cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stereo matching with nonparametric smoothness priors in feature space

We propose a novel formulation of stereo matching that considers each pixel as a feature vector. Under this view, matching two or more images can be cast as matching point clouds in feature space. We build a nonparametric depth smoothness model in this space that correlates the image features and depth values. This model induces a sparse graph that links pixels with similar features, thereby converting each point cloud into a connected network. This network defines a neighborhood system that captures pixel grouping hierarchies without resorting to image segmentation. We formulate global stereo matching over this neighborhood system and use graph cuts to match pixels between two or more such networks. We show that our stereo formulation is able to recover surfaces with different orders of smoothness, such as those with high-curvature details and sharp discontinuities. Furthermore, compared to other single-frame stereo methods, our method produces more temporally stable results from videos of dynamic scenes, even when applied to each frame independently.
Grouping operations in free recall

In free recall, Ss search for stable groupings of the list words, which groups become functional recall units. The experiments reported show that recall suffers if S is forced to adopt groupings differing from those used previously. Although such regroupings disrupt retrieval processes in recall, they do not reduce recognition memory for the list words, presumably because recognition depends on "occurrence information" which is independent of interitem associations utilized in retrieval. Another experiment showed that S's recall is facilitated by E explicitly aggregating S's functional recall units into larger groups over trials. A final experiment showed that recall was facilitated by arranging for structural linkages between groups via common words much as in a sausage chain. More groups are recalled in such linked lists, and Ss clearly used the linkages in moving from one to another group in recall.
Biospheric Primary Production During an ENSO Transition

The Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) provides global monthly measurements of both oceanic phytoplankton chlorophyll biomass and light harvesting by land plants. These measurements allowed the comparison of simultaneous ocean and land net primary production (NPP) responses to a major El Nino to La Nina transition. Between September 1997 and August 2000, biospheric NPP varied by 6 petagrams of carbon per year (from 111 to 117 petagrams of carbon per year). Increases in ocean NPP were pronounced in tropical regions where El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impacts on upwelling and nutrient availability were greatest. Globally, land NPP did not exhibit a clear ENSO response, although regional changes were substantial.
Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Microfossil Content of Hurricane Rita Storm Surge Deposits in Southwest Louisiana

Abstract Hurricane Rita generated a 4–5-m-high storm surge along the southwest Louisiana coast. The storm surge and accompanying waves transported sand and mud into woodland and freshwater marsh environments located immediately landward of sandy beaches. The resulting storm surge deposit is up to 0.5 m thick and extends at least 500 m inland. Analysis of the stratigraphy, sedimentology, and microfossil content of the deposit suggests two distinct phases of deposition: a thin layer of finer sand and mud and an overlying thicker layer of coarser sand. The thin layer of finer sand and mud is characterized by planar laminae and calcareous foraminifera, characteristic of shallow marine environments. The layer drapes preexisting surfaces, extends at least 500 m inland, and abruptly overlies woodland and marsh soils. These findings suggest deposition from suspension of offshore sand and mud in an early stage of storm surge inundation. This layer is overlain by up to 0.5 m of coarser sand with prominent foreset l...
Essential Role for the CRAC Activation Domain in Store-dependent Oligomerization of STIM1

Oligomerization of the ER Ca(2+) sensor STIM1 is an essential step in store-operated Ca(2+) entry. The lumenal EF-hand and SAM domains of STIM1 are believed to initiate oligomerization after Ca(2+) store depletion, but the contributions of STIM1 cytosolic domains (coiled-coil 1, CC1; coiled-coil 2, CC2; CRAC activation domain, CAD) to this process are not well understood. By applying coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence photobleaching and energy transfer techniques to truncated and mutant STIM1 proteins, we find that STIM1 cytosolic domains play distinct roles in forming both "resting" oligomers in cells with replete Ca(2+) stores and higher-order oligomers in store-depleted cells. CC1 supports the formation of resting STIM1 oligomers and appears to interact with cytosolic components to slow STIM1 diffusion. On store depletion, STIM1 lacking all cytosolic domains (STIM1-DeltaC) oligomerizes through EF-SAM interactions alone, but these oligomers are unstable. Addition of CC1 + CAD, but not CC1 alone, enables the formation of stable store-dependent oligomers. Within the CAD, both CC2 and C-terminal residues contribute to oligomer formation. Our results reveal a new function for the CAD: in addition to binding and activating Orai1, it is directly involved in STIM1 oligomerization, the initial event triggering store-operated Ca(2+) entry.
Similarity searching for multi-attribute sequences

We investigate the problem of searching similar multiattribute time sequences. Such sequences arise naturally in a number of medical, financial, video, weather forecast, and stock market databases where more than one attribute is of interest at a time instant. We first solve the simple case in which the distance is defined as the Euclidean distance. Later we extend it to shift and scale invariance. We formulate a new symmetric scale and shift invariant notion of distance for such sequences. We also propose a new index structure that transforms the data sequences and clusters them according to their shiftings and scalings. This clustering improves the efficiency considerably. According to our experiments with real and synthetic datasets, the index structure's performance is 5 to 45 times better than competing techniques, the exact speedup based on other optimizations such as caching and replication.
An Exact Method for Finding Short Motifs in Sequences, with Application to the Ribosome Binding Site Problem

This is an investigation of methods for finding short motifs that only occur in a fraction of the input sequences. Unlike local search techniques that may not reach a global optimum, the method proposed here is guaranteed to produce the motifs with greatest z-scores. This method is illustrated for the Ribosome Binding Site Problem, which is to identify the short mRNA 5' untranslated sequence that is recognized by the ribosome during initiation of protein synthesis. Experiments were performed to solve this problem for each of fourteen sequenced prokaryotes, by applying the method to the full complement of genes from each. One of the interesting results of this experimentation is evidence that the recognized sequence of the thermophilic archaea A. fulgidus, M. jannaschii, M. thermoautotrophicum, and P. horikoshii may be somewhat different than the well known Shine-Dalgarno sequence.
Tissue Culture of Fetal Rat Islets: Comparison of Serum-Supplemented and Serum-Free, Defined Medium on the Maintenance, Growth, and Differentiation of A, B, and D Cells

Fetal rat pancreatic islets were grown in tissue culture in medium RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% heatinactivated fetal bovine serum or with a mixture of nine hormones and growth factors. Modifications of the medium and the culture surface were made in an attempt to promote attachment of the islet tissue when plated in the serum-free medium. The maintenance of the islet cells was assessed throughout 30 days in culture by RIAs of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in extracts of the cultured tissue. The changes in the total number of cells and in the numbers of B, A, and D cells in vitro were estimated by counts of the hormone-positive cells after immunocytochemical staining of cytocentrifuged cell smears. The responsiveness of the B cell to glucose-stimulated insulin release was determined weekly during the culture period. The insulin content and B cell number increased during the first week in culture in both defined and undefined media. By the criteria measured, the serum-free medium preserved the B c...
Clostridium botulinum Type F: Seasonal Inhibition by Bacillus licheniformis

Clostridium botulinum type F has been identified during the summer months in mud samples from a small stream. Its absence during the period from October to April in these mud samples is attributed to the presence of Bacillus
The Coefficient of Energy Dissipation from Sheared Fiber Assemblies

An experimental evaluation of a theoretical derivation pertaining to fiber-to-fiber character is presented. A portion of the relationship is separated and is then defined as the coefficient of energy dissipation. This coefficient is then evaluated for a number of cotton varieties as well as for a number of synthetic staple fibrous materials. Comparisons are made between the samples tested. The polyester specimens evaluated by this technique have also been studied by others using a different approach to what appears to be a similar problem. Comparisons have been made.
Adjustment and Satisfaction of Parents A Comparison of Intact, Single-Parent, and Stepparent Families

This study compared the relative adjustment and satisfaction of three differing groups of parents. An extensive phone interview assessing a number of dimensions of well being (anxiety, depression, child problems, marital satisfaction, and family satisfaction) was administered to 154 parents from intact families, 28 single parents, and 28 remarried parents. Results indicated that single parents were significantly less satisfied and less well adjusted than their counterparts from first marriages and remarriages but that there were no differences on any dimensions between the latter two groups. These findings are discussed with reference to existing literature, and suggestions for future research are made.
Optimal coverage for multiple hovering robots with downward facing cameras

This paper presents a distributed control strategy for deploying hovering robots with multiple downward facing cameras to collectively monitor an environment. Information per pixel is proposed as an optimization criterion for multi-camera placement problems. This metric is used to derive a specific cost function for multiple downward facing cameras mounted on hovering robot platforms. The cost function leads to a gradient-based distributed controller for positioning the robots. A convergence proof using LaSalle's invariance principle is given to show that the robots converge to locally optimal positions. The controller is demonstrated in experiments with three flying quad-rotor robots.
PhaP Is Involved in the Formation of a Network on the Surface of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Inclusions in Cupriavidus necator H16

ABSTRACT Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) inclusions are polymeric storage inclusions formed in some bacterial species when carbon levels are high but levels of another essential nutrient, such as nitrogen, are low. Though much is known about PHA synthesis, little is known about inclusion structure. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to elucidate the structure of PHA inclusions at the nanoscale level, including the characterization of different layers of structure. AFM data suggest that underneath the inclusion envelope, there is a 2- to 4-nm-thick network layer that resides on top of a harder layer that is likely to be a crystalline lamellar polymer. The network is comprised of ∼20-nm-wide linear segments and junctions that are typically formed by the joining of three to four of the linear segments. In some cases, ∼50-nm globular structures that are raised ∼1 to 2 nm above the network are present at the junctions. These globular structures always have a central pore that is ∼15 nm in diameter. To determine if the major surface protein of PHA inclusions, PhaP, is involved in the structure of this network, inclusions from Cupriavidus necator H16 ΔphaP were examined. No network structure was detected. Instead, apparently random globular structures were found on the surfaces of the inclusions. When PhaP levels were reconstituted in this strain by the addition of phaP on a plasmid, the network was also reconstituted, albeit in a slightly different arrangement from that of the wild-type network. We conclude that PhaP participates in the formation of the inclusion network.
Effect of Systems to Manage Environmental Aspects on Environmental Performance

This paper analyzes the effect of systems to manage environmental aspects on environmental performance at individual polluting facilities. Regulated polluting facilities are increasingly embracing pollution minimization strategies that involve the adoption of broadly defined systems to manage environmental aspects. Despite a meaningful empirical literature, whether or not these systems lead to better environmental performance remains an open question. This study seeks to assess the possible connection between systems to manage environmental aspects and improved environmental performance. It also seeks to identify the factors determining the extent of the adopted system of management and the factors’ direct effects on environmental performance. For this empirical analysis, the study examines the extent of systems to manage environmental aspects employed by and the level of wastewater discharged by U.S. chemical manufacturing facilities during 2001.
Differing perceptions of safety culture across job roles in the ambulatory setting: analysis of the AHRQ Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture

Background Experts in patient safety stress the importance of a shared culture of safety. Lack of consensus may be detrimental to patient safety. This study examines differences in patient safety culture perceptions among providers, management and staff in a large national survey of safety culture in ambulatory practices in the USA. Methods The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) assesses perceptions about patient safety issues and event reporting in medical offices (ie, ambulatory practices). Using the 2014 data, we analysed responses from medical offices with at least five respondents. We calculated differences in perceptions of patient safety culture across six job positions (physicians, management, nurse practitioners (NPs)/physician assistants (PAs), nurses, clinical support staff and administrative/clerical staff) for 10 survey composites, the average of the 10 composites and an overall patient safety rating using multivariate hierarchical linear regressions. Results We analysed data from 828 medical offices with responses from 15 523 providers and staff, with an average 20 completed surveys per medical office (range: 5–367) and an average medical office response rate of 65% (range: 3%–100%). Management had significantly more positive patient safety culture perceptions on nine of 10 composite scores compared with all other job positions, including physicians. The composite that showed the largest difference was Communication Openness; Management (85% positive) was 22% points more positive than other clinical and support staff and administrative/clerical staff. Physicians were significantly more positive than PAs/NPs, nursing staff, other clinical and support staff and administrative/clerical staff on four composites: Communication About Error, Communication Openness, Staff Training and Teamwork, ranging from 3% to 20% points more positive. Conclusions These findings suggest that managers need to pay attention to the training needs of office staff, since this was an area with one of the greatest gaps in perceptions. In addition, both office managers and physicians need to encourage more open communication. As medical offices innovate to improve value, efficiency and patient-centred care, it is important that they continue to foster shared perceptions about what organisational members need, understanding that those perceptions may differ systematically by job position.
The Nervous Heart: Role of Sympathetic Reinnervation in Cardiac Regeneration

> The heart holds answers the brain refuses to see > > —Rob Kall The regenerative capability of the heart is clinically relevant, as is the inability of adult heart to replace the lost cardiomyocytes after cardiac injury contributes to the ongoing encumbrance of heart failure.1 However, compared with adult mammals, lower organisms can regenerate their hearts after an injury, including frogs, newts, and zebrafish.2–7 Remarkably, neonatal mice can also regenerate their hearts for ≤7 days after their birth.8,9 In this perspective, a thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in the neonatal hearts will help to unravel the obstacles in reactivating the hidden regenerative capability of adult hearts. Article, see p 990 Several conserved mechanisms for cardiac regeneration have been put forward, such as cardiomyocyte proliferation,8,9 epicardial cell activation,10,11 monocyte/macrophages, and angiogenesis.12 Further understanding on other potential factors that trigger the adult mammalian cardiac regeneration is of a key scientific and therapeutic importance. Along these lines, the study by White et al in this issue of Circulation Research provides a new avenue on the role of sympathetic nerves for neonatal cardiac regeneration.13 For more than a century …
MY APPROACH to arial fibrillation patients with a bleeding risk

Atrial fibrillation is the most common significant cardiac arrhythmia. The most feared complication is cardioembolic stroke. The risk of both atrial fibrillation and stroke increases as people age. Alone, atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk approximately fivefold; of concern is the fact that these specific strokes tend to be larger with higher-associated morbidity and mortality with greater disability and an increased rate of recurrence. In the setting of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, the predominant (90%) source of emboli is the left atrial appendage. While site-specific therapy with left atrial appendage occlusion is currently approved in the United States, it is still used relatively infrequently; instead, anticoagulants with either warfarin or one of the newer non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants remains the mainstay of recommended therapy. These agents have been proven to reduce stroke in patients at increased risk in this setting. In considering the issues of stroke prevention in the setting of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, there are multiple issues, including the following: estimation of the predicted risk of stroke; consideration of the risk/benefit ratio of anticoagulant therapy; and selection of the specific anticoagulant therapeutic regimen. There has been a change in emphasis in societal guidelines in part related to the fact that there is an increased risk of bleeding with any anticoagulant and the fact that risk of bleeding increases with duration of anticoagulant therapy. Accordingly, guidelines have evolved to emphasize identification of low-risk atrial fibrillation that does not require anticoagulation.
Contemporary Islamic Tension, the Ulema and the Iconoclastic Background

Riots and violence in the Islamic world have been viewed by the popular press and some scholars as reflecting an inherent violent quality of Islam as a religion. The culture history of the Judeo-Christian tradition demonstrates that Islam shows the same patterns of response to social stress as other sects of this tradition. Historical events have modified responses recently in others and Islam should be regarded in this context.
INFRARED MULTIPHOTON DISSOCIATION OF MC4H6+ M = FE, CO, OR NI; C4H6 = 1,3-BUTADIENE OR (C2H2)(C2H4)

The infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of the two isomers, M(1,3-butadiene)+ and M(C2H2)(C2H4)+ (M = Fe, Co, or Ni), was investigated. For the butadiene system, FeC4H6+ was observed to give three products, CoC4H6+ four products, and NiC4H6+ only one product. The observation of four products has not been previously seen in IRMPD studies of ions and suggests a fortuitous balance of several factors. Interestingly, the IRMPD of M(butadiene-1,1,4,4-d4)+ was observed not only to give one product for M = Fe, Co, or Ni but also to proceed with a decreased photodissociation rate. For the M(C2H2)(C2H4)+ system, IRMPD suggests that D°(Co+−C2H2) ∼ D°(Co+−C2H4). Also, SORI and/or competitive CID indicate that D°(M+−C2H2) > D°(M+−C2H4) by 0.5−2 kcal/mol for M = Fe or Ni. On the basis of these observations, we assign D°(Fe+−C2H2) = 36 ± 2 kcal/mol, D°(Co+−C2H2) = 43 ± 2 kcal/mol, and D°(Ni+−C2H2) = 45 ± 2 kcal/mol. These results are compared to recent theoretical and experimental findings.
Effects of Activating Team Diversity Dimensions on Member Perceptions of Conflict, Trust, and Respect

Research findings regarding the effects of team diversity have been mixed, as some literature suggests diversity is beneficial while other findings suggest diversity may be detrimental. The discrepancy in team diversity research findings seems to be rooted in the fact that while team diversity can at times be helpful (for tasks involving idea generation, creativity, and decision-making), diverse teams often struggle with members splitting into subgroups, which is detrimental to team functioning. Complicating our understanding of the role of diversity on team processes is the fact that diversity often exists on multiple dimensions. This study took a new approach in which faultline activation (making a team aware of differences across members) and cross-cutting diversity dimensions (composing the team in a manner that maximizes similarity across members) were studied with live interacting teams that had members of varying national origin and gender. Multilevel modeling was used to explore the effect of faultline activation and cross-cutting at the team level of analysis. When faultline activation was established by making diversity dimensions within the team apparent, team members experienced higher relationship conflict as well as lower levels of trust and respect, even when controlling for their performance on a team task. These findings suggest that an awareness of which group processes may be negatively impacted by activating faultlines is essential to ensure a positive team climate. Furthermore, the results regarding the detrimental influence of faultline activation regardless of diversity dimension composition (cross-cut or non cross-cut teams) indicate that faultline activation may have a stronger effect than cross-cutting.
The Status of Foreign Concessions and Settlements in the Treaty Ports of China

Hostilities now in progress in the Far East may produce significant changes in the status of foreign concessions and settlements in China. It may be useful, therefore, to classify these areas and to survey their status prior to the present “undeclared war.” Among the several privileges gained by Great Britain, the United States, and France in their treaties with China in 1842–44 was the right of foreign residence in the five ports opened to trade by these treaties: Amoy, Canton, Foochow, Ningpo, and Shanghai. Arrangements for the residence of foreigners and their families in these ports were to be made by the consular officials and the local Chinese authorities acting “in concert together.” These arrangements resulted in the delimitation of areas for foreign residence, generally called “settlements,” which grew into municipalities exempt from Chinese jurisdiction and completely under foreign control. As more ports were opened for trade by the various treaties negotiated after 1844, certain nations requested exclusive areas in many of them. Such areas were generally called “concessions.”
Differential photoactivity of aqueous [C60] and [C70] fullerene aggregates.

Many past studies have focused on the aqueous photochemical properties of colloidal suspensions of C60 and various [C60] fullerene derivatives, yet few have investigated the photochemistry of other larger cage fullerene species (e.g., C70, C74, C84, etc.) in water. This is a critical knowledge gap because these larger fullerenes may exhibit different properties compared to C60, including increased visible light absorption, altered energy level structures, and variable cage geometries, which may greatly affect aggregate properties and resulting aqueous photoactivity. Herein, we take the first steps toward a detailed investigation of the aqueous photochemistry of larger cage fullerene species, by focusing on [C70] fullerene. We find that aqueous suspensions of C60 and C70, nC60 and nC70, respectively, exhibit many similar physicochemical properties, yet nC70 appears to be significantly more photoactive than nC60. Studies are conducted to elucidate the mechanism behind nC70’s superior 1O2 generation, includi...
Impact of Sufentanil on ICP in Patients with Brain Tumors

Most opioid anesthetics have been shown to have negligible or salutary effects on ICP as long as hypercarbia is avoided (Dubois 1987, Shupak and Har 1985). Accordingly, narcotic-based anesthetic techniques combined with hyperventilation are often regarded as the standard for operations on patients with brain tumors and other space-occupying lesions. Recently, however, a canine study has documented that Sufentanil causes profound increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF) without evidence of an increase in cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen. The authors concluded that Sufentanil was acting as a cerebral vasodilator and that it may be contraindicated in patients with compromised intracranial compliance (Milde and Milde 1987). Because of the importance of these observations in clinical practice, we initiated the following study to examine the effects of Sufentanil on CSF pressure in well-compensated patients with brain tumors.
Cow's milk, diabetes, and infant feeding

Recently, a link between the serum level of antibody to cow's milk protein and the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in humans was reported. This observation renewed controversy regarding the suitability of cow's milk in infant diets.
An Empirically Derived Framework for Conceptualizing Schein’s Career Orientation Theory

In response to Feldman and Bolino’s call for a career anchor categorization system, several nonempirical and empirical attempts have been made to describe the relationships between career anchors. ...
Scheler, Phenomenology and the Two Orders of Reason

A cursory survey of the opening chapters in Scheler’s Der Formalismus in der Ethik und die materiale Wertethik might leave the impression that Scheler did not take Kant too seriously. As we saw in the introduction to this study, Scheler’s references to Kant’s first and second Critiques are often undocumented and occasionally cited out of context. But to proceed with such an impression would yield an extremely erroneous interpretation of the relationship between Scheler’s phenomenological ethics and the contributions made to the study of ethics by Kant’s transcendental philosophy. The simple truth behind Scheler’s apparently cavalier approach to Kant is that the former’s work habits were incompatible with the scholarship required to produce long, well documented treatises. ‘Restless in the quiet of a library or study, he preferred the bustle of chattering people and the clink of glasses, even for his most serious writing. Because he did much of his “research” in restaurants and cafes, his notes scribbled on the back of a menu or letter, he found it difficult to trace the sources of many of his ideas’.1 We are cautioned, then, not to confuse the substance of Scheler’s Kant-critique with the manner of its presentation: the best of philosophy is often nurtured in unorthodox settings.
Web-Based Prevention of Parenting Difficulties in Young, Urban Mothers Enrolled in Post-Secondary Education

Research consistently indicates that young mothers are at elevated risk for adverse social and economic risks. Recent attention has been paid to the value of maternal educational attainment for their children's economic and social outcomes. Pursuit of post-secondary education requires mothers to balance multiple roles, potentially stressing the parent-child relationship. Yet, almost no studies have addressed parenting and associated stress in young mothers enrolled in post-secondary education, and no preventive intervention trials have been conducted. We screened young mothers (<25 years at child's birth) pursuing post-secondary education in an urban, inner city college for study inclusion based on elevated parenting stress, and participated in a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a web-based parenting intervention (Triple P Online) in reducing parenting stress and dysfunctional discipline (N = 52). Mothers were randomly assigned to the web-based parenting program condition or to a waitlist control condition. Mothers who completed at least the first four core modules of the online program had lower scores on the Parenting Scale's subscales (Overreactivity, Verbosity, and Laxness), compared to those who did not complete four or more modules. No intervention effects were obtained for parenting stress. The current study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of this online parenting program for reducing risk for dysfunctional discipline in student mothers. Future research is warranted to replicate these findings, and to test whether provision of supplemental support for implementation, or briefer program formats may promote both program compliance and outcomes related to reducing parenting stress.
A View from the Edge — Creating a Culture of Caring

When a pregnant physician winds up in her own hospital with a ruptured occult adenoma of the liver and barely survives, she learns that though medical professionals do so many difficult, technical things so perfectly right, they fail their patients in many ways.
Surface Characterization of Populus during Caldicellulosiruptor bescii Growth by TOF-SIMS Analysis

Caldicellulosiruptor bescii is a thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium that is capable of utilizing unpretreated biomass in addition to breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose into simple sugars. Despite the fact that C. bescii must first bind to the surface of the biomass, there has been no analysis of the morphological or chemical changes to the biomass surface as a result of incubation with the micro-organism. To understand more about C. bescii growth, juvenile poplar stems were sectioned (80 μm thick) and incubated with C. bescii beyond the typical 24 h experiment length. Monitoring the cell counts during incubation revealed a biphasic growth pattern. The impact the micro-organism had on the surface was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), which showed physical crevices in the cell wall caused by the C. bescii along with a decrease of polysaccharide ions and an increase in lignin ions on the poplar surface. Employing infrared mic...
The Cost of Unnecessary Hospital Days for Medicare Joint Arthroplasty Patients Discharging to Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Abstract Background The 72-hour Medicare mandate (3-night stay rule) requires a 3-day inpatient stay for patients discharging to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Studies show that 48%-64% of Medicare total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients are safe for discharge to SNFs on postoperative day (POD) #2. The purpose of this study was to extrapolate the financial impact of the 3-night stay rule. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all primary TJAs performed in 2015. Discharge destination was recorded. Institutional cost accounting examined costs for patients discharging on POD #2 vs POD #3. Results A total of 42,423 TJAs (14,395 total hip arthroplasties [THAs] and 28,028 total knee arthroplasties [TKAs]) were performed in patients over the age of 65 years. Of these patients, 5252 THAs (36.5%) and 12,022 TKAs (42.9%) were discharged from the hospital on POD #3, with 2404 THAs (16.7%) and 5083 TKAs (18.1%) being discharged to SNFs. Institutional cost accounting revealed hospital costs for THA were $2014 more, whereas hospital costs for TKA were $1814 more for a 3-day length of stay when compared with a 2-day length of stay ( P Conclusion The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database is a representative sample of all surgeries performed in the United States. Extrapolating our findings to all Medicare TJAs nationally gives an estimated $63 million in annual savings. Medicare mandated, but potentially medically unnecessary inpatient days at a higher level of care increase the total cost for TJAs. Policies regarding minimum stay requirements before discharge should be re-evaluated.
Abstract 585: Chromosome 9p24.1 deletions as a determinant of tumor immune surveillance and immune checkpoint blockade therapy in non-small cell lung cancer

Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy requires the presence of PD-L1/PD-L2 and MHC class I antigens on the tumor cell surface. We previously found JAK1 truncating mutations in endometrial cancer cells that impairs JAK1/JAK2-STAT1-IRF1-mediated signaling pathway, which regulates MHC class I antigen presentation. To determine the potential role and genetic defects in the IFN-γ-IRF1 pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we analyzed the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Expression of IRF1 correlated with cytolytic activity markers GZMA and PRF1. Loss-of-function (LOF) genetic alterations in the IFN-γ-IRF1 pathway genes were found in 64 cases (6.3%) among 1016 patients. These genetic defects occurred prevalently in the JAK2 gene (33 cases) and often through deletions (29 cases) of chromosome 9p24.1. JAK2 gene deletions were frequently associated with deletions of CD274 and PDCD1LG2 genes that encode PD-L1 and PD-L2, respectively, whereas CD274 and PDCD1LG2 deletions were always accompanied by JAK2 deletions. Chromosome 9p is frequently deleted in NSCLC. This has been attributed to CDKN2A/CDKN2B and PTPRD tumor suppressor genes located at the chromosome 9p21.3-9p24.1. Interestingly, JAK2, CD274, and PDCD1LG2 genes are co-localized at chromosome 9p24.1 near the CDKN2A/CDKN2B and PTPRD genes. JAK2, CD274, and PDCD1LG2 deletion often but not always coincided with CDKN2A/CDKN2B and PTPRD deletions. IFN-γ induced IRF1 expression and cell surface HLA-ABC levels in A549 cells that contain wildtype JAK2 but not in H1573 cells that had a truncating JAK2. Deletion of JAK2 or inhibition of JAK2 kinase activity in A549 cells resulted in loss of IFN-γ-regulated IRF1 and cell surface HLA-ABC, whereas expression of exogenous JAK2 in H1573 cells restored IFN-γ responses. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized significance of chromosome 9p deletion in NSCLC and point to chromosome 9p24.1 as a determinant of immune checkpoint therapy. Citation Format: Tao Shen, Jie Wu. Chromosome 9p24.1 deletions as a determinant of tumor immune surveillance and immune checkpoint blockade therapy in non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 585. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-585
Wealth and Poverty: Islamic Economic Thought

This chapter contributes a unique perspective to this debate, by examining the Islamic position on the relationship between wealth and poverty, and the implications of this position with respect to modern economic theory and policy. The perspective presented, inspired largely by the philosophical and economic thought of Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr, highlights the perennial struggle between the prophets of religion on the one hand, and the wealthy and ruling classes on the other, and the ensuing historical and social consequences of this encounter.
An unusual complication of pigtail catheter insertion

Thoracostomy tubes are indicated for management of air or fluid in the pleural cavity. Pigtail catheters have emerged as an effective and less morbid alternative to traditional large bore chest tubes for evacuation of pleural air or fluid. However, they do not come without complications which commonly include pneumothorax and hemothorax. Rare complications in the literature such as left ventricular penetration, subclavian artery laceration and cerebral air embolism have been reported. We report a case of a 72-year-old male who presented with dyspnea and was found to have a right-sided pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis and subsequent pigtail catheter placement because of re-accumulation of the fluid. After accidental dislodgement of the catheter, it was replaced and the following day a chest X-ray (CXR) demonstrated diffuse subcutaneous emphysema. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest demonstrated the pigtail catheter tracking through the right middle and lower lobes reaching the posterior pleural space. We discuss the implications of this occurrence and recommended management based on our experience.
Chasing the Ghost of Imaging Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The role of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is evolving, albeit with twists and turns. Early RA randomized clinical studies have demonstrated little added value of MSK-US when used prospectively in a treat-to-target strategy1,2. Recent editorials have discussed the issues of clinical trial design and standardization US measures raised by these studies3,4. Ostensibly the goal of therapy in RA is to achieve remission and hence halt progression of erosions, as well as to maintain function. However, sustained remission is not obtained in the majority of patients with established RA5. Further, despite more stringent composite and Boolean remission criteria, progression of erosions still occurs regardless of applied clinical remission criteria6,7,8. Progression of erosions in subjects in remission is considered a result of subclinical synovitis. MSK-US can be used at the bedside to gauge residual synovitis in many joint areas. In metaanalyses of heterogeneous RA populations in clinical remission, the prevalence of greyscale and Doppler-positive subjects was estimated at 43%9. Residual synovitis prevalence was comparable even when using alternate definitions of remission. Power Doppler seems to be the key component of imaging synovitis linked to progression of erosions9,10. Of note in the 4 studies included for structural progression, definition of progression ranged from change of total Sharp score of greater than zero to greater than the smallest detectable difference9,10. In addition, prevalence of residual synovitis was higher in patients … Address correspondence to Dr. G.S. Kaeley, University of Florida College of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, PO Box 162, Ponte Vedra, Florida 32004, USA. E-mail: drgurj{at}gmail.com
The Addicted Adolescent Patient

Many of us achieve insight into the expansive drug scene from blockbuster movies such as The Hangover, in which the main characters are given flunitrazepam (rohypnol or roofies) and cannot remember what happened the night before. Despite the ubiquitous nature of these drugs in popular culture, a survey of attending physicians within our department of anesthesia revealed a complete lack of knowledge of modern illicit drugs. Ecstasy (MDMA: 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), rohypnol, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and a host of other designer drugs are now a part of the adolescent social scene and the modern perioperative health-care provider must know more than just the difference between crack (the free base form of cocaine that can be smoked) and powder cocaine. The impending legalization of marijuana and the appearance of the synthetic herbal marijuana replacement known as K2 Spice (JWH-018) have left the perioperative health-care provider in a position of speculation as it concerns the real dangers of these drugs commonly used by adolescents. To underscore the dilemma, no senior member of our department knew that Spice caused “couch lock” or the inability to move, persistent body numbness, severe lung irritation, hypertension, severe and persistent headaches, blacking out, blurred vision, and extreme anxiety.
Standoff enrichment analysis of UF6 cylinders

Abstract We investigate a new safeguards approach for verification of uranium processing operations via standoff measurement of UF6 cylinder transports entering and leaving a facility. Current safeguards verification at facilities with UF6 cylinders includes attended enrichment measurements of several randomly-selected cylinders using handheld instruments with inspection of all the cylinders typically only once a year. This approach requires significant inspector effort and can only be performed intermittently. Here we explore an unattended, multi-sensor enrichment measurement system that can operate continuously on cylinders in motion. Such an approach could be used to enhance continuity of knowledge by verifying that all shipments entering and leaving a facility are consistent with declared operations. The challenges in developing a standoff enrichment technique include limited statistical significance of the collected data, and interpreting the complex signatures from a shipment of UF6 cylinders. These signatures vary with cylinder properties (e.g. the fuel cycle history, cylinder history, material distribution, material age, etc.) and measurement conditions (e.g. speed and distance of vehicle, detector response, cylinder orientation, attenuation from overpack and vehicle, etc.). In this paper, we demonstrate that we can extract useful enrichment signatures from standoff measurements of UF6 cylinders entering and leaving a facility. Our initial analysis demonstrates a measurable difference in enrichment-related signatures from a cylinder in motion, measured with modest detection efficiency from several meters away. We also demonstrate that the inclusion of vehicle tracking increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of our radiation signatures, and decreases uncertainty of parameters needed for enrichment analysis, e.g. distance and velocity.
New Species of Falcaustra (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) in Batagur trivittata (Testudines: Geoemydidae) from Myanmar.

Falcaustra tintlwini sp. nov. (Ascaridida, Kathlaniidae) from the large intestine of Batagur trivittata (Testudines, Geoemydidae) is described and illustrated. Falcaustra tintlwini represents the 20th Oriental species assigned to the genus and is distinguished from other Oriental species by the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae (6 precloacal, 12 postcloacal, and 1 median), length of spicules (0.43–0.50 mm) and absence of a pseudosucker.
2192 The association of preoperative functional capacity and outcomes for head and neck cancer patients undergoing definitive surgical treatment

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To study the role functional capacity plays in surgical outcomes for head and neck cancers. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In this single-institution cohort study, we combined preoperative anesthesia assessment information with oncology registry data for newly-diagnosed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx (HNSCC) treated with definitive surgery at Siteman Cancer Center from 2012 to 2016. Patient-reported exercise capacity was assessed as metabolic equivalents. Metabolic equivalents<4 was defined as poor functional capacity. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meir survival analysis was used to compare the survival of patients with poor functional capacity (PFC) and patients with normal functional capacity (NFC). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the independent prognostic role of functional capacity on overall survival after controlling for other factors. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 671 patients underwent surgical treatment for HNSCC. The average age was 62 years (range: 19–94 years). Majority of the patients were male (n=481; 72%), White race (n=589; 88%), and smokers (n=528; 79%). Of 671 patients, 22% (n=146) had PFC. Two-year OS rate in PFC patients was 70% compared with 85% in NFC patients (15% difference; 95% CI: 7%–23%). Unadjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that PFC patients had 2.2 times higher risk of death (95% CI: 1.5–3.2) than NFC patients. After adjustment for age at surgery, BMI, preoperative weight loss, comorbidity score, tumor site, and TNM stage the magnitude of the association between functional capacity and OS decreased (aHR=1.3; 95% CI: 0.88–1.98). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Poor functional capacity is associated with decreased overall survival, but the magnitude of the association, while clinically meaningful, decreases after controlling for other important patient and tumor factors. Nevertheless, we believe preoperative functional capacity status is an important patient factor to consider when discussing prognosis and attempting risk stratification. We also believe that functional capacity may be associated with 30-day unplanned readmissions and 90-day complications and are currently performing chart review to ascertain this information.
Collegiate Sport Participation and Student-Athlete Development through the Lens of Emotional Intelligence

A continued debate persists over the place of sport within institutions of higher education. Proponents of sport champion its ability to contribute to a holistic notion of education and develop an array of competencies touted in institutional missions. There is however a dearth of empirical data examining the educational impact of athletic participation at the college level. This paper assessed the educational ability of collegiate sport participation in a unique manner, through the lens of Emotional Intelligence (EI). Student-athletes and students at five NCAA Division III institutions completed online assessments prior to and after the completion of the winter sports seasons. Evidence was produced that participation in a single season of collegiate sport does not develop interpersonal, intrapersonal, and leadership capacities significantly differently from the collegiate experience of students not participating in athletics. Institutions are advised to explore EI interventions as way to maximize the educative potential of sport.
Labor Market Shocks and the Demand for Trade Protection: Evidence from Online Surveys

We study preferences for government action in response to layoffs resulting from different types of labor-market shocks. We consider the following shocks: technological change, a demand shift, bad management, and three kinds of international outsourcing. Respondents are given a choice among no government action, compensatory transfers, and trade protection. In response to these shocks, support for government intervention generally rises sharply and is heavily biased towards trade protection. Demand for import protection increases significantly in all cases, except for the “bad management” shock. Trade shocks generate more demand for protectionism, and among trade shocks, outsourcing to a developing country elicits greater demand for protectionism than outsourcing to a developed country. The “bad management” shock is the only scenario that induces a desired increase in compensatory transfers. Effects appear to be heterogeneous across subgroups with different political preferences and education. Trump supporters are more protectionist than Clinton supporters, but preferences seem easy to manipulate: Clinton supporters primed with trade shocks are as protectionist as baseline Trump voters. Highlighting labor abuses in the exporting country increases the demand for trade protection by Clinton supporters but not Trump supporters.