cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voluntary action alters the perception of visual illusions

“Intentional binding” refers to the finding that people judge voluntary actions and their effects as having occurred closer together in time than two passively observed events. If this effect reflects subjectively compressed time, then time-dependent visual illusions should be altered by voluntary initiation. To test this hypothesis, we showed participants displays that result in particular motion illusions when presented at short interstimulus intervals (ISIs). In Experiment 1 we used apparent motion, which is perceived only at very short ISIs; Experiments 2a and 2b used the Ternus display, which results in different motion illusions depending on the ISI. In support of the time compression hypothesis, when they voluntarily initiated the displays, people persisted in seeing the motion illusions associated with short ISIs at longer ISIs than had been the case during passive viewing. A control experiment indicated that this effect was not due to predictability or increased attention. Instead, voluntary action altered motion illusions, despite their purported cognitive impenetrability.
Comparison of Direct and Less Invasive Techniques for the Treatment of Severe Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease.

Background Severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is traditionally treated with aorto-bifemoral bypass (ABF) or aorto-unifemoral bypass (AUF). However, cross-femoral bypass (CFB) and hybrid femoral endarterectomy and patch angioplasty with iliac stenting (EPS) have gained popularity as less invasive options. We sought to compare 1-year survival, primary patency, and major amputation rates between open surgical (ABF and AUF) and 2 less invasive reconstruction techniques (CFB and EPS) using a large, multicenter cohort. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent either ABF/AUF or CFB/EPS for AIOD between 2006 and 2013 in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative registry. Baseline patient and periprocedural variables were compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to predict the likelihood of more invasive repair. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox models were performed for 1-year survival, primary patency, and major amputation. Results 1872 patients underwent procedures for AIOD, including 1,133 ABF/AUF and 739 CFB/EPS, during the study period. Indication was critical limb ischemia in 47.3% (n = 886). Median follow-up time was 305 days (range, 10–406). After PSM, the matched cohort included 1,094 ABF/AUF and 711 CFB/EPS patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that patient factors and procedure indication were significant predictors of 1-year mortality and major amputation, but not procedure type. ABF/AUF was associated with improved primary patency over CFB/EPS at 1 year (94.1% ± 1.1% vs. 92.3% ± 1.5%, hazard ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.94; P = 0.02). Conclusions In a propensity-matched cohort from a multicenter vascular surgery registry, a direct approach to AIOD (ABF/AUF) demonstrated better 1-year primary patency than commonly used less invasive strategies. However, treatment approach was not a predictor of 1-year survival or limb salvage, suggesting that patient factors and procedure indication have a greater impact on outcome.
Mooney face classification and prediction by learning across tone

Mooney faces are special two-tone images that elicit a rich impression of identity and facial expression in human observers. While Mooney faces are important, there exist only a small number of instances hand-crafted from source photos which are often no longer available. We first apply deep learning methods to generate a plausible Mooney face automatically from any face photo. We are then able to create a large-scale face dataset with paired grayscale and two-tone images. We then study how well two-tone versions make face predictions, using conditional Generative Adversarial Networks. We show that faces predicted from Mooney images bear striking resemblance to source photos, and they are better than two-tone images obtained by global intensity thresholding. We also demonstrate remarkable face predictions from very low resolution surveillance photos. Our findings reveal great potentials of combining deep learning and Mooney faces for more effective face recognition in a wide range of conditions.
Interspecific Variation in Reproductive Effort in Two Assemblages of Dusky Salamanders

Abstract Body-size variation in desmognathan salamanders in the southern Appalachian Mountains is coupled with trade-offs among life-history traits that affect growth, survival, and reproduction. Reproductive effort is an important trait that is often measured as the gonadosomatic index (GSI), defined as clutch mass relative to total body mass. I measured GSI as brood mass relative to maternal body mass in two assemblages of Desmognathus in the Cowee and Nantahala mountains of southwestern North Carolina. I also re-evaluated the size–fecundity relationship in the Nantahala Mountain assemblage on the basis of newer data. In addition, I examined the potential trade-off between number and size of offspring in several species in both assemblages. Among species, GSI decreased slightly with increasing body size; the trend is considered a probable effect of decreasing metabolic rate with body size rather than a trade-off with one or another life-history trait. Although both propagule size and number increased wi...
Germination, survival, and early growth of three invasive plants in response to five forest management regimes common to US northeastern deciduous forests

Abstract The association between invasive plants and disturbance is well-documented. Most forest management regimes include disturbance (i.e., harvesting and fire) to improve regeneration of native plants, such as oaks. There is a need for land managers of northeastern forests to foster regeneration of native species without promoting invasive species establishment. We evaluated the germination, first-year survival, and growth of three exotic plants (Ailanthus altissima, Alliaria petiolata, and Microstegium vimineum) in 56 uninvaded forest stands located in five management regimes (control, single burn, repeat burn, diameter limit cut, and shelterwood) across two provinces (Appalachian Plateau, AP, and Ridge and Valley, RV) and two slope aspects (north-to-east facing, NE, and south-to-west facing, SW). These results were compared with the native Quercus rubra survival and growth under the same conditions. Two-hundred-fifty seeds and 30 transplants for each species were planted at each site. Germination, survival, and growth were measured three times over one growing season and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. RV sites had more open canopies, lower soil fertility, and lower plant species richness than AP sites; NE aspects had higher soil fertility and plant species richness than SW aspects. The shelterwood sites had the most open canopies. Germination rates were below 25%, but lowest in the control sites and higher in the RV and on NE aspects for all three species. Survival was above 70% for A. altissima, M. vimineum, and Q. rubra but below 20% for A. petiolata, with little difference among province, aspect, or management regime for all three species. Survival decreased significantly between measurements. Microstegium vimineum grew the most of the three species. Microstegium vimineum and A. petiolata grew best in shelterwoods and better in the RV and on NE aspects. Ailanthus altissima had more root growth in the RV than the AP and the least root growth in the control sites. Quercus rubra survived better in the RV and best in the harvested sites, though growth did not differ among the management regimes. These invasive species are similar to many native species during the early stages of colonization; their germination, survival and growth are initially precarious and dependent on adequate resources (NE aspects) with minimal competition (RV province). Our results suggest that the likelihood of colonization by invasive plants could be reduced by keeping canopy openings below 15% and encouraging native understory competition with deer exclusion and artificial regeneration where native seed sources are depleted.
SURFACE FLASHOVER OF GAS/SOLID INTERFACES

ABSTRACT Surface flashover along a gas/solid interface is an important limiting factor for the withstand voltage and the reliability of compressed-gas-insulated equipment. The flashover process may be viewed as comprised of two parts: inception and propagation. Both of these have been studied and are shown to be influenced by the applied field and its perpendicular and tangential components at the insulator surface. Surface electric charge accumulations and contaminate particles are thus found to be influential when they significantly perturb the surface fields. The flashover path will follow the surface from electrode to electrode, or, when perpendicular component fields are high, may jump from the surface through the gas or into the solid itself. Experimental results in systems where the applied surface field distribution was controllable are used to confirm the basic phenomena and models.
Methodologic Issues in Clinical Trials

Careful planning of clinical trials is essential to achieve valid results. If the trial is randomized and well designed with respect to timing, choice of study population, completeness of follow-up, high levels of compliance, magnitude of the likely risk reduction, and the accumulation of sufficient endpoints, it can provide reliable evidence on the effects of a particular intervention. The Physicians’ Health Study, a randomized trial among 21,989 U.S. male physicians, aged 40 to 84 years, is evaluating beta-carotene supplementation in the prevention of cancer and aspirin consumption in the reduction of cardiovascular mortality, using a 2x2 factorial design. The choice of physicians as the study population and the implementation of a pre-randomization run-in period have resulted in 90.2% compliance with the assigned treatment regimen after two years, as well as 99.6% morbidity and 100% mortality follow-up. The goal of these methodologic considerations is to design clinical trials which can clearly prove or refute the hypotheses being tested.
Learning from the Master: Saul Gass, Linear Programming, and the OR Profession

This paper is an edited transcription of the author’s lecture given on February 25th, 2006, in honor of Saul Gass.
Prophylactic intraabdominal drainage after elective colorectal resections

Whether a prophylactic drain is useful after elective colorectal resections is questionable. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of postoperative drainage following elective colorectal resections. Hundred consecutive laparoscopic and open elective resections for colorectal cancer were prospectively recorded. Seventy-four resections were accomplished conventionally, 22 laparoscopically and 4 laparoscopically assisted. The day of removal of the drainage was at the discretion of the surgeon. In 28 patients, drainage was removed after 1 day, in 34 patients after 2 days, in 20 patients after 3, and in 18 patients after 4 or more days. The preoperative risk (ASA class), age, body mass index (BMI), tumor stage, tumor location, intraoperative blood loss, and operative time were not significantly different in relation to duration of drainage. The postoperative surgical complications included 4 anastomotic leakages, 1 bleeding requiring reoperation and 5 wound infections. The drainage was neither able to diagnose bleeding nor to prevent reoperation in patients with anastomotic leaks. A prophylactic drain after colorectal resections is only recommended in selected cases.
Space-time outlier identification in a large ground deformation data set

A novel application for outlier detection is in ground deformation monitoring. During any type of underground construction in urban settings, sensors are placed on the ground surface to monitor the vertical displacement with the goal of ensuring that there is no substantial heaving or settling of the ground. As a result, a large spatial-temporal data set is produced, but the sensors are often very sensitive, and spurious readings are commonly observed, resulting in both random and systematic outliers. In this work, we present a novel, fast spatial-temporal quality control procedure that is designed to remove these spurious readings prior to subsequent ground deformation monitoring. First, a robust kriging model is applied to the spatial ground deformations at each time point to remove systematic errors; next, an exponential moving average model is applied to the time series of ground deformations at each station to remove random outliers. A case study using ground deformation data when four subway tunnels are bored under a railyard in Queens, New York is used to illustrate the methodology. Methods used to construct outlier bounds are described, and the accuracy of our outlier detection approach is evaluated by calculating the percentages of outliers detected in an introduced artificial outlier set.
Troping Towards the Transcendental: Napier, Newton, Leibniz

As we just saw, Descartes renovated mathematics in the early seventeenth century by bringing geometry and the algebra of arithmetic into novel combination. The middle term, setting number and figure into unprecedented relation, was the kind of algebraic equation we remember from high school: a few variables, a few constants, positive whole number exponents, a finite number of terms: something like ax2 + by2 = c. Descartes was quite finitist: he circumscribed his domain of research by limiting geometry to certain specified means of construction and representation. As the seventeenth century unfolded, however, this development brought about by the shifting conjunctions of number and figure created a demand for new notation, new middles terms: the infinite series, negative and fractional exponents, expressions for infinitesimal magnitudes and for new kinds of (infinitary) sums and for differential equations. Aristotle’s restriction of the rational to the finite was challenged, so that finitude (as Pascal complained) suddenly found itself located between the infinitely small and the infinitely large. Moreover, the notion of geometric figure metamorphosed into that of a more generalized curve (some algebraic but some transcendental) and finally to the very general notion of a function; and the structure of space itself became an object of interest. Number expanded from the natural numbers, to the integers, to the rational numbers, finally gesturing towards the reals, number somehow endowed with the continuity of a line. The development of the infinitesimal calculus opened a large new chapter in the history of mathematics. Although techniques of integration date back to the time of Archimedes, as we noted earlier, the infinitesimal calculus properly began with the work of Newton and Leibnitz, marked by the conscious introduction and exploration of transcendental curves, algorithms for finding derivatives and integrals, and the formulation of the Fundamental Theorem of the Calculus, which exhibits the duality of integration and differentiation.
Best Practices for Elevation-Based Assessments of Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Exposure

Elevation data are critical for assessments of sea-level rise and coastal flooding exposure. Previous research has demonstrated that the quality of data used in elevation-based assessments must be well understood and applied to properly model potential impacts. The cumulative vertical uncertainty of the input elevation data substantially controls the minimum increments of sea-level rise and the minimum planning horizons that can be effectively used in assessments. For regional, continental, or global assessments, several digital elevation models (DEMs) are available for the required topographic information to project potential impacts of increased coastal water levels, whether a simple inundation model is used or a more complex process-based or probabilistic model is employed. When properly characterized, the vertical accuracy of the DEM can be used to report assessment results with the uncertainty stated in terms of a specific confidence level or likelihood category. An accuracy evaluation has been conducted of global DEMs to quantify their inherent vertical uncertainty to demonstrate how accuracy information should be considered when planning and implementing a sea-level rise or coastal flooding assessment. The evaluation approach includes comparison of the DEMs with high-accuracy geodetic control points as the independent reference data over a variety of coastal relief settings. The global DEMs evaluated include SRTM, ASTER GDEM, ALOS World 3D, TanDEM-X, NASADEM, and MERIT. High-resolution, high-accuracy DEM sources, such as airborne lidar and stereo imagery, are also included to give context to the results from the global DEMs. The accuracy characterization results show that current global DEMs are not adequate for high confidence mapping of exposure to fine increments (< 1 m) of sea-level rise or with shorter planning horizons (< 100 years), but they are suitable for general delineation of low elevation coastal zones. In addition to the best practice of rigorous accounting for vertical uncertainty, other recommended procedures are presented for delineation of different types of impact areas (marine and groundwater inundation) and use of regional relative sea-level rise scenarios. The requirement remains for a freely available, high-accuracy, high-resolution global elevation model that supports quantitative sea-level rise and coastal inundation assessments at high confidence levels.
Supporting English Language Learners Through Inquiry-Based Science: Three Strategies for Your Classroom

This chapter uses inquiry-based learning as an approach to discuss three strategies for teaching English Language Learners science content: (a) short silent movies, (b) interactive word walls, and (c) interactive science notebooks. This approach has theoretical grounding in cognitive and social learning theories (i.e., Piaget, Vygotsky, and Cambourne). We discuss the best methods to implement these strategies, suggestions to modify them, as well as the limitations of each. We provide vignettes that focus on natural selection to give context for each strategy. The chapter concludes with a summary of each strategy, a brief discussion on how to combine these strategies for maximum benefit, as well as, questions to reflect on how to promote best practices with these strategies.
trans‐Di­aqua­tetrakis(4,4′‐methyl­enedi­phenyl­amine‐κN)­cobalt(II) dinitrate dihydrate

The hydro­thermally prepared title compound, [Co(C13H14N2)4(H2O)2](NO3)2·2H2O, consists of mononuclear cationic complexes of six-coordinate cobalt(II), together with nitrate counter-ions and uncoordinated water molecules. Four monodentate 4,4′-methyl­enedi­phenyl­amine (dapm) ligands and two water mol­ecules comprise the octahedral coordination of the CoII ion, which lies on an inversion center. The compound is isostructural with the previously reported Cd and Ni analogs.
Resistance and Resilience of Sulfidogenic Communities in the Face of the Specific Inhibitor Perchlorate

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic and corrosive gas, produced by the activity of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM). Owing to the environmental, economic and human-health consequences of sulfide, there is interest in developing specific inhibitors of SRM. Recent studies have identified perchlorate as a promising emerging inhibitor. The aim of this work is to quantitatively dissect the inhibitory dynamics of perchlorate. Sulfidogenic mixed continuous-flow systems were treated with perchlorate. SRM number, sulfide production and community structure were monitored pre-, during and post-treatment. The data generated was compared to a simple mathematical model, where SRM growth slows as a result of inhibition. The experimental data supports the interpretation that perchlorate largely acts to suppress SRM growth rates, rendering planktonic SRM increasingly susceptible to wash-out. Surface-attachment was identified as an important parameter preventing SRM wash-out and thus governing inhibitory dynamics. Our study confirmed the lesser depletion of surface-attached SRM as compared to planktonic SRM during perchlorate treatment. Indirect effects of perchlorate (bio-competitive exclusion of SRM by dissimilatory perchlorate-reducing bacteria, DPRB) were also assayed by amending reactors with DPRB. Indeed, low concentrations of perchlorate coupled with DRPB amendment can drive sulfide concentrations to zero. Further, inhibition in a complex community was compared to that in a pure culture, highlighting similarities and differences between the two scenarios. Finally, we quantified susceptibility to perchlorate across SRM in various culture conditions, showing that prediction of complex behavior in continuous systems from batch results is possible. This study thus provides an overview of the sensitivity of sulfidogenic communities to perchlorate, as well as mechanisms underlying these patterns.
Resilience of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) Structural Members

An original driving force behind the development of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) was the potential enhancement of structural safety given the collapse of some reinforced concrete structures under earthquake loads. Since then, extensive amounts of testing at the structural element level have demonstrated significant improvements in structural resilience characterized by delayed failure, limited degradation in structural function during the load event, and rapid recovery of structural functions postevents. These experiments have been conducted for beams, columns, beam-column connections, frames, and wall systems.
Numerical Simulation of Tropical Cyclone Development with Latent Heat Release by the Resolvable Scales I: Model Description and Preliminary Results.

Abstract Axisymmetric hurricane simulators with a hydrostatic model, in which the release of latent heat occurs totally in convective elements that are explicitly resolved on a 20 km horizontal grid, are presented. It is shown that there is good reason to believe that the failures of earlier attempts in this direction were due to model and experimental design. A fairly complete description of the model is given. The solutions do not depend upon overly large lateral mixing coefficients nor upon artificial numerical smoothing procedures. The relationship between this work and CISK theories of hurricane development is discussed. The impact of this work on cumulus parameterization studies is also discussed.
Routine and Urgent TeleNeurology consultations improve access to neurological care and decreases length of stay (S28.002)

Objective: To address whether an academic RUTN program leads to significant reduction in (1) inpatient length of stay (LOS), (2) time from consult request to consult completion and (3) number of hospital transfers to tertiary hospitals. Background: Massachusetts General Hospital Routine and Urgent TeleNeurology Program (RUTN) provides phone and video consultations to inpatient services at 7 community hospitals across New England. No large studies on teleneurology impact on hospital metrics have been reported. Design/Methods: Medical records from the three largest community hospitals served by the RUTN and the consultation portal logs were reviewed. Consult order time, initiation time, discharge disposition and total length of stay (LOS) were obtained from 2 years prior to implementation of RUTN and from after the start of the program. Two-tailed-t-tests and Chi-Square-tests were used to compare pre- vs. post-TeleNeurology implementation where appropriate. Results: Data from 703 consults before and 241 consults after RUTN implementation were compared. After RUTN implementation, mean LOS was decreased 45.0hr (p Conclusions: Our academic RUTN consults program led to significant reduction in LOS, which is may in part be due to improved access and speed of providing consultation. RUTN consults did not change the rate of home discharge, but reassuringly it did not increase the transfer rate to tertiary care. Prospective and multicenter studies are needed to assess the generalizability of these findings, and to support efforts to increase access to inpatient neurological consultation through telemedicine. Disclosure: Dr. McCormick has nothing to disclose. Dr. Estrada has nothing to disclose. Dr. Whitney has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schwamm has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matiello has nothing to disclose.
Epidemiology and survival trend of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in the United States

Background Globally, 5 million to 10 million people are infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, which causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in 2% to 5% of the carriers. ATLL is a rare but extremely aggressive malignancy that can be challenging to diagnose. Very little data exist on the incidence patterns of ATLL in the United States. Methods ATLL cases reported to the National Program of Cancer Registries, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, and the New York State Cancer Registry were used for the study. Age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and year of diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate was compared among race/ethnicity groups with the SEER data. Results During 2001-2015, 2148 ATLL cases were diagnosed in the United States, 18% of which were in New York State. New York State had the highest incidence rate for ATLL, with a rising trend especially among non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs), whereas the incidence was stable across the remainder of the United States. NHBs were diagnosed at a younger median age (54 years) and had a shorter overall survival (6 months). In New York City, only 22.6% of the ATLL cases diagnosed were born in North America. Conclusions This is the largest epidemiological study of ATLL in the United States and shows a rising incidence in New York City. NHBs have a younger age at presentation and poor overall survival. The rising incidence is largely due to NHBs originating from the Caribbean.
Coronavirus Infection and PARP Expression Dysregulate the NAD Metabolome: A Potentially Actionable Component of Innate Immunity

Over the past several decades, multiple coronaviruses (CoVs) have emerged as highly infectious, lethal viruses in humans, most notably in the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. To date, there are no known therapeutic or preventative agents to target CoVs. Though age and comorbidities severely increase case fatality rates, the host factors that influence resistance or susceptibility to infection with highly pathogenic human CoVs are unknown. Innate immune responses to CoVs are initiated by recognition of double-stranded (ds) RNA and induction of interferon, which turns on a gene expression program that inhibits viral replication. SARS-CoV-2 conserves an ADP-ribosylhydrolase domain previously shown to counteract innate immunity to both mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a model CoV, and SARS-CoV. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection of cell lines, infected ferrets, and a deceased patient9s lung consistently and strikingly dysregulates the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) gene set with respect to NAD+ synthesis and utilization. SARS-CoV-2 induces a set of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family members; these PARPs include enzymes required for the innate immune response to MHV. Further, we show that MHV infection induces an attack on host cell nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). The data indicate that overexpression of a virally induced PARP, PARP10, is sufficient to depress host cell NAD metabolism and that NAD+ boosting strategies differ in their efficacy to restore PARP10 function. Gene expression and pharmacological data suggest that boosting NAD+ through the nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside kinase pathways may restore antiviral PARP functions to support innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2, whereas PARP1,2 inhibition may be less likely to restore antiviral PARP functions.
ACGME Diagnostic Radiology Milestones 2.0: the Time is Now

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education oversees graduate medical education in the United States. Designed to provide broad based training in all aspects of imaging, the diagnostic radiology residency program must provide educational experiences that not only provide technical, professional, and patient centered training, but also meet accreditation standards. With the breadth of material to cover during training, carefully orchestrated educational experiences must be planned. This manuscript offers residency program leaders resources to meet the challenges of the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Diagnostic Radiology Milestones 2.0 and highlights potential opportunities for future educational endeavors.
Dating the origins of persistent oak shrubfields in northern New Mexico using soil charcoal and dendrochronology

Megafires in dry conifer forests of the Southwest US are driving transitions to alternative vegetative states, including extensive shrubfields dominated by Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii). Recent tre...
Radar interferometric phase errors induced by Faraday rotation

Ionospheric Faraday rotation distorts satellite radar observations of the Earth's surface. While its impact on radiometric observables is well understood, the errors in repeat-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations and hence in deformation analysis are largely unknown. Because Faraday rotation cannot rigorously be compensated for in nonquad-pol systems, it is imperative to determine the magnitude and nature of the deformation errors. Focusing on distributed targets at L-band, we assess the errors for a range of land covers using airborne observations with simulated Faraday rotation. We find that the deformation error may reach 2 mm in the copol channels over a solar cycle. It can exceed 5 mm for intense solar maxima. The cross-pol channel is more susceptible to severe errors. We identify the leakage of polarimetric phase contributions into the interferometric phase as a dominant error source. The polarimetric scattering characteristics induce a systematic dependence of the Faraday-induced deformation errors on land cover and topography. Also, their temporal characteristics, with pronounced seasonal and quasi-decadal variability, predispose these systematic errors to be misinterpreted as deformation. While the relatively small magnitude of 1-2 mm is of limited concern in many applications, the persistence on semiannual to multiannual time scales compels attention when long-term deformation is to be estimated with millimetric accuracy. Phase errors induced by uncompensated Faraday rotation constitute a nonnegligible source of bias in interferometric deformation measurements.
How Do We Use Dashboards to Enhance Quality in Cardiac Anesthesia

The use of clinical dashboards has expanded significantly in healthcare in recent years in a variety of settings. The ability to analyze data related to quality metrics in one screen is highly desirable for cardiac anesthesiologists, as they have considerable influence on important clinical outcomes. Building a robust quality program within cardiac anesthesia relies on consistent access and review of quality outcome measures, process measures, and operational measures through a clinical dashboard. Signals and trends in these measures may be compared to other cardiac surgical programs to analyze gaps and areas for quality improvement efforts. In this article, the authors describe how they designed a clinical cardiac anesthesia dashboard for quality efforts at their institution.
Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Colostrum from Women Diagnosed Positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: To evaluate the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in colostrum from women who tested positive for the virus. Methods: Between March and September 2020 we obtained bilateral colostrum samples collected on spot cards within 48 hours of delivery from 15 new mothers who had previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Four of 15 women provided liquid colostrum, which was used for validating results obtained from spot cards. Archived bilateral colostrum samples collected from 8 women during 2011-2013 were used as pre-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) controls. All samples were tested for reactivity to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that measures SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgA, IgG, and IgM and for levels of 10 inflammatory cytokines (interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13) using a multiplex electrochemiluminescent sandwich assay. Results: Our validation studies indicate that the levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and the associated cytokines measured in liquid colostrum are comparable to levels eluted from spot cards. Bilateral colostrum samples from 73%, 73%, and 33% of the 15 COVID-19 mothers exhibited IgA, IgG, and IgM reactivity to RBD, respectively. In addition, symptomatic COVID-19 mothers had statistically significant elevated levels of 4 of the 10 inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12) compared to asymptomatic COVID-19 mothers. Conclusions: A strong humoral immune response is present in the colostrum of women who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 before delivering. The evolution and duration of the antibody response, as well as dynamics of the cytokine response, remain to be determined. Our results also indicate that future large-scale studies can be conducted with milk easily collected on paper spot cards.
An Examination of the Relationship between Generation, Gender, Subject Area, and Technology Efficacy among Secondary Teachers in the United States

The current study uses a correlation design and multiple linear regression to determine whether generation, gender, and subject area predict teachers’ technology efficacy as measured by the Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment for 21st Century Leaning (TPSA C-21). An online survey was provided to all participants. The survey consisted of demographic questions and a technology self-efficacy instrument. Results demonstrate that gender and generation are statistically significant predictors of technology efficacy, namely on the Total, WWW, Integrated Applications, and Emerging Technologies Skills subscales of the TPSA C-21. The subject area variable, however, did not demonstrate a statistically significant ability to predict teacher technology efficacy scores on any subscale of the TPSA C-21. The findings of the current study add to the existing body of literature by enhancing understanding of the teachers’ perceptions of technology efficacy in one geographic location in the US. These findings are timely, especially given the largely technology dependent nature of education—whether in physical classrooms or in virtual settings and the increasing necessity of using technological tools in education settings. Implications are discussed, including suggestions for future research.
A Conceptualization of Processing Military Sexual Trauma Within the Couple Relationship

Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual assault that occurs during military service. Survivors of MST and their romantic partners suffer physical, emotional, psychological, and interpersonal difficulties, which can compound on traumas experienced in the military and traumas prior to service. The authors emphasize the importance of the military as a family to better inform the impact of MST on the individual as well as its treatment. Further, the authors include both the survivor and her partner in treatment to address the systemic influence of MST. This therapy model integrates transgenerational theory, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy, and incest treatment models to help the MST survivor and romantic partner process the trauma. The therapist identifies projections present in the relationship, helps the couple become more sensitive to emotional needs, and helps create a secure attachment within the partnership, which allows the couple to continue processing the trauma even after the termination of therapy.
Proceedings of the third ACM conference on Data and application security and privacy

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the third edition of the ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy (CODASPY 2013), which follows the successful first and second editions held in February 2011 and 2012. This conference series has been founded to foster novel and exciting research in this arena and to help generate new directions for further research and development. The initial concept came up in a conversation between the two co-founders when both happened to be at the same meeting. This was followed by discussions with a number of fellow cyber security researchers. Their enthusiastic encouragement persuaded us to move ahead with the always daunting task of creating a high-quality conference. Data and applications that manipulate data are crucial assets in today's information age. With the increasing drive towards availability of data and services anytime and anywhere, security and privacy risks have increased. Vast amounts of privacy-sensitive data are being collected today by organizations for a variety of reasons. Unauthorized disclosure, modification, usage or denial of access to these data and corresponding services may result in high human and financial costs. New applications such as social networking and social computing provide value by aggregating input from numerous individual users and the mobile devices they carry and computing new information of benefit to society and individuals. To achieve efficiency and effectiveness in traditional domains such as healthcare there is a drive to make these records electronic and highly available. The need for organizations to share information effectively is underscored by rapid innovations in the business world that require close collaboration across traditional boundaries. Security and privacy in these and other arenas can be meaningfully achieved only in context of the application domain. Data and applications security and privacy has rapidly expanded as a research field with many important challenges to be addressed. In response to the call for papers of CODASPY 2013 a total of 107 papers were submitted from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. The program committee selected 24 fulllength research papers, which is three more than last year. These papers cover a variety of topics, including privacy of social networks, novel privacy techniques and applications, and access control and security of smart appliances and mobile devices. The program committee also selected nine short papers for presentation. This year for the first time the program also includes a poster paper session presenting exciting work in progress. The program is complemented by keynote speeches by Mike Reiter and by Ronnie Killough, as well as a panel (topic not yet decided at press time).
SOCIOLOGY OF SEX EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

NEED OF A SOCIOLOGY COURSE Two significant developments are taking shape in sociology. First, throug.h the Teaching Newsletter, members of the American Sociological Association are trying to create renewed interest by sharing innovative ideas and techniques in teaching sociology. Success in teaching effectiveness may be the best defense aga i nst dec Ii ning enrollments. The second development is a resurgence of concern for applied sociology. Gardner called it "real doctoring for sick societies" (1978 68). The sociology enterprise is broad enough to unite academic, clinical, and ap'plied interests. "A primary fami Iy function is to regulate sexual behavior."Students in introductory sociology have been hearing such a statement for many years, since it seems to be on everyone's list of fami Iy functions. But it represents only an ideal norm. Sex education in the typical American family is poor, or non-ex is ten t. Therefore, we have developed a course designed to reduce sexual ignorance and the myriad problems resulting from poor sex education. This course also aims to strengthen parent-child relations, and to demonstra te tha t ch i Idren ma y be i mportant objects of sociological research.
Information Needs and Sources of Doctors Working at Remote Government Health Facilities in Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the clinical information need of primary care doctors and (c) to describe the type of sources they use for patient management. The study was conducted in remote government health facilities in the District of Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. The participants of this study were all the medical officers working in Basic Health Units (BHU), Rural Health Centers (RHC) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ), as these doctors met established criteria. Criteria included Health Facilities running under Executive District Officer (EDO) Health, Multan. A descriptive survey was conducted for data collection. A close ended questionnaire was developed after literature review and also accessed the situation of peripheries in Multan district. The questionnaire was discussed with two experts of library and information sciences and two senior doctors (>8 years’ experience) working at remote government health facilities. It was revised to incorporate recommended improvements. Patient management, staying up-to-date, continuing medical education (CME) and evidence for policies and procedures were the main types of doctors’ information need. The study summarized that doctors need a wide range of clinical information sources in remote areas for patient management.
Thoroughfares and Apartment Values

While the monocentric urban models were once adequate for predicting the declining rent gradients for North American cities, the advent of a transportation system with major arteries such as turnpi...
Pasture residue amount and sowing method effects on establishment of overseeded cool‐season grasses and on total annual production of herbage

Warm-season pasture residue may create problems for no-till overseeding with cool-season grasses in the USA Southern Plains. Removal of residue to facilitate overseeding, however, represents additional cost and labour that may not be available on small livestock farms. Field experiments were undertaken to assess the effects of above-surface residues of warm-season pasture averaging 1·62, 2·48 or 3·36 t DM ha−1 on establishment and herbage production of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) or tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) overseeded by broadcasting or by no-till drilling into dormant warm-season pasture. On average, no-till drilling was more effective than broadcasting in establishing both grass species, but it was no more effective than broadcasting when used with the greatest amount of residue. Cool-season grass production was increased by 0·16 when no-till drilled, but combined yearly total herbage production of cool- and warm-season grasses was increased by 0·07 when cool-season grasses were established by broadcasting. Amount of residue at sowing did not significantly affect herbage yield of cool-season grass, but increased residue in autumn resulted in a 0·16 increase in total herbage production in the year following sowing. Residue amount did not affect over-winter survival of grass seedlings, and productivity benefits of increased residue are small compared with reduced harvest arising from underutilization of warm-season pasture residue in autumn.
The penalty of mutilation for crimes in the Byzantine era (324-1453 A.D.).

Mutilation was a common punishment in Byzantium, which in all probability was introduced from the East. In legislation it was first featured in the "Eclogi" collection of laws of the Emperor Leo Isavrus III (717-741 A.D.). There are, however, indications that this punishment was already established and widespread in the time of Justinian I (527-565 A.D.), because some chroniclers of that era state that this was used for gamblers using dice and for homosexuals. The collection of laws of Leo VI the Wise (886-912 A.D.), the well-known "Hexabiblos", applied this punishment to a variety of offences such as theft, incest, adultery, attempted murder, sacrilege and the like. This punishment, furthermore, was the main penalty used against rebels and against Byzantine emperors and members of the royal family when they were removed from the throne after a successful insurrection. The basis of the latter punishment was that a mutilated person was excluded from the throne of Byzantium because the emperor was expected to fulfil the customary ideal presupposition of "perfection". No matter how curious it sounds, this barbaric penalty was imposed for reasons of leniency, i.e., to avert the heavier death penalty.
Amyloid-β Antibody Treatment Leads to Rapid Normalization of Plaque-Induced Neuritic Alterations

The accumulation of amyloid-beta into insoluble plaques is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease. Neuronal morphology is distorted by plaques: rather than being essentially straight, they are substantially more curved than those in control tissue, their trajectories become altered, and they are frequently distended or swollen, presumably affecting synaptic transmission. Clearance of plaques by administration of antibodies to amyloid-beta is a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, leading to stabilization of dementia by an unknown cellular mechanism. The effect of plaque clearance on plaque-induced neuronal alterations has not been studied previously. Here we show that both plaques and neuritic lesions are reversible in a strikingly short period of time after administration of a single dose of amyloid-beta antibody. Amyloid clearance and recovery of normal neuronal geometries were observed as early as 4 d and lasted at least 32 d after a single treatment. These results demonstrate that, once plaques are cleared, neuronal morphology is self-correcting and that passive antibody treatment has the potential to reverse neuronal damage caused by Alzheimer's disease and, hence, directly impact cognitive decline. Moreover, the rapid normalization of neuritic dystrophy suggests an unexpected degree of plasticity in the adult nervous system.
Partisan Polarization and Congressional Accountability in House Elections

Early research led scholars to believe that institutional accountability in Congress is lacking because public evaluations of its collective performance do not affect the reelection of its members. However, a changed partisan environment along with new empirical evidence raises unanswered questions about the effect of congressional performance on incumbents' electoral outcomes over time. Analysis of House reelection races across the last several decades produces important findings: (1) low congressional approval ratings generally reduce the electoral margins of majority party incumbents and increase margins for minority party incumbents; (2) partisan polarization in the House increases the magnitude of this partisan differential, mainly through increased electoral accountability among majority party incumbents; (3) these electoral effects of congressional performance ratings hold largely irrespective of a member's individual party loyalty or seat safety. These findings carry significant implications for partisan theories of legislative organization and help explain salient features of recent Congresses.
A Note on Nonlocality, Causation, and Lorentz Invariance

The status of a causal approach to EPR-Bell nonlocal correlations in terms of a counterfactual framework for causation is considered. It is argued that when the relativistic spacetime structure of the events is taken into due account, the adoption of this approach is best motivated by the assumption of a preferred frame of reference, an assumption that seems even more in need of justification than the causal theory itself.