cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Exposure to Di-2-Ethylhexylphthalate Replacements With Increased Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents

Phthalates are environmental chemicals widely used in consumer and personal care products. In this study, we examined associations of urinary phthalates with blood pressure, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in children and adolescents, performing a cross-sectional analysis of a subsample of US children 6 to 19 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between the years 2009 and 2012. We quantified exposure to common environmental phthalates, with a focus on the dietary contaminant di-2-ethylhexylphthalate and 2 increasingly used replacements, di-isononyl phthalate and di-isodecyl phthalate, based on micromolar concentration of urinary metabolites. We assessed descriptive, univariate, and multivariable associations with blood pressure and lipids. Controlling for an array of sociodemographic and behavioral factors, as well as diet and body mass, metabolites of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, di-isononyl phthalate, and di-isodecyl phthalate were associated with higher age-, sex- and height-standardized blood pressure. For each log unit increase in di-isodecyl phthalate metabolites, a 0.105 standard deviation unit increase in systolic blood pressure z score was identified (P=0.004); for di-isononyl phthalate metabolites, a 0.113 standard deviation unit increment was identified (P=0.008). For di-2-ethylhexylphthalate metabolites, a 0.103 standard deviation unit increment (P=0.013) was detected. Metabolites of low molecular weight phthalates commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products showed an association with blood pressure (≥90th percentile) in univariate analysis, but this was no longer significant in our full multivariable model, suggesting specificity. Phthalate metabolites were not associated with triglycerides or high-density lipoproteins. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and to assess opportunities for intervention.
Infection Control and Biological Hazards

The disease that has become most important in infection control is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most severe manifestation of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has been diagnosed in more than 1,000 children younger than 13 years of age throughout the USA, 80 % of whom have been infected in utero or perinatally secondary to maternal infection. Thus, HIV infection in childhood is becoming more widespread. Because the cause of AIDS is a virus transmissible from human to human, personnel in contact with patients or tissues from infected individuals should follow guidelines such as those set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC for handling all human blood and body fluid specimens, as well as tissues.
Population ecology of the Kamehameha Butterfly (Lepidoptera : Nymphalidae)

Mark-recapture studies of the endemic Hawaiian Kamehameha butterfly, Vanessa tameamea Eschscholtz, were conducted at five sites on Tantalus Mountain, Oahu, where adults fed on sap oozing from injured Acacia koa Gray (Mimosaceae) trees. Males outnumbered females at the sap fluxes by 4.5 to 1, but females accounted for 58% of 137 specimens collected at diverse sites during the last century. Thus, we infer that the proportion of time spent at sap fluxes was greater for males than females. Males showed high site fidelity; none of 51 recaptures of males were transfers between sites. Males' expected residence time was 16 d. The estimated number of males at the most intensively studied site varied from 13 to 36 during a 35-d period. On the island of Hawaii, a search of 16,360 leaves of Pipturus albidus (Hooker & Arnott) Gray (Urticaceae), the primary larval host plant, yielded one larva of V. tameamea . Although habitat destruction may have reduced the distribution of V. tameamea , results suggest that food for larvae is not a limiting resource for extant populations.
Fenvalerate Resistance Mechanisms in Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Pharmacokinetics were studied in two strains of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), that differed in their susceptibility to fenvalerate by 7-fold. Analyses at 1, 12, 24, and 48 h after continuous exposure revealed that fenvalerate- 14 C penetrated more slowly into thrips of the resistant KCM strain than into those of the more susceptible UMC strain. When expressed as percentage of total recovered radiocarbon, radioactivity in the internal extract of KCM thrips increased from 0.4% at 1 h to 2.5% at 48 h, whereas that in UMC thrips increased from 1.5 to 9.5% during the same time interval. However, fenvalerate- 14 C metabolism was faster in KCM thrips than in UMC thrips. Of the total radiocarbon in the internal extracts at the four sampling times, fenvalerate composed 43 2% in KCM thrips and 80 ± 2% in UMC thrips. Thus, decreased penetration and enhanced metabolism contributed to fenvalerate resistance in western flower thrips.
Rehabilitative technology use among individuals with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy.

Purpose To document use of rehabilitative technology among individuals with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) among sites of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research network (MD STARnet). Methods Data from 362 caregivers who participated in the MD STARnet caregiver interview between April 2006 and March 2012 (54.7% response rate) were analyzed to assess the type, frequency and duration of use of assistive technology. Results Caregiver reports of technology use by individuals with DBMD across five MD STARnet sites in the US demonstrated significant regional differences in the proportion of individuals who had ever used night splints (36.9%-73.0%), standers (3.1%-22.2%) and scooters (10.7%-54.5%). Among individuals who used night splints 59.7% stopped using them at a mean age of 10.3 years after a mean duration of 2.9 years in spite of the current recommendation to continue using them through the non-ambulatory phase. Discussion Results of this comprehensive survey document the frequency of assistive device use by individuals with DBMD in the USA and also provides data on differences across the sites. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for and the impact of these differences on clinical outcomes and health related quality of life of individuals with DBMD.
Effect of pressure on the elastic properties of vitreous As 2 S 3

The elastic properties of amorphous ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ have been measured as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 20 kbar. The pressure dependence of the isothermal bulk modulus ${K}_{T}$ is interpreted in terms of an interatomic potential, consisting of a Lennard-Jones and a Born-Mayer term. It is shown that this potential predicts a structural phase transition at a pressure range 350-400 kbar. A complete correlation is found to exist between the pressure dependence of the elastic properties and the pressure dependence of the rigid-layer modes as measured by Zallen on crystalline ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$.
Influence of menstrual cycle phase on resting-state functional connectivity in naturally cycling, cigarette-dependent women.

Sex differences in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality exist, with women experiencing more severe health consequences and greater difficulty with smoking cessation than men. One factor that likely contributes to these sex differences is menstrual cycle phase and associated neural and cognitive changes associated with ovarian hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Previously, we showed that naturally cycling, cigarette-dependent women in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle showed greater reward-related neural activity and greater craving during smoking cue exposure. To better understand our results and the observed sex differences in smoking behavior and relapse, we explored potential menstrual cycle phase differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in naturally cycling, cigarette-dependent women. Understanding how menstrual cycle phase affects neural processes, cognition, and behavior is a critical step in developing more efficacious treatments and in selecting the best treatment option based on a patient’s needs. Resting-state functional connectivity analyses were used to examine connectivity strength differences between naturally cycling, premenopausal, cigarette-dependent women who were in the follicular phase (FPs; n = 22) and those in the luteal phase (LPs, n = 16) of their menstrual cycle. We also explored associations between connectivity strength and attentional bias to smoking cues. Compared with LPs, FPs showed decreased rsFC between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), and ventral striatum. Among FPs, rsFC strength between the dACC and the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the bilateral dorsal striatum, and the left temporal gyrus was inversely correlated with attentional bias to smoking cues. This is the first study to explore menstrual cycle phase differences in rsFC among cigarette-dependent women, and results suggest that FPs show differences in rsFC underlying cognitive control, which could place them at greater risk for continued smoking and relapse. These findings provide new insights toward individualized treatment strategies.
Efficacy of Ulinastatin in Children with Severe Cerebral Trauma and Its Mechanism of Action

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ulinastatin(UTI) in children with severe cerebral trauma,and to investigate the mechanism of UTI action.Methods Forty-two patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 8 who were admitted to the hospital within 8 hours after severe cerebral trauma were randomly divided into two groups,with 21 patients in each groups.The control group was given conventional therapy.On the basis of conventional therapy,the observation group was additionally treated with intravenous infusion of 10 000 U·kg-1·d-1 UTI dissolved in 30 mL normal saline once-twice per day within the first 1-7 days after admission.Plasma S-100B protein and neuron-specific enolase(NSE) concentrations were measured by ELISA and endothelin(ET) levels were detected by specific radioimmunoassay before and 1,4 and 7 days after treatment.The mortality and digestive bleeding rate were recorded in both groups.Results The ET,NSE and S-100B protein levels in children with severe cerebral trauma were higher than normal values before treatment,but decreased 24 hours after treatment.There were no significant differences between the two groups(P0.05).Compared with control group,levels of ET,NSE and S-100B protein and rates of mortality and digestive bleeding obviously decreased in observation group 4 and 7 days after treatment(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusion UTI can decrease plasma ET,NSE and S-100B protein levels,reduce the mortality and digestive bleeding rates,and improve the prognosis in children with severe cerebral trauma.
Determination of the Cold-resistance of Cassia bicapsularis and C.corymbosa by Electric Conductivity Method

One-year-old shoots of Cassi bicapsularis and C.corymbosa were selected for the study of their cold-resistance under different low temperatures by determining the relative electric conductivity in their leaves.The semilethal temperature of C.bicapsularis and C.corymbosa was calculated from a Logistic equation.The results show that the semilethal temperature of C.bicapsularis and C.corymbosa is respectively-6.27 ℃ and-11.13 ℃,and the cold-resistance of C.corymbosa is stronger than that of C.bicapsularis.The article points out that protective measures should be taken in winter if Cassia bicapsularis and C.corymbosa are to be introduced into Xuzhou.
A Calculation Model of Gear Steel Hardenability Based on Nonlinear Equation

The method of nonlinear regression equations has been chosen to establish a mathematical model which is modified through the hardenability data of actual production of the gear steels.Based on the model.a prediction platform was developed to calculate the hardenability of gear steels,which can calculate the hardness of random Jominy distance according to chemical composition and grain size.The forecast accuracy is better than that of the normal multiple linear regression equation.
Patients with bipolar illness admitted to a general medical service.

Background. This study was done to assess the size and characteristics of the patient population with bipolar illness treated on the general medical service of two divisions of the Charleston Area Medical Center, the largest hospital complex in West Virginia. Methods. A total of 779 admitting and/or discharge summaries were reviewed. Results. The average age of the manic patients (50.5 years) was lower than that of schizophrenic patients (56.1 years) or the general population (58.9 years). The most common reasons for admission in the manic group were chest pain (5 patients) and drug overdose (4 patients). Alcohol abuse was more common in the bipolar group (20%) than in the schizophrenic group (11%) or the general population (12%). Conclusions. Additional studies of the prevalence of bipolar disorder in West Virginia are warranted.
Healthcare-associated pneumonia: Who is truly at risk for multidrug-resistant pathogens?

In 2005, joint guidelines issued by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) provided the first definition of healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP).[1][1] This new classification was added to the existing classes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP
Source-Impact Forecasting for Dynamic Air Quality Management: Application to Prescribed Burn Management

The newly developed weather-based prescribed burn forecasting capability presents new opportunities for dynamic air quality management. Forecasting of burn emissions has been incorporated into the HiRes-2 Air Quality Forecasting System. Forecasts are being produced daily for air quality and the impacts of power plant, traffic and prescribed burn emissions. The ultimate goal is to integrate these air quality forecasts into the burn permitting operations.
Chapter 5 Mechanisms at the axon tip regulate metabolic processes critical to axonal elongation

Publisher Summary Axons contain both membranous and cytoskeletal structures. These two different types of structures are composed of different proteins; moreover, the mechanisms that regulate the metabolism of the membranous and the cytoskeletal proteins form two independent but parallel pathways. In each of these pathways, specific mechanisms control the amount of structures that are available for elongation at the axon terminal. In a nonelongating axon, the end of the axon remains at a relatively constant size. In this steady state, the amount of membranous and cytoskeletal protein supplied to the axon terminal equals the amount that is removed from the axon. By contrast, in an elongating axon the distal end of the axon is constantly enlarging; thus, the amount of protein removed must be less than the amount that is supplied. This net excess in accumulation provides the materials that are required for the extension of the axon. When the elongating axon contacts an appropriate target cell and stops elongating, the balance of the rates of supply and the rates of removal must adjust to a net zero steady state.
Expanding Patient Access to Quality Sleep Health Care through Telemedicine

In January the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) officially launched AASM SleepTM, a state-ofthe-art telemedicine platform that was designed specifically for the sleep field by the AASM. This milestone repre sents the dawn of a new era for sleep medicine. Through AASM SleepTM, the potential now exists for any patient in any state or U.S. territory—including those in the most remote rural areas and underserved urban communities—to receive quality care from a board-certified sleep medicine physician and the sleep team at an AASM-accredited sleep facility. For patients all across the U.S., access to sleep medicine expertise is now a reality. In addition to improving patient access to high quality sleep care, telemedicine provides unprecedented convenience that will enhance the patient experience of care. By connecting with a sleep specialist through live, web-based video visits instead of traveling to the sleep center, patients can save valuable time and money. For example, a recent analysis of all telemedicine visits at one Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital found that telemedicine resulted in an average travel savings of 145 miles and 142 minutes per visit. 1 The convenience of telemedicine appointments also enables patients to take less time off from work, which is one reason why telemedicine programs can result in high levels of patient satisfaction. 2 This convenience can be especially important for the longterm management of a chronic disease such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In fact, one study of a comprehensive, telemedicine-based OSA management pathway found that patient feedback “was overwhelmingly positive.” 3
Aortic valve replacement with the De Bakey valve.

De Bakey prostheses were inserted in 29 patients with aortic valve disease between October, 1970, and May, 1972. Ten patients have died, but all but one of the remaining 19 have been followed for a minimum of 19 months. Evaluation of the results in these subjects indicates that the function of the De Bakey valve compares favorably with that of other aortic valve prostheses.
Common Dental and Orofacial Trauma: Evaluation and Management

This article reviews common dental and orofacial traumatic injuries, and provides a broad overview and general principles of the diagnosis and management of common dental and orofacial injuries. Such knowledge will aid the physician in recognition and assessment of injury, proper treatment, and appropriate referral to the specialist. Although many of these injuries warrant appropriate consultation, a sound understanding of assessment and treatment protocol is important.
Can vocabulary lessons increase the amount of complex syntax produced by head start teachers? A pilot study

In this pilot study, we examine the suitability of materials for a vocabulary intervention designed to influence the amount of complex syntax teachers use in at-risk preschool classrooms. Six Head ...
Phosphate starvation induces replacement of phospholipids with the betaine lipid diacylglycerol-N,N,N-trimethylhomoserine in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans

We have previously demonstrated that phosphate starvation induces replacement of phosphatidylcholine with the betaine lipid diacylglyceryl-N,N,N-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS) in fungi. In Neurospora crassa, the BTA1 gene encodes the betaine lipid synthase, which is necessary and sufficient for DGTS synthesis. BTA1 expression and DGTS accumulation are part of the fungal phosphorus (Pi) deprivation (PHO) regulon, mediated by the NUC-1/Pho4p transcription factor. We now demonstrate that the human pathogen Candida albicans encodes a BTA1 ortholog (CaBTA1), which is activated during Pi scarcity. The CaBTA1 gene is also induced under certain biofilm-promoting conditions independent of Pi starvation. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR showed a significant increase in CaBTA1 expression in response to Pi limitation. Thin-layer chromatography and LC-ESI-MS/MS confirmed the replacement of PC with DGTS in wild-type under low Pi and showed the absence of DGTS in the bta1∆∆ mutant. Pi limitation in the gut of critically ill patients also triggers the switching of C. albicans into an invasive filamentous form. To assess the role of BTA1 and DGTS in the pathogenicity of C. albicans in vitro, we compared the growth and morphology of bta1∆∆ and wild type in hyphae-inducing media and observed defects in biofilm formation and invasive growth in the bta1∆∆ mutant. This observation is complemented by RNA-seq data demonstrating that Pi starvation in planktonic C. albicans cells induces the expression of virulence-associated cell surface proteins. Taken together, these results show novel functional interactions between lipid metabolism and remodeling, biofilm formation, and the phosphate starvation response of C. albicans.
State of the Science in Dried Blood Spots

BACKGROUND: Advancements in the quality and availability of highly sensitive analytical instrumentation and methodologies have led to increased interest in the use of microsamples. Among microsamples, dried blood spots (DBS) are the most well-known. Although there have been a variety of review papers published on DBS, there has been no attempt at describing the full range of analytes measurable in DBS, or any systematic approach published for characterizing the strengths and weaknesses associated with adoption of DBS analyses. CONTENT: A scoping review of reviews methodology was used for characterizing the state of the science in DBS. We identified 2018 analytes measured in DBS and found every common analytic method applied to traditional liquid samples had been applied to DBS samples. Analytes covered a broad range of biomarkers that included genes, transcripts, proteins, and metabolites. Strengths of DBS enable its application in most clinical and laboratory settings, and the removal of phlebotomy and the need for refrigeration have expanded biosampling to hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. Weaknesses may limit adoption in the near term because DBS is a nontraditional sample often requiring conversion of measurements to plasma or serum values. Opportunities presented by novel methodologies may obviate many of the current limitations, but threats around the ethical use of residual samples must be considered by potential adopters. SUMMARY: DBS provide a wide range of potential applications that extend beyond the reach of traditional samples. Current limitations are serious but not intractable. Technological advancements will likely continue to minimize constraints around DBS adoption.
Developing together: The role of executive function and motor skills in children’s early academic lives

Abstract A considerable body of research indicates that children’s executive function (EF) skills and related school readiness constructs are important for early learning and long-term academic success. This review focuses on EF and a related construct, motor skills with a focus on visuomotor integration, as being foundational for learning, and describes how these skills codevelop in young children in bidirectional and synergistic ways. The review discusses definitional and conceptual issues, connects EF and visuomotor integration to relevant theoretical perspectives, discusses measurement issues and advancements, and reviews intervention evidence to support the malleability of these skills in young children. Discussion emphasizes how these skills develop together and suggests that research examining children’s learning from a codevelopment perspective can help promote children’s health and well-being.
ADIPOCYTE, PREADIPOCYTE AND MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELL INTERACTION

The development of mammary epithelium and its supporting tissues to form a mammary gland can be used as a paradigm for the analysis of several important questions in cell and developmental biology. Are cell interactions that result in cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis instructive or are they only permissive? Are cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis mutually interdependent processes? What controls cell positioning in a tissue so that morphogenesis can occur? How is hormone sensitivity acquired? And how are cell proliferation and differentiation integrated? We have developed a tissue culture model system of mammary gland differentiation to investigate these and other related questions. Analyses of mammary epithelium interacting with adipocytes in cell culture have led us to propose that cell interactions are required for cell proliferation and acquisition of prolactin sensitivity and that differentiation of mammary epithelium in vitro consists of both cytodifferentiation and morphogenesis, processes that are not necessarily interconnected.
Miller’s Primality Test

Factoring integers into their prime factors is one of the oldest and most important computational problems. It is a problem that goes back to Euclid and is still thriving today. It is generally assumed that factoring is computationally intractible, and many modern cryptographic protocols are based on this assumption. If someone discovered an efficient factoring algorithm tomorrow, there would be a lot of unhappy CIA and KGB agents around.
Regulation of Apoptosis in Interleukin-3-Dependent Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Apoptosis plays an important role in the regulation of hematopoiesis by deleting growth factor-dependent progenitors following physiologic reductions in hemopoietins.1,2 To examine signalling pathways which may influence apoptosis in hematopoietic progenitors we have utilized the Interleukin-3 (IL-3) dependent 32Dcl3 murine myeloid cell line. 32D cells are absolutely dependent upon IL-3 for proliferation and survival,3,4 and have no propensity for developing factor-independent growth. In the absence of IL-3, 32D cells rapidly arrest in the Gl phase of the cell cycle and eventually undergo apoptosis.5
CO2 Corrosion in the Presence of Trace Amounts of H2S

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of an incremental change in the solution pH, from 4 to 6.6, on CO2 corrosion rates of AISI 1018 steel in the presence of H2S in both single phase flow (Vsl = 1 m/s) and multiphase flow (Vsg=3 m/s, Vsl= 1 m/s) in a large scale multiphase flow loop. Linear polarization probes, electrical resistance probes, and weight loss coupons were used to monitor corrosion rates during 4 to 10 day exposures to a CO2 saturated solution with trace amounts of H2S. The media for experimentation was a 1% NaCl solution at 60oC, at 7.9 bar (100 psig) total pressure, with gas phase additions of H2S up to 100 ppm. Protective adherent films, seen under these conditions, limited corrosion rates in both single phase and multiphase flow conditions.
Evolution of pancreatic cancer survival over the past two decades.

e15722Background: Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is a highly lethal disease, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of approximately 6%, and a median OS of only 3–6 months (m). Despite recent improveme...
Best Practices in Animal Sheltering

Abstract Based on the recommendations of a number of professional associations and academic research, this chapter provides guidelines for best practices in animal sheltering. Topics covered include: the nature and maintenance of facilities; data management; population management; animal care; health and emergency protocols; volunteers; animal enrichment; adoption practices; staffing and training; and community relations. Because best practices in animal sheltering and welfare are always evolving—the review provides a summary of recommendations at one point in time.
Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling has become of interest to researchers working in various research areas of biology and medicine. Current studies show a promising future of using miRNAs in the diagnosis and care of lung diseases. Here, we define a protocol for miRNA profiling to measure the relative abundance of a group of miRNAs predicted to regulate inflammatory genes in the lung tissue from of an ozone-induced airway inflammation mouse model. Because it has been shown that circulating sex hormone levels can affect the regulation of lung innate immunity in females, the purpose of this method is to describe an inflammatory miRNA profiling protocol in female mice, taking into consideration the estrous cycle stage of each animal at the time of ozone exposure. We also address applicable bioinformatics approaches to miRNA discovery and target identification methods using limma, an R/Bioconductor software, and functional analysis software to understand the biological context and pathways associated with differential miRNA expression.
Gating Approaches in Cardiac PET Imaging

Cardiac PET provides high sensitivity and high negative predictive value in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies. Cardiac, respiratory as well as bulk patient motion have detrimental effects on thoracic PET imaging, in particular on cardiovascular PET imaging where the motion can affect the PET images quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Gating can ameliorate the unfavorable impact of motion additionally enabling evaluation of left ventricular systolic function. In this article, the authors review the recent advances in gating approaches and highlight the advances in data-driven approaches, which hold promise in motion detection without the need for complex hardware setup.
Pt-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets amplified two-way lateral flow immunoassays with smartphone readout for quantification of pesticides.

Abstract Excessive use of herbicide and insecticide causes bioaccumulation in the environment and increases potential toxicity for people and animals. Portable systems for rapid assays of herbicide and insecticide residues have attracted prominent interests. Here, we developed a two-dimensional (2D) Pt–Ni(OH)2 nanosheets (NSs) amplified two-way lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) with a smartphone-based readout for simultaneous detection of acetochlor and fenpropathrin. The 2D Pt–Ni(OH)2 NSs were synthesized and used as the enhanced signal label in the immunoassay due to their high peroxidase-like activity and low migration speed. The two-way LFI was designed to eliminate potential cross-reaction between two targets. Portable detection system was developed based on a smartphone-based readout, which scans the LFI and provides the accurate testing result. The universal use of smartphones makes the developed platform suitable for cheap and on-site applications. Using the integrated platform, detection of acetochlor and fenpropathrin simultaneously was successfully achieved with the detection limits of 0.63 ng/mL and 0.24 ng/mL, respectively. To confirm the performance of the on-site application, we detected 10 non-spiked samples and 3 spiked samples. The obtained detection results were consistent with the data from gas chromatography analysis. The estimated recoveries ranged from 97.12% to 111.46%, indicating the practical reliability of our developed assay. The developed smartphone-based platform exhibits enhanced sensitivity, which provides a promising technique for on-site, multiplex, highly sensitive detection of pesticides.
Objective and Subjective Social Isolation and Psychiatric Disorders Among African Americans

Social isolation is a major problem in the United States that has adverse impacts on health and well-being. However, few studies investigate social isolation among African Americans or the impact of social isolation on psychiatric disorders. This study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of objective (absence of contact with others) and subjective (lacking feelings of closeness to others) social isolation on psychiatric disorders among African Americans. The sample includes 3570 African Americans from the National Survey of American Life. Regression models were used to test the impact of objective and subjective isolation on 12-month MDD, any 12-month DSM disorder and number of 12-month DSM disorders. Analyses indicated that subjective isolation from family only, friends only, and both groups were associated with greater odds of meeting criteria for 12-month MDD, any 12-month disorder and number of 12-month DSM disorders. However, objective isolation was unrelated to either measure of psychiatric disorder. Study findings indicate that affective characteristics of social isolation (feelings of closeness with family and friends) are more significant for psychiatric disorders than are objective features (social contact). Our discussion notes that the connections between subjective and objective social isolation and psychiatric disorders are complex and potentially reciprocally associated with one another. Clinical practice should focus on both possible associations.
Dietary Supplements Pose Real Dangers to Patients

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act led to a flood of poor-quality dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) jurisdiction is limited to removing products proven unsafe, rather than prospectively assessing them for quality manufacturing. With so many products available, there is very little FDA oversight until reports of patient harm occur. Microbial and heavy metal contamination, adulteration with synthetic drugs (including drugs banned from the United States), substituting herbs, and fraudulently specifying ingredients on the label have all occurred. Clinicians should collectively advocate for legislative change, only recommend products tested by outside laboratories for quality, and educate consumers about the risks of using unverified products.
Hotels benefit from stricter regulations on short-term rentals in European cities:

The aim of this study is to examine whether the introduction of stricter rules on short-term rentals (STRs) in some European cities will have an impact on hotel overnight stays. The treatment group...
Momentum with Variance Reduction for Nonconvex Composition Optimization

Composition optimization is widely-applied in nonconvex machine learning. Various advanced stochastic algorithms that adopt momentum and variance reduction techniques have been developed for composition optimization. However, these algorithms do not fully exploit both techniques to accelerate the convergence and are lack of convergence guarantee in nonconvex optimization. This paper complements the existing literature by developing various momentum schemes with SPIDER-based variance reduction for non-convex composition optimization. In particular, our momentum design requires less number of proximal mapping evaluations per-iteration than that required by the existing Katyusha momentum. Furthermore, our algorithm achieves near-optimal sample complexity results in both non-convex finite-sum and online composition optimization and achieves a linear convergence rate under the gradient dominant condition. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our algorithm converges significantly faster than existing algorithms in nonconvex composition optimization.
Critical Fields of Ube13 Films

The temperature dependences of the parallel and perpendicular critical magnetic fields of polycrystalline Ube13 films have been measured. The ratio of the critical fields, Hc11/Hc⊥, has been found to be 1.25 at low temperatures, a value less than would be expected for s-wave pairing without surface pair-breaking but greater than expected for any pairing configuration which is a pure angular momentum state with L ≠ 0. Similar efforts directed at the preparation of UPt3 films were unsuccessful because of the formation of an impurity phase of UPt which is a ferromagnet.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Light Therapy to Reduce Fatigue in Adolescents and Young Adults Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy.

Fatigue is one of the most consistent and distressing symptoms reported by adolescent/young adult (AYA) oncology patients. Bright white light (BWL) is used to treat fatigue in adult oncology but ha...
Low Complication Rate of Anterior Lumbar Spine Surgery in an Ambulatory Surgery Center.

ABSTRACT Background: As healthcare costs rise, attempts are being made to perform an increasing proportion of spine surgery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). ASCs are more efficient, both economically and functionally. There remains uncertainty regarding the safety of performing anterior lumbar procedures requiring vascular access, as little has been published on this subset of patients. Methods: This is a consecutive case series analysis of anterior lumbar spine surgeries that were performed in a free-standing ASC in a private-practice setting over a 1-year period, including anterior lumbar interbody fusion, artificial disc replacement, and hybrid procedures. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data recorded included age, gender, body mass index, tobacco use, and the presence of diabetes; level and procedure, operating room time, estimated blood loss, complications; discharge site, occurrence of reoperation, hospital admission, or any medical complication or infection over a 90-day period. Results: Fifty-one patients underwent 63 treated levels (34 artificial disc replacement, 29 anterior lumbar interbody fusion): 40 single-level, 10 two-level, one three-level. Average age was 45 years; 27 female, 24 males. None of the patients were diabetics, three were current smokers, seven were former smokers. Average body mass index was 27 ± 4 (range 16-36). Average total anesthesia time was 100 minutes (range 57-187 minutes). Average estimated blood loss was 23 mL (range 5-250 mL). Seventy-one percent of patients were discharged directly home, 29% to an aftercare facility. In the 30-day postoperative period there were no deaths, one hospital admission for pain, and no significant medical complications or surgical site infections. Conclusion: In this consecutive case series artificial disc replacement or anterior lumbar interbody fusion was performed at 63 levels in 51 patients in the ASC setting with an observed major complication rate of zero and hospital unplanned admission rate of 2% (1/51). This provides some evidence that these procedures are safe to perform in the ASC setting. However, a highly experienced vascular surgeon and efficient surgical team, and strict patient selection criteria are all critical in making this possible.
Emergency Physicians and Personal Narratives Improve the Perceived Effectiveness of COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations on Social Media: A Randomized Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Containment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires the public to change behavior under social distancing mandates. Social media are important information dissemination platforms that can augment traditional channels communicating public health recommendations. The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 public health messaging on Twitter when delivered by emergency physicians and containing personal narratives. METHODS: On April 30, 2020, we randomly assigned 2007 U.S. adults to an online survey using a 2x2 factorial design. Participants rated 1 of 4 simulated Twitter posts varied by messenger type (emergency physician vs federal official) and content (personal narrative vs impersonal guidance). Main outcomes were: perceived message effectiveness (35-point scale); perceived attitude effectiveness (15-point scale); likelihood to share Tweets (7-point scale); and writing a letter to their governor to continue COVID-19 restrictions (write letter or none). RESULTS: The physician/personal message had the strongest effect and significantly improved all main messaging outcomes except for letter-writing. Unadjusted mean differences between physician/personal and federal/impersonal were: perceived messaging effectiveness (3.2 [95%CI, 2.4-4.0]); perceived attitude effectiveness (1.3 [95%CI, 0.8-1.7]); likelihood to share (0.4 [95%CI, 0.15-0.7]). For letter-writing, physician/ personal made no significant impact compared to federal/ impersonal (odds ratio 1.14 [95%CI, 0.89-1.46]). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians sharing personal narratives on Twitter are perceived to be more effective at communicating COVID-19 health recommendations compared to federal officials sharing impersonal guidance.
Intergenerational Justice for Children: Restructuring Adoption, Reproduction & Child Welfare Policy

An intergenerational justice perspective requires that we look at the condition of the existing generation of children and those to be born in the future. Many millions of the existing generation of children are now in trouble and at high risk of never fulfilling their human potential. These children are in turn unlikely, if they live to produce children, to be capable of providing the nurturing parenting that the next generation will need. The article’s starting premises are that we should count child interests as of equivalent value to adult interests and that we do owe justice not just to the existing generation of children but to the next generations as well. Justice to the next generations means encouraging the creation of children who will have a good chance to enjoy the pleasures of life, children who will be born healthy and will be brought up by nurturing parents. Given these premises, there is much wrong with current reality and related policy. We now encourage the reproduction of more children than we can care for, provide limited child welfare enabling poor parents to better care for their children, and discourage adoption both domestic and international. We should reverse these policies. We should change the pronatalist and anti-contraception policies that encourage the reproduction of children who won’t likely be born healthy or receive nurturing care. We should provide child welfare so that poor parents who want to keep and raise their children can do so. We should encourage adoption, both domestic and international. DOI 10.1515/lehr-2014-0002 *Corresponding author: Elizabeth Bartholet, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA, E-mail: ebarthol@law.harvard.edu Law Ethics Hum. Right. 2014; 8(1): 103–130 Brought to you by | De Gruyter / TCS Authenticated | 173.9.48.25 Download Date | 7/9/14 5:39 PM
TrkB signaling contributes to transdiaphragmatic pressure generation in aged mice

TrkB signaling is necessary for generating maximal forces by the diaphragm muscle. In 19- to 21-mo-old TrkBF616A mice susceptible to 1NMPP1-induced inhibition of TrkB kinase activity, maximal Pdi g...
Influence of aerosols on clouds, precipitation and freezing level height over the foothills of the Himalayas during the Indian summer monsoon

Long term (2002–2017) satellite-retrieved and reanalysis datasets are utilized to assess the daily and interannual timescale impact of aerosol loadings on the cloud properties, precipitation amounts, and freezing level height over the southern slopes and adjacent foothills (SSFH) of the Himalayas during the Indian summer monsoon season. Daily timescale composites during polluted days suggest the development of widespread deeper clouds and higher precipitation amounts. Significant efforts were carried out to isolate the role of weather forcing in the daily timescale from the outlined aerosol-cloud-precipitation relationship by using the environmental relative humidity (RH) and vertical velocity (ω). Results provide strong evidence suggesting that regardless of weather pattern forcing, the direct association of aerosol optical depth (AOD) with precipitation, and cloud properties remained consistent for day-to-day timescales. The spatial correlation analyses of daily AOD with cloud properties and precipitation during both wet and dry monsoonal years indicate a positive association of higher aerosol concentration with cloud vertical development and precipitation. The 0 °C isotherm altitude is found to be higher by 136.82 ± 18.82 m (mean ± standard deviation) during the polluted days in comparison to relatively cleaner environments, which can be crucial for the change in snow line and melting of glaciers impacting the hydroclimate of the Himalayas. Our results suggest that the influence of aerosol on modulating the regional precipitation and freezing level height can be significant for the hydroclimate of the Himalayan region in a daily to interannual timescale.
The muslim precariat of assam: Contagion, migrants, and covid-19

This article examines the plight of migrant Muslim garbage pickers during the COVID-19 lockdown in India and their struggles to return home to Assam. Their financial hardships were exacerbated by social, political, and religious prejudices. Belonging to the Bengali-speaking miya community, deemed “Bangladeshi,” government authorities neglected them. The lockdown’s hyped-up anti-Muslim propaganda also reduced them to “corona jihadis.” The author reads their struggles as a case study of the Muslim condition in India and argues for civic engagement for redressing the condition of the marginal and vulnerable. The research was conducted through telephone and Zoom calls and in-person interviews.
Abandoning Eugenics and the QALY

Should decision making in health care, notably in respect of the allocation of resources between individuals and disease states, rest on notions of the burden of disease and denial of care as assessed by societal evaluations or on the extent to which the need of patients and caregivers is fulfilled. The prospect of the denial of health care, for those deemed ‘unworthy’ has a long history in the eugenics movement. Many have assumed that this ‘utilitarian aberration’ has long been discredited. Unfortunately, once the question of the allocation of limited health care resources is considered it reasserts itself; manifested in the creation of health state preferences and states worse than death, and application of the cost-per-QALY calculus driving claims for pricing and access. In the US, this focus on cost-per-QALY claims is most closely associated with the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) with its regular clinical assessments and modelled imaginary simulations supporting recommendations which, in many if not most cases, give support to the denial of care. The purpose of this commentary is to point to the unfortunate similarities between ‘eugenic’ decision making and the application of thresholds in burden of illness cost-per-QALY exercises. If we are to finally rid ourselves of a ‘eugenic’ approach to health care resource allocation, then we must abandon preferences and the QALY calculus.
MIT’s Computer Resource Lab: A research and educational facility for GIS in urban planning

Abstract The paper describes the curriculum on geographic information systems developed in the Department of Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for those studying for the Master in City Planning degree. Particular emphasis is given to the part played by the Computer Resources Lab in serving the needs of the architecture and planning departments, the interactions between teaching and research, and those between the course and professional practice. The required courses are outlined and the wide range of recommended courses, drawn from a number of departments in the Institute, are listed- The authors emphasize the necessity of their being at the forefront of research if they are lo maintain the flow of hardware and software from contacts and donations on which their research and teaching depend.
Effects of Altered Cerebral Hemodynamics on Cognitive Function

Cerebral hemodynamic impairment has come under examination over the years as an independent cause for cognitive dysfunction, but only recently has the advance of imaging and ultrasound technology permitted a fuller investigation of physiopathology. Beyond the impact of fixed structural lesions such as infarction and white matter hyperintensities, hemodynamic dysfunction, which includes hypoperfusion and altered cerebral autoregulation, may be independently associated with cognitive decline. More importantly, whereas vascular-related structural pathology may produce so-called vascular dementia, disorders of blood flow and blood flow regulation may also present clinically as mild cognitive impairment or even frank dementia, but may in fact be reversible. Hemodynamic effects may occur at the level of the cerebral hemisphere due to restricted flow through a large vessel of the neck or head, at a global level in the setting of cardiac failure, or intrinsically due to dysfunction of the endothelium in the microvasculature. This review surveys clinical, imaging, and physiological evidence for the association between hemodynamic abnormalities at these different levels and cognitive impairment.
Classroom Idea-Sparkers: Grading and Student Learning: Ideas for Practice

After more than 30 years in education, I have noticed that grading is one of the most troubling and recurrent issues classroom teachers face. Conversations about grading—its challenges, its limitat...