cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunity to Learn for Regular and Special Education Students During Reading Instruction

Observational data collected on 17 special education students and 17 regular education students in grades three and four were analyzed to document the nature of the instructional ecology (task, structure, teacher location, and teacher activity) and student responding during those portions of the school day allocated to reading. Few differences were found in the nature of the instructional ecology; special education students were allocated significantly more time for individual structures and received more approval from the teacher than regular education students. While differences were found for specific types of student responses, there were no differences in overall academic responding during reading. Percentage data did suggest possible differences in specific academic responses for the two groups of students as a function of the task and teaching structure. Implications for instruction and future research are discussed.
A COMPUTERIZED GROUND‐WATER RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEM

Abstract. The MCGRIB system is a computerized data base of hydrogeologic information recorded in drillers' logs. It also includes software that allows the user to display hydrogeologic data for any specified area in tabular or map form. Although the system is designed mainly for glaciated regions it can be adapted to almost any geologic setting. The main advantages of the system are that it can be updated regularly and can rapidly provide pertinent information about subsurface hydrogeologic conditions.
Gay Rights in Congress: Public Opinion and (Mis)Representation

Public majorities have supported several gay rights policies for some time, yet Congress’s response has been limited. We document and analyze this tension through dyadic analysis of the opinion–vote relationship on 23 roll calls between 1993 and 2010, revealing a nuanced picture of responsiveness and incongruence. While constituent preferences influence white male Democrats, black lawmakers and white female Democratic lawmakers generally support gay rights and Republicans consistently oppose them, regardless of constituent preferences. Moreover, changes in constituent opinion typically fail to engender vote changes. In sum, despite a degree of responsiveness to opinion, we find there is a persistent bias against constituent will on LGB rights.
Unified Theory of Fundamental Interactions

The field equations of the generalized theory of gravitation which were proposed over 20 years ago by this author have now been solved for the static spherically symmetric case. It is found that electric and magnetic charges are two fundamental constants of integration and that the corresponding electric, magnetic and gravitational fields are regular everywhere only if the magnetic charge g ≠ 0. The magnetic charge g assumes an infinite spectrum of values and is a function of mass. For g = 0, the solutions reduce to the Nordstrom solution of general relativity in the limit of large r. The theory leads to elementary particles of finite self-energy \((\Delta ( \pm E) = m{c^2} - \frac{{{{(2{g_o})}^2}}}{{{\ell _o}}})\) and binding energy. The structure of an elementary particle which is due to the existence of finite ±g consists of a magnetically neutral core of matter containing a distribution of magnetic charge density in stratified layers of sharply decreasing magnitude and alternating signs so that magnetic monopoles associated with a long range field do not exist. As a consequence of the general covariance of the theory the surfaces of zero magnetic charge density in the core of an elementary particle have an indeterminacy. These facts lead to a mass spectrum for the elementary particles. In addition to charged electric and magnetic currents, the theory yields electrically and magnetically neutral currents and the corresponding fields. The neutral current and the corresponding neutral field are the classical counterparts of the vacuum polarization in quantum electrodynamics. For every positive energy solution there exists also a negative energy solution with the corresponding electric and magnetic charges. For g = 0, the volume integral of the neutral electric current density diverges. The assymmetry of Maxwell’s equations with regard to the absence of a magnetic current can be understood because the neutral and charged magnetic currents are localized in the core of elementary particle generating short range fields alone.
GOES-R Preparatory Activities: Short-Term Thunderstorm and Lightning Forecasting for Aviation

Forecasting the initiation, temporal and spatial scales, and the immediate impacts of thunderstorms with accuracies demanded by the aviation community remains one of the more challenging problems in meteorology today. Improved methods have been developed for nowcasting convective initiation (CI) and thunderstorm evolution based on the real-time processing of satellite fields. These methods are applicable over land, and especially over oceanic regions where real-time radar data is not available. New techniques are being developed to predict the first occurrence of lightning (“lightning initiation”, or LI) over small spatial and temporal scales (on the order of 1-5 km and 0-1 hour) using real-time meteorological satellite imagery (e.g., GOES, MSG, MODIS) and state-of-the-art lightning data from ground-based Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) systems. The goals of this project include to: 1) use GOES and LMA data for lightning forecasting (in time and event intensity per storm), as a prelude to the Global Lightning Mapper (GLM) as proposed on GOES-R, 2) develop ways of using hyperspectral satellite data to identify important precursors to convective thunderstorm initiation and LI; (here, CI is defined as the first detection of a >30 dBZ radar echo from cumulus clouds), and 3) form a general foundation for using future hyperspectral and lightning data (e.g. AIRS, GOES-R/GLM) to monitor thunderstorms. The Advance Satellite Aviation-weather Products (ASAP) research initiative represents a collaboration between the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Weather Research Program’s (AWRP) Product Development Teams (PDTs), and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration’s (NASA) Aviation Safety and Security Program (AvSSP). This presentation will highlight how the above research benefits AWRP PDT decision support systems that routinely diagnose thunderstorms over land and oceanic regions. The status of the ASAP initiative and plans for this CI/LI research are overviewed in light of the coming GOES-R/GLM instrumentation toward 2012/2013.
Oxygen cost and physiological responses of recreational badminton match play.

Background Badminton, as an Olympic sport, is popular worldwide. However, the benefits of recreational badminton match play are not well known. The purpose of the study was to determine the oxygen cost of recreational badminton match play. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), step count and energy expenditure were also assessed. Methods Fourteen male recreational badminton players aged 35.9±6.62 years participated in test sessions to assess oxygen uptake (VO2) and the related physiological responses of match play. During the match play sessions, participants played singles badminton matches for 30 min while wearing a portable metabolic system. VO2 and HR were continuously recorded while blood lactate and RPE were determined following warm-up, at 15 minutes and 30 minutes of match play. Step count was recorded at 15 minutes and 30 minutes of play. Results VO2 over 30 minutes was 34.4±5.8 mL/kg/min which was 76.1% of maximal oxygen uptake. Across three 10-minute periods of play, VO2 was not significantly different while HR was higher in the third 10-minute period than the first and second 10-minute periods (P=0.001). Mean HR over 30 minutes was 167.9±9.4 bpm. BL was significantly higher at 15 and 30 minutes than following warm-up while RPE of 17.57±1.91 after 30 minutes was significantly higher (P=0.009) than RPE of 15.79±1.63 at 15 minutes. Step count did not vary between the two 15-minute periods of play with a total of 2404±360 steps while energy expenditure over 30 minutes of play was 391.7±66 kcal. Conclusions Recreational badminton match play can be categorized as vigorous intensity suggesting that it can be a viable means of achieving recommended physical activity and improving aerobic fitness.
Designing Multiagent Dental Materials for Enhanced Resistance to Biofilm Damage at the Bonded Interface

The oral environment is considered to be an asperous environment for restored tooth structure. Recurrent dental caries is a common cause of failure of tooth-colored restorations. Bacterial acids, microleakage, and cyclic stresses can lead to deterioration of the polymeric resin-tooth bonded interface. Research on the incorporation of cutting-edge anticaries agents for the design of new, long-lasting, bioactive resin-based dental materials is demanding and provoking work. Released antibacterial agents such as silver nanoparticles (NAg), nonreleased antibacterial macromolecules (DMAHDM, dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate), and released acid neutralizer amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NACP) have shown potential as individual and dual anticaries approaches. In this study, these agents were synthesized, and a prospective combination was incorporated into all the dental materials required to perform a composite restoration: dental primer, adhesive, and composite. We focused on combining different dental materials loaded with multiagents to improve the durability of the complex dental bonding interface. A combined effect of bacterial acid attack and fatigue on the bonding interface simulated the harsh oral environment. Human saliva-derived oral biofilm was grown on each sample prior to the cyclic loading. The oral biofilm viability during the fatigue performance was monitored by the live-dead assay. Damage of the samples that developed during the test was quantified from the fatigue life distributions. Results indicate that the resultant multiagent dental composite materials were able to reduce the acidic impact of the oral biofilm, thereby improving the strength and resistance to fatigue failure of the dentin-resin bonded interface. In summary, this study shows that dental restorative materials containing multiple therapeutic agents of different chemical characteristics can be beneficial toward improving resistance to mechanical and acidic challenges in oral environments.
Implementation effect evaluation of TB fixed-point hospitals in Xishan district in Kunming

Objectives To evaluate the effect of TB-control project implement by Xishan CDC and kunming People's Hospital. Methods Collected TB reporting system data, took Wuhua district that it carried out CDC model as the comparing. Analyzed TB reporting system data in Xishan and Wuhua district from 2008 to 2012. Results The discovery of patients was mainly symptomatic(62.8%) after carried out fixed-point hospitals in Xishan district,source of smear-positive patients increased 16.95% which compared with old model. And the cure rate maintained over 90%, while the diagnostic capability of smear-negative patients was also greatly improved(from 44.4% to 23.4%). Conclusions The fixed-point hospitals can afford and be qualifies with TB prevention works.
Sapphire-bonded photonic crystal lasers

Direct wafer bonding between InGaAsP/InP and sapphire is demonstrated. CW lasing is demonstrated in two-dimensional photonic crystal microcavities formed in this material.
Tom Hayden and Students for a Democratic Society

The Port Huron Statement identifies the “new” in New Left with a new generation, which was key to the appeal of Students for a Democratic Society (sds). Its principal author was Tom Hayden, a University of Michigan student who had gone to Mississippi in 1961 to report on sncc’s voter registration project Students at colleges such as Harvard, Oberlin, Swarthmore, Michigan, and the University of Texas joined sds because of the wide-ranging intellectual vision of The Port Huron Statement, which fused Marxism, liberalism, and religious idealism. The organization became a training ground for young New Left leaders such as Hayden, who honed their speaking, writing, and debating skills there.
Testbed-based performance evaluation of Attack Resilient Control for AGC

The modern electric power grid is a complex cyber-physical system whose reliable operation is enabled by a wide-area monitoring and control infrastructure. Recent events have shown that vulnerabilities in this infrastructure may be exploited to manipulate the data being exchanged. Such a scenario could cause the associated control applications to mis-operate, potentially causing system-wide instabilities. There is a growing emphasis on looking beyond traditional cybersecurity solutions to mitigate such threats. In this paper we perform a testbed-based validation of one such solution - Attack Resilient Control (ARC) - on Iowa State University's PowerCyber testbed. ARC is a cyber-physical security solution that combines domain-specific anomaly detection and model-based mitigation to detect stealthy attacks on Automatic Generation Control (AGC). In this paper, we first describe the implementation architecture of the experiment on the testbed. Next, we demonstrate the capability of stealthy attack templates to cause forced under-frequency load shedding in a 3-area test system. We then validate the performance of ARC by measuring its ability to detect and mitigate these attacks. Our results reveal that ARC is efficient in detecting stealthy attacks and enables AGC to maintain system operating frequency close to its nominal value during an attack. Our studies also highlight the importance of testbed-based experimentation for evaluating the performance of cyber-physical security and control applications.
Analogy and Functional Ascription

Analogical reasoning is reasoning based on analogies or similarities. Observed similarity in some aspects of things provides grounds for claiming further similarities. There are many different uses of analogical reasoning in archaeology. One of the most common uses is to infer similar functions for archaeologically found items from the observed similarities between these items and others whose functions are known. Because the function of an item is intimately connected with the behavior of those who use the item, inferences about functions are at the very heart of behavioral archaeology. This central role of functional ascription demands a careful look at the arguments that are used to establish such claims. This chapter presents a general method for ascribing functions to archaeological objects. This method, which does not invoke either analogy or context, is shown to be inadequate. In archaeology, given the nature of the data available, the most common and valuable use of analogy is that of establishing prior probabilities of hypotheses.
Parameterized deformation sparse coding via tree-structured parameter search

Representing transformation invariances in data is known to be valuable in many domains. We consider a method by which prior knowledge about the structure of such invariances can be exploited using a novel algorithm for sparse coding across a learned dictionary of atoms combined with a parameterized deformation function that captures invariant structure. We demonstrate the value of this on both reconstructing signals, as well as improved unsupervised grouping based on invariant sparse representations.
Traffic Accident Study On Milwaukee Expressway

Correlations between traffic accidents and geometric design features of freeways are presented. On through lanes, visibility relationships with geometric features along the through lanes are important. Evaluation and revision of weaving section design is needed. A short S type reverse curve on through lanes is not desirable. A sharp compound curve on interchange ramp is liable to cause more fixed-object accidents than any other type of accident. Proper design of both vertical and horizontal alinements at the junction of through lanes and interchange ramps is important and needs to be reevaluated. Width, length, horizontal alignment, and vertical alignment of entrance and exit ramps are found to have some correlation mainly with sideswipe and rear-end collisions. Weather, pavement surface, and light conditions are related with accidents in varying degrees. Pavement surface condition appears to be a better measure of accident likelihood than weather conditions. In summary, by judicious design of geometric elements, it may be possible to reduce traffic accidents by a considerable proportion.
A new approach to construct representative future forcing data for dynamic downscaling

Climate downscaling using regional climate models (RCMs) has been widely used to generate local climate change information needed for climate change impact assessments and other applications. Six-hourly data from individual simulations by global climate models (GCMs) are often used as the lateral forcing for the RCMs. However, such forcing often contains both internal variations and externally-forced changes, which complicate the interpretation of the downscaled changes. Here, we describe a new approach to construct representative forcing for RCM-based climate downscaling and discuss some related issues. The new approach combines the transient weather signal from one GCM simulation with the monthly mean climate states from the multi-model ensemble mean for the present and future periods, together with a bias correction term. It ensures that the mean climate differences in the forcing data between the present and future periods represent externally-forced changes only and are representative of the multi-model ensemble mean, while changes in transient weather patterns are also considered based on one select GCM simulation. The adjustments through the monthly fields are comparable in magnitude to the bias correction term and are small compared with the variations in 6-hourly data. Any inconsistency among the independently adjusted forcing fields is likely to be small and have little impact. For quantifying the mean response to future external forcing, this approach avoids the need to perform RCM large ensemble simulations forced by different GCM outputs, which can be very expensive. It also allows changes in transient weather patterns to be included in the lateral forcing, in contrast to the Pseudo Global Warming (PGW) approach, in which only the mean climate change is considered. However, it does not address the uncertainty associated with internal variability or inter-model spreads. The simulated transient weather changes may also be unrepresentative of other models. This new approach has been applied to construct the forcing data for the second phase of the WRF-based downscaling over much of North America with 4 km grid spacing.
Prospects and fundamental limitations of room temperature, non-avalanche, semiconductor photon-counting sensors (Conference Presentation)

This research investigates the fundamental limits and trade-space of quantum semiconductor photodetectors using the Schrodinger equation and the laws of thermodynamics.We envision that, to optimize the metrics of single photon detection, it is critical to maximize the optical absorption in the minimal volume and minimize the carrier transit process simultaneously. Integration of photon management with quantum charge transport/redistribution upon optical excitation can be engineered to maximize the quantum efficiency (QE) and data rate and minimize timing jitter at the same time. Due to the ultra-low capacitance of these quantum devices, even a single photoelectron transfer can induce a notable change in the voltage, enabling non-avalanche single photon detection at room temperature as has been recently demonstrated in Si quanta image sensors (QIS). In this research, uniform III-V quantum dots (QDs) and Si QIS are used as model systems to test the theory experimentally. Based on the fundamental understanding, we also propose proof-of-concept, photon-managed quantum capacitance photodetectors. Built upon the concepts of QIS and single electron transistor (SET), this novel device structure provides a model system to synergistically test the fundamental limits and tradespace predicted by the theory for semiconductor detectors. This project is sponsored under DARPA/ARO's DETECT Program: Fundamental Limits of Quantum Semiconductor Photodetectors.
Angle-domain internal model control via a time-varying Kalman filter

Angle-domain structured disturbances refer to disturbances that satisfy a dynamic structure in a generic angle variable which is monotonically increasing with time but not uniformly. A difficulty in designing controllers to compensate for such angle-domain structured disturbances is that the system is invariably either time-varying or angle-varying. This paper uses the affine parameterization control design perspective and proposes a straight forward design procedure that utilizes a time-varying Kalman filter to estimate the disturbance state and a feedforward controller to install the disturbance cancellation. A sandwiched system is assumed where the input and output plants can be non-minimum phase. With non-minimum phase input plants, approximate feedforward controls are proposed to avoid the need for full future information on the angular rate.
Selenium and Vitamin E: Blood and Tissue Levels in Pigs

(1978). Selenium and Vitamin E: Blood and Tissue Levels in Pigs. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica: Vol. 28, No. sup21, pp. 219-231.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity in the Workplace

To be more inclusive and affirming of diverse identities within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, it is imperative for the workplace to evolve and align with contemporary schools of thought around language that more accurately captures those who identify as part of the community. In their efforts to remain inclusive and consistent, NIH suggests considering “sexual and gender minority” (SGM) as an umbrella phrase that encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations as well as those whose sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, or reproductive development varies from traditional, societal, cultural, or physiological norms. This chapter discusses issues related to the inclusion of SGM, as well as the barriers that still exist in the workplace, despite the rapid social advancements for this community.
Metal-binding hydrazone photoswitches for visible light reactivity and variable relaxation kinetics

The range of applications for photoswitching moieties is diverse, and the ability to design switches with variable photochemical and physical properties is consequently important for realizing their potential. Previously we reported on the photochromism of (E)-N′-(1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene)isonicotinohydrazide (HAPI), an aroylhydrazone compound first developed as a transition metal chelator. Herein we report the synthesis of structurally related aroylhydrazone chelators and explore the effect of these modifications on their UVA, UVC and blue light photoreactivity, photostationary state composition, photoisomer thermal stability, and relative iron(III) binding affinity. These findings will inform the next generation of aroylhydrazone photoswitches for metal-gated photoswitching applications.
La intimidad transgresora en la ficción de Costamagna, Fernández, Jeftanovic, Maturana y Meruane

The present work, framed primarily in the discourse of intimacy, Jacques Ranciere’s theory of the aesthetic regime of art and Wendy Brow's revision of Foucault's reflecctions on Neoliberalism, examines the chilean fictions of the last two decades by Alejandra Costamagna, Nona Fernandez, Andrea Jeftanovic, Andrea Maturana and Lina Meruane. The literary production of these female writers disagrees with patriarchal norms and those established by the neoliberal rationality dominated by the homo oeconomicus. This article analyzes the possibility of classifying these writers as a new literary generation of the post-dictatorship, which could be more inconvenient than benefical, since it would represent a gesture which could be establishing divisions between feminine and masculine; private and public; the sublime in art and the banality of everyday life.
How a Tax Rule Can Enable Greater Due Diligence Before Fully Consummating a Private Equity Deal

Before engaging in a private equity deal, significant time and money are expended in due diligence. However, the most important and informative item to consider is generally overlooked: the corporation’s income tax returns. Yes, tax returns are usually confidential, but Internal Revenue Code § 6103(e)(1)(D)(iii) allows a corporate shareowner who has but 1% ownership to request a copy of the company’s tax return directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Thus, if all the other due diligence checks out, the final step should be to acquire a 1% interest to be able to view the corporation’s tax return. Tax returns are the windows to the souls of corporations. What accounting financial reporting can hide cannot be hidden in a tax return to the federal government. Private equity deals would be safer with this information under wraps. No insider-trading charge should accrue, but the possibility of this claim should be weighed as a cost against this benefit.
Network analysis of NIH grant critiques

Network analysis has widespread applications for studying many social phenomena. Our research is focused on investigating why highly qualified women and racial/ethnic minorities tend to fare worse in peer review processes, such as for scientific grants, which limits their participation in research careers. Our prior work shows that gender and racial bias can be detected in reviewers' narrative critiques, but our work has yet to harness the power of varied learning algorithms for text analysis. To this end, we show preliminary evidence of the usefulness of network algorithms to study reviewers' written critiques of grant applications submitted to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). We construct word co-occurrence networks and show that network measures vary by applicant sex.
Designing Future Disaster Response Team Wearables from a Grounding in Practice

Wearable computers are poised to impact disaster response, so there is a need to determine the best interfaces to support situation awareness, decision support, and communication. We present a disaster response wearable design created for a mixed reality live-action role playing design competition, the Icehouse Challenge. The challenge, an independent event in which the authors were competitors, offers a simulation game environment in which teams compete to test wearable designs. In this game, players move through a simulated disaster space that requires team coordination and physical exertion to mitigate virtual hazards and stabilize virtual victims. Our design was grounded in disaster response and team coordination practice. We present our design process to develop wearable computer interfaces that integrate physiological and virtual environmental sensor data and display actionable information through a head-mounted display. We reflect on our observations from the live game, discuss challenges, opportunities, and design implications for future disaster response wearables to support collaboration.
Interaction of high-power microwaves with low-temperature plasma in a gas-discharge-tube-loaded SIW structure

Measured and simulated interactions between high-power microwaves and low-temperature plasma are investigated in this work. In a fabricated L-band substrate integrated waveguide with coplanar waveguide ends, a gas discharge tube is inserted through the waveguide as a plasma cell. Measurements of reflected and absorbed powers by the plasma are presented and their implications discussed. These results provide a groundwork for the development of a complete model for the interaction between high-power microwaves and low-temperature plasmas. Such a model can improve designs for plasma-enabled tunable RF devices.
Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injection

While rare, endophthalmitis is the most devastating complication of intravitreal injections. Numerous strategies have been suggested to reduce infection risk. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature and evidence supporting prophylactic strategies to prevent endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection. Traditionally, topical povidone-iodine along with prophylactic antibiotics has been the most widely accepted technique to prevent infection. However, evidence has shown that topical prophylactic antibiotics do not prevent endophthalmitis and in fact may be harmful as they increase bacterial resistance. Additional strategies, including avoidance of oral flora, lid retraction, and use of other antiseptics such as topical aqueous chlorhexidine, have also been shown to decrease the risk of infection. Topical povidone-iodine and avoidance of contamination with oral flora remain the cornerstone of endophthalmitis prevention following intravitreal injection.
Why paris needs hector and lancelot needs mordred: using traditional narrative roles and functions for dramatic compression in interactive narrative

This paper proposes that we think of traditional story patterns as an available abstraction technology, containing strategies of parameterization and encapsulation that could be useful for creating digital narratives with meaningful variation of story elements. An example domain of a woman with two or more potential sexual/romantic partners is used to illustrate how such an approach could leverage the dramatic compression of narrative traditions to identify meaningful variations, in order to support coherent composition by authors and increase dramatic agency for interactors.
Offshore Wind Development 2011

Offshore wind power developed rapidly in Northern Europe in the first decade of the twenty-first century and is expected to continue to grow and to spread to Southern Europe, North America, and Asia. In this chapter we describe the current status of offshore wind in Europe and the US circa 2011. We describe the number, capacity, and distribution of offshore wind farms in Europe, and describe the most advanced US projects. We discuss the factors that influence the rate of offshore wind development in the US and conclude with a brief discussion of the proposed Atlantic Wind Connection.
Energy Flux Across a Corrugated Interface of a Basin Subjected to a Plane Harmonic SH Wave

Energy flux across a corrugated interface of a basin subjected to a plane harmonic SH wave is investigated using an indirect boundary integral equation approach. The corrugation is assumed to be in the form of an ellipse perturbed in a sinusoidal manner. The results clearly demonstrate that wide range of frequencies presence of the corrugation produced overall reduction in the interface energy density flux for both deep and shallow basins when compared with the corresponding smooth basin case. The reduction of the interface energy density flux is found to nonuniformly increase with the increase of the corrugation amplitude and it is influenced by the corrugation period as well. Finally, the general reduction in the interface energy density flux is found to lead to the smaller interface motion.
Parameter Estimation in Ordinary Differential Equations Modeling via Particle Swarm Optimization

Researchers using ordinary differential equations to model phenomena face two main challenges among others: implementing the appropriate model and optimizing the parameters of the selected model. The latter often proves difficult or computationally expensive. Here, we implement Particle Swarm Optimization, which draws inspiration from the optimizing behavior of insect swarms in nature, as it is a simple and efficient method for fitting models to data. We demonstrate its efficacy by showing that it outstrips evolutionary computing methods previously used to analyze an epidemic model.
State of the art: Rehabilitation of speech and swallowing after total laryngectomy.

Abstract Despite the development and expansion of non-surgical organ preservation therapy, total laryngectomy continues to be the optimal therapy for far-advanced local disease and the only curative option for radiotherapy failures not amenable to partial laryngeal procedures. Laryngectomy, however, remains a life-altering operation with profound effects on swallowing and speech. In the nearly 150 years since the first total laryngectomy was performed, few ablative aspects have changed, but reconstructive techniques have undergone radical evolution. This review will trace the origins of laryngeal rehabilitation for voice and swallowing, the current state of the art with attention to pre-treatment considerations and post-operative management, current surgical management techniques, and the future of functional laryngeal reconstruction.
Migration and recent range expansion of Seminole bats (Lasiurus seminolus) in the United States

Bat species are facing increasing threats due to climate change, large-scale changes in vegetation, windpower development, and white-nose syndrome, which make research on changes in bat communities essential for conservation planning in North America. The Seminole bat (Lasiurus seminolus) occurs throughout the southeastern United States, and recent evidence suggests they may be expanding their range in North America. I used museum records, publications, and data derived from mist-net surveys conducted by various individuals and organizations to determine changes in the seasonal and historical range of Seminole bats over the past 48 years across eastern North America. Based on records obtained, Seminole bats spend winter along the Gulf Coast, Carolinas, and southern Arkansas, but migrate as far north as Missouri and Kentucky during the summer maternity season. During the autumn juvenile-dispersal period, Seminole bats undergo widespread, long-distance movements and have been recorded in unexpected locations, including the Caribbean, Wisconsin, and New York. Over the past 48 years, the northern edge of their range has advanced 521 km and the western limit of their range has advanced 185 km, at a rate of approximately 11 km/year northward. These data suggest a recent and rapid shift northward, likely in response to climate change, and an expansion westward possibly due to changes in vegetation communities across historic grassland regions.
The Effect of Cyclophosphamide on a Secondary Ocular Immune Response in Rabbits

Our previous experiments (7) showed that cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) suppressed the immune response of rabbits to intravitreally injected bovine gamma globulin (BGG). Suppression of the 14 day plaque forming cell (PFC) response occurred when treatment was begun as late as 5 days after immunization. The 21 day PFC response and antibody titers were suppressed in rabbits treated from day 0 or day 2 through day 13. When treatment began later, the 21 day response was significantly depressed, but some recovery occurred. Smaller Cytoxan doses (50 mg per injection) were not as immunosuppressive as 100 mg doses. Shorter treatment (days 2 through 8) was less effective than treatment through day 13.
High Dose Cidofovir and IVIG Combination Treatment for BK Virus Hemorrhagic Cystitis, a Case Series in Three Post Allogeneic Transplant Patients

Introduction BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common cause of hemorrhagic cystitis during the early post engraftment phase. It occurs most commonly at 21 to 42 days following HCT. The clinical manifestations of BKPyV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after HCT may include cystitis, hematuria with or without clots, renal failure due to obstruction, and rarely, life-threatening bleeding. Objectives We report in this case series the treatment approach in three of our patients who developed symptomatic infection as listed below Method Our treatment approach was to initiate aggressive hydration, decrease immunosuppressive medications, and start treatment with combination high dose cidofovir, and IVIG. Cidofovir has a modest in vitro antiviral activity against BKPyV, and has been widely used to treat patients with BKPyV hemorrhagic cystitis, even though it is not FDA approved for that indication. On the other hand, immunoglobulin preparations contain BKPyV neutralizing antibodies against all major genotypes of BKPyV. Our patients had low immunoglobulin level, and for that reason adding IVIG to their treatment regimen was considered. All three patients received the first treatment with cidofovir (5 mg/kg/dose), and IVIG, immediately after their symptoms started, and the diagnosis was confirmed. Results All three patients noticed significant improvement in their symptoms after the first treatment. Patients 1, and 2, received three treatments with weekly cidofovir, over three weeks, while patient 3 received 2 treatments only, and the third treatment was held due to complete resolution of the symptoms. As shown in table 2, we can see how the BKPyV level was trending down as the patients were receiving their treatment; this also coincided with the improvement in their macroscopic hematuria, the amount of blood clots in the urine, urinary frequency and bladder spasms that they presented with. Conclusion BKPyV hemorrhagic cystitis is a significant cause of morbidity, occurring in up to 20 % of stem cell transplant recipients. At the present time treating these patients centers around hydration, reduce immune suppression, and sometimes using cidofovir, which is still not FDA approved for this indication. In this case series we demonstrated that starting our three patients on combination treatment with cidofovir, and IVIG, helped improve their symptoms and reduce their BKPyV level, just after the first treatment, with complete resolution of their symptoms in 2-3 weeks.
ENT Surgery and Anesthesia Neurotoxicity in Children

Over the past decade, animal studies using rodent models and nonhuman primates have provided compelling evidence that exposure to general anesthesia in young animals is associated with long-term neurocognitive, learning, and behavior deficits. In the United States, an estimated two million children under the age of 5 years undergo surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging studies each year (Rabbitts, Anesth Analg 111: 1011–1015, 2010; Tzong, J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 24: 391–395, 2012). Therefore, the potential neurotoxic effects from exposure of commonly used anesthetic agents in infants and young children during surgical procedures and diagnostic studies remain a significant matter of serious concern to parents, caretakers, and providers. The US Government Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a change in labeling regarding the safe use of anesthetic and sedative agents.
Nike unveils Muslim women athletes

We analyze the Nike Pro Hijab Spring 2018 marketing campaign and how it commodifies a product intended for Muslim women consumers to make it palatable to white audiences. Although Muslim designers ...
Inaccurate group meta-perceptions drive negative out-group attributions in competitive contexts.

Across seven experiments and one survey (n = 4,282), people consistently overestimated out-group negativity towards the collective behaviour of their in-group. This negativity bias in group meta-perception was present across multiple competitive (but not cooperative) intergroup contexts and appears to be yoked to group psychology more generally; we observed negativity bias for estimation of out-group, anonymized-group and even fellow in-group members’ perceptions. Importantly, in the context of US politics, greater inaccuracy was associated with increased belief that the out-group is motivated by purposeful obstructionism. However, an intervention that informed participants of the inaccuracy of their beliefs reduced negative out-group attributions, and was more effective for those whose group meta-perceptions were more inaccurate. In sum, we highlight a pernicious bias in social judgements of how we believe ‘they’ see ‘our’ behaviour, demonstrate how such inaccurate beliefs can exacerbate intergroup conflict and provide an avenue for reducing the negative effects of inaccuracy. Lees and Cikara show a negativity bias in group meta-perceptions—how we believe ‘they’ see ‘our’ behaviour—demonstrate how such inaccurate, pessimistic beliefs exacerbate intergroup conflict; and they provide an avenue for reducing the negative effects of inaccuracy.
Biochemical and functional consequences of dissociation of the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex

The platelet membrane glycoproteins, IIb and IIIa, form a Ca2+- dependent heterodimer complex that functions as the fibrinogen receptor in activated platelets to mediate platelet aggregation. Little is known about factors that affect the IIb-IIIa complex within the platelet membrane. It has been observed that platelets incubated with ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) at 37 degrees C are unable to aggregate or to bind monoclonal antibodies specific for the IIb-IIIa complex. To determine whether this is due to a dissociation of IIb from IIIa, we developed a method for quantitating the complex on nondenaturing, polyacrylamide gradient gels. Platelets were surface-labeled with 125I and then solubilized and electrophoresed in 0.2% Triton and 10 mmol/L CHAPS. Under these conditions and in the presence of 1 mmol/L Ca2+, glycoproteins IIb and IIIa migrated on the gels as a discrete band at Rf = 0.33. Protein that was eluted from this band bound to an immunoaffinity column specific for the IIb-IIIa complex. In contrast, when the IIb-IIIa complex was solubilized and then dissociated with EGTA, the discrete band at Rf = 0.33 was no longer present, and IIb and IIIa were now found in a broad band at Rf = 0.45 to 0.50. To study IIb and IIIa within the surface membrane, the 125I-labeled platelets were first incubated with 0.5 mmol/L EGTA (1 nmol/L free Ca2+) at 22 degrees C and then solubilized in the absence of EGTA. The IIb and IIIa from these platelets migrated at Rf = 0.33, indicating the presence of the intact IIb-IIIa complex. In contrast, when the platelets were incubated at 37 degrees C for one hour with the EGTA, the discrete band at Rf = 0.33 representing the IIb-IIIa complex gradually disappeared. This phenomenon could not be reversed by adding Ca2+ back to the platelets before solubilization and electrophoresis. This loss of the IIb-IIIa complex from intact platelets was accompanied by (a) a progressive and irreversible decrease in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and (b) decreased binding of a complex-dependent monoclonal antibody to the platelets. These studies demonstrate that when platelets are exposed to low Ca2+ at 37 degrees C, the IIb-IIIa heterodimer complexes in their surface membranes are irreversibly disrupted. Because intact IIb-IIIa complexes are required for platelet aggregation, the loss of these complexes may account for the failure of these platelets to aggregate in response to ADP.
A cubic C0 interior penalty method for elliptic distributed optimal control problems with pointwise state and control constraints

Abstract We design and analyze a cubic C 0 interior penalty method for linear–quadratic elliptic distributed optimal control problems with pointwise state and control constraints. Numerical results that corroborate the theoretical error estimates are also presented.
Testing the residential daylight score: Comparing climate-based daylighting metrics for 2444 individual dwelling units in temperate climates:

Evaluation metrics using climate-based daylight modelling paradigms have become the de-facto standard in work environments but have only limited applicability in residential architecture. Qualities...
A 220-nA Quiescent Current Capacitor-Less Low-Dropout Regulator with Improved Recovery Time

A 220 nA ultra-low quiescent current capacitorless low drop-out regulator (CL-LDO) with improved single transistor control (STC) and adaptive structural transformation is presented in this paper. The STC-LDO handles light-loads (< 20 μA), whereas the adaptive transformation to a 2-stage structure handles moderate-load currents (20 μA–5 mA), and the subsequent transformation of the LDO to 3-stage structure handles high-load currents (5 mA–100 mA). The LDO provides a 0.9 V output voltage, and can regulate up to a maximum of 100 mA from a power supply of 1.1 V. Stability for the complete load current range (0–100 mA) was achieved at a maximum load capacitance of 100 pF. For a rising load current transient (0–100 mA), the LDO achieves a recovery time of 101 ns, and an undershoot of 292 mV is observed at the output. For a falling load current transient (100 mA–0), the LDO achieves a recovery time of 354 ns, and an overshoot of 56 mV is observed at the output. The CL-LDO is designed in a 40 nm CMOS process. The structural transformation proposed in this paper significantly improves the recovery time of the CL-LDO, enabling fast transient response even under ultra-low quiescent bias current of 220 nA.
Chloroquine- and Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Objectives To present an index case and review the histologic and electron microscopic findings in chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) myopathy, focusing primarily on cardiomyopathy. CQ and HCQ are antimalarial drugs with disease-modifying activity in rheumatic diseases (DMARD) and now are among the most widely used DMARDs. Although they are rare, severe adverse effects caused mainly by deposition of intracellular metabolites in both cardiac and skeletal muscle have been described. Currently, both CQ and HCQ have been proposed to have efficacy for patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and several large centers in the United States and other countries have started clinical trials. Methods A case of HCQ cardiotoxicity diagnosed on an endomyocardial biopsy is presented. A review of the pathology archives was performed to identify additional cases of CQ or HCQ myopathy, and histologic changes were recorded. A brief literature review with an emphasis on pathologic findings in myopathies was performed. Results Including the index case, 4 cases of CQ or HCQ myopathy were identified. Light microscopic findings included vacuolated myopathy, and electron microscopic findings included myeloid bodies and curvilinear inclusion bodies. Conclusion CQ and HCQ myopathy can present following long-term administration of the drug. The pathologic findings are nonspecific and overlap with other vacuolated myopathies, necessitating careful correlation of the histologic changes with the patient's medical history.