cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colloquium : Herbertsmithite and the search for the quantum spin liquid

Quantum spin liquids form a novel class of matter where, despite the existence of strong exchange interactions, spins do not order down to the lowest measured temperature. Typically, these occur in lattices that act to frustrate the appearance of magnetism. In two dimensions, the classic example is the kagome lattice composed of corner sharing triangles. There are a variety of minerals whose transition metal ions form such a lattice. Hence, a number of them have been studied and were then subsequently synthesized in order to obtain more pristine samples. Of particular note was the report in 2005 by Dan Nocera's group of the synthesis of herbertsmithite, composed of a lattice of copper ions sitting on a kagome lattice, which indeed does not order down to the lowest measured temperature despite the existence of a large exchange interaction of 17 meV. Over the past decade, this material has been extensively studied, yielding a number of intriguing surprises that have in turn motivated a resurgence of interest in the theoretical study of the spin $1/2$ Heisenberg model on a kagome lattice. This Colloquium reviews these developments and then discusses potential future directions, both experimental and theoretical, as well as the challenge of doping these materials with the hope that this could lead to the discovery of novel topological and superconducting phases.
A Data-Driven Approach for Detection and Estimation of Residential PV Installations

The number of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the electric grid is growing at an unprecedented speed. This is rapidly transforming the ways in which the traditional distribution grid is being planned and operated. A problem faced by utilities is that, in many cases, the PV system installed does not correspond to the size or type filed with the installation permit, or simply the installation took place without a permit. In order to maintain grid reliability and safety, utilities must be able to detect and monitor all PV installations in their network. This paper proposes a data-driven approach for the detection, verification, and estimation of residential PV system installations. We use a change-point detection algorithm to screen out abnormal energy consumption behaviors including unauthorized PV installations. Then the existence of the unauthorized PV installation is further verified through a statistical inference known as permutation test with Spearman’s rank coefficient. The proposed hypothesis test takes the customer’s load profiles before and after the detected change-point as inputs, which are estimated through Gaussian kernel density method. Finally, the local cloud cover index is integrated with smart meter measurements to estimate the size of the PV system. The proposed method has been tested and validated with actual smart meter measurements under several scenarios.
SPANISH LANGUAGE, CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND TEACHERS' PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN AN ENGLISH-ONLY ENVIRONMENT

This paper documents the reflections of action research projects generated by two teachers with different cultural backgrounds and grade levels; one is an English monolingual first grade-reading teacher and the other is a bilingual Spanish-English high school teacher. Teachers’ professional development is examined by personal testimonies of their classroom action research projects on the literacy needs of their students. Teacher interviews and reflections illustrate how these teachers become researchers and reflective practitioners in the context of their classrooms. The two case studies demonstrate how language policy in the state of California may influence teacher practice in their choices of the cultural representation of literacy lessons. Through researching their own practice teachers gain deeper perspectives of literacy and how learners construct knowledge through learning to read in English as a second language as emergent readers and academic literacy in the primary language as adolescents.
CONSTITUTIVE MODEL OF PLASTIC COMPACTION FOR POROUS CHALK

Chalk is a typical material with high porosity.The experimental results suggest that the chalk behavior can be modeled in terms of elastoplastic model with two plastic deformation mechanisms:plastic compaction(pore collapse) and plastic shearing.Porosity plays an important role in the chalk plastic behavior.In other words,the effect of porosity needs to be taken into account in the modelling of chalk plastic behavior,especially in the modelling of chalk plastic compaction.Based on the concept,a new constitutive model,which is based on the Gurson criterion,is proposed for the description of plastic compaction behaviors in porous chalks.In general,the model predictions are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental results.
Discussion on Integration Technology of Merging Unit and Intelligent Terminal in Smart Substation

The development of smart substation is promoting and improving the integration of devices.The requirements of the integrated device of merging unit and intelligent terminal are discussed as are the advantages,such as reducing device quantity and network equipment investment,and saving cabinet space.Three technology schemes of integrated devices are presented and the recommended integration scheme is given and analyzed.The key technological problems involved by the integrated devices are treated,including the share of the same network port of sampling value(SV)and generic object-oriented substation event(GOOSE),the resource integration of CPU,the integration of synchronization and maintenance platen,the power supply,and the man-machine interface.Problems such as the applied voltage classes,the port improvement of protection devices,the transmission of network,and the maintenance are presented.
The effect of specific music instrumentation on anxiety reduction in university music students: A feasibility study

Abstract Researchers note the use of recorded music for anxiety reduction, but have rarely studied the effects of instrumentation. The investigator asked two questions: (a) Do string music, piano music, and marimba music each promote a reduction in anxiety, and (b) Is there a difference among these instrument types regarding their ability to facilitate anxiety reduction? Prior to giving a classroom presentation, university student participants ( N = 54) listened to a version of Bach Air from Orchestra Suite No. 3 in D. Major , BWV 1068, using strings, piano, or marimba. Results indicated a significant difference for anxiety reduction from pretest to posttest when all participants were included as one group, or when in their separate respective groups. Analysis indicated no significant difference among the three groups for anxiety reduction. This feasibility study therefore offers preliminary indications that particular types of percussion instrumentation may be as effective as other instrumentation for anxiety reduction.
Wireless structural control using multi-step TDMA communication patterning bandwidth allocation

Summary As the number of sensors in a control network grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to transmit all sensor data during a single control step over the fixed wireless bandwidth. Because control force calculations rely on accurate state measurements or estimates, the use of staggered data communication may become necessary. It is not uncommon that a single sensor may be the only measurement source for an important section of a structure. This paper presents a means of selecting and evaluating different communication group sizes and wireless unit combinations for staggered communication that still provide information for highly accurate state estimates. Within each wireless unit, multiple estimator gains are stored on-board to perform state-estimation calculations using staggered data that may be received from different combinations of units. It is found that, in staggered communication schemes, state estimation and control performance are affected by the network topology used at each time step with some sensor combinations providing more useful information than others. Sensor placement theory is used to form sensor groups that provide consistently high-quality output information to the network over multiple time steps, so as to strategically report data from all sensors.
Decoder-side intra mode derivation for block-based video coding

This paper proposes a decoder-side intra mode derivation algorithm for block-based video coding. Instead of explicitly coding intra mode, the algorithm derives intra mode at both encoder and decoder using a template-based method. Based on rate-distortion optimization, the encoder locally determines whether intra mode derivation or intra mode explicit coding is used. Further, as no intra mode is coded, the proposed algorithm is able to more accurately capture the direction of edges in natural videos by increasing the granularity of directional intra predictions with no signaling overhead increase. To verify the effectiveness, the proposed algorithm is implemented on the Joint Exploration Model 2.0 platform. Experimental results show that an average Bjentegaard delta rate saving of 0.9% is achieved by the proposed algorithm.
Using Item Response Theory to Develop a 60-Item Representation of the NEO PI–R Using the International Personality Item Pool: Development of the IPIP–NEO–60

ABSTRACTGiven advantages of freely available and modifiable measures, an increase in the use of measures developed from the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP), including the 300-item representation of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI–R; Costa & McCrae, 1992a) has occurred. The focus of this study was to use item response theory to develop a 60-item, IPIP-based measure of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) that provides equal representation of the FFM facets and to test the reliability and convergent and criterion validity of this measure compared to the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). In an undergraduate sample (n = 359), scores from the NEO-FFI and IPIP–NEO–60 demonstrated good reliability and convergent validity with the NEO PI–R and IPIP–NEO–300. Additionally, across criterion variables in the undergraduate sample as well as a community-based sample (n = 757), the NEO-FFI and IPIP–NEO–60 demonstrated similar nomological networks across a wide range of external variables (rICC = .96)....
Tolerance of negative emotion moderates the amplification of mental contamination following an evoking task: A randomized experimental study.

Abstract Background and objectives Contamination is a near universal feeling, with mental contamination representing a contamination feeling in the absence of direct physical contact with a source. Extant research indicates that tolerance of negative emotion is important for understanding emotional reactions to images, thoughts, and memories, all of which are common sources of mental contamination. Extending research linking distress tolerance to mental contamination, this study examined if individual differences in the tolerance of negative emotion moderates the amplification of mental contamination following an evoking task. Method Unselected participants completed a self-report measure of tolerance of negative emotion during an online session. They later attended an in-person session and were randomized to an experimental scenario group: betrayal (n = 49) or control (n = 49). Participants imagined themselves in a scenario, with the betrayal scenario designed to evoke mental contamination. Mental contamination was assessed by self-report before and after the scenario. Results The betrayal, but not control, scenario caused an increase in mental contamination. Tolerance for negative emotion moderated the effect of group on mental contamination. Group differences in mental contamination evidenced at low, but not high, distress tolerance. Limitations A novel experimental manipulation and an unselected sample were used. Future research could assess tolerance of negative emotion using a behavioral task. Conclusions These results indicate that tolerance of negative emotion may be important for understanding when individuals experience mental contamination.
Kronecker compressed sensing for massive MIMO

Under sparse channel assumptions, channel state information for the massive MIMO uplink can be effectively estimated without sampling every antenna. Assuming orthogonal pilot signals and a uniform linear array, channel estimation is performed by leveraging sparsity in the spatial and pilot code domains to reconstruct the channel to all antennas. Using compressed sensing techniques, spatial resolution comparable to full array sampling can be achieved in the uniformly random, line of sight channel. Results of sampling from 25 percent of a 256 element massive MIMO array during the uplink piloting phase are presented. The per user bit error rate achieved by using compressed sensing and sparse recovery channel estimates exceeds that achieved with the least squares channel estimate by 5 dB for the same number of sampled antennas.
Laser trabeculoplasty induces stromelysin expression by trabecular juxtacanalicular cells.

Purpose. The mechanism by which laser trabeculoplasty reduces elevated intraocular pressurein primary open-angle glaucoma has not been established. To test the hypothesis that trabecu-lar extracellular matrix turnover is involved, stromelysin expression after laser treatment ofanterior segment organ cultures was evaluated.Methods. Argon laser trabeculoplasty, using typical clinical treatment parameters, was appliedto anterior segment organ cultures. Stromelysin levels and activity were then evaluated atvarious times by immunoblots of Western transfers and by zymography. Stromelysin mRNAlevels were evaluated by dot blot and by reverse transcription, followed by polymerase chainreaction amplification. Stromelysin protein was localized by immunohistochemistry, and im-age analysis was used for quantitation. Stromelysin mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization.Results. Trabecular stromelysin protein, activity, and mRNA levels were detectably elevated by8 hours and were several-fold higher by 24 hours after treatment. Stromelysin immunostainingwas elevated dramatically in the juxtacanalicular and insert regions of the meshwork, but onlymodestly in other regions. Stromelysin mRNA increases also were localized primarily to theseregions. The juxtacanalicular stromelysin immunostaining increase was sustained for at least1 week, whereas the insert levels declined somewhat after day 2.Conclusions. A stromelysin increase, localized primarily to the juxtacanalicular region of themeshwork, the putative site of the aqueous humor outflow resistance, should degrade trabecu-lar proteoglycans, the putative outflow resistance source, and allow their uptake and furtherdegradation by the juxtacanalicular cells. If diminished juxtacanalicular extracellular matrixturnover is responsible for the glaucomatous reduction in aqueous humor outflow, an increasein stromelysin in this specific area of the meshwork should ameliorate the problem. Thus,the observations support the working hypothesis and may explain the efficacy o thif s treatmentfor glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vi 1996s Sci 37:795-804;. .Hilevated intraocular pressure, often associated with pri-mary open-angle glaucoma, can be ameliorated by lasertrabeculoplasty (LTP).
Functionally gradient ceramic/metallic coatings for gas turbine components by high-energy beams for high-temperature applications

Failure of turbine blades generally results from high-temperature oxidation, corrosion, erosion, or combinations of these procedures at the tip, and the leading and trailing edges of a turbine blade. To overcome these limitations, functionally gradient ceramic/metallic coatings have been produced by high-energy beams for high-temperature applications in the aerospace and turbine industries to increase the life of turbine components. Thermal spray processes have long been used to apply high-temperature thermal barrier coatings to improve the life of turbine components. However, these processes have not met the increased demand by the aerospace and turbine industries to obtain higher engine temperatures and increased life enhancement as a result of the inhomogeneous microstructure, unmelted particles, voids, and poor bonding with the substrate. High-energy beams, i.e. electron beam-physical vapour deposition (EB-PVD), laser glazing, laser surface alloying, and laser surface cladding, have been explored to enhance the life of turbine components and overcome the limitations of the thermal spray processes. EB-PVD has overcome some of the disadvantages of the thermal spray processes and has increased the life of turbine components by a factor of two as a result of the columnar microstructure in the thermal barrier coating (TBC). Laser glazing has been used to produce metastable phases, amorphous material, and a fine-grained microstructure, resulting in improved surface properties such as fatigue, wear, and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures without changing the composition of the surface material. Laser surface alloying and laser surface cladding have shown promising results in improving the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the substrate's surface. Metal-matrix composite coatings have also been produced by a laser technique which resulted in increased wear and oxidation-resistant properties. The advantages and disadvantages of thermal spray processes, EB-PVD, laser glazing, laser surface alloying, and laser surface cladding will be discussed. Microstructural evolution of thermal barrier coatings, recent advancements in functionally gradient coatings, laser grooving, and multilayered textured coatings will also be discussed.
Perioperative Optimization in Orthopedic Trauma

WT is an 81-year-old female who presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of left hip pain after falling down during a syncopal episode. The patient is an independent ambulatory, community dweller who denies any other injuries or pain. On primary survey, she demonstrates a GCS of 15, a patent airway, and is hemodynamically stable. On secondary survey, no gross deformities of her left lower extremity are noted.
Plasma Induced Deposition of Copper Films on Polymer Surfaces

Thin copper films have been deposited on Kapton® and silicon substrates by reducing films of copper formate in a hydrogen RF discharge. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analysis and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) have been used to characterize the films. The oxygen content of the as-deposited copper films has been reduced to about 1% by annealing in a hydrogen ambient at about 300°C. However, only the upper 20–25 nm thick surface layers of the films were found to be rich (>90%) in copper. The remainder of the film was contaminated with carbon and traces of iron. Process conditions that may minimize the carbon content in the bulk of the film are discussed. A new laser ablation technique appears to be more promising.
Pirated Manuscripts From Radiology's Most Impactful Journals: An International Analysis of Copyright-Infringing Downloads.

Abstract Objectives The world’s largest scholarly literature pirate website, Sci-Hub, permits readers to bypass journal paywalls, thus facilitating no-cost copyright-infringing article downloads. We studied download characteristics of internationally pirated radiology journal articles. Methods All download request events between September 2015 and February 2016 were retrieved from Sci-Hub’s public server logs. Focusing on high-impact factor radiology journals, we targeted uniquely identifiable diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology journals with a 2015 Thompson Reuters impact factor of ≥2. Pirated article download characteristics were assessed at the individual article, journal, and geographic level. Results Of all 27,819,965 pirated article downloads, 105,075 (0.4%) were from 49 radiology journals with high impact factor. Total monthly radiology downloads ranged from 6,715 to 24,449. Downloads were most frequent for papers from Radiology (10,357 of 105,075; 9.9%), NeuroImage (10,121; 9.6%), and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology (8,025; 7.6%). The most downloaded articles were published in European Radiology, RadioGraphics, and NeuroImage. By country, download requests were most frequent from China (17,975 of 105,075; 17.1%), India (7,969; 7.6%), and Iran (7,327; 7.0%), but on a per capita basis, were most common in Portugal (210.8 per 1,000,000 population), Chile (135.4), and Tunisia (113.8). Only 4,450 (4.2%) of download requests were from the United States. Conclusions Copyright-infringing downloading of pirated radiology journal articles occurs frequently across the world and impacts nearly all top impact-factor journals. New publisher pricing and business models, akin to those for digital music, may be necessary to disincentivize pirating and ensure journal financial sustainability.
High-Throughput Yeast One-Hybrid Screens Using a Cell Surface gLUC Reporter

Gene-centered yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) screens using arrayed genome-wide transcription factor (TF) clone collections provide a simple and effective strategy to identify TF-promoter interactions using a DNA fragment as bait. In an effort to improve the assay we recently developed a Y1H system that uses a cell surface Gaussia luciferase reporter (gLUC59). Compared to other available methods, this luciferase-based strategy requires a shorter processing time, enhances the throughput and improves result analysis of gene-centered Y1H screens. Here, we described the procedure to perform high-throughput screens using this novel strategy, which involves a protocol for mating two haploid yeast strains carrying an arrayed TF clone collection and a promoter::gLUC59 reporter, respectively, and a protocol for analyzing gLUC59 activity in the resulting diploid cells. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unmix Optimum analysis of PAH sediment sources.

Abstract Unmix Optimum (UnmixO) was developed to analyze data, such as sediment PAH data, that were resistant to existing methods of multivariate analysis. Using a geometrical approach, UnmixO uses multiple advanced nonlinear optimization algorithms to find potential sources that obey non-negativity constraints while optimally fitting the data. UnmixO does not require specific knowledge of the uncertainties in the data and will work better for smaller data sets than other multivariate models. UnmixO was able to identify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminant sources contributing to sediment samples based on sample composition data with good diagnostic values. Results were compared to published EPA Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) sediment results from Lady Bird Lake (LBL) Austin, TX and 40 lakes (40LKS) across the U.S. A Chi-sum approach determined which UnmixO source profile best matched profiles used in CMB sediment studies; two coal tar (CT) sealcoat sources and a mixed combustion source contributed to the sediment PAHs. These results were consistent with CMB results for the LBL and 40LKS studies that estimated CT sealcoats contribute over 80% of PAHs to urban lakes. UnmixO results also showed that CT sealant's contribution to sediments decreased after the City of Austin ban in 2006.
Diet quality in patients with stroke

Objective A healthy diet is associated with reduced risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer and death. We examined the prevalence of a healthy diet in patients with a recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Methods We recruited a convenience sample of 95 patients with a recent ischaemic stroke or TIA. Using information from a 125-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, we calculated dietary quality and the percentage of patients meeting recommended daily intake (RDI) for common macronutrients and elements. Results The mean age of patients was 66 years (SD: 16) and 46% were women. 39 patients (41%) were classified as having a healthy diet (35% of men and 48% of women). The majority of patients were within the RDI for carbohydrates (56.8%), total fat (61.1%), long-chain n-3 fats (68.4%), polyunsaturated fats (79.0%) and protein (96.8%). Very few patients consumed the recommended intake for sodium (25.3%), and even fewer consumed the RDI for potassium (4.2%), with the majority of patients consuming too much sodium and too little potassium. Conclusion We found that most patients with recent stroke or TIA were not following a healthy diet before their stroke event. For most patients, sodium intake was much above and potassium intake was much below RDI.
Recent trends in diabetes-related consumer health information technology research

Diabetes-related consumer health information technology (CHIT) has been designed to facilitate self-management practices, and its use has improved health outcomes for many consumers. This analysis sought to identify tendencies in diabetes-related CHIT research from 2010-2015 to help researchers find novel research topics, periodicals, collaborators, and funding agencies and experts and lay consumers to find scholarly information. Six search engines encompassing computer science, engineering, and medicine yielded potential diabetes-related CHIT publications. Abstracts and full texts were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information on year, periodical, periodical domain, keywords, author location, author institutions, authors, and funding agencies were collected from included publications. The screening process yielded 1551 publications. Studies were published in a core of twenty periodicals, commonly comprising medicine or technology domains. "Telemedicine" was the most frequently used keyword. Harvard University, Dr. Eirik Arsand, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases were the most frequent author institution, author, and funding agency, respectively, associated with publications. This analysis revealed potential for novel research on the sociology and economics of diabetes-related CHIT, among other topics. A lack of collaboration between top authors in the field indicates potential for new, impactful collaborations. Ongoing bibliometric research will be necessary to assess changes in this field. The opportunity exists to inform lay consumers and researchers through bibliometric analyses of other consumer health informatics topics.
Developing a Facilitators Scale in the Context of Travel: ReTRIP.

Abstract Objective To develop a scale for measuring factors that facilitate participation of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in travel-related activities: Removing Travel Restrictions Influencing Participation (ReTRIP). Design A mixed-method approach where in the qualitative phase, items were developed and written based on results of interviewers with different stakeholder groups and in the quantitative phase, survey data were collected to examine the psychometric properties of the scale. Setting Home, work, and community settings. Participants People living with SCI, caregivers or family members, therapists, travel professionals (N=333). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures An 11-item ReTRIP scale that measures the facilitators that enhance the travel participation of people with SCI. Results In the qualitative phase of the study, 5 categories of travel facilitators were identified based on semistructured in-depth interviews with 83 respondents from 4 stakeholder groups. Initial items of the ReTRIP scale were written based on the travel facilitators identified. Items in the scale were then revised based on results of cognitive interviews and an expert panel review. In the quantitative phase, a total of 250 patients enrolled in a Spinal Cord Injury Model System were systematically selected to report their experience with each travel facilitator. Item-response theory–based Rasch analysis revealed that the 11-item ReTRIP has acceptable psychometric properties, containing 2 main dimensions: industry-oriented facilitators (6 items) and self-oriented facilitators (5 items). Conclusions The 11-item ReTRIP scale demonstrates promising psychometric properties, allowing researchers and clinicians to potentially use self-reported environmental factors that are beneficial for people’s participation in travel after SCI to properly design client-centered interventions. Future studies using a larger sample are needed to validate the scale.
Influence of fermentation followed by ultrasonication on functional properties of sorghum extrudates

Extrusion process deals with a compromise between better texture and less nutrition. In the present study, sorghum flour was subjected to fermentation followed by ultrasonication prior to extrusion to increase the antioxidant activity (AA) and total phenolic content (TPC) in the flour. AA and TPC of the sorghum flour were increased when fermented for 12 hr and further decreased significantly with an increase in the fermentation time. During the ultrasonication, a significant diminution in AA and TPC of the flour was reported with an increment in the ultrasonication intensity and fermented flour to water ratio. No significant impact of the ultrasonication time was found on AA and TPC of the sorghum flour. Optimum AA and TPC were obtained as 178.8 μmol TE/100 g dry weight (DW) and 77.8 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively. Extrudates obtained from the pretreated sorghum flour under optimum conditions had improved nutritional and textural qualities. Also, the pretreated sorghum flour showed low stability of starch crystallites and crystalline fraction. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Millets and sorghum possess high amounts of phenolics, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. It was explicated from the results that the fermentation followed by the ultrasonication could improve the antioxidant activities and phenolics in the sorghum flour. Furthermore, sorghum extrudates with remarkable retention of antioxidant activity, phenolic content, functional, and textural properties were obtained. This technology may help the food industries to develop gluten‐free and healthy snacks by incorporating sorghum (underutilized cereal) into human diet.
Low-Income Female Students and the Reversal of the Black-White Gap in High School Graduation:

This article shows that the traditional narrative of Black-White high school graduation gaps is inverted among economically disadvantaged female students. Two nationally representative surveys and ...
A facile LED backlight in situ imaging technique to investigate sub-micron level processing

Abstract Many laboratory experimental techniques used for investigating fine fluid structure, such as fiber spinning, microfluidic flow, and electrospinning, require high quality images with good contrast. Common processes of observation and image recording rely heavily on highly technical light and camera setups which can be difficult to operate in some processing conditions and expensive as well. Here, we report a facile technique using LED backlight imaging to investigate ultrathin fluid profile in two different processes, melt electrospinning and tubeless siphoning. The setup comprises of a simple LED light source facing toward the camera, directly shining into the camera lens. The object under investigation was placed between the camera and the light source. The high-quality captured images and video recordings enable the precise analysis of the cone diameter and jet solidification in case of melt electrospinning, and extensional behavior profiles for tubeless siphoning. The LED backlight setup with high resolution camera is a useful tool to investigate sub-micron scale dimensions in fiber spinning, microfluidic flow, solution electrospinning, contact angle measurement for surface properties analysis, etc.
Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of endometrial Cancer patients with mismatch repair deficiency in the era of universal Lynch syndrome screening.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate clinicopathologic characteristics and survival impact associated with mismatch repair (MMR) deficient subgroups of endometrial cancer (EC) in patients undergoing universal screening for Lynch Syndrome. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using a prospectively maintained gynecologic oncology registry of patients who underwent surgery for EC was conducted. All pathology specimens underwent tumor testing using immunohistochemistry for MMR deficiency with reflex MLH1 promotor methylation testing. Tumors were classified as MMR-I (intact MMR expression), MMR-DM (MMR deficient due to MLH1 methylation), and MMR-DU (MMR deficient without MLH1 methylation). Univariate and multivariate analysis performed to determine factors associated with MMR-DM. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analyzed by stage and endometrioid subgroup. Results: From 2012 to 2016, 1018 EC patients were identified and screened. Overall, 71.6% were classified as MMR-I, 23.8% MMR-DM, and 4.6% MMR-DU. In comparison to MMR-DU, MMR-DM tumors were associated with older age, postmenopausal status, lymphovascular space invasion, and pure endometrioid histology. Compared to MMR-I, MMR-DM tumors were associated with older age, endometrioid histology, lymphovascular space invasion, and higher grade on multivariable analysis. There was no difference in PFS and OS between the three groups overall. In patients with endometrioid EC, MMR-DM tumors were associated with lower PFS vs. MMR-I (HR:2.51, CI:1.54, 4.10, P Conclusion: MMR deficiency is associated with adverse prognostic factors and worse PFS among endometrioid tumors, particularly in early stage EC. MMR testing outside of LS screening has prognostic value, warranting consideration for inclusion as a biomarker in prospective clinical trials.
Scientific celebrity, competition, and knowledge creation

To better understand the mechanisms by which a scientist influences the knowledge creation of other scientists, we investigate the distinct role of a scientific celebrity who gains celebrity status from his outstanding scientific achievement and intense public attention. Using the case of a South Korean stem cell biologist, we find that a scientific celebrity helps to attract aspiring scientists into his field and to enhance government funding in related research, thereby contributing to the knowledge production of other scientists in the field. These positive influences persist for an extended period of time despite sudden shifts in the celebrity's status.
Body Investment as a Protective Factor in the Relationship Between Acquired Capability for Suicide and Suicide Attempts

Abstract Acquired capability for suicide is associated with increased suicide risk and behaviors, but little research has examined factors that may qualify this relationship. Body investment is proposed as one such factor, as it may engage self-preservation instincts and serve as a buffer to capability for suicide. It was expected that facets of body investment (body feelings, body care, comfort with touch, and body protection) would moderate the relationship between acquired capability for suicide and suicide attempts. The current study included a sample of 1,150 undergraduate students with a mean age of 19.74 (3.44). The majority of the sample identified as female (71%) and White/Caucasian (78%). Participants completed self-report measures of body investment (Body Investment Scale [BIS]), acquired capability (Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale [ACSS]), suicide thoughts and attempt history (Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire [SHBQ]), and demographic information. Four moderation analyses were run using the PROCESS macro; one for each body investment subscale. All facets of body investment showed significant moderation except for body care. Acquired capability was significantly associated with suicide attempts when body feelings, comfort with touch, and body protection were low, but not when they were high. Results indicate that fostering aspects of body investment may be important for suicide prevention.
All-printed stretchable corneal sensor on soft contact lenses for noninvasive and painless ocular electrodiagnosis.

Electroretinogram examinations serve as routine clinical procedures in ophthalmology for the diagnosis and management of many ocular diseases. However, the rigid form factor of current corneal sensors produces a mismatch with the soft, curvilinear, and exceptionally sensitive human cornea, which typically requires the use of topical anesthesia and a speculum for pain management and safety. Here we report a design of an all-printed stretchable corneal sensor built on commercially-available disposable soft contact lenses that can intimately and non-invasively interface with the corneal surface of human eyes. The corneal sensor is integrated with soft contact lenses via an electrochemical anchoring mechanism in a seamless manner that ensures its mechanical and chemical reliability. Thus, the resulting device enables the high-fidelity recording of full-field electroretinogram signals in human eyes without the need of topical anesthesia or a speculum. The device, superior to clinical standards in terms of signal quality and comfortability, is expected to address unmet clinical needs in the field of ocular electrodiagnosis. Though smart contact lenses are an attractive technology for recording electroretinogram signals, existing approaches suffer from poor mechanical reliability, chemical stability and wettability. Here, the authors report an all-printed stretchable corneal sensor built on commercial soft contact lenses.
A near-global, high resolution land surface parameter dataset for the variable infiltration capacity model.

Hydrologic models predict the spatial and temporal distribution of water and energy at the land surface. Currently, parameter availability limits global-scale hydrologic modelling to very coarse resolution, hindering researchers from resolving fine-scale variability. With the aim of addressing this problem, we present a set of globally consistent soil and vegetation parameters for the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model at 1/16° resolution (approximately 6 km at the equator), with spatial coverage from 60°S to 85°N. Soil parameters derived from interpolated soil profiles and vegetation parameters estimated from space-based MODIS measurements have been compiled into input files for both the Classic and Image drivers of the VIC model, version 5. Geographical subsetting codes are provided, as well. Our dataset provides all necessary land surface parameters to run the VIC model at regional to global scale. We evaluate VICGlobal’s ability to simulate the water balance in the Upper Colorado River basin and 12 smaller basins in the CONUS, and their ability to simulate the radiation budget at six SURFRAD stations in the CONUS. Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14869500
Assessing Explanations of Transformations in Categories

While the state-centered literature usually assumes that censuses have transformative effects, an interactive approach that examines both state and social effects considers the conditions under which such a transformation might occur. This chapter, then, assesses four factors, drawn from the state-centered and society-centered approaches, that might have influenced whether census categories transformed everyday ones: a strong imperialist state, the familiarity of census categories, the engagement of social actors and institutions in information gathering, and local power relations. The results suggest that local power relations are particularly important: when official classifications support local elites’ interests, they can have transformative effects. The results show that the weak mercantilist state classified Spanish colonists as vecinos, Africans as Black slaves, and Tainos as Indians. These categories benefited Spanish colonists, and they informed everyday categorization for centuries. The strong imperialist Spanish and US states constructed more exclusive binary and tripartite categories. These definitions conflicted with local interests, and these official categories never replaced everyday ones.
Alcohol exposure increases manganese accumulation in the brain and exacerbates manganese-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

Environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals remains one of the major concerns in public health. Increased levels of manganese (Mn) pollution are associated with profound neurotoxic effects, including neurobehavioral deficits and disturbances resembling Parkinson’s disease. While Mn absorption is in part mediated by iron transporters, recent studies have shown that the levels of iron transporters are modified by alcohol and that chronic alcohol consumption increases body iron stores. However, it is largely unexplored whether alcohol exposure influences the transport and neurotoxicity of Mn. To address this question, we exposed mice to ethanol (10%; v/v) by drinking water for 4 weeks, during which period MnCl2 (5 mg/kg) or saline solutions were administered daily by intranasal instillation. Ethanol consumption in mice increased brain Mn levels in a dose-dependent manner after Mn instillation, determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which was accompanied by up-regulation of iron transporters, as assessed by western blotting and qPCR. In addition, alcohol drinking increased hypoxic response and decreased hepcidin expression, providing the molecular mechanism of increased iron transporters and Mn uptake upon alcohol consumption. Moreover, brain dopamine levels, analyzed by HPLC, were decreased after intranasal Mn instillation, which was worsened by alcohol. Likewise, alcohol-Mn co-exposure synergistically altered dopaminergic protein expression. Finally, alcohol binge-drinking, which resembles alcohol drinking manner in humans, increased brain Mn content along with upregulation of iron transporters. Our study suggests that individuals who consume alcohol may have a higher risk of Mn neurotoxicity upon Mn exposure.
Where Do Informed Traders Trade First? Option Trading Activity, News Releases, and Stock Return Predictability

We examine patterns of option trading activity around news announcements. Combining a database of option volume by trade type with a database of news releases, we find that option trading activity is unusually high both immediately before news days and on news days. As option volume on both days is a stronger predictor of future stock returns than option volume on other days, the trading advantage of informed option traders stems from their ability to analyze publicly available information as well as anticipate upcoming news events. Our main contribution is to show that where informed option traders trade depends on whether news releases are anticipated. We show theoretically that, when no news is scheduled to be released, informed traders prefer long option positions to short option positions and that the opposite is true ahead of scheduled news releases. Consistent with this, we find that purchases of options predict returns on news days and ahead of unscheduled events, but not before scheduled events, and sales of options are informative only ahead of scheduled news releases.
Prognosis of Coronary Heart Disease Patients Evaluated by Data Obtained by Noninvasive Methods

The study design of the exercise testing unit of a prospective, collaborative community practice experience of many physicians, known as the Seattle Heart Watch, illustrates the prognostic value of the initial clinical examination, and of noninvasive exercise testing (Bruce et al. 1977). The procedures followed are now available, at minimal expense for equipment, to any interested physician, for office or clinic use.
Chapter 27. New Developments in Natural Products of Medicinal Interest

Publisher Summary Recent advances in chromatography and in microspectrometric methods of structure analysis coupled with an increased reliance upon bioassay-directed fractionation present unusual opportunities for the progress today. This, combined with a renewed enthusiasm for novel structures as potential pharmacodynamic agents, provided the inspiration for review on new developments in natural products of medicinal interest. Because bioactive natural products have been elaborated evolutionarily for other purposes, the average natural product is unlikely to be a clinically useful drug in its own right but rather serves as a chemical clue. This natural product, using the modern principles of drug design and lead refinement, can lead to exciting new series for study and clinical development. Natural products are the end result of enzymatic manipulation from normal primary metabolic pools and, as such, are inherently more likely to interact successfully with other biopolyrners, such as receptors, than any of the compounds produced as the result of purely chemical imagination. As for example, given the chronic problem, many nations face alcohol abuse. The recent problems associated with the use of disulfurarn, the finding that coprine isolated from the inky cap mushroom Coprinus atramentarius, also interferes with alcohol dehydrogenase mediated alcohol metabolism that has attracted considerable interest. Antibacterial compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Unfortunately, the agents are rarely evaluated in vivo . The active agents may often be new to the literature, but usually belongs to the series structurally familiar to natural products chemists. New products like sclerosporin and trigonelline show promises of opening new areas of investigation in the area of medicinal interest.
Effects of model formulation and calibration data on uncertainty in dense nonaqueous phase liquids source dissolution predictions

[1] Simplified models have been proposed to describe dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) source mass discharge versus time assuming that aqueous mass transfer is proportional to the DNAPL mass remaining raised to the power of a “source architecture” coefficient. Recent studies suggest that source discharge predictions may be improved using multiple functions for different architectures. However, multiple-source functions require estimation of additional parameters, which can be difficult to do from available field data. A hypothetical problem was considered that involves a DNAPL source zone consisting of seven discrete trichloroethylene (TCE) sources within a roughly 120,000 m2 area, each having different release dates, masses, and rate parameters. A transport model was used to simulate dissolved TCE concentrations in 22 monitoring wells over a 23 year period. “Noise” representing conceptual model errors and sampling or measurement error was applied to produce synthetic monitoring data. Source mass and dissolution rates were computed for the total source and for various depth intervals for a 5 year period and were also overlaid with suitable “noise.” Data sets consisting of various subsets of the noisy monitoring and source data were employed to calibrate various model formulations. Results indicate that calibration using only near-source discharge rates yield highly uncertain estimates of future mass discharge rates. Prediction accuracy is improved and uncertainty is reduced by calibrating to whole plume data in conjunction with source discharge estimates, especially if the latter are available for multiple depths. More complex models reduce prediction uncertainty up to a point beyond which added complexity was a liability unless additional or more accurate data are available.
Acute leukemia after successful chemotherapy for oat cell carcinoma

A report of acute myelomonocytic leukemia following successful therapy for oat cell carcinoma is presented. The patient had been treated with extensive cytotoxic and radiation therapy, and was without clinical evidence of disease at one year follow-up. Eighteen months later, a peripheral smear revealed numerous blasts with monocytoid characteristics. This unusual presentation is discussed and compared with several other cases appearing in the recent literature.