cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Constraints at the Level of TCRα Rearrangement Impact Vα14i NKT Cell Development

CD1d-restricted NKT cells that express an invariant Vα14 TCR represent a subset of T cells implicated in the regulation of several immune responses, including autoimmunity, infectious disease, and cancer. Proper rearrangement of Vα14 with the Jα18 gene segment in immature thymocytes is a prerequisite to the production of a TCR that can be subsequently positively selected by CD1d/self-ligand complexes in the thymus and gives rise to the NKT cell population. We show here that Vα14 to Jα rearrangements are temporally regulated during ontogeny providing a molecular explanation to their late appearance in the thymus. Using mice deficient for the transcription factor RORγ and the germline promoters T early-α and Jα49, we show that developmental constraints on both Vα and Jα usage impact NKT cell development. Finally, we demonstrate that rearrangements using Vα14 and Jα18 occur normally in the absence of FynT, arguing that the effect of FynT on NKT cell development occurs subsequent to α-chain rearrangement. Altogether, this study provides evidence that there is no directed rearrangement of Vα14 to Jα18 segments and supports the instructive selection model for NKT cell selection.
The optimal choice of monetary policy instruments in a small open economy

. This paper studies how the nature of shocks affects the optimal choice of monetary policy instruments in a small open economy. Three classic rules, fixed exchange rates, monetary targeting, and inflation targeting are studied and ranked by comparing with the optimal monetary policy under commitment. We find that the ranking of the simple rules can be mapped to the terms-of-trade variability that the rule allows relative to what a particular shock optimally calls for. It turns out that inflation targeting dominates the other two rules under productivity or velocity shocks, whereas monetary targeting is the best performer under fiscal shocks. Ce memoire etudie comment la nature des chocs affecte le choix des instruments de politique monetaire dans une petite economie ouverte. On etudie trois regles classiques (taux de change fixes, cibles monetaires, cibles d'inflation) et on cherche laquelle semble preferable dans differentes conditions. On decouvre que le rang de ces regles simples est reliea la variabilite des termes d'echange que la regle permet par rapport a ce qu'un choc particulier commanderait optimalement. Les cibles d'inflation dominent les deux autres regles quand il s'agit de chocs de productivite et de velocite, alors que les cibles monetaires sont preferables quand il s'agit de chocs fiscaux.
Teacher Perception of Barriers and Benefits in K-12 Technology Usage.

This study explores K-12 teachers’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to technology integration by either teachers or students in K-12 instruction. The sample was composed of 68 students enrolled in online classes in the graduate studies in education department of a small private liberal arts institution in the southeast. Data was collected using an anonymous, online survey. Open and axial coding was used to identify themes in barriers and benefits in both student and teacher technology use. Even with the emphasis on providing 1:1 technology, availability of technology was most frequently identified barrier, while increased engagement was the most frequently identified benefit. Content instructional issues or teacher knowledge were not as stronger identified barriers or benefits.
Teleautotomogram in stereotactic brain operations.

By means of the pneumoencephalographic chair with multiaxial maneuverability, a teleautotomogram can be obtained in any position of the patient during preliminary air study for stereotactic brain operation. Lateral teleautotomogram taken at a posteriorly 45° tilted position outlines the third ventricle with a clear demonstration of the foramen of Monro, and the anterior and posterior commissures, without the interferring shadows of lateral air and with minimal magnification rate on a single film. Utilization of the same pneumoencephalographic chair as a stereotactic operation table affords identical teleroentgenograms with the same magnification as in the preliminary study. This saves calculation time and avoids possible calculation error during the stereotactic operation.
Epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Nanning City from 2009-2011

[Objective]To analyze the distribution characteristics and epidemiological trend of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in Nanning City from 2009-2011,provide a scientific basis for making HFMD prevention measures.[Methods]The data of HFMD cases from the Disease surveillance information management system and HFMD aggregation epidemic from the Public health emergency management information system were analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.[Results]A total of 90246 HFMD cases were reported in Nanning City from 2009-2011,there were 449 severe cases and 32 death cases,and the annual reported incidence rate was 215.11/lakh,602.70/lakh and 538.89/lakh,respectively.The peak season was April to June,and the cases were found in all 12 counties(districts).The reported incidence rate in males was higher than that in females.95.57% of patients were children under 5 years old.The scattered children and nursery children respectively accounted for 67.79% and 28.95%.Among 991 cases confirmed by laboratory examination,32.80% were positive for enterovirus 71(EV71),41.88% were positive for coxsackie virus A16(CoxA16),and 25.33% were positive for other enteric virus.[Conclusion]HFMD control can not be ignored in Nanning City.It is suggested that HFMD control among scattered children and nursery children should be strengthened,so as to reduce HFMD outbreak.
Advances in sclerotherapy.

Treatment by compression sclerotherapy for varicose and telangiectatic leg veins has become more accepted in the United States within the past decade. Aided by certain advances, such as less toxic synthetic sclerosing solutions (sodium tetradecyl sulfate), prolonged compression, and more accurate methods of detection of high venous pressure by Doppler ultrasound, sclerotherapy achieves greater efficacy with less morbidity. Evaluation of the patient with varicosities begins with a complete history. With the patient’s legs entirely exposed, visual inspection and palpation are the first steps in presclerotherapy evaluation. A diagram of the visual varicosities and telangiectasias is made on a standard form with notation of bulges and fascial defects. Although there is no substitute for sound clinical judgment, recommendations for which patients require Doppler examination are made. Once proper diagnosis occurs, the practitioner can treat as many veins as possible in a given period of time by a logical treatment sequence of injecting venous “regions” or entire abnormal superficial venous networks related to incompetent perforators.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Ultrasonic Weld Evaluation

The inspection of butt-welded stainless-steel pipe joints in nuclear power plants is routinely performed using ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation methods. Field experience, based on conventional ultrasonic signal amplitude criteria, indicates that a large number of indications are recorded. Most of these are not due to cracks, but are inherent in the geometry of the specimen. Discrimination between crack and geometrical/weld (malignant vs. benign) indications is principally based on operator experience, variations in signal amplitude, and the location of the reflector. Field experience and round-robin tests show that indication discrimination is a very time-consuming process. Besides, significant variations in performance exist due mainly to operator experience, fatigue, concentration, and conventional signal amplitude evaluation criteria.
Estimation of the receptor-state affinity constants of ligands in functional studies using wild type and constitutively active mutant receptors: Implications for estimation of agonist bias

We describe a method for estimating the affinities of ligands for active and inactive states of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Our protocol involves measuring agonist-induced signaling responses of a wild type GPCR and a constitutively active mutant of it under control conditions and after partial receptor inactivation or reduced receptor expression. Our subsequent analysis is based on the assumption that the activating mutation increases receptor isomerization into the active state without affecting the affinities of ligands for receptor states. A means of confirming this assumption is provided. Global nonlinear regression analysis yields estimates of 1) the active (Kact) and inactive (Kinact) receptor-state affinity constants, 2) the isomerization constant of the unoccupied receptor (Kq-obs), and 3) the sensitivity constant of the signaling pathway (KE-obs). The latter two parameters define the output response of the receptor, and hence, their ratio (Kq-obs/KE) is a useful measure of system bias. If the cellular system is reasonably stable and the Kq-obs and KE-obs values of the signaling pathway are known, the Kact and Kinact values of additional agonists can be estimated in subsequent experiments on cells expressing the wild type receptor. We validated our method through computer simulation, an analytical proof, and analysis of previously published data. Our approach provides 1) a more meaningful analysis of structure-activity relationships, 2) a means of validating in silico docking experiments on active and inactive receptor structures and 3) an absolute, in contrast to relative, measure of agonist bias.
Electrowetting-actuated liquid metal for RF applications

Electrowetting is well-established as a fluid manipulation technique in such areas as lab-on-a-chip, visible light optics, and displays, yet has seen far less implementation in the field of radio-frequency (RF) electronics and electromagnetics. This is primarily due to a lack of appropriate materials selection and control in these devices. Low loss RF conductive fluids such as room temperature liquid metals (i.e. Hg, EGaIn, Galinstan) are by far the leading choice of active material due to their superior electrical properties but require high actuating voltages due to their inherently high surface tensions (>400 mN m−1) which often lead to dielectric breakdown. While the toxicity of Hg encourages the pursuit of non-toxic alternatives such as gallium alloys, the native surface oxide formation often prohibits reliable device functionality. Additionally, traditional electrowetting architectures rely on lossy electrode materials which degrade RF transmission efficiencies and result in non-reversible material diffusion at the electrode/liquid metal contact. In this work, we report on approaches to utilize liquid metals in electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) devices that resolve all of these challenges by judicious choice of novel electrode materials, dielectric fluid, and device architecture. A functional RF device, namely an electromagnetic polarizer, is demonstrated that can be activated on demand through EWOD and provides an average signal attenuation of 12.91 dB in the on state and 1.46 dB in the off state over the range of 8–9.2 GHz, with a switching speed of about 12 ms. These results can be further extended to other RF applications such as tunable antennas, transmission lines, and switchable metasurfaces.
DESIGNING FINAL TASKS AND ACQUIRING THE COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE WITH THE TASK-ORIENTED APPROACH IN THE BUSINESS ENGLISH CLASSROOM

Abstract . In recent times, task-oriented teaching has been revealing an inspiring area of researching wisely conceptualized methodology that encourages all students’ participation in class to communicate and interact, using the target language over a previously developed set of tasks, oriented around a major communicative goal. How can teachers determine communicative objectives and later structure them in a framework of consecutive activities for developing a lesson plan, based on a final communicative task? This paper highlights the challenges that task-oriented teaching faces in order to identify students’ real world language needs and to choose appropriate real world tasks for acquiring the language communicative competence in class. In addition, task-based instruction contributes immensely in achieving confidence for speaking and fluency on the target language, which is an essential aim for both learners and teachers. Key words : task-oriented approach; language communicative competence
Malignant hypertension as a rare cause of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Malignant hypertension can occasionally be associated with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. A 38-year-old male presented with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and oliguria for 2 weeks. He was diagnosed with hypertensive emergency with cardiac and renal dysfunction. Interestingly, further workup was diagnostic for the presence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA): haemoglobin =12.7 g/dL, indirect bilirubin =2.0 mg/dL, haptoglobin ≤6 mg/dL, platelet count =121 000/μL and schistocytes on peripheral smear. At the outset, the cause of TMA was unclear. Patient denied having diarrhoea, making haemolytic uremic syndrome less likely. A normal ADAMTS13 activity test ruled out thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura. Malignant hypertension induced TMA was highest on the differential and plasma exchange was deferred. Renal biopsy revealed features of TMA and malignant nephrosclerosis. Patient eventually became dialysis dependent. Aggressive blood pressure control was obtained with multiple medications.
Direct optical lithography of functional inorganic nanomaterials

Photolithography is an important manufacturing process that relies on using photoresists, typically polymer formulations, that change solubility when illuminated with ultraviolet light. Here, we introduce a general chemical approach for photoresist-free, direct optical lithography of functional inorganic nanomaterials. The patterned materials can be metals, semiconductors, oxides, magnetic, or rare earth compositions. No organic impurities are present in the patterned layers, which helps achieve good electronic and optical properties. The conductivity, carrier mobility, dielectric, and luminescence properties of optically patterned layers are on par with the properties of state-of-the-art solution-processed materials. The ability to directly pattern all-inorganic layers by using a light exposure dose comparable with that of organic photoresists provides an alternate route for thin-film device manufacturing.
Different pH Dependency of Mitomycin C Activity in Monolayer and Three-Dimensional Cultures

Purpose. Previous studies by other investigators have shown an enhancement of mitomycin C (MMC) activity at acidic extracellular pH (pHe) in monolayer cultures of human cells. The goal of the present study was to determine if the efficacy of intravesical MMC therapy in patients treated for superficial bladder cancer can be enhanced by using acidified dosing solutions. We evaluated (a) the effect of pHe on MMC activity in patient bladder tumors in vitro, and (b) the pH dependency of MMC activity in 2-dimensional monolayer and 3-dimensional multilayer cultures of human bladder RT4 tumor cells.
Electrodiagnostic studies in the intensive care unit: A comparison study 2 decades later.

Introduction: Since the late 1980s, critical illness myopathy (CIM) and polyneuropathy (CIP) have been increasingly recognized in the intensive care unit (ICU). We explored whether these causes of ICU weakness were now more likely to lead to electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) at our institution than they were 19-20 years earlier. Methods: We reviewed 100 consecutive ICU patients who underwent EDX from 2009-2015 and compared them to a previously reported study population from 1990-1995.10 Results: Thirty-seven (39%) had CIM, CIP, or both versus 55% in the previous study (p=0.04). Thirty-four (36%) were diagnosed with “traditional” pre-ICU causes of weakness, such as motor neuron disease or Guillain-Barre syndrome, versus 29% in the earlier study (p=0.3). Discussion: CIM and CIP continue to be common disorders that lead to ICU EDX, but their proportion declined compared to 19-20 years earlier, possibly due to the perceived role and selective use of EDX in the ICU. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Fitting It All In?: A Census of Undergraduate Ethics and Leadership Courses in Accredited U.S. Journalism and Mass Communication Programs:

As journalism and mass communication programs struggle to help prepare their students for the unknown digital future, many are answering the industry call to inject curricula with the instruction of digital skills. However, this likely comes at the cost of teaching long-standing conceptual courses, including media ethics, or introducing new ones, including media leadership. Although university administrators are likely to say their curricula adequately address these issues, the reality is that they may not. This study analyzed undergraduate degree requirements for all accredited U.S.-based journalism and mass communication degree programs (N = 119) to evaluate the course offerings in ethics and leadership.
A Systematic Review of Unpublished and Non-Refereed Music Therapy Mental Health Papers Found via Google Scholar

Poiche le ricerche su Google Scholar producono documenti inediti, esse potrebbero inavvertitamente influire sulla percezione della letteratura musicoterapica per medici, ricercatori e utenti di servizi. Pertanto, lo scopo di questa revisione sistematica e stato quello di identificare e analizzare la letteratura attuale comprendente studi inediti e non referenziati di musicoterapia e salute mentale, da gennaio 2000 a settembre 2017, individuati tramite Google Scholar. Dopo aver stabilito i criteri di inclusione ed esclusione, gli articoli sono stati identificati utilizzando una varieta di combinazioni di parole chiave di musicoterapia e salute mentale. Ventuno studi hanno incontrato i criteri di inclusione. Sedici studi erano tesi di laurea e cinque erano tesi di dottorato. Quasi la meta degli studi (n = 8) ha coinvolto adolescenti con diagnosi di salute mentale. Sebbene non tutti gli studi contenessero dati, piu studi contenevano dati qualitativi (n = 10) rispetto ai dati quantitativi (n = 3). La letteratura inedita di musicoterapia e salute mentale puo rappresentare una risorsa preziosa per guidare la pratica clinica e la ricerca. Poiche la maggior parte degli autori erano affiliati a universita al di fuori degli Stati Uniti, si pensa che altrove ci sia un maggiore interesse per la salute mentale. E preoccupante che molti studi identificati richiedessero credenziali di accesso aggiuntive. Vengono inoltre fornite implicazioni per la pratica clinica, limitazioni e suggerimenti per la ricerca futura. (Traduzione di Claudio Cominardi)
Respiratory Problems in the Elderly

This chapter focuses on three important and very common problems experienced by elderly individuals: cigarette smoking, pleural diseases, and tuberculosis. The long-term effects of cigarette smoking on the respiratory tract include carcinoma of the lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both of which are major causes of increased morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. The section on Cigarette Smoking details the health effects of voluntary as well as involuntary or passive smoking and then outlines practical strategies for the health care professional to aid the patient in smoking cessation.
Associated Joint Pathology in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee with Emphasis on a Classification System and Injuries to the Meniscocapsular Ligament-Musculotendinous Unit Complex

This article defines the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee in terms of capsular instabilities. This definition lends itself to a better assessment of the associated pathology consisting of torn capsular ligaments, torn medial and lateral menisci, chondral fractures, subluxation of the patella, and acute contusion of the peroneal nerve. The specific incidence of torn medial meniscus was 70 per cent, with a torn lateral meniscus identified 77 per cent of the time.
Distribution of goldthioglucose in mice with and without experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Two mouse strains, BSVS and BRVR, which are susceptible and resistant to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis respectively, were injected i.p. with two different doses of goldthioglucose. This procedure has previously shown an accelerating effect upon experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Concentration of gold was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy in brain, thymus, liver, spleen, kidney, blood clot and serum in non-immunized and immunized mice. Mice immunized with pertussis vaccine i.p. followed by lyophilized whole mouse brain in Preund’s adjuvant i.c., regardless of strain, cleared gold slower than non-immunized animals. The susceptible mice which developed experimental allergic encephalomyelitis maintained significantly higher tissue concentrations of gold in brain and spleen than resistant mice. A dose of 1 mg per gram body weight resulted in the deaths of a substantial number of mice in either strain. Morphological studies showed formation of myelin bodies in cells containing intralysosomal, electrondense gold. Albumin was shown to be the protein responsible for the transportation of serum gold.
Fatigue Life Predictive Model and Acceleration Factor Development for Decoupling Capacitors

Decoupling capacitors are increasingly being used to decrease signal latency and to increase the speed and functionality of microprocessors used in ASICs and Server applications. SnAgCu (SAC) based solder joints are typically used to attach the capacitors to the organic laminate. Fatigue failure of the solder joints due to CTE mismatch between the capacitor and the laminate and due to proximity of the capacitor to the chip is a cause of concern. In this paper we have developed a predictive model and an Arrhenius type acceleration factor that can be used to determine the mean number of cycles for capacitor failure during any thermal cycling conditions including field-use conditions due to solder joint fatigue. The predictive model and the acceleration factor was developed using experimental data from test vehicles with 0306 and 0508 decoupling capacitors that were attached to the laminate using either SAC305 or SAC105 solder and were subjected to a wide range of thermal cycling conditions from harsh to benign.
Operational Impact of a Critical Care Transport Duty Time Tool Implementation: A Quality Improvement Project to Enhance Crew and Patient Safety.

Abstract Objective The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems requires transport programs to have operational risk assessment tools that must address issues such as transport acceptance with tools for assessing pilot/driver and crew alertness and fatigue, aviation decision making, and mission acceptance/medical decision making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact the implementation of this tool has on programmatic operations. Methods This hospital-based dedicated pediatric/neonatal transport team has experienced rapid increase in volume as well as an expanding response area. Data related to calls resulting in excessive on-duty time were evaluated for 2 years before and after the implementation of a formal risk assessment program that included duty time assessment. Results Since the implementation of the duty time assessment tool, there has been a 48% decrease in calls resulting in crews being held over 1 hour past their shift. Additionally, there has been no decline in transport requests, and the resultant increased safety awareness has led to a decreased risk of incidents related to crew and driver fatigue. Conclusion The implementation of a risk assessment tool not only increases crew safety and subsequently patient safety, but also it has no negative impact on referral pattern or volume.
Neutralization of underlying vs. derived “unnatural” palatals in Xhosa

Xhosa (Bantu) has an “unnatural” process of palatalization—contrary to typological expectations, it is triggered by [w], but not [i] or [j], and applies only to labials. For example, [m]→[ɲ] as in uku-lum-a to bite' ~ uku-luɲ-w-a ‘to be bitten', and [mb]→[ⁿdʒ] as in uku-ɬamb-a 'to wash' ~ uku-ɬaⁿdʒ-w-a ‘to be washed'. This paper compares underlying and derived palatals to determine whether the palatal/non-palatal contrast is neutralized (in)completely in the derivational context. 40 Xhosa nonce verbs, ending in segments which undergo palatalization, were created to be read by 6 native speakers. Speakers read these forms and were then asked to produce forms with the passive -w suffix, thus triggering palatalization. F2 was measured at boundaries and ten ms. into the vowels preceding and following the palatalized segment. F2 at ten ms into the following vowel differed on average by 167.99 Hz between underlying and derived palatals, trending towards, but not reaching significance (t = 1.94, p = 0.054), while F2 slope showed no clear trend. While Zsiga (1995) proposes that English palatalization can be complete or gradient, this is the first study of palatalization in the context of incomplete neutralization, and the first study to look at incomplete neutralization in Bantu.Xhosa (Bantu) has an “unnatural” process of palatalization—contrary to typological expectations, it is triggered by [w], but not [i] or [j], and applies only to labials. For example, [m]→[ɲ] as in uku-lum-a to bite' ~ uku-luɲ-w-a ‘to be bitten', and [mb]→[ⁿdʒ] as in uku-ɬamb-a 'to wash' ~ uku-ɬaⁿdʒ-w-a ‘to be washed'. This paper compares underlying and derived palatals to determine whether the palatal/non-palatal contrast is neutralized (in)completely in the derivational context. 40 Xhosa nonce verbs, ending in segments which undergo palatalization, were created to be read by 6 native speakers. Speakers read these forms and were then asked to produce forms with the passive -w suffix, thus triggering palatalization. F2 was measured at boundaries and ten ms. into the vowels preceding and following the palatalized segment. F2 at ten ms into the following vowel differed on average by 167.99 Hz between underlying and derived palatals, trending towards, but not reaching significance (t = 1.94, p = 0.054), whi...
Transparency and Industry Stigmatization in Strategic CSR Communication

Researchers have become increasingly interested in the strategic value of transparency in corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication in recent years. However, transparency research in CSR ...
Chinese American Family Caregivers’ Perception of Program Use and Caregiver Stress

AbstractCaregiver programs provide specialized services and resources to reduce caregiver stress and improve family quality of life and health. Although there are resources and community services a...
A massively-parallel, unstructured overset method to simulate moving bodies in turbulent flows

Abstract An unstructured overset method capable of performing direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES) of many ( O ( 10 5 ) ) moving bodies, utilizing many computational cores ( O ( 10 5 ) ), in turbulent, incompressible fluid flow is presented. Unstructured meshes are attached to bodies and placed within a fixed background domain. Body meshes are allowed to arbitrarily overlap and move throughout the domain. Within each mesh a high resolution, unstructured, non-dissipative finite volume method is used to solve for the flow field. Boundary conditions for each mesh are provided by interpolation from flow solutions on overlapping meshes. When many unstructured meshes of different resolution overlap, care is required in the connection between the different flow solutions. An interpolant is created which seeks to preserve volume conservation of flow quantities between meshes regardless of overlapping mesh differences. An implicit fractional step method is used for time advancement, requiring the calculation of a predicted fluid velocity and corrector pressure field. For the predictor step, the resulting interpolation is directly introduced into the implicit equations for the predicted flow field. For the corrected pressure field, the continuity between meshes is weakly enforced using a penalty formulation. The pressure formulation is symmetric, positive-definite and non-singular resulting in a formulation which is readily solvable using traditional iterative matrix inversion techniques. An Arbitrary Euler-Lagrangian (ALE) method coupled to a 6 degrees of freedom rigid body equation system (6-DOF) is used for body motion. For rotation, a quaternion representation is used to solve Euler's equations of rigid body motion. A linear spring damper model, which uses geometry information readily available from the overset assembly process, is used for collisions. Validation of the method for canonical flow fields is presented including assessment of order of accuracy and kinetic energy conservation properties. Particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS) of single particles in various flow fields are presented for validation. PR-DNS results of 50,000 spherical particles freely moving within turbulent channel flow are shown as a demonstration of the method at full scale. LES results of a marine propeller under crashback conditions are shown to demonstrate the ability to simulate highly unsteady turbulent flows over complex, moving geometries.
A Theoretical Channel Model for Spatial Fading in Retrodirective Backscatter Channels

The round-trip nature of backscatter communications subjects the radio link to unusually severe small-scale fading. Over fading channels, the received signal envelope in backscatter-based systems such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems fades worse than a standard one-way communication. In this paper, we study spatial fading of the received signal envelope in an important class of backscatter systems using retrodirective transponders that allow microwave and mm-wave communications at extraordinarily low-power consumption by an RF tag. Our comparative study shows that the use of retrodirective RF tags changes the backscatter channel statistics from being doubly faded to singly faded, resembling a conventional, one-way radio channel. Surprisingly, fading in retrodirective backscatter channels is highly varied and sensitive to the fine structure of the diffuse multipath waves in the radio environment in ways that fading in conventional radio links are not.
ICDs Are Still an Effective Therapy to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure

Mortality rates for patients with heart failure (HF) remain unacceptably high. The mortality rate among patients with incident HF in Olmstead County, Minnesota, was 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.7% to 21.8%) within 1 year of establishing the diagnosis of HF and 52.6% (95% CI: 50.6% to 54.
Preparing PETE Students for Appropriate Practices: Identifying Areas for Improvement

All professionals are expected to follow best practices within their disciplines. In physical education (PE), many such practices are outlined in the Society of Health and Physical Educators' (SHAP...
Algebraic differential independence regarding the Riemann ζ-function and the Euler Γ-function

Abstract In this paper, we prove that ζ cannot be a solution to any nontrivial algebraic differential equation whose coefficients are polynomials in Γ , Γ ( n ) and Γ ( l n ) over the ring of polynomials in C, where l , n ≥ 1 are positive integers.
“WHITENESS” IN CONTEXT: Racial Identification among Mexican-Origin Adults in California and Texas

Using data from the 2008–2016 American Community Survey, we compare the racial identification responses of the Mexican-origin population residing in California to their counterparts in Texas, the two states with the largest and most established Mexican-origin populations. We draw on existing theory and research in order to derive a theoretical account of state-level historical mechanisms that are likely to lead to varying patterns of racial identification within the two states and a set of propositions predicting the nature of this variation. Results indicate that the Mexican-origin population in Texas is substantially more likely to claim White racial identification than their counterparts in California, even after accounting for factors related to racial identity formation. Further analysis indicates that this result is robust and buffets the notion that the historical development of the racial context in Texas has engendered a present-day context in which “Whiteness” carries a distinctive social value, relative to California’s ethnoracial context, and that this social value is reflected in the ways in which individuals of Mexican origin respond to race questions on U.S. Census surveys.
Novel loss-of-function variants in TRIO are associated with neurodevelopmental disorder: case report

Damaging variants in TRIO have been associated with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. While recent work has delineated the positional effect of missense variation on the resulting phenotype, the clinical spectrum associated with loss-of-function variation has yet to be fully defined. We report on two probands with novel loss-of-function variants in TRIO. Patient 1 presents with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and macrocephaly. The TRIO variant is inherited from his affected mother. Patient 2 presents with moderate developmental delays, microcephaly, and cutis aplasia with a frameshift variant of unknown inheritance. We describe two patients with neurodevelopmental disorder, macro/microcephaly, and cutis aplasia in one patient. Both patients have loss-of-function variants, helping to further characterize how these types of variants affect the phenotypic spectrum associated with TRIO. We also present the third reported case of autosomal dominant inheritance of a damaging variant in TRIO.
Showing pesticides' true colors: The effects of a farmer-to-farmer training program on pesticide knowledge.

Information plays an important role in technology adoption and behavior change. This may be particularly true for pesticide decisions, which affect farmer income, health, and the environment. Pesticide use is increasing, and farmers often have incomplete knowledge of how pesticides affect crop production and health. Researchers regularly recommend information interventions to improve pesticide knowledge. This study uses a randomized controlled trial of a pesticide training program in Zambia to identify the effects of information on farmer knowledge of both the health risks and the production benefits of pesticides. We use detailed knowledge assessments covering identification and interpretation of toxicity color labels, pest control properties, and exposure to reveal a more complete picture of pesticide knowledge and to identify where information can have the greatest impact. Our results show that training significantly improved farmer knowledge, particularly for the more complicated pesticide characteristics that are harder to learn from experience. We also find that more experienced farmers had worse prior knowledge of pesticide toxicity, though they also had larger increases from training. Overall, our results suggest that pesticide information interventions should focus on the pest control properties of pesticides and on showing pesticides' true colors through toxicity identification by color labels.
Multidirectional seismic response of a curved highway bridge model

A continuing experimental model study relating to the seismic resistance of large multi-span curved overcrossings is reported. A brief description of the microconcrete model, a 1/30 true-scale version of a hypothetical prototype, which was tested on the 20 ft x 20 ft (6.1 m) Shaking Table at the University of California, is given. The response of the model is described for a series of simulated seismic excitations applied (i) horizontally in the asymmetric longitudinal direction, and (ii) horizontally in the symmetric direction, both alone and also with simultaneous vertical excitation. The influence of expansion joint design on the seismic behaviour is the main parameter studied, with emphasis on the need for joint restrainers of adequate ductility, to effectively tie adjacent girders together. However, because of the severe damage caused by impacting at the expansion joints during moderately strong excitation, it is concluded that expansion joints should ideally be omitted from such structures.
Microplastic changes the sinking and resuspension rates of marine mussel biodeposits.

Microplastic (MP; < 5 mm) is ubiquitous in marine environments and is likely transported by biotic benthic-pelagic coupling. Mussels are key benthic-pelagic couplers, concentrating particles from the water column into dense and nutrient rich biodeposits. This study examined how MP affects benthic-pelagic coupling processes of mussels exposed to feeding regimes with and without MP by measuring four attributes of biodeposits: 1) morphology, 2) quantity of algal and MP particles, 3) sinking rate, and 4) resuspension velocity. We found interacting effects of particle treatment and biodeposit type on biodeposit morphology. Biodeposits from the algae treatment contained more algal cells on average than biodeposits from the MP treatment. Biodeposits from the MP treatment sank 34-37% slower and resuspended in 7-22% slower shear velocities than biodeposits from the algae treatment. Decreases in sinking and resuspension velocities of biodeposits containing MP may increase dispersal distances, thus decreasing in-bed nutrient input and increasing nutrient subsidies for other communities.
Unequally Yoked? Religion and Spirituality in Couples in Which One Believes in God and the Other Does Not

This qualitative study examined religion and spirituality among couples in which one person (a Catholic) believed in God and the other (e.g., an atheist, an agnostic) did not. Specifically, this study explored how the relationship impacted each individual’s beliefs about the existence of God and the extent to which the couples incorporated religious or spiritual elements into their relationship. Some of the nonbelievers became more open to the possibility of God’s existence, whereas others remained unchanged. Some believers reported that their faith was actually strengthened through the relationship. Couples incorporated religious elements into their relationship (e.g., having a religious wedding, attending church together) to varying degrees. A typology of the couples based on spiritual engagement and the nonbeliever’s openness to God emerged from the findings. Pastoral or clinical implications for working with such couples are discussed.
Where Are They Now? Charting Careers for 32 Years of New England Surgical Society Podium Presentation Winners.

Background The New England Surgical Society (NESS) has been a pillar of the regional medical community since 1916, founded to promote surgical knowledge sharing across a small but diverse geographical region. Annual podium awards recognize high-quality research by surgical trainees. Design We described trends among 81 research abstracts and career trajectories for their trainee authors (1987-present). Results Among abstracts, 80.2% were clinical research, 12.3% basic science, and 7.4% education. 87.6% resulted in publications. Awardees represented 19 institutions and were predominantly residents (74.0%), with the remainder being fellows and students. 71.4% are now practicing attendings in 14 surgical subspecialties while 18.2% remain in surgical training. 44.2% currently reside in New England. Conclusion NESS attracts a range of high-quality research and winners demonstrate a range of successful careers with a propensity for academic surgery. Findings of low attrition and many currently living in New England highlight the value of regional conferences for strengthening local professional connections.
Orthotopic Bladder Substitution

This chapter reviews the construction of orthotopic bladder substitution with tricks and tips as performed by the authors. Along with intraoperative photographs and surgical technique, we have outlined our routine postoperative management, workup, and treatment of commonly seen complications.
Machine learning and algorithmic fairness in public and population health

Until now, much of the work on machine learning and health has focused on processes inside the hospital or clinic. However, this represents only a narrow set of tasks and challenges related to health; there is greater potential for impact by leveraging machine learning in health tasks more broadly. In this Perspective we aim to highlight potential opportunities and challenges for machine learning within a holistic view of health and its influences. To do so, we build on research in population and public health that focuses on the mechanisms between different cultural, social and environmental factors and their effect on the health of individuals and communities. We present a brief introduction to research in these fields, data sources and types of tasks, and use these to identify settings where machine learning is relevant and can contribute to new knowledge. Given the key foci of health equity and disparities within public and population health, we juxtapose these topics with the machine learning subfield of algorithmic fairness to highlight specific opportunities where machine learning, public and population health may synergize to achieve health equity. Algorithmic solutions to improve treatment are starting to transform health care. Mhasawade and colleagues discuss in this Perspective how machine learning applications in population and public health can extend beyond clinical practice. While working with general health data comes with its own challenges, most notably ensuring algorithmic fairness in the face of existing health disparities, the area provides new kinds of data and questions for the machine learning community.
Li-ion battery technology for grid application

Abstract Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are forecasted to play a vital role in the future grid system, which is complex but incredibly important for energy supply in the modern era. Currently, Li-ion batteries are the most widely deployed BESS for a wide range of grid services but need substantial understanding and improvement for effective market creation. Hence, the main purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and challenges of Li-ion battery energy storage systems for grid application from various aspects based on real-world projects.
What are the Molecular Mechanisms of Axonal Degeneration in Stroke? (5122)

Objective: Determine if loss of SARM1 activity promotes axonal survival following ischemic injury. Identify molecular targets of SARM1 in mediating axonal degeneration in stroke. Background: Functional preservation of axons after ischemic stroke is limited yet critical to post-stroke recovery. Genetic deletion of SARM1 gene has previously been shown to prevent axonal degeneration after traumatic nerve injuries. However, whether similar mechanism mediates axonal loss in ischemic injury is unclear. We sought to understand whether SARM1 activity directly regulates axonal as well as neuronal survival in ischemic stroke. Design/Methods: We utilized an in vivo model of subcortical white matter stroke to compare the degree of axonal and neuronal survival between wildtype (WT) and SARM1 null (SARM1−/−) mice after ischemic injury. Furthermore, using cell capture and RNA-seq analysis, we profiled the molecular signature of SARM1−/− neurons after stroke to elucidate the downstream targets of SARM1-dependent regulation of axonal survival following ischemic injury. Results: We found that genetic deletion of SARM1 robustly attenuated both axonal and neuronal degeneration for up to 28 days after focal ischemic injuries to the subcortical white matter. Thus, inhibiting SARM1 activity is sufficient to promote axonal and neuronal survival after ischemic stroke. Moreover, transcriptional profiling of stroke-injured wildtype and SARM1−/− neurons revealed a restricted subset of differentially expressed genes that drive neuronal differentiation, axonogenesis and synaptogenesis. Functional genomic analysis of candidate genes further uncovered novel cell signaling pathways that regulate axonal and neuronal survival after stroke injuries. Conclusions: The results show that axonal degeneration from ischemic injuries occurs through a shared Wallerian mechanism, and SARM1 is a critical regulator of axonal and neuronal survival after ischemic stroke. The results help delineate a novel molecular pathway mediating axonal degeneration following injury, and indicate that inhibiting SARM1 activity is a potent and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance axonal and neuronal survival after ischemic stroke. Disclosure: Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose.
Prosodic alignment toward emotionally expressive speech: Comparing human and Alexa model talkers

Abstract This study tests whether individuals vocally align toward emotionally expressive prosody produced by two types of interlocutors: a human and a voice-activated artificially intelligent (voice-AI) assistant. Participants completed a word shadowing experiment of interjections (e.g., “Awesome”) produced in emotionally neutral and expressive prosodies by both a human voice and a voice generated by a voice-AI system (Amazon's Alexa). Results show increases in participants’ word duration, mean f0, and f0 variation in response to emotional expressiveness, consistent with increased alignment toward a general ‘positive-emotional’ speech style. Small differences in emotional alignment by talker category (human vs. voice-AI) parallel the acoustic differences in the model talkers’ productions, suggesting that participants are mirroring the acoustics they hear. The similar responses to emotion in both a human and voice-AI talker support accounts of unmediated emotional alignment, as well as computer personification: people apply emotionally-mediated behaviors to both types of interlocutors. There were small differences in magnitude by participant gender, the overall patterns were similar for women and men, supporting a nuanced picture of emotional vocal alignment.
More on the origin of the Indo-European feminine gender : a reply to Ledo-Lemos

This brief paper has two related purposes. First, it represents a response to Ledo-Lemos' criticisms (2003) of the theory of the origin of the Indo-European feminine gender presented in Shields (1995 and elsewhere) - a theory based on the established typological principle that demonstratives (in this case, a demonstrative in *a) are key in the emergence of gender systems because of their dual role as anaphora and attributive modifiers. Second, this paper includes critical commentary about Ledo-Lemos' own hypothesis regarding the origin of this Indo-European grammatical category, grounded in the specialization of "relational adjectives." Objections to the latter involve his reliance on unmotivated analogical reanalysis and paradigmatic specialization.
Computational Issues in Network Reliability

Systems of interconnected components can often be usefully represented by networks. It is practically important to calculate the reliability of such network systems when the components are subject to (statistically independent) failures. We define several commonly occurring reliability models and summarize the computational complexity of calculating their associated reliability measures. Some general techniques for exact and approximate calculation of network reliability are surveyed. Keywords: bounds; cutsets; disjoint products; factoring; inclusion–exclusion; networks; paths; reliability