cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Auditory morphological processing: Evidence from phonological priming

Using an auditory lexical decision task, we find evidence of a facilitatory priming effect for morphologically complex targets (e.g., snow-ed) preceded by primes which rhyme with the target's stem (e.g., dough). By using rhyme priming, we are able to probe for morphological processing in a way that avoids confounds arising from semantic relatedness that are inherent to morphological priming (snow/snow-ed). Phonological control conditions (e.g., targets code and grove for prime dough) are used to rule out alternative interpretations of the effect that are based on partial rhyme or phonological embedding of the stem. The findings provide novel evidence for an independent morphological component in lexical processing and demonstrate the utility of rhyme priming in probing morphological representation.
Optimal wireless power transfer with distributed transmit beamforming

This paper considers the performance of wireless power transfer (WPT) with distributed transmit beamforming (DTB) in a narrowband setting. One or more receive nodes, each equipped with energy harvesting and storage capabilities, provide periodic channel state feedback to a cluster of transmit nodes, each with an independent local oscillator, to facilitate beamforming and passband signal alignment for efficient WPT. Without channel state feedback, the transmit cluster can not align the passband signals at the receivers and the receivers can only harvest incoherent power. Since feedback improves the beamforming gain but requires the receivers to expend energy, there is a fundamental tradeoff between the feedback period and the energy harvesting efficiency. This paper analyzes the optimal feedback period to maximize the weighted mean energy harvesting rate as a function of the oscillator parameters. An optimization problem is formulated and an explicit method to numerically calculate the globally optimal feedback period is developed. Numerical results are provided to confirm the analysis and demonstrate the sensitivity of the weighted mean energy harvesting rate with respect to the feedback period and the DTB system parameters.
Introduction and Overview of Brain Tumors

In this issue of the Atlas of Pediatric Brain Tumors, we have classified the tumor types based on the 2007 WHO classification of brain tumors (Table 0.1). This classification assumes that the pattern of differentiation reflects the cell of origin. The longstanding concept suggesting that brain tumors arise as a result of “degeneration” of mature cell types has been questioned.
Algorithms used to identify ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in retrospective studies: a systematic literature review:

Drug-induced QT interval prolongation may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death or ventricular arrhythmias (SCD/VA), and therefore affects the safety profile of medications. Administrative databases can be used to inform pharmacoepidemiologic drug safety studies for such rare events. In order to compare event rates between studies, validated operational definitions of these events are needed. We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed to identify algorithms for SCD/VA. Twenty-two studies were included in the review. Fifteen (68%) studies evaluated International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) based medical data, of which six utilized a common, validated operational definition. This algorithm was based on principal hospitalization discharge diagnosis or first-listed emergency department visit diagnosis, with an average positive predictive value (PPV) of 85%. Four studies evaluated ICD-9 based death data, of which three utilized a common algorithm with an average PPV of 88%. Further validation of ICD, 10th revision algorithms are needed. In conclusion, we identified a validated algorithm for SCD/VA in medical data, as well as in death data. As such, to ensure comparability between new research and the existing literature, pharmacoepidemiologic research in this area should utilize common, validated algorithms, such as the ones identified in our review, to operationally define these events.
Admixture compatibility in metakaolin–portland-limestone cement blends

Despite potential benefits including enhanced mechanical properties, reduced permeability, and decreased environmental impact, higher rates of metakaolin substitution for cement (> 10% MK by mass of cement) have been limited practically because of lower workability in such mixtures. When metakaolin is combined with portland-limestone cement (PLC), potential synergies further enhance hardened concrete performance and decrease environmental impact, but the greater surface area of PLCs suggests even greater challenges for workability in such blends. This study evaluates four water-reducing admixture chemistries-polycarboxylate ether (PCE), calcium lignosulfonate (LS), naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (PNS) and polymelamine sulfonate (PMS)—to assess their effectiveness in metakaolin-PLC combinations at up to 30% MK. At that upper bound, only PCE and PMS impart adequate workability within their recommended dosage limits. While PMS delays tricalcium silicate hydration and LS shows significant incompatibilities at higher MK contents, PCE has the least effect on hydration and can be used at a consistent dosage rate up to 30% MK.
Care and Documentation of Mineral Collections by Jean F. DeMouthe. Mineralogical Society of America; msa.minsocam.org/orders.html. 94 pages; 2017; $30 (softbound).

Care and Documentation of Mineral Collections is a book of the sort that has long been needed to lay to rest many of the practical questions that collectors have from time to time and for some reas...
China green campus school standard

Since 2011 I’ve been involved as a principal investigator (Armstrong World Industries) on several research programs encompassing approximately 100 primary and middle grade schools throughout China. Initially, this research was coordinated with Tongji University for the development of the Chinese Green Campus rating system for schools, and later, we have worked with the Beijing Ministry of Education and several additional Universities including Tsinghua Univ., South China Univ. of Technology, Chongqing Univ., and Huaqiao University for the development of the new China GB Green Campus Standard. The “learnings” from these research studies will be reviewed, and the outcomes in terms of implementation will be discussed. A “playbook” was developed for the government architects who design schools, as a simple process for meeting the design goals, and understanding the installed costs for specific use areas. School acoustics is an important IEQ factor in the design and performance of the school in meeting its mission—which is for teachers to teach and students to learn.
Design and Optimization of Seismic Isolation and Damping Devices for Highway Bridges Based on Probabilistic Repair Cost Ratio

AbstractDesign of seismic protective devices for highway bridges is often a highly iterative and tedious process due to the nonlinear behavior of the system, a large range of design parameters, and...
Preparation of Dinitrophenyl- and Trinitrophenyl-Labeled Erythrocytes

The introduction of new immuno-determinant groups, such as dinitrophenyl (DNP) and trinitrophenyl (TNP), into whole cells became possible through the use of the DNP and TNP sulfonic acids. The chemical reaction through which a covalent linkage is established between the protein and the DNP or TNP hapten is a relatively mild nucleophilic substitution. Electron donating functional groups, in the carrier molecule, such as SH- or NH 2 - or OH- groups will react with electron accepting sulfonic acid radicals on the nitrated benzene ring, thus forming a stable covalent bond between the hapten and the carrier. DNP and TNP sulfonic acids are soluble in water or saline and the reaction will proceed smoothly at room temperature or at slightly elevated temperatures. The treatment of a carrier molecule or cell with these reagents will not introduce considerable unwanted changes in their structure.
A Genetic Analysis of Habitat Selection in the Cactophilic Species, Drosophila mojavensis

Past studies of habitat selection in insects have addressed various relationships among variation, heredity and natural selection; three basic factors for the process of evolution. Most research on habitat choice in insects concentrates on the selection of host plants as feeding and oviposition sites because these resources are demonstrably related to fitness (Whitham 1980). Indeed, the concept of host plant races even implies a degree of coevolution of an insect with such resources (Jaenike 1981). Demonstration that two populations or species currently using different host plant species also have different loci or alleles at a single locus that exerts control over habitat choice is a frequent test for past coevolution with the respective host plants (Huettel and Bush 1972). These studies are helpful in comparing the outcome of evolution with theoretical models of population subdivision and their associated speciation patterns (Maynard Smith 1966, Bush 1969). To predict future evolutionary possibilities, however, an investigation of genetic polymorphism for habitat preference behavior within a single population is valuable. Establishing that individual genetic differences in host plant preferences exist allows the prediction of a response to any form of natural selection: directional, stabilizing or disruptive. Quantification of the amount of genetic variation in behavior, which is the trait’s heritability when measured as a precentage of the phenotypic variance, reveals the rate of evolution of behavior when information on the intensity of natural selection is available also (Falconer 1981). The aims of this study are: (1) to learn whether a monophagous insect population has genetic variation for acceptance of an unfamiliar host plant species; and (2) to quantify the amount of such genetic variation in behavior that is available to produce a response to natural selection in future generations.
Grammar and Memory

The search for lost time announced in the title of Proust’s A la Recherche du Temps Perdu is at the same time, as Deleuze (1964) reminds us, a research into it. That that research is to be thought of as analogous to scientific research is one of Proust’s great themes — the “artist … in his own sphere … studying laws, conducting experiments, making discoveries which are as delicate as those of science” (The Past Recaptured, 1971, p. 142). Proust includes in what might yield those laws to the researching writer the laws of language itself, and specifically those governing the use of tense. In his essay “A propos du ‘style’ de Flaubert” (1920), it is to tense and aspect that Proust directs the major part of his attention, subjecting Flaubert’s tenses to what he calls a “clear analysis” (p. 84). The result is the discovery of a “grammatical beauty” which he attributes in part to “the manner of applying certain rules of syntax” (p. 74). This importance accorded verb tense should hardly be surprising in a writer the title of whose great work contains the word temps, which in French can mean either time or tense. So for Proust, the novelist’s search for lost time includes a research into past tense — for it is the tenses of the past which he rightly sees as central to the novel.
The Role and Character of the Nature of Science in Science Education

This chapter has explored the dynamic arena of the nature of science by examining both its history and ways that the nature of science has informed and should guide science teaching. We have taken the position that a pragmatic consensus exists regarding some of the most important elements regarding the process of science, but have demonstrated that constructive debate exists. Research and discussion continues regarding the relationship between what teachers believe about the nature of science and what they then communicate to students. We assert that teachers must have experiences where they explore the social studies of science and contemplate the methods by which that content may be shared with students. This is the core purpose for developing this book, a book of rationales and strategies. It is vital that the science education community provide an accurate view of how science operates to students and by inference to their teachers. What follows in the accompanying chapters are tested strategies for doing just that. Whether these plans find a home in teacher education programs, in school classrooms, or simply in the minds of interested individuals, we are confident that science education will be a richer discipline and our students will be more adequately prepared for their lives as citizens when they are afforded a fuller understanding of the nature of this thing called science.
Should Campaigns Respond to Electability Arguments

Should candidates respond when they are described as unelectable? Although strategic arguments about the viability and electability of candidates were commonplace in the 2016 election, we know litt...
Does corruption grease or sand the wheels of development? New results based on disaggregated data

Abstract The debate over whether corruption “sands” or “greases” the wheels of income growth has generated a substantial empirical literature; the “greases” argument—that corruption may help firms overcome deleterious governmental obstacles—seems to be advancing, recently. However, as virtually all empirical studies in this area depend upon often-criticized aggregate corruption indices, they fail to take account for the multifarious nature of corruption. We revisit the dispute using newer and more nuanced data that allow for disassembly of corruption into a number of specific types. We also improve upon the problem of missing data, afflicting most related studies, with the use of a better imputation method. We find that although certain types of corruption may help “grease” business transactions, evidence in favor of the “sand” hypothesis is stronger.
Body Weight Analysis From Human Body Images

Human body images encode plenty of useful biometric information, such as pupil color, gender, and weight. Among these, body weight is a good indicator of health conditions. Motivated by recent health science studies, this paper investigates the feasibility of analyzing body weight from two-dimensional (2D) frontal view human body images. The widely used body mass index (BMI) is employed as a measure of body weight. To investigate the problems at different levels of difficulties, three feasibility problems, from easy to hard, are studied. More specifically, a framework is developed for analyzing body weight from human body images. Computation of five anthropometric features is proposed for body weight characterization. Correlation is analyzed between the extracted anthropometric features and the BMI values, which validates the usability of the selected features. A visual-body-to-BMI dataset is collected and cleaned to facilitate the study, which contains 5900 images of 2950 subjects along with the labels corresponding gender, height, and weight. Some interesting results are obtained, demonstrating the feasibility of analyzing body weight from 2D body images. In addition, the proposed method outperforms two state-of-art facial image-based weight analysis approaches in most cases.
Risk Analysis in the United States Law: Cost Versus Risk

The evaluation of health risks is characterized by policy judgments which in the United States often lead to judicial review. Those judgments are buttressed by scientific determination of whether a substance will produce adverse health effects or whether a low probability event will have a large consequence, given that it occurs. Science is not able to provide answers with the certainty that the courts have been accustomed to deal with in other areas. “Transcientific” questions abound; answers are often provided by fiat. Thus, whoever bears the burden of proof faces considerable difficulty in showing that an adverse effect is not likely to occur. We analyze two recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, and other decisions, to establish what burden of proof and what balancing of costs and benefits are required under the law. We conclude that decision makers and the courts are troubled by the uncertainty surrounding risk assessments. Nevertheless, risk assessment provides information of fundamental importance for those making decisions involving public and occupational health.
State Factor Network Analysis of Ecosystem Response to Climate Change

Abstract Case studies of ecosystem responses to changing climates are necessary in understanding and adapting to these changes. However, more general conceptual frameworks are also needed to contextualize and synthesize case studies, and to provide guidelines for assessment and prediction. This study analyzes a network model of ecological and soil state factor interrelationships to address issues such as sensitivity, resilience, and complexity of climate-driven terrestrial ecosystem changes. A factorial ecosystem model is analyzed using techniques from algebraic graph theory. Results show high values for spectral radius, graph energy, and algebraic connectivity. These indicate complexity, dynamical instability, active reverberating feedbacks, and high synchronization. Implications are that climate effects on ecosystems will be complicated, complex, and difficult to predict. We should be prepared for surprises in the form of unanticipated pathways and outcomes. The inherent nature of ecosystem interconnectivity indicated by the state factor model also suggests that when simulation models and change assessments do turn out to be wrong, it does not necessarily mean the underlying scientific understandings, data, or assumptions are wrong, as sensitivity to relatively minor variations and disturbances is high, and complexity and low predictability are inherent. Ecosystem reactions to climate (and other, often contemporaneous) changes will reverberate through the ecosystem. Both filtering and amplification may occur, but net amplification is indicated by the graph analysis. Ecosystem responses are integrated system responses–state factors will respond as a single integrated unit, not as a collection or sequence of individual responses.
Digital distraction in the classroom: exploring instructor perceptions and reactions

We examined college instructors’ perceptions of student use of mobile technology for off-task purposes during class. Previous research demonstrated that digital distraction hinders student learning...
Evaluating dose delivered of a behavioral intervention for childhood obesity prevention: a secondary analysis

Current recommendations for intensive behavioral interventions for childhood obesity treatment do not account for variable participant attendance, optimal duration of the intervention, mode of delivery (phone vs. face-to-face), or address obesity prevention among young children. A secondary analysis of an active one-year behavioral intervention for childhood obesity prevention was conducted to test how “dose delivered” was associated with body mass index z-score (BMI-Z) across 3 years of follow-up. Parent-child pairs were eligible if they qualified for government assistance and spoke English or Spanish. Children were between three and 5 years old and were at risk for but not yet obese (BMI percentiles ≥50th and 6) and maintenance calls (> 8) were predicted to have lower BMI-Z. Sustained impacts were not statistically significant at 2- or 3-year follow-up. In a behavioral intervention for childhood obesity prevention, the combination of a modest dose of face-to-face sessions (> 6 h over 3 months) with sustained maintenance calls (> 8 calls over 9 months) was associated with improved BMI-Z at 1-year for underserved preschool aged children, but sustained impacts were not statistically significant at 2 or 3 year follow-up. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01316653) on March 16, 2011, which was prior to participant enrollment.
Thermal and Quantum Melting Phase Diagrams for a Magnetic-Field-Induced Wigner Solid.

A sufficiently large perpendicular magnetic field quenches the kinetic (Fermi) energy of an interacting two-dimensional (2D) system of fermions, making them susceptible to the formation of a Wigner solid (WS) phase in which the charged carriers organize themselves in a periodic array in order to minimize their Coulomb repulsion energy. In low-disorder 2D electron systems confined to modulation-doped GaAs heterostructures, signatures of a magnetic-field-induced WS appear at low temperatures and very small Landau level filling factors ($\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\simeq}1/5$). In dilute GaAs 2D hole systems, on the other hand, thanks to the larger hole effective mass and the ensuing Landau level mixing, the WS forms at relatively higher fillings ($\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\simeq}1/3$). Here we report our measurements of the fundamental temperature vs filling phase diagram for the 2D holes' WS-liquid thermal melting. Moreover, via changing the 2D hole density, we also probe their Landau level mixing vs filling WS-liquid quantum melting phase diagram. We find our data to be in good agreement with the results of very recent calculations, although intriguing subtleties remain.
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Implications of Pathophysiology in Trial Design

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a debilitating condition with a high rate of recurrence after surgical evacuation. Summary: This review is focused on middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization to treat cSDH. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma and how cessation of arterial flow may resolve a venous hemorrhage. We also present the current evidence for MMA embolization and the roadmap for future trials. Conclusion: Frequent multimodal imaging and cSDH sampling would enable us to understand mechanisms of MMA embolization in cSDH treatment and therefore improve our ability to offer MMA embolization to the eligible population.
Genetic analyses link the conserved inner membrane protein CvpA to the σEextracytoplasmic stress response

The function of cvpA, a bacterial gene predicted to encode an inner membrane protein, is largely unknown. Early studies in E. coli linked cvpA to Colicin V secretion and recent work revealed that it is required for robust intestinal colonization by diverse enteric pathogens. In enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), cvpA is required for resistance to the bile salt deoxycholate (DOC). Here, we carried out genome-scale transposon-insertion mutagenesis and spontaneous suppressor analysis to uncover cvpA9 genetic interactions and identify common pathways that rescue the sensitivity of a ΔcvpA EHEC mutant to DOC. Collectively, these screens led to the hypothesis that the ΔcvpA mutant is impaired in its capacity to activate the σE-mediated stress response. This idea was supported by showing that mutations that activate σE, either indirectly or through its direct overexpression, can restore the ΔcvpA mutant9s resistance to DOC. Analysis of the distribution of CvpA homologs revealed that this inner membrane protein is conserved across bacterial phyla, in both enteric and non-enteric bacteria that are not exposed to bile. Together, our findings suggest that CvpA may function in triggering activation of the σE stress response pathway in response to DOC as well as additional stimuli.
Reliability and validity of the COSMED K5 portable metabolic system during walking.

Portable methods for assessing energy expenditure outside the laboratory and clinical environments are becoming more widely used. As such, it is important to understand the accuracy of such devices. Therefore, the purpose was to determine the reliability and validity of the COSMED K5 portable metabolic system. Reliability and validity were assessed in 27 adults (age: 27 ± 5 years; n = 15 women) using a walking protocol. The protocol consisted of a 5-min walk/2-min rest cycle starting at 1.5 mph and increasing in 0.5-mph increments to 4.0 mph. During visit one, participants wore the K5 to assess oxygen consumption ( $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ O2), carbon dioxide production ( $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ CO2), and other metabolic variables. Two to seven days later, the protocol was repeated twice with the COSMED K5 and K4b2 systems in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) revealed that the K5 reliably measured $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ O2 (ICC 0.64–0.85) and $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ CO2 across all walking speeds (ICC 0.50–0.80), with stronger reliability at faster walking speeds compared with slower speeds. Moderate-to-strong relationships were observed for measured gases between the K5 and K4b2. Specifically, $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ O2 exhibited a moderately high-to-high relationship between devices (r = 0.72–0.82), and a similarly moderately high-to-high relationship was observed for $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ CO2 (r = 0.68–0.82). While there were no differences in $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ O2 measured between devices (p ≥ 0.10), the K5 provided lower $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$ CO2 readings than the K4b2 during the 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 mph walking speeds (p ≤ 0.02). The K5 provided reliable and valid measures of metabolic variables, with greater reliability and validity at faster walking speeds.
Renormalized Equilibria of a Schloegl Model Lattice Gas

A lattice gas model for Schloegl's second chemical reaction is described and analyzed. Because the lattice gas does not obey a semi-detailed-balance condition, the equilibria are non-Gibbsian. In spite of this, a self-consistent set of equations for the exact homogeneous equilibria are described, using a generalized cluster-expansion scheme. These equations are solved in the two-particle BBGKY approximation, and the results are compared to numerical experiment. It is found that this approximation describes the equilibria far more accurately than the Boltzmann approximation. It is also found, however, that spurious solutions to the equilibrium equations appear which can only be removed by including effects due to three-particle correlations.
Kinematic versus mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty: no difference in frequency of arthroscopic lysis of adhesions for arthrofibrosis

Arthrofibrosis is a condition that can cause excessive scar tissue formation, leading to painful restriction of joint motion. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), significant arthrofibrosis can result in permanent deficits in range of motion (ROM) if not treated. Although arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (ALOA) reliably improves post-TKA ROM if performed in a timely fashion, it exposes patients to additional anesthesia, heightens the risk of infection, and increases overall medical expenses. Kinematically aligned TKA has emerged as an alternative method to mechanically aligned, basing bony cuts off of the patient’s pre-arthritic anatomy while limiting need for soft tissue and ligamentous releases. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of post-TKA arthrofibrosis requiring ALOA between kinematic and mechanically aligned TKA. Between 2012 and 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted based on a single surgeon’s experience. Two cohorts were made based on alignment technique. Postoperatively, patients were diagnosed with arthrofibrosis and indicated for ALOA if they had functional pain with < 90 degrees of terminal flexion at 6 weeks postoperatively despite aggressive physical therapy. Frequency of ALOA was recorded for each cohort and was regressed using independent samples t-test. The results showed no significant difference between the mechanical and kinematic cohorts for frequency of ALOA following TKA (13.2% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.2659). However, the kinematic cohort demonstrated significantly greater post-ALOA ROM compared to the mechanical group (129° vs. 113°; p = 0.0097). Future higher-powered, prospective studies are needed to clarify whether a significant difference in rates of MUA/ALOA exists between the two alignment techniques.
Estrogen receptor beta signaling in CD8+ T cells boosts T cell receptor activation and antitumor immunity through a phosphotyrosine switch

BackgroundThe non-overlapping functions of the two estrogen receptor subtypes, ERα (Estrogen Receptor α)and ERβ (Estrogen Receptor β), in tumor cells have been studied extensively. However, their counterparts in host cells is vastly underinterrogated. Even less is known about how ERα and ERβ activities are regulated in a subtype-specific manner. We previously identified a phosphotyrosine residue (pY36) of human ERβ that is important for tumor ERβ to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. A role of this ERβ phosphotyrosine switch in regulating host ERβ remains unclear.Conventional gene editing was used to mutate the corresponding tyrosine residue of endogenous mouse ERβ (Y55F) in mouse embryonic stem cells. The derived homozygous mutant Esr2Y55F/Y55F mouse strain and its wild-type (WT) counterpart were compared in various transplant tumor models for their ability to support tumor growth. In addition, flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping was carried out to assess antitumor immunity of WT and mutant hosts. Adoptive transfer of bone marrow and purified CD8+ T cells were performed to identify the host cell type that harbors ERβ-dependent antitumor function. Furthermore, cell signaling assays were conducted to compare T cell receptor (TCR)-initiated signaling cascade in CD8+ T cells of WT and mutant mice. Lastly, the ERβ-selective agonist S-equol was evaluated for its efficacy to boost immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based anticancer immunotherapy.Disabling the ERβ-specific phosphotyrosine switch in tumor-bearing hosts exacerbates tumor growth. Further, a cell-autonomous ERβ function was defined in CD8+ effector T cells. Mechanistically, TCR activation triggers ERβ phosphorylation, which in turn augments the downstream TCR signaling cascade via a non-genomic action of ERβ. S-equol facilitates TCR activation that stimulates the ERβ phosphotyrosine switch and boosts anti-PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein 1) ICB immunotherapy.Our mouse genetic study clearly demonstrates a role of the ERβ phosphotyrosine switch in regulating ERβ-dependent antitumor immunity in CD8+ T cells. Our findings support the development of ERβ agonists including S-equol in combination with ICB immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
A Review of the Theories for Sand Drains

Review of factors involved in success or failure of drain well designed to accelerate process of soil consolidation; consolidation behavior of smeared wells found to be identical to that of equivalent ideal well of reduced diameter; numerical procedures for solving consolidation problems.
Abstract 14795: Oral Anticoagulation Associated With Lower Risk of Stroke in Patients With Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Recent studies showed post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with increased stroke risk - even approaching that of unprovoked AF. This raises the question of whether ...
Guest Editorial Special Section on BioRob 2020

The 8th IEEE International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob) was held virtually in New York City, organized by Columbia University, from November 29 – December 1, 2020 due to the pandemic. A total of 200 scientific papers were presented at the conference by authors from over 24 countries. Based on the reviewer scores of each submitted paper, 12 papers were selected by the conference editorial board to compete for the Best Paper awards in three different categories. The authors of each of these 12 papers were invited to submit an extended version of their papers for possible publication in a BioRob2020 Special Section of the Journal IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics (T-MRB). A total of 8 papers were submitted by the authors to the journal which went through the full peer review process involving two guest editors. The BioRob 2020 Special Section of T-MRB includes 4 papers accepted for publication by the journal.
Prioritize systemic approaches for young people's mental health.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities for transformative actions towards improving children’s and young people’s mental health, argues Archana Basu.
Excitations of isolated static charges in q=2 Abelian Higgs theory

In this report, I discuss lattice Monte Carlo evidence of excitations of isolated static charges in q=2 Abelian Higgs theory. The localized excitations are excited states of the interacting fields surrounding the static charges.
Prevalence of Legionella in Whirlpool Spas: Correlation with Total Bacterial Numbers

The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Legionella species in public whirlpool spas (in the absence of disease) by examining a large population of these spas over the past 18 years. Additionally, the presence of Legionella was correlated with other microbiological parameters, including the presence of another disease-causing bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that may be transmitted via whirlpool spas, and the total bacterial numbers as a measure of the overall microbiology and disinfection status of the spas. A similar relationship was found between P. aeruginosa and high total bacterial counts. On the basis of these results, it would appear that Legionella and P. aeruginosa proliferate primarily in spas where the disinfection (i.e., free halogen concentrations) and other maintenance procedures are inadequate to control the total bacterial numbers. In conclusion, the current data would support a conclusion that Legionnaires' disease is a preventable illness, at least as associated with whirlpool spas. Prevention of disease would be related to tight control of free available halogen levels and other regular maintenance procedures, coupled with bacterial monitoring to assess the effectiveness of these procedures.
Stinging-insect hypersensitivity: a 20-year study of immunologic treatment.

It is evident that the degree of severity of the sting reactions and the degree of protectiveness from immunotherapy are dose-related. Immunologic treatment for three years seems to provide a high degree of protection6 but 5% of the patients did not have complete protection during treatment and an additional 5% of patients had a decrease in protection after treatment was stopped. Until a method is developed for determining whether clinical protection is present and persisting after three years of injection treatment, all patients should probably have some plan of continuing immunological treatment. As indicated in previous publications, one author9s (H.L.M.) experience with patients relying on sting avoidance and emergency self-treatment for protection has proven to be disastrous in three cases and fatal in one instance. Some stinging insect reactions are probably not immunologic.6 Increasingly severe local reactions to successive stings may be reason for considering immunologic treatment, depending on the circumstances in each case.
Preoperative nutritional status of total joint patients

Abstract The records of 217 consecutive patients who underwent a primary total hip or total knee arthroplasty were reviewed for preoperative and post-operative nutritional status. Fifty-seven patients had a lymphocyte count of less than 1,500 cells/mm 3 , four patients had an albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dL, and two patients had both, giving a 27% incidence of indices indicative of preoperative nutritional depletion. Patients without wound complications had an average preoperative lymphocyte count of 1,995 (±631), compared to 1,638 (±491) for those with persistent serous drainage from their wounds, and 1,553 (±419) for those patients with a major wound complication ( P =.002). The average albumin levels were 4.30 (±0.33), 4.22 (±0.31), and 4.13 (±0.54), respectively. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were compared to those with osteoarthritis and were found to have significantly lower preoperative albumin levels. They were three times as likely to develop a major wound complication. Patients on immunosuppressive medications had significantly lower preoperative lymphocyte counts, lower albumin levels, and higher complication rates ( P =.04). After operation, lymphocyte counts of all patients dropped to an average of 57% of their preoperative values, and albumin levels dropped to 72% of their preoperative values. No nutritional parameters had returned to their preoperative levels by 10 postoperative days. For all patients, a preoperative lymphocyte count of less than 1,500 cells/mm 3 was associated with a five times greater frequency of developing a major wound complication, and an albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dL had a seven times greater frequency. In the two patients with both low albumin levels and low lymphocyte counts, one suffered a deepwound infection, and the other a major dehiscence. Preoperative nutritional assessment to identify patients at risk for wound-healing complications following elective total hip and knee arthroplasty is warranted.
Integrating country of origin into global marketing strategy

Country‐of‐origin research has frequently found country markings to affect consumer product evaluations, providing country‐of‐origin markings a unique opportunity to become an evermore important element in the global strategic mix. However, marketing literature has been delinquent in providing international strategists meaningful aids for obtaining wanted “made in” designations. Therefore, this study provides an examination of the four major legal tests (name, character and use; essence; value added; and article of commerce) which constitute the US marking statutes. Explanations of the tests, with practical examples, are provided to enhance marketing practitioners’ abilities for integrating country‐of‐origin markings into overall global strategic design.
Purification and subunit structure of deoxyribonucleic acid-dependent ribonucleic acid polymerase II from the mouse plasmacytoma, MOPC 315.

Class III DNA-dependent RNA polymerases were purified from the mouse plasmacytoma, MOPC 315. RNA polymerases IIIA and IIIB were solubilized from a whole cell extract and resolved by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex. Chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, DEAE-Sephadex, CM-Sephadex, and phosphocellulose ion exchange resins and sedimentation in sucrose density gradients yielded chromatographically homogeneous Enzymes IIIA and IIIB which were purified approximately 22,000 and 53,000-fold respectively, relative to whole cell extracts. The specific activity of these enzymes was comparable to that reported for other purified eukaryotic RNA polymerases. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis suggested a molecular weight of approximately 650,000 for each of the class III enzymes.
Lowest-Order Electromagnetic Interactions

The relativistic quantum theory of interacting leptons (electrons or muons) and photons is referred to as quantum electrodynamics (QED). Applying the Feynman rules just developed, we first work our way through many of the lowest-order interactions of QED, pointing out when possible the elegant structure of Feynman graphs and their connection with CPT notions such as crossing. We then extend these techniques to electromagnetic form factors and decays of hadrons. Finally we return to the nonrelativistic concept of an electromagnetic force, i.e., static potential, and show how it can be extracted from relativistic Feynman graphs.
The Relationship of the Facial Nerve to the Condylar Process: A Cadaveric Study with Implications for Open Reduction Internal Fixation.

Introduction. The mandibular condyle is the most common site of mandibular fracture. Surgical treatment of condylar fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) demands direct visualization of the fracture. This project aimed to investigate the anatomic relationship of the tragus to the facial nerve and condylar process. Materials and Methods. Twelve fresh hemicadavers heads were used. An extended retromandibular/preauricular approach was utilized, with the incision being based parallel to the posterior edge of the ramus. Measurements were obtained from the tragus to the facial nerve and condylar process. Results. The temporozygomatic division of the facial nerve was encountered during each approach, crossing the mandible at the condylar neck. The mean tissue depth separating the facial nerve from the condylar neck was 5.5 mm (range: 3.5 mm–7 mm, SD 1.2 mm). The upper division of the facial nerve crossed the posterior border of the condylar process on average 2.31 cm (SD 0.10 cm) anterior to the tragus. Conclusions. This study suggests that the temporozygomatic division of the facial nerve will be encountered in most approaches to the condylar process. As visualization of the relationship of the facial nerve to condyle is often limited, recognition that, on average, 5.5 mm of tissue separates condylar process from nerve should help reduce the incidence of facial nerve injury during this procedure.
Normal Axillary Ultrasound Excludes Heavy Nodal Disease Burden in Patients with Breast Cancer

Axillary lymph node stage is important in guiding adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. The role of axillary ultrasound (AUS) in axillary staging is uncertain. From an institutional database, all newly diagnosed invasive breast carcinomas from February 1, 2011 to October 31, 2014 were identified; exclusions were for stage IV disease, palpable adenopathy, or receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. AUS findings, categorized as suspicious versus not suspicious, were correlated with the number of nodal metastasis from surgical pathology. The false-negative rate of nonsuspicious AUS for identifying ≥3 lymph nodes positive on final pathology was calculated. A total of 513 cancers were included. Overall, 400 AUSs were not suspicious (78 %), and 113 were suspicious (22 %). The sensitivity and specificity of AUS for predicting ≥3 nodal metastasis were 71 and 83 %, respectively. The false-negative rate for detecting ≥3 nodal metastasis was 4 %. False-negative rate was higher for lobular versus nonlobular carcinomas (12.0 vs. 2.3 %, p = 0.004) and for pT2–pT4 tumors versus pT1 tumors (8.2 vs. 1.7 %, p = 0.005). Patients with normal axillary physical exam and ultrasound rarely harbor a large nodal disease burden. Randomized trials of sentinel lymph node biopsy versus no axillary surgery in patients with normal AUS must be powered for subgroup analysis of patients with invasive lobular carcinoma and pT2–pT4 tumors. Preoperative identification of nodal metastasis may decrease the need for second surgeries and identify candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. AUS is a noninvasive means of predicting disease burden preoperatively and as such is a powerful tool to individualize treatment plans.
Antimicrobial Activity of Metal Chelates of Salts of 8-Quinolinols with Aromatic Hydroxycarboxylic Acids

Thirty-seven metal chelate complexes of salts of 8-quinolinols with aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids were screened by the disc-plate method against strains of five bacteria and five fungi. The copper (II) chelates of 8-quinolinolium salicylate and 8-quinolinolium-3′-hydroxy-2′-naphthoate showed outstanding antifungal and good antibacterial properties and appear to be potentially more economical than copper (II) 8-quinolinolate.
Double-exchange model for molecule-based magnets

Abstract We report a detailed study of a double-exchange model proposed for the molecule-based magnets. The model is applied to a two-dimensional periodic complex made of a transition metal and an organic molecule in which the electronic structure is described by effective d orbitals of the transition metal ion at infinite Hund's coupling limit and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the organic molecule, π ∗ . Depending on the average electron density of the organic molecules and various superexchange couplings between metal ions' core spins, magnetic states of the complex are investigated. Performing Monte Carlo calculations on a model Hamiltonian for various electron densities of the organic molecule, the average magnetization and critical magnetic ordering temperatures are determined.
The development of an integrated treatment for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Objective. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of the first integrated treatment for Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Design. Descriptive, including pre- and posttreatment assessment results from a pilot study of six veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD. Setting. Northeastern Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Interventions. Using components of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain management, a 12-session integrated treatment for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD was developed. A therapist manual and patient workbook that included weekly readings and homework assignments were created. Participants received pre- and posttreatment evaluations using measures of pain, PTSD, physical disability, and psychological distress. The treatment development process is reviewed and the benefits and challenges of implementing this integrated treatment are presented. Results. Several themes emerged over the course of implementing the treatment, including the importance of establishing participant trust, regular therapy attendance, and addressing participant avoidance. Of the six participants recruited for the pilot study, three withdrew from the study and three completed the integrated treatment. Participants reported that they generally liked the format of treatment, appreciated learning about the ways that chronic pain and PTSD share some common symptoms, and ways that the two disorders can interact with one another. The assessment results of those who completed treatment suggest that this treatment approach is feasible and may have clinical benefit. Conclusions. Participants appeared to benefit from receiving the integrated treatment for pain and PTSD. A randomized clinical trial is currently being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment approach.
Does Social Media Big Data Make the World Smaller? An Exploratory Analysis of Keyword-Hashtag Networks

Social Media Big Data have transformed the scale of exploratory analysis on the web and offered new means of performing tasks that were not feasible before. Over a half century ago, Milgram showed that the average number of intermediaries (called the "degrees of separation") between two individuals is less than six (between 4.4 and 5.7). The study was done via means of regular mail on a very limited number of participants. With the advances of Internet, Dodds et al. performed the first electronic Milgram's using 60,000 participants and achieved similar results of Milgram's. These experiments remained within a very small-scale until the emergence of Facebook and social media. In 2012, Backstrom et al. carried out the largest Milgram-like experiment performed using the entire Facebook network. The findings showed that the average degrees of separation is 3.74, which suggest a shrinking world due to the impact of Big Data in a highly connected environment. Inspired by this recent finding, we pose the question: How does this newly observed phenomenon affect contents on Big Data environments? In this study we present an exploratory analysis of large-scale K-H networks generated from Twitter. We used two different measures (1) The number of vertices that connect any two keywords, (2) The eccentricity of keyword vertices, a well known path measure. Our analysis shows that K-H networks conform to the phenomenon of the shrinking world. Specifically, it shows that the number of vertices of any two keywords, that were not originally connected in the K-K networks, is exactly three while the eccentricity of every keyword is exactly four.