cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Foreign capital inflows: direct investment, equity investment, and foreign debt

We develop a two-country stochastic growth model with production, relative price and sovereign default risks. Domestic production and relative price volatilities cause more fluctuations in the agents' portfolio decisions than the volatility of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) production does. Both the sovereign risk and separability of FDI capital affect the composition of foreign capital inflows in two directions. The direct effect induces substitution of FDI for more Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and foreign borrowing, while the indirect effect encourages FDI due to the increase in FDI's marginal contribution to the foreign agent's welfare after default.
Pediatric temporal bone fractures: Current trends and comparison of classification schemes

Objectives 1) Characterize the current presentation of pediatric temporal bone fractures, 2) compare two classification schemes for temporal bone fractures and illustrate complications in each fracture type. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting Tertiary-care, academic children's hospital. Patients All children presenting from 1999 to 2009 with CT-proven temporal bone fracture and audiology examination with follow-up. Intervention All CT scans were reinterpreted by a dedicated head and neck radiologist. All fractures were characterized as otic capsule sparing (OCS) or otic capsule violating (OCV), as well as transverse (T) or longitudinal (L). Outcome CT findings, mechanisms of injury, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss (CHL), and facial nerve injury (FNI). Results Seventy-one children met inclusion criteria. Fifty-four (76%) children had longitudinal fractures versus 17 (24%) with transverse fractures. Sixty-four (90%) had OCS versus 7 (10%) with OCV. The otic capsule was involved in 7.4% of longitudinal fractures and 17.6% of transverse fractures. Eleven (15%) had facial weakness, 72% of whom had a visualized fracture through the facial nerve course. SNHL was detected in 14 (20%) patients and CHL in 17(23.9%). All patients with fractures classified as both transverse and OCV had SNHL. The OCS versus OCV and T versus L classification schemes were directly compared for statistical significance in predicting SNHL, CHL, and FNI using the Fisher's exact test. Both OCS/OCV and T/L were predictors of SNHL (P = .0025 and P = .0143, respectively), but the OCS/OCV scheme was more accurate. Neither classification significantly predicted CHL or FNI (P = .787 versus .825; P = .705 vs. .755). Conclusions In this pediatric series, approximately 75% of the fractures are longitudinal and 25% are transverse. The otic capsule is spared in 90% and violated in 10%. Both OCS/OCV and L/T classification schemes predict SNHL, but the OCV/OCS scheme is more accurate in this prediction. Although the negative predictive value of the two schemes is similar, the positive predictive value is higher with the OCS/OCV system. The presence of conductive hearing loss and facial nerve symptoms was not predicted by either classification system. Level of Evidence: 2b. Laryngoscope, 124:781–784, 2014
Are live bird markets reservoirs of avian influenza

Live bird markets (LBM) are essential for marketing poultry in many developing countries, and they are a preferred place for many people to purchase poultry for consumption throughout the world. Live bird markets are typically urban and have a permanent structure in which birds can be housed until they are sold. Live bird markets bring together a mixture of bird species that meet the preferences of their customers and that are commonly produced by multiple suppliers. The mixture of species, the lack of all-in-all-out management, and multiple suppliers are all features that make LBM potential sources of avian influenza viruses (AIV), especially for their supply flocks. Live bird markets have been linked to many outbreaks of avian influenza internationally and in the United States. Avian influenza virus is endemic in many, but not all, LBM systems. For instance, AIV has not been isolated from the Southern California LBM system since December 2005, although the risk of new introductions remains. The California LBM system is much smaller than the New York system, handles fewer birds, and has fewer bird suppliers, which, combined with recent avian influenza prevention and control plans, have enabled it to be AIV free for nearly 3 yr.
Tumor sensitive matching flow: A variational method to detecting and segmenting perihepatic and perisplenic ovarian cancer metastases on contrast-enhanced abdominal CT.

Accurate automated segmentation and detection of ovarian cancer metastases may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of women with ovarian cancer. In this paper, we focus on an important subset of ovarian cancer metastases that spread to the surface of the liver and spleen. Automated ovarian cancer metastasis detection and segmentation are very challenging problems to solve. These metastases have a wide variety of shapes and intensity values similar to that of the liver, spleen and adjacent soft tissues. To address these challenges, this paper presents a variational approach, called tumor sensitive matching flow (TSMF), to detect and segment perihepatic and perisplenic ovarian cancer metastases. TSMF is an image motion field that only highlights metastasis-caused deformation on the surface of liver and spleen while dampening all other image motion between the patient image and the atlas image. It provides several benefits: (1) juxtaposing the roles of image matching and metastasis classification within a variational framework; (2) only requiring a small set of features from a few patient images to train a metastasis-likelihood function for classification; and (3) dynamically creating shape priors for geodesic active contour (GAC) to prevent inaccurate metastasis segmentation. We compared the TSMF to an organ surface partition (OSP) baseline approach. At a false positive rate of 2 per patient, the sensitivities of TSMF and OSP were 87% and 17% (p < 0:001), respectively. In a comparison of the segmentations conducted using TSMF-constrained GAC and conventional GAC, the volume overlap rates were 73 � 9% and 46 � 26% (p < 0:001) and average surface distances were 2.4 � 1.2 mm and 7.0 � 6.0 mm (p < 0:001), respectively. These encouraging results demonstrate that TSMF could accurately detect and segment ovarian cancer metastases. 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.
First stage in the development of a soft-x-ray reflection imaging microscope in the Schwarzschild configuration using a soft-x-ray laser at 18.2 nm

We present results that demonstrate the proof of principle of a soft-x-ray reflection imaging microscope in the Schwarzschild configuration. A soft-x-ray laser operating at 18.2 nm was used as the x-ray source. Mo/Si multilayer mirrors with a normal-incidence reflectivity of ~20% per surface at 18.2-nm wavelength were used in the Schwarzschild objective.
Determination of dynamic fracture toughness using a new experimental technique

In other studies dynamic fracture toughness has been measured using Charpy impact and modified Hopkinson Bar techniques. In this paper results will be shown for the measurement of fracture toughness using a new test geometry. The crack propagation velocities range from ∼0.15 mm/ st o 2. 5m /s. Digital image correlation (DIC) will be the technique used to measure both the strain and the crack growth rates. The boundary of the crack is determined using the correlation coefficient generated during image analysis and with interframe timing the crack growth rate and crack opening can be determined. A comparison of static and dynamic loading experiments will be made for brittle polymeric materials. The analysis technique presented by Sammis et al .( 1) is a semi-empirical solution, however, additional Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics analysis of the strain fields generated as part of the DIC analysis allow for the more commonly used method resembling the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) experiment. It should be noted that this technique was developed because limited amounts of material were available and crack growth rates were to fast for a standard CTOD method.
A Diagnostic Analysis of the Presidents' Day Storm Of February 1979

Abstract A diagnostic analysis of the Presidents' Day storm of February 1979 is used to extend and quantify earlier findings of Bosart. The initial growth of cyclonic vorticity in the lower troposphere is driven primarily by convergence along the Carolina coastal front. Rapid cyclone spinup accompanies the approach of a potent midtropospheric short wave trough from the Ohio Valley. An analysis of the vorticity structure discloses that cyclone spinup is enhanced by the~vertical advection of vorticity in the strongly cyclonic in situ vorticity environment along the coast as the upper level trough overspreads the region. Similarly, a downward extension of high semige-strophic potential vorticity air accompanies a tropopause fold to the west of thecyclone and prior to the rapid cyclogenesis stage, confirming a result of Uccellini and others. Semigeostrophic potential vorticity is poorly conserved, however, and there is evidence for a separate region of semigeostrophic potential vorticity growth below 800 mb n...
Cortical and trabecular bone mineral content in women with endometriosis: effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and danazol.

Les femmes avec endometriose ont un contenu mineral osseux trabeculaire normal qui est significativement reduit par le traitement agoniste de l'hormone liberant les gonadotrophines. L'os cortical n'est pas affecte par ce traitement ni par le danazol
A New Species of Haematopota (Diptera, Tabanidae) from Mali, West Africa

Haematopota athlyna n. sp. is described from specimens collected in the southern third of Mali, West Africa.
Regulating Effects of Phosphate on Growth and Yield Components of Rice under Low Temperature Stress

The cold tolerant rice varieties Jijing 81 and Changbai 9 were used to simulate low temperature condition in rice transplanting periods,with different phosphate fertilizer gradients in artificial climate facilities.The growth and yield components of the two rice varieties under low temperature stress were examined.Low temperature in transplanting period could affect the growth of Japonica 81 and Changbai 9 seedlings and lead to the reduction of the maximum number of tillers,delay of the maximum tiller time and slower speed of new leaves growth.However,if appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer was added in the bed soil under low temperature,the maximum number of tillers in creased by 19.7% and 27.4%,new leaves in creased by 8.55% and 10.7%,the maximum tillering time reduced by 2.7d and 3.9d,expansion rate of stalk in maturity was shorten by 9.15 and 10.40%.The low temperature in transplanting period caused output decrease of Jijing 81 and Changbai 9 in many aspects such as panicles per hill,grains per panicle and grain weight,among which the influential order followed as grains per panicle panicles per hill grain weight.However,after adding phosphate fertilizer in the bed soil,the above factors increased greatly for the two varieties.Based on the yield and other influential factors,the optimal phosphates in bed soil for Jijing 81 and Changbai 9 were 61.69~71.18g·m-2 and 60.35~68.02g·m-2 respectively.It could reduce the bad effect on the growing process in rice under low temperature stress.
GEOMETRIC QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF LIDAR DATA BASED ON SWATH OVERLAP

Abstract. This paper provides guidelines on quantifying the relative horizontal and vertical errors observed between conjugate features in the overlapping regions of lidar data. The quantification of these errors is important because their presence quantifies the geometric quality of the data. A data set can be said to have good geometric quality if measurements of identical features, regardless of their position or orientation, yield identical results. Good geometric quality indicates that the data are produced using sensor models that are working as they are mathematically designed, and data acquisition processes are not introducing any unforeseen distortion in the data. High geometric quality also leads to high geolocation accuracy of the data when the data acquisition process includes coupling the sensor with geopositioning systems. Current specifications (e.g. Heidemann 2014) do not provide adequate means to quantitatively measure these errors, even though they are required to be reported. Current accuracy measurement and reporting practices followed in the industry and as recommended by data specification documents also potentially underestimate the inter-swath errors, including the presence of systematic errors in lidar data. Hence they pose a risk to the user in terms of data acceptance (i.e. a higher potential for Type II error indicating risk of accepting potentially unsuitable data). For example, if the overlap area is too small or if the sampled locations are close to the center of overlap, or if the errors are sampled in flat regions when there are residual pitch errors in the data, the resultant Root Mean Square Differences (RMSD) can still be small. To avoid this, the following are suggested to be used as criteria for defining the inter-swath quality of data: a) Median Discrepancy Angle b) Mean and RMSD of Horizontal Errors using DQM measured on sloping surfaces c) RMSD for sampled locations from flat areas (defined as areas with less than 5 degrees of slope) It is suggested that 4000-5000 points are uniformly sampled in the overlapping regions of the point cloud, and depending on the surface roughness, to measure the discrepancy between swaths. Care must be taken to sample only areas of single return points only. Point-to-Plane distance based data quality measures are determined for each sample point. These measurements are used to determine the above mentioned parameters. This paper details the measurements and analysis of measurements required to determine these metrics, i.e. Discrepancy Angle, Mean and RMSD of errors in flat regions and horizontal errors obtained using measurements extracted from sloping regions (slope greater than 10 degrees). The research is a result of an ad-hoc joint working group of the US Geological Survey and the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Airborne Lidar Committee.
Determination of the minimum electric field required for orientational retention of CH3I

It is well known that the electrostatic hexapole lens focuses oriented symmetric-top molecules.1 Recently, It was shown that this technique can produce symmetric-top molecules in essentially pure rotational states.2 The degree of molecular orientation for CH3I is determined by measuring the asymmetry in the angular distribution of the photofragments resulting from photodissociation of the oriented molecules by linearly polarized light.3,4
The ET system - high speed event transfer and distribution via shared memory and networks

The event transfer (ET) system manages and distributes high volume data as it is being produced in real time. After data creation and insertion into the system, other processes can retrieve the data based on selection criteria, possibly modify the data, then return the data to the system. A chain of processes can thus process the data sequentially. The ET system has fast, local operation based on shared memory and POSIX threads and mutexes. Event transfer may also occur transparently over the network to remote users. The ET system has been in use for several years and is easy to use as well as extremely robust. It is implemented in C on Solaris and Linux platforms with a client library for vxWorks and has been ported to Java (the Java version does not use shared memory).
Untangling the Relationship between Partisanship, Gender Stereotypes, and Support for Female Candidates

Existing literature debates whether gender stereotypes or partisanship has a greater effect on evaluations of female candidates. Feminine stereotypes are considered incongruent with leadership role...
The Role of Matrix on the Mechanical Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

The role of matrix on the fracture resistance of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics is investigated. Four broad categories of polymer matrices are considered: intrinsically brittle (SAN), intrinsically brittle but rubber toughened (SAN/ABS), intrinsically tough amorphous (PC) and intrinsically tough semi-crystalline (PBT) matrix. The initiation and propagation toughness of the composites were characterized with and without glass fibers and the relationship of microstructure to toughness was investigated by insitu examinations of deformation and fracture in the crack tip region under the optical microscope. It is found that the properties of the matrix play little role in the intrinsically brittle matrix composite, but play a very predominant role in the other composite systems. The magnitude of the role of the matrix depends on the matrix deformation mechanism and upon the role of glass fibers in modifying the deformation mechanisms.
Incremental ADC with parallel counting

An incremental ADC (lADC) using parallel counting is proposed to achieve both high accuracy and power efficiency. By operating the IADC and the counting logic alternatively within two clock phases, the proposed scheme finishes a full conversion within fewer conversion cycles. The only additional circuitry for the parallel counting is a single comparator, much less than the add-ons in other multi-step topologies. Also, the parallel counting technique can be implemented with different IADC topologies.
Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention and Treatment Through a Life Course Health Development Framework

Estimates project that one in three US adults may have diabetes in 2050. Until very recently, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was a disease diagnosed in adults, but as the childhood obesity epidemic has spread, the diagnosis of T2DM in adolescents has become more common. Early indicators suggest that the disease may be more severe and more difficult to manage when diagnosed in adolescents. It is projected that adolescents with T2DM will lose approximately 15 years of life. The economic burden of T2DM rises significantly as the years with disease increase. This grim forecast highlights that not only will the disease burden be significant but the economic burden will be high. The risk for developing T2DM begins in utero. Individual health development trajectories build from this starting point, the result of multiple factors that accumulate across time and are the result of biological conditioning during sensitive developmental periods. A major aim of this chapter is to demonstrate that a life course health development approach to pediatric T2DM is critical to a sound national strategy to prevent and treat pediatric T2DM. We review major factors known to influence the development of pediatric T2DM and track these across childhood. While these factors will likely change over the next decade, what will not change is the importance of placing these factors into context and recognizing that T2DM development is highly sensitive to the timing and social structures of multiple environmental exposures. Research recommendations are discussed through a life course lens.
Improved Tumor Penetration and Single-Cell Targeting of Antibody Drug Conjugates Increases Anticancer Efficacy and Host Survival

Current antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) have made advances in engineering the antibody, linker, conjugation site, small molecule payload and drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR). However, the relationship between heterogeneous intratumoral distribution and efficacy of ADC is poorly understood. Here we compared trastuzumab and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) to study the impact of ADC tumor distribution on efficacy. In a mouse xenograft model insensitive to trastuzumab, co-administration of trastuzumab with a fixed dose of T-DM1 at 3:1 and 8:1 ratios dramatically improved ADC tumor penetration and resulted in twice the improvement in median survival compared to T-DM1 alone. In this setting, the effective DAR was lowered, decreasing the amount of payload delivered to each targeted cell but increasing the number of cells that received payload. This result is counterintuitive because trastuzumab acts as an antagonist in vitro and has no single-agent efficacy in vivo, yet improves the effectiveness of T-DM1 in vivo. Novel dual-channel fluorescence ratios quantified single-cell ADC uptake and metabolism and confirmed that the in vivo cellular dose of T-DM1 alone exceeded the minimum required for efficacy in this model. Additionally, this technique characterized cellular pharmacokinetics with heterogeneous delivery after one day, degradation and payload release by two days, and in vitro cell killing and in vivo tumor shrinkage 2-3 days later. This work demonstrates that the intratumoral distribution of ADC - independent of payload dose or plasma clearance - plays a major role in ADC efficacy.
Fc Receptor Signaling

Immune complex cross-linking of cell surface receptors for immunoglobulin (Ig) triggers pleiotropic cellular events that underpin a wide variety of immune responses. In this fashion receptors for immunoglobulin form a molecular bridge between the humoral and cellular immune responses. Elucidation of the primary structure of receptors for the Fc domain of Ig (FcγRs) has provided invaluable insight into their contribution to immune cell regulation. This revelation has been made possible as the result of cloning of both cDNAs and genes that encode this diverse family of molecules. Over the past decade a nearly complete “dissection” of the molecules that mediate this binding of immune complexes to cells has been accomplished. Current efforts focus on putting these pieces back into an organismic context and determining their roles in systemic processes such as inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy and development. The genetic map of most FcγRs will soon be complete providing a valuable tool to evaluating involvement of these genes in karyotypic instability and landmarks in the search for linked human genes/conditions.
Engaging Residents and Clinical Faculty in Anatomy Education

Residents and clinical faculty members can play a crucial role in the education of medical students. Typically, these individuals are known for their role in teaching these students purely in the clinical setting; however, they also have a role in the basic science curriculum as well. One of the most obvious areas is in gross anatomy teaching sessions, laboratory activities, and/or courses. The clinical perspective these individuals offer epitomizes the mandate to include more perspective and experiential teaching in the basic concepts of the year one medical curricula. This chapter will focus on how residents and clinicians are incorporated into the education of first- and second-year medical students with the use of clinical case discussions and fresh tissue laboratories with prosected/previously dissected cadaveric specimens.
Effect of Space Flight on Circadian Rhythms

Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USAIntroductionDaily rhythmicity is a ubiquitous feature of living systems. Generally, theserhythms are not just passive consequences of cyclic fluctuations in the environ-ment, but, rather they originate within the organisms. They are generatedand controlled by endogenous physiological oscillators. The fundamentaladaptive function of an endogenously programmed rhythmicity is to providean optimal and anticipatory temporal organization of physiological processesand behavior in relation to the environment. Endogenously controlled dailyrhythms are called circadian rhythms, referring to the fact that they have aperiod of about a day. Under conditions of temporal isolation this period,in most cases, slightly deviates from exactly 24 h. Synchronization of endo-genous circadian rhythms to the environment occurs through daily adjustmentof the clock by external time cues or zeitgebers. The most important and reliablecue for synchronization is the daily light–dark cycle (Pittendrigh and Daan,1976).Properties of circadian rhythmsSince some of the terminology used in this review is specific to the circadianspecialty, we will begin this chapter with an explanation of the most commonterms used to describe circadian rhythms. A circadian clock is a part of anorganism which is capable of generating a self-sustained rhythm with a periodclose to 24 h. A rhythm is characterized by three features: period, amplitudeand phase (Fig. 1). The period is the length of time necessary to completeone full cycle, the amplitude is, roughly, the difference between the maximumand the minimum levels observed during a full cycle, and the phase refers to thetemporal relationship between a specific identifiable point on the cycle and apoint on a reference cycle.When an organism is maintained under constant conditions its circadianrhythms persist with a period close to, but different from 24 h. The fact thatrhythmicity persists under constant condition demonstrates that the rhythmis endogenous. The period of a rhythm under constant conditions is called its
Strictureplasty for Crohn's disease of small intestine. Present status in Western countries

The concept of a minimal operation for Crohn's disease, particularly of the small intestine, is based on the rationale that it is impossible to cure Crohn's disease by excision, since it is a panintestinal disease that can eventually occur in any part of the remaining intestine. The surgeon is required to treat only the complications and to conserve as much intestine as possible. In the case of stricture, excision is not necessary if the narrowing can be corrected. Strictureplasty is ideal for short strictures of the small intestine in quiescent disease. The morbidity and mortality of strictureplasties are low in. In spite of leaving the "burnout" disease behind, the recurrent stricture after strictureplasties is comparable to the recurrence after bowel resections. The purpose of strictureplasty is to correct the small bowel obstruction and to preserve the length of the small intestine. It is, however, not intended to replace a small bowel resection.
Middle Ear Hearing Devices

Several decades ago the field of ophthalmology began to provide patients with options other than eyeglasses. Now the treatment of hearing loss is beginning to enter such an era, as novel and differentiated middle ear hearing devices (MEHDs) start to become available. The key distinguishing feature of MEHDs is that their output transducers are designed for mechanical vibrational output rather than acoustic output, which gives them the potential to achieve wider bandwidths than conventional acoustic hearing aids. The principles underlying various MEHD output-transducer designs are discussed in terms of how many points of connection are required to structures outside of the device and how those points are linked, such that each design falls into one of the following categories: (1) zero-connection-point (ZCP) transducers, (2) one-connection-point (OCP) transducers, (3) two-mechanically linked-connection-point (TMLCP) transducers, and (4) two-mechanically unlinked-connection-point (TMUCP) transducers. MEHDs are further classified as totally implantable (TI) types, partially implantable (PI) types, and nonimplantable (NI) systems that contact the eardrum. MEHD designs typically leave the ear canal open or widely vented, yet are still capable of delivering amplification at low frequencies—unlike open-canal acoustic hearing aids. They have also been shown to be preferred over acoustic hearing aids in some cases, as measured using self-reporting questionnaire-type evaluations and functional-gain measures. Over the coming decades, hearing scientists, otologists, engineers, and audiologists will continue to work together to change the standard of hearing health care by offering new and varied treatment options, such as MEHDs, to those with hearing impairment.
Recent developments in inelastic electron—Nucleon scattering

Inelastic electron—nucleon scattering is discussed. The theoretical ideas are compared with recent experimental data on proton and deuteron target. Particular attention is payed to the duality aspect of the data.
Virucidal short wavelength ultraviolet light treatment of plasma and factor VIII concentrate: protection of proteins by antioxidants

The use of solvent/detergent mixtures and various forms of heat treatment to inactivate viruses has become widespread in the preparation of blood derivatives. Because viruses that lack lipid envelopes and/or are heat resistant, eg, hepatitis A virus (HAV) or parvovirus B19 may be present, the use of two methods of virus elimination that operate by different mechanisms has been advocated. We now report on short wavelength ultraviolet light (UVC) irradiation for virus inactivation and enhancement of its compatibility with proteins by quenchers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of an antihemophilic factor (AHF) concentrate or whole plasma with 0.1 J/cm2 inactivated 10(5) to > or = 10(6) infectious doses (ID) of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), HAV, bacteriophage M13, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and porcine parvovirus. However, the recovery of factor VIII was 30% or lower on treatment of an AHF concentrate and 60% on treatment of plasma. Factor VIII recovery could be increased with little or no effect on virus kill by addition of rutin, a flavonoid known to quench both type I and type II ROS. On treatment of plasma in the presence of rutin, the recovery of several other coagulation factors was also enhanced by rutin addition and typically exceeded 75%. Electrophoretic analysis of treated AHF concentrate confirmed the advantage of rutin presence; UVC irradiation of plasma did not cause discernible changes in electrophoretic banding patterns, even in the absence of rutin. We conclude that addition of UVC treatment to existing processes used in the manufacture of blood derivatives will provide an added margin of safety, especially for nonenveloped or heat-stable viruses.
Detailed balance efficiencies for luminescent solar concentrators with aligned semiconductor nanorods (Conference Presentation)

The highest efficiency solar cells are also excellent optical emitters. Band edge luminescence results when no other loss mechanisms compete with power conversion, allowing an ideal maximum efficiency of 33.7%. Constraining the angular range of emitted light, in order to promote light trapping and photon recycling within the semiconductor, increases this maximum to 45.1%. By analogy, here we show how a strategy for integrating highly luminescent aligned semiconductor rod-shaped nanocrystals (nanorods) into luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) can also improve light trapping in the design and similarly enhance performance in comparison with conventional LSCs. This efficiency improvement relies on an asymmetry in the angular dependence of emission versus absorption that can be provided by the stokes shift of the radiation remitted by the nanorod. Our analysis predicts efficiency increases even when non-radiative loss is comparable to current GaAs cells and nanorod optical performance is consistent with state-of-the-art synthetic preparations.
Failed Negotiations, Intervention, and Ethnocide: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of the Security Syntheses

In this chapter I focus on what happened during the period from the Rambouillet Conference to the conclusion of the NATO bombing campaign. I analyze here the change of the security syntheses of the Serbs and the Albanians, the psychological trauma, and the lasting effects of the war. The effect of the ethnic cleansing campaign was traumatic for both nations. The war was traumatic for the Albanians. The post-conflict period was quite traumatic for the Kosova Serbs as well. There is the obvious and the known dimension of the Serb-Albanian war which attracts so much attention in the scholarly analyses. The hidden and the unmentioned aspects of the campaign of intentional ethnocide, though, broadly defined as ethnic cleansing, that involved all the techniques of traumatization, instilling fear, dehumanization, and humiliation short of killing people, are not discussed much by scholars. The psychological trauma that was experienced by the Albanians was immense, enduring, and it led to their security synthesis and the political cleavages as well. This led to a shift in their security synthesis. The Albanians abandoned the Gandhian satyagraha non-violence and began to support the KLA and the Provisional Government. The nationalist fervor that has characterized Kosova in the post-war conflict makes sense only when the extent of what was perpetrated during the war is properly understood.
Reduced Impact of Obesity on Short-Term Surgical Outcomes, Patient-Reported Pain Scores, and 30-Day Readmission Rates After Complex Spinal Fusion (≥7 Levels) for Adult Deformity Correction.

Objective In the past decade, prevalence of obesity in the United States have been soaring at a disparaging rate. Previous spine studies have associated obesity with inferior surgical outcomes, increased complication and 30-day readmission rates, and worsening patient-reported outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data identifying whether the impact of obesity is sustained in patients undergoing complex deformity correction involving 7 levels or greater. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity impacts surgical outcomes, patient-reported pain scores, and 30-day readmission rates after complex spinal fusions ≥7 levels. Methods The medical records of 112 adult patients (≥18 years old) with spine deformity undergoing elective, primary complex spinal fusion (≥7 levels) for deformity correction at a major academic institution from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Preoperative body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 was classified as obese. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were collected for each patient. Inpatient patient-reported pain scores and ambulatory status also were collected. The primary outcomes of this study were surgical outcomes, patient-reported pain scores, and 30-day readmission rates. Results Of the 112 patients, 33 (29.5%) were obese (obese: n = 33 vs. non-obese: n = 79). Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between both cohorts, including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and home narcotic use. The median number of fusion levels operated, length of surgery, estimated blood loss, transfusion, and complication rates were similar between both cohorts. Moreover, the postoperative complication profiles between the cohorts also were similar, with a comparable length of hospital stay (obese: 6.5 ± 4.6 days vs. non-obese: 7.0 ± 3.9 days, P = 0.5833) and 30-day readmission rates (obese: 12.1% vs. non-obese: 13.9%, P = 0.7984). Baseline (P = 0.6826), first (P = 0.9691), and last (P = 0.9583) postoperative patient-reported pain scores were similar between cohorts. Analogously, ambulatory status was similar between the cohorts, including days from operating room to ambulation (P = 0.3471) and number of steps on first (P = 0.9173) and last (P = 0.1634) ambulatory day before discharge. Conclusions Our study suggests that obesity does not significantly affect surgical outcomes, patient-reported pain scores, and 30-day readmission rates after complex spinal surgery requiring ≥7 levels of fusion. Further studies are necessary to corroborate our findings.
Associations between Mental Workload and Sleep Quality in a Sample of Young Adults Recruited from a US College Town.

To evaluate associations between perceived mental workload (number of hours spent studying and perceived mental intensity) and sleep quality among young adults. 656 participants [62% male, median a...
What happens after Python in CS1

In 2000 -- 2001 Centre College began using Python as the first language in a breadth first CS1 taken by both majors and non-majors. Shannon described that course our choice of Python for that course in [5]. At this point all matriculating students in our program used Python as a first language in that CS1 course. In general we are happy with the choice, and we have the experience to say why. We can also point out some issues that have arisen as a result of the choice.
REAL DOUBLE IMAGES VS REAL DOUBLE OBJECTS: OBJECTS NEAR THE PANORAMIC CENTER OF ROTATION PATH PRESENT CONFUSING IMAGING RESULTS

Background A 57-year-old male presented for routine dental care without symptoms. Panoramic imaging depicted a large, laminated radiopacity inferior to the right posterior mandible. A similar image was noted on the contralateral side with a blurred, mirrored orientation. A smaller radiopacity was seen medial to the left larger radiopacity; however, no similar radiopacity was seen on the right. A firm, palpable mass was detected along the right lateral neck clinically, with nothing noted on the left side. Objective The aim of this study was to explain the potentially confusing imaging results of a sialolith on the panoramic center of rotation path by reviewing panoramic imaging acquisition principles and comparison with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) results. Materials and Methods Panoramic images and a CBCT volume were acquired for implant planning purposes and for definitive assessment of the initial differential diagnosis based on the panoramic images. Results Multiple unilateral vs bilateral sialoliths, tonsilloliths, and calcified lymph nodes were considered after initial panoramic acquisition. CBCT confirmed a large sialolith on the right, with an additional, smaller sialolith in a slightly more anterior location on the left. Because of lack of symptoms, no treatment was recommended, and only periodic follow-up was suggested. Discussion Although the formation of real single, real double, and ghost images may be easy to understand, distinguishing among these entities sometimes may be challenging. The double-image area is not confined solely to the midline, and the area expands laterally, depending on the diverging path of the center of rotation. A large sialolith on the right side positioned in the lateroposterior aspect of the double-image area yielded a double image on the contralateral side with a mirrored orientation and similar proportions. The left sialolith yielded only a real single image due to the small difference of the anterior position. Objects just anterior to the double image area, but outside the focal trough, may have a similar blurred appearance to a real double image projected from the contralateral side. Recognizing the wider region of the double-image area, as well as proper patient positioning, is important for accurate diagnosis of real double images vs real double objects.
EEG-based Neglect Detection for Stroke Patients

Spatial neglect (SN) is a neurological syndrome in stroke patients, commonly due to unilateral brain injury. It results in inattention to stimuli in the contralesional visual field. The current gold standard for SN assessment is the behavioral inattention test (BIT). BIT includes a series of penand-paper tests. These tests can be unreliable due to high variablility in subtest performances; they are limited in their ability to measure the extent of neglect, and they do not assess the patients in a realistic and dynamic environment. In this paper, we present an electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) that utilizes the Starry Night Test to overcome the limitations of the traditional SN assessment tests. Our overall goal with the implementation of this EEG-based Starry Night neglect detection system is to provide a more detailed assessment of SN. Specifically, to detect the presence of SN and its severity. To achieve this goal, as an initial step, we utilize a convolutional neural network (CNN) based model to analyze EEG data and accordingly propose a neglect detection method to distinguish between stroke patients without neglect and stroke patients with neglect.Clinical relevance—The proposed EEG-based BCI can be used to detect neglect in stroke patients with high accuracy, specificity and sensitivity. Further research will additionally allow for an estimation of a patient’s field of view (FOV) for more detailed assessment of neglect.
Singapore, Chinese migration and the making of the British Empire, 1819–67: by Stan Neal, Woodbridge, Boydell & Brewer, 2019, 202 pp., £65 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-78327-423-9

In this book with Singapore in its title, the temporal framework seems quite conventional. It opens up its historical inquiry in 1819 when the Englishman Stamford Raffles kicked off British colonia...
Do radiation oncologists and urologists endorse decision aids for active surveillance of low-risk prostate cancer: Results from a national survey.

OBJECTIVE The degree decision aids (DAs) can promote active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) remains poorly understood. Herein, we surveyed radiation oncologists (RO) and urologists (URO) about their attitudes towards DAs in counselling patients about AS for low-risk PCa. METHODS We conducted a national survey of RO (n = 915) and URO (n = 940) to assess their attitudes about DAs for AS for patients with low-risk PCa. Respondents were queried about their attitudes towards DAs and proportion of PCa patients managed with AS. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine physician characteristics related to attitudes about DAs. RESULTS The overall response rate was 37.3% (n = 691). Most respondents strongly agreed or agreed that DAs helped patients with low-risk PCa make informed decisions (93.9%) and also increased patient support for AS (86.6%). Having a high volume of their low-risk PCa patients on AS (>15%) was associated with endorsing the statement that use of DAs increased the likelihood of recommending AS (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.00-4.61; p = .05) and being a URO versus a RO (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.46-5.79; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Most specialists view DAs as effective tools to facilitate more informed treatment decisions and facilitate greater use of AS in appropriately selected patients.
Millimeter-wave kinetic inductance detectors with no 1/f noise

We demonstrate microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) whose sensitivity is limited by photon noise at 50 mHz signal frequencies. The sub-Hz part of the detection spectrum is important for millimeter-wave instruments, yet photon noise below 1 Hz in MKIDs has not previously been demonstrated unambiguously. Devices are feedhorn-coupled, direct-absorber-type and consist of lumped-element superconducting resonators fabricated from a hybrid of stoichiometric TiN, Al, and an amorphous-Si passivation layer. Viewing a 7K thermal load and a passband centered on 2mm, the device noise spectrum is white down to 50 mHz and has an amplitude consistent with photon noise. We will present these measurements and discuss the multiple design choices that lead to the result.
Aspen seedling establishment, survival, and growth following a high-severity wildfire

Abstract Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is an important component of western U.S. forests, however knowledge concerning processes of aspen seedling establishment, survival, and growth is limited and frequently anecdotal. Following a widespread post-fire establishment event in southern Utah, we explored spatial establishment patterns of >1000 aspen seedlings and tracked their survival and growth for two growing seasons. Specifically, we assessed the influence of landscape-level variables, microsite factors, and competition with suckers on aspen seedling establishment, survival, and growth. Aspen seedlings occurred across large areas of the 29,000 ha fire footprint, with an average plot density of 23,033 seedlings ha−1, and establishment more likely at higher elevations and closer to seed sources. Aspen seedlings preferentially established in concave microsites and were tightly associated with burned soil. A total of 33% of tagged seedlings remained alive after two growing seasons. Seedling persistence was strongly impacted by competition with co-occurring aspen suckers, with survival lower for aspen seedlings closer to nearby suckers and seedling growth reduced in plots with high sucker density. Given the long dispersal distances of aspen seeds and the ability of seeds to take advantage of initial post-disturbance conditions, sexual regeneration in aspen may represent an important pathway for maintaining forest resilience and associated ecosystem services, especially following fires with large patches of high burn severity.
Comprehensive analysis of meiosis-derived cDNA libraries reveals gene isoforms and mitochondrial proteins important for competitive fitness

Gametogenesis is a highly regulated and dynamic developmental program where a diploid progenitor cell differentiates into haploid gametes, the precursors for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, several pathways converge to initiate ploidy reduction and organelle remodelling to render gametes competent for zygote formation and subsequent organismal development. Additionally, meiosis inherently rejuvenates the newly formed gametes resulting in lifespan resetting. Here, we construct five stage-specific, inducible meiotic cDNA libraries that represent over 84% of the yeast genome. We employ computational strategies to detect stage-specific meiotic transcript isoforms in each library and develop a robust screening pipeline to test the effect of each cDNA on competitive fitness. Our multi-day proof-of-principle time course reveals gene isoforms that are important for competitive fitness as well as mitochondrial proteins that cause dose-dependent disruption of respiration. Together, these novel meiotic cDNA libraries provide an important resource for systematically studying meiotic genes and gene isoforms in future studies. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIConstruction of five stage-specific, inducible meiotic cDNA libraries in budding yeast that collectively represent 5563 genes, which is over 84% of the genome C_LIO_LIAnalysis of the cDNA libraries reveal the presence of meiosis-specific transcript isoforms that are largely uncharacterized C_LIO_LIDevelopment of a robust gain-of-function screening pipeline identifies previously characterized genes and novel gene isoforms important for competitive fitness C_LIO_LIMulti-day proof-of-principle screen reveals mitochondrial proteins that cause dosage-specific respiration defects C_LI
Resonant Coupler Designs for Subcutaneous Implants

A tuning element is utilized in a planar inductive resonant coupler to improve resonance for monolithic subcutaneous implants. The concept is to enhance the impedance matching for the implant chip at the desired operating frequencies under the practical constraints for subcutaneous implants, such as the requirements within the regulated frequency bands, the limited thickness of overall package, uncertainty of surrounding tissues in individual’s implant site, and inability of antenna tuning after implantation. Two designs are demonstrated with planar ring antennas, targeting the two industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands at 903 MHz and 2.45 GHz, with improved reflection coefficients for the implant circuitry. The effects of implantation depths and tissue permittivities are investigated. Measurements with hydrated pork compared with theory utilizing documented human skin tissue permittivities find discrepancies. Experiments and simulations are conducted to explain the discrepancies and validate the designs for human uses. The proposed planar resonant wireless power and signal coupler shows good performance and promise for small subcutaneous implant applications.
On the Regions Containing All the Zeros of a Polynomial

Let p(z)=a 0+a 1 z+a 2 z 2+a 3 z 3+⋯+a n z n be a polynomial of degree n, where the coefficients a k may be complex. Then it is obviously of interest to study problems concerning the location of the zeros of the polynomial p(z). These problems, besides being of theoretical interest, have important applications in many areas, such as signal processing, communication theory, and control theory, and for this reason there is always a need for better and better results. In this paper we make a systematic study of these problems by presenting some results starting from the results of Gauss and Cauchy, who we believe were the earliest contributors in this subject, to some of the most recent ones. Our paper is expository.