cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudouridylation of 7SK snRNA promotes 7SK snRNP formation to suppress HIV‐1 transcription and escape from latency

The 7SK snRNA sequesters P‐TEFb, a general transcription elongation factor and human co‐factor for HIV‐1 Tat protein, into the catalytically inactive 7SK snRNP. Little is known about how 7SK RNA is regulated to perform this function. Here, we show that most of 7SK is pseudouridylated at position U250 by the predominant cellular pseudouridine synthase machinery, the DKC1–box H/ACA RNP. Pseudouridylation is critical to stabilize 7SK snRNP, as its abolishment by either mutation at or around U250 or depletion of DKC1, the catalytic component of the box H/ACA RNP, disrupts 7SK snRNP and releases P‐TEFb to form the super elongation complex (SEC) and the Brd4–P‐TEFb complex. The SEC is then recruited by Tat to the HIV‐1 promoter to stimulate viral transcription and escape from latency. Thus, although 7SK RNA levels remain mostly unchanged, its function is modulated by pseudouridylation, which in turn controls transcription of both HIV‐1 and cellular genes. ![][1] The 7SK RNA is an abundant non‐coding nuclear RNA that is highly conserved in vertebrates. This study indicates that its function can be modulated by pseudouridylation, which in turn controls transcription of both HIV‐1 and cellular genes. [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Underachievement and Underrepresentation of Black Students in Mathematics: A Categorized List of References

The Mathematics Educator For the past twenty years there has been a growing concern for the underachievement and underrepresentation of Black students in mathematics. Much of the concern can be attributed to goals of the United States educational system designed to meet the social challenges of an industrial age: (1) mathematically literate workers, (2) lifelong learning, (3) opportunity for all and (4) an informed electorate (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989). Other reasons for the growing interest in the plight of Black students in mathematics are: (1) national security (military and economic), (2) lack of Black mathematics teachers, (3) underrepresentation of Blacks in mathematically Underachievement and Underrepresentation of Black Students in Mathematics: A Categorized List of References
Solution-phase and solid-phase sequential, selective modification of side chains in KDYWEC and KDYWE as models for usage in single-molecule protein sequencing

Single-molecule protein sequencing is regarded as a promising new method in the field of proteomics. It potentially offers orders of magnitude improvements in sensitivitiy and throughput for protein detection when compared to mass spectrometry. However, the development of such a technology faces significant barriers, especially in the need to chemically derivatize specific amino-acid types with unique labels. For example, fluorescent dyes would be suitable for single-molecule microscopy or nanopore-based sequencing. These emerging single-molecule protein-sequencing technologies suggests a need to develop an amino acid side chain-selective modification scheme that could target several side chains of interest. Current work for modifying residues focuses mainly on one or two side chains. The need to label many side chains, as recent computational modeling suggests, is required for high protein, sequencing coverage of the human proteome. Herein, we report our stragety for modifying two model peptides KYDWEC and KDYWE containing the most reactive residues, using highly opitmized mass labels in a sequential and selective fashion both using solution-phase and solid-phase chemistries, respectively. This will serve as a step towards a modification scheme appropriate for single-molecule studies.
Challenges to securing the Internet of Things

Great advances in technology have paved the way for the computerization and interconnectedness of the world around us. The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network comprised of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with manufacturers, users, and/or other connected devices. However, it is often the case that some of these devices are constrained by limited processing power, memory, and power consumption. These limitations may enable adverse effects as the IoT becomes pervasive, reaching into infrastructure, vehicles, and homes. As history has shown, the architects of the Internet were focused primarily on the efficiency and scaling aspects of data transfer protocols; at the dawn of the Internet, network and computer security were vacant research areas. The current trend shows the IoT market growing at an accelerated rate — will security again become an afterthought? The goal of this paper is to provide to not only a better understanding of the various IoT domains, but to survey the shortcomings and challenges to securing IoT devices and their interactions with cloud and enterprise applications.
Effect of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor INNO-406 on Human Mast Cells Bearing Mutated c-KIT Tyrosine Kinase.

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by a clonal accumulation of mast cells (MC) in bone marrow and other tissues. Malignant MC have abnormal spindle shape, express aberrant surface markers, and carry, in most cases, a mutation involving codon 816 of the c-KIT gene (D816V). This mutation results in a constitutively activated c-kit receptor associated tyrosine kinase and is responsible for disease progression. Agents that affect mutated c-kit may have clinical benefit in SM, but there is none clinically available. INNO-406 is a novel multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, previously shown to inhibit the growth of cells expressing c-kit by inhibiting its phosphorylation (Kimura, Blood, 106:3948–54, 2005). We investigated the effects of INNO-406 on mast cells with mutated c-KIT, and compared it to that of imatinib mesylate, tyrosine kinase inhibitor effective against selected c-KIT mutants. HMC-1 560 cells carrying juxtamembrane domain c-KIT mutation in codon 560, and HMC-1 560, 816 cells carrying both codon 560 mutation and tyrosine kinase domain c-KIT mutation in codon 816, were exposed to increasing concentrations (0.02 to 5 μM) of INNO-406 or imatinib in 72-hour cell proliferation assay. Both INNO-406 and imatinib effectively inhibited the growth of HMC-1 560 cells, with IC 50 of 45 and 75nM, respectively. Neither drug was effective against HMC-1 560, 816 cells at the doses tested. INNO-406 effectively induced apoptosis in HMC-1 560 , but not in HMC-1 560, 816 cells, as judged by the Annexin V flow cytometry test and by PARP specific cleavage seen on western blotting. In addition, INNO-406 was effective in inhibiting phosphorylation of c-kit in HMC-1 560 cells in nM range. Our results suggest similar potency of INNO-406 and imatinib in mast cells with mutated codon 560 (found in gastrointestinal stromal tumor), but no activity against cells with mutated codon 816 c-KIT (found in SM).
The effect of thermal fluctuations on Holstein polaron dynamics in electric field

Abstract In this work, we have studied the effects of thermal fluctuations on the stability of polaron motion under the influence of an external electric field. Zero temperature calculations have been reported previously showing the existence of critical electric field, E cr , where the system transitions from a stable polaron motion to a Bloch-like oscillation. In this study, we further report that for intermediate polaron sizes the lifetime of such Bloch-like oscillations decay with time due to excessive phonon emission. Our numerical simulations show that the value of E cr is finite for small temperatures. However, E cr rapidly decreases with increasing T and becomes practically zero for T > T cr . In this small but finite temperature window, we report how temperature affects (a) the electric current density, and (b) the Bloch-like frequencies.
A New Approach to Guaranteed Stability for Receding Horizon Control

Abstract A new approach to guarantee asymptotic stability for receding horizon control (RHC) algorithms is proposed. In contrast to other approaches which impose constraints on the terminal state of the predicted trajectory or append an infinite-horizon cost to the objective function, stability is achieved by imposing a stability constraint on the magnitude of the state along the entire predicted trajectory, and (if possible) reducing the constraint at each stage. It is shown that asymptotic stability is guaranteed for the case of multi-input linear time invariant (LTI) systems with full state information. Stability is achieved for any prediction horizon and any cost function. Features of the algorithm are illustrated for two simulation examples. Relationships to other approaches are discussed and several directions for extending the method are identified in the concluding section.
Use of surface scanning for creation of transparent facial orthoses. A report of two cases.

Abstract Objective: To introduce the advantages of surface scanning over conventional burn mask construction to produce better fitting transparent facial orthoses (TFO). Design: Two case reports. Setting: Regional burn center. Participants: Two burn survivors who sustained 25% and 82% total body surface area second and third degree flame burns, respectively. Description: A 50-year-old male who sustained 4.5% second and third degree facial burns and a 41-year-old female who sustained 6% second and third degree facial burns during the World Trade Center were fitted with a digitally produced TFO approximately 4 months after injury. After the patients were scanned, the images were edited to smooth existing scars and replicated as a mold through which the healing process was observed. Results/discussion: Facial burns represent many psychological and rehabilitation challenges. We recommend the use of a digitally produced device in patients with severe facial burns who require constant pressure to minimize hypertrophic scarring and to improve cosmesis. Scar management studies have shown that surface scanning results in a better fitting mask than conventional fabrication, without the labor-intensive, time-consuming, and imprecise process, which may delay treatment effects. The conventional process is slow and anxiety-provoking, especially for children, who often require anesthesia. In contrast, the head scanner rotates 360° around the pateint’s head, painlessly and accurately capturing the profile and contour of the face in 7 s. Since the procurement of this scanner, our two patients, as well as many other burn victims, have greatly benefited from the creation of face masks utilizing this equipment. We believe that all rehabilitation professionals caring for burn patients should be aware of this new technology.
Robotran: A Programming Environment for Novices Using LEGO Mindstorms Robots.

The LEGO Mindstorms robots provide an excellent introductory platform for students to explore computer programming and robotics. However, a major drawback is students’ lack of access to robots outside of lab. Our system includes a 2-D graphical simulator and a translator for a simple block-structured language we call Robolang that produces Lejos code. Students can program directly in either Robolang or Lejos, so the system has a longer curricular lifespan, allowing beginners to start with a simpler language and progress to a “real” language, all the while using the simulator to test their programs before downloading to a real robot. While robotics helps introduce AI to students in introductory courses, Robolang can also be used in an AI course to allow students to quickly develop interesting reactive robot agents using the LEGO platform.
INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY REPORTING-A BRIDGE TO INFORMATION TRANSFER

ABSTRACT In the last decade, individual companies and industries in the United States have made great advances in reducing their energy costs and improving energy efficiency. But, with each company and industry acting on its own, there is still a need for monitoring and analysis of energy conservation trends across all manufacturing industries, in order to make each industry aware of what is happening in other sectors and to ensure open communication between government and industry in the setting of energy conservation policy. The Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, has been in existence since 1976. Each year, approximately 600 manufacturing sector companies submit data on energy efficiency improvement and fuel-specific energy use to the Program. This data is the basis for an annual report on the current state of energy conservation in U.S. industry, which is submitted to Congress and the President. To provide a more meaningful context for interpreting the annual energy use data generated by the Reporting Program, a substantial amount of supplementary economic and technical information is also contained in the Report. These Annual Reports have played an important role in facilitating industry-government consultations and the transfer of energy conservation information between different industry sectors. For example, during the preparation of each Report, numerous meetings are held between government and industry representatives to solicit industry comments and input on all aspects of energy conservation in their sectors. The Reports also return valuable information both to industry – and to non-industry audiences – in the form of reports on new energy-saving techniques and the highlighting of emerging economic and technical trends. These and similar results of the Reporting Program effort make it a useful and productive avenue for encouraging government-industry and industry-industry dialogue on the process of energy efficiency improvement in the industrial sector.
US Hispanics and Preterm Births

Preterm birth is the greatest contributor to infant deaths in the USA and globally, and those who survive a premature birth suffer from long-term morbidities and disabilities. Current research into the causes of preterm disparities commonly attempts to isolate the effect of a single factor, without accounting for the co-occurrence and potential interactions among multiple protective and risk factors (e.g., age, race, education). Preterm births are now understood to be the result of several risk factors operating at multiple levels and across the life course. Among Hispanic women, maternal socio-demographic characteristics, medical and pregnancy-related conditions, maternal lifestyle, and acculturation are risk factors for preterm delivery. Vitamin D deficiency, which is common during pregnancy, is a risk factor for preterm delivery and is also more prevalent among Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic White women. Further research is needed to better understand if and how vitamin D deficiency and other nutrition-related risk factors may increase risk of premature birth among Hispanic women.
Data Monitoring: Structure for Clinical Trials and Sequential Monitoring Procedures

Many aspects of developing and fielding a clinical trial can be guided by well-known theoretical properties of experimental design and practical experience with the conduct of other types of studies on human populations. Interim data monitoring, however, is often unfamiliar territory even to investigators who have been involved with other aspects of clinical trials. Yet there is some general agreement based on long experience, and some published literature, on successful models for structuring the monitoring process, for statistical methods that can address common questions relating to the decision to continue or stop a trial, and on how a committee should approach the decision in the context of what is often an unexpectedly complex set of issues. In this chapter we present a short discussion of these aspects of data monitoring in clinical trials. The fundamental need for monitoring in order to fulfil the investigators’ ethical responsibilities to participants in a trial provides a rationale for the monitoring committee to be composed of experts independent of the investigators and suggests some basic structure for the committee’s meetings. The nature of statistical assessment of accumulating data has produced a variety of methods which can address specific questions of importance for data monitoring and are flexible enough to accommodate some practical constraints under which the monitoring committee must act. Finally, the variety and complexity of actual data monitoring experiences shows that no statistical technique can be used as the sole basis in the decision to stop or continue: the monitoring committee’s charge usually requires an active, thorough review of evidence which is neither simple nor straightforward.
URPE at UC Berkeley: The Activities, Protests, and Legacy of the Economics Students and URPE’s Once Largest Chapter:

Students at UC Berkeley helped found the Union for Radical Political Economic (URPE) in 1968. The Berkeley chapter of URPE worked with economic students to successfully press that a radical economi...
Ideals and Projections

The dominant theme of this book is the interplay, in a ∗-ring A, between the ring structure and the set \(\tilde{A}\) of projections of A. For the ring structure, the ideals of A are subsets of central importance; how may the corresponding subsets of \(\tilde{A}\) be characterized? This is the ques- tion treated in the present section.
Should We Incorporate the Work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in Our Current Teaching and Practice and, If So, How?

This article acknowledges the historical importance of the work of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and her five stages model. Because her name and this model appear in many textbooks, professional educational programs, and popular culture, should we incorporate these subjects in responsible ways in our current teaching and practice? The answer proposed here is that we should incorporate these subjects, but only if (a) we focus on her recommendations on behalf of active listening and learning from persons diagnosed with a terminal illness, (b) we limit ourselves to her descriptions of the individual reactions and responses experienced by her interviewees, (c) we acknowledge criticisms of the five stages model as a framework for understanding coping with life-threatening illness and dying, (d) we draw instead on alternative theories of coping with dying, and (e) we recognize dangers in applying this model to issues involving loss, grief, and bereavement and do not do so.
Unexpected Role of CD8 T Cells in Accelerated Clearance of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium from H-2 Congenic mice

ABSTRACT Salmonella infection can cause gastroenteritis in healthy individuals or a serious, systemic infection in immunocompromised patients and has a global impact. CD4 Th1 cells represent the main lymphocyte population that participates in bacterial clearance during both primary and secondary infections in mice of the H-2b haplotype. Previous studies have used congenic mice to examine the function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in elimination of this pathogen from the host. In this study, we further characterized the ability of H-2b, H-2k, and H-2u molecules to influence adaptive immunity to Salmonella in MHC congenic mice. By depleting different cell populations during infection, we unexpectedly found that CD8 T cells, in addition to CD4 T cells, play a major role in accelerated clearance of bacteria from H-2k congenic hosts. Our data suggest that CD8 T cells accelerate clearance in some MHC congenic mouse strains and could therefore represent an unexpected contributor to the protective efficacy of Salmonella vaccines outside the typical studies in C57BL/6 mice.
The nuts and bolts of omics for the clinical allergist.

Abstract Objective Omics, aka multi-omics, is an emerging area of research that is advancing the use of personalized medicine in clinical practice and is therefore relevant for the practicing allergist. Data Sources We performed a literature search of a selection of scientific findings in omics and allergy, including variants that may be important to allergy outcomes in the genome, transcriptome, metabolome, microbiome, epigenome, and exposome, among others. Study Selections Basic science papers and review articles. Results The use of multi-omic data in clinical practice is changing how clinicians treat their patients whereby more personalized approaches are becoming standard in medical practice and has the potential to transform the treatment of allergies. Conclusion Multi-omic data are relevant and will become increasingly important for the clinical allergist.
Energy processing by animals

Abstract Plants and bacteria are unique in having developed the ability to transform radiant energy into carbon-rich molecular compounds. Within the plant cell, and the cells of animal consumers, these carbon molecules can be oxidized, releasing their stored chemical energy. Metabolism is the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available.
Chromatin regulators mediate anthracycline sensitivity in breast cancer

Anthracyclines are a highly effective component of curative breast cancer chemotherapy but are associated with substantial morbidity1,2. Because anthracyclines work in part by inhibiting topoisomerase-II (TOP2) on accessible DNA3,4, we hypothesized that chromatin regulatory genes (CRGs) that mediate DNA accessibility might predict anthracycline response. We studied the role of CRGs in anthracycline sensitivity in breast cancer through integrative analysis of patient and cell line data. We identified a consensus set of 38 CRGs associated with anthracycline response across ten cell line datasets. By evaluating the interaction between expression and treatment in predicting survival in a metacohort of 1006 patients with early-stage breast cancer, we identified 54 CRGs whose expression levels dictate anthracycline benefit across the clinical subgroups; of these CRGs, 12 overlapped with those identified in vitro. CRGs that promote DNA accessibility, including Trithorax complex members, were associated with anthracycline sensitivity when highly expressed, whereas CRGs that reduce accessibility, such as Polycomb complex proteins, were associated with decreased anthracycline sensitivity. We show that KDM4B modulates TOP2 accessibility to chromatin, elucidating a mechanism of TOP2 inhibitor sensitivity. These findings indicate that CRGs mediate anthracycline benefit by altering DNA accessibility, with implications for the stratification of patients with breast cancer and treatment decision making.
Prolonged Peripheral Hypoperfusion Promotes Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke.

Objectives Sublethal, transient occlusion of peripheral vessels, called remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC), induces a neuroprotective state against brain infarction. Recent studies suggest chronic hypoperfusion in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) has analogous effects. We hypothesized a positive correlation between the severity of chronic hypoperfusion and the extent of neuroprotection. To determine if this correlation exists, we compared stroke volumes and clinical measures of modified ranking scale (mRS) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) between cases with and without PVD, subgrouping PVD cases by ankle-brachial-index (ABI) values. Patients and methods Cases of ischemic stroke with and without PVD were sampled retrospectively from a local institutional data base. Charts were manually reviewed for demographics (age, sex, ethnicity), comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, smoking, and stroke history), clinical measures (admission NIHSS, prior mRS, three-month mRS, and survival) and stroke volumes in each case. Those diagnosed with PVD and ABI indicating active disease were grouped as PVD cases; those not diagnosed with PVD or having ABI indicating absence of disease were used as controls. PVD cases were subgrouped by disease severity per ABI values: mild (ABI 0.8-0.9), moderate (ABI 0.5-0.9) and severe (ABI < 0.5). Data were analyzed in R using adjusted logarithmic-multivariate models. Adjusted cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between survival and PVD. Results A total of 105 patients, 50 PVD cases and 55 controls, were collected. Mean age was 72.54 years, 51.4% were males and 48.6% females, and 94% were Caucasian. There were 17 mild, 22 moderate, and 11 severe cases of PVD. A higher incidence of comorbidities was present in PVD cases. The mean admission NIHSS was 4.44 and did not differ significantly between groups. Stroke volumes were significantly lower (p = .021) in PVD cases (4.39 ± 8.97 ml) compared to controls (19.33 ± 44.31 ml). There was also a significant difference (p = .04) between volumes of mild (3.86 ± 5.47 ml) and severe (0.63 ± 0.76 ml) PVD cases. There were significant differences (p = .012) in the incidence of good outcomes in moderate to severe PVD cases (100%) compared to controls (83.3%). There was no difference in survival between groups (p = .538). Conclusion Increasing degrees of hypoperfusion related to PVD have a potential neuroprotective effect in acute ischemic stroke quantified by lower stroke volumes and better clinical outcomes at three months as seen in other preclinical models of RIPC.
A Real-Time Transmission-Distribution Testbed for Resiliency Analysis

With enhanced automation and control in active power distribution compared to the legacy system, interaction between transmission and distribution systems has become complex and need to be analyzed. Resiliency refers to ability of the system to continue serving energy to the critic loads even with extreme contingencies, which depends on existing automation, control, energy resources and network topology in the transmission and distribution system. Resiliency analysis for enabling multiple alternatives requires testbed for planning and operational decision. Testbeds having various capabilities have been developed at various institutions, but no single existing testbed can offer full scalability while simultaneously meeting high fidelity requirements for resiliency experimentation. Co-simulating testbed assets can offer a scalable experimentation platform that can be leveraged for verification and validation. As a first step in this direction, two real time simulators, Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and OPAL-RT have been interfaced using VILLAS framework. VILLASnode provides a gateway for processing and forwarding simulated data between real-time simulators. At the core, it acts like a client/server application to connect simulation equipment and software. As an illustrative use case, the resiliency of a transmission-distribution test system is simulated and the results are analyzed. A 179 bus WECC transmission system is developed using OPAL-RT/ HYPERSIM and a modified IEEE 13 node feeder system is built in RTDS/ RSCAD and interfaced for resiliency analysis.
“Math Gives Me a Tummy Ache!” Mathematics Anxiety in Kindergarten

We report on the construction and validation of the Young Children’s Math Anxiety Scale (YCMAX), a developmentally appropriate measure of math anxiety intended for kindergarten students. We adminis...
Should nursing be considered a STEM profession

Background The National Science and Technology Council developed a 5-year plan in 2013 to ensure that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experienced sustained growth within the United States (US). Nursing is comprised of multiple sciences that include chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and the social and behavioral sciences of sociology, developmental lifespan psychology, and psychology. Science, technology, engineering, and math constitute the traditional STEM acronym. Nursing programs graduate nurses with both the rigorous academic coursework and diverse clinical skills necessary to provide patient care. These skills employed by nurses in the clinical setting can serve as the basis for the inclusion of the nursing profession as a STEM-designated profession by the federal government and educational institutions within the US. Problem Currently, the US government does not acknowledge the profession of nursing as a STEM-designated profession. Acknowledgment of nursing as a STEM profession could potentially make more funding available for nursing education within the US and address nursing shortages both in clinical and academic settings. As well as position professional nurses for careers not only within the health sector but that of business and industry because of nurses' STEM knowledge. Hence, enhancing the growth of STEM within the US and creating global market economic competitiveness with new innovation development. Approach In the practice of nursing, nurses apply the sciences, math, and innovative technology in the assessments, diagnoses, and planning of patients' care. Nurses implement scientifically-based interventions to treat illness and sustain human life and to ultimately evaluate the outcomes of the care provided to patients. Outcomes Methodologies of evaluation of outcomes of patient care status post nursing interventions (ie, administration of intravenous antibiotics to treat pneumonia) are based upon rationales that have been derived from evidenced-based practice and nursing research; both originating from applied STEM knowledge. Conclusion The formal designation by the US federal government, for nursing to be recognized as a STEM profession, can increase funding to the nursing profession and enhance the diversity of employment opportunities for nurses in industry and business. Thereby potentially decreasing nursing shortages and bringing national and worldwide recognition to nursing in both academia, industry, business, and clinical settings, as a profession contributing to the science of improvement of the health of all people through STEM knowledge.
Nanoscale radiative thermal switching via multi-body effects

Control of thermal transport at the nanoscale is of great current interest for creating novel thermal logic and energy conversion devices. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that radiative heat transfer between macroscopic objects separated by nanogaps, or between nanostructures located in the far-field of each other, can exceed the blackbody limit. Here, we show that the radiative heat transfer between two coplanar SiN membranes can be modulated by factors as large as five by bringing a third planar object into close proximity of the membranes. Numerical modelling reveals that this modulation is due to a modification of guided modes (supported in the SiN nanomembranes) by evanescent interactions with the third object. This multi-body effect could offer an efficient pathway for active control of heat currents at the nanoscale. Nanoscale heat currents between a hot and a cold surface can be modulated by as much as five times using a third element that interacts evanescently with the guided modes of the hot surface.
Are vital sign abnormalities associated with poor outcomes after emergency department discharge

To examine association between vital sign abnormalities in the emergency department (ED) and early death after ED discharge, we performed a matched case-control study. Conditional logistic regression showed that presence of any vital sign abnormality at ED discharge was significantly associated with over three-fold increase in likelihood of death within 15 days of ED discharge (OR: 3.06, 95%CI: 2.81-4.48). Even small changes were associated with increased risk: every additional beat increase in heart rate conferred additional risk (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02-1.06), while every additional oxygen saturation percentage point was protective (0.89, 0.80-0.98). However, none of these vital sign abnormalities was a good predictor of early death; there was poor discrimination and substantial overlap in values between cases and controls.
Benefits of CT Scanning for the Management of Hip Arthritis and Arthroplasty.

Introduction Imaging studies for preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty (THA) are typically obtained by two-dimensional (2D) anteroposterior radiographs. However, CT imaging has proven to be a valuable tool that may be more accurate than standard radiographs. The purpose of this review was to report on the current literature to assess the utility of CT imaging for preoperative planning of THA. Specifically, we assessed its utility in the evaluation of: 1) hip arthritis; 2) femoral head osteonecrosis; 3) implant size prediction; 4) component alignment; 5) limb length evaluation; and 6) radiation exposure. Materials and methods A literature search was performed using search terms "computed tomography", "radiograph", "joint" "alignment", "hip," and "arthroplasty". Our initial search returned a total of 562 results. After applying our criteria, 26 studies were included. Results CT scans were found to be more accurate than radiographs in predicting implant size and alignment preoperatively and provide improved visualization of extraarticular deformities that may be essential to consider when planning a THA. Although radiation is a potential concern, newer imaging protocols have minimized the radiation to levels comparable to x-ray. Conclusion The current literature suggests that CT has several advantages over radiographs for preoperative planning of THA including more accurate planning of implant size, component alignment, and postoperative leg length. It is also superior to x-ray in identifying extraarticular hip deformities using the minimum effective dose for CT and the minimum scan length required by templating software. The radiation can be reduced to values similar to radiography.
Analyzing the Performance of ICN Forwarders on the Wire

Information Centric Networking (ICN) is growing in both popularity and maturity. Two highly-related architectures under the ICN umbrella, Content Centric Networking (CCNx) and Named Data Networking (NDN), received significant effort to improve their forwarding performance. Despite this focus, little work has been done to evaluate ICN forwarders in a comprehensive and rigorous manner. Furthermore, the preexisting literature in IP can only apply broadly due to the substantial differences between the architectures. In this paper, we provide a methodology to analyze the performance of ICN forwarders. Our testing methodology has two key focuses: (i) packet processing performance is the primary metric of exploration, as bytes are usually cheap; and (ii) the PIT, FIB, and Content Store are the primary structures to probe when considering performance impact. With these focuses in mind, we present a series of behavioral microbenchmarks that can probe the performance of CCNx/NDN forwarders in a rigorous way. To show the efficacy of these experiments, we apply them to the reference forwarders of the CCNx and NDN architectures, Metis and NFD, giving us a careful understanding of their performance characteristics. Additionally, these microbenchmarks should readily apply to high performance forwarders in the space.
Depression Screening in a Primary Care Setting: Examining Perceptions and Experiences of English- and Spanish-Speaking Patients

Depression is highly prevalent in primary care settings, but screening rates remain sub-optimal and patients’ screening perspectives are poorly understood. This study examined depression screening experiences and beliefs among primary care patients (N = 100, Mage = 51.9, SD = 17.03, 49% Spanish speakers). Participants completed a survey regarding screening experiences, stigma concerns, and perceptions of screening-related importance, barriers, and concerns. While 83% of participants were screened for depression, only 44.6% had screening results explained. Levels of depression treatment-related stigma concerns were low, with English speakers endorsing higher levels of such concerns. Importance and barriers of screening scores were significantly, negatively correlated rs = − .52, p < .001. Patients’ self-identification as ‘long-standing’ to the clinic was associated with greater endorsed screening concerns t(98) = − 2.08, p < .05. Results suggest that improved understanding of patients’ screening-related perceptions and experiences is critical to ensuring delivery of quality care. Communication practices around screening should be studied, reviewed, and revised to ensure the success of screening efforts.
Gilliland's Correlation: A Case Study in Regression Analysis

A case study of regression analysis based on modeling Gilliland’s correlation was described for use in a computational methods course. The case study uses a familiar example to train students in nonlinear least squares regression and to use standardized residual plots for model assessment. Previously published equations for Gilliland’s correlation were reviewed improved by refitting Gilliland’s data using nonlinear least squares regression. A new two-parameter rational equation was found to be superior to previously reported Gilliland equations as the only model that meets all the theoretical end conditions without compromise. The new and improved equation for Gilliland’s correlation is recommended for preliminary shortcut methods of distillation column design and analysis.
Gender perception bias of operative autonomy evaluations among residents and faculty in general surgery training.

Abstract Background Resident operative autonomy (ROA) is critical and a shared responsibility of both faculty and residents during training. We hypothesize that there is a perception of gender bias in residents’ performance as evaluated by faculty and residents. Method Over a period of five academic years, between July 2014 and June 2019, ROA was evaluated using the Zwisch score. Reciprocal evaluations were completed by faculty and residents. Results 39 surgeons (30 males, 9 females) and 42 residents (25 males, 15 females) completed 2360 evaluations (1180 by faculty, and a matched number by residents). PGY level was significantly associated with granting a higher level of autonomy. Gender of residents didn’t affect the level of granted autonomy as evaluated by faculty. However, on self-evaluations, female residents rated their degree of autonomy lower than that of their male counterparts. Conclusion Gender did not influence the perception of autonomy granted as evaluated by faculty. However, on self-evaluations, female residents reported a lower degree of autonomy received.
Life Without Parole as Death Without Dignity

When prisoners serving life without parole (LWOP) sentences become terminally ill, may the state prohibit them from experiencing a dignified death? Prisoners serving LWOP sentences know with practical certainty that they will die in prison. The ten U.S. jurisdictions that allow individuals with terminal illnesses to die through physician-assisted death ground their laws in human rights conceptions of autonomy and dignity. However, these jurisdictions categorically prohibit prisoners from enjoying this right to self-determination in end-of-life decisions. Although the blanket ban applies to all prisoners, it disproportionately impacts LWOP prisoners, many of whom will die from painful terminal illnesses. Through evaluation of the history and nature of LWOP sentences, the rationales for death with dignity laws, the constitutional rights of prisoners to receive and refuse medical treatment, and the major theories of punishment, this article argues that categorically prohibiting prisoners from exercising death with dignity statutory rights constitutes unjustified additional punishment.
Aligned 2D carbon nanotube liquid crystals for wafer-scale electronics.

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes promise faster performance and lower power consumption than Si in field-effect transistors (FETs) if they can be aligned in dense arrays. Here, we demonstrate that n...
R.E.S.P.e.c.T and intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study using DHS data in Kenya.

Background Thirty per cent of all women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the WHO’s novel R.E.S.P.E.C.T framework and IPV among women in Kenya. Methods We used the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Only women selected for the domestic violence module and who were married/living with their partner were eligible for this study (n=3737). We created a summary score for the strategies denoted by R.E.S.P.T based on availability of questions addressing these strategies in the KDHS, and a total score that summed responses across all strategies. Each letter was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between R.E.S.P.T scores and IPV. Results All strategies except for E lowered the odds of IPV. Decision-making (R) was negatively associated with experiencing IPV (OR=0.62 (0.53 to 0.72)). Land and property ownership (E) were positively associated with experiencing IPV (OR=1.25 (1.08 to 1.43)). Access to healthcare (S) was negatively associated with experiencing IPV (OR=0.55 (0.48 to 0.63)). Higher levels of wealth (P) were negatively associated with experiencing IPV (OR=0.47 (0.37 to 0.62)). Not justifying wife-beating in any scenario (T) was negatively associated with experiencing IPV (OR=0.39 (0.29 to 0.53)). After adjusting for demographics, a 1-unit increase in total R.E.S.P.T score was negatively associated with experiencing IPV (AOR=0.63 (0.57 to 0.70)) with a similar finding for IPV in the past 12 months (AOR=0.59 (0.53 to 0.66)). Younger women, higher education and Muslim religion were associated with decreased odds of experiencing IPV while living in a rural location and working were associated with increased odds of experiencing IPV. Conclusions Our study provides initial evidence that by using the multistrategy R.E.S.P.E.C.T framework, countries can dramatically lower the odds of women experiencing IPV. IPV prevention strategies must have a wide approach. The DHS can be used as a tool to monitor implementation and efficacy of this novel strategy.
Costly valuation computation in auctions

We investigate deliberation and bidding strategies of agents with unlimited but costly computation who are participating in auctions. The agents do not a priori know their valuations for the items begin auctioned. Instead they devote computational resources to compute their valuations. We present a normative model of bounded rationality where deliberation actions of agents are incorporated into strategies and equilibria are analyzed for standard auction protocols. We show that even in settings such as English auctions where information about other agents' valuations is revealed for free by the bidding process, agents may still compute on opponents' valuation problems, incurring a cost, in order to determine how to bid. We compare the costly computation model of bounded rationality with a different model where computation is free but limited. For some auction mechanisms the equilibrium strategies are substantially different. It can be concluded that the model of bounded rationality impacts the agents' equilibrium strategies and must be considered when designing mechanisms for computationally limited agents.
Suicide Risk Prediction: A New Approach*

A computer program that collects suicide risk factors by computer interview from persons with thoughts of suicide and processes the data to provide risk predictions has been written and pilot tested. Patient acceptance of the interviewing technique was good; more than half of the patients interviewed preferred the computer to a doctor as an interviewer. Bayes Theorem is used to process the data collected against a subjective data base. In a retrospective study comparing risk predictions made by the computer with predictions by experienced clinicians, the computer was more accurate in predicting suicide attempters (p .01) and slightly less accurate in predicting nonattempters. The program is economical, can be used wherever a telephone and a computer terminal are available, and is readily and uniformly modified to include new data.
Time will tell: fault localization using time spectra

We present an automatic fault localization technique which leverages time spectra as abstractions for program executions. Time spectra have been traditionally used for performance debugging. By contrast, we use them for functional correctness debugging by identifying pieces of program code that take a "suspicious" amount of time to execute. The approach can be summarized as follows: time spectra are collected from passing and failing runs, observed behavior models are created using the time spectra collected from passing runs, and deviations from these models in failing runs are identified and scored as potential causes of failures. Our empirical evaluations conducted on three real-life projects suggest that the proposed approach can effectively reduce the space of potential root causes for failures, which can in turn improve the turn around time for fixes.
Portal-endocrine and gastric-exocrine drainage technique in pancreatic transplantation.

Background: Pancreas transplant (PTx) is an established treatment for patients with diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis of rejection has continued to be problematic. In 2007, a new technique of PTx with portal-endocrine and gastric exocrine (P-G) drainage was first performed at our institution. This technique facilitates access to pancreas allograft. Objective: To report our experience with the first 30 patients who underwent PTx using P-G technique. Methods: The first 30 patients who underwent PTx between 2007 and 2009 were studied. In these patients, arterial and venous anastomosis was similar to standard portal-enteric (P-E) technique, though contrary to other techniques of enteric drainage, the end of allograft jejunum was anastomosed to the anterior aspect of the stomach. Results: Donor and recipient demographic data, number of antigen matches and immunosuppressant were collected. All patients achieved euglycemia. 3 patients underwent pancreatectomy: 2 due to vessel thrombosis and 1 due to chronic rejection. 3 patients died—2 with functioning pancreatic and renal allografts. 7 patients with CMV and 4 patients with rejection were diagnosed with endoscopy of allograft duodenum and treated. 1-year patient and graft survival was 94% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: This novel technique of PTx has proven to be safe with good patient and allograft survival. Access to donor duodenum and pancreas allograft via endoscopy is unique to this technique and provides the added advantage of life-long easy access to allograft.
Letter by Hanna and Smart Regarding Article, "Clinical Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension".

We read with great interest the article by Rich and Rich1 regarding the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. We particularly appreciate the fact that the authors alluded to pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), a complex and frequently overlooked entity. We would like to comment on the hemodynamic assessment of PVOD and the hemodynamic tracings of Figure 4. The authors state that, in PVOD, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is elevated in some pulmonary segments, exceeding the left atrial pressure and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. However, we argue that it is important to distinguish PCWP from pulmonary capillary pressure in …