cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a three-dimensional double-helix point-spread function for fluorescence microscopy in the presence of spherical aberration

We characterize the three-dimensional (3-D) double-helix (DH) point-spread function (PSF) for depth-variant fluorescence microscopy imaging motivated by our interest to integrate the DH-PSF in computational optical sectioning microscopy (COSM) imaging. Physical parameters, such as refractive index and thickness variability of imaging layers encountered in 3-D microscopy give rise to depth-induced spherical aberration (SA) that change the shape of the PSF at different focusing depths and render computational approaches less practical. Theoretical and experimental studies performed to characterize the DH-PSF under varying imaging conditions are presented. Results show reasonable agreement between theoretical and experimental DH-PSFs suggesting that our model can predict the main features of the data. The depth-variability of the DH-PSF due to SA, quantified using a normalized mean square error, shows that the DH-PSF is more robust to SA than the conventional PSF. This result is also supported by the frequency analysis of the DH-PSF shown. Our studies suggest that further investigation of the DH-PSF’s use in COSM is warranted, and that particle localization accuracy using the DH-PSF calibration curve in the presence of SA can be improved by accounting for the axial shift due to SA.
Successful Treatment of Corynebacterium striatum Endocarditis with Daptomycin plus Rifampin

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of Corynebacterium striatum endocarditis that was treated successfully with daptomycin plus rifampin following an unsuccessful attempt at vancomycin desensitization and failure of linezolid therapy.CASE SUMMARY:A 46-year-old woman with hemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure was admitted for a graft-related infection. She presented with C. striatum endocarditis that was treated with daptomycin plus rifampin due to a history of allergies to vancomycin and β-lactam antibiotics and failure of linezolid therapy. The patient received daptomycin and rifampin for a total of 6 weeks. Three months after completion of treatment, no recurrence of endocarditis was evident.DISCUSSION:Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic, with rapid bactericidal activity. It has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of staphylococcal, streptococcal, and enterococcal endocarditis. Case reports of its activity in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis have also been documented.CONCLUSI...
Indentation Determination of Crack Growth Parameters in Gallium Arsenide

Indentation measurements of the environmentally enhanced crack growth parameter, n, in GaAs have been made in water, acetonitrile, and methanol. Reasonable agreement with n values obtained from double-cantilever-beam tests was obtained. It is concluded that the range of n values which can be measured by the indentation technique is much wider than previously observed, and is strongly dependent upon the experimental configuration employed.
Visible-Light Photoresponse of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2: Excited State Studies using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory and Equation-of-Motion Coupled Cluster Methods

To shed light on the nature of the electronic states at play in N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, we have performed detailed ground and excited state calculations on pure and N-doped TiO2 rutile using an embedding model. We have validated our model by comparing ground-state embedded results with those obtained from periodic DFT calculations. Our results are consistent with periodic calculations. Using this embedding model we have performed B3LYP based TDDFT calculations of the excited state spectrum. We have also studied the lowest excitations using high-level equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOMCC) approaches involving all single and inter-band double excitations. We compare and contrast the nature of the excitations in detail for the pure and doped systems using these calculations. Our calculations indicate a lowering of the bandgap and confirm the role of the N3- states on the UV/Vis spectrum of N-doped TiO2 rutile supported by experimental findings.
Can estrogen play a significant role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease?

In women the abrupt decline estrogen levels at menopause may be associated with cognitive deficits and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); estrogen replacement therapy may reduce this risk. Animal studies indicate that estrogen modulates neurotransmitter systems, regulates synaptogenesis, and is neuroprotective. These beneficial effects occur in brain areas critical to cognitive function and involved in AD. Reduced estrogen levels can compromise neuronal function and survival. Estrogen replacement therapy can reverse cognitive deficits associated with low estrogen levels and may reduce the risk of AD. However, clinical trials for estrogen replacement in the treatment of AD have produced ambiguous results. Initial, small, open-label and double blind clinical trials indicated improved cognitive function in women with AD. Recent large trials failed to show a beneficial effect for long-term estrogen replacement for women with AD. There are several variables that could affect these results, such as genetic factors, time between estrogen loss and replacement, extent and types of AD pathology, and other environmental and health factors. Presently large prospective studies are being conducted as the National Institutes of Health in the Women’s Health Initiative and the Preventing Postmenopausal Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s with Replacement Estrogens studies to provide a better assessment of the role of estrogen for age related health issues, including dementia.
Pulse compression ultrasound for minimization of transmitted peak power

Spread spectrum pulse compression can be used as a method for reducing peak power so that it is within the bounds of safety guidelines set by the American Institute of Ultrasonic Measurements (AIUM). Pulse compression accomplishes this by implementing a longer length transmitted pulse of lower amplitude while maintaining the same signal gain, resolution, and signal-to-noise ratios. Here, correlation algorithms for implementing such a subsystem are described, as well as computer simulation results for methods that reduce correlation sidelobe levels resulting from that process. >
NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION OF POTATOES: YIELD AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY'

Potassium and N fertilization is often required for maximum potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. Nitrogen, K, and K-sources (KCl, K2SO4 are known to affect yield and quality of potatoes but N and K interactions as affected by K-source have not been defined. This study evaluated the N*K and K-source interactions on Russet Burbank tuber yields and specific gravity (SG) in two irrigated field experiments. Nitrogen rates of 0, 112, 224 or 336 kg ha-1 were combined with selected K rates of 0,112, 224 or 448 kg ha-1 as either KC1 or K2SO4 in an incomplete factorial. A multiple linear regression model was fit to the data and used to predict yield and SG for a complete factorial for each K-source. Both N and K applications increased yields independent of K-source. Nitrogen decreased yields at the 336 kg ha-1 rate. Potassium increased yields up to 448 kg K ha-1. Both K-sources decreased SG a similar amount with N application; without N, KC1 decreased SG but K2SO4 did not. Nitrogen also decreased SG. Petiole NO3-N and K concentrations were positively related to yields and negatively to specific gravities. The petiole K concentration 100 days after planting should be above 4.5 for highest tuber yields. The N*K*K-source interaction was important for yields at low available N and for SG at adequate N availabilities. This study showed that N or K fertilizers can be applied according to their respective soil test concentration and the crop’s requirement, generally without consideration of K-source.
Understanding TCP incast throughput collapse in datacenter networks

TCP Throughput Collapse, also known as Incast, is a pathological behavior of TCP that results in gross under-utilization of link capacity in certain many-to-one communication patterns. This phenomenon has been observed by others in distributed storage, MapReduce and web-search workloads. In this paper we focus on understanding the dynamics of Incast. We use empirical data to reason about the dynamic system of simultaneously communicating TCP entities. We propose an analytical model to account for the observed Incast symptoms, identify contributory factors, and explore the efficacy of solutions proposed by us and by others.
Landing on your own two feet: a case report of bilateral calcaneus and open pilon fractures

High energy fractures of the distal tibial plafond and calcaneus have been associated with high functional morbidity and wound complications. Although both of these fractures result from a similar mechanism, they have rarely been reported to occur on an ipsilateral extremity. The combination of these 2 injuries on the same extremity would increase the likelihood of an adverse surgical or functional outcome. We present the case and management strategy of a 43-year-old male with bilateral open pilon fractures and closed calcaneal fractures after falling from a height. A staged protocol was used for the bilateral pilon fractures, with external fixation until operative fixation on day 9. Nonoperative management of the calcaneal fractures resulted in a successful functional outcome at 10 months of follow-up. Treatment of this fracture pattern must incorporate the condition of the soft tissues, an understanding of the fractures, and minimize patient risk factors to optimize the functional and surgical outcomes.
Segment Reporting: The Aftermath Effects Of Statement Of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131

This article addresses the subject of segment reporting and the after effects of SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” A comparative analysis of the reporting requirements under SFAS No. 14 and SFAS No. 131 is first presented followed with an examination of corporate disclosures before and after the release of SFAS No. 131. The results are discussed in the context of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s reporting objective “to better understand an enterprises performance.”
Induction of Differentiation and Cellular Manipulation of Human Myeloid HL-60 Leukemia Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for induction of differentiation and cellular manipulation of human myeloid hl-60 leukemia cells. The procedure for cell growth and differentiation induction involves supplementing RPMI 1640 culture medium with penicillin-streptomycin, L-glutamine, and 10% FBS. The most effective concentration for the induction of differentiation depends on the potency of individual lots of the inducer and the endogenous sensitivity of the HL-60 cells being used. Collect the cells and obtain cell density by hemocytometer chamber counting. Dilute the differentiation-inducing agent in a minimal volume of culture medium and add to the experimental plates. Be sure to include a control culture to which the solution vehicle alone is added. Synthetic oligonucleotides should be synthesized as 15-Mars is using standard base chemistry. The exact concentration at which an oligonucleotide effectively disrupts translation or targets a given MRNA for RNase-mediated decay is a function of intracellular concentration, the expression level of the target, and ability of the oligonucleotide to hybridize.
Preliminary Evidence of Differences Between Stigma Source Versus Type With Individual Functioning Variables in National Guard/Reserve Troops

Extant military studies show that stigma has a variable association with seeking mental health treatment and mental health distress. Previous studies used a general measure of stigma that does not ...
Use of chemodenervation in dystonic conditions

Dystonia, an uncommon movement disorder that causes sustained muscle contractions and painful body positions, is a difficult diagnostic challenge; misdiagnosis is common. Classification may include etiology, area of physical involvement, or age of onset. Bodily distribution is varied, and dystonias can present as primary (genetic) or secondary (caused by other disease processes or use of neuroleptic drugs). Although there is no cure, the use of botulinum toxins for chemodenervation provides symptomatic relief and is considered the treatment of choice in focal dystonia. The dose of botulinum toxin may be titrated to provide significant relief for 12 weeks or more.
“Behind the Curtain”: Strip Clubs and the Management of Competition for Tips:

Ethnographers have amassed a large body of literature on exotic dance and strip clubs. However, this literature contains little information about strip club managers and the work they perform “behi...
ENHANCING SAFETY OF HYDROGEN CONTAINMENT COMPONENTS THROUGH MATERIALS TESTING UNDER IN-SERVICE CONDITIONS.

Abstract The capabilities in the Hydrogen Effects on Materials Laboratory (HEML) at Sandia National Laboratories and the related materials testing activities that support standards development and technology deployment are reviewed. The specialized systems in the HEML allow testing of structural materials under in-service conditions, such as hydrogen gas pressures up to 138 MPa, temperatures from ambient to 203 K, and cyclic mechanical loading. Examples of materials testing under hydrogen gas exposure featured in the HEML include stainless steels for fuel cell vehicle balance of plant components and Cr Mo steels for stationary seamless pressure vessels.
A novel MRI classification system for congenital functional lumbar spinal stenosis predicts the risk for tandem cervical spinal stenosis

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and clinically useful morphological classification system for congenital lumbar spinal stenosis using sagittal MRI, allowing clinicians to recognize patterns of lumbar congenital stenosis quickly and be able to screen these patients for tandem cervical stenosis. Forty-four subjects with an MRI of both the cervical and lumbar spine were included. On the lumbar spine MRI, the sagittal canal morphology was classified as one of three types: Type I normal, Type II partially narrow, Type III globally narrow. For the cervical spine, the Torg-Pavlov ratio on X-ray and the cervical spinal canal width on MRI were measured. Kruskal–Wallis analysis was done to determine if there was a relationship between the sagittal morphology of the lumbar spinal canal and the presence of cervical spinal stenosis. Subjects with a type III globally narrow lumbar spinal canal had a significantly lower cervical Torg-Pavlov ratio and smaller cervical spinal canal width than those with a type I normal lumbar spinal canal. A type III lumbar spinal canal is a globally narrow canal characterized by a lack of spinal fluid around the conus. This was defined as “functional lumbar spinal stenosis” and is associated with an increased incidence of tandem cervical spinal stenosis.
The Implications for Strategic Organizational Planning, Management, and Positioning

This book is about perspective: The nonprofit as a social asset and agent of policy within a principal-agent paradigm. This paradigm informs and reflects operational realities and strategies. This chapter is about some implications of the theme for managerial perspectives in daily operations but mostly for strategic planning and positioning of the organization. The chapter is divided into two parts: first are the implications from the perspective that the nonprofit is a social capital asset, and second are the implications from setting this asset in a principal-agent paradigm.
Risk of neonatal and childhood morbidity among preterm infants exposed to marijuana.

AbstractBackground: Limited data exist regarding the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants exposed to marijuana (MJ) in-utero, particularly among preterm infants. We hypothesized that MJ-exposed preterm infants would have worse neonatal and childhood developmental outcomes compared to MJ-unexposed infants.Methods: Secondary analysis of multicenter randomized-controlled trial of antenatal magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy was conducted. Singleton nonanomalous infants delivered <35 weeks exposed to MJ in-utero were compared to MJ-unexposed. Primary neonatal outcome was death, grade 3/4 intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and/or stage II/III necrotizing enterocolitis before discharge. Primary childhood outcome was death, moderate/severe cerebral palsy, or/and Bayley II Scales <70 at age 2. Backward-stepwise regression used to estimate odds of primary outcomes.Results: 1867 infants met inclusion criteria; 135(7.2%) were MJ-e...
“How to” incorporate dual-energy imaging into a high volume abdominal imaging practice

Dual-energy CT imaging has many potential uses in abdominal imaging. It also has unique requirements for protocol creation depending on the dual-energy scanning technique that is being utilized. It also generates several new types of images which can increase the complexity of image creation and image interpretation. The purpose of this article is to review, for rapid switching and dual-source dual-energy platforms, methods for creating dual-energy protocols, different approaches for efficiently creating dual-energy images, and an approach to navigating and using dual-energy images at the reading station all using the example of a pancreatic multiphasic protocol. It will also review the three most commonly used types of dual-energy images: “workhorse” 120kVp surrogate images (including blended polychromatic and 70 keV monochromatic), high contrast images (e.g., low energy monochromatic and iodine material decomposition images), and virtual unenhanced images. Recent developments, such as the ability to create automatically on the scanner the most common dual-energy images types, namely new “Mono+” images for the DSDECT (dual-source dual-energy CT) platform will also be addressed. Finally, an approach to image interpretation using automated “hanging protocols” will also be covered. Successful dual-energy implementation in a high volume practice requires careful attention to each of these steps of scanning, image creation, and image interpretation.
Responsible e-Prescribing Needs e-Discontinuation.

Adding e-discontinuation functionality has the potential to help reduce medication errors and take fuller advantage of e-prescribing technology. Prescribers need to be able to e-discontinue prescriptions, just as easily as they can e-prescribe them.
Correlation between a 2D channelized Hotelling observer and human observers in a low-contrast detection task with multislice reading in CT.

Purpose Model observers have been successfully developed and used to assess the quality of static 2D CT images. However, radiologists typically read images by paging through multiple 2D slices (i.e. multi-slice reading). The purpose of this study was to correlate human and model observer performance in a low-contrast detection task performed using both 2D and multi-slice reading, and to determine if the 2D model observer still correlate well with human observer performance in multi-slice reading. Methods A phantom containing 18 low-contrast spheres (6 sizes x 3 contrast levels) was scanned on a 192-slice CT scanner at 5 dose levels (CTDIvol = 27, 13.5, 6.8, 3.4, and 1.7 mGy), each repeated 100 times. Images were reconstructed using both filtered-backprojection (FBP) and an iterative reconstruction (IR) method (ADMIRE, Siemens). A 3D volume of interest (VOI) around each sphere was extracted and placed side-by-side with a signal-absent VOI to create a 2-alternative forced choice (2AFC) trial. Sixteen 2AFC studies were generated, each with 100 trials, to evaluate the impact of radiation dose, lesion size and contrast, and reconstruction methods on object detection. In total, 1600 trials were presented to both model and human observers. Three medical physicists acted as human observers and were allowed to page through the 3D volumes to make a decision for each 2AFC trial. The human observer performance was compared with the performance of a multi-slice channelized Hotelling observer (CHO_MS), which integrates multi-slice image data, and with the performance of previously validated CHO, which operates on static 2D images (CHO_2D). For comparison, the same 16 2AFC studies were also performed in a 2D viewing mode by the human observers and compared with the multi-slice viewing performance and the two CHO models. Results Human observer performance was well correlated with the CHO_2D performance in the 2D viewing mode (Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient R=0.972, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.919 to 0.990) and with the CHO_MS performance in the multi-slice viewing mode (R=0.952, 95% CI: 0.865 to 0.984). The CHO_2D performance, calculated from the 2D viewing mode, also had a strong correlation with human observer performance in the multi-slice viewing mode (R=0.957, 95% CI: 879 to 0.985). Human observer performance varied between the multi-slice and 2D modes. One reader performed better in the multi-slice mode (p=0.013); whereas the other two readers showed no significant difference between the two viewing modes (p=0.057 and p=0.38). Conclusions A 2D CHO model is highly correlated with human observer performance in detecting spherical low contrast objects in multi-slice viewing of CT images. This finding provides some evidence for the use of a simpler, 2D CHO to assess image quality in clinically relevant CT tasks where multi-slice viewing is used. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Just the Facts: Citizen Issue Comprehension

The author focuses directly on the Big Five’s role in causing individuals’ failure to understand basic facts about important political issues. The chapter looks at individuals’ responses to factual survey questions in five policy areas—(1) food stamps, (2) same-sex marriage, (3) health insurance subsidies, (4) drug testing welfare recipients, and (5) U.S. oil production. As one would expect, partisanship plays an important role in driving incorrect understandings about what is happening in these policy areas. However, partisanship is not the only cause. While a substantial amount of personality research has spent time attempting to draw connections between one or the other Big Five personality traits and political ideology and partisanships, here the author shows that personality does not simply work through its effects on citizens’ partisanship. It has its own independent effect on how people understand political issues, even highly partisan ones.
A High-Efficiency Resonant RF Spin Flipper with Broad Phase Space Acceptance for Pulsed Polarized Cold Neutron Beams

P.-N. Seo, L. Barron-Palos, J.D. Bowman, T.E. Chupp, C. Crawford, M. Dabaghyan, M. Dawkins, S.J. Freedman, T. Gentile, M.T. Gericke, R.C. Gillis, G.L. Greene, F.W. Hersman, G.L. Jones, M. Kandes, S. Lamoreaux, B. Lauss, M.B. Leuschner, R. Mahurin, M. Mason, J. Mei, G.S. Mitchell, H. Nann, S.A. Page, S.I. Penttila, W.D. Ramsay, A. Salas Bacci, S. Santra, M. Sharma, T.B. Smith, W.M. Snow, W.S. Wilburn, H. Zhu
Reducing therapeutic misconception: A randomized intervention trial in hypothetical clinical trials.

Background Participants in clinical trials frequently fail to appreciate key differences between research and clinical care. This phenomenon, known as therapeutic misconception, undermines informed consent to clinical research, but to date there have been no effective interventions to reduce it and concerns have been expressed that to do so might impede recruitment. We determined whether a scientific reframing intervention reduces therapeutic misconception without significantly reducing willingness to participate in hypothetical clinical trials. Methods This prospective randomized trial was conducted from 2015 to 2016 to test the efficacy of an informed consent intervention based on scientific reframing compared to a traditional informed consent procedure (control) in reducing therapeutic misconception among patients considering enrollment in hypothetical clinical trials modeled on real-world studies for one of five disease categories. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, head/neck cancer, breast cancer, and major depression were recruited from medical clinics and a clinical research volunteer database. The primary outcomes were therapeutic misconception, as measured by a validated, ten-item Therapeutic Misconception Scale (range = 10–50), and willingness to participate in the clinical trial. Results 154 participants completed the study (age range, 23–87 years; 92.3% white, 56.5% female); 74 (48.1%) had been randomized to receive the experimental intervention. Therapeutic misconception was significantly lower (p = 0.004) in the scientific reframing group (26.4, 95% CI [23.7 to 29.1] compared to the control group (30.9, 95% CI [28.4 to 33.5], and remained so after controlling for education (p = 0.017). Willingness to participate in the hypothetical trial was not significantly different (p = 0.603) between intervention (52.1%, 95% CI [40.2% to 62.4%]) and control (56.3%, 95% CI [45.3% to 66.6%] groups. Conclusions An enhanced educational intervention augmenting traditional informed consent led to a meaningful reduction in therapeutic misconception without a statistically significant change in willingness to enroll in hypothetical clinical trials. Additional study of this intervention is required in real-world clinical trials.
Towards a Truer Multicultural Science Education: How Whiteness Impacts Science Education.

The hope for multicultural, culturally competent, and diverse perspectives in science education falls short if theoretical considerations of whiteness are not entertained. Since whiteness is characterized as a hegemonic racial dominance that has become so natural it is almost invisible, this paper identifies how whiteness operates in science education such that it falls short of its goal for cultural diversity. Because literature in science education has yet to fully entertain whiteness ideology, this paper offers one of the first theoretical postulations. Drawing from the fields of education, legal studies, and sociology, this paper employs critical whiteness studies as both a theoretical lens and an analytic tool to re-interpret how whiteness might impact science education. Doing so allows the field to reconsider benign, routine, or normative practices and protocol that may influence how future scientists of Color experience the field. In sum, we seek to have the field consider the theoretical frames of whiteness and how it might influence how we engage in science education such that our hope for diversity never fully materializes.
Implant interface to bone tissue: biomimetic surface functionalization through nanotechnology

The living cell can interact with inorganic materials. This process is believed to regulate the behaviors of cells, as well as to generate unique hybrid structures of biological molecules and minerals such as bone. Nanotechnology has emerged with a novel promise of incorporating biological systems by developing materials and processing features in the scope of cells and biomolecules. The mechanism of biomineralization has been replicated in nanotechnology, which resulted in a new array of materials. Recently, three-dimensional bio-structures in micrometer and nanometer scales have been shown to exhibit unexpectedly robust biological responses. Although the mechanistic role of micro- and nanoscale structures in biology is not yet fully elucidated, nanotechnology-based surface functionalization has already been engineered as commercially viable products. This review will highlight the recent development of biomimetic nanotechnology in endosseous implant.
Impact of Behavioral Drug Abuse Treatment on Sexual Risk Behaviors: An Integrative Data Analysis of Eight Trials Conducted Within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network.

The extent to which behavioral drug abuse treatments affect sexual risk behaviors is largely unknown. This study examined the impact of behavioral drug abuse treatments on sexual risk behaviors using an integrative data analysis approach across eight trials conducted within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). Participants (N = 1305) from eight randomized controlled trials who were sexually active at baseline were included in the pooled dataset; 48.7% were female, 64.1% self-identified as a racial/ethnic minority, with M (SD) age of 34.9 (9.6). Longitudinal logistic regression estimated the probability of risky sexual behavior (i.e., inconsistent condom use and/or > 1 sexual partner in past 30 days) post-intervention with an indicator variable (1 for post-intervention), study condition (control, intervention), and their interaction as predictors; the analysis employed random effects for each trial and included relevant control variables. Time-varying differences in effects based on weeks post-intervention were incorporated using interacted linear and quadratic terms with condition status. Approximately 84.2% reported risky sexual behaviors at baseline. The control and intervention conditions were 18.5 and 17.3 percentage points less likely to report risky sexual behavior post-intervention, respectively. Results suggest decreasing rates of risky sex engagement until 8 weeks (control) or 9 weeks (intervention) post-intervention; risky sexual behavior subsequently increased. Behavioral CTN trial participation was associated with decreased sexual risk behaviors in both the intervention and control trial conditions. Participation in behavioral substance use treatment may result in secondary benefits of sexual risk behavior reductions.
Adaptive pattern classification and universal recoding: II. Feedback, expectation, olfaction, illusions

Part I of this paper describes a model for the parallel development and adult coding of neural feature detectors. It shows how any set of arbitrary spatial patterns can be recoded, or transformed, into any other spatial patterns (universal recoding), if there are sufficiently many cells in the network's cortex. This code is, however, unstable through time if arbitrarily many patterns can perturb a fixed number of cortical cells. This paper shows how to stabilize the code in the general case using feedback between cellular sites. A biochemically defined critical period is not necessary to stabilize the code, nor is it sufficient to ensure useful coding properties. We ask how short term memory can be reset in response to temporal sequences of spatial patterns. This leads to a context-dependent code in which no feature detector need uniquely characterize an input pattern; yet unique classification by the pattern of activity across feature detectors is possible. This property uses learned expectation mechanisms whereby unexpected patterns are temporarily suppressed and/or activate nonspecific arousal. The simplest case describes reciprocal interactions via trainable synaptic pathways (long term memory traces) between two recurrent on-center off-surround networks undergoing mass action (shunting) interactions. This unit can establish an adaptive resonance, or reverberation, between two regions if their coded patterns match, and can suppress the reverberation if their patterns do not match. This concept yields a model of olfactory coding within the olfactory bulb and prepyriform cortex. The resonance idea also includes the establishment of reverberation between conditioned reinforcers and generators of contingent negative variation if presently avialable sensory cues are compatible with the network's drive requirements at that time; and a search and lock mechanism whereby the disparity between two patterns can be minimized and the minimal disparity images locked into position. Stabilizing the code uses attentional mechanisms, in particular nonspecific arousal as a tuning and search device. We suggest that arousal is gated by a chemical transmitter system--for example, norepinephrine--whose relative states of accumulation at antagonistic pairs of on-cells and off-cells through time can shift the spatial pattern of STM activity across a field of feature detectors. For example, a sudden arousal increment in response to an un-expected pattern can reverse, or rebound, these relative activities, thereby suppressing incorrectly classified populations. The rebound mechanism has formal properties analogous to negative afterimages and spatial frequency adaptation.
Werner Syndrome Protein and DNA Replication.

Werner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the premature development of aging features. Individuals with WS also have a greater predisposition to rare cancers that are mesenchymal in origin. Werner Syndrome Protein (WRN), the protein mutated in WS, is unique among RecQ family proteins in that it possesses exonuclease and 3′ to 5′ helicase activities. WRN forms dynamic sub-complexes with different factors involved in DNA replication, recombination and repair. WRN binding partners either facilitate its DNA metabolic activities or utilize it to execute their specific functions. Furthermore, WRN is phosphorylated by multiple kinases, including Ataxia telangiectasia mutated, Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related, c-Abl, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, in response to genotoxic stress. These post-translational modifications are critical for WRN to function properly in DNA repair, replication and recombination. Accumulating evidence suggests that WRN plays a crucial role in one or more genome stability maintenance pathways, through which it suppresses cancer and premature aging. Among its many functions, WRN helps in replication fork progression, facilitates the repair of stalled replication forks and DNA double-strand breaks associated with replication forks, and blocks nuclease-mediated excessive processing of replication forks. In this review, we specifically focus on human WRN’s contribution to replication fork processing for maintaining genome stability and suppressing premature aging. Understanding WRN’s molecular role in timely and faithful DNA replication will further advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of WS.
Quantum approximate optimization algorithm for MaxCut: A fermionic view

Farhi et al. recently proposed a class of quantum algorithms, the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), for approximately solving combinatorial optimization problems. A level-p QAOA circuit consists of steps in which a classical Hamiltonian, derived from the cost function, is applied followed by a mixing Hamiltonian. The 2p times for which these two Hamiltonians are applied are the parameters of the algorithm. As p increases, however, the parameter search space grows quickly. The success of the QAOA approach will depend, in part, on finding effective parameter-setting strategies. Here, we analytically and numerically study parameter setting for QAOA applied to MAXCUT. For level-1 QAOA, we derive an analytical expression for a general graph. In principle, expressions for higher p could be derived, but the number of terms quickly becomes prohibitive. For a special case of MAXCUT, the Ring of Disagrees, or the 1D antiferromagnetic ring, we provide an analysis for arbitrarily high level. Using a Fermionic representation, the evolution of the system under QAOA translates into quantum optimal control of an ensemble of independent spins. This treatment enables us to obtain analytical expressions for the performance of QAOA for any p. It also greatly simplifies numerical search for the optimal values of the parameters. By exploring symmetries, we identify a lower-dimensional sub-manifold of interest; the search effort can be accordingly reduced. This analysis also explains an observed symmetry in the optimal parameter values. Further, we numerically investigate the parameter landscape and show that it is a simple one in the sense of having no local optima.
Bridge-Flipped Isomers: Searching for IsomorphousBenzylideneanilines and Phenylhydrazones Reveals Unexpected Structures

Examination of a series of “bridge-flipped” halogen- and nitrile-substituted benzylideneanilines for isomorphism by single-crystal X-ray diffraction has resulted in the identification of three non-...
Community Health Worker Intervention in Subsidized Housing: New York City, 2016–2017

From April 2016 to June 2017, the Health + Housing Project employed four community health workers who engaged residents of two subsidized housing buildings in New York City to address individuals' broadly defined health needs, including social and economic risk factors. Following the intervention, we observed significant improvements in residents' food security, ability to pay rent, and connection to primary care. No immediate change was seen in acute health care use or more narrowly defined health outcomes.
Writing the History of the Dayton Arcade: Experiential Learning Through Immersion, Collaboration, and Service

In 2018, fourteen history majors at the University of Dayton completed a capstone seminar designed to combine elements of several experiential learning approaches. Students worked collectively to write a history of the Dayton Arcade, a shopping mall opened in 1904, but undergoing redevelopment as part of a city wide urban revitalization program. The students also interviewed Daytonians and constructed a website that could serve as a public resource for the community. Purpose of the Class: The three core activities of the class comprised an integrated research project. The aim was to have the students engage in an (1) immersive place-based problem-solving experience, that (2) required collaboration and advanced integrative skills, and (3) fostered a sense of purposefulness through service. Methodology/approach of this chapter: I introduce arguments to improve education made by experiential learning theorists such as Gruenewald (American Educational Research Journal 40:619–654, 2003), Huber and Hutchings (Integrative Learning Mapping the Terrain. Association of American Colleges and Universities and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Washington, DC, 2004), Kolb (Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Pearson, Upper Saddle, NJ, 2015), and Roberts (College Context: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters. Routledge, New York, 2016), among others. Discussion is divided into three sections covering the student learning outcomes. The sections describe how we used problem-based, place-centered, and service-learning approaches to achieve the goals. I utilize student reflection responses to gauge the effectiveness in achieving them. Findings/conclusions: Students expressed a variety of views on specifics of the course design and implementation; however, students overwhelming agreed the course meet all three of its learning objectives. Implications: In addition to demonstrating the efficacy of the approach, student responses to the course suggest wider structural advantages that the decision to conduct seminars in this fashion may have in the current educational environment.
Neurobiological mechanisms of early life adversity, blunted stress reactivity and risk for addiction

Abstract Blunted stress reactivity resulting from early exposure to stress during childhood and adolescence may increase vulnerability to addiction. Early life adversity (ELA) affects brain structure and function and results in blunted stress axis reactivity. In this review, we focus on the underlying neurobiological mechanisms associated with a blunted response to stress, ELA, and risk for addictive disorders. ELA and blunted reactivity are accompanied by unstable mood regulation, impulsive behaviors, and reduced cognitive function. Neuroimaging studies reveal cortical and subcortical changes in persons exposed to ELA and those who have a genetic disposition for addiction. We propose a model in which blunted stress reactivity may be a marker of risk for addiction through an altered motivational and behavioral reactivity to stress that contribute to disinhibited behavioral reactivity and impulsivity leading in turn to increased vulnerability for substance use. Evidence supporting this hypothesis in the context of substance use initiation, maintenance, and risk for relapse is presented. The effects of ELA on persons at risk for addiction may lead to early experimentation with drugs of abuse. Early adoption of drug intake may alter neuroregulation in such vulnerable persons leading to a permanent dysregulation of motivational responses consistent with dependence. This article is part of the special issue on ‘Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
eDNA Captures Microhabitat Partitioning in a Kelp Forest Ecosystem

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is an increasingly important tool for surveying biodiversity in marine ecosystems. However, the scale of temporal and spatial variability in eDNA signatures, and how this variation may impact eDNA-based marine biodiversity assessments, remains uncertain. To address this question, we systematically examined variation in vertebrate eDNA signatures across depth (0 m to 10 m) and horizontal space (nearshore and surf zone) over three successive days in a Southern California kelp forest. Across a broad range of marine vertebrates (teleosts, elasmobranchs, birds, and mammals), results showed significant variation in species richness and community assemblages across 4-5 m depth, reflecting microhabitat depth preferences of common Southern California nearshore rocky reef taxa. We also found significant differences in community assemblages between nearshore and surf zone sampling stations at the same depth, and across three sampling days. Patterns of microhabitat partitioning in eDNA signatures across space and time were largely consistent with known habitat preferences and species behavior. Results highlight the sensitivity of eDNA in capturing fine-scale vertical, horizontal, and temporal variation in marine vertebrate communities, demonstrating the ability of eDNA to capture a highly localized snapshot of marine biodiversity in dynamic coastal environments.
Cognitive Strategies Shift Information From Single Neurons to Populations in Prefrontal Cortex

Neurons in primate lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) play a critical role in working memory (WM) and cognitive strategies. Consistent with adaptive coding models, responses of these neurons are not fixed, but flexibly adjust based on cognitive demands. However, little is known about how these adjustments affect population codes. Here, we investigated ensemble coding in LPFC while monkeys implemented different strategies in a WM task. Although single neurons were less tuned when monkeys used more stereotyped strategies, task information could still be accurately decoded from neural populations. This was due to changes in population codes that distributed information among a greater number of neurons, each contributing less to the overall population. Moreover, this shift occurred for task-relevant, but not irrelevant, information. These results demonstrate that cognitive strategies that impose structure on information held in mind rearrange population codes in LPFC, such that information becomes more distributed among neurons in an ensemble.
Genomic Insights into Drug Resistance Determinants in Cedecea neteri, A Rare Opportunistic Pathogen

Cedecea, a genus in the Enterobacteriaceae family, includes several opportunistic pathogens reported to cause an array of sporadic acute infections, most notably of the lung and bloodstream. One species, Cedecea neteri, is associated with cases of bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts and has documented resistance to different antibiotics, including β-lactams and colistin. Despite the potential to inflict serious infections, knowledge about drug resistance determinants in Cedecea is limited. In this study, we utilized whole-genome sequence data available for three environmental strains (SSMD04, M006, ND14a) of C. neteri and various bioinformatics tools to analyze drug resistance genes in this bacterium. All three genomes harbor multiple chromosome-encoded β-lactamase genes. A deeper analysis of β-lactamase genes in SSMD04 revealed four metallo-β-lactamases, a novel variant, and a CMY/ACT-type AmpC putatively regulated by a divergently transcribed AmpR. Homologs of known resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type multidrug efflux pumps such as OqxB, AcrB, AcrD, and MdtBC were also identified. Genomic island prediction for SSMD04 indicated that tolC, involved in drug and toxin export across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, was acquired by a transposase-mediated genetic transfer mechanism. Our study provides new insights into drug resistance mechanisms of an environmental microorganism capable of behaving as a clinically relevant opportunistic pathogen.
Variation in Newborn Skincare Policies Across United States Maternity Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE Newborn skincare influences levels of beneficial factors from vernix and vaginal secretions but also the emergence of potential skin pathogens. However, evidence-based national guidelines for newborn skincare do not exist, and actual hospital practices for newborn skincare have not been described. In this study, we test the hypothesis that US maternity hospitals follow differing policies with regard to newborn skincare. METHODS A 16-question survey querying skin care practices was distributed to nursery medical directors at the 109 US hospital members of the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns network. Data from free text responses were coded by 2 study personnel. Survey responses were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and compared by region of the United States. RESULTS Delaying the first newborn bath by at least 6 hours is a practice followed by 87% of US hospitals surveyed. Discharging newborns without a bath was reported in 10% of hospitals and was more common for newborns born in nonacademic centers and on the West Coast. Procedures and products used for newborn skincare varied significantly. Parental education on tub immersion and soap use was also inconsistent and potentially contradictory between providers. Evidence cited by hospitals in forming their policies is scant. CONCLUSION In this study, we identify similar and strikingly different newborn skincare policies across a national network of US maternity hospitals. Research is needed to identify effects of differing skincare routines on skin integrity, infection rates, and childhood health outcomes to improve the evidence base for the care of newborn skin.
Food, Sovereignty, and Development: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Geographies of Food and Development in Cuenca, Ecuador

Offered through the Honors College at the University of New Mexico, Conexiones-Ecuador is an explicitly interdisciplinary study abroad program around the theme of “Food, Sovereignty, and Developmen...
Trees outside forest in Italian agroforestry landscapes: detection and mapping using sentinel-2 imagery

This study proposes an automated method for distinguishing trees (T) from no-trees (NT) by means of optical data. We make use of an optical approach based on a statistical threshold to detect T are...
Assessing Intact Stability

This paper was originally prepared to provide discussion material for a proposed senior-level course in advanced stability considerations at the University of Michigan. The author has since revised and restructured the paper. The theory and history underlying existing intact stability criteria based on initial GM, righting moment balance and righting energy balance are discussed. Application of these assessment methods is shown and the critical weaknesses of each are addressed. Examples are drawn from current U.S. Coast Guard and IMCO requirements.
Visual Evoked Potentials

Visual evoked potentials are deflections in the electroencephalogram which are evoked by a visual stimulus, time-locked to stimulus onset, and generated by neural activity. Keywords: vision; EEG; brain imaging; attention; language