cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tunable Upper Critical Solution Temperature of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in Ionic Liquids for Sequential and Reversible Self-Folding

We demonstrate sequential folding of micropatterned polymer actuators by tuning the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) copolymers in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoro-methylsulfonyl) imide. Incorporation of comonomers having different hydrogen-bonding capacities, acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, is shown to shift the UCST of PNIPAM to higher and lower temperatures, respectively. Relying on the ability to tune the transition temperature through copolymerization along with the wide thermal range afforded by the IL as a solvent, we fabricated a photopatterned self-folding device which shows reversible and sequential bending of three sets of hinges. Such sequential and reversible bending of microactuators offers potential for the design of complex self-folding origami and soft robots.
A novel perfused porcine simulator for teaching aortic anastomosis increases resident interest in vascular surgery

Abstract Objective This report describes a novel simulator, euthanized pigs on cardiopulmonary bypass, and validates this simulator with a controlled trial in general surgery residents learning aortic anastomosis. We evaluated this novel simulator with the following hypothesis: our porcine perfused simulator is as good as or better than the standard rubber tubing, low-fidelity models used for vascular anastomotic training. Methods Euthanized pigs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, creating a perfused, ex vivo model on which to perform surgical procedures. The participants in the study were postgraduate year 2, 3, and 4 general surgery residents. Residents were randomized to practice aortic anastomosis in the pig laboratory (PL) simulator or in a dry laboratory. The PL residents and control residents performed a first vascular anastomosis on the rubber tube model. Anastomosis creation was filmed. The anastomosis and video were stored for later grading. Next, all residents underwent an ungraded, one-on-one training session with the attending vascular surgeon. After the training session, all residents completed a second videotaped rubber tubing anastomosis. The grading scales used were validated by other authors: Global Assessment Score, Final Product Score, and Checklist Scoring Instrument. Survey data describing this experience were collected using a 13-question prelaboratory and 16-question postlaboratory questionnaires consisting of yes/no, multiple selection, and 5-point Likert-type scale questions. Results All residents had a statistically significant improvement in time to completion and in the Global Assessment Score with tutored practice. The PL residents showed statistically significant improvement in completion time between the first and second videotaped anastomosis; however, there was no statistically significant improvement in the scoring metrics. The control residents showed statistically significant improvement in all three scoring metrics, but no statistically significant difference was found in completion time. The survey data showed a statistically significant shift in considering vascular surgery as a career after the experience in the PL group ( P = .05) compared with the control group, who had no change in interest ( P = .91). Conclusions Our prospective, randomized clinical trial shows that the porcine cardiopulmonary bypass model achieves similar results to a previously validated bench top model while improving general surgery resident interest in vascular surgery as a career.
Excitable Signal Transduction Networks in Directed Cell Migration.

Although directed migration of eukaryotic cells may have evolved to escape nutrient depletion, it has been adopted for an extensive range of physiological events during development and in the adult organism. The subversion of these movements results in disease, such as cancer. Mechanisms of propulsion and sensing are extremely diverse, but most eukaryotic cells move by extending actin-filled protrusions termed macropinosomes, pseudopodia, or lamellipodia or by extension of blebs. In addition to motility, directed migration involves polarity and directional sensing. The hundreds of gene products involved in these processes are organized into networks of parallel and interconnected pathways. Many of these components are activated or inhibited coordinately with stimulation and on each spontaneously extended protrusion. Moreover, these networks display hallmarks of excitability, including all-or-nothing responsiveness and wave propagation. Cellular protrusions result from signal transduction waves that propag...
Analysis of the composite exit-hole effect on the seawater dielectric measurements

The resonant cavity technique is widely used for accurately determining the complex dielectric constants of liquids at a single frequency. The liquid is introduced into the cavity through a capillary glass tube. In order to insert the tube into the cavity, an exit-hole is drilled on the center of the top and bottom endplates of the cavity. Since the cross section of the cavity and the exit-hole region contains several different dielectric layers, the problem is called the “composite” exit-hole effect. Researchers have found these exit-holes have a frequency-pulling effect on the measurements, which results in a bias in the real part of the measured dielectric constant. The George Washington University (GW) has been making accurate measurements of the seawater dielectric constant at L-band (1.413 GHz) by using this cavity technique. Based on the experimental setup of GW seawater dielectric measurements, this paper describes the analysis of the composite exit-hole effect and the bias in the real part of the measured dielectric constant results.
Halogen Bonding in Supramolecular Synthesis

Supramolecular synthesis is typically limited to one-pot reactions because of the reversibility of non-covalent bonds, and to overcome this restriction we need to be able to rank the relative structural importance of such interactions and build synthetic methods to utilize synthons which can operate side-by-side without interference. Halogen bonds have characteristics (strength and directionality) which potentially make them prime candidates as critical components of effective, transferable, and versatile supramolecular synthetic strategies. In this chapter, several halogen-bond driven crystal engineering strategies for the assembly of specific architectures in molecular solids are described in detail, and the utility of halogen bonds for the synthesis of co-crystals are addressed. Finally, the structural compatibility or competition between of halogen- and hydrogen bonds in the context of supramolecular synthesis are examined.
Modulating Tumor Immunology by Inhibiting Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO): Recent Developments and First Clinical Experiences

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) catalyze the first rate-limiting step in the oxidative metabolism of compounds containing indole rings, including the transformation of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan to N-formyl-L-kynurenine. Through direct and indirect means, IDO exerts both tolerogenic and pro-inflammatory effects and has a profound immunoregulatory role in the tumor microenvironment. Although the role of IDO in mediating peripheral acquired immunologic tolerance has been known for some time, its role in tumorigenesis and the subversion of anti-tumor immunity have only recently been appreciated. Small-molecule inhibitors of IDO1 and TDO are being evaluated as single agents and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade in a host of advanced cancers. In this review, we delineate the tolerogenic and pro-inflammatory effects of IDO as it relates to immune escape and discuss current clinical progress in this area.
Healthcare provider advice on gestational weight gain: uncovering a need for more effective weight counselling.

Limited research has examined the factors related to knowledge of gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations and the receipt of advice from healthcare providers regarding GWG recommendations amo...
Acute Ethanol Inhibition of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Involves CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling.

Background Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure has been found to inhibit adult hippocampal neurogenesis in multiple models of alcohol addiction. However, acute EtOH inhibition of adult neurogenesis is not well studied. Although many abused drugs have been found to inhibit adult neurogenesis, few have studied cannabinoids or cannabinoids with EtOH, although human use of both together is becoming more common. We used an acute binge alcohol drinking model in combination with select cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists to investigate the actions of each alone and together on hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were treated with an acute binge dose of EtOH (5 g/kg, i.g.), cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) or cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonists, as well as selective cannabinoid (CB) antagonists, alone or combined. Hippocampal doublecortin (DCX), Ki67, and activated cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) immunohistochemistry were used to assess neurogenesis, neuroprogenitor proliferation, and cell death, respectively. Results We found that treatment with EtOH or the CB1R agonist, arachidonoyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), and the combination significantly reduced DCX-positive neurons (DCX + IR) in dentate gyrus (DG) and increased CC3. Further, using an inhibitor of endocannabinoid metabolism, for example, JZL195, we also found reduced DCX + IR neurogenesis. Treatment with 2 different CB1R antagonists (AM251 or SR141716) reversed both CB1R agonist and EtOH inhibition of adult neurogenesis. CB2R agonist HU-308 treatment did not produce any significant change in DCX + IR. Interestingly, neither EtOH nor CB1R agonist produced any alteration in cell proliferation in DG as measured by Ki67 + cell population, but CC3-positive cell numbers increased following EtOH or ACEA treatment suggesting an increase in cell death. Conclusions Together, these findings suggest that acute CB1R cannabinoid receptor activation and binge EtOH treatment reduce neurogenesis through mechanisms involving CB1R.
Bone’s Intrinsic Traits: Why Animals Eat Animals

This chapter considers the nutritional needs that animal tissues meet for humans, beginning with a sketch of dietary shifts over the last several million years of hominin evolution, as given by stable isotope, parasitological, and fossil osteological evidence. Living animals store minerals in their bones and calorie reserves in the form of fat, and this chapter reviews the proteins and fats, fatty acids essential for neurological development, minerals, and vitamins offered by animal bodies to organisms that consume them. It argues that, because hominins’ large brains grow mostly during pregnancy and lactation, female reproductive fitness has probably been a major focus of selection. In the strongly seasonal environments that genus Homo colonized, animal foods provide nourishment when plant sources fail. However, a dominantly animal diet can incur physiological costs so serious as to require technological and social strategies to assure fat and carbohydrate intake when these are seasonally unavailable in the environment. Nutritional benefits of an animal body are not evenly distributed, and nonhuman and human consumers make strategic choices in response this variation. Chapter 5’s review of intrinsic qualities of animal bodies permits better understanding of how archaeofaunal assemblages reflect nutritionally driven choices, as will be covered in later chapters.
Examining Hypotheses for Settlement Pattern and the Distribution of Activities

This chapter examines hypotheses for settlement pattern and the distribution of activities derived from the characteristics of the frontier model. The sequential occupation of sites in South Carolina has permitted to observe the development of English settlement in this colonial region. These data imply a general expansion outward from the entrepot of Charleston along the coast and then inland along the major river drainages. The distribution of structures, archaeological sites, and cemeteries show a settlement system tied together by a dendritic network of transport routes focused on the principal port. The overall pattern of settlement alone, however, reveals little about the system's organization. To investigate this aspect of insular frontier colonization, it is necessary to examine the remains of individual settlements themselves according to their position within the trade and communications network and their form and content. The function of a frontier settlement is linked largely to the economic activities associated with it. Such activities reflect its role in the production of staple commodities, which is related, in turn, to the settlement's position in the network of trade and communications. Settlements may be ranked according to their relative economic function into three basic categories, namely, frontier towns, nucleated settlements, and dispersed settlements.
Mixed Frequency-Time Method

In this chapter a boundary constraint is developed that restricts the set of solutions of a differential equation to those that are quasiperiodic. A first attempt is made by using the periodic boundary constraint (3.21 c), but it is shown to be computationally too expensive. In the process it is discovered that there are periodic problems that are better handled with a quasiperiodic boundary constraint. Another approach was suggested by Chua and Ushida [chua81]. They construct an Appoint quasiperiodic boundary constraint by, assuming that the quasi-periodic signals are accurately approximated by a Fourier series with just K frequencies ΛK = {0, ω1, . . . , ω K-1}, sampling the waveforms at M > 2K - 1 points τ = {t 1, t 2,. . . , t M}, and insisting that the resulting sampled waveform is quasiperiodic (i.e., it belongs to AP(Λ K , τ)). This method trades off accuracy for efficiency, but the tradeoff is such that the method is impractical for almost all problems. A generalization of this approach, referred to as the mixed frequency-time method (MFT), avoids both the efficiency and accuracy problems of the previous methods and is discussed in much greater depth.
Digital Asset Management

Digital asset management (DAM) systems come in a range of sizes and capabilities. This chapter discusses some of the options that should be considered when deciding to implement a DAM system and ways long-term benefits can be achieved.
Religion and Arguments from Silence

Arguments from Silence have been used many times in attempts to discredit the foundations of religions. In this project, I demonstrate how one might judge the epistemic value of such arguments. To begin, I lay out for examination a specific argument from silence given by Walter Richard Cassels in his work Supernatural Religion. I then discuss a recently developed Bayesian approach for dealing with arguments from silence. Finally, using Cassels’s work and the work of some of the critics who replied to his argument, I argue for what probabilities might be applied in the use of the Bayesian method for testing the epistemic value Cassels’s argument and demonstrate how one might respond to similar arguments.
A Low-Cost Shoreline Dynamic Simulation Model for Proposed Beach Nourishment and Dune Construction: Introducing a New Feasibility Analysis Tool

ABSTRACT Cutler, E.M.; Albert, M.R., and White, K.D., 2019. A low-cost shoreline dynamic simulation model for proposed beach nourishment and dune construction: Introducing a new feasibility analysi...
Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups and Delirium During Sepsis.

Objectives:Studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies some forms of sepsis-induced organ failure. We sought to test the hypothesis that variations in mitochondrial DNA haplogroup affect susceptibility to sepsis-associated delirium, a common manifestation of acute brain dysfunction duri
Realism in FIFA ? How social realism enabled platformed racism in a video game

Platformed racism offers a unique lens through which to investigate technological structures that enable racism. Online video games, such as EA Sports’ FIFA series — which dominates the soccer video game market share through its touted realism — feature these structures. Like many platforms, FIFA enables representations of real bodies ( i.e. , professional soccer players). But, unlike many games, FIFA enables game players to directly affect the creation/modification of these representation in the form of player character cards. Analyzing a census of six years of player cards, this study found that platformed racism was enabled because the game’s realism invited racism when players tried to maintain that realism. The study concludes that the catalyst for racism to emerge in FIFA was the drive towards realism.
Dissatisfaction after service failures as a realized transaction risk: Customer opportunism as a function of external and internal rewards

Abstract An increasing number of customers claim what they can, rather than what they deserve after service failures. Drawing on insights from economics and social psychology, the present manuscript regards dissatisfaction triggered by the service failure as a realized transaction risk and advances understanding of opportunistic claiming behavior by empirically investigating the role of a customer's perceived inequity with the service recovery process in triggering the intention to make opportunistic claims. The manuscript highlights the importance of perceived customer power when it comes to engaging in opportunism; this relationship becomes more pronounced in negative inequity situations after experiencing a service failure.
Evaluating the Impact of High-Bandwidth Memory on MPI Communications

Modern high-end computing clusters are becoming increasingly heterogeneous and include accelerators such as general-purpose GPUs and many integrated core processors. These components are often equipped with high-bandwidth on-package memory (HBM) offering higher aggregated bandwidth than standard DRAM technology has but substantially less capacity. In this paper we carry out a fine-grained evaluation of HBM usage in MPI using Knights Landing Multi-Channel DRAM (MCDRAM). Our contribution is twofold. First, we analyze the performance of point-to-point and remote memory access with HBM; Second, we introduce capacity constraints and consider the impact that the MPI library has on the total memory budget. Our analysis shows that although MCDRAM can improve MPI communication performance, this improvement comes at the cost of higher memory usage. Since HBM is a scarce resource, we also provide a list of recommendations that can help users with diverse budgetary requirements for memory decide what MPI objects to place in MCDRAM in order to achieve the best performance possible with their codes.
Seasonal differences in climate change explain a lack of multi-decadal shifts in population characteristics of a pond breeding salamander

There is considerable variation among studies that evaluate how amphibian populations respond to global climate change. We used 23 years of annual survey data to test whether changes in climate have caused predictable shifts in the phenology and population characteristics of adult spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) during spring breeding migrations. Although we observed year-to-year correlation between seasonal climate variables and salamander population characteristics, there have not been long-term, directional shifts in phenological or population characteristics. Warm winters consistently resulted in early migration dates, but across the 23-year study, there was no overall shift towards warmer winters and thus no advanced migration timing. Warm summers and low variability in summer temperatures were correlated with large salamander body sizes, yet an overall shift towards increasing body sizes was not observed despite rising summer temperatures during the study. This was likely due to the absence of long-term changes of within-year variation in summer temperatures, which was a stronger determinant of body size than summer temperature alone. Climate-induced shifts in population characteristics were thus not observed for this species as long-term changes in important seasonal climate variables were not observed during the 23-years of the study. Different amphibian populations will likely be more resilient to climate change impacts than others, and the probability of amphibians exhibiting long-term population changes will depend on how seasonal climate change interacts with a species' life history, phenology, and geographic location. Linking a wide range of seasonal climatic conditions to species or population characteristics should thus improve our ability for explaining idiosyncratic responses of species to climate change.
Electrically Pumped Microring Parity-Time-Symmetric Lasers

Microscale and nanoscale electrically pumped lasers are expected to play an indispensable role in future photonic integrated circuits. Small footprint, low threshold, high efficiency, and large side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) are among the most important characteristics that such on-chip emitters should exhibit—allowing for large-scale integrability, low energy consumption, and stable output power. Microring resonators are one of the main contenders for the realization of such compact light sources. However, the use of microring laser cavities has been so far hindered by their tendency to operate in multiple modes. Quite recently, several studies have shown that notions from parity-time (PT)-symmetry and non-Hermitian physics can be utilized to effectively enforce single-mode operation in semiconductor microring laser arrangements. However, as of now, most works in this area were mainly devoted to the proof of concept demonstrations, while the feasibility of practical implementation has remained largely unexplored. In this article, we demonstrate the first regrowth free, electrically pumped microscale PT-symmetric laser. Our results can pave the way toward the utilization of exceptional points in more diverse applications ranging from on-chip light sources and modulators to laser beam steering systems and active sensors.
Cargo-free scaffold implant recruits metastatic cancer cells via lung-mimicking myeloid cell S100A8/A9 axis

Abstract Pre-metastatic niches in distant tissue facilitate metastasis from the primary tumor. Cargo-free porous polymer scaffolds implanted in tumor-bearing mice act as synthetic metastatic niches recruiting metastasizing cancer cells. Herein, we investigated the mechanisms by which these implants attract cancer cells from circulation. Scaffolds attract cancer cells in part via S100A8/A9 secreted by Gr1+ myeloid cells in a mechanism that mimics lung metastasis. Further, cancer cells attracted to the scaffold have a lung-tropic gene expression signature regardless of their tissue of origin. The scaffold implant reduces metastasis to the lung suggesting otherwise lung-tropic cancer cells are diverted to the scaffold. The suppression of metastatic spread by the scaffold suggests this mechanism may be exploited for novel therapies, and may broadly influence the design of scaffold-based drug delivery system for anti-cancer therapy.
Intracranial CNS Infections: A Literature Review and Radiology Case Studies

Acute infections of the intracranial central nervous system (CNS) often present as neurological emergencies, where missed or delayed diagnosis and treatment can be catastrophic to the patient. Accurate and timely identification of the underlying etiologies, which are critical in directing life-saving therapies, can be achieved through neuroimaging. This article will provide a thorough review of radiologic findings in common infections of the brain, from primarily compartmentalized infections of multimicrobial etiologies, to CNS manifestations of specific immunocompromised-selective pathogens, of herpes simplex virus, and of tuberculosis. We also briefly discuss the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, treatment guidelines, complications, and long-term sequelae of these infections.
Conventional 2D miniplate versus 3D four-holed and eight-holed miniplates in the management of mandibular angle fractures

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy of conventional 2D miniplate with 3D 4-hole and 8-hole miniplates in the management of mandibular angle fractures. Methods A prospective study was conducted on 24 patients with isolated mandibular angle fractures that were divided into three following groups (n = 8 each) based on the osteosynthesis technique used: Group A- conventional 2D four-holed miniplate Group B- 3D- 4-holed miniplate Group C- 3D- 8-holed miniplate Post-operative pain, inter-incisal opening, range of motion, bite force and incidence of complications were assessed at various time intervals up to a period of six months. Results A steady improvement in all parameters was seen in the three groups over six months. A significantly greater amount of 1 week post-operative trismus was observed in the 8-holed miniplate group (p 0.05). The incidence of complications was greatest in Group B (25 %). Conclusion The conventional 2D miniplate system still holds its place as the method of choice for management of mandibular angle fractures.
The unborn fetus: The unrecognized victim of trauma during pregnancy.

Abstract Background Trauma is the leading cause of non-obstetric death in pregnancy. While maternal management is defined, few studies have examined the effects on the fetus. Methods Following IRB approval, all pregnant females (2010–2017) at a level-1 trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal and fetal demographics, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results There were 188 pregnancies in 5654 females. Maternal demographics were 26 ± 7 years old, gestational age at trauma 21 ± 12 weeks, 81% blunt mechanism, and maternal mortality 6%. Forty-one (22%) fetuses were immediately affected by the trauma including 20 (11%) born alive, 12 (7%) fetal demise, and 9 (5%) stillbirths. Of those that initially survived (n = 20), 5 (25%) expired during neonatal hospitalization. Two mothers returned immediately after trauma discharge with stillbirths for an overall infant mortality of 14% (n = 26). There were 84 patients with complete data to delivery including the 41 born at trauma and 43 born on a subsequent hospitalization. Those born at the time of trauma had significantly more delivery/neonatal complications and worse outcomes. Overall trauma burden to the fetus (preterm delivery, stillbirth, delivery/neonatal complication, or long-term disability) was 66% (56/84). Conclusions Trauma during pregnancy has significant immediate mortality and delayed effects on the unborn fetus. This study has uncovered a previously hidden burden and mortality of trauma during pregnancy. Level of Evidence Level III.
Voltage manipulation of magnetic particles using multiferroics

Precise control and manipulation of nano-beads have various applications, e.g. cell sorter, 3D printing and nano-motors. In this paper we present an approach in which we use voltage on a piezolecetric substrate in order to reorient the magnetization of a nano-disk. In turn this magnetization drives the dynamic of the nano-beads. This is an energy efficient method to control the nano-beads motion since only voltage is applied to the substrate. The mechanism consists of a Ni disk and three pairs of surface electrodes placed on a PZT substrate. By controlling the voltage applied on the different pairs of electrodes, the magnetization of the Ni disk will rotate with constant angular velocity. The rotating magnetization will then generate magnetic force on the soft-magnetic nano-beads driving the motion. For the beads, full 3D dynamics consider both translation and rotation and the forces considered are magnetic, drag, friction and adhesion. With this model we are able to have a realistic description for the particle behavior.
Crossing Boundaries: Steps Toward Measuring Undergraduates’ Interdisciplinary Science Understanding

Eduation initiatives prescribe that undergraduate science students should understand the interdisciplinary nature of science. Faculty assessment strategies for measuring this competency were collec...
Charter School Regulation as a Disproportionate Barrier to Entry

In response to concerns regarding school quality, state policy-makers reformed their charter school authorization processes to impose greater regulatory barriers to chartering. These barriers to ma...
A Mode-locked Quantum Dash Laser with an Aggregate 5.376 Tbit/s PAM-4 Transmission Capacity

This paper presents an InAs/InP quantum dash (QD) C-band passively mode-locked laser (MLL) with a channel spacing of 34.224 GHz. By using this QD-MLL we demonstrate an aggregate 5.376 Tbit/s PAM-4 data transmission capacity both for back-to-back (B2B) and over 25-km of standard single mode fiber (SSMF). This finding highlights the viability for InAs/InP QD lasers to be used as a low-cost optical source for data center networks.
Michael Soulé (1936-2020) on Spirituality, Ethics, and Conservation Biology.

Michael Soule is best known for his scientific contributions and central role founding the Society for Conservation Biology and its journal. Less well known are his childhood experiences, his affinity for Zen Buddhism and Arne Naess' deep ecology philosophy, and his contributions as an environmental activist to efforts to protect biodiversity and rewild ecosystems. Also less well known is the extent to which he was an interdisciplinary environmental studies scholar, struggling to understand what promotes and hinders proenvironmental behaviors. In this regard, his life and that of many other conservation scientists provide important clues, but no easy answers. By attempting to integrate the humanities, with its quest for a meaningful and fulfilling human existence, with naturalistic nature spirituality and ecocentric values, as well as the social and natural sciences, Soule sought to solve the riddle as to why human beings seemed unable to understand, slow, and halt negative, anthropogenic environmental change. He thus modeled what interdisciplinary environmental studies is at its best. Those advocating the conservation of biological diversity have much to learn from Michael Soule, not only from his scientific findings but from his way of seeing, the questions he asked, and from his love of the living world. Article impact statement: The life, spirituality, and ethics of Michael Soule provide valuable insights for biodiversity advocates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Abstract 14984: Post-Discharge Beta-Blockers and Early Mortality and Readmission in Older Patients With Heart Failure: An Instrumental Variable Analysis

Introduction: The rate of growth of the older heart failure population has outpaced that of any other age group. Importantly, these older patients were underrepresented in the early beta-blocker tr...
A study of alpha desynchronization, heart rate, and MRI during stroop testing unmasks pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease

Author(s): Arakaki, Xianghong; Hung, Shao‐Min; Wei, Ke; Tran, Thao; Arechavala, Rebecca Johnson; Kleinman, Michael T; Kloner, Robert; Fonteh, Alfred N; King, Kevin; Harrington, Michael G
Persistent Opioid Use After Open Aortic Surgery: Risk Factors, Costs, and Consequences

BACKGROUND The incidence and financial impact of persistent opioid use (POU) after open aortic surgery is undefined. METHODS Insurance claim data from opioid-naive patients who underwent aortic root replacement, ascending aortic replacement, or transverse arch replacement from 2011 to 2017 were evaluated. POU was defined as filling an opioid prescription in the perioperative period and between 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Postoperative opioid prescriptions, emergency department visits, readmissions, and health care costs were quantified. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for POU, and quantile regression quantified the impact of POU on postoperative health care costs. RESULTS Among 3240 opioid-naive patients undergoing open aortic surgery, 169 patients (5.2%) had POU. In the univariate analysis, patients with POU were prescribed more perioperative opioids (375 vs 225 morphine milligram equivalents, P < .001), had more emergency department visits (45.6% vs 25.4%, P < .001), and had significantly higher health care payments in the 6 months postoperatively ($10,947 vs $7223, P < .001). Independent risk factors for POU in the multivariable logistic regression included preoperative nicotine use and more opioids in the first perioperative prescription (all P < .05). After risk adjustment, POU was associated with a $2439 increase in total health care costs in the 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS POU is a challenge after open aortic operations and can have longer-term impacts on health care payments and emergency department visits in the 6 months after surgery. Strategies to reduce outpatient opioid use after aortic surgery should be encouraged when feasible.
Fast A-type currents shape a rapidly adapting form of delayed short latency firing of excitatory superficial dorsal horn neurons that express the NPY Y1 receptor

Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence indicates that neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor-expressing interneurons (Y1-INs) in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) are predominantly excitatory and contribute to chronic pain. Using an adult ex vivo spinal cord slice preparation from Y1eGFP reporter mice, we characterized firing patterns in response to steady state depolarizing current injection of GFP-positive cells in lamina II, the great majority of which expressed Y1 mRNA (88%). Randomly sampled and Y1eGFP neurons exhibited five firing patterns: tonic (TF), initial burst (IBF), phasic (PF), delayed short-latency 180 ms (DLLF). When studied at resting membrane potential, most RS neurons exhibited delayed firing, while most Y1eGFP neurons exhibited phasic firing and not delayed firing. A preconditioning membrane hyperpolarization produced only subtle changes in the firing patterns of randomly sampled neurons, but dramatically shifted Y1eGFP neurons to DSLF (46%) and DLLF (24%). In contrast to randomly sampled DSLF neurons which rarely exhibited spike frequency adaptation, Y1eGFP DSLF neurons were almost always rapidly adapting, a characteristic of nociceptive-responsive SDH neurons. Rebound spiking was more prevalent in Y1eGFP neurons (6% RS vs 32% Y1eGFP), indicating enrichment of T-type calcium currents. Y1eGFP DSLF neurons exhibited fast A-type potassium currents that are known to delay or limit action potential firing, and these were of smaller current density as compared to randomly sampled DSLF neurons. Our results inspire future studies to determine whether tissue or nerve injury downregulates channels that contribute to A-currents, thus potentially unmasking T-type calcium channel activity and membrane hyperexcitability in Y1-INs, leading to persistent pain.
Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting the Next SQL Query from the Future

Prediction of the next SQL query from the user, given her sequence of queries until the current timestep, during an ongoing interaction session of the user with the database, can help in speculative query processing and increased interactivity. While existing machine learning-- (ML) based approaches use recommender systems to suggest relevant queries to a user, there has been no exhaustive study on applying temporal predictors to predict the next user issued query. In this work, we experimentally compare ML algorithms in predicting the immediate next future query in an interaction workload, given the current user query or the sequence of queries in a user session thus far. As a part of this, we propose the adaptation of two powerful temporal predictors: (a) Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and (b) a Reinforcement Learning approach called Q-Learning that uses Markov Decision Processes. We represent each query as a comprehensive set of fragment embeddings that not only captures the SQL operators, attributes, and relations but also the arithmetic comparison operators and constants that occur in the query. Our experiments on two real-world datasets show the effectiveness of temporal predictors against the baseline recommender systems in predicting the structural fragments in a query w.r.t. both quality and time. Besides showing that RNNs can be used to synthesize novel queries, we find that exact Q-Learning outperforms RNNs despite predicting the next query entirely from the historical query logs.
Investigation of fracture and mechanical properties of monolayer C3N using molecular dynamic simulations

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the mechanical and fracture properties of C3N. The impact of initial crack orientation on the crack path is studied by applying tensile strain to C3N sheets containing initial cracks in the armchair and zigzag directions. The results show that the cracks grow by creating new surfaces in the zigzag direction. The capability of Griffith theory in prediction the fracture strength of C3N is studied. The molecular dynamic results indicate that Griffith theory cannot predict the fracture strength of C3N if the crack length is shorter than 9 nm. The notch effects on the fracture strength of C3N is studied and it is shown that notch effects are important in predicting the fracture strength of C3N. Using the Rivlin–Thomas method, the molecular dynamics simulations predict a critical energy release rate of 10.982 J/m 2 for C3N. The impact of temperature and strain rate on Young’s modulus and fracture stress of C3N are studied. The results show that Young’s modulus is not sensitive to temperature but increase in the temperature leads to a reduction in the fracture stress. Young’s modulus and fracture stress are not sensitive to strain rate if the strain rate is less than 2 × 109 s−1.
An Overview of High Melting Point Metallization

This paper reviews the applications of the high-melting point metallization both for the conventional devices and integrated circuits at considerably higher temperatures. Conventional devices generally operate between room temperature and ∼100 °C, depending on the nature and density of devices and cooling effectiveness of the packaging. In such cases the need for the high melting point metal arises due to (a) increasing current density, leading to enhanced electromigration, and (b) ease of post-metallization processing. On the other hand there are high power devices and devices that operate in environment of high temperatures. In this latter use there are additional needs of a high melting point metallization scheme. Such metallization should also be immune to thermally induced metallurgical/chemical reactions and internal changes in the metallization properties such as electrical resistivity, microstructure, stress, etc. In this paper we will examine these requirements for both applications and then revi...
The Biochemistry and Analysis of Lead

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the concentrations of lead to be expected in blood and urine under normal conditions and different clinical situations. The chapter also describes the various methods available for the analysis of lead in clinical samples. Lead is absorbed slowly and incompletely from the gastrointestinal tract and can be absorbed from the respiratory tract when inhaled. Lead poisoning is usually chronic because the metal is excreted even more slowly than it is absorbed. Lead tends to accumulate in the body and is stored by the tissues, especially in the bones. Symptoms of poisoning follow such storage when, owing to other diseases, the stored lead is released into the general circulation. Certain tissues, notably the aorta and liver, and especially the adrenal and thyroid glands and the jejunum portion of the small intestine, appear to contain higher portions of lead than others. The two most commonly employed techniques for destruction of lead in biological samples are wet digestion and dry ashing. The metal ion in aqueous solution is extracted into an organic solvent that is immiscible with water utilizing spectrophotometric and atomic absorption spectroscopic methods. Various methods for the analysis of lead such as spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, polarography, and ions selective electrodes are discussed.
L-selectin-dependent lymphoid occupancy is required to induce alloantigen-specific tolerance.

Maneuvers that interfere with signals 1, 2, 3, or Ag processing can result in indefinite allograft survival. However, they are not applicable to all tissues, strains, or species, suggesting that there are additional levels of immune regulation. We hypothesized that secondary lymphoid organs are important for interactions among lymphocytes, alloantigen, and immunosuppressants that lead to tolerance. To explore this, cardiac allografts were performed with a tolerogenic immunosuppressive regimen. Concurrent administration of anti-L-selectin (CD62L) Ab, which prevents lymph node homing, prevents indefinite allograft survival and tolerance. Anti-CD62L Ab is not costimulatory, and Fab and F(ab′)2 anti-CD62L have similar activities. Flow cytometry and histologic examination show that Ab shifts T cells away from lymph nodes and into spleen, peripheral blood, and graft. Tolerance is not induced in CD62L−/− mice, and adoptive transfer of CD62L−/−, but not CD62L+/+, T cells prevents tolerization in wild-type recipients. FTY720, an immunosuppressant that promotes chemokine-dependent, but CD62L-independent, lymph node homing, reverses the Ab effect. Blockade of other homing receptors also prevents tolerization. These results indicate that T lymphocytes use CD62L-dependent migration for alloantigen-specific tolerance, and suggest that lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues are an important site for peripheral tolerization to alloantigen.
New Low-Energy Realization of the Superstring-Inspired E_6 Model

The superstring-inspired E_6 model is reduced to the supersymmetric standard model extended by a specific U(1) factor. This choice allows for the existence of naturally light singlet neutrinos which also mix with the known three doublet neutrinos, thus making it possible to accommodate all present neutrino data. Other consequences of this model are also discussed: oblique corrections from Z-Z' mixing, phenomenology of the two-Higgs-doublet sector, and possible scenarios of gauge-coupling unification.
Communication in palliative medicine: a clinical review of family conferences.

Abstract Aim: Family conferences are an important forum for communication, particularly for those with serious illnesses. Design: The strength of evidence was assessed by patient, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO). Data source: We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed), published articles, and multidisciplinary resource textbooks. Results: Four areas investigated family conferences: acute care, family medicine/geriatrics, intensive care units (ICU), and oncology/palliative medicine. A unifying theme was the importance of improved communication. A single randomized controlled ICU study demonstrated that family conferences positively influenced bereavement outcomes. A prospective (but single-arm) ICU study and several family medicine/geriatrics cohort studies, found that family conferences reduced hospital length of stay and/or decreased resource utilization. Other articles proposed guidelines or methods for the practical conduct of family conferences. Conclusio...
SUBSTANCE-ABUSING FATHERS IN FAMILY COURT: Moving From Popular Stereotypes to Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Although all forms of substance abuse disproportionately affect men during early to middle adulthood, when many are fathering children, the status of substance-abusing men as parents is largely ignored in public policy, service delivery, and research exploring the consequences of chronic drug and alcohol abuse. In this review, the authors highlight issues of potential concern to professionals working with this poorly understood, negatively stereotyped population of fathers in family court settings. After reviewing the existing literature on substance-abusing fathers and their children, the authors challenge family court personnel to use (a) awareness of stereotyping, (b) clinical assessment, (c) the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence, and (d) treatment resources to minimize, as much as possible, the risk for poor developmental outcomes incurred by children with a substance-abusing father.
Inverse spectral theory of finite Jacobi matrices

We solve the following physically motivated problem: to determine all finite Jacobi matrices J and corresponding indices i, j such that the Green's function is proportional to an arbitrary prescribed function f(z). Our approach is via probability distributions and orthogonal polynomials. We introduce what we call the auxiliary polynomial of a solution in order to factor the map (J,i,j) → [ ] (where square brackets denote the equivalence class consisting of scalar multiples). This enables us to construct the solution set as a fibration over a connected, semi-algebraic coordinate base. The end result is a wealth of explicit constructions for Jacobi matrices. These reveal precise geometric information about the solution set, and provide the basis for new existence theorems.
Opposing roles of the amygdala and dorsolateral periaqueductal gray in fear-potentiated startle.

Abstract The whole-body acoustic startle response is a short-latency reflex mediated by a relatively simple neural circuit in the lower brainstem and spinal cord. The amplitude of this reflex is markedly enhanced by moderate fear levels, and less effectively increased by higher fear levels. Extensive evidence indicates that the amygdala plays a key role in the potentiation of startle by moderate fear. More recent evidence suggests that the periaqueductal gray is involved in the loss of potentiated startle at higher levels of fear. The influence of both structures may be mediated by anatomical connections with the acoustic startle circuit, perhaps at the level of the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis. The mediated by anatomical connections with the acoustic startle circuit, perhaps at the level of the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis. The present chapter reviews these data.
Saturn's rings: Debris from satellites

Saturn's rings may be the remains of at least three satellites smashed by a comet about 4 billion years ago. That's the latest word from the Voyager scientists at AGU's Spring Meeting. The rings are fragments of preexisting satellites, explained Eugene M. Shoemaker of the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Ariz. Breakup of the satellites could have been caused by a comet and by the satellite collisions. Satellite fragments then smeared out to form the complex ring system photographed by Voyager 1 last November, he said.
Providing Gbps/User Connectivity in WLANs

Providing high data rates to wireless users has long been a goal that has driven the development of new technologies and standards in the past decade. Now, with the opening up of the spectrum at 60GHz, it has become possible to design WLANs that can meet the goal of Gbps/user connectivity. This paper examines several unique design challenges brought about because of the physical characteristics of this frequency band. We show that antenna geometry has a significant impact on throughput. Geometric SDMA algorithms are developed that yield an almost linear scaling of throughput with the number of users yielding 800Mbps/user on average. We then explore the challenge of providing coverage in dead spots using the novel idea of passive reflectors. Finally, we examine the issue of power control and how the room geometry can be exploited to reduce the average energy/bit. The results presented are based on detailed PHY layer simulations of the 60GHz system including accurate 3D beam patterns formed by the antennas.