cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Merchants of Health: Medicine and Consumer Culture in the United States, 1900–1940

Over the last one hundred years, Americans have lived longer, received better medical care, and pursued health more single-mindedly than ever before. American medicine has risen from a position of relative mediocrity to world dominance in research and a privileged place in modern culture. As a consequence, some scholars have argued, the "American century" might well be termed the "health century." Yet within the last three decades, unsettling change has swept through the American health care system. Due to growing concerns about patients' rights and health care costs, physicians and hospitals now deliver their services under fiscal and regulatory constraints unimaginable even a decade ago. Policy makers, politicians, and voters are engaged in an often rancorous debate about what has gone wrong with American health care. As the new century begins, the health care crisis looms large in the national psyche.1 These recent developments leave historians of medicine with a great deal to explain. Much as the falling of the Berlin Wall forced diplomatic historians to rewrite the history of the Cold War, the health care crisis of the 1990s forces us to reconsider medicine's place in twentieth-century American history. Long treated as an exemplar of the modern profession, medicine seemed exempt from external regulation by virtue of its practitioners' technical expertise and unique relationship with patients. The startling fall of this "sovereign profession," as the sociologist Paul Starr termed it in 1982, from a powerful lobby and an icon of progress to an object of national
Transfusional Iron Overload in a Cohort of Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Transfusion Method, and Chelation.

Background Transfusions prevent a number of complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), but cause inevitable iron loading. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liver iron can be monitored noninvasively. Erythrocytapheresis can limit iron loading and oral chelation provides a more tolerable alternative to subcutaneous administration. The impact of these factors on control of iron burden in SCD has not been well studied. Procedure Iron monitoring practices, chelation use, and transfusion methods were assessed in our cohort of pediatric patients with SCD receiving chronic transfusion. The impact of these factors on iron burden was assessed. Results Among 84 subjects, the proportion that underwent appropriate liver iron concentration (LIC) assessment rose from 21% before to 81% after implementation of R2-MRI in 2006. Among subjects with at least two R2-MRI examinations, median LIC improved (13.2–7.9 mg/g dw, P = 0.027) from initial to final study. Most (67.9%) subjects initially received simple transfusions and subsequently transitioned to erythrocytapheresis. After switching, LIC improved from 13.1 to 4.3 mg/g dw (P < 0.001) after a median of 2.7 years and ferritin improved (2,471–392 ng/ml, P < 0.001) after a median of 4.2 years. Final serum ferritin and LIC correlated negatively with the proportion of transfusions administered by erythrocytapheresis and chelation adherence. Conclusions Routine liver R2-MRI should be performed in individuals with SCD who receive chronic red cell transfusions. Adherence with chelation should be assessed regularly and erythrocytapheresis utilized when feasible to minimize iron loading or reduce iron stores accumulated during periods of simple transfusion.
Income Inequality and Corporate Structure

Efforts to address income inequality generally focus on wealth redistribution through taxation and government benefits. But these efforts do not attack the core problem -- the unfair distribution of wealth at the firm level. This essay, a contribution to the "Inequality, Opportunity, and the Law of the Workplace" symposium, argues that workers need power within their firms to stake their claims to larger slices of the corporate pie. Even though the current law of the workplace does provide regulatory support for workers, it fails to change internal firm governance. Policymakers who want to take on income inequality as a structural matter should turn to corporate law and provide workers with a way of playing a role in the ongoing governance of the business.
Novelty Effects in Augmented Reality Advertising Environments: The Influence of Exposure Time and Self-Efficacy

ABSTRACTWhile the popularity of augmented reality advertising (ARA) continues to grow, little is known about how users engage with the technology. To better understand ARA's uses and limitations, this study assessed the relationships between ARA exposure time, novelty effects, technological self-efficacy, and brand-based outcomes. The stimulus used in the current study was an ARA application designed by BMW. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study's findings indicated that exposure time was negatively related to participant attitude toward the ARA application. Furthermore, the data indicated that those with high levels of technological self-efficacy transferred these negative evaluations to the brand.
Prostaglandins and Bone Metabolism

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the effects of prostaglandins (PG) and other eicosanoids on bone resorption and formation. Eicosanoids are oxygenated 20-carbon fatty acids derived from polyunsaturated eicosatrienoic, eicosatetranoic (arachidonic), and eicosapentanoic fatty acids. The production of PGs involves three major steps which include hormone-or stress-activated mobilization of AA, conversion of AA to prostaglandin endoperoxide H 2 (PGH 2 ), and conversion of diffusible PGH 2 by tissue-specific isomerases and reductases to PGE 2 , PGD 2 , PGF 2α , prostacyclin (PGI 2 ), and thromboxane. The committed step in the conversion of AA to PGs is catalyzed by a bifunctional enzyme, which converts free AA to PGG 2 in a cyclooxgenase reaction followed by reduction of PGG 2 to PGH 2 in a peroxidase reaction. This enzyme, formally named prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase or prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS), is popularly called cyclooxgygenase (COX) in reference to its first function. The individual PG synthases are differentially distributed in tissues and are believed to influence PG production largely by determining the predominant type of prostanoid synthesized in a particular tissue. PGE 1 and PGE 2 stimulate osteoclast formation in marrow cultures. The PG enhancement of stimulated osteoclast formation in marrow culture may reflect the increased formation of new osteoclastic precursors, while stimulated resorption in organ culture may be more dependent on activation of a pool of available osteoclastic precursors. When added to isolated osteoclasts in vitro, PGE 2 transiently inhibits bone resorption. PGs can have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone formation. PGs can increase both periosteal and endosteal bone formation in the rat and produce substantial increases in bone mass, similar to the effects of PTH. At high concentrations, PGs can inhibit collagen synthesis in cell and organ culture. This inhibitory effect occurs largely via transcriptional inhibition of collagen and are mediated by the FP receptor rather than an EP receptor.
Cooperation of the ER-shaping proteins atlastin, lunapark, and reticulons to generate a tubular membrane network.

The endoplasmic reticulum is a compartment within the cells of plants, animals and other eukaryotes. This compartment plays a number of roles within cells, for example, serving as the site where many proteins and fat molecules are built. Most often the endoplasmic reticulum exists as a network of thin tubules. However, this shape changes during the lifetime of a single cell, and the endoplasmic reticulum converts into flattened structures known as sheets when the cell divides. Three classes of proteins are known to affect the shape of the endoplasmic reticulum. Proteins called reticulons (called Rtns for short) stabilize the highly curved membranes that make up the thin tubules, while proteins called atlastins (ATLs) fuse these tubules together to form the interconnected network. However, the exact role of the third protein – called lunapark (Lnp) – is unknown. Moreover, it is not clear how these three proteins work together to coordinate their individual activity to shape the endoplasmic reticulum. Now, Wang, Tukachinsky, Romano et al. have used mammalian cells grown in the laboratory and extracts from the eggs of the frog Xenopus laevis to study these three proteins in more details. Unexpectedly, the experiments showed that ATL’s activity was not only required to form a tubular network but also to maintain it. When ATL was inactivated, the network disassembled into small spheres called vesicles. Increasing the amount of Rtn within the endoplasmic reticulum also caused it to disassemble, but increasing the amount of ATL could reverse this fragmentation. Thus, maintaining the tubular network requires a balance between the activities of the ATL and Rtn proteins, with ATL appearing to tether and fuse tubules that are stabilized by the Rtns. Wang et al. also found that the tubular network of the endoplasmic reticulum can form without Lnp, but fewer tubules and junctions are formed. These findings suggest that Lnp might act to stabilize the junctions between tubules. Further experiments showed that Lnp is modified by the addition of phosphate groups before the cell begins to divide. Wang et al. propose that this modification switches Lnp off and helps the endoplasmic reticulum to convert into sheets. Further work is now needed to investigate exactly how Rtn, ATL, and Lnp shape the endoplasmic reticulum. These future experiments will likely have to use simpler systems, in which the purified proteins are incorporated into artificial membranes.
Informing the Human Plasma Protein Binding of Environmental Chemicals by Machine Learning in the Pharmaceutical Space: Applicability Domain and Limits of Predictability

The free fraction of a xenobiotic in plasma (Fub) is an important determinant of chemical adsorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity, yet experimental plasma protein binding data are scarce for environmentally relevant chemicals. The presented work explores the merit of utilizing available pharmaceutical data to predict Fub for environmentally relevant chemicals via machine learning techniques. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were constructed with k nearest neighbors (kNN), support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF) machine learning algorithms from a training set of 1045 pharmaceuticals. The models were then evaluated with independent test sets of pharmaceuticals (200 compounds) and environmentally relevant ToxCast chemicals (406 total, in two groups of 238 and 168 compounds). The selection of a minimal feature set of 10–15 2D molecular descriptors allowed for both informative feature interpretation and practical applicability domain assessment vi...
A 5.8 pJ/Op 115 billion ops/sec, to 1.78 trillion ops/sec 32nm 1000-processor array

1000 programmable processors and 12 independent memory modules capable of simultaneously servicing both data and instruction requests are integrated onto a 32nm PD-SOI CMOS device. At 1.1 V, processors operate up to an average of 1.78 GHz yielding a maximum total chip computation rate of 1.78 trillion instructions/sec. At 0.84 V, 1000 cores execute 1 trillion instructions/sec while dissipating 13.1 W.
Photonic topological insulators and their applications: from delay lines to reflections-free resonators(Conference Presentation)

Electromagnetic (EM) waves propagating through an inhomogeneous medium inevitably scatter whenever the medium’s electromagnetic properties change on the scale of a single wavelength. This fundamental phenomenon constrains how optical structures are designed and interfaced with each other. Recent theoretical work indicates that electromagnetic structures collectively known as photonic topological insulators (PTIs) can be employed to overcome this fundamental limitation, thereby paving the way for ultra-compact photonic structures that no longer have to be wavelength-scale smooth. I will review some of the recent developments in the field of topological photonics and discuss several novel directions. Those include the first experimental realization of the topologically robust (i.e. reflections- and interference-free) delay line that enables nearly-arbitrary engineering of the optical phase along the light’s path. Novel concepts such as all-dielectric PTIs that emulate the valley degree of freedom, as well as topologically protected high-Q cavities will also be discussed.
Prefrontal Connectivity and Glutamate Transmission: Relevance to Depression Pathophysiology and Ketamine Treatment.

Abstract Background Prefrontal global brain connectivity with global signal regression (GBCr) was proposed as a robust biomarker of depression and was associated with ketamine’s mechanism of action. Here, we investigated prefrontal GBCr in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) at baseline and following treatment. Then, we conducted a set of pharmacological challenges in healthy subjects to investigate the glutamate neurotransmission correlates of GBCr. Methods In the cohort A study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare GBCr between 22 patients with TRD and 29 healthy control subjects. Then, we examined the effects of ketamine and midazolam on GBCr in patients with TRD 24 hours posttreatment. In the cohort B study, we acquired repeated functional magnetic resonance imaging in 18 healthy subjects to determine the effects of lamotrigine (a glutamate release inhibitor), ketamine, and lamotrigine-by-ketamine interaction. Results In the cohort A study, patients with TRD showed significant reduction in dorsomedial and dorsolateral prefrontal GBCr compared with healthy control subjects. In patients with TRD, GBCr in the altered clusters significantly increased 24 hours following ketamine (effect size = 1.0, confidence interval = 0.3 to 1.8) but not following midazolam (effect size = 0.5, confidence interval = −0.6 to 1.3). In the cohort B study, oral lamotrigine reduced GBCr 2 hours postadministration, while ketamine increased medial prefrontal GBCr during infusion. Lamotrigine significantly reduced the ketamine-induced GBCr surge. Exploratory analyses showed elevated ventral prefrontal GBCr in TRD and significant reduction of ventral prefrontal GBCr during ketamine infusion in healthy subjects. Conclusions This study provides the first replication of the ability of ketamine to normalize depression-related prefrontal dysconnectivity. It also provides indirect evidence that these effects may be triggered by the capacity of ketamine to enhance glutamate neurotransmission.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence update for stable chest pain: poorly reasoned and risky for patients.

For nearly two decades, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has been admired as a reliable and authoritative source for evidence-based practice pathways. Unfortunately, in the latest iteration of the stable chest pain guidelines, NICE has veered dangerously off course by advocating that we abandon Bayesian analysis and simply order CT coronary angiography (CTCA) in all patients with typical or atypical chest pain.1 The clinician should no longer consider a patient’s pretest probability, whether any imaging is necessary, and if so, which imaging test is best. These recommendations are not supported by high quality scientific evidence and put patients at risk for serious harm. At its foundation, the NICE guideline is antithetical to the current focus on a more personalised approach to medicine with conscientious use of diagnostic imaging, particularly when it involves ionising radiation. Moreover, given that cardiovascular events have dramatically decreased with improved risk factor modification,2 why should we advocate for more imaging and radiation exposure in patients at increasingly lower risk? To support their radical changes to the diagnostic paradigm, the authors make several erroneous assertions. First, they contend that an assessment of the pretest probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) is useless and that exercise testing should not be performed given its limited diagnostic performance and the absence of prognostic value. In addition, they incorrectly assert that CTCA is more cost-effective and that trials of CTCA have consistently demonstrated its superiority. Given the implications, these assertions warrant critical appraisal (table 1). View this table: Table 1 Summary of arguments in support of and in opposition to the updated NICE stable chest pain guidelines In their classic work,3 Diamond and Forrester stated that ‘the data presented… should not be considered as absolute standards but, rather, as …
Effectiveness of Job Aids and Post Performance Review on Staff Implementation of Discrete Trial Instruction

ABSTRACTDiscrete-trial instruction (DTI) is a well-established instructional method for teaching children with autism. Accurate implementation of DTI procedures requires that staff be well trained. This study examined the effectiveness of job aids followed by post performance review of strengths, errors, and accuracy on discrete trial instructional accuracy in three participants who conducted DTI within their current job positions. Additionally, primary training procedures were embedded within a meta-shaping procedure, which involved the gradual and systematic introduction of three levels of behavioral components required for accurate implementation of the DTI sequence with mastery criteria set at 90% accuracy across all three levels. As demonstrated in a changing criterion within a multiple baseline design, staff demonstrated increases in DTI accuracy following the initiation of the job aid condition; however, some degree of performance-based feedback was required to establish high levels of procedural f...
Optimizing MRI Logistics: Prospective Analysis of Performance, Efficiency, and Patient Throughput.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study is to optimize MRI logistics through evaluation of MRI workflow and analysis of performance, efficiency, and patient throughput in a tertiary care academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. For 2 weeks, workflow data from two outpatient MRI scanners were prospectively collected and stratified by value added to the process (i.e., value-added time, business value-added time, or non–value-added time). Two separate time cycles were measured: the actual MRI process cycle as well as the complete length of patient stay in the department. In addition, the impact and frequency of delays across all observations were measured. RESULTS. A total of 305 MRI examinations were evaluated, including body (34.1%), neurologic (28.9%), musculoskeletal (21.0%), and breast examinations (16.1%). The MRI process cycle lasted a mean of 50.97 ± 24.4 (SD) minutes per examination; the mean non–value-added time was 13.21 ± 18.77 minutes (25.87% of the total process cycle time). The mean length-of-sta...
Kinetics of He(2 $sup 1$S) using resonance ionization spectroscopy

We have demonstrated that quantum selected populations of $\mathrm{He}(2^{1}S)$ can be converted completely to ionization by single-photon excitation to $\mathrm{He}(3^{1}P)$ followed by collision-induced associative ionization. For helium pressures between 15 and 100 Torr, saturation of ionization was observed whenever a tunable dye laser produced more than 0.1 J/pulse. Absolute numbers of $\mathrm{He}(2^{1}S)$ per ion pair formed from proton interaction and the decay rates of $\mathrm{He}(2^{1}S)$ support a recent energy-pathways model.
Step-up LDO voltage regulator for a self-powered biosensor

A step-up low dropout voltage regulator for a selfpowered glucose biosensing system is designed for energy storage and delivery purposes. The self-powered glucose bio-sensing system consists of a glucose biofuel cell that is capable of producing micro-watt power and delivering ∼400 mV peak-voltage, or nominally 350 mV. This generated micro-power and voltage is not adequate to drive low-power microelectronic devices. Herein, an ultra-low power DC-DC step-up LDO regulator circuit is designed to eliminate the ripple voltage and output noise, thus achieving stable output voltage. The designed regulator produced a wide range of output voltages from 2.8 V–4.2 V when a charge pump circuit and a capacitor functioning as a transducer are used to realize the bio-sensing component. The power consumption is reduced by using the capacitor rail. The LDO regulator circuit, using a built-in auto-dummy-load was capable of controlling and regulating the amplification of the output power (voltage and current) produced by a glucose biofuel cell.
In Situ Time-Resolved Measurements of Extension Twinning During Dynamic Compression of Polycrystalline Magnesium

We report in situ time-resolved measurements of the dynamic evolution of the volume fraction of extension twins in polycrystalline pure magnesium and in the AZ31B magnesium alloy, using synchrotron x-ray diffraction during compressive loading at high strain rates. The dynamic evolution of the twinning volume fraction leads to a dynamic evolution of the texture. Although both the pure metal and the alloy had similar initial textures, we observe that the evolution of texture is slower in the alloy. We also measured the evolution of the lattice strains in each material during deformation which, together with the twin volume fractions, allows us to place some constraints on the relative contributions of dislocation-based slip and deformation twinning to the overall plastic deformation during the dynamic deformations.
Mobility Patterns and User Dynamics in Racially Segregated Geographies of US Cities

In this paper we try to understand how racial segregation of the geographic spaces of three major US cities (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago) affect the mobility patterns of people living in them. Collecting over 75 million geo-tagged tweets from these cities during a period of one year beginning October 2012 we identified home locations for over 30,000 distinct users, and prepared models of travel patterns for each of them. Dividing the cities’ geographic boundary into census tracts and grouping them according to racial segregation information we try to understand how the mobility of users living within an area of a particular predominant race correlate to those living in areas of similar race, and to those of a different race. While these cities still remain to be vastly segregated in the 2010 census data, we observe a compelling amount of deviation in travel patterns when compared to artificially generated ideal mobility. A common trend for all races is to visit areas populated by similar race more often. Also, blacks, Asians and Hispanics tend to travel less often to predominantly white census tracts, and similarly predominantly black tracts are less visited by other races.
Landsat-D, about to be reality

The space and ground segments of the Landsat-D thematic mapper (TM) for remote sensing of a 185 km swath with 30 m resolution are described. Scanning the full earth once every 16 days from its 705 km sunsynchronous orbit, Landsat-D will relay its data on the ku-band through the TDRSS satellite to a ground station. The X-band will also be used to transmit data directly to foreign and domestic ground stations; the S-band will be reserved for MSS data only. Landsat-D comprises the multimission modular spacecraft and the instrument module, which features the MSS and TM, a wideband communication subsystem, a solar array, and an L-band global positioning system. Three computers on the ground provide a high degree of automation for reception, storage, retrieval, back-up, and transmission of data and commands. Additionally, a van is equipped with transportable equipment, including an antenna. Procedures followed for image generation from the MSS and TM are detailed, noting storage at Goddard until dispersal of tapes under the direction of the EROS data center.
Triadimefon Disrupts Working Memory in the Matching-to-Position Task:

Triadimefon (TDF) is a fungicide which has psychostimulant properties similar to cocaine and amphetamine. Past studies with psychostimulants suggests that acute exposure leads to disruptions in wor...
Restructuring the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network contract to achieve policy coherence and infrastructure excellence

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) went up for competitive bid again this year, yet this contract has been held by only 1 entity since its inception. The OPTN's scope has grown steadily, and it now embraces several disparate missions: to operate the computing and coordination infrastructure that maintains waitlists and makes organ offers in priority order, to regulate transplant centers and organ procurement organizations, to follow and protect living donors, and to decide organ allocation policy in concert with the many voices of the transplant community. The contracting process and performance work statement continue to discourage both innovative approaches to the OPTN and competitive bids outside of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), with evaluation criteria that either disqualify or strongly disadvantage new applicants. The performance work statement also emphasizes bureaucratic tasks while obligating the OPTN contractor to the specific committee structure that has impeded decision-making and tended to preserve the status quo in controversial matters. Finally, the UNOS computing infrastructure is antiquated and requires months to years to implement small changes. Restructuring the OPTN contract to separate the information technology requirements from the policy/regulatory responsibilities might allow more nimble and effective specialty contractors to offer their capabilities in service of the national transplant enterprise.
Importance of sample volume to the measurement and interpretation of plasma osmolality.

Background Small sample volumes may artificially elevate plasma osmolality (Posm) measured by freezing point depression. The purpose of this study was to compare two widely different sample volumes of measured Posm (mmol/kg) to each other, and to calculated osmolarity (mmol/L), across a physiological Posm range (~50 mmol/kg). Methods Posm was measured using freezing point depression and osmolarity calculated from measures of sodium, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen. The influence of sample volume was investigated by comparing 20 and 250 μL Posm samples (n = 126 pairs). Thirty-two volunteers were tested multiple times while EUH (n = 115) or DEH (n = 11) by -4.0% body mass. Protinol™ (240, 280, and 320 mmol/kg) and Clinitrol™ (290 mmol/kg) reference solutions were compared similarly (n = 282 pairs). Results The 20 μL samples of plasma showed a 7 mmol/kg positive bias compared to 250 μL samples and displayed a nearly constant proportional error across the range tested (slope = 0.929). Calculated osmolarity was lower than 20 μL Posm by the same negative bias (-6.9 mmol/kg) but not different from 250 μL Posm (0.1 mmol/kg). The differences between 20 and 250 μL samples of Protinol™ were significantly higher than Clinitrol™. Conclusions These results demonstrate that Posm measured by freezing point depression will be ~7 mmol/kg higher when using 20 μL vs 250 μL sample volumes. Approximately half of this effect may be due to plasma proteins. Posm sample volume should be carefully considered when calculating the osmole gap or assessing hydration status.
Plasma tissue factor and immune activation are associated with carotid intima-media thickness progression in treated HIV infection.

Objectives We evaluated the roles of biomarkers of immune activation with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) progression in treated HIV infection. Design Longitudinal observational study of 118 treated and virologically suppressed individuals. Methods We measured biomarkers of immune activation at baseline using cryopreserved samples. CIMT was measured at baseline and longitudinally using high-resolution ultrasound. Linear regression was used to estimate biomarker associations with CIMT progression, and logistic regression was used to model plaque progression. Results The median duration of follow-up was 2.0 years. The median annual rate of change in mean CIMT was 6.0%. Rates of progression were more rapid in the bifurcation (5.6%/year, P = 0.006) and internal (6.5%/year, P = 0.0008) than common CIMT (4.3%/year). Incident plaque occurred in 13 of the 52 individuals without baseline plaque. In multivariable adjusted analysis, plasma tissue factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were associated with more rapid common CIMT progression (0.058 mm/year, P = 0.0004 and 0.067 mm/year, P = 0.017; all estimates per doubling). CD8 T-cell count and percentage of HLA-DRCD38CD8 T cells were associated with more rapid internal CIMT progression (0.10 mm/year, P = 0.008 and 0.054 mm/year, P = 0.045). CD8 T-cell count was also associated with 0.068 mm/year more rapid mean CIMT progression (P = 0.011). Each 10% increase in CD4 T-cell count at baseline was associated with a 34% reduced odds of plaque progression (P = 0.018). Conclusion Residual immune activation and plasma tissue factor are independently associated with CIMT progression in treated HIV infection. Interventions targeting coagulation and inflammatory pathways to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in HIV merit additional investigations.
COVID-19 Positive Cases, Evidence on the Time Evolution of the Epidemic or An Indicator of Local Testing Capabilities? A Case Study in the United States

The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan (Hubei), China, in December 2019, has spread to more than 180 countries and caused over 1,700,000 cases of COVID-19 worldwide to date. In an effort to limit human-to-human contact and slow the transmission of COVID-19, the disease caused by this novel coronavirus, the United States have implemented a collection of shelter-in-place public health interventions. To monitor if these interventions are working and to determine when people may go back to (perhaps a new) business as usual requires reliable monitoring systems that provide an accurate real-time picture of the trajectory of the epidemic outbreak. Here, we present evidence that our current healthcare-based monitoring systems, aimed at detecting the new daily number of COVID-19-positive individuals across the US, may be better at tracking the local testing (detection) capabilities than at monitoring the time evolution of the outbreak. This suggests that other data sources are necessary to inform (real-time) critical decisions about when to stop (and perhaps when to restart) shelter-in-place mitigation strategies.
Detecting Fractional Chern Insulators in Optical Lattices through Quantized Displacement

The realization of interacting topological states of matter such as fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) in cold atom systems has recently come within experimental reach due to the engineering of optical lattices with synthetic gauge fields providing the required topological band structures. However, detecting their occurrence might prove difficult since transport measurements akin to those in solid state systems are challenging to perform in cold atom setups and alternatives have to be found. We show that for a ν=1/2 FCI state realized in the lowest band of a Harper-Hofstadter model of interacting bosons confined by a harmonic trapping potential, the fractionally quantized Hall conductivity σ_{xy} can be accurately determined by the displacement of the atomic cloud under the action of a constant force which provides a suitable experimentally measurable signal for detecting the topological nature of the state. Using matrix-product state algorithms, we show that, in both cylinder and square geometries, the movement of the particle cloud in time under the application of a constant force field on top of the confining potential is proportional to σ_{xy} for an extended range of field strengths.
Short-term effects of specific humidity and temperature on COVID-19 morbidity in select US cities.

Little is known about the environmental conditions that drive the spatiotemporal patterns of SARS-CoV-2. Preliminary research suggests an association with meteorological parameters. However, the relationship with temperature and humidity is not yet apparent for COVID-19 cases in US cities first impacted. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between COVID-19 cases and meteorological parameters in select US cities. A case-crossover design with a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to evaluate the contribution of ambient temperature and specific humidity on COVID-19 cases in select US cities. The case-crossover examines each COVID case as its own control at different time periods (before and after transmission occurred). We modeled the effect of temperature and humidity on COVID-19 transmission using a lag period of 7 days. A subset of 8 cities were evaluated for the relationship with meteorological parameters and 5 cities were evaluated in detail. Short-term exposure to humidity was positively associated with COVID-19 transmission in 4 cities. The associations were small with 3 out of 4 cities exhibiting higher COVID19 transmission with specific humidity that ranged from 6 to 9 g/kg. Our results suggest that weather should be considered in infectious disease modeling efforts. Future work is needed over a longer time period and across different locations to clearly establish the weather-COVID19 relationship.
Sex-specific transgenerational effects of morphine exposure on reward and affective behaviors.

Abstract Current estimates indicate that millions of people in the United States abuse opioid drugs, which may also affect their offspring. To determine whether parental exposure to morphine alters reward and affective behaviors in subsequent generations we exposed male and female C57BL/6NTac mice to morphine (75 mg) or placebo pellets for 4 weeks. Naive mice were used as mating partners to create subsequent generations (F1 and F2). Adult male and female F1 and F2 mice were tested in the morphine conditioned place preference paradigm (CPP), marble burying (MB), acoustic startle response (ASR), and open field tests (OFT). Paternal morphine exposure resulted in significantly attenuated preference scores amongst F1 male offspring, but significantly higher preference scores amongst F1 female offspring at the lowest CPP dose tested (5 mg/kg). In contrast, maternal exposure to morphine did not affect morphine reward in the F1 generation; however, the F2 male offspring of morphine-exposed F0 females displayed significantly higher CPP preference scores. Preference scores in F2 females were not affected by F0 male or female morphine exposure. Sex-specific alterations in affective behaviors were observed only in the offspring of F0 males exposed to morphine with F1 males spending less time in the center of the open field and F1 females spending more time in the center of the open field. One generation later, affective behaviors were no longer altered in F2 males but F2 females from the F0 male morphine exposure buried more marbles in the MB test. In summary, early exposure to morphine in males and females causes lineage-specific inheritance of reward and affective behaviors.
Sex, species and age: Effects of rodent demographics on the pharmacology of ∆9-tetrahydrocanabinol.

Abstract Cannabis edibles are becoming more common in an increasingly diverse population of users, and the impact of first pass metabolism on cannabis's pharmacological profile across age and sex is not well understood. The present study examined the impact of age, sex and rodent species on the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its primary psychoactive metabolite, 11-OH-THC, in rodent models of psychoactivity and molecular assays of cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) pharmacology. Like oral THC, i.p. THC also undergoes first pass metabolism. In both species and sexes, 11-OH-THC exhibited marginally higher affinity (~1.5 fold) than THC and both served as partial agonists in [35S]GTPγS binding with equivalent potency; 11-OH-THC exhibited slightly greater efficacy in rat brain tissue. In ICR mice, 11-OH-THC exhibited greater potency than THC in assays of catalepsy (7- to 15-fold) and hypothermia (7- to 31-fold). Further, 11-OH-THC was more potent in THC drug discrimination (7- to 9-fold) in C57Bl/6 J mice, with THC-like discriminative stimulus effects being CB1-, but not CB2-, mediated. THC's discriminative stimulus also was stable across age in mice, as its potency did not change over the course of the experiment (~17 months). While sex differences in THC's effects were not revealed in mice, THC was significantly more potent in females Sprague-Dawley rats than in males trained to discriminate THC from vehicle. This study demonstrates a cross-species in the psychoactive effects of i.p. THC across sex that may be related to differential metabolism of THC into its psychoactive metabolite 11-OH-THC, suggesting that species is a crucial design consideration in the preclinical study of phytocannabinoids.
Dissociation of Two Behavioral Functions in the Monkey after Early Hippocampal Ablations

Bilateral excisions of medial temporal lobe structures (uncinate-amygdaloid region, hippocampus, hippocampal gyrus) in patients suffering from long-standing psychotic, or epileptic, symptoms resulted in a well-known severe anterograde amnesia (Scoville, 1954; Scoville and Milner, 1957). Subsequent clinical evidence pointed to the hippocampus as the critical structure in the memory loss (Penfield and Milner, 1958; Milner and Teuber, 1968; Milner, Corkin and Teuber, 1968).
The Unsivilized Figure as Cultural Hero of Artifice: Suassuna’s João Grilo and Twain’s Huck Finn

In their close ties to a folkloric past, and in a conscientious effort to dialogue with a far-reaching literary inheritance, the Brazilian Ariano Suassuna (1927-2014) and the U.S.’s Mark Twain (1835-1910) present regional protagonists who negotiate roles as heroes of artifice. As they feed off models of the Trickster and picaro, an analysis based on cognitive and psychosocial theory reveals a Joao Grilo and Huck Finn that model valued skills as socioeconomically marginalized figures on the outskirts of civilization. In Auto da Compadecida (1955) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), both Suassuna and Twain manage to highlight these skills by creating character duos that mimic the cognitive counterpointing between Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote and Sancho Panza.
Timing Effect of Adenosine-Directed Immunomodulation on Mouse Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

Adenosine is an important regulatory molecule of the immune response. We have previously reported that treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU)-prone mice with an adenosine-degrading enzyme (adenosine deaminase) prohibited EAU development by inhibiting Th17 pathogenic T cell responses. To further validate that the targeting of adenosine or adenosine receptors effectively modulates Th17 responses, we investigated the effect of adenosine receptor antagonists. In this study, we show that the A2AR antagonist SCH 58261 (SCH) effectively modulates aberrant Th17 responses in induced EAU. However, timing of the treatment is important. Whereas SCH inhibits EAU when administered during the active disease stage, it did not do so if administered during quiescent disease stages, thus implying that the existing immune status influences the therapeutic effect. Mechanistic studies showed that inhibition of γδ T cell activation is crucially involved in adenosine-based treatment. Adenosine is an important costimulator of γδ T cell activation, which is essential for promoting Th17 responses. During ongoing disease stages, adenosine synergizes with existing high levels of cytokines, leading to augmented γδ T cell activation and Th17 responses, but in quiescent disease stages, when existing cytokine levels are low, adenosine does not enhance γδ T cell activation. Our results demonstrated that blockade of the synergistic effect between adenosine and inflammatory cytokines at active disease stages can ameliorate high-degree γδ T cell activation and, thus, suppress Th17 pathogenic T cell responses.
Studies of autistic traits in the general population are not studies of autism.

Studies of autistic traits in the general population are becoming increasingly prevalent. In this letter to the editor, we caution researchers against framing and interpreting studies of autistic t...
Communication Technologies and Power Relations in Five Historical Periods

The purpose of this study is to discover if, and if, in what ways, changes in communications technologies have influenced, strengthened, and/or changed relations—primarily power relations—between humans, and between humans and their environments. We started our quest “at the beginning”—when the first humans interacted via the first communication technologies—in order to determine a base from which to note the power changes, or lack of them, that subsequent communication technologies wrought.
Primate Locomotion and Diet

Primates are mobile creatures. In contrast with sponges, oysters, plants and other sessile organisms which spend most of their lives in one spot trapping the nutrients that pass by, most primates spend a considerable portion of their lives moving in search of food. Indeed, the locomotor habits of primates are probably more directly related to food procurement than are the habits of most other vertebrates. If we consider why animals move at all, there appear to be several main reasons. Many animals, especially birds, move in response to climatic changes, largely to avoid inclement weather. Many, probably most animals, move in conjunction with reproduction, in search of mates or suitable nesting or spawning sites. Finally, virtually all vertebrates move in search of food or water and to escape predators.
Near real-time confocal microscopy of amelanotic tissue: detection of dysplasia in ex vivo cervical tissue.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors performed this study to determine whether images of ex vivo tissue obtained with a near real-time confocal microscope can be used to differentiate between normal and dysplastic tissue. Materials and Methods Biopsy specimens of colposcopically normal and abnormal cervical tissue were obtained from 19 patients and imaged at various depths with a confocal microscope. Nuclear morphologic features were extracted from the confocal images; in addition, a group of reviewers examined the images and attempted to identify whether the specimen contained high-grade dysplasia. Results of both analyses were compared with the histopathologic findings of the same specimens provided by a board-certified pathologist with expertise in gynecologic pathology. Results The morphologic feature measurements compared well with the findings at pathologic examination. The use of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio to determine the presence of dysplasia resulted in a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 91%. The untrained reviewers had an average sensitivity of 95% and an average specificity of 69% in the determination of dysplasia. Conclusion The results indicate the clinical potential of in vivo confocal imaging in the detection of dysplasia.
Mental health affects the quality of life and recovery after liver transplantation

There has been little research examining the effects of mental health before liver transplantation on quality of life (QOL) and recovery after transplantation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine how pretransplant depression and anxiety affect mental health, QOL, and recovery after transplantation. Eighty-two transplant recipients provided data when they were listed for transplantation and 6 months after transplantation. Pretransplant anxiety predicted posttransplant anxiety (P < 0.001), and there was a trend in predicting posttransplant depression (P = 0.06). Pretransplant depression predicted posttransplant depression (P = 0.03), and there was a trend in predicting posttransplant anxiety (P = 0.06). Additionally, pretransplant anxiety predicted posttransplant QOL for several domains, including Body Pain, Role Limitations Due to Emotional Problems, and Mental Health, as well as the Mental Health Composite Score (P < 0.05). However, in comparison with anxiety, pretransplant depression independently predicted outcomes for more QOL domains, which included Physical Functioning, Role Limitations Due to Physical Problems, General Health, Vitality, and Social Functioning, as well as the Physical Composite Score (P < 0.05). Patients with depression at the baseline were more likely to report incomplete recovery 6 months after transplantation (P < 0.001). With respect to baseline anxiety, there was a trend suggesting that these patients were also more likely to report incomplete recovery (P = 0.09). These findings highlight the importance of evaluating transplant candidates both before and after transplantation for anxiety and depressive symptoms. Once patients with these symptoms are identified, they can be referred for treatment, which may lead to better posttransplant outcomes for mental health, QOL, and recovery. Liver Transpl 19:1272–1278, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Far ultraviolet observations of the expanding shell in Eridanus.

After correcting for hot stars in the instrument field of view, 1350-1750 A wavelength band observations of a thin strip of the sky near the south galactic pole have yielded count rates which vary smoothly from a minimum of about 55/cs near l = 30 deg, b = -60 deg to a maximum of about 740/cs in the direction of l = 199 deg, b = -49 deg. These values correspond to specific intensities of 600-8000 photons/sq cm per sec per sr per A, assuming a flat incident spectrum in this wavelength range. The magnitude and spatial variation of the observed signal are incompatible with any known source of terrestrial far-UV airglow, zodiacal light, or with the expected emission of high latitude reflection nebulosities. Attention is given to alternative sources that, together with the reflection nebulae, may explain the high intensities in this region.
Relations between hopelessness, depressive symptoms and suicidality: mediation by reasons for living.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined whether reasons for living (RFL) would partially account for the associations between traditional risk factors (depressive symptoms, hopelessness) and suicidal ideation and attempts. METHOD: Data were collected from 1,075 undergraduate college students who completed a battery of online assessments. RESULTS: Results from a series of simultaneous mediational models indicated that the relations between risk factors and current suicidal ideation were partially mediated by total RFL (and Coping Beliefs and Self-Evaluation subscales). Further, total RFL (and the Coping Beliefs subscale) fully mediated the relation between hopelessness and past-year suicide attempt, and partially mediated the depressive symptoms-suicide attempt relation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the importance of assessing for the presence of these suicide risk and protective factors. Implications for the improved identification and treatment of young adults at risk for suicide are discussed. Language: en