cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a unified multiresolution vision model for autonomous ground robots

While remotely operated unmanned vehicles are increasingly a part of everyday life, truly autonomous robots capable of independent operation in dynamic environments have yet to be realized - particularly in the case of ground robots required to interact with humans and their environment. We present a unified multiresolution vision model for this application designed to provide the wide field of view required to maintain situational awareness and sufficient visual acuity to recognize elements of the environment while permitting feasible implementations in real-time vision applications. The model features a kind of color-constant processing through single-opponent color channels and contrast invariant oriented edge detection using a novel implementation of the Combination of Receptive Fields model. The model provides color and edge-based salience assessment, as well as a compressed color image representation suitable for subsequent object identification. We show that bottom-up visual saliency computed using this model is competitive with the current state-of-the-art while allowing computation in a compressed domain and mimicking the human visual system with nearly half (45%) of computational effort focused within the fovea. This method reduces storage requirement of the image pyramid to less than 5% of the full image, and computation in this domain reduces model complexity in terms of both computational costs and memory requirements accordingly. We also quantitatively evaluate the model for its application domain by using it with a camera/lens system with a 185?field of view capturing 3.5M pixel color images by using a tuned salience model to predict human fixations. Generalize the CORF operator for color images for contrast invariant edge detection.Unify center-surround differencing with Serre's color image descriptor.Cropped Gaussian Pyramid as a piece-wise linear approximation for foveated vision.Shown competitive performance in visual salience at reduced computational costs.Enabling more complex image processing in real-time, ideal for FPGA implementation.
Jewish Administrative Practice and a Philosophy of Public Administration

To speak of "the" philosophy of public administration or of "public administration theory" as a timeless andplaceless umbrella term pre supposes a universalism in the meaning of its referents, including its three components, "public," "administration," and "public adminis tration. " Yet taking constructivist ontological and interpretive episte mological arguments seriously should lead us to expect that the sociopolitical values of different national or cultural settings would be embedded in their respective administrative practices as well as in their theorizing, leading to potential differences among "public ad ministrations" (in the plural). This essay seeks to explore the possi bility that there is an administrative ethic informed by the values of Judaism. As seen in and through its foundational texts, such an ethic leads to administrative practices that are different from the dominant American model of public administration. Its existence as a distinct mode (or as one with distinctive features) would call into question its melding into a "Judaeo-Christian" practice, as well as the putative universality of public administration theory.
Development of hybrid optimization of train schedules model for N-track rail corridors

From a capacity perspective, efficient utilization of a railway corridor has two main objectives; avoidance of schedule conflicts, and finding a proper balance between capacity utilization and level of service (LOS). There are several timetable tools and commercial rail simulation packages available to assist in reaching these objectives, but few of them offer both automatic train conflict resolution and automatic timetable management features for the different types of corridor configurations. This research presents a new rescheduling model to address some of the current limitations. The multi-objective linear programming (LP) model is called “Hybrid Optimization of Train Schedules” (HOTS), and it works together with commercial rail simulation tools to improve capacity utilization or LOS metrics. The HOTS model uses both conflict resolution and timetable compression techniques and is applicable to single-, double-, and multiple-track corridors (N-track networks), using both directional and bi-directional operations. This paper presents the approach, formulation and data requirements for the HOTS model. Single and multi-track case studies test and demonstrate the model’s train conflict resolution and timetable compression capabilities, and the model’s results are validated by using RailSys simulation package. The HOTS model performs well in each tested scenario, providing comparable results (either improved or similar) to the commercial packages.
A COMPARISON OF THE DISPOSITION OF INTRAVENOUSLY-INJECTED, ALBUMIN-BOUND STEARIC ACID-1-C14 AND PALMITIC ACID-1-C14 IN THE RAT.

SummaryStearic acid-1-C14 or palmitic acid-1-C14 was injected intravenously into rats in the form of albumin-bound free fatty acids. At various intervals thereafter livers, hearts and samples of ad...
Unit analysis method of satellite gear drive

At present, the analysis of power-flow of satellite gear drive and calculations on its transmission ratio and meshing efficiency are both difficult and complicated. At here, firstly let the satellite gear drive be decomposed into several elementary epicyclic train units and the discrete graphs be plotted, and then carrying out motion analysis and power-flow analysis one by one upon these units in accordance with discrete graphs, finally, an improvement is conducted as well on the method of transmission ratio. This new analytic method resolved the above difficult problem in simple terms and a brief easily understanding way.
Neurologic complications of cardiac arrest.

Abstract Cardiac arrest is a common and serious medical emergency affecting upwards of 450 000 Americans on an annual basis. It causes a substantial strain on the physical and financial resources of the medical system. The optimal management of patients requires the close collaboration of multiple specialists, including first responders, intensivists, cardiologists, and neurologists. The role of the neurologist for the post-arrest patient is to assist in management to minimize brain injury as well as to prognosticate long-term outcomes to help guide therapy decisions of families and physicians. This review focuses on epidemiologic data, current management recommendations, clinical and ancillary testing to suggest long-term prognosis, and common complications of cardiac arrest. Particular attention has been paid to updates, including therapeutic hypothermia, since this topic was last reviewed in 1993.
Renal growth factor expression during the early phase of experimental hydronephrosis

AbstractUnilateral ureteral obstruction in the rat leads to hydronephrosis of the affected kidney and renal cell deletion through the process of apoptosis. We studied this experimental model to determine whether acute alterations in renal growth factor expression might be involved in the initiation of the apoptotic response. Northern blot analysis of hydronephrotic, contralateral and sham operated kidney polyadenylated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was performed to quantitate the expression of mRNA encoding the growth factors epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-β and insulin-like growth factor II during the first 48 hours following ureteral obstruction. Although the expression of the insulin-like growth factor II mRNA was unchanged by ureteral obstruction, the expression of epidermal growth factor mRNA rapidly declined in the obstructed kidney during this period. The loss of epidermal growth factor expression was further confirmed by an immuno-cytochemical staining procedure that demon...
Morphogenetic cell movements in the middle region of the dermomyotome dorsomedial lip associated with patterning and growth of the primary epaxial myotome

The morphogenetic cell movements responsible for growth and morphogenesis in vertebrate embryos are poorly understood. Myotome precursor cells undergo myotomal translocation; a key morphogenetic cell movement whereby myotomal precursor cells leave the dermomyotome epithelium and enter the subjacent myotome layer where myogenic differentiation ensues. The precursors to the embryonic epaxial myotome are concentrated in the dorsomedial lip (DML) of the somite dermomyotome (W. F. Denetclaw, B. Christ and C. P. Ordahl (1997) Development 124, 1601–1610), a finding recently substantiated through surgical transplantation studies (C. P. Ordahl, E. Berdougo, S. J. Venters and W. F. Denetclaw, Jr (2001) Development 128, 1731–1744). Confocal microscopy was used here to analyze the location and pattern of myotome cells whose precursors had earlier been labeled by fluorescent dye injection into the middle region of the DML, a site that maximizes the potential to discriminate among experimental outcomes. Double-dye injection experiments conducted at this site demonstrate that cells fated to form myotome do not involute around the recurved epithelium of the DML but rather are displaced laterally where they transiently intermingle with cells fated to enter the central epithelial sheet region of the dermomyotome. Time- and position-dependent labeling experiments demonstrated that myotome precursor cells translocate directly from the middle region of the DML without prior intra-epithelial ‘translational’ movements of precursor cells to either the cranial or caudal lips of the dermomyotome epithelium, nor were any such translational movements evident in these experiments. The morphogenetic cell movements demonstrated here to be involved in the directional growth and segmental patterning of the myotome and dermomyotome bear interesting similarities with those of other morphogenetic systems.
High-Level Culturability of Epiphytic Bacteria and Frequency of Biosurfactant Producers on Leaves

ABSTRACT To better characterize the bacterial community members capable of biosurfactant production on leaves, we distinguished culturable biosurfactant-producing bacteria from nonproducers and used community sequencing to compare the composition of these distinct cultured populations with that from DNA directly recovered from leaves. Communities on spinach, romaine, and head lettuce leaves were compared with communities from adjacent samples of soil and irrigation source water. Soil communities were poorly described by culturing, with recovery of cultured representatives from only 21% of the prevalent operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (>0.2% reads) identified. The dominant biosurfactant producers cultured from soil included bacilli and pseudomonads. In contrast, the cultured communities from leaves are highly representative of the culture-independent communities, with over 85% of the prevalent OTUs recovered. The dominant taxa of surfactant producers from leaves were pseudomonads as well as members of the infrequently studied genus Chryseobacterium. The proportions of bacteria cultured from head lettuce and romaine leaves that produce biosurfactants were directly correlated with the culture-independent proportion of pseudomonads in a given sample, whereas spinach harbored a wider diversity of biosurfactant producers. A subset of the culturable bacteria in irrigation water also became enriched on romaine leaves that were irrigated overhead. Although our study was designed to identify surfactant producers on plants, we also provide evidence that most bacteria in some habitats, such as agronomic plant surfaces, are culturable, and these communities can be readily investigated and described by more classical culturing methods. IMPORTANCE The importance of biosurfactant production to the bacteria that live on waxy leaf surfaces as well as their ability to be accurately assessed using culture-based methodologies was determined by interrogating epiphytic populations by both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Biosurfactant production was much more frequently observed in cultured communities on leaves than in other nearby habitats, such as soil and water, suggesting that this trait is important to life on a leaf by altering either the leaf itself or the interaction of bacteria with water. While pseudomonads were the most common biosurfactant producers isolated, this habitat also selects for taxa, such as Chryseobacterium, for which this trait was previously unrecognized. The finding that most epiphytic bacterial taxa were culturable validates strategies using more classical culturing methodologies for their study in this habitat.
Non-Naturally Occurring Small Molecule Microtubule-Stabilizing Agents: A Potential Tactic for CNS-Directed Therapies

Several independent studies indicate that microtubule (MT)-stabilizing agents hold considerable promise as candidate therapeutics for a wide spectrum of conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), from brain tumors to spinal cord injury, as well as a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although the identification and development of candidate compounds for CNS-directed MT-stabilizing therapies has been a challenge in drug discovery for many years, a growing number of molecules have now been identified that exhibit both MT-stabilizing activity and brain penetration. In this Viewpoint, we will highlight the potential utility of MT-active triazolopyrimidines, phenylpyrimidines, and related classes of non-naturally occurring small molecules that exhibit favorable druglike properties, including brain penetration and oral bioavailability. The mode of action of these small molecules has ...
Cardiac Electrophysiology in Stroke Investigation: Holter, Event Monitor, and Long-Term Monitoring

Abstract The etiology of ischemic stroke is undetermined after initial evaluation in 20–40% of patients. Atrial fibrillation is an important and common cause of stroke, and also may frequently be undiscovered initially. Short-term cardiac monitoring by inpatient telemetry or 24 h Holter monitoring has a low sensitivity in detecting new cases of atrial fibrillation. Sensitivity increases progressively as monitoring is extended from 7 to 30 days by cardiac event monitors. Accumulating evidence is showing us that extended cardiac monitoring from 30 days to 3 years reveals atrial fibrillation in significantly more patients with cryptogenic stroke, which also has important therapeutic implications. The means and appropriate use of extended cardiac monitoring in evaluating ischemic stroke of undetermined origin is discussed here.
The development and validation of the Grief Play Scale (GPS) in MMORPGs

Abstract A measurement of gamers' grief play behaviors in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) was developed and validated over three online studies (total N = 786). In the first study, exploratory factor analysis indicated that the modified Grief Play Scale (GPS) was unidimensional. In the second study, the convergent validity of the GPS was supported through associations of the scale with measurements of the antisocial personality characteristics, sadism, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and sub-clinical psychopathy. As hypothesized, the GPS and altruism were uncorrelated in Study 2, supporting the discriminant validity of the GPS. Finally, Study 3 further supported the convergent validity with predicted correlations between the GPS, a measurement of aggressive and competitive play styles, and with a measurement of gamers' willingness to suspend disbelief of the virtual environment. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, grief players did not report feeling less responsibility for their characters' wellbeing in Study 3. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed. Overall, the GPS appears to be a valid measurement of gamers' tendencies to grief others in MMORPGs. Additionally, the present study was the first to compile a preliminary personality profile of the grief player.
A Review - Experimental investigation on ball burnishing of surfaces produced by thermal spray

Flame sprayed thermal coating is approach to improve wear as well as overall life of workpiece. but this type of coating have inherent irregularities and defects like micro cracks that cause energy dissipation and surface damage. To Overcome These Complications, Conventional Finishing Processed Such As Grinding have been traditionally employed. However, since this methods essentially depend on chip removal to attain the desired surface finish, these machining chips may cause further surface abrasion and geometric tolerance problem especially if conducted by unskilled operators. Burnishing is a cold forming process in which initial asperities are compressed beyond yield strength against load. The surface of the material is progressively compressed, then plasticized as resultant stresses reach a steady maximum value and finally wiped a superfine finish. This paper is deals with the thermal spray flame coating is used to increase wear as well as overall life of component and post machined by ball burnishing to achieve smaller surface roughness value and improving surface hardness.
Valvular heart disease. The value of 3-dimensional echocardiography

Significant advances in 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) technology have ushered its use into clinical practice. The recent advent of real-time 3DE using matrix array transthoracic and transesophageal transducers has resulted in improved image spatial resolution, and therefore, enhanced visualization of the pathomorphological features of the cardiac valves compared with previously used sparse array transducers. It has enabled an unparalleled real-time visualization of valves and subvalvular anatomic features from a single volume acquisition without the need for offline reconstruction. On-cart or offline post-processing using commercially available and custom 3-dimensional analysis software allows the quantification of multiple parameters, such as orifice area, prolapse height and volume in mitral valve disease, area of the left ventricular outflow tract, and tricuspid annular geometry. In this review, we discuss the incremental role of 3DE in evaluating valvular anatomic features, volumetric quantification, pre-surgical planning, intraprocedural guidance, and post-procedural assessment of valvular heart disease.
Second-Generation Outcomes of the Great Migration

The mass migration of African Americans out of the South during the first two-thirds of the twentieth century represents one of the most significant internal migration flows in U.S. history. Those undertaking the Great Migration left the South in search of a better life, and their move transformed the cultural, social, and political dynamics of African American life specifically and U.S. society more generally. Recent research offers conflicting evidence regarding the migrants’ success in translating their geographic mobility into economic mobility. Due in part to the lack of a large body of longitudinal data, almost all studies of the Great Migration have focused on the migrants themselves, usually over short periods of their working lives. Using longitudinally linked census data, we take a broader view, investigating the long-term economic and social effects of the Great Migration on the migrants’ children. Our results reveal modest but statistically significant advantages in education, income, and poverty status for the African American children of the Great Migration relative to the children of southerners who remained in the South. In contrast, second-generation white migrants experienced few benefits from migrating relative to southern or northern stayers.
Chromosomal instability during neurogenesis in Huntington's disease.

ABSTRACT Huntington9s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of CAG repeats in the Huntingtin gene ( HTT ). Neither its pathogenic mechanisms nor the normal functions of HTT are well understood. To model HD in humans, we engineered a genetic allelic series of isogenic human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines with graded increases in CAG repeat length. Neural differentiation of these lines unveiled a novel developmental HD phenotype: the appearance of giant multinucleated telencephalic neurons at an abundance directly proportional to CAG repeat length, generated by a chromosomal instability and failed cytokinesis over multiple rounds of DNA replication. We conclude that disrupted neurogenesis during development is an important, unrecognized aspect of HD pathogenesis. To address the function of normal HTT protein we generated HTT +/− and HTT −/− lines. Surprisingly, the same phenotype emerged in HTT −/− but not HTT +/− lines. We conclude that HD is a developmental disorder characterized by chromosomal instability that impairs neurogenesis, and that HD represents a genetic dominant-negative loss of function, contrary to the prevalent gain-of-toxic-function hypothesis. The consequences of developmental alterations should be considered as a new target for HD therapies.
IR-Compatible PDMS microfluidic devices for monitoring of enzyme kinetics.

Coupling infrared (IR) spectroscopy to microfluidic devices provides a powerful tool for characterizing complex chemical and biochemical reactions. Examples of microfluidic devices coupled with infrared spectroscopy have been limited, however, largely due to the difficulties associated with fabricating systems in common infrared transparent materials like CaF2. Recent reports have shown that polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be used as an IR transparent substrate when fabricated with thin layers. The use of soft lithography with PDMS expands the library of possible designs that can be achieved for IR measurements in microfluidics. In initial reports with thin PDMS, the target analytes were small molecules; however, IR spectroscopy offers a powerful tool to study protein structure and reactions. Here, a PDMS microfluidic device compatible with IR spectroscopy was fabricated by means of spin-coating of PDMS pre-polymer to obtain thin PDMS microfluidic features. The device was comprised of only PDMS and IR absorption of PDMS was significantly minimized due to the thickness (∼40 μm) of the PDMS layer. The use of thin PDMS allowed for measuring the amide I and II vibrational bands of proteins that have been difficult to measure in other microfluidic devices. To demonstrate the power of the system, the microfluidic device was successfully used to measure the enzyme kinetics as one class of important biochemical reactions with broad use in a variety of fields from medicine to biotechnology. As a model, the reaction of glucose oxidase with glucose was tracked by following the formation of gluconic acid. Michaelis-Menten kinetics from the device were compared with bulk solution measurements and found to be in good agreement.
From Afro-Sweden with defiance: the clenched fist as coalitional gesture?

AbstractAnti-racist activist Maria Teresa “Tess” Asplund, who is Afro-Swedish, became known around the world in 2016 when a photograph of her stepping out in front of three hundred marching neo-Naz...
Quantum Machine Learning

Quantum computing promises an unprecedented ability to solve intractable problems by harnessing quantum mechanical effects such as tunneling, superposition, and entanglement. The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL) at NASA Ames Research Center is the space agency's primary facility for conducting research and development in quantum information sciences. QuAIL conducts fundamental research in quantum physics but also explores how best to exploit and apply this disruptive technology to enable NASA missions in aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration. At the same time, machine learning has become a major focus in computer science and captured the imagination of the public as a panacea to myriad big data problems. In this talk, we will discuss how classical machine learning can take advantage of quantum computing to significantly improve its effectiveness. Although we illustrate this concept on a quantum annealer, other quantum platforms could be used as well. If explored fully and implemented efficiently, quantum machine learning could greatly accelerate a wide range of tasks leading to new technologies and discoveries that will significantly change the way we solve real-world problems.
Probabilistic Techniques in Load Flow Analysis — A Practical Application

ABSTRACT The load flow analysis is undoubtedly the most useful study made for designing and operating power systems. The necessary input data for these studies are better described by random variables considering the probabilistic nature of loads, generation and network. The effects of these uncertainties on the steady-state behaviour of power systems are evaluated by a stochastic or probabilistic load flow (PLF) analysis. This paper presents an overall view of the PLF problem and methods of solution. Also, in order to illustrate the main features of the probabilistic analysis over the conventional one, the PLF technique is applied to a part of the brazilian system (69/138 KV network with 84 busbars) to provide adequacy indices for the operation planning phase. Details on the collection and modelling of probabilistic data, utility's operating policy and other constraints of the studied system are included.
Oligodendrogliomas, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-codeleted, arising during teenage years often lack TERT promoter mutation that is typical of their adult counterparts.

Author(s): Lee, Julieann; Putnam, Angelica R; Chesier, Samuel H; Banerjee, Anuradha; Raffel, Corey; Van Ziffle, Jessica; Onodera, Courtney; Grenert, James P; Bastian, Boris C; Perry, Arie; Solomon, David A
Utilizing historical MLC performance data from trajectory logs and service reports to establish a proactive maintenance model for minimizing treatment disruptions

PURPOSE This study proposes a proactive maintenance model utilizing historical Multileaf collimator (MLC) performance data to predict potential MLC dysfunctions, promote preemptive maintenance and thereby reduce treatment disruptions. METHODS MLC failures were assumed to correlate with MLC performance quantitation from trajectory logs. A cohort of data from service reports and trajectory logs was used to establish a model for predicting MLC dysfunctions. Specifically, the service reports logged by our in-house engineers recorded failure status, including service date, service reason and actions taken, while trajectory logs recorded the ordered/actual leaf positions in 20-ms intervals. Leaf performance from trajectory logs was quantified, where an event was defined as detecting a leaf's position deviation ≥a mm. Three a values, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mm, were used as candidates to determine the appropriate threshold for deviation event quantitation. Logged MLC failures from service reports were retrieved and classified into two categories based on the patterns of their deviation events calculated from trajectory logs: (a) failures with continuous deviations: deviation events lasted several days before failure, and (b) failures with a burst of deviations: deviation events only lasted 1 or 2 days and then MLC failed suddenly. The proposed proactive model focused on the failures with continuous deviations since abnormal trends in their deviation events lasted couple of days, allowing preventive maintenance. The model was predefined with three parameters (x, y, z): if a leaf scored ≥x deviation events per day in any y days within up to a z-day window, the leaf was marked as a "potential failure." The distributions of the deviation events as functions of time (days or weeks) and leaves using the found a-value were then associated with logged failures to find model parameters. In a retrospective demonstration, a total of 28 logged failures with continuous deviations and 66 397 trajectory logs from two TBs' 3-yr records were used to determine the model parameters (x, y, z). The established model was then applied to a third TB for validation. RESULTS Deviation event threshold, a, was determined to be 0.1 mm, and the resulting model parameters were (x = 20, y = 6, z = 10). When validating the third TB's 3-yr record with 12 logged continuous deviation failures, the model predicted 16 failures: seven were confirmed from the records with a hit rate of 58.3%, while nine were not; further investigation of each unconfirmed failure convinced that some could be actual failures, but somehow not recorded. CONCLUSION The model offers an addition to preemptive maintenance for reducing treatment disruptions.
Culturally Relevant Assessment and Support of Grade 1 Students with Mild Disabilities in Tanzania: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACTIn Tanzania, many people are not aware of the concept of learning disabilities. Parents and teachers often do not realise that children who do poorly in school and do not have visible disab...
Motion of a finite composite cylindrical annulus comprised of nonlinear elastic solids subject to periodic shear

Abstract In this paper we study the motion of a finite composite cylindrical annulus made of generalized neo-Hookean solids that is subject to periodic shear loading on the inner boundary. Such a problem has relevance to several problems of technological significance, for example blood vessels can be idealized as finite anisotropic composite cylinders. Here, we consider the annulus to be comprised of an isotropic material, namely a generalized neo-Hookean solid and study the effects of annular thickness on the stress distribution within the annulus. We solve the governing partial differential equations and examine the stress response for the strain hardening and strain softening cases of the generalized neo-Hookean model. We also solve the problem of the annular region being infinite in length, that reduces the problem to a partial differential equation in only time and one spatial dimension. When the thickness of the annulus is sufficiently large, the solutions to the problems exhibit very interesting boundary layer structure in that the norm of the strain has a large gradient in a narrow region adjacent to one of the boundaries, with the strain being relatively uniform outside the narrow region. We also find that beyond a distance of two times the annular wall thickness from the ends of the cylinder the solutions for the infinite length cylinder match solutions for the finite length cylinder implying that end effects are not felt in most of the length of a sufficiently long annulus.
Potassium chlorido-tris-(hypersil-oxy)aluminate dimer.

The tris­(tri­methyl­silylsiloxide) ligand, also known as hypersiloxide, is an extremely bulky group. In an attempt to make the monomeric Al(OSi(SiMe3)3)3, AlCl3 was combined with 3 equiv. of potassium hypersiloxide. The crystalline product isolated (40% yield), namely di-μ3-chlorido-bis­[μ2-tris­(tri­methyl­sil­yl)silanolato]tetra­kis­[tris­(tri­methyl­sil­yl)silanolato]dialuminium­dipotassium, [Al2K2Cl2(C19H27OSi4)6], is a KCl adduct of aluminium tris(hypersilyloxide) that is dimerized through a planar K2Cl2 ring, with K—Cl distances of 3.1131 (8) and 3.319 (3) A, and ring angles of 77.41 (2) and 102.60 (2)°. This ring is on an inversion center, and there is no supra­molecular coordination.
The consequences of confronting prejudice

Abstract This chapter explores what happens when one person confronts another person’s prejudiced behavior. In a summary of the existing psychological research, these consequences are examined from the perspectives of the person making the confrontation (the confronter), the person receiving the confrontation (the confronter), and those who observe the confrontation (bystanders). Furthermore, this review differentiates consequences on two levels of analysis: the intrapersonal consequences are the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors experienced within one’s role as a confronter, confrontee, or bystander, and the interpersonal consequences are the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occur between the various members of the confrontation situation. A discussion of the important implications and applications of this emerging research literature concludes the chapter.
The Uranium Isotope Paleoredox Proxy

Uranium isotopes (238U/235U) have emerged as a proxy to reconstruct the redox conditions of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere based upon the large isotopic fractionation between reduced U(IV) and oxidized U(VI). Variations in 238U/235U, particularly when recorded in carbonate sediments, can track global trends in marine oxygenation and de-oxygenation. It is unique from other proxies because reduction primarily occurs at the sediment-water interface, and this sensitivity makes U isotopes especially relevant for the habitability of benthic animals. This Element covers the background, methods, and case studies of this promising tool for understanding Earth's environmental transitions, as rapid development continues to refine the accuracy of interpretations of 238U/235U records.
Genetic Relationships Between Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Aversion and Other Ethanol Phenotypes in 15 Inbred Mouse Strains.

The genetic relationships between different behaviors used to index the aversive effects of ethanol are unknown. To address this issue, ethanol-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) was tested in a genetically diverse panel of 15 inbred mouse strains. Mice were exposed to an unbiased place conditioning procedure using ethanol doses of 0, 2, or 4 g/kg; all injections were given immediately after 5-min exposure to distinctive tactile cues. There were dose-dependent effects of ethanol on CPA and on the change in pre-injection activity rates between the first and last conditioning trials. Most strains (80%) developed CPA, demonstrating the generalizability of this behavior. Moreover, genotype had significant effects on CPA magnitude and locomotor activity rates. Strain means from this study and previously published studies were then used to examine genetic correlations. These analyses showed significant genetic correlations between CPA and ethanol intake/preference, conditioned taste aversion, and drug withdrawal (but not blood ethanol concentration or conditioned place preference), supporting the idea of commonality in the genes underlying CPA and each of these behaviors. The overall pattern of findings is consistent with previous data suggesting that genetic differences in sensitivity to ethanol’s aversive effects play a role in determining strain differences in ethanol drinking. The broader implication is that individuals who are more sensitive to the aversive effects of ethanol may be protected from developing the excessive drinking behaviors characteristic of alcohol use disorders.
Involvement of Local, Rapid Conformational Dynamics in Binding of Flexible Recognition Motifs

Flexible protein sequences populate ensembles of rapidly interconverting states differentiated by small-scale fluctuations; however, elucidating whether and how the ensembles determine function experimentally is challenged by the combined high spatial and temporal resolution needed to capture the states. We used carbon-deuterium (C-D) bond vibrations incorporated as infrared probes to characterize with residue-specific detail the heterogeneity of states adopted by proline-rich (PR) sequences and assess their involvement in recognition of Src homology 3 domains. The C-D absorption envelopes provided evidence for two or three sub-populations at all proline residues. The changes in the subpopulations induced by binding generally reflected recognition by conformational selection but depended on the residue and the state of the ligand to illuminate distinct mechanisms among the PR ligands. Notably, the spectral data indicate that greater adaptability among the states is associated with reduced recognition specificity and that perturbation to the ensemble populations contributes to differences in binding entropy. Broadly, the study quantifies rapidly interconverting ensembles with residue-specific detail and implicates them in function.
Food Service Pork Chops from Three U.S. Regions Harbor Similar Levels of Antimicrobial Resistance Regardless of Antibiotic Use Claims.

Pork products from animals "raised without antibiotics" (RWA) are assumed to harbor lower levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) than conventional (CONV) pork products with no claims regarding use of antimicrobial agents during production. A total of 372 pork chop samples from CONV (n = 190) and RWA (n = 182) production systems were collected over 13 months from three food service suppliers. The following bacteria were cultured: Escherichia coli, tetracycline-resistant (TETr) E. coli, third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCr) E. coli, Salmonella enterica, TETrSalmonella, 3GCrSalmonella, nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella, Enterococcus spp., TETrEnterococcus, erythromycin-resistant Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Production system did not significantly impact the detection of cultured bacteria (P > 0.05). Metagenomic DNA was isolated from each sample, and equal amounts of metagenomic DNA were pooled by supplier, month, and production system for 75 pooled samples (38 CONV, 37 RWA). Quantitative PCR was used to assess the abundances of the following 10 AMR genes: aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, aadA1, blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M, blaKPC-2, erm(B), mecA, tet(A), tet(B), and tet(M). For all 10 AMR genes, abundances did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between production systems. These results suggest that use of antimicrobial agents during swine production minimally impacts the AMR of bacteria in pork chops.
Comorbid Diabetes and Severe Mental Illness: Outcomes in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System

Diabetes prevalence is twice as high among people with severe mental illness (SMI) when compared to the general population. Despite high prevalence, care outcomes are not well understood. To compare diabetes health outcomes received by people with and without comorbid SMI, and to understand demographic factors associated with poor diabetes control among those with SMI. Retrospective cohort study 269,243 adults with diabetes Primary outcomes included optimal glycemic control (A1c 9) in 2014. Secondary outcomes included control of other cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking) and recommended diabetes monitoring. Among this cohort, people with SMI (N = 4,399), compared to those without SMI (N = 264,844), were more likely to have optimal glycemic control, adjusting for various covariates (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.25, 95% CI 1.21–1.28, p < .001) and less likely to have poor control (aRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.98, p = 0.012). Better blood pressure and lipid control was more prevalent among people with SMI when compared to those without SMI (aRR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02–1.05, p < .001; aRR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p = 0.044, respectively). No differences were observed in recommended A1c or LDL testing, but people with SMI were more likely to have blood pressure checked (aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02–1.03, p < .001) and less likely to receive retinopathy screening (aRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.91, p < .001) than those without SMI. Among people with diabetes and comorbid SMI, younger adults and Hispanics were more likely to have poor diabetes control. Adults with diabetes and comorbid SMI had better cardiometabolic control than people with diabetes who did not have SMI, despite lower rates of retinopathy screening. Among those with comorbid SMI, younger adults and Hispanics were more vulnerable to poor A1c control.
Propagating Motor Cortical Dynamics Facilitate Movement Initiation

Voluntary movement initiation involves the modulations of large groups of neurons in the primary motor cortex (M1). Yet similar modulations occur during movement planning when no movement occurs. Here, we show that a sequential spatiotemporal pattern of excitability propagates across M1 prior to the movement initiation in one of two oppositely oriented directions along the rostro-caudal axis. Using spatiotemporal patterns of intracortical microstimulation, we find that reaction time increases significantly when stimulation is delivered against, but not with, the natural propagation direction. Functional connections among M1 units emerge at movement that are oriented along the same rostro-caudal axis but not during movement planning. Finally, we show that beta amplitude profiles can more accurately decode muscle activity when they conform to the natural propagating patterns. These findings provide the first causal evidence that large-scale, propagating patterns of cortical excitability are behaviorally relevant and may be a necessary component of movement initiation.
Nutrient Values for Different Types of Sausage, From USDA Research Studies

ObjectivesUSDA’s Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) analyzes, evaluates and reports the nutrient content for a wide variety of different foods available in the US, based on research and consumer priorities. Representative samples and analytical data are obtained through the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP). Data are publicly released in the USDA food composition database. The objective of this study was to obtain current analytical nutrient values including proximates, vitamins, and minerals for 3 different types of sausage which are highly consumed and available in the United States retail market (chorizo, beef hot dog, and Italian sausage), to update the USDA database, and to make nutrient comparisons among these products.Materials and MethodsNationally representative samples were collected for each type of sausage including 2 or 3 leading national brands and several store brands per type, from 12 different US locations through NFNAP. Chorizo and Italian sausage were pan-fried and beef hotdog was precooked (unheated) by the manufacturer. Samples were composited using standardized methods and analyzed for proximate nutrients (protein, moisture, fat, carbohydrates and ash), minerals and cholesterol (n = 5 to 17) at qualified commercial laboratories using approved AOAC’s methodologies and quality control procedures such as certified reference material. Nutrient values were reported per 100 g basis. The nutrient values were first compared using 1-way ANOVA and t test for significant differences between the 3 types of sausage, a pairwise comparison (t test) with the Bonferroni correction was used.ResultsProtein was lowest for beef hot dog (11.7 ± 0.13g) compared to Italian sausage (18.2 ± 0.54g; p < 0.05) and chorizo (19.3 ± 1.60g; p < 0.05). Total fat ranged from 26.4 ± 1.1g to 28.2 ± 0.36g, showing no significant difference among the 3 products. Sodium value was significantly lower for Italian sausage (766 ± 33.4mg) compared to chorizo (983 ± 50.4mg; p < 0.05) and for Italian sausage compared to beef hot dog (872 ± 21.5mg; p < 0.05). For calcium, iron and phosphorus, chorizo had significantly higher values than beef hot dog (p < 0.05) and Italian sausage (p < 0.05). Zinc was higher in Italian sausage (2.4 ± 0.06 mg) than beef hot dog (2.1 ± 0.08mg; p < 0.05. Magnesium (range 12 to 30mg) and moisture (range 46 to 55 g) differed between the 3 types (p < 0.05).ConclusionNutrient differences varied among the product types, especially for protein, moisture and magnesium, due to processing and ingredients used. Overall, comparing these sausages allows researchers and consumers to see the differences in nutrient values. Meat scientists, nutritionists, and consumers can use meat nutrient data for research, nutrition policy, and food purchase decisions. Full nutrient profiles for these products using data from these assays, as well as data for other processed meats, are available publicly at http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl.
Epidemiology of Melanoma

ABSTRACT Melanoma is a potentially lethal cancer that is most commonly cutaneous. The worldwide incidence of melanoma has risen rapidly over the course of the last 50 years. Its incidence is greatest among fair-skinned populations, and in regions of lower latitude. Incidence is greater among geriatric populations, but melanoma is also among the most common cancers found in adolescent and young adult populations. In fact, it is one of the leading cancers in average years of life lost per death from disease. Melanoma incidence varies by sex, which is also associated with differences in melanoma anatomic site. Similar differences by region, ethnicity, age, and sex are observed in mortality rates of melanoma. In the setting of rising incidence and mortality, melanoma bears a heavy health and economic burden. Attributable costs are several billion in nations with greater mela¬noma incidence. Preventative strategies have been implemented in multiple high-risk regions with variable success. It is imperative that research efforts achieve better understanding of the risk factors and etiology of disease, with the goal to halt and reverse the progressive trend of rising incidence and mortality from melanoma.
Have you ever seen the rain? Stories of trees and the people who study them

Abstract You’ve heard of Chernobyl and the fall of Rome. Perhaps you know the intricacies of Meso-American depopulation or radiocarbon dating. But do you know how they are all related? Valerie Trouet certainly does, and she explains their intimate connections with tree-ring science in Tree Story.
Manifolds, Tangent Spaces, Cotangent Spaces, and Submanifolds

In Chapter 4 we defined the notion of a manifold embedded in some ambient space \({\mathbb {R}}^N\). In order to maximize the range of applications of the theory of manifolds, it is necessary to generalize the concept of a manifold to spaces that are not a priori embedded in some \({\mathbb {R}}^N\). The basic idea is still that whatever a manifold is, it is a topological space that can be covered by a collection of open subsets Uα, where each Uα is isomorphic to some “standard model,” e.g., some open subset of Euclidean space \({\mathbb {R}}^n\). Of course, manifolds would be very dull without functions defined on them and between them. This is a general fact learned from experience: Geometry arises not just from spaces but from spaces and interesting classes of functions between them. In particular, we still would like to “do calculus” on our manifold and have good notions of curves, tangent vectors, differential forms, etc.