cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractional Brownian description of aggregate surfaces within undisturbed soil samples using penetration resistance measurements

Abstract Soil structure exerts a major influence on physical processes but its description is still a challenge for soil scientists. Methods commonly used to describe soil structure are based on soil fragmentation. Yet, for a more holistic approach of soil properties modeling, one should describe the variability of soil as found in situ. In this study, we applied a fractional Brownian model to penetration resistance measurements within undisturbed soil samples from two tillage systems, no-tillage (NT) and moldboard plow (MP). Semivariograms were estimated for 92 penetration resistance series for MP and 100 samples for NT. Surface fractal dimension ( D s ) and crossover length ( l ) were estimated from the slope and intercept of the log–log semivariograms plots at small lags. The mean ± 95% confidence intervals D s for both treatments were similar, averaging 1.65 ± 0.03 for MP and 1.64 ± 0.03 for NT. The geometric mean crossover lengths ( l ) were, however, significantly different, with NT presenting higher value (5.9 ± 1.15 mm) compared to MP (2.9 ± 1.13 mm). Also, soil samples for NT presented significantly higher bulk density and geometric mean diameter (GMD) compared to MP treatment. Mean ± 95% confidence intervals GMD were 6.8 ± 0.30 and 10.8 ± 0.40 mm for MP and NT treatments, respectively. At the same time, organic matter content and water content at a fixed head were not significantly different between treatments and should not influence the penetration resistance results in this study. Higher values of log e ( l ) indicate that NT penetrometer series presented a rougher surface compared to MP, suggesting component microaggregate coalescence within the year following tillage. The use of fractal analysis of penetration resistance series appears to be a useful tool to describe aggregate surfaces in an undisturbed soil sample.
Structural analysis of a class III preQ1 riboswitch reveals an aptamer distant from a ribosome-binding site regulated by fast dynamics

PreQ1-III riboswitches are newly identified RNA elements that control bacterial genes in response to preQ1 (7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine), a precursor to the essential hypermodified tRNA base queuosine. Although numerous riboswitches fold as H-type or HLout-type pseudoknots that integrate ligand-binding and regulatory sequences within a single folded domain, the preQ1-III riboswitch aptamer forms a HLout-type pseudoknot that does not appear to incorporate its ribosome-binding site (RBS). To understand how this unusual organization confers function, we determined the crystal structure of the class III preQ1 riboswitch from Faecalibacterium prausnitzii at 2.75 A resolution. PreQ1 binds tightly (KD,app 6.5 ± 0.5 nM) between helices P1 and P2 of a three-way helical junction wherein the third helix, P4, projects orthogonally from the ligand-binding pocket, exposing its stem-loop to base pair with the 3' RBS. Biochemical analysis, computational modeling, and single-molecule FRET imaging demonstrated that preQ1 enhances P4 reorientation toward P1-P2, promoting a partially nested, H-type pseudoknot in which the RBS undergoes rapid docking (kdock ∼ 0.6 s(-1)) and undocking (kundock ∼ 1.1 s(-1)). Discovery of such dynamic conformational switching provides insight into how a riboswitch with bipartite architecture uses dynamics to modulate expression platform accessibility, thus expanding the known repertoire of gene control strategies used by regulatory RNAs.
Reproductive responses to mycorrhizal colonization of Abutilon theophrasti Medic, plants grown for two generations in the field

summary Plants of Abutilo theophrasti Medic, were grown for two consecutive years in the field. First generation (maternal) plants were grown either with or without mycorrhizal inoculation with Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith. We collected early and late cohorts of seeds which were used to product second generation (offspring) plants. Offspring plants were grown either with or without mycorrhizal inoculation with G. intraradices. Irrespective of maternal mycorrhizal status, we found that offspring of early cohort seeds had greater percent mycorrhizal colonization early in the growing season, a greater proportion of plants flowering early in the season, and a greater number of capsules per plant at the end of the season compared with offspring of late cohort seeds. These differences were observed despite the fact that shoot N and P concentrations were greater in offspring of late cohort seeds. We found that mycorrhizal colonization of maternal plants decreased the average time to reproductive maturity in offspring plants, but did not significantly influence any other vegetative or reproductive trait in the offspring plants. Mycorrhizal colonization of offspring plants resulted in a greater number of branches per plant and a greater number of mature capsules per branch. Mycorrhizal colonization of offspring plants also resulted in a significant increase in seed P content, bur only for seeds that were produced late in the growing season, We conclude that mycorrhizal colonization of the offspring generation was more important than mycorrhizal colonization of the maternal generation m determining offspring reproductive output, but maternal seed cohort is an important interacting factor that influences offspring fecundity.
The use of decision analysis for organizational design: reorganizing a community hospital

Organizational design is presented as a decision process, with specific structures seen as providing alternative choices. To illustrate this, the authors present the case of a major metropolitan hospital that used the process to coordinate service delivery (nursing care versus patient care) and servicefocus (product oriented versus function oriented). Through interviews with more than 40 hospital administrators and staff, the authors created a list of 20 attributes, and used simple multi-attribute utility analysis to generate six design alternatives. The decision makers unanimously chose one alternative, even though potential for significant conflict existed because of differing values and objectives. The authors find decision analytic techniques useful for both the problem formulation and for generating and evaluating structural alternatives, and conclude that in this case consensus was facilitated by the decision process used
How Barnes and Williams have failed to present an intelligible ontic theory of vagueness

Elizabeth Barnes and J. Robert G. Williams claim to offer a new ontic theory of vagueness, the kind of theory which considers vagueness to exist not in language but in reality. This paper refutes their claim. The possible worlds they employ are ersatz possible worlds, i.e., sets of sentences. Unlike reality, they don’t contain concrete and often material objects. As a result, there is nothing in Barnes and Williams’s description of the theory that the semanticist cannot or does not accept. Thus, they have failed to establish their theory as a genuine intelligible ontic alternative to semantic theories
Wireless cybersecurity education via a software defined radio laboratory

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing concerns in the world today. Recent global events show the need for more strict measures to protect the public from cyber attacks, which has triggered an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. Many academic institutions began offering courses covering current cybersecurity concepts to satisfy this need. Although these courses educate students with proper skills, they lack the connection to current advancements in academic research. A more encompassing curriculum is needed in this rapidly growing field. For the most up-to-date education, we developed a course that takes a student-centric hands-on approach supported with Software Defined Radios to study current cybersecurity research projects in wireless networks. Our course consists of short lectures followed by lab sessions, where students implement security algorithms described by standards or by recent peer-reviewed research articles. Our results indicate that students appreciate the mixture of textbook and research topics being covered in the course and they feel more prepared for any future task in the cybersecurity field. While deviating from the textbook applies additional strain to educators, our paper shows that including current research practices in curriculum development efforts is a good investment towards a better educational outcome.
Platelet polymorphisms and ischemic heart disease: Moving beyond traditional risk factors

A single butterfly flapping its wings today produces a tiny change in the state of the atmosphere … Chaos: Making a New Science , James Gleick [(1)][1] Because of the cumulative effect of inherited minute alterations of multiple genes, what the cardiovascular system actually does over a lifetime
Emergency Care at the Crossroads: Emergency Department Crowding, Payment Reform, and One Potential Future.

In this issue of Annals, Gabayan et al explore the relationship between measures of emergency department (ED) crowding and 2 outcomes: inpatient admission and death. Examining more than 600,000 discharged patients across a dozen EDs in the Kaiser system in California, they found that no ED crowding measures were associated with 7-day mortality, a rare outcome (0.05%). However, 2 of 6 measures of crowding, the evaluation time and ED length of stay, were associated with nearly 4 times higher risk of return and hospital admission with 7 days. To explain the findings, they reasoned that discharged patients evaluated for longer periods had more complex conditions and may be more likely to require later inpatient care. ED crowding alone did not appear to be harmful. Together, this led the authors to cast doubt on the validity of using ED crowding measures as indicators of quality for discharged patients. During the past decade, the ED crowding literature advanced considerably; similarly, but more recently, priorities of US health care policy have evolved rapidly, particularly with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act insurance reforms and focus on cost containment. In 2006, the Institute of Medicine released 3 reports that together painted a picture of a broken emergency care system. One report, Hospital-Based Emergency Care: At the Breaking Point, described ED care as crowded, fragmented, and underfunded, bursting at the seams from 2 decades of year-after-year visit increases that outpaced population growth superimposed on shrinking numbers of EDs. Increased volumes were accompanied by greater ED care intensity: more computed tomography use, more laboratory testing, and greater expectations that every test should be completed in the ED before hospital admission. Despite a stream of new sick patients, ED patients destined for admission often sat in a logjam—boarding—awaiting scarce hospital beds. As a result, ED boarders overwhelmed ED resources, causing new sick and injured patients to wait
Improving student engagement and success by using iPad initiated audience response systems in the classroom

2525 Objectives To (1) understand the advantage of using audience response systems as a way to increase success for students, (2) determine the difference in grades when response systems were used or not used, (3) discuss the advantages of using integrated technology in the classroom. Methods Technology is ever changing and more prevalent with the upcoming generations which puts more emphasis on embracing technological change in the classroom. The application E-clicker®, an effective audience response system used for true learning, was trialed in a nuclear medicine procedures class for technologist students as a way to increase success and engagement. A total of five tests were given throughout the semester, three using traditional review methods and two with using E-clicker®. The instructor created two different question banks as review for scheduled tests. The reviews consisted of multiple question formats (multiple choice, true or false, agree/disagree) and image recognition questions. Results There was an 18% increase in test scores when using E-clicker® instead of traditional methods of review. The average score on the tests given after traditional review methods was 74.23. The average score of the tests given after using E-Clicker® was 90.57. An increase of student involvement was also noted while using E-clicker®. Conclusions The results showed a remarkably increase in grades when E-Clicker® was used in the classroom. While there are many applications to improve success with emerging technologies this application seemed to be useful in not only increasing their grades but also engaging the students in learning.
Comparative Study of Enzyme Activity and Heme Reactivity in Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens Cystathionine β-Synthases

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway, which is critical for the synthesis of cysteine from methionine in eukaryotes. CBS uses coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) for catalysis, and S-adenosylmethionine regulates the activity of human CBS, but not yeast CBS. Human and fruit fly CBS contain heme; however, the role for heme is not clear. This paper reports biochemical and spectroscopic characterization of CBS from fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (DmCBS) and the CO/NO gas binding reactions of DmCBS and human CBS. Like CBS enzymes from lower organisms (e.g., yeast), DmCBS is intrinsically highly active and is not regulated by AdoMet. The DmCBS heme coordination environment, the reactivity, and the accompanying effects on enzyme activity are similar to those of human CBS. The DmCBS heme bears histidine and cysteine axial ligands, and the enzyme becomes inactive when the cysteine ligand is replaced. The Fe(II) heme in DmCBS is less stable than that in human CBS, undergoing more facile reoxidation and ligand exchange. In both CBS proteins, the overall stability of the protein is correlated with the heme oxidation state. Human and DmCBS Fe(II) hemes react relatively slowly with CO and NO, and the rate of the CO binding reaction is faster at low pH than at high pH. Together, the results suggest that heme incorporation and AdoMet regulation in CBS are not correlated, possibly providing two independent means for regulating the enzyme.
Degree of Maps and Periodic Maps on S1

(1975). Degree of Maps and Periodic Maps on S1. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 2, pp. 149-151.
Binding of radioactive sodium, potassium, and bromide in guinea pig brain homogenates.

Summary1. Dialysis of guinea pig brain homogenates from animals given intraperitoneal injections of radioactive tracers revealed that 3%-4% of brain sodium (1.7 mEq/kg wet brain), bromide and potassium (3.5 mEq/kg) were “bound”, i.e., did not pass the dialysis membrane. 2. Centrifugation studies indicated that these “bound” fractions were contained in the sedimentable portion of the homogenates, and therefore are not mitochondrial or microsomal, as these terms are usually defined. 3. Similarities in amount and development of “binding” of these 3 elements, and in the effects of centrifugation, as well as the absence of comparable binding in liver suggested that this binding may be related to the presence of myelin. 4. The level of bound sodium decreased 50% as a result of convulsions, with no concomitant change in bromide or potassium. 5. The significance of these observations was discussed.
Endothelin receptor antagonists in sickle cell disease: A promising new therapeutic approach

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematologic disorder that is characterized by a variety of potentially life threatening acute and chronic complications. Currently, hydroxyurea is the only clinically approved pharmacological therapy for the treatment of SCD, and the continued prevalence of severe disease complications underscores the desperate need for the development of new therapeutic agents. Central features of the sickle cell disease milieu, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, and thrombosis, are established enhancers of endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis. This conceptual connection between ET-1 and SCD was confirmed by multiple studies that demonstrated markedly elevated plasma and urinary levels of ET-1 in SCD patients. Direct evidence for the involvement of ET-1 signaling in the development of SCD pathologies has come from studies using endothelin receptor antagonists in SCD mice. This review summarizes recent studies that have implicated ET-1 signaling as a mechanistic contributor to renal, vascular, pulmonary, and nociceptive complications of sickle cell disease and discusses the potential for the use of ET receptor antagonists in the treatment of SCD.
Evidence for a Cryptic Gene that Enables E. Coli to Specifically Transport Folate Analogs

The effectiveness of the sulfonamide antibiotics has been attributed to the inability of most bacteria to utilize environmental folate. Escherichia coli and other bacteria depend on de novo synthesis of folate. We have previously isolated pabA- mutants that can grow on p-aminobenzoyl glutamate, a breakdown product of folic acid (Hussein, Green, and Nichols, J. Bact. 1998, 180, 6260–6268). Growth correlated with overproduction of AbgT, an apparent transporter located at the end of a sequence resembling an operon. Using measurements of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for a variety of drugs, we show that over-expression of abgT in wild-type cells imparts a large increase in sensitivities to aminopterin and methotrexate. Inhibition seems to be specific for folate analogs, as there was little difference in the MIC values for other drugs, including trimethoprim, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, kanamycin, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, salicylic acid, and streptomycin. The abg locus may be cryptic for transport of folate analogs or end products of folate catabolism.
The Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II): A Cross-Sample Structural Analysis

A common concern about the Beck Depression Inventory, Second edition (BDI-II) among researchers in the area of depression has long been the single-factor scoring scheme. Methods exist for making cr...
Zinc-Deprivation, Motor Activity and Attention

The effects of moderate dietary zinc deprivation (2 mcg/gm diet) compared to an adequate zinc intake (50 mcg/gm) were compared using 24-hour activity patterns and an attention task performance in 10 adolescent female monkeys (18-33 months of age) at the California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA.
Monitoring forage production in rangeland using remote sensing observations

We developed a cost-effective monitoring tool to quantify forage production across landscapes,that are driven with satellite remote sensing data and calibrated with a statewide point dataset of peak forage production measurements. Our results showed that the satellite-derived annual forage production correlated well with contemporaneous in-situ forage measurements; it also captured spatial and temporal productivity patterns. This remote sensing algorithm can be further improved as new field measurements become available. The validated remote sensing tool will be implemented over all rangeland areas across the state, allowing for real time forage mapping at the spatial and temporal resolution required by ranchers, and to facilitate adoption of the system by end users as a managerial support tool.
Prior behavior impacts human mimicry of robots

Mimicry, the automatic imitation of gestures, postures, mannerisms, and other motor movements, has been shown to be a critical component of human interaction but needs further exploration in human-robot interaction. Understanding mimicry is important for building better robots, learning about human categorization of robots in social ingroups/outgroups, and understanding social contagion in human-robot interaction. We investigate the extent to which humans will mimic a robot during the task of describing paintings by comparing the time participants put their hands on their hips before and after observing a robot cue that behavior. We observed no significant difference in participants' hands on hips time before and after the robot's cue. However, we did find that some participants performed the behavior more after the robot's cue while others performed it less. Furthermore, the direction of this change was a function of whether or not a participant performed the specified behavior prior to the robot's cue. This was similarly observed both for frequency of behavior performance and for a second behavior (hands behind back). As such, this study informs future research on human-robot mimicry, particularly on the importance of prior behavior during a human-robot interaction. In doing so, this study provides a baseline for further understanding and exploring mimicry in human-robot interaction as well as evidence for a social component in human-robot mimicry.
Mindfulness-Informed Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning

Chapter 5 outlines a comprehensive mindfulness-informed approach to case conceptualization that includes a person’s relationship with self, others, and life/suffering. In addition, principles of goal setting and treatment planning are reviewed and three detailed treatment plan templates are included for individual clients diagnosed with depression/anxiety, couples reporting relational distress, and families experiencing conflict.
A critical evaluation of the Neo-Socioanalytic Model of personality

Abstract As part of the resurgence of interest in personality development, we wrote several theoretical pieces outlining the Neo-Socioanalytic Model of Personality Development. In this chapter, we clarify why we developed this framework and how it differs from other personality frameworks. We also discuss how well components of the framework, such as the principles of personality development, have held up over time. We conclude with recommendations on improving the model and for future research to better test predictions from the model.
Validation of the American Makes Builds

The thermo-mechanical modeling of laser powder bed fusion processes using traditional moving source methods is impractical due to the requirements for both spatial and temporal discretization of the problem according to good finite element practice. To circumvent these limitations, multi-scale methods have been attempted. This work utilizes a multi-scale predictive model to simulate the distortion of an Inconel 625 component built as part of the America Makes project, “Development of Distortion Prediction and Compensation Methods for Metal Powder-Bed AM.” The multi-scale model is briefly explained, which consists of a small scale weakly coupled thermo-mechanical model whose results are mapped onto a large scale weakly coupled thermo-mechanical model. Meshing criteria at both the small and large scale are discussed and explored. Model-experiment comparisons show that the multi-scale model is generally within 30% of the measured peak distortion.
THE NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF PHASE CHANGE PROBLEMS

The enthalpy method for heat transfer with change of phase and some numerical experiments with the phase function extension of the enthalpy formulation are discussed. Then the method of lines front tracking algorithm is described which solves multi-dimensional time dependent free boundary problems as a sequence of time implicit one dimensional problems. This approach is illustrated with a two-dimensional one-phase Stefan problem on an irregular domain which is transformed to a free boundary problem on a rectangular computational domain and then solved with front tracking.
Standing in the Gaps: Examining the Effects of Early Gifted Education on Black Girl Achievement in STEM:

The purpose of this study was to explore the differential effects of access to gifted education on the mathematics and science achievement of fourth-grade Black girls. This study utilized mean difference effect sizes to examine the magnitude of differences between groups. By convention, White girls were included as a comparison group. Girls receiving gifted instruction and girls not receiving gifted instruction were the populations of interest (N = 13,868). The mathematics results suggest that Black girls participating in gifted education statistically significantly outperform Black girls in the comparison group. The mean difference effect sizes for within-group differences were almost twice as large for Black girls compared with White girls. The science results indicate that Black girls receiving gifted instruction outperformed Black girls in the comparison group. White girls, regardless of access to gifted instruction, statistically significantly outperformed Black girls in science. These results inform...
Detecting silent seizures by their sound.

OBJECTIVE The traditional approach to interpreting electroencephalograms (EEGs) requires physicians with formal training to visually assess the waveforms. This approach can be less practical in critical settings where a trained EEG specialist is not readily available to review the EEG and diagnose ongoing subclinical seizures, such as nonconvulsive status epilepticus. METHODS We have developed a novel method by which EEG data are converted to sound in real time by letting the underlying electrophysiological signal modulate a voice tone that is in the audible range. Here, we explored whether individuals without any prior EEG training could listen to 15-second sonified EEG and determine whether the EEG represents seizures or nonseizure conditions. We selected 84 EEG samples to represent seizures (n = 7), seizure-like activity (n = 25), or nonperiodic, nonrhythmic activity (normal or focal/generalized slowing, n = 52). EEGs from single channels in the left and right hemispheres were then converted to sound files. After a 4-minute training video, medical students (n = 34) and nurses (n = 30) were asked to designate each audio sample as "seizure" or "nonseizure." We then compared their performance with that of EEG-trained neurologists (n = 12) and medical students (n = 29) who also diagnosed the same EEGs on visual display. RESULTS Nonexperts listening to single-channel sonified EEGs detected seizures with remarkable sensitivity (students, 98% ± 5%; nurses, 95% ± 14%) compared to experts or nonexperts reviewing the same EEGs on visual display (neurologists, 88% ± 11%; students, 76% ± 19%). If the EEGs contained seizures or seizure-like activity, nonexperts listening to sonified EEGs rated them as seizures with high specificity (students, 85% ± 9%; nurses, 82% ± 12%) compared to experts or nonexperts viewing the EEGs visually (neurologists, 90% ± 7%; students, 65% ± 20%). SIGNIFICANCE Our study confirms that individuals without EEG training can detect ongoing seizures or seizure-like rhythmic periodic patterns by listening to sonified EEG. Although sonification of EEG cannot replace the traditional approaches to EEG interpretation, it provides a meaningful triage tool for fast assessment of patients with suspected subclinical seizures.
Facet-Mediated Pain

The cervical facet joints, zygapophyseal joints, are diarthrodial joints formed by the inferior articular process and the corresponding proximal superior articular process of adjacent vertebral bodies. Pain generated by these joints is usually caused by degenerative changes. However, an acute, traumatic process, such as whiplash, can also cause facet pain. There are no specific physical exam findings or maneuvers that are specific for the diagnosis of cervical facet pain, although paraspinal tenderness seems to correlate with facet arthropathy. Oftentimes, imaging, such as plain radiographs, CT, or MRI, may be used to diagnose degenerative changes; however, the same findings can be found in asymptomatic patients. So the gold standard approach to identify if a facet joint pain is the pain generator is through the use of diagnostic blocks. Conservative treatment with pharmacological agents, exercise program, and alternative therapies are often employed first. However, if these are unsuccessful, then interventional treatments including intra-articular injections, therapeutic blocks, and/or radiofrequency denervation are often utilized.
Acoustic detection of Mallodon dasystomus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Persea americana (Laurales: Lauraceae) branch stumps

Mallodon dasystomus Say (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae) is a pest of hardwood trees in the southern United States that recently began attacking trees in avocado groves in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The larvae feed hidden inside the tree, and adult attractants have not been commercialized; consequently, this species is difficult to find in field environments. It was of interest to consider the potential use of insect acoustic detection devices to help survey the magnitude and locations M. dasystomus populations in commercial avocado groves so that the extent of their economic damage could be estimated. An insect acoustic detection system was tested in 2 avocado groves on 11 trees suspected of harboring infestations. Four infested trees were identified and 6 were correctly classified as uninfested. One uninfested tree was classified as infested, possibly due to the occurrence of wind during signal recording. The use of acoustic methods to detect M. dasystomus can be of benefit in estimating its economic damage to the Florida avocado industry already facing losses from laurel wilt, caused by Raffaelea lauricola, Harrington, Fraedrich, and Aghayeva (Ophiostomataceae), vectored by redbay ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Ploetz et al. 2017), and Fusarium (Hypocreaceae) dieback, vectored by Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Carrillo et al. 2016; Kendra et al. 2017).
Objective PET study of glucose metabolism asymmetries in children with epilepsy: Implications for normal brain development.

Clinical interpretation of cerebral positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG-PET) images often relies on evaluation of regional asymmetries. This study was designed to establish age-related variations in regional cortical glucose metabolism asymmetries in the developing human brain. FDG-PET scans of 58 children (age: 1-18 years) were selected from a large single-center pediatric PET database. All children had a history of epilepsy, normal MRI, and normal pattern of glucose metabolism on visual evaluation. PET images were analyzed objectively by statistical parametric mapping with the use of age-specific FDG-PET templates. Regional FDG uptake was measured in 35 cortical regions in both hemispheres using an automated anatomical labeling atlas, and left/right ratios were correlated with age, gender, and epilepsy variables. Cortical glucose metabolism was mostly symmetric in young children and became increasingly asymmetric in older subjects. Specifically, several frontal cortical regions showed an age-related increase of left > right asymmetries (mean: up to 10%), while right > left asymmetries emerged in posterior cortex (including portions of the occipital, parietal, and temporal lobe) in older children (up to 9%). Similar trends were seen in a subgroup of 39 children with known right-handedness. Age-related correlations of regional metabolic asymmetries showed no robust gender differences and were not affected by epilepsy variables. These data demonstrate a region-specific emergence of cortical metabolic asymmetries between age 1-18 years, with left > right asymmetry in frontal and right > left asymmetry in posterior regions. The findings can facilitate correct interpretation of cortical regional asymmetries on pediatric FDG-PET images across a wide age range.
Phase transition in two-dimensional tellurene under mechanical strain modulation

Abstract We carry out computational simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) to investigate different phases of two-dimensional (2-D) tellurene. These phases are classified by their characteristic space groups and symmetry elements. Correlations of these phases to the bulk crystalline tellurium structure are also illustrated. Our specific interests include mechanical property calculations for different phases and the possible phase transitions between them. Simulation results show that these 2-D Te phases have very different elastic moduli due to their different atomic bonding and relaxed structures. Moreover, compression along the in-plane directions facilitates the α → β phase transition, while in-plane tensile strains always make the α-phase more stable than the β-phase. However, the energy difference between the two phases is comparable to or even much smaller than the thermal energy kT, depending on the in-plane strain direction. We find that further increase of the tensile strain along the chain direction beyond a critical value, ca. 12%, may lead to a possible α → γ phase transition. As the tensile strain is above 15%, the γ-phase will be more stable than the α-phase, accompanied by a further reduced transition energy barrier.
Improving Monitoring of Participatory Civil Issue Requests through Optimal Online Classification

Participatory civil issue monitoring has emerged as an easy way for concerned citizens to report problems to their local government. For reported issues to be timely processed and addressed however, accurate, online and real–time processing methods to infer issue types are necessary. To address this challenge, we propose a computational, near–real–time civil issue reports processing method to estimate the actual issue from ambiguous and/or complementary information accurately and efficiently. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using a real–world dataset from SeeClickFix. We show that our approach is both highly accurate and scalable.
"Rewriting/Recurricularlizing as a Matter of Life and Death": The Coloniality of Academic Writing and The Challenge of Black Mattering Therein.

Within our current order of knowledge, propagated by the Humanities and Social Sciences, the mattering of Black lives is all but inconceivable. The only possibility for challenging this inconceivab...
Photodegradation of pharmaceutical compounds in partially nitritated wastewater during UV irradiation

The first step of an anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) system is typically the formation of nitrite (NO2−) via partial nitritation, which can generate hydroxyl radical (˙OH) when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. This study demonstrated that the presence of nitrite in buffer and wastewater matrices during medium-pressure UV irradiation (at λ ≥ 220 or ≥ 280 nm) enhanced the degradation of select pharmaceutical compounds of different therapeutic classes (atenolol, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, and trimethoprim). Total pharmaceutical removals in a wastewater matrix irradiated at λ ≥ 280 for 120 minutes were 47% for trimethoprim, 50% for carbamazepine, 60% for atenolol, and 57% for fluoxetine at fluences of 58.6 mEi m−2 (2033.1 mJ cm−2). When irradiated at λ ≥ 220 for 60 minutes, removals were 52% for trimethoprim, 56% for carbamazepine, 69% for atenolol, and 90% for fluoxetine at fluences of 634.7 mEi m−2 (23 969.2 mJ cm−2). Reaction with ˙OH accounted for ∼78–90% of pharmaceutical removal at λ ≥ 280 nm. Although direct photolysis did contribute to target compound removal for irradiation with λ ≥ 220 nm, much of the light was absorbed in the buffer and wastewater matrices, and reaction with ˙OH accounted for ∼70–93% of pharmaceutical removal. Quencher experiments with isopropanol confirmed the importance of reaction with ˙OH as the main contributor to pharmaceutical removal. para-Chlorobenzoic acid was used as a probe to estimate steady-state ˙OH concentrations, which averaged 8.58 × 10−15 M for both matrices at λ ≥ 280 nm and 3.50 × 10−14 M for both matrices at λ ≥ 220 nm. Nitrosamines were formed and accumulated during the UV treatment step, however, concomitant with their direct photochemical destruction. Presence of the pharmaceutical micro-pollutants studied, such as the secondary-amine containing atenolol and fluoxetine, did not elevate nitrosamine formation.
Cationic Anthraquinone Analogs as Selective Antimicrobials

Development of new antibiotics is always needed in the fight against growing threat from multiple drug-resistant bacteria, such as resistant Gram-negative (G-) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. While the development of broad-spectrum antibiotics has attracted great attention, careful administration of these antibiotics is important to avoid adverse effects, like Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, for example, quinolones, can increase the risk of CDI by eradicating the protective bacteria in intestine and encouraging C difficile spore germination. Many common intestine bacteria are G- or anaerobic, including Enterococcus faecalis, Bacteroides fragilis, and E coli. Hence, it may be advantageous in certain therapeutic practices to employ selective antimicrobials. For instance, Gram-positive (G+) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that can cause life-threatening sepsis can be controlled with the use of selective antibiotic, vancomycin. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been limited with the emerging of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA). A recent report on antimicrobial cationic anthraquinone analogs (CAAs) that show tunable activity and selectivity may provide new hope in the search for selective antimicrobials. In particular, the lead CAA displays prominent activity against MRSA while manifesting low activity against E coli and low cytotoxicity toward normal mammalian cells.
Epidural contrast spread in the porcine model: bolus versus infusion

To the Editor We are pleased to have received comments[1][1] from Drs Tang, Vaghadia and Sawka regarding our investigation into bolus epidural infusion strategies in a porcine spine.[2][2] We would like to address their questions regarding circumferential spread, caudad spread and pressures during
A model to integrate urban river thermal cooling in river restoration

River water quality and habitats are degraded by thermal pollution from urban areas caused by warm surface runoff, lack of riparian forests, and impervious channels that transfer heat and block cool subsurface flows. This study updates the i-Tree Cool River model to simulate restoration of these processes to reverse the urban river syndrome, while using the HEC-RAS model water surface profiles needed for flood hazard analysis in restoration planning. The new model was tested in a mountain river within the New York City drinking water supply area (Sawmill, SM, Creek), and then used for base case and restoration scenarios on the 17.5 km reach of the Los Angeles (LA) River where a multi-million dollar riverine restoration project is planned. The model simulated the LA River average temperature in the base case decreased from 29.5 °C by 0.3 °C when warm surface inflows were converted to cooler groundwater inflows by terrestrial green infrastructure; by 0.7 °C when subsurface hyporheic exchange was increased by removal of armoring and installation of riffle-pool bedforms; by 3.6 °C when riparian forests shaded the river; and by 6.4 °C when floodplain forests were added to riparian forests to cool surface reservoirs and local air temperatures. Applying all four restoration treatments lowered river temperature by 7.2 °C. The simulated decreases in river temperature lead to increased saturated dissolved oxygen levels, reaching 8.7 mg/L, up from the 7.6 mg/L in the base case scenario, providing improved fish habitat and reducing eutrophication and hypoxic zones. This study evaluating the performance of environmental management scenarios could help managers control the thermal pollution in rivers.
Gut epithelial metabolism as a key driver of intestinal dysbiosis associated with noncommunicable diseases

In high-income countries, the leading causes of death are noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. An important feature of most NCDs is inflammation-induced gut dysbiosis characterized by a shift in the microbial community structure from obligate to facultative anaerobes such as Proteobacteria This microbial imbalance can contribute to disease pathogenesis by either a depletion in or the production of microbiota-derived metabolites. However, little is known about the mechanism by which inflammation-mediated changes in host physiology disrupt the microbial ecosystem in our large intestine leading to disease. Recent work by our group suggests that during gut homeostasis, epithelial hypoxia derived from peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ)-dependent β-oxidation of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids limits oxygen availability in the colon, thereby maintaining a balanced microbial community. During inflammation, disruption in gut anaerobiosis drives expansion of facultative anaerobic Enterobacteriaceae, regardless of their pathogenic potential. Therefore, our research group is currently exploring the concept that dysbiosis-associated expansion of Enterobacteriaceae can be viewed as a microbial signature of epithelial dysfunction and may play a greater role in different models of NCDs, including diet-induced obesity, atherosclerosis, and inflammation-associated colorectal cancer.
Peering Under the Hull: Enhanced Decision Making via an Augmented Environment

Daily operation and management of complex systems typically include multiple working sessions during which a team presents a set of information and discusses issues relevant to their decision making. A complex set of operational technology (OT) networks installed onboard a Navy ship is an example of such a system. A crew’s ability to effectively communicate OT networks status to the ship commander, visualize, and discuss the options available in a given situation, has a significant impact on mission success. While the complexity of contemporary OT networks has dramatically increased, visualization tools have witnessed little improvement over several decades—they include sets of two-dimensional blueprints that are inherently hard to understand and conceptualize as three-dimensional (3D) information. To address this problem, we designed and implemented an augmented reality (AR) system that allowed a small team to visualize a 3D model of the ship with details of its computer networks. We recruited 30 individuals familiar with network management tasks central to our study and examined the usability of the tool on a set of real-world scenarios focused on network management. Analysis of objective and subjective data suggested that there was a general agreement among the participants that AR portrayal of the network was very supportive of their understanding of the physical-to-logical relationship within the network and that it fostered constructive collaboration among the team members. The reported levels of discomfort associated with oculomotor symptoms made the highest contribution to the total Simulator Sickness Questionnaire score; we believe that those symptoms should be given more attention in future studies with AR setups. The results provided in this empirical study offer early insights into the benefits and challenges of AR approaches applied to the decision making of small teams in high stakes scenarios and real-world situations.
Assessing clinical quality performance and staffing capacity differences between urban and rural Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers in the United States: A cross sectional study

Author(s): Pourat, Nadereh; Chen, Xiao; Lu, Connie; Zhou, Weihao; Hoang, Hank; Sripipatana, Alek | Abstract: BackgroundIn the United States, there are nearly 1,400 Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers (HCs) serving low-income and underserved populations and more than 600 of these HCs are located in rural areas. Disparities in quality of medical care in urban vs. rural areas exist but data on such differences between urban and rural HCs is limited in the literature. We examined whether urban and rural HCs differed in their performance on clinical quality measures before and after controlling for patient, organizational, and contextual characteristics.Methods and findingsWe used the 2017 Uniform Data System to examine performance on clinical quality measures between urban and rural HCs (n = 1,373). We used generalized linear regression models with the logit link function and binomial distribution, controlling for confounding factors. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found on par performance between urban and rural HCs in all but one clinical quality measure. Rural HCs had lower rates of linking patients newly diagnosed with HIV to care (74% [95% CI: 69%, 80%] vs. 83% [95% CI: 80%, 86%]). We identified control variables that systematically accounted for eliminating urban vs. rural differences in performance on clinical quality measures. We also found that both urban and rural HCs had some clinical quality performance measures that were lower than available national benchmarks. Main limitations included potential discrepancy of urban or rural designation across all HC sites within a HC organization.ConclusionsFindings highlight HCs' contributions in addressing rural disparities in quality of care and identify opportunities for improvement. Performance in both rural and urban HCs may be improved by supporting programs that increase the availability of providers, training, and provision of technical resources.
Metastasis from tongue squamous cell carcinoma to the kidney

Metastasis to the kidney from other primary sites is extremely rare. Previous studies reported the lung as the most common primary site. Distant metastasis from the tongue to the kidney is exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the kidney in a 71-year-old male with a detailed discussion of differentiating it from potential mimickers. The patient underwent a total glossectomy and bilateral cervical lymph node dissection. A diagnosis of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue was rendered and the tumor was staged pT3 pN3b. Within two years of initial presentation, the patient developed widely metastatic disease, including pulmonary nodules, renal masses, left adrenal mass, and pancreatic mass. Accurate diagnosis of a secondary involvement of the kidney by a metastatic tumor requires the appropriate correlation of clinical and imaging findings as well as morphologic and immunohistochemical clues.
ATCN: Resource-Efficient Processing of Time Series on Edge

This paper presents a scalable deep learning model called Agile Temporal Convolutional Network (ATCN) for high-accurate fast classification and time series prediction in resource-constrained embedded systems. ATCN is a family of compact networks with formalized hyperparameters that enable application-specific adjustments to be made to the model architecture. It is primarily designed for embedded edge devices with very limited performance and memory, such as wearable biomedical devices and real-time reliability monitoring systems. ATCN makes fundamental improvements over the mainstream temporal convolutional neural networks, including residual connections as time attention machines to increase the network depth and accuracy and the incorporation of separable depth-wise convolution to reduce the computational complexity of the model. As part of the present work, three ATCN families, namely T0, T1, and T2, are also presented and evaluated on different ranges of embedded processors - Cortex-M7 and Cortex-A57 processor. An evaluation of the ATCN models against the best-in-class InceptionTime shows that ATCN improves both accuracy and execution time on a broad range of embedded and cyber-physical applications with demand for real-time processing on the embedded edge. At the same time, in contrast to existing solutions, ATCN is the first deep learning-based approach that can be run on embedded microcontrollers (Cortex-M7) with limited computational performance and memory capacity while delivering state-of-the-art accuracy.