cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enabling mutually private location proximity services in smart cities: A comparative assessment

Location aware applications that provide smart city building blocks are growing in popularity as mobile devices approach ubiquity. While the specific definition of “smart city” is still evolving, most agree that the term implies integrating communication and information technology to advance quality of life. Location-aware mobiles apps can provide many services tailored to a user's current location. Several current apps provide routing and proximity alerts for hazards, but require users to disclose locations and data owners/providers (DO) to advertise areas of interest locations. We analyze three encryption based approaches that provide granular proximity detection without openly divulging any location information. These approaches use different techniques to assure the user and DO mutual privacy while still providing proximity detection of users to defined areas of interest. We implemented the approaches, and as part of our implementation effort, extended the functionality of one of the approaches, originally designed as a generic Secure k-Nearest Neighbor approach, to align it to our specific problem domain. We compare the security and privacy guarantees, and the efficiency and accuracy of each approach. Our results can be used to choose the most applicable mutually private proximity detection (MPPD) approach for a smart city environment.
Uninsured deposits and excess share insurance at US credit unions: the impact on risk and returns to members

Using NCUA credit union call report data, I find that uninsured depositors and excess share insurers provide valuable monitoring benefits for credit unions for the years following the 2008 financial crisis. I find that the capital ratio, liquidity ratio, and delinquencies-to-total loans and leases decrease with an increase in the percentage of deposits that exceed the $250,000 per depositor regulatory threshold of standard deposit insurance. The influence of uninsured depositors is generally more significant for small credit unions than large credit unions. The results for the precrisis period are not consistent with those of the postcrisis period. However, the results are consistent across the six-year period following the financial crisis. Overall, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that uninsured depositors are value-maximizing stakeholders who exercise control over the firm.
Inhibition of Streptococcus lactis and Salmonella typhimurium by Mixtures of Some Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds Associated with Milk

APT broth inoculated with Streptococcus lactis or nutrient broth inoculated with Salmonella typhimurium was dispensed into epoxy-lined aerosol cans. Mixtures consisting of blends of fatty acids (10, 100, and 1000 ppm) containing formic, butyric, hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acid; amines (5 ppm) containing propyl- and hexylamine; and aldehydes and ketones (10 ppm) containing formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, 2-butanone, diacetyl, and pentanone were added to cans and they were sealed. Various combinations of fatty acids, amines, and aldehydes and ketones also were tested separately. Bacteria were enumerated at intervals during incubation at 30 or 37 C. Mixtures of fatty acids at a concentration of 1000 ppm were most detrimental to both organisms. A marked reduction in growth of S. lactis also occurred when 100 and 10 ppm of mixed fatty acids were tested. Growth of S. typhimurium was generally unaffected by 10 ppm of mixed fatty acids. Mixtures of amines and of aldehydes and ketones were more inhibito...
The Ethical Tension Between Artistic Expression and Historical Representation in Documentary Making: The Filmmaker’s Mediation with Reality

This article emerges from the assumption that representing reality in documentary raises specific complex ethical issues. This is due to the fact that documenting an event partly results from the filmmaker’s mediation with the historical world. The choices involved in this process are subjective, biased and creative. In fact, representing reality results from a particular tension established between that which I represent and how I represent it. From this tension several ethical issues with regard to the filmmaker’s mediation with reality may emerge. This paper aims to revise and confront key literature on this subject to discuss and deconstruct the process of mediation and the ethical issues involved in this process. The key questions to answer are: What role does mediation plays in representing reality? What ethical issues may emerge from this process? Do filmmakers explore “others” to satisfy their own personal needs as artists? Is it possible to control or regulate filmmakers’ mediation with reality? Can we develop a set of parameters or strategies that can be considered ethically more appropriate for representing the world?
Intraoperative PTH May Not Be Necessary in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Even with Only One Positive or Only Indeterminate Preoperative Localization Studies

Intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) monitoring has been widely used to confirm the removal of the culprit lesion during operation. However, the true benefit of IOPTH in patients with preoperatively well-localized single adenoma has been questioned. The aim of this study was to examine how or if IOPTH changes the surgical management and outcomes in patients with only one positive or only indeterminate localization studies. This is a retrospective review of data from a parathyroid surgery database and patient records from July 2004 to June 2014, including patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with a planned MIP by two experienced endocrine surgeons after ≥1 positive/indeterminate preoperative localization study by ultrasound and/or sestamibi. A total of 482 patients with positive (342: 259 only 1, 83 with ≥2) or indeterminate (140: 105 only 1, 35 with ≥2) preoperative imaging studies were included. IOPTH changed the management in only 16 (3%) patients, with an additional lesion found in 12 of them. Surgical cure was achieved in 471 (98%) of patients (98% in the positive vs. 97% in the indeterminate group, p 0.58). With or without IOPTH, the cure rate would not have been significantly different in patients with only 1 positive preoperative imaging (96 vs. 98%, p 0.12). Similar results were seen in those with ≥2 indeterminate (100% cure rate with or without IOPTH). Our study suggests that MIP may be safely and successfully performed without IOPTH for patients with ≥1 positive or ≥2 indeterminate preoperative imaging studies. This study is retrospective within inherent biases, and future prospective study is warranted.
Opportunities for Skin Cancer Prevention Education among Individuals Attending a Community Skin Cancer Screening in a High-Risk Catchment Area

Despite the highly preventable nature of skin cancer, it remains the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Recommendations for a complete skin cancer prevention regimen include engaging in photoprotection (e.g., sunscreen use), avoiding skin cancer risk behaviors (e.g., tanning), and receiving total body skin exams from a health care provider. The current study examined reported engagement in these behaviors among participants attending a community skin cancer screening (N = 319) in a high-risk catchment area to assess the need for increased health education on skin cancer prevention. Participants’ responses indicate a history of suboptimal avoidance of skin cancer risk behaviors. Over half of participants (52%) reported four or more blistering sunburns before age 20, and 46% reported indoor tanning at least one during their lifetime. There is a need among this population for education regarding a complete skin cancer prevention regimen, which could improve adherence to photoprotection and avoidance of skin cancer risk behaviors, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality due to skin cancer.
Abstract 2379: Nuclear lemur tyrosine kinase-2 regulates RNA polymerase II dependent transcription in prostate cancer

The Androgen Receptor (AR), a DNA-binding transcription factor plays a key role in the development and maintenance of prostate epithelia by modulating expression of growth-promoting genes. AR has been proposed to regulate gene expression by enhancing the efficiency of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) dependent transcription elongation. Dysregulation of this AR-dependent transcriptional activity has been implicated not only in prostate cancer but also androgen-independent prostate cancer. Recently, we showed that protein expression of Lemur Tyrosine Kianse-2 (LMTK2), a serine-threonine kinase is downregulated in prostate cancer. Importantly, our study ascribed a novel role for LMTK2, as a negative regulator of AR-dependent transcriptional activity in prostate epithelial cells. However, the mechanism through which LMTK2 is able to regulate AR remains to be determined. Here, we show that LMTK2 is not only present in cytoplasmic fraction but also, within the nucleus of mammalian cells where it co-localizes with AR, newly transcribed mRNA and with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Interestingly, our data reveals that LMTK2 colocalizes with elongating RNAPII, phosphorylated on serine 2 of the carboxyl-terminal domain. This presents an interesting possibility that LMTK2 might be able to regulate transcription of AR-dependent genes by interacting with the elongating RNAPII and transcription & epigenetic factors. As such, our study potentially identifies LMTK2 as an important player regulating the AR-RNAPII mediated transcription machinery in mammalian cells. Citation Format: Kalpit Shah, Justin Foley, Michael L. Nickerson, Michael Dean, Neil Bradbury. Nuclear lemur tyrosine kinase-2 regulates RNA polymerase II dependent transcription in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2379. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2379
Tunable wideband-directive thermal emission from SiC surface using bundled graphene sheets

Coherent thermal radiation emitters based on diffraction gratings inscribed on surface of a polar material, such as silicon carbide, always possess high angular dispersion resulting in wideband-dispersive or monochromatic-directive emission. In this paper, we identify roots of the high angular dispersion as the rapid surface phonon polariton (SPhP) resonance of the material surface and the misalignment of the dispersion curve of the diffraction orders of the grating with respect to light line. We minimize the rapid variation of SPhP resonance by compensating the material dispersion using bundled graphene sheets and mitigate the misalignment by a proper choice of the grating design. Utilizing a modified form of rigorous coupled wave analysis to simultaneously incorporate atomic-scale graphene sheets and bulk diffraction gratings, we accurately compute the emissivity profiles of the composite structure and demonstrate reduction in the angular dispersion of thermal emission from as high as ${30}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ to as low as ${4}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ in the SPhP dominant wavelength range of 11--12 $\ensuremath{\mu}\text{m}$. In addition, we demonstrate that the graphene sheets via their tunable optical properties allow a fringe benefit of dynamical variation of the angular dispersion to a wide range.
KRAS Alleles: The Devil Is in the Detail

KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer and KRAS mutation is commonly associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. Since the KRAS oncoprotein is, as yet, not directly druggable, efforts to target KRAS mutant cancers focus on identifying vulnerabilities in downstream signaling pathways or in stress response pathways that are permissive for strong oncogenic signaling. One aspect of KRAS biology that is not well appreciated is the potential biological differences between the many distinct KRAS activating mutations. This review draws upon insights from both clinical and experimental studies to explore similarities and differences among KRAS alleles. Historical and emerging evidence supports the notion that the specific biology related to each allele might be exploitable for allele-specific therapy.
Wavefront modulation and controlling for Lamb waves using surface bonded slice lenses

There is a growing interest in controlling the propagation of Lamb waves to achieve better performance for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation. In this study, we present new methods of controlling Lamb waves using simple slice lenses through wavefront modulation. The lenses are made of metal slices with designed shapes. Once bonded on plates, the lenses modify the effective plate thickness, and therefore change the Lamb wave characteristics such as the wavenumber and phase velocity, providing convenient ways of modulating wavefront and controlling Lamb waves in plates. Numerically and experimentally, we demonstrated that a straight wavefront A0 mode can be focused on the desired focal point using a plano-concave aspherical lens. We also demonstrated that the A0 mode can be steered with different frequency components steered to different directions using a simple prism made of metal slices. The work shows that such simple slice lenses provide easy ways for controlling Lamb waves, and...
An alternative method to measure the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in infants.

Background Lung diffusion assessed by the uptake of carbon monoxide (DLCO ) and alveolar volume (VA ) by inert gas dilution are readily assessed in cooperative older subjects; however, obtaining these measurements in infants has been much more difficult. Our laboratory has measured DLCO and VA in sleeping infants using a mass spectrometer, which continuously measures gas concentrations, and demonstrated that infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have lower DLCO , but no difference in VA compared to full-term controls. The mass spectrometer is expensive and lacks portability; therefore, we evaluated whether measurement of end-expiratory alveolar gas concentrations using a gas chromatograph would provide an alternative approach. Methods (1) Using our previously digitized data for infants with BPD and full-term controls, DLCO and VA were calculated at end-expiration rather than between 60 and 80% of expired volume, as previously reported. (2) In a new group of infants, DLCO and VA were measured using gas concentrations obtained at end-expiration with a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph. Results (1) Using end-expiratory concentrations, infants with BPD (n = 49) had significantly lower DLCO , but similar VA compared to healthy controls (n = 34) (DLCO : 4.2 vs 4.6 mL/min/mmHg, P = 0.047; VA : 614 vs 608 mL, P = 0.772). (2) Among newly evaluated infants (n = 28), DLCO and VA obtained with a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph were highly correlated (R2 = 0.94 and 0.99, respectively), and were not significantly different for the two analyzers. Conclusion Measuring DLCO and VA at end-expiration using a gas chromatograph can provide an effective assessment of gas exchange in sleeping infants.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to disseminated histoplasmosis in the setting of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Abstract Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and aggressive disease involving immune system over-activation leading to hemophagocytosis. HLH requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation, especially in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We present a case of a middle-aged male with AIDS and renal failure, who developed HLH secondary to disseminated histoplasmosis. Etoposide chemotherapy as recommended by the HLH 2004 Guidelines was deferred and treatment focused instead on anti-fungal therapy. Anti-retroviral therapy followed thereafter.
End-of-Life Communication: Nurses Cocreating the Closing Composition With Patients and Families

Communication is imperative for end-of-life decision-making; however, descriptions of key strategies used by nurses are missing. A phenomenological approach was used to interpret interviews from 10 hospice/palliative nurses. The overarching pattern is the closing composition. Key communication strategies/patterns include establishing context, acknowledging through attentive listening, making it safe for them to die, planning goals of care, and being honest. Essential is the awareness that nurse, patient, and family all hold expertise in the subject matter. It is imperative that pre-/postnursing licensure curriculum be expanded to include training in mutual influence communication practices and mentoring in the skill of orchestration.
Prevalence of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases among rural women in Yemen

Objective The objective of this study was to expand the evidence base on the prevalence of risk factors for the main noncommunicable diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and obesity) among rural women in Yemen. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 rural women in the age range from 18 to 60 years who presented in the targeted health centers of Sana’a and Al-Mahweet governorates during the time of the study. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire developed as per World Health Organization STEPS guidelines. Body mass index, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements of fasting blood glucose were recorded. Results Ninety-four percent of the respondents were physically inactive. Only 3.5% of respondents were smokers, while 66.3% were qat chewers. Forty-seven percent watched TV. Thirty-nine percent of respondents ate vegetables daily, while 19.5% consumed fruits daily. Among the respondents, 31.3% were obese, 15.0% were hypertensive, and 7.8% had diabetes mellitus. Age group, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus. There were significant associations between obesity and blood pressure, as well as between blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion Frequent campaigns and educational programs are to be encouraged for the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices and health promotion. Significance statement Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) morbidity and death are increasing rapidly, particularly among developing countries, including Yemen. Information on risk factors predicts the future burden of diseases. The results of this study will complement the limited knowledge of the existing interactions between sociodemographic characteristics, behavior, and noncommunicable diseases among rural women in Yemen. It will also be a fundamental starting point for health planning and execution of health promotion interventions.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DOUBLE BOTTOMS IN PREVENTING OIL OUTFLOW FROM TANKER BOTTOM DAMAGE INCIDENTS

Shortly after the TORREY CANYON stranding, worldwide public opinion began pressuring the maritime community for pollution-free tanker designs. Perhaps the most widely discussed pollution abatement design feature is the double bottom. In U.S. waters from January 1969 through April 1973 there occurred 30 pollution casualties that resulted from tanker bottom damage. The paper examines all these accidents to determine how effective double bottoms would have been in reducing their number as well as the amount of oil outflow. Results indicate that a double bottom whose height is one-fifteenth the beam could have been effective in preventing outflow in 27 of the 30 casualties examined.
Are ADRs Different from US Stocks? An Analysis of Idiosyncratic Risks

Determinants of ADR's idiosyncratic risk are examined from the perspective of undiversified investors. Since ADRs enjoy a unique status, vis-a-vis US companies, we study whether determinants of their risk, derived from a two-stage regression model, are different from the one for U.S. firms. For the time period from 1999 through mid 2005, we found that, with the exception of the smallest US stocks in the sample, ADR's idiosyncratic risks are analogous to the ones observed for US firms. Also, ADR's sensitivity to fundamental variables that represent their inner financial structure is similar to US firms.
Dural and Pial Arteriovenous Fistulas Connected to the Same Drainer in the Middle Cranial Fossa: A Case Report

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the middle cranial fossa are rare. Pial AVFs are similarly rare but differ from dural AVFs in that they derive their arterial supply from pial or cortical arterial vessels and do not lie within the intradural region. We report an extremely rare case of dural and pial AVF connected to the same drainer in the middle cranial fossa. Case Description In a 58-year-old man with a subcortical hemorrhage in the right temporal lobe, digital subtraction angiography showed a dural AVF in the middle cranial fossa fed by the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and draining into the sphenopetrosal vein. A combination with a small pial AVF connected to the same sphenopetrosal vein was suspected. Open surgery was performed to directly observe the shunt points. Transarterial indocyanine green (ICG) angiography using the MMA via the superficial temporal artery on a skin flap was performed to repeatedly and distinctly evaluate the dural shunt points and to prevent cerebral thromboembolism. Although the dural supply was completely disconnected, the sphenopetrosal vein remained arterialized. ICG angiography revealed pial AVF, which was fed by the cortical arteries draining into the same drainer. The pial supply was completely disconnected, and disappearance of the dural and pial AVF was confirmed. Conclusions We report an extremely rare case of dural and pial AVF connected to the same drainer in the middle cranial fossa. To our knowledge, this is the first such case report described in the literature.
Functional Inequalities and Dynamics

We give a survey of recent results on functional inequalities and evolution equations focusing on the relations between these two subjects. We discuss the use of evolution equations to prove sharp functional inequalities, as well as the use of sharp functional inequalities to prove precise results about the behavior of solutions of evolution equations. These note are based on a series of lectures given by the author at the C.I.M.E. Summer School in June 2008.
The Devolution of Implementing Policymaking in Network Governments

A modern government must delegate considerable authority to its implementing institutions. In a federal system, sovereignty boundaries necessarily skew the allocation and monitoring of this implementing policymaking. Each federal system pursue an equilibrium in its own way. The United States (US) follows a traditional strategy of dividing the central (federal) government from the subunit (state) governments. The European Union (EU) commingles implementing authority and hence can best be understood as a network. The complexity of this network is mind boggling. Webs of policy influence move down from the central government, up from the member states, horizontally among the states, across special interests and within the central and state institutions. The network complicates the achievement of good government objectives, such as participation, accountability and transparency. Much can be learned from EU efforts at attaining these objectives in its network government. Contrast with the US's divided and hierarchical federalism illuminates these lessons. Since many national and supranational government can best be understood as network governments, these lessons have global significance.
The impact of short-term adventure-based outdoor programs on college students’ stress reduction

ABSTRACTThis study examines the effect of short-term adventure-based outdoor programs (AOP) on reducing college students’ stress levels. The effects of sex and different outdoor adventure activitie...
Bidirectional reflectance measurement of black absorber layers for use in optical instrument design

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) plays a fundamental role in the optical characterization of a surface. The BRDF is a measure of the amount of light incident from one direction which is scattered by a surface in another direction. Integrating the BRDF over specified incidence and reflected solid angles defines the bihemispherical reflectance, which can be related to the absorptance and emissivity of a surface. We have designed and fabricated a high-accuracy bidirectional reflectometer and used it to measure the bidirectional reflectance of a smooth silicon substrate coated with the black absorber Aeroglaze Z302®. Two different coating thicknesses displaying different degrees of surface roughness were studied. A BRDF model consisting of diffuse, glossy, and specular components was then fitted to the experimental results. Finally, the Monte Carlo ray-trace (MCRT) method was used to split an incident beam into a group of reflected rays whose power and direction were determined by the BRDF model. The combined model is capable of simulating the performance of any optical instrument which has Z302 coated on its active surfaces. As a demonstration, the combined model is used to simulate the performance of the bidirectional reflectometer experiment used to obtain the original data.
Paraneoplastic syndromes and other systemic disorders associated with neuroendocrine neoplasms

Neuroendocrine paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) consist of metabolic disorders that accompany benign and malignant neoplasms but remain unrelated to mass effects or invasion by the primary tumor or its metastases. The underlying pathogenesis responsible for PNS usual clinical presentation relies on aberrant production of protein hormones, proteins and other substances by the tumor. Prompt recognition of characteristic signs and symptoms combined with serological identification of key substances may result in early diagnosis of PNS and its underlying malignancy. For these reasons, healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with tumor-induced hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, carcinoid syndrome, virilisation syndrome, gynecomastia, acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, osteogenic osteomalacia, tumor-induced hypoglycemia, necrolytic migratory erythema, and watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorydria syndrome. Medical awareness for PNS can improve patient outcomes through earlier administration of cancer therapy and treatment, better symptomatic relief and prolong overall survival.
Psychopharmacologic Considerations in Early Childhood

This chapter provides guidelines for the consideration of medication treatment in very young children. It describes the careful assessment required, as well as the need to consider factors affecting the clinical context including access to care, rapid development, parent, child, and clinician attributes, and the limited evidence base. Prescribing practices and the evidence base to date for both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are briefly reviewed. Diagnosis-Specific Approaches and Treatment Recommendations for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Disorder of Dysregulated Anger and Aggression, Depression and Mood Problems, and Sleep Problems are Included.
Operational power plant scheduling with flexible carbon capture: A multistage stochastic optimization approach

Abstract To mitigate CO2 emissions, it is often suggested that power plants deploy carbon capture systems. However, high cost is an impediment for the deployment of these systems. To counter this, a power plant can be integrated with a flexible capture unit which varies its load with fluctuating electricity prices. In this work, a multi-stage stochastic programming approach is applied to optimally schedule power production and carbon capture operations to maximize daily profit in a market with uncertain hourly electricity prices. Low-complexity surrogate models are developed for optimal action policy at each stage, which reduce the computational complexity of estimating profit for different price scenarios. The expected value of perfect information obtained is within 25% of the maximum achievable profit while meeting the CO2 emission constraints. Moreover, the profitability improves by 40% compared with the deterministic case assuming expected values of stochastic parameters. This demonstrates the quality of the stochastic solution.
“This is Not How They Are”: On Contemporary Education, Political Correctness, and Inattention to Craft

The quote from Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel The Namesake prompts a discussion and argument about how education, particularly education in the liberal arts, is impacted in a contemporary culture of political correctness, international competition, Millennial and Generation Z sensibilities, pervasive technology, and ongoing, entertained tension. Lahiri, Neil Gaiman, Junot Diaz, Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Chris Rock, Trey Parker, Slavoj Zizek, Donald Trump, and others are brought into an article that began with a student refusing to read profanity, and that asserts teachers and professors should refuse to strip literature, art, and history of its essence, however unsettling.
Water in Your Neighbourhood: A Model for Implementing a Semester-Long Course-Based Undergraduate Research Project in Introductory Biology.

Undergraduate biology education has changed over the past decade, incorporating an iterative and evidence-based approach. Many educational assessments have confirmed the effectiveness of integratin...
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Design Optimization

A general process of designing new systems or improving existing systems is explained in this chapter. Distinction is made between engineering analysis and engineering design activities. The idea of designing optimum systems is introduced. Differences between the conventional design process and the optimum design process are explained, and differences between the optimum design and optimal control of systems are delineated. The basic terminology and notation used throughout the book are presented and explained. The notations for sets and points are explained. The idea of a constraint and the notation used to represent it are presented. The use of superscripts and subscripts and the summation notation are explained. A function of n variables is defined, and notation for vector functions is presented. First and second partial derivatives of a function of several variables are defined. To facilitate the use of a consistent set of units for optimization problems, a conversion table between the US standard units and the International System of units (SI units) is included.
Physical activity measured using wearable activity tracking devices associated with gout flares

To determine the feasibility and validity of using wearable activity trackers to test associations between gout flares with physical activity and sleep. Participants with physician-diagnosed gout, hyperuricemia (≥ 6.8 mg/dl), current smartphone use, and ≥ 2 self-reported flares in the previous 6 months were enrolled. Physical activity, heart rate, and sleep data were obtained from wearable activity trackers (Fitbit Charge HR2). Daily compliance was defined by the availability of sufficiently complete activity data at least 80% of the day. Associations of weekly gout flares with sleep and activity were measured by comparing flare-related values to average sleep and steps per day. We used mixed linear models to account for repeated observations. Forty-four participants enrolled; 33 met the criteria for minimal wear time and flare reporting, with activity tracker data available for 60.5% of all total study days. Mean ± SD age was 48.8 ± 14.9 years; 85% were men; 15% were black; 88% were on allopurinol or febuxostat, and 30% reported ≥ 6 flares in the prior 6 months. Activity trackers captured 204 (38%) person-weeks with flares and 340 (62%) person-weeks without flares. Mean ± SD daily step count was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) during weeks with gout flares (5900 ± 4071) than during non-flare periods (6972 ± 5214); sleep however did not differ. The pattern of wear in this study illustrates reasonable feasibility of using such devices in future arthritis research. The use of these devices to passively measure changes in physical activity patterns may provide an estimate of gout flare occurrence and duration. NCT, NCT02855437 . Registered 4 August 2016
Exploration of vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases: Determination skills of genetic and environmental risk factors

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) affect a large portion of our elder population with cognitive impairment, impaired movement due to loss of balance or muscle weakness in motor neuron. Due to their irreversible nature they present a significant public health burden through the demand on our health care system as well as by unmet therapeutic measures that influence socioeconomic decision processes, while our current population is transitioned to an aged community. Here we introduce top 3 of the most prevalent NDs and examine preventive alternatives along with the available research on both genetic and environmental risk factors. While many questions remain, genetic predisposition combined with environmental exposures may be to blame for a large number of these cases. Utilizing emerging multi-fold omics technologies, early prevention aided by development of biomarker can help to identify risk factors and to envision new avenue in new treatments option in the future.
A Species Difference in Visuospatial Memory in Adult Humans and Rhesus Monkeys: The Concentration Game

Author(s): Washburn, David A.; Gulledge, Jonathan P. | Abstract: One of the most familiar children’s games (marketed under many names including the memory game, Concentration, and Husker Du also would seem to provide an excellent test of visuospatial memory. A computerized version of this game was written in which human adults or rhesus monkeys were required to find matching pairs of pictures by “flipping over” computer-generated images of cards. Finding one of the 2 to 6 pairs of images (color patches, line drawings, letters, etc.) caused the pictures to remain visible, but errors (mismatches) caused the images to be concealed again and thus required the participants to remember which images had been seen and where each was hidden. In a series of experiments, all participants were able to locate the pairs of stimuli, but monkeys were consistently and significantly worse than the human adults. Indeed, the monkeys frequently perseverated on errors, causing them to be worse than chance in many conditions, even after training. In the present manuscript, data are presented to suggest that this species difference does not simply reflect a limitation on the monkeys’ knowledge of the “rules of the game.”
Quinomycin A reduces cyst progression in Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects cilia homeostasis and causes progressive growth of tubular-derived cysts within the kidney. Efforts to find safer drugs for PKD have increased in the past few years after the successful launch of tolvaptan, the first approved drug to combat autosomal dominant PKD progression. Here we investigate the effects of Quinomycin A on progression of PKD. Quinomycin A is a bis-intercalator peptide that has previously shown to be effective against cancer progression. Quinomycin A treatment decreased cyst progression of human ADPKD primary renal epithelial cells grown in a 3D collagen gel to form cysts. In an orthologous mouse model of PKD, Quinomycin A administration reduced kidney to body weight ratios, and reduced cystogenesis. This was accompanied by decreased cell proliferation and fibrosis. Quinomycin treatments efficiently reduced the expression of Notch pathway proteins, RBPjk and HeyL in kidneys of PKD mice. Interestingly, Quinomycin treatments also normalized cilia lengths of collecting duct cyst-lining renal epithelia of PKD mice. This is the first preclinical study to our knowledge that demonstrates Quinomycin A has protective effects against PKD progression, in part by reducing Notch signaling and renal epithelial cilia lengths. Our findings suggest Quinomycin A has potential therapeutic value for PKD patients.
Observation of Wigner-Dyson level statistics in a classically integrable system

Resonances in particle transmission through a 1D finite lattice are studied in the presence of a finite number of impurities. Although this is a one-dimensional system that is classically integrable and has no chaos, studying the statistical properties of the spectrum such as the level spacing distribution and the spectral rigidity shows the same statistics as the one obtained for chaotic systems. Using a dimensionless parameter that reflects the degree of state localization, we demonstrate how the transition from Poisson-level statistics to the Wigner-Dyson is affected by state localization. The resonance positions are calculated using both the Wigner-Smith time delay and a Siegert state method, which are in good agreement. Our results show the dependence of the level statistics on the localization length as it evolves from a Poisson distribution to Wigner-Dyson.
Dilation velocity is associated with Glasgow Coma Scale scores in patients with brain injury

Background: Pupillary light reflex (PLR) is informative about patients with neurological injury. Automated pupillometry provides discrete variables such as dilation velocity (DV). The objective of ...
Patterns of host tree use within a lineage of saproxlic snout-less weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Scolytini).

Abstract The influence of plants in the diversification of herbivorous insects, specifically those that utilize moribund and dead hosts, is little explored. Host shifts are expected because the effectiveness of toxic secondary chemicals is lessened by decay of dead plants. Feeding on dead plants also releases herbivorous insect lineages from diversifying within a particular plant lineage. Thus, phylogenetic constraints on the herbivorous insect lineage imposed by the host plants are diminished and repeated patterns of species diversification in an association with unrelated host trees is hypothesized (i.e., taxon cycle). Scolytini, a diverse weevil tribe, specialize on many different dead and moribund plant taxa as a source of food. These species and their hosts offer an opportunity to examine the association between dead host plants and the extent of phylogenetic constraints. A phylogeny of the Scolytini was reconstructed with likelihood and Bayesian analyses of DNA sequence data from nuclear (28S, CAD, ArgK) and mitochondrial (COI) genes. Ancestral host usage and geography was reconstructed using likelihood criteria and conservation of host use was tested. Results supported a monophyletic Scolytini, Ceratolepis, Loganius, and a paraphyletic Scolytus, Camptocerus and Cnemonyx. Diversification of the Scolytini generally occurred well after their host taxa diversified and suggests a sequential evolution of host use. In this scenario the beetle imposes little selection pressure on the tree but the tree provides a platform for beetle evolution. Major changes in host tree use occurred during periods of global cooling associated with changes in beetle biogeography. Diversification of beetles occurred on common and widespread hosts and there was likely a single origination of conifer-feeding from angiosperm-feeding species during the early Pliocene and a radiation of beetle species from the Palearctic to the Nearctic. Overall, the observed patterns of Scolytini host use are conserved and are similar to those expected in a taxon pulse diversification. That is, after a host switch to an unrelated tree, the beetles diversify within the host plant lineage. The need to locate an ephemeral food resource, i.e., a dying tree, likely maintains host specificity once a host shift occurs. These findings suggest that characteristics of dead and moribund host plants (e.g. secondary chemicals) influence the diversification of these saproxlic weevils despite the reduction of selection pressures.
Factors associated with delay to video-EEG in dissociative seizures.

Abstract Purpose While certain clinical factors suggest a diagnosis of dissociative seizures (DS), otherwise known as functional or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), ictal video-electroencephalography monitoring (VEM) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Diagnostic delays were associated with worse quality of life and more seizures, even after treatment. To understand why diagnoses were delayed, we evaluated which factors were associated with delay to VEM. Methods Using data from 341 consecutive patients with VEM-documented dissociative seizures, we used multivariate log-normal regression with recursive feature elimination (RFE) and multiple imputation of some missing data to evaluate which of 76 clinical factors were associated with time from first dissociative seizure to VEM. Results The mean delay to VEM was 8.4 years (median 3 years, IQR 1–10 years). In the RFE multivariate model, the factors associated with longer delay to VEM included more past antiseizure medications (0.19 log-years/medication, standard error (SE) 0.05), more medications for other medical conditions (0.06 log-years/medication, SE 0.03), history of physical abuse (0.75 log-years, SE 0.27), and more seizure types (0.36 log-years/type, SE 0.11). Factors associated with shorter delay included active employment or student status (-1.05 log-years, SE 0.21) and higher seizure frequency (0.14 log-years/log[seizure/month], SE 0.06). Conclusions Patients with greater medical and seizure complexity had longer delays. Delays in multiple domains of healthcare can be common for victims of physical abuse. Unemployed and non-student patients may have had more barriers to access VEM. These results support earlier referral of complex cases to a comprehensive epilepsy center.
Dihydroergotamine infusion for pediatric refractory headache: A retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND Headaches are a common symptom in children. Children with refractory headaches may be admitted for inpatient treatment with intravenous dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE). However, very few studies have characterized these patients and their treatment outcomes using validated, self-reported, pain scales. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of children admitted for DHE infusion, determine DHE treatment outcomes by means of numeric pain scale ratings, and explore associations between treatment outcomes and clinical characteristics. METHODS Retrospective chart review was completed in patients ages 5-21 admitted for DHE infusion from January 2013 to July 2018 at a large, pediatric academic medical center and community-based satellite center. All primary headache types were included. RESULTS A total of 200 unique admissions for DHE were available for analysis. Overall, patients were predominantly White (87.5%, 175/200) and female (80.0%, 160/200) with an average age of 15.4 years (SD 2.3). Common comorbidities included obesity (42.0%, 81/193), anxiety (41.0%, 82/200), and depression (20.0%, 40/200). The mean length of stay was 2.4 days (SD 1.10; range 1-8 days). Most headaches (65.0%, 130/200) met the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria for migraine, followed by new daily persistent headache (25.5%, 51/200). Mean DHE maximum dose was 5.3 (SD 2.17; range 0.5-14.5 mg) with most patients requiring 3.5-6.5 mg. DHE was typically terminated at six doses (range 1-15). The most frequently reported adverse event was nausea (5.5%, 11/200). There was no difference in pain severity at admission across headache types, with an average baseline pain score of 8.1 (SD 1.6). Posttreatment reduction in pain score was statistically significant (range: -3.2 to -4.9; each p < 0.001) across all headache types. Overall, 84.0% (168/200) of the patients had some improvement in pain. More than half of the patients (53.5%, 107/200) showed at least moderate improvement (≥50.0% reduction in pain score), and 18.0% (36/200) had full headache resolution. Limited patients (16.0%, 32/200) experienced no improvement in pain. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with DHE resulted in at least some improvement for most patients regardless of headache type or number of doses. Clinical trials stratified by headache type and comorbid factors could help clarify treatment algorithms to optimize patient outcomes.
How Feedback Is Given Matters: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient Satisfaction Feedback Delivery and Physician Well-being.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate how variation in the way patient satisfaction feedback is delivered relates to physician well-being and perceptions of its impact on patient care, job satisfaction, and clinical decision making. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to faculty physicians from a large academic medical center in March 29, 2019. Physicians reported their exposure to feedback (timing, performance relative to peers, or channel) and related perceptions. The Professional Fulfillment Index captured burnout and professional fulfillment. Associations between feedback characteristics and well-being or perceived impact were tested using analysis of variance or logistic regression adjusted for covariates. RESULTS Of 1016 survey respondents, 569 (56.0%) reported receiving patient satisfaction feedback. Among those receiving feedback, 303 (53.2%) did not believe that this feedback improved patient care. Compared with physicians who never received feedback, those who received any type of feedback had higher professional fulfillment scores (mean, 6.6±2.1 vs 6.3±2.0; P=.03) but also reported an unfavorable impact on clinical decision making (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.7; P<.001). Physicians who received feedback that included one-on-one discussions (as opposed to feedback without this channel) held more positive perceptions of the feedback's impact on patient care (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.0; P=.003), whereas perceptions were less positive in physicians whose feedback included comparisons to named colleagues (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8; P=.003). CONCLUSION Providing patient satisfaction feedback to physicians was associated with mixed results, and physician perceptions of the impact of feedback depended on the characteristics of feedback delivery. Our findings suggest that feedback is viewed most constructively by physicians when delivered through one-on-one discussions and without comparison to peers.
Targeting Plant Cysteine Oxidase Activity for Improved Submergence Tolerance

Plant Cysteine Oxidases (PCOs) are plant O2 -sensing enzymes. They catalyse the O2 -dependent step which initiates the proteasomal degradation of Group VII ethylene response transcription factors (ERF-VIIs) via the N-degron pathway. When submerged, plants experience a reduction in O2 availability; PCO activity therefore decreases and the consequent ERF-VII stabilisation leads to upregulation of hypoxia-responsive genes which enable adaptation to low O2 conditions. Resulting adaptations include entering an anaerobic quiescent state to maintain energy reserves, or rapid growth to escape floodwater and allow O2 transport to submerged tissues. Stabilisation of ERF-VIIs has been linked to improved survival post-submergence in Arabidopsis, rice and barley. Due to climate change and increasing flooding events, there is an interest in manipulating the PCO/ERF-VII interaction as a method of improving yields in flood intolerant crops. An effective way of achieving this may be through PCO inhibition, however complete ablation of PCO activity is detrimental to growth and phenotype, likely due to other PCO-mediated roles. Targeting PCOs will therefore require either temporary chemical inhibition or careful engineering of the enzyme structure to manipulate its O2 -sensitivity and/or substrate specificity. Sufficient PCO structural and functional information should make this possible, given the potential to engineer site-directed mutagenesis in vivo using CRISPR-mediated base editing Here, we discuss the knowledge still required for rational manipulation of PCOs to achieve ERF-VII stabilisation without a yield penalty. We also take inspiration from the biocatalysis field to consider how enzyme engineering could be accelerated as a wider strategy to improve plant stress tolerance and productivity.