cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic stress-induced hippocampal dendritic retraction requires CA3 NMDA receptors

Chronic stress induces dendritic retraction in the hippocampal CA3 subregion, but the mechanisms responsible for this retraction and its impact on neural circuitry are not well understood. To determine the role of NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartic acid) receptor (NMDAR)-mediated signaling in this process, we compared the effects of chronic immobilization stress (CIS) on hippocampal dendritic morphology, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, and anxiety-related and hippocampus-dependent behaviors, in transgenic male mice in which the NMDAR had been selectively deleted in CA3 pyramidal cells and in non-mutant littermates. We found that CIS exposure for 10 consecutive days in non-mutant mice effectively induces HPA axis activation and dendritic retraction of CA3 short-shaft pyramidal neurons, but not CA3 long-shaft pyramidal neurons, suggesting a differential cellular stress response in this region. Dendritic reorganization of short-shaft neurons occurred throughout the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus and, in particular, in the ventral pole of this structure. We also observed a robust retraction of dendrites in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the non-mutant C57BL/6 mouse strain. Strikingly, chronic stress-induced dendritic retraction was not evident in any of the neurons in either CA3 or CA1 in the mutant mice that had a functional lack of NMDARs restricted to CA3 pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, the prevention of dendritic retraction in the mutant mice had a minimal effect on HPA axis activation and behavioral alterations that were induced by chronic stress. These data support a role for NMDAR-dependent glutamatergic signaling in CA3 in the cell-type specific induction of dendritic retraction in two hippocampal subregions following chronic stress.
Septicemia and Aortic Valve Endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a Homeless Man

We report a case of bacterial endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a homeless man with no animal exposure. His course was complicated by an allergic reaction to ampicillin, urinary bladder infection, respiratory failure, and acute kidney injury. He recovered completely after aortic valve replacement and a 6-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone.
Joint source/channel coding of WWAN multicast video for a cooperative peer-to-peer collective using structured network coding

Because of frequent wireless packet losses and inapplicability of retransmission-based schemes due to the wellknown NAK implosion problem, providing high quality video multicast over Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWAN) remains difficult. Traditional joint source/channel coding schemes for video multicast—optimal bit allocation among source coding and channel coding such as Forward Error Correction (FEC) subject to a bitrate constraint—target a chosen nth-percentile WWAN user. Not only is FEC bitwise expensive, users with poorer reception than nth-percentile user suffer substantial channel losses, while users with better reception have more channel coding than necessary, meaning too few bits are devoted for source coding to reduce quantization noise and sub-optimal video quality. Instead, in this paper we perform joint source/channel coding of WWAN video multicast for an entire collective of multi-homed ad-hoc peers in the same multicast group and connected via Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN). In a cooperative peer-to-peer repair (CPR) scenario, after each peer received a different subset of WWAN packets, the peer group repairs WWAN losses locally by packet-forwarding to each other via WLAN. From an end-to-end system view, CPR means that a packet can be transmitted from source to a peer either via WWAN directly, or via WLAN local repairs exploiting neighboring peers' WWAN links; the overall more general transmission condition means a clever joint source/channel coding scheme can now allocate more bits to source coding without suffering more packet losses, leading to higher video quality. To efficiently implement both WWAN FEC and WLAN CPR repairs, we propose to use network coding for this dual purpose to reduce decoding complexity at the peers. We show through simulations that using our proposed scheme dramatically improves video quality over existing optimization scheme where joint source/channel coding was performed, but WLAN CPR was not used, by up to 8.4 dB, and over scheme when WLAN CPR and WWAN joint source/channel coding were performed separately by up to 4.4 dB.
Video streaming with SP and SI frames

SP and SI frames are new picture types introduced in the latest video coding standard H.264. They allow drift-free bitstream switching and can also be used for error-resilience and random access. We investigate the benefits of SI and SP frames for error resilience as compared to periodic I frame insertion. We discuss the rate-distortion performance of SI and SP frames based on empirical rate-distortion curved obtained with our implementation of an SP/SI frame encoder. Experiments carried out over a simulated bandwidth-limited network analyze the influence of loss rate and delay on the congestion-rate-distortion performance of streaming with SI and SP frames. Our results help identify scenarios for which SI and SP frames provide an attractive alternative to streaming with I frames.
The Rice Formulation of Pile Noise

AbstractSpectrum and variance of “pile noise” are discussed according to the formulation of S. O. Rice. It is shown that variance diverges as criticality is approached. A convergent quantity closely related to variance is introduced and observations on this quantity taken with ZPR-IV′, a light water-moderated highly enriched source reactor at Argonne.
Geophysical investigation of a Middle Holocene archaeological site along the Yukon River, Alaska

A geophysical investigation of an archaeological site in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska, was conducted in 2014 by an interdisciplinary team consisting of researchers from Cornell University, Bucknell University, Central Washington University, and the U. S. National Park Service. The site is known for a historic cabin, Slaven's Roadhouse, which was constructed on a deep, stratified river terrace. This landform was previously found to contain archaeological materials that are at least 4000 years old. The geophysical study, which included a combination of ground-penetrating radar, magnetic, electromagnetic, and electrical methods, revealed details of the depositional context and potential archaeological features of likely Middle Holocene origin, the age of which is supported by radiocarbon dates of charcoal found in association with some of the detected anomalies.
Protein synthesis in a cell-free system derived from rabbit liver.

SummaryA cell-free amino acid incorporating system was prepared from rabbit liver tissue and shown to possess more activity than previously described mammalian cell-free systems. The active pH 5 enzyme fraction prepared from rabbit liver tissue was inhibited by added rabbit liver or rat liver transfer factors. The optimal conditions for endogenous amino acid incorporation revealed an optimal Mg2+ ion concentration of 10 mM with an extended time course of incorporation. The addition of poly U stimulated the incorporation of phenylalanine into protein by approximately 20-40-fold with an upward shift in optimal Mg2+ ion concentration. The incorporation of amino acids depended on the concentration of energy sources, amino acids, and an optimal pH and temperature of the incubation mixtures.
On Depth Processing in the Production of the Ponzo Illusion: Two Problems and a Solution

Certain phenomenological difficulties for the depth-processing/size-scaling theory of the Ponzo illusion can be resolved if those theoretical activities are carried out in Milner and Goodale's proposed vision-for-action cortical pathway.
A Massive Open Online Course in Aerodynamics

The development and o↵ering of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in aerodynamics is described. The course, titled MITx 16.101x Introduction to Aerodynamics, was o↵ered on edX from September 2013 through January 2014. Measurable outcomes were used to develop the course and provide an additional structure for students to organize their learning. The main features of the course were: a set of notes with occasional short tabled-based videos; embedded questions in the notes to check understanding; more challenging sample and homework problems; solution videos for all embedded questions, sample problems, and homework problems; and a discussion forum. The initial enrollment of the course was nearly 24,000 students with about 6,000 students attempting the first problem, and about 400 students remaining throughout the entire o↵ering. The paper describes motivation and lessons learned in the development and o↵ering of 16.101x as well as student overall performance and student evaluation of the e↵ectiveness of the 16.101x MOOC.
Nursing home status is an independent risk factor for adverse 30-day postoperative outcomes after common, nonemergent inpatient procedures

Abstract Background Nursing home residents undergoing surgery have a higher rate of postoperative adverse outcomes than nonnursing home patients. This study seeks to determine what contribution nursing home status makes to theses occurrences, independent of comorbid conditions. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, the 30-day postoperative outcomes of the 5 commonest nonemergent inpatient procedures performed on nursing home residents were compared with those in nonnursing home residents using logistic regression analysis. Results Nursing home status was found to be an independent risk factor for septic complications in all procedures, for blood transfusion requirement after lower leg amputation, for pneumonia and stroke/cerebrovascular accident after thromboendarterectomy, and for mortality after partial colectomy with primary anastomosis. Conclusions These data suggest that, in addition to serving as a surrogate indicator of health status and current morbidity, residence in a nursing home makes an independent contribution to adverse postoperative outcomes.
Electronic Health Records and Quality of Care: An Observational Study Modeling Impact on Mortality, Readmissions, and Complications.

Electronic health records (EHRs) were implemented to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. This study assessed the relationship between EHR-adoption and patient outcomes. We performed an observational study using State Inpatient Databases linked to American Hospital Association survey, 2011. Surgical and medical patients from 6 large, diverse states were included. We performed univariate analyses and developed hierarchical regression models relating level of EHR utilization and mortality, readmission rates, and complications. We evaluated the effect of EHR adoption on outcomes in a difference-in-differences analysis, 2008 to 2011. Medical and surgical patients sought care at hospitals reporting no EHR (3.5%), partial EHR (55.2%), and full EHR systems (41.3%). In univariate analyses, patients at hospitals with full EHR had the lowest rates of inpatient mortality, readmissions, and Patient Safety Indicators followed by patients at hospitals with partial EHR and then patients at hospitals with no EHR (P 0.05). These results indicate that patients receiving medical and surgical care at hospitals with no EHR system have similar outcomes compared to patients seeking care at hospitals with a full EHR system, after controlling for important confounders. To date, we have not yet seen the promised benefits of EHR systems on patient outcomes in the inpatient setting. EHRs may play a smaller role than expected in patient outcomes and overall quality of care.
Influenza: pathogenesis and host defense.

Why does influenza virus variously eventuate in mild upper respiratory tract infection, bacterial pneumonia, or rapidly fatal viral pneumonia? The depth of infection is important So is competence of immunologic effectors—local antibody (secretory IgA) for preventing URI, systemic antibody for preventing pneumonia, and cellular immunity for recovery from either.
Leukemia-associated antigens detected by a nonhuman primate antiserum to a Ph1+ myeologenous leukemia cell line.

The specificity of an antiserum (titer 1:500) raised in a monkey against K-562 undifferentiated cells with the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph 1 ) was determined. Antibody-dependent, complement-mediated cytotoxicity was demonstrated for both bone marrow cells and peripheral leukocytes from patients with myelogenous and lymphatic leukemias, but not for mature normal hematopoietic cells and those from patients with leukemia in remission. A monospecific antiserum for K-562 cells and peripheral leukocytes from three patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was obtained after multiple absorptions with peripheral leukocytes from patients with acute and chronic lymphatic leukemias as well as acute myelogenous leukemia. The minimal number of Ph 1 + myelogeneous leukemia cells needed to remove the antibody completely from 1 ml of the immune serum was found to be 12 × 107 K-562 cells versus 25 × 107 peripheral leukocytes (52% immature and 48% mature) in different stages of maturation from a patient with CML. Other results indicated that progenitors of normal and undifferentiated malignant cells of hematopoietic origin might share some common antigenic determinants that reacted with this antiserum but that could be removed by appropriate absorptions.
Factors Influencing Mode Choice for Intercity Travel from Northern New England to Major Northeastern Cities

Author(s): Neely, Sean | Abstract: Long-distance and intercity travel generally make up a small portion of the total number of trips taken by an individual, while representing a large portion of aggregate distance traveled on the transportation system. While some research exists on intercity travel behavior between large metropolitan centers, this report addresses a need for more research on travel behavior between non-metropolitan areas and large metropolitan centers. This research specifically considers travel from home locations in northern New England, going to Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. These trips are important for quality of life, multimodal planning, and rural economies. This research identifies and quantifies factors that influence people’s mode choice (automobile, intercity bus, passenger rail, or commercial air travel) for these trips. The research uses survey questionnaire data, latent factor analysis, and discrete choice modeling methods. Factors include sociodemographic, built environment, latent attitudes, and trip characteristics. The survey, designed by the University of Vermont Transportation Research Center and the New England Transportation Institute, was conducted by Resource Systems Group, Inc. in 2014, with an initial sample size of 2560. Factor analysis was used to prepare 6 latent attitudinal factors, based on 70 attitudinal responses from the survey statements. The survey data were augmented with built environment variables using geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. A set of multinomial logit models, and a set of nested logit models, were estimated for business and non-business trip mode choice. Results indicate that for this type of travel, factors influencing mode choice for both business and non-business trips include trip distance; land use; personal use of technology; and latent attitudes about auto dependence, preference for automobile, and comfort with personal space and safety on public transportation. Gender is a less significant factor. Age is only significant for non-business trips.View the NCST Project Webpage
Linguistica 5: Unsupervised Learning of Linguistic Structure

This paper introduces Linguistica 5, a software for unsupervised learning of linguistic structure. It is a descendant of Goldsmith’s (2001, 2006) Linguistica. Open-source and written in Python, the new Linguistica 5 is both a graphical user interface software and a Python library. WhileLinguistica 5inherits its predecessors’ strength in unsupervised learning of natural language morphology, it incorporates significant improvements in multiple ways. Notable new features include tools for data visualization as well as straightforward extensions for both its components and embedding in other programs.
Coplanar Common Points in Non-centric Cameras

Discovering and extracting new image features pertaining to scene geometry is important to 3D reconstruction and scene understanding. Examples include the classical vanishing points observed in a centric camera and the recent coplanar common points (CCPs) in a crossed-slit camera [21,17]. A CCP is a point in the image plane corresponding to the intersection of the projections of all lines lying on a common 3D plane. In this paper, we address the problem of determining CCP existence in general non-centric cameras. We first conduct a ray-space analysis to show that finding the CCP of a 3D plane is equivalent to solving an array of ray constraint equations. We then derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for CCP to exist in an arbitrary non-centric camera such as non-centric catadioptric mirrors. Finally, we present robust algorithms for extracting the CCPs from a single image and validate our theories and algorithms through experiments.
Biomolecule Recognition Using Transition Metal Ions and Hydrogen Bonding

This article focuses on synthetic receptors, containing both metal chelation and hydrogen bonding elements, for molecular recognition, diagnostics, or catalysis applications. Association with electron rich guests in water is driven by direct coordination with the metal cation and supplemented by hydrogen bonding with the surrounding second sphere. The article is presented in three separate sections; after a brief summary of biological recognition using metalloproteins, there is a section on synthetic receptors for targeting, imaging, and sensing, and finally there is a summary of synthetic receptors for catalysis.
Meaning of Parental Involvement among Korean Immigrant Parents: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

ABSTRACTThe authors' goal was to identify ways in which Korean immigrant parents define the concept of parental involvement and to examine the statistical significances of interrelationships among these meanings. Seventy-seven parents responded to an open-ended question that asked them to define the meaning of parental involvement; 141 responses were analyzed. Qualitative analysis resulted in four distinct categories: (a) support at home (68.8%), (b) home–school connection (17.7%), (c) participation in school (5.0%), and (d) duty (8.5%). The category of support at home was divided into three subcategories: Support of nonacademic development (31.9%), support of emotional psychological development (29.1%), and support of academic success (7.8%). A correlational analysis indicated that support of emotional psychological development was negatively correlated with home–school connection and support of academic success. The parents who considered parental involvement to be their duty did not perceive their role...
Hospital Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Appropriateness and In-Hospital Procedural Outcomes Insights From the NCDR

Background—Measurement of hospital quality has traditionally focused on processes of care and postprocedure outcomes. Appropriateness measures for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) assess quality as it relates to patient selection and the decision to perform PCI. The association between patient selection for PCI and processes of care and postprocedural outcomes is unknown. Methods and Results—We included 203 531 patients undergoing nonacute (elective) PCI from 779 hospitals participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI Registry between July 2009 and April 2011. We examined the association between a hospital's proportion of nonacute PCIs categorized as inappropriate by the 2009 Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Coronary Revascularization and in-hospital mortality, bleeding complications, and use of optimal guideline-directed medical therapy at discharge (ie, aspirin, thienopyridines, and statins). When categorized as hospital tertiles, the range of inappropriate PCI was ...
The Roots of Modern Sex Ratios

While most measures of female empowerment have improved with development, sex ra- tios in many countries have become increasingly male. We exploit countries’ prior history of plough-based agriculture to identify cultural variation in patriarchal norms following Boserup (1970) and Alesina, Giuliano, and Nunn (2013). Using detailed birth records from 76 countries between 1970 and 2010, we show that the cultural legacy of plough use explains a large portion of variation in modern sex ratios, and present evidence that plough countries’ male-skewed sex ratios are achieved through a mix of in-utero sex-selection, son-based stopping rules, and increased mortality suggestive of neglect or infanticide. This cultural bias intensifies with lower fertility, even when controlling for a suite of economic and historical controls, a pattern that is not found in non-plough countries.
Brain, Imagery, and Memory

While “imagery” has a long history in the study of the mind, going back at least to David Hume in the 18th century, who viewed images as weak sensations 1, the topic is currently at the forefront of that domain of experimental science known as cognitive psychology. Although the current popularity of imagery research has resulted in the delineation of certain psychological properties of the image 2–4 , little effort has been extended toward elucidating the brain mechanisms involved. Yet, progress in this area would undoubtedly help to specify clearly the nature of the image. Furthermore, an understanding of the neural mechanisms of imagery would have wide-ranging implications for bridging the gap between mind and brain, for imagery is truly a “mental” function. We feel that our continuing studies of the Wilson patients have provided some insights into the neuropsychological nature of mental imagery. The observations to be described were made in conjunction with Dr. Gail Risse 22
A Low-Profile, High-Gain, and Full-Band SubArray of Cavity-Backed Slot Antenna

A four-element array of cavity-backed slot antennas with high-gain and low cross-polarization is presented. The subarray is fed by a single microstrip line coupled to the low-profile cavity and provides the entire X-band bandwidth. This subarray is envisioned as the building block (tile) for the construction of scalable low-profile ultrawideband antenna arrays. The slot array is composed of a thin rectangular cavity of dimensions $1.2\lambda _{L}\times 1.2\lambda _{L}\times 0.15 \lambda _{L}$ ( $\lambda _{L}$ is the free space wavelength at the lowest frequency of operation) on which four slots are cut out for electromagnetic radiation. It is demonstrated that by inserting metallic septa with appropriate locations and sizes inside the cavity, multiple resonances with desired field distribution can be excited resulting in a wideband slot antenna with consistent radiation characteristics over 60% fractional bandwidth. Also, a compact end-launch microstrip to reduced-height waveguide transition is presented to feed the antenna. Silver 3-D printing is used to fabricate the cavity and the standard printed circuit board technology is used to fabricate the feed. The overall antenna bandwidth, when integrated with the microstrip feed section, is shown to be 40% over which a minimum gain of 11 dBi is demonstrated.
Abstract 4129: Novel oncogenic BRAF fusions and impact on targeted therapies

BRAF mutations are driver events in a number of cancers including thyroid cancer and melanoma. The most common, BRAF V600E, alters normal BRAF protein activity in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by constitutively activating BRAF and inducing proliferative signaling and tumor growth. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting tumors with the V600E mutation have been evaluated in clinical trials and are now approved for melanoma. While BRAF missense mutations have been extensively characterized for oncogenic potential and actionability in genomically-guided therapy, BRAF gene fusions have been underappreciated for not only their functional role in cancer but also in differential drug response. More recently, data suggest that alternative approaches may be needed for treatment of patients with BRAF fusion-containing tumors. We have identified two novel BRAF fusions in tumors from patients with papillary thyroid cancer and melanoma. Both fusions result in an in-frame fusion of a novel gene partner at the 5’ end of the fusion, an intact BRAF kinase domain at the 3’ end, and loss of the BRAF auto-inhibitory domain. We hypothesized that these novel BRAF fusions act as oncogenic drivers, and the mechanism of BRAF activation differs from that caused by V600E mutations and may be fusion partner-specific. These fusions have been engineered in the laboratory and tested for tumorigenic potential and functional activity. BRAF fusion expression in non-transformed cells induces colony formation similar to the V600E mutation indicating tumorigenic potential. These BRAF fusions also constitutively activate the MAPK pathway in the absence of stimulation as demonstrated by phosphorylated ERK and MEK proteins. Additionally, BRAF fusion-expressing cells form tumors in vivo similarly to the BRAF V600E-expressing cells. These tumors are highly proliferative as demonstrated by strong Ki67 immunohistochemical staining and display MAPK pathway activation as evidenced by phosphorylated ERK. BRAF fusion-expressing cells have differential sensitivity to MAPK pathway inhibitors compared to cells with the V600E mutation as measured by reduced MAPK signaling. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway is relevant in targeting BRAF fusion-containing cells but may not follow the same paradigm as point mutations. Collectively, our data suggest that BRAF fusions are functional and represent novel therapeutic targets, but may need an alternative approach as compared to tumors with BRAF missense mutations. Citation Format: Sonia C. Dolfi, Ann Silk, Bhavna Paratala, Whitney Petrosky, Srilatha Simhadri, Atul Kulkarni, Shridar Ganesan, Kim M. Hirshfield. Novel oncogenic BRAF fusions and impact on targeted therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4129. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4129
Nanoridge Formation and Dynamics of Stratification in Micellar Freestanding Films

Controlling and predicting the stability and lifetime of freestanding films, including foam and emulsion films, is crucial for many industrial and biological applications. Freestanding films (thickness <100 nm), stabilized by surfactants above the critical micelle concentration, exhibit stratification or stepwise thinning. Stratification proceeds by formation of thinner domains that grow at the expense of surrounding films. In this Article, we address several longstanding challenges related to the experimental characterization and theoretical description of thickness variations, forces, fluxes and flows underlying stratification. We show that nanoridges form and grow at the moving front around expanding domains, and we visualize their shape evolution using Interferometry Digital Imaging Optical Microscopy (IDIOM) protocols with an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution (thickness <10 nm, time <1 ms). We develop a theoretical model for drainage via stratification under the influence of supramolecular osci...
Theorizing Jane Crow, Theorizing Unknowability

AbstractIn this essay, I offer an epistemological accounting of Pauli Murray’s idea of Jane Crow dynamics. Jane Crow, in my estimation, refers to clashing supremacy systems that provide targets for subordination while removing grounds to demand recourse for said subordination. As a description of an oppressive state, it is an idea of subordination with an epistemological engine. Here, I offer an epistemological reading of Jane Crow dynamics by theorizing three imbricated conditions for Jane Crow, i.e. the occupation of negative, socio-epistemic space, reduced epistemic confidence, and heightened epistemic disavowal. To this end, Jane Crow seems to require routine epistemic failings. In the end, I propose that an epistemological narrative of Jane Crow may also shed light on why invisibility frames figure so prominently in US Black feminist thought.
Globalization and Business Politics in Arab North Africa: Globalization and Integration in International Apparel Manufacturing Networks: The New Politics of Industrial Development

The textile and apparel sectors are important sites for examining how integration in globalized manufacturing affects business politics in developing countries. The apparel industry engages almost every country in the world and is at the forefront of globalization processes. Since the 1970s, more and more developing countries have participated in textile and apparel manufacturing chains, and competition for market share is acute. Trends in textile and apparel production and sourcing since the 1980s have created a new global production context, introducing new inducements for producers in developing countries to integrate in global manufacturing chains and to form alliances with local producers. Large multinational retailers and buyers now encourage developing countries to adopt full-package production, a subcontracting arrangement in which manufacturers receive detailed specifications from buyers, acquire all inputs, and coordinate most phases of production (Bair and Gereffi 2001; Scott 2002). In response, developing country officials and producers emphasize their national and regional capacity to carry out full-package production and promote industrial development based on clustering. This chapter traces the evolving global production context of the apparel supply chain to show how it has reshaped the repertoire of industrial development strategies for producers and officials in developing countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. The structure of global apparel manufacturing frames debates about industrial upgrading but does not determine the policies and strategic behavior of actors in developing countries. As chapters 5 and 6 show, producers and business associations in the two countries responded differently to these shared global constraints and opportunities.
Clifford Algebra and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

The Dirac theory has a hidden geometric structure. This talk traces the conceptual steps taken to uncover that structure and points out significant implications for the interpretation of quantum mechanics. The unit imaginary in the Dirac equation is shown to represent the generator of rotations in a spacelike plane related to the spin. This implies a geometric interpretation for the generator of electromagnetic gauge transformations as well as for the entire electroweak gauge group of the Weinberg-Salam model. The geometric structure also helps to reveal closer connections to classical theory than hitherto suspected, including exact classical solutions of the Dirac equation.
Pediatric Altered Mental Status

A quick chapter on the approach to pediatric altered mental status. The mnemonic AEIOU TIPS is a comprehensive heuristic to work through the possible etiology of the patient’s altered state. This chapter also includes some empiric bedside therapies for potentially reversible causes, as well as some pearls to remember in all cases.
Abstract P143: Nox1 Elicits Endothelial Cell Proliferation in a CREB- and Ref-1- Dependent Manner

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and progressive disorder, characterized by an increase in vascular remodeling, a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and right heart failure. Rece...
Focus groups inform a mobile health intervention to promote adherence to a Mediterranean diet and engagement in physical activity among people living with HIV.

A personalized mobile health intervention (iSTEP) aims to promote a Mediterranean diet and increase physical activity, thereby improving neurocognitive functioning among persons living with HIV (PLWH). This article describes a qualitative study conducted to develop iSTEP for PLWH, including assessment of diet habits and preferences for tracking physical activity. Two focus groups, with seven and 13 PLWH respectively, discussed barriers and facilitators of a healthy diet and provided feedback to refine iSTEP components, including the feasibility of using a Fitbit and the content of text messages designed to encourage improved diet and physical activity. Focus group discussions revealed several healthy diet barriers, including housing instability, time required for food preparation, cost of healthy food, depression, gastrointestinal issues, physical disability, and changes in appetite since HIV diagnosis. Participant-identified healthy diet facilitators included affordable price options for healthy food, a structured food plan, desire to modify appearance or weight, access to medical professionals, motivation for disease prevention, and social support. Participants endorsed wearing a Fitbit on the wrist and receiving text messages as useful methods to monitor and encourage a better diet and greater physical activity. These findings assisted the expansion of a mobile health intervention that promotes health behaviors in order to improve neurocognitive outcomes among PLWH. NCT03123731 , prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, April 21, 2017.
“Notorious Abuse,” “Traditious Ignorance,” and “Ambitious Incroachment” in Seventeenth-Century Dutch, English, and French Maps of North America

In consideration of Richard Daniel’s alarmed discourse found in the text accompanying his map of the English empire in America (1679), one must investigate the supposedly offending French, English,...
Abstract 367: Quantitative Phosphoproteomic Profiling and Causal Pathway Analysis Reveal Novel Mediators and Mechanisms Supporting Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) Signaling and Platelet Function

Intracellular signaling systems associated with the platelet glycoprotein VI receptor (GPVI) are essential to hemostasis and also initiate atherothrombotic events in cardiovascular disease contexts...
Mary and William Pool and their (mostly her) Malagasy lichen and plant collections

William and Mary (nee Crage) Pool spent the decade from 1865 to 1875 in Madagascar as missionaries employed by the London Missionary Society. For amusement, Mrs Pool collected lichen and plant spec...
Angels or Demons? Stereotypes of Scientists

Sociologist Eva Flicker argues that all forms of art contribute “to the mediation of science. The images drawn of science and scientific work are deeply embedded in the culture” [1]. Arguably the most common of these images is the cartoonish mad scientist, hell bent on either proving a pet hypothesis correct or world domination (or both), no matter the cost. Legendary science popularizer Carl Sagan wrote that this image haunts our “world—down to the white-coated loonies of Saturday morning children’s TV and the plethora of Faustian bargains in popular culture, from the eponymous Dr. Faustus himself to Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Strangelove, and Jurassic Park” [2].
Effects of electropulsing treatment on residual stresses of high elastic cobalt-base alloy ISO 5832-7

Abstract The electropulsing treatment (EPT) is utilized to adjust the residual stress of high-elastic cobalt-base alloy ISO 5832-7 components. The maximum current density is 1.63 kA/mm2, and the pulse duration is 500 μs. After EPT, the residual stress decreases from 485 MPa to 271 MPa, the tensile strength and elongation increases. Furthermore, the metallographic structure remains identical, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of XRD diffraction peak decreases with the annihilation of dislocations. The results show that the Joule heat and electron dragging force by high-density pulse current induces the annihilation of dislocations, which results in the reduction of the micro residual stresses, and hence the macro residual stress decreases based on their definitions given by E. Macherauch.
Prolonged post-differentiation culture influences the expression and biophysics of Na+ and Ca2+ channels in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ventricular-like cardiomyocytes.

Several studies have been reported in various domains from induction methods to utilities of somatic cell pluripotent reprogramming. However, one of the major struggles facing the research field of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived target cells is the lack of consistency in observations. This could be due to variety of reasons including varied culture periods post-differentiation. The cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from iPSCs are commonly studied and proposed to be utilized in the comprehensive in vitro proarrhythmia initiative for drug safety screening. As the influence of varied culture periods on the electrophysiological properties of iPSC-CMs is not clearly known, using whole-cell patch clamp technique, we compared two groups of differentiated ventricular-like iPSC-CMs that are cultured for 10 to 15 days (D10–15) and more than 30 days (≥ D30) both under current and voltage clamps. The prolonged culture imparts increased excitability with high-frequency spontaneous action potentials, robust increase in the magnitude of peak Na+ current density, relatively shallow inactivation kinetics of Na+ channels, faster recovery from inactivation, and augmented Ca2+ current density. Quantitative real-time PCR studies of α-subunit transcripts showed enhanced mRNA expression of SCN1A, SCN5A Na+ channel subtypes, and CACNA1C, CACNA1G, and CACNA1I Ca2+ channel subtypes, in ≥ D30 group. Conclusively, the prolonged culture of differentiated iPSC-CMs affects the excitability, single-cell electrophysiological properties, and ion channel expressions. Therefore, following standard periods of culture across research studies while utilizing ventricular-like iPSC-CMs for in vitro health/disease modeling to study cellular functional mechanisms or test high-throughput drugs’ efficacy and toxicity becomes crucial.
Indoor Localization Using Bluetooth-LE Beacons

Persons and devices in indoor environments, such as office buildings, may determine their location using Bluetooth LE beacons, such as iBeacons. Some number of these beacons are distributed over the environment of interest and their identifiers and locations are broadcast widely. The vector of received signal strengths from all these beacons may be intuitively expected to correlate well with location in the physical environment. However, the complexities of Bluetooth signal propagation in environments with obstructions and channels (walls, furniture, ducts, etc.) make it difficult to compute locations in this manner from only the signal values and known locations of beacons. Instead, a data-driven approach that uses a training set composed of observed signal strength vectors at known locations is more effective. This paper studies such methods using a publicly available dataset obtained by collecting training data in an academic building.
“It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night”: Sleep Problems in Caregivers for Older Adults

This paper critically evaluates literature from the last 3 years on sleep in caregivers for older adults. Research is evaluated in four main areas: factors related to caregivers having sleep problems, sleep health in various types of caregivers, how caregivers’ sleep and health inter-relate, and interventions to improve sleep. A range of both care recipients’ and caregivers’ characteristics have been associated with caregiver sleep quality measured subjectively and objectively. Care recipient factors associated with caregiver sleep quality include fall risk and sleep quality, while caregiver factors include stress, duration, intensity, provision of medical/nursing care tasks, and even particular serotonin genotypes (e.g., short-allele carriers for 5-HTTLPR). While the greatest focus has been on dementia caregivers, recent work suggests that groups such as end-of-life caregivers, former caregivers, and caregivers with multiple care roles (e.g., child, older adult, paid care) have sleep disturbances that vary by their unique contexts. Caregiver’s sleep, particularly subjective assessments, relates to their mood and physiological well-being; and evidence suggests that sleep may be an important mediator linking care stressors with mental health. Factors such as mindfulness and sense of coherence may protect caregivers from sleep disturbances. Significant evidence exists regarding which caregivers are at risk for sleep disturbances and how sleep is associated with health. Caregivers’ appraisals of sleep health were strongly associated with their mental health and well-being. Objective assessments of sleep have been associated with medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Yet more work needs to be done to target the caregiving dyad jointly and help intervene to maintain health over time and prevent declining health. Ultimately, intervening within the unique context of caregiving still presents a challenge of significant public health interest given global population aging.
Primary single-level lumbar microdisectomy/decompression at a free-standing ambulatory surgical center vs a hospital-owned outpatient department-an analysis of 90-day outcomes and costs.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND CONTEXT While free-standing ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have been extolled as lower cost settings than hospital outpatient facilities/departments (HOPDs) for performing routine elective spine surgeries, differences in 90-day costs and complications have yet to be compared between the two types of treatment facilities. PURPOSE We carried a comprehensive analysis to report the differences on payments to providers and facilities as a reflection of true costs to patients, employers and health plans for patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompression at ASC versus HOPD. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of Medicare advantage and commercially insured enrollees from the Humana dataset from 2007 to 2017Q1. OUTCOME MEASURES To understand the differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, emergency department visits and costs for patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompressions at an ASC versus HOPD. METHODS The Humana 2007 to 2017Q1 was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompressions. Patients undergoing two-level surgery, open laminectomies, fusions, revision discectomies, and/or deformities were excluded. Service Location codes for HOPD (Location Code 22) and free-standing ASC (Location Code 24) were used to determine surgery treatment facilities. Using propensity scoring, we matched two groups who had surgery performed in ASCs or HOPDs based on age, gender, race, region and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on matched cohorts to assess for differences in 90-day outcomes between facilities, while controlling for age, gender, race, region, plan, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. RESULTS A total of 1,077 and 10,475 primary single-level decompressions were performed in ASCs and HOPDs, respectively. Following a matching algorithm with propensity scoring, the two cohorts were comprised of 990 patients each. Observed differences in 90-day complication rates were not statistically or clinically significant (ASC=9.1% vs. HOPD=10.3%; p=.362) nor were readmissions (ASC=4.5% vs. HOPD=5.3%; p=.466). On average, performing surgery in an ASC versus HOPD resulted in significant cost savings of over $2,000/case in Medicare Advantage ($5,814 vs. $7,829) and over $3,500/case ($10,116 vs. $13,623) in commercial beneficiaries. CONCLUSION Performing single-level decompression surgeries in an ASC compared with HOPDs was associated with approximately $2,000 to $3,500 cost-savings per case with no statistically significant impact on complication or readmission rates.
Adaptation in U.S. Corn Belt increases resistance to soil carbon loss with climate change

Increasing the amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) has agronomic benefits and the potential to mitigate climate change. Previous regional predictions of SOC trends under climate change often ignore or do not explicitly consider the effect of crop adaptation (i.e., changing planting dates and varieties). We used the DayCent biogeochemical model to examine the effect of adaptation on SOC for corn and soybean production in the U.S. Corn Belt using climate data from three models. Without adaptation, yields of both corn and soybean tended to decrease and the decomposition of SOC tended to increase leading to a loss of SOC with climate change compared to a baseline scenario with no climate change. With adaptation, the model predicted a substantially higher crop yield. The increase in yields and associated carbon input to the SOC pool counteracted the increased decomposition in the adaptation scenarios, leading to similar SOC stocks under different climate change scenarios. Consequently, we found that crop management adaptation to changing climatic conditions strengthen agroecosystem resistance to SOC loss. However, there are differences spatially in SOC trends. The northern part of the region is likely to gain SOC while the southern part of the region is predicted to lose SOC.
Mother-father physiological synchrony during conflict and moderation by parenting challenges: Findings from parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Introduction Despite robust evidence in the broader family process literature for within-couple associations between romantic partners' physiological responding, this linkage has not been tested directly among parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Explicit attention to these parents is warranted on the basis of the established family-wide challenges associated with the persistent emotional, functional, and behavior impairments typically observed in children with ASD (see Karst & Van Hecke, 2012). The first purpose of this study is to extend examination of within-couple associations between electrodermal activity (EDA) to mothers and fathers of children with ASD. The second purpose is to test 2 potential moderators of EDA synchrony reflecting heightened challenges among parents of children with ASD, namely parenting as an observed conflict topic and global parenting stress. Method Both parents wore wrist sensors that captured continuous EDA during a recorded marital conflict interaction. Trained coders provided ratings of emotional intensity and conflict topics, including whether the topic of parenting was discussed. Parents reported their global level of parenting stress. Dyadic multilevel modeling was used to test our hypotheses and accounted for interaction factors (e.g., movement data, emotional intensity). Results Findings identified significant positive associations between parents' EDA. One moderator result emerged; specifically, father EDA was a stronger predictor of mother EDA when parenting was discussed as a conflict topic. Conclusion This study extends evidence of within-couple physiological linkage to parents raising a child with ASD and provides a foundation for future research examining the family-wide implications of this linkage. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).