growth performance and health of nursery pigs. Weanling pigs (n = 450) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments consisting of varying water quality. Pig growth performance, health, and behavior were measured and water quality was monitored throughout the study. Water quality did not change while stored throughout the experiment. There were no differences among treatments in ADG (0.46 kg; 0.46 kg; 0.47 kg) or ADFI (0.68 kg; 0.69 kg; 0.71 kg). Phagocytic activity of pigs fed different water sources also was not different for the percentages of monocytes (73.2 to 74.5%) and granulocytes (93.6 to 95.3%) (P = 0.91 and 0.45, respectively). These results suggest that the gut health and immune status of pigs consuming water sources of variable quality were similar and did not affect morbidity and mortality. Pigs did not have an aversion to the waters provided, as total time spent at the drinker did not differ among treatments on d 1 (P = 0.65), 2 (P = 0.82), or d 3 (P = 0.79).
Diabetes and Obesity in the Child and Adolescent: Guidelines and Challenges

Starting in the 1990s, multiple organizations have published guidelines to address the management of children and adolescents with obesity and diabetes. As the rates of obesity continued to escalate, the guidelines have been constantly evolving to keep up. Significant obstacles include the paucity of controlled trials in children, the bias against managing obesity as a disease in general and especially in children, and the dichotomy in treatment from family based behavioral treatment with modest outcomes to much more aggressive treatment such as surgery. To date, medical options for children with obesity are limited. In this chapter, we chronicle the evolution of the guideline-based management of children with obesity over the past 30 years. We will also review policy on the management of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, the incidence of which has increased along with the incidence of severe obesity in children. We will then discuss emerging issues.
Chapter III: The Capital of the United States of the Río de la Plata

This chapter highlights the fact that the Argentine Confederation has never recognized a capital. Fearing the influence of Buenos Aires upon a general Congress, Sarmiento proposes the Martin Garcia Island as the ideal place for such a capital. The island, located at the confluence of three rivers, is selected for its geographical location and for the fact that, at the time, it was not under the control of any of the countries of the region, but of France. The new capital’s role would be similar to that of Washington, D.C., in the United States, in that it could mediate the provinces’ interests without favoring one over the other.