cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"It's the Job that I Love": Bike Messengers and Edgework

Bike messengers work in a dirty and dangerous occupation with low pay and no benefits. At the same time, many messengers consider their occupation to be their primary source of identity. In contrast to “dirty work” studies, which focus on organizational structures and workgroup ideologies, this paper explores how the creativity and spontaneity of courier labor allows messengers to become emotionally attached to their job. Bike messengering brings the thrill-seeking of leisure pursuits into the workplace, which creates an authentic self intimately tied to the occupation—an exceedingly difficult feat in an increasingly rationalized system of labor.
Enhancement of phytoalexin accumulation in cultured plant cells by oxalate

Abstract Oxalate (0.2–2.0 mM), a compound which induces systemic resistance, can enhance secondary product synthesis 10-fold in cotton cell suspension cultures. To accomplish this, cells require induction with a low level (10 μ of protein per 15 ml incubation) of elicitor from Verticillium dahliae . In the presence of oxalate, these minimal concentrations of elicitor required to induce phytoalexin formation did not have any necrotic effect on the growth of the cotton cultures. Even at higher concentrations of elicitor (80 μg of protein per 15 ml incubation), oxalate was able to reduce the detrimental effect of elicitor on cell suspension growth rates indicating oxalate may have a direct effect on growth. Therefore, in cotton cell suspension cultures the addition of an enhancer of elicitor-induced phytoalexin formation allows optimum stimulation of secondary metabolite formation without affecting cell mass accumulation.
Standardization of Care to Improve Outcomes of Patients with Ventilator-associated Pneumonia and Severe Sepsis

Translating the results of research into clinical practice in critically ill patients is a challenging endeavor and often a slow, complex process. The medical literature is replete with evidence-based guidelines and protocols aimed at standardizing processes of medical care in an attempt to improve patient outcomes [1]. Despite the widespread availability of such documents, non-adherence to guidelines is readily apparent and directly impacts patient care [2]. Explanations for the lack of guideline adherence include excessive workloads for bedside healthcare providers (nurses, therapists, physicians), disagreement in interpretation of clinical trials, limited evidence in support of specific pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatment strategies, and simply the hesitancy to change practices at the beside (1,2).
The Energy Equation of Turbulence

The single most useful measure of the intensity of turbulence is the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) per unit mass, defined as \( \frac{1}{2}\overline {{u_i}^{{'2}}} \equiv \frac{1}{2}\overline {{u_i}^{'}{u_i}^{'}} \equiv \frac{1}{2}\left( {\overline {{u^{{'2}}} + {\upsilon^{{'2}}} + {w^{{'2}}}} } \right) \).
The Impact of News on the Term-Structure of Breakeven Inflation

We present estimates of the impact of major macroeconomic announcements on two measures of U.S. forward breakeven inflation (the rate of realized forward inflation that leaves an investor equally well off whether he/she holds a nominal or indexed forward investment.) One set of measures is derived from discount curves fit to U.S. Treasury securities and the other set is calculated using inflation swaps. We find that forward breakevens across the maturity structure for both breakeven measures rise with surprises to core CPI, employment, and oil futures and that those responses are broadly similar across the breakeven measures. The reactions of inflation swap breakevens are less precisely estimated and are more variable than the reactions of treasury curve based breakevens. Stability tests find a break in the summer of 2008, which we interpret as separating the period before the worst market disruptions of the 2008 crisis from the crisis period itself.
Long-term total cardiac support in a Fontan-type circulation with HeartMate II left ventricular assist device

Interest in utilizing long-term mechanical circulatory support for Fontan-type circulation has been high. Unfortunately, so far such attempts have not been successful. Herein, we are presenting the first case of an individual with biventricular heart failure and Fontan-type circulation on long-term mechanical circulatory support with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.
Reading Wacquant in Oakland: Poor people’s movements and the state:

In ‘Class, ethnicity and state in the making of marginality: Revisiting territories of urban relegation’, Loic Wacquant argues that the state is central to the production and maintenance of racialised urban marginality. This rejoinder draws upon recent work on territory to extend Wacquant’s relational analysis to the everyday operation of state antipoverty programs. I use an early War on Poverty community development program in Oakland, California, to demonstrate that poor people’s movements engage and subvert attempts to govern urban space. I argue that antipoverty programs are not the direct implementation of repressive state policies on the ground but programs of government, characterised by contradictions, unexpected slippages and multiple political agendas.
Real-Time Surface and Near-Surface Optical Diagnostics for Epitaxial Growth

Various optical diagnostics are being developed to meet new challenges in semiconductor epitaxy. New data-analysis algorithms allow near-surface alloy compositions and interface properties to be obtained by kinetic ellipsometry (KE) without any knowledge of the underlying sample structure. New information about growth is being obtained by surface-oriented probes such as laser light scattering (LLS), surface photoabsorption (SPA), and reflectance-difference (-anisotropy) spectroscopy (RDS/RAS). Examples are provided and likely directions of further progress discussed.
MRSA Infections in HIV-Infected People Are Associated with Decreased MRSA-Specific Th1 Immunity

People with HIV infection are at increased risk for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Lower CD4 T-cell counts, higher peak HIV RNA levels and epidemiological factors may be associated with increased risk but no specific immune defect has been identified. We aimed to determine the immunologic perturbations that predispose HIV-infected people to MRSA SSTIs. Participants with or without HIV infection and with MRSA SSTI, MRSA colonization or negative for MRSA were enrolled. Peripheral blood and skin biopsies from study participants were collected. Flow cytometry, flow cytometry with microscopy, multiplex assays of cell culture supernatants and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the nature of the immune defect predisposing HIV-infected people to MRSA infections. We found deficient MRSA-specific IFNγ+ CD4 T-cell responses in HIV-infected people with MRSA SSTIs compared to MRSA-colonized participants and HIV-uninfected participants with MRSA SSTIs. These IFNγ+ CD4 T cells were less polyfunctional in HIV-infected participants with SSTIs compared to those without SSTIs. However, IFNγ responses to cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avium antigens and MRSA-specific IL-17 responses by CD4 T cells were intact. Upon stimulation with MRSA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected participants produced less IL-12 and IL-15, key drivers of IFNγ production. There were no defects in CD8 T-cell responses, monocyte responses, opsonization, or phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. Accumulation of CD3 T cells, CD4 T cells, IL-17+ cells, myeloperoxidase+ neutrophils and macrophage/myeloid cells to the skin lesions were similar between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants based on immunohistochemistry. Together, these results indicate that MRSA-specific IFNγ+ CD4 T-cell responses are essential for the control of initial and recurrent MRSA infections in HIV-infected people.
Drug therapy reviews: drug therapy of status epilepticus.

Drug treatment of status epilepticus is reviewed. Tonic-clonic, focal motor, complex partial and absence status epilepticus are discussed. In managing tonic-clonic status epilepticus one should: (1) maintain vital functions at all times, (2) identify and treat precipitating factors and (3) administer an intravenous loading dose of phenytoin sodium or phenobarbital sodium. Careful use of i.v. diazepam sometimes helps to achieve these objectives. Intravenous phenytoin sodium and phenobarbital sodium provide definitive, long-term control of tonic-clonic seizures but must be administered slowly and require time to reach peak brain concentrations. Intravenous diazepam appears to enter and exit from the brain rapidly and may control seizures while therapeutic brain concentrations of long-acting drugs are being achieved. Phenytoin, phenobarbital and diazepam should not be administered intramuscularly in treating status epilepticus. Treatment of focal motor and complex partial status epilepticus is similar to that of tonic-clonic status epilepticus, but i.v. diazepam is required less frequently and loading doses of phenytoin and phenobarbital sometimes can be given more slowly. Status epilepticus of the absence type is managed with i.v. acetazolamide sodium or diazepam. Paraldehyde, muscle relaxants, general anesthesia and lidocaine may be tried when conventional therapies fail.
Stroke prevention by endovascular treatment of carotid and vertebral artery dissections.

Introduction Endovascular intervention for cervical carotid artery dissection (CAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD) may be indicated in specific circumstances. Objective To review our institutional experience with endovascular treatment of cervical dissections over the past 20 years to examine indications for treatment, interventional methods, and outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to identify patients with extracranial dissection who underwent endovascular intervention between January 1996 and January 2016. Demographic data and details of procedures, outcomes, and complications were extracted. Results Of 116 patients [93 CAD, 23 VAD; mean age 44.9 years (range 5–76 years)], 104 underwent stent placement; 11, coil occlusion of the parent artery; and 1, stenting with contralateral vessel occlusion. The cohorts were well matched for age, sex, dissection etiology, and admission and follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Patients with CAD had significantly more stent placements (p Conclusions Patients with CAD and VAD differ significantly in presentation, indications for treatment, and treatment methods. Endovascular treatment of CAD and VAD has low procedural morbidity and is associated with a low incidence of future stroke.
Risk Factors for Poor Outcome in Stroke

Risk factors for stroke in children and their relationship to outcome were determined by reviewing charts of 72 patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes at the Universities of Montreal and Toronto, Canada.
An Experiential Approach to Clinical Supervision Training: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Effectiveness

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates an intensive experiential exercise designed to facilitate the provision of high-quality supervision in social work. Data from 46 BSW and MSW students suggest that the exercise can be an effective learning tool. Both quantitative and qualitative findings indicated that the students formed a supervisory working alliance; BSW students were satisfied with their supervisor; and that the approach met the goals of teaching MSW students to go beyond thinking of supervision as solely an administrative task. An overview and rationale for the exercise are included.
Loss properties of SiC at millimeter wavelengths

Data are presented on room temperature dielectric properties of SiC wafers of various grades at millimeter wavelengths to explore their potential as an alternate material for gyrotron window applications. In addition, measurements are being performed over a range of frequencies and temperatures to understand the loss mechanism and results will be reported.
Engineering dynamical control of cell fate switching using synthetic phospho-regulons

Many cells can sense and respond to time-varying stimuli, selectively triggering changes in cell fate only in response to inputs of a particular duration or frequency. A common motif in dynamically controlled cells is a dual-timescale regulatory network: although long-term fate decisions are ultimately controlled by a slow-timescale switch (e.g., gene expression), input signals are first processed by a fast-timescale signaling layer, which is hypothesized to filter what dynamic information is efficiently relayed downstream. Directly testing the design principles of how dual-timescale circuits control dynamic sensing, however, has been challenging, because most synthetic biology methods have focused solely on rewiring transcriptional circuits, which operate at a single slow timescale. Here, we report the development of a modular approach for flexibly engineering phosphorylation circuits using designed phospho-regulon motifs. By then linking rapid phospho-feedback with slower downstream transcription-based bistable switches, we can construct synthetic dual-timescale circuits in yeast in which the triggering dynamics and the end-state properties of the ON state can be selectively tuned. These phospho-regulon tools thus open up the possibility to engineer cells with customized dynamical control.
Yoga-Related Injuries in the United States From 2001 to 2014

Background:Yoga has become more popular among people in the United States and has been touted by both yoga participants as well as some physicians and researchers for its health benefits. While the...
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) Principles in Work with the Families of Patients with Severe Personality Disorders

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) will include more family contact than would be expected in a traditional psychoanalytic treatment. The TFP assessment process will include family involvement if the patient is dependent on family support in any significant way. The TFP therapist’s meeting with the patient and family will include psychoeducation about personality disorders and an explanation about the central tenets of TFP. Many families will benefit from a clear discussion of the uses and limitations of pharmacotherapy for personality disorder symptoms. Family involvement is a helpful risk management tool, particularly for clinicians working with patients with active suicidality. The TFP therapist will remain vigilant about expectable splitting that can occur between the family members and the members of a treatment team.
Harnessing the Tumor Microenvironment for the Treatment of Double Hit Lymphoma

Double Hit Lymphomas (DHL) constitute 6-9% of all newly-diagnosed Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas (DLBCL) and are defined by MYC translocation in concert with BCL2 (80%) or BCL6 (20%) rearrangement. DHL is characterized by poor upfront response to standard chemoimmunotherapies. The development of more effective treatment for DHL has been limited by the lack of models that accurately recapitulate the biology of this disease. To faithfully model bona fide human DHL, we generated two patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) in NSG mice from patients with DHL who relapsed after or were refractory to R-CHOP. Both PDXs had low/negative expression of surface CD20, in line with previous reports of DHL, and high surface expression of CD52. Importantly, these features recapitulated the original tumor phenotypes. We reasoned that immunologic approaches that target DHLs may help overcome their resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Given the surface expression of CD52 on both PDXs, we treated xenografted mice with the anti-CD52 antibody Alemtuzumab (2x5mg/kg) when >2% tumor was detected in peripheral blood, a time corresponding to marked splenomegaly and ~30% bone marrow involvement. In both models, Alemtuzumab markedly reduced tumor involvement in the peripheral blood and spleen; however, the bone marrow was largely refractory to Alemtuzumab treatment. This is in line with previous results (Pallasch et al. Cell 2014) who also observed bone marrow-specific resistance to Alemtuzumab using a humanized transgenic model of DHL. In the latter model, Alemtuzumab resistance was successfully overcome by high-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX, 100mg/kg), which induced a tumor secretory response that induced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells. Thus, we treated both PDX models with vehicle, CTX 100mg/kg, Alemtuzumab or CTX+Alemtuzumab. While CTX monotherapy was able to partially reduce bone marrow tumor burden, in both PDXs, a single dose of CTX+Alemtuzumab was highly synergistic and eradicated nearly all bone marrow disease (Figure 1), which resulted in significantly extend murine survival compared to either CTX or Alemtuzumab alone alone (p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Beyond cue reactivity: Non-drug-related motivationally relevant stimuli are necessary to understand reactivity to drug-related cues

Neurobiological models of addiction posit that drug use can alter reward processes in two ways: (1) by increasing the motivational relevance of drugs and drug-related cues and (2) by reducing the motivational relevance of non-drug-related rewards. Here, we discuss the results from a series of neuroimaging studies in which we assessed the extent to which these hypotheses apply to nicotine dependence. In these studies, we recorded smokers’ and nonsmokers’ brain responses to a wide array of motivationally relevant visual stimuli that included pleasant, unpleasant, cigarette-related, and neutral images. Based on these findings, we highlight the flaws of the traditional cue reactivity paradigm and we conclude that responses to non-drug-related motivationally relevant stimuli should be used to appropriately gauge the motivational relevance of cigarette-related cues and to identify smokers attributing higher motivational relevance to drug-related cues than to non-drug-related rewards. Identifying these individuals is clinically relevant as they achieve lower rates of long-term smoking abstinence when attempting to quit. Finally, we show how this approach may be extended beyond nicotine dependence to inform theoretical and clinical research in the study of obesity. Implications The cue reactivity paradigm (ie, comparing responses evoked by drug-related cues to those evoked by neutral cues) cannot provide conclusive information about the motivational relevance of drug-related cues. Responses to non-drug-related motivationally relevant stimuli should be used to appropriately gauge the level of motivational relevance that substance-dependent individuals attribute to drug-related cues.
Postdiagnosis neurological care for patients with psychogenic nonepileptic spells (PNES)

Abstract Objective This study investigated continuity of neurological care for patients discharged from the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) with a diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic spells (PNES). Because PNES are seizure-like episodes that cannot be explained by abnormal electrical brain activity, they are challenging for patients to understand and accept. Consequently, after diagnosis, patients commonly fail to start recommended psychotherapy and instead pursue redundant medical care. As consistent relationships with healthcare providers may help, we instituted standard follow-up for patients diagnosed with PNES. Methods We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of adults diagnosed with PNES in our EMU. In November 2013, we began routine scheduling of postdischarge follow-up neurology appointments. We compared preintervention (November 2010–October 2013) and postintervention (November 2013–May 2016) cohorts with regard to clinic attendance, understanding the diagnosis, compliance with recommendations, and event frequency. Results We identified 55 patients in the preintervention cohort and 123 patients in the postintervention cohort. We successfully implemented the intended practice changes; more patients had follow-up scheduled by discharge (preintervention 2% vs. postintervention 36%, p Significance Scheduling follow-up for patients diagnosed with PNES did not facilitate ongoing patient–provider relationships due to poor clinic attendance. As follow-up is unreliable, the inpatient visit is a critical window of opportunity for intervention.
Memory Activism Challenging the Reconciliation Paradigm

This chapter analyzes the practices of the Brama Grodzka group in Lublin, Poland. Brama Grodzka uses its physical location in the gateway over the road connecting the historically Jewish Quarter to Lublin’s Old City as the material expression of its mission: to change Lubliners’ conscious awareness of what the city’s Jewish past means for Polish national identity. Brama Grodzka created a series of performative strategies that allowed participants to interact with the erasure of Lublin’s Jewish community, broaching the possibility of rupture with a normalized mono-ethnic present. In their work, Brama Grodzka staff positioned the city itself as carrying the trauma of the Nazi excision of Jewish life, and the Polish suppression of its memory.
Passive and active matching of electrically-small helical antenna for HF-band communications

This paper presents a design of an electrically-small helical antenna for long distance communications at HF-band (i.e., 3–30 MHz). Two different matching circuits (i.e., a passive reconfigurable LC network and an active non-Foster circuit) are designed, fabricated and tested to achieve wideband coverage of the designated HF-band. Field-test measurements were carried out to investigate the performance of the received signal strength and the signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Transparent metasurface with prescribed aperture field

We theoretically demonstrate the mechanisms to funnel electromagnetic energy through any desired prescribed aperture field distributions, using transparent metasurfaces with inhomogeneous impedance profiles. It is shown that a single inhomogeneous impedance surface is sufficient to mold the near-field distribution at will, while 100% transmission is achieved. The results are derived analytically and demonstrated through numerical examples of subwavelength field localization. A related technique based on the Weston condition is also discussed. Our method provides a very general recipe to synthesize transparent surface impedance profiles with interesting connections to the extraordinary light transmission phenomenon. Our designs may find interesting applications in sensing, particle trapping, and energy harvesting.
Breaking Barriers: Causes, Consequences, and Experimental Utility of Human-Mediated Hybridization

Hybridization between naturally co-occurring species that normally do not interbreed is being documented following anthropogenic habitat modifications for an increasing number of taxa. Here, we evaluate the mechanisms by which disturbance promotes hybridization and highlight the utility of human-caused hybridization for understanding evolution. Monitoring hybridization dynamics before, and following, disturbance over multiple timescales offers a unique opportunity to understand how disturbances alter species interactions and to pinpoint the mechanisms that cause species barriers to fail. Identifying the conditions promoting hybridization in disturbed habitats, the generality of these conditions across taxa, and the taxa most affected by human-mediated change is critical for furthering our understanding of human impacts on evolution and for informing management.
Effects of Lateral Eye Displacement on Comfort While Reading from a Video Display Terminal

Some small field-of-view (FOV) head worn displays (HWD), like Epson's Moverio BT-300, are mounted directly in the user's line of sight. In contrast, Google Glass is mounted “out of the way” and above the line of sight. Other displays like the Vuzix M100 or Optinvent ORA-1 allow the user to adjust the display position, and some users have expressed a desire for the display to be laterally displaced toward the ear, out of the main line of sight. How far toward the ear can a small FOV display be mounted and still be used comfortably? Using a 30-minute reading task and an emulated display with the FOV of a typical smart phone (9.2°x 16.3°), we study a user's perceived comfort level while reading at four horizontally displaced positions. We ask participants to rate their comfort every five minutes using a 5-point Likert scale knob (5 being most comfortable), for a total of seven measurements. Scores are summed over the seven measurements to form a summed comfort score. We find that 0° (Md = 34.0; p«0.001), 10° (Md = 33.5; p«c0.001), and 20° (Md = 33.5; p«c0.001) are more comfortable than 30° (Md = 29.5) and that 0° (p
Receptivity to Freestream Turbulence and the Effect of Longitudinal Vortices in Boundary Layer Transition

Cause and effect of longitudinal vortices in boundary layer transition are examined through studies on receptivity to freestream turbulence and secondary instability of a spanwise periodic flow, respectively. Receptivity results are consistent with experimental data and underscore the importance of nonparallel effects. Floquet analysis reveals that large spanwise modulations cause strong amplification of secondary disturbances at high frequencies and may lead to imminent transition.
Holding Aesthetics and Ideology in Tension

Studying imagery, irrespective of the kind, must focus equally upon its aesthetic attractiveness, its sensory lures, and its oftentimes dubious social ideology. The terms aesthetic and ideology are addressed as problematic and are defined in current, ordinary language terms: aesthetics as visual appearances and their effects and ideology as a style of thinking. Aesthetics, viewed as inherently ideological because it is a primary means by which ideology is inculcated, has become increasingly important to address in art education as the aestheticization of economics, politics, and everyday life has become increasingly pronounced. The Build-a-Bear Workshop® is offered as an example of aesthetic and ideology working together. Finally, a comparison is drawn between Schiller’s view of aesthetics as a means of social control and the current use of aesthetics to inculcate the late capitalist ideology of continual consumption and thus ensure socio-economic stability.
On the Non-uniqueness of the Decomposition of Weighted Pseudo Almost Periodic Functions

In this short communication, we show through an example that the decomposition of a ρ-weighted pseudo almost periodic function is not unique when \({\inf }_{{ \atop t\in \mathbb{R}} }\rho (t) = 0\).
Abstract 1263: TGF-ß inhibition as a novel strategy to prevent breast cancer brain metastases

Background: Incidence of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) is on the rise due to improved management of systemic disease and ranges from 15-20% in women with disseminated breast cancer. Common chemotherapeutic strategies have limited efficacy for brain metastases due to the presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Prevention of metastasis after diagnosis of primary breast tumors may lead to new treatment strategies. TGF-s is a biomolecule in the metastatic pathway and inhibition of its expression can be achieved by treatment with the antihypertensive agent Losartan. Herein we hypothesized that treatment with Losartan will decrease metastatic burden and improve survival in a preclinical model BCBM. Methods: Athymic female nude mice were separated into four groups as follows: Vehicle, (saline, 50µL/day), SB431542 (Inhibitor, 5mg/kg/day), Low Dose Losartan (10mg/kg/day) and High Dose Losartan (25mg/kg/day). On day 7 mice were intracardially injected with 175,000 cells of either JIMT-1-Br-LUC-GFP (HER2+) or MDA-MB-231Br-LUC (TNBC) breast cancer cell lines. Tumor burden was monitored once weekly utilizing bioluminescent imaging. Mice were allowed to progress until neurological symptoms arose. Following euthanasia, brains were extracted, sectioned and analyzed to determine number of metastatic lesions and size. Results: With regard to survival, no significance was shown in the JIMT-1 (HER2+) metastatic model. The MDA-MB-231Br (TNBC) model demonstrated an increase in survival in all treatment groups compared to vehicle. End time-point analyses showed no difference in metastases number in either model, however, the low dose treatment group in the MDA-MB-231Br model had a smaller brain burden of metastases than high dose treatment as well as inhibitor treatment. Conclusions: Losartan reduced metastatic seeding in the MDA-MB-231Br (TNBC) brain metastasis model, but had little to no effect in the JIMT-1 (HER2+) model. Citation Format: Mark V. Pinti. TGF-s inhibition as a novel strategy to prevent breast cancer brain metastases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1263.
Nature, Culture, and Natureculture: The Role of Nonnative Species in Biocultures

“Nature” and “culture” are defined variously. The dualist end of a spectrum sees “culture” as consisting of humans and their products and “nature” as comprising whatever is unaffected by humans. The other end sees but one “natureculture” integrating humans, other animals, and plants, and considers “nature” an artifact that humans construct in their observations and discussions. A bioculture is a local collection of humans, other species, and their interactions. Nonnative species can thus be parts of biocultures and may even replace native species to form new biocultures. To the extent that interactions among species arise through long processes of evolution and coevolution, a new bioculture thus formed will likely differ substantially from the previous one. Whether there are characteristic types of differences between such new biocultures and ones unaffected by nonnative species is an unexplored topic, just as is the question of whether novel ecosystems dominated by nonnative species characteristically differ from long-standing ones barely affected by humans. Whether we lament the loss of traditional biocultures probably depends largely on our perception and deep appreciation of the long sweeps of time underpinning much evolution and coevolution. A similar difference probably underlies conflicts between those who deplore ecological changes and local species extinctions wrought by nonnative species and those who accept, welcome, or even advocate producing them.
Review of Schmitt, Holger (2018)Language in the Public Space: An Introduction to the Linguistic Landscape

This article reviews Language in the Public Space: An Introduction to the Linguistic Landscape 978-1-9829-2542-0€18.00
Parental Involvement and the Black–White Discipline Gap: The Role of Parental Social and Cultural Capital in American Schools:

Discipline disproportionality is the overuse of exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, on Black students in American schools. This study adds to the literature by examining how ...
Calcium-ligand variants of the myocilin olfactomedin propeller selected from invertebrate phyla reveal cross-talk with N-terminal blade and surface helices

Olfactomedins are a family of modular proteins found in multicellular organisms that all contain five-bladed β-propeller olfactomedin (OLF) domains. In support of differential functions for the OLF propeller, the available crystal structures reveal that only some OLF domains harbor an internal calcium-binding site with ligands derived from a triad of residues. For the myocilin OLF domain (myoc-OLF), ablation of the ion-binding site (triad Asp, Asn, Asp) by altering the coordinating residues affects the stability and overall structure, in one case leading to misfolding and glaucoma. Bioinformatics analysis reveals a variety of triads with possible ion-binding characteristics lurking in OLF domains in invertebrate chordates such as Arthropoda (Asp–Glu–Ser), Nematoda (Asp–Asp–His) and Echinodermata (Asp–Glu–Lys). To test ion binding and to extend the observed connection between ion binding and distal structural rearrangements, consensus triads from these phyla were installed in the myoc-OLF. All three protein variants exhibit wild-type-like or better stability, but their calcium-binding properties differ, concomitant with new structural deviations from wild-type myoc-OLF. Taken together, the results indicate that calcium binding is not intrinsically destabilizing to myoc-OLF or required to observe a well ordered side helix, and that ion binding is a differential feature that may underlie the largely elusive biological function of OLF propellers.
Electron and hole partial specific resistances: a framework to understand contacts to solar cells

In order to understand how contacts influence the performance of solar cells, we previously developed and presented the concept of partial specific resistances: for each contact of a solar cell, we defined voltage-dependent specific resistances to electrons and to holes. Although the connection between these partial specific resistances and the cell performance metrics at open circuit (iV oc and V oc ) is straightforward, the relationship becomes more complex when current flows out of the cell, in particular at the maximum power point. In the present work, we investigate the dependence of these hole and electron specific resistances on implied voltage. We show that the shapes of these curves—and not simply the resistance values at the maximum power point, which do not correspond to the same injection level in every cell—dictate the cell efficiency
Republican Party Politics and the American South, 1865-1968

In Republican Party Politics and the American South, 1865–1968, Heersink and Jenkins examine how National Convention politics allowed the South to remain important to the Republican Party after Reconstruction, and trace how Republican organizations in the South changed from biracial coalitions to mostly all-white ones over time. Little research exists on the GOP in the South after Reconstruction and before the 1960s. Republican Party Politics and the American South, 1865–1968 helps fill this knowledge gap. Using data on the race of Republican convention delegates from 1868 to 1952, the authors explore how the 'whitening' of the Republican Party affected its vote totals in the South. Once states passed laws to disenfranchise blacks during the Jim Crow era, the Republican Party in the South performed better electorally the whiter it became. These results are important for understanding how the GOP emerged as a competitive, and ultimately dominant, electoral party in the late-twentieth century South.
A lattice method for jump-diffusion process applied to transmission expansion investments under demand and distributed generation uncertainties

Strategic decision making for rare events is considered to be an arduous course of actions as their impacts cannot accurately be modeled. Transmission of electrical power is a major challenge in this day and age due to the prevalent of rare events. Decision makers of generation units, distribution utilities, and transmission networks do not often cooperate, which creates severe uncertainties for all players. Growth of demand for electricity and installation or removal of distributed generation (DG), considered to be a rare event, are among uncertainties encountered by transmission network owners. Expansion decisions for transmission lines should be strategically executed because installations of DGs may create a stranded cost for transmission owners. In this study, we propose a real options framework that quantifies the values of transmission investments under demand and DG uncertainties to guide decision makers of transmission companies regarding how to adapt their expansions decisions. We model demand uncertainty as a geometric Brownian motion process and DG uncertainty as a Poisson arrival process. We devise a computationally-efficient lattice diagram to discretize both processes in a single grid, which can also be employed to model other types of rare events in various sectors. The proposed framework is demonstrated on a realistic transmission network. Numerical study shows that our proposed lattice model is computationally superior over existing diagrams. As for managerial insights, it shows that depending on the locations of DG installations, DG penetration may not reduce the value of a transmission network. If the center at which a DG is installed has a large-capacity local generator, the installation may not undervalue the transmission network.
The Socially Embedded American University: Intensification and Globalization

In the era of “world class” universities and “best practices” for higher education, an idealized American university is often a global benchmark. The message for many universities worldwide is that they should become more socially embedded, shifting away from a state-shielded historically grounded institution. The chapter contends that the American cultural and political matrix facilitated the earlier rise of American universities, which became attuned to multiple “stakeholders” and the necessity of coping with changing environments thereby emerging as organizational actors. This chapter identifies and discusses three university organizational developments: increased entrepreneurship linked to individual advancement goals; increased individual empowerment linked to ideas about individual rights and human potential; and increased legalization as cultural adaptation to increased entrepreneurship and empowered individuals. These developments intensified the socially embedded character of American universities. The chapter concludes by sketching research directions designed to ascertain the degree to which universities in different national contexts adopt these organizational developments and the mission statements that co-vary with them.
Inhibiting the PGE2 Receptor EP2 Mitigates Excitotoxicity and Ischemic Injury

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is elevated in the brain by excitotoxic insults and, in turn, aggravates the neurotoxicity mainly through acting on its Gαs-coupled receptor EP2, inspiring a therapeutic strategy of targeting this key proinflammatory pathway. Herein, we investigated the effects of several highly potent and selective small-molecule antagonists of the EP2 receptor on neuronal excitotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. EP2 inhibition by these novel compounds largely decreased the neuronal injury in rat primary hippocampal cultures containing both neurons and glia that were treated with N-methyl-d-aspartate and glycine. Using a bioavailable and brain-permeant analogue TG6-10-1 that we recently developed to target the central EP2 receptor, we found that the poststroke EP2 inhibition in mice decreased the neurological deficits and infarct volumes as well as downregulated the prototypic inflammatory cytokines in the brain after a transient ischemia. Our preclinical findings together reinforced the notion that targeting the EP2 receptor represents an emerging therapeutic strategy to prevent the neuronal injury and inflammation following ischemic stroke.
Initial Development of the Activity Card Sort-Advancing Inclusive Participation from a Homeless Population Perspective

Importance. Nonsanctioned occupations are those deemed socially unacceptable, unhealthy, or illegal, yet they hold meaning for individuals. A gap in occupational therapy evaluation and intervention to address a broader perspective on occupations prompted the adaptation of the Activity Card Sort tool to explore participation in nonsanctioned occupations. Methods. Develop a new version of the Activity Card Sort-Advancing Inclusive Participation to include occupations experienced by the homeless population, including nonsanctioned occupations. This study occurred in two phases: (1) tool development (item selection, content expert review, line development drawing, and assessment of content validity) and (2) tool use to determine face validity. Participants were selected through a convenience sample at a local homeless shelter and academic institution. Participants experiencing homelessness (phase 1: , phase 2: ) were required to be seeking services at the homeless shelter, while nonhomeless participants (phase 2: ) worked full-time, resided with a significant other, and had personal transportation. Results. An assessment of 76 occupations, corresponding line drawings, and follow-up questions was created. An initial construct validity study demonstrated differences between occupational participation of those who are homeless and nonhomeless in the areas of social engagement, nonsanctioned occupations, work and education, and home management. Both groups reported previous, current, or desired engagement in the occupations identified in the assessment. Conclusions and relevance. The purpose of this study was to create an inclusive assessment for use in the homeless population and complete a construct validity study of the assessment tool. Although the results indicated some differences in the frequency with which occupations were performed, the results demonstrated that all individuals participate in occupations that many not contribute to their health and wellness. This initial work supports the future development of a tool that is inclusive of all occupations to obtain a holistic picture of an individual’s participation.
Dermatologic Findings In The Head And Neck In Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons

Cutaneous lesions are common manifestations of infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory conditions associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Biopsy is frequently required in these cases because cutaneous morphologic conditions may be quite different in HIV-infected individuals than in the general population. The most common bacterial and viral infections, malignancies, and inflammatory skin diseases associated with HIV are detailed in this article.
Slocalization: Sub-uW Ultra Wideband Backscatter Localization

Ultra wideband technology has shown great promise for providing high-quality location estimation, even in complex indoor multipath environments, but existing ultra wideband systems require tens to hundreds of milliwatts during operation. Backscatter communication has demonstrated the viability of astonishingly low-power tags, but has thus far been restricted to narrowband systems with low localization resolution. The challenge to combining these complimentary technologies is that they share a compounding limitation, constrained transmit power. Regulations limit ultra wideband transmissions to just -41.3 dBm/MHz, and a backscatter device can only reflect the power it receives. The solution is long-term integration of this limited power, lifting the initially imperceptible signal out of the noise. This integration only works while the target is stationary. However, stationary describes the vast majority of objects, especially lost ones. With this insight, we design Slocalization, a sub-microwatt, decimeter-accurate localization system that opens a new tradeoff space in localization systems and realizes an energy, size, and cost point that invites the localization of every thing. To evaluate this concept, we implement an energy-harvesting Slocalization tag and find that Slocalization can recover ultra wideband backscatter in under fifteen minutes across thirty meters of space and localize tags with a mean 3D Euclidean error of only 30 cm.
COVID-19 Outcomes of Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Multicenter Los Angeles Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer may be a risk factor for worse outcomes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infections. However, there is a significant variability across cancer types in the extent of disease burden and modalities of cancer treatment that may impact morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Therefore, we evaluated COVID-19 outcomes in patients with a differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) history. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a history of DTC and SARS-CoV2 infection from 2 academic Los Angeles healthcare systems. Demographic, thyroid cancer, and treatment data were analyzed for associations with COVID-19 outcomes. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with DTC and COVID-19, 8 (38.1%) were hospitalized and 2 (9.5%) died from COVID-19. Thyroid cancer initial disease burden and extent, treatment, or current response to therapy (eg, excellent vs incomplete) were not associated with COVID-19 severity in DTC patients. However, older age and the presence of a comorbidity other than DTC were significantly associated with COVID-19 hospitalization (P = .047 and P = .024, respectively). COVID-19-attributed hospitalization and mortality in DTC patients was lower than that previously reported in cancer patients, although similar to patients with nonthyroid malignancies in these centers. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that among patients with DTC, advanced age and comorbid conditions are significant contributors to the risk of hospitalization from SARS-CoV2 infection, rather than factors associated with thyroid cancer diagnosis, treatment, or disease burden. This multicenter report of clinical outcomes provides additional data to providers to inform DTC patients regarding their risk of COVID-19.
Effect of Blood Pressure Variability on Outcomes in Emergency Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage.

Introduction Patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) have high mortality and morbidity, which are associated with blood pressure variability. Additionally, blood pressure variability is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients, but its association with sICH patients in emergency departments (ED) is unclear. Our study investigated the association between blood pressure variability in the ED and the risk of developing AKI during sICH patients' hospital stay. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with sICH, including those with subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhage, who were admitted from any ED and who received an external ventricular drain at our academic center. Patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9). Outcomes were the development of AKI, mortality, and being discharged home. We performed multivariable logistic regressions to measure the association of clinical factors and interventions with outcomes. Results We analyzed the records of 259 patients: 71 (27%) patients developed AKI, and 59 (23%) patients died. Mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) was 58 (14) years, and 150 (58%) were female. Patients with AKI had significantly higher blood pressure variability than patients without AKI. Each millimeter of mercury increment in one component of blood pressure variability, SD in systolic blood pressure (SBPSD), was significantly associated with 2% increased likelihood of developing AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005-1.03, p = 0.007). Initiating nicardipine infusion in the ED (OR 0.35, 95% CI, 0.15-0.77, p = 0.01) was associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality. No ED interventions or blood pressure variability components were associated with patients' likelihood to be discharged home. Conclusion Our study suggests that greater SBPSD during patients' ED stay is associated with higher likelihood of AKI, while starting nicardipine infusion is associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality. Further studies about interventions and outcomes of patients with sICH in the ED are needed to confirm our observations.