cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cool Skins: Exploring the Cooling Potential of Lightweight, Ventilated Cladding Systems

The heating of the exterior building skin by solar radiation is a significant problem with regards to cooling season thermal performance. Lightweight construction systems are particularly prone to problems under these conditions, yet often rely merely on insulation devised for the winter months to reject the heat of the summer months. In recent decades, ventilated roof systems have demonstrated their effectiveness at reducing cooling season loads by way of solar radiation-induced convection behind the roofing. It is evident from recent research that ventilated cladding systems can have similar benefits; yet the existing research on the subject focuses on massive cladding and does not address the lightweight cladding systems that correspond to lightweight construction methods. Of particular interest in this research is the role of openjoint versus continuous ventilated cladding with respect to solar radiation-induced convection. Physical mockups and computational fluid dynamics computer simulation were used to compare non-ventilated,open-joint ventilated, and continuous ventilated cladding with respect to heat rejection.
Discussion: Performance of the Livestock-Feed-Grain Sector

A more appropriate title for the article would be "The Effect of Feed Grain Programs and Other Structural Changes on Stability of the Livestock Industry" since only one major element of performance-stability-is considered. Many other elements could have been analyzed, including product improvement, innovation, efficiency of production, marketing and processing, and adjustments to consumer demand. This, of course, would be an extensive assignment. While the authors identify many of the salient factors contributing to instability or stability in livestock production and prices, several other developments might have been examined. Let me suggest a few of these. An area not discussed in the paper is the balancing mechanism of the import-export trade in livestock, meat, and livestock products. One important stabilizing element in the cattle market in recent years has been the increasing importance of beef and veal imports. Imports, mostly processed beef, tend to increase when cow slaughter drops and to decline when cow slaughter picks up. This helps to stabilize cow prices, and fedcattle prices as well. Only passing reference is made in the paper to range feed conditions, which have triggered turns in the cattle cycle in the past. As stated by the authors, the increased substitution of feed grains for forage may have contributed to the dampening of the cycle. The point also could be made that the wider dispersion of the beef-cow herd throughout the United States has also likely reduced the instability in cattle numbers. The U.S. beefcattle inventory has become less dependent on the highly variable range feed conditions in the West.
The Epstein-Barr Virus Receptor

The Epstein-Barr virus is ubiquitous to the human race. It is responsible for numerous disease states such as infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is an oncogenic DNA virus that is seen in Burkitt's lymphoma. The virus is tropic primarily for B lymphocytes and can exist in these cells as a lymphoblastoid cell line for the extent of its host existence. Once the viral genome is established, the virus can affect both the cellular and humoral immune response. However, other cells such as the oropharyngeal epithelial cell can be infected, but the exact mechanism of entry into these cells is unclear. Experimental studies have identified a complement receptor which binds to the Epstein-Barr virus. This receptor has been isolated and characterized on several different cell lines. Both the B lymphocytes and some oropharyngeal epithelial cells have this receptor incorporated into their plasma membrane. This receptor also binds the C3dfragment of the alternate complement system, which is known as CR2. Many aspects of the receptor's role in cells other than B lymphocytes remain to be established. A considerable amount of information has been accumulated concerning the receptor's role in the spread and overall infection process in B lymphocytes. The study of this receptor has been enhanced by several sensitive methodsfor detection, which has allowed the research community to broaden the effects of viral infection to other disease states. As these roles become more clear, we will begin to understand this virus through the study of this receptor, which will aid the medical community in diagnosing and treating patients inflicted by this virus.
Salt sensitivity and the blood pressure response to verapamil.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of salt responsiveness of blood pressure to the antihypertensive effect of calcium channel blockade, we studied 15 essential hypertensive patients who had previously been characterized with respect to salt sensitivity or resistance of blood pressure. After a placebo period, titration with verapamil in doses of 180 to 480 mg/day was begun until goal blood pressure responses were reached. The study population exhibited a significant (P < or = .007) reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with treatment. There were no significant differences in the response to calcium channel blockade when the subjects were separated into salt-sensitive (n = 8) and salt-resistant (n = 7) subgroups. A significant (P < or = .05) correlation was observed between the age of the subjects and the blood pressure response. In this study verapamil lowered blood pressure in all subjects. We conclude that calcium channel blockade reduces blood pressure in essential hypertensive subjects during a normal sodium intake, independent of salt-sensitivity status.
Controlling the Motion of Ferrofluid Droplets Using Surface Tension Gradients and Magnetoviscous Pinning.

This work demonstrates the controlled motion and stopping of individual ferrofluid droplets due to a surface tension gradient and a uniform magnetic field. The surface tension gradients are created by patterning hydrophilic aluminum regions, shaped as wedges, on a hydrophobic copper surface. This pattern facilitates the spontaneous motion of water-based ferrofluid droplets down the length of the wedge toward the more hydrophilic aluminum end due to a net capillarity force created by the underlying surface wettability gradient. We observed that applying a magnetic field parallel to the surface tension gradient direction has little or no effect on the droplet’s motion, while a moderate perpendicular magnetic field can stop the motion altogether effectively “pinning” the droplet. In the absence of the surface tension gradient, droplets elongate in the presence of a parallel field but do not travel. This control of the motion of individual droplets might lend itself to some biomedical and lab-on-a-chip applic...
The Future of Morality Theory and Research

Triune ethics meta-theory (TEM) identifies ethical orientations that emerge from global brain states rooted in human brain evolution: self-protectionism, engagement, and imagination, respectively. TEM contributes to the movement to focus on human potential and well-being in the moral realm. A broad view of human genus history indicates that the undermining of human development has only occurred in recent millennia, intensifying with industrialization, which decimated social support for children and families. Developmental optimization has not long been a focus of research or advocacy. Western medicine too has focused on malady instead of health promotion, although patterns are changing. Although positive psychology has shifted psychology’s attention away from maladaptation toward flourishing, it has mostly focused on adults, though again a shift is under way.
Two-Photon Beer’s Law for Coherently Prepared Three-Level Media

The propagation of pairs of laser pulses interacting with resonant media has been recently recognized1,2 to be of interest in connection with lasing without inversions3 and electromagnetically induced transparency4. Here we have studied two different-frequency weak laser pulses propagating in one- and two-photon resonance with a coherently prepared medium with damping. In contrast to a two level system where a single weak pulse decays after a characteristic distance, we have shown that a coherently prepared three level medium forces the two weak fields to cooperate and evolve into a coherent superposition that propagates without loss. This can be regarded as a direct generalization of Beer’s law to the situation of two coupled pulses when the medium is strongly damped. Our analytical theory is confirmed by comparison with computer simulations.
Lack of Overt Genome Reduction in the Bryostatin-Producing Bryozoan Symbiont “Candidatus Endobugula sertula”

ABSTRACT The uncultured bacterial symbiont “Candidatus Endobugula sertula” is known to produce cytotoxic compounds called bryostatins, which protect the larvae of its host, Bugula neritina. The symbiont has never been successfully cultured, and it was thought that its genome might be significantly reduced. Here, we took a shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics approach to assemble and characterize the genome of “ Ca . Endobugula sertula.” We found that it had specific metabolic deficiencies in the biosynthesis of certain amino acids but few other signs of genome degradation, such as small size, abundant pseudogenes, and low coding density. We also identified homologs to genes associated with insect pathogenesis in other gammaproteobacteria, and these genes may be involved in host-symbiont interactions and vertical transmission. Metatranscriptomics revealed that these genes were highly expressed in a reproductive host, along with bry genes for the biosynthesis of bryostatins. We identified two new putative bry genes fragmented from the main bry operon, accounting for previously missing enzymatic functions in the pathway. We also determined that a gene previously assigned to the pathway, bryS , is not expressed in reproductive tissue, suggesting that it is not involved in the production of bryostatins. Our findings suggest that “ Ca . Endobugula sertula” may be able to live outside the host if its metabolic deficiencies are alleviated by medium components, which is consistent with recent findings that it may be possible for “ Ca . Endobugula sertula” to be transmitted horizontally. IMPORTANCE The bryostatins are potent protein kinase C activators that have been evaluated in clinical trials for a number of indications, including cancer and Alzheimer9s disease. There is, therefore, considerable interest in securing a renewable supply of these compounds, which is currently only possible through aquaculture of Bugula neritina and total chemical synthesis. However, these approaches are labor-intensive and low-yielding and thus preclude the use of bryostatins as a viable therapeutic agent. Our genome assembly and transcriptome analysis for “ Ca . Endobugula sertula” shed light on the metabolism of this symbiont, potentially aiding isolation and culturing efforts. Our identification of additional bry genes may also facilitate efforts to express the complete pathway heterologously.
Human liver growth in fibrosis and cirrhosis

Hepatic regeneration and fibrosis are two healing responses to liver damage (Hoffman et al., 1994; Nguyen, Herrine and Zern, 1994). Acute loss of liver mass (partial hepatectomy) and hepatocyte necrosis (acute or sub-acute liver necrosis, such as fulminant viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, intoxication by poisonous mushroom, etc.) elicit hepatic regeneration, restoring the liver to its original size in order to maintain the required level of function (LaBrecque, 1994). Another healing process, increased synthesis of extracellular matrix components, is initiated in response to acute hepatocyte necrosis. However, one usually cannot find excess deposition of connective tissue in rat liver specimens after a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (CC14) or in biopsy specimens which are from patients with acute viral hepatitis if the disorder is not chronic. This phenomenon is attributed to balanced remodeling of connective tissue after the healing process has been initiated (Knittel and Ramadori, 1995). In contrast to acute liver injury, the healing processes in chronic liver insult are more complex. The regenerative activity may be more markedly affected by local and systemic factors, and regenerating hepatocytes may in part compensate for a deficiency of hepatic function. On the other hand, regenerating hepatic nodules lead to a distortion of liver architecture and portal hypertension and may represent a risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Neuberger, 1994). The fibrogenic healing process in chronic liver damage, whatever the etiology, is progressive if the pathophysiology cannot be eliminated and the inflammation persists; the result is the formation of false liver lobules. The combination of inflammation, regenerating nodules and the formation of false lobules constitutes the complicated morphological picture of cirrhosis (Figure 22.1).
Vasopressors and Inotropes in Sepsis

Vasopressor and inotropes are beneficial in shock states. Norepinephrine is considered the first-line vasopressor for patients with sepsis-associated hypotension. Dobutamine is considered the first-line inotrope in sepsis, and should be considered for patients with evidence of myocardial dysfunction or ongoing signs of hypoperfusion. Vasopressor and inotrope therapy has complex effects that are often difficult to predict; emergency providers should consider the physiology and clinical trial data. It is essential to continually reevaluate the patient to determine if the selected treatment is having the intended result.
Fusion Based Deep CNN for Improved Large-Scale Image Action Recognition

Still image-based action recognition is a process of labeling actions captured in still images. We propose a fusion method that concatenates two and three deep convolutional neural networks (CNN). After examining the classification accuracy of each deep CNN candidates, we inserted a 100 dimensional fully-connected layer and extracted features from the new 100 dimensional and the last fully-connected layers to create a pool of candidate layers. We form our fusion models by concatenating two or three layers from this pool—one from each model—and trained and tested them on the large-scale Stanford 40 Actions still image dataset. We forwarded the concatenated features to Random Forest and SVM for classification. Our experiments show that our fusion of two deep CNN models achieved better accuracy than the individual models, with the best performing fusion duo of 80.351% accuracy. The fusion of three models increases the accuracy even further, performing better than both the individual and the fusion of two models, with 81.146% accuracy. Moreover, we also investigate the classification difficulty level of the Stanford 40 Actions category.
Dehumidification Performance of Mass Exchangers Consisting of Silica Aerogel Coated Metal Foams

Separate sensible and latent cooling systems offer significant increases in the overall performance of cooling/dehumidification systems compared to conventional vapor-compression air-conditioning systems. Key to the energy efficiency of such systems is the performance of the heat and mass exchangers, which provide sensible cooling and dehumidification. Solid-desiccant-coated enthalpy wheels have been in use to control the moisture content of supply air for several decades. However, they have several disadvantages, including inefficient process control, relatively large volume and operational cost. In the current study, the performance of an aerogel-coated, metal-foam mass exchanger has been evaluated and compared to an enthalpy wheel for managing the latent load. Transient and steady state performance models have been developed based on the thermal-hydraulic performance of metal foams (j and f factors)1, mass diffusion coefficients (D) and adsorption/desorption isotherms. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of such system to replace conventional enthalpy wheels. The effect of geometry and base material of metal foam, type of silica aerogel and thickness of coating has been analyzed to determine the impact of such parameters on the overall performance of proposed dehumidification device. The study concludes that a significant amount of energy can be saved when the proposed dehumidification system is used in place of a conventional enthalpy wheel to control the moisture content of the supply stream in air conditioning systems.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Worlding Developmentalism: China's Economic Zones Within and Beyond its Border

This paper examines the development of Economic Zones in post-reform China and the recent export of zoning practices as a part of the country's ‘going global’ strategy. I propose ‘worlding developmentalism’ to conceptualise the synergy between a polymorphous yet capable state in directing the path of domestic growth and overseas ventures, and a population who actively captures emerging economic opportunities in transnational contexts. The concept is then substantiated by the promotion of Economic Zones under the Belt and Road Initiative and China–Africa Cooperation. The contested spaces produced in the Global South under these new development paradigms necessitate keen scholarly investigation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innate immunity in Sjögren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease of exocrine tissue that primarily affects women. Although patients typically experience xerostomia and xerophthalmia, numerous systemic disease manifestations are seen. Innate immune hyperactivity is integral to many autoimmune diseases, including SS. Results from SS mouse models suggest that innate immune dysregulation drives disease and this is a seminal event in SS pathogenesis. Findings in SS patients corroborate those in mouse models, as innate immune cells and pathways are dysregulated both in exocrine tissue and in peripheral blood. We will review the role of the innate immune system in SS pathogenesis. We will discuss the etiology of SS with an emphasis on innate immune dysfunction. Moreover, we will review the innate cells that mediate inflammation in SS, the pathways implicated in disease, and the potential mechanisms governing their dysregulation. Finally, we will discuss emerging therapeutic approaches to target dysregulated innate immune signaling in SS.
Training an Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning Controller for Arm Movement Using Human-Generated Rewards

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) employs neuroprostheses to apply electrical current to the nerves and muscles of individuals paralyzed by spinal cord injury to restore voluntary movement. Neuroprosthesis controllers calculate stimulation patterns to produce desired actions. To date, no existing controller is able to efficiently adapt its control strategy to the wide range of possible physiological arm characteristics, reaching movements, and user preferences that vary over time. Reinforcement learning (RL) is a control strategy that can incorporate human reward signals as inputs to allow human users to shape controller behavior. In this paper, ten neurologically intact human participants assigned subjective numerical rewards to train RL controllers, evaluating animations of goal-oriented reaching tasks performed using a planar musculoskeletal human arm simulation. The RL controller learning achieved using human trainers was compared with learning accomplished using human-like rewards generated by an algorithm; metrics included success at reaching the specified target; time required to reach the target; and target overshoot. Both sets of controllers learned efficiently and with minimal differences, significantly outperforming standard controllers. Reward positivity and consistency were found to be unrelated to learning success. These results suggest that human rewards can be used effectively to train RL-based FES controllers.
The structure of a trailing vortex from a perturbed wing

The structure of a trailing vortex from a wing undergoing small amplitude, low frequency heaving motion is investigated using space–time representations determined from stereo particle image velocimetry. The evolution of the vortex shows large fluctuations of axial velocity deficit and circulation during the oscillation cycle. Correspondingly, large variations of swirl ratio occur and onset of pronounced azimuthal vorticity arises. At a given cross-section of the vortex, the pattern of azimuthal vorticity moves around its axis in an ordered fashion as both it and the pattern of velocity defect increase in magnitude and scale. When the swirl ratio attains its minimum value during the oscillation cycle, and this value lies below the theoretically established critical threshold for amplification of azimuthal modes, the magnitude and scale of the pattern of azimuthal vorticity is maximized. Subsequent increase of the swirl ratio yields attenuation of the azimuthal vorticity. Onset of pronounced azimuthal vorticity when the swirl ratio decreases involves rapid amplification, then disruption, of axial vorticity fluctuation.
Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography and Lymphatic Embolization in the Treatment of Pulmonary Complication of Lymphatic Malformation

Lymphatic malformations (LMs; especially those involving the central conducting lymphatic channels) are characterized by dysplastic and incompetent lymphatic channels in multiple tissues and organs. The major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with thoracic LM is deterioration of pulmonary function due to chronic chylous effusions and progressive interstitial lung disease. The etiology of these pulmonary processes is unknown, although lymphatic involvement is certain. Understanding of the changes in the lymphatic anatomy in patients with LM has been hindered by difficulty of imaging of the lymphatic system. Recently developed dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) allows dynamic MR imaging of the lymphatic system by injecting gadolinium contrast agent in the groin lymph nodes. Using this technique, pathological lymphatic flow from the central lymphatic system and/or retroperitoneal and mediastinal masses into lung parenchyma (“pulmonary lymphatic perfusion syndrome”) has been demonstrated in patients with LM. This abnormal lymphatic perfusion overflows pulmonary parenchyma and results in deterioration of pulmonary function due to interstitial process and/or compression effect of chylous effusions. Percutaneous thoracic duct embolization or lymphatic interstitial embolization of the lymphatic masses results in cessation of the pulmonary lymphatic overflow and significant improvement in pulmonary symptoms in these patients.
An Undiagnosed Paraganglioma in a 58-Year-Old Female Who Underwent Tumor Resection

Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can have high morbidity and mortality if undiagnosed. Here we report a case of an undiagnosed paraganglioma in a 58-year-old female who underwent tumor resection. The patient became severely hypertensive intraoperatively with paroxysmal swings in blood pressure and then later became acutely hypotensive after tumor removal. She was managed in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) postoperatively and discharged from the hospital without acute complications. We briefly discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, perioperative management, and possible complications of these tumors to assist healthcare providers if one were to encounter them.
Validation of Fingertip Force and Finger Pose in the UART Finger and Bond Graph Tendon Model During Surface Contact

The intricate tendon system of the human muscular-skeletal system contributes to the human hand’s dexterity. A complex bond graph model of the index finger was developed to give insight into this system. Previous validation of this model by use of the ACT hand was difficult due to static joint friction. A new robotic testbed, Utah’s Anatomically-correct Robotic Testbed (UART) finger, has been developed to mitigate this friction. Static force and position experiments were conducted with the UART finger in contact with a surface and were compared to the bond graph model. The results suggest that the model is capable of simultaneously predicting static poses and fingertip force. The average predicted joint angle error was 2.9°. The average fingertip force magnitude error was 7.4%, and the average fingertip force direction error was 4.3°.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Ion-gel-gating-induced oxygen vacancy formation in epitaxial La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ films from in operando x-ray and neutron scattering

Electrostatic control using electrolytes such as ionic liquids has emerged as an exciting means to induce ultrahigh carrier densities on material surfaces, to the point where electronic phases can be tuned. In materials such as oxides, the gating mechanisms remain controversial, however. Here, $i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n$ $o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}p\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o$ x-ray diffraction and neutron reflectometry are used in combination to probe gating mechanisms in ferromagnetic cobaltite films. The results confirm a striking polarity asymmetry, negative gate voltage enabling primarily electrostatic control of magnetism, while positive bias provides electrochemical control via oxygen vacancy formation. Generally, these results highlight the importance of a small number of key factors in determining electrostatic vs. redox response in a given material.
The Self-Made City—Urban Living and Alternative Development Models

This chapter explores how citizens self-commission high-density urban housing through a type of building cooperative coined Baugruppe in Germany. The Baugruppe model increases choice and lowers costs, fosters cohesive neighborhoods and enables adaptable, customized, living solutions for families. Owner-occupied, self-initiated projects in a self-made city successfully balance density, urbanity, social qualities, and individuality and are examples of sustainable, resilient, urban development. Whereas there is no typical model, common strategies and legal forms are demonstrated in hundreds of newer examples. The German Baugruppe has a long tradition and, throughout Europe, cities are adapting policies to facilitate alternative development models. Ultimately, self-made projects have the potential to increase the quality, affordability, and viability of urban living while contributing to the sustainability of the city.
Transfection of SpiroplasmaCitri with DNA of a New Rod-Shaped Spiroplasmavirus

A new spiroplasmavirus isolated from honeybee spiroplasma strain TS2 was propagated and plaque assayed in Spiroplasma citri strain M200H. The virus is a naked rod, 150–180 × 7–12 nm, with one flat and one rounded end, and contains single-stranded circular DNA as shown by electron microscopy, melting profile, and enzyme analysis. Transfection of S. citri was achieved with both the circular single-stranded viral DNA and double-stranded replicative form (RF). The efficiency of transfection increased with increasing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) up to 50%. There was no effect of PEG on viability of the Spiroplasma. Transfection with viral DNA was drastically reduced by treatment of the DNA with S1 nuclease and DNase; transfection with the RF was slightly reduced by treatment with S1 nuclease. RNase and pronase treatment of viral DNA had no effect on transfection. None of the enzyme treatments affected the capability of whole virus to infect S. citri. A linear relationship was found between the DNA concentration and the number of infectious centers produced indicating that a single viral DNA molecule was necessary for transfection to occur. Study of this virus has permitted development of efficient methods for eventual introduction into Spiroplasma of foreign DNA including cloned genetic material from Spiroplasma.
Virtual Roundtable on "Decolonial Computing"

Calls to wrest the history and anthropology of computing, information technology, and digital media away from eurocentric analyses have been raised in the fields of STS and media studies over the last decade. This roundtable revisits discussions that take us beyond the dominant developmentalist approaches to technology in the global South, weighing the gains that have been made to incorporate decolonial theory and practice.
Assessing a Central Satellite Data Repository and its Usage Statistics

STAR Central Data Repository (SCDR) collects a large volume of real-time and near real-time satellite data to improve data management and facilitate research and development activities across the organization. How to track and showcase the usage of this system using formal metrics is still challenging, and is very useful and helpful to better manage data, monitor system status, evaluate program output, and plan future infrastructure. This paper proposes design and implementation of a metrics analysis system to collect metrics information on user data requests, manage and organize request information, and represent metrics information in an intuitive and interactive manner. The system offers detailed information on satellite data product requests from users on various hosts and robust capabilities of generating insight charts and periodical report.
Digital Humanities on the Ground: Post-Access Politics and the Second Wave of Digital Humanities

At the heart of the Digital Humanities discourse in postcolonial information societies like India is a subject that is marked by connectivity and access. The discourse and practice put forward a ve...
Chapter 12 – Sclerosing cholangitis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathology, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment of sclerosing cholangitis (SC). SC is characterized by a chronic inflammation which produces multifocal fibrotic narrowing and dilatation of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the cholangiographic appearances. The characteristic features are irregularities in the outline of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts with areas of annular strictures, intervening areas of normal caliber or dilatation and sometimes short band-like strictures and small diverticulae. Sections of the intrahepatic bile ducts may retain the same caliber over excessive lengths. In some patients the disease appears to involve only the intrahepatic ducts, in others only the extrahepatic ducts. Primary SC (PSC) must be distinguished from secondary SC, which may occur in association with lesions in the biliary system or with generalized disease processes. The etiology of PSC is unknown and little is understood of its pathogenesis. PSC has been associated with a number of diseased states. In recent pediatric series the majority of patients have presented with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever. Less than 50% have had jaundice. A minority had pruritus, arthralgia or complications of liver disease at presentation. In the majority liver disease is suspected by the finding of hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly on clinical examination. In others it is the presence of abnormal liver function tests in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease that provoked further investigation and ultimately diagnosis.
Breadth-first, Depth-next Training of Random Forests

In this paper we analyze, evaluate, and improve the performance of training Random Forest (RF) models on modern CPU architectures. An exact, state-of-the-art binary decision tree building algorithm is used as the basis of this study. Firstly, we investigate the trade-offs between using different tree building algorithms, namely breadth-first-search (BFS) and depth-search-first (DFS). We design a novel, dynamic, hybrid BFS-DFS algorithm and demonstrate that it performs better than both BFS and DFS, and is more robust in the presence of workloads with different characteristics. Secondly, we identify CPU performance bottlenecks when generating trees using this approach, and propose optimizations to alleviate them. The proposed hybrid tree building algorithm for RF is implemented in the Snap Machine Learning framework, and speeds up the training of RFs by 7.8x on average when compared to state-of-the-art RF solvers (sklearn, H2O, and xgboost) on a range of datasets, RF configurations, and multi-core CPU architectures.
Immigrants’ Confidence in the Police: An Examination of Generational and Ethnic Differences in the United States:

As the number of immigrants in the United States grows, the importance of their confidence in the police cannot be understated. This article simultaneously examines the impact of both generational ...
Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults:

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We ...
CNS organoids: an innovative tool for neurological disease modeling and drug neurotoxicity screening

The paradigm of central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery has mostly relied on traditional approaches of rodent models or cell-based in vitro models. Owing to the issues of species differences between humans and rodents, it is difficult to correlate the robustness of data for neurodevelopmental studies. With advances in the stem-cell field, 3D CNS organoids have been developed and explored owing to their resemblance to the human brain architecture and functions. Further, CNS organoids provide a unique opportunity to mimic the human brain physiology and serve as a modeling tool to study the normal versus pathological brain or the elucidation of mechanisms of neurological disorders. Here, we discuss the recent application of a CNS organoid explored for neurodevelopment disease or a screening tool for CNS drug development.
Bank CEO materialism: Risk controls, culture and tail risk

Abstract We investigate how the prevalence of materialistic bank CEOs has evolved over time, and how risk management policies, non-CEO executives’ behavior and tail risk vary with CEO materialism. We document that the proportion of banks run by materialistic CEOs increased significantly from 1994 to 2004, that the strength of risk management functions is significantly lower for banks with materialistic CEOs, and that non-CEO executives in banks with materialistic CEOs insider trade more aggressively around government intervention during the financial crisis. Finally, we find that banks with materialistic CEOs have significantly more downside tail risk relative to banks with non-materialistic CEOs.
Anterior nutcracker syndrome in the setting of a duplicated inferior vena cava

Abstract Nutcracker syndrome is a rare vascular disorder that involves compression of the left renal vein (LRV), most often at the level of the aortomesenteric angle. In some cases, this compression syndrome arises in the setting of unusual vascular anatomic variants. We describe the case of a 43-year-old woman with a duplicated inferior vena cava who was found to have LRV compression on magnetic resonance angiography and venography with intravascular ultrasound. The patient was successfully treated with concurrent transposition of the LRV and left-sided inferior vena cava, with complete resolution of symptoms.
Does Contracting Achieve Better Performance for Democratic-Constitutional, Procedural Tasks? Evidence From the EEO Discrimination Complaint Process:

Contracting out has been considered one of the main performance management strategies to reduce costs and bring more expertise to government agencies. However, there is a lack of research assessing...
Antegrade Intentional Laceration of the Anterior Mitral Leaflet to Prevent Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Simplified Technique From Bench to Bedside.

Background: Intentional laceration of the anterior mitral leaflet (LAMPOON) is an effective adjunct to transcatheter mitral valve replacement that prevents left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obs...
Producing nationalized futures of climate change and science in India

The complex relationship between climate knowledge production and political action has long been discussed. Critical and post-colonial analyses have looked at how models, used to produce scientific...
Characteristics and Perspectives of Disease at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in North America

North America encompasses vast and diverse ecological regions that support a large array of species of native wildlife. Over the past 500 years livestock agriculture has become well established across the continent wherever practical and profitable, this has led to a high degree of overlap and interaction between wildlife and livestock. The interface created has led to two-way pathogen transmission, from livestock to wildlife and vice versa. The larger challenge than managing any disease in livestock, then, is controlling it in free-ranging wildlife. Farm typologies in North America vary from small subsistence producers with little biosecurity to immense, industrialized operations that employ high levels of biosecurity. Of course, with all the feed and waste associated with these large operations, many species of wildlife are continually attracted to them and challenging strategies put in place to limit pathogen transmission. North America is home to many long endemic (e.g., bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, rabies, pneumonia) and emerging or re-emerging (e.g., chronic wasting disease [CWD], West Nile virus, variants of highly pathogenic avian influenza) diseases. The continent is also at constant risk of infiltration of foreign diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African and classical swine fever. In this chapter, we detail the history and current state of disease prevention and mitigation at the wildlife-livestock interface in North America. Emphasis is given on how cooperation within and among Canada, Mexico, and the United States is leading to improvements in surveillance, the conduct of priority research, and the optimization of management as guided by adaptive, scientific principles.
Outcomes related to anticoagulation management for mechanical valve replacements

Background This study evaluates anticoagulation management and its impact on longitudinal clinical outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement. Methods Patients undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR) or aortic valve replacement (AVR) from 2010-2018 at a single center were included. Patients were stratified into therapeutic and non-therapeutic anticoagulation groups based on the median percentage of international normalized ratio (INR) values within the reference range (2.0-3.0 for AVR, 2.5-3.5 for MVR) during the first post-operative year. Using Cox regression analysis, comorbidity-adjusted survival and freedom from adverse events were compared. Results Six hundred and fifty-one patients underwent mechanical valve replacement (166 MVR, 485 AVR). Comorbidity-adjusted survival was similar in the MVR and AVR cohorts (P=0.23). There was a median of 27 [interquartile range (IQR): 14-42] INRs drawn per patient in the first post-operative year. The median percentage of INRs within the reference values during the first post-operative year was 42.85% (IQR: 30.77-53.95%), with the majority of non-therapeutic INRs being subtherapeutic (34.51%; n=6,864). There were no significant differences in adjusted survival between the therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups [hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, P=0.73]. Within the first post-operative year, there were no significant differences in stroke, major bleeding, peripheral non-stroke arterial thromboembolism, and readmission for intravenous heparin in the therapeutic and non-therapeutic groups. Conclusions Taking into account relevant comorbidities and valve type, patients with a larger proportion of non-therapeutic INRs during the first post-operative year demonstrated no difference in longitudinal clinical outcomes. Further research into more standardized INR monitoring and potentially expanded INR target ranges for patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement is warranted.
Interactive Visualization of Large Turbulent Flow as a Cloud Service

Many scientific communities today have community datasets that are continuously created, curated, and maintained for community use. Such datasets are often hosted and shared through cloud-based data repositories. In this work, we propose a lightweight and affordable visualization cloud service that can be deployed as a companion service of a community dataset. Our target visualization use case is parallel flow visualization, which is crucial for understanding planet-scale phenomena such as the Earth's atmosphere and ocean. As a core research topic of scientific visualization, parallel flow visualization typically uses HPC computing platforms. It is complex to implement with scalability, deploy with efficiency, and is often considered an advanced form of scientific visualization. Because of the heterogeneous nature of cloud platforms, in this work, we use a swarm-based parallel design to replace traditional HPC designs that assume homogeneity and rely upon conventional methods such as Message Passing Interface (MPI). This design enables interactive visualization of large flow fields in a way that is lightweight, efficient and easily deployable as a cloud service. We demonstrate our proposed system using NOAA's NCEP ensemble data, which captures turbulent planet-scale atmospheric flows in observed forms, as well as in forecast forms for varying time scales.
Cost effectiveness of three months of rifapentine and isoniazid for latent tuberculosis in Syrian refugees.

Abstract Background Latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has a large global burden especially among refugees. We aimed to test the cost effectiveness of weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid for 3 months (3HP) versus nine months of daily isoniazid (INH-9) to treat LTBI in Syrian refugees residing in Turkey. Methods We used a Markov state transition model to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of 3HP relative to INH-9 using a simulated cohort of Syrian refugees. Both cost and effectiveness were assessed assuming that LTBI screening would be performed, with treatment of those who screen positive. Costs were measured in 2017 US dollars, and effectiveness was estimated as quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. An annual discount rate of 3% was applied to future costs and QALYs over the analytical time horizon of 20 years. Results Per 100 individuals screened at age 30 in the base case scenario, treating LTBI with 3HP rather than INH-9 resulted in a gain of 0.08 QALYs (95% uncertainty interval: -0.007, 0.221) and savings of $1421 ($483, $3478). Assuming a value of $100000 per QALY, the incremental net monetary benefit of 3HP was $9772 ($639, $24517). Findings were robust to sensitivity analyses except when treating older individuals. Conclusions 3HP is likely to save costs and improve health compared to INH-9 when used for LTBI treatment among Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Mechanisms of Impaired Lung Development and Ciliation in Mannosidase-1-Alpha-2 (Man1a2) Mutants.

Background Ciliary defects cause heterogenous phenotypes related to mutation burden which lead to impaired development. A previously reported homozygous deletion in the Man1a2 gene causes lethal respiratory failure in newborn pups and decreased lung ciliation compared with wild type (WT) pups. The effects of heterozygous mutation, and the potential for rescue are not known. Purpose We hypothesized that survival and lung ciliation, (a) would decrease progressively in Man1a2 +/- heterozygous and Man1a2 -/- null newborn pups compared with WT, and (b) could be enhanced by gestational treatment with N-Acetyl-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant. Methods Man1a2+/- adult mice were fed NAC or placebo from a week before breeding through gestation. Survival of newborn pups was monitored for 24 h. Lungs, liver and tails were harvested for morphology, genotyping, and transcriptional profiling. Results Survival (p = 0.0001, Kaplan-Meier) and percent lung ciliation (p = 0.0001, ANOVA) measured by frequency of Arl13b+ respiratory epithelial cells decreased progressively, as hypothesized. Compared with placebo, gestational NAC treatment enhanced (a) lung ciliation in pups with each genotype, (b) survival in heterozygous pups (p = 0.017) but not in WT or null pups. Whole transcriptome of lung but not liver demonstrated patterns of up- and down-regulated genes that were identical in living heterozygous and WT pups, and completely opposite to those in dead heterozygous and null pups. Systems biology analysis enabled reconstruction of protein interaction networks that yielded functionally relevant modules and their interactions. In these networks, the mutant Man1a2 enzyme contributes to abnormal synthesis of proteins essential for lung development. The associated unfolded protein, hypoxic and oxidative stress responses can be mitigated with NAC. Comparisons with the developing human fetal lung transcriptome show that NAC likely restores normal vascular and epithelial tube morphogenesis in Man1a2 mutant mice. Conclusion Survival and lung ciliation in the Man1a2 mutant mouse, and its improvement with N-Acetyl cysteine is genotype-dependent. NAC-mediated rescue depends on the central role for oxidative and hypoxic stress in regulating ciliary function and organogenesis during development.
Image of India as a Destination—Perceptions of Mobile-savvy Seniors from China

This study is aimed at examining mobile-savvy Chinese seniors’ perceptions of India as a tourist destination. The research identifies and characterizes a distinctive outbound segment among Chinese ...
Precarious Times at Work: Detrimental Hours and Scheduling in Illinois and How Fair Workweek Policies Will Improve Workers' Well-Being

Work hours and scheduling matter for the well-being of those employed throughout the state in Illinois, perhaps now more than ever. Before Chicago implemented the Fair Workweek ordinance (FWW) in July 2020, we issued a large-scale, geographically, and demographically representative survey of workers throughout Illinois, at the end of 2019, of over 3,000 employed. This survey provides a portrait of at least eight dimensions of work hours and schedules, their distribution by type of job and worker and across 23 different industries - those covered by Chicago’s ordinance and those uncovered. It tests empirically for their association with five indicators of workers’ well-being by focusing on: Wanting more hours (underemployment, hours inadequacy); Least to most hours worked (variability or instability); Irregular shift times; On-call work; Short advance notice of schedule; Schedules set by employer with little to no input from workers; Schedules changing after posting; and Overtime hours that are mandatory.
Theorizing the Climate Crisis

For all the attention that climate change has gained as of late, we still fail to understand its nature. This failure of understanding bodes ill for the human race. We now know well enough that human activity is impacting the climate. But we fail to understand its root causes. The problem is not that our best climatologists have miscalculated. They have done their jobs well enough. The warming of the planet, scientists have demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt, is largely the product of human enterprise, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of so many of the earth’s forests. The widespread acknowledgement that global warming is anthropogenic in nature, while tardy, is a welcome development. But in acknowledging our role as the engineers of the greatest change to the earth’s atmosphere that has occurred in the last half million years, we obscure at least as much as we reveal. By dutifully accepting the burden of responsibility, we have also reinforced the traditional image of humankind as the most powerful force on the planet. Yet this image grossly misrepresents the nature of our power and makes it ever more likely that larger and more menacing problems will appear on the horizon.