cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Specters of Roman Imperialism: The Live Burials of Gauls and Greeks at Rome

Abstract Scholarly discussions of the live burials of Gauls and Greeks in the Forum Boarium in the mid- and late Republic (attested for the years 228, 216, and 114/113 B.C.E.) replay the debate on Roman imperialism; those supporting the theory of ““defensive”” imperialism connect religious fears with military ones, while other scholars separate this ritual and the ““enemy nations”” involved in it from the actual enemies of current warfare in order to corroborate a more aggressive sense of Roman imperialism. After reviewing earlier interpretations and the problems of ancient evidence for these Roman instances of ““human sacrifice,”” I propose a new reading based on a ritual parallel, a slightly earlier Greek oracle related to purification from avenging spirits. As burials of symbolic former enemies haunting Rome, the ritual suggests an insight into the experience of constant warfare and close-contact killing by citizen-soldiers in an aggressively imperialistic state. Especially with the disappearance of captive killings in the symbolic context of aristocratic burials and the emergence of Hellenistic epic to address elite glory, the live burials could have been critical in providing psychological closure to the once-soldiers back in Rome. Remarkably, the ritual offered an outlet in the religious realm for sentiments unwelcome in the Roman army: in the larger dynamic of the military and religious spheres, the strict world of military discipline was complemented by a religious (and cultural) realm that was much more open to external influence and innovation.
Vocal kin recognition in kin neighborhoods of western bluebirds

In most cooperatively breeding birds, individuals direct helping behavior to close relatives. Western bluebirds live in family groups in winter and show a high degree of male philopatry. Sons disperse locally forming kin neighborhoods and occasionally help at their parents’ or brothers’ nests. Although the pattern of kin-directed helping is well established in birds, the mechanism of recog-nition is known in only a few cases. Here, we report on an experiment with western bluebirds (
Mesotheliomas and Proliferative Lesions of the Testicular Mesothelium Produced in Fischer, Sprague-Dawley and Buffalo Rats by Methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine (DMN-OAc)

A single intraperitoneal dose of methyl(acetoxymethy1)nitrosamine ( 13 mg/kg body weight) given to 78 5-week-old male rats induced 25 mesotheliomas; two mesotheliomas were found in 67 control rats. All mesotheliomas arose from the peritesticular mesothelium and had a typical microscopic appearance of branching papillary fronds with a collagenous core covered by one or many layers of plump tumor cells. Cytoplasm of tumor cells contained material that reacted positively to a colloidal iron stain and was labile to hyaluronidase. In addition to frank mesotheliomas. 16 lesions. which we called atypical mesothelial prolifera- tions, were found. These consisted of a single focus of plump mesothelial cells overlying an area of thick stroma. Often these foci included short. non-branched papillary projections above the surface of adjacent normal mesothelium. Twelve of the 16 lesions occurred in methyl(acetoxymethy1)nitrosamine-treated rats.
Cognitive Functioning in Midlife and Old Age: Combined Effects of Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors

This study examined the joint protective contribution of psychosocial and behavioral factors to cognitive functioning and 10-year change, beyond the influence of sociodemographic factors, physical risk factors, health status, and engagement in cognitive activities. Participants were from the National Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), ages 32-84 at Time 2, and a subsample, the Boston Longitudinal Study (BOLOS), ages 34-84 at Time 2. We computed a composite protective measure including control beliefs, quality of social support, and physical exercise variables at two occasions, 9-10 years apart. Cognition was assessed at Time 2 in MIDUS and at both occasions in BOLOS. Multiple regressions were used for analysis. In MIDUS, the more of the protective factors, the better the cognitive performance, and the protective composite moderated education differences in memory. In BOLOS, the Time 1 composite predicted change in reasoning abilities, with a greater protective effect for those with lower education. A combination of modifiable psychosocial and behavioral factors has both concurrent and long-term protective effects on cognition in adulthood. The results are promising in that educational disparities in memory and reasoning were reduced, suggesting possible interventions to protect against cognitive declines.
An algorithm for computing the outcome of combinatorial auctions with proxy bidding

Proxy bidding has proved useful in a variety of real auction formats, such as eBay, and has been proposed for some combinatorial auctions. Previous work on proxy bidding in combinatorial auctions requires the auctioneer essentially run the auction with myopic bidders to determine the outcome. In addition to being computationally costly, this process is only as accurate as the bid increment, and decreasing the bid increment to improve accuracy greatly increases the running time. In this paper, we present an algorithm that computes the outcome of the proxy auction by examining only the events that cause the proxy bidders to change their behaviors. This algorithm is much faster than the alternative, and computes exact solutions.
Stationary linear and non-linear system identification and predictor set completeness

A general consistency theorem for stationary nonlinear prediction error estimators is presented. Since this theorem does not require the existence of a parameterized system generating the observations, it applies to the practical problem of modeling complex systems with simple parameterized models. In order to measure the quality of fit between a set of observed processes and a given candidate set of predictors, the notion of predictor set completeness is introduced. Several examples are given to illustrate this idea; in particular, a negative result concerning the completehess of certain sets of linear predictors is presented. The relationship of Ljung's definitions of identifiability to various notions of predictor set completeness is examined, and the strong consistency of maximum likelihood estimators for Gaussian autoregressive moving average systems is obtained via an application of our techniques. Finally, problems for future research are described.
The equivalent circuit model in solid-state electronics—III: Conduction and displacement currents

Abstract The equilibrium and nonequilibrium equivalent circuits of a single and a multiple energy level recombination centers were developed in parts I and II. This paper extends the analysis to include the nonequilibrium case arising from a d.c. steady state conduction current in the semiconductor structure. Application is made to minority carrier small signal transport in both homogeneous and heterogeneous semiconductors at low steady state levels ( P « N in n- type sample ) . Samples containing p-n junctions are not included but the effect of static, built-in electric field on the signal propagation is considered. In an extrinsic sample, it is shown that the nonequilibrium equivalent circuit is identical to the equilibrium case for considering carrier trapping, recombination and generation at the defect or impurity centers if the recombination conductances and capacitances are defined in terms of the steady-state carrier concentrations. The conditions on the properties of the imperfection centers and the frequency range in which trapping, recombination or generation event dominates at the centers are discussed in detail. It is shown that the effective small-signal minority carrier lifetime, τp in n-type semiconductor, is a complex variable due to the charge storage or trapping effect at the centers. In addition, τp is positional dependent due to the spatial variation of the steady state carrier concentrations. The small-signal lifetime, τp, is substantially different from the steady state lifetime τpSS which is commonly used in high-frequency, lumped-model device analysis. For strongly extrinsic samples with low concentration of recombination centers, the usual approximation, τ p ⋍ τ pSS ⋍ τ p 0 = 1/c p N TT , is valid. The lump model approximation to a specimen of length W is rigorously derived for minority carrier transport. It is shown that the commonly used stored-charge lump model is valid only at low frequency and zero recombination when the sample is geometrically divided into two or more lumps. For finite recombination, the effective length of each lump is shorter than at zero recombination and the sum of the length of each lump is less than the physical length of the sample.
DNA methylation, insulin resistance and second-generation antipsychotics in bipolar disorder

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) use and insulin resistance on a global measure of DNA methylation in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Materials & Methods: Subjects stable on medication (either mood stabilizer monotherapy or adjuvant SGAs) were assessed for insulin resistance. Global methylation levels were assessed in leukocyte DNA from whole blood using the Luminometric Methylation Assay. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the effect of insulin resistance and SGA use on DNA methylation. Results: A total of 115 bipolar I subjects were included in this study. The average age was 43.1 ±12.2 years and 73% were on SGAs. Average% global methylation was 77.0 ± 3.26 and was significantly influenced by insulin resistance, SGA use and smoking. Conclusion: This is the first study to show a relationship between SGA use, insulin resistance and global DNA methylation. Further work will be needed to identify tissue- and gene-specific met...
[Rh2(O2CCH3)4TCNE]x polymers:isomers with either 1,1- or trans-l,2-TCNE bridges

Abstract Two different polymeric solids have been obtained by the reaction of Rh 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 with TCNE (tetracyanoethylene). Both contain infinite chains, [Rh 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 (TCNE)∞, with solvent molecules (benzene and m -xylene) occupying interstices. In compound 1 the TCNE units serve as 1,1-bridges while in the other, 2 , they serve as trans -l,2-bridges. Both compounds are black.
Depolarizing-channel parameter estimation using noisy initial states

We consider estimating the parameter associated with the qubit depolarizing channel when the available initial states that might be employed are mixed. We use quantum Fisher information as a measure of the accuracy of estimation to compare protocols which use collections of qubits in product states to one in which the qubits are in a correlated state. We show that, for certain parameter values and initial states, the correlated-state protocol can yield a greater accuracy per channel invocation than the product-state protocols. We show that, for some parameters and initial states, using more than two qubits and channel invocations is advantageous. These results stand in contrast to the known optimal case that uses pure initial states and a single channel invocation on a pair of entangled qubits.
Towards a better understanding of the cellular basis for cerebrospinal fluid shunt obstruction: report on construction of a bank of explanted hydrocephalus devices

OBJECTIVE Shunt obstruction by cells and/or tissue is the most common cause of shunt failure. Ventricular catheter obstruction alone accounts for more than 50% of shunt failures in pediatric patients. The authors sought to systematically collect explanted ventricular catheters from the Seattle Children's Hospital with a focus on elucidating the cellular mechanisms underlying obstruction. METHODS In the operating room, explanted hardware was placed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Weekly, samples were transferred to buffer solution and stored at 4°C. After consent was obtained for their use, catheters were labeled using cell-specific markers for astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein), microglia (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1), and choroid plexus (transthyretin) in conjunction with a nuclear stain (Hoechst). Catheters were mounted in custom polycarbonate imaging chambers. Three-dimensional, multispectral, spinning-disk confocal microscopy was used to image catheter cerebrospinal fluid–intake holes...
Management of Corneal Bee Sting Injuries

ABSTRACTPurpose: To review the management of keratitis after corneal bee stings and to report a case of deep stromal corneal infiltrate secondary to a retained bee stinger managed conservatively in a patient who presented three days after unsanitary manipulation of the stinger apparatus. Methods: Case report and review of literature. Results: A 57-year-old male beekeeper was evaluated for pain, blurry vision, and photosensitivity after a corneal bee sting. Of note, the venom sac had been removed with dirty tweezers three days prior to his visit. On exam, a focal infiltrate with diffuse edema was seen surrounding a retained bee stinger in the peripheral cornea. Trace cells in the anterior chamber were also noted. Based on a high suspicion for infectious keratitis, a conservative treatment strategy was elected. Administration of broad-spectrum topical antibiotics with concomitant abstention of corticosteroids led to rapid resolution of the symptoms. Over 16 months of follow-up, the stinger has remained in s...
A Preliminary Investigation of the Taxation of Virtual Worlds

The author looks at the possibilities for state taxation of virtual world transactions. He says there is no doubt that conversion of virtual currency to real world currency produces income that is subject to tax.
One of the most well-established age-related changes in neural activity disappears after controlling for visual acuity

Numerous studies using a variety of imaging techniques have reported age-related differences in neural activity while subjects carry out cognitive tasks. Surprisingly little attention has been paid to the potential impact of age-associated changes in sensory acuity on these findings. Studies in the visual modality frequently report that their subjects had "normal or corrected- to-normal vision." However, in most cases, there is no indication that visual acuity was actually measured, and it is likely that the investigators relied largely on self-reported visual status of subjects, which is often inaccurate. We investigated whether differences in visual acuity influence one of the most commonly observed findings in the event-related potentials literature on cognitive aging, a reduction in posterior P3b amplitude, which is an index of cognitive decision-making/updating. Well-matched young (n=26) and old adults (n=29) participated in a visual oddball task. Measured visual acuity with corrective lenses was worse in old than young adults. Results demonstrated that the robust age-related decline in P3b amplitude to visual targets disappeared after controlling for visual acuity, but was unaffected by accounting for auditory acuity. Path analysis confirmed that the relationship between age and diminished P3b to visual targets was mediated by visual acuity, suggesting that conveyance of suboptimal sensory data due to peripheral, rather than central, deficits may undermine subsequent neural processing. We conclude that until the relationship between age-associated differences in visual acuity and neural activity during experimental tasks is clearly established, investigators should exercise caution attributing results to differences in cognitive processing.
Truncated Predictor Feedback Control for Active Magnetic Bearing Systems With Input Delay

In this brief, we investigate the control of linear systems with input delay with applications to active magnetic bearings (AMBs). This study is motivated by emerging energy explorations that require compressors and other rotating machines to operate in remote locations. The separation between the machine and the control site in these applications, which may extend for several kilometers, introduces a time delay in the transmission of the control signals. Here, we study the effect of input delay in the control of AMBs in remote rotating machines and we present a truncated predictor feedback (TPF) control design to maximize the input delay that the stable closed-loop system can tolerate. The controller corresponding to the maximum input delay is obtained iteratively from the solutions to local linear matrix inequality problems. The capabilities of the designed TPF controller are first verified through simulation and then experimentally validated on an AMB test rig.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Application to FTIR Spectroscopy Data of CO/CO 2 Contaminants of Air

During flight operations, air quality of an aircraft cabin is critical to crew and passenger safety as well as comfort. Yet, there are currently no environmental monitoring sensors present in the aircraft cabin. Without sensors, the amounts of gases such CO, CO2, ozone, etc., are assumed to be below harmful levels simply by dilution with high quantities of outside air. This paper highlights the use of principal component analysis (PCA) applied to Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data to determine gas concentrations in CO, CO2, H2O, O2 and N2 gas mixtures that could potentially be present in an aircraft cabin environment. The analysis determines regression coefficients for prediction data sets based on principal component regression (PCR) of FTIR spectra calibration data sets that spans the range of expected concentrations in normal aircraft operation, as well as elevated CO concentrations that could be present during an aircraft bleed air contamination event. The data sets are produced from known gas mixing in a controlled and isolated system. From the PCR, a root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) is calculated. To verify and compute the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of the prediction data set, individual component FTIR calibrations of gas from certified gas cylinders for set flow rates within the system for CO and CO2 were used.
Thermal Relaxation Times in Biological Tissues Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation

-1 . I n t h i s s t u d y , w e conduct combined radiation and heat conduction simulations to obtain this time constant for several different tissues, and compare the results with other mathematical expressions used for determining the thermal relaxation time. The scattering effect and surface convection are considered. A new thermal relaxation time expression is introduced in which its value is two times of the thermal relaxation time used in the literature. It is found that the results predicted by this new expression match better with the predictions based on the peak temperature decaying.
ADR: An Eclectic Array of Processes, Rather than One Eclectic Process

When mediators try to resolve a controversy by providing their analysis of the legal – or other – merits, they are providing the service that judges, arbitrators and neutral experts provide. In essence, such endeavors use the neutral’s judgment, award or opinion to determine or jump-start a resolution. This article urges that this add-on activity to mediation should be called by its proper name. The essay highlights the advantages of calling "mediation plus evaluation" a mixed process and discusses the advantages of having an eclectic and diverse mix of processes from which parties and counsel can choose to promote party choice and self-determination.
On Being a Student of Thermodynamics: Trust Your Eyes; Use Your Imagination

I am a student of thermodynamics. Yes, I have been teaching the subject to baccalaureate and graduate students in petrology and materials science for about 25 years. But in every course, almost every lecture, I perceive something new: some new (to me) subtlety in the ideas that facilitates deeper appreciation and understanding of some of the experimental data generated in my research group and that fosters a profound admiration for the many scholars who brought forth these ideas in the nineteenth century and refined them in the twentieth. In this process, I have identified and shared with my fellow learners two pieces of advice that are particularly valuable in applying thermodynamics to the analysis of textures in rocks, which is so very often the center of our interest in thermodynamics: trust your eyes; use your imagination. Let me explain, or at least try...
Research on reservoir engineering technology for tight low-permeability gas pool

By the end of 2008,according to SINOPEC data,low-permeability gas reservoirs had contributed 61 percent of pro-ducing geologic reserves and 73.8 percent of productivity respectively,which made it become primary gas reservoir.However,such disadvantages as low permeability,low yield and poor abundance became bottle neck for reservoir engineering study.Based on years of study on effluent seepage mechanism,well test interpretation,flow potential evaluation,performance analysis and development strategy in low-permeability gas reservoirs of Daniudi gas field,this paper summarizes relevant gas reservoir engineering technologies,which will plays significant roles in development of tight low-permeability gas reservoirs.
Application of Real-Time Fluorescence PCR for Detection of HFMD Virus Nucleic Acid

[Objective]To investigate the application value of real-time fluorescent RT-PCR and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)for the detection of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD)virus nucleic acid.[Methods]The excrements and throat swab specimens were collected from children with suspected enterovirus infection in Fengxian district from May to August in 2009.The enterovirus type 71(EV71)and Coxsackie A16(CoXA16)were tested by real-time fluorescent PCR and RT-PCR.[Results]Among excrements and throat swab specimens of 38 suspected cases,63(82.89%)positive specimens of EV71and CoXA 16 were detected by real-time fluorescent PCR,and 52(68.42%)positive specimens were detected by RT-PCR.[Conclusion]The real-time fluorescent RT-PCR has the advantages of high sensitivity and specificity,and it can detect virus RNA within several hours after sampling,so as to diagnose rapidly.The method plays an important role in the epidemiological investigation and control of enterovirus.
Carotid Endarterectomy on Antiplatelet Agents in the Era of Point-of-Care Testing.

Objective The safety of carotid endarterectomy in patients with a response to antiplatelet agents (aspirin and clopidogrel) confirmed by point-of-care testing is unknown. Thus, we sought to determine whether using point-of-care assessment of platelet inhibition reveals risk factors for operative complications or predicts clinical outcomes. Methods We reviewed records of carotid endarterectomy patients treated from March 2013 to July 2015 to extract demographics, lesion characteristics, laboratory data, procedural complications, and follow-up. Administration of aspirin, clopidogrel, or therapeutic anticoagulation within 5 days before surgery was recorded. Results We analyzed 79 patients with 86 lesions (mean age 70.9 ± 10.0 years). More patients with a P2Y 12 reaction unit (PRU) P = 0.63). Estimated blood loss ≥100 mL was more frequent among patients with PRU P = 0.09). Clopidogrel use, regardless of response, independently predicted neck hematoma in a logistic regression model, with increased odds of 8.5. Mean postoperative modified Rankin Scale scores did not differ statistically between clopidogrel users and nonusers at a mean follow-up of 108.5 ± 146.3 days ( P = 0.27). Conclusions Clopidogrel use within 5 days of carotid endarterectomy independently predicted postoperative neck hematomas, most of which were managed conservatively. Patients with PRU
Paramètres doppler dans le suivi et l'évaluation des patients insuffisants cardiaques

La place que prend l'insuffisance cardiaque dans l'activite des cardiologues et des internistes va croissant. Ces insuffisances cardiaques sont uniquement diastoliques dans pres de 40 % des cas. Qu'elle soit diastolique pure ou mixte, l'insuffisance cardiaque requiert une prise en charge therapeutique adaptee, au long cours. Une demarche pas a pas est alors souvent necessaire et l'echocardiographie avec l'analyse des flux doppler est certainement l'un des moyens les plus pertinents de suivi. De nouvelles technologies permettent de plus, aujourd'hui, d'avoir acces a une information quantifiable et regionale de la fonction ventriculaire systolique et diastolique : le doppler tissulaire et le strain rate imaging seront certainement, dans un avenir proche, une aide substantielle supplementaire pour l'adaptation des strategies de prise en charge d'un insuffisant cardiaque.
Imaging of bone sarcomas

Abstract Primary bone sarcomas are relatively rare and comprise only a small percentage of bone neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis, critical to appropriate management, is achieved on a consistent basis with the close correlation of microscopic findings with imaging diagnosis. Initial radiologic evaluation of primary bone sarcomas is usually with radiographs. On the basis of the patient’s age, location of the tumor, and matrix of the lesion, the radiologist can more often than not provide an accurate, narrow differential diagnosis. Staging for primary bone sarcomas is done most commonly with a combination of computed tomography (CT) to assess for pulmonary metastases and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging. The utility of positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT) is currently under evaluation for routine clinical use. Some studies have shown improved detection of metastases with PET/CT as opposed to CT alone. Routine use of PET/CT, however, would result in increased ionizing radiation dose to young children who may present with primary Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma. The advent of PET/MRI may provide an alternative method of staging with less ionizing radiation than PET/CT, but at a higher financial cost. Further research is needed to assess the utility and cost-effectiveness in using such modalities routinely in primary bone sarcoma staging.
To Reveal or Conceal: Using Communication Privacy Management Theory to Understand Disclosures in the Workplace:

A sample of 103 full-time employees from various organizations and industries completed an online, open-ended survey to explore and understand the decisions people make to manage their private disc...
Access to healthcare insurance and healthcare services among syringe exchange program clients in Massachusetts: qualitative findings from health navigators with the iDU ("I do") Care Collaborative

Background Little is known about access to health insurance among people who inject drugs (PWID) who attend syringe exchange programs (SEPs). The goal of the current study was to assess perceptions of SEP staff, including health navigators and program managers, on access to health insurance and healthcare access among SEP clients following implementation of state and federal policies to enhance universal healthcare access in Massachusetts.
Breaking barriers to novel analgesic drug development

Acute and chronic pain complaints, although common, are generally poorly served by existing therapies. This unmet clinical need reflects a failure to develop novel classes of analgesics with superior efficacy, diminished adverse effects and a lower abuse liability than those currently available. Reasons for this include the heterogeneity of clinical pain conditions, the complexity and diversity of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and the unreliability of some preclinical pain models. However, recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of pain are beginning to offer opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies and revisiting existing targets, including modulating ion channels, enzymes and G-protein-coupled receptors.
Harm Perceptions of Intermittent Tobacco Product Use Among U.S. Youth, 2016.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to describe U.S. youth harm perceptions of intermittent tobacco use. Methods Using data from the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey of U.S. students (grades 6–12; N = 20,675), we examined prevalence and correlates of all respondents' perceived harm of using four different tobacco products on "some days but not every day." Associations between current (past 30-day) use and harm perceptions were assessed using multivariable regression. Results Perceiving that intermittent use causes "no" or "little" harm was 9.7% for cigarettes, 12.0% for smokeless tobacco, 18.7% for hookah, and 37.5% for e-cigarettes. Compared with those who reported "a lot" of harm, youth with lower harm perceptions were more likely to report current use. Conclusions One in ten youth perceived intermittent cigarette smoking as causing "little" or "no" harm; this perception was higher among current users. Efforts to educate youth about the risks of even intermittent tobacco product use could reduce misperceptions of harm.
Statistical Evaluation for Data Quality

Statistical methods are described to evaluate data quality. Quality is considered to consist of close grouping for several readings of the same variable; or consistency of measurements. Statistical methods include histograms, construction of Gaussian distributions, and computation of standard deviation.
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and their mediation by cyclic nucleotides.

In a symposium devoted to the discussion of modula tors, mediators and specifiers in brain, it seems propitious first to address the issue of what these agents are and what criteria may be developed to define them. This task seems particularly timely now because of the burgeoning number of substances found in brain which seem not to strictly fit our preconceived notions of a neurotransmitter. Therefore, after developing criteria for neurotransmitters, mediators and modulators, I will provide examples of substances that could satisfy the criteria for these classifications, with special emphasis on norepinephrine (NE), cyclic AMP and the opioid peptides.
Steps toward a radio H-R diagram

We discuss the possibility of establishing a set of observational parameters for radio galaxies which could be used to study radio source evolution in the same way that the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is used to understand stellar evolution. As a first step towards a radio H-R diagram, we show that the FRI/II break is a function of both radio and optical luminosity. This result combined with the radio linear size/luminosity diagram suggests that the FR III break is very sharp and the two morphological classes probably have an evolutionary connection.
Nodes protect against drought stress in rice (Oryza sativa) by mediating hydraulic conductance

Abstract The importance of rice resistance to abiotic stress has largely been attributed to signal-induced closure of stomata, protection of antioxidase enzymes, and osmotic adjustment of sugars, etc. However, regulation role of nodes in water flow under drought stress has not been reported. Two rice genotypes Z4 and its recombinant inbred line (RIL) were subjected to drought stress for 10 d at the pollen mother cell meiosis stage. Results indicated a higher decline in spikelet fertility was found in RIL than Z4 plants under drought stress compared with the corresponding control. However, the leaves of Z4 plants were wilting 1 d earlier than those of RIL plants under drought stress. Accordingly, a greater decline in the RWC and water potential of the leaf and sheath, but a lower decrease in the panicle, was observed in the Z4 plants than the RIL plants. In the process, higher decrease in transpiration rate of leaf, hydraulic conductance, diameter of the xylem vessel and relative expression level of aquaporins (AQP) genes of node were observed in Z4 than RIL plants under drought stress compared with the corresponding control. Thereby, we deduced that the node act as a “node switch” to control panicle water status by mediating the hydraulic resistance through changing the xylem diameter and the expression level of AQP genes under drought stress.
Microanatomical changes and biomolecular expression at the PDL-entheses during experimental tooth movement.

The novel aspect of this study was to contextualize the co-localization of biomolecular expression in widened and narrowed periodontal ligament (PDL)-space within a mechanically activated periodontal complex. The PDL is unique as it is the only ligament with both innervation and vascularization. Maxillary molars in 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (N = 5) were experimentally translated for 2 weeks using an elastic spacer. Contralateral teeth were used as controls. Mechanical testing of the periodontal complex of a mouse in situ and imaging using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-XCT) illustrated deformations within blood vessels (BV) of the PDL. PDL-bone and PDL-cementum entheses at the widened and narrowed PDL-spaces following experimental tooth movement (ETM) illustrated osterix (OSX), bone sialoprotein (BSP), cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), indicating active remodeling at these sites. PGP9.5 positive nerve bundles (NBs) were co-localized with multinucleated cells (MCs), Howship's resorption lacunae, and CD146 positive BVs. Association between nerves and MC was complemented by visualizing the proximity of osmium tetroxide stained NBs with the ultrastructure of MCs by performing scanning transmission electron microscopy. Spatial association of NB with BV, and NB with MC, provided insights into the plausible co-activation of NBs to initiate osteoclastic activity. Resorption of mineral occurred as an attempt to restore PDL-space of the load-bearing complex, specifically at the PDL-entheses. Mapping of anatomy-specific structural elements and their association with regenerative molecules by correlating light and electron micrographs provided insights into the use of these extracellular matrix molecules as plausible targets for pharmacological interventions related to tooth movement. Within the realm of tissue regeneration, modulation of load can reverse naturally occurring mineral formation to experimentally induced resorption, and naturally occurring mineral resorption to experimentally induced formation at the enthesial sites to permit tooth translation.
Performance of firebrick resistance-heated energy storage for industrial heat applications and round-trip electricity storage

Abstract In the absence of an affordable and deployable energy storage option, the intermittency of renewable energy creates mismatches in supply and demand that limit the viability of a low-carbon electricity grid. High temperature electrically-heated thermal energy storage (E-TES) is a largely unexplored approach to alleviating the problem of low-value renewable energy. Evaluated herein is one E-TES concept, called Firebrick Resistance-Heated Energy Storage (FIRES), that stores electricity as sensible high-temperature heat (1000–1700 °C) in ceramic firebrick, and discharges it as a hot airstream to either (1) heat industrial plants in place of fossil fuels, or (2) regenerate electricity in a power plant. FIRES storage media and heater options are reviewed, and discharge cycling is simulated with Crank-Nicolson finite difference schemes and evaluated over the parameter design space. We report that systems of 100–1000 s MWh may be cycled daily, and discharged at a constant heat rate typically for 70–90% of the storage capacity. Traditional insulation can reasonably limit heat leakage to less than 3% per day. Preliminary cost estimates indicate a system cost near $10/kWh, substantially less expensive than batteries. Northwestern Iowa market analysis shows payback within 2 years and economic profitability.
“Elephants to ride upon, my little Irish Rose”

In this chapter, we explore performances of memory in interactions of everyday life. As important background, we first situate this examination within what is called ‘procedural memory’ (Eichenbaum, The cognitive neuroscience of memory (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012) and discussions of formulaic language (Wray and Perkins, Language & Communication, 20(1), 1–28, 2000), followed by a brief case study. We then turn to everyday conversation for evidence of the following phenomena: performed memory in the form of singing songs and reading aloud; management of interactional system requirements and constraints; displays of formulaic language; and the eventual malfunction of the autopilot.
Novel imaging of inner to outer space (Conference Presentation)

Despite the ubiquity and maturity of imaging systems in the modern world, new imaging technologies continue to emerge that allow humanity to see into new spaces. For example, a new medical capability uses a laser system that can image neural activity through the skull in real-time. At the other extreme is the Dragonfly project for NASA, which uses an imaging system on an unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate, image, and possibly find life on the Saturn moon of Titan. This talk will cover these and other new imaging technologies that promise to change how we view our world.
Vital Signs Data and Probability of Hospitalization, Transfer to Another Facility, or Emergency Department Death Among Adults Presenting for Medical Illnesses to the Emergency Department at a Large Urban Hospital in the United States

Abstract Background Vital signs are routinely measured from patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), but how they predict clinical outcomes like hospitalization is unclear. Objectives To evaluate how pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at ED presentation predicted probability of hospitalization, transfer to another center, or death in the ED (as a composite outcome) vs. other ED dispositions (discharged, eloped, and sent to observation or labor and delivery), and to assess the performance of different modeling strategies, specifically, models including flexible forms of vital signs (as restricted cubic splines) vs. linear forms (untransformed numeric variables) vs. binary transformations (vital signs values categorized simply as normal or abnormal). Methods We analyzed the data of 12,660 adults presenting for medical illnesses to the ED at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, throughout 2014. We used flexible forms of vital signs data at presentation (pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and MAP) to predict ED disposition (admitted, transferred, or died, vs. other ED dispositions) and to guide binary transformation of vital signs. We compared performance of models including vital signs as flexible terms, binary transformations, or linear terms. Results A model including flexible forms of vital signs and age to predict the outcome had good calibration and moderate discrimination (C-statistic = 71.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70.0–72.4). Binary transformation of vital signs had minimal impact on performance (C-statistic = 71.3, 95% CI 70.2–72.5). A model with linear forms was less calibrated and had slightly reduced discrimination (C-statistic = 70.3, 95% CI 69.1–71.5). Conclusions Findings suggest that flexible modeling of vital signs may better reflect their association with clinical outcomes. Future studies to evaluate how vital signs could assist clinical decision-making in acute care settings are suggested.
Early Evidence on Social Distancing in Response to COVID-19 in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow in the United States and, in the absence of a vaccine or effective treatment, social distancing measures are essential to slow the spread of this disease. Using cellular mobility data from 2019 and 2020, I demonstrate that there have been substantial increases in social distancing since the start of the pandemic. Rates of voluntary, as opposed to mandatory, social distancing varies by county characteristics, including partisanship, media consumption, and racial and ethnic composition. Mandatory measures to increase social distancing appear to be effective, most notably stay at home orders which increase the share of devices at home by 2 percentage points. Social distancing orders also appear to have substantial informational content and, in the case of mask mandates, the informational content appears to be greater than the gross effect of mask mandates on behavior. These results provide insight into the importance of communicating the threat posed by COVID-19, since most changes in social distancing appear to be voluntary, plausibly reflecting beliefs about disease risk.
23. INFORMED CONSENT SMART PHONE APP IMPROVES LEVEL OF COMFORT AND KNOWLEDGE AMONGST PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS

Background Obtaining informed consent is an integral part of medicine yet is a skill set that is not typically taught to residents formally. Lack of skill and confidence obtaining informed consent can have dire medical-legal consequences. Therefore, we created an informed consent smartphone app to give providers this information at their fingertips so they can successfully obtain informed consent on several common pediatric procedures in a more standardized fashion. Our objective was to assess if pediatric residents knowledge and comfort with obtaining informed consent would increase with an informed consent app. Methods A prototype smartphone app was designed on Adobe XD with a standardized approach to obtaining informed consent for pediatric procedures (RBC and platelet transfusions, LP, conscious sedation, central lines and vitamin K refusal). In 2020, an anonymous pre-intervention questionnaire was circulated amongst pediatric residents in Elmhurst Hospital Center. Participants were given an opportunity to navigate the informed consent app and given a post-intervention survey. Results Of the 25 residents who participated, all had previously obtained consent. Most learned how to obtain consent by observing another resident (72%) and surprisingly, 12% report that they obtained consent without any preparation at all. Self-reported level of comfort for procedures increased proportionally with every year of training. Residents’ comfort obtaining informed consent improved for every procedure after use of the informed consent app. 100% were comfortable obtaining informed consent with the app for all procedures with the exception of central lines which was not functioning on the app. 96% of residents agree that they would benefit from additional training in obtaining informed consent. 100% of residents agree that they would use the informed consent app. Conclusions With the informed consent app, residents’ level of comfort increased for all procedures. This quick intervention showed promise as an easy way for residency programs to standardize an approach to obtaining informed consent.
Peptide-Modified Biopolymers for Biomedical Applications

Polymeric biomaterials have been used in a variety of applications, like cargo delivery and tissue scaffolding, because they are easily synthesized and can be adapted to many systems. However, there is still a need to further enhance and improve their functions to progress their use in the biomedical field. A promising solution is to modify the polymer surfaces with peptides that can increase biocompatibility, cellular interactions, and receptor targeting. In recent years, peptide modifications have been used to overcome many challenges to polymer biomaterial development. This review discusses recent progress in developing peptide-modified polymers for therapeutic applications including cell-specific targeting and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we will explore some of the most frequently studied base components of these biomaterials.
Narrow prototypes and neglected victims: Understanding perceptions of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is pervasive and has adverse effects on its victims, yet perceiving sexual harassment is wrought with ambiguity, making harassment difficult to identify and understand. Eleven preregistered, multimethod experiments (total N = 4,065 participants) investigated the nature of perceiving sexual harassment by testing whether perceptions of sexual harassment and its impact are facilitated when harassing behaviors target those who fit with the prototype of women (e.g., those who have feminine features, interests, and characteristics) relative to those who fit less well with this prototype. Studies A1-A5 demonstrate that participants' mental representation of sexual harassment targets overlapped with the prototypes of women as assessed through participant-generated drawings, face selection tasks, reverse correlation, and self-report measures. In Studies B1-B4, participants were less likely to label incidents as sexual harassment when they targeted nonprototypical women compared with prototypical women. In Studies C1 and C2, participants perceived sexual harassment claims to be less credible and the harassment itself to be less psychologically harmful when the victims were nonprototypical women rather than prototypical women. This research offers theoretical and methodological advances to the study of sexual harassment through social cognition and prototypicality perspectives, and it has implications for harassment reporting and litigation as well as the realization of fundamental civil rights. For materials, data, and preregistrations of all studies, see https://osf.io/xehu9/. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Public Engagement with Agency Rulemaking - Final Report for the Administrative Conference of the United States

Final Report to the Administrative Conference of the United States on strategies for agencies to enhance public engagement prior to and during informal notice-and-comment rulemaking. The Report encourages agencies to invest resources in ways that maximizes the probability that rule-writers obtain high quality public information when setting their rulemaking agendas, developing proposed rules, during notice-and-comment, and as part of their retrospective review of existing regulations. In addition, it recommends targeting outreach to individuals who might otherwise be unlikely to participate in rulemaking, and taking advantage of in-person engagement opportunities to solicit stakeholder input and support future informed participation.
Transcending the Elements: the Meaning in the Mist and Stars in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations

In this senior thesis, I seek to explore the meaning of the mist and the stars in Charles Dickens's Great Expectations. I argue that through observation of the mist and the stars as an entrance point to the text, we as readers are able to expand our discussion of the text to incorporate other fundamental aspects of the story. I open with a contextualization of the mist and the stars in Dickens’ previous works, including Bleak House, Oliver Twist, and Sketches by Boz. I argue that the mist stands as a symbol for Pip’s uncertainty about the future and his place in the world, while the stars represent an inaccessible though alluring clarity and transparency. The mist stands as an obstructing force, and the rising of the mist connotes moments of growth and maturation for Pip. The stars act as the cosmic opposition to the mist, and they are synonymous with Pip’s elusive love interest, Estella. Through a reading of the mist and the stars, we gain a deeper connection to the nuances and foundational themes of Great Expectations.