cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time segmented least squares identification of base isolated buildings

In this article two new approaches are presented for time domain identification of base isolated buildings from recorded response during earthquakes: (1) a least squares technique with time segments is developed to identify the piece-wise linear system properties; and (2) an observer is used to estimate the unmeasured states and initial conditions of different time segments. In base isolated buildings changes in dynamic properties occur during earthquake response due to nonlinear behavior. Hence, a multi-input and multi-output technique using time segments is developed for piece-wise linear system identification. The primary advantage of the developed time segmented technique is that it can be applied to windows of time history instead of the entire duration of earthquake response. The developed technique (1) starts with identification using the entire duration of the earthquake response; (2) evaluation of time segments during which the identified response differs significantly from the recorded response to establish windows of time history during which refined identification is necessary; and (3) identification of the change in dynamic properties in the established windows using the observer based time segmented least squares approach. Only partial state measurements are usually available for identification. Hence, an observer is used to estimate the unmeasured states and initial conditions needed for different time segments. By comparing identified response with recorded response, of an actual base isolated building which experienced Northridge earthquake, it is shown that the change in dynamic system parameters, such as periods and damping ratios, due to nonlinear response, are reliably estimated using the presented technique.
Conserving a volatile metabolite: a role for carboxysome-like organelles in Salmonella enterica.

Salmonellae can use ethanolamine (EA) as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. This ability is encoded by an operon (eut) containing 17 genes, only 6 of which are required under standard conditions (37°C; pH 7.0). Five of the extra genes (eutM, -N, -L, -K, and -G) become necessary under conditions that favor loss of the volatile intermediate, acetaldehyde, which escapes as a gas during growth on EA and is lost at a higher rate from these mutants. The eutM, -N, -L, and -K genes encode homologues of shell proteins of the carboxysome, an organelle shown (in other organisms) to concentrate CO2. We propose that carboxysome-like organelles help bacteria conserve certain volatile metabolites—CO2 or acetaldehyde—perhaps by providing a low-pH compartment. The EutG enzyme converts acetaldehyde to ethanol, which may improve carbon retention by forming acetals; alternatively, EutG may recycle NADH within the carboxysome.
Functional Transverse Interconnections within the His Bundle and the Bundle Branches

The existence of transverse interconnections within the His bundle and the bundle branches was investigated in excised preparations from dogs and rabbits. The preparations included the His bundle or one of the bundle branches along with portions of the peripheral conduction system. They were superfused with Tyrode's solution, and conventional electrophysiological techniques for extra- and intracellular recordings were employed. The effects of incisions and of intracellular stimulation within the proximal conduction system on distal activation were observed. Transection of 90% of a right bundle branch or intracellular stimulation within that bundle branch did not alter the distal activation pattern observed during surface stimulation of fully recovered fibers. Transection of 90% of the left bundle branch or intracellular stimulation produced a temporal shift of no more than 4 msec in the activation of widely scattered distal sites. Intracellular stimulation in the left bundle branch never produced dispersi...
Implications of Counterfactual Structure for Creative Generation and Analytical Problem Solving

In the present research, the authors hypothesized that additive counterfactual thinking mind-sets, activated by adding new antecedent elements to reconstruct reality, promote an expansive processing style that broadens conceptual attention and facilitates performance on creative generation tasks, whereas subtractive counter-factual thinking mind-sets, activated by removing antecedent elements to reconstruct reality, promote a relational processing style that enhances tendencies to consider relationships and associations and facilitates performance on analytical problem-solving tasks. A reanalysis of a published data set suggested that the counterfactual mind-set primes previously used in the literature tend to evoke subtractive counterfactuals. Studies 1 and 2 then demonstrated that subtractive counterfactual mind-sets enhanced performance on analytical problem-solving tasks relative to additive counterfactual mind-sets, whereas Studies 3 and 4 found that additive counterfactual mind-sets enhanced perform...
Seasonality of Aulacoseira ambigua abundance and filament length : biogeochemical implications

Aulacoseira ambigua abundance and filament length were measured weekly during spring and autumn bloom periods in Trout Lake, Wisconsin, USA. In addition, several chemical and biological variables thought to influ- ence A. ambigua growth were assessed. Results of the field-based observations were complimented with controlled laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of phosphorus availability on A. ambigua growth. Relative to the au- tumn bloom period, A. ambigua colonies were generally larger and more abundant in spring prior to the termination of the bloom in June. Chlorophyll-a concentrations indicated that other phytoplankton were also more abundant dur- ing the spring bloom. Batch culture experiments indicated that increased phosphorus availability during the spring bloom contributed to the seasonal increase in A. ambigua filament length and abundance. Increase in A. ambigua fila- ment length in response to increased phosphorus availability is discussed as a mechanism that may increase nutrient removal through sedimentation and subsequently decrease the efficiency of nutrient regeneration in higher productiv- ity lakes.
Spinal injury considerations in the competitive diver: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Despite significant literature associated with spinal injuries and recreational diving, few articles exist regarding competitive diving injuries, with no reports pertaining specifically to spinal injuries. As a result, a case report of a collegiate diver with C5-C6 ligamentous instability requiring operative stabilization is currently presented in addition to a review of the literature. PURPOSE: Present a case report of cervical C5-C6 ligamentous instability in a collegiate diver. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. METHODS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS: Diving injuries pertaining to competitive diving do occur but to a lesser extent than would be expected given the large forces the spine experiences. Training, experience and appropriate technique greatly minimize potential spinal hazards. Persistent complaints of neck pain after a competitive diving injury mandate aggressive evaluation and further workup. 2004
Applying inexpensive AI techniques to computer games

Groo (Generic Robot, Object-Oriented) and tt14m (Trash-Talking 14-year-old Moron) are two systems that use simple and computationally inexpensive artificial intelligence mechanisms to produce engaging character behavior for computer games, while remaining within the performance constraints of modern game development. Groo engages in intelligent tactical behavior in a first-person-shooter death-match game using a fairly simple and static behavior network, while tt14m uses simple text processing to attempt engagement in the social aspects of the game "Counter-Strike".
The Effect of Environmental Temperature on Potassium Concentrations in the Blood of the Domestic Fowl

The effects of environmental temperature on the blood potassium concentration of chickens of different ages were studied. The mean environmental temperatures used were 8 degrees, 19 degrees and 30 degrees C. There were no statistically significant differences in blood potassium concentration between age groups within a given temperature. Birds acclimated to an environmental temperature of 30 degrees C., had a lower mean blood potassium concentration than birds acclimated to an environmental temperature of 8 degrees C. There was no significant difference between the birds at 19 degrees C. and the other groups. Birds transferred from the 8 degrees to the 30 degrees C. environmental temperature showed a significant decrease in whole blood potassium concentrations as early as six hr. following transfer. In birds transferred from the 30 degrees to the 8 degrees C. environmental temperature, the blood potassium concentrations before and after transfer did not differ significantly. The results of this study indicate that blood potassium concentrations change with acclimation by the domestic fowl.
Ultra small sized low noise block downconverter module

A compact low-noise-block (LNB) downconverter module for use in direct broadcast satellite (DBS) reception utilizing only GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) has been successfully demonstrated. Four kinds of MMICs designed with 0.5- mu m-gate pulse-doped MESFETs were assembled in a miniaturized flat package (24.5 mm*17.8 mm*6.0 mm). 52-dB conversion gain and a 2.1-dB noise figure were obtained using no discrete high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) in the preceding stage and no stub-tuning. >
Connection between Adam-Gibbs Theory and Spatially Heterogeneous Dynamics

We investigate the spatially heterogeneous dynamics in the extended simple point charge model of water using molecular dynamics simulations. We relate the average mass nof mobile particle clusters to the diffusion constant and the configurational entropy. Hence, ncan be interpreted as the mass of the ''cooperatively rearranging regions'' that form the basis of the Adam-Gibbs theory of the dynamics of supercooled liquids. We also examine the time and temperature dependence of these transient clusters.
Grothendieck Filtration and Graded K

The object of the first two sections is to construct from a λ-ring K a graded ring Gr K, with a Chern class homomorphism satisfying the properties of Chapter I, §3.
Can old-world and new-world monkeys judge spatial above/below relations to be the same or different? Some of them, but not all of them

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) with the aid of token training can achieve analogical reasoning, or the ability to understand relations-between-relations (e.g., Premack, 1976; Thompson, Oden, & Boysen, 1997). However, extraordinarily few numbers of old- and new-world monkeys have demonstrated this ability in variants of relational matching to sample tasks. Moreover, the rarity of replications leaves open the question of whether the results are normative for other captive colonies of the same species. In experiment one we attempted to replicate whether old world rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) might demonstrate the same level of proficiency on a spatial above/below relational matching task as reported for old world baboons (Papio papio). None of the rhesus monkeys attained above chance performances over 10,000 training trials. In experiment two we attempted to replicate results demonstrating that new-world capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) match above/below relations. The capuchin monkeys performed above chance only in the absence of 'Clever Hans' controls for cuing of the correct choice by the experimenters. These failures to replicate previously reported results demonstrate that some, but definitely not all monkeys can judge the equivalence of abstract 'relations between relations' and warrant further investigations into the behavioral and cognitive characteristics that underlie these similarities and differences within population and between individuals of different primate species.
Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Update for Intensivists

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), sometimes used interchangeably with extracorporeal life support, is a therapy that artificially supports pulmonary and/or cardiac organ systems. Venous blood is continuously withdrawn from a patient and passed across a membrane that can support both oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide; blood is then reinfused back into the patient via venous or arterial access. A pump in the circuit can augment cardiac output, if necessary. Initial treatment with ECMO had discouraging outcomes, but recent experience with acute respiratory distress syndrome and the H1N1 influenza A pandemic in 2009 have led to a resurgence in popularity and additional research into this technique. At this time, treatment with ECMO is limited to highly specialized centers with well-trained practitioners. ECMO continues to be used primarily as a salvage technique in severe critical illness. This review will discuss the indications, complications, and types of ECMO. A guide to the clinical use...
Semiempirical molecular orbital calculations on boranes

Traditional Pariser-Parr-Pople and variable electronegativity calculations have been carried out on C6H5B(OR)2 and p-CH3OC6H4B(OR)2, and the results compared with calculations for C6H5BR2. It is concluded that the VE-SCF method offers a real advantage over the simple PPP method for predicting percent charge transfer and transition intensity in cases where excited states possess substantial C.T. character. The restriction that empirically chosen parameters fit the observed transition energies and intensities of both triarylboranes and ArB(OR)2 requires the choice of a boron VSIP greater than 2.0 eV in the fixed parameter procedure of the usual PPP-SCF-CI method for these molecules. Observed transitions in C6H5B(OR)2 correlate with 1 L b, 1 L a, 1 B b, whereas the first absorption maximum of (C6H5)3B is assigned to C.T. (1 A 1→1 A 1) local C 2v symmetry.
Statistically Insignificant Deaths: Disclosing Drug Harms to Investors (and Patients) Under SEC Rule 10b-5

This Article, using statistical tools and theory in conjunction with more standard legal approaches, argues that pharmaceutical manufacturers should disclose all cases of illness or injury associated with their products because this data is material to patients and their doctors, and therefore to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5’s “reasonable investor.” Patient and investor interests complement each other in this context, so each will benefit from disclosures that interest the other. Because individuals process more information than traditional statistical tests convey, they act reasonably in expanding their treatment and investment criteria beyond statistical data. Moreover, two sets of expert intermediaries — doctors and professional investors — will be involved. Their expertise will contribute to a more accurate assessment of the risks that adverse-event reports may suggest a drug presents, and of the significance of these risks to shareholders. The Supreme Court’s reasons for not requiring full disclosure are out of place in the context of adverse-event reporting given Rule 10b-5’s pro-disclosure mandate and the fact that even seemingly singular and unconnected facts can substantially move investors’ and patients’ opinions about a drug’s safety, and thus its maker’s viability. A full-disclosure rule would place the determination of which facts are important into the hands of parties with “skin in the game” rather than regulators or self-interested drug makers.
INFLUENCE OF EXTRACTION EFFECT IN REGENERATIVE SYSTEM ON FREQUENCY REGULATION IN TURBINE

To investigate the impact of steam reheating amount variation of regenerators on frequency adjustment in steam turbine that runs with high load,grid-connected condition of the turbine for a 300 MW unit was simulated.Results show that,the turbine output is at rated value when the extraction check valve is fully opened;it increases by about 0.5% when the valve is half opened and by 7% when fully closed.The extraction check valve opening change has a non liner effect on the turbine output.Fully closing the valve,namely cutting off the regenerative extraction,can improve the unit output as high as possible.
Research in the Service of Social Reform: The Politics of Designing Systems of Knowledge Production and Use

The United States Constitution defines the domains of federal authority and responsibility, all others being reserved to the states and local communities. Since education and various human services are not mentioned, these systems developed under state and local jurisdiction. Only when crises arose that could be interpreted as threatening to the general welfare could the federal government legitimately become involved. The federal response in such cases was the allocation of financial aid and even then public debate was precipitated about whether federal aid would lead to federal control. Local autonomy remains a deeply entrenched value in the United States.
The power of robotics

My son Alex should have spent more time this spring on his homework. Instead, he spent it building a robot.
Systemic therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: who, when, what, and why?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: CTCL are rare neoplasms. Optimal care requires integrated use of diagnostic and treatment modalities spanning multiple specialties. Current instruments for patient risk stratification and disease measurement across all anatomical compartments are suboptimal. A common treatment dichotomy between early (Dermatology) and advanced stage (Hematology-Oncology) has hindered accrual of long term outcome data. Thus, important facts about natural history, such as frequency and determinants of stage progression, and the impact of specific treatment modalities on these endpoints, are not known.Areas covered: One of the most important decisions in the management of CTCL is when to start systemic therapy and what agents to use. This review provides background information to understand why systemic therapy is needed and what goals are currently achievable.Expert commentary: Risk-adapted approaches, based on better knowledge of host and tumor biology, and more accurate disease measurement tools are ...
Murder in the ICU

It all began innocently on the afternoon of June 18, 2003. Shirley Rendon was the poison information specialist on duty at the New Jersey Poison Center (also known as the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, NJPIES), which was then located in its temporary quarters in the Stanley Bergen Building at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. These were quarters shared with Newark’s Emergency Medical Services Medical Dispatch Center, a rather dark and depressing work area at the time. Shirley was a physician trained in medical school in the Dominican Republic. By her experience and ability to pass a national certification examination, she was certified as a Specialist in Poison Information by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Referral to Cardiac Rehabilitation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, and Valve Surgery: Data From the Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program.

Background—Despite guideline recommendations that patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass surgery, or valve surgery be referred to cardiac rehabilitatio...
Differential item functioning analysis of items on the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 based on the presence or absence of cognitive impairment.

Objective: The Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) is a screener for depressive symptoms in older adults. The present study aims to investigate the differential item functioning (DIF) of the GDS...
SEARCHING FOR ACCOUNTING PARADIGMS

The paper seeks to explore the origins of the paradigm on which modern accounting rests. It suggests that explanations which look to the relative concentration and dilution of the central political power may be relevant to discussing paradigms which were available in the past and may be available in the future.
Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect the Inpatient Perioperative Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background There is a paucity of studies evaluating the short-term perioperative outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Therefore, this study evaluated (1) patient factors; and (2) patient outcomes in MS THA patients compared to non-MS THA patients. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2013 identified 5899 MS and 2,723,652 non-MS THA patients. Yearly trends, demographics, and comorbidities were compared, and then non-MS THA patients were matched (3:1) to MS THA patients by age, gender, race, comorbidity score, and surgery year. Regression analyses compared perioperative complications (any, surgical, medical), length of stay (LOS), and discharge dispositions. Results The annual prevalence of MS in THA patients increased from 1.36 per 1000 THAs in 2002 to 2.54 per 1000 THAs in 2013 (P = .004). MS patients were younger, more likely female, take corticosteroids, have hip osteonecrosis, and have gait abnormalities. Compared to matched cohort, MS patients had a higher risk of any surgical (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.37) and any medical (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.34-1.81) complications, an 8.24% longer mean LOS (95% CI, 5.61-10.94; Conclusion Orthopedic surgeons should be cognizant of the potential increased risks after THA in MS patients. Neurologists and other practitioners may help optimize and enhance the preoperative care of potential THA candidates, and provide guidance as to the appropriate timing of intervention for hip issues in MS patients.
Identification of Overlapping Communities via Constrained Egonet Tensor Decomposition

Detection of overlapping communities in real-world networks is a generally challenging task. Upon recognizing that a network is in fact the union of its egonets, a novel network representation using multiway data structures is advocated in this contribution. The introduced sparse tensor-based representation exhibits richer structure compared to its matrix counterpart and, thus, enables a more robust approach to community detection. To leverage this structure, a constrained tensor approximation framework is introduced using PARAFAC decomposition. The arising constrained trilinear optimization is handled via alternating minimization, where intermediate subproblems are solved using the alternating direction method of multipliers to ensure convergence. The factors obtained provide soft community memberships, which can further be exploited for crisp, and possibly-overlapping community assignments. The framework is further broadened to include time-varying graphs, where the edgeset as well as the underlying communities evolve through time. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed via tests on benchmark synthetic graphs as well as real-world networks. As corroborated by numerical tests, the proposed tensor-based representation captures multihop nodal connections, that is, connectivity patterns within single-hop neighbors, whose exploitation yields a more robust community identification in the presence of mixing as well as overlapping communities.
Timing of cortical activation during spontaneous swallowing

Saliva accumulation in the oropharynx generates an automatic pattern of swallowing in the brainstem in animals. Previous fMRI studies have found that spontaneous saliva and water swallows in humans evoked activation following swallow onset in both precentral motor and postcentral somatosensory cortical regions. Using event-related averaging of continuous functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we examined cortical hemodynamic responses (HDR) from 5 s before to 35 s after spontaneous reflexive saliva swallow onset in the lateral postcentral somatosensory and precentral motor regions in both hemispheres in healthy volunteers. Three HDR changes from baseline were detected. First, the onset of HDR occurred 2 s before swallow onset in the left postcentral somatosensory area and 0.67 s before swallow onset in the right postcentral somatosensory area. Second, an early HDR peak amplitude occurred 3–4 s after swallow onset in all four regions. Z scores relative to baseline pre-swallow cortical activity levels averaged 20 and 22.7 s in the right and left somatosensory regions and 10 and 15.8 s in left and right motor areas, respectively. Finally, a late HDR peak occurring between 22 and 23 s after swallow onset in the somatosensory regions and 17–19 s in the motor areas likely resulted from esophageal peristalsis. Overall, cortical activation timing relative to swallow onsets showed activation began before the pharyngeal phase of swallowing in the somatosensory areas. This indicates that somatosensory triggering of swallowing occurs not only in the brainstem but also in the cortex for reflexive saliva swallowing in awake humans.
Caval Valve Implantation: Are 2 Valves Better Than 1?

The management of patients with severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains extremely challenging for cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons alike. Medical therapy, consisting primarily of escalating doses of diuretics, becomes ineffective in the long term as patients develop increasing diuretic resistance because of worsening renal function. Although in the United States the use of surgery for TR has shown a slight increase during the past decade, only a small portion of eligible patients undergo surgery.1 This is for several reasons. As patients usually are only referred for surgery late in the disease process when they have severe end-organ compromise, the procedure can be more high risk. In addition, there can be a significant rate of late recurrence of TR post-surgery.2 It is in this setting that the field of transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention has blossomed during the past 5 years, with multiple devices in early stages of development. In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions , Lauten et al3 describe their experience with one of these techniques: caval valve implantation (CAVI).3 See Article by Lauten et al The concept of CAVI centers around the heterotopic placement of a valve in the inferior vena cava (IVC) alone or in combination with a second valve in the superior vena cava (SVC) to redirect the regurgitant jet from the failing tricuspid valve. Protection of the hepatic and renal veins from the effects of this chronic volume overload may help …
Densities, Viscosities, Speeds of Sound, Bulk Moduli, Surface Tensions, and Flash Points of Binary Mixtures of Ethylcyclohexane or Methylcyclohexane with n-Dodecane or n-Hexadecane at 0.1 MPa

This work reports physical property measurements of binary mixtures of ethylcyclohexane or methylcyclohexane with either n-dodecane or n-hexadecane at temperatures ranging from (293.15 to 333.15) K. Mixture densities fell between those of the pure components. All excess molar volumes were positive, indicating less efficient packing in the mixture systems. Mixture speeds of sound fell between those of the pure components, except in ethylcyclohexane in n-dodecane mixtures where increasing the mole fraction of ethylcyclohexane caused the speed of sound to decrease to a minimum before increasing again. Speed of sound deviations for ethylcyclohexane/n-hexadecane and methylcyclohexane/n-dodecane mixtures were not statistically different from zero, while they were positive for methylcyclohexane/n-hexadecane mixtures and negative for ethylcyclohexane/n-dodecane mixtures. Both volume expansion and compressibility influence these deviations. For all mixtures, increasing alkylcyclohexane concentrations caused the vi...
Limnology of two lake systems of Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska: Part II. Light penetration and Secchi depth

Seven large lakes in the Naknek River drainage and four in the Alagnak River drainage within the Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, were surveyed once a summer during the period 1990–92 to determine baseline limnological conditions. All of the lakes are oligotrophic based on Secchi depth (SD) transparency and light penetration. Overall, SD transparency varied from 4.4 m to 17 m, the vertical light extinction coefficient (Kd) ranged from 0.411 m-1 to 0.070 m-1 and the depth of 1% light penetration (I1%) varied from 11 m to 67 m. However, because of greater light scattering, the percent of photosynthetic radiation (PAR) at SD was nearly twice as much in Battle Lake (30.4%) and Naknek Lake (32.8%), compared with the other nine lakes (mean 16%). Consequently, the ratio of I1% to SD was about 4 in these two lakes compared to a mean value of 2.6 for the other lakes. However, Battle Lake is a ‘deep blue’ calcium sulfate lake with little phytoplankton, whereas Naknek Lake contains some inorganic glacial flour and volcanic ash, as well as planktonic algae, but where sampled exhibits minimal turbidity. Biomass of planktonic algae (indexed by total chlorophyll concentration) explained most of the variation in SD (r2=0.66), Kd (r2=0.75), and I1% (r2=0.85). In contrast, neither color nor turbidity were significant predictors of any optical variable. Considering all 11 lakes, there was a significant linear relationship between SD and both Kd (r2=0.80) and I1% (r2=0.72); however, most of the unaccounted for variation was attributed to Battle Lake and Naknek Lake. Although changes in water transparency are often linked to changes in algal biomass (chlorophyll), simple measures of SD transparency alone may not be appropriate for assessing whole-scale watershed or regional changes toward oligotrophication or eutrophication in lakes of the remote and pristine Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Turbulent Thermal Convection

Turbulent thermal convection is a phenomenon of crucial importance in understanding the heat transport and dynamics of several natural and engineering flows. Real world systems such as the Earth’s atmosphere—its oceans as well as the interior—and the interior of stars such as the Sun, are all affected to various degrees by thermal convection. The simplified physical model used to understand this ubiquitous heat transport mechanism is the Rayleigh-Benard convection, which is a fluid flow driven by a temperature difference between the top and bottom plates of an experimental cell with adiabatic sidewalls. Despite the long history of the subject and the recent progress in theoretical, numerical and experimental domains, many questions remain unresolved. We report some recent results and discuss a few open issues.
Femtosecond laser scribing of Mo thin film on flexible substrate using axicon focused beam

a b s t r a c t Ablation experiments of molybdenum (Mo) thin film on flexible polyimide (PI) substrate are conducted using femtosecond laser pulses focused by an axicon lens. The purpose is to assess the capability of axicon lens in producing narrow grooves and how robustness the scribing process is. We first obtain the damage threshold of Mo and PI and then characterize the spatial beam profile produced by the axicon lens through both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. Then scribing experiments are performed with different pulse energy, scanning speed, and the distance between the axicon tip and the sample's surface. Optical microscope and atomic force microscope are used to examine the microgrooves from the experiments. It is shown that high quality narrow scribes can be produced with axicon focused beam which can tolerate large height fluctuations of moving flexible substrate expected in an industrial setting.
Intersections Between Multiple Forms of Bias-Based Bullying Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth experience more heterosexist bullying victimization than their straight peers, which contributes to mental health disparities. However, LGBQ youth may simultaneously experience other types of bias-based bullying (e.g., racist, cis-sexist, and able-ist bullying). Informed by intersectionality theory, this study describes intersections of LGBQ students’ experiences of multiple forms of bias-based bullying and explores demographic correlates of individual types and typologies of bias-based bullying. This study uses 2016 state-wide survey data from 9th and 11th grade students in Minnesota schools. The analytic sample was limited to students who reported a LGBQ sexual orientation and responded to bullying items (N = 8313). Typology indicators were six items assessing bias-based bullying in the previous 30 days (race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, weight). Covariates (age, sexual orientation, assigned sex, gender identity, race, perceived gender presentation, individualized education program (IEP), weight status) also predicted class membership. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted, and the three-class model was best fitting, with classes characterized by high levels of all types of bias-based bullying (6.3%), gender expression and sexual orientation bullying (35.2%), and low levels of bias-based bullying (58.4%). LGBQ youth who also identified as transgender or gender diverse, had an IEP, reported perceived nonconforming gender presentation, and youth of color were more likely to belong to the multiple bias-based bullying typology. Future work should leverage an intersectional lens to design multilevel interventions and strategies to prevent bias-based bullying that attend to broader issues of stigma within school systems.
Medication Non-adherence in a Prospective, Multi-center Cohort Treated with Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antivirals.

The prevalence and risk factors for non-adherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in clinical practice settings are under-studied. (1) To quantify DAA non-adherence in the total cohort and among subgroups with and without mental health conditions, alcohol use, and substance use, and (2) to investigate patient- and treatment-level risk factor non-adherence. Prospective, observational cohort study. A total of 1562 patients receiving DAAs between January 2016 and October 2017 at 11 US medical centers including academic and community practices. Self-reported medication non-adherence, defined as any missed doses in the past 7 days, surveyed early (T2: at 4 ± 2 weeks) and late in treatment (T3: 2–3 weeks prior to end of treatment). Non-adherence to post-treatment follow-up visits was defined as absence of lab results after DAA therapy completion. Of 1447 patients, 162 (11%) reported non-adherence at T2 or T3. Medical records indicated 262 (17%) of the 1562 participants had not returned for post-treatment visits. At baseline, 37% of patients reported mental health conditions, 15% reported alcohol use, and 23% reported using substances in the previous year. Baseline characteristics associated with DAA non-adherence included alcohol use (OR 1.96), younger age ( 55 years: OR 3.40), non-white race (OR > 2.26), and DAA treatment cohort, but not substance use or mental health condition. Non-adherence to follow-up exhibited association with younger age and a higher baseline overall symptom burden. Among 1287 patients with evaluable sustained virologic response (SVR) data, 53 patients (4%) did not achieve SVR. The bivariate correlation between adherence and SVR was negligible (r = 0.01). DAA non-adherence was low and SVR rates were high. Mental health conditions, substance use, and alcohol use should not disqualify patients from DAA therapy. Patients with alcohol use disorder before DAA therapy initiation may benefit from targeted on-treatment support.
Bounds on hotspots in unidirectional waveguides and photonic topological insulators for strong, broadband light-matter interaction

Unidirectional waveguides that are terminated or abruptly transition into a much slower waveguide generally support strong electromagnetic fields at the interface. These “hotspots” have a distinct advantage over resonant antennas or cavities: the strength of the fields does not depend on the bandwidth of operation, as they persist over the entire unidirectional bandwidth. Here, we investigate fundamental bounds on the field strength in nonreciprocal hotspots in both magnetically biased plasmonic waveguides and topological photonic insulators. We prove that in topological photonic insulators an output waveguide is always present, and as an example we demonstrate broadband and strongly enhanced second harmonic generation in a magnetically biased plasmonic waveguide.
Tinctures of time and Schrödinger's virus

What written consolations might we turn to in this time of COVID-19? For those searching for meaning in the midst of plague, history and literature have long offered tinctures against terror.
Principles of asthmaDrugs for airway disease

Drugs for obstructive airway diseases include relievers and controllers. Inhaled β2-agonists are the most effective bronchodilators. Short-acting inhaled β2-agonists should be used as required for symptom relief rather than regularly. Long-acting inhaled β2-agonists may be added to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma control is poor on low doses of inhaled corticosteroids and are conveniently taken as a fixed combination inhaler combined with a corticosteroid and are effective bronchodilators in COPD. Anticholinergics are the bronchodilators of first choice in COPD and tiotropium once daily is preferred. Inhaled corticosteroids are the first-line controller treatment for chronic asthma but are much less effective in COPD. Anti-leukotrienes may be used as an add-on therapy in patients with asthma that is not controlled by inhaled corticosteroids, but are less effective than adding a long-acting β2-agonist and the response is unpredictable. Theophylline is a useful add-on therapy in severe asthma and COPD. Anti-IgE antibody (omalizumab) reduces exacerbations in patients with severe asthma not controlled on maximal does of inhaled therapy, but response is unpredictable and the treatment is very expensive.
The Role of Topical Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose The usefulness of topical antibiotic prophylaxis for routine oculofacial plastic surgery is not well established. Given concerns such as contact dermatitis, antibiotic resistance, and healthcare costs in conjunction with a low baseline rate of surgical site infections, the investigators sought to determine the frequency of infection with and without the use of topical antibiotic prophylaxis. Design Randomized, controlled, unmasked clinical trial. Participants Adult patients undergoing routine periocular surgery without prior history of periocular surgical site infection, need for perioperative oral or parenteral antibiotics, or allergy to all study medications. Methods Participants were randomized before surgery to receive either antibiotic or placebo (mineral oil and petrolatum-based) ointment after surgery. Outcomes were measured at the first postoperative visit. The 2-tailed Fisher exact test was used to compare outcomes between groups. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the incidence of surgical site infections. The secondary outcomes included stratification of infections by patient risk characteristics, incidence of allergic contact dermatitis, and incidence of wound complications. Results Four hundred one participants were enrolled and randomized, and 13 participants did not proceed with surgery or were lost to follow-up. High-risk features for infection were identified in 24% of the placebo group and 21% of the antibiotic group. Surgical site infections were more common in the placebo group (2.7% vs. 0.0%; P = 0.025). The rate of contact dermatitis was similar (0.5% vs. 0.5%; P = 1.00), as was the rate of wound dehiscence (2.7% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.77). Among the placebo group, the incidence of infections in the low- and high-risk participants was 2.9% and 2.2%, respectively. Infections were treated with oral or topical antibiotics and resolved without complication, except in 1 patient who required 2 subsequent surgeries to address the sequelae. Conclusions After routine oculofacial plastic surgery, patients treated with a topical antibiotic ointment showed a lower risk of surgical site infection compared with patients treated with a nonantibiotic ointment.
COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Guidance for Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Providers to Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment

Handwashing is an easy and simple way for healthcare providers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both themselves and the patient. The following handwashing protocol should be used before and after patient contact.
Approaching the Full Configuration Interaction Low-Energy Spectrum from an Arbitrary Reference Subspace

In a previous work (arXiv:2010.02027) we showed how the full configuration interaction (FCI) ground state energy can be obtained as a functional of an arbitrary reference wavefunction by means of a gradient descent or quasi-Newton algorithm. Here, we extend this approach and consider the optimization of the low-energy subspace of the Hamiltonian from an arbitrary reference subspace. The energies along the optimization path are obtained in terms of transition matrix elements among the states in the reference subspace. We show an application of the algorithm with a reference subspace constructed from a non-orthogonal configuration interaction (NOCI) formalism to describe the avoided crossing in LiF and the low-lying singlet and triplet spectrum of formaldehyde.
Stress and Peer Support among Nonprofit Workers

Stress among nonprofit workers is well documented. Methods for reducing that stress are not well understood. Specifically, little research examines the value of peer support in reducing stress amon...
Do Microsoft Acquisitions Benefit the Computer Industry

We examined whether acquisitions by Microsoft Corporation affect the stock prices of its competitors in the computer industry. We found that Microsoft's acquisitions in the Internet/online-services segment adversely affect the stock prices of the Internet/online-services rival portfolio. These competitors appear to be threatened by Microsoft's moves - anticompetitive or otherwise - to further its industry leadership and affirm the future success of the targets' technologies. Furthermore, the results of our study do not indicate that the financial market perceives Microsoft's operating-system acquisitions to be instrumental in achieving synergies from Microsoft's dominant role in the operating-system segment to the detriment of its Internet/online-services rivals. Indeed, we found the portfolio of Internet/online-services rivals to respond favorably to Microsoft's operating-system acquisitions, perhaps because Microsoft is essentially diverting resources away from the Internet/online-services segment.
Open Educational Resources (CLIPP 45): edited by Mary Francis, Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries, A Division of the American Library Association, 2021.

The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) is increasing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to inequities among our students. While there are many initiatives and programs in pla...
Area Characteristics and Consumer Nutrition Environments in Restaurants: an Examination of Hispanic Caribbean Restaurants in New York City.

Hispanics in the USA, particularly those of Caribbean descent, experience high levels of diet-related diseases and dietary risk factors. Restaurants are an increasingly important yet understudied source of food and may present opportunities to positively influence urban food environments. We sought to explore food environments further, by examining the association between neighborhood characteristics and restaurant consumer nutrition environments within New York City's Hispanic Caribbean (HC) restaurant environments. We applied an adapted version of the Nutrition Environment Measurements Survey for Restaurants (NEMS-R) to evaluate a random sample of HC restaurants (n=89). NEMS-HCR scores (continuous and categorized as low, medium, and high based on data distribution) were examined against area sociodemographic characteristics using bivariate and logistic regression analysis. HC restaurants located in Hispanic geographic enclaves had a higher proportion of fried menu items (p 6), compared with their medium (aOR: 6.6, 95% CI: 1.8-24.6) and large counterparts (aOR: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.5-21.4). This research is the first to examine the association between restaurant location and consumer nutrition environments, providing information to contribute to future interventions and policies seeking to improve urban food environments in communities disproportionately affected by diet-related conditions, as in the case of HC communities in New York City.
Estimating spatial distribution impacts of rooftops solar PV on dynamic hosting capacity evaluation for a real distribution feeder

This paper models the sensitivity of dynamic hosting capacity analysis to the spatial distribution of distributed PV scenarios, random, close and far from substation deployments, at various penetration levels on a real distribution feeder, in a quasi-static time series (QSTS) power flow simulation using high resolution time-aware metrics. These spatial distribution scenarios were chosen to capture a wide range of potential operation impacts of these deployments using a set of thermaland voltage-based metrics such as instantaneous violations and moving averages for both thermal and voltage constraints. This study uses actual load and PV data up-scaled from 1-hour time step to 1-minute resolution to fully characterize the interaction between the daily changes in load and PV output, and their impacts on distribution system operations.
Developing Creativity Through Collaborative Problem Solving

This paper discusses an alternative approach for developing problem solving experiences for students. The major argument is that students can develop their creativity by engaging in collaborative problem solving activities in which they apply a variety of mathematical methods creatively to solve problems. The argument is supported by: considering why developing creativity is a worthwhile adventure for students; describing why collaborative problem solving is a unique endeavor in which to engage students more fluidly and less compartmentally; and discussing how students can become skilled at thinking logically and creatively about mathematics content through their engagement in collaborative problem solving tasks.
Stratigraphy and geologic history of a southeastern salt marsh basin, North Inlet, South Carolina, USA

Forty seven vibracores and fifteen radiocarbon dates have beenobtained to outline the Holocene history of the North Inlet saltmarsh basin. Marsh deposits date from about 3500 years BP and havetransgressed over a Late Pleistocene beach-ridge terrain that waspartly eroded by Late Holocene tidal channel meandering. Marsh mudalso has prograded southward over shallow subtidal estuarine Macomamuds which date from about 4500 years BP and which are stillaccumulating in adjacent Winyah Bay. The southward migration of themarsh environment probably is due to the southward migration ofboth North Inlet and the mouth of Winyah Bay. The stratigraphy ofthe North Inlet basin offers no evidence for Late Holocene sea-level oscillations.Application of this model of marsh history to the study long-term ecosystem succession driven by slowly rising sea level isdiscussed.
Family reaction to homicide.

This pilot study identifies a two-phased syndrome experienced by families of homicide victims. The crisis phase consists of an acute grief process, including immediate reactions to the homicide, the funeral details, and police investigations. The long-term reorganization phase includes the psychological issues of bereavement and the socio-legal issues of the criminal justice process. Language: en