cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-temperature thermoelectric characterization of filled strontium barium niobates: power factors and carrier concentrations

Thermoelectric properties of oxygen-deficient filled strontium barium niobates (SBN, SrxBa6−xNb10O30−δ) in the composition range from the barium end member to a Sr:Ba ratio of 80:20 were investigated. The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficients, and power factors for ceramic samples annealed at 1300–1310 °C for 30 h under forming gas (∼10−16 pO2 atm) were evaluated from ∼350 to 970 K. The conduction mechanism in the filled SBNs was found to be similar to that of the heavily-reduced unfilled SBNs reported in literature. However, relative to the unfilled counterparts heat-treated at 10−16 atm pO2, larger power factors were observed in the filled SBNs. The thermoelectric performance of these filled SBNs was composition-sensitive; lower Sr contents showed higher electrical conductivities, and power factors. Electron diffraction and Hall experiments suggest that both mobility and carrier concentration are enhanced with decreasing Sr. For ceramic samples, the highest power factors achievable were found for low Sr, heavily-reduced filled compositions.
An LC/MS Method Providing Improved Sensitivity: Electrospray Ionization Inlet

Electrospray ionization inlet (ESII) combines positive aspects of electrospray ionization (ESI) and solvent-assisted ionization (SAI). Similar to SAI, the analyte solution is directly introduced into a heated inlet tube linking atmospheric pressure and the initial vacuum stage of the mass spectrometer. However, unlike SAI, in ESII a voltage is applied to the solution through a metal union linking two sections of fused silica tubing through which solution flows into the inlet. Here, we demonstrate liquid chromatography (LC) ESII/MS on two different mass spectrometers using a mixture of drugs, a peptide standard mixture, and protein digests. This LC-ESII/MS approach has little dead volume and thus provides excellent chromatographic resolution at mobile phase flow rates from 1 to 55 μL min–1. Significant improvement in ion abundance and less chemical background ions were observed relative to ESI for all drugs and peptides tested at flow rates from 15 to 55 μL min–1. At a low inlet tube temperature, ESII has ...
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Patients with Early-Stage Glottic Cancer: Patterns of Care and Survival.

Background Radiotherapy alone is often used to treat early-stage glottic cancer (ESGC); however, the optimal radiation treatment schedule remains unknown. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend both hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFX) and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFX). We compared overall survival (OS) and treatment patterns among patients treated with HFX vs CFX for ESGC using a large national database. Methods We identified patients diagnosed with stage I-II (cT1-2N0M0) glottic cancer from 2004 to 2013 within the National Cancer Data Base who were treated with either HFX (2.25 Gy/fraction to 63-65.25 Gy) or CFX (2.0 Gy/fraction to 66-70 Gy). The overall survival of patients receiving HFX vs CFX was compared using the log-rank test, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, and propensity score matching. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Among 10 212 included patients, 4030 patients (39.5%) received HFX and 6182 patients (60.5%) received CFX. Predictors for receipt of HFX included clinical T1 disease, recent year of diagnosis, and treatment at academic and higher-volume centers (all P < .001). Patients treated with HFX increased from 22.1% in 2004 to 58.0% in 2013. HFX was associated with improved OS compared with CFX on univariate (five-year OS = 77.1%, 95% CI = 75.2% to 78.8%, vs 73.5%, 95% CI = 72.1% to 74.8%, respectively, log-rank P < .001) and multivariable analysis (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.98, P = .02), a finding confirmed on propensity score matching. Conclusions HFX is associated with improved survival compared with CFX among patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for ESGC, particularly among patients with cT2 disease. HFX utilization increased over the study period; however, 40% of patients in our cohort did not receive HFX in the most recent year of our analysis.
Transatlantic Elegies for Boyhood: First-Person Adventure Narratives After 1865

Original title: First-Person Narratives “in pursuit of a boy who was never here, nor anywhere”: Transatlantic Elegies for Boyhood After 1865 In this article, I argue that the narrative structure of adventure fiction in the late nineteenth century invites resistant rather than imitative reading practices. Paying close attention to original illustrations and paratextual materials, I contend that boys such as Jim Hawkins and Huckleberry Finn are revealed as textual constructions that allow authors to meditate on boyhood both within and across national boundaries.
Stellate Cells Orchestrate Concanavalin A–Induced Acute Liver Damage

Concanavalin A (ConA) causes immune cell–mediated liver damage, but the contribution of resident nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) is also evident. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) induce hepatic inflammation and immunological reactions; we therefore investigated their role in ConA-induced liver injury. ConA was administered i.v. to control or HSC-depleted mice; hepatic histopathology and cytokines/chemokines were determined after 6 hours. In vitro , effects of ConA-conditioned HSC medium on hepatocytes were determined. ConA induced inflammation, sinusoidal congestion, and extensive midzonal hepatocyte death in control mice, which were strongly minimized in HSC-depleted mice. CD4 and natural killer T cells and neutrophils were markedly reduced in ConA-treated HSC-depleted mice compared with control mice. The increase in cytokines/chemokines of hepatic injury was much higher in ConA-treated control mice than in HSC-depleted mice. ConA-treated HSCs showed increased expression of interferon-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CXCL1, induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes, and caused hepatocyte apoptosis. ConA induced nuclear translocation of interferon-regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) in hepatocytes in vivo , and ConA/HSC induced a similar effect in cultured hepatocytes. IRF1-knockout mice were resistant to ConA-induced liver damage, and anti–interferon β antibody mitigated ConA/HSC-induced injury. In HSC-NPC co-culture, ConA-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines was significantly augmented compared with NPCs alone. HSCs play an essential role in ConA-induced liver injury directly via the interferon-β/IRF1 axis, and by modulating properties of NPCs.
Ultrafast dynamics of ionic liquids in colloidal dispersion

Ionic liquid (IL)-surfactant complexes have significance both in applications and fundamental research, but their underlying dynamics are not well understood. We apply polarization-controlled two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D-IR) to study the dynamics of [BMIM][SCN]/surfactant/solvent model systems. We examine the effect of the choice of surfactants and solvent, and the IL-to-surfactant ratio (W-value), with a detailed analysis of the orientation and structural dynamics of each system. Different surfactants create very different environments for the entrapped ILs, ranging from a semi-static micro-environment to a fluxional environment that evolves even faster than the bulk IL. The oil-phase also clearly affects the microscopic dynamics. The anisotropy decay for entrapped ILs completes within 10 ps, which is similar to free thiocyanate ion in water, while a significant reorientation-induced spectral diffusion (RISD) effect is observed. The entrapped ionic liquid are highly dynamic for all W-values, and no core-shell structure is observed. We hypothesize that, instead of an ionic liquid-reverse micelle (IL-RM), the microscopic structure of this system is small colloidal dispersions or pairs of IL and surfactants. A detailed analysis of the polarization-controlled 2D-IR spectra of AOT system reveals a potential ion-exchange mechanism.
Learn-on-the-go: autonomous cross-subject context learning for internet-of-things applications

Developing machine learning algorithms for applications of Internet-of-Things requires collecting a large amount of labeled training data, which is an expensive and labor-intensive process. Upon a minor change in the context, for example utilization by a new user, the model will need re-training to maintain the initial performance. To address this problem, we propose a graph model and an unsupervised label transfer algorithm (learn-on-the-go) which exploits the relations between source and target user data to develop a highly-accurate and scalable machine learning model. Our analysis on real-world data demonstrates 54% and 22% performance improvement against baseline and state-of-the-art solutions, respectively.
International Election Observer Recommendations and UN Human Rights Mechanisms: Toward a More Robust System of Global Accountability on Democracy and Human Rights

ABSTRACTIn the last decade, states around the world have begun to pass and enforce laws that restrict fundamental rights and freedoms and effectively close off political space. Faced with the chall...
Visualization of multidimensional clinical data from wearables on the web and on apps

Health related IoT is an important field and is changing health care by recording the critical amount of patient data necessary to identify patterns in patient data. This big data requires big data visualization to be useful to clinicians. We present the design architecture of a new visualization tool based on web and mobile platforms for use in the clinical setting. Implementation information of four diagram views of chronological patient data are discussed, representing both continuous calendars and days as pie charts.
A Longitudinal Study of Inhibited Temperament, Effortful Control, Gender, and Anxiety in Early Childhood

Temperament has been associated with child anxiety in a number of studies; however, research examining possible mechanisms of effect using longitudinal designs is scarce. This study tested a theoretically-derived model of anxiety development spanning infancy (6 months) to early childhood (approximately 72 months) that includes temperamental reactivity (i.e., behavioral inhibition), temperamental self-regulation (i.e., effortful control), and gender. Data used in this study were collected in phase I and phase II from 1226 children and their caregivers by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for their prospective, longitudinal Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Structural equation modeling procedures were used to test whether effortful control mediated the relation between behavioral inhibition and anxiety and whether such mediation varied by gender. Results provided support for the model, suggesting that one mechanism linking the modest association between behavioral inhibition in infancy to anxiety symptoms in early childhood is through diminished effortful control. Further, moderated mediation analyses indicated that this mechanism was apparent only for girls. Modulation of temperamental reactivity via effortful control may be a protective factor in the translation of early behavioral inhibition to childhood anxiety for girls.
Stochastic Theory of Vibrational Dephasing and Transient CARS Lineshapes

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in studies of the dynamics of vibrational excitations in liquids[1]. Before the advent of picosecond spectroscopic methods, vibrational dephasing was studied through measurements of the isotropic Raman lineshape Io(ω). This lineshape is proportional to the Fourier transform of the vibrational correlation function \( \langle \overset{\wedge }{\mathop{q}}\,(t)\overset{\wedge }{\mathop{q}}\,(o)\rangle \), where \( \overset{\wedge }{\mathop{q}}\, \) is the coordinate of the relevant vibrational mode, and indicate a trace over the equilibrium density matrix[2]. The distinction is traditionally made between homogeneous and inhomogeneous contributions to spectral lineshapes. Although these two limits are well defined, the classification of realistic line broadening mechanisms into these two categories is not always possible. Consider a molecule coupled to abath with time scale 1/Λ. If Λ is much smaller than the observed line width, the line is inhomogeneously broadened. As Λ is increased, the lineshape will change, and only when Λ is much larger than the observed linewidth, will a Lorentzian, homogeneously broadened line emerge. For intermediate Λ, the line cannot be classified as either homogeneously or inhomogeneously broadened. Stochastic[2] and microscopic[3] models, which are valid for arbitrary Λ and interpolate between these limits, allow a more realistic calculation of spectral lineshapes in liquids. A fundamental question concerning the time-resolved CARS spectroscopy in liquids is, under what conditions does the experiment provide more microscopic information than is contained in Io(ω). Particular attention has been given to whether coherent
Towards Fast and Semi-supervised Identification of Smart Meters Launching Data Falsification Attacks

Compromised smart meters sending false power consumption data in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) may have drastic consequences on the smart grid»s operation. Most existing defense models only deal with electricity theft from individual customers (isolated attacks) using supervised classification techniques that do not offer scalable or real time solutions. Furthermore, the cyber and interconnected nature of AMIs can also be exploited by organized adversaries who have the ability to orchestrate simultaneous data falsification attacks after compromising several meters, and also have more complex goals than just electricity theft. In this paper, we first propose a real time semi-supervised anomaly based consensus correction technique that detects the presence and type of smart meter data falsification, and then performs a consensus correction accordingly. Subsequently, we propose a semi-supervised consensus based trust scoring model, that is able to identify the smart meters injecting false data. The main contribution of the proposed approach is to provide a practical framework for compromised smart meter identification that (i) is not supervised (ii) enables quick identification (iii) scales classification error rates better for larger sized AMIs; (iv) counters threats from both isolated and orchestrated attacks; and (v) simultaneously works for a variety of data falsification types. Extensive experimental validation using two real datasets from USA and Ireland, demonstrates the ability of our proposed method to identify compromised meters in near real time across different datasets.
The range of simultaneous scotopic contrast colors

We sought to determine the range of hues produced by simultaneous scotopic color contrast (hue induced by a mesopic field into a simultaneously presented, purely scotopic test field) in order to provide clues about how rod signals are processed in the pathways that mediate color vison.
The Value of Risk: Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center.

AbstractIn this article Bernstein and Gittleman address the role of risk in creating an exhibition that is of value to the public and is aligned with their cultural institution's core values. Through an examination of the development process, the authors present lessons that can assist others who are interested in undertaking an exhibition with similar aspirations. Noah's Ark at the Skirball became “the tail that wags the dog” by leading the Skirball Cultural Center to more fully realize its fundamental goals of transmitting values from one generation to the next, welcoming the stranger, and caring for the earth and one another. In a sidebar, the authors describe an initiative born of this exhibition that pays forward the messages of the Noah's Ark family galleries through direct action and involvement with community partners.
OSA and Cardiovascular Risk in Pediatrics.

OSA occurs in approximately 1% to 5% of children in the United States. Long-term cardiovascular risks associated with OSA in the adult population are well documented. Although changes in BP regulation occur in children with OSA, the pathways leading to chronic cardiovascular risks of OSA in children are less clear. Risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in adult populations could carry the same future risk for children. It is imperative to determine whether known mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases in adults are like those that lead to pediatric disease. Early pathophysiologic changes may lead to a lifetime burden of cardiovascular disease and early mortality. With this perspective in mind, our review discusses pathways leading to cardiovascular pathology in children with OSA and provides a comprehensive overview of recent research findings related to cardiovascular sequelae in the pediatric population.
Missed Opportunity: Neuroradiology Training Programs and Social Media.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the degree to which the academic neuroradiology community is embracing social media in its messaging. The hypothesis was that, compared with pe...
Resonance Raman Characterization of Tetracene Monomer and Nanocrystals: Excited State Lattice Distortions With Implications For Efficient Singlet Fission

The characterization of specific phonon modes and exciton states that lead to efficient singlet fission (SF) may be instrumental in the design of the next generation of high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. To this end, we analyze the absolute resonance Raman (RR) cross sections for tetracene (Tc) both as a monomer in solution and as a crystalline solid in an aqueous suspension of nanocrystals. For both systems, a time-dependent wavepacket model is developed that is consistent with the absolute RR cross sections, the magnitude of the absorption cross sections, and the vibronic line shapes of the fluorescence. In the monomer, the intramolecular reorganization energy is between 1500 and 1800 cm-1 and the solvent reorganization energy is 70 cm-1. In nanocrystals, the total reorganization is diminished to less than 600 cm-1. The lowest energy exciton has an estimated intramolecular reorganization energy between 300 and 500 cm-1 while intermolecular librational phonons have a reorganization energy of about 130 cm-1. The diminished reorganization energy of the nanocrystal is interpreted in the context of the delocalization of the band-edge exciton onto about ∼7 molecules. When electron and electron-hole correlations are included within many-body perturbation theory, the polarized absorption spectra of crystalline Tc are calculated and found to be in agreement with experiment. The low-lying exciton states and optically active phonons that contribute to the polarized crystal absorption are identified. The likely role of coherent exciton phonon evolution in the SF process is discussed.
In colonic ρ0 (rho0) cells reduced mitochondrial function mediates transcriptomic alterations associated with cancer

Background Mitochondrial reprogramming has emerged as a hallmark of cancer pathobiology. Although it is believed this reprogramming is essential for cancer cells to thrive, how it supports cancer pathobiology is unclear. We previously generated colonic ρ0 (rho0) cells with reduced mitochondrial energy function and acquired their transcriptional signature. Here, we utilized a bioinformatics approach to identify their changes linked to cancer pathobiology. Methods Human colon cancer HCT116 cells, control and ρ0, were used for qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis: GeneCards, Kaplan-Meier Survival, GENT, cBioPortal. Results The colonic ρ0 transcriptome was linked with proliferation, DNA replication, survival, tumor morphology, and cancer. Among differentially expressed transcripts, 281 were regulators or biomarkers of human colon cancer especially those with inflammatory microsatellite instability (MSI). We identified and validated novel transcripts in ρ0 cells with altered expression in human colon cancer. Among them DGK1, HTR7, FLRT3, and ZBTB18 co-occurred with established regulators of human colon cancer pathobiology. Also, increased levels of DGKI, FLRT3, ZBTB18, and YPEL1 as well as decreased levels of HTR7, and CALML6 were linked to substantially poorer patient survival. Conclusion We identified established and novel regulators in colon cancer pathobiology that are dependent on mitochondrial energy reprogramming and linked to poorer patient survival.
Survey on Important Pests of Rice and Vegetables with Emphasis on Population Trend and its Damage

Ringkasan. Telah dilakukan pengamatan tentang komponen serangga dan arthopoda lain pada asosiasi padi dan sayuran. Didapatkan bahwa komponen tersebut masih cukup berarti dari segi rantai interaksi ekologis. Dilakukan penafsiran terhadap pola populasi penggerek batang padi serta serangga hama sayuran dengan cara sampling stadia muda dan dewasa. Diketemukan pola populasi yang tidak begitu bervariasi untuk suatu daerah yang luas di Jawa Barat. Abstract. The insects and other arthropode components of rice and vegetables association were investigated. It was found that these components were still meaningful from the aspect of ecological interaction. Estimate of rice-borers population trend and also of the vegetables pests were carried out by means of immatures and matures sampling. Apparently the variation of the population trend of rice as well as vegetable pests was small within a relatively large area in West Java.
Alcohol Expectations of Short-Term, Faculty-Led Trip Leaders: A Survey of Current Practices.

Although a growing body of research examines alcohol consumption among American university students during study abroad, there is little to no research on alcohol-related policies and behavior by faculty leaders during study abroad. This research reports survey results from 66 U.S. colleges and universities on the current state of formal policies for faculty-led trip leaders. The quantitative findings reveal: 1) 93.9% of responding institutions allow trip leaders to consume alcohol during short-term, faculty-led study abroad trips; and 2) even those institutions that discourage faculty consumption with students allow such consumption in certain situations, including group dinners, winery and brewery tours, religious ceremonies, and receptions. The qualitative findings reveal three themes: 1) faculty should exhibit responsible consumption; 2) drinking with students is discouraged but allowed in certain situations; and 3) faculty leaders are never allowed to purchase alcohol for students. The manuscript concludes with a call for additional research on several topics.
O19.3 Partner services for gonorrhea can decrease new HIV among MSM in king county, washington: a mathematical modeling study

Background Partner services (PS) for bacterial STIs has potential to increase STI treatment among infected sex partners and HIV testing among people diagnosed with STIs and their partners. The population-level impact of PS on gonorrhea and HIV incidence has not been estimated. Methods Calibrated to King County’s MSM population, our compartmental gonorrhea-HIV coinfection model captures sexual mixing, gonorrhea and HIV transmission, and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and routine STI screening. We assessed incremental impact of PS over 5 and 20 years, and compared gonorrhea and HIV incidence and prevalence without PS, with PS, and with PS that integrates promotion of HIV testing (PS+HIV). In the absence of PS, we assumed that 10%, 10%, and 95% of rectal, pharyngeal, and urethral gonorrhea were treated and 63% of MSM receiving gonorrhea treatment also received HIV testing. With PS, 40% of treated cases received PS, increasing the proportion of partners treated for gonorrhea and tested for HIV by 4%, 4%, and 38% at each site. PS+HIV increased the proportion of gonorrhea-infected MSM tested for HIV to 83%. Results After 5 and 20 years, PS modestly changed rectal, pharyngeal, and urethral gonorrhea incidence and prevalence ( Conclusion Moderate gonorrhea PS coverage had modest impact on gonorrhea, given high rates of STI testing and treatment in King County. However, long-term PS+HIV increased HIV testing opportunities and substantially reduced HIV incidence. PS+HIV is a potential approach for prioritizing HIV testing in high ART and PrEP coverage settings. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Adoption of outgroup norms provides evidence for social transmission in perinatal care practices among rural Namibian women.

Background and objectives How do new ideas spread in social groups? We apply the framework of cultural evolution theory to examine what drives change in perinatal care norms among Himba women in the Kunene region of Namibia. Access to formal medical care is on the rise in this region, and medical workers regularly visit communities to promote WHO-recommended perinatal care practices. This study investigates how various forms of social transmission affect women's uptake of medical recommendations concerning perinatal care. Methodology Based on interviews with one hundred Himba mothers, we used Bayesian multi-level logistical regression models to examine how perceptions of group preferences, prestige ascribed to outgroup conformers, interaction with the outgroup and access to resources affect norm adoption. Results Women who perceive medical recommendations as common in their group prefer, plan and practice these recommendations more often themselves. We observed a shift toward medical recommendations regarding birth location and contraception use that was in line with conformity bias predictions. Practices that serve as cultural identity markers persist in the population. Conclusions and implications Norm changes, and the cultural evolutionary processes that can lead to them, are not uniform, either in process or pace. Empirical studies like this one provide important examples of how these changes reflect local culture and circumstance and are critical for better understanding the models that currently predominate in cultural evolution work. These cases can also help bridge the gap between evolutionary anthropology and public health by demonstrating where promotion and prevention campaigns might be most effective. Lay Summary The recent promotion of WHO-recommended perinatal care practices in Namibia provides an opportunity to empirically study norm change using a cultural evolution framework. We found women adopt medical recommendations when they believe these are common in their social group. Local norms that were not discouraged persisted in the study group.
A Study on the Impact of Mid-Gap Defects on Vertical GaN Diodes

GaN is a favorable martial for future efficient high voltage power switches. GaN has not dominated the power electronics market due to immature substrate, homoepitaxial growth, and immature processing technology. Understanding the impact of the substrate and homoepitaxial growth on the device performance is crucial for boosting the performance of GaN. In this work, we studied vertical GaN PiN diodes that were fabricated on non-homogenous Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) substrates from two different vendors. We show that defects which stemmed from growth techniques manifest themselves as leakage hubs. Different non-homogenous substrates showed different distribution of those defects spatially with the lesser quality substrates clustering those defects in clusters that causes pre-mature breakdown. Energetically these defects are mostly mid-gap around 1.8Ev with light emission spans from 450nm to 700nm. Photon emission spectrometry and hyperspectral electroluminescence were used to locate these defects spatially and energetically.
Comparative genomics of CXCR4MUT and CXCR4WT single cells in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia

Key Points Single-cell whole-genome amplification can be used to interrogate the genomic architecture of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. The mutational signature of CXCR4MUT cells may be associated with alterations in DNA repairing genes and tumor suppressors.
The Key Role of Staging Definitions for Assessment of Downstaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The success of liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dependent on accurate tumor staging using validated imaging criteria, and adherence to acceptable criteria based on tumor size and number. Other factors including α-fetoprotein (AFP) and response to local regional therapy (LRT) have now played a larger role in candidate selection. Tumor downstaging is defined as reduction in the size of viable tumors using LRT to meet acceptable criteria for LT, and serves as a selection tool for a subgroup of HCC with more favorable biology. The application of tumor downstaging requires a structured approach involving three key components in tumor staging—initial tumor stage and eligibility criteria, tumor viability assessment following LRT, and target tumor stage prior to LT—and incorporation of AFP into staging and treatment response assessments. In this review, we provide in-depth discussions of the key role of these staging definitions in ensuring successful outcome.
Fecal stanol ratios indicate shifts in camelid pastoralism in the highlands of Peru across a 4,000-year lacustrine sequence

Abstract Subsistence adaptations respond to environmental instability as well as sociopolitical demands. On the Andean altiplano, camelid husbandry is a key adaptation utilized for thousands of years to mitigate environmental risks to agricultural productivity, to facilitate transport and to generate wealth for political purposes. Here, we reconstruct the history of camelid utilization on the altiplano with fecal stanol biomarkers from Lake Orurillo in southern Peru. Biomarker samples span a 4000-year interval and document changes at centennial timescales. The abundances of individual fecal stanols appear to be less diagnostic of changes in human occupation in the Orurillo region where human population levels apparently remained far lower than those of domesticated camelids. However, ratios of human (coprostanol) to ruminant (24-ethylcoprosanol) fecal stanol concentrations demonstrate that these proxies are reliable indicators of variations in camelid herd sizes. Our data show that camelid utilization intensified after ca. 1050 CE during a severe and protracted drought that was coincident with widespread population movement away from fertile farmlands to higher elevations favorable for grazing. Camelid herds remained in high abundance around Orurillo during improved climate conditions and through the Inca era until after ca. 1500 CE when our data point to a significant disruption after European conquest. The intensification of camelid husbandry among Andean cultures is therefore linked to major environmental and sociopolitical shifts.
Automated analysis of ambulatory surgery patient experience comments using artificial intelligence for quality improvement: A patient centered approach

Abstract Background Quality improvement in healthcare is limited by both the quality and quantity of data available in the electronic health records or self reported by clinicians. Appropriate and timely reporting can help identify opportunities for quality improvement and deployment of mitigation steps but many of these process remain manual. Negative patient experience comments can potentially be used in identifying opportunities for quality improvement. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, like natural language processing (NLP) including sentiment analysis and topic modeling can be used to characterize patient experience comments in near real time, thus making the process timely, efficient and measurable. Methods We analyzed 15,453 de-identified patient experience comments from the Press Ganey™ survey of adult patients undergoing outpatient surgeries with anesthesia at Cleveland Clinic from 01/01/2012-05/03/2016. We used open source NLP including sentiment analysis and topical modeling to analyze post-discharge patient experience survey comments and feedback verbatim. For sentiment analysis we used an open source sentiment analyzer called VADER. For topic modeling we used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm. Results Sentiment analysis of patient comments using VADER was highly accurate with F1 score ranging from 0.83 to 0.84 for positive comments and 0.71–0.73 for negative comments compared to clinician's assessment. Two clinicians reviewed 1955 random comments as positive or negative with good agreement, with Cohen's k test score of k = 0.92 (p Conclusion We conclude that artificial intelligence can help in near real-time analysis of patient experience surveys. Commonly used open source algorithms can possibly be utilized in healthcare for quality improvement negating the need for significant development resources with the opportunity to generalize and scale.
An Affordable Self-Built Spectrometer for the Physics and Astronomy Classroom: A Useful Teaching Tool and Demonstration Instrument

The study of the electromagnetic spectrum, how light interacts with matter, and optical instruments such as lenses, mirrors, and gratings are important concepts in the Advanced Placement (AP) physics and introductory undergraduate physics and astronomy courses. The production, control, and analysis of light helps scientists to learn about the natural world. A spectrometer is an instrument that utilizes several components (lenses, mirrors, diffraction grating, or prism) that students commonly study in an introductory optics unit and can be helpful to demonstrate for students how light can be separated on the basis of wavelength. The authors designed and built a simple tabletop spectrometer. The layout is compact so as to make it easy to construct on a rolling cart to be easily transported for classroom demo or lab purposes. Additionally, we focused on keeping the spectrometer affordable, and discuss options for sourcing parts and scavenging for items in existing supplies. We constructed and tested two spectrometers, one at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania and one at Providence College in Rhode Island. Similar to Isaac Newton leaving Trinity College in 1665 during the bubonic plague outbreak, the final testing and building of these spectrometers was completed in the basements of the authors’ homes amid the COVID-19 shelter-at-home orders.
Yinyang: The Way Of Heaven And Earth In Chinese Thought And Culture

The concept of yinyang lies at the heart of Chinese thought and culture. The relationship between these two opposing, yet mutually dependent, forces is symbolized in the familiar black and white symbol that has become an icon in popular culture across the world. The real significance of yinyang is, however, more complex and subtle. This brilliant and comprehensive analysis by one of the leading authorities in the field captures the richness and multiplicity of the meanings and applications of yinyang, including its visual presentations. Through a vast range of historical and textual sources, the book examines the scope and role of yinyang, the philosophical significance of its various layers of meanings and its relation to numerous schools and traditions within Chinese (and Western) philosophy. By putting yinyang on a secure and clear philosophical footing, the book roots the concept in the original Chinese idiom, distancing it from Western assumptions, frameworks and terms, yet also seeking to connect its analysis to shared cross-cultural philosophical concerns.
Lincomycin injections for upper respiratory tract infections: a comparison of findings in a rural clinic with analysis of a national data base.

A review of the records of patients attending a rural family practice clinic indicated that 13% had received "cold shots" (lincomycin with or without chlorpheniramine). The providers who assumed management of the clinic when the previous physician retired judged these injections inappropriate, but patients believed that they were effective and expected to continue to receive them. This study included 51 consecutive patients seen in the clinic for treatment of a cold and compared those who expected an injection with those who did not. Thirty-four patients (67%) expected an injection but instead received education about upper respiratory tract infections and symptomatic treatment. Half of these patients (17) were not satisfied with this alternative, and 10 reportedly went to another provider for an injection. Compared with patients who did not expect an injection, patients who did were older (P less than .001), had longer duration of symptoms (P less than .02), and were more likely to have tried nonprescription remedies (P less than .001). Analysis of the 1985 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey indicates that the administration of lincomycin is not uncommon (an estimated 800,000 injections were given in 1985) and that lincomycin is more likely to be administered by a rural solo physician practicing in the north central or southern regions of the United States.
Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is an adverse outcome of antineoplastic drug therapy that has become increasingly relevant in the management of cancer survivors. As the efficacy of anticancer treatments has improved, long-term outcomes are altered by the development of cardiotoxicity, which may be associated with an even worse prognosis than that of the underlying malignancy. From the research into mechanisms, prevention, and treatment, the specialized field of cardio-oncology has evolved, but the recognition and appropriate management of these patients is important for the general internist and general cardiologist as well. Although antineoplastic chemotherapy can cause multiple forms of cardiotoxicity, including arrhythmia, pericardial disease, valvular dysfunction, and myocardial ischemia, in this review we will focus on chemotherapeutic agents associated with cardiomyopathies, from the anthracyclines to newer, the so-called targeted agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We also review the diagnostic modalities for chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy as well as the prevention and treatment strategies which may prolong the lives of those suffering from cancer.
Hospital and outpatient health services utilization among HIV-infected patients in care in 1999

Background: The evolving epidemiology and therapeutic management of HIV disease has important implications for health care resource utilization in HIV-infected patients, and health care resource use data are also needed to support policy and financial decision making.Methods: Demographic, clinical, and resource utilization data were collected from 9 U.S. HIV primary and specialty care sites in calendar year 1999. Rates of resource use were calculated for hospital admission, length of hospital stay, and outpatient clinic/office visits.Results: The sample included 5255 patients from HIV primary care sites in 3 eastern, 3 midwestern, arid 3 western areas of the United States. Hospital admissions accounted for an annual mean of 297 days per 100 persons/y in 1999. Hospital days ranged from a low of 165 per 100 persons/mo for a CD4 > 500 cells/mm(3) to 840 per 100 persons/mo for a CD4 < 50 cells/mm(3) (p < .01). Mean annual outpatient clinic/office visits were 10.7 per person in 1999. A declining CD4 level and an increasing HIV-1 RNA level were both associated with higher hospital and outpatient utilization. HAART use was associated with fewer hospital days, and a higher outpatient visit rate. Injecting drug use risk was associated with an increase in hospital days. African American race was associated with a higher number of hospital days, but a lower outpatient visit rate. Female gender was associated with higher outpatient utilization. Mean monthly inpatient and outpatient expenditures in 1999 were $423 and $168, respectively.Conclusion: As HIV care continues to evolve, data from our network of HIV providers will be useful in quantifying changes in HIV health services utilization makers, as well as HIV care payers and providers.
Expression of genes for microRNA-processing enzymes is altered in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background and Aim Recently, microRNAs (miRNA) have been linked to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). First transcribed as pri-miRNA, these molecules are further processed by a complex of endonuclear and cytosolic RNA binding molecules to form mature miRNAs. The aim of this study is to investigate mechanisms of miRNA regulation in the visceral adipose of obese NAFLD patients via measuring expression of miRNA processing enzymes and pri-miRNA. Methods Total RNAs were extracted from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) samples collected from patients undergoing bariatric surgery. All patients had biopsy-proven NAFLD (NASH patients [n = 12] and non-NASH NAFLD [n = 12]). For each patient, we profiled mRNA levels for three miRNA processing elements (Drosha, DGCR8, and Dicer1) and seven pri-miRNAs (pri-miR-125b-2, pri-miR-16-2, pri-miR-26a-1, pri-miR-26a-2, pri-miR-7-1, pri-miR-7-2, and pri-miR-7-3). Results Expression of Dicer1, Drosha and DGCR8 was significantly increased within the NASH cohort along with expression of pri-miR-7-1. The presence of focal necrosis on the liver biopsy correlated significantly with levels of Dicer1 and DGRC8. Both NASH and ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes correlated negatively with the expression levels of hsa-miR-125b. Histologic NASH correlated positively with the expression levels of pri-miR-16-2 and pri-miR-7-1. The presence of the hepatocyte's ballooning degeneration in the liver biopsy correlated positively with pri-miR-26a-1 and pri-miR-7-1. The expression profile of pri-miR-125b-2 also correlated positively with body mass index. Conclusions Our findings support the hypothesis that VAT-derived miRNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH in obese patients.
From the New Ecological Paradigm to Total Liberation: The Emergence of a Social Movement Frame

Drawing on theories of social movements and environmental sociology, this article considers a frame transformation that is taking place within ecological social movements. This transformation produced a new frame: “total liberation.” We explore this phenomenon by analyzing interviews with activists, fieldwork observations, and documents from radical environmental and animal rights movement networks in the United States. Beyond introducing the total liberation frame, the article expands current understandings of how and why frame transformations occur through a consideration of how multiple frames, as well as intra- and intermovement tensions and influences, shape frame transformation.
Challenges and issues in benchmarking MPI

Benchmarking MPI is a contentious subject at best. Micro- benchmarks are used because they are easy to port and, hypothetically, measure an important system characteristic in isolation. The unfortunate reality is that it is remarkably difficult to create a benchmark that is a fair measurement in the context of modern system. Software optimizations and modern processor architecture perform extremely efficiently on benchmarks, where it would not in an application context. This paper explores the challenges faced when benchmarking the network in a modern microprocessor climate and the remarkable impacts on the results that are obtained.
Using DPLL for efficient OBDD construction

The DPLL procedure has found great success in SAT, where search terminates on the first solution discovered. We show that this procedure is equally promising in a problem where exhaustive search is used, given that it is augmented with appropriate caching. Specifically, we propose two DPLL-based algorithms that construct OBDDs for CNF formulas. These algorithms have a worst-case complexity that is linear in the number of variables and size of the CNF, and exponential only in the cutwidth or pathwidth of the variable ordering. We show how modern SAT techniques can be harnessed by implementing the algorithms on top of an existing SAT solver. We discuss the advantage of this new construction method over the traditional approach, where OBDDs for subsets of the CNF formula are built and conjoined. Our experiments indicate that on many CNF benchmarks, the new method runs orders of magnitude faster than a comparable implementation of the traditional method.
Experimental and theoretical photoluminescence studies in nucleic acid assembled gold-upconverting nanoparticle clusters

Combinations of rare earth doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanostructures are sought as nanoscale theranostics due to their ability to convert near infrared (NIR) photons into visible light and heat, respectively. However, because the large NIR absorption cross-section of the gold coupled with their thermo-optical properties can significantly hamper the photoluminescence of UCNPs, methods to optimize the ratio of gold nanostructures to UCNPs must be developed and studied. We demonstrate here nucleic acid assembly methods to conjugate spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanostars (AuNSs) to silica-coated UCNPs and probe the effect on photoluminescence. These studies showed that while UCNP fluorescence enhancement was observed from the AuNPs conjugated UCNPs, AuNSs tended to quench fluorescence. However, conjugating lower ratios of AuNSs to UCNPs led to reduced quenching. Simulation studies both confirmed the experimental results and demonstrated that the orientation and distance of the UCNP with respect to the core and arms of the gold nanostructures played a significant role in PL. In addition, the AuNS-UCNP assemblies were able to cause rapid gains in temperature of the surrounding medium enabling their potential use as a photoimaging-photodynamic-photothermal agent.
Additional information on Orygmatobothrium musteli (Beneden, 1850) Diesing, 1854 (Tetraphyllidea: Phyllobothriidae) from the Grey Shark, Mustelus mento Cope, 1877

The microanatomy of Orygmatobothrium musteli from Mustelus mento is described from whole mounts and sections with the use of light microscopy. It is compared with previous descriptions of O. musteli, descriptions of other members of the genus Orygmatobothrium and a description of Phyllobothrium dohrnii; in addition, specimens from Woodland's collection of O. musteli were obtained on loan from the British Museum (Natural History) and examined. O. versatile is regarded as a junior synonym of O. musteli and the latter is considered the type species. The trivial name versatile cannot be used to refer to any larval orygmatobothrid. O. musteli as distinguished by Riser (1955) is not a member of the genus Orgymatobothrium, and P. dohrnii is removed as a synonym of O. musteli. O. musteli is considered to be the only species in the genus.
Pulsed photothermal deflection spectroscopy in a flowing medium: a quantitative investigation.

A comprehensive investigation of pulsed photothermal deflection spectroscopy in a flowing medium has been carried out. A rigorous solution of the appropriate diffusion equation has been obtained, and experiments have been conducted to verify the theoretical predictions. Absolute measurements of the photothermal deflection were made and no adjustable parameters were used in the theory. Very good agreement between the theory and the experiment was obtained.