cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Embedding Transform for Unsupervised Domain Adaptation

The problem of domain adaptation (DA) deals with adapting classifier models trained on one data distribution to different data distributions. In this paper, we introduce the Nonlinear Embedding Transform (NET) for unsupervised DA by combining domain alignment along with similarity-based embedding. We also introduce a validation procedure to estimate the model parameters for the NET algorithm using the source data. Comprehensive evaluations on multiple vision datasets demonstrate that the NET algorithm outperforms existing competitive procedures for unsupervised DA.
Predictive Coding in Area V4: Dynamic Shape Discrimination under Partial Occlusion.

The primate visual system has an exquisite ability to discriminate partially occluded shapes. Recent electrophysiological recordings suggest that response dynamics in intermediate visual cortical area V4, shaped by feedback from prefrontal cortex (PFC), may play a key role. To probe the algorithms that may underlie these findings, we build and test a model of V4 and PFC interactions based on a hierarchical predictive coding framework. We propose that probabilistic inference occurs in two steps. Initially, V4 responses are driven solely by bottom-up sensory input and are thus strongly influenced by the level of occlusion. After a delay, V4 responses combine both feedforward input and feedback signals from the PFC; the latter reflect predictions made by PFC about the visual stimulus underlying V4 activity. We find that this model captures key features of V4 and PFC dynamics observed in experiments. Specifically, PFC responses are strongest for occluded stimuli and delayed responses in V4 are less sensitive ...
TOURNIQUETLESS TKA: LET IT BLEED – AFFIRMS

While a tourniquet is traditionally used to obtain a dry field during primary TKA (and is also thought to reduce perioperative blood loss), adverse effects of tourniquet use have been reported. Avoiding routine use of the tourniquet during TKA can minimise certain complications while improving the quality of the early result. Most studies of TKA with and without tourniquet show little difference in all forms of blood loss except for intraoperative. Some studies even show less overall blood loss in groups without tourniquet use. Modern techniques to minimise intraoperative loss have included topical treatments, systemic medications, as well as a bipolar tissue sealer. Visualisation of bleeding vessels and their management intra-operatively can substantially reduce early post-op hemarthrosis. Tourniquet use has also been related to post-operative thigh pain. This is a negative aspect of tourniquet use that can interfere with physical therapy and rehabilitation. Occasionally it can be a significant factor in post-op recovery. Data supports the fact that avoiding a tourniquet or at least reducing pressure to the minimum necessary may help to reduce post-operative thigh pain. Ischemia and tissue damage can affect neuromuscular function and rehabilitation following TKA. The time necessary to achieve straight leg raising and knee flexion is delayed by tourniquet use during TKA. Compressive nerve injury also may result in secondary effects of denervation on distal tissues. This denervation can delay recovery of blood flow and increase vessel spasm, hemorrhage and edema. The degree of dysfunction is related to the magnitude of tourniquet compression. Tension in the lateral retinaculum is directly affected by tourniquet use. Observations from these studies would indicate that lateral release should be performed only if found necessary after tourniquet deflation in order to minimise the potential morbidity that accompanies this procedure. Although thromboembolic events can occur during TKA without, tourniquet use is associated with more frequent events when it is used. Finally, it is prudent to avoid the use of a tourniquet in patients with vascular calcifications around the knee or abdomen due to advanced arteriosclerosis, previous bypass grafts, or reduced limb or tissue blood supply for any reason. Routine TKA with minimal tourniquet use greatly simplifies its performance in those settings where it is contra-indicated.
Sparse Quantum Codes From Quantum Circuits

We describe a general method for turning quantum circuits into sparse quantum subsystem codes. The idea is to turn each circuit element into a set of low-weight gauge generators that enforce the input–output relations of that circuit element. Using this prescription, we can map an arbitrary stabilizer code into a new subsystem code with the same distance and number of encoded qubits but where all the generators have constant weight, at the cost of adding some ancilla qubits. With an additional overhead of ancilla qubits, the new code can also be made spatially local. Applying our construction to certain concatenated stabilizer codes yields families of subsystem codes with constant-weight generators and with minimum distance $d = n^{1- \epsilon }$ , where $ \epsilon = O(1/\sqrt {\log n})$ . For spatially local codes in $D$ dimensions, we nearly saturate a bound due to Bravyi and Terhal and achieve $d = n^{1- \epsilon -1/D}$ . Previously the best code distance achievable with constant-weight generators in any dimension, due to Freedman, Meyer, and Luo, was $O(\sqrt {n\log n})$ for a stabilizer code.
Enhanced Thermal Conduction Through Nanostructured Interfaces

ABSTRACTInterfaces dominate heat conduction in nanostructured systems, and much work has focused on methods to enhance interfacial conduction. These approaches generally address planar interfaces, where the heat flux vector is everywhere normal to the interface. Here, we explore a nanostructured interface geometry that uses nonplanar features to enhance the effective interfacial conductance beyond what is possible with planar interfaces. This interface consists of interdigitating Al pillars embedded within SiO2 with characteristic feature size ranging from 100 to 800 nm. The total sidewall surface area is modulated to highlight the impact of this additional channel by changing the pillar-to-pillar pitch between 1.6 µm and 200 nm while maintaining the same Al:SiO2 fill fraction. Using optical pump-probe thermoreflectance measurements, we show that the effective conductance of an ~65 nm thick fin layer monotonically increases with decreasing and that the conductance for = 200 nm is more than twice the predi...
System-wide and Superemitter Policy Options for the Abatement of Methane Emissions from the U.S. Natural Gas System

This work assesses trade-offs between system-wide and superemitter policy options for reducing methane emissions from compressor stations in the U.S. transmission and storage system. Leveraging recently collected national emissions and activity data sets, we developed a new process-based emissions model implemented in a Monte Carlo simulation framework to estimate emissions for each component and facility in the system. We find that approximately 83% of emissions, given the existing suite of technologies, have the potential to be abated, with only a few emission categories comprising a majority of emissions. We then formulate optimization models to determine optimal abatement strategies. Most emissions across the system (approximately 80%) are efficient to abate, resulting in net benefits ranging from $160M to $1.2B annually across the system. The private cost burden is minimal under standard and tax instruments, and if firms market the abated natural gas, private net benefits may be generated. Superemitt...
Trade policy and redistribution when preferences are non-homothetic

This paper compares redistribution through trade restrictions versus domestic lump-sum transfers. When preferences are non-homothetic, even domestic lump-sum transfers affect relative prices. Thus, contrary to the conventional wisdom, domestic lump-sum transfers are not necessarily superior to distortionary trade policy. The paper develops this argument in the context of the food export bans imposed by many developing countries in the late 2000s.
On the Combinatorial Power of the Weisfeiler-Lehman Algorithm

The classical Weisfeiler-Lehman method WL[2] uses edge colors to produce a powerful graph invariant. It is at least as powerful in its ability to distinguish non-isomorphic graphs as the most prominent algebraic graph invariants. It determines not only the spectrum of a graph, and the angles between standard basis vectors and the eigenspaces, but even the angles between projections of standard basis vectors into the eigenspaces. Here, we investigate the combinatorial power of WL[2]. For sufficiently large k, WL[k] determines all combinatorial properties of a graph. Many traditionally used combinatorial invariants are determined by WL[k] for small k. We focus on two fundamental invariants, the number of cycles \(C_p\) of length p, and the number of cliques \(K_p\) of size p. We show that WL[2] determines the number of cycles of lengths up to 6, but not those of length 8. Also, WL[2] does not determine the number of 4-cliques.
Let's Talk About X: Combining Image Recognition and Eye Gaze to Support Conversation for People with ALS

Communicating at a natural speed is a significant challenge for users of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, especially when input is provided by eye gaze, as is common for people with ALS and similar conditions. One way to improve AAC throughput is by drawing on contextual information from the outside world. Toward this goal, we present SceneTalk, a prototype gaze-based AAC system that uses computer vision to identify objects in the user's field of view and suggests words and phrases related to the current scene. We conducted a formative evaluation of SceneTalk with six people with ALS, in which we evaluated their preference for user interface modes and output preferences. Participants agreed that integrating contextual awareness into their AAC device could be helpful across a diverse range of situations.
Identifying Sleeping Beauties in the Lore of Regional Science

Over the last several decades the scientific world has seen an unprecedented growth in new knowledge, accompanied by an explosive growth in scholarly literature published in a rising number of journals. Conventional wisdom tells us that the new knowledge is built on top of current knowledge, which in turn traces its origins to older knowledge. However, this linear view of knowledge growth, studied typically with citation analysis, may not be universal. Many of us have heard or known of a significant scientific idea that was not recognized at the time it was discovered/invented and published; rather it lays dormant for an unspecified period of time till it was rediscovered much later for its contribution in the creation of valuable new knowledge. Such scholarly work with delayed recognition has been euphemistically referred to as “sleeping beauties” that were discovered by “waking princes” (new scholarly work).
100-nm tunable femtosecond Cr:LiSAF laser mode locked with a broadband saturable Bragg reflector

We report broad tunability of a femtosecond (fs) diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF laser mode-locked with a broadband saturable Bragg reflector (SBR). The SBR had seven pairs of AlxOy(n∼1.5) and Al0.17Ga0.83As(n∼3.5) layers in its Bragg stack, enabling a 250 nm reflectivity bandwidth around 850 nm. A 6-nm-thick strained In0.15Ga0.85As quantum well placed between Al0.17Ga0.83As cladding layers was used as a broadband saturable absorber in the 800–920 nm wavelength range. The laser was pumped by 6 single mode diodes—four at 640 nn and two at 660 nm. Mode locking was self-starting and fs pulses could be continuously tuned from 800 nm to 905 nm by an intracavity birefringent filter with an out-of-plane optic axis. The pulse widths varied from 70 fs to 255 fs as the laser was tuned. The laser had an 85.5 MHz repetition rate and the output power varied from 80 mW to 180 mW with tuning.
Contextual Trustworthiness of Organizational Partners: Evidence from Nine School Networks

Problem definition: Trustworthy partners in procurement and service relationships are an asset. How can organizations discern trustworthy from untrustworthy partners, especially early on, so as to ...
Hydro-geomorphic controls of greenhouse gas fluxes in riparian buffers of the White River watershed, IN (USA)

Abstract Riparian ecosystems are defined by the nature and regularity of the interactions between a given river system and its floodplains, and past studies have often presented vegetation cover as the exclusive expression of these interactions. There has been to our knowledge, no systematic attempt at linking greenhouse gases (GHG) fluxes and types of riparian buffers. The present study was conducted to investigate the intensity and seasonality of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes in riparian buffers in three common hydro-geomorphic settings (HGM) across the White River watershed (Indiana, USA). These classes included riparian sites located: (i) in till plain depressions near 1st order streams (HGM-1), (ii) in incised narrow valleys with thin alluvium layers above glacial till (HGM-2), and (iii) along 3rd–4th order streams in broad floodplains with thick alluvial and glacial outwash deposits (HGM-3). For each class, 3 sites were selected and GHG fluxes were measured during the wet (May) and dry seasons (August). Strong relationships were found between GHG fluxes, soil properties and environmental factors, but these relationships varied with season and gas species, making it challenging to rely on these relationships for GHG fluxes upscaling. Analysis of variance and discriminant analysis showed that the HGM-defined riparian buffers were distinct in terms of GHG flux intensity. Regardless of season, the HGM-1 sites emitted CO2 at rates 1.6 times higher than at the other sites, likely due to difference in soil C quality. During the wet season, N2O emission was significantly higher at the HGM-3 than at the other sites (0.88 vs 0.27 mg N m− 2 d− 1), and was negatively related with the gradient of the adjacent channel (r2: 0.69). The riparian buffers acted as CH4 sinks, with the HGM-2 sites exhibiting CH4 uptake rates significantly greater than the other riparian types (− 0.80 vs − 0.34 mg CH4-C m− 2 d− 1). The consistency of these results underscores the potential of an HGM-based monitoring approach to derive watershed-scale GHG budgets for riparian buffers.
Rohlin's invariant and gauge theory III. Homology 4–tori.

This is the third in our series of papers relating gauge theoretic invariants of certain 4-manifolds with invariants of 3-manifolds derived from Rohlin's theo- rem. Such relations are well-known in dimension three, starting with Casson's integral lift of the Rohlin invariant of a homology sphere. We consider two in- variants of a spin 4-manifold that has the integral homology of a 4-torus. The first is a degree zero Donaldson invariant, counting flat connections on a certain SO(3)-bundle. The second, which depends on the choice of a 1-dimensional co- homology class, is a combination of Rohlin invariants of a 3-manifold carrying the dual homology class. We prove that these invariants, suitably normalized, agree modulo 2, by showing that they coincide with the quadruple cup product of 1-dimensional cohomology classes. AMS Classification numbers Primary: 57R57 Secondary: 57R58
Protecting democracy: a parsimonious, dynamic and heuristic model of controlling crimes by the powerful*

AbstractCrimes of the powerful (i.e. corporations, elites, organized crime groups, states, white collar criminals, etc.) have numerous devastating effects. That is why, over the centuries, some philosophers and political theorists - and more recently some constitutional experts, and selected social scientists - have proposed and analyzed the best ways to deter, minimize, prevent, regulate, and hereafter control large powerful interests. Not all powerful actors, however, are equally dangerous nor does this threat remain constant. Moreover, not all methods of control work for all entities. In order to better understand this process, one must determine a number of things including: which powerful actor is currently the most dangerous/harmful, where controls do not exist and/or do not function well, and which controls work best and in which particular setting. To achieve this goal, scholarship in diverse fields need to be integrated, with specific reference to the challenges and problems that have arisen and ...
Data-adaptive harmonic spectra and multilayer Stuart-Landau models.

Harmonic decompositions of multivariate time series are considered for which we adopt an integral operator approach with periodic semigroup kernels. Spectral decomposition theorems are derived that cover the important cases of two-time statistics drawn from a mixing invariant measure. The corresponding eigenvalues can be grouped per Fourier frequency and are actually given, at each frequency, as the singular values of a cross-spectral matrix depending on the data. These eigenvalues obey, furthermore, a variational principle that allows us to define naturally a multidimensional power spectrum. The eigenmodes, as far as they are concerned, exhibit a data-adaptive character manifested in their phase which allows us in turn to define a multidimensional phase spectrum. The resulting data-adaptive harmonic (DAH) modes allow for reducing the data-driven modeling effort to elemental models stacked per frequency, only coupled at different frequencies by the same noise realization. In particular, the DAH decomposition extracts time-dependent coefficients stacked by Fourier frequency which can be efficiently modeled—provided the decay of temporal correlations is sufficiently well-resolved—within a class of multilayer stochastic models (MSMs) tailored here on stochastic Stuart-Landau oscillators. Applications to the Lorenz 96 model and to a stochastic heat equation driven by a space-time white noise are considered. In both cases, the DAH decomposition allows for an extraction of spatio-temporal modes revealing key features of the dynamics in the embedded phase space. The multilayer Stuart-Landau models (MSLMs) are shown to successfully model the typical patterns of the corresponding time-evolving fields, as well as their statistics of occurrence.
HAND HELD NAVIGATION IN TKA: THE ORTHOPAEDIST'S SMART PHONE

Computer navigation is an attractive tool for use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as it is well known that alignment is important for the proper function of a total knee replacement. Malalignment of the prosthetic joint can lead to abnormal kinematics, unbalanced soft tissues, and early loosening. Although there are no long term studies proving the clinical benefits of computer navigation in TKA, studies have shown that varus alignment of the tibial component is a risk factor for early loosening. A handheld, accelerometer-based navigation unit for use in total knee replacement has recently become available to assist the surgeon in making the proximal tibial and distal femoral cuts. Studies have shown the accuracy to be comparable to large, console-based navigation units. Additionally, accuracy of cuts is superior to the use of traditional alignment guides, improving the percentage of cuts within 2 degrees of the desired alignment. Because the registration is based on the mechanical axis of the knee, anatomic variables such as femoral neck-shaft angle, femoral length, and presence of a tibial bow do not affect the results. The handheld aspect of this navigation unit allows its use without additional incisions or array attachment. Furthermore, the learning curve and usage time is minimal, supporting its use in primary TKA.
A Bounded Rationality Decision Process Model

Abstract A model of decision making under bounded rationality is presented that combines satisficing behavior with learning and adaptation through environmental feedback. The aspirations, or goals, of the decision maker dynamically adjust in response to the observed sequence of past decisions and their corresponding effects on the decision maker's objective function. A simple linear response model is employed to represent the beliefs of the decision maker concerning the causal connection between his/her decisions and the resulting objective function value. The combination of these simple elements yields a decision process model rich in dynamic behavior; it can exhibit optimizing behavior in the long-run and chaotic pseudo-random search in the short-run. As such, the model bridges the gap between substantive rationality and procedural rationality.
Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis in a Patient With Syphilis. Identification of Antitreponemal Antibody and Treponemal Antigen in Renal Tissue

A 37-year-old man presented with biopsy-proved rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and a strongly positive fluorescent treponemal antibody result. The patient was treated with hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, methylprednisolone, and penicillin, with rapid improvement and stabilization of renal function. Antibody was eluted from the frozen renal tissue and demonstrated a strongly positive reaction to the treponemal antigen when used in the fluorescent treponemal antibody test. In addition, when specific rabbit antitreponemal antiserum was applied to the frozen renal sections, there was a strongly positive reaction. Although syphilis has been associated with membranous glomerulopathy and post-infectious glomerulonephritis, this appears to be the first case of latent syphilis in which rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis has been identified. The presence within the glomeruli of treponemal antigen and antitreponemal antibody supports the association of these two entities.
Risks associated with performance specifications in highway infrastructure procurement

Proper identification, allocation, and pricing of risks are critical to effective procurement and project delivery, particularly when contracts specify the intended performance instead of how the work is to be performed. This paper presents an overview of the sources of project risks when performance specifications are used for highway infrastructure procurement. The findings are based on a comprehensive literature review and interviews with subject-matter experts involved in developing performance specifications for highway infrastructure. The authors conclude that wider use of performance specifications in U.S. highway infrastructure construction requires a fundamental reassessment of risk allocation and pricing. Highway agencies and the contractors need to realign their respective organizational capabilities with the goal of using performance specifications as a facilitator of innovation, a goal that remains elusive after decades of applied research.
An Engineered orco Mutation Produces Aberrant Social Behavior and Defective Neural Development in Ants

Ants exhibit cooperative behaviors and advanced forms of sociality that depend on pheromone-mediated communication. Odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) express specific odorant receptors (ORs) encoded by a dramatically expanded gene family in ants. In most eusocial insects, only the queen can transmit genetic information, restricting genetic studies. In contrast, workers in Harpegnathos saltator ants can be converted into gamergates (pseudoqueens) that can found entire colonies. This feature facilitated CRISPR-Cas9 generation of germline mutations in orco, the gene that encodes the obligate co-receptor of all ORs. orco mutations should significantly impact olfaction. We demonstrate striking functions of Orco in odorant perception, reproductive physiology, and social behavior plasticity. Surprisingly, unlike in other insects, loss of OR functionality also dramatically impairs development of the antennal lobe to which ORNs project. Therefore, the development of genetics in Harpegnathos establishes this ant species as a model organism to study the complexity of eusociality.
This Side of the Law: Evaluating Citizens’ Attitudes Toward Legal Compliance

A fundamental concern of government is getting citizens to comply with its laws and regulations. Yet, this topic has received relatively little attention in legal or social science scholarship. We ...
Tumor and serum DNA methylation in women receiving preoperative chemotherapy with or without vorinostat in TBCRC008.

Methylated gene markers have shown promise in predicting breast cancer outcomes and treatment response. We evaluated whether baseline and changes in tissue and serum methylation levels would predict pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with HER2-negative early breast cancer undergoing preoperative chemotherapy. The TBCRC008 trial investigated pCR following 12 weeks of preoperative carboplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel + vorinostat/placebo (n = 62). We measured methylation of a 10-gene panel by quantitative multiplex methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and expressed results as cumulative methylation index (CMI). We evaluated association between CMI level [baseline, day 15 (D15), and change] and pCR using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models controlling for treatment and hormone receptor (HR) status, and performed exploratory subgroup analyses. In univariate analysis, one log unit increase in tissue CMI levels at D15 was associated with 40% lower chance of obtaining pCR (odds ratio, OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.97; p = 0.037). Subgroup analyses suggested a significant association between tissue D15 CMI levels and pCR in vorinostat-treated [OR 0.44 (0.20, 0.93), p = 0.03], but not placebo-treated patients. In this study investigating the predictive roles of tissue and serum CMI levels in patients with early breast cancer for the first time, we demonstrate that high D15 tissue CMI levels may predict poor response. Larger studies and improved analytical procedures to detect methylated gene markers in early stage breast cancer are needed. TBCRC008 is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00616967).
Condom use and incident sexually transmitted infection after initiation of long-acting reversible contraception.

Background Use of more effective contraception may lead to less condom use and increased incidence of sexually transmitted infection. Objective The objective of this study was to compare changes in condom use and incidence of sexually transmitted infection acquisition among new initiators of long-acting reversible contraceptives to those initiating non-long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. We included 2 sample populations of 12-month continuous contraceptive users. The first included users with complete condom data (baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months) (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: N = 2371; other methods: N = 575). The second included users with 12-month sexually transmitted infection data (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: N = 2102; other methods: N = 592). Self-reported condom use was assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months following enrollment. Changes in condom use and incident sexually transmitted infection rates were compared using χ2 tests. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infection acquisition were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results Few participants in either group reported consistent condom use across all survey time points and with all partners (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: 5.2%; other methods: 11.3%; P Conclusion Long-acting reversible contraceptive initiators reported lower rates of consistent condom use, but did not demonstrate a change in condom use when compared to preinitiation behaviors. Long-acting reversible contraceptive users were more likely to acquire a sexually transmitted infection in the 12 months following initiation.
Firm-level decomposition of energy consumption in Turkish manufacturing industry

Energy efficiency in industry is a crucial topic for Turkey, as the country has an import dependency of 80 percent in energy. Although the importance of enhancing energy efficiency in industry is widely acknowledged, there has not been any study examining the energy efficiency in Turkish industry at micro level. Employing a sound decomposition methodology on a firm-level data set of manufacturing firms, this paper documents that there was a significant decrease in the energy intensity of firms over 2005-12. In contrast, structural change across manufacturing sectors and across firms within sectors had positive but limited effects on the overall energy efficiency over the period.
Delayed entry settlements at the patent office

Abstract The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) is a recently-formed division of the Patent Office in which patents can be challenged as invalid, and which differs from federal courts in a number of respects. We investigate whether monopolist-patentees and their prospective rivals are using the PTAB—which has not previously received antitrust attention—as a platform for striking settlements that delay the rivals’ entry. Such settlements are common in pharmaceutical markets, and are typically antitrust violations in cases where the patentee pays the challenger (“pay for delay”). However, problematic statutory inducements lead to excessively-delayed competition even in lieu of such payments. Our empirical findings suggest that delayed entry settlements are now commonly executed in the PTAB, and that they comprise a large majority of all PTAB settlements reached between pharmaceutical rivals. Further, nearly half of the delayed entry settlements were reached after the relevant patent claims were deemed “reasonably likely” to be invalid.
Semiparametric fractional imputation using empirical likelihood in survey sampling

The empirical likelihood method is a powerful tool for incorporating moment conditions in statistical inference. We propose a novel application of the empirical likelihood for handling item nonresponse in survey sampling. The proposed method takes the form of fractional imputation (Kim, 2011) but it does not require parametric model assumptions. Instead, only the first moment condition based on a regression model is assumed and the empirical likelihood method is applied to the observed residuals to get the fractional weights. The resulting semiparametric fractional imputation provides [Formula: see text]-consistent estimates for various parameters. Variance estimation is implemented using a jackknife method. Two limited simulation studies are presented to compare several imputation estimators.
Pediatric urinary tract infections: An analysis of hospitalizations, charges, and costs in the USA

This study evaluates the impact of pediatric uninary tract infection (UTI)s on the economy and inpatient healthcare utilization in the USA. A retrospective analysis of patient demographics and hospital economics was performed on children less than 18 years of age admitted with a UTI between 2000 and 2006 using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database. Our results were stratified as follows. Hospital admissions—nearly 50,000 children/year were admitted with a UTI. Pediatric UTIs represented 1.8% of all pediatric hospitalizations. Seventy-three percent of patients were female and 40% were under 1 year of age. Payer information—from 2000 to 2006, pediatric insurance coverage shifted from the private sector to the public sector. Hospital cost—in 2000, estimated hospital costs for UTIs were $2,858 per hospitalization and rose to $3,838 by 2006. Mean hospital charges increased from $6,279 to $10,489 per stay. By 2006, aggregate hospital charges exceeded $520 million. Our results indicate that UTIs are among the most common pediatric admission diagnoses. Hospitalization is more common in females and younger children. Since 2000, hospital charges for UTIs increased disproportionately to hospital costs. Over time, more children hospitalized with a UTI depend on public agencies to cover healthcare expense. More efforts are needed to evaluate cost-effective strategies for evaluation and treatment of UTIs.
The Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Contribution to Plastic Surgery Education.

This population-based study evaluates the levels of case minimums met by plastic surgery residents in Veterans Affairs hospitals.
A New Wiretap Channel Model and Its Strong Secrecy Capacity

In this paper, a new wiretap channel model is proposed, where the legitimate transmitter and receiver communicate over a discrete memoryless channel. The wiretapper has perfect access to a fixed-length subset of the transmitted code word symbols of her choosing. Additionally, she observes the remainder of the transmitted symbols through a discrete memoryless channel. This new model subsumes the classical wiretap channel and wiretap channel II with noisy main channel as its special cases, and is termed as the generalized wiretap channel for that reason. The strong secrecy capacity of the proposed channel model is identified. Achievability is established by solving a dual secret key agreement problem in the source model, and converting the solution to the original channel model using probability distribution approximation arguments. In the dual problem, a source encoder and decoder, who observe random sequences independent and identically distributed according to the input and output distributions of the legitimate channel in the original problem, communicate a confidential key over a public error-free channel using a single forward transmission, in the presence of a compound wiretapping source who has perfect access to the public discussion. The security of the key is guaranteed for the exponentially many possibilities of the subset chosen at the wiretapper by deriving a lemma which provides a doubly-exponential convergence rate for the probability that, for a fixed choice of the subset, the key is uniform and independent from the public discussion and the wiretapping source’s observation. The converse is derived by using Sanov’s theorem to upper bound the secrecy capacity of the generalized wiretap channel by the secrecy capacity when the tapped subset is randomly chosen by nature.
Reanalysis of global proteomic and phosphoproteomic data identified a large number of glycopeptides

Protein glycosylation plays fundamental roles in many cellular processes, and previous reports have shown dysregulation to be associated with several human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the vital role of glycosylation for proper protein function, the analysis of glycoproteins has been lagged behind to other protein modifications. In this study, we describe the reanalysis of global proteomic data from breast cancer xenograft tissues using recently developed software package GPQuest 2.0, revealing a large number of previously unidentified N-linked glycopeptides. More importantly, we found that using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) technology for the enrichment of phosphopeptides had coenriched a substantial number of sialoglycopeptides, allowing for a large-scale analysis of sialoglycopeptides in conjunction with the analysis of phosphopeptides. Collectively, combined tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses of global proteomic and phosphopr...
Water when it counts : reducing scarcity through irrigation monitoring in Central Mozambique

Management of common-pool resources in the absence of individual pricing can lead to suboptimal allocation. In the context of irrigation schemes, this can create water scarcity even when there is sufficient water to meet the total requirements. High-frequency data from three irrigation schemes in Mozambique reveal patterns consistent with inefficiency in allocations. A randomized control trial compares two feedback tools: i) general information, charting the water requirements for common crops, and ii) individualized information, comparing water requirements with each farmer's water use in the same season of the previous year. Both types of feedback tools lead to higher reported and observed sufficiency of water relative to recommendations, and nearly eliminate reports of conflicts over water. The experiment fails to detect an additional effect of individualized comparative feedback relative to a general information treatment.
Activation of Piezo1 but Not NaV1.2 Channels by Ultrasound at 43 MHz.

Abstract Ultrasound (US) can modulate the electrical activity of the excitable tissues, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are not understood at the molecular level or in terms of the physical modality through which US exerts its effects. Here, we report an experimental system that allows for stable patch-clamp recording in the presence of US at 43 MHz, a frequency known to stimulate neural activity. We describe the effects of US on two ion channels proposed to be involved in the response of excitable cells to US: the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.2. Our patch-clamp recordings, together with finite-element simulations of acoustic field parameters indicate that Piezo1 channels are activated by continuous wave US at 43 MHz and 50 or 90 W/cm2 through cell membrane stress caused by acoustic streaming. NaV1.2 channels were not affected through this mechanism at these intensities, but their kinetics could be accelerated by US-induced heating.
Effect of Violet-Blue Light on Streptococcus mutans-Induced Enamel Demineralization

Background: This in vitro study determined the effectiveness of violet-blue light (405 nm) on inhibiting Streptococcus mutans-induced enamel demineralization. Materials and Methods: S. mutans UA159 biofilm was grown on human enamel specimens for 13 h in 5% CO2 at 37 °C with/without 1% sucrose. Wet biofilm was treated twice daily with violet-blue light for five minutes over five days. A six-hour reincubation was included daily between treatments excluding the final day. Biofilms were harvested and colony forming units (CFU) were quantitated. Lesion depth (L) and mineral loss (∆Z) were quantified using transverse microradiography (TMR). Quantitative light-induced fluorescence Biluminator (QLF-D) was used to determine mean fluorescence loss. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare differences in means. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in CFUs between treated and non-treated groups grown with/without 1% sucrose. ∆Z was significantly reduced for specimens exposed to biofilms grown without sucrose with violet-blue light. There was only a trend on reduction of ∆Z with sucrose and with L on both groups. There were no differences in fluorescence-derived parameters between the groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the results indicate that violet-blue light can serve as an adjunct prophylactic treatment for reducing S. mutans biofilm formation and enamel mineral loss.
Activation and Desensitization Mechanism of AMPA Receptor-TARP Complex by Cryo-EM

AMPA receptors mediate the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain and transduce the binding of presynaptically released glutamate to the opening of a transmembrane cation channel. Within the postsynaptic density, however, AMPA receptors coassemble with transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs), yielding altered gating kinetics, receptor pharmacology and pore properties. Here we elucidate full-length GluA2-TARP γ2 complex structures in the presence of the partial agonist kainate or the full agonist quisqualate together with a positive allosteric modulator, and with quisqualate alone. We show how TARPs sculpt the ligand binding domain gating ring, enhancing kainate potency and diminishing the ensemble of desensitized states. The 4 TARPs encircle receptor ion channel, stabilizing M2 helices and pore loops, thus showing how TARPs alter receptor pore properties. Structural and computational analysis suggests the full agonist/modulator complex harbors an ion-permeable channel gate, thus providing the first view of an activated AMPA receptor.
Low-Shot Learning with Imprinted Weights

Human vision is able to immediately recognize novel visual categories after seeing just one or a few training examples. We describe how to add a similar capability to ConvNet classifiers by directly setting the final layer weights from novel training examples during low-shot learning. We call this process weight imprinting as it directly sets weights for a new category based on an appropriately scaled copy of the embedding layer activations for that training example. The imprinting process provides a valuable complement to training with stochastic gradient descent, as it provides immediate good classification performance and an initialization for any further fine-tuning in the future. We show how this imprinting process is related to proxy-based embeddings. However, it differs in that only a single imprinted weight vector is learned for each novel category, rather than relying on a nearest-neighbor distance to training instances as typically used with embedding methods. Our experiments show that using averaging of imprinted weights provides better generalization than using nearest-neighbor instance embeddings.
Distal radius microstructure and finite element bone strain are related to site-specific mechanical loading and areal bone mineral density in premenopausal women.

Abstract While weight-bearing and resistive exercise modestly increases aBMD, the precise relationship between physical activity and bone microstructure, and strain in humans is not known. Previously, we established a voluntary upper-extremity loading model that assigns a person's target force based on their subject-specific, continuum FE-estimated radius bone strain. Here, our purpose was to quantify the inter-individual variability in radius microstructure and FE-estimated strain explained by site-specific mechanical loading history, and to determine whether variability in strain is captured by aBMD, a clinically relevant measure of bone density and fracture risk. Seventy-two women aged 21–40 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) was used to measure macro- and micro-structure in the distal radius. Mean energy equivalent strain in the distal radius was calculated from continuum finite element models generated from clinical resolution CT images of the forearm. Areal BMD was used in a nonlinear regression model to predict FE strain. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to assess the predictive capability of intrinsic (age, height) and modifiable (body mass, grip strength, physical activity) predictors. Fifty-one percent of the variability in FE bone strain was explained by its relationship with aBMD, with higher density predicting lower strains. Age and height explained up to 31.6% of the variance in microstructural parameters. Body mass explained 9.1% and 10.0% of the variance in aBMD and bone strain, respectively, with higher body mass indicative of greater density. Overall, results suggest that meaningful differences in bone structure and strain can be predicted by subject characteristics.
Co-translational protein targeting facilitates centrosomal recruitment of PCNT during centrosome maturation in vertebrates

As microtubule-organizing centers of animal cells, centrosomes guide the formation of the bipolar spindle that segregates chromosomes during mitosis. At mitosis onset, centrosomes maximize microtubule-organizing activity by rapidly expanding the pericentriolar material (PCM). This process is in part driven by the large PCM protein pericentrin (PCNT), as its level increases at the PCM and helps recruit additional PCM components. However, the mechanism underlying the timely centrosomal enrichment of PCNT remains unclear. Here, we show that PCNT is delivered co-translationally to centrosomes during early mitosis by cytoplasmic dynein, as evidenced by centrosomal enrichment of PCNT mRNA, its translation near centrosomes, and requirement of intact polysomes for PCNT mRNA localization. Additionally, the microtubule minus-end regulator, ASPM, is also targeted co-translationally to mitotic spindle poles. Together, these findings suggest that co-translational targeting of cytoplasmic proteins to specific subcellular destinations may be a generalized protein targeting mechanism.
Accounting for early job turnover in recent pediatric surgery fellowship graduates: An American Pediatric Surgical Association Membership and Credentials Committee study

Abstract Purpose Employment opportunities for graduating pediatric surgeons vary from year to year. Significant turnover among new employees indicates fellowship graduates may be unsophisticated in choosing job opportunities which will ultimately be satisfactory for themselves and their families. The purpose of this study was to assess what career, life, and social factors contributed to the turnover rates among pediatric surgeons in their first employment position. Methods American Pediatric Surgical Association members who completed fellowship training between 2011 and 2016 were surveyed voluntarily. Only those who completed training in a pediatric surgery fellowship sanctioned by the American Board of Surgery and whose first employment involved the direct surgical care of patients were included. The survey was completed electronically and the results were evaluated using chi-squared analysis to determine which independent variables contributed to a dependent outcome of changing place of employment. Results 110 surveys were returned with respondents meeting inclusion criteria. 13 (11.8%) of the respondents changed jobs within the study period and 97 (88.2%) did not change jobs. Factors identified that likely contributed to changing jobs included a perceived lack of opportunity for career [p = Conclusions Several factors appear to play a role in motivating young pediatric surgeons to change jobs early in their careers. These factors should be taken into account by senior pediatric fellows and their advisors when considering job opportunities. Type of Study Survey. Level of Evidence IV.
Feedback between tissue packing and neurogenesis in the zebrafish neural tube

Balancing the rate of differentiation and proliferation in developing tissues is essential to produce organs of robust size and composition. Although many molecular regulators have been established, how these connect to physical and geometrical aspects of tissue architecture is poorly understood. Here, using high-resolution timelapse imaging, we find that changes to cell geometry associated with dense tissue packing play a significant role in regulating differentiation rate in the zebrafish neural tube. Specifically, progenitors that are displaced away from the apical surface due to crowding, tend to differentiate in a Notch-dependent manner. Using simulations we show that interplay between progenitor density, cell shape and changes in differentiation rate could naturally result in negative-feedback control on progenitor cell number. Given these results, we suggest a model whereby differentiation rate is regulated by density dependent effects on cell geometry to: (1) correct variability in cell number; and (2) balance the rates of proliferation and differentiation over development to 'fill' the available space.