cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iron status of elderly Americans

Studies of iron nutriture in the elderly are limited and very few include observations on individuals over the age of 75. The two Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys carried out by the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare demonstrate that the mean iron intake of Americans is adequate until the age of 75. However, with changes in the major food sources there is a decrease in iron derived from meat and a concomitant rise in the proportion supplied by breakfast cereals. Alterations in dietary iron bioavailability++ that may result from this have not been studied. Physiological data suggest that the elderly do not represent a target population for iron deficiency since iron requirements are no greater than those of adult men and lower than those of children and menstruating women. Furthermore, there is little direct evidence of a high prevalence of iron deficiency in the elderly, but the laboratory measurements that have proved useful in defining iron status in younger people have not been standardized for or extensively used in older people. Anemia is still the most important known consequence of significant iron deficiency. However, the application of Hb or hematocrit standards used in younger people to the elderly as well as the assumption that anemia can be equated with iron deficiency invalidates the conclusions of many surveys. Hb and hematocrit measurements are not suitable screening tests for iron deficiency in the elderly and there is an urgent need for a clearer understanding of the physiological and nutritional factors responsible for lower Hb values in older people, particularly older Blacks.
Relation of Ventricular Premature Complexes to Heart Failure (from the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities [ARIC] Study)

Analogous to rapid ventricular pacing, frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) can predispose over time to cardiomyopathy and subsequent heart failure (HF). We examined the association of frequent VPCs with HF incidence in a population-based cohort, free of HF and coronary heart disease at baseline. At study baseline (1987 to 1989), ≥1 VPC on a 2-minute rhythm electrocardiographic strip was seen in 5.5% (739 of 13,486) of the middle-age (45 to 64 years old at baseline) white and black, men and women of the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities cohort. Incident HF was defined as the first appearance of International Classification of Diseases code 428.x in the hospital discharge record or death certificate through 2005. During an average follow-up of 15.6 years, incident HF was seen in 10% the participants (19.4% of those with VPCs vs 9.4% of those without). The age-, race-, and gender-adjusted hazard ratio of HF for VPCs was 1.89 (95% confidence interval 1.59 to 2.24). After multivariable adjustment for potential confounders, the hazard ratio of HF for those with any VPC versus no VPC was 1.63 (95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.96). After additional adjustment for incident coronary heart disease as a time-varying covariate, the hazard ratio was 1.71 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 2.08). Those with a greater frequency of VPCs or complex VPCs had similar rates of HF compared to those with a single VPC and all had rates greater than those with no VPC. In conclusion, in this large population-based cohort, the presence of VPCs was associated with incident HF, independent of incident coronary heart disease.
The Neuropsychology of Memory

Neuropsychology aims to describe how the brain accomplishes learning and memory, in a way that speaks both to cognitive psychology and neuroscience. This paper presents a summary of presently available information about the neuropsychology of human memory, emphasizing three ideas: a) The neural substrate of memory continues to change for a long time after initial learning. This change (memory consolidation) is distinct from the changes underlying forgetting and involves the medial temporal region of the brain. b) The nervous system honors the distinction between two kinds of learning and memory (procedural vs. declarative). The former is spared in amnesia and does not depend on the integrity of the particular brain regions that when damaged cause amnesia. c) Animal models of human amnesia in the monkey are now available. These models should permit those brain regions damaged in amnesia to be identified and should lead to more detailed neurobiological study of these regions.
Propagation prediction for the Navy Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) program

This paper examines the extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation from a horizontal antenna in the earth-ionosphere waveguide. Attention is focused on the application to field predictions in the Navy's ELF program. The field expressions in the presence of an anisotropic ground are obtained by a heuristic approach based upon a linear relationship between the horizontal electric and magnetic field components. Phasing anomalies at the Wisconsin Test Facility (WTF) have been observed since 1974. A theoretical model of this phenomenon is derived on the basis of a mutual coupling mechanism between the two WTF antenna elements and characteristics observed in measured field strength data. The diurnal variation of the radiated field is studied in terms of the attenuation rate, phase velocity, and height of the ionospheric reflecting layers. The diffusivity characteristics of realistic ionosphere are analytically modeled. A comparison of the predicted field strength/phase with the measured data yields excellent agreement.
Exceptional Howe Correspondences Over Finite Fields

We consider the restriction of the reflection representation to various reductive dual pairs in exceptional groups, and determine the correspondence of generic representations.
Brd4 Is Required for E2-Mediated Transcriptional Activation but Not Genome Partitioning of All Papillomaviruses

Bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been identified as the cellular binding target through which the E2 protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1 links the viral genome to mitotic chromosomes. This tethering ensures retention and efficient partitioning of genomes to daughter cells following cell division. E2 is also a regulator of viral gene expression and a replication factor, in association with the viral E1 protein. In this study, we show that E2 proteins from a wide range of papillomaviruses interact with Brd4, albeit with variations in efficiency. Moreover, disruption of the E2-Brd4 interaction abrogates the transactivation function of E2, indicating that Brd4 is required for E2-mediated transactivation of all papillomaviruses. However, the interaction of E2 and Brd4 is not required for genome partitioning of all papillomaviruses since a number of papillomavirus E2 proteins associate with mitotic chromosomes independently of Brd4 binding. Furthermore, mutations in E2 that disrupt the interaction with Brd4 do not affect the ability of these E2s to associate with chromosomes. Thus, while all papillomaviruses attach their genomes to cellular chromosomes to facilitate genome segregation, they target different cellular binding partners. In summary, the E2 proteins from many papillomaviruses, including the clinically important alpha genus human papillomaviruses, interact with Brd4 to mediate transcriptional activation function but not all depend on this interaction to efficiently associate with mitotic chromosomes.
Designer hydrogels for precision control of oxygen tension and mechanical properties

Oxygen levels and mechanical properties provide vital cues to regulate myriad cellular functions and stem cell fate decisions. Here, we present a hybrid hydrogel system in which we can control independently oxygen levels and mechanical properties. We designed, synthesized and analyzed a hybrid hydrogel system comprised of two polymer backbones, gelatin and dextran. Both polymers were crosslinked via a laccase-mediated, oxygen consuming reaction. By specifically controlling the concentration of phenolic molecules available to react in our hydrogel, we could precisely control the time in which the hydrogel remained hypoxic (TH). We were able to achieve a range of TH from the order of minutes to greater than 10 hours. Additionally, by incorporating a secondary crosslinker, transglutaminase, mechanical properties could be adjusted in a user-defined fashion, with dynamic elastic modulus (G′) values ranging from 1 kPa. Importantly, oxygen levels and substrate mechanical properties could be individually tuned and decoupled in our hybrid hydrogels, while retaining the potential to study possible synergistic effects between the two parameters. By precisely controlling oxygen tension and mechanical properties, we expect that research utilizing the new hybrid hydrogels will enhance our understanding of the complex 3D cellular processes mediated by each parameter individually and may also hold clinical interest as acellular therapies.
Alternative methods for estimating resource rent and depletion cost: the case of Argentina's YPF

Abstract The quantification of the depreciation of natural capital is fundamental to the evaluation of the sustainability of economic development. Several methods for calculating the depletion cost of natural resource stocks have been proposed and used, including net price, El-Serafy's depletion cost, sustainability price, transaction value and replacement cost. Miller and Upton have also shown how resource rent can be estimated using the market value of a firm's liabilities. The relation of resource rent to depletion cost is discussed. These alternative approaches and techniques are described and critiqued. The alternative methods are used to obtain estimates for the resource rent and depletion cost of Argentina's petroleum reserves with data derived from the privatization of Argentina's state-owned oil enterprise, YPF. The results are used to argue that two methods, net price and transactions, overvalue the resource rent of petroleum reserves and to support the derivation of rent from the value of a firm's stock.
Comparison of wafer-level spatial I/sub DDQ/ estimation methods: NNR versus NCR

Extending the useful life of I/sub DDQ/ test to deep submicron technologies has been a topic of interest in recent years. I/sub DDQ/ test loses its effectiveness as the signal to noise ratio degrades due to rising background current and fault-free I/sub DDQ/ variance. Defect detection using I/sub DDQ/ test requires separation of deterministic sources of variation from defective current. Several methods that use deterministic variation in I/sub DDQ/ at the wafer level for estimating fault-free I/sub DDQ/ of a chip are proposed. This paper compares two such methods: nearest neighbor residual (NNR) and neighbor current ratio (NCR). These methods are evaluated using industrial test data for a recent technology.
A coherent droplet model including a Yukawa interaction term for high-energy pp scattering

A modification of the coherent droplet model for elastic proton-proton scattering is proposed in which the imaginary part of the phase shift arises from the usual contact interaction but with real part resulting from a Yukawa interaction between the hadronic-matter distributions. For the Yukawa term two distinct cases are considered—the exchange of a single vector meson and the exchange of two different vector mesons. The latter case is found to yield good agreement with the highenergy data for mass values of 810 MeV and 2240 MeV.
Accuracy Counts: Illegal Votes in Contested Elections and the Case for Complete Proportionate Deduction

Contested elections in which the number of illegal votes exceeds the purported winner’s margin of victory present courts with difficult choices. Simply certifying the result risks denying the true winner his victory, while ordering a new election leaves the choice to a changed electorate. Adjusting the results is also problematic, as it may create a perception that judges, and not voters, have decided the election. This Note argues that courts should be more willing to use statistical techniques to resolve this type of election dispute. It critiques the various remedial measures that courts have employed, as well as the rejection of statistical methods in existing case law and legal commentary. The author concludes that a statistics-based remedy — termed “complete proportionate deduction” — best balances the values of accuracy, finality, and public faith in the democratic process.
Isolation of Bright Blue Light-Emitting CdSe Nanocrystals with 6.5 kDa Core in Gram Scale: High Photoluminescence Efficiency Controlled by Surface Ligand Chemistry

Alkylamine-capped blue light-emitting (CdSe)34 nanocrystals were synthesized via a phosphine-free method and isolated in gram-scale quantity. The exclusive formation of 6.5 kDa core mass was confirmed by combined optical spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry studies. Variable power laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry further confirmed the formation of the (CdSe)34 core. The surface ligand chemistry was found to be extremely important in enhancing the photoluminescence properties. The nanocrystals were highly stable during the postsynthetic ligand treatment with triphenylphosphine, which increased their fluorescent quantum yield up to 23.6% without compromising the core composition as determined by mass spectrometry. Examination of their 31P and 1H NMR spectra demonstrated the presence of amine and phosphine on the surface of the nanocrystals where phosphines were selectively attached to surface selenium sites that stabilized the nonradiative trap states and increased the fluorescenc...
Necrotic skin lesions after hemodialysis.

A 44-year-old woman with end-stage liver disease presents with a painful, ischemic, necrotic lesion on her thigh. What is the diagnosis?
Atypical pancreatitis. Report of six cases.

Summary One must be constantly alert to the possibilityof pancreatitis with unusual clinical manifestations. We have presented 6 atypical cases of pancreatitis as follows: 1.Pancreatitis presenting as perinephricinflammation and subdiaphragmatic abscess that resulted in left nephrectomy. 2.An extensive left abdominal abscesseventually shown to be secondary to pancreatitis. 3.Painless chronic pancreatitis manifestedby the complications of steatorrhea, diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic calcification. 4.Chronic relapsing pancreatitis of thehereditary form manifested by pancreatic calcification and by anemia that was the result of hemorrhage apparently from gastroesophageal varices secondary to thrombosis of the splenic vein. 5.Chronic relapsing pancreatitis thatsimulated peptic ulcer. 6.Chronic relapsing pancreatitis withclinical manifestations simulating those of Addison's disease, intraabdominal malignancy, diffuse collagen disease, and cirrhosis. Unusual complications were thrombosis of the portal vein, hydrothorax, and chylous ascites.
Acculturative stress as a moderator for international student drinking behaviors and alcohol use consequences

Drinking behaviors and alcohol use consequences can have a major effect on well-being in college student populations. Little research has addressed how the unique acculturative stress experiences of international students may affect their alcohol use and consequences. This study examined acculturative stress as a moderator of the relationship between international student drinking behaviors and alcohol use consequences. Data were collected from 175 international students and analyzed using hierarchal regression analysis to assess the moderating effect of acculturative stress. Acculturative stress moderated the relationship between alcohol use and related consequences such that the relationship was stronger among those with higher levels of acculturative stress. Efforts to alleviate acculturative stress experiences of this population may help decrease alcohol use consequences.
Limitations of episodic memory for highly similar auditory stimuli

ABSTRACTTwo experiments investigated participants’ recognition memory for word content, while varying vocal characteristics, and for vocal characteristics alone. In Experiment 1, participants performed an auditory recognition task in which they identified whether a spoken word was “new”, “old” (repeated word, repeated voice), or “similar” (repeated word, new voice). Results showed that word recognition accuracy was lower for similar trials than old trials. In Experiment 2, participants performed an auditory recognition task in which they identified whether or not a phrase was spoken in an old or new voice, with repetitions occurring after a variable number of intervening stimuli. Results showed that recognition accuracy was lower when old voices spoke an alternate message than a repeated message and accuracy decreased as a function of number of intervening items. Overall, the results suggest that speech recognition is better for lexical content than vocal characteristics alone.
Bayesian pairwise collaboration detection in educational datasets

Online education affords the opportunity to revolutionize learning by providing access to high-quality educational resources at low costs. The recent popularity of so-called MOOCs (massive open online courses) further accelerates this trend. However, these exciting advancements result in several challenges for the course instructors. Among these challenges is the detection of collaboration between learners on online tests or take-home exams which, depending on the courses' rules, can be considered cheating. In this work, we propose new models and algorithms for detecting pairwise collaboration between learners. Under a fully Bayesian setting, we infer the probability of learners' succeeding on a series of test items solely based on their response data. We then use this information to estimate the likelihood that two learners were collaborating. We demonstrate the efficacy of our methods on both synthetic and real-world educational data; for the latter, we find strong evidence of collaboration for a certain pair of learners in a non-collaborative take-home exam.
Virus-Mediated Alterations in miRNA Factors and Degradation of Viral miRNAs by MCPIP1.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the causative agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma, encodes 25 mature viral miRNAs. MCP-1-induced protein-1 (MCPIP1), a critical regulator of immune homeostasis, has been shown to suppress miRNA biosynthesis via cleavage of precursor miRNAs through its RNase domain. We demonstrate that MCPIP1 can directly cleave KSHV and EBV precursor miRNAs and that MCPIP1 expression is repressed following de novo KSHV infection. In addition, repression with siRNAs to MCPIP1 in KSHV-infected cells increased IL-6 and KSHV miRNA expression, supporting a role for MCPIP1 in IL-6 and KSHV miRNA regulation. We also provide evidence that KSHV miRNAs repress MCPIP1 expression by targeting the 3’UTR of MCPIP1. Conversely, expression of essential miRNA biogenesis components Dicer and TRBP is increased following latent KSHV infection. We propose that KSHV infection inhibits a negative regulator of miRNA biogenesis (MCPIP1) and up-regulates critical miRNA processing components to evade host mechanisms that inhibit expression of viral miRNAs. KSHV-mediated alterations in miRNA biogenesis represent a novel mechanism by which KSHV interacts with its host and a new mechanism for the regulation of viral miRNA expression.
Common controversies in management of biliary strictures

Biliary strictures are caused by a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant conditions, each requiring a specific treatment approach. Management of biliary strictures often involves endoscopy either for definite treatment, as a bridge to surgery or for palliative purposes. Endoscopic treatment of various types of biliary strictures is not standardized and there are multiple areas of controversy regarding the best treatment options. These controversies are mainly due to lack of well-designed comparative studies to support a specific therapy. This paper reviews three common areas of controversy in the endoscopic management of biliary strictures. The areas discussed in this editorial include the role of biliary drainage in resectable malignant strictures and whether such drainage should be performed routinely prior to surgery, the best endoscopic palliation for unresectable hilar strictures and whether unilateral or bilateral stenting should be attempted, and the optimal endoscopic management for dominant strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The goal of this editorial is twofold. The first is to review the current literature on management of the aforementioned strictures and offer recommendations based on available evidence. The second goal is to highlight the gaps in our knowledge which in turn can encourage future research on these topics.
Rubber Stamping: The Contingent Effect of Firm Prestige on Entrepreneurial Mobility

The antecedents of entrepreneurial mobility is an important line of inquiry in the study of entrepreneurship. Specifically, extant literature has focused on the role of the firm prominence, or stat...
The challenges ahead in immunotoxicity assessment: An in vitro model of human leukopoiesis

Abstract The science behind immunotoxicology continues to evolve. The goals of this paper are to highlight some of the challenges in immunotoxicity assessment that still need to be addressed. In a general sense, one of the challenges is the ability to translate results to humans. With the exception of pharmaceuticals, it is difficult to conduct studies in humans. As such, a number of in vitro models have been developed, and have been successfully applied to explore the effects of xenobiotics on human cells. In a more specific sense, this paper describes advances in a component of the human immune system that has, heretofore, been understudied – human leukopoiesis.
Do US Government Tax Revenues and Expenditures Respond to Debt Levels and Economic Conditions Asymmetrically over the Business Cycle

This paper empirically investigates whether there are asymmetries in the responses of US government tax revenue and expenditure to debt levels and economic conditions over the business cycle. State of the art regime switching regression models, including Threshold Regression and Markov Switching, are investigated. Both sides of the government budget show asymmetries, but the asymmetries for tax revenue show greater statistical significance. The results show that both tax revenue and expenditure respond to high debt levels, with the asymmetry in this response showing that fiscal authorities take weaker action in response to debt during poor economic times. In addition, the asymmetric response to economic conditions for both sides of the budget shows that stronger countercyclical policy is taken during poor economic times.
Rolled Tendon Allograft Interposition Arthroplasty for Salvage Surgery of the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

Background:Hallux rigidus is a common osteoarthritic disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Few salvage treatment options exist that preserve motion for patients who have failed an ...
Unmanned aerial system assisted framework for the selection of high yielding cotton genotypes

Abstract Recent advances in molecular breeding and bioinformatics have greatly accelerated the screening of large sets of genotypes. Development of field-level phenotyping, however, still lags behind and is considered by many as the main bottleneck to improved efficiency in breeding programs. Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and sensor technology available today enables collection of data at high spatial and temporal scales, previously unobtainable using traditional airborne remote sensing technologies. Here, we propose an UAS-assisted high throughput phenotyping framework for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotype selection. UAS data collected on July 24, 2015 were used to calculate canopy cover, and UAS data collected on August 5, 2015 were used to extract open boll related phenotypic features including number of open bolls, average area of open bolls, average diameter of open bolls, perimeter of open bolls, perimeter to area ratio. Using the extracted features, a sequential selection procedure was performed on a population of 144 entries. Entries selected from the proposed framework were compared to the highest yielding entries determined by mechanical harvest results. Experimental results indicated that the selection process increased minimum and average lint yield of the remaining population by 7.4 and 10%, respectively, and UAS-selected entries and genotypes matched 80 and 73%, respectively, the same lists ranked by actual field harvest measurements.
Thermal properties of metallic films

Abstract: As the feature size of electronic devices continues to decrease, thermal properties become a more important consideration. In this chapter, theoretical and experimental considerations related to the thermal properties of metallic films and wires are presented. It is shown that many features can be understood using the Wiedemann–Franz law and standard models for surface and grain-boundary electron scattering. More sophisticated models including solutions to the Boltzmann transport equation are also described. Finally, contributions to thermal conductivity due to phonons are shown to make only a small contribution.
Pretreatment Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex Connectivity With Salience Network Predicts Depression Recovery: Findings From the EMBARC Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract Background Baseline rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) activity is a well-replicated nonspecific predictor of depression improvement. The rACC is a key hub of the default mode network, which prior studies indicate is hyperactive in major depressive disorder. Because default mode network downregulation is reliant on input from the salience network and frontoparietal network, an important question is whether rACC connectivity with these systems contributes to depression improvement. Methods Our study evaluated this hypothesis in outpatients (N = 238; 151 female) enrolled in the Establishing Moderators and Biosignatures of Antidepressant Response for Clinical Care (EMBARC) 8-week randomized clinical trial of sertraline versus placebo for major depressive disorder. Depression severity was measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and electroencephalography was recorded at baseline and week 1. Exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography was used to compute activity from the rACC, and key regions within the default mode network (posterior cingulate cortex), frontoparietal network (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), and salience network (right anterior insula [rAI]). Connectivity in the theta band (4.5–7 Hz) and beta band (12.5–21 Hz) was computed using lagged phase synchronization. Results Stronger baseline theta-band rACC–rAI (salience network hub) connectivity predicted greater depression improvement across 8 weeks of treatment for both treatment arms (B = −0.57, 95% confidence interval = −1.07, −0.08, p = .03). Early increases in theta-band rACC–rAI connectivity predicted greater likelihood of achieving remission at week 8 (odds ratio = 2.90, p = .03). Conclusions Among patients undergoing treatment, theta-band rACC–rAI connectivity is a prognostic, albeit treatment-nonspecific, indicator of depression improvement, and early connectivity changes may predict clinically meaningful outcomes.
A tolerability assessment of new respiratory protective devices developed for health care personnel: A randomized simulated clinical study

Background U.S. health care personnel (HCP) have reported that some respiratory protective devices (RPD) commonly used in health care have suboptimal tolerability. Between 2012 and 2016, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Veterans Health Administration collaborated with two respirator manufacturers, Company A and B, to bring new RPD with improved tolerability to the U.S. health care marketplace. The purpose of this study was to compare the tolerability of four new prototype RPD to two models commonly used in U.S. health care delivery. Methods A randomized, simulated workplace study was conducted to compare self-reported tolerability of four new prototype RPD (A1, A2, B1, and B2) worn by HCP and two N95 control respirators commonly used in U.S. health care delivery, the 1870 and 1860, manufactured by 3M Corporation. A new survey tool, the Respirator Comfort, Wearing Experience, and Function Instrument (R-COMFI), developed previously in part for the current study, was used as the primary outcome metric. With a maximum total score of 47, lower R-COMFI scores reflected better self-reported tolerability. Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate prototype relative risks compared to controls. Results Conducted between 2014 and 2015 in two inpatient care rooms at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, among 383 participants who enrolled, 335 (87.5%) completed the study. Mean total R-COMFI scores for the 3M 1870, 3M 1860, and prototypes A1, A2, B1, and B2 were 8.26, 9.36, 5.79, 7.70, 6.09, and 5.71, respectively. Compared to the 3M 1870, total R-COMFI unadjusted relative risks (RR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) were A1 (RR 0.70, CI 0.60, 0.82), A2 (RR 0.93, CI 0.82, 1.06), B1 (RR 0.74, CI 0.64, 0.85), and B2 (RR 0.69, CI 0.60, 0.80). Compared to the 3M 1860, prototype total R-COMFI unadjusted RR and 95 percent CI were A1 (RR 0.62, CI 0.53, 0.72), A2 (RR 0.82, CI 0.73, 0.93), B1 (RR 0.65, CI 0.57, 0.74), and B2 (RR 0.61, CI 0.53, 0.70). Similarly, models adjusted for demographic characteristics showed that prototypes A1, B1, and B2 significantly improved tolerability scores compared to both controls, while prototype A2 was significantly improved compared to the 3M 1860. Conclusions Compared to the 3M 1870 and 3M 1860, two RPDs commonly used in U.S. health care delivery, tolerability improved for three of four newly developed prototypes in this simulated workplace study. The R-COMFI tool, used in this study to assess tolerability, should be useful for future comparative studies of RPD.
Writing an Engineering Education Proposal for the National Science Foundation: An Interactive Workshop

The goals of this workshop are to increase the community’s knowledge of current funding opportunities at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and to support projects with potential significant impacts on engineering education. This workshop gives new and experienced principal investigators the opportunity to interact with program directors from the Division of Engineering Education & Centers (EEC) in the Directorate of Engineering and the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) in the Directorate of Education and Human Resources (EHR). Participants will learn about new and current funding opportunities in a highly interactive format (i.e., team-based activities and discussion).
Getting Reimbursed for Digital Health

Reimbursement should not be an afterthought when developing a digital health service it should be thought of early in the development process to be successful. Successful reimbursement can be a key driver to the success of your digital health product. Obtaining insurance reimbursement from a commercial payer or Medicare may seem complicated and/or an obstacle too difficult and cumbersome to overcome. Developing a reimbursement strategy can be the answer to solving your products reimbursement struggles or paving the way to early success. Do not make the dreaded error of waiting until after your 501(k) submission to start thinking about reimbursement by this time it may be too late. The three elements to any successful reimbursement strategy are coding, coverage, and payment. Understanding how these elements are built individually and function together will assist you in creating a winning reimbursement strategy.
10 – Psychometric concerns

Publisher Summary There are a number of practical concerns and issues that should be foremost in one's mind to help perform the optimal neuropsychological evaluation. Specialists in neuropsychology can think about the issues discussed in this chapter. Professionals do not always hear the family's perspective about the patient, yet family members typically have the most accurate, long-term perspective on the patient's pre-morbid function. Besides, the family lives day-to-day with the patient's alterations in function, some of which are neurologically based and some of which are psychological reactions to deficits. Close family members are likely to notice changes and can often report more accurately than can the patient if changes have occurred in the patient's demeanor, interests, activities, awareness, and behavior. Although interviewing the patient and a key family member is usually sufficient for most clinical situations, in forensic cases or when there are job-related problems of immediate concern, it is also requested to speak with the patient's work supervisor or other relevant individuals. All of these strategies serve the purpose of better understanding the patient. Also, the natural anxiety that patients bring to the testing situation can often be ameliorated if patients understand the context in which their test performances will be evaluated. The use of psychometrists is another area of some controversy in the field of neuropsychological assessment.
Throwing Shade at Cyrus: Willingness to Censor Teen Homosexuality in Disney’s Andi Mack

The inclusion of a gay 13-year-old main character (Cyrus Goodman) on the Disney television series Andi Mack prompted social conservatives to call for the show’s cancellation due to the alleged nega...
Authoritarian innovations: theoretical foundations and practical implications

Curato and Fossati's concept of authoritarian innovations encourages scholars to look beyond the nominal categories in which we may classify political regimes and to focus instead on how political ...
Border policing: a history of enforcement and evasion in North America

While news reports on immigration authority abuses in the United States might suggest that aggressive border enforcement is a new phenomenon, Holly M. Karibo and George T. Diaz’s edited collection ...
Predictors of left ventricular reverse remodelling after coarctation of aorta intervention.

AIMS Several coarctation of aorta (COA) severity indices are used for timing of COA intervention, and to define severity of residual coarctation post-intervention. However, it is unclear how many of these COA indices are required in order to recommend intervention, and what degree of residual coarctation results in suboptimal recovery of the left ventricle (LV). Our aim was to assess the correlation between different COA indices and effects of chronic LV pressure overload (LV hypertrophy, diastolic, and systolic dysfunction), and to determine the effect of residual coarctation on LV reverse remodelling after COA intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS COA severity indices were defined as Doppler COA gradient, systolic blood pressure (SBP, upper-to-lower-extremity SBP gradient, aortic isthmus ratio. LV remodelling indices were defined as LV mass index (LVMI), LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), e' and E/e'. LV reverse remodelling was defined as the difference between indices obtained pre-intervention and 5-year post-intervention (delta LVMI, e', E/e', LVGLS).Of the COA indices analysed in 546 adult COA patients, aortic isthmus ratio had the strongest correlation with LVMI (β ± standard error -28.3 ± 14.1, P < 0.001), LVGLS (1.51 ± 0.42, P = 0.005), e' (3.11 ± 1.10, P = 0.014), and E/e' (-13.4 ± 6.67, P = 0.008). Residual aortic isthmus ratio also had the strongest correlation with LV reverse remodelling, and residual aortic isthmus ratio <0.7 was predictive of suboptimal LV reverse remodelling post-intervention. CONCLUSION Considering the known prognostic implications of LV remodelling and reverse remodelling in response to pressure overload, these results support the use of aortic isthmus ratio for timing of COA intervention, and for prognostication post-intervention.
Social distancing policies in 22 African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a desk review.

Introduction on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of October 5, 2020, there were over 34.8 million reported cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and more than 1 million reported deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), globally. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing policies, hand hygiene, and mask use, are key public health measures to control COVID-19. In response to, or in some cases even before, the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported in their countries, policy makers across Africa issued various social distancing policies. Methods we describe social distancing policies issued from March 1 to April 24, 2020 in 22 Anglophone countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We reviewed policies identified online. Results though all 22 countries closed schools and banned gatherings, they took a variety of approaches to sizes of gatherings banned and to stay-at-home orders, with 13 countries issuing national stay-at-home orders, four issuing subnational stay-at-home orders, and five not issuing stay-at-home orders. Enforcement provisions varied by country, as did funeral and health care exceptions. Conclusion movement restrictions, business restrictions, and school closures can have substantial negative impacts on economies, education, nutrition, and routine health care. Yet easing or lifting of COVID-19 social distancing policies can lead to increased transmission. Our review documents a wide variety of policy alternatives used in Africa and can inform future adjustments as countries ease, lift, and reapply measures in response to their evolving epidemics.
Browning white adipose tissue using adipose stromal cell-targeted resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles for combating obesity.

Abstract Enhancing thermogenic energy expenditure via promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a potential therapeutic strategy to manage energy imbalance and the consequent comorbidities associated with excess body weight. Adverse effects and toxicities of currently available methods to induce browning of WAT have retarded exploration of this promising therapeutic approach. Targeted delivery of browning agents to adipose stromal cells (ASCs) in subcutaneous WAT to induce differentiation into beige adipocytes may overcome these barriers. Herein, we report for the first time, ASC-targeted delivery of trans-resveratrol (R), a representative agent, using ligand-coated R-encapsulated nanoparticles (L-Rnano) that selectively bind to glycanation site-deficient decorin receptors on ASCs. After biweekly intravenous administration of L-Rnano to obese C57BL/6 J mice for 5 weeks targeted R delivery significantly induced ASCs differentiation into beige adipocytes, which subsequently resulted in 40% decrease in fat mass, accompanied by improved glucose homeostasis and decreased inflammation. Our results suggest that the ASC-targeted nanoparticle delivery of browning agents could be a transformative technology in combating obesity and its comorbidities with high efficacy and low toxicity.
An adaptive blended learning model for the implementation of an integrated medical neuroscience course during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The implementation of an integrated medical neuroscience course by technologically pivoting an in-person neuroscience course to online using an adaptive blended method may provide a unique approach for teaching a medical neuroscience course during the Covid-19 pandemic. An adaptive blended learning method was developed in response to the requirements necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This model combined pedagogical needs with digital technology using online learning activities to implement student learning in a medical neuroscience course for year one medical students. This approach provided medical students with an individually customized learning opportunity in medical neuroscience. The students had the complete choice to engage the learning system synchronously or asynchronously and learn neuroscience materials at different locations and times in response to the demands required to deal with the pandemic. Students' performance in summative and formative examinations of the adaptive blended learning activities were compared with the previous performance obtained the previous year when the contents of the medical neuroscience course were implemented using the conventional "face-to-face" learning approach. While the cohort of our students in 2019 and 2020 changed, the contents, sessions, volume of material, and assessment were constant. This enabled us to compare the results of the 2019 and 2020 classes. Overall, students' performance was not significantly different between the adaptive blended learning and the in-person approach. More students scored between 70% and 79% during the adaptive blended learning compared with in-class teaching, while more students scored between 80% and 89% during the in-person learning than during the adaptive blended learning. Finally, the percentage of students that scored >90% was not significantly different for both Years 2019 and 2020. The adaptive blended learning approach was effective in enhancing academic performance for high-performing medical students. It also permitted the early identification of underachieving students, thereby serving as an early warning sign to permit timely intervention.
Longitudinal Outcomes of Medical Student Research Mentorship: a 15-Year Analysis of the Radiation Oncology Mentorship Initiative

At our institution, students can be mentored by radiation oncology faculty through structured research programs, such as the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP). The purpose of this study is to report the research productivity of students who engaged in radiation oncology research mentorship, whether through the MSSRP or other avenues of research mentorship. We compiled a database of abstracts and manuscripts co-authored by 58 students who conducted research with radiation oncology faculty from 2005 to 2020. The means, medians, ranges, and interquartile ranges (IQR) of co-authorships and first authorships were calculated for the overall cohort and compared for MSSRP and non-MSSRP students, who matched into radiation oncology and those who did not, and male versus female students. Among all 58 students, 106 abstracts and 70 manuscripts were identified. Of those students, 54 (93.1%) published at least one abstract or manuscript. The mean number of abstract co-authorships per student was 3.07 (median 2, range 0–25, IQR 0–4), and the mean number of manuscript co-authorships per student was 2.22 (median 1, range 0–18, IQR 1–3). There were no significant differences in research output between MSSRP and non-MSSRP students or male and female students. However, the students who matched into radiation oncology published more co-author (3.67 vs. 1.63, p = 0.01) and first-author (1.62 vs. 0.53, p = 0.006) manuscripts than those who did not. Further research is warranted to assess whether skills gained from student-directed research translate into residency and beyond.
Implementation and perceived effectiveness of gun violence restraining orders in California: A qualitative evaluation.

Background Uptake of gun violence restraining orders (GVROs), which temporarily prohibit the possession and purchase of firearms and ammunition from individuals at particularly high risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm, has been slow and heterogenous across California. Insights into the implementation process and perceived effectiveness of the law could guide implementation in California and the many states that have enacted or are considering enacting such a law. Methods We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with 27 key informants, including judges, law enforcement officers, city and district attorneys, policy experts, and firearm violence researchers. Analysis of transcripts was guided by grounded theory and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Findings The following constructs emerged within 4 CFIR domains as salient features of implementation: 1) implementation characteristics: risk of violence, cost, and adaptability; 2) outer setting: interagency coordination and local firearm ideology; 3) inner setting: readiness for implementation and law enforcement firearm culture; and 4) implementation process: planning and engaging with those involved in implementation. Key informants perceived the law to be effective, particularly for preventing firearm suicide, but agreed that more research was needed. While most indicated that the law resulted in positive outcomes, concerns about the potential for class- and race-based inequities were also raised. Conclusions Implementation of the GVRO law in California was hampered by a lack of funding to support local proactive implementation efforts. This resulted in ad hoc policies and procedures, leading to inconsistent practices and widespread confusion among those responsible for implementation. In states that have not begun implementation, we recommend dedicating funding for implementation and creating local procedures statewide prior to the law's rollout. In California, recommendations include providing training on the GVRO law-including an explication of agency-specific roles, responsibilities, and procedures-to officers, city attorneys, and civil court judges.
MaMIoT: Manipulation of Energy Market Leveraging High Wattage IoT Botnets

If a trader could predict price changes in the stock market better than other traders, she would make a fortune. Similarly in the electricity market, a trader that could predict changes in the electricity load, and thus electricity prices, would be able to make large profits. Predicting price changes in the electricity market better than other market participants is hard, but in this paper, we show that attackers can manipulate the electricity prices in small but predictable ways, giving them a competitive advantage in the market. Our attack is possible when the adversary controls a botnet of high wattage devices such as air conditioning units, which are able to abruptly change the total demand of the power grid. Such attacks are called Manipulation of Demand via IoT (MaDIoT) attacks. In this paper, we present a new variant of MaDIoT and name it Manipulation of Market via IoT (MaMIoT). MaMIoT is the first energy market manipulation cyberattack that leverages high wattage IoT botnets to slightly change the total demand of the power grid with the aim of affecting the electricity prices in the favor of specific market players. Using real-world data obtained from two major energy markets, we show that MaMIoT can significantly increase the profit of particular market players or financially damage a group of players depending on the motivation of the attacker.