cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning Expressive Human-Like Head Motion Sequences from Speech

With the development of new trends in human-machine interfaces, animated feature films and video games, better avatars and virtual agents are required that more accurately mimic how humans communicate and interact. Gestures and speech are jointly used to express intended messages. The tone and energy of the speech, facial expression, rigid head motion and hand motion combine in a non-trivial manner as they unfold in natural human interaction. Given that the use of large motion capture datasets is expensive and can only be applied in planned scenarios, new automatic approaches are required to synthesize realistic animation that capture and resemble the complex relationship between these communicative channels. One useful and practical approach is the use of acoustic features to generate gestures, exploiting the link between gestures and speech. Since the shape of the lips is determined by the underlying articulation, acoustic features have been used to generate visual visemes that match the spoken sentences [4, 5, 12, 17]. Likewise, acoustic features have been used to synthesize facial expressions [11, 30], exploiting the fact that the same muscles used for articulation also affect the shape of the face [44, 46]. One important gesture that has received less attention than other aspects in facial animations is rigid head motion. Head motion is important not only to acknowledge active listening or replace verbal information (e.g. “nod”), but also for many aspect of human
The Effect of Pre-Arrest and Hospital-Acquired Infection on Post-Cardiac Arrest Outcome (P3.212)

Objective: We investigated the relationship between pre-arrest infection (PAI) and hospital-acquired infection (HAI) with outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest. Background: Infection is common after cardiac arrest, but the effect of timing and type of infections on outcomes remains controversial. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital with in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest 05/2007-02/2015 who survived more than 72 hours post-arrest. PAI was defined as any infection documented within 24 hours of arrest, thus indicating infection prior to the arrest, and HAI was defined as any infection documented after the first 24 hours post-arrest. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios and 95[percnt] confidence intervals for the relationship between PAI, HAI, and the outcomes of interest including death and cerebral performance category (CPC) at discharge and 1 year. Results: Of the 306 patients who met inclusion criteria, 13.3[percnt] had no infection, 52.9[percnt] a PAI, and 33.7[percnt] developed an HAI. Patients with HAI had a lower proportion of death at discharge than those with PAI or no infection (46.6[percnt] vs. 69.7[percnt] vs. 70.7[percnt]; p = 0.0004), although there was no significant difference in neurologic function at discharge or 1 year. In patients who survived to discharge, there was an increased odds of extremely poor functional outcome (CPC 4) associated with PAI and HAI compared to the no infection group, but this relationship was not statistically significant. The relationship between infections and CPC 4 remained after adjusting for time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), pre-arrest CPC, and rhythm, compared to no infection, for PAI and HAI. Conclusions: Although HAI is associated with increased survival to discharge, patients with infections before and after arrest are at increased odds for poor functional outcome. Further studies in larger samples are needed to confirm these findings. Disclosure: Dr. Magid-Bernstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boehme has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matthews has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hazan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rodriguez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Falo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Claassen has received personal compensation for activities with the JSMF Foundation, Actelion, and SAGE Pharmaceutical. Dr. Elkind has received personal compensation in and editorial capacity for serving as an Associate Editor of the journal Neurology. Dr. Agarwal has nothing to disclose.
TiO2 Nanophotonic Sensors for Efficient Integrated Evanescent Raman Spectroscopy

Waveguide-based evanescent Raman sensors are an attractive chemical-detection technology due to their compact format, increased signal over micro-Raman spectrometers, and nanoscale surface sensitivity. To improve the device’s performance, herein we experimentally demonstrate strategies to increase the efficiency of waveguide-based evanescent Raman sensors over the state-of-the-art silicon-nitride devices by more than an order of magnitude. First, we use pumping at visible wavelengths (532 nm versus 785 nm, which is commonly used) to exploit the Raman cross-section’s λ–4 dependence. Second, we use titanium dioxide (TiO2), which combines comparatively low visible background luminescence with a high refractive index to concentrate light near the waveguide’s surface. These visibly pumped TiO2 sensors display >50× more Stokes signal per input pump power over that of silicon-nitride devices. Lastly, we explore ring resonators and observe on-resonance Stokes emission with peak rates >30× higher than an equivalen...
The new Xbox 360 250GB CPU GPU SoC

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation on the Microsoft Xbox 360 250G system. Some of the specific topics discussed include: the special features, system specifications, and system design for these products; gaming capabilities; system architectures; applications for use; platforms supported; processing capabilities; memory capabilities; and targeted markets.
Abstract LB-238: Direct targeting of oncogenic transcription factors using next-generation oligonucleotides as a novel therapeutic strategy for translocation-positive sarcomas

Many sarcoma subtypes including Ewing sarcoma (ES), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), synovial sarcoma (SS), and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), are driven by oncogenic chimeric transcription factors. Outcomes for these diseases remain unacceptably poor despite intensification of standard therapies. Although these translocation positive sarcomas possess well-defined oncogenic drivers, as transcription factors that lack intrinsic enzymatic activity, they have been considered undruggable. We have developed a two-tiered pre-clinical therapeutic program 1) creating and characterizing faithful in vitro and in vivo models of these rare malignancies and 2) designing next generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to directly target the oncogenic chromosomal translocations underlying these multiple sarcoma subtypes. As proof of principle, we present here the program experience with DSRCT, a rare sarcoma for which there has been an overwhelming paucity of both biological tools for pre-clinical investigation, as well as clinical therapeutic options. We have extensively characterized two new DSRCT cell lines harboring the characteristic oncogenic EWSR1-WT1 t(11;22)(p13;q12) fusion, and have used these tools to develop orthotopic xenograft models. Utilizing these accurate model systems we have designed and evaluated a series of ASO compounds directly targeting the EWSR1-WT1 translocation product. Among the series of ASOs developed, we identified D2A, a selective and potent inhibitor of EWSR1-WT1. In vitro, we have shown D2A to abolish the EWSR1-WT1 fusion product with exquisite specificity in a dose-dependent fashion. D2A similarly exhibits efficacy in vivo, with anti-tumorigenic activity in our pre-clinical models resulting in an 80% reduction in xenograft tumor growth. With the aid of authentic in vitro and in vivo modeling systems, this ASO platform has wide-ranging implications for both biological as well as therapeutic advances. Citation Format: Emily Slotkin, Lee Spraggon, Julija Hmeljak, Luciano Martelotto, Romel Somwar, Elisa de Stanchina, Luca Cartegni, Marc Ladanyi. Direct targeting of oncogenic transcription factors using next-generation oligonucleotides as a novel therapeutic strategy for translocation-positive sarcomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-238.
The University of Chicago—1966–1972

In view of the considerable institutional support that the Weather Radar Branch was receiving at AFCRL, the array of experimental tools at our disposal, and the flexibility we had to pursue our interests, it is perhaps surprising that I should have moved to the University of Chicago. A number of factors converged at the time to instigate the move. No one of these was decisive alone.
Sex, Violence, and Justice: Contraception and the Catholic Church

Kalbian admits in her concluding chapter that a focus on contraception and the Catholic Church may seem narrowly parochial, but she argues forcefully and effectively that the Catholic Church's nego...
Test time feature ordering with FOCUS: interactive predictions with minimal user burden

Predictive algorithms are a critical part of the ubiquitous computing vision, enabling appropriate action on behalf of users. A common class of algorithms, which has seen uptake in ubiquitous computing, is supervised machine learning algorithms. Such algorithms are trained to make predictions based on a set of features (selected at training time). However, features needed at prediction time (such as mobile information that impacts battery life, or information collected from users via experience sampling) may be costly to collect. In addition, both cost and value of a feature may change dynamically based on real-world context (such as battery life or user location) and prediction context (what features are already known, and what their values are). We contribute a framework for dynamically trading off feature cost against prediction quality at prediction time. We demonstrate this work in the context of three prediction tasks: providing prospective tenants estimates for energy costs in potential homes, estimating momentary stress levels from both sensed and user-provided mobile data, and classifying images to facilitate opportunistic device interactions. Our results show that while our approach to cost-sensitive feature selection is up to 45% less costly than competing approaches, error rates are equivalent or better.
The relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status among Texas school children and its spatial variation

Abstract Understanding the relationships between obesity and socioeconomic status (SES) among school children and the spatial variation of such relationship is essential for developing appropriate intervention strategies. In this study, we employed Local Entropy Map (LEM) to explore the spatial patterns of the relationship at school district level in Texas. Children's obesity was measured by Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI data for this study were obtained from Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative (PFAI) program that has been coordinated by Texas Education Agency (TEA). SES was described by six variables, which were further reduced into two factors, namely Household SES and Neighborhood SES. The study period was 2012–2013 academic year. LEM analyses revealed clear spatial variation of the relationship between obesity and SES at school-district level. In particular, the prevalence of obesity among school children was found to be significantly related to Household SES and Neighborhood SES in four regions in Texas. These four regions are centered in major metropolitan areas in Texas, including San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Lubbock. Further regression analyses showed variation of the relationship across these four regions. Obesity among school children in Texas was found to be more related to Household SES than Neighborhood SES; the relationship was strongest in San Antonio region. These findings may suggest the presence of obesogenic environment in the low SES school districts in these regions. Further studies to examine the particular nature of the obesogenic environment in these school districts are needed in order to support the development of regionalized policy and practice that can be more effective in addressing locale specifics.
Ethical and legal issues in integrated care settings: Case examples from pediatric primary care.

There is a growing recognition that integrated primary care (IPC) services can address longstanding sociodemographic disparities in access to and utilization of behavioral health services. At the same time, there has been increasing attention to the complex ethical and legal considerations that can emerge for psychologists working in these interdisciplinary settings. There are challenging ethical dilemmas that arise when providing services to youth and their caregivers involved in IPC services. Unfortunately, although some ethical guidelines and case illustrations relevant to IPC are available, very few focus on the pediatric IPC context. The purpose of this article is to examine salient ethical and legal dilemmas that may emerge in pediatric IPC practice. These issues are examined through the use of 4 case illustrations that collectively address issues related to consent for services among pediatric populations, confidentiality, scope of practice for the pediatric IPC psychologist, and multiple relationships. We apply an adapted ethical decision-making framework (Kanzler, Goodie, Hunter, Glotfelter, & Bodart, 2013) to highlight practice points drawn from each of these cases. Throughout this article, we reference the American Psychological Association’s 2010 ethics code and 2015 guidelines for primary care practice competencies, while highlighting clinical practice points and directions for future research. We also discuss similarities and differences between the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010) and American Medical Association (AMA, 2012) ethics codes and standards of care.
The cost of topical immunomodulator therapy in Medicare patients varies by prescriber specialty

Background Topical immunomodulators (TI)—including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and vitamin D analogues—are commonly prescribed in multiple specialties, but cost comparisons are lacking. Objective To evaluate differences in costs of TI across specialties and determine associated variables. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2008 and 2010 Prescription Drug Public Use Profiles, which contain 100% of drug claims made by Medicare beneficiaries. Results Branded drugs cost an average of $174.02 more than generics per 30-day supply ( P P P Limitations We were unable to adjust for some confounders of cost, such as medication weight or treated body area, and the data does not reflect previous treatment failures or use by non-Medicare patients. Conclusion The costs of TIs prescribed by specialists (primarily dermatologists) are higher than those prescribed by primary care physicians and could be reduced by choosing more generics within the respective potency classes.
Pt-CeO 2 /SiO 2 catalyst for CO oxidation in humid air at ambient temperature

CO self-poisoning and slow surface kinetics pose major challenges to a CO oxidation catalyst that should work at ambient temperature. Furthermore, the presence of moisture would cause passivation of the catalyst. A highly active ceria promoted Pt catalyst (4%Pt-12%CeO 2 /SiO 2 ; conversion≥99% at low ( 2500 ppm) CO concentrations was developed for CO oxidation at ambient temperature in humid air. Catalyst preparation variables such as Pt and CeO 2 loading, ceria deposition method, drying and calcination conditions for the ceria and Pt precursors were optimized experimentally. The activity was correlated with surface properties using CO/H 2 chemisorption, O 2 -H 2 titration, X-ray diffraction and BET surface area analysis. The method of CeO 2 deposition had a significant impact on the catalytic activity. CeO 2 deposition by impregnation resulted in a catalyst that was three times more active than that prepared by deposition precipitation or CeO 2 grafting. O 2 -H 2 titration results revealed that the close association of ceria and Pt in the case of CeO 2 deposition by impregnation resulted in higher activity. The catalyst support used was also crucial as a silica supported catalyst was five times more active than an alumina supported catalyst. The particle size and pore structure of the catalyst support were also crucial as the reaction was diffusion controlled. The drying and calcination conditions of the ceria and Pt precursors also played a crucial role in determining the catalytic activity. The Pt-CeO 2 /SiO 2 catalysts with Pt > 2.5 wt% and CeO 2 > 15 wt% were highly active (TOF > 0.02 s -1 ) and stable (conversion≥99% after 15 h) at ambient conditions.
AORTIC VALVE REPAIR IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: MIDTERM OUTCOMES COMPARING LEAFLET REPAIR USING AUTOLOGOUS PERICARDIUM VERSUS PORCINE INTESTINAL SUBMUCOSA (CORMATRIX®)

Background: While aortic valve repair (AoVR) is considered the most appropriate therapy in pediatric population, mid/long term outcomes have been disappointing from progressive dysfunction of currently available leaflet substitute material. We aim to compare outcomes of AoVR with autologous
Biomechanics: The aerodynamics buzz from mosquitoes

Mosquitoes flap their long, thin wings four times faster than similarly sized insects. Imaging and computational analysis of mosquito flight illuminates some aerodynamic mechanisms not seen before in animal flight. See Letter p.92 As anyone who has shared a bedroom with a mosquito will attest, mosquitos beat their wings fast enough for the irritating whine at about 800 Hz to be audible. Strangely, mosquito wings are long and thin, rather than the short and stubby wings expected to support rapid wing beats. The wing beat is also of rather low amplitude; the entire angular sweep of the wing is around 40 degrees, less than half that of the honey bee, whose 91 degree range is regarded as shallow. So how do mosquitoes fly at all? Bomphrey and colleagues show that in addition to generating lift by leading-edge vortices (as used by most insects) mosquitos employ trailing-edge vortices and a lift mechanism caused by the rotation of the wing. This adds to the expanding repertoire of mechanisms that insects use to stay airborne despite a seemingly unlikely airframe.
Large crater clustering tool

Abstract In this paper we present the Large Crater Clustering (LCC) tool set, an ArcGIS plugin that supports the quantitative approximation of a primary impact location from user-identified locations of possible secondary impact craters or the long-axes of clustered secondary craters. The identification of primary impact craters directly supports planetary geologic mapping and topical science studies where the chronostratigraphic age of some geologic units may be known, but more distant features have questionable geologic ages. Previous works (e.g., McEwen et al., 2005; Dundas and McEwen, 2007) have shown that the source of secondary impact craters can be estimated from secondary impact craters. This work adapts those methods into a statistically robust tool set. We describe the four individual tools within the LCC tool set to support: (1) processing individually digitized point observations (craters), (2) estimating the directional distribution of a clustered set of craters, back projecting the potential flight paths (crater clusters or linearly approximated catenae or lineaments), (3) intersecting projected paths, and (4) intersecting back-projected trajectories to approximate the local of potential source primary craters. We present two case studies using secondary impact features mapped in two regions of Mars. We demonstrate that the tool is able to quantitatively identify primary impacts and supports the improved qualitative interpretation of potential secondary crater flight trajectories.
NMSSM Light Decoupled Higgs Singlet at CEPC

We describe the phenomenology of light singlet Higgs bosons in the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetry Model (NMSSM) which are mostly decoupled from the rest of Supersymmetry. Noting that the Large Hadron Collider has not excluded this scenario, we describe previous searches for light Higgs bosons at the Large Electron Positron collider and evaluate the sensitivity to neutralino production and decay to light singlet Higgs bosons at the proposed s = 250 GeV Circular Electron Positron Collider.
Evaluation of the novel Bruton′s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor GDC-0853 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with wild type or C481S mutated BTK.

7530Background: BTK is an attractive target in CLL. Ibrutinib (IB), a first in class irreversible BTK inhibitor (BTKi), abrogates important survival signals in CLL by proximally blocking multiple p...
Energy Flows in Elastic Fracture

An alternative approach to understanding fracture is to look not to the stress fields but to the flow of energy into and out of an object that is susceptible to fracture. In this chapter the energy required for fracture will be considered and the connection between the energy flows and the crack tip stresses will be made. This connection also provides a powerful tool for the determination of stress intensity factors. Note that, except where noted, the energy approach to fracture is the same whether the material is linear or nonlinearly elastic.
The Impact of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair on Long-Term Survival in Type B Aortic Dissection

Background Currently, optimal medical therapy is first-line therapy for uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (aTBAD) despite poor long-term outcomes. This study examines the impact of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the acute and chronic phases on short-term and long-term survival of patients presenting with aTBAD. Methods A review of the Emory aortic database from 2000 to 2016 identified 398 patients diagnosed with aTBAD. At index hospitalization, complicated patients underwent TEVAR (aTEVAR [thoracic endovascular aortic repair in the acute phase], n = 80) and uncomplicated patients received optimal medical therapy (n = 318). Uncomplicated patients were divided into subgroups based on final treatment: (1) TEVAR (cTEVAR [thoracic endovascular aortic repair in the chronic phase], n = 87); (2) open aortic replacement (n = 59); and (3) optimal medical therapy (n = 172). Kaplan-Meier curves assessed long-term mortality. Results The mean age of patients was 57 ± 12 years. In the uncomplicated group, 146 patients (45.9%) patients failed optimal medical therapy and underwent open repair (n = 59) or endovascular repair (cTEVAR, n = 87) repair in the chronic phase. Inhospital mortality was 5% and equivalent between complicated and uncomplicated aTBAD groups at index hospitalization. For patients requiring intervention, mortality and renal failure were highest for open patients (16.9%, p p = 0.05, respectively), and stroke was highest among aTEVAR patients (7.5%, p p = 0.17). Intervention-free survival at 5 and 10 years for all uncomplicated patients was 50.4% and 32.9%, respectively. Conclusions The treatment of uncomplicated aTBAD with optimal medical therapy results in a high incidence of surgical intervention and poor long-term survival. At the index hospitalization, TEVAR may confer a survival advantage and serve as optimal therapy for complicated and uncomplicated aTBAD patients.
Parenting a Young Child with Conduct Problems

What is qualitative research? Why should we do it? After all, isn’t quantitative research the only “legitimate” method of scientific research— objective, verifiable, and methodologically rigorous? Does qualitative research have scientific integrity? Is it reliable? Valid? Generalizable? Can it add anything new to the findings of quantitative research? Is it publishable? After all, haven’t psychology journals adhered almost exclusively to quantitative models of research? Why have they published so little qualitative research?
Anisotropic viscoelasticity and molecular diffusion in nematic wormlike micelles

Using rheo-NMR, pulsed-field-gradient NMR diffusometry and solution rheology, we observe temperature- and composition-dependent orientational order as well as director dynamics and molecular transp...
Trajectory Segmentation Map-Matching Approach for Large-Scale, High-Resolution GPS Data

With the development of smartphones and portable GPS devices, large-scale, high-resolution GPS data can be collected. Map matching is a critical step in studying vehicle driving activity and recognizing network traffic conditions from the data. A new trajectory segmentation map-matching algorithm is proposed to deal accurately and efficiently with large-scale, high-resolution GPS trajectory data. The new algorithm separated the GPS trajectory into segments. It found the shortest path for each segment in a scientific manner and ultimately generated a best-matched path for the entire trajectory. The similarity of a trajectory segment and its matched path is described by a similarity score system based on the longest common subsequence. The numerical experiment indicated that the proposed map-matching algorithm was very promising in relation to accuracy and computational efficiency. Large-scale data set applications verified that the proposed method is robust and capable of dealing with real-world, large-sca...
Conifer restoration on lakeshores using 3 planting techniques

Interest in lakeshore habitat restoration has increased concomitant with growing awareness of the importance of these areas for maintaining water quality and for providing terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat. Lakeshore restoration efforts are often limited by the high cost of suitable plant material. We compare the effectiveness of containerized and more cost-effective bareroot and innovative gravel-culture planting techniques for 5 conifer species: balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. [Pinaceae]), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss [Pinaceae]), red pine ( Pinus resinosa Aiton [Pinaceae]), eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus L. [Pinaceae]), and northern white cedar ( Thuja occidentalis L. [Cupressaceae]). Plantings were monitored for 4 growing seasons (year of planting and 3 subsequent). Annual growth rates for 4 of the 5 species did not differ significantly among planting techniques. The exception was containerized balsam fir, which experienced a greater height growth rate than did bareroot and gravel-culture stock. Survival of gravel-culture stock was greater than that of bareroot stock and similar to that of containerized stock for all of the conifers examined, except for red pine. Red pine gravel-culture stock had the lowest survival of any species or treatment (29%), suggesting that this technique is poorly suited for this species. We conclude that the time frame for bareroot native conifer planting may be extended for most of the species examined through the midsummer months by growing bareroot stock in irrigated gravel medium until lifting and planting. For some species, however, neither bareroot planting technique is likely to equal or exceed the growth and survival of containerized stock in lakeshore restoration. Haskell DE, Bales AL, Webster CR, Flaspohler DJ, Meyer MW. 2017. Conifer restoration on lakeshores using 3 planting techniques. Native Plants Journal 18(3):235–244.
Preclinical testing supports combined BET and BRAF inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma.

9072 Background: Manipulation of key epigenetic regulators is emerging as a new therapeutic strategy in cancer. Our group recently reported a role for BRD4, a Bromodomain-containing protein and BET...
Ellipsometry of human tears.

Abstract Purpose The outer surface layer of tears is presumably composed of lipid. The thickness of this layer is considered critical to retard evaporation. Prior thickness measurements differ widely. Advances in ellipsometry have availed more precise and accurate measurements for thin films. The range in thickness of the surface layer of tears was studied by ellipsometry to uncover the source of prior discrepancies. Methods Tear surface layers of normal and dry eye subjects were measured by in-vitro ellipsometry. Lateral and Z resolutions of ∼1 μm and 0.1 nm, were achieved respectively. Thicknesses were derived from matrices and a Levenberg–Marquardt multivariate regression algorithm to Fresnel equations for multi-layered films. Results Ellipsometric measurements of pooled and individual human tears in-vitro revealed a larger overall range (0–500 nm) of surface film thicknesses than previously reported by any one study. Each sample showed thin areas (0–2.6 nm) with interspersed thicker regions (∼200–500 nm). Repeat measurements of a single donor collected at weekly intervals showed a broad range of surface thicknesses within and between samples. Thickness measurements from a dry eye subject overlapped that of normal subjects. Conclusion The data show that published disparity in surface film thickness may be attributable to limitations of prior methodologies. The range and overlap of surface film thicknesses challenge less rigorous methodologies that claim to segregate normal and dry eye.
Superresolution optical nanopatterning at low light intensities using a quantum yield-matched photochrome

Absorbance-modulation-optical lithography (AMOL) uses the opposing reactions between two isomeric states (absorbing and transparent) of a photochrome to confine light to sub-diffraction limited dimensions. The extent of light confinement is controlled by the ratio of the intensities of the confining and the exposing beams. Traditionally, high intensity in the confining beam is required due to the low quantum yield of the corresponding photo-reaction. Here, we report AMOL using low-light intensities, enabled by a novel photochrome with well-matched quantum yields. We provide rigorous simulations and experiments to demonstrate ∼ λ/4.5 feature-sizes at approximately 1/4th the light intensities required in conventional AMOL.
An Actively Controlled Variable Stiffness Structure via Layer Jamming and Pneumatic Actuation

Current robotics industry trends show an increased interest in the interaction between humans and robots in a variety of fields, ranging from collaborative robots in manufacturing to assisted medical devices in the medical field. One limiting factor in present applications is the ability to actively morph these robotic structures and control their stiffness using the same type of actuation system. This paper focuses on developing an actively controlled, variable stiffness structure that uses a pneumatic system for both morphing and locking the structure shape. The structure design integrates Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) that are pressurized to control shape morphing. The pressurization of the PAM provides a radial force that allows bi-directional morphing based on the pressurization scheme. Layer Jamming, which utilizes varied friction between thin sheets based on pressure, is used to control the variable stiffness of the structure. In this paper, a control model is developed to predict the morphed curvature of the structure based on the input actuator pressure. This experimental control model is also validated using a theoretical pseudo-rigid-body model. The repeatability and accuracy of morphing is also discussed. Through experimental testing, a measure of the stiffness variation range of the structure is also developed. This novel research would positively impact the robotics field by creating lightweight morphing structures that are flexible and easily deformed, but also stiff with high load-carrying capability for increased human-robot interaction.
Loss of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) enzyme activity in cerebral microvessels is coupled to persistent neuroinflammation and behavioral deficits in late sepsis

Sepsis is characterized as a host response to systemic inflammation and infection that may lead to multi-organ dysfunction and eventual death. While acute brain dysfunction is common among all sepsis patients, chronic neurological impairment is prevalent among sepsis survivors. The brain microvasculature has recently emerged as a major determinant of sepsis-associated brain dysfunction, yet the mechanisms that underlie its associated neuroimmune perturbations and behavioral deficits are not well understood. A growing body of data suggests that the loss of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) enzyme activity in cerebral microvessels may be associated with changes in endothelial cell barrier integrity. The objective of this study was to determine the important mechanisms linking alterations in cerebrovascular TNAP enzyme activity to underlying neurological impairment in late sepsis. We hypothesized that the disruption of TNAP enzymatic activity in cerebral microvessels would be coupled to the sustained loss of brain microvascular integrity, elevated neuroinflammatory responses, and behavioral deficits. Male mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a model of experimental sepsis, and assessed up to seven days post-sepsis. All mice were observed daily for sickness behavior and underwent behavioral testing. Our results showed a significant decrease in brain microvascular TNAP enzyme activity in the somatosensory cortex and spinal cord of septic mice but not in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Analyses of whole brain myeloid and T-lymphoid cell populations also revealed a persistent elevation of infiltrating leukocytes, which included both neutrophil and monocyte myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Regional analyses of the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord revealed significant astrogliosis and microgliosis in the cortex and spinal cord of septic mice that was accompanied by significant microgliosis in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Assessment of behavioral deficits revealed no changes in learning and memory or evoked locomotion. However, the hot plate test uncovered a novel anti-nociceptive phenotype in our septic mice, and we speculate that this phenotype may be a consequence of sustained GFAP astrogliosis and loss of TNAP activity in the somatosensory cortex of septic mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the loss of TNAP enzyme activity in cerebral microvessels during late sepsis is coupled to sustained neuroimmune dysfunction which may underlie, in part, the chronic neurological impairments observed in sepsis survivors.
It's not depersonalization, It's emotional labor: Examining surface acting and use-of-force with evidence from the US

Abstract Using data from one urban police department in the United States, this study gauges the effects of individual officer characteristics on use-of-force. Consistent with prior research, we find Emotional Exhaustion to be a negative correlate to use-of-force: Emotionally-exhausted officers avoid engaging with others. However, unlike previous research, we examine administrative data on actual use-of-force and include emotional labor into the model to reveal Surface Acting as a positive and significant correlate to use-of-force, while depersonalization has no effect. Other positive and statistically-significant correlates to use-of-force include number of primary calls and perceived need for use-of-force. In contrast, sex, years of experience, and prior military experience do not explain variations in use-of-force, nor does perceived organizational support or serving in a line officer capacity. We conclude with suggestions for further research, including examining use-of-force as a workplace stressor and the potential for emotional suppression to alter officer interpretations of suspect behavior.
Synoptic Climatology of Rain-on-Snow Events in Alaska

AbstractRain-on-snow (ROS) events can have adverse impacts on high-latitude ungulate populations when rain freezes in the snowpack, forming ice layers that block access to winter forage. In extreme...
Heartbeat: is cardiovascular health affected by marital status, living alone or loneliness?

Many studies suggest there is a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals who are lonely, not married or living alone.1–4 But which is it: a feeling of loneliness, living by yourself or being married that counts? And is this association mediated by psychological factors; lifestyle behaviours such as diet, exercise and not smoking; or variation in healthcare use including CVD risk reduction treatments? Additionally, are biological factors important? For example, it has been hypothesised that telomere length, which is a marker of biological ageing and psychological distress, might explain the association between living alone and CVD risk. In this issue of Heart , Chen and colleagues5 examined the relationship between marital status, leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and incidence CVD using data from over 10 000 participants in the Swedish Twin Registry. Compared with people who were married or cohabiting, people living singly (living alone, widowed, divorced or separated) had shorter LTL and an about 20% higher risk of CVD (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.35). However, the association between marital status and CVD risk appeared to be independent of telomere length. Moreover, the risk of living singly was attenuated by adjustment for age, sex, educational attainment, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia (HR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.26). In an editorial, O’Keefe et al 6 summarise previous studies on marital status and CVD risk, including a meta-analysis of 34 prospective cohort studies with a total of over two million participants which showed a 40% increased risk of CVD in unmarried, …
INTRAMYOCARDIAL HEMATOMA DUE TO SAPHENOUS VEIN GRAFT PERFORATION AND TREATMENT STRATEGY USING AMPLATZAR VASCULAR PLUG

SVG perforation is rare but potentially fatal complication of PCI. We present a case of SVG perforation and unique management plan 66-year-old male with prior CABG presented with NSTEMI and peak troponin of 1.7. The patient underwent coronary angiography with intention of re-vascularization Cath
Arrestin-2 Differentially Regulates PAR4 and P2Y12 Receptor Signaling in Platelets

Arrestins play important roles in the function of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in many cells, but their roles in platelets remain uncharacterized. While the classical role of arrestins is considered to be the internalization and desensitization of GPCRs, more recent studies suggest that arrestins can serve as molecular scaffolds to recruit phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinases (PI3Ks) to GPCRs and promote PI3K-dependent signaling. Due to the multifunctional role of arrestins, we sought to determine whether arrestins regulate Akt activation in platelets and thrombosis in living animals. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that arrestin-2 associates with PAR4 in thrombin-treated platelets and P2Y12 in ADP-treated platelets, but neither receptor in resting cells. Interestingly, association of arrestin-2 with PAR4 was also stimulated by ADP and PAR4-induced association of arrestin with PAR4 was inhibited by P2Y12 antagonists or apyrase. To determine the functional role of arrestin-2 in platelets, ADP- and thrombin receptor-stimulated Akt phosphorylation was compared in platelets from arrestin-2 knock-out versus WT mice. Akt phosphorylation stimulated by 0.8 mM AYPGKF PAR4 agonist peptide was reduced by an average of 77% in arrestin-2 knock-out platelets compared to WT controls (significantly different, p=0.007, n=3 in each group), but ADP-stimulated Akt phosphorylation was unaffected (p=.38, n=3 each). PAR4-stimulated fibrinogen binding was also reduced in arrestin2−/− platelets (by 58.5% in 1 mM AYPGKF-stimulated platelets compared to WT controls), whereas ADP-stimulated fibrinogen binding was not. Finally, arrestin2 knock-out mice were less sensitive to ferric chloride-induced thrombosis than WT mice: 55% of WT mice (n-=9) formed occlusive thrombi after 2min15sec exposure of the carotid artery to 10% ferric chloride, whereas only 11% of WT mice (n=9) formed occlusive thrombi under the same conditions. In conclusion, arrestin-2 associates with both PAR4 and P2Y12 receptors, but differentially regulates their signaling to Akt and fibrinogen binding and appears to play a net positive role in regulating thrombosis in vivo.
Persistent Racial and Sex Disparities in Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Retrospective Clinical Registry Review in the Drug-eluting Stent Era.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the temporal trends in 30-day mortality by race group for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2011 and 2018 and to investigate the effect of race and sex on postoperative outcomes after CABG. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death in the United States with studies demonstrating increased morbidity and mortality for black and female patients undergoing surgery. In the post drug-eluting stent era, studies of racial disparities CABG are outdated. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the Society for Thoracic Surgeons database for patients undergoing CABG between 2011 and 2018. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, surgical site infection, sepsis, pneumonia, stroke, reoperation, reintervention, early extubation, and readmission. RESULTS The study population was comprised of 1,042,506 patients who underwent isolated CABG between 2011 and 2018. Among all races, Black patients had higher rates of preoperative comorbidities. Compared with White patients, Black patients had higher overall mortality (2.76% vs 2.19%, P < 0.001). On univariable regression, Black patients had higher rates of death, infection, pneumonia, and postoperative stroke compared to White patients. On multivariable regression, Black patients had higher odds of 30-day mortality compared to white patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.18]. Similarly, female patients had higher odds of death compared to males (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.21-1.30). CONCLUSIONS In the modern era, racial and sex disparities in mortality and postoperative morbidity after coronary bypass surgery persist with Black patients and female patients consistently experiencing worse outcomes than White male patients. Although there may be unknown or underappreciated biological mechanisms at play, future research should focus on socioeconomic, cultural, and multilevel factors.
Military Veterans’ Psychological Distress Associated with Problematic Pornography Viewing

Problematic pornography use represents a common feature reported by those with compulsive sexual behavior disorder. While prior research suggests US military veterans may experience disproportional rates of problematic pornography use, few comparative studies exist. Moreover, no measurement invariance analyses between veterans and non-veterans exist on measures designed to assess problematic pornography use. The purposes of the present report were to explore whether differences exist between veteran and non-veteran men on indices of problematic pornography use, determine whether veteran status is associated with an exacerbation of psychological distress in conjunction with problematic pornography use, and establish measurement invariance psychometric data between veteran and non-veteran men on the Brief Pornography Screen (Kraus et al., 2020). We analyzed data drawn from a nationally representative panel of men from the USA (N = 658 non-veterans, N = 186 veterans). When adjusting for age, veteran men experienced significantly more problematic pornography use compared to non-veteran men. A substantial moderation effect was also evident, with veterans experiencing significantly more psychological distress associated with their problematic pornography use (β = .65) compared to non-veterans (β = .29), while adjusting for age and pornography use frequency. The Brief Pornography Screen demonstrated residual invariance (i.e., measurement equivalence of factor structure, loadings, intercepts, and errors) between veteran and non-veteran men. Clinicians working with veterans should explore how pornography use is related to their mental health. The Brief Pornography Screen is an effective tool to assess problematic pornography viewing in veteran and non-veteran men.
Neuroimmune metabolism: Uncovering the role of metabolic reprogramming in central nervous system disease.

The rapidly expanding field of immunometabolism has highlighted an intricate association between the metabolic pathways that program cellular pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory activity. This Special Issue on Neuroimmune Metabolism showcases a growing body of work characterizing the metabolic profiles of the major CNS-resident and peripheral immune cell players in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and brain injury. The review articles address the roles of glycolytic, oxidative, and lipid metabolism that are associated with beneficial or detrimental properties in various neurological conditions, address unanswered questions in the field, and discuss promising avenues for future therapeutics. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15069.
Changing Climatic Conditions Affect Surface Water Quality in Southwestern Louisiana in the United States

Climate change impacts on rising temperatures, changes on rainfall patterns, drought, flooding, sea level rise, glacier melts, and incidence of diseases and parasites are reported worldwide in recent decades. This study investigates the effects of changing climatic conditions – particularly air temperature and precipitation, on surface water temperatures and other water quality parameters, such as the conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and turbidity. A statistical analysis was performed on air temperature and precipitation data from 1980 to 2005 to determine the changing climatic conditions. The water quality data for four waterbodies in southwestern Louisiana was also analyzed to examine trends between the air temperature and surface water temperatures, precipitation and surface water temperatures, and precipitation and water quality parameters. There was an unexpected increase in surface water temperature with an increase in precipitation. As the precipitation and air temperature increased, so did the surface water temperature. This increase in surface water temperature was correlated with decrease in DO levels. The increase in precipitation also correlated with an increase in pH and turbidity in Bayou Plaquemine Brule. This study’s findings could be utilized in a dynamic climate modeling system to provide more accurate predictions of climate change in southwestern Louisiana.
CHAPTER 7 – Applied Microbial Ecology: Bioremediation

Publisher Summary Environmental biotechnology refers to enhancements of natural biological systems, particularly the use of microbes whose traits may or may not have been genetically modified to improve the efficiency of biodegradation of specific environmental contaminants. Natural and genetically modified organisms degrade pollutants into simpler, less toxic forms. Organisms at lower levels of biological organization transform substances in the direction of mineralization—towards inorganic compounds. A pollutant and its spheres of influence must be considered in space and time, with attention to scale and complexity in all of their forms. This chapter analyzes the ways in which biological principles are used to address pollution in a systematic way. In comparison to the scale and complexity of medical and industrial applications of biotechnology, environmental biotechnologies address larger volumes of chemicals in human populations and ecosystems, in the form of some type of waste or unwanted material. The concepts of systematic view of oxygen, biodegradation and bioremediation, and biochemodynamics of bioremediation are also discussed.