cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Physical/Chemical Stressors on the Cholinergic System in Rat

Synaptic transmission is mediated by acetylcholine-neurotransmitter between preganglionic and post ganglionic nerve fibre in the sympathetic pathway and those sites that use this neurotransmitter are called cholinergic. The sites that use norepinephrine as neurotransmitter are called adrenergic. This presentation primarily concerns with cholinergic system. It is comprised of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, its receptors (muscarinic and nicotinic) and enzymes involved for its synthesis - choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and degradation - acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The level of acetylcholine in the CNS is regulated by its anabolism through ChAT and catabolism through AChE. The neurotransmitters play an important role for human beings to adjust and adapt to any changes in their environment. Alterations in the central neurotransmitter system due to physical exercise and/or chemical Stressors have not received much attention. Of the few studies that have specifically examined biochemical markers of the brain cholinergic system, the two most frequently measured indices have been the biosynthetic enzyme of acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and the degradative enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Priming and Online Multiple Language Activation

This chapter discusses cross-language activation in the course of processing language by bilingual speakers. We first discuss the cross-modal lexical priming paradigm (CMLP), a powerful tool to explore online multiple language activation. We next provide an overview of research concerning multiple language activation in the course of bilingual lexical processing. Finally, we present results of four experiments examining the effects of context in connected speech on cross-language priming in Spanish-English bilinguals. Participants in Experiment 1 listened to sentences in Spanish, their first language, and named Spanish and English targets, related or unrelated to a critical prime within the sentence. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1, except that prior context was biased toward the critical prime. Experiments 3–4 were identical to Experiments 1–2, respectively, but with sentences in English, their second language. Comparable cross-language priming was observed for Experiments 1–2. Likewise, Experiments 3–4 showed similar priming patterns. However, the priming effect was significantly higher for the L2–L1 language direction. Results are discussed in terms of language dominance mechanisms and the Revised Hierarchical Model of bilingual memory representation.
Sonidegib, a novel smoothened inhibitor for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer. If left untreated, BCCs can become locally aggressive or even metastasize. Currently available treatments include local destruction, surgery, and radiation. Systemic options for advanced disease are limited. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is aberrantly activated in a majority of BCCs and in other cancers. Hh pathway inhibitors are targeted agents that inhibit the aberrant activation of the Hh pathway, with smoothened being a targeted component. Sonidegib is a novel smoothened inhibitor that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This review focuses on BCC pathogenesis and the clinical efficacy of sonidegib for the treatment of advanced BCC.
Abiotic and Biotic Mortality Factors Affecting Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Demographics in Southern California

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an invasive citrus pest in California that vectors a bacterium that causes the deadly citrus disease huanglongbing. From 2014–2015, 116 experimental D. citri cohorts were monitored to determine survivorship, life table parameters, and marginal rates of mortality of immature D. citri at three sites in Riverside County, CA. D. citri cohorts of ∼200 eggs were established on potted Citrus volkameriana (Rutaceae) plants. Field deployed cohorts were protected with fine or coarse mesh enclosures, sticky barriers, or left unprotected. Egg through adult emergence rates were used to assess the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors on psyllid survivorship rates by life stage. Predation of immature D. citri by larvae of Allograpta sp. (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) comprised 86% of all observed predation mortality. When protected from all other arthropods, parasitism by Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) comprised 21% of the total marginal rate of immature D. citri mortality from September to November in 2014 and 2015. Overall, D. citri net reproductive rates were reduced by 55–95% when exposed to natural enemies, indicating the importance of the classical biological control agent, T. radiata , and generalist predators in reducing D. citri densities in urban areas of southern California.
Syphilis ascendant: a brief history and modern trends.

To provide a miniature review of recent literature surrounding a brief history of syphilis, to discuss the recently increasing incidence of syphilis, to discuss recent United State Preventative Service Task Force recommendations for syphilis screening, and to discuss congenital syphilis. The literature review was conducting using PubMed with the following search terms: syphilis, congenital syphilis, MSM and syphilis, prenatal syphilis, neurosyphilis, and other related terms. Treponema pallidum has been a constant, and unwanted, companion of humankind since antiquity. This sexually transmitted infection (STI) has the potential to affect virtually every rung of society—young and old, rich and poor, but it has a proclivity for the most vulnerable groups among us. Since record high rates of infection in the World War II era, tremendous progress has been made in effectively controlling the infection, and this has been largely mediated by the efficacy of penicillin on the causative spirochete. However, 2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrated a sharp increase in the rate of new cases of syphilis, predominantly in men who have sex with men. Additionally, the numbers of newly diagnosed cases of congenital syphilis are on the rise as well. In effect, a burgeoning crisis has come to the doorstep of the medical community. We are faced with changing attitudes regarding sexual interactions. The authors believe that geolocation dating and sex applications for smart phones increase the availability of sexual encounters. Pre-exposure prophylaxis may be leading to more laissez-faire attitudes toward unprotected intercourse, and with increased opportunities for sexual encounters, co-infected states with other diseases may be altering the landscape of STIs. In 2016, in response to increasing rates of newly diagnosed syphilis, the United States Preventative Health Services Task Force reaffirmed the need for syphilis screening in at-risk populations. However, primary care physicians and advanced practice providers may not always be aware of which patients fall into that category. Due to the highly personal nature of discussing sexuality, sexual behavior may not be explored at all. Numerous challenges lie ahead of the infectious diseases, primary care, and public health communities in attempting to bend the curve of the ascendant rise in syphilis. To adequately combat this infection, sufficient funding will need to be provided to public health departments, adequate access to health care resources will be needed to allow for the necessary screening of patients, and primary care practitioners will need thoroughly engage with their patients to understand their sexual practices and to offer the necessary interventions.
The silver lining of induced pluripotent stem cell variation.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are being generated using various reprogramming methods and from different cell sources. Hence, a lot of effort has been devoted to evaluating the differences among iPSC lines, in particular with respect to their differentiation capacity. While line-to-line variability should mainly reflect the genetic diversity within the human population, here we review some studies that have brought attention to additional variation caused by genomic and epigenomic alterations. We discuss strategies to evaluate aberrant changes and to minimize technical and culture-induced noise, in order to generate safe cells for clinical applications. We focus on the findings from a recent study, which compared the differentiation capacity of several iPSC lines committed to the hematopoietic lineage and correlated the differential maturation capacity with aberrant DNA methylations. Although iPSC variation represents a challenge for the field, we embrace the authors’ perspective that iPSC variations should be used to our advantage for predicting and selecting the best performing iPSC lines, depending on the desired application.
Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens in Cooked Meat and Seafood from 2010 to 2013 in Shandong Province, China.

Background: Current food safety issues are deleteriously reshaping the lifestyle of the population in the developing world. The globalization of food supply impacts patterns of foodborne disease outbreaks worldwide, and consumers are having increased concern about microbiological food safety. Methods: A total of 2305 samples including sauced meat, sausage, smoked meat, shrimp, sashimi and shellfish were collected from different farmer's markets and supermarkets. The prevalence of selected foodborne pathogens was evaluated in cooked meat and seafood from 2010 to 2013 in Shandong Province, China. Results: The average contamination rate was 6.39% (93.1456) for the selected pathogens in cooked meat and 16.84% (143.849) for V. parahaemolyticus in seafood. For the selected pathogens, 0.55%, 1.03%, 1.17%, 3.64% and 16.84% samples were contaminated with E. coli O157 : H7 , Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes , S. aureus and VP , respectively. There was a significant ( P< 0 . 05) difference in the contamination rate between the farmer's markets and supermarkets. Conclusion: The contamination was decreasing in cooked meat and maintaining a relatively high level in seafood from 2010 to 2013. E. coli O157: H7, S. aureus , L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. existed at a relatively low rate in retail foods. For VP, the contamination rate has been maintained at a relatively high level in Shandong Province in China. Moreover, cooked meat and seafood obtained from farmer's markets are more susceptible to be contaminated compared to those from supermarkets.
Dispersion and Attenuation of Guided Waves in Tubular Section with Multi-Layered Viscoelastic Coating — Part II: Circumferential Wave Propagation

In the second part of the study on guided wave motions in a hollow cylinder with epoxy layers, shear and longitudinal modes propagating in the circumferential direction are investigated. The corresponding dispersion and attenuation characteristic equations are derived by incorporating a complex, frequency-dependent constitutive law for the viscoelastic coating material. Continuous displacement boundary conditions are implemented to model perfect interfacial bonds between the tubular section and applied epoxy coatings. The presence of thin dissipative viscoelastic layers has profound impact on the propagation of both the circumferential shear and longitudinal waves. The number of admissible propagating modes increases with increasing number of viscoelastic layers and higher order modes dissipate significantly less at high frequencies than the lower order modes at low frequencies. Over the frequency range considered, all the circumferential propagating modes are significantly more attenuating than their axi...
Low-Intensity Ultrasound Modulates Ca2+ Dynamics in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Connexin 43 Hemichannel.

In recent years, ultrasound has gained attention in new biological applications due to its ability to induce specific biological responses at the cellular level. Although the biophysical mechanisms underlying the interaction between ultrasound and cells are not fully understood, many agree on a pivotal role of Ca2+ signaling through mechanotransduction pathways. Because Ca2+ regulates a vast range of downstream cellular processes, a better understanding of how ultrasound influences Ca2+ signaling could lead to new applications for ultrasound. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of ultrasound-induced Ca2+ mobilization in human mesenchymal stem cells using 47 MHz focused ultrasound to stimulate single cells at low intensities (~ 110 mW/cm2). We found that ultrasound exposure triggers opening of connexin 43 hemichannels on the plasma membrane, causing release of ATP into the extracellular space. That ATP then binds to G-protein-coupled P2Y1 purinergic receptors on the membrane, in turn activating phospholipase C, which evokes production of inositol trisphosphate and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.
Implementation of an academic half day in a vascular surgery residency program improves trainee and faculty satisfaction with surgical indications conference.

Abstract Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandates scheduled didactics for residency programs but allows flexibility in implementation. Work-hour restrictions, patient care duties, and operative schedules create barriers to attendance for surgical trainees. We explored vascular surgery trainees and faculty perceptions on trainees operative preparation and participation, and overall fund of knowledge after implementing an academic half day conference (AHD) schedule. Methods The vascular surgery conference at a single academic institution was changed from three 1-hour conferences weekly, to a single protected, 3-hour conference once weekly. Faculty and trainees were surveyed before and 5 months after implementing the new AHD schedule. Results Overall satisfaction improved after initiating the AHD (4 of 4 trainees, 3 of 4 faculty). All trainees (n = 4) and faculty (n = 4) believed the AHD conference format was worthwhile. Most trainees believed the AHD format improved their Vascular Surgery in Service Training Exam preparation (3 of 4), fund of knowledge (4 of 4), and operative preparation (3 of 4). More trainees than faculty tended to feel that the AHD interfered with operative participation (3 of 4 trainees vs 1 of 4 faculty). Neither group agreed that the conference was optimally scheduled. Conclusion This single-institution, pilot study suggests a positive association in the attitudes of most vascular surgery trainees and faculty regarding preparation for the Vascular Surgery In-Training Exam and overall fund of knowledge after implementing a protected AHD schedule. Further research is needed to understand the impact of the AHD conference on operative experience and training exam scores.
Submandibular gland sparing when irradiating neck level IB in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSqCCA) frequently require postoperative radiation (PORT), which may include contralateral level IB within the clinical target volume (CTV). The submandibular gland (SMG) is typically included within the level IB CTV; however, the SMG does not contain lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels. We hypothesized that level IB could be adequately irradiated while sparing the SMG to reduce xerostomia. Twelve patients with OSqCCA receiving PORT, which included the contralateral level IB within the planning target volume (PTV), were retrospectively reviewed and replanned using volumetric modulated arc therapy. CTV contouring, including contralateral level IB, was in accordance with the consensus contouring atlas but excluded the SMG. The contralateral neck PTVs were planned to 54 Gray (Gy) (PTV54). Dose requirements were per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group-1008: PTV54 D95% >54 Gy, with an allowable variation of >48.6 Gy. The dose constraint for the SMG was mean dose ≤39 Gy based on published dose-effect data for the SMGs. Mean SMG and PTV54 doses were 38.5 Gy and 56.3 Gy, respectively. Median PTV54 D95% was 53.0 Gy (range 52.5 to 54.6 Gy), with all cases meeting our allowable coverage goal. When assessing the portion of the PTV associated with level IB only (PTV_IB), mean PTV_IB dose was 54.4 Gy and median PTV_IB D95% was 43.3 Gy (range 42.5 to 52.2). Median D95% to CTV_IB was 50.2 Gy. SMG sparing resulted in 10% to 20% underdosing of the part of the PTV corresponding to level IB, as a portion of the PTV lies within the SMG. The SMG can be spared to a mean dose ≤39 Gy with slight underdosing of the surrounding PTV where the PTV overlaps with the SMG. Clinical trials evaluating SMG sparing are warranted.
Regional differences in peptide degradation by rat cerebral microvessels: A potential novel regulatory mechanism for communication between blood and brain

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), composed of the microvessels of cerebral capillary endothelial cells, regulates the passage of peptides into the brain in several ways, mainly by saturable transport or passive diffusion. Here we describe an additional mechanism by which this regulatory function can occur. Cerebral microvessels were isolated from different regions of the brain and incubated with the mu-opiate selective endomorphin-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2) or the opiate-modulating Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2), both tetrapeptides selectively tritiated at the Pro. Degradation was determined by HPLC. For both peptides, the metabolism by microvessels from the cerebral cortex was much greater than that by microvessels from the hypothalamus or pons. For endomorphin-1, the least degradation was in the pons; for Tyr-MIF-1 there was no difference in metabolism by microvessels from the pons or hypothalamus. The results show a novel mechanism at the BBB by which the BBB can selectively regulate the activity of different peptides in different regions of the brain.
Design of a Reliability-based Source Routing Protocol for Wireless Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

This paper presents a Reliability-based Source Routing (RSR) protocol for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). RSR works as follows: Before sending a Route Reply (RREP) packet on a preferred path, the destination validates the discovered path by sending an encrypted Probe packet to the source. If the source node receives the Probe packet, it sends back an Acknowledgment back to the destination. If the Acknowledgment packet is received, the destination sends the RREP packet. Otherwise, the destination chooses the path that has the largest Reliability Metric. The Reliability Metric of a path is the minimum of the Reliability Metric of the constituent nodes of the path. The Reliability Metric of a node (a measure of trust) is updated based on the periodic encrypted beacon exchange, propagation of the Route Request (RREQ), RREP and data packets. The above procedure is repeated until a route can or cannot be discovered.
Through the Looking-Glass: The Impact of Regional Institutional Logics and Knowledge Pool Characteristics on Opportunity Recognition and Market Entry

This study investigates how regional variations in institutions and knowledge pools impact new firm entry into emerging industry sectors. Using the cleantech industry sector as a research context, we hypothesize and find that supportive regional institutional logics – shared meaning systems in a community that confer legitimacy upon particular goals and practices – generate cognitive schemas (mental models) that facilitate opportunity recognition and increase new firm entry rates. Drawing from research on socially situated cognition, we demonstrate that supportive institutional logics have a greater impact on new firm entry when a regional knowledge pool is larger, but a reduced impact on new firm entry when the knowledge pool is more specialized. These findings integrate previously distinct perspectives from institutional theory and knowledge economics, while contributing to research on how new industry sectors emerge.
R-Group and Multiplicity in Restriction for Unitary Principal Series of GSpin and Spin

We study a relationship between the Knapp–Stein R-group and the multiplicity in the restriction for the case of unitary principal series of the p-adic split general spin groups to the split spin groups. An equality between the multiplicity and another multiplicity occurring in the corresponding representations of Knapp–Stein R-groups is established and applied to formulate the multiplicity in restriction in terms of information from the R-groups.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is a common disorder, affecting up to 80% of pregnancies. The etiology is thought to relate to both hormonal and hereditary factors. Symptom onset typically occurs early in pregnancy, between 6 and 8 weeks’ gestation. In the absence of concerning clinical findings or features suggestive of another etiology, the diagnosis is one of exclusion. Therapeutic approaches are tailored based on severity of symptoms and adverse effects of treatment; therapy is escalated depending on persistence of symptoms and presence of dehydration.
Machine-learning based classification of glioblastoma using dynamic susceptibility enhanced MR image

A classification method that integrates delta-radiomic features, DSC MRI, and random forest approach on the glioblastoma classification task is proposed. 25 patients, 13 high and 12 low-grade gliomas, who underwent the standard brain tumor MRI protocol, including DSC MRI, were included. Tumor regions on all DSC MRI images were registered to and contoured in T2-weighted fluid-attenuated-inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images. These contours and its contralateral regions of the normal tissue were used to extract delta-radiomic features before applying feature selection. The most informative and non-redundant features were selected to train a random forest to differentiate high-grade (HG) and low-grade (LG) gliomas. These were then fed into a leaveone- out cross-validation random forest to classify these tumors for grading. Finally, a majority-voting method was applied to reduce binarization bias and to combine the results of various feature lists. Analysis of the predictions showed that the reported method consistently predicted the tumor grade of 24 out of 25 patients correctly (0.96). Finally, the mean prediction accuracy was 0.95±0.10 for HG and 0.85±0.25 for LG. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.94. This study shows that delta-radiomic features derived from DSC MRI data can be used to characterize and determine the tumor grades. The radiomic features from DSC MRI may be used to elucidate the underlying tumor biology and response to therapy.
Disparities in colostomy reversal after Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis.

Hartmann’s procedure for diverticulitis is a common procedure, with highly variable rates and timing of colostomy reversal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of race and insurance coverage on reversal within 2 years of Hartmann’s procedure for diverticulitis. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Database of five states (2007–2010) was queried for patients who had Hartmann’s procedure in the setting of diverticulitis. Patients were grouped by race and insurance status, and multivariable adjustment was performed to evaluate rate and timing of colostomy takedown at 2 years. Among 11,019 patients who had Hartmann’s procedure for diverticulitis, 6900 (69%) patients had colostomy reversal by 2 years, with a median time to reversal of 19 weeks. Compared to white patients with private insurance, combinations of black race and non-private insurance significantly reduced likelihood of colostomy reversal at 2 years across all combinations. Black patients without insurance had the lowest likelihood of reversal at 2 years (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14–0.51, p < 0.001). For patients who had colostomy reversal within 2 years, black patients without insurance had a significant delay in time to reversal (11 weeks, 95% CI 6–16, p < 0.001) compared to white patients with private insurance, and delays persisted across all other groups. Black patients and those without private insurance experienced significantly lower rates of, and delayed time to, colostomy reversal compared to white patients with private insurance. These disparities must be considered for allocation of resources in marginalized communities.
Unsupervised determination of protein crystal structures.

We present a method for automatic solution of protein crystal structures. The method proceeds with a single initial model obtained, for instance, by molecular replacement (MR). If a good-quality search model is not available, as often is the case with MR of distant homologs, our method first can automatically screen a large pool of poorly placed models and single out promising candidates for further processing if there are any. We demonstrate its utility by solving a set of synthetic cases in the 2.9- to 3.45-A resolution.
Introduction to Spenser’s Art of Royal Encomium

This study explores Spenser’s representations of Elizabeth I in Gloriana, the title character of The Faerie Queene, and five other figures: Una, Belphoebe, Britomart, Mercilla, and Cynthia. Compared with darker representations of the queen crafted by Spenser’s principal literary model, Sir Philip Sidney, these figures are frequently so idealized as to suggest that Spenser was a flatterer. Bringing to bear a wide range of historical resources, the book explores the complexity of these figures, arguing that they are grounded in Christian Humanist views of human nature and divine providence now largely forgotten. Detailing problems with earlier interpretations, this chapter explores the poet’s way of creating ethical allegory out of messy contemporary history by taking biblical history as his model. It also introduces the chapters that follow.
“Cut and Sew”: Migration, Crisis, and Belonging in an Italian Fast-Fashion Zone

This chapter revives De Martino’s (1977) concept of crisis of presence as it places into dialogue three different migratory trajectories that run through the Italian factory-city of Prato. Here, Chinese migrants occupy a formidable niche in the Made in Italy sector and manage more than 5200 family firms, mostly in the fast-fashion sector. The narratives offered by the chapter’s protagonists reveal the heterogeneity of global capitalism and its desiring subjects. Using encounter ethnography, the chapter tracks stories that span local, regional, and transnational histories and reminds how the hegemony of global supply chains has transformed not only local production systems but also social worlds, revealing an unexpected mutuality of belonging through presence of place.
Importance levels of skills and traits for successful long-term police careers: comparisons of mid west police chief and commissioners of the Caribbean Islands responses

The kinds of personal skills and traits that police chiefs in five Midwestern states of Illinois Iowa Indiana Ohio Nebraska and the Caribbean Islands desire in recruits are illustrated and compared in this article Two separate areas are considered preparing for the training and long term career success The desired traits and skills chiefs and commissioners believe necessary to determine recruits rsquo chances for success as police officers and success through basic in service and specialized training Having these skills and traits are instrumental in determining success throughout the selection assessments The intent of the surveys is to define the importance levels of skills and traits attributes police chiefs believe increase success rates of recruits including career enrichment for advancement The police chiefs in the Midwestern and Caribbean commissioners believe these skills and traits attributes increase the likelihood of a successful and a long police career This article constitutes one half of replicated surveys about police chiefs rsquo preferred recruit skills and traits nbsp
Use of Machine Learning to Develop and Evaluate Models Using Preoperative and Intraoperative Data to Identify Risks of Postoperative Complications.

Importance Postoperative complications can significantly impact perioperative care management and planning. Objectives To assess machine learning (ML) models for predicting postoperative complications using independent and combined preoperative and intraoperative data and their clinically meaningful model-agnostic interpretations. Design, setting, and participants This retrospective cohort study assessed 111 888 operations performed on adults at a single academic medical center from June 1, 2012, to August 31, 2016, with a mean duration of follow-up based on the length of postoperative hospital stay less than 7 days. Data analysis was performed from February 1 to September 31, 2020. Main outcomes and measures Outcomes included 5 postoperative complications: acute kidney injury (AKI), delirium, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and pneumonia. Patient and clinical characteristics available preoperatively, intraoperatively, and a combination of both were used as inputs for 5 candidate ML models: logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, gradient boosting tree (GBT), and deep neural network (DNN). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Model interpretations were generated using Shapley Additive Explanations by transforming model features into clinical variables and representing them as patient-specific visualizations. Results A total of 111 888 patients (mean [SD] age, 54.4 [16.8] years; 56 915 [50.9%] female; 82 533 [73.8%] White) were included in this study. The best-performing model for each complication combined the preoperative and intraoperative data with the following AUROCs: pneumonia (GBT), 0.905 (95% CI, 0.903-0.907); AKI (GBT), 0.848 (95% CI, 0.846-0.851); DVT (GBT), 0.881 (95% CI, 0.878-0.884); PE (DNN), 0.831 (95% CI, 0.824-0.839); and delirium (GBT), 0.762 (95% CI, 0.759-0.765). Performance of models that used only preoperative data or only intraoperative data was marginally lower than that of models that used combined data. When adding variables with missing data as input, AUROCs increased from 0.588 to 0.905 for pneumonia, 0.579 to 0.848 for AKI, 0.574 to 0.881 for DVT, 0.5 to 0.831 for PE, and 0.6 to 0.762 for delirium. The Shapley Additive Explanations analysis generated model-agnostic interpretation that illustrated significant clinical contributors associated with risks of postoperative complications. Conclusions and relevance The ML models for predicting postoperative complications with model-agnostic interpretation offer opportunities for integrating risk predictions for clinical decision support. Such real-time clinical decision support can mitigate patient risks and help in anticipatory management for perioperative contingency planning.
RoS: passive smart surface for roadside-to-vehicle communication

Modern autonomous vehicles are commonly instrumented with radars for all-weather perception. Yet the radar functionality is limited to identifying the positions of reflectors in the environment. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of smartening transportation infrastructure for the purpose of conveying richer information to automotive radars. We propose RoS, a passive PCB-fabricated smart surface which can be reconfigured to embed digital bits, and inform the radar much like visual road signs do to cameras. We design the RoS signage to act as a retrodirective reflector which can reflect signals back to the radar from wide viewing angles. We further introduce a spatial encoding scheme, which piggybacks information in the reflected analog signals based on the geometrical layout of the retroreflective elements. Our prototype fabrication and experimentation verifies the effectiveness of RoS as an RF ''barcode'' which is readable by radar in practical transportation environment.
#Me: Narcissism and its facets as predictors of selfie-posting frequency.

Abstract “Selfies” are amateur photographs people take of themselves, usually with a smartphone. Sharing selfies on social media has become a popular activity, prompting questions about its psychological meaning and dispositionally-relevant motives. This study was performed to examine the association between narcissism, a personality trait characterized by inflated self-views and attempts to seek attention and admiration from others, and frequency of posting selfies on social networking sites. In addition, the association between posting selfies and three facets of narcissism (i.e., Leadership/Authority, Grandiose Exhibitionism, Entitlement/Exploitativeness) was explored. These questions were addressed in a nationally representative sample of 1204 men and women who completed an online survey. Results showed that narcissism, as well as the Leadership/Authority and Grandiose Exhibitionism facets, but not Entitlement/Exploitativeness, exhibited positive and significant associations with selfie-posting frequency. Age did not moderate the predictive effects of narcissism or any of its three dimensions, indicating that the relationship between narcissism, its facets, and posting selfies is not age dependent. However, the more adaptive Leadership/Authority facet emerged as a stronger predictor of selfie posting among women than men, whereas the maladaptive Entitlement/Exploitativeness facet predicted selfie posting among men, but not women. Interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed.
Existence of Functional Gains for Parabolic Control Systems

This paper is concerned with some fundamental issues regarding the existence and smoothness of functional gains for LQR feedback control of parabolic systems. It is well known, under suitable stabilizability conditions, a solution to the LQR problem exists in the form of a bounded linear feedback operatorK. The corresponding optimal control is given in feedback form $$u(t) = - Kx(t).$$
Mathematical disabilities in elementary school children

A pilot study was conducted with the lowest performing sixth grade students in two classes in an urban environment. The nine students participating in this pilot study had been performing below grade level for at least two years despite the provision of supplemental services. With direct instruction, slower pace of instruction, mnemonics, math charts, manipulatives, and metacognitive strategies, gains were noted in the students’ performance. Pretest and posttest measure were administered and the results revealed modest gains in calculations and basic fraction knowledge with significant improvement noted with math fluency. The strategies used are known to both general and special educators and the reminder of the impact that relatively simple strategy instruction can have on students’ overall performance in inclusive environments can be of value to both teachers and students. Mathematical disabilities in elementary school children
The canonical activities of reverse engineering

This paper describes three categories of canonical activities that are characteristic of reverse engineering for program understanding. The activities are data gathering, knowledge management, and information exploration. All tasks carried out by a software engineer during a program understanding exercise can be mapped to a composition of one or more of these canonical activities. The design space formed by the canonical activities can be used to classify the capabilities provided by individual support mechanisms using a common vocabulary. A descriptive model that categorizes important support mechanism features based on a hierarchy of attributes is used to structure the canonical activities.
The Relationship Between Mixed Rossby-Gravity Waves and Convection in a General Circulation Model

We investigate the relationship between mixed Rossby-gravity waves (MRGWs) and convection in a general circulation model. The experiments described are performed in a general circulation model with the lower boundary set to that of an ocean surface everywhere. Several experiments are run varying the convective parameterization scheme (using either a modified Kuo scheme or a moist convective adjustment scheme) and varying the tropical sea surface temperatures (specified to be zonally symmetric in all cases), thereby changing the location of the modeled intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs). The appearance of a robust MRGW occurs when the sea surface temperature is such that two ITCZs straddle the equator. The particular sea surface temperature distribution used and the parameterization scheme for convection also affect the structure and strength of the modeled MRGW. The vertical structure of MRGWs is analyzed in the experiment in which this wave mode is the most energetic. We show that MRGWs of several different zonal length scales exist in the troposphere in association with convection; however, it is only the longer length scales which can be discerned in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
Obtaining the elusive small-signal phase-resetting curve from individual neurons

For over 30 years, phase-resetting theory has been proposed to be a powerful tool in studying the dynamics of oscillatory systems, such as neurons. Much of the argument for this theory is bolstered by the powerful analytical tools that can be applied when phase-resetting curves (PRCs) in response to weak (type 0) inputs. However, most published experimental . data from excitable cells has been obtained with strong (type 1) inputs. In this paper we highlight the difficulties in obtaining small-signal PRCs and some of our efforts at improving these measurements. We also apply statistical methods to PRC experiments to provide a measure of statistical significance to the PRC data. Our results show that weak PRCs can be reliably obtained, and we introduce a new subclass of weak PRCs.
Predicting Hot Deformation of AA5182 Sheet

Aluminum 5000-series alloy sheet materials exhibit substantial ductilities at hot and warm temperatures, even when grain size is not particularly fine. The relatively high strain-rate sensitivity exhibited by these non-superplastic materials, when deforming under solute-drag creep, is a primary contributor to large tensile ductilities. This active deformation mechanism influences both plastic flow and microstructure evolution across conditions of interest for hot- and warm-forming. Data are presented from uniaxial tensile and biaxial bulge tests of AA5182 sheet material at elevated temperatures. These data are used to construct a material constitutive model for plastic flow, which is applied in finite-element-method (FEM) simulations of plastic deformation under multiaxial stress states. Simulation results are directly compared against experimental data to explore the usefulness of this constitutive model. The effects of temperature and stress state on plastic response and microstructure evolution are discussed.
Effect of traffic reports on commuters' route and departure time changes

Considerable public and private resources are devoted to the collection and dissemination of real-time traffic information in the Chicago area. Such information is intended to help drivers make more informed trip decisions, yet its effect on driver behavior remains largely unexplored. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of traffic reports on route and departure time changes. Downtown Chicago automobile commuters were surveyed during the AM peak period by giving them mail-back questionnaires. Drivers indicated whether or not they had changed their route and departure time decisions based on traffic reports. Further, drivers indicated how they perceived the traffic information system in terms of key attributes. Respondents also evaluated suggested improvements to the traffic information system. A majority (more than 60%) of drivers reported that they used traffic reports for modifying their trip decisions. Drivers perceived radio traffic reports positively in terms of information system attributes. Commuters were more likely to use traffic reports for their route changes if they perceived traffic reports to be accurate and timely, frequently listened to traffic reports, perceived their regular route as congested, knew multiple alternate routes, were male and higher income. Drivers were more likely to change departure times if they perceived traffic reports to be accurate and relevant, frequently listened to traffic reports and perceived their regular route as congested. Drivers indicated a relatively lower level of overall satisfaction with traffic reports indicating the existence of opportunities for improvement. One promising improvement is near-term prediction of traffic conditions on congested and unreliable routes (where conditions may change rapidly). This is because: • Drivers generally want to know the conditions at any given point (or link) along their route when they reach that point. • Drivers would be able to make better and more informed judgments regarding their trip decisions due to reduced uncertainty of traffic conditions. • The possibility that drivers may find traffic conditions significantly better or worse would be reduced. This would improve the credibility of radio traffic reports.
Effects of Computer-Based Fluency Training on Concept Formation

This study provides a preliminary analysis of how the techniques of fluency training can be combined with systematic concept instruction to improve the learning of complex verbal concepts. Fluency techniques, which require the learner to respond accurately at high rates, have typically focused on definition learning when teaching concepts. Instructional psychologists, however, recommend multiple exemplar training for conceptual instruction. To examine this issue, 41 undergraduate students completed a computer-based instructional module on logical fallacies. Participants were assigned to one of four groups, with the modules for each group differing only in the type of practice provided—either fluency or practice with either examples or definitions. Examination of posttest scores revealed significantly higher scores for participants in the examples groups than those in the definitions groups, but low experimental power prevented a clear conclusion to be drawn about differences between the fluency and practice groups. Implications of results and several methodological issues relevant to this area of research are discussed.
Physical-based simulation for Mars Exploration Rover tactical sequencing

The Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission has returned tremendous scientific information on a daily basis, owing to the efficient sequencing capability of the ground system tools. For planning the mobility and instrument deployment device (IDD) sequences, physical-based simulation is applied to achieve fast and effective sequencing of complex rover and IDD maneuvers. The sequence rehearsal tool of the Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is based on modeling and simulation of the multi-body mechanical systems. Using configuration kinematics (CK) and 3D terrain models, a methodology was developed to support a real-time, interactive graphics mode for the visualization tool. The sequence simulation is carried out using the on-board flight software modules for realistic rover behavior. This enables the scientists and rover planners to effectively develop the command sequences to maximize the science return of the MER mission while maintaining rover safety. This paper describes the innovative numerical algorithms and the command sequence simulation used by the MER mission for planning surface operations.
The Cytoplasmic Cytology of Sarcoma 180

Typical sarcoma 180 cells present a large spherical lipoid or Golgi zone adjacent to the nucleus within which discrete, homogeneous and vesicular, Golgi bodies (lipochondria) are distributed. No Golgi network can be detected in the living cell, but such networks may be produced artificially by means of hypertonic solutions and by shrinking vitally stained cells. All of the cytoplasm, except the lipoid zone, is strongly basiphil owing to the presence of ribonucleic acid. Mitochondria, mostly rod shaped, form a halo of variable width surrounding the lipoid zone except adjacent to the nucleus. These lie partly within the ribonucleic acid containing cytoplasm. Tests for glycogen, alkaline, and acid phosphatase, and for lipase are largely negative. A positive reaction to Bourne9s test for ascorbic acid is given by many of the lipochondria.
Elementary School Children's Reasoning About Social Class: A Mixed-Methods Study

The current study examined children's identification and reasoning about their subjective social status (SSS), their beliefs about social class groups (i.e., the poor, middle class, and rich), and the associations between the two. Study participants were 117 10- to 12-year-old children of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds attending a laboratory elementary school in Southern California. Results indicated that children's SSS ratings correlated with indicators of family socioeconomic status and were informed by material possessions, lifestyle characteristics, and social and societal comparisons. Children rated the poor as having fewer positive attributes and more negative attributes than the middle class, and fewer positive attributes than the rich. Lower SSS children held less positive attitudes toward the poor than children with middle SSS ratings.
Cerebral hemodynamics in preterm infants during positional intervention measured with diffuse correlation spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler ultrasound

Four very low birth weight, very premature infants were monitored during a 12° postural elevation using diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to measure microvascular cerebral blood flow (CBF) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) to measure macrovascular blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery. DCS data correlated significantly with peak systolic, end diastolic, and mean velocities measured by TCD (pA =0.036, 0.036, 0.047). Moreover, population averaged TCD and DCS data yielded no significant hemodynamic response to this postural change (p>0.05). We thus demonstrate feasibility of DCS in this population, we show correlation between absolute measures of blood flow from DCS and blood flow velocity from TCD, and we do not detect significant changes in CBF associated with a small postural change (12°) in these patients.
Glucocorticoids mediate macrophage dysfunction in protein calorie malnutrition

Background. In hospitalized patients protein calorie malnutrition substantially increases the incidence of infection and death. Protein calorie malnutrition results in significant macrophage dysfunction. Whether a primary nutrient deficit or elevated glucocorticoids levels mediate this dysfunction is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroendocrine response to protein calorie malnutrition and its effects on macrophage function. Methods. By use of a murine model of protein calorie malnutrition, mice were randomized to (1) a standard 24% casein diet (control), (2) protein-free diet (PFD), (3) PFD in adrenalectomized mice, (4) PFD plus the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 (10 mg/kg), or (5) a standard 24% casein diet plus a 50 mg corticosterone pellet implanted subcutaneously for 7 days. Mice were killed after 7 days, and body weight and serum albumin and corticosterone levels were measured. Peritoneal macrophages were obtained, and stimulated superoxide and interleukin-6 productions were measured. Results. Protein calorie malnutrition significantly impaired macrophage function and elevated serum glucocorticoid levels. Blocking the stress corticosterone response with adrenalectomy or using RU486 to block corticosterone receptors prevented the impairment of macrophage function without restoring nutritional indexes (body weight and serum albumin level). Administration of glucocorticoids via a subcutaneous pellet reproduced macrophage impairment without leading to nutritional deficits. Conclusions. The neuroendocrine systemic response to protein calorie malnutrition with elevated serum corticosterone levels is a major determinant of macrophage dysfunction in protein calorie malnutrition.