cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A communications architecture concept for intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS)

The communications segment of an overall intelligent vehicle highway system (IVHS) is one of the most critical and complex issues that the designers of the systems and the planners of the field operational tests have to tackle. The mobile environment renders communications complicated. Incremental implementation is needed to ensure substantive final penetration of IVHS services. Stringent reliability and performance measures are demanded by the safety aspect of IVHS. There are basic system design requirements of noninterference to the motorists. Attempting to contain most of such crucial and often conflicting requirements for the implementation of IVHS, the authors endeavored to develop an IVHS architectural strategy for its phased deployment. Finally, the authors describe and propose a distributed communication system architecture concept that has its unique advantages. >
Extended tropism of an adenoviral vector does not circumvent the maturation-dependent transducibility of mouse skeletal muscle.

Background Efficient adenoviral gene delivery to mature skeletal muscle has been hindered by different factors. The low levels of adenoviral attachment receptor (CAR) that have been reported in this tissue may be a limiting factor. Therefore, adenoviral transduction of mature muscle may be improved by extending the tropism of the adenoviral vectors to attachment receptors that are highly expressed in mature myofibers. In this study, we have investigated whether an extended tropism adenoviral vector which additionally attaches to the broadly expressed heparan-containing receptors (AdPK) can bypass the maturation-dependent adenoviral transducibility of mouse skeletal muscle. Methods The adenoviral vector AdPK carrying the LacZ gene was evaluated as a gene delivery vehicle in mouse skeletal muscle at different maturities in vitro and in vivo. The viral transduction efficiencies were determined by histochemical and ONPG analysis of the β-galactosidase activity level. Results Higher transduction efficiencies were detected in immature muscle from normal mice, and in mature muscle from merosin-deficient dy/dy mice (carrying myofibers with an impaired extracellular matrix) and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice (showing a high level of myoblast activity) when compared to mature muscle from normal mice. Conclusions Despite the enhanced attachment characteristics, the extended tropism adenoviral vector is, similarly to the wild-type adenoviral vector in previous studies, still hindered by both a protective extracellular matrix and the diminished myoblast-mediation in mature muscle. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of cognitive information retrieval for ill-structured managerial problems and its benefits for knowledge acquisition

Current computerized retrieval methods fall short for finding information to resolve ill-structured managerial problems. To overcome the shortcomings of current retrieval methods, this paper proposes a more cognitive approach by integrating concepts from management and knowledge acquisition and grounding the overall discussion in the empirical findings of cognitive science. However, instead of using knowledge acquisition to develop an expert system for general use, this paper addresses the acquisition of a manager's cognitive model for the creation of a personal executive support system that models the superior information discrimination abilities experienced managers possess and thereby avoids the inefficient and ineffective process of traditional database queries. >
Using accelerometers to measure physical activity in large-scale epidemiological studies: issues and challenges

Background The current guidelines for aerobic activity require that adults carry out ≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity physical activity, with a large body of epidemiological evidence showing this level of activity to decrease the incidence of many chronic diseases. Less is known about whether light-intensity activities also have such benefits, and whether sedentary behaviour is an independent predictor of increased risks of these chronic diseases, as imprecise assessments of these behaviours and cross-sectional study designs have limited knowledge to date. Methods Recent technological advances in assessment methods have made the use of movement sensors, such as the accelerometer, feasible for use in longitudinal, large-scale epidemiological studies. Several such studies are collecting sensor-assessed, objective measures of physical activity with the aim of relating these to the development of clinical endpoints. This is a relatively new area of research; thus, in this article, we use the Women9s Health Study (WHS) as a case study to illustrate the challenges related to data collection, data processing and analyses of the vast amount of data collected. Results The WHS plans to collect 7 days of accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour in ∼18 000 women aged ≥62 years. Several logistical challenges exist in collecting data; nonetheless, as of 31 August 2013, 11 590 women have already provided some data. In addition, the WHS experience on data reduction and data analyses can help inform other similar large-scale epidemiological studies. Conclusions Important data on the health effects of light-intensity activity and sedentary behaviour will emerge from large-scale epidemiological studies collecting objective assessments of these behaviours.
Prolonged post-medication anacidity.

The search for more efIective gastric antiseeretory drugs has led recently to the development of a group of new and apparently more potent cholinergic blocking agents. The efIects of single oral and intramuscular doses of these compounds upon the continuous or "basal" gastric secretion in man have been reported in detail by Kirsner et aLt· 2 The present study was undertaken to determine the efIect of slow intravenous infusion of compound U-0229 upon the continuous gastric secretion in patients with duodenal ulcer. U-0229 is the hydrochloride of a tertiary amine, designated chemically as (X ,(X diphenyl-'Y-1piperidyl-butyramide hydrochloride.
Accurate computation of the performance of M-ary orthogonal signaling on a discrete memoryless channel

A formula for the error rate of maximum-likelihood detection of M-ary orthogonal signaling on a discrete memoryless channel is manipulated into a form that avoids numerical imprecision when it is used to calculate low error rates.
Conservative Algorithm for an Adaptive Change of Resolution in Mixed Atomistic/Coarse-Grained Multiscale Simulations

We derive a Hamiltonian and present a simulation protocol for mixed-resolution systems that allows for a change in resolution of selected groups of atoms during a molecular dynamics simulation. The Hamiltonian uses a low-resolution force field for the part of the system distant from an active site (for efficiency) and an atomistic force field for the active site and its direct environment (for accuracy). A microcanonical simulation protocol conserves energy and angular and linear momentum. The method is also applicable to simulations in other ensembles.
Transparent watermarking using bidirectional imaging

We present a method for transparent watermarking using a custom bidirectional imaging device. The two innovative concepts of our approach are reflectance coding and multiview imaging. In reflectance coding, information is embedded in the angular space of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and this information can vary at each surface point. In order to achieve a transparent watermark, reflectance coding is implemented using a spatial variation of the Brewster angle. The novel multiview imaging method measures the reflectance over a range of viewing and illumination angles in order to instantly reveal the unknown Brewster angle. Unlike typical in-lab measurements of the Brewster angle or the refractive index, this method does not require accurate prior knowledge of the surface normal so that imaging in non-lab conditions is feasible. Furthermore, a range of incident angles are examined simultaneously, eliminating the need for scanning incidence angles. The approach is well-suited for transparent watermarking where the observer cannot see the watermark because it is comprised of spatial variations of refractive index. The transparency and angular coding of the watermark has great utility in deterring counterfeit attempts. In this paper, we present the imaging device and demonstrate it's effectiveness in detecting and measuring changes in refractive index. This device acts as the decoder in a transparent watermark system.
Virtual remote sensing: a holistic modeling approach

The plethora of new satellites that collect vast amounts of imagery in specific bands and multiple view angles has given rise to the enormous task of managing and storing large quantities of data and also to extract meaningful information from it. Efforts are underway to develop methodologies that will query the images by content, provide efficient visualization and perform data mining. While the continuation of deploying such state of the art satellites in the future weighs heavily on the logistics of the space agencies, the user community will be in a quandary to look for data that will enable them to test algorithms and methodologies. This paper describes the development of a virtual remote sensing paradigm of simulating atmosphere, scene, and sensor parameters. This is achieved by the modification of existing models available in these areas and coupling them in a software environment developed in Interactive Data Language (IDL). A graphical user interface enables the user to interactively select different land cover types (e.g. water bodies, agricultural fields, soils etc) from a predefined menu and create a virtual scene. A scene is defined by determining its size x columns by y rows, where each location (x, y) is a square scene cell determined by the resolution corresponding to the sensor selected by the user and is assigned to one of the different land cover classes. A Radiative transfer code, Streamer, has been used to model the atmospheric effects. A number of available kernel models have been incorporated in the software to determine bidirectional reflectance corresponding to a given surface type. Field collected BRDF data by a goniometer has been used to perform model inversion and obtain the model parameters.
Effect of BRCA1 and BRCA2 on the association between breast cancer risk and family history

Background The discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 has led to a reassessment of the association between family history of breast/ovarian cancer and breast cancer risk after controlling for carrier status for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. We examined whether family history of breast cancer remains a predictive risk factor for this disease after carrier status for BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations is taken into consideration. Methods The data are from 4730 case subjects with breast cancer and 4688 control subjects enrolled in the Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study. The probability of being a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene carrier was calculated for each woman. Among predicted noncarriers, logistic regression was used to assess the relationship (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between case or control status and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Estimates of age-specific breast cancer risk are presented by predicted carrier status. Results Among predicted noncarriers, case subjects were 2.06 times (95% CI = 1.69-2.50) and 1.24 times (95% CI = 1.17-1.32) more likely to report a first-degree or second-degree family history of breast cancer, respectively, than were control subjects. Case subjects were 1.99 times (95% CI = 1.63-2.44), 1.66 times (95% CI = 1.18-2.38), and 2.23 times (95% CI = 0.21-24.65) more likely to report an affected mother, sister, or both, respectively, than were control subjects. A family history of ovarian cancer was not statistically significantly associated with breast cancer risk. Noncarriers were predicted to have a lifetime risk of 9% of developing breast cancer compared with a 63% risk for carriers. Conclusions Among women with a moderate family history of breast cancer, i.e., predicted noncarriers of BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations, family history remains a factor in predicting breast cancer risk. In families with breast and ovarian cancers, the aggregation of these two cancers appears to be explained by BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation-carrier probability.
State Polls: Promising Data Sources for Political Research

This research note suggests that the image of statewide polls as erratic bases for election predictions belies their reliability and usefulness as sources of information for basic scientific research. Data on partisanship from three different polling organizations, over a seven-year period, for fourteen different states, are presented to indicate that there is minimal interorganization variation among the three sources of data, a remarkable stability of sample estimates of partisanship within states through time, and a strong correlation between the state poll data and external validating indicators.
QoS for Multimedia Services in Wireless Networks

The commercialization of multimedia services over wireless and mobile networks appears inevitable in coming years. This provides great opportunities, yet challenges for the research and development of QoS supports for various wireless access technologies.
Agricultural Crisis in India: The Root Cause and Consequences

Twenty-first century India has emerged as a major economic power in the world, with the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product reaching impressive levels and the poverty ratio coming down significantly. The Structural Adjustment Programme in 1991 that the policy of globalisation was concretely introduced in India. Based on this policy and the directives of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation, the Indian economy was substantially overhauled. The Export-Import policy was liberalised; the import and customs duties of many products were drastically lowered or totally dropped so that they could be imported without any restriction. The government started reducing its investment in agriculture and the industrial sector allowing the private sector to take over. The restructuring of the public distribution system really affected the availability of food grains to the poor at subsidised rates. All such measures had implications for the farm sector. In the present paper an attempt has been made to assess the impact of economic recession on Indian agriculture and trends in agricultural exports.The production of food grains, oilseeds, pulses and other commercial crops is increasing continually in India. But capital formation level is decreasing in the agricultural sector due to the unfavourable policy of the government regarding investment promotion. Globalization is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for high growth of production, India has undertaken economic reforms, both internal and external. The agricultural sector in India is facing a crisis today. The solution of the problem is not in a few packages but in drastic changes in the present economic policies related to agriculture. All farmers, agricultural labourers, societies, Government and People’s Organisations should work collectively to revive agriculture and “Save India from Agrarian Crisis”.
Zion in Eden: Phases of the Environmental History of Utah

In seeking to discover the causes of modern ecological dilemmas, the environmental movement of the past two decades has developed a penetrating critique of a number of mainstream American institutitions. Historians Lynn White, Jr., and Roderick Nash, for example, have identified the Judeo-Christian religious ethic, which places man at the center of a subservient biosphere, as central to the development of environmental callousness and mistanagement.1 Philosopher Eugene Hargrove has argued that western, Lockean property concepts are 325
The Decomposition of Gross Density: Unit-Level and Unit-Contextual Determinants—A Research Note

This paper is concerned with the use of gross population density in behavioral analysis. The author presents "a unitary system of notation for density decomposition and four models of density decomposition. Evidence from Chicago for 1930 1940 and 1960 and forty-seven cities in the 1960-68 period was used for empirical testing. Although the results vary by different models and data sources the most fundamental generalization that has emerged is that the contextual characteristics of living units explain most of the variation in gross density not the characteristics of the units themselves." (EXCERPT)
Deficits, Monetary Policy, and Real Economic Activity

The coincidence in the 1970s of apparently large, structural federal deficits, substantial and growing unemployment and inflation rising to double-digit levels brought widespread questioning of the hitherto dominant Keynesian paradigm. Indeed, Robert Lucas (Lucas and Sargent, 1978; Lucas, 1981) indicated this coincidence as a motivation for his own rejection of that paradigm and search for new macroeconomic theory. In short, he explained, the Keynesian model suggested that expansive fiscal and monetary policies might cause some inflation but would reduce unemployment. But to the contrary, he indicated, these policies begot accelerating inflation and high unemployment.
Performance evaluation of the RITG148+ set of TomoTherapy quality assurance tools using RTQA2 radiochromic film

Version 6.3 of the RITG148+ software package offers eight automated analysis routines for quality assurance of the TomoTherapy platform. A performance evaluation of each routine was performed in order to compare RITG148+ results with traditionally accepted analysis techniques and verify that simulated changes in machine parameters are correctly identified by the software. Reference films were exposed according to AAPM TG-148 methodology for each routine and the RITG148+ results were compared with either alternative software analysis techniques or manual analysis techniques in order to assess baseline agreement. Changes in machine performance were simulated through translational and rotational adjustments to subsequently irradiated films, and these films were analyzed to verify that the applied changes were accurately detected by each of the RITG148+ routines. For the Hounsfield unit routine, an assessment of the "Frame Averaging" functionality and the effects of phantom roll on the routine results are presented. All RITG148+ routines reported acceptable baseline results consistent with alternative analysis techniques, with 9 of the 11 baseline test results showing agreement of 0.1mm/0.1° or better. Simulated changes were correctly identified by the RITG148+ routines within approximately 0.2 mm/0.2° with the exception of the Field Centervs. Jaw Setting routine, which was found to have limited accuracy in cases where field centers were not aligned for all jaw settings due to inaccurate autorotation of the film during analysis. The performance of the RITG148+ software package was found to be acceptable for introduction into our clinical environment as an automated alternative to traditional analysis techniques for routine TomoTherapy quality assurance testing.
Neural representation of stimulus-response associations during task preparation

A partially informative cue presented before a stimulus can facilitate the production of the response. Prior information about an upcoming target can increase brain activity in both stimulus (c.f., Desimone and Duncan, 1995) and response (c.f., Leuthold et al., 1996) processing regions; however, it is unclear how the representation of the task might influence the recruitment of this network of task-relevant regions. In the current experiment, we employed an event-related fMRI design with a response cuing procedure to investigate whether S-R pairings jointly influence activity in stimulus- and response-specific processing areas during the presentation of a cue. Participants learned S-R mappings in which pictures of faces and places were paired with either left or right hand finger responses. On some trials, a cue provided partial information about the upcoming trial (e.g., that the trial would involve a face or place stimuli or a left or right hand response). Importantly, because different stimulus types were associated with each hand, any informative cue implicitly indicated both a stimulus type and response hand, allowing participants to represent the task as two distinct subtasks. Region-of-interest analyses at the cue event demonstrated a biasing of response processing regions for both stimulus- and response-related cues, as well as increased connectivity with the associated stimulus-processing regions. The results suggest that the cue results in the recruitment of just the task-relevant subnetwork on each trial.
Network-Based Education

North Carolina State University has developed an advanced network-based education (NBE) system for support of distance teaching, training and learning, called Web Lecture System (WLS). The system helps construction and management of network-based lessons and courses. In this paper we outline some major issues related to successful network-based education (NBE), including the required technological and quality of service support, and provide an overview of the WLS.
Quantitative inverse spin Hall effect detection via precise control of the driving-field amplitude

Spin transport in thin-film materials can be studied by ferromagnetic resonantly (FMR) driven spin pumping of a charge-free spin current which induces an electromotive force through the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE). For quantitative ISHE experiments, precise control of the FMR driving-field amplitude ${B}_{1}$ is crucial. This study exploits in situ monitoring of ${B}_{1}$ by utilization of electron paramagnetic resonantly (EPR) induced transient nutation of paramagnetic molecules (a 1:1 complex of $\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma}$-bisdiphenylene-$\ensuremath{\beta}$-phenylallyl and benzene, BDPA) placed as a ${B}_{1}$ probe in proximity to a NiFe/Pt-based ISHE device. Concurrent to an ISHE experiment, ${B}_{1}$ is obtained from the inductively measured BDPA Rabi-nutation frequency. Higher reproducibility is achieved by renormalization of the ISHE voltage to ${B}_{1}^{2}$ with an accuracy that is determined by the homogeneity of the FMR driving field and thus by the applied microwave resonator and ISHE device setup.
Biomass-derived renewable carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage

ABSTRACTElectrochemical energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and batteries, have been proven to be the most effective energy conversion and storage technologies for practical application. However, further development of these energy storage devices is hindered by their poor electrode performance. Carbon materials used in supercapacitors and batteries are often derived from nonrenewable resources under harsh environments. Naturally abundant biomass is a green, alternative carbon source with many desired properties. This review article presents state of the art of renewable carbon materials derived from natural biomasses with an emphasis on their applications in supercapacitors and lithium–sulfur batteries.
Evaluating the effect of operative technique on leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-control study

Abstract Objective To assess the effect of operative technique on staple line leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Background Staple-line leaks after LSG are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Variations in operative technique exist; however, their effect on leaks is poorly understood. Methods We analyzed data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC) to perform a case-control study comparing patients who had a clinically significant leak after undergoing a primary LSG to those who did not. A total of 45 patients with leaks were identified between January 2007 and December 2013. The leak group was matched 1:2 to a control group based on procedure type, age, body mass index, sex, and year the procedure was performed. Technique-specific factors were assessed by reviewing operative notes from all primary bariatric procedures in our study population. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify techniques associated with leaks. To increase the power of our analysis, we used a significance level of .10. Results Leak rates with LSG have decreased over the past 5 years (1.18% to .36%) as annual case volume has increased (846 cases/yr to 4435 cases/yr). Surgeons who performed 43 or more cases per year had a leak rate P = .0031) and when cases were converted to open surgery (7.14% versus 0%, P = .0741). However, there was no significant difference in operative time between cases involving a leak and their matched controls (95.4 min versus 87.1 min, P = .1197). Oversewing of the staple line was the only technique associated with less leaks after controlling for confounding factors (OR .397 CI .174, .909, P = .0665). Notably, surgeons who oversewed routinely were also found to have higher case volume (307 versus 140, P = .0216) and less overall complication rates (4.81% versus 7.95%, P = .0027). Furthermore, oversewing technique varied widely as only 22.6% of cases involved oversewing of the entire staple line. Conclusion Despite considerable variation in operative technique, leak rates with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have decreased over time as operative volume has increased. Oversewing of the staple line was associated with fewer leaks, but specific suturing technique was not uniform and oversewing was performed routinely by more experienced surgeons with higher case volumes and less complication rates overall. Before standardizing surgical technique one must take into account variations in surgeon skill and experience.
Temperature Evolution and Thermal Management During FSW of 2XXX Alloys

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a fully coupled thermomechanical process, and properties of 2XXX alloys are greatly influenced by the thermal history during a high-temperature deformation process. Hence, it is important to discuss the temperature evolution during FSW of aluminum alloys. Also, a detailed discussion on the peak temperatures and heating and cooling rates in various zones during FSW is presented. The scope of thermal management to obtain high joint efficiency welds has been discussed as well.
Minimally invasive lateral plate placement for metadiaphyseal fractures of the humerus and its implications for the distal deltoid insertion- it is not only about the radial nerve. A cadaveric study

Abstract Introduction Minimally invasive lateral placement of plates on the humerus may be associated with a risk of injury to the radial nerve. Whereas this potential complication has been investigated in several studies, there is no data regarding potential injuries to the distal insertion of the deltoid muscle when the plates are passed distally in a submuscular tunnel. Methods Minimally invasive plate placement was performed on eight arms in fresh cadavers. A lateral deltoid split approach was made and the plates were introduced in an antegrade submuscular manner from proximal to distal. A lateral distal incison was made to adjust the position of the plate at the lateral aspect of the humerus without formal exploration of the radial nerve. The arms were dissected to identify the seven intramuscular tendons of the deltoid and their insertions at the humerus. The position of the plate and its relation to the intramuscular tendons of the deltoid was explored. Furthermore, potential injuries to the axillary and radial nerve were investigated. Damage to the brachialis muscle its interference with plate positioning were explored. Results The distal deltoid insertion was affected in all eight examined arms. The two most anterior and two most posterior segments were intact in all. In two arms, the third intramuscular tendon was perforated. In three specimens, the insertion of the fourth segment was damaged. The fifth segment was partially disrupted in three arms. Overall, injuries to the intramuscular tendons were limited to one tendon in all arms. Partial brachial muscle entrapment underneath the plate was observed in four specimens. The axillary nerve was not damaged in any of the examined arms. The radial nerve was entrapped between plate and humeral shaft in one case. Conclusions Lateral plate placement in MIPO technique damages central parts of the distal deltoid muscle insertion. However, the most anterior and posterior tendons are not involved and the clinical significance on muscle function remains unclear. Introduction of the plate without prior distal incision and elevation of the brachial muscle may be associated with partial entrapment of the brachial muscle and a higher risk of injuring the radial nerve. Level of evidence Experimental study.
IBD: Elective Surgical Management in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis-How Many Stages?

For the last three decades, restorative proctocolectomy with J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis has been the primary treatment for ulcerative colitis patients who require surgery. While most patients requiring surgery for ulcerative colitis are young and are at baseline in good health, many are at least temporarily debilitated from either severity of disease, infection, malnutrition, obesity, or from side effects of immunosuppressant medications. These factors can greatly increase the risk for poor surgical outcomes both in the short and long term. Even when conditions are optimized, the ileoanal anastomosis is known to be a high risk anastomosis with frequent leaks and pelvic sepsis. Leak rates for the procedure are reported to be between 5 and 14 % [1]. This high risk for anastomotic dehiscence was recognized early in the development of the procedure and strategies have been implemented in the hopes of diminishing the risks and consequences of poor anastomotic healing. For these reasons performing the operation in multiple stages was the initial standard approach. However, the absolute need for staging has been questioned and many have advocated for a strategy of omitting the approach of multiple stages in selected cases and some have advocated for omitting staging in almost all cases [2–4]. This chapter will review the current available evidence to support the need for staging of the operations for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Transforming Music Education for the Next Generation: Planting ‘Four Cs’ Through Children’s Songs

In early childhood programs, music is an important part of the curriculum that provides children with learning opportunities that can enhance cognitive and social-emotional development as well as esthetic appreciation. Important skills for twenty-first century learning can also be supported by music experiences in early childhood education including critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication (Four Cs). Early childhood musical activities that focus on these processes can be transformative processes for children’s learning across developmental and curriculum areas through experiences with various musical elements (e.g., rhythm, beat, tempo, melody, and lyrics). This paper analyses and applies ideas about these learning processes to the new standards for music education in the USA that were announced in 2014 by the National Association for Music Education. This paper explores how the new standards are less content based and, instead, emphasize performance through artistic processes of creating, performing, and responding. Children have strong desires for esthetic expression through music that can support critical and creative thinking, as well as in collaboration, and communication. Early childhood teachers need to reflect critically about how to transform music education in their classrooms to realize the benefits of children’s experiences with music.
A case of mitigating non-autonomous time-delayed system with cubic order feedback

Abstract Time-delayed feedback of a small magnitude can perturb a system to exhibit complex dynamical responses including route-to-chaos. Such motions are harmful as they negatively impact the stability and thus output quality. A non-autonomous time-delayed oscillator having several higher order nonlinear feedback terms is investigated using a novel concept featuring simultaneous control of displacement in the time-domain and spectral response in the frequency-domain. The concept is explored to formulate a control methodology feasible for the mitigation of the non-autonomous time-delayed feedback system. Because the control concept does not require linearization, the true dynamics of the non-autonomous delayed feedback system is faithfully preserved and properly construed in the control action. The validity of the controller design is demonstrated by evaluating its performance against PID and fuzzy logic in controlling displacement and frequency responses with the most chaotic dynamic response time-delay parameters.
Parent-Mediated Interventions for Social Communication in Young Children with ASD

There are many different ways to involve parents in the education of their child. Parent-mediated intervention is a specific form of parent involvement that provides systematic training in intervention strategies to help a parent accomplish specific goals or outcomes for their child. Parent-mediated intervention is used in the treatment of a variety of childhood disorders and is typically focused on helping parents manage their child’s behavior, improve the parent-child relationship, and increase specific developmental skills in the child. Parent-mediated intervention can be used in combination with direct intervention, but it can also be considered a primary intervention strategy in its own right, particularly in the treatment of very young children. In this chapter, we will focus on parent-mediated interventions that target the development of social communication skills for young children with autism spectrum disorder. We begin by exploring the rationale for the use of parent-mediated intervention in the treatment of social communication deficits for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Next, we summarize the research on current parent-mediated social communication interventions and provide guidelines for researchers and practitioners in evaluating these interventions. Finally, we describe future directions for the field.
Epidemiology of uveitis in a US population-based study.

The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between self-reported uveitis and purported demographic and clinical risk factors, using an American adult population extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2009 and 2010. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study using a sample of 5106 subjects between 20 and 69 years old. The main outcome for our study was the self-report of a diagnosis of uveitis. The demographic analysis included age, gender, and ethnicity. Potential predictors were having a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), ulcerative colitis (UC), or Crohn’s disease (CD); a history of cigarette smoking; vitamin D deficiency; and different mental health measures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using RStudio. Of the 5106 participants, 27 had reported a diagnosis of uveitis, showing an adjusted prevalence of 5.4 per 1000 subjects (95% CI 3.4–8.5/1000). Increased age was associated with higher uveitis prevalence in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07; p = 0.02). Positive smoking history was reported in 59.2% of patients. Multivariate analysis comparing smoking with the presence of uveitis showed an OR of 3.18 (95% CI 1.59–6.37; p = 0.003), adjusting for age and gender. Moreover, 11.1% of the participants from the uveitis group self-reported a diagnosis of AS and 11.7% informed a diagnosis of UC and 7.1% of CD. The ORs were of 16.64 (95% CI 3.64-76.09; p = 0.001), 11.34 (95% CI 2.69-47.88; p = 0.003), and 22.16 (95% CI 2.64-186.17; p = 0.007), respectively when compared with the non-uveitis group in the multivariate analysis. Age, cigarette smoking, AS, UC, and CD are positively associated with self-reported uveitis. There is previous evidence that smoking and female gender are positive risk factors for uveitis, as well as evidence that HLA-B27-positive spondyloarthritides have the highest association with non-infectious uveitis in the adult population in North America and Europe. However, there are no prior studies that have utilized a representative US population-based sample to validate these findings. The present study supports smoking as a risk factor, which has clinical relevance since this is a modifiable habit.
Precursor Chemistry – Group 13 Nitrides and Phosphides (Al, Ga, and In)

This chapter describes recent developments in the design and use of dual-source and single-source precursors for the growth of group 13 (mainly Al, Ga, and In) nitrides and phosphides. These main-group materials are semiconductors with bandgap energies ranging from the infrared to ultraviolet range and several have well-established uses in visible light emission related to lasers and light-emitting diodes. Many recent precursor-based syntheses target thin film or nanostructured materials growth. Precursor methods are well defined for metal phosphide nanoparticle and nanowire growth, while challenges still exist for the corresponding metal nitride nanostructure growth.
THE EFFECT OF COTTON DUST ON RESPIRATORY MECHANICS IN MAN AND IN GUINEA PIGS

Abstract Inhalation of aerosols of extracts of cotton dust, bracts and pericarp did not cause changes in breathing rate, tidal volume, pulmonary resistance and compliance in spontaneously breathing, unanesthetized guinea pigs. Inhalation of bracts extract caused dyspnea, chest tightness and concomitant changes in respiratory mechanics in three human subjects. The subjects experienced none of these effects after a second exposure 24 hr later, while a third exposure, 6 or 8 days after the first, was again effective. A fourth subject showed changes in mechanics after one exposure but had no subjective distress. An extract of pericarps had no effect in two of these subjects. Because of the slow onset of these respiratory effects (after 10–30 min exposure), and because of the tachyphylaxis which was observed, it appears likely that the agent responsible for the respiratory effects of bracts extract in man is identical with the histamine releasing activity in this extract. It is concluded that this agent is probably responsible for many of the acute symptoms of byssinosis in cotton workers.
Analysis of Multipactor Effects by a Particle-in-Cell Algorithm Integrated With Secondary Electron Emission Model on Irregular Grids

We combine a novel finite-element-based electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EM-PIC) algorithm for the solution of Maxwell–Vlasov equations on irregular (unstructured) grids together with the Furman–Pivi probabilistic model governing the secondary electron emission process. The algorithm can be used for the analysis of resonant electron discharging phenomena (multipactor effects) in high-power radio frequency devices. In contrast to previous algorithms, the present EM-PIC algorithm yields a self-consistent time update of fields and particles on irregular grids with energy and charge conservation obtained from first principles. The use of unstructured grids enables local mesh refinement and simulation of complex geometries with minimal geometric defeaturing. We apply the algorithm to model multipactor effects on waveguides with flat or corrugated walls. We contrast the evolution of the electron population in various cases and investigate the respective saturation processes arising from self-field counterbalancing effects.
Posterior cervical fusion utilizing cages placed bilaterally in the facets for the treatment of the upper cervical adjacent segment disease in the elderly.

Abstract This is a retrospective review of 24 elderly patients with upper cervical adjacent segment disease (ASD) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), treated with posterior cervical fusion (PCF) and stabilized with cages placed bilaterally in the facets. Eight out of 24 patients had PCF with laminectomy (PCLF). Length of stay for PCF alone cohort was 30 ± 11 h, operative time was 44 ± 11 min and estimated blood loss was 46 ± 26 cc. In the PCLF cohort, hospital length of stay was 73 ± 32 h, operative time was 92 ± 18 min, and blood loss was 155 ± 58 cc. The pooled sample showed significant decreases in mean NDI and VAS for neck and arm pain at each follow-up visit (6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months) compared to baseline (p
VALIDATION OF A HEART FAILURE RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL IN A LARGE CONTEMPORARY ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD POPULATION

Guidelines recommend identification of individuals at risk for heart failure (HF), but available HF risk tools have not been validated in electronic health record (EHR) datasets. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the performance of a recently developed HF risk equation within a large, contemporary
New metal cofactors and recent metallocofactor insights.

A vast array of metal cofactors are associated with the active sites of metalloenzymes. This Opinion describes the most recently discovered metal cofactor, a nickel-pincer nucleotide (NPN) coenzyme that is covalently tethered to lactate racemase from Lactobacillus plantarum. The enzymatic function of the NPN cofactor and its pathway for biosynthesis are reviewed. Furthermore, insights are summarized from recent advances involving other selected organometallic and inorganic-cluster cofactors including the lanthanide-pyrroloquinoline quinone found in certain alcohol dehydrogenases, tungsten-pyranopterins or molybdenum-pyranopterins in chosen enzymes, the iron-guanylylpyridinol cofactor of [Fe] hydrogenase, the nickel-tetrapyrrole coenzyme F430 of methyl coenzyme M reductase, the vanadium-iron cofactor of nitrogenase, redox-dependent rearrangements of the nickel–iron–sulfur C-cluster in carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, and light-dependent changes in the multi-manganese cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex
Solving Math Word Problems with Double-Decoder Transformer.

This paper proposes a Transformer-based model to generate equations for math word problems. It achieves much better results than RNN models when copy and align mechanisms are not used, and can outperform complex copy and align RNN models. We also show that training a Transformer jointly in a generation task with two decoders, left-to-right and right-to-left, is beneficial. Such a Transformer performs better than the one with just one decoder not only because of the ensemble effect, but also because it improves the encoder training procedure. We also experiment with adding reinforcement learning to our model, showing improved performance compared to MLE training.
La question de l’antimodernisme dans le renouveau contemporain de la philosophie politique : Renaut, lecteur de Strauss

Cet article cherche a poser a nouveau l’epineuse question de l’« antimodernisme » dans la philosophie politique contemporaine. Nous proposons a cette fin d’expliquer la critique que fait le philosophe francais Alain Renaut d’un des plus grands pionniers du renouveau contemporain de la philosophie politique, Leo Strauss, et d’exposer par la suite une replique possible a cette critique, reconstituant ainsi un dialogue qui ne put veritablement avoir lieu. Nous cherchons a montrer qu’a terme, la critique de Renaut est en bonne partie injuste et, consequemment, que la posture « antimoderne » de Strauss n’est peut-etre pas aussi « intenable » qu’il le laisse entendre.
Design of Hybrid Wireless Power Transfer and Dual Ultrahigh-Frequency Antenna System

This paper is presenting a hybrid system including a high frequency (HF) coil and a dual Ultra High-Frequency (UHF) antenna for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) applications. The coils’ operating frequencies are 510 MHz, and the antennas work at 2.48 GHz and 4.66 GHz. The system was designed and fabricated on FR4 substrates. The antennas can be used for power transfer or communication. One of the current challenges for wireless power transfer for small sensors is to minimize the system size. By proposing small size antennas that are integrated with the coils we are aiming to address this issue.
Multifunctional 2.5D metastructures enabled by adjoint optimization

Optical metasurfaces are two-dimensional arrays of meta-atoms that modify different characteristics of light such as phase, amplitude, and polarization. One intriguing feature that distinguishes them from conventional optical components is their multifunctional capability. However, multifunctional metasurfaces with efficiencies approaching those of their single-functional counterparts require more degrees of freedom. Here we show that 2.5D metastructures, which are stacked layers of interacting metasurface layers, provide sufficient degrees of freedom to implement efficient multifunctional devices. The large number of design parameters and their intricate intercoupling make the design of multifunctional 2.5D metastructures a complex task, and unit-cell approaches to metasurface design produce suboptimal devices. We address this issue by designing 2.5D metastructures using the adjoint optimization technique. Instead of designing unit cells individually, our technique considers the structure as a whole, accurately accounting for inter-post and inter-layer coupling. As proof of concept, we experimentally demonstrate a double-wavelength metastructure, designed using adjoint optimization, that has significantly higher efficiencies than a similar device designed with a simplified approach conventionally used in metasurface design. The 2.5D metastructure architecture empowered by the optimization-based design technique is a general platform for realizing high-performance multifunctional components and systems.
Updates on molecular diagnostic assays in melanocytic pathology

Abstract Melanoma is the leading cause of death among cutaneous neoplasms. For the great majority of melanocytic tumors histopathologic examination can reliably distinguish nevi from melanomas; however, there is a subset of melanocytic neoplasms that defy an accurate diagnosis using histopathological criteria alone. For such tumors, additional ancillary tests would be beneficial in adjudicating a more definitive diagnosis. Conventional ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry have only a limited utility in distinguishing an atypical nevus from melanoma. In recent years few molecular ancillary tests have been developed to help guide the diagnosis of ambiguous melanocytic proliferations. These tests are based either on the identification of genomic copy number changes or on the differential expression pattern of selected genes in nevi and melanomas. This review will present an updated overview of the major ancillary tests used in clinical practice for the diagnosis of challenging melanocytic neoplasms.
Graphene Nanoplatelet Additives for High C-rate LiFePO 4 Battery Cathodes

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were introduced as conductive additives in the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) composite cathode material through a facile slurry approach to study the effect on battery performance at high current rates (C-rates). The incorporation of GNPs helps to create a flexible three-dimensional conductive network through a plane-to-point connection with the LiFePO4 particles. Comparison electrochemical testing showed that the LiFePO4/GNP cathode exhibited a high specific discharge capacity of ~ 153 mAh g−1 at 0.1C, improved high C-rate performance, and enhanced electrochemical reactivity. The enhanced LiFePO4/GNP battery performance can be attributed to the better electronic transport properties facilitated by the capability of GNP to bridge multiple LFP particles owing to its larger surface area. Our results inform the ongoing effort in finding LiFePO4 cathodes that can perform at high current rates as the demand increases for lithium-ion battery usage.
The Situationist Critique of Virtue Ethics and Its Implications for the Media Ethics Classroom

This essay discusses the impact of the situationist challenge to Aristotelian virtue ethics for media ethics instruction. Since virtue ethics is a theory that is centered around character building,...