cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prostate Specific Antigen Best Practice Statement: 2009 Update

Purpose: We provide current information on the use of PSA testing for the evaluation of men at risk for prostate cancer, and the risks and benefits of early detection.Materials and Methods: The report is a summary of the American Urological Association PSA Best Practice Policy 2009. The summary statement is based on a review of the current professional literature, clinical experience and the expert opinions of a multispecialty panel. It is intended to serve as a resource for physicians, other health care professionals, and patients. It does not establish a fixed set of guidelines, define the legal standard of care or pre-empt physician judgment in individual cases.Results: There are two notable differences in the current policy. First, the age for obtaining a baseline PSA has been lowered to 40 years. Secondly, the current policy no longer recommends a single, threshold value of PSA, which should prompt prostate biopsy. Rather, the decision to proceed to prostate biopsy should be based primarily on PSA an...
Adoption, personality disorder and parental guilt: Implications of genetic research for social work

Few adoptive parents are aware that serious behavioral and personality problems can occur in adopted children. When such problems are manifested, parents are often guilt-ridden, believing that they are to blame. Recent research suggests that the risks associated with adoption may be genetically linked. Social workers who counsel adoptive parents need to be aware of potential problems, explain possible risks to them, and use these research findings to positive effect.
Hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) neurons express vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 or VGLUT2.

Initially recognized for their importance in control of appetite, orexins (also called hypocretins) are neuropeptides that are also involved in regulating sleep, arousal, and cardiovascular function. Loss of orexin appears to be the primary cause of narcolepsy. Cells expressing the orexins are restricted to a discrete region of the hypothalamus, but their terminal projections are widely distributed throughout the brain. With the diversity of function and broad distribution of orexin terminals, it is not known whether the orexin cells constitute a homogeneous population. Because orexins produce neuroexcitatory effects, we hypothesized that orexin-containing neurons are glutamatergic. In the present study we used digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes for the vesicular glutamate transporters, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, for in situ hybridization studies in combination with immunohistochemical detection of orexin cell bodies in the hypothalamus. In general, cells in the hypothalamus expressed low levels of the vesicular glutamate transporters relative to other areas of the forebrain, such as the cortex and thalamus. Light labeling for VGLUT2 mRNA was detected in about 50% of the orexin-immunoreactive neurons, and a much smaller percentage (approximately 13%) of orexin-immunoreactive cells was found to express VGLUT1. Despite the fact that intense labeling for GAD67 mRNA was found in a large number of cells throughout the hypothalamus, none of the orexin-immunoreactive cells was found to be GABAergic. These findings, showing that many of the orexin neurons are glutamatergic, are consistent with the neuroexcitatory effects of orexin but suggest that another neurochemical phenotype may define the remaining subset of orexin neurons.
Detecting influencers in social media discussions

Knowing who's influential can help when planning political campaigns, advertising strategies, or even combating terrorism; and now research into influence detection promises to automate such detection.
Are two heads better than one for software development? the productivity paradox of pair programming

Extreme programming is currently gaining popularity as an alternate software development methodology. Pair programming, a core practice of this methodology, involves two programmers working collaboratively to develop software. This study examined the efficacy of pair programming by comparing the performance effectiveness and affective responses of collaborating pairs with those of individual programmers treated as nominal pairs. In a controlled laboratory experiment involving student subjects, proxies for entry level programmers working on entry level tasks, two factors were manipulated: programming setting (collaborative pair versus individuals) and programming task complexity (high versus low). Participants who worked in the individual condition were randomly combined into nominal pairs. The performance and affective responses of the collaborating pairs were then compared with those of the best performers and the second best performers of each nominal pair. Results indicated that programming pairs performed at the level above the second best performers and at the level of the best performers in each nominal pair. This relationship was found to be consistent across both levels of task complexity. Consequently, there was no evidence of an "assembly bonus effect," where the performance of a collaborating pair exceeds the performance of its best member working alone. While this finding may appear counterintuitive due to the general perception of two heads being better than one, it is consistent with the findings in small group research. When affective responses were considered, programming pairs reported higher levels of satisfaction than those of the best and second-best performing members in nominal pairs. They also showed higher levels of confidence in their performance compared to those of the second-best members. But the confidence levels of pairs were no different from those of the best performing members in nominal pairs. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are presented.
Interest-Oriented Action

Sociology frequently presumes interest-oriented action but deconstructs interests. Here, we argue for more inquiry into the social conditions under which interest-oriented action is generated. We analyze how interest-oriented action is understood in classical sociology, rational choice theory, social exchange theory, and cultural sociology. These perspectives vary in the extent to which interests are an explanatory principle, how interests are considered, and how emergent social formations are explained. However, they share an implicit recognition that the question of when interest-oriented action emerges needs more attention. Rather than naturalizing interest-oriented action, or investigating how interests are constructed, the most productive direction for future sociological research on interests is to specify better when action oriented to interests becomes normative.
A solid-state DC-DC converter using n-channel MOSFETs

The authors describe the design, construction, and testing of an all n-channel PWM (pulsewidth modulation) DC-DC converter for electric wheelchair (EW) applications. The circuit requires only three ICs and four power MOSFETs, plus a few passive components. Its efficiency is much higher than that of a previously reported device that used n- and p-channel MOSFETs. The converter is compact, lightweight, and very reliable, owing to the use of ICs and a very low component count. >
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) microinfusions into the nucleus accumbens shell or ventral tegmental area attenuate the reinforcing effects of nicotine in rats

Systemic administration of the mGlu5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) was previously shown to selectively attenuate nicotine self-administration without affecting food-maintained responding in rats. Glutamatergic neurotransmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell plays an important role in the reinforcing effects of nicotine. To determine the brain sites that may mediate the systemic effects of MPEP on nicotine self-administration, the present study investigated the effects of MPEP microinfusions into the VTA or the NAcc shell on nicotine and food self-administration in separate groups of rats. Administration of low MPEP doses (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/0.5 μl/side) microinfused into the NAcc shell had no effect on nicotine self-administration, whereas higher MPEP doses (0, 10, 20, and 40 μg/0.5 μl/side) microinfused into the NAcc shell dose-dependently attenuated nicotine self-administration without affecting food-maintained responding. Microinfusions of MPEP into the VTA (0, 10, 20, and 40 μg/0.5 μl/side) significantly decreased both nicotine and food self-administration at 20 μg/0.5 μl/side but did not affect responding for either reinforcer at 40 μg/0.5 μl/side. This lack of effect of 40 μg/0.5 μl/side MPEP on either nicotine or food self-administration when administered into the VTA may be attributable either to actions of MPEP at presynaptic mGlu5 receptors or at targets other than mGlu5 receptors. Importantly, anatomical control injections 2 mm above the NAcc shell or the VTA using the most effective MPEP dose in the two regions did not result in attenuation of nicotine self-administration. In conclusion, MPEP microinfusions in the VTA or NAcc shell attenuates the reinforcing effects of nicotine possibly via blockade of mGlu5 receptors located in these regions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium heraklionense Strain Davo

We report the draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium heraklionense strain Davo, isolated from a fine-needle aspirate of a right-ankle soft-tissue mass. This is the first draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium heraklionense, a nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacterium.
Towards a dynamical network view of brain ischemia and reperfusion. Part IV: additional considerations.

The general failure of neuroprotectants in clinical trials of ischemic stroke points to the possibility of a fundamen-tal blind spot in the current conception of ischemic brain injury, the “ischemic cascade”. This is the fourth in a series of four papers whose purpose is to work towards a revision of the concept of brain ischemia by applying network concepts to develop a bistable model of brain ischemia. Here we consider additional issues to round out and close out this initial presentation of the bistable network view of brain ischemia. Initial considerations of the network architecture underlying the post-ischemic state space are discussed. Network and differential equa-tion models of brain ischemia are compared. We offer a first look at applying the bistable model to focal cere-bral ischemia. The limitations of the present formulation of the bistable model are discussed. This work con-cludes with a series of questions by which to direct future efforts.
USC Swimmer Lowers the Bar

A university women's swim team was engaged in a routine weight-training circuit workout when one athlete accidentally dropped her weights on a teammate. The injured party filed suit against her teammate because of her belief that she did not assume the risk of being harmed by dropped weights while doing push-ups.
Legal Conceptions of Mental Illness

By attaching legal consequences to conduct, the law necessarily regards individuals as responsible agents. For example, in holding individuals civilly and/or criminally liable for actions harmful to others, the law necessarily presupposes that it applies to individuals who are responsible, in the sense of accountable, for their actions; in enforcing certain voluntary acts of individuals, as in the law of property, contracts, wills, or marriage, the law must presuppose that the agents whose acts they are, are responsible in the sense of being capable of looking out for their own best interests. Mental illness has for centuries been a concept dealt with by the law because it negates, in some way or another and to some degree, the basic postulate of responsibility on which the law rests.
An improved method to calculate cerebral metabolic rates of glucose using PET

UNLABELLED PET methods for single-scan measurement of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc) generally involve sampling of radioactivity in arterial plasma over the course of the experiment. The purpose of this study was to develop an analytic procedure that would require substantially fewer plasma samples to measure CMRglc using the single-scan method. METHODS This technique uses a model for the curve describing the time course of radioactivity in plasma. RESULTS This model obviates the need to draw arterial samples at short time intervals or at all during the first 30 min after radiotracer injection. The new technique uses six samples to provide the same accuracy and precision as the conventional method provides with 30 or more samples. CONCLUSION The proposed method greatly simplifies quantitative PET studies of glucose metabolism.
Basketmaker Flutes from the Prayer Rock District, Arizona

IN THE summer of 1930, Earl H. Morris accompanied the Bernheimer Expedition in its exploration of the archaeological remains on the slopes of Carrizo Mountain and the north end of the Lukachukai range in northeastern Arizona. Three weeks were spent in the Prayer Rock district on the east side of these mountains (Bernheimer 1930). Morris was intrigued by the possibility of collecting Basketmaker materials from an area so rich in early cave sites; he returned to the Prayer Rock district in 1931 under the auspices of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. A portion of the materials recovered in this season has been described (Morris 1936,1951; Morris and Burgh 1941) and a series of reports is in preparation on the remainder of the specimens. This paper describes seven flutes found in these excavations. The Prayer Rock valley is located between Carrizo Mountain and the north end of the Lukachukai range (Fig. 1). It is on the east side of the forested divide which connects the mountain masses and separates the drainage of the Chinle from that of the Red Wash which flows north into the San Juan River. The Prayer Rock itself is a tall monolith of red sandstone which towers above the valley. Several tributaries of the Red Wash drain the Prayer Rock valley. One of them, called Atahonez by the Navajo, contains more than a dozen prehistoric cave sites. Most of these rock shelters exhibit an intensive Basketmaker occupation partially overlain by a thin veneer of later material. Morris named one of the largest of these rock shelters Broken Flute Cave when he found one of the fragmentary specimens described in this paper. This cave produced six of the seven flutes. An incomplete one came from Obelisk Cave in a neighboring valley although the observable characteristics of this flute differ in no way from those of the other specimens. A little fired pottery was found in Obelisk Cave but the nine tree-ring dates, which fall between A.D. 470 and 488 (Smiley 1951: 24), are somewhat earlier than those from the other caves. Broken Flute Cave contained 16 pithouses and 65 cists dating from the Basketmaker III period. The tree-ring dates range from A.D. 490 to 800, with 55 of the 67 specimens dating between 621 and 630. The dwellings were shallow rectanguloid structures with plastered floors and fire basins. At least one had a roof entry and several had indications of side entries. The roofs were primarily supported by four main posts; a number of vertical secondary timbers were included at intervals in the walls. The predominant pottery types found in the cave were Lino Gray, Obelisk Grayi and a few pieces of Basketmaker III Black-on-gray (Colton 1955). In apparent association with these were several shallow unfired bowls with basket impressions on the exterior surfaces. A detailed ceramic study will be included in the main report now in preparation. Two flutes were found intact, cached beneath the floor of a house. Morris states in his field notes:
Biodegradable Metals for Cardiovascular Stents: from Clinical Concerns to Recent Zn‐Alloys

Metallic stents are used to promote revascularization and maintain patency of plaqued or damaged arteries following balloon angioplasty. To mitigate the long-term side effects associated with corrosion-resistant stents (i.e., chronic inflammation and late stage thrombosis), a new generation of so-called "bioabsorbable" stents is currently being developed. The bioabsorbable coronary stents will corrode and be absorbed by the artery after completing their task as vascular scaffolding. Research spanning the last two decades has focused on biodegradable polymeric, iron-based, and magnesium-based stent materials. The inherent mechanical and surface properties of metals make them more attractive stent material candidates than their polymeric counterparts. A third class of metallic bioabsorbable materials that are based on zinc has been introduced in the last few years. This new zinc-based class of materials demonstrates the potential for an absorbable metallic stent with the mechanical and biodegradation characteristics required for optimal stent performance. This review compares bioabsorbable materials and summarizes progress towards bioabsorbable stents. It emphasizes the current understanding of physiological and biological benefits of zinc and its biocompatibility. Finally, the review provides an outlook on challenges in designing zinc-based stents of optimal mechanical properties and biodegradation rate.
Analysis of quality of iodized salt and key groups' iodine nutritional status

Objective To understand the quality of iodized salt of the residents of Pingdingshan City,and the iodine nutritional status of children from 8-10 years of age,pregnant women and lactating women,and provide basis for intervention strategies. Methods At the east,west,south,north and the middle five directions of the city,residents' salt samples were gathered to determine the amount of iodine salt. The samples of urine were collected from 40 children( 8-10 years of age), 40 pregnant women and 40 lactating women,for the assay of urinary iodine. Salt iodine was determined by direct titration, urinary iodine was measured using ammonium sulfate digestion-arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Results The salt samples of 1500 households were tested,and the median of salt iodine was 27. 5 mg / kg,the iodized salt popularizing rate is 98. 26%,the qualification rate of iodized salt was 94. 09%,the qualified edible rate of iodized salt was 92. 46%; the median of urinary iodine of children aged 8-10 was 164. 92 μg / L. The ratio of urinary iodine 50 μg / L was 6. 69%( 17 / 254); compared with the urinary iodine 50 μg / L( 16. 41%) of children from 8-10 years of age in 2011,the difference was statistically meaningful( χ2= 15. 01,P0. 05); The median of pregnant women's urinary iodine was 151. 87 μg / L, the ratio of urinary iodine 150 μg / L to the urinary iodine 150 μg / L was 48. 59%( 121 /249); The median of lactating women's urinary iodine was 145. 32 μg / L,and the ratio of urinary iodine 100 μg / L to the urinary iodine 100 μg / L was 29. 07%( 66 /227). Conclusion The indicators of the quality of iodized salt and iodine nutrition survey of Pingdingshan City continuously maintained the"national standard of eliminating iodine deficiency". On the whole,the iodine nutritional status of children from 8-10 years of age,pregnant women and lactating womens' need of iodine was appropriate. However, special concern should be put on the iodine-need for the key groups.
The Study of a Medical Data Set Decision Tree Classification

Human papilloma virus(HPV) is one of the main factors to cause cervical cancer.In this paper we research the data by C4.5 decision tree classification in terms of Shanxi cervical cancer medical data set from China cancer prevention and control database through Weka,a data mining platform,Then we extract some more meaningful rules from the decision tree and find out some factors that are easy to cause HPV infection.
Assessment of Carotid Artery Stenosis and the Use of Statins

General thinking has previously centered on managing carotid artery stenosis (CAS) by carotid endarterectomy and subsequently, stenting for higher risk patients. However for CAS and other forms of vascular disease, especially when asymptomatic, there is new emphasis on defining underlying mechanisms. Knowledge of these mechanisms can lead to medical treatments that result in possible atherosclerotic plaque stabilization, and even plaque regression, including in the patient with CAS. For now, the key medication class for a medical approach are the statins. Their use is supported by good cardiovascular clinical trial evidence including some directed carotid artery studies, especially with a demonstrated decrease in carotid intima-media thickness. Procedural controversy still exists but the current era in medicine offers significant support for medical management of asymptomatic CAS while techniques to recognize the vulnerable plaque evolve. If CAS converts to a symptomatic status, early referral for endarterectomy or stenting is indicated.
Schemas in Problem Solving: Production systems, neural networks, and hybrid models

Until quite recently, cognitive scientists have tended to adopt one of two competing views about how to model the various mechanisms of cognition. On the one hand is the production system approach, which builds on condition-action rules. John R. Anderson's (1983) ACT* and Allen Newell's (1992) SOAR are exemplars. Such models are sometimes referred to as symbolic systems. On the other hand is the neural network approach. Models of this type are also called connectionist models or parallel distributed processing models. The PDP models of McClelland, Rumelhart and the PDP Research Group (1986) fall into this category. Now, a third alternative has appeared, one that merges these two approaches. Models illustrating this new approach are called hybrid models of cognition. There are, as yet, few examples. Not surprisingly, the hybrid model approach appears to be the best alternative for modeling schemas. Relatively few attempts have been made to model schema acquisition and use. To be sure, the interpretation of a number of models depends upon the concept of a schema, but the structure of the schema itself is not part of the model. Consequently, to look at existing models of schemas we must broaden our view so that it encompasses not only explicit schema models but also models that are similar to those presented in the next few chapters but that are not focused on schemas. These latter models are models of learning, performance, and recognition. They tend to be either production system models or connectionist models.
Recent progress in nanomaterials for gene delivery applications

Nanotechnology-based gene delivery is the division of nanomedicine concerned with the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of nanomaterials to be used in targeted-gene delivery applications. Nanomaterial-based gene delivery systems hold great promise for curing fatal inherited and acquired diseases, including neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, their use in clinical applications is still controversial. To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any gene delivery system because of the unknown long-term toxicity and the low gene transfection efficiency of nanomaterials in vivo. Compared to viral vectors, nonviral gene delivery vectors are characterized by a low preexisting immunogenicity, which is important for preventing a severe immune response. In addition, nonviral vectors provide higher loading capacity and ease of fabrication. For these reasons, this review article focuses on applications of nonviral gene delivery systems, including those based on lipids, polymers, graphene, and other inorganic nanoparticles, and discusses recent advances in nanomaterials for gene therapy. Methods of synthesizing these nanomaterials are briefly described from a materials science perspective. Also, challenges, critical issues, and concerns about the in vivo applications of nanomaterial-based gene delivery systems are discussed. It should be noted that this article is not a comprehensive review of the literature.
Factors Influencing Pap Screening Use Among African Immigrant Women.

Purpose: Papanicolau (Pap) screenings disparities exist for immigrant women in the United States. This study sought to have an understanding of factors influencing Pap screening among sub-Saharan African immigrant women. Method: This is a qualitative descriptive study. Women were recruited from the community and by word of mouth following institutional review board approval. Data were gathered through in-depth focus group and demographic questionnaires. Interview sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Findings: Twenty-two women aged 24 to 65 years were interviewed. Barriers to screening included low knowledge of screening, cost, cultural beliefs, fear and communication issues. Motivators to improve Pap use include provider’s recommendations, enlightenment, and family support. Discussion: Interventions addressing the barriers peculiar to this population may alleviate these barriers and improve Pap screening use in this population. Providers have the...
Hypersonic control flap effectiveness

The effects of flap deflection, configuration incidence and leading edge bluntness on boundary layer separation and transition have been studied experimentally. A quasi two-dimensional flat plate equipped with a full span trailing edge control flap has been employed for these tests. The studies have been carried out in a hypersonic gun tunnel at M∞ = 8·2 and Re∞/cm = 9·0 × 104. The flap deflection angles studied were in the range 0° ≤ β ≤ 30°. The incidence range was from zero to α = 10° (positive α is nose down). Leading edge bluntness effects were simulated by the introduction of a hemi-cylindrical leading edge. The flow structure was studied using high speed Schlieren photography as well as surface pressure and heat transfer measurements. Liquid crystals were employed to study the threedimensionality of the flow structure for selected configurations. Analytical theories have been developed to estimate the flap pressure and heat transfer levels for the sharp and blunt configurations. These are compared against experimental measurements.
Learning through Self-Assessment: Investigating the Relationship between Performance on the NBME® Clinical Science Mastery Series Self-Assessments and Clinical Science Subject Examinations

Self-assessments provide students with an opportunity to test their understanding of content covered in their curriculum and help them prepare for subsequent assessments. Perhaps more importantly, self-assessments may also serve a pedagogical purpose. Research on test-enhanced learning suggests that material is remembered better if one or more tests are included as part of the learning strategy. The NBME® Clinical Science Mastery Series (CSMS) are web administered self-assessments built to the same content specifications as the NBME clinical science subject examinations that provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with content, format, and pacing. This study examined the relationship between performance on CSMS and on the corresponding clinical science subject examinations. The study included students from United States and Canadian medical schools who took CSMS under standard- or self-paced conditions prior to sitting for the corresponding subject examination for the first time. Linear regression analyses investigated the relationship between performance on CSMS and on the corresponding subject examination. CSMS scores explained 29 %–44 % of the variation in first subject examination scores when taken in standard-paced mode and 25 %–33 % when taken in self-paced mode; the relationship was somewhat different for the two pacing groups for most of the subjects as indicated by statistically different sets of regression parameters for the models based on each group. Results confirm that performance on the CSMS self-assessments and clinical science subject examinations is related. Usage patterns suggest that students may be using the CSMS as a learning tool and as an instrument to gauge their clinical science knowledge.
Universal heterogeneous nucleation and growth dynamics in the photo-induced phase transition in vanadium dioxide

We use ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy to demonstrate that the dynamics of the photo-induced structural (monoclinic to rutile) phase transformation in vanadium dioxide is independent of thin-film morphology and substrate-induced strain, and occurs in 40±0.5 ps.
Racial and Ethnic Difference in Falls Among Older Adults: Results from the California Health Interview Survey.

Research suggests that fall risk among older adults varies by racial/ethnic groups; however, few studies have examined fall risk among Hispanics and Asian American older adults. Using 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey data, this study examines falling ≥2 times in the past year by racial/ethnic groups (Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Blacks) aged ≥65, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index, co-morbidities, and functional limitations. A secondary analysis examines differences in fall risk by English language proficiency and race/ethnicity among Asian Americans and Hispanics. Asian Americans were significantly less likely to fall compared to non-Hispanic whites, individuals with ≥2 chronic diseases were significantly more likely to fall than individuals with <2 chronic diseases, and many functional limitations were significantly associated with fall risk, when adjusting for all factors. African Americans and Hispanics did not differ significantly from non-Hispanic whites. Analysis adjusting for race/ethnicity and English language proficiency found that limited English proficient Asian Americans were significantly less likely to fall compared to non-Hispanic whites, individuals with ≥2 chronic diseases were significantly more likely to fall than individuals with <2 chronic diseases, and all functional limitations were significantly associated with fall risk, when adjusting for all factors. No differences were found when examining by racial/ethnic and English proficient/limited English proficient groups. Further research is needed to explore factors associated with fall risks across racial/ethnic groups. Culturally relevant and targeted interventions are needed to prevent falls and subsequent injuries in the increasingly diverse aging population in the USA.
Chebyshev polynomial curve-fitting technique for strain-gage applications

A curve-fitting technique is presented which is especially suited to strain-gage measurements. The location of the strain gages is inherently specified by the method, and the number of gages to be used is also prescribed. The method of Chebyshev polynomial curve fitting assures a best fit in the least-squares sense.
EEG-based biometric identification with deep learning

Despite the recent increasing interest in biometric identification using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, the state of the art still lacks a simple and robust model that is useful in real applications. This work proposes a new approach based on convolutional neural network CNN. The proposed CNN works directly on raw EEG data, thus alleviating the need for engineering features. We investigate the performance of the CNN on datasets of 100 subjects collected from one driving fatigue experiment. Our results show that the CNN model is fast highly efficient in training ( 100K training epochs) and highly robust, achieving 97% accuracy in identifying ∼14K testing epochs from 100 subjects with non-time-locked natural driving fatigue data and much higher than from randomly sampled epochs (90%). Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of deep learning solutions for real-life EEG-based biometric identification.
From Agents to Stewards? Social Entrepreneur - Social Finance Organization Relationships

While the links between the fields of social entrepreneurship and social finance are evident, academic research on the relationship lags behind practice. This study examines how social entrepreneurs interact with their funders in the context of impact measurement, through the lenses of agency and stewardship theories. Through extensive qualitative research with eight social enterprises and their funders, I find evidence that these relationships are characterized by both rigid reporting requirements as well as flexible management structures, and evolve over time. Funders exercise greater oversight at early stages, but provide social entrepreneurs with considerable freedom once the relationship matures.
Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease: Turning the Page

Article, see p 119 The link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus has long been recorded, extending back to the advent of insulin therapy, when that therapeutic advance increased patient survival, allowing atherosclerotic complications to become more evident.1 Attention to the relationship between diabetes mellitus and CVD grew, fostered by forces such as the epidemic of obesity and diabetes mellitus, improved post–myocardial infarction survival, and increasing data linking these 2 common, chronic problems. For example, the East-West Study placed the cardiovascular risk of diabetes mellitus in a context easily grasped by cardiologists: the chances of a future myocardial infarction in those with diabetes mellitus and no CVD history equaled those of myocardial infarction survivors with no history of diabetes mellitus.2 Although still debated, this “cardiovascular risk equivalency” offered an easy shorthand that helped recast the nature and treatment of diabetes mellitus. The arrival of new glucose-lowering drugs and therapeutic strategies created expectations about the next chapter to come: glucose lowering in diabetes mellitus would decrease cardiovascular events. That story, however, unfolded with unexpected twists, including a new subplot concerning the cardiovascular safety of glucose-lowering agents. Ultimately, a long, often disappointing, contradictory saga of the “glucose paradox” emerged; although hyperglycemia increases cardiovascular risk, lowering glucose levels did not reverse this relationship.3 Even when the cardiovascular safety of a drug was established, no cardiovascular risk reduction was found.4 In the past 2 years, 2 classes of antidiabetic drugs have demonstrated an improved primary major cardiovascular end point in a large prospective trial using 2 different agents within each class, namely glucagon-like peptide–1 agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide) and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (empagliflozin, canagliflozin).5–8 The page …
The official history of the UK strategic nuclear deterrent, vol. I: From the V-bomber era to the arrival of Polaris, 1945–64

Memory of the First Nuclear Age is, in some respects, distorted by the latter decades of the Cold War. By that time, the superpowers possessed nuclear arsenals of such awesome menace that the destr...
Are biased beliefs fit to survive? An experimental test of the market selection hypothesis

Abstract We experimentally study the “market selection hypothesis,” the classical claim that competitive markets bankrupt traders with biased beliefs, allowing unbiased competitors to survive. Prior theoretical work suggests the hypothesis can fail if biased traders over-invest in the market relative to their less biased competitors. Subjects in our experiment divide wealth between consumption and a pair of securities whose values are linked to a difficult reasoning problem. While most subjects in our main treatment form severely biased beliefs and systematically over-consume, the minority who form unbiased beliefs consume at near-optimal levels – an association that strongly supports the market selection hypothesis.
Effect of Rock Phosphate on Arsenic Uptake from Fly Ash Treated Mine Soil

Field studies were conducted for four years to determine changes in concentration and forms of arsenic (As) in the growth medium and uptake of As by crops grown on an acid mine spoil amended with fly ashes. Application of fly ashes increased As concentrations in the surface 15 cm as well as in crops grown on amended mine spoils. The largest decline in As concentrations of alfalfa grown on fly ash amended mine spoil for four years was observed after one year of cropping. Thereafter, As in the crop declined to background levels by the third year. Arsenic concentrations in alfalfa plants decreased with rock phosphate probably due to antagonism between arsenate and phosphate at the time of uptake by the roots. Arsenic concentrations in alfalfa declined with time due to conversion of As associated with fly ash into less soluble forms, such as, adsorbed or occluded with Fe oxides. In wheat at maturity, most As was retained in straw with very little in the grain. During four years of cropping total As concentration of the fly ash-amended soil did not decrease indicating that As was not leached.
Synthesis and Development of Poly(N-Hydroxyethyl Acrylamide)-Ran-3-Acrylamidophenylboronic Acid Polymer Fluid for Potential Application in Affinity Sensing of Glucose

Background: In previous work, we described viscosity and permittivity microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) using poly[acrylamide-ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (PAA-ranPAAPBA). In order to enhance our MEMS device antifouling properties, a novel, more hydrophilic polymersensing fluid was developed. Method: To optimize sensing performance, we synthesized biocompatible copolymers poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide)ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (PHEAA-ran-PAAPBA) and developed its sensing fluid for viscosity-based glucose sensing. Key factors such as polymer composition and molecular weight were investigated in order to optimize viscometric responses. Results: Compared with PAA-ran-PAAPBA fluid of a similar binding moiety percentage, PHEAA- ran-PAAPBA showed comparable high binding specificity to glucose in a reversible manner and even better performance in glucose sensing in terms of glucose sensing range (27–468 mg/ml) and sensitivity (within 3% standard error of estimate). Preliminary experiment on a MEMS viscometer demonstrated that the polymer fluid was able to sense the glucose concentration. Conclusions: Our MEMS systems using PHEAA-ran-PAAPBA will possess enhanced implantable traits necessary to enable CGM in subcutaneous tissues.
Patterns of care and survival outcomes for laryngeal small cell cancer.

BACKGROUND To determine practice patterns and outcomes of laryngeal small cell cancer (LSCC) across the United States. METHODS Patients with LSCC were identified in the National Cancer Database. Overall survival (OS) was compared with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. RESULTS From 2004 to 2014, the 5-year OS for early stage (n = 47), locally advanced stage (n = 133), and metastatic disease (n = 53) was 34%, 26%, and 9%, respectively. Chemoradiation was given in 66% of cases. Chemotherapy was less likely given in early stage disease (P = .001), and definitive radiation was less likely given in metastatic disease (P < .001). Definitive radiation improved median OS in locally advanced LSCC (20 vs. 7 months, log-rank P = .04). In multivariable modeling, radiation dose ≥40 Gy was associated with better OS (P < .001). CONCLUSION Chemoradiation was the most common practice for treating locally advanced LSCC, and radiation dose ≥40 Gy was associated with improved OS.
Bio-compatible wireless inductive thin-film strain sensor for monitoring the growth and strain response of bone in osseointegrated prostheses:

Many benefits can be derived from in situ monitoring of the growth, load response, and condition of human bone. In particular, bone monitoring offers opportunity to advance understanding and design...
Tumors Exploit Dedicated Intracellular Vesicles to Program T cell Responses

Abstract In order to drive productive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) function, myeloid populations must direct antigens to the lymph node, including to resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that have never touched the tumor. It has long been supposed that APCs trade antigens with one another, but the dominant cell biology underlying that remains unknown. We used in vitro and in vivo assays together with lattice light sheet and multiphoton imaging to show that myeloid cells carry tumor antigen-laden vesicles that they ‘trade’ with one another as they reach distant sites. This accounts for the majority of antigen displayed to T cells and provides tumors with a mechanism to access APCs that differentially direct T cell activation away from memory phenotypes. This work defines efficient cell biology that drives the first steps of TIL generation and represents a new frontier for engineering tumoral immunity.
Reaching 90–90–90 in Botswana

Purpose of reviewBotswana, a small country in southern Africa, has had a very high prevalence of HIV since about 1995. It seems important to analyze the response of this country to help us understand how it became one of the first nations to achieve the 90–90–90 targets.Recent findingsBotswana began
Role of B-Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) in Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia.

Abstract Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a serious and frequently fatal disorder characterized by the production of a monoclonal IgM protein, a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the bone marrow, and associated symptoms including anemia, lymphadenopathy and hyperviscosity. Many of the mechanisms leading to this disease are not yet known. It is clear, however, that there is dysregulation of the balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death. BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator) is a TNF family member expressed by monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. BLyS has been shown to be critical for maintenance of normal B cell development and homeostasis, and has been found to stimulate lymphocyte growth. BLyS is overexpressed in a variety of B-cell malignancies and has been shown to inhibit apoptosis in malignant B-cells. Studies of the effects of BLyS on B cell physiology have shown that it also regulates immunoglobulin secretion. In previous work, we have shown that malignant B cells from patients with WM are able to bind soluble BLyS and variably express the BLyS receptors, BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA. We also found expression of BLyS in bone marrow specimens by immunohistochemistry and elevated serum BLyS levels in patients with WM. The goal of this study was to determine the functional role of BLyS-receptor ligand system in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and its relevance to the increased immunoglobulin production seen in this disease. Using cells from WM patients, we first examined the ability of BLyS to increase the secretion of IgM by malignant B cells. BLyS, alone or in combination with cytokines that induce plasmacytic differentiation and immunoglobulin production (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12), was found to increase IgM secretion by malignant B cells. Mean baseline IgM levels significantly increased in cells treated with BLyS (p=0.03), cytokines (p=0.0002) and a combination of BLyS and cytokines (p
Disease burden and seasonal impact of improving rotavirus vaccine coverage in the United States: A modeling study.

Background Prior to vaccine introduction in 2006, rotavirus was the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under five years of age in the U.S. Vaccination of infants has led to major reductions in disease burden, a shift in the seasonal peak and the emergence of a biennial pattern of disease. However, rotavirus vaccine coverage has remained relatively low (70-75%) compared to other infant immunizations in the U.S. Part of the reason for this lower coverage is that children whose care is provided by family practitioners (FP) have considerably lower probability of being vaccinated compared to those seen be pediatricians (PE). We used a dynamic transmission model to assess the impact of improving rotavirus vaccine coverage by FP and/or PE on rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) incidence and seasonal patterns. Methods A deterministic age-structured dynamic model with susceptible, infectious, and recovered compartments (SIRS model) was used to simulate rotavirus transmission and vaccination. We estimated the reduction of RVGE cases by 2 doses of rotavirus vaccine with three vaccination scenarios: (Status Quo: 85% coverage by pediatricians and 45% coverage by family practitioners; Improved FP: 85% coverage by pediatricians and family practitioners; Improved FP+PE: 95% coverage by pediatricians and family practitioners). In addition, we tested the sensitivity of the model to the assumption of random mixing patterns between children visiting pediatricians and children visiting family practitioners. Results In this model, higher vaccine coverage provided by family practitioners and pediatricians leads to lower incidence of severe RVGE cases (23% averted in Improved FP and 57% averted in Improved FP+PE compared to Status Quo) including indirect effects. One critical impact of higher total vaccine coverage is the effect on rotavirus epidemic patterns in the U.S.; the biennial rotavirus epidemic patterns shifted to reduced annual epidemic patterns. Additionally, assortative mixing patterns in children visiting pediatricians and family practitioners amplify the impact of increasing vaccine coverage. Conclusion Other high-income countries that introduced vaccine have not experienced biennial patterns, like the U.S. Our results suggest that increasing overall vaccine coverage to 85% among infants would lead to an overall reduction in incidence with annual epidemic patterns.
Relationship between dietary nutrition and chronic disease of Nu nationality residents in Gongshan County in Yunnan Province in 2016

OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between food intake and chronic disease of Nu nationality residents living in Gongshan County in Yunnan Province. METHODS A total of 368 Nu nationality residents aged above 6 years old among 342 families( male 172, female 196) in Gongshan County in Yunnan Province were selected with stratified multistage random cluster sampling method. The condition of dietary structure and anemia, overweight or obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia among Nu nationality were obtained with food frequency questionnaire and questionnaire survey. Non-conditional Logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyze the correlation between food intake and chronic diseases. RESULTS The prevalence of anemia, overweight or obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were 16. 0%, 18. 5%, 18. 5%, 41. 3%and 53. 8% in 2016, respectively. Marital status and consumption of sugar( biscuits) in the past 12 months were related to the anemia in the Nu residents. Sex, occupation, marital status, education level and consumption of dried beans and products( soybeans)in the past 12 months were associated with hypertension among the Nu nationality population. For the Nu nationality residents, marital status, eaten cereals and products( cereals and other products) in the past 12 months, meat and meat products( fresh or frozen poultry) and sugar( bread, biscuits) food had something to do with diabetes. Sex, occupation and consumption of vegetables and products( solanaceous vegetables) over the past 12 months were linked to the prevalence of overweight or obesity. Marital status, consumption of livestock meat and products( fresh or frozen poultry) and fish( grass carp) in the past 12 months were associated with dyslipidemia among the Nu nationality residents. CONCLUSION The prevalence of chronic diseases residents can not be ignored. The main influencing factors of anemia in Nu nationality are marital status and eating sugar. Sex, occupation, marital status, education level, consumption of dried beans and products are the main influencing hypertension factors. Factors causing diabetes are marital status, cereals and products, animal meat and products and carbohydrates. The influence factors of overweight or obesity are gender, occupation, eating vegetables and products. Marital status, eating animal meat and products and fish are the factors leading to dyslipidemia.