cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quadrature Weights on Tensor-Product Nodes for Accurate Integration of Hypersingular Functions over Some Simple 3-D Geometric Shapes

In this paper, we present accurate and economic integration quadratures for hypersingular functions over three simple geometric shapes in ℝ 3 (spheres, cubes, and cylinders). The quadrature nodes are made of the tensor-product of 1-D Gauss nodes on [–1,1] for non-periodic variables or uniform nodes on [0,2π] or [0,π] for periodic ones. The quadrature weights are converted from a brute-force integration of the hypersingular function through interpolating the smooth component of the integrand. Numerical results are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of computing hypersingular integrals, as in the computations of Cauchy principal values, with a minimum number of quadrature nodes. The pre-calculated quadrature tables can be then readily used to implement Nystrom collocation methods of hypersingular volume integral equations such as the one for Maxwell equations.
Response: Re: Social Justice as the Moral Core of Family Medicine: A Perspective from the Keystone IV Conference

To the Editor: It is good to hear of these examples of collaboration between local public health agencies and family medicine. Given that the Keystone IV Conference focused on health care delivery issues, my “partial list” of potential allies for family medicine was limited to clinical
TSKT-ORAM: A two-server k-ary tree ORAM for access pattern protection in cloud storage

This paper proposes TSKT-ORAM, a two-server k-ary tree-based Oblivious RAM construction, to hide a client's access pattern to outsourced data. TSKT-ORAM is proved to hide the access pattern with a failure probability of 2−λ, where k = logN (N is the number of outsourced data items) and λ is a security parameter. Under the same configuration, TSKT-ORAM has an asymptotical communication cost of O( logN/log logN·B) (B is the size of a data block) if the number of recursion levels on meta data is O(1), or O( log2 N/ log logN·B) if the number of recursion levels is O(logN). Asymptotical analysis and detailed implementation-based comparisons are conducted to compare the performance of TSKT-ORAM with state-of-the-art ORAM schemes.
Geospatial Analysis of Land Loss, Land Cover Change, and Landuse Patterns of Kutubdia Island, Bangladesh

This study utilizes geospatial tools of remote sensing, geographical information systems GIS, and global positioning system GPS to examine the land loss, land cover LC change, landuse of Kutubdia Island, Bangladesh. Multi-spectral Scanner MSS, Thematic Mapper TM, and Landsat8 OLI imageries were used for land cover change. For assessing the landuse patterns of 2012, spatial video data were collected by using contour GPS camera. Using remote sensing analysis three different land cover classes water, trees and forest, and agriculture were identified and land cover changes were detected from 1972 to 2013. The results show from 1972 to 2013, an estimated 9 km2 of land has been lost and significant changes have taken place from 1972 to 2013. Only an estimated.35 km2 area of accretion has taken place during the study period. Using GIS eight different landuse patterns were identified based on spatial video data.
Influence of Spatial Heterogeneity and Hydrological Perturbations on Redox Dynamics: A Column Study

Abstract This study focuses on understanding the complex interactions between hydrological and biogeochemical processes and specifically how these interactions are affected by spatial heterogeneity at the column scale. The hypothesis of this study is that “regions with higher water flux will have higher redox potential”. To test this hypothesis, flow experiments were conducted on experimental soil columns with different spatial architecture of soil collected from the Norman Landfill site. The Norman Landfill is a closed municipal facility with prevalent organic contamination. The sources of variation in the dataset were explored using cluster analysis and dominant biogeochemical processes under varying hydrologic conditions were obtained using reactive transport modeling. Sulfate reduction was found to be an important redox process within most soil columns. Results indicated that while hydrological perturbations triggered redox reactions in homogeneous soil columns, structural heterogeneity in the form of clay lenses and macropores enhanced biogeochemical activity by modifying transport timescales.
Angel magic and the cult of angels in the later Middle Ages

In the late medieval West, magic that involved conjuring angels was widely held suspect and often seen as a veiled form of demonic magic. But why, precisely, was it so viewed? Because angel magic undermined clerical privilege? Because it appealed to named rather than anonymous angels? Because it often assumed there were neutral spirits between the unambiguously good and evil ones? Because angels were not valid sources of revelation? None of these explanations takes into account the broad areas of similarity between angel magic and approved or tolerated devotion to angels. Even orthodox devotion to angels was fluid and potentially idiosyncratic. Angel magic was not the irregular side of approved devotion, but a more extreme version of ideas and practices that were always in danger of becoming questionable.
Abstract 143: Catalase, Oxidative Stress and Ischemic Injury: Role of c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase

Thousands of children with congenital heart disease are subjected to corrective surgery which involves stopping the heart and exposing it to ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Complications after cardiopulmonary bypass like low cardiac output can lead to inadequate organ perfusion and eventual organ dysfunction if not corrected in a timely manner. Newborn (2-4 days) hearts are more susceptible to ischemic injury than adult (>8 weeks) hearts as evidenced by their diminished ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Not only do newborn hearts exhibit decreased scavenging capability (compared to the adult) but they also contain reduced baseline levels of catalase (3.8 + 1.1 U/mg tissue in the LV and 4.3 + 2.3 U/mg tissue in the RV vs. 11.2 + 1.0 U/mg tissue in the adult LV and 11.6 + 0.3 U/mg tissue in the adult RV). We observed significantly increased levels of H2O2 in newborn rabbit myocytes following IR injury (4.3-fold vs 2.2 fold; p<0.05) that was not accompanied by an increase in catalase activity as was seen in the adult myocytes. The tyrosine kinase c-Abl was shown to play a role in regulating phosphyorylation (and activation) of catalase and we hypothesized this pathway may be dysregulated in newborns, leading to differences in catalase activity. We performed immunoprecipitation with c-Abl and catalase as well as Western analysis of whole heart homogenates in both newborn and adult samples (n=3). Results demonstrated an increase in catalase phosphorylation in adult but not newborn hearts after IR. In the newborn, preliminary studies displayed diminished phosphorylation of c-Abl, indicating a potential mechanism. In addition, catalase levels seem to acutely rise following IR, too early for new protein synthesis. Catalase is known to undergo ubiquitination following release from the c-Abl complex and this may play a role in the failure of newborns to increase catalase. Elucidation of this pathway will lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms controlling catalase activity in the newborn versus the adult heart and will prove beneficial in developing therapeutic interventions to minimize damage following ischemic injury in newborns.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ankyloglossia in Newborns and Infants: A Review.

Importance The influence of tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, on breastfeeding is the subject of growing debate. Restriction of tongue mobility from the frenulum varies greatly among newborns and infants (hereinafter referred to as infants). Controversies about whether an infant has ankyloglossia and which infants need treatment are evident with wide variations in medical practice and a lack of high-quality clinical studies that provide guidance. Observations Diagnosis and management of ankyloglossia in infants can be a source of confusion and frustration for clinicians and families. Frenotomy is a low-risk procedure that is likely to be beneficial with careful patient selection, but the natural history of untreated ankyloglossia is not well documented. The variability in presentation and treatment outcomes of ankyloglossia indicate that the complexity of infant feeding and tongue development is not fully encapsulated in a simplistic ankyloglossia etiologic framework. Conclusions and Relevance Consistent terminology with emphasis on symptomatic ankyloglossia and a uniform grading system, such as the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function and Coryllos grading, are needed to improve the quality of research in the future. The ability to make definitive practice guidelines is limited with our current understanding of ankyloglossia. Additional research is needed to better understand the complexity of infant feeding and the role of ankyloglossia.
Using copulas to estimate the coefficient of a binary endogenous regressor in a Poisson regression: Application to the effect of insurance on doctor visits

Summary This paper presents a copula-based method for identifying and estimating the coefficient of a binary endogenous regressor in a Poisson regression. The method offers advantages over existing approaches. Most importantly, it relies upon standard maximum likelihood approaches, and it does not require numerical integration. Further, as part of its implementation, the method provides a convenient test for the presence of endogeneity. The empirical application investigates the effect of insurance status (a binary measure) on doctor visits (a count measure).
Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Turner Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, and SHOX Gene Mutations

This chapter will address several disorders characterized by varying degrees of growth failure. Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common human sex chromosome anomalies, occurring in about 1:2000 female live births. Girls with TS have an abnormal or missing X chromosome plus a phenotype that includes short stature, lymphedema, cardiac abnormalities, gonadal dysgenesis, and neurocognitive problems. Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant condition with a prevalence of 1 in 1000–2500 and part of a group of disorders known as RASopathies. Noonan syndrome occurs in both boys and girls. In addition to varying degrees of short stature, features also include congenital heart defects, facial dysmorphisms, and mild intellectual disabilities. Defects in the short stature homeobox-containing gene on the X chromosome (SHOX) lead to a variety of short-stare conditions: non-syndromic short stature and Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), both due to SHOX haploinsufficiency. Homozygous loss of SHOX leads to Langer mesomelic dysplasia, a rare form of a skeletal dysplasia.
Pressure Ulcer in Trauma Patients: A Higher Spinal Cord Injury Level Leads to Higher Risk

Abstract Background In a systematic review, the level of spinal cord injury (SCI) was not associated with risk for pressure ulcer (PU). We hypothesized that in the acute trauma population, upper-SCI (cervical/thoracic) has greater risk for PU when compared to lower-SCI (lumbar/sacral). We additionally sought to identify risk factors for development of PUs in trauma. Methods A retrospective analysis of the NTDB (2007–2015) was performed. Covariates were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine risk for PU. Results Of 62,929 patients (0.9%) with SCI, most had an upper-SCI (83%). The overall rate of PUs in patients with SCI was 5.1%. More patients with upper-SCI developed PUs compared to lower-SCI (5.8% vs. 2.2%, p Conclusions Contrary to previous reports, a higher SCI level is associated with a three-fold greater risk for PU compared to lower SCI.
A Simple System for Measuring Permeation of Hydrogen Through Stainless Steel

A simple laboratory experiment was constructed to demonstrate in a classroom setting hydrogen permeation under conditions typical of some nuclear applications. The goal was to allow students to fin...
Tetraquabis(5-fluorosaccharinato)nickel(II)

In the centrosymmetric title complex, [Ni(C7H3FNO3S)2(H2O)4], the NiII atom exhibits a slightly distorted trans-NiN2O4 octa­hedral coordination. The nitro­gen donors are provided by two 5-fluoro­saccharinate ligands and the oxygen donors are provided by four water mol­ecules. The crystal structure features O—H⋯O and bifurcated O—H⋯(F,O) hydrogen bonds, the latter involving the F atom of the 5-fluoro­saccharinate ligand.
Phenotypic and Physiological Characterization Methods

Abstract This chapter provides various methods that are useful for the physiological characterization of new taxa, as well the pertinent media and reagents involved. The chapter begins with fundamental characterization tests such as those for determining oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen requirements; optimal temperature, salinity and pH and sole carbon and nitrogen sources. The chapter proceeds with methods to detect the ability to ferment or oxidize carbohydrates, end products of carbohydrate catabolism, nitrate reduction and denitrification, hydrolysis of various polymers and types of pigments that may be produced. The next portion of the chapter presents a number of additional, more specific physiological methods that may be useful in describing a strain or species. The third portion contains a summary of several commercial multi-test systems which, although used mainly for the identification of isolates, may also be useful for rapidly determining some of the physiological characteristics of a new strain or species.
Pseudo Market Timing and the Stationarity of the Event-Generating Process

If the number of firms going public increases with the level of the market, the number of IPOs will tend cluster near market peaks. Under these circumstances, IPOs will usually underperform ex-post even if they are not overpriced ex-ante. I refer to this phenomena as pseudo market timing because IPOs appear to time the market even though the firms going public have no real timing ability. Recent work by Viswanathan and Wei (2004) and Dahlquist and De Jong (2003) shows that pseudo market timing is a small sample problem if the number of IPOs is a stationary process. In this paper, I first provide evidence that the number of IPOs per month may, in fact be non-stationary when the proper number of lags is considered. Simulations based on realistic models of the IPO generating process further reveal that even if the number of IPOs is stationary, pseudo market timing may have a profound effect on measured long-run performance in practice.
The Effects of Non-Financial Asset Fair-Value Recognition on Nonprofessional Investors' Judgments

I examine the impact fair-value recognition of non-current assets (NCAs) has on the judgments of nonprofessional investors. The results show nonprofessional investors (business conference attendees) express less willingness to invest when fair-market values for NCAs are recognized along with historical cost values. Participants judged future company performance the same regardless of fair-value recognition, but confidence in their own judgments was lower for nonprofessional investors receiving recognized fair-market valuations. Conversely, fair-value recognition increased participants' confidence of individual balance-sheet account valuations, which suggests asymmetrical confidence effects on nonprofessional investors' judgments. The results indicate that nonprofessional investors view income from fair-value changes as persistent, which is contrary to normative economic predictions. Participants universally judged historical cost values as more reliable than fair values, but I find financial-statement-group assignment affects relevance judgments. I conclude fair-value recognition does affect nonprofessional investors' judgments, and the results should be of interest to standards-setters, academics, and the investment community alike as the debate surrounding balance-sheet valuations continues.
Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Acute Surgical Abdomen: Opportunities for Palliative Care

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a life-limiting condition that is often complicated by acute abdominal emergency. Palliative care (PC) has been shown to improve the quality of life in patients with serious illness and yet is underutilized. We hypothesize that ESRD patients with abdominal emergency have high unmet PC needs. Objective: To characterize the outcomes of ESRD patients with acute surgical abdomen, define PC utilization patterns, and identify areas of unmet PC needs. Design: Retrospective study querying the National Inpatient Sample database (2009-2013). Setting and Subjects: Subjects were identified using ICD-9 codes for those aged ≥50 with preexisting diagnosis of ESRD with an acute abdominal emergency diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, or ischemia. Measurements: Outcomes included PC rate, in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, and intensity of care. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PC. Results: A total of 9363 patients met the inclusion criteria; 24% underwent surgery, 16% died in hospital, and 43% were discharged to dependent living. Among in-hospital deaths, 23% received PC. Only 4% of survivors with dependent discharge received PC. Surgical mortality was 26%. PC was less utilized in surgical patients than nonsurgical patients. PC was associated with shorter hospital stay. Predictors of PC included increasing age, severity of underlying illness, white race, teaching hospitals, and the Western region. Conclusions: Patients with ESRD admitted for acute abdominal emergency have high risk for mortality and functional dependence. Despite this, few receive PC and have a high utilization of nonbeneficial life support at the end of life.
Mapping Out Receptors: High Throughput Screening of Endothelial Monocyte Activating Polypeptide II (EMAPII) Using PRESTO-TANGO

Background: Secreted endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II (EMAPII/AIMP1) is a pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory ligand implicated in diseases such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema. Thus, EMAPII has been shown to induce apoptosis through CXCR3 receptor binding. However, not all EMAPII functions have been attributed to CXCR3. Discovery of new receptors interacting with EMAPII could lead to development of new therapies blocking cognate ligand-receptor binding. We hypothesize the existence of at least one unknown secondary receptor for EMAPII. Methods: The PRESTO-TANGO assay, a construct which converts G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ligand binding into luciferase activity measurable by luminometer, was validated using transfection with TANGO-modified CXCR3 and S1P1R as test receptors in HTLA cells. Protocols for cell transfection, adherence, and cultivation were optimized with IP10, EMAPII, and S1P as test ligands. Results: The assay was successfully validated using several GPCR activation readouts. Binding curves were generated for S1P/S1P1 (EC50= 569nM), IP10/CXCR3 (EC50= 47.1 nM), and EMAPII/CXCR3 (EC50= 628 nM). Conditions for the PRESTO-TANGO assay were further refined for maximal signal-to-noise ratio and robust inter-assay reproducibility in preparation for high-throughput screening. We are currently testing 314 TANGO-modified GPCRs for EMAPII affinity. Conclusion: We have validated the Tango assay for the known EMAPII-CXCR3 ligand-receptor system, a valuable tool for evaluation of anti-EMAPII therapeutics. Discovery of a novel EMAPII receptor would allow for the development of therapies including neutralizing antibodies (analogous to the PD1 receptor antibody Pembrolizumab for solid tumors) in diseases such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema.
Infrared luminescence from N-polar InN quantum dots and thin films grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition

N-polar InN quantum dots and thin layers grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition were shown to exhibit tunable emission from around 1.00 μm to longer than 1.55 μm at room temperature. The emission wavelength was dependent on both the growth temperature and quantum dot size or InN layer thickness. No measurable change in InN quantum dot emission wavelength or intensity was observed after capping of the InN quantum dots with GaN, paving the way for incorporating N-polar InN quantum dots into buried regions of device structures.
Oligomerization of Hsp70: Current Perspectives on Regulation and Function

The Hsp70 molecular chaperone in conjunction with Hsp90 and a suite of helper co-chaperones are required for the folding and subsequent refolding of a large proportion of the proteome. These proteins are critical for cell viability and play major roles in diseases of proteostasis which include neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. As a consequence, a large scientific effort has gone into understanding how chaperones such as Hsp70 function at the in vitro and in vivo level. Although many chaperones require constitutive self-interaction (dimerization and oligomerization) to function, Hsp70 has been thought to exist as a monomer, especially in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that both bacterial and mammalian Hsp70 can exist as a dynamic pool of monomers, dimer, and oligomers. In this mini-review, we discuss the mechanisms and roles of Hsp70 oligomerization in Hsp70 function, as well as thoughts on how this integrates into well-established ideas of Hsp70 regulation.
Preference and switching in the Kill-the-Winner functional response: Diversity, size structure, and synergistic grazing in plankton models

Grazing by zooplankton can maintain diversity in phytoplankton communities by allowing coexistence between competitors in situations that would otherwise lead to competitive exclusion. In mathematical models, grazing is represented by a functional response that describes the consumption rate by an individual zooplankter as a function of phytoplankton concentration. Since its initial description, the Kill-the-Winner functional response has been increasingly adopted for large-scale biogeochemical modeling. Here, we analyze how two properties of the Kill-the-Winner functional response - preference and switching - interact to promote coexistence and increase diversity in two simple models: a diamond-shaped nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton model and a size-structured phytoplankton community model. We found that, compared to preference, switching leads to coexistence and increased diversity over a much wider range of environmental conditions (nutrient supply and mixing rate). In the absence of switching, preference only allows for coexistence within the narrow range of environmental conditions where the preference is precisely balanced against the competitive difference between phytoplankton types. We also explored a counterintuitive aspect of the Kill-the-Winner functional response that we have termed "synergistic grazing". Synergistic grazing occurs when the grazing rate on one phytoplankton type increases as the biomass of an alternative phytoplankton type increases. This unrealistic effect is most evident when switching is strong and when zooplankton have a preference for the weaker competitor.
Inertial Measurement Unit-based Evaluation of Global and Regional Lumbar Spine and Pelvis Alignment in Standing Individuals With a Flat Lumbar Posture.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the global and regional lumbar spine and pelvis postural alignment in standing individuals with a flat lumbar posture using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system. Methods A total of 80 symptomatic young volunteers (25 men and 55 women in their early 20s) were recruited at Inje University in Gimhae, South Korea for this study. Participants stood in a comfortable posture for 5 seconds with IMUs on the T10, L3, and S2 level. Participants were then categorized into 3 groups according to the global lumbar lordosis (GLL) angle (T10-S2): Results As GLL increased, RLL angles (upper, P = .001; lower, P Conclusion Posture measurements in a standing position conducted to assess lordosis should consider the relationship between GLL and RLL rather than GLL or RLL alone. We found that S2 was the best predictor of GLL.
Social media literacy in L2 environments: navigating anonymous user-generated content

Online participatory cultures (e.g. social media) present a number of opportunities and challenges for language learners. Learners can collaborate with like-minded peers in online affinity spaces o...
Implementation case study: Multifamily group intervention in first-episode psychosis programs.

AIM Family interventions are a core component of first-episode psychosis (FEP) treatment; however, low implementation rates are consistently reported. As such, work is needed to understand the factors impacting real-world treatment delivery. The present paper describes the implementation of the McFarlane-model multifamily psychoeducational groups (MFG) in established FEP early intervention programs within a single state. The aims were to examine (a) training participation and implementation of MFG, (b) barriers and facilitators to implementation, and (c) modifications made to MFG. METHODS Practitioners from six established FEP early intervention programs received in-person training and ongoing consultation in MFG. Training participation data were obtained via attendance and implementation outcomes were obtained from practitioner reports. Fifteen months following the initial training, practitioners reported on clinic-specific barriers, facilitators, and modifications across four categories (context, intervention, practitioner, and recipient). RESULTS Twenty-three practitioners across six clinics received in-person training and were offered ongoing consultation to support implementation. Difficulties in starting MFG were salient as the earliest group was run 7 months after the initial training, thereby resulting in low overall frequency of groups. A number of barriers spanning context, intervention, practitioner, and recipient domains were noted, the majority of which were clinic-specific. Despite challenges, practitioners identified several facilitators and made modifications to the intervention and its delivery in service of implementation. CONCLUSIONS Results from this implementation case study highlighted the challenges of delivering MFG in real-world FEP early intervention programs. Further, this paper emphasizes the value in identifying and addressing clinic-specific factors when implementing MFG.
A Gene Mutation Signature Predicting Immunotherapy Benefits in Patients With NSCLC.

Abstract Introduction Identification of patients who can benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is key for improved clinical outcome. Recently, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tumor mutational burden (TMB) high (TMB-H or TMB ≥ 10) as a biomarker for pembrolizumab treatment of solid tumors. We intend to test the hypothesis that mutations in select genes may be a better predictor of NSCLC response to ICB therapy than TMB-H. Methods We compiled a list of candidate genes that may predict for benefits from ICB treatment by use of data from a recently published cohort of 350 patients with NSCLC. We then evaluated the influences of different mutation signatures in the candidate genes on ICB efficacy. They were also compared with TMB-H. The predictive powers of different mutation signatures were then evaluated in an independent cohort of patients with NSCLC treated with ICB. Results A compound mutation signature, in which two or more of the 52 candidate genes were mutated, accounted for 145 of 350 patients with NSCLC and was associated with considerable ICB treatment benefits. Specifically, the median duration of overall survival was 36 versus 8 months in NSCLC in those with two or more versus none of the 52 genes mutated. Moreover, those patients with the compound mutation signature but had low TMB ( Conclusions A genetic signature with mutations in at least two of 52 candidate genes was superior than TMB-H in predicting clinical benefits for ICB therapy in patients with NSCLC.
Mesa-Top Single Quantum Dot Arrays as Single Photon Sources: A new paradigm for On-chip Quantum Photonics

We demonstrate a new paradigm for realizing scalable quantum optical circuits based on a new class of buried ordered spectrally uniform (σ λ 99%). © 2020 The Author(s)
Property and Sovereignty: Creating, Destroying and Resurrecting Property Rights in British India (1600 - 1800)

This paper, the first in a series of three papers, constitutes the first systematic legal attempt since the late nineteenth century to describe the changing configuration of property rights of zamindars (landlords) and ryots or raiyats (peasants) relative to the English East India Company in colonial India over a period of two hundred years from 1600 to 1800. This period begins with the Company’s first arrival in India to the court of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir in 1600 as merely a trading company. It ends with the introduction of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal by Lord Cornwallis, the Governor General of Bengal in 1793, pursuant to the Company’s exercise of sovereign authority over the provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. As described in the paper, during this period of great political upheaval, scandal, and intrigue, as the East India Company gradually transitioned from a monopoly trading company to a conquering and then an administering power, Company officials, including the Governor General, and later the Supreme Council of Bengal, created, destroyed, and resurrected property rights of landlords and tenant cultivators. Following a series of experiments with land revenue administration and the lives of zamindars and raiyats, with the sole objective of maximising revenue for the East India Company, Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement of Land Revenue in 1793, which completely destroyed the rights of peasant cultivators in favour of zamindars, and wreaked great injustice and misery upon the people of Bengal. It would take nearly seventy years for British government to begin to reverse this injustice through tenancy protection legislation enacted in 1859, and this reversal in law would only be completed following land reforms introduced by provincial governments post India’s independence in 1947. These later developments will be the subject of the next two papers in this series.
Point-Counterpoint: Should Clinical Microbiology Laboratories Report Vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations?

With numerous reported challenges to reporting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for vancomycin, clinical laboratories are attempting to identify accurate methods for MIC testing. However, the issues of poor reproducibility, accuracy, and clinical utility remain a challenge. In this Point-Counter Point, Dr. Sara Revolinski discusses the pros of reporting MICs for vancomycin while Dr. Christopher Doern argues for the use of caution.
Application of DSM and Supervised Image Classification Method for Sun-Exposed Rooftops Extraction

In urban areas, building rooftops are used for PV system installation for commercial or individual household purposes. An accurate solar map is essential to determine the amount of solar radiation falling on the rooftop of a building for PV installation. This study focuses on developing a methodology on how to configure a Drone to capture imageries for extracting features that are useful in assessing sun-exposed building rooftops. The focus is also to develop a geospatial model using GeoAI for processing Drone images and DSM to delineate actual solar exposed rooftops. Then, the model output was evaluated and compared with the existing models. The study was designed using DSR principles to develop software artifacts, a workflow model, and evaluation methods. This study provides a novel approach by combining image classifications using GeoAI for information extraction from Drone images for practical utility purposes. The study fulfilled the three research objectives. First, a flying configuration of a Drone to capture imagery for DSM creation. Second, the study fulfilled the development of a geospatial model using the DSM and GeoAI algorithm for delineating sun-exposed building rooftop. Third, this study evaluated the output of the model efficiency and reliability to determine whether this model can be used for enhancing the existing solar maps available from the government or other agencies. The utility of this model is a relevant topic in the shared economy research community, and no studies so far are focused designing a process that can create or augment inexpensive solar maps from Drone images.
The Lymphatic System: An Osteopathic Review.

Osteopathic principles and philosophy suggest the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to restore, augment, or facilitate lymphatic fluid flow to maintain body fluid balance, and/or to stimulate immune system responses to aid in the recovery from illness and maintain normal body defense mechanisms. This review provides an osteopathic view of the role of the lymphatic system in health and disease, with an emphasis on the use of OMT to alleviate somatic dysfunctions (SD) that inhibit the optimum function of the lymphatic system. The current evidence base is reviewed for the use of OMT to assist in restoring or augmenting lymphatic system function to help patients recover from illness and maintain health and wellness. An overview is provided on how osteopathic principles and philosophy relative to the immune system are applied in practice. A literature search was conducted using databases such as Medline, PubMed, Ostmed-DR, and Scopus, focusing on osteopathic approaches to the lymphatic system. Keywords used included osteopathic manipulative medicine, OMT, and lymphatic manual treatment or therapy. Current osteopathic textbook information was also surveyed. There is support for the application of osteopathic principles and OMT for certain conditions that involve the lymphatic system. More prospective research is needed.
Generalized Bandits with Learning and Queueing in Split Liver Transplantation

Split liver transplantation (SLT) is a procedure that tries to save two lives by dividing one donor liver and transplanting the sections into two recipients. Despite SLT's potential to relieve the acute shortage of donated livers in the US, it is rarely used, in part because few surgeons in the US have learned to perform SLT. One barrier for young surgeons to acquire the skills to perform SLT is the need to perform actual SLT surgeries to become proficient, and the lower success rate such early surgeries have. Further, because SLT is a delicate operation, even with practice, some medical teams may still have only mixed success. This paper studies the donated liver allocation problem in a setting where surgeons with different potential abilities may learn SLT, becoming skilled over time. We formulate a multi-armed bandit (MAB) model, in which learning curves are embedded in the reward functions, to address the trade-off between discovering and developing talents (exploration) and utilizing a defined group of already-skilled surgeons (exploitation). To solve our MAB learning model, we propose the L-UCB, FL-UCB, and QFL-UCB algorithms, all variants of the upper confidence bound (UCB) algorithm, enhanced with additional features such as learning, fairness, queueing dynamics, and arm dependence. We prove that the regrets of our algorithms, that is, the loss in total rewards due to lack of information about surgeons' aptitudes, are bounded by O(log t). We also show they have superior numerical performance compared to standard bandit algorithms in settings where learning exists. From an application standpoint, our results provide insights into potential strategies to increase the proliferation of SLT and other technically-difficult medical procedures. From a methodological point of view, our proposed MAB model and algorithms are generic and have broad application prospects.
Effect of thiazolidinediones on PPAR gamma mediated adenoid cystic cancer growth characteristics

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4685 Adenoid cystic cancer is a rare cancer, occurring in major and minor salivary glands, paranasal sinuses, and orbit. Surgery and other modalities, including external and neutron beam radiotherapy are employed to treat these tumors. Many patients experience disease progression slowly over several years and succumb to widespread metastasis 5-20 years after diagnosis. Difficulties finding other treatment options, such as histology based therapies substantiated via biomarker studies are attributable to small patient population. Potential therapies similar to those in breast and prostate cancer which target nuclear hormones are attractive in this slow growing solid cancer. Peroxisome proliferating activated receptor (PPAR) gamma, an orphan nuclear receptor, functions as a pro-differentiation, anti-proliferation transcription factor complex. A new class of drugs, thiazolidinediones (TZD), target PPAR gamma and have been used for years to treat diabetes. Recently these agents have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may be useful in cancer prevention and treatment. In the current study, we examined PPAR gamma in ACC-3, an adenoid cystic cancer cell line. We tested PPAR gamma transcriptional activation via luciferase reporter gene and the effect of these ligands on cellular proliferation by MTT assay. ACC-3 cells were established as tumors in a nude mouse xenograft model. The tumor bearing animals were treated with the TZD, pioglitazone, to determine effect on in vivo tumor growth. We discovered TZD increased activation of PPAR gamma up to 2.4 fold above control. TZD act as ligands, causing PPAR gamma to heterodimerize, creating a transcription factor complex which then activates target gene transcription. TZD also decreased ACC-3 cellular proliferation in a dose dependent manner. ACC-3 xenograft tumors were established in our adenoid cystic cancer nude mouse model. These animals were then treated with 0, 25, or 100mg/kg/day pioglitazone. A visible dose dependent difference in tumor growth rate was seen. After the first week, the tumor growth rate of the 100mg pioglitazone/kg/day mice was an average of 76.6% of the control group growth rate. In conclusion, we have shown TZD slow tumor growth in vitro and in vivo through increases in PPAR gamma activity and decreases in cell proliferation. As TZD are safe agents and clinically available, they would be an ideal anti-cancer treatment especially for slow growing primary and metastatic tumors with no effective chemotherapy.
Counterinsurgency Concepts: What We Learned in Iraq

We have learned a great deal about counterinsurgency operations in recent years. And in this article, I will highlight some of the most important lessons we have distilled from our experiences in Iraq, in particular. In late 2006, violence in Iraq was spiraling out of control. The overall situation was grim. In the midst of this horrific violence, the US Army and US Marine Corps published a field manual on counterinsurgency operations, incorporating lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in the conduct of past counterinsurgency campaigns. The drafting of the manual represented a focus on a field largely ignored by the US military in the decades after the Vietnam War, with the exception of periodic discussion of so-called ‘low-intensity conflict’ during our activities in Central America in the mid-1980s. As we carried out the so-called ‘surge’ to quell the violence in Iraq in 2007 and 2008, we implemented many of the counterinsurgency concepts in the new manual, achieving significant progress and validating a number of the key concepts along the way. Indeed, we now find ourselves – and the Iraqi people – in a much better place than two years ago, with progress on all fronts – security, economic and political. Although that progress remains fragile, and although innumerable challenges remain, the gains achieved in Iraq have been considerable.
Estimating Variance Under Interval and Fuzzy Uncertainty: Case of Hierarchical Estimation

Computing statistics is important.Traditional data processing in science and engineering starts with computing the basic statistical characteristics such as the population mean and population variance: $$E=\displaystyle\frac{1}{n}\cdot \sum\limits_{i=1}^n x_i\ \ V=\displaystyle\frac{1}{n}\cdot \sum\limits_{i=1}^n (x_i-E)^2.$$
Buffer sizing of concentrated photovoltaic batteries: An economic analysis

Energy storage systems are one of the major components in today's grid-tied photovoltaic technology. The most widespread ESSs are the batteries mounted on electric vehicles. Second-life batteries, regardless of the technology, are less expensive than new battery packs. The proper sizing of concentrated photovoltaic buffers and the true economic feasibility need to be investigated thoroughly before any large-scale photovoltaic grid integration. This paper investigates the economic performance of grid-tied concentrated photovoltaics and buffers. Simulation results show that not only is the combined unit capable of connection to the grid during the day at a constant 20 kW, but also was able to shift the less valuable off-peak electric supply to the on-peak supply, where the cost of electricity was higher. This paper addresses 1) techniques behind battery-sizing scenarios, 2) battery-parameter calculations involved in concentrated photovoltaic output smoothing and/or electrical load shifting, and 3) used electric vehicle battery cost estimation. Estimates of the cost effectiveness could be positive if the energy storage system battery pack prices drop to $375/kWh or lower.
Alaria mesocercariae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes: evidence for parasite-mediated caudectomy

Trematodes of the genus Alaria develop into an arrested stage, known as mesocercariae, within their amphibian second intermediate host. The mesocercariae are frequently transmitted to a non-obligate paratenic host before reaching a definitive host where further development and reproduction can occur. Snakes are common paratenic hosts for Alaria spp. with the mesocercariae often aggregating in the host's tail. In the current study, we used morphological examination and molecular analyses based on partial sequences of nuclear large ribosomal subunit gene and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene to identify larvae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) as mesocercariae of Alaria marcianae, Alaria mustelae, and Alaria sp. as well as metacercariae of Diplostomidae sp. of unknown generic affiliation. We assessed infection prevalence, absolute and relative intensity, and associated pathological changes in these snakes. Infection prevalence was 100 % for both male and female snakes. Infection intensity ranged from 11 to more than 2000 mesocercariae per snake tail but did not differ between the sexes. Gross pathological changes included tail swelling while histopathological changes included mild inflammation and the presence of mucus-filled pseudocysts surrounding mesocercariae, as well as the compression and degeneration of muscle fibers. Our results indicate that mesocercariae can lead to extensive muscle damage and loss in both sexes which likely increases the fragility of the tail making it more prone to breakage. As tail loss in garter snakes can affect both survival and reproduction, infection by Alaria mesocercariae clearly has serious fitness implications for these snakes.
Do Auditors Perceive Real Earnings Management as a Business Risk

We examine the relationship between real earnings management (REM) and audit fees. While studies have investigated the influence of accrual-based earnings management on audit fees, empirical research is silent on whether REM activities explain audit fees. We report a positive association between both current and prior period REM and audit fees and show that firms with greater incentives to manage earnings drive this relationship. The prior period REM finding indicates that auditors perceive REM as a business risk, whereas the current period effect could reflect either perceived business risk or auditor effort. To provide more insight on the current period effect, we extend our analysis into the banking industry and examine a REM activity (gains trading) that is less likely to require additional audit effort. We again document a positive prior period REM effect but do not find support for the current period effect. Thus, our banking analysis supports the notion that the prior period effect captures increased business risk, and suggests the current period effect in our main analyses is attributable to increased auditor effort. Our study provides evidence that an ancillary cost of REM is higher audit fees.
Soft-Hard Clustering for Multiview Data

With rapid advances in technology and connectivity, the capability to capture data from multiple sources has given rise to multiview learning wherein each object has multiple representations and a learned model, whether supervised or unsupervised, needs to integrate these different representations. Multiview learning has shown to yield better predictive and clustering models, it also is able to provide a better insight into relationships between different views for making better decisions. In this paper, we consider the problem of multiview clustering and present a soft-hard clustering approach. In our approach, all object views are first independently mapped into a unit hypercube via soft clustering. The mapped views are next integrated via a hard clustering approach to yield the final results. Both soft and hard clustering stages utilize k-means or its variant c-means, which makes our method suitable for large-scale data problems. Furthermore, additional parallelization of the view mapping stage in parallel is possible, thus making the method more attractive for large-scale data applications. The performance of the method using three benchmark data sets is demonstrated and a comparison with other published results shows our method mostly yields a slightly better performance.
Human Radiation Dosimetry for the N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Radioligand 11C-CNS5161

UNLABELLED (11)C-CNS5161 (N-(2-chloro-5-methylthiophenyl)-N'-(3-methylthiophenyl)-N'-(11)C-methylguanidine) has been successfully used in PET imaging of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. However, no human dosimetry data have been published. We are planning to use this radiotracer for investigating NMDA receptor function in systemic lupus erythematosus, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson disease. We have therefore undertaken (11)C-CNS5161 PET imaging to measure the whole-body distribution of this radionuclide and to estimate radiation dose to various organs. METHODS Dynamic PET studies of the whole body were performed on 5 healthy adults. Regions of interest were drawn over the visualized structures. Resultant time-activity curves were generated and used to determine residence times for dosimetry calculations. S factors were implemented within the OLINDA/EXM software for each structure or organ. RESULTS For (11)C-CNS5161, organ doses ranged from 0.0002 to 0.0393 mGy/MBq (0.0006-0.1455 rad/mCi). The critical organ for radiation burden was the lungs, with a dose of 0.0393 mGy/MBq (0.1455 rad/mCi). Radiation doses to the reproductive and blood-forming organs were 0.0023, 0.0002, and 0.0020 mGy/MBq (0.0086, 0.0006, and 0.0074 rad/mCi) for the ovaries, testes, and red marrow, respectively. The effective dose equivalent was 0.0106 mSv/MBq (0.0392 rem/mCi). CONCLUSION The radiation dosimetry for (11)C-CNS5161 for a standard single injection of 555 MBq (15 mCi) will result in an effective dose equivalent of 5.9 mSv (0.59 rem) and a lung dose of 21.8 mGy (2.18 rad) in young, healthy subjects.