cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ambiguating Agency: The Case of Malinowski's Ghost

Agency is useful to people not so much for controlling a site of authorship or authority as for ambiguating social relationships and authority. Both indigenous and anthropological practices of ambiguation are critical sites of discourse that allow the gaps and ruptures between epistemologies the possibility of positive value.
Francesco Modon: Colporteur and Evangelist at Rome, 1870

Nineteenth century liberals constantly expressed dissatisfaction that non-Catholic worship was banned in Rome by the pontiffs. Traditionally, diplomats such as Prussians, Americans, and Russians, were allowed chapels of choice for themselves and their nationals, usually in legations or in licensed buildings outside the city gates. The fact that Pope Pius IX had removed to extra-mural quarters two Scottish Presbyterian churches and the false rumor that he threatened the American place of worship, played a role in causing the United States to cut off as of June 30, 1867, funds for its minister to the Vatican. A discreet Protestant cemetery containing the tombs of Shelley, Keats, and Alexander von Humboldt, cheek by jowl against the walls of Rome near the Porta San Paolo, is reminder that dissenters were not permitted to give scandal to the faithful by ostentatious religious ceremonies. The situation changed abruptly once the Patrimony of Saint Peter became part of Italy.
Algorithms for direct‐access gaussian solution of structural stiffness matrix equation

Based on direct-access programming, algorithms have been developed for the generation, and solution by Gaussian elimination of the structural stiffness matrix equation resulted from application of the finite element method in engineering analyses. A large disk storage is used to store the rows of the stiffness matrix as directly accessible records. The developed algorithm BAND2R requires only 2Nb in-core words in implementing the Gaussian elimination where Nb is the semi-band width of the stiffness matrix. Algorithms BANDSQ and BDSQMX are presented which require N2b in-core words but minimize the number of retrieving and restoring the direct-access records during the Gaussian elimination. BANDSQ has the direct-access feature in both the elimination and backward-substitution steps whereas BDSQMX has the direct-access feature only in the backward-substitution step of the Gaussian elimination. Illustrative applications of the developed algorithms are given and the computer core and time requirements for BAND2R, BANDSQ and BDSQMX are compared to those for the conventional Gaussian elimination of using sequential, in-core storages. Methods for reducing the semi-band width Nb of the structural stiffness matrix are also discussed.
A Nonlinear Filter Coupled With Hospitability and Synthetic Inclination Maps for In-Surveillance and Out-of-Surveillance Tracking

This paper presents an algorithm for in-surveillance and out-of-surveillance mobile ground target tracking. In this respect, a nonlinear Bayesian estimation filter is presented. Then, an adaptive algorithm is derived to reduce remarkably the computational burden of this filter, while not degrading the accuracy of the state estimates. Additionally, an algorithm employing the concepts of hospitability and synthetic inclination maps is introduced and is coupled with the nonlinear Bayesian filter to track the mobile ground target once it goes out-of-surveillance. Loosely speaking, the hospitability map can be viewed as a terrain-based map defining a likelihood or a "weight" for each point on the earth's surface proportional to the ability of the target to move and maneuver at that location. On the other hand, the synthetic inclination map describes how the target favors certain regions within the search area, hence being "synthetically" inclined to move toward them.
Resection of a 303.2-Pound Ovarian Tumor

A woman with a 303.2-pound ovarian mass is presented. She had been bedridden for the previous 2 years and housebound for 6 years due to the enlarging mass. Psychological factors enabling this patient to remain home and sabotage attempts of her family to obtain help must be considered and dealt with while obtaining preoperative consultation with each of the services ultimately to be involved in the patient's care. Psychiatric, pulmonary, nutritional, cardiac, endocrinologic, reconstructive surgery, anesthesia, and operating room nursing assessment and advice should be sought. Despite the large size, there is a one-third chance of finding a malignancy, suggesting that all of these large masses should be removed intact whenever possible. An elliptical transverse incision from iliac crest to iliac crest offers the best preservation of abdominal wall anatomy and function. Invasive cardiac and pulmonary monitoring should continue through the operation and afterward, as severe cardiopulmonary/hemodynamic compromise is possible. Long-term psychiatric follow-up is needed as the dramatic anatomic restoration is not always accompanied by a similar psychologic restoration.
Washington, d. c., via maryland

Maryland will plan and beautify the approaches to the National Capital through the newly–established Maryland—Washington Metropolitan District
Glimmer: Creating New Connections

Glimmer, a composition for chamber orchestra and audience, uses novelty light sticks, video cameras, computer software, multi-colored stand lights, and projected video animation to create a continuous feedback loop in which audience activities, software algorithms, and orchestral performance together create the music. This paper establishes the aesthetic background and motivations behind Glimmer and describes the conceptual framework and technical realization of the piece in detail. Performances of the work by the American Composers Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York and by musicians at the Hamabada Art Center in Jerusalem are evaluated with respect to the audience, the musicians, and the resulting music that was created.
What's Special about Special Programs for Children Who Find Learning to Read Difficult?.

Teachers of reading comprise a most sinister political group, whose continued presence and strength are more a cause for alarm than celebration. (Postman, 1970, p. 244) In American elementary schools today we can find a variety of special teachers whose primary responsibility lies in fostering the language and literacy development of children considered at risk of school failure. Although reading teachers, many funded from the federal Chapter 1 program, are the most obvious group, it is difficulty with language and literacy learning that most commonly leads to identifying children as learning disabled and language impaired, the two handicapping conditions that account for well over half of children served through special education programs. School psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists are also occupied primarily with evaluating or providing services to children exhibiting language and literacy learning difficulties. In fact, the most direct route to being identified as at risk or handicapped in schools today is to arrive at school with few experiences with books, stories, or print and then exhibit any sort of difficulty with the standard literacy curriculum. Across the past 25 years, American schools have added an array of special teachers and special programs primarily targeted at enhancing literacy learning. Today, many readers of this journal are involved in programs preparing the special teachers that will staff these special programs. Many readers also have a professional history that includes a stint as a special teacher. Yet for all the familiarity so many of us have with special programs for children who find learning to read difficult, our journals have carried relatively few articles about these programs or the impact they have on schools or children who participate in them.
The Ototoxicity of Trichloroethylene: Extrapolation and Relevance of High-Concentration, Short-Duration Animal Exposure Data☆☆☆

Inhalation exposure to high concentrations of 1,1,2-trichloroethylene (TCE) has been shown to damage hearing in the mid-frequency range in the rat. The present study directly evaluated the adequacy of high-concentration, short-term exposures to TCE for predicting the neurotoxicity produced by longer duration exposures. Adult male Long–Evans rats (n= 10–12 per group) were exposed to TCE via inhalation (whole body) in 1-m3stainless steel flow-through chambers for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week. The following exposures were used: 1 day (4000–8000 ppm), 1 week (1000–4000 ppm), 4 weeks (800–3200 ppm), and 13 weeks (800–3200 ppm). Air-only exposed animals served as controls. Auditory thresholds were determined for a 16-kHz tone 3–5 weeks after exposure using reflex modification audiometry. Results replicated previous findings of a hearing loss at 16 kHz for all exposure durations. The dB15 concentrations (concentration that increases thresholds by 15 dB) for 16-kHz thresholds were 6218, 2992, 2592, and 2160 ppm for the 1-day, 1-week, 4-week and 13-week exposures, respectively. These data demonstrate that the ototoxicity of TCE was less than that predicted by a strict concentration × time relationship. These data also demonstrate that simple models of extrapolation (i.e.,C × t = k, Haber's Law) overestimate the potency of TCE when extrapolating from short-duration to longer-duration exposures. Furthermore, these data suggest that, relative to ambient or occupational exposures, the ototoxicity of TCE in the rat is a high-concentration effect.
Accuracy of A Low-Power Ka-Band Non-Contact Heartbeat Detector Measured from Four Sides of A Human Body

A Ka-band heartbeat detector using double-sideband transmission to detect human heartbeat and respiration signals is demonstrated. The short wavelength at Ka-band increases the sensitivity to detect small body motion. The double sideband transmission simplifies the radio transceiver architecture. The detection accuracy was calculated and compared for measurements using two different transmitting power levels, four different body orientations, and at five different distances. It was found that this detector achieved better than 80% detection accuracy for all the above conditions. The measurement results show that the higher power level (350-muAV) can achieve better detection accuracy and longer detection distance than lower power (14.2-muW). The results also show that the detection accuracy measured from the back is the best, which is analyzed and explained using a nonlinear model
Ternary Copper-Based Diamond-Like Semiconductors for Thermoelectric Applications

Thermoelectric materials can provide sources of clean energy and increase the efficiency of existing processes. Solar energy, waste heat recovery, and climate control are examples of applications that could benefit from the direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy provided by a thermoelectric device. The widespread use of thermoelectric devices has been prevented by their lack of efficiency, and thus the search for high-efficiency thermoelectric materials is ongoing. Here we describe our initial efforts studying copper-containing ternary compounds for use as high-efficiency thermoelectric materials that could provide low-cost alternatives to their silver-containing counterparts. The compounds of interest are semiconductors that crystallize in structures that are variants of binary zincblende structure compounds. Two examples are the compounds Cu2SnSe3 and Cu3SbSe4, for which we present here preliminary thermoelectric characterization data.
Integrated Geophysical and Geologic Study of Deep Structure and Tectonics of Permian Basin: ABSTRACT

An integrated geophysical and geological study of the deep basement structure and tectonics of the Permian basin of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico was made using gravity, magnetic, and subsurface data. Over 6,000 gravity and 13,000 magnetic readings from different sources were used to construct gravity and magnetic maps of the area. The Central Basin platform is reflected by prominent positive Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomalies. However, both the gravity and magnetic maps show an east-west trending saddle in the Central Basin platform region which must be due to a deep-seated intrabasement structure. The West Platform fault zone which separates the Central Basin platform from the Delaware basin is reflected by a steep gravity gradient. By combining gravity and abundant well data in two-dimensional computer modeling, earth models were derived for two profiles crossing the area. These earth models show that the gravity relief between the Central Basin platform and the Delaware basin is far too large (±40 mgal) to be explained simply by the thickness of the sedimentary section of the Delaware basin. These models indicate a deficiency of mass in the basement underlying End_Page 763------------------------------ the Delaware basin or an excess of mass under the Central Basin platform. The West Platform fault zone is basement controlled. The seismic activity recently recorded in the area may be related to these deep-seated basement structures. The geophysical and geologic similarities between the southern Oklahoma aulacogen and the Permian basin suggest that the latter may be related to a late Precambrian aulacogen. End_of_Article - Last_Page 764------------
THYROXINE DEIODINATION BY A MICROSOMAL PREPARATION REQUIRING FE++, OXYGEN, AND CYSTEINE OR GLUTATHIONE1

A microsomal system of liver and kidney is described which deiodinates thyroxine, and which requires Fe++ and oxygen. The activity of the system is much enhanced by addition of cj'steinc, reduced glutathione, or ascorbate. Deiodination by whole homogenates or by microsomal suspensions is much increased by preheating the tissue to 100° C for a few minutes. Prolonged heating destroys deiodinating activity. Optimal deiodination was observed at an incubation temperature of 37°. The tissue factor has been obtained in an acetone powder and in soluble form. Dialysis of homogenates against phosphate buffer activates the deiodinating enzyme and makes it thermolabilc, but addition of Fe++ restores the heat stability of the dialyzed homogenate. Deiodination is inhibited by cyanide, phydroxymercuribenzoatc, and several substances which chelate iron. The deoidinating system may belong to a class of reactions which requires Fe++, oxygen, and a reducing agent, and which opens phenolic rings. The tissue factor is thought...
Characterization of Genes Involved in Modulation of Conjugal Transfer of the Bacteroides Conjugative Transposon CTnDOT

In previous studies we identified an 18-kb region of the Bacteroides conjugative transposon CTnDOT that was sufficient for mobilization of coresident plasmids and unlinked integrated elements, as well as self-transfer from Bacteroides to Escherichia coli. When this 18-kb region was cloned on a plasmid (pLYL72), the plasmid transferred itself constitutively in the absence of a coresident conjugative transposon. However, when this plasmid was present in a Bacteroides strain containing a coresident conjugative transposon, conjugal transfer was repressed in the absence of tetracycline and enhanced in the presence of tetracycline. These results suggested that a negative and a positive regulator of conjugal transfer were encoded outside the transfer region of the CTnDOT element. In this work, a minimal and inducible transfer system was constructed and used in transfer and Western blot analyses to identify the differentially regulated genes from CTnDOT responsible for the enhancement and repression of pLYL72 conjugal transfer. Both of these regulatory functions have been localized to a region of the CTnDOT element that is essential for CTn excision. In the presence of tetracycline, the regulatory protein RteC activates the expression of a putative topoisomerase gene, exc, which in turn results in an increase in transfer protein expression and a concomitant 100- to 1,000-fold increase in the frequency of pLYL72 transfer. Our results also suggest that since exc alone cannot result in enhancement of transfer, other factors encoded upstream of exc are also required. Conversely, in the absence of tetracycline, a gene located near the 3' end of exc is responsible for the repression of transfer protein expression and also results in a 100- to 1,000-fold decrease in the frequency of pLYL72 transfer.
Electrophysiological Evidence for Intrinsic Pacemaker Currents in Crayfish Parasol Cells

I used sharp intracellular electrodes to record from parasol cells in the semi-isolated crayfish brain to investigate pacemaker currents. Evidence for the presence of the hyperpolarization-activated inward rectifier potassium current was obtained in about half of the parasol cells examined, where strong, prolonged hyperpolarizing currents generated a slowly-rising voltage sag, and a post-hyperpolarization rebound. The amplitudes of both the sag voltage and the depolarizing rebound were dependent upon the strength of the hyperpolarizing current. The voltage sag showed a definite threshold and was non-inactivating. The voltage sag and rebound depolarization evoked by hyperpolarization were blocked by the presence of 5–10 mM Cs2+ ions, 10 mM tetraethyl ammonium chloride, and 10 mM cobalt chloride in the bathing medium, but not by the drug ZD 7288. Cs+ ions in normal saline in some cells caused a slight increase in mean resting potential and a reduction in spontaneous burst frequency. Many of the neurons expressing the hyperpolarization-activated inward potassium current also provided evidence for the presence of the transient potassium current IA, which was inferred from experimental observations of an increased latency of post-hyperpolarization response to a depolarizing step, compared to the response latency to the depolarization alone. The latency increase was reduced in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a specific blocker of IA. The presence of 4-AP in normal saline also induced spontaneous bursting in parasol cells. It is conjectured that, under normal physiological conditions, these two potassium currents help to regulate burst generation in parasol cells, respectively, by helping to maintain the resting membrane potential near a threshold level for burst generation, and by regulating the rate of rise of membrane depolarizing events leading to burst generation. The presence of post-burst hyperpolarization may depend upon IA channels in parasol cells.
The Role of the Microenvironmental Niche in Declining Stem-Cell Functions Associated with Biological Aging

Aging is strongly correlated with decreases in neurogenesis, the process by which neural stem and progenitor cells proliferate and differentiate into new neurons. In addition to stem-cell-intrinsic factors that change within the aging stem-cell pool, recent evidence emphasizes new roles for systemic and microenvironmental factors in modulating the neurogenic niche. This article focuses on new insights gained through the use of heterochronic parabiosis models, in which an old mouse and a young circulatory system are joined. By studying the brains of both young and old mice, researchers are beginning to uncover circulating proneurogenic "youthful" factors and "aging" factors that decrease stem-cell activity and neurogenesis. Ultimately, the identification of factors that influence stem-cell aging may lead to strategies that slow or even reverse age-related decreases in neural-stem-cell (NSC) function and neurogenesis.
Environmental cues and attempts to change in daily cannabis users: An intensive longitudinal study.

Abstract Introduction We tested whether environmental cues prompt or inhibit quit or reduction attempts among heavy cannabis users. Methods We recruited 196 daily cannabis users who intended to stop or reduce at some point in the next 3 months. Users called an Interactive Voice Response system daily over 3 months to report on cues that might prompt an attempt to quit or reduce (e.g., a request to stop), cues that might inhibit a quit/reduction attempt (e.g., someone offering cannabis), cannabis use, and attempts to stop or reduce cannabis. No treatment was provided. Results Our major findings were (a) cost and health/psychological problems were the most common prompting cues, and seeing others use and being offered cannabis were the most common inhibiting cues, (b) the number of different types of prompting cues prospectively predicted an increase in attempts to change in a dose-related manner, (c) more proximal cues appeared to be more strongly related to change, (d) requests to stop or reduce, and physical or psychological problems from cannabis, best predicted change attempts, and (e) inhibiting cues did not consistently predict the probability of an attempt to change. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest several environmental cues prompt attempts to change cannabis use. Thus, interventions to increase the frequency of these cues, and specifically requests to stop or reduce cannabis use, and reinforcing concerns about health and mental adverse events from cannabis use, may increase cannabis reduction or cessation.
Autophagy enforces functional integrity of regulatory T cells by coupling environmental cues and metabolic homeostasis

Regulatory T (Treg) cells respond to immune and inflammatory signals to mediate immunosuppression, but how the functional integrity of Treg cells is maintained under activating environments is unclear. Here we show that autophagy is active in Treg cells and supports their lineage stability and survival fitness. Treg cell-specific deletion of Atg7 or Atg5, two essential genes in autophagy, leads to loss of Treg cells, greater tumor resistance and development of inflammatory disorders. Atg7-deficient Treg cells show increased apoptosis and readily lose expression of the transcription factor Foxp3, especially after activation. Mechanistically, autophagy deficiency upregulates metabolic regulators mTORC1 and c-Myc and glycolysis, which contribute to defective Treg function. Therefore, autophagy couples environmental signals and metabolic homeostasis to protect lineage and survival integrity of Treg cells in activating contexts.
Decomposition in Pd40Ni40P20 Bulk Metallic Glass

An atom probe field ion microscope and 3-dimensional atom probe characterization of the solute distribution in a bulk Pd 40 Ni 40 P 20 metallic glass in the as-cast state and after annealing has been performed. Statistical analysis of the atom probe atom-by-atom data detected the presence of short range ordering in the as-cast alloy. Phase separation at the nanometer level is observed in glassy samples after annealing above the glass-transition temperature. Crystallization proceeds by phase separation into three distinct crystalline phases. Atom probe analysis of the alloy annealed for 1 h at 410°C revealed that the primary nickel phosphide phase contained significant levels of palladium, the palladium-rich Pd 3 P phosphide phase contained low levels of nickel and there was a small amount of a palladium-nickel solid solution.
Significantly enhanced pregnancy rates per cycle through cryopreservation and thaw of pronuclear stage oocytes

Objective To examine the results of a 5-year trial using cryopreservation to limit multiple pregnancy and optimize overall pregnancy per cycle. Design Retrospective clinical evaluation of pregnancy rates (PRs) per cycle after freezing pronuclear stage human oocytes. Setting Tertiary care academic center. Patients Six hundred seventeen patients treated in 776 IVF-ET cycles from January 1987 to December 1991 (less oocyte donation cycles). Main Outcome Measure Pregnancy rate per cycle after transfer of pre-embryos developed from thawed pronuclear stage oocytes. Results Three thousand seven hundred thirty-one oocytes were frozen. Of these, 2,039 were thawed. One thousand three hundred seventy-seven survived thawing (68%), and 1,370 were transferred after passing through syngamy to at least the first cleavage (68%). Of patients with thawing, 359 of 401 (90%) (449 of 505 cycles [89%]) received intrauterine transfer. One hundred thirty-three separate clinical pregnancies were established from 128 different cycles (128/449; 29%); 5 cycles had two thaws, each of which resulted in pregnancy. This PR is less than the overall fresh PR observed in patients who had excess pronucleate oocytes frozen (279/776; 36%) but is remarkably similar when adjusted for the number of pre-embryos transferred per cycle. The age of the patient at the time of cryopreservation and the number and quality of pre-embryos ultimately available for transfer were important factors in the establishment of pregnancy. The mode of ovarian stimulation and duration of cryostorage did not prove meaningful. Conclusions Cryopreserved pronucleate oocytes that survive freezing, thawing, and progress through syngamy demonstrate a similar potential for implantation and pregnancy when compared with fresh conceptuses, the cumulative effect of which is an enhanced total PR per cycle.
Assessing Service Quality as an Effective Management Tool: The Case of the Airline Industry

This article reports the findings of a study that measured (1) perceived service quality of passenger airlines based on the SERVQUAL and the traditional industry-based measures, and (2) consumer awareness and usage of the Air Travel Consumer Report published and disseminated by the Department of Transportation. The results identify several SERVQUAL and industry-based items that significantly influence consumers’ perception of overall service quality and intention to repatronize. In addition, the results suggest that the Air Travel Consumer Report is not properly disseminated nor used by most consumers. Implications of these results for airline companies and transportation policy makers are discussed.
Clinical Study on Treatment of Childhood Cough With "Shegan Mixture"

Objective To observe the effect of "Shegan Mixture" in treating cough in children and to find the pharmaceutical effect of it. Method 170 children with cough were assigned into two groups at random. 120 children were treated with the Mixture (treatment group) and 50 patients were given pectoral syrup(control group). The therapeutic effect was observed between these two groups. Results The total effective rate was 96.7% in treatment group and 56% in control group (P 0.001).Conclusion "Shegan Mixture" is effective in treating childhood cough.
An Analysis of the Use of Medicines in the Ambulant Clinic of the Department of Medical Neurology of the Xuanwu Hospital

Objective:To understand the trend of the use of drugs in the practice of medical neurology so as to give advices of rational use of medicines to the clinicians. Method:A retrospective survey was carried out to record and add up the every morning prescriptions of the ambulant clinic of the department of medical neurology in December 2001 and to compare the data with those in December 1999 for a final analysis. Results:An increase in the use of jiannao No.Ⅱprepared by ourselves and lorazepem in 2001 was demonstrated and these 2 drugs ranked first and second on the list of frequency of drug use. However, neither of them reached the first twenty places on the list of price. Medicines for cerebrovascular diseases still ranked first in drugs used in the department of medical neurology and their price were relatively high. SSRIs was shown to be the drug of first choice in the treatment of depression. Conclusion:In the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, priority should be given to those medicines with definite effectiveness and not so high in price. Alternating application of hyprotics and sedatives should be insisted on in the treatment of patients with anxiety neurosis and depression.
The Experience of Reading

What do people consciously experience when they read? There has been almost no rigorous research on this question, and opinions diverge radically among both philosophers and psychologists. We describe three studies of the phenomenology of reading and its relationship to memory of textual detail and general cognitive abilities. We find three main results. First, there is substantial variability in reports about reading experience, both within and between participants. Second, reported reading experience varies with passage type: passages with dialogue prompted increased reports of inner speech, while passages with vivid visual detail prompted increased reports of visual imagery. Third, reports of visual imagery experiences, inner speech experiences, and experiences of conscious visual perception of the words on the page were at best weakly related to general cognitive abilities and memory of visual and auditory details.
Exploring the Association Between Self-Reported Asthma Impact and Fitbit-Derived Sleep Quality and Physical Activity Measures in Adolescents.

Background: Smart wearables such as the Fitbit wristband provide the opportunity to monitor patients more comprehensively, to track patients in a fashion that more closely follows the contours of their lives, and to derive a more complete dataset that enables precision medicine. However, the utility and efficacy of using wearable devices to monitor adolescent patients’ asthma outcomes have not been established. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the association between self‑reported sleep data, Fitbit sleep and physical activity data, and pediatric asthma impact (PAI). Methods: We conducted an 8‑week pilot study with 22 adolescent asthma patients to collect: (1) weekly or biweekly patient‑reported data using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of PAI, sleep disturbance (SD), and sleep‑related impairment (SRI) and (2) real-time Fitbit (ie, Fitbit Charge HR) data on physical activity (F-AM) and sleep quality (F‑SQ). To explore the relationship among the self-reported and Fitbit measures, we computed weekly Pearson correlations among these variables of interest. Results: We have shown that the Fitbit-derived sleep quality F-SQ measure has a moderate correlation with the PROMIS SD score (average r=−.31, P=.01) and a weak but significant correlation with the PROMIS PAI score (average r=−.18, P=.02). The Fitbit physical activity measure has a negligible correlation with PAI (average r=.04, P=.62). Conclusions: Our findings support the potential of using wrist-worn devices to continuously monitor two important factors—physical activity and sleep—associated with patients’ asthma outcomes and to develop a personalized asthma management platform. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(7):e105]
Postnatal maturation of the fovea in Macaca mulatta using optical coherence tomography.

Changes in the foveal anatomy during infancy are an important component in early development of spatial vision. The present longitudinal study in rhesus monkeys was undertaken to characterize the postnatal maturation of the fovea. Starting at four weeks after birth, the retinas of the left eyes of sixteen infant monkeys were imaged using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). Retinal scans were repeated every 30 days during the first year of life and every 60 days thereafter. Volume scans through the fovea were registered, scaled using a three surface schematic eye, and analyzed to measure foveal pit parameters. The individual layers of the retina were manually segmented and thicknesses were measured over a transverse distance of 1250 microns from the center of the foveal pit. Based on infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscope (IR SLO) images acquired with the SD OCT system, there were significant changes in the extent of the retina scanned as the eyes matured. Using a three-surface schematic eye, the length of each scan could be computed and was validated using image registration (R2 = 0.88, slope = 1.003, p < 0.05). Over the first 18 months of life, the mean retinal thickness at the pit center had increased by 21.4% with a corresponding 20.3% decrease in pit depth. The major changes occurred within the first 120 days, but did not stabilize until a year after birth. In Macaca mulatta infants, the primary anatomical maturation of the fovea occurs within the first few months of life, as determined by longitudinal data from SD OCT measurements. The timelines for maturation of the fovea correspond well with the normal development of the lateral geniculate nucleus, cortical neurophysiology, and spatial resolution in monkeys.
Low levels of iron enhance UV/H2O2 efficiency at neutral pH.

Abstract While the presence of iron is generally not seen as favorable for UV-based treatment systems due to lamp fouling and decreased UV transmittance, we show that low levels of iron can lead to improvements in the abatement of chemicals in the UV-hydrogen peroxide advanced oxidation process. The oxidation potential of an iron-assisted UV/H 2 O 2 (UV 254 + H 2 O 2 + iron) process was evaluated at neutral pH using iron levels below USEPA secondary drinking water standards ( Para -chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA) was used as a hydroxyl radical (HO ) probe to quantify HO steady state concentrations. Compounds degraded by different mechanisms including, carbamazepine (CBZ, HO oxidation) and N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA, direct photolysis), were used to investigate the effect of iron on compound degradation for UV/H 2 O 2 systems. The effects of iron species (Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ ), iron concentration (0–0.3 mg/L), H 2 O 2 concentration (0–10 mg/L) and background water matrix (low-carbon tap (LCT) and well water) on HO production and compound removal were examined. Iron-assisted UV/H 2 O 2 efficiency was most influenced by the target chemical and the water matrix. Added iron to UV/H 2 O 2 was shown to increase the steady-state HO concentration by approximately 25% in all well water scenarios. While CBZ removal was unchanged by iron addition, 0.3 mg/L iron improved NDMA removal rates in both LCT and well water matrices by 15.1% and 4.6% respectively. Furthermore, the combination of UV/Fe without H 2 O 2 was also shown to enhance NDMA removal when compared to UV photolysis alone indicating the presence of degradation pathways other than HO oxidation.
Education and the Separate But Equal Doctrine

Today education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance to our democratic society. It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be available to all on equal terms.
Streaming data

As the ability to collect data continues to outstrip the ability to process and analyze it, the age-old paradigm of store-and-process is becoming untenable. Finding one or two interesting items in the midst of many possible signals depends on context which often changes over time. A new way to interact with data is needed to handle some of these challenges. The streaming data model is one such approach. In this article, we present the streaming data model as well as two approaches to designing algorithms to handle streaming data. The first, the single processor method, traces its heritage to database models. The second, the multi-processor method, is more aligned with signal processing algorithms. We will close with a critique of the current approaches and some of the statistical challenges that streaming data pose. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 22-29 DOI: 10.1002/wics.130
The Populus holobiont: dissecting the effects of plant niches and genotype on the microbiome

Microorganisms serve important functions within numerous eukaryotic host organisms. An understanding of the variation in the plant niche-level microbiome, from rhizosphere soils to plant canopies, is imperative to gain a better understanding of how both the structural and functional processes of microbiomes impact the health of the overall plant holobiome. Using Populus trees as a model ecosystem, we characterized the archaeal/bacterial and fungal microbiome across 30 different tissue-level niches within replicated Populus deltoides and hybrid Populus trichocarpa × deltoides individuals using 16S and ITS2 rRNA gene analyses. Our analyses indicate that archaeal/bacterial and fungal microbiomes varied primarily across broader plant habitat classes (leaves, stems, roots, soils) regardless of plant genotype, except for fungal communities within leaf niches, which were greatly impacted by the host genotype. Differences between tree genotypes are evident in the elevated presence of two potential fungal pathogens, Marssonina brunnea and Septoria sp., on hybrid P. trichocarpa × deltoides trees which may in turn be contributing to divergence in overall microbiome composition. Archaeal/bacterial diversity increased from leaves, to stem, to root, and to soil habitats, whereas fungal diversity was the greatest in stems and soils. This study provides a holistic understanding of microbiome structure within a bioenergy relevant plant host, one of the most complete niche-level analyses of any plant. As such, it constitutes a detailed atlas or map for further hypothesis testing on the significance of individual microbial taxa within specific niches and habitats of Populus and a baseline for comparisons to other plant species.
Reaction of bisphenol A with synthetic and commercial MnOx(s): spectroscopic and kinetic study.

The reaction of bisphenol A (BPA) using laboratory synthesized (Syn-MnOx) and commercially available (Com-MnOx) MnOx(s) media was investigated using spectroscopic and aqueous chemistry methods. The surface area of Syn-MnOx (128 m2 g−1) and Com-MnOx (13.6 m2 g−1) differed by an order of magnitude. The impurities were less than 1% by weight for Syn-MnOx while Com-MnOx contained 29% impurity by weight, mainly Al, Si and Fe. The removal of 99.7% BPA was observed applying Syn-MnOx, while 71.2% BPA removal was observed applying Com-MnOx after 44 hours of reaction of 10 mM MnOx(s) media with 1 mM BPA at pH 5.5. The reduction of Mn was detected in the surface of both BPA reacted media, but a higher content of reduced Mn was observed in Syn-MnOx (52% in Syn-MnOx compared to 29% in Com-MnOx). The release of soluble Mn was an order of magnitude higher in batch experiments reacting BPA with Syn-MnOx compared with Com-MnOx. The C 1s and O 1s XPS high resolution spectral analyses identified the presence of functional groups that likely correspond to BPA oxidation products, such as dimers and quinones associated with MnOx(s) surfaces on both reacted media. The reaction of BPA with Syn-MnOx fit the electron transfer-limited model (R2 = 0.96), while the reaction of BPA with Com-MnOx had a better fit for surface complex formation-limited model (R2 = 0.95). These results suggest that BPA removal and the reactivity of MnOx(s) are affected by the differences in surface area and impurities present in these media. Thus, this study has relevant implications for the reaction of MnOx(s) with emerging organic contaminants in natural biogeochemical processes and water treatment applications.
Cognitive Therapy for Insomnia

Cognitive therapy for insomnia (CT-I) is based on a cognitive model that posits that the processes maintaining insomnia can include (1) worry and rumination, (2) attentional bias and monitoring for sleep-related threat, (3) unhelpful beliefs about sleep, (4) misperception of sleep and daytime deficits, and (5) safety behaviors that maintain unhelpful beliefs. The aim of CT-I is to reverse all five maintaining processes during the night as well as the day. Promising new directions in CT-I, such as training in savoring and positive thinking, altering expectations about sleep, targeting daytime cognitive processes, and developing mindfulness and acceptance, are also discussed.
Spring Stopover of Birds on the Laptev Sea Polynya

Four species of marine birds were found to occur in spring-time on the Laptev Sea Polynya. All birds were observed migrating westward above ice-free waters and drift ice fields. Inspection of King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) bioenergetics on the Polynya shows that this species daily pays 3.17 BMR in males and 3.44 BMR in females for the occurring here. Eider’s impact on bottom fauna is 0.10–0.17% of biomass.
Is hyperkinetic gallbladder an indication for cholecystectomy

The (99m) technetium-labelled hepato imino diacetic acid (HIDA) scan is widely used to evaluate patients with biliary colic with a normal trans-abdominal ultrasound scan. Most studies recommend cholecystectomy for patients with biliary dyskinesia, defined by gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) of less than 35–40% on HIDA scan. There are no recommendations regarding management of hyperkinetic gallbladder defined by GBEF of greater than 80% on HIDA scan. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes following cholecystectomy on patients with biliary colic associated with hyperkinetic gallbladder. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with biliary colic associated with hyperkinetic gallbladder that underwent cholecystectomy in our practice from July 2014 to February 2018. Data collection included age, gender, body mass index, preoperative symptoms, comorbidities, additional tests, ejection fraction, surgery, and histopathology of the gallbladder. Symptomatic improvement was assessed during routine 2-week postoperative visit and a follow-up phone interview. Thirty-two patients had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period for symptomatic hyperkinetic gallbladder. All the patients had abdominal pain related to food intake and 17 (53%) patients had worsening of symptoms with CCK infusion. The average GBEF was 92%. Chronic cholecystitis was seen in 29 (90%) patients on pathology. 23 (74%) patients had complete resolution of biliary symptoms, 5 (16%) had improved symptoms, and 3 (10%) had no change in symptoms. Patients with biliary colic and hyperkinetic gallbladder respond favorably to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our results suggest that patients with biliary colic in the setting of hyperkinetic gallbladder have symptomatic improvement following cholecystectomy.
Cost-benefit of point-of-use devices for lead reduction.

Abstract Background Lead exposure represents a significant human health concern that often occurs with little warning to the consumer. Water lead levels can be mitigated by point-of-use (POU) devices such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or activated carbon with lead reduction media. Objectives This study assessed a partial cost-benefit of residential installation of POU devices to reduce lead concentrations in drinking water and examined the economic impact at the community level based on exposures reported in Flint, Michigan. Methods We calculated the individual consumer breakeven point for each lead abatement option by subtracting the lifetime cost of device installation and maintenance from the lifetime cost of lead exposure through its impact on intelligence (IQ) and lifetime earnings. This approach was then extrapolated to the community level based on reported lead exposures in Flint, Michigan. Results Based on operating POU device costs, lead absorption from water, and economic losses associated with reduced IQ, initial water lead levels associated with consumer breakeven points for reverse osmosis (7.31 µg/L), activated carbon (3.73 µg/L), and distillation (12.0 µg/L) were calculated. For example, an individual consuming water with 25 µg/L of lead, similar to the 90th percentile of concentrations measured in Flint, Michigan, would have an expected blood lead level of 1.25 µg/dL, a corresponding loss of 0.641 IQ points, and a lifetime economic earnings loss of $14,284. Over 70 years of continued use, activated carbon with lead reduction media is the least expensive device to maintain and operate as compared to reverse osmosis and distillation. Conclusions Infrastructure failures related to drinking water are unpredictable and exposure to contaminates can have significant economic ramifications. POU devices represent a cost-effective option to reduce the impact of lead exposure, particularly when water lead concentrations exceed regulated levels.
Simulated Sensitivities of Auto Fuel Economy, Performance and Emissions

The subject is treated on the basis of detailed engineering test data regarding components and parameters of 1975 autos. The applicability of the simulation approach is examined by extensive comarisons with integrated vehicle test results. It is found that fuel economy, for the EPA driving schedules, is adequately simulated with 5% to 10% uncertainties. Uncertainties of the same magnitude are also encountered in performance simulations. Larger uncertainties are evident in the simulation of emissions. NOx prediction has an uncertainty up to 25% but no significant bias, while CO and HC are very substantially over-predicted and under-predicted respectively. Excepting HC and CO, several applications are made in the evaluation of sensitivities to various auto components and parameters. Evaluations are made of changes in auto weight, engine displacement and rear axle ratio, considered individually and in combinations. Drivetrain changes are also evaluated for three speed automatic transmissions. These include individually or in combinations: a wider range of gear ratios, the addition of a fourth gear and various schemes of torque converter lock-up.
The Full Spectrum of Deepnet Hessians at Scale: Dynamics with SGD Training and Sample Size.

We apply state-of-the-art tools in modern high-dimensional numerical linear algebra to approximate efficiently the spectrum of the Hessian of modern deepnets, with tens of millions of parameters, trained on real data. Our results corroborate previous findings, based on small-scale networks, that the Hessian exhibits "spiked" behavior, with several outliers isolated from a continuous bulk. We decompose the Hessian into different components and study the dynamics with training and sample size of each term individually.
Self-reported Outcomes After Cholecystectomy for Pediatric Hyperkinetic Biliary Dyskinesia

Abstract Background Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a common indication for cholecystectomy in children. Current literature demonstrates an improvement in symptoms after cholecystectomy in most pediatric patients with an EF 65%) is sparse. We sought to determine whether children with hyperkinetic BD (HBD) had resolution of their symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for HBD at our institution between September 2010 and July 2015. Patients completed a phone survey about symptom resolution, whether they were happy to have undergone cholecystectomy, overall satisfaction on a 1-10 scale, and additional workup for those with ongoing pain. Analysis was performed using STATA statistical software with a P-value Results Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Median gallbladder ejection fraction was 93% [IQR: 90, 97]. Median postoperative follow-up was 59 d [IQR: 25, 151] at which time 50% reported resolution of symptoms. Eight patients participated in the survey at a median follow-up of 45 mo [IQR: 40, 66]. Fifty percent reported ongoing abdominal pain. Frequency of pain varied among patients with pain, occurring from Conclusions Only half of children with HBD were asymptomatic at long-term follow-up. Cholecystectomy for HBD may or may not improve symptoms.