cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design Optimization of Grading Ring of Composite Insulators for ±800 kV UHVDC Lines

The model of grading ring of the composite insulator string is built,and the potential distribution along insulator surface and electric field strength distribution of V-typed overhang composite insulator strings for ±800 kV UHV DC lines before and after the installation of grading rings are calculated.The influences of shield depth,external diameter and internal diameter of grading ring on electric field strength are discussed.Calculation results show that when grading rings are not installed,the potential distribution of along insulator surfaces is extremely non-uniform,and the electric field at conductor side distorts seriously;when big-size and small-size grading rings are configured at conductor side and middle-size grading ring is configured at the tower side,the electric field distributions at conductor side,especially at the fitting-side,core rod of insulator and sheath interface,are effectively improved,and it is favorable to prevent corona and improve the reliability of insulator operation;increasing shield depth and external diameter of grading ring can evidently improve the electric field distribution at insulator surface,and it is discovered that the pipe diameter of grading ring notably impacts the surface electric field strength of grading ring itself.Finally,the optimal configuration scheme of grading ring of composite insulator strings for ±800 kV UHVDC transmission line is recommended.After the installation of optimized grading ring,the maximum electric field strength along insulator surface is 0.457 kV/mm while the electric field strength on grading ring surface is 1.7 kV/mm,and it meets the requirement of UHVDC power transmission project.
Buying a Better Baby: Unconditional Income Transfers and Birth Outcomes

* Abbreviation: HBPB — : Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefit Can society buy a better infant? This is, in essence, the question posed in this month’s Pediatrics article by Brownell et al.1 Studying a group of low-income Canadian women who participated in an unconditional cash transfer program (Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefit [HBPB]), the authors compared the birth outcomes of participants with outcomes among a group of low-income nonparticipants. They found that the group that received the equivalent of $81.00 per month over the second and third trimesters of their pregnancies experienced a 21% decrease in the rates of low birth weight and a 17.5% decrease in the rates of prematurity among other clinically important outcomes. The findings are startling and raise some important policy questions. Few would disagree that society has a general interest in preventing low birth weight infants for many reasons, not the least of which is that the care they require is expensive to provide. Couple this recognized societal interest with the findings that poor women have disproportionately higher rates of delivering low birth weight infants and the argument for directing support to these women is highly persuasive. But how should that support be provided to be most effective? In 1 approach, custodians of society’s resources presume to know what … Address correspondence to Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, 111 East 210th St, Bronx, NY 10467. E-mail: aracine{at}montefiore.org
Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Network Meta‐Analysis

Background The goal of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of individual antiembolic interventions in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF): novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban); vitamin K antagonists (VKA); aspirin; and the Watchman device. Methods and Results A network meta‐analysis of randomized, clinical trials (RCTs) was performed. RCTs that included patients with prosthetic cardiac valves or mitral stenosis, mean or median follow‐up <6 months, <200 participants, without published report in English language, and NOAC phase II studies were excluded. The placebo/control arm received either placebo or no treatment. The primary efficacy outcome was the combination of stroke (of any type) and systemic embolism. All‐cause mortality served as a secondary efficacy outcome. The primary safety outcome was the combination of major extracranial bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. A total of 21 RCTs (96 017 nonvalvular AF patients; median age, 72 years; 65% males; median follow‐up, 1.7 years) were included. In comparison to placebo/control, use of aspirin (odds ratio [OR], 0.75 [95% CI, 0.60–0.95]), VKA (0.38 [0.29–0.49]), apixaban (0.31 [0.22–0.45]), dabigatran (0.29 [0.20–0.43]), edoxaban (0.38 [0.26–0.54]), rivaroxaban (0.27 [0.18–0.42]), and the Watchman device (0.36 [0.16–0.80]) significantly reduced the risk of any stroke or systemic embolism in nonvalvular AF patients, as well as all‐cause mortality (aspirin: OR, 0.82 [0.68–0.99]; VKA: 0.69 [0.57–0.85]; apixaban: 0.62 [0.50–0.78]; dabigatran: 0.62 [0.50–0.78]; edoxaban: 0.62 [0.50–0.77]; rivaroxaban: 0.58 [0.44–0.77]; and the Watchman device: 0.47 [0.25–0.88]). Apixaban (0.89 [0.80–0.99]), dabigatran (0.90 [0.82–0.99]), and edoxaban (0.89 [0.82–0.96]) reduced risk of all‐cause death as compared to VKA. Conclusions The entire spectrum of therapy to prevent thromboembolism in nonvalvular AF significantly reduced stroke/systemic embolism events and mortality.
Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine Evaluation in Acute Testicular Trauma

AbstractWe report 2 cases of acute testicular trauma, which proved to be testicular rupture. Ultrasound and radionuclide imaging of the testes were performed preoperatively. Both sonograms revealed a sonolucent intratesticular lesion consistent with hematoma or abscess. In cases of acute testicular trauma a sonolucent intratesticular echo pattern should suggest the possibility of testicular rupture.
Water structure at hydrophobic interfaces studied by sum-frequency generation

Despite the familiar notion of wetting or nonwetting of a solid surface by water, our understanding of the phenomenon at the molecular level has been very limited, mainly due to lack of tools to probe the buried interfaces. In this paper we use optical sum- frequency generation, which is highly surface-specific, to obtain vibrational spectra of OH stretching modes of water at different hydrophobic water interfaces. The results provide a coherent picture of water structure at such interfaces.
Tritium in fusion power reactor blankets

Several related problems involving the recovery of tritium from the breeding blanket in fusion power reactors are considered. They include the use of stagnant lithium blankets, the use of lithium as a regenerable getter pump, and the use of breeder materials that are lithium intermetallic alloys. Transient tritium recovery rates during startup are also estimated. Keeping the tritium inventory low and providing an economical recovery cycle are conflicting goals. These topics may provide a scheme by which both might be accomplished. (auth)
Differential binding properties of some opiates and opioid peptides

The opioid peptide enkephalins were discovered as endogenous substances in the brain which mimic effects of morphine pharmacologically at presumed receptor sites in smooth muscle systems (Hughes, 1975) and compete for [3H] opiate binding to opiate receptor sites in brain membranes (Terenius and Wahlstrom, 1975; Pasternak et al. 1975a). Accordingly, these opiate receptor sites which bind opiates with high affinity and in proportion to their pharmacological activity (Snyder, 1975) presumably serve physiologically to interact with endogenous opioid peptides. In the brain the quantitatively predominant opioid peptides are the two pentapeptides met and leu-enkephalin while lower concentrations of a 39-amino acid opioid peptide β-endorphin may also presumably interact with opiate receptors. However, since the localization of enkephalin throughout the brain corresponds more closely with that of opiate receptors than does localization of β-endorphin (Simantov et al. 1977; Rossier et al. 1977), it is likely that the majority of opiate receptors in the brain normally interact with enkephalins rather than β-endorphin.
Resource efficient real-time processing of Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization

Contextual Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (C-CLAHE) is an effective method for solving the noise amplification effect of the adaptive histogram equalization (AHE), and enhancing the visibility of local details of an image. Even though C-CLAHE has a smaller memory foot print than CLAHE, complexity of the interpolation process increases the computation demand dramatically. Therefore, FPGA based implementations have been limited to CLAHE only. In this study we introduce three key modifications to the C-CLAHE, and for the first time make it feasible to implement on a resource limited FPGA. We restructure the method so that the histogram redistribution stage is realized with fewer number of iterations. We implement contrast limitation calculations earlier during the histogram generation stage instead of during the histogram redistribution stage, which reduces the block RAM demand. We finally mathematically derive an alternative interpolation calculation used during the remapping stage, which reduces the computation complexity in terms of required multipliers by a factor of 2×, without sacrificing the image quality. These algorithmic modifications allowed us to reduce the block RAM demand by a factor of 12×, logic block demand by a factor of 6.7× compared to the state of the art FPGA based CLAHE implementation, and achieve real time processing of 640 × 480 images at a rate of 354 frames per second.
Exploring the Use of Oropharyngeal Cancer Histology to Account for HPV Status in Population-based Studies.

AIM To assess whether poorly differentiated tumors and non-keratinizing tumors have similar demographic and clinical characteristics as human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive tumors in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study cohort included patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2012 identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 Database. RESULTS Poorly differentiated tumors were associated with early T stage (odds ratio (OR)=1.23), nodal metastasis (OR=1.66) and tonsil fossa origin (OR=1.22). Non-keratinizing tumors were associated with early T stage (OR=1.23), nodal metastasis (OR=1.66) and tonsil fossa origin (OR=1.22). Poorly differentiated tumors were associated with improved overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR)=0.78, p<0.001). Non-keratinizing tumors were associated with improved OS (HR=0.71, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Histological grade and keratinization may be useful surrogates to adjust for the effects of HPV status in oropharyngeal cancer studies utilizing population-based cancer databases.
Co-Hydrothermal Carbonization of coal-biomass blend: Influence of temperature on solid fuel properties

Abstract Co-Hydrothermal Carbonization (Co-HTC) was performed on a blended feedstock of coal and miscanthus. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the synergistic effects of miscanthus on coal during Co-HTC. Fuel quality was assessed for all hydrochars by evaluating mass yields, energy content, ultimate analysis, and proximate analysis. Calculation of combustion parameters showed experimental ignition and burnout indices of Co-HTC 260 °C hydrochar were 29.0% and 26.5% lower than theoretical, non-interacting indices, respectively. Hydrochars shared the benefits of low sulfur and low ash content of miscanthus but maintaining higher energy content of coal. Hydrochars produced at 260 °C had energy contents as high as coal (27.3 ± 0.6 MJ kg − 1 ) and 73% less ash content and 74% less sulfur than raw coal as a result of the more acidic environment produced by miscanthus decomposition. Furthermore, hydrochars were homogeneous as miscanthus-derived hydrochar was formed on coal surface according to SEM imaging and verified by the reduced pore width from nitrogen adsorption. Co-HTC hydrochars were pelletized in a single-press pellet press. Both mass and energy densities of Co-HTC pellets were increased with the increase of Co-HTC temperature. For instance, energy densities of pelletized Co-HTC hydrochars were increased to 32.4 GJ m − 3 , whereas HTC coal contains energy density of 28 GJ m − 3 .
Abstract PR03: Linking AP/MS-driven protein-protein interaction networks and combination CRISPR/sgRNA screens defines new Kras effectors and target candidates for non-small cell lung cancer

The Kras pathway is a central driver in prevalent and deadly cancers including pancreas, colon and lung. Despite decades of work studying the Raf and PI3 kinase pathways downstream of Kras, therapies targeted to these pathways have shown varied responses in tumors To better understand whether important Kras dependences have been overlooked, we used tandem affinity purification of Kras, Hras, and Nras interactors and a set of baits representing ~50 interacting pathway regulators, and have compared these interactions in Kras transformed A549 NSCLC lines versus an isogenic shRNA Kras knockdown line, to identify key protein-protein interactions (PPIs) linked to Kras effector activity. These interactions were curated and compared to public PPI, genetic susceptibility, and other multiomics data to assemble a physical PPI map annotated with important functional determinants. This functional map was used to construct a library of 114 selected sgRNAs (10 guides per gene) and screened in a 1140 x 1140 dual sgRNA vector system to look for quantitative changes in single and dual genetic dependencies in A549 cell growth. We discovered a considerable number of new KRAS GTP-specific effectors important in NSCLC cancer, many with strong mutations patterns supported by TCGA data and validated by in vitro biochemical assay. We will present these data and additional validation studies on two pathways including the Radil-Rap1-Kif14 pathway for cell migration and an extensive interaction of the Kras pathway with Ral and Rap GTPase family guanine nucleotide exchange factors. These new effectors underscore limitations in our functional understanding of transformation in Kras-driven tumors and suggest specific new targets for these critical tumors. Citation Format: Marcus R. Kelly, Han Kyuho, Edwin E. Jeng, David Morgans, Kaja Kostyrko, David Simpson, Dana Gwinn, Alejandro Sweet-Cordero, Michael C. Bassik, Peter K. Jackson. Linking AP/MS-driven protein-protein interaction networks and combination CRISPR/sgRNA screens defines new Kras effectors and target candidates for non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Opportunities and Challenges of Exploiting Synthetic Lethality in Cancer; Jan 4-7, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2017;16(10 Suppl):Abstract nr PR03.
The impact of rational organizations on public administrators: A structural equation model

The rational organization has long been an important tool in public administration (Weber, 1968; Simon, 1964; Alkadry, 2003). It is often identified with positive characteristics such as objectivity, expertise, efficiency, fairness and formalization. However, these same positive characteristics can contribute to a “darker side” of rational organizations. Hummel (1994) articulates this as a “bureaucratic experience” resulting from the interaction between administrators and bureaucracy, while others articulate it as the “organization man” experience. In this article, a conceptual model of the relationship between organizational rationalization and administrator experiences is developed. This model is tested using a survey of front-line administrators and a structural equation model of the relationships between these two concepts. The article concludes with a discussion of alternatives to technical rationality.
Drug Use among Inmates

The issue of drug use is one that plagues many inmates who are incarcerated in the United States. Previous policy changes have criminalized substance abuse and the result has been an increase in the number of inmates with substance abuse issues. As the problem of substance abuse continues to grow in these facilities, the call for increased treatment options has grown as well. Keywords: crime; criminal justice; drug enforcement; drugs; jail; prison
Glycine receptor modulating antibody predicting treatable stiff-person spectrum disorders

Background Glycine receptor alpha-1 subunit (GlyRα1)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) is diagnostic of stiff-person syndrome (SPS) spectrum but has been reported detectable in other neurologic diseases for which significance is less certain. Methods To assess GlyRα1-IgGs as biomarkers of SPS spectrum among patients and controls, specimens were tested using cell-based assays (binding [4°C] and modulating [antigen endocytosing, 37°C]). Medical records of seropositive patients were reviewed. Results GlyRα1-IgG (binding antibody) was detected in 21 of 247 patients with suspected SPS spectrum (8.5%) and in 8 of 190 healthy subject sera (4%) but not CSF. Among 21 seropositive patients, 20 had confirmed SPS spectrum clinically, but 1 was later determined to have a functional neurologic disorder. Sera from 9 patients with SPS spectrum , but not 7 controls, nor the functional patient, caused GlyRα1 modulation (100% specificity). SPS spectrum phenotypes included progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) (8), classic SPS (5), stiff limb (5), stiff trunk (1), and isolated exaggerated startle (hyperekplexia, 1). Neuropsychiatric symptoms present in 12 patients (60%) were anxiety (11), depression (6), and delirium (3). Anxiety was particularly severe in 3 patients with PERM. Objective improvements in SPS neurologic symptoms were recorded in 16 of 18 patients who received first-line immunotherapy (89%, 9/10 treated with corticosteroids, 8/10 treated with IVIg, 3/4 treated with plasma exchange, and 1 treated with rituximab). Treatment-sparing maintenance strategies were successful in 4 of 7 patients (rituximab [2/3], azathioprine [1/1], and mycophenolate [1/3]). Conclusions GlyRα1-modulating antibody improves diagnostic specificity for immunologically treatable SPS spectrum disorders. Classification of evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that GlyRα1-modulating antibody accurately identifies patients with treatable SPS spectrum disorders.
Synthesis of Cyclobutadienoid-Fused Phenazines with Strongly Modulated Degrees of Antiaromaticity.

The streamlined synthesis of a series of regioisomeric azaacene analogues containing fused phenazine and antiaromatic cyclobutadienoids (CBDs), using a catalytic arene–oxanorbornene annulation, followed by aromatization is reported. Controlling the fusion patterns allowed strong modulation of local antiaromaticity. Enhancing antiaromaticity in these regioisomeric azaacenes led to stabilized LUMO, reduced band gap, and quenched fluorescence. This synthetic strategy provides a facile means to fuse CBDs with variable degrees of antiaromaticity onto N-heteroarenes to tune their optoelectronic properties.
A Pediatrician’s Perspective on Child Protection

When the author started his pediatric residency in 1958, trauma inflicted on children had been described in the medical literature, mostly by radiologists, but its existence was not generally recognized by clinicians. Child maltreatment was initially viewed as a disorder of parenting. This meant that, in addition to investigative responsibilities, the new breed of case workers were charged with providing support. Mandatory reporting laws, along with professional and public awareness, soon swamped the protective services system; the supportive mission was not maintained. In the past decade, there has been a marked diminution in the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse; neglect now constitutes over 75% of the reported cases of maltreatment. The author maintains that children’s protective services have outlived their usefulness. Investigations of assaults should be conducted by law enforcement personnel, and suspected neglect should first be evaluated by public health nurses.
Nicotine Dependence and Pharmacogenetics

Tobacco use is the single greatest cause of premature and preventable death in the United States. Genetic factors play a key role in the acquisition of smoking among adolescents and transition to nicotine dependence in adulthood, as well as response to standard smoking cessation therapies. Twin studies demonstrate high heritability for smoking initiation, nicotine dependence, and quitting success. Specific genetic associations with smoking acquisition in adolescents include the dopamine D2 receptor and dopamine transporter genes, as well as the nicotine metabolizing enzyme CYP2A6. Genetic studies with adults provide evidence linking CYP2A6 gene and the neuronal nicotinic receptor CHRN5-A3-B4 gene cluster to nicotine dependence. The nicotine metabolite ratio, a phenotypic marker for CYP2A6 activity, also predicts response to nicotine replacement and bupropion therapy for smoking cessation. Additional pharmacogenetic findings with nicotine replacement and bupropion therapy suggest a role for genetic variation in the dopamine D2 receptors and the enzyme catechol o-methyl transferase.
The Expected Impact of a Smoking Cessation Program for Pregnant Women on Infant Mortality among Native Americans

To quantify the expected impact of a smoking cessation program for pregnant women on infant mortality among Native Americans, we estimated the proportional reduction (impact fraction) and the absolute reduction (impact risk) in neonatal and postneonatal mortality as a result of the intervention program. The estimated attributable fraction due to maternal smoking was 16.6% of infant deaths in the Aberdeen Indian Health Service (IHS) Area, 16.2% in the Alaska IHS Area, and 5.2% in the Navajo IHS Area. Under the assumptions that 14% of the smokers participating in a smoking cessation program would quit and that the intervention would have 60% relative efficacy in preventing infant deaths attributable to smoking, the impact fraction was estimated to be 0.9% of all infant deaths in the Aberdeen Area, 1.0% in the Alaska Area, and 0.3% in the Navajo Area. Under the “best” model assumptions (28% cessation rate and 90% relative efficacy), 2.6% of all infant deaths, 3.7% of postneonatal deaths, and 1.2% of neonatal deaths would be prevented by a smoking cessation program in the Aberdeen Area. When applied to 1984-1986 infant mortality data, the impact risk per 100,000 live births under the “best” model assumptions was 10 neonatal deaths and 41 postneonatal deaths in the Aberdeen Area, 10 neonatal and 34 postneonatal deaths in Alaska, and 2 neonatal and 8 postneonatal deaths in the Navajo Area. This report points to the need to develop effective smoking cessation programs for Native Americans, targeted in particular to women of reproductive age.
Highlighting a gap in student pharmacist training: Intraprofessional education with pharmacy technicians.

Abstract Introduction The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Accreditation Standards suggest integration and inclusion of interprofessional education in doctor of pharmacy programs. Although not directly mentioned by these Standards, intraprofessional education between student pharmacists and student pharmacy technicians may provide valuable preparation for comradery in practice. Commentary Given the prevalence of collaboration between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in pharmacy practice, lack of intraprofessional education could be a vital gap in current programs. There have been previous calls within academic pharmacy and from key stakeholder groups for greater involvement of the profession in the training and education of pharmacy technicians, yet literature is sparse on successful models. This commentary includes a discussion of why intraprofessional training is vital, a brief commentary on example intraprofessional activities, as well as strategies for collaboration. Implications A series of questions with the intention of evoking further conversations and awareness within academic pharmacy completes the commentary.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia in mice genetically deficient in either one of the three major hydrogen-sulfide producing enzymes

Various strategies, targeting the pro-inflammatory response associated with sepsis have been proposed, without clinical success. We examined the impact of LPS-induced changes in systemic inflammati...
Radiomics-based assessment of radiation-induced lung injury after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.

e23156Background: Assessment of radiation-induced lung injury, which is common after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), is often qualitative and subjective. We aimed to perform higher-order...
Instability of localization in translation-invariant systems

The phenomenon of localization is usually accompanied with the presence of quenched disorder. To what extent disorder is necessary for localization is a well-known open problem. In this paper, we prove the instability of localization in translation-invariant systems. For any translation-invariant local Hamiltonian exhibiting either Anderson or many-body localization, an arbitrarily small translation-invariant random local perturbation almost surely leads to the following manifestations of delocalization: (i) Transport: For any (inhomogeneous) initial state, the spatial distribution of energy or any other local conserved quantity becomes uniform at late times. (ii) Scrambling: The out-of-time-ordered correlator of any traceless local operators decays to zero at late times. (iii) Thermalization: Random product states locally thermalize to the infinite temperature state with overwhelming probability.
Diagnosis and imaging of neonatal UTIs.

Background The 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline recommends when to obtain renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) following febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) for children age 2–24 months. However, there is not consensus about when to obtain imaging in neonates. The objective of this study is to evaluate UTI diagnostic criteria along with RBUS and VCUG in neonates admitted to the NICU in the first 3 months of life. Methods A retrospective electronic medical record review was performed of neonates admitted to Nationwide Children's Hospital system NICUs between January 2010 and December 2014 with UTI as a primary or secondary diagnosis. Urine culture results were evaluated versus established UTI criteria and renal US and VCUG results were compared. Results Of 81 patients with a straight catheterized urine culture obtained, 28 patients met laboratory criteria for diagnosis of UTI and all but 4 had a RBUS. Urine cultures had an equal distribution of Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Coagulase negative staphylococcus. RBUS showed dilation of the collecting system in 37.5% of patients with UTI compared to 41.3% without UTI. VCUG showed vesicourteral reflux (VUR) on 41.7% of those with UTI compared to 34.8% without UTI. For patients with UTI, the sensitivity of RBUS for VUR on VCUG was 60% with CI [0.17, 0.93] and specificity was 43% with CI [0.12, 0.80]. In patients without UTI, sensitivity of RBUS for VUR on VCUG was 63% with CI [0.26, 0.90] and specificity was 71% with CI [0.42, 0.90]. Conclusions Fewer than half of neonates that were diagnosed clinically with UTI met laboratory criteria for a UTI. Positive urine cultures grew a wide variety of organisms. The sensitivity of renal ultrasound for VUR is only about 60%.
‘The wound which does not heal’: Trauma in Robert Neumann’s Autobiographical Writing

In 1934, the Jewish writer Robert Neumann left his native Vienna for London, where he lived in exile until resettling in Switzerland many years after the war. Although Neumann eventually did forge ...
Survival Analysis in Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech and Agrammatic Aphasia.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare survival among patients with different combinations of apraxia of speech (AOS) and agrammatic aphasia, including those with isolated AOS (primary progressive apraxia of speech, PPAOS), both AOS and agrammatic aphasia (AOS+PAA) and isolated agrammatic aphasia (progressive agrammatic aphasia, PAA). Methods: One-hundred-and-nine patients were recruited who had any combination of AOS and agrammatic aphasia (42 PPAOS, 56 AOS+PAA and 11 PAA) and were followed longitudinally, with 57 patients having since died. Cox proportional hazards models were used to quantify the relative risk of death across diagnoses. Adjusted survival curves are presented based on this model. We also assessed the influence of AOS and aphasia severity on survival. Results: PPAOS had the longest survival (median survival of 5.97 years from baseline visit), followed by PAA (5.26 years) and then AOS+PAA (4.33 years). AOS+PAA had a greater risk of death than PPAOS, with a hazard ratio of 3.01 (Lower/upper CI= 1.66/5.46, p Conclusions: Individuals with PPAOS have better survival and reduced risk of death compared to AOS+PAA individuals. This finding will help improve prognostic estimates for these patients and supports the value of distinguishing PPAOS from AOS+PAA.
Characterization of prolonged COVID-19 symptoms in an outpatient telemedicine clinic

We identified patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in a telemedicine clinic who requested ongoing follow-up calls 6 weeks after symptom onset. In this group, respiratory symptoms are the most common complaints, asthma and lung disease are frequent comorbidities, and patients often have not returned to work or usual activity.
Family’s Subjective Economic Status and Children’s Matrix Reasoning: Blacks’ Diminished Returns

Background: Due to a pattern known as Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs), historically oppressed non-Hispanic Black Americans show weaker effects of economic status on health and development, when compared to socially privileged non-Hispanic White Americans. Such MDRs are also documented for the effects of economic status on the school performance of non-Hispanic Black children. However, the existing knowledge is minimal on similar diminished returns on children’s intelligence. Aim: To compare racial and ethnic groups for the effect of subjective economic status on children’s cognitive performance, we compared non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black children for the effects of subjective economic status on children’s matrix reasoning. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 7898 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The predictor variable was subjective economic status, which was treated as a continuous measure. The primary outcome was children’s matrix reasoning, a domain of cognitive performance, measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-IV (WISC-V) matrix reasoning total score. Results: Overall, high subjective economic status was associated with higher matrix reasoning score. Race showed a statistically significant interaction with subjective economic status on children’s matrix reasoning score. This interaction suggested that high subjective economic status has a smaller boosting effect on increasing matrix reasoning score for non-Hispanic Black children relative to non-Hispanic White children. Conclusion: The degree by which subjective economic status correlates with matrix reasoning score, an important domain of cognitive performance, depends on race and racialization. Non-Hispanic Black children may show weaker gains in matrix reasoning from their subjective economic status than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. To minimize the racial gap in cognitive performance, we need to address diminished returns that occur as a result of the racialization of racial and ethnic minority children. Not only should we equalize economic status, but also increase the marginal returns of economic status for racial minorities, particularly non-Hispanic Black families. Such efforts require public policies that go beyond access and also consider how we can empower non-Hispanic Black communities and families so they can more effectively leverage and utilize their economic resources to secure measurable and tangible outcomes. Structural and societal barriers such as residential and school segregation may hinder non-Hispanic Black children from receiving the full effects of their family-level economic status on a variety of outcomes, including their cognitive performance.
Coulomb stress analysis for several filling and operational scenarios at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam impoundment.

Increased demand for power generation coupled with changing seasonal water uncertainty has caused a worldwide increase in the construction of large hydrologic engineering structures. That said, the soon-to-be-completed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will impound the Blue Nile River in Western Ethiopia and its reservoir will encompass ~ 1763 km2 and store ~ 67 Gt (km3) of surface water. The impoundment will undergo maximum seasonal load changes of ~ 28 to ~ 36 Gt during projected seasonal hydroelectric operations. The GERD impoundment will cause significant subsurficial stresses, and could possibly trigger seismicity in the region. This study examines Coulomb stress and hydrologic load centroid movements for several GERD impoundment and operational scenarios. The maximum subsurficial Coulomb stress applied on optimally oriented fault planes from the full impoundment is ~ 186 kPa and over 30% of our model domain incurs Coulomb stresses ≥ 10 kPa, regardless of the impoundment period length. The main driver behind Coulomb stress and load centroid motion during impoundment is the annual, accumulated daily reservoir storage change. The maximum Coulomb stresses from the highest amplitude season of five long-term operational scenarios are around 36, 33, 29, 41, and 24% of the total maximum stresses from the entire GERD impoundment. Variations in annual Coulomb stresses during modeled GERD operations are attributed to the seasonal load per unit area, and partially to the initial seasonal water level. The spatial patterns and amplitudes of these stress tensors are closely linked to both the size and timing of GERD inflow/outflow rates, and an improved understanding of the magnitude and extent of these stresses provides useful information to water managers to better understand potential reservoir triggered seismic events from several different operational and impoundment strategies.
A graphene-based hydrogel monolith with tailored surface chemistry for PFAS passive sampling

Aquatic contamination by per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) has attracted global attention due to their environmental and health concerns. Current health advisories and surface water regulatory limits require PFAS detection in the parts per trillion (ppt) range. One way to achieve those low detection limits is to use a reliable passive sampling-based monitoring tool for PFAS, as exists for numerous nonpolar persistent organic pollutants. Here we introduce a new graphene-based hydrogel monolith and describe its synthesis, chemical functionalization, property characterization, and testing as a PFAS equilibrium passive sampler. The graphene monoliths were self-assembled by hydrothermal treatment from graphene oxide (GO) aqueous dispersions to produce free standing cylinders of ∼563 mm3 volume consisting of 4 wt% thin-walled porous graphene and ∼96 wt% water. The uptake of 23 PFAS was measured on the as-produced monoliths, and equilibrium partition coefficients (KSW), were derived for longer chain (C ≥ 8) perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and neutral precursors such as sulfonamides (log KSW range 1.9–3.6). To increase the KSW for shorter chain PFAA, the monoliths were chemically modified by a new diazonium-based grafting reaction that introduces positive surface charge without damage to the graphenic backbone. Introduction of benzylamine moieties through the diazonium intermediate switches zeta potential at pH 7 from −45 mV (as-produced graphene) to +5 mV. This modification increased the sorption of short and middle chain PFAA by ten-fold (e.g. log KSW for PFBA increased from 1.3 to 2.2), thereby improving the functionality of the passive sampler device for a wider range of PFAS. Field deployments demonstrated that the graphene monoliths were capable of detecting key PFAS in the Delaware River.
The Impact of Hard Work and “Scratching” for Ideas [Women in Engineering]

As a violinist, I learned early in life that Mozart was one of the most brilliant composers of all time. However, it took me much longer to learn what made Mozart particularly successful:
DOING IT RIGHT, BUT GETTING IT WRONG: BEST PRACTICES FOR REFUGEE FOCUSED INCUBATORS

In response to the rising numbers of refugees worldwide, many aid organizations suggest entrepreneurship as a preferred route to refugee economic self-reliance in a new country. Incubators have lon...
Nonparametric Scanning For Nonrandom Missing Data With Continuous Instrumental Variables

This article introduces a new instrumental variable approach for estimating unknown population parameters with data having nonrandom missing values. With coarse and discrete instruments, Shao and Wang (2016) proposed a semiparametric method that uses the added information to identify the tilting parameter from the missing data propensity model. A naive application of this idea to continuous instruments through arbitrary discretizations is apt to be inefficient, and maybe questionable in some settings. We propose a nonparametric method not requiring arbitrary discretizations but involves scanning over continuous dichotomizations of the instrument; and combining scan statistics to estimate the unknown parameters via weighted integration. We establish the asymptotic normality of the proposed integrated estimator and that of the underlying scan processes uniformly across the instrument sample space. Simulation studies and the analysis of a real data set demonstrate the gains of the methodology over procedures that rely either on arbitrary discretizations or moments of the instrument.
Substituted methanes: Part XXXVII. Raman and infrared spectral data, and calculated wave numbers for CD2BrCl and CHDBrCl

Abstract The Raman spectra for the liquid, and the infrared spectra for both the gas and liquid have been obtained for CD 2 BrCl and a mixture of CH 2 BrCl, CD 2 BrCl, and CHDBrCl. The vibrational spectral data for CHDBrCl were deduced by eliminating the known bands of CH 2 BrCl and CD 2 BrCl from the data for the mixture. The assignments for CD 2 BrCl and CHDBrCl were confirmed by potential energy constant calculations. The observed values for the fundamentals of CD 2 BrCl in the Raman spectrum are: a ′—226, 574, 702, 922, 1042, and 2196; a ″—667, 809, and 2305. In the infrared, the values are: liquid—574, 703, 923, 1041, 2195, 668, 2302; gas—582, 717, 936, 1050, 2208, 811. The calculated wave numbers are: a ′—227, 564, 693, 926, 1055, 2161; a ″—672, 810, and 2250. For CHDBrCl, in the Raman spectrum the observed values for the fundamentals are: 228, 586, 707, 743, 867, 1179, 1264, 2246, and 3024; and in the infrared they are: gas—711, 746, 868, 1188; liquid—706, 743, 865, 1183, 1262, 2252, 3031. The calculated wave numbers are: 227, 578, 704, 740, 878, 1155, 1283, 2205, and 3020.
An extension of Elton’s ℓ₁ⁿ theorem to complex Banach spaces

Let e > 0 be sufficiently small. Then, for θ = 0.225e, there exists δ:= δ(e) &n (where (Z i ) are independent complex Steinhaus random variables), then there exists a set B ⊆ {1,...,n}, with |B| ≥ θn, such that Σz i e i ≥(1-6)Σ|z i | for all z i ∈ C (i ∈ B). The e dependence on e of the threshold proportion θ is sharp.
Time, Memory, and Melancholia in Elena Garro's Los Recuerdos del Porvenir

Elena Garro's Los recuerdos del porvenir presents a time that appears to be stuck and characters desperate to break free. Aspects of the novel's use of time and memory have been traditionally read as representative of either indigenous or feminine temporalities, but while Recuerdos has been described as melancholic there has not been a thorough analysis of the text in terms of this aspect. This paper will present an argument for Recuerdos as a text largely marked by a melancholic tendency, as well as an exposition of what this tendency signifies. Time and memory, beyond merely reflecting alternate subject positions, create an anxious desire to live new possibilities while at the same time abolishing any space where these may occur. I hope that by focusing on how the novel is structured through melancholia, I can highlight the way in which Garro deploys these concepts in service of its tragic finale.
Cardiac output and uterine blood flow in the pregnant ewe

Fifteen pregnant ewes were studied to determine what fractions of the increases in maternal cardiac output and oxygen consumption found in pregnancy were due to the concomitant increases in blood flow to and oxygen consumption of the uterus and its tissue contents. Maternal cardiac output rose at term to 6.65 +/- 0.47 L. per minute, a value 40 per cent above the postpartum level. Uterine blood flow, which had increased at term to 1.62 +/- 0.15 L. per minute, represented 24 per cent of maternal cardiac output above postpartum levels. Maternal oxygen consumption at term was 259 +/- 11 c.c. per minute, a value 33 per cent above the postpartum level. Uterine oxygen consumption, which had increased at term to 57 +/- 4 c.c. per minute, represented 22 per cent of maternal oxygen consumption and accounted for 87 per cent of the increase in maternal cardiac output above postpartum levels. These data indicate that in the ewe most of the pregnancy-associated increases in maternal cardiac output and oxygen consumption are due to the demands of the uterus and its tissue contents.
Conductance Modulation Techniques in Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Converter for Maximum-Efficiency Tracking and Ripple Mitigation in 22 nm Tri-Gate CMOS

Switch conductance modulation techniques are demonstrated in a fully integrated multi-ratio switched-capacitor voltage regulator with hysteretic control, in 22 nm tri-gate CMOS with high-density MIM capacitor. We present (i) an adaptive switch-size scaling scheme for maximum efficiency tracking across a wide range of voltages and currents, governed by a frequency-based control law that is experimentally validated across multiple dies and temperatures and, (ii) a simple active ripple mitigation technique that modulates the gate drive of select MOSFET switches effectively in all conversion modes. Efficiency improvements up to 15% are measured under low output voltage and load conditions. Load-independent output ripple of $ 50 mV is achieved, enabling reduced interleaving. Test chip implementations and measurements demonstrate ease of integration in SoC designs, power efficiency benefits and EMI/RFI improvements.
Performance of sweetpotato foundation seed after incorporation into commercial operations in Louisiana.

Because sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is vegetatively propagated, viruses and mutations can accumulate readily, which can lead to cultivar decline. Sweetpotato foundation seed programs in the United States maintain the integrity of commercial seed stock by providing virus-tested (VT) foundation seed to commercial producers. A survey was conducted in Louisiana from 2007 to 2009 to examine the performance and quality of the foundation seed after it had been integrated into commercial sweetpotato operations. G1 seed [grown 1 year after virus therapy in the foundation seed production field at the Sweet Potato Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter), at Chase, LA] was used as a reference to compare the yield and virus incidence of growers’ generation 2 (G2) and generation 3 (G3) seed roots (grown in the growers’ seed production fields 1 or 2 years following the year of foundation seed production). Although yields of plants grown from G2 and G3 seed were 86.3% and 86.1% for U.S. No. 1 and 83.3% and 86.0% for total marketable, respectively, compared with the yields from G1 seed, they were not significantly different. Yield and virus incidence data suggest that seed quality may vary from year to year and from location to location. Results from this study suggest that producers are realizing yield benefits by incorporating VT foundation seed into their production schemes, but further benefits could be attained if ways to reduce re-infection with viruses can be found.
Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Aromatic Ketones and Aldehydes: 1,1‐Diphenylethane

Aromatic hydrocarbons from aromatic ketones and aldehydes: 1,1-diphenylethane product: 1,1-diphenylethane Keywords: alkylation, C-alkylation; reduction, miscellaneous; assay methods, for water content, Karl Fischer titration; distillation, apparatus, Kugelrohr distillation oven
Thermal history of the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, USA

Abstract Secondary calcite, silica and minor amounts of fluorite deposited in fractures and cavities record the chemistry, temperatures, and timing of past fluid movement in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the proposed site of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The distribution and geochemistry of these deposits are consistent with low-temperature precipitation from meteoric waters that infiltrated at the surface and percolated down through the unsaturated zone. However, the discovery of fluid inclusions in calcite with homogenization temperatures (Th) up to ∼80 °C was construed by some scientists as strong evidence for hydrothermal deposition. This paper reports the results of investigations to test the hypothesis of hydrothermal deposition and to determine the temperature and timing of secondary mineral deposition. Mineral precipitation temperatures in the unsaturated zone are estimated from calcite- and fluorite-hosted fluid inclusions and calcite δ18O values, and depositional timing is constrained by the 207Pb/235U ages of chalcedony or opal in the deposits. Fluid inclusion Th from 50 samples of calcite and four samples of fluorite range from ∼35 to ∼90 °C. Calcite δ18O values range from ∼0 to ∼22‰ (SMOW) but most fall between 12 and 20‰. The highest Th and the lowest δ18O values are found in the older calcite. Calcite Th and δ18O values indicate that most calcite precipitated from water with δ18O values between −13 and −7‰, similar to modern meteoric waters. Twenty-two 207Pb/235U ages of chalcedony or opal that generally postdate elevated depositional temperatures range from ∼9.5 to 1.9 Ma. New and published 207Pb/235U and 230Th/Uages coupled with the Th values and estimates of temperature from calcite δ18O values indicate that maximum unsaturated zone temperatures probably predate ∼10 Ma and that the unsaturated zone had cooled to near-present-day temperatures (24–26 °C at a depth of 250 m) by 2–4 Ma. The evidence of elevated temperatures persisting in ash flow tuffs adjacent to parent calderas for as much as ∼8 Ma is a new finding, but consistent with thermal modeling. Simulations using the HEAT code demonstrate that prolonged cooling of the unsaturated zone is consistent with magmatic heat inputs and deep-seated (sub-water table) hydrothermal activity generated by the large magma body ∼8 km to the north that produced the 15–11 Ma ash flows and ash falls that make up Yucca Mountain. The evidence discussed in this and preceding papers strongly supports unsaturated zone deposition of the secondary minerals from descending meteoric waters. Although depositional temperatures reflect conductive (and possibly vapor-phase convective) heating of the unsaturated zone related to regional magmatic sources until perhaps 6 Ma, depositional conditions similar to the present-day unsaturated zone have prevailed for at least the past 2–4 Ma.