cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absolute response error bounds for floating point digital filters in state space representation

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory will be a 7-GeV machine. It is anticipated that for beam operations beyond the baseline design of 100 mA stored beam current, a transverse and longitudinal damping system is needed to damp instabilities. A key part of this digital damping system is digital signal processing. This digital system will be used to process samples taken from the beam and determine appropriate correction values to be applied to the beam. The processing will take the form of a transversal digital filter with adaptable filter weights. Sampling will be done at 176 MHz with a possible correction bandwidth of 88 MHz. This paper concentrates on the digital processing involved in this system, and especially on the adaptive algorithms used for determining the digital filter weights.
THE EFFECTS OF UNILATERAL FORCED NOSTRIL BREATHING ON THE HEART

Three experiments are described that employ impedance cardiography to monitor the effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing (UFNB) on the heart. Experiment 1 includes 7 subjects (4 males, 3 females) with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min (BPM). Experiment 2 includes 16 trials using one subject to examine the intraindividual variability, at 6 BPM. Experiment 3 includes 10 trials with the same subject in experiment 2, but with a respiratory rate of 2-3 breaths/s. This rapid rate of respiration is a yogic breathing technique called "breath of fire" or "kapalabhatti" and employs a very shallow but rapid breath in which the abdominal region acts like a bellows. All 3 experiments demonstrated that right UFNB increases heart rate (HR) compared to left. Experiment 1 gave 7 negative slopes, or lowering in HR with left nostril breathing and 7 positive slopes, or increases in HR with right nostril breathing, p = .001. The second and third experiments showed differences in HR means in which right UFNB increases HR more than left, p = .013, p = .001, respectively. In experiment 2 stroke volume was higher with left UFNB, p = .045, compensating for lower HR. Left UFNB increased end diastolic volume as measured in both experiments 1 and 2, p = .006, p = .001, respectively. These results demonstrate a unique unilateral effect on sympathetic stimulation of the heart that may have therapeutic value.
Assessing the Impact of Reference Services Provided to Undergraduate Students

This article describes a study assessing the impact of reference services on undergraduate students. The study targeted undergraduates receiving nondirectional reference assistance, yielding sixty-nine survey responses and five follow-up interviews. Three outcomes were examined: (1) Do undergraduate students perceive the reference staff as being friendly and approachable? (2) Do they learn something during the course of the reference interaction? and (3) Do they feel more confident about their ability to find information after the reference interaction than they did before? Our findings suggest that reference services can play a significant role in helping students become confident, independent information seekers. Correlations between variables and a multiple regression model further indicate that friendliness of the reference staff was one of the best predictors of students’ confidence in their ability to find information on their own. These outcomes are particularly salient in a college and university environment where building skills for independent information exploration is a primary goal.
Professional associations' role in advancing the ICF in speech-language pathology

The ICF framework reflects a conceptual change in the approach to diagnosis and intervention across the spectrum of speech-language pathology services. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Associat...
The location in cartilage of infectious retrovirus in cats infected with feline leukemia virus.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that articular cartilage allografts were not likely to transmit infectious retrovirus since viral DNA could not be isolated from chondrocytes of infected individuals. However, the ability of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage to harbor and transmit a retrovirus has not been examined. We hypothesized that articular cartilage fragments, but not isolated chondrocytes, from cats systemically infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are capable of transmitting infectious retrovirus. Methods: Fresh cartilage segments and chondrocytes isolated from cats systemically infected with feline leukemia virus were used in this study. Feline embryonic fibroblast cells were cocultured with segments of cartilage, isolated chondrocytes, or fragments of cortical bone from each infected cat. The FeLV p27 antigen was measured in the coculture media by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, FeLV proviral nucleic acids were quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with use of DNA extracted from feline embryonic fibroblast cell cocultures as well as isolated chondrocytes. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess for FeLV p27 antigen in both intact cartilage fragments and isolated chondrocytes. Results: Feline embryonic fibroblast cells cocultured with cartilage fragments from each of the five FeLV-infected cats all demonstrated high levels of proviral DNA, indicating transmission of infective virus. In addition, media from all cocultures of feline embryonic fibroblast cells and chondral fragments became positive for p27 antigen, indicating active viral replication. In contrast, cocultures of feline embryonic fibroblast cells and isolated chondrocytes from all FeLV-infected cats were negative for proviral DNA and p27 antigen. Likewise, no proviral nucleic acids could be detected in isolated chondrocytes from any infected cats. Cocultures of feline embryonic fibroblast cells with cortical bone fragments were positive for proviral DNA and p27 antigen. Immunohistochemical staining of cartilage fragments from FeLV-infected cats demonstrated the presence of p27 antigen throughout the extracellular matrix, but the p27 antigen was not detected in isolated chondrocytes. Conclusions: Articular cartilage fragments can readily transmit infectious retrovirus, but isolated chondrocytes were likely not the source of the infectious virus because they did not harbor proviral DNA or p27 antigen. Clinical Relevance: Because donor-cell viability improves the long-term function of chondral allografts (precluding the use of secondary sterilization procedures employed for tendon and bone allografts), these results underscore the importance of rigorous donor screening when the use of articular cartilage allografts is being considered.
Rate-Dependent Elasto-Viscoplastic Constitutive Model for Industrial Powders. Part 2: Model Evaluation

The PSU-EVP model's constitutive parameters for alumina powder are presented. The PSU-EVP model was also used to back-predict the triaxial test data obtained for MZF and alumina powders using const...
Explaining Expressive Performance: Component Cognitive Skills in an Aural Modeling Task:

This study is an examination of musicians' expressive performances, in an aural modeling task, paying special attention to the skills of goal imaging and motor production. Twenty-five university mu...
The significance of cervical ribs in thoracic outlet syndrome

Objective The purpose of this study was to review our operative experience in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) resulting from cervical ribs causing clinical symptoms. Methods This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively acquired database of patients with TOS treated with first rib resection and scalenectomy with or without cervical rib resection at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Results Between October 2003 and June 2011, a total of 23 cervical rib resections were performed on 20 patients, three of whom had bilateral cervical ribs resected during separate operations. Seven patients presented with subclavian artery thrombosis. Three of seven patients had subclavian artery aneurysms and underwent cervical rib resection through a supraclavicular approach to facilitate subclavian artery bypass. Five patients presented with an ischemic upper extremity without thrombosis and underwent transaxillary first rib and cervical rib resection. Three patients presented with subclavian vein thrombosis; two of the three patients underwent balloon dilation 2 weeks postoperatively for stenosis. Additionally, five patients presented with neurogenic TOS evidenced by pain, numbness, and weakness without vascular compromise in the affected arm. Cervical ribs with bony fusion to the first rib were found in 17 of 23 cases (74%). Conclusions Cervical ribs causing clinical symptoms are large and frequently fused to the first rib, and can result in aneurysm formation or thrombosis. In our experience, both the cervical rib and the first rib must be removed to relieve arterial compression and can usually be done through a transaxillary approach. Only patients with aneurysms needing arterial reconstruction require resection of the artery from a supraclavicular approach.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Male Germ Cell Apoptosis in the Rat

Programmed germ cell death is critical for functional spermatogenesis. Increased germ cell apoptosis can be triggered by various regulatory stimuli, including testicular hyperthermia or deprivation of gonadotropins and intratesticular testosterone. We have previously shown the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 14 in apoptotic signaling of male germ cells across species after hormone deprivation. This study investigates the role of MAPK14 in germ cell apoptosis in rats triggered by testicular hyperthermia. The contributions of the MAPK1/3 and the MAPK8 to male germ cell death were also examined after this intervention. We show that 1) testicular hyperthermia results in induction of both MAPK1/3 and MAPK14 but not MAPK8; 2) inhibition of MAPK1/3 has no effect on the incidence of heat-induced germ cell apoptosis, suggesting that MAPK1/3 signaling may be dispensable for heat-induced male germ cell apoptosis; and 3) activation of MAPK14 and BCL2 phosphorylation are critical for heat-induced male germ cell apoptosis in rats. Thus, unlike the hormone deprivation model, heat stress through activation of the MAPK14 signaling promotes germ cell apoptosis by provoking BCL2 phosphorylation, leading to its inactivation and the subsequent activation of the mitochondria-dependent death pathway. These novel findings point to a critical role of MAPK14 in stage- and cell-specific activation of male germ cell apoptosis triggered by hormone deprivation or heat stress.
Pacific partnership 2010: Anesthesia support aboard the USNS Mercy humanitarian civic assistance.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The USNS Mercy has been integral in providing humanitarian and civic assistance as part of the Department of Defense's ongoing Combatant Commander Theater Security Cooperation Plans. The purpose of this study was to critically assess patient demographics and procedures performed to provide guidance for future missions. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of 825 surgical patients who underwent surgery during a 4-month period during Pacific Partnership 2010. Patient demographics, anesthesia exam findings, comorbidities, and surgical data were compared among the mission sites. Results: Of the 825 patients, the mean age ranged from 39.7 to 24.7 with a statistical difference between Vietnam (39.7, p < 0.0087 for all tests) and the remaining sites. Poorer health by American Society of Anesthesiologist grading was noted in Vietnam (1.61) as compared to patients in Cambodia (1.21, p < 0.001) and Timor–Leste (1.40, p = 0.001). No difference in complication rates was note...
Joint Prediction for Entity/Event-Level Sentiment Analysis using Probabilistic Soft Logic Models

In this work, we build an entity/event-level sentiment analysis system, which is able to recognize and infer both explicit and implicit sentiments toward entities and events in the text. We design Probabilistic Soft Logic models that integrate explicit sentiments, inference rules, and +/-effect event information (events that positively or negatively affect entities). The experiments show that the method is able to greatly improve over baseline accuracies in recognizing entity/event-level sentiments.
Evaluation of Three Theophylline Dosing Methods in Pediatric Patients

Three methods used for individualizing theophylline dosing were prospectively evaluated in 34 pediatric patients to compare the methods' ability to accurately predict steady-state serum theophylline concentrations (STCs) from non-steady-state data. Methods evaluated included a Bayesian weighted sum of squares regression program, an algebraic method developed by Chiou, and a commonly used population-based pediatric dosing algorithm. An expanded retrospective evaluation was also done to further compare the Bayesian and Chiou methods. Patients (aged 1-11 y) admitted to the hospital for acute bronchospasm refractory to inhaled beta agonists and with physician's orders to receive intravenous aminophylline were eligible for participation. Study patients received a 6-mg/kg loading dose aminophylline, followed by a 0.8-1.0 mg/kg/h constant aminophylline infusion. STCs were obtained 0.5 and 5.5 hours postinfusion. Subjects were randomized to one of three dosing method groups (Bayesian, Chiou, or pediatric algorithm). Doses were calculated using the assigned method to attain a target steady-state STC. Predictions from each dosing method were compared with actual serum concentrations for bias and precision. Additionally, analysis of fit-to-the-line-of-identity for predicted versus observed STCs was evaluated for each method. Precision of methods was also compared with regard to their ability to predict within 20 percent of their observed steady-state STC. Results from the prospective evaluation showed no significant difference between the three methods tested. Predicted STCs fell within 20 percent of their observed steady-state concentrations for 18 percent (2/11) of patients in the algorithm group, and 45 percent (5/11) of patients in the Chiou group and 17 percent (2/12) of the patients in the Bayesian group met this criterion. Retrospective analysis of all 34 patients demonstrated that the Bayesian and Chiou methods had similar bias and precision and no statistical difference was found between them. The results from this evaluation suggest that the pediatric dosing algorithm is equivalent in predictive bias and precision to the Bayesian and Chiou methods as well as in its ability to identify doses that result in steady-state STCs within 20 percent of their target values. Given the relative inaccuracy of these methods, cautious use of these techniques is recommended when evaluating non-steady-state STCs obtained from children during the acute stages of reactive airway disease.
Clinical Trial of Gamma Globulin in the Prevention of Common Respiratory Diseases

SummaryConcentrated gamma globulin was administered at monthly intervals to one-half of a group of 70 medical students throughout a single respiratory disease season from early October to late May. The incidence of attacks of acute respiratory disease was reduced 40% in the experimental subjects as compared with the controls. The severity of the illnesses was significantly decreased in the experimental subjects as compared with their previous season experience.The reactions to the injections were mild and consisted primarily of local soreness at the site, lasting one day in the majority of the students. No jaundice of hepatitis was observed.The primary object of this small clinical trial of concentrated gamma globulin was not to discover a method of preventing colds, but to determine if possible, whether or not man is capable of forming neutralizing substances for some of the undifferentiated respiratory diseases. A cumulative effect of repeated injections was suggested by the results.A statistical evalua...
Mean Oscillation and Besov Spaces

The homogeneous Besov-Lipschitz spaces, usually defined by difference operators or Fourier transform, are studied in terms of mean oscillation, and several equivalent characterisations are given.
Fully Exploiting PCM Write Capacity Within Near Zero Cost Through Segment-Based Page Allocation

Improving the endurance of phase change memory (PCM) is a fundamental issue when PCM technology is considered as an alternative to main memory usage. Existing wear-leveling techniques overcome this challenge through constantly remapping hot virtual pages, thus engendering a fair amount of extra write operations to PCM and imposing considerable performance and energy overhead. Our observation is that it is unnecessary to fully balance the accesses to different physical page frames during the execution of each process. Instead, since endurance is a lifetime factor, the hot virtual pages of different processes can be mapped to different physical pages in the PCM. Leveraging this property, we develop a wear-resistant page allocation algorithm, which exploits the diverse write characteristics of different program segments to improve PCM write endurance within almost no extra remapping cost in terms of energy and performance. The results of experiments conducted based on SPEC benchmarks show that the proposed technique can prolong PCM lifetime by hundreds of times within nearly zero searching and remapping overhead.
The Foreign Threat: Leadership and Popular Perceptions in 1923 and 1924

On March 1, 1927, the population of the village of Ivantsevo gathered to elect the local soviet. A Communist Party member came from the city of Ivano-voznesensk to supervise the elections and addressed the peasants with calls to work hard and to defend the USSR in case of war. In response, he heard threats from the peasants: Report [to those on the top] that when military action begins and we get weapons, the end will come to the Soviet power, [because] we’ll turn the weapons against you.’ These threats were met with applause and cries of ‘that’s right!’ from the majority.1
Wide-complex tachycardia with mild angina pectoris.

(1993). Wide-Complex Tachycardia with Mild Angina Pectoris. Hospital Practice: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 27-30.
Biomechanical Testing and Histologic Examination of Intradermal Skin Closure in Dogs Using Barbed Suture Device and Non‐Barbed Monofilament Suture

Objective To compare the biomechanical strength and histologic features of 3-0 Glycomer™ 631 barbed suture (V-LOC™ 90 Absorbable Wound Closure Device, Covidien, Mansfield, MA) to non-barbed 3-0 Glycomer™ 631 suture (Biosyn™, Covidien) for intradermal skin wound closure in the dog. Study Design Randomized, factorial, in vivo. Animals Eighteen purpose-bred, mature male, and female hound dogs. Methods Eighteen adult hound dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups designated by postoperative day of assessment. Six skin incisions were made along the dorsum in the thoracolumbar region of each dog with an equal number (n=3) randomly assigned to closure with barbed or non-barbed suture. Six dogs were euthanatized on postoperative days 3, 10, and 14, respectively. Two additional incisions were made on each dog after euthanasia for baseline data (Day 0). The skin incision specimens were harvested for biomechanical testing and histologic evaluation. Results Non-barbed closure had significantly higher maximum load at failure (P<.001) and stiffness (P<.001) than barbed closure regardless of day. The average tissue reaction score was significantly higher for barbed closure (P=.008), regardless of day. Suturing time for barbed closures was significantly shorter. There was no significant difference in frequency of complications between closures. Conclusion Barbed Glycomer™ 631 closures had a significantly lower maximum load at failure and stiffness, and higher average tissue reaction scores, but showed no difference in short term outcome for intradermal closure of dorsally located skin incisions in dogs.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Exposure from Emission Products and from Terrorist Attacks on US Targets – Implications for Developmental Central Nervous System Toxicity

Publisher Summary The goal of this chapter is to stimulate research activity to develop both novel intervention strategies and therapeutic approaches to mitigate the neurotoxicity associated with prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The chapter also focuses on PAH exposure of vulnerable populations as a result of terrorist attacks on US targets. As a result of combustion of fuel and hazardous materials, PAHs are released in high volumes. Exposure of civilians or deployed personnel to fumes containing PAHs constitutes an acute exposure scenario. Additionally, defense forces involved in extinguishing oil-well fires, and cleanup tasks are exposed to low levels of PAHs over a more protracted time period. In addition, over 1.3 million civilian and military personnel are occupationally exposed to hydrocarbon fuels, particularly gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, or kerosene on a near daily basis. The toxicity to the nervous system depends on the delivered dose and exposure duration. In the case of pregnant women, pharmacokinetic processes govern PAH disposition within the mother and the nervous system of children.
Gut microbiota drives metabolic disease in immunologically altered mice

The mammalian intestine harbors trillions of microbes collectively known as the microbiota, which can be viewed as an anaerobic metabolic organ that benefits the host in a number of ways. The homeostasis of this large microbial biomass is a prerequisite to maintaining host health by maximizing symbiotic interrelations and minimizing the risk of living in a close relationship. The cooperation between the innate and adaptive immune systems of the host maintains homeostasis of the microbiota. The dysregulation/alteration of microbiota in various immunodeficiency states including both innate and adaptive deficiency results in metabolic disease. This review examines the influence of microbiota on host metabolic health in immunologically altered mice. Accumulated data from a variety of immune-deficient murine models indicate that altered microbiota can play a key role in origination of metabolic diseases through the following potential mechanisms: (i) increasing calorie extraction resulting in adiposity, (ii) inducing low-grade chronic inflammation in the gut directly or increasing systemic loads of microbial ligands via leaky guts, (iii) generating toxic metabolites from dietary components, and (iv) inducing a switch from pro-metabolic to pro-immune phenotype that drives malabsorption of lipids resulting in muscle wastage and weight loss-particularly upon states of adaptive immune deficiency. Further, these murine models demonstrate that altered microbiota is not purely a consequence of metabolic disease but plays a key role in driving this disorder.
Using iterated best-response to find Bayes-Nash equilibria in auctions

with continuous distributions of bidders’ values 1 . Very little research has been devoted to auctions with discrete bids and values. We take some important first steps in this direction by computationally investigating when an iterated bestresponse procedure might lead to a BNE. Standard auctions have a special structure that simplifies best-response computation. We present experimental results for single auction settings and symmetrically distributed bidders’ values. Unlike most past research, both bids and values are discrete. Only first- and second-price auctions are considered, but the ultimate goal of this research is to design an iterative procedure capable of finding BNE in more complicated settings (e.g., multiple one-shot simultaneous auctions with valuations over bundles).
Application of statistically-based experimental designs for the optimization of nisin production from whey.

Statistically-based experimental designs were applied for the optimization of nisin production by Lactococcus lactis in a whey-based medium. Yeast extract, KH2PO4, and MgSO4 were identified to have significant effects on nisin biosynthesis by a Plackett–Burman design. These three significant factors were subsequently optimized using central composite design, and the optimal conditions were determined to be 12.067 g l−1 for yeast extract, 0.569 g l−1 for KH2PO4, and 0.572 g l−1 for MgSO4. The validity of the optimal conditions was verified by a separate experiment.
Full Duplex Circulator-Receiver Phased Array Employing Self-Interference Cancellation via Beamforming

In this paper, we show how phased-array beamforming can be synergistically combined with full-duplex (FD) to achieve wideband RF self-interference (SI) suppression with minimal link budget (transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) array gain) penalty and with no additional power consumption. An N-path-filter-based circulator-receiver FD front-end enables phased-array beamforming at baseband with minimal overhead by virtue of its multi-phase outputs. A 65nm CMOS scalable 4-element full-duplex circulator-receiver array is demonstrated that repurposes spatial beamforming degrees of freedom (DoFs) to achieve SI suppression, enabling (i) 50dB overall RF array self-interference cancellation (SIC) over 16.25MHz (WiFi-like) bandwidth (BW) with less than 3.5/3dB degradation in TX and RX array gains, respectively, across 8 elements, and (ii) 100dB overall array SIC suppression including digital SIC at + 16.5dBm TX array power handling.
Safety of endoscopy in cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia

Background and Aims Cancer patients are prone to thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, which increase the risk of bleeding and infection. We assessed the safety of endoscopic procedures in cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia. Methods We studied consecutive cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia who underwent endoscopic procedures from 2010 through 2015. Neutropenia was defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 3 /μL. Univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation models were used to assess factors associated with risk of adverse events (AEs) or death. Results We identified 588 patients who underwent 783 procedures; 608 procedures were performed in the setting of thrombocytopenia and 675 procedures in the setting of neutropenia. Concurrent neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were recorded in 500 endoscopies. Twenty-four patients (4.1%) experienced infectious AEs, whereas 29 (4.9%) experienced bleeding AEs within 1 week of the procedure. On multivariate analysis, platelet count ≤50 × 10 3 /μL was associated with risk of bleeding AEs. In contrast, poor performance status was associated with increased risk of infection AEs ( P P 3 /μL ( P 3 /μL after the procedure, with a baseline platelet count of ≤20 × 10 3 /μL before the procedure, was associated with significant risk of bleeding AEs compared with a platelet count >20 × 10 3 /μL after the procedure ( P 50 × 10 3 /μL after the procedure, the bleeding risk after the procedure was greatly reduced ( P Conclusions Endoscopic procedures are relatively safe in cancer patients with platelet count >50 × 10 3 /μL. Nevertheless, a platelet count of ≥20 × 10 3 /μL could be an appropriate threshold for platelet transfusion if 50 × 10 3 /μL is difficult to achieve. The functional status of the patient, in the absence of the need for urgent or necessary endoscopic interventions, should be considered when deciding whether to perform endoscopy. The risk of procedure and the ANC did not seem to affect the outcomes.
Extending the Attitudinal Entropy Framework to Interpersonal Phenomena

In their target article, Dalege, Borsboom, van Harreveld, and van der Maas (this issue) eloquently draw upon principles of statistical mechanics to generate a framework of “attitudinal entropy,” wh...
A Single-Switch Transformerless DC--DC Converter With Universal Input Voltage for Fuel Cell Vehicles: Analysis and Design

A new single-switch high step-up dc–dc converter is proposed, in this paper, for fuel cell vehicles. The proposed topology utilizes an L 2 C 3 D 2 network to obtain high voltage gain and reduce the voltage stress on the power switch. Additionally, the proposed converter has a universal input voltage in order to suit the soft output characteristics of the fuel cell. Comprehensive analyses of the steady-state operation in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode, and design considerations of the proposed converter are given. Finally, a 400 V/1.6 kW scaled-down prototype is developed to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed converter.
Attitudes of Hospice Providers Regarding Intrathecal Targeted Drug Delivery for Patients With Cancer

Pain is one of the most commonly experienced and feared symptoms faced by patients with a serious illness. For these patients, intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDSs) provide greater potency and/...
Prevalence and Psychological Effects of Hateful Speech in Online College Communities

Background. Hateful speech bears negative repercussions and is particularly damaging in college communities. The efforts to regulate hateful speech on college campuses pose vexing socio-political problems, and the interventions to mitigate the effects require evaluating the pervasiveness of the phenomenon on campuses as well the impacts on students' psychological state. Data and Methods. Given the growing use of social media among college students, we target the above issues by studying the online aspect of hateful speech in a dataset of 6 million Reddit comments shared in 174 college communities. To quantify the prevelence of hateful speech in an online college community, we devise College Hate Index (CHX). Next, we examine its distribution across the categories of hateful speech,behavior, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, physical appearance, race, religion, andsexual orientation. We then employ a causal-inference framework to study the psychological effects of hateful speech, particularly in the form of individuals' online stress expression. Finally, we characterize their psychological endurance to hateful speech by analyzing their language -- their discriminatory keyword use, and their personality traits. Results. We find that hateful speech is prevalent in college subreddits, and 25% of them show greater hateful speech than non-college subreddits. We also find that the exposure to hate leads to greater stress expression. However, everybody exposed is not equally affected; some show lower psychological endurance than others. Low endurance individuals are more vulnerable to emotional outbursts, and are more neurotic than those with higher endurance. Discussion. Our work bears implications for policy-making and intervention efforts to tackle the damaging effects of online hateful speech in colleges. From technological perspective, our work caters to mental health support provisions on college campuses, and to moderation efforts in online college communities. In addition, given the charged aspect of speech dilemma, we highlight the ethical implications of our work. Our work lays the foundation for studying the psychological impacts of hateful speech in online communities in general, and situated communities in particular (the ones that have both an offline and an online analog).
Dendritic Cell Metabolism and Function in Tumors

Dendritic cells (DCs) are fundamental for the initiation and maintenance of immune responses against malignant cells. Despite the unique potential of DCs to elicit robust anticancer immunity, the tumor microenvironment poses a variety of challenges that hinder competent DC function and consequently inhibit the development of protective immune responses. Here, we discuss recent studies uncovering new molecular pathways and metabolic programs that tumors manipulate in DCs to disturb their homeostasis and evade immune control. We also examine certain state-of-the-art strategies that seek to improve DC function and elicit antitumor responses in hosts with cancer. Understanding and modulating DC metabolism and activity within tumors might help improve the efficacy of T cell-centric immunotherapies.
Flight Toward a Learned Odor and Factors Inducing Landing of Female Brachymeria intermedia (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a Parasitoid of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Through a single oviposition experience in the presence of vanilla odor, female Brachymeria intermedia were conditioned to fly toward a source of vanilla odor in a wind tunnel. Conditioning was an associative process, and wasps were able to fly toward odor sources at much lower doses than the dose used in conditioning. Furthermore, upon approaching vanilla-scented paper rolls hung on a vertical cylinder, conditioned wasps landed on them readily, whereas few wasps landed on real pupae. However, more wasps reached pupae or pupal cases than white paper rolls. Visual and olfactory cues appeared to mediate the foraging behavior of wasps in conflicting ways. Therefore, the extent to which olfactory learning mediates foraging success in this species remains unresolved.
Computational thermodynamics and its applications

Abstract Thermodynamics is a science concerning the state of a system, whether it is stable, metastable or unstable, when interacting with the surroundings. In this overview, fundamentals of thermodynamics are briefly reviewed through the combination of first and second laws of thermodynamics for open and nonequilibrium systems to demonstrate that the reversible equilibrium and irreversible nonequilibrium thermodynamics can be integrated to enhance the power and utilities of thermodynamics. The recent progresses in computational thermodynamics, the remaining challenges, and potential impacts in broad scientific fields are discussed. It is shown that computational thermodynamics enables the modeling of thermodynamics of a state as a function of both external and internal variables and quantitative calculations of a broad range of properties of a multicomponent system in terms of first and second derivatives of energy, including not only equilibrium states when there are no driving forces for any internal processes and but also non-equilibrium states with driving forces for internal processes. Consequently, external constraints such as fixed strain and internal degree of freedoms such as ordering and defects can be described in a coherent framework and applied to materials design. Furthermore, two important but largely overlooked aspects in thermodynamics will be discussed, i.e. the rigorous application of statistical thermodynamics with the probability of configurations and their contributions to system properties, and the applications of second derivatives of energy with respect to either two extensive variables or two potentials or a mixture of them in terms of understanding and predicting emergent behaviors, critical phenomena, kinetic coefficients, and mechanical properties.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Telemedicine Utilization Across Multiple Service Lines in the United States

The impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. healthcare industry cannot be overstated. Telemedicine utilization increased overnight as all healthcare providers rushed to implement this delivery model to ensure accessibility and continuity of patient care. Our research objective was to determine measures that were implemented to accommodate community and individual patient needs to afford access to critical services and to maintain safety standards. We analyzed literature since 2016 from two databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We compared observations, themes, service lines addressed, issues identified, and interventions requiring in-person care. From 44 articles published, we identified ten effectiveness themes overall and drew conclusions on service line successes. COVID-19 has caused rapid expansion in telemedicine. Necessary and required changes in access, risk mitigation, the need for social distancing, compliance, cost, and patient satisfaction are a few of the driving factors. This review showcased the healthcare industry's ability to rapidly acclimate and change despite the pervasive spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. Although imperfect, unique responses were developed within telemedicine platforms to mitigate disruptions broadly and effectively in care and treatment modalities.
Prokaryotic Organelles: Bacterial Microcompartments in E. coli and Salmonella

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are proteinaceous organelles consisting of a metabolic pathway encapsulated within a selectively permeable protein shell. Hundreds of species of bacteria produce MCPs of at least nine different types, and MCP metabolism is associated with enteric pathogenesis, cancer, and heart disease. This review focuses chiefly on the four types of catabolic MCPs (metabolosomes) found in Escherichia coli and Salmonella: the propanediol utilization (pdu), ethanolamine utilization (eut), choline utilization (cut), and glycyl radical propanediol (grp) MCPs. Although the great majority of work done on catabolic MCPs has been carried out with Salmonella and E. coli, research outside the group is mentioned where necessary for a comprehensive understanding. Salient characteristics found across MCPs are discussed, including enzymatic reactions and shell composition, with particular attention paid to key differences between classes of MCPs. We also highlight relevant research on the dynamic processes of MCP assembly, protein targeting, and the mechanisms that underlie selective permeability. Lastly, we discuss emerging biotechnology applications based on MCP principles and point out challenges, unanswered questions, and future directions.
Thoracic Vascular Trauma

Non-aortic thoracic vascular penetrating and blunt traumatic injuries are rare but life-threatening. Many patients do not make it to the hospital alive in time for treatment. Generally civilians with hypotension and any non-compressible torso hemorrhage have a mortality rate of 50% (Chang et al., J Tramua Acute Care Surg 83(1):11–18, 2017; Kisat et al., J Surg Res 184(1):414–421, 2013). Operative mortality of penetrating thoracic great vessel injury has been reported up to 39% (O’Connor and Scalea, J Trauma 68(4):834–837, 2010). It is therefore imperative that the well-trained acute care surgeon understands general chest anatomy and several key exposures to facilitate vessel repair.
Frankenstein’s Daughters: on the Rising Trend of Women’s Body Horror in Contemporary Fiction

In recent years, works of fiction written by women examining selfhood and the Other in relation to women’s physical bodies have been brought to the forefront of literary pop culture. From Carmen Maria Machado’s National Book Award-nominated short fiction collection Her Body and Other Parties to “Cat Person,” the short story by Kristen Roupenian that “broke the internet” in December of 2017, readers can’t seem to get enough of stories and works that openly examine women’s relationships with their bodies and how these bodies operate within our world. However, the women in these works often don’t quite inhabit our world. By projecting elements of the supernatural and the uncanny onto fictional worlds and the women that inhabit them, female writers are taking the opportunity to use horror fiction to elevate conversations surrounding woman- and selfhood, using the discomfort evoked by body horror to demystify and normalize discussions surrounding women’s bodies and their natural functions previously considered grotesque.
A mathematical model of unintended consequences: Fisher’s geometric model and social evolution

Biological change and social change are similar. Both involve attempts to alter complex arrangements that have been pieced together through long periods of time. And both run the risk of unintended consequences. In biology, an apparently helpful mutation that confers, say, insecticide resistance in an insect might inadvertently also cause, say, sterility. And in societies, an apparently helpful change to correct a conspicuous problem might inadvertently also cause other, perhaps more serious, problems. Biological and social change also differ in some ways. Biological evolution depends on a random process of mutation whereas social change involves agents who sometimes rationally conceive of ideas directed at fixing a problem. Evolutionary biologists have modeled biological change using Fisher’s so-called geometric model of adaptation. Here we slightly modify Fisher’s model to study social change. We find that, even when agents (e.g., central planners) are skilled enough to perfectly correct the problem that they set out to fix, unintended consequences are so common and severe that half the time society is left worse off than before. Put differently, the median society is no better or worse off after a “perfect” intervention than before.
“I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st-April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human-animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants' sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.
False polarization: Cognitive mechanisms and potential solutions.

Abstract Although political polarization in the United States is real, intense, and increasing, partisans consistently overestimate its magnitude. This ‘false polarization’ is insidious because it reinforces actual polarization and inhibits compromise. We review empirical research on false polarization and the related phenomenon of negative meta-perceptions, and we propose three cognitive and affective processes that likely contribute to these phenomena: categorical thinking, oversimplification, and emotional amplification. Finally, we review several interventions that have shown promise in mitigating these biases.
Intrafraction Accuracy and Efficiency of a Surface Imaging System for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold in Ablative Pancreatic Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Beam gating with deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) has been widely used for motion management in radiotherapy. It commonly relies on some external surrogate for internal target motion, while the exact internal motion is unknown. In this study, we tracked internal targets and characterized the residual motion during DIBH treatment for pancreatic cancer patients guided by a surface imaging system. We also report the treatment time statistics. MATERIALS/METHODS Eight consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer treated with surface-guided DIBH volumetrically-modulated arc therapy in 2019-2020 were selected for this study, each with some radiopaque markers (fiducial markers or surgical clips) implanted near or inside the target. Five patients were treated in 25 fractions, two were treated in 15 fractions, and one was treated in 10 fractions. The surface imaging system monitored a three-dimensional surface with gating thresholds of 3 mm translation and 3° rotation. During dose delivery, kV images were automatically taken every 20˚ or 40˚ gantry rotation, from which internal markers were identified. The marker displacement from their initial positions and the residual motion amplitudes were calculated. For the analysis of treatment efficiency, the treatment time of every session was obtained from imaging and treatment timestamps recorded at the treatment console. RESULTS Even though the external surface was limited to 3 mm / 3°, significant residual internal target motion was observed for some patients. The residual motion ranged 3-21 mm. The average target displacement relative to the initial position was 0-3 mm for the cohort. The magnitude of instantaneous displacement was > 5 mm in 13% of the images analyzed. The average treatment time was 16 min with standard deviation 3 min. CONCLUSION Internal target motion may differ significantly from external surrogate motion in DIBH treatment, even with surface image guidance. Radiographic verification of target position at the beginning and during each fraction is essential for accurate delivery of radiotherapy.
Arbeitsmedizinisches Biomonitoring in der Schweiz

In der Schweiz ist die Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt (Suva) das verantwortliche Durchfuhrungsorgan fur die Prophylaxe von Berufskrankheiten in allen Betrieben.
Preschool and School Age Activities: Comparison of Urban and Suburban Populations

The objective of this study was to compare urban and suburban preschool and school age activities. A prospective survey using a convenience sample was conducted at one urban and one suburban primary care pediatric office. Questionnaires were completed for 66 urban preschool children, 70 suburban preschool children, 57 urban school age children and 61 suburban school age children during the school year. Also, questionniaires were completed for 63 suburban school age children during the summer. The suburban preschool children spent more time outdoors, were read to more frequently, visited the library more frequently and more often attended summer camp. The suburban school age children spent more time outdoors, more frequently participated in a community sport league and more often attended summer camp. The urban school age children watched more television or videos. During the summer, suburban school age children spent more time outdoors, while during the school year, suburban school age children used the library more frequently. Important differences exist between the activities of urban and suburban children in two practices in the New York metropolitan area. Pediatricians caring for urban children may have an important opportunity to promote participation in sports and educational activities.