cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Democracy against domination: Contesting economic power in progressive and neorepublican political theory

This article argues that current economic upheaval should be understood as a problem of domination, in two respects: the ‘dyadic’ domination of one actor by another (such as in the case of corporations over workers), and the ‘structural’ domination of individuals by a diffuse, decentralized, but nevertheless human-made system (such as the ‘market’ itself). Such domination should be contested through specifically democratic political mobilization, through institutions and practices that expand the political agency of citizens themselves. The article advances this argument by synthesizing two traditions of political thought. It reconstructs radical democratic theory from the Progressive Era (1880–1920). These thinkers in turn help to reinforce contemporary debates in neorepublican thought, resolving disputes over the scope of domination and the relationship between domination and democracy. This synthesis offers a novel normative framework for diagnosing and responding to the current combination of economic upheaval and political dysfunction.
Beginnings of Village Life in Eastern Mesoamerica

Excavations in northern Honduras have produced evidence of initial village life that is among the earliest cases documented in Mesoamerica. Settlement beginning prior to 1600 B. C., the production of sophisticated pottery by 1600 B. C., and integration in economic exchange networks extending into Guatemala and Mexico by 1100-900 B. C. (calendar ages), are all consistent with patterns recorded in the Gulf Coast, Central Highlands, and Pacific Coast of Mexico. Supported by a suite of 11 radiocarbon dates, these findings overturn traditional models that viewed Honduras as an underdeveloped periphery receiving delayed influences from Mexican centers.
Development of Configuration Software for WorldFIP Bus Control System

For the convenience of configuring network and control strategy of WorldFIP fieldbus control system, this graphical configu- ration software is developed. After analyzing the bus protocol and WorldFip system, the architecture of this software is built in three- layer client/server model based on component technology. The middle- ware (FipServer) is designed with COM, whose several key in- terface functions are given. A graphical configuration interface is explored for function block application process, whose main classes are described with UML static class diagram. Experiment proves that this software can work normally with excellent performance in its openness, connectivity, stability, etc.
Association Between Dehydration and Short-Term Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Previous cross-sectional studies have demonstrated a higher incidence of dehydration in patients admitted for stroke suggesting a possible association. However, the temporality of the association has not been well established. We examined whether dehydration increases the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with a recent hospitalization for atrial fibrillation (AF). Data was from 1994 to 2012 from the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), a repository of in-patient records New Jersey hospitals, for AF hospitalizations (n = 1,282,787). Estimates for the association between AF hospitalization with/without dehydration and ischemic stroke within 30 days post-AF discharge were determined using log-linear multivariable modeling adjusting for socio-demographic factors and comorbid conditions. Within 10 days of discharge for AF, patients 18–80 years old (YO) with comorbid dehydration had a 60 % higher risk of ischemic stroke compared to AF patients without comorbid dehydration (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 1.60, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.00). Eighteen- to 80-YO patients had a 34 % higher risk of ischemic stroke in days 11–20 post-AF discharge (ARR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.04, 1.74). There was no difference in the risk of stroke in 18–80-YO patients with or without prior dehydration during days 21–30 post-AF discharge. We also found no difference in the risk of ischemic stroke during any time period in patients over 80 YO. Dehydration may be a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke in patients 18–80 YO with AF.
Bloodborne markers in humans during multiday exposure to ozone.

Intermittent exposure of the human lung to ambient levels of ozone (O3) was assayed in systemic fluids by using serum alpha-tocopherol (ST) as a gauge of oxidative stress and the blastogenic activity of peripheral blood monocytes as an index of immune function. Healthy men (n = 10) were evaluated over 3 consecutive days (130 min/day) of chamber exposure to O3 and filtered air (FA); subjects alternated between rest and light treadmill exercise during exposures. For O3, the level was varied at 20-min intervals, i.e., 250, 350, 450, 450, 350, and 250 parts/billion, and concluded with 10 min at 250 parts/billion. ST was quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, and T-lymphocyte blastogenesis was measured in cell cultures of peripheral blood monocytes by comparing [3H]thymidine incorporation in mitogen-stimulated (concanavalin A) and nonstimulated cells. After the third day of O3 at 20 h postexposure, ST levels were reduced significantly compared with the FA control subjects (down 14%; -0.96 mumol/l). Mitogen-activated T lymphocytes exhibited a 61% increase in blastogenic activity after 3 days of O3 exposure, significant compared with the proliferative activity of activated T lymphocytes collected after FA or before O3. Acute airway function was impaired by O3, e.g., on day 1, the forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were decreased 8% (-0.92 liter) and 14% (-0.86 l/s), respectively, from preexposure values, and full recovery was delayed beyond 24 h. Effects of O3 exposure on cellular and biochemical markers increased in magnitude after each exposure and did not parallel the apparent adaptability of bronchial sensitivity to O3.
Proof without Words: The Area of an Inner Square.

SummaryWhat is the area of the (inner) square obtained by slicing the corners off a larger square? This visual proof avoids algebra by considering the area of a parallelogram.
The Necessary Demand-Side Supplement to China's Supply-Side Structural Reform: Termination of the Soft Budget Constraint

President Xi Jinping pronounced in April 2014 that China has entered a New Normal in economic growth, and the common perception was that it meant a new trend growth rate of about 7.0 percent. After growth came in at 6.9 percent in 2015, and the World Bank’s projections in January 2016 that China’s growth rate would drop to 6.7 percent in 2016 and then to 6.5 percent in 2016, President Xi Jinping announced in May 2016 that comprehensive supply-side structural reforms would be enacted. In this paper we (1) identify some of the major structural reforms that would entrench dynamism into China’s economy, and (2) emphasize that China needs to expunge the soft-budget constraint on the demand-side if supply-side structural reforms are to generate the desired outcomes. The existence of the softbudget constraint guarantees the existence excess capacity and zombie firms. A crude but previously effective instrument to curb the over-investment proclivity of local governments and SCEs is to hold the top management of the state-controlled banks (SCBs) accountable for the appearance of NPLs. A much more effective curbing of the soft-budget constraint behavior will require that the career-maximizing practices of the managers of state-controlled enterprises (SCEs) and SCBs become identical to the long-run profit-maximizing practices that owners of private firms in a modern market economy would adopt. Structural-side structural reforms (like more privatization of SCEs and SCBs, and the establishment of social safety nets and job retraining programs) will correct the incentives faced by China’s managers and government officials.
Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

Cryoballoon vs. Radiofrequency AF AblationIntroduction Radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) catheter ablation are effective for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF). This report presents an updated meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of CB versus RF ablations in AF. Methods Databases and conference abstracts were systematically searched for studies that directly compared CB and RF PVI, and reported safety or efficacy outcomes in follow-up ≥12 months. Recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) were defined as AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. Results Twenty-two studies and 8,668 patients were included. Freedom from AT was not significantly different between CB and RF ablations in the pooled population (OR 1.12; 95%CI 0.97–1.29; P = 0.13) and in randomized trials (OR 1.0; 95%CI 0.65–1.56; P = 0.99). Second-generation CB (CB2; 78.1%) and contact-force (CF) sensing RF (78.2%) have improved procedure success rate as compared to first-generation technology (57.9% CB, 58.1% RF). As compared to CF-RF, CB2 demonstrated similar freedom from recurrent AT (OR 1.04; 95%CI 0.71–1.51; P = 0.84). The incidence of pericardial effusions (OR 0.44; 95%CI 0.28–0.69; P < 0.01), tamponade (OR 0.31; 95%CI 0.15–0.64; P < 0.01), and non-AF AT (OR 0.46; 95%CI 0.26–0.83; P < 0.01) were significantly lower with CB ablation, whereas transient phrenic nerve palsy was more incident after CB (OR 7.40; 95%CI 2.56–21.34; P < 0.01). Conclusion There was comparable freedom from AT between CB and RF in patients with AF undergoing PVI. Additionally, freedom from AT was similar between CB2 and CF-RF. However, CB was associated with a lower incidence of pericardial effusions or tamponade, albeit with a higher rate of transient phrenic nerve palsies.
Endoscopic full thickness resection for gastric tumors originating from muscularis propria.

CONCLUSION: EFTR is a minimally invasive technique to resect gastric submucosal tumors originating from muscularis propria with a high success rate and low complication rate.
Pharmacogenetics of Agents Acting on the Central Nervous System

This article will review the various agents affecting the central nervous system (CNS) such as the analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Most of the research in pharmacogenetics with the CNS agents have been conducted in the antidepressants. The cytochrome 450 IID6 isozyme system has been shown to influence the disposition of the antidepressants and antipsychotics. Amitriptyline metabolism to nortriptyline and nortriptyline conversion to its 10-OH metabolite were shown to be influenced by the IID6 isozyme. Interestingly, imipramine metabolism to desipramine is only partially related to the IID6 isozyme. Biotransformation of imipramine to its 2-OH metabolite was shown to be affected by the IID6 isozyme, but its metabolism to the 10-OH remains to be investigated. Of the antipsychotic drugs, haloperidol and thioridazine are two agents most studied. Haloperidol is converted to a reduced metabolite via a ketone reductase enzyme. The reduced metabolite is oxidized ba...
A Missed Opportunity?: NOAA's Use of Social Media to Communicate Climate Science

ABSTRACTIn the current media landscape, organizations often communicate about science directly with publics through online channels rather than relying on journalist gatekeepers. Online platforms present organizations with the opportunity to participate in two-way communication in order to increase engagement with science. The present study examined how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) utilizes social media to interact with publics. Results suggest that NOAA does not fully utilize the dialogic potential of social media, which could enhance both the public’s science literacy and trust in science regarding climate change specifically. This study informs how public relations theory may complement science communication theory and practice as deficit model-thinking transitions to contemporary approaches for public engagement with science.
Plication of the posterior capsule for intraoperative posterior instability during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Restoration of soft tissue balance for intraoperative posterior instability during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is particularly difficult. The effectiveness of posterior capsular plication (PCP) in restoring soft tissue balance is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes, complications, and reoperations of primary TSA in which a PCP was performed to correct excessive intraoperative posterior subluxation. Methods Thirty-eight shoulders (37 patients) underwent PCP for intraoperative posterior instability during anatomic TSA. The mean (standard deviation) age was 68 (10) years, and the median (range) clinical and radiographic follow-up periods were 60 (10-154) and 48 (1.5-154) months, respectively. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain clinical and radiographic data. Results TSA resulted in significant improvements in pain and range of motion. The mean (standard deviation) Simple Shoulder Test and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 9.4 (2.7) and 81.1 (19.8), respectively. PCP resulted in restoration of soft tissue balance in 27 shoulders (71%). The remaining 11 shoulders had evidence of posterior subluxation, including posterior dislocation in 2 shoulders. Revision surgery was performed in only 3 shoulders (7.9%), all for instability. However, there was a high rate of radiographic glenoid component loosening (12 shoulders, 32%). Overall results were excellent in 24 (63.2%), satisfactory in 10 (26.3%), and unsatisfactory in 4 (10.5%) shoulders. Recurrence of posterior subluxation was associated with worse motion and strength as well as with a higher rate of glenoid loosening. Conclusions PCP seems to correct excessive intraoperative posterior subluxation in approximately two-thirds of the shoulders undergoing anatomic TSA. However, posterior subluxation does recur in the remaining third, and the overall rate of radiographic glenoid loosening is of concern.
The Digital Divide at Elementary Schools in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area: A Case Study

This study addresses the problem of digital divide in the public school system of Oklahoma and how it affects students' academic achievement. The purpose is to find out the degrees of students' access to computers and the Internet, explore the relationship between the technology accessibility and academic achievement, and provide suggestions for further improvement in equality. . .
ExerciseCheck: Remote Monitoring and Evaluation Platform for Home Based Physical Therapy

A daily exercise program designed by a physical therapist or physician may be crucial for a patient's physical rehabilitation. However, when these exercises are performed at home without the supervision of the therapist, they may not be as effective as when performed in the presence of the therapist. In this paper, we present ExerciseCheck, a remote monitoring and evaluation platform for individuals involved in a home exercise program. The goal of the platform is to give patients feedback about their performance and, if needed, and how they should adjust their movements. ExerciseCheck is designed for a therapist to remotely monitor a patient in real time, enabling the therapist to give instant feedback or further instructions. To demonstrate how ExerciseCheck is used with a Kinect interface, we tested it with two exercises -- arm raise and squat. The results highlight the potential benefits the proposed platform may have in home-based physical therapy, enabling communication between the patient and the therapist.
Comparison of photon organ and effective dose coefficients for PIMAL stylized phantom in bent positions in standard irradiation geometries

Neutron dose coefficients for standard irradiation geometries have been reported in International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 116 for the ICRP Publication 110 adult reference phantoms. In the present work, organ and effective dose coefficients have been calculated for a receptor in both upright and articulated (bent) postures representing more realistic working postures exposed to a mono-energetic neutron radiation field. This work builds upon prior work by Dewji and co-workers comparing upright and bent postures for exposure to mono-energetic photon fields. Simulations were conducted using the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s articulated stylized adult phantom, “Phantom wIth Moving Arms and Legs” (PIMAL) software package, and the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) version 6.1.1 radiation transport code. Organ doses were compared for the upright and bent (45° and 90°) phantom postures for neutron energies ranging from 1 × 10− 9 to 20 MeV for the ICRP Publication 116 external exposure geometries—antero-posterior (AP), postero-anterior (PA), and left and right lateral (LLAT, RLAT). Using both male and female phantoms, effective dose coefficients were computed using ICRP Publication 103 methodology. The resulting coefficients for articulated phantoms were compared to those of the upright phantom. Computed organ and effective dose coefficients are discussed as a function of neutron energy, phantom posture, and source irradiation geometry. For example, it is shown here that for the AP and PA irradiation geometries, the differences in the organ coefficients between the upright and bent posture become more pronounced with increasing bending angle. In the AP geometry, the brain dose coefficients are expectedly higher in the bent postures than in the upright posture, while all other organs have lower dose coefficients, with the thyroid showing the greatest difference. Overall, the effective dose estimated for the upright phantom is more conservative than that for the articulated phantom, which may have ramifications in the estimation or reconstruction of radiation doses.
Driver behavior analysis for right-turn drivers at signalized intersections using SHRP 2 naturalistic driving study data.

Abstract Introduction Understanding driver behavior is important for traffic safety and operation, especially at intersections where different traffic movements conflict. While most driver-behavior studies are based on simulation, this paper documents the analysis of driver-behavior at signalized intersections with the SHRP 2 Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS) data. This study analyzes the different influencing factors on the operation (speed control) and observation of right-turn drivers. Method A total of 300 NDS trips at six signalized intersections were used, including the NDS time-series sensor data, the forward videos and driver face videos. Different factors of drivers, vehicles, roads and environments were studied for their influence on driver behavior. An influencing index function was developed and the index was calculated for each influencing factor to quantitatively describe its influencing level. The influencing index was applied to prioritize the factors, which facilitates development and selection of safety countermeasures to improve intersection safety. Drivers' speed control was analyzed under different conditions with consideration of the prioritized influencing factors. Results Vehicle type, traffic signal status, conflicting traffic, conflicting pedestrian and driver age group were identified as the five major influencing factors on driver observation. Conclusions This research revealed that drivers have high acceleration and low observation frequency under Right-Turn-On-Red (RTOR), which constituted potential danger for other roadway users, especially for pedestrians. Practical applications As speed has a direct influence on crash rates and severities, the revealed speed patterns of the different situations also benefit selection of safety countermeasures at signalized intersections.
The nursing home elder microbiome stability and associations with age, frailty, nutrition and physical location.

Purpose. The microbiome from nursing home (NH) residents is marked by a loss in diversity that is associated with increased frailty. Our objective was to explore the associations of NH environment, frailty, nutritional status and residents’ age to microbiome composition and potential metabolic function. Methodology. We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 23 residents, 65 years or older, from one NH that had four floors: two separate medical intensive floors and two floors with active elders. Residents were assessed using the mini nutritional assessment tool and clinical frailty scale. Bacterial composition and metabolic potential of residents' stool samples was determined by metagenomic sequencing. We performed traditional unsupervised correspondence analysis and linear mixed effect modelling regression to assess the bacteria and functional pathways significantly affected by these covariates. Results/Key findings. NH resident microbiomes demonstrated temporal stability (PERMANOVA P=0.001) and differing dysbiotic associations with increasing age, frailty and malnutrition scores. As residents aged, the abundance of microbiota-encoded genes and pathways related to essential amino acid, nitrogenous base and vitamin B production declined. With increasing frailty, residents had lower abundances of butyrate-producing organisms, which are associated with increased health and higher abundances of known dysbiotic species. As residents became malnourished, butyrate-producing organisms declined and dysbiotic bacterial species increased. Finally, the microbiome of residents living in proximity shared similar species and, as demonstrated for Escherichia coli, similar strains. Conclusion. These findings support the conclusion that a signature ‘NH’ microbiota may exist that is affected by the residents' age, frailty, nutritional status and physical location.
Living With Diabetes: The Role of Diabetes Education

Living with diabetes can be challenging. The treatment is complex with significant lifestyle demands and fearsome acute and chronic complications. Both the disease and its treatment can impact the family as well as the person with diabetes. Many physicians, other health care professionals, and payors recognize the importance of diabetes education in supporting people in the efforts to realize treatment targets, yet the efficacy of diabetes education is still debated. This chapter will define diabetes education, briefly describe its origins, discuss factors that impact self-care, and address the question “does diabetes education work?”
Bubble Plots as a Model-Free Graphical Tool for Continuous Variables

Researchers often wish to understand the relationship between two continuous predictors and a common continuous outcome. Many options for graphing such relationships, including conditional regression lines or 3D regression surfaces, depend on an underlying model of the data. The veridicality of the graph depends upon the veridicality of the model, and poor models can result in misleading graphs. An enhanced 2D scatter plot or bubble plot that represents values of a variable using the size of the plotted circles offers a model-free alternative. The R function bp3way() implements the bubble plot with a variety of user specifiable parameters. An empirical study demonstrates the comparability of bubble plots to other model-free plots for exploring three-way continuous data.
Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Dirhodium Paddlewheel Complexes with Tethered, Axially Coordinating Thioether Ligands.

Novel mixed-ligand rhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes incorporating tethered axial thioether ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The thioether moiety is essential for high yields and th...
Unfulfilled: A Story of Users and Library Request Services

AbstractThe current technology models for library request services present significant challenges for the user’s experience from discovery to delivery. Applying user-centered design and e-commerce ...
The Once and Future Muse: The Poetry and Poetics of Rhina Espaillat, by Nancy Kang and Silvio Torres-Saillant

Nancy Kang and Silvio Torres-Saillant’s The Once and Future Muse examines Rhina Espaillat’s diasporic subjectivity as a Dominican-born American woman poet by engaging in the complexities of positio...
Musings on Technology and Learning Disabilities on the Occasion of the New Millennium

Almost 30 years ago, I bought an IBM Selectric typewriter for about $500. I still use it occasionally and it works perfectly. Almost 20 years ago, I bought my first home microcomputer, an Apple II Plus, for about $5,000. The system included a monochrome Zenith monitor with an amber display, an Apple disk drive, and an Epson dot matrix printer, all state-of-the-art equipment. It also included a shift key modification so that both upper and lowercase letters would appear on the screen. The BASIC programming language was resident in ROM. I had to purchase software to run on the microcomputer, and my first purchase was the Apple Writer II word processor. This computer system is gone from my life; it's too old even to be stored with the “antiques” in the rafters of my garage.
Poly(4-vinylbenzoicacid): A Re-Engineered Binderfor Improved Performance from Water-Free Slurry Processing for SiliconGraphite Composite Electrodes

In silicon-based lithium-ion batteries, polymeric binders play the crucial role of “gluing” the electrode matrix together, providing strong adhesion between the active silicon (Si) and conductive c...
A phase II trial of induction epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and flourouracil, surgery and post-operative concurrent cisplatin and fluorouracil chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients (pts) with loco-regionally advanced (LRA) adenocarcinoma (ACA) of the esophagus (E) and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).

4087 Background: In pts with LRA ACA of the E/GEJ, CRT and surgery results in excellent locoregional control. Distant failure remains common, however, suggesting potential benefit from additional c...
Distribution of Soil Pressures On Concrete Pipe

The soil pressures on a 24-in. OD concrete pipe buried in a 6-ft-wide by 7-ft-long by 7-ft-deep steel soil container were measured with 16 pressure cells mounted in the pipe. Loads were applied to the soil surface with a large Universal testing machine. Graphical representations of the soil pressure distributions are given for six different support conditions and several conclusions are drawn regarding the support conditions that produce the most desirable pressure distributions. The pressure distributions for the six specific bedding conditions represent a range of conditions that will be useful to develop analytical pressure distributions for field bedding conditions if the soil types and relative compressibilities of the bedding and foundation materials are considered.
The confounding problem of the counterfactual in economic explanation

Economists who have emphasized uncertainty have tended to draw a sharp epistemic distinction between an ascertainable past and an unknowable future. But in one critical respect – in extracting caus...
A Foreign Language or the Second Language: The Future of English in Bangladesh

Bangladesh does not have an official second language. However, apart from Bangla, English is the only other language widely used in the country. There has been a sustained debate whether English is a foreign language (EFL) or English is the second language (ESL) in Bangladesh, for often it is found that the function of English in the country is much closer to that of the second language. English in Bangladesh had a turbulent past as well as has an undefined but overwhelming present. Due to globalization and major economic connections with the outer world the presence of English has always been there. The all-embracing state of English in Bangladesh now is undeniable. The function of English in Educational sectors, Government sectors, courts, private organizations, media and communication etc. reveal the overpowering effect of English in the lives of people in Bangladesh. As such the all obtruding impact of English in the present life posits the enquiry on the future of the language in the land. This paper is a qualitative study that analyzes the domains of language use. The results reflect an urgency of change of the official status of English in Bangladesh from a foreign language to a second language.
College-attending young men's sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices.

Objective: Male involvement in contraceptive practice remains low. Family planning and pediatric health associations have recommended an emphasis on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in clinical counseling with adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about the resulting adverse impact on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. Participants: College-attending men responded to an internet based questionnaire (n=31) and a phone-based qualitative interview (n=25). Methods: Our survey solicited attitudes toward and knowledge of contraceptive methods and assessed communication practices with sexual partners regarding use of contraception and disease prevention. Results: Knowledge about female methods of contraception was low, with a comparatively high level of knowledge about Plan B. Parents and health care providers were cited as the most helpful sources of information. Conversations about protection with sexual partners were reported by most men, due mainly to fear of unplanned pregnancy, not STI. Conclusion: Addressing couple communication and dual protection among college-attending men needs greater emphasis.
Synthesis of mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 supported palladium nanoparticles and investigation of their roles as magnetically recyclable catalysts for nitrobenzene hydrogenation

Abstract The mesoporous γ-Fe 2 O 3 (maghemite) supported palladium catalysts (written as Pd/meso-γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) are synthesized using impregnation and one-step sol–gel methods and characterized by PXRD, BET, TEM, EDX, and XPS. The synthesized Pd/meso-γ-Fe 2 O 3 catalysts are applied in nitrobenzene hydrogenation reactions under 50 °C and 1 atm and their catalytic activities are compared with Pd/comm-Fe 2 O 3 , Pd/meso-SiO 2 , and Pd/meso-C catalysts, in order to study the effect of the catalyst support. The TOF number of a 1% Pd/meso-γ-Fe 2 O 3 -im catalyst is highest among all the synthesized catalysts, attributed to the well dispersed Pd nanoparticles on the iron oxide support of large surface area, large pore size, and an interconnected network. All the mesoporous γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle catalysts show characteristics of superparamagnetic behavior and thus can be easily retrieved by an external magnetic field. Significant catalyst activity decay is observed with 1% Pd/meso-γ-Fe 2 O 3 -im catalyst due to Pd leaching. However, improvement in activity of the recycled catalyst is observed when the one-step sol–gel synthesis method is used.
Hybrid Photonic Crystal-Plasmonic Lab-on-Chip Device using TLC-SERS for Multiple Chemical Sensing

By coupling surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with thin-layer chromatography, hybrid photonic crystal-plasmonic devices provide lab-on-a-chip functionalities for separating and detecting multiple chemical targets in a complex solution.
Seasonal changes and the unexpected impact of environmental disturbance on skin bacteria of individual amphibians in a natural habitat

Amphibians host diverse skin bacteria that have a role in pathogen defense, but these skin communities could change over time and impact this function. Here, we monitored individual Eastern red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens; N = 17) for 2 years in a field pond enclosure and assessed the effects of season and disturbance on skin bacterial community dynamics. We created disturbances by adding additional pond substrate to the enclosure at two timepoints. We planned to sample the skin bacterial community and metabolite profiles of each newt every 6 weeks; we ultimately sampled eight individuals at least six times. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the bacterial communities and HPLC-MS for metabolite profiling. We found that disturbance had a dramatic effect on skin bacterial communities and metabolite profiles, while season had an effect only using select metrics. There were seven core bacterial taxa (97% OTUs) that were found on all newts in all seasons, pre- and post-disturbance. Lastly, there was a correlation between bacterial and metabolite profiles post-disturbance, which was not observed pre-disturbance. This longitudinal study suggests that environmental disturbances can have lasting effects on skin bacterial communities that overwhelm seasonal changes, although the core bacteria remain relatively consistent over time.
Large values of the additive energy in and

Combining Freiman's theorem with Balog–Szemeredi–Gowers theorem one can show that if an additive set has large additive energy, then a large piece of the set is contained in a generalized arithmetic progression of small rank and size. In this paper, we prove the above statement with the optimal bound for the rank of the progression. The proof strategy involves studying upper bounds for additive energy of subsets of ${\mathbb{R}^d$ and ${\mathbb{Z}^d$ .
Law Schools and the Continuing Growth of the Legal Profesion

In most countries for which data are available, the size of the legal profession has continued to grow over the last 40 plus years. This continued growth reflects the perceived attractiveness of a career as a legal professional (i.e., the demand) and the incentives of the institutions that provide legal education, and hence serve as primary gatekeepers, to maintain or increase the number of students they enroll. In some countries, perhaps most prominently the United States, structural changes in the opportunities for careers in the legal profession are likely to put pressure on law schools that could result in changes in the supply of opportunities to obtain the legal education required to become a lawyer. En la mayoria de los paises de los que se dispone de datos, el numero de abogados no ha dejado de crecer desde hace mas de 40 anos. Este crecimiento constante, refleja el atractivo que se percibe en una profesion como la abogacia (esto es, la demanda), y los incentivos de las instituciones que imparten estos estudios, y constituyen la primera barrera para mantener o aumentar el numero de estudiantes que aceptan. En algunos paises, tal vez de forma mas destacada en Estados Unidos, es probable que los cambios estructurales en las oportunidades de trabajar como abogado obliguen a las facultades de derecho a modificar la oferta para acceder a la carrera de derecho. DOWNLOAD THIS PAPER FROM SSRN : http://ssrn.com/abstract=2221281
Abstract PS1-37: Reduction mammoplasty in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background: Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty is an accepted method of breast conserving surgery that also allows for potentially improved symmetry and aesthetics compared to other techniques and allows for larger tissue volumes to be removed with acceptable cosmetic outcomes. Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC) is increasingly used for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. While there is some data that oncoplastic reduction may delay timing of adjuvant radiation, we sought to examine this in our patients, and specifically to compare complications and time to radiation in patients who received NAC to those that didn’t. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of all patients with DCIS or invasive cancer who underwent a reduction mammoplasty and received adjuvant radiation at our single institution from 2009-2018. Patients who received NAC were compared to those that did not. Results: A total of 114 patients underwent reduction mammoplasty as part of their oncologic surgery and received adjuvant radiation at our institution. Of those, 40.4% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 49.1% received no neoadjuvant treatment. A total of 38 patients (33.3%) had some postoperative complication with 8.8% having a serious complication that required intervention. Adjuvant radiation started after 8 weeks in 74.6% of patients and after 12 weeks in 38.6% of patients, with the majority of these delays due to non-clinical factors. A total of 29.4% of patients had a delay due to wound healing issues. There was no association between NAC and delayed radiation due to wound healing (p=0.18). Discussion: Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty is a safe option for breast-conserving surgery in patients who have received NAC. The receipt of NAC in itself does not delay timing of adjuvant radiation or lead to increases in delayed wound healing. We are additionally examining other factors and their possible interaction with NAC, including diabetes, smoking, BMI and breast reduction size. In those with larger tumors receiving NAC who would otherwise not be candidates for breast conserving surgery, oncoplastic reduction should be considered as an appropriate option for surgical management. Reduction also allows for wider excision which may mitigate the impact of the longer time from surgery to radiation. Citation Format: Kelly Hewitt, Susan Wu, Laura Barnes, Joanna Yang, Merisa Piper. Reduction mammoplasty in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-37.
The use of a digital micromirror array as a temporal gate and spatial-filtering device for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry

Abstract A digital micromirror array (DMMA) is used in a simple and inexpensive approach for spatially resolved temporal gating of atomic emission detection in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Selected mirrors in the array are actuated at a time delayed from the primary laser pulse, permitting optical gating with a response time of 160 ns while using a conventional CCD detector. Detector gating is shown to decrease noise from short-lived spectroscopic background (both continuum and N II from air), improving signal-to-background ratios by 22-times for selected samples and emission lines. The utility of rapid temporal gating is also demonstrated for the optical detection of isotopes using the laser-ablation molecular isotope spectrometry (LAMIS) experiment. Optical temporal gating and spatial filtering are used to isolate regions of the laser-induced plasma, enhancing signal from molecular emission. The potential of the simple technique for use in field-portable LIBS and LAMIS experiments is explored.
Geographic Distribution in Use of Extended Criteria Donors

Purpose Recent research has explored extended criteria donors (ECDs) as a means of increasing the donor pool in heart transplantation. Here we explored the current geographic distribution of ECD utilization use with the goal of identifying areas which may most benefit from such warm perfusion devices. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on adult heart transplants using the UNOS Database from 2000 to 2019. EXPAND Trial definition of ECD was used; ischemic time > 4 hours, ejection fraction 55 years, history of coronary artery disease. Geographic data and 2019 population estimates from the US Census Bureau were used. Results Of the 42,642 transplants included in our analysis, 11,750 (27.6%) utilized ECDs. Region utilization of ECDs ranged from 18.4% to 46.5% of transplants (Table 1). Sub-analysis of ECD criteria revealed ischemic time > 4 hours to be the biggest contributing factor (ranging from 14.3 to 43.2% of all transplants), with reduced ejection fraction being second (2.8% to 9.5%), followed last by older donors > 55 years of age (0.9% to 4.1%) and donor with coronary artery disease (1.4% to 3.4%). Region 6 had the highest utilization rate at 46.5%, this was primarily driven by number of transplants with ischemic time > 4 hours. Region 6 encompasses the largest total area (1.08 million square miles), and smallest population density (15.6 people/square mile). Region 8 had the lowest marginal donor utilization rate at 18.4%. Even regions with high utilization of low EF, older donors, and donors with CAD (i.e. Region 1 and 2) were able to maintain an average utilization rate of ECDs by maintaining short ischemic times. Conclusion There exists large discrepancies in utilization of ECDs across the different UNOS regions. This is primarily driven by longer ischemic times - which we believe is influenced by large geographic area and low population densities in some Regions. Warm perfusion devices which may extend the viable warm ischemic time of donor hearts may be particularly useful in these regions.
Structure and Function of the Skin

The skin is a large organ, weighing an average of 4 kg and covering an area of 2 m 2 . Its major function is to act as a barrier against an inhospitable environment – to protect the body from the influences of the outside world. The importance of the skin is well illustrated by the high mortality rate associated with extensive loss of skin from burns.
Word Embeddings: What works, what doesn't, and how to tell the difference for applied research

Word embeddings are becoming popular for political science research, yet we know little about their properties and performance. To help scholars seeking to use these techniques, we explore the effe...
A radiation tolerant laser-induced fluorescence detection system for a potential Europa Lander mission

Abstract Analytical techniques commonly implemented for in situ organic analysis on space missions lack the sensitivity or specificity necessary to definitively characterize key markers of current or past life, such as amino acids. To this end, our group has developed an analytical method for amino acid analysis at low parts-per-billion levels, utilizing capillary electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection. Europa has been identified as a particularly appealing target for life detection, but its intense radiation environment presents additional challenges for instrument development and qualification. Here, we present work toward the development of a flight qualifiable laser-induced fluorescence detection system that could be implemented on potential future missions to the Jovian system which could experience total ionizing dose exposures of up to 300 krad. Our results show that a gallium nitride based laser diode and micro-photomultiplier based system can meet our system performance requirements under radiation conditions expected for a potential Europa Lander mission.
Robotic navigation in spine surgery: Where are we now and where are we going?

Abstract Robotic navigation is a new and rapidly emerging niche within minimally invasive spine surgery. The robotic arms-race began in 2004 and has resulted in no less than four major robotic surgical adjuncts. Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved applications of robotic navigation are limited to pedicle screw instrumentation, but new indications and experimental applications are rapidly emerging. As with any new technology, robotic navigation must be vetted for clinical efficacy, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Given the rapid advancements made on a yearly basis, it is important to make frequent and objective assessments of the available technology. Thus, the authors seek to provide the most up-to-date review of the history, currently available technology, learning curve, novel applications, and cost effectiveness of today’s available robotic systems as it relates to spine surgery.
Historical Perspective of Urban Traffic Congestion

Congestion is not new. It predates the industrial revolution, the motor vehicle, and the modern city. It was common in ancient time, in 17th century London, and in 19th century New York. The produce markets, port areas, and downtowns of yesteryear all were overcrowded and congested.
Growth Dynamics of Meningiomas in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Interferon: Report of two Cases

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disease of the central nervous system, the association of intraparenchymal tumour has been rarely reported and the potential relationship between intracranial meningioma and MS has not been seriously analysed. This report addresses the association of multiple sclerosis and intracranial meningioma and discusses the effect of interferon treatment on tumour progression. We report two cases with multiple sclerosis, who developed meningioma four and twenty years after the diagnosis of MS was made. Neither patient had a history of meningioma initially and both were being treated interferon when the meningioma was progressed. Histological examination of two cases revealed meningothelial meningioma. The first patient's KI67 level was 2.5% and was positive for the progesterone and estrogen receptor. Chromosomal analysis showed some abnormalities. In the second case, mild atypical change by presence of nuclear enlargement and rare mitotic figures were noted and PCNA, KI67 levels were less than 2%. We reported the association of multiple sclerosis and intracranial meningioma and observed the progression of the meningiomas during interferon treatment. Although, we cannot exclude the coincidence between the two diseases we discussed suspicious relationship between the interferon treatment and the tumour progression.
Adding Semantics to 3D Digital Libraries

Several efforts have begun to archive 3D data in an organized manner to create 3D Digital Libraries. An important challenge in creating an intelligent archiving mechanism is the problem of adding semantics to the original content. Under the NSF funded 3D Knowledge Project (3DK), PRISM researchers have devised a patent pending process to add semantic content to 3D data [1][2][3]. This paper details some aspects of the process including data acquisition, geometric modeling, representation, analysis, adding semantic content, and visual query using a database of 3D bones as an example.
Macrocrack interaction with transverse array of microcracks

General formulation of a problem involving a macrocrack propagating through an area with microcracks is considered. The analysis is based on the simultaneous solution of a system of singular integral equations. Various methods described in the literature are discussed in detail and compared. The specific problem considered was a macrocrack approaching an infinite transverse array of microcracks. Results illustrate the effects of different loading types and can be used for interpretation of the microcrack toughening mechanisms. Numerical comparisons are made with data recently appearing in literature which demonstrates the importance of numerical accuracy. Reported results differ by a factor in certain cases as compared with data given in other literature.
Perceptions of Punishment and Rehabilitation Among Inmates in a Medium Security Prison

Abstract Inmate perceptions are examined in relation to punishment and rehabilitation as goals of prison. The results from a random sample of inmates in a medium security prison appear to show that inmate perceptions of punishment and rehabilitation are independent of one another but are simultaneously related to different types of inmate relationships with others in the prison. Additionally, inmate perceptions of punishment appear to be related to the physical environment of the prison. This paper discusses structural and policy implications of these findings. It seems that, because perceptions of punishment and rehabilitation are independent it may be possible to increase inmate perceptions of rehabilitation while keeping perceptions of punishment high. There are important implications for reduction of recidivism and increasing positive inmate reentry into society without the illusion of pampering criminals.