cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and comparative analysis of direct amplification of STRs using PowerPlex® 18D and Identifiler® Direct systems

Abstract Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis remains the primary forensic tool for DNA identification. Because of the success of forensic DNA typing and the use of database searches to develop investigative leads, there is an increased demand for populating forensic DNA databases. Reference samples tend to be of high quantity and quality and are somewhat standardized in format. Being more predictable in quality than unknown forensic casework samples, reference samples lend themselves to alternate methods of analysis such as direct amplification. Two commercially available direct amplification kits for processing reference samples were evaluated. The kits are PowerPlex ® 18D (Promega Corp., Madison, Wisconsin) and Identifiler ® Direct (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA). Both kits offer the core CODIS loci plus amelogenin, and the loci D2S1338, D19S433. The PP18D kit offers two additional loci, Penta E and Penta D. To determine the robustness and reliability of the PP18D and ID Direct amplification systems, buccal cell samples (deposited on FTA paper using the EasiCollect™ device (Florham Park, NJ)) from 400 anonymous donors were analyzed under conditions to achieve a high rate of successful typing. First-pass success rates were 96.25%, 96.25%, and 95% for PP18D with a 5s injection, ID Direct with a 10s injection, and ID Direct with a 5s injection, respectively. Profiles that could not be typed were not a result of the kits' performance but were a result of the inherent variation in the amount of DNA obtained with the collection device and buccal cells. Low signal profiles can be re-analyzed by either re-injecting for a longer time or by re-amplification with an additional PCR cycle. Overloaded profiles can be re-analyzed by re-injecting for a shorter time or by re-amplification with one less cycle. All called typing results, when interpretable, were consistent under the prescribed conditions, different injection times, and 26-28 PCR cycles for both chemistries. Peak height ratios for both kits were well balanced with peaks ranging in height >2000RFUs to those with one or more peaks with heights ® Plus kit and successful typing results were obtained for the majority of samples. However, the profiles displayed increased amounts of non-adenylated products. The results of this study demonstrate that PP18D and ID Direct are both robust kits for direct amplification. The interpretation guidelines used for this study can form a basis for internal validation studies by databasing laboratories.
Chewed out: an experimental link between food material properties and repetitive loading of the masticatory apparatus in mammals

Using a model organism (rabbits) that resembles a number of mammalian herbivores in key aspects of its chewing behaviors, we examined how variation in dietary mechanical properties affects food breakdown during mastication. Such data have implications for understanding phenotypic variation in the mammalian feeding apparatus, particularly with respect to linking jaw form to diet-induced repetitive loading. Results indicate that chewing frequency (chews/s) is independent of food properties, whereas chewing investment (chews/g) and chewing duration(s), which are proportional to repetitive loading of the jaws, are positively related to food stiffness and toughness. In comparisons of displacement-limited and stress-limited fragmentation indices, which respectively characterize the intraoral breakdown of tough and stiff foods, increases in chewing investment and duration are linked solely to stiffness. This suggests that stiffer foods engender higher peak loads and increased cyclical loading. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom by demonstrating that toughness does not, by itself, underlie increases in cyclical loading and loading duration. Instead, tough foods may be associated with such jaw-loading patterns because they must be processed in greater volumes owing to their lower nutritive quality and for longer periods of time to increase oral exposure to salivary chemicals.
Consensus Clusterings

In this paper we address the problem of combining multiple clusterings without access to the underlying features of the data. This process is known in the literature as clustering ensembles, clustering aggregation, or consensus clustering. Consensus clustering yields a stable and robust final clustering that is in agreement with multiple clusterings. We find that an iterative EM-like method is remarkably effective for this problem. We present an iterative algorithm and its variations for finding clustering consensus. An extensive empirical study compares our proposed algorithms with eleven other consensus clustering methods on four data sets using three different clustering performance metrics. The experimental results show that the new ensemble clustering methods produce clusterings that are as good as, and often better than, these other methods.
Abstract 639: Carnosine Supplementation Promotes Revascularization in Mouse model of Hindlimb Ischemia

Revascularization surgeries are important for treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) however, advanced CLI patients are poor candidates for these surgeries. Here, we proposed that carnosine, a dipeptide of β-alanine and histidine which is highly abundant in the skeletal muscle (2-20mM) and has the abilities to quench reactive aldehydes and chelate divalent metals, can promote revascularization. WTC57Bl/6 mice were pre-treated with carnosine (1g/L) in drinking water for 7 days, subjected to hindlimb ischemia surgery (HLI) by femoral artery ligation and allowed to recover for 14 days with carnosine supplementation. Doppler analysis showed that carnosine supplementation increased blood perfusion to 63±6% compared to 19±3% in controls. Post-surgery carnosine treatment also increased blood flow to 49.4± 6% compared to 28.2± 4% in controls following 21 days of recovery. Histological analysis of the ischemic limb showed that tissue injury was attenuated by carnosine supplementation. Mobilization of angiogenic endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) (Flk+/Sca+) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ischemic muscle was enhanced by carnosine treatment. These results were associated with an increase in ischemic muscle carnosine levels in the carnosine treated HLI mice. Furthermore, expression of the carnosine transporter PHT1 was increased in carnosine treated HLI mice compared to HLI mice. Concomitant with the increased VEGF expression in carnosine treated HLI mice, we observed that pre-treatment of murine myoblast C2C12 cells with octyl-D-carnosine followed by hypoxia increased hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha nuclear translocation and VEGF expression and secretion. Our results demonstrate that carnosine treatment increases blood flow in the ischemic limb by increasing EPC mobilization and therefore can be a potential therapeutic intervention for CLI patients.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Hawaii

This report introduces the study and training process of physical therapy and rehabilitation mainly for cerebral palsy performed in the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, where the author had a training experience for six months. Distinctiveness of physical therapy and rehabilitaion service in the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific are as follows: 1) The number of beds is 100, with a large number of staffs of 250. 2) Completeness of service for out-patients, such as full service aiming at returning to work performed at IWC and various programs for keeping body function against chronic diseases. Diversified rehabilitation programs are highly expected in Japan in which the project for training of body function has just started on the basis of the Health Law for the Aged. 3) Short period of hospital treatment, for example for only six weeks in case of cerebral palsy. 4) Long training time per day, average 5 hours in general patients. 5) Training conducted by physical therapists put an emphasis on acquirement of body function at the disability level. In contrast with this, physical therapy in Japan seems to place importance on that at the impariment level. 6) Popularization of practical programs such as home visits and family orientation. 7) Great sympathetic atttitude with rehabilitation was observed in the public.
Strategies for Biomarker Development in Psoriatic Disease: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting

Psoriatic disease includes psoriasis and associated comorbidities (arthritis, uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety/depression) and is remarkably diverse in disease presentation and course. The marked heterogeneity of musculoskeletal involvement in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presents major challenges to clinicians regarding diagnosis, risk stratification, and management. Members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) have begun collaborative efforts to develop biomarkers that can assist in the diagnosis and management of patients with psoriasis and related comorbidities. This brief review provides a rationale for biomarker research in PsA, consideration of types and sources of biomarkers, and examples of important biomarker studies in PsA, followed by a review of trial designs for biomarker research and a discussion of potential funding sources.
Discovering Context-Specific Integration Practices for Integrating NEPA into Statewide and Metropolitan Project Planning Processes

AbstractWhen the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and the transportation project planning process are not streamlined, the NEPA process may lead to duplication of work and project delays. This paper presents research work in discovering state-suitable integration practices for integrating NEPA into statewide and metropolitan transportation project planning processes for the state of Illinois. The discovery of practices was based on an analytical review of existing integration guidelines and efforts in other states and using a survey of experts from relevant federal, state, and metropolitan planning, regulatory, and resource agencies. Two types of integration practices were identified: process-oriented and collaboration-oriented integration practices. The selected practices were integrated into existing transportation project planning processes and formalized into an integrated process flow with detailed implementation guidance. The integrated process was validated through a second expert s...
β-Catenin is a Target for Extracellular Signals Controlling Cadherin Function: The Neurocan-GalNAcPTase Connection

Publisher Summary This chapter describes how the association of cadherin with the actin-containing cytoskeleton is rapidly uncoupled, by a signal pathway triggered, by the interaction between a cell surface glycosyltransferase and its proteoglycan ligand, neurocan. The adhesion molecules that participate in these interactions belong to a limited number of families: the cadherins, N-CAM family members, and integrins. Cadherin-mediated adhesion is one of the key processes guiding the cell-cell interactions essential to the formation and maintenance of regionally specific tissue organization. The adhesive function of N- and E-cadherin is dependent on their association with the cytoskeleton. β-Catenin has the potential to play an important role in this process, as its tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation can rapidly switch cadherin between functional and nonfunctional states. The neurocan/GalNAcPTase pair is one of the several ligand/receptor interactions that can trigger this process. The fine-tuning of many morphogenetic processes may depend on the temporal and spatial distribution of these ligand/receptor pairs. This chapter examines how other receptor-ligand interactions affect the phosphorylation state of β-catenin, and finally it integrates the role of β-catenin in modulating cadherin function, with the key roles, that it plays in the wingless signaling pathway, its recently described transcriptional activation activity, and its association with the APC tumor suppressor protein, important pathways that regulate development, and neoplasia.
Dynamics of Peer Grading: An Empirical Study.

Author(s): de Alfaro, L; Shavlovsky, M | Abstract: Peer grading is widely used in MOOCs and in standard university settings. The quality of grades obtained via peer grading is essential for the educational process. In this work, we study the factors that influence errors in peer grading. We analyze 288 assignments with 25,633 submissions and 113,169 reviews conducted with CrowdGrader, a web based peer grading tool. First, we found that large grading errors are generally more closely correlated with hard-to-grade submission, rather than with imprecise students. Second, we detected a weak correlation between review accuracy and student proficiency, as measured by the quality of the student's own work. Third, we found little correlation between review accuracy and the time it took to perform the review, or how late in the review period the review was performed. Finally, we found a clear evidence of tit-for-tat behavior when students give feedback on the reviews they received. We conclude with remarks on how these data can lead to improvements in peer-grading tools.
Structure and dynamics of a free aquaporin (AQP1) by a coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation

Structure and dynamics of a free aquaporin (AQP1) are studied by a coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation as a function of temperature using a phenomenological potential with the input of a knowledge-based residue–residue interaction. Response of the radius of gyration (R g) of the protein to the temperature (T) is found to be nonlinear: Decay of R g at T ≤ T c is followed by a continuous increase at T ≥ T c before reaching its saturation. In thermo-responsive regime, the protein exhibits segmental globularization with the persistence of three regions along its sequence involving residues 1M–25V and 250V–269K toward the beginning and end segments with a narrow intermediate region around 155A–163D. A detail analysis of the structure factor S(q) shows a global random coil conformation at high temperatures with an effective dimension D e ~ 1.74 and a globular structure (D e ~ 3) at low temperatures. In thermo-responsive regime, the variation of S(q) with the wave vector q reveals a systematic redistribution of self-organizing residues (in globular and fibrous sections) that depends on the length scale and the temperature.
A Formal Model of Maps as a Fundamental Type

This chapter reviews the algebra defining the traditional spatial types, their operations, and topological predicates. This algebra forms the foundation of spatial data processing using vector data and is also used as the foundation for the Map Framework. Finally, the formal model of maps is developed.
Platform and Across-Swath Comparison of Vorticity Spectra From QuikSCAT, ASCAT-A, OSCAT, and ASCAT-B Scatterometers

In the last few years, there has been tremendous improvement in the calibration of ocean surface vector winds from scatterometers and polarimetric radiometers. This is the first detailed investigation of across-swath consistency in scatterometer-derived (i.e., QSCAT, ASCAT-A, OSCAT, and ASCAT-B) vorticity (curl of the ocean surface vector winds). Spatial derivatives of the winds fields are very important for atmospheric boundary-layer processes, upper ocean forcing, and deep ocean forcing. Improvements in wind calibration imply improvements in derivatives of these winds; however, it does not imply consistency. This study demonstrates near consistency in across-swath vorticity and near consistency between platforms.
A novel feature extraction method for monitoring (vehicular) fuel storage system leaks

System state determination with incomplete sensory information set proved to be a technically challenging problem. In this paper, authors tackle a problem of this type associated with vehicle fuel storage systems and proposed a novel feature extraction method. Federal and state regulations require fuel storage leak detection mechanism to be conducted periodically and regulate its execution rate and performance to ensure effective emission controls. Being able to robustly determine a fuel storage system’s state in terms of its effectiveness of fuel containment is therefore of great importance to all vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Prevailing practice in the industry utilizes a method relevant to natural vacuum phenomenon and is loosely associated with ideal gas law. Commonly referred to as “Entry Conditions” in in-vehicle monitoring design literature, major noise factors go through stringent pre-monitoring evaluations before monitoring program execution to ensure ideal test conditions. Differences in ambient conditions compounded with varying customer drive cycle patterns present great challenge to existing monitor designs for the purpose of leak detection. In addition, prevailing practices of evaluation in-tank fuel pressure and temperature information are generally conducted with surrogate or estmiated temperature information due to the absence of in-tank temperature sensor. All this calls for an alternative feature calculation and detection method that are less sensitive to known noise factors, can operate with incomplete sensory information yet being able provide similar or improved detection capability. In this paper, we put the main focus on the derivation of a novel method of feature calculation for the purpose of detecting presence of a leak in a fuel storage tank.
In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Tedizolid against Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Tedizolid is a new oxazolidinone with improved in vitro and intracellular potency against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistant strains, and some species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) compared with that of linezolid. Using the current Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)-recommended method of broth microdilution, susceptibility testing of 170 isolates of rapidly growing mycobacteria showed equivalent or lower (1- to 8-fold) MIC50 and/or MIC90 values for tedizolid compared with that for linezolid. The tedizolid MIC90 values for 81 isolates of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus and 12 isolates of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense were 8 μg/ml and 4 μg/ml, respectively, compared with linezolid MIC90 values of 32 μg/ml for both. The MIC90 values for 20 isolates of M. fortuitum were 2 μg/ml for tedizolid and 4 μg/ml for linezolid. Twenty-two isolates of M. chelonae had tedizolid and linezolid MIC90s of 2 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively. One hundred forty-two slowly growing NTM, including 7/7 M. marinum, 7/7 M. kansasii, and 7/11 of other less commonly isolated species, had tedizolid MICs of ≤1 μg/ml and linezolid MICs of ≤4 μg/ml. One hundred isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex and eight M. simiae isolates had tedizolid MIC50s of 8 μg/ml and linezolid MIC50s 32 and 64 μg/ml, respectively. Nine M. arupense isolates had MIC50s of 4 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml for tedizolid and linezolid, respectively. These findings demonstrate a greater in vitro potency of tedizolid than linezolid against NTM and suggest that an evaluation of tedizolid as a potential treatment agent for infections caused by selected NTM is warranted.
Development and physicochemical characterization of acetalated dextran aerosol particle systems for deep lung delivery.

Abstract Biocompatible, biodegradable polymers are commonly used as excipients to improve the drug delivery properties of aerosol formulations, in which acetalated dextran (Ac-Dex) exhibits promising potential as a polymer in various therapeutic applications. Despite this promise, there is no comprehensive study on the use of Ac-Dex as an excipient for dry powder aerosol formulations. In this study, we developed and characterized pulmonary drug delivery aerosol microparticle systems based on spray-dried Ac-Dex with capabilities of (1) delivering therapeutics to the deep lung, (2) targeting the particles to a desired location within the lungs, and (3) releasing the therapeutics in a controlled fashion. Two types of Ac-Dex, with either rapid or slow degradation rates, were synthesized. Nanocomposite microparticle (nCmP) and microparticle (MP) systems were successfully formulated using both kinds of Ac-Dex as excipients and curcumin as a model drug. The resulting MP were collapsed spheres approximately 1 μm in diameter, while the nCmP were similar in size with wrinkled surfaces, and these systems dissociated into 200 nm nanoparticles upon reconstitution in water. The drug release rates of the Ac-Dex particles were tuned by modifying the particle size and ratio of fast to slow degrading Ac-Dex. The pH of the environment was also a significant factor that influenced the drug release rate. All nCmP and MP systems exhibited desirable aerodynamic diameters that are suitable for deep lung delivery (e.g. below 5 μm). Overall, the engineered Ac-Dex aerosol particle systems have the potential to provide targeted and effective delivery of therapeutics into the deep lung.
A novel role for p53 in self-tolerance

In this issue of Blood , Rodrigues et al use a conditional knockout mouse model to describe a novel role for p53 in the differentiation and maintenance of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), tissue-restricted antigen (TRA) expression, and self-tolerance. 1
If we keep doing what we're doing we'll keep getting what we're getting: A need to rethink "academic" medicine.

Purpose: For generations there have been warnings of the need to reform medical education at all levels. Today the voices pushing reform are louder, the need is greater, and there is an urgency not...
Planetary Spectrum Generator: An Accurate Online Radiative Transfer Suite for Atmospheres, Comets, Small Bodies and Exoplanets

Abstract We have developed an online radiative-transfer suite ( https://psg.gsfc.nasa.gov ) applicable to a broad range of planetary objects (e.g., planets, moons, comets, asteroids, TNOs, KBOs, exoplanets). The Planetary Spectrum Generator (PSG) can synthesize planetary spectra (atmospheres and surfaces) for a broad range of wavelengths (UV/Vis/near-IR/IR/far-IR/THz/sub-mm/Radio) from any observatory (e.g., JWST, ALMA, Keck, SOFIA), any orbiter (e.g., ExoMars, Juno), or any lander (e.g., MSL). This is achieved by combining several state-of-the-art radiative transfer models, spectroscopic databases and planetary databases (i.e., climatological and orbital). PSG has a 3D (three-dimensional) orbital calculator for most bodies in the solar system, and all confirmed exoplanets, while the radiative-transfer models can ingest billions of spectral signatures for hundreds of species from several spectroscopic repositories. It integrates the latest radiative-transfer and scattering methods in order to compute high resolution spectra via line-by-line calculations, and utilizes the efficient correlated-k method at moderate resolutions, while for computing cometary spectra, PSG handles non-LTE and LTE excitation processes. PSG includes a realistic noise calculator that integrates several telescope/instrument configurations (e.g., interferometry, coronagraphs) and detector technologies (e.g., CCD, heterodyne detectors, bolometers). Such an integration of advanced spectroscopic methods into an online tool can greatly serve the planetary community, ultimately enabling the retrieval of planetary parameters from remote sensing data, efficient mission planning strategies, interpretation of current and future planetary data, calibration of spectroscopic data, and development of new instrument/spacecraft concepts.
Evaluation of heat stress and heat strain among employees working outdoors in an extremely hot environment

A heat stress evaluation was conducted among employees engaged in strenuous work in an extremely hot outdoor environment. Environmental conditions that contribute to heat stress along with various physiological indicators of heat strain were monitored on a task-basis for nine employees daily across four workdays. Employees performed moderate to heavy tasks in elevated environmental conditions for longer periods of time than recommended by various heat stress exposure limits. Seven of nine employees showed evidence of excessive heat strain according to criteria yet all employees were able to self-regulate task duration and intensity to avoid heat-related illness.
Assessment of Anxiety with Hispanics

The Hispanic population is the fastest growing minority group in the United States, and, therefore, addressing issues surrounding provision of quality behavioral health care to this population is imperative. Anxiety disorders have a particularly high prevalence in the Hispanic population, with some lifetime prevalence estimates as high as 27% for women and 20% for men (Vega WA, Kolody B, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Aldrete E, Catalano R, Caraveo-Anduaga J. Lifetime prevalence of DSM-IIR psychiatric disorders among urban and rural Mexican Americans in California. Arch Gen Psychiatry 55:771–778, 1998). Correct assessment of anxiety disorders is necessary for effective treatment planning and must be evidence-based. The psychometric properties of both English- and Spanish-language measures that have been standardized on a Hispanic population are discussed. Recommendations for use of each measure are also presented.
The Law and Economics of Jurisdiction

Few legal rules are more absolute than the nullity of any and all acts by a federal court lacking jurisdiction. Although it serves important structural policies (separation of powers; federalism), voiding federal court judgments for lack of jurisdiction imposes countervailing costs: incentives to behave strategically in order to garner two chances to try the same case ('two bites at the apple'), and the waste of all the federal court’s factual and legal findings. Four cases decided during the Supreme Court’s Fall 2005 Term highlighted the complexity of, and the existence of critical private (asymmetric) information about, federal jurisdiction. Interaction between complexity and private information make strategic manipulation of jurisdiction both feasible and difficult to distinguish from innocent mistakes. A number of lower court opinions suggest that strategic abuse of federal court jurisdiction occurs with some frequency. Formal models of parties’ incentives to seek 'two bites at the apple' highlight the importance of asymmetric information for such strategic behavior. Perhaps more surprisingly, parties may litigate in federal court despite mutual knowledge of a fatal jurisdictional defect.
Exploring the differential effects of social and individualistic gameplay motivations on bridging social capital for users of a massively multiplayer online game

Abstract This study examines the differential effects of social and individualistic motivations to play massively multiplayer online (MMO) games on feelings of general social support and tolerance (i.e., bridging social capital). Survey data collected from players of the popular MMO World of Warcraft (n = 147) were used to construct a structural equation model to assess the effects of various user motivations, behaviors, and demographic characteristics on self-reported bridging social capital. Results indicate that motivations to socialize and form relationships with other players have positive direct and indirect effects on bridging social capital, while individualistic motivations do not significantly influence the outcome variable. Additionally, the results reveal several demographic differences by age, sex, and number of online friends. Findings provide support for the “rich get richer” hypothesis (Kraut et al., 2002), suggesting that players with pre-established social networks and strong social skills are more likely to benefit from involvement in interactive online platforms. Limitations are discussed and directions for future research are proposed.
Updated recommendation for the benign stand-alone ACMG/AMP criterion.

The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) Sequence Variant Interpretation Working Group set out to refine the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association of Molecular Pathologists (ACMG/AMP) variant pathogenicity recommendations for stand-alone rule BA1 (a variant with minor allele frequency [MAF] > 0.05 is benign), by clarifying how it should be used and specifying a set of variants that should be exempted from this rule. We cross-referenced ClinVar and Exome Aggregation Consortium data to identify variants for which there was a plausible argument for pathogenicity and the variant exists in one or more population data sets at MAF > 0.05. We identified nine such variants that were present in these data sets that may not be benign. The ACMG/AMP criteria were applied to these variants that resulted in four pathogenic and five variants of uncertain significance. We have refined benign rule BA1 by clarifying terms used to describe its use, which databases we recommend using, and assumptions made about this rule. We also recognized an initial list of nine variants for which there was some evidence of pathogenicity even though the MAF was high for these variants. We specify processes whereby individuals can petition ClinGen for amendments to our variant-specific assertions and the criteria experts should use when setting a numerically lower threshold for BA1 for specific genes.
A behavioral cancer pain intervention: A randomized noninferiority trial comparing in-person with videoconference delivery.

OBJECTIVE Behavioral cancer pain interventions are efficacious for improving important pain outcomes; yet, traditional in-person delivery limits patient access. This study compared videoconference-delivered mobile health pain coping skills training (mPCST) to in-person pain coping skills training (PCST-traditional). METHODS This study was a randomized, noninferiority trial with cancer patients. Participants (N = 178) were randomly assigned to four, 45-minute sessions of mPCST or PCST-traditional. Session content focused on evidence-based cognitive and behavioral pain management skills. Assessments were completed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment, and included measures of primary intervention outcomes (ie, pain severity and pain interference) and secondary intervention outcomes (ie, physical symptoms, psychological distress, physical well-being, and self-efficacy). The main study aim tested whether mPCST was more accessible (defined as feasibility, acceptability, patient burden, and engagement) than PCST-traditional. The second aim tested whether mPCST was noninferior to PCST-traditional. RESULTS mPCST demonstrated significantly greater feasibility (ie, attrition, adherence, and time to completion) than PCST-traditional. Both groups reported similar patient burden and engagement as well as a high degree of acceptability. All intervention outcomes demonstrated noninferiority at posttreatment and, with the exception of physical symptoms, 3-month posttreatment. Concerning the primary intervention outcomes, 95% CIs for the mean differences (d) were below the noninferiority margin of 1 for pain severity (posttreatment d = 0.09, 95% CI, -0.63-0.81; 3 months d = -0.43 95% CI, -1.22-0.36) and pain interference (posttreatment d = -0.11, 95% CI, -0.99-0.76; 3 months d = -0.26 95% CI, -1.14-0.62). CONCLUSION mPCST is highly accessible and noninferior to PCST-traditional.
Experimental assessment of predation risk for juvenile green sturgeon, Acipenser medirostris, by two predatory fishes

Predation is a common cause of early life stage mortality in fishes, with reduced risk as individuals grow and become too large to be consumed by gape‐limited predatory fishes. Large‐bodied species, such as sturgeon, may reach this size‐refuge within the first year. However, there is limited understanding of what this size threshold is despite the value of this information for conservation management. We conducted laboratory‐based predation experiments on juvenile green sturgeon, Acipenser medirostris, to estimate vulnerability to predation during outmigration from their natal reaches in California to the Pacific Ocean. Two highly abundant and non‐native predatory fish species (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, and striped bass, Morone saxatilis) were captured in the wild to be tested with developing juvenile green sturgeon from the UC Davis Green Sturgeon Broodstock Program. Experimental tanks, each containing five predators, received thirty prey for 24‐hr exposures. Between sturgeon prey trials, predators were exposed to alternative prey species to confirm predators were exhibiting normal feeding behaviors. In addition to green sturgeon mortality data, trials were video recorded and predatory behaviors were quantified. Overall, these predator species displayed much lower rates of predation on juvenile green sturgeon than alternate prey. Predation decreased with green sturgeon size, and predation risk diminished to zero once sturgeon reached a length threshold of roughly 20–22 cm total length, or between 38% and 58% of predator total length. Behavioral analyses showed low motivation to feed on green sturgeon, with both predators attempting predation less frequently as sturgeon grew. Results of this study imply that optimizing growth rates for larval and juvenile sturgeon would shorten the time in which they are vulnerable to predation. Future experiments should assess predation risk of juvenile green sturgeon by additional predator species common to the Sacramento‐San Joaquin watershed.
NavSense: A Navigation Tool for Visually Impaired

The visually impaired rely heavily on hearing and touching (with their cane) to navigate through life. These senses cannot make up for the loss of vision when identifying objects in the user's path. In this paper, we propose NavSense, an assistive device that supplements existing technology to improve navigation and peace of mind in day to day life. NavSense relies on range detection, computer vision, and hardware acceleration mechanisms to provide real-time object identification and context to the user through auditory feedback. In particular, we use four hardware platforms – Raspberry Pi 3 B+, Coral Accelerator, Coral Development Board, and Intel Neural Computer Stick – to compare the efficiency of object detection in terms of time and energy during setup and inference phases. Based on these results, it is possible to tailor the design for specific energy-accuracy requirements. Also, we have implemented and used NavSense in real-world scenarios to show its effectiveness.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Induces Hepatic Stellate Cell Senescence and Attenuates Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly morbid condition with lack of effective treatment options. HCC arises from chronically inflamed and damaged liver tissue; therefore, chemoprevention may be a useful strategy to reduce HCC incidence. Several reports suggest that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), extracted from green tea, can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in animal models, but its role in HCC chemoprevention is not well established. In this study, male Wistar rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine at 50 mg/kg for 18 weeks to induce cirrhosis and HCC, and EGCG was given in drinking water at a concentration of 0.02%. Clinically achievable dosing of EGCG was well-tolerated in diethylnitrosamine-injured rats and was associated with improved serum liver markers including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin, and reduced HCC tumor formation. Transcriptomic analysis of diethylnitrosamine-injured hepatic tissue was notable for increased expression of genes associated with the Hoshida high risk HCC gene signature, which was prevented with EGCG treatment. EGCG treatment also inhibited fibrosis progression, which was associated with inactivation of hepatic stellate cells and induction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. In conclusion, EGCG administered at clinically safe doses exhibited both chemopreventive and antifibrotic effects in a rat diethylnitrosamine liver injury model.
Association of Electronic Health Record Use With Physician Fatigue and Efficiency.

Importance The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is directly associated with physician burnout. An underlying factor associated with burnout may be EHR-related fatigue owing to insufficient user-centered interface design and suboptimal usability. Objective To examine the association between EHR use and fatigue, as measured by pupillometry, and efficiency, as measured by mouse clicks, time, and number of EHR screens, among intensive care unit (ICU) physicians completing a simulation activity in a prominent EHR. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional, simulation-based EHR usability assessment of a leading EHR system was conducted from March 20 to April 5, 2018, among 25 ICU physicians and physician trainees at a southeastern US academic medical center. Participants completed 4 simulation patient cases in the EHR that involved information retrieval and task execution while wearing eye-tracking glasses. Fatigue was quantified through continuous eye pupil data; EHR efficiency was characterized through task completion time, mouse clicks, and EHR screen visits. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were physician fatigue, measured by pupillometry (with lower scores indicating greater fatigue), and EHR efficiency, measured by task completion times, number of mouse clicks, and number of screens visited during EHR simulation. Results The 25 ICU physicians (13 women; mean [SD] age, 33.2 [6.1] years) who completed a simulation exercise involving 4 patient cases (mean [SD] completion time, 34:43 [11:41] minutes) recorded a total of 14 hours and 27 minutes of EHR activity. All physician participants experienced physiological fatigue at least once during the exercise, and 20 of 25 participants (80%) experienced physiological fatigue within the first 22 minutes of EHR use. Physicians who experienced EHR-related fatigue in 1 patient case were less efficient in the subsequent patient case, as demonstrated by longer task completion times (r = −0.521;P = .007), higher numbers of mouse clicks (r = −0.562;P = .003), and more EHR screen visits (r = −0.486;P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance This study reports high rates of fatigue among ICU physicians during short periods of EHR simulation, which were negatively associated with EHR efficiency and included a carryover association across patient cases. More research is needed to investigate the underlying causes of EHR-associated fatigue, to support user-centered EHR design, and to inform safe EHR use policies and guidelines.
Trancework: An introduction to the practice of clinical hypnosis. Fifth edition: Yapko, M. D., New York, Routledge, 2019, 564 pp., $64.95 (softcover), ISBN: 978-1-138-56310-0 (pbk)

“Now hypnosis in itself, doesn’t do anything. But it gives you a favorable climate in which to work.” – Milton Erickson Learning hypnosis is a recursive process, much like writing. You may begin by...
Mastering Terra Mystica: Applying Self-Play to Multi-agent Cooperative Board Games.

In this paper, we explore and compare multiple algorithms for solving the complex strategy game of Terra Mystica, hereafter abbreviated as TM. Previous work in the area of super-human game-play using AI has proven effective, with recent break-through for generic algorithms in games such as Go, Chess, and Shogi \cite{AlphaZero}. We directly apply these breakthroughs to a novel state-representation of TM with the goal of creating an AI that will rival human players. Specifically, we present the initial results of applying AlphaZero to this state-representation and analyze the strategies developed. A brief analysis is presented. We call this modified algorithm with our novel state-representation AlphaTM. In the end, we discuss the success and shortcomings of this method by comparing against multiple baselines and typical human scores. All code used for this paper is available at on \href{this https URL}{GitHub}.
Black-White Differences in Life Insurance Ownership Among Middle-Income Couples

It is well-documented that Blacks have a significantly lower amount of wealth than Whites, which carries a variety of implications. Although there are many historical reasons for the wealth gap that are not easily solved, positive financial behaviors can help Blacks strengthen their financial position, grow their wealth, pass along assets to the next generation, and assist in mitigating financial risk, particularly owning life insurance. Examining life insurance will provide insight into racial ownership differences and will show the extent to which Whites and Blacks are protecting their income. In addition, it will shed light on Blacks’ risk as it relates to life insurance. Two research questions are addressed: (1) Are there racial differences in life insurance ownership? (2) Are there racial differences in the proportion of human capital insured?
The relative contribution of bone microarchitecture and matrix composition to implant fixation strength in rats.

Bone microarchitectural parameters significantly contribute to implant fixation strength but the role of bone matrix composition is not well understood. To determine the relative contribution of microarchitecture and bone matrix composition to implant fixation strength, we placed titanium implants in 12-week-old intact Sprague-Dawley rats, Ovariectomized-Sprague-Dawley rats, and Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats. We assessed bone microarchitecture by microcomputed tomography, bone matrix composition by Raman spectroscopy, and implant fixation strength at 2, 6, and 10 weeks post-implantation. A stepwise linear regression model accounted for 83.3% of the variance in implant fixation strength with osteointegration volume/total volume (50.4%), peri-implant trabecular bone volume fraction (14.2%), cortical thickness (9.3%), peri-implant trabecular crystallinity (6.7%), and cortical area (2.8%) as the independent variables. Group comparisons indicated that osseointegration volume/total volume was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group at week 2 (~28%) and week 10 (~21%) as well as in the diabetic group at week 10 (~34%) as compared to the age matched Sprague-Dawley group. The crystallinity of the trabecular bone was significantly elevated in the ovariectomy group at week 2 (~4%) but decreased in the diabetic group at week 10 (~3%) with respect to the Sprague-Dawley group. Our study is the first to show that bone microarchitecture explains most of the variance in implant fixation strength, but that matrix composition is also a contributing factor. Therefore, treatment strategies aimed at improving bone-implant contact and peri-implant bone volume without compromising matrix quality should be prioritized. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Re-framing the nature and success of the “post-conflict” mineral reform agenda in Rwanda

Abstract Mineral reforms—both their policies and impacts—remain an important subject of discussion for international development. How best to develop national mineral endowments to ensure broad, meaningful socio-economic benefits for government and population alike? Reflections from the last 40 years of mineral reform implementation are used in this paper to examine those undertaken in a less discussed country: Rwanda. What lessons from prior mineral reformers (i.e. countries) in sub-Saharan Africa offer a starting point for analysing efforts of the Rwandan government to attract foreign investment in its mining sector since 1996. The paper examines this reform process, in particular to understand the extent to which the reforms pursue reflect a particular “post-conflict” nature. It does so by first examining the nature of mining reforms undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa over the last several decades. It then brings these reflections to bear on the case study of Rwanda. The paper concludes that the difficulty in assessing the success of Rwanda's mineral reforms after 1996 may lie more in the methodology defining success, than the results themselves.
Control of dynamics-coupling effects in piezo-actuator for high-speed AFM operation

This article addresses the compensation for the dynamics-coupling effects in piezo-actuators used for positioning in atomic force microscopes (AFMs). Piezo-actuators are used to position the AFM probe (relative to the sample) both parallel to the sample surface (x-y-axes) and perpendicular to the sample surface (z-axis). During AFM operation, such as nanofabrication and imaging of soft biological samples, the probe-sample distance (in the z-axis) needs to be precisely controlled to maintain the probe-sample interaction at a desired value; otherwise, large variation of the probe-sample distance results in distortions of the fabricated parts (in nanofabrication) and can cause sample damage (in imaging soft biological samples). In this article, we show that dynamics-coupling from the x-y-axes (the scanning axes) to the z-axis, referred to as x-to-z dynamics-coupling, can generate significant variations in the probe-sample distance when operating AFM at high speed, i.e., when the sample is scanned at high speed. We present an inversion-based approach to compensate for these dynamics-coupling effects. Additionally, for applications where the x-y-axes movement is repetitive (as in AFM scanning operations), an iterative approach is proposed to further reduce the coupling-caused positioning errors. Convergence of the iterative approach is investigated and experimental results show that the coupling-caused errors can be reduced to the noise level using the proposed approach. Thus, the main contribution of this article is the development of an approach to substantially reduce the coupling-caused positioning errors and thereby, enable high-speed high-precision positioning of piezoscanners used in AFMs.
Utilizando o Raciocínio Baseado em Casos na Avaliação de Softwares Educativos

Resumo: Este artigo enfatiza a importância da avaliacao dos softwares educativos, e mostra como a tecnica de raciocinio baseado em casos pode ser empregada para dar suporte a avaliacao de novos sistemas. Uma ferramenta de apoio a avaliacao de softwares educativos e apresentada e avaliada, mostrando que a maior parte dos usuarios apreciou a possibilidade de explorar casos passados na avaliacao de novos softwares educativos. Abstract: This article emphasizes the importance of educational software evaluation and shows how case-based reasoning can be employed to support the evaluation of new systems. A support tool for the evaluation of educational software is proposed and evaluated, showing that most users appreciated the case retrieval feature to support the evaluation of new software.
Wavelets: A Multiscale Analysis Tool

As a new analysis tool, the wavelet transform has had a profound impact on almost all disciplines requiring signal analysis of any significance. It provided for the first time a systematic scale-based analysis, in contrast to filters, a tractable methodology in the temporal/spatial domain. Our goal, here, is to provide an introduction to this tool with an emphasis on gaining a working knowledge for an advanced undergraduate student. We highlight the merits of the tool as well as its limitations, and present it as complementary to the Fourier analysis tool, rather than as a universal panacea. Keywords: wavelet; filter bank; multiscale; wavelet packet; basis; denoising
On Stabilization Using the Energy Integral

A clarification and discussion of the use of the energy integral to stabilize gravitational systems is presented. In a previous paper (Nacozy, Astro, and Space Sci., 1971, Vol. 14, No. 1, p. 40. See also: Baumgarte, Celestial Mechanics, 1972, Vol. 5, p. 490.), a method is described that employs the energy integral of the system as a constraint. At the completion of each (or several) integration steps, the solution is adjusted so that the error in the energy integral vanishes. And, even though the local or per step error in the energy integral is often several orders of magnitude smaller than the actual local error in the solution, satisfaction of the energy integral generally reduces the total or global error in the solution of Liapunov unstable systems by several orders of magnitude.