cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the introduced basswood thrips (Thrips calcaratus Uzel) on forest health in the Great Lakes region

Insect, disease, tree condition, weather, and soil data were sampled from 22 northern hardwood forest sites containing American basswood, Tilia americana L., in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota from 1998 to 2000. Basswood dieback increased by 10% during this period. Insect abundance on basswood foliage was dominated by Thysanoptera, of which the introduced basswood thrips, Thrips calcaratus Uzel, accounted for over 95% of total catch. There was little evidence of pathogens or abiotic stress factors having pronounced effects on basswood. Weak associations between basswood dieback and T. calcaratus abundance suggest that it is an important component of basswood decline in the Great Lakes region, but that other factors are also involved. The native predator, Leptothrips mali (Fitch), is highly synchronized with the native basswood thrips, Neohydatothrips tiliae (Hood), with both species emerging in late spring and persisting into August. The two introduced herbivores, T. calcaratus and Taeniothrips inconsequens (Uzel), peak in late spring before becoming almost totally absent by August. Numbers of adult T. calcaratus in early May can be used to predict subsequent numbers of larvae. T. calcaratus abundance was more variable among sites than among trees within a site. This indicates that future investigations will benefit most by increasing the number of study sites rather than more intensively surveying fewer sites. A significant year-by-site interaction was observed for both adult and larval T. calcaratus. Adult populations were inversely associated with organic matter, calcium, nitrate, ammonium, soil pH, summer precipitation, April minimum temperature, April precipitation, and basswood live crown ratio. They were directly associated with low winter temperature and basswood crown light exposure. Larval T. calcaratus were inversely associated with soil potassium, precipitation, basswood live crown ratio, and basswood crown position. They were directly associated with low winter and spring temperatures, basswood light exposure, and winter snowfall. Interpretation of these relationships must be tempered, however, by the presence of autocorrelations among many of
Taxonomic Knowledge: What Kind and When?

Taxonomic knowledge may be distinguished into several forms: horizontal, representing links between items at the same level of a taxonomic hierarchy (e.g., dog-cow), and vertical, representing links between items at different hierarchical levels (e.g., dog-animal). Horizontal relations include 3 category types: slot-filler (based on constrained function, i.e., shared function within an event), conventional subcategory (based on constrained, but not event-based, function and/or on arbitrary cultural groupings), and conventional superordinate (based on unconstrained function). 3 experiments–category production, word association, and forced-picture-choice–explored taxonomic and thematic/ schematic knowledge in 4- and 7-year-old children and adults. Results showed preschooler taxonomic knowledge to be restricted to slot-filler categories. Conventional horizontal relations and vertical taxonomic knowledge emerged with age. Slot-fillers played a role in these developments of taxonomic knowledge. Also developing was' task/context sensitive responding, with 7-, but not 4-year-olds, relying on distinct forms of knowledge across tasks.
Trust in the Police The Influence of Procedural Justice and Perceived Collective Efficacy

Tyler’s process-based model of policing suggests that the police can enhance their perceived legitimacy and trustworthiness in the eyes of the public when they exercise their authority in a procedurally fair manner. To date, most process-based research has focused on the sources of legitimacy while largely overlooking trust in the police. The present study extends this line of literature by examining the sources of trust in the police. In particular, emerging research has revealed that neighborhood context influences attitudes toward the police but much less attention has been given to exploring the role individuals’ perceptions of their neighborhood play in shaping such evaluations. Therefore, the present study considers whether individuals’ perceptions of collective efficacy serve as a social-psychological cognitive orientation that influences levels of trust in the police. Using data from a recently conducted mail survey of a random sample of 1,681 residents from a metropolitan city, we find that proce...
High-throughput sequencing insights into T-cell receptor repertoire diversity in aging

Decline in T-cell generation leading to T-cell receptor repertoire contraction is a cornerstone of immune system aging, and consequent disorders. High-throughput sequencing enables in-depth immune repertoire characterization, but blood samples are too small to capture its total diversity. New computational models could enable accurate estimation of this diversity.
Structure–performance relationship of bulk functionalized polyurethane foams designed for lead ion removal from water

Lead ion removal mechanism of bulk functionalized polyurethane foams were investigated by batch and column tests. The pH changes in the lead solution, before and after batch tests, indicate that both adsorption and ion exchange mechanisms are active in removing lead ions from water. The adsorption mechanism was benchmarked by comparing the adsorption isotherms of the control and functionalized PU foams with a commercially used adsorption media; such as granular activated carbon (GAC). Chemical structural analysis by FTIR shows a change in the peak intensities and wave numbers associated with the sulfonic groups after lead removal. Physical structure analysis by micro-CT reveals that fluid flow in the foams is through interconnected channels within and in between pores.
Dropping Lowest Grades

Many teachers allow students to drop the lowest score from a sequence of quizzes, tests, or homework assignments. When the number of grades is large, some teachers will even allow students to drop several of their lowest scores. A computer gradebook program would need to implement an algorithm to provide this feature (see one of many examples of computer gradebook software, for example, [4]). A natural criterion to decide which grades to drop would be to drop the set of grades that maximizes the student's final grade. In some circumstances, it can be non-trivial to determine the best grades to drop. Using natural brute force methods, the time needed to find this optimal set of grades to drop can grow exponentially as the number of grades involved grows making these methods impractical even on fast computers. We discuss some unexpected behavior exhibited by this problem and provide a simple and very efficient algorithm for finding the best set of grades to drop.
Low Dose Detection of γ Radiation via Solvent Assisted Fluorescence Quenching

Development of low cost, easy-to-use chemical sensor systems for low dose detection of γ radiation remains highly desired for medical radiation therapy and nuclear security monitoring. We report herein on a new fluorescence sensor molecule, 4,4′-di(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)biphenyl (DPI-BP), which can be dissolved into halogenated solvents (e.g., CHCl3, CH2Cl2) to enable instant detection of γ radiation down to the 0.01 Gy level. The sensing mechanism is primarily based on radiation induced fluorescence quenching of DPI-BP. Pristine DPI-BP is strongly fluorescent in halogenated solvents. When exposed to γ radiation, the halogenated solvents decompose into various radicals, including hydrogen and chlorine, which then combine to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl). This strong acid interacts with the imidazole group of DPI-BP to convert it into a DPI-BP/HCl adduct. The DPI-BP/HCl adduct possesses a more planar configuration than DPI-BP, enhancing the π–π stacking and thus molecular aggregation. The st...
Effects of Proteolytic Enzymes on Uremic Serum Inhibition of Hepatic and Renal Transport Functions

SummaryDialysates of rat uremic serum were incubated with Pronase, Carboxypeptidase A, Leucine Aminopeptidase, or Trypsin to investigate whether these enzymes might destroy the inhibitory effects of the dialysates on the uptake of paraaminohippurate by rat renal cortical slices or the uptake of purines by rat liver slices. Of these enzymes, Pronase produced the greatest destruction (63.2 ± 4.5%) of the inhibitory action on renal transport, with a much smaller destruction (17.8 ± 2.1%) of the inhibitory effect on hepatic transport.
New Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada

The New Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada is an active project by New York Botanical Garden building upon the long history of floristic investigation for the large region. The chief goal of the New Manual is to enable identification of all vascular plants established and growing spontaneously in the region. New Manual content includes the traditional information on identification, morphology, taxonomy, nomenclature, geographic range, habitat, and phenology for every species included, as well as several innovations, including etymologies for species names, and information on conservation status, invasiveness of non-native species, and morphologic synapomorphies for families. Relative to Gleason and Cronquist's Manual published in 1991, New Manual current content reveals a 21% increase in infrageneric taxa accepted, based on an analysis of 16 family treatments. Preparation of the New Manual comes at a critical time, given the unprecedented amount of floristic change in the northeastern U.S.A. and adjacent Canada.
Perceived clinician–patient communication in the emergency department and subsequent post-traumatic stress symptoms in patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome

Objectives Evaluation for a potentially life-threatening cardiac event in the emergency department (ED) is a stressful experience that can result in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients. No study has tested whether good clinician–patient communication in the ED is associated with better psychological outcomes in these individuals and whether it can mitigate other risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptoms (PSS) such as perception of life threat and vulnerability in the ED. Methods Data were analysed from 474 participants in the Reactions to Acute Care and Hospitalization (REACH) study, an observational cohort study of ED predictors of medical and psychological outcomes after evaluation for suspected acute coronary syndrome. Participants were recruited from November 2013 to January 2015 at a single-site academic medical centre (New York-Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center). Participants reported threat perceptions in the ED and provided information on their perceptions of clinician–patient communication using the Interpersonal Process of Care Survey. PSS were assessed using the Acute Stress Disorder Scale during follow-up. Results 474 subjects were enrolled in the study. Median length of follow-up was 3 days after ED presentation, range 0–30 days, 80% within 8 days. Perceptions of good clinician–patient communication in the ED were associated with lower PSS, whereas increased threat perception was associated with higher PSS. A significant interaction between clinician–patient communication and threat perception on PSS suggested that patients with higher threat perception benefited most from good clinician–patient communication. Conclusion Our study found an association between good clinician–patient communication in the ED during evaluation of potentially life-threatening cardiac events and decreased subsequent post-traumatic stress reactions. This association is particularly marked for patients who perceive the greatest degree of life threat and vulnerability during evaluation.
Autofill Browser Extension: A User-Friendly Solution to Optimize Metadata Workflow in Digital Repositories

Facing a complex metadata environment, it is challenging to implement strategies for optimizing metadata workflows in digital repositories. Running scripted applications and batch processing cost libraries additional resources, while not reducing time implementing metadata. In order to improve the efficiency of metadata batch processing, the authors propose an open source browser extension that can easily be installed and executed for any digital repository. The authors also suggest that functional fixedness issues exist in the library profession and encourage librarians to discover solutions to address such issues and to improve library works.
Transfer of Surface-Dried Listeria monocytogenes from Stainless Steel Knife Blades to Roast Turkey Breast

Listeria contamination of food contact surfaces can lead to cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods in delicatessens. Recognizing that variations in Listeria biofilm-forming ability exist, the goal of this study was to determine whether these differences in biofilm formation would affect the Listeria transfer rate during slicing of delicatessen turkey meat. In this study, six previously identified strong and weak biofilm-forming strains of Listeria monocytogenes were grown at 22 degrees C for 48 h on Trypticase soy agar containing 0.6% yeast extract and harvested in 0.1% peptone. Thereafter, the strains were combined to obtain two 3-strain cocktails, resuspended in turkey slurry, and inoculated onto flame-sterilized AISI grade 304 stainless steel knife blades that were subjected to 6 and 24 h of ambient storage at approximately 78% relative humidity. After mounting on an Instron Universal Testing Machine, these blades were used to obtain 16 slices of retail roast turkey breast. Based on an analysis of the slices by direct plating, Listeria populations decreased 3 to 5 log CFU per slice after 16 slices. Overall, total transfer to turkey was significantly greater for strong (4.4 log CFU total) as opposed to weak (3.5 log CFU total; P < 0.05) biofilm formers. In addition, significantly more cells were transferred at 6 (4.6 log CFU total) than at 24 h (3.3 log CFU total; P < 0.05) with Listeria quantifiable to the 16th slice, regardless of the inoculation level. Increased survival by the strong biofilm formers, as evidenced by viability staining, suggests that these strains are better adapted to survive stressful conditions than their weak biofilm-forming counterparts.
An evaluation oftcp with explicit congestion notification

We study the effect of Explicit Congestion Notification (ecn) ontcp for relatively large but finite file transfers inip networks, and compare it to other congestion avoidance mechanisms, namely Drop Tail (dt) and Random Early Detection (red). We use simulation to measuretcp performance for transfers initiated by a varying number of end hosts. In contrast to previous work, we focus on situations in which all nodes in the network operate uniformly under the same mechanism (dt orred orecn). Our results show that under such uniform conditionsecn does not necessarily lead to significant improvement intcp goodput, although in no case does it lead to an actual degradation in performance. Our results also show that, withecn, tcp flows benefit from lower overhead for unsuccessful transmissions. Furthermore, lockouts are largely avoided. In other words, in an all-ecn network resources are shared more fairly. Finally, we show that global synchronization is no longer an issue, and argue that currenttcp versions have essentially solved the problem, regardless of the queue management scheme employed.
The Electronic Retreat into Wholesaling

Increased use of computer driven telecommunication linkages may produce profound changes in the nature of American and international business. Structurally we may see many of our larger retailers ‘retreat’ to more of a supplier position as wholesalers for the host of users with whom they are now electronically linked.
A Computerized Assessment Program for Forensic Science Evaluations: A Preliminary Report

The development of the innovative use of an on-line, computer-assisted evaluation program is discussed, with a brief review of pertinent literature. The particular applications within a forensic psychiatric center of the Tandem 16 computer system, utilizing both “canned psychological tests” and specialized assessment techniques, are examined and highlighted with a case vignette. A highly relevant problem within forensic psychiatry, malingering or exaggeration of symptoms, is examined in more detail as it relates to computer assessments. The advantages and limitations of a computer-assisted evaluation are described relative to both its clinical and research application.
An electrostatic ion pump with nanostructured Si field emission electron source and Ti particle collectors for supporting an ultra-high vacuum in miniaturized atom interferometry systems

We report a field emission-based, magnetic-less ion pump architecture for helping maintain a high vacuum within a small chamber that is compatible with miniaturized cold-atom interferometry systems. A nanostructured silicon field emitter array, with each nano-sharp tip surrounded by a self-aligned proximal gate electrode, is used to generate a surplus of electrons that cause impact ionization of gas molecules. A two-stage cylindrical electron collector, made of titanium, is used to increase the travel distance of the electrons, augmenting the ionization probability; gas ionization is subsequently followed by gettering of the ions by a negatively charged, annular-shaped titanium electrode. A proof-of-concept pump prototype was characterized using a 25 cm3 stainless steel vacuum chamber backed up by an external turbomolecular pump, a diaphragm pump, and a standard ion pump. Pumping action was observed with the electrostatic pump operating alone after an initial rapid rise of the chamber pressure due to electron/ion scrubbing. In addition, running the electrostatic pump in combination with the standard ion pump results in a lower vacuum level compared to the vacuum level produced by the standard ion pump acting alone. A proposed reduced-order model accurately predicts the functional dependence of the pressure versus time data and provides a good estimate of the characteristic pumping time constant inferred from the experiments.
Gene Expression Profiles Involved in γ to β Globin Gene Switching during Erythroid Maturation.

Abstract The design and evaluation of therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) rely on our understanding of hemoglobin accumulation during erythropoiesis and sequential globin gene expression (e → Gγ → Aγ → δ → β) during development. To gain insights into globin gene switching, we completed time course micorarray analyses of erythroid progenitors to identify trans-factors involved in γ gene activation. Studies were completed to map the pattern of γ and β globin gene expression in progenitors grown from normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We compared cells grown in a 2-phase (phase 1, d0-6: SCF, IL-3, IL-6, and GM-CSF and phase 2, d7-25: SCF and EPO) vs. 1-phase (d0-34: SCF, IL-3, and EPO) liquid culture system. From day 0 to 34 in either system cell viability remained >99%. Total RNA was isolated using Trizol and column cleanup (Qiagen). Globin mRNA levels were measured at 2–3 day intervals by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the 2-phase system γ-globin mRNA>β-globin mRNA up to d14, 4 days of approximately equal expression then β mRNA > γ mRNA by d20. By contrast, in 1-phase studies there was a rapid switch around d20(see graph). We speculate that this difference may be due to the early addition of EPO on d0 therefore we continued our detailed analysis in this system. To confirm that our in vitro system recapitulates in vivo gene expression patterns, we completed studies to ascertain Gγ - vs. Aγ globin mRNA levels. The normalized Gγ:Aγ ratio decreased from ~3:1 on d7 to ~1:1 by d34; These findings were confirmed using two sets of Gγ and Aγ globin primers. We concluded that the 1-phase system recapitulated normal γ/β globin switching and that gene profiling studies to identify the trans-factor involved in switching mechanisms were feasible. We used Discover oligo chips (ArrayIt, Sunnyvale, CA) containing 380 human genes selected from 30 major functional groups including hematopoiesis. To aide interpretation of chip data, cell populations were rated morphologically using Giemsa stained cytospin preps. From d16 on we observed an increase in late erythroid progenitors (normoblasts) from 1% to 71% by d31. After verifying RNA quality by gel inspection of ribosomal molecules, we prepared Cy3 and Cy5 probes for early and late time-point RNA samples respectively. Chip analysis was performed at several time points but d0/21, d7/21, and d21/28 were most informative. Based on Axon GenePixPro 6.0 and Acuity 4.0 software analysis we found the following genes with >1.5-fold change in expression profile (shown as down-regulated/up-regulated genes): d0/21: 33/73, d7/21: 13/25, and d21/28:35/26. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clusters and self organizing maps were constructed. Gene profiles were correlated with the γ/β switching curve using d7 (γ >β), d21 (γ ~ β), and d28 (γ Download : Download high-res image (94KB) Download : Download full-size image
The Negative Space in the National Imagination: Russia and the Arctic

This chapter provides an overview of the ways in which the Arctic and Siberia have been imagined through different historical/political moments of the early Soviet period to the present day. In examining these shifts in representation, the author shows how the Arctic in the Russian/Soviet imaginary is not static, but has been consistently reconfigured through various historical and ideological paradigms, each intended to erase or reconceive in some way the historical imaginary that came before. The author addresses Arctic imaginaries in pre-revolutionary Russia, the need for Soviet “expansion” to unite the state, and the notion of Stalinist “exploration” to reveal how the Arctic became a tool in the creation of Soviet and Russian imaginaries through the cinema. The author discusses Vertov’s One Sixth of the World (1926), Erofeev’s Beyond the Arctic Circle (1927), the Vasiliev Brothers’ Heroic Deed Among the Ice (1928), and a documentary on the GULAG, Solovki Power (1988) by Marina Goldovskaya.
Magnetic response of parallel slabs metamaterials at THz frequencies

Artificially engineered metamaterials consisting of nanocomposites (i.e. metal- dielectric) elements in the form of metallic split ring resonators (SRRs), parallel wires or slabs can provide unique optical responses at high frequencies that not available in naturally existing materials. A variety of metamaterials have been used in many important applications such as superlenses, tunable mirrors and negative index materials. Decreasing the size of the magnetic resonators is critical if strong magnetic response is desired at optical and near- infrared frequencies. However, this scaling breaks down at high frequencies causing saturation in the magnetic response. In this study, we present a transmission line theory with models the magnetic response of pair of metallic nanostripes separated by a dielectric material. The predicted by the model magnetic susceptibility χ&#119898; and magnetic resonance frequency (MRF) are compared to exact numerical simulations showing excellent agreement. Parametric study of the MRF dependence on the resonator’s sizes show a clear saturation for small resonators
Phase I study of induction chemotherapy with afatinib, ribavirin, and weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for stage IVA/IVB human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer.

Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoprotein enhances the oncogenic potential of ErbB proteins in HPV-related malignancies. This phase I study evaluates the addition of afatinib, an ErbB family inhibitor, and ribavirin to paclitaxel and carboplatin induction chemotherapy in HPV-associated, locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods This dose escalation study included 2 doses of oral afatinib: 30 and 40 mg daily. Ribavirin dosing was weight based. Paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 1.5) were administered on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. After 3 cycles, patients were removed from protocol to receive definitive treatment. Results Among 10 patients, there were no dose-limiting toxicities. Six patients (67%) had unconfirmed objective partial responses. The 2-year progression-free survival rate was 75%. Conclusion Afatinib, ribavirin, paclitaxel, and carboplatin induction chemotherapy is safe and well tolerated. The phase II recommended dose of afatinib is 40 mg oral daily in this combination regimen.
An Examination of the Assumptions Underlying Telecommunications Social Policies Treating Children as a Specialized Audience

(1981). An Examination of the Assumptions Underlying Telecommunications Social Policies Treating Children as a Specialized Audience. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 5, Communication Yearbook 5, pp. 369-384.
The University of Southern California Voltaire Letters: A polymathic multimodal digital project

In spring 2015 one catalog record in the University of Southern California (USC) Special Collections came to my attention: Voltaire correspondence, 1741–1777. The correspondence consists of 30 original autograph letters and four poems authored by Voltaire (Francois-Marie Arouet, 1694–1778) and his circle, including leading figures of the Enlightenment such as Jean le Rond d’Alembert (1717–1783), Frederick II of Prussia (1712–1786), and Madame de Pompadour (1721–1764)—the acknowledged mistress of Louis XV (1710–1774).
Applying Incremental Sampling Methodology to Soils Containing Heterogeneously Distributed Metallic Residues to Improve Risk Analysis

This study compares conventional grab sampling to incremental sampling methodology (ISM) to characterize metal contamination at a military small-arms-range. Grab sample results had large variances, positively skewed non-normal distributions, extreme outliers, and poor agreement between duplicate samples even when samples were co-located within tens of centimeters of each other. The extreme outliers strongly influenced the grab sample means for the primary contaminants lead (Pb) and antinomy (Sb). In contrast, median and mean metal concentrations were similar for the ISM samples. ISM significantly reduced measurement uncertainty of estimates of the mean, increasing data quality (e.g., for environmental risk assessments) with fewer samples (e.g., decreasing total project costs). Based on Monte Carlo resampling simulations, grab sampling resulted in highly variable means and upper confidence limits of the mean relative to ISM.
Gaussian Process Regression and Classification for Probabilistic Damage Assessment of Spatially Distributed Systems

We illustrate how methods for non-parametric regression and classification based on Gaussian Processes can be adapted for inferring the condition state of infrastructure components under spatially distributed stressors. When the stressor is modeled by a random field, observations collected in one location can reduce the uncertainty about the stressor intensity also in other locations. Exact inference is possible when the field is Gaussian and observations are perfect or affected by Gaussian noise. However, often the available observations are binary, as those related to the failure or survival of components, and indicate whether the local field is above or below a threshold whose value may also be uncertain. While no efficient scheme for exact inference is available in that setting, we can perform efficient approximate inference when the field is Gaussian and so is the uncertainty on the threshold value. The mathematical formulation for this problem is analogous to that of classification in machine learning, that can be based on latent Gaussian processes. We show how to formulate the problem and how to adapt deterministic methods, as Laplace’s method and Expectation Propagation, and methods based on random number generation, as Monte Carlo uniform sampling and importance sampling, to perform approximate inference. Our illustrative application is the condition assessment of assets exposed to a seismic event. Under specific assumptions, the seismic demand can be modeled as a Gaussian random field, and measures about the demand and about the survival and failure of assets can be processed globally, to update the risk assessment. Specifically, we evaluate methods for approximate inference and discuss their merits.
A Practical Approach to the Use of Alefacept

Alefacept is a recombinant, fully human immunoglobulin G1 fusion protein indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in patients who are also candidates for other biologics or photo...
INFLUENCE ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PENNSYLVANIAN LIMESTONES IN KANSAS

ABSTACT The stratigraphic sequences of alternating thin beds of sandstone, shale, and limestone of Late Pennsylvanian and Early Permian age in Kansas are well known for their cyclic nature. The roughly 600-m thick section is well exposed across the eastern part of the State and has been extensively studied for many years. Recognition of cyclothems in this succession has been mainly on differentiation of lithologies until recently when types of recurring faunal assemblages were defined. Additional data are available on recurring conodonts assemblages and systematic variation in differences in grain size of lime-mud matrices of the limestones. The chemical constituents in different beds are known to reflect factors which influenced the conditions of environment of deposition. If lithology and faunal assemblages are repeated through the sedimentary sequence suggesting repeated factors affecting depositional environments, then the chemical constituents of the different units in the cyclothems also should recur with regularity. To test this concept of recurring chemical constituents in a cyclic sequence, an available data set of unknown quality on the chemical composition of outcropping limestones in eastern Kansas was utilized. Cluster analysis was used to test the significance of chemical constituents in each limestone type (R-mode) and then using the results of this analysis, the relationship between different units in the succession (Q-mode) was determined. Unfortunately seemingly few spatial relationships on geographic and stratigraphic distribution of chemical constituents were meaningful and it was determined necessary to resample and restudy.
Growth of Quantum Confined Structures by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Publisher Summary The developments in quantum well heterostructures have been enabled by advances in the science and technology of advanced materials growth techniques, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This chapter examines the advances that have been made in the MBE growth of III-V semiconductor structures that rely on quantum confinement for their operation. The factors that allow the existence of well-defined quantized energy states in small structures and the subsequent transport of electrons or holes through those states place unique constraints on the materials grower. The chapter focuses on the MBE growth quantum wells and resonant tunneling structures in which quantum confinement is achieved in the growth direction. The most advanced of MBE systems exhibits the following basic components: (1) sources for the molecular beams and mechanisms for controlling their fluxes; (2) an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) growth chamber equipped with cryo-shrouds; (3) provisions for heating a substrate and maintaining it in a suitable geometry for growth; and (4) instrumentation for in situ characterization. Advances in some specific aspects of MBE technology have had a positive impact in the growth of quantum structures.
Infants with esophageal atresia and right aortic arch: Characteristics and outcomes from the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium.

Abstract Purpose Right sided aortic arch (RAA) is a rare anatomic finding in infants with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). In the presence of RAA, significant controversy exists regarding optimal side for thoracotomy in repair of the EA/TEF. The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence, demographics, surgical approach, and outcomes of patients with RAA and EA/TEF. Methods A multi-institutional, IRB approved, retrospective cohort study of infants with EA/TEF treated at 11 children's hospitals in the United States over a 5-year period (2009 to 2014) was performed. All patients had a minimum of one-year follow-up. Results In a cohort of 396 infants with esophageal atresia, 20 (5%) had RAA, with 18 having EA with a distal TEF and 2 with pure EA. Compared to infants with left sided arch (LAA), RAA infants had a lower median birth weight, (1.96 kg (IQR 1.54–2.65) vs. 2.57 kg (2.00–3.03), p = 0.01), earlier gestational age (34.5 weeks (IQR 32–37) vs. 37 weeks (35–39), p = 0.01), and a higher incidence of congenital heart disease (90% vs. 32%, p 0.29). Conclusion RAA in infants with EA/TEF is rare with an incidence of 5%. Compared to infants with EA/TEF and LAA, infants with EA/TEF and RAA are more severely ill with lower birth weight and higher rates of prematurity and complex congenital heart disease. In neonates with RAA, surgical repair of the EA/TEF is technically feasible via thoracotomy from either chest. A higher incidence of anastomotic strictures may occur with a right-sided approach. Level of evidence Level III.
Site-Specific Considerations: Vascular Tumors and Vascular Malformations of the Ear

Vascular tumors and malformations can involve all parts of the ear from the auricle to the internal auditory canal. The clinical approach to each lesion varies greatly depending upon which anatomic unit of the ear is involved. For the purpose of this discussion, we will divide the ear anatomically into the auricle, the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, the middle ear, and the inner ear and internal auditory canal. These lesions are not common, and the current literature is limited to case reports and series.
Samarium thin films molecular plated from N,N-dimethylformamide characterized by XPS

Characterization of samarium thin films molecular plated from N,N-dimethylformamide solutions onto stainless steel substrates, with either mirrorlike or brushed finishes, was carried out using a Thermo Scientific K-Alpha x-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Survey scans of the two specimens showed the presence of samarium, carbon, and oxygen with minor amounts of sodium. High-resolution spectra were then taken of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions. The chemical compositions of the two samples were found to be very similar, with the key difference being the relative amounts of two carbon species. Spectra from the survey and narrow high-resolution scans of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions are reported herein.Characterization of samarium thin films molecular plated from N,N-dimethylformamide solutions onto stainless steel substrates, with either mirrorlike or brushed finishes, was carried out using a Thermo Scientific K-Alpha x-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Survey scans of the two specimens showed the presence of samarium, carbon, and oxygen with minor amounts of sodium. High-resolution spectra were then taken of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions. The chemical compositions of the two samples were found to be very similar, with the key difference being the relative amounts of two carbon species. Spectra from the survey and narrow high-resolution scans of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions are reported herein.
Physician Advance Care Planning Experiences and Beliefs by General Specialty Status and Sex.

Objectives Advance care planning (ACP) involvement could be substantially different by physician specialty or sex group, with implications for training and methods to increase ACP activities. The objective of this article is to compare primary care physicians (PCPs) and other specialty physicians and female compared with male physicians' views and interactions surrounding ACP. Methods This was a secondary analysis of an online anonymous survey distributed through a survey link to healthcare providers in hospital, ambulatory, and hospice settings in the greater Dayton, Ohio area in preparation for a community-wide advance care planning multitiered intervention. The measures included demographic data and questions regarding personal ACP decisions/experiences, opinions surrounding ACP in healthcare settings, and willingness to facilitate ACP with patients. Results There were 129 physician respondents, of which 39 (30.2%) were PCPs, and 33 (25.6%) were women. Most expressed interest in ACP, responding positively to a desire for more training, and approximately 25% were willing to be trained to teach others. The respondents by specialty group were similar in age and race, the presence or absence of religious affiliation, and stated frequency of ACP conversations. More than half (52.5%) reported having ACP conversations at least twice per month. The female physicians were younger and more likely to be in primary care. Female physicians also were more likely to discuss ACP with patients (P = 0.017), report formal training for ACP (P = 0.025), and be more willing to permit other healthcare provider types to be involved with ACP. PCPs reported time as a barrier more frequently than specialty physicians (P = 0.012). Other barriers to ACP were reported, including space, personal discomfort, and concerns about patient or family distress or disagreement. Conclusions Many physicians, regardless of specialty type or sex, are interested in undertaking more ACP conversations and being trained to do so. Overall, more female physicians than male physicians were involved and interested in various aspects of ACP, and they were more accepting of the involvement of nonphysician healthcare professionals in ACP. Multiple barriers for clinicians, patients, and families were identified that will need to be addressed by work settings or through education to increase ACP.
Computed Tomography Technology-and Dose-in the 21st Century.

AbstractIn the last decade or so, a number of disruptive technological advances have taken place in x-ray computed tomography, making possible new clinical applications. Changes in scanner design have included the use of two x-ray sources and two detectors or the use of large detector arrays that pr
Determination of a type of permutation trinomials over finite fields, II

Let q be a prime power. We determine all permutation trinomials of F q 2 of the form a x + b x q + x 2 q - 1 ? F q 2 x . The subclass of such permutation trinomials of F q 2 with a , b ? F q was determined in a recent paper 6.
Effects of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on child mortality and vaccination rates: a synthetic control analysis.

Scholars have long been sceptical about the effectiveness of human rights treaties in changing the behaviour of states parties and prior empirical research has often justified that scepticism. However, only a few prior studies have considered the effects of adoption of core human rights treaties on health outcomes and only one prior study has analysed the effects of adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on children’s health outcomes. In this study, we estimated the effects of CRC adoption on child mortality rates and vaccination rates in less developed countries. In particular, we compared 43 less developed countries that adopted the CRC in 1990 with synthetic control groups drawn from 21 less developed countries that adopted it after 1992. We find that CRC adoption may be related to additional reductions in infant and under-5 mortality rates of about 1 to 2 deaths per 1000 live births, on average, during the first three years after adoption, although those relationships are not statistically significant. And we find that CRC adoption is related to additional increases in vaccination rates for the five vaccines that we considered of about 4 to 5%, on average, during the first three years after adoption and that those relationships remain significant for up to seven years after adoption. From a policy perspective, our results further support the effectiveness of CRC adoption in promoting children’s right to health in less developed countries. And from a research perspective, our results show the advantages of using synthetic control methods in these types of studies, because our analyses using other methods that have most commonly been used in these studies did not find any consistent, significant relationships between CRC adoption and mortality or vaccination rates.
Intraoperative three-dimensional imaging in the management of orbital trauma

Background: Intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging can be utilized to detect bone malpositioning during facial fracture repair. Aim: This article exhibits a case of left Zygomatic maxillary complex fracture that was repaired with the aid of intraoperative 3D imaging technology. Methods: A critical size orbital floor defect was apparent on the imaging, necessitating an immediate repair avoiding a second-revision surgery. Results and Conclusion: The use of 3D imaging has historically been underutilized due to financial and time constraints. However, when comparing to costs and time utilized to undergo a second surgery, usage of 3D imaging intraoperatively is beneficial to the patient, team, and the institution.
The Proxy War against Proxy Advisors

The thesis of this paper is that the criticisms and calls for regulation of the proxy advisory industry are not really directed at the proxy advisors themselves, but at their clients, the holders of public company stock. Many corporate executives, directors and their representatives want to make it more difficult for shareholders to vote against management recommendations. The assumption underlying this view — sometimes stated, sometimes not — is that executives and directors know what’s best for their companies and, in many instances, shareholders do not. Almost by definition, this means that recommendations that don’t agree with management are viewed as inaccurate, uninformed, and value destroying. Rather than allow shareholders to support non-value maximizing shareholder proposals and say-on-pay recommendations unfettered, corporate interests have sought to make it more difficult for institutional investors to vote proxies independently of management by urging measures that would hamstring their proxy service providers. Before endorsing regulatory intervention, it’s worth first asking if there are other potential market solutions to address the existing deficiencies. If uninformed shareholder voting is the problem, then both corporate managers and the SEC should be open to alternative solutions that would address the tension between the sometimes competing interests of shareholders making informed voting decisions and controlling the costs of procuring and managing the information necessary to make those decisions.
Deaf band-based prediction of Dirac cone in acoustic metamaterials

Through an alternative paradigm, a predictive design of a Dirac-like point is introduced in a linear periodic metamaterial for the spatial guidance of acoustic waves. Dirac conelike dispersion at the Г point (for k → = 0) in a Brillouin zone is called a “Dirac-like cone,” which seldom occurs due to accidental degeneracy. However, a deaf band-based predictive model shows incredible potential to achieve an engineered Dirac cone at a predictive pivoted frequency. A targeted Dirac cone at a higher frequency is carried out in this article validating the orthogonal energy transport in a spiral pattern. The dominance of asymmetric deaf band modes triggers total internal reflection and guiding of acoustic waves inside phononic crystals. To elucidate the versatility of this methodology, experimental validation of orthogonal wave transport is presented.
Bataille and Deleuze's Peculiar Askesis: Techniques of Transgression, Meditation and Dramatisation

This article explores the ethical imperative to dramatise in the work of Georges Bataille and Gilles Deleuze, two of the most radical thinkers in twentieth-century philosophy, as a peculiar kind of...
Cribra orbitalia and porotic hyperostosis are associated with respiratory infections in a contemporary mortality sample from New Mexico.

OBJECTIVES Cribra orbitalia (CO) and porotic hyperostosis (PH) are porous cranial lesions (PCLs) classically associated with iron-deficiency anemia in bioarchaeological contexts. However, recent studies indicate a need to reassess the interpretation of PCLs. This study addresses the potential health correlates of PCLs in a contemporary sample by examining relationships between the known cause of death (COD) and PCL presence/absence. METHODS This study includes a sample of 461 juvenile individuals (6 months to 15 years of age) who underwent examination at the University of New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator between 2011 and 2019. The information available for each individual includes their sex, age at death, and their COD and manner of death. RESULTS Odds ratio of having CO (OR = 3.92, p < .01) or PH (OR = 2.86, p = .02) lesions are increased in individuals with respiratory infections. Individuals with heart conditions have increased odds of having CO (OR = 3.52, p = .03) lesions, but not PH. CONCLUSION Individuals with respiratory infection are more likely to have CO and/or PH. CO appears to have a greater range of health correlates than PH does, as indicated by the heart condition results. However, individuals with congenital heart defects are at higher risk for respiratory infections, so bony alterations in cases of heart conditions may be due to respiratory illness. Since respiratory infection remains a leading cause of mortality today, CO and PH in bioarchaeological contexts should be considered as potential indicators of respiratory infections in the past.
Recommendations to Improve the Measurement of Hate Crimes

Based on the issues illuminated throughout the book, Chap. 9 provide recommendations that are designed to overcome the obstacles to measuring and responding to hate crimes. The chapter summarizes recommendations from previous brainstorming sessions from scholars, law enforcement practitioners, civil rights, community, and victims’ groups and explains their relevance to the problems that preclude the accurate measurement of hate crimes. The chapter describes the importance of having a written hate crime policy, formal training, improved community engagement, improving hate crime data collection and mandatory reporting, engaging local politicians, tracking non-criminal bias incidents, and enhancing the role of the prosecutor. Chapter 9 concludes with best practices models from several police department around the country and explains why their approach to hate crimes is so effective.
Learning precise spatiotemporal sequences via biophysically realistic learning rules in a modular, spiking network

Multiple brain regions are able to learn and express temporal sequences, and this functionality is an essential component of learning and memory. We propose a substrate for such representations via a network model that learns and recalls discrete sequences of variable order and duration. The model consists of a network of spiking neurons placed in a modular microcolumn based architecture. Learning is performed via a biophysically realistic learning rule that depends on synaptic 'eligibility traces'. Before training, the network contains no memory of any particular sequence. After training, presentation of only the first element in that sequence is sufficient for the network to recall an entire learned representation of the sequence. An extended version of the model also demonstrates the ability to successfully learn and recall non-Markovian sequences. This model provides a possible framework for biologically plausible sequence learning and memory, in agreement with recent experimental results.