cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery of shape and size in a developing organ pair.

Background Paired organs in animals are largely bilaterally symmetric despite inherent noise in most biological processes. How is precise organ shape and size achieved during development despite this noise? Examining paired organ development is a challenge because it requires repeated quantification of two structures in parallel within living embryos. Here we combine bilateral quantification of morphology through time with asymmetric perturbations to study regulation of organ shape, size, and symmetry in developing organ pairs. Results We present quantitative live imaging tools to measure the shape and size of the developing inner ears on both the left and right side simultaneously over time. By quantifying variation between the left and right inner ear (intrinsic noise) and between different individuals (extrinsic noise), we find that initial variability decreases over time in normal development to achieve symmetry. Early asymmetry is increased by environmental stress, but symmetry is still recovered over subsequent developmental time. Using multiple unilateral perturbations including Fgf signaling and ultraviolet light, we find that growth can be adjusted to compensate for a range of initial size and shape differences. Conclusions We propose that symmetry in developmental systems does not emerge through precise deterministic bilateral development, but rather through feedback mechanisms that adjust morphogenesis rates to account for variation. Developmental Dynamics 246:451-465, 2016. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence of Treatment for Infection of Buried Versus Exposed Kirschner Wires in Phalangeal, Metacarpal, and Distal Radial Fractures.

Purpose To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence of infection between exposed and buried K-wires when used to treat phalangeal, metacarpal, and distal radius fractures. Methods We conducted a retrospective review identifying all patients aged greater than 16 years who underwent fixation of phalangeal, metacarpal, or distal radius fractures with K-wires between 2007 and 2015. We recorded patient demographic data, fracture location, number of K-wires used, whether K-wires were buried or left exposed, and duration of K-wire placement. Results A total of 695 patients met inclusion criteria. Surgeons buried K-wires in 207 patients and left K-wires exposed in 488. Infections occurred more frequently in exposed K-wire cases than in buried K-wire ones. Subgroup analysis based on fracture location revealed a significantly increased risk of being treated for infection when exposed K-wires were used for metacarpal fractures. Conclusions Patients with exposed K-wires for fixation of phalangeal, metacarpal, or distal radius fractures were more likely to be treated for a pin-site infection than those with K-wires buried beneath the skin. Metacarpal fractures treated with exposed K-wires were 2 times more likely to be treated for a pin-site infection (17.6% of exposed K wire cases vs 8.7% of buried K wire cases). Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Abstract 2311: A peptide derived from a photosynthetic cupredoxin protein, auracyanin, induces a p53-independent apoptosis in cancer cells

Cupredoxins are a family of low-molecular weight, water soluble, copper-containing redox proteins involved mainly in the electron transfer chain in prokaryotes. Azurin is a member of the cupredoxin family secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, of which a 28-amino acid sequence (p28) was identified to acquire the capability of preferential entry into cancer cells of various histogenesis. Upon entry, it exerts a cytostatic effect in these cancer cells via a p53-mediated pathway. Our aim was to study whether the other members of the cupredoxin family possess a similar function to that of azurin in the eukaryotic cancer cells. Based on structural and sequence analyses, helical regions of auracyanin A & B were shown to resemble p28 closely. Thus, we studied the biologic function of two 28-amino-acid peptides derived from auracyanin A (aurA; pI 4.5, MW 2.6 kD), and auracyanin B (aurB; pI 3.4, MW 2.7 kD). Cancer growth and MTT assays demonstrated that aurB, but not aurA, induced cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent (range 0.1uM-100uM) and time-dependent (~72 hours) pattern, including p53-null (prostate cancer PC-3) and dn-p53 (breast cancer MDD-2 and ovarian cancer SKOV-3) in which p28 did not demonstrate a significant growth inhibition. Annexin-V assays showed a dose-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines of various p53 statuses (wt-p53 LNCaP, mut-p53 DU-145, p53-null PC-3) following treatment with aurB at 5-50uM for 48 hours, whereas p28 did not demonstrate an apoptotic activity in p53-null cell lines, suggesting an aurB-induced apoptosis via a p53-indepdnent pathway. In contrast, aurA did not appear to induce apoptosis in any of the above cell lines. Induction of apoptosis was mediated through depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and caspase cascade activation in cancer cells. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that aurB, unlike p28, does not acquire a similar pattern of preferential entry into cancer cells. This proposes that aurB acquires the potential as an anticancer cell penetrating peptide, and differs from p28 in its mode of entry and p53-mediated action. Our studies pertaining to azurin and auracyanin, suggest that cupredoxins, as a family of prokaryotic metalloproteins, could represent a fountainhead of numerous derived peptides that hold promise as novel and efficient antineoplastic agents against various cancer cell lines. Citation Format: Samer A. Naffouje, Tohru Yamada, Tapas K. Das Gupta. A peptide derived from a photosynthetic cupredoxin protein, auracyanin, induces a p53-independent apoptosis in cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2311. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2311
A Small-Molecule Inducible Synthetic Circuit for Control of the SOS Gene Network without DNA Damage

The bacterial SOS stress-response pathway is a pro-mutagenic DNA repair system that mediates bacterial survival and adaptation to genotoxic stressors, including antibiotics and UV light. The SOS pathway is composed of a network of genes under the control of the transcriptional repressor, LexA. Activation of the pathway involves linked but distinct events: an initial DNA damage event leads to activation of RecA, which promotes autoproteolysis of LexA, abrogating its repressor function and leading to induction of the SOS gene network. These linked events can each independently contribute to DNA repair and mutagenesis, making it difficult to separate the contributions of the different events to observed phenotypes. We therefore devised a novel synthetic circuit to unlink these events and permit induction of the SOS gene network in the absence of DNA damage or RecA activation via orthogonal cleavage of LexA. Strains engineered with the synthetic SOS circuit demonstrate small-molecule inducible expression of S...
Effects of Antibiotics on Resistance to Colonization with Enteric Pathogens in Mice

There is considerable evidence that the administration of large quantities of antibiotics to experimental animals greatly increases their susceptibility to colonization with exogenous organisms. When the antibiotics are given perorally, the intestinal flora is frequently disrupted and the animals are easily colonized with enteric pathogens. This was demonstrated some time ago by Freter [3, 4], who gave Swiss mice and guinea pigs high concentrations of antibiotics, rendering the animals susceptible to infection with antibiotic-resistant strains of Shigella flexneri and Vibrio cholerae. At about the same time, Bohnhoff et al. [1] reported that peroral administration of streptomycin to mice greatly increased their susceptibility to Salmonella enteritidis infection. The antibiotic lowered the ID50 of Salmonella enteritidis from 1 million viable bacteria to fewer than 10 bacteria [2]. Data from in vitro studies indicated that disruption of the flora resulted in a decrease in volatile fatty concentrations and an increase in the pH of intestinal contents, providing conditions that favored multiplication of Salmonella enteritidis.
Swimming in an anisotropic fluid: How speed depends on alignment angle

Swimming microorganisms commonly encounter anisotropic environments, such as a biofilm or a liquid-crystalline solution. A simple theory for a Taylor sheet in a nematic liquid crystal is used to calculate how the swimming speed depends on the angle between the swimmer and the nematic director and also on the torque that tends to align the swimmer with the director.
Role of MR Imaging for the Locoregional Staging of Breast Cancer

Breast MR imaging has been shown to identify unsuspected sites of cancer in the ipsilateral breast in 16% of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Breast MR imaging identifies occult cancer in the contralateral breast in 3% to 5% of women. Early evidence suggests that the added value of MR imaging for staging may be attenuated in women who also undergo tomosynthesis, particularly those with nondense breasts. Breast MR imaging is complementary to ultrasound imaging in evaluating regional nodal basins. Ongoing prospective randomized clinical trials should clarify the impact of preoperative breast MR imaging on clinical outcomes.
How African Immigrant Adult Men Experience their Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Daily: Presentation of Key Findings and Recommendations for Further Research from a Previous Study

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects many people globally. Normally when you eat, the food is broken down, yielding different nutrients including glucose, commonly known as sugar. The body stores some of the glucose in the liver, but majority of it enters the bloodstream to reach the bodyâ€™s cells which use the glucose as energy to carry out their specific functions. Insulin, a hormone made in the organ, pancreas is needed to help the glucose reach most cells of the body, fueling them to perform their specific functions. Diabetes manifest when blood glucose is too high. With type 2 diabetes, there is a problem with the glucose entering the bodyâ€™s cells to fuel them, while majority accumulates in the blood. Over time without effective management, high blood glucose could cause health issues including damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, and feet.Minority populations such as African Americans, especially men have borne more burden of Type 2 diabetes when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Limited research has been conducted to explore this condition with regard to African immigrants, who make up approximately 4% of the African American population. This paper presents the summary of key findings and recommendations for further research froma previousstudy, Lived Experiences of African Immigrant Males Ages 25-75 who have Type 2 Diabetes (Uzochukwu, 2014).
Cost Analysis of Activated Carbon Versus Photocatalytic Oxidation for Removing Organic Compounds from Indoor Air.

A cost comparison has been conducted of 1 m3/sec indoor air cleaners using granular activated carbon (GAC) versus photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) for treating a steady-state inlet volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration of 0.27 mg/m3. The commercial GAC unit was costed assuming that the inlet VOCs had a reasonable carbon sorption affinity, representative of compounds having four or more atoms (exclusive of hydrogen). A representative model PCO unit for indoor air application was designed and costed, using VOC oxidation rate data reported in the literature for the low inlet concentration assumed here, and using a typical illumination intensity. The analysis shows that, for the assumptions used here, the PCO unit would have an installed cost more than 10 times greater, and an annual cost almost seven times greater, than the GAC unit. It also suggests that PCO costs cannot likely be reduced by a factor greater than 2-4, solely by improvements in the PCO system configuration and reductions in unit component costs. Rather, an improved catalyst having a higher quantum efficiency would be needed, increasing reaction rates and reducing illumination requirements relative to the catalysts reported in the literature. GAC costs would increase significantly if the VOCs to be removed were lighter and more poorly sorbed than assumed in this analysis.
Invariant subspaces and operator model theory on noncommutative varieties

Let $${{\mathcal {Q}}}\subset {{\mathbb {C}}}\left $$ be an arbitrary set of polynomials in noncommutative indeterminates such that $$q(0)=0$$ for all $$q\in {{\mathcal {Q}}}$$ . The noncommutative variety $$\begin{aligned} {{\mathcal {V}}}_{f,{{\mathcal {Q}}}}^m({{\mathcal {H}}}):=\left\{ { X}=(X_1,\ldots , X_n)\in \mathbf{D}_f^m({{\mathcal {H}}}): \ q({ X})=0 \ \text { for all } q\in {{\mathcal {Q}}}\right\} , \end{aligned}$$ where $$\mathbf{D}_f^m({{\mathcal {H}}})$$ is a noncommutative regular domain in $$B({{\mathcal {H}}})^n$$ and $$B({{\mathcal {H}}})$$ is the algebra of bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space $${{\mathcal {H}}}$$ , admits a universal model $$B^{(m)}=(B_1^{(m)},\ldots , B_n^{(m)})$$ such that $$q(B^{(m)})=0$$ , $$q\in {{\mathcal {Q}}}$$ , acting on a model space which is a subspace of the full Fock space with n generators. In this paper, we obtain a Beurling type characterization of the joint invariant subspaces under the operators $$B_1^{(m)},\ldots , B_n^{(m)}$$ , in terms of partially isometric multi-analytic operators acting on model spaces. More generaly, a Beurling-Lax-Halmos type representation is obtained and used to parameterize the wandering subspaces of the joint invariant subspaces under $$B_1^{(m)}\otimes I_{{\mathcal {E}}},\ldots , B_n^{(m)}\otimes I_{{\mathcal {E}}}$$ , and to characterize when they are generating for the corresponding invariant subspaces. Similar results are obtained for any pure n-tuple $$(X_1,\ldots , X_n)$$ in the noncommutative variety $${{\mathcal {V}}}_{f,{{\mathcal {Q}}}}^m({{\mathcal {H}}})$$ . We characterize the elements in the noncommutative variety $${{\mathcal {V}}}_{f,{{\mathcal {Q}}}}^m({{\mathcal {H}}})$$ which admit characteristic functions, develop an operator model theory for the completely non-coisometric elements, and prove that the characteristic function is a complete unitary invariant for this class of elements. This extends the classical Sz.-Nagy–Foias functional model for completely non-unitary contractions, based on characteristic functions. Our results apply, in particular, when $${{\mathcal {Q}}}$$ consists of the noncommutative polynomials $$Z_iZ_j-Z_jZ_i$$ , $$i,j=1,\ldots , n$$ . In this case, the model space is a symmetric weighted Fock space, which is identified with a reproducing kernel Hilbert space of holomorphic functions on a Reinhardt domain in $${{\mathbb {C}}}^n$$ , and the universal model is the n-tuple $$(M_{\lambda _1},\ldots , M_{\lambda _n})$$ of multipliers by the coordinate functions.
Brown Outs: The Role of Skin Color and Latinas

Skin color has long been a topic of discussion among non-white groups in the United States. How dark- or light-skinned an individual is has been linked to beauty, self-esteem, and life chances. This desire for light skin has become so ubiquitous that a cosmetic product marketed across Mexico called “White Secret” guarantees lighter skin through a process of skin bleaching. These findings suggest that preferences for light-skinned women continue within the Latino community. The issues of skin color and discrimination against dark-skinned women of color have persisted in the Americas, as well as other regions. Latina women are one of the most marginalized groups in the United States; but not all Latina women are the same. This study hopes to begin a discussion that will broaden our understanding of racism and prejudice, how it is practiced, and what some of the consequences might be.
The Corticonuclear Projection from Purkinje Cells to the Dentate Nucleus

It will be recalled from previous chapters that the axons of Purkinje cells in the cortex provide the overwhelming input to the somata and proximal dendrites of all dentate nucleus neurons and a less sizeable one to the more distal parts of the dendritic arbor. This chapter will be concerned with the organization of these Purkinje cell axons in the dentate nucleus. Collectively, the entire Purkinje cell axonal population is termed the corticonuclear projection as it is the only output of the cerebellar cortex and the major input to the deep cerebellar and certain vestibular nuclei. Although this book is not concerned with the tracing of the corticonuclear inputs to the nuclei per se, it will be useful to review briefly the basic plan of cerebellar corticonuclear projections and some of the pertinent literature on the subject. However, only projections to the dentate and interpositus nuclei can be considered here.
The Damage-Response Framework of Microbial Pathogenesis and Infectious Diseases

Historical and most currently held views of microbial pathogenesis and virulence are plagued by confusing and imprecise terminology and definitions that require revision and exceptions to accommodate new basic science and clinical information about microbes and infectious diseases. These views are also inherently unable to account for the ability of some microbes to cause disease in certain, but not other hosts, because they are grounded in singular, either microbe-or host-centric views. The damage-response framework is an integrated theory of microbial pathogenesis that puts forth the view that microbial pathogenesis reflects the outcome of an interaction between a host and a microbe, with each entiry contributing to the nature of the outcome, which in turn depends on the amount of host damage that results from the host-microbe interaction. This view is able to accommodate new information and explain why infection with the same microbe can have different outcomes in different hosts. This chapter describes the origins and conceptual underpinnings of and the outcomes of infection put forth in, the damage-response framework.
The History and Theory of Behavioral Inhibition

This chapter summarizes the events that led to the concepts of behavioral inhibition (BI) as well as high and low reactive infants. It argues for the need to gather multiple measures and search for patterns that represent categories of individuals rather than treat all measures as reflections of continuous traits. The chapter suggests that infants born with a high reactive temperamental bias are most likely to display inhibited behavior in the toddler years, but with development, many are able to suppress this profile even though they experience an uncomfortable tension in unfamiliar situations. The feeling of tension renders those who were high reactive infants vulnerable to frequent bouts of guilt or shame and, in some, the symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Oncolytic Viruses and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition: The Best of Both Worlds.

Cancer immunotherapy and the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors have markedly changed the treatment paradigm for many cancers. They function to disrupt cancer cell evasion of the immune response and activate sustained anti-tumor immunity. Oncolytic viruses have also emerged as an additional therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. These viruses are designed to target and kill tumor cells while leaving the normal cells unharmed. As part of this process, oncolytic virus infection stimulates anti-cancer immune responses that augment the efficacy of checkpoint inhibition. These viruses have the capability of transforming a “cold” tumor microenvironment with few immune effector cells into a “hot” environment with increased immune cell and cytokine infiltration. For this reason, there are multiple ongoing clinical trials that combine oncolytic virotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review will detail the key oncolytic viruses in preclinical and clinical studies and highlight the results of their testing with checkpoint inhibitors.
Comparing Linear and Volumetric Vestibular Schwannoma Measurements Between T1 and T2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences.

Objective To compare linear and volumetric vestibular schwannoma (VS) measurements between different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Study design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care university hospital. Patients Those with VS that had at least two separate MRI studies containing both T1-weighted contrast (T1C) and high-resolution T2-weighted (HRT2) images. Intervention Two neurotologists measured the greatest linear axial dimension and segmentation volumes of VS. Main outcome measure 1) Correlation between T1C and HRT2 VS linear and volumetric measurements. 2) Comparing the interpretation of VS growth between T1C and HRT2 sequences and reviewers, defined as an increase in tumor diameter of more than or equal to 2 mm or a volume increase of more than or equal to 20%. Results Twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Imaging studies encompassed a median of 25.2 months. At the initial imaging study, inter-observer measurements between reviewers, analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficients, for T1C diameters, T1C volumes, HRT2 diameters, and HRT2 volumes were 0.983 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.972-0.989), 0.989 (95% CI 0.982-0.993), 0.992 (95% CI 0.988-0.995), and 0.998 (95% CI 0.995-0.999), respectively. The Cohen's kappa for growth rates between T1C diameters, T1C volumes, HRT2 diameters, and HRT2 volumes was 0.564 (95% CI 0.284-0.844), 0.704 (95% CI 0.514-0.894), 0.605 (95% CI 0.319-0.891), and 0.475 (95% CI 0.242-0.708), respectively. Conclusions There are significant differences in VS volume measurements when utilizing T1C versus HRT2 images. However, there is "excellent" interobserver agreement between T1C and HRT2 diameters and volumes. T1C VS volumes may be more reliable than HRT2 volumes to determine growth.
Abnormal Tectorial Membranes in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Human Temporal Bone Study.

Hypothesis This study evaluates the morphological changes of the tectorial membrane (TM) in conjunction with degeneration of hair cells, interdental cells, and presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in sensorineural hearing loss (HL) in the human using histopathology techniques. Background The TM plays an important role in mechanical transduction of acoustic energy, and pathology of the TM may result in HL. Methods All temporal bone (TB) specimens from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Otopathology Laboratory from patients with various causes of sensorineural HL and morphological abnormalities of the TM were evaluated. Cases with a history of cochlear trauma (other than acoustic trauma) and/or severe postmortem artifacts were excluded. The TBs were processed histologically, and the status of hair cells, supporting cells, interdental cells, presence of EH, and postmortem time were tabulated. Results Two thousand two hundred ninety TBs from 1340 individuals were evaluated, and 164 of 748 TBs from the otological disorders in which the TM were abnormal, met the inclusion criteria. The most common disorders were idiopathic sudden deafness (57.1%), genetic etiology (53.7%), and ototoxicity (40.0%), as compared with cases with presbycusis (2.9%). EH was found in 33.3% of all cases with an identified abnormality of the TM.Abnormalities of the TM were 1) deformed, 2) shrunken, 3) detached from the limbus, 4) encapsulated, or 5) missing. Encapsulated, shrunken and missing patterns (36, 35, 31%, respectively) were the most common. Conclusion A relative high prevalence of EH among disorders with TM abnormalities suggests a possible common pathophysiology in both. In addition, anatomic abnormalities of the TM may play a role in the pathophysiology of HL in these disorders.
CLONAL DYNAMICS OF EMBRYONIC AND EARLY-POST-BIRTH BLOOD PRECURSORS

In the mouse the first Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) is detected by transplantation at embryonic day E10.5. HSC emerge in the Aorta-Gonad-Mesonephros Region and migrate to the Fetal Liver (FL) where they supposedly expand dramatically (about 20-fold) between day E12.5-E15.5. HSC then migrate to the Bone Marrow (BM), where they predominantly reside in adult life. We recently reported that lifelong hematopoiesis is established by hundreds of blood precursors throughout mouse ontogeny (Ganuza et al., NCB 2017). Our novel non-invasive approach (based on the inducible multi-color ROSA26Confetti reporter) has allowed us to re-interrogate the clonal dynamics of blood precursors during steady-state without perturbing embryogenesis or using transplantation as a read-out for HSC potential. Here, we applied this approach to interrogate the clonal dynamics of embryonic (E14-E19) and neonatal (P1-P21) hematopoietic precursors. Towards this, Confetti labeling of blood progenitors at discrete stages of development was induced by treating ROSA26(+/Confetti) Ubiquitin(+/ERT2-Cre) (UbiqERT2-Cre) embryos or neonates with tamoxifen at E12-E14, E15-E17, P1, P8-P9, P14-15 or P21-P22. In contrast to previous dogma, we failed to detect a 20-fold expansion in the number of blood precursors during the presumed FL expansion period. Rather, between E11.5 and E15.5 we observed a three-fold expansion in blood precursors that contribute to adult peripheral blood. This was followed by a two-fold expansion in these same precursors between E15.5 and P1 and a 1.5-fold expansion between P1 and P8. These results contribute to our understanding of the precise developmental windows (and presumably niches) that support the symmetric cell division of HSCs.
Taking a Knee: Neoliberalism, Radical Imaginaries, and the NFL Player Protest

ABSTRACTThis article analyzes the National Football League (NFL) player protests against institutionalized racism as a means of radical democratic discourse. Players elected to sit/kneel during the...
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) was defined for the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders in 2017. It is a chronic vestibular disorder that manifests with waxing and waning symptoms of dizziness, unsteadiness, or nonspinning vertigo that last for 3 months or more and are exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion of self, and exposure to environments with complex or moving visual stimuli. Triggers of PPPD include a wide variety of conditions that may cause vestibular symptoms or disrupt balance functioning, including neuro-otologic and other medical conditions and psychological distress. The diagnosis is made by identifying key symptoms in patients' histories and conducting physical examinations and diagnostic testing of sufficient detail to establish PPPD as opposed to other illnesses. Ongoing research is providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PPPD and support for multimodality treatment plans incorporating specially adapted vestibular rehabilitation, serotonergic medications, and cognitive-behavior therapy.
Sebastian Luft and Thane M. Naberhaus (trans.): Husserliana: Collected Works Book 14: First Philosophy: Lectures 1923/24 and Related Texts from the Manuscripts (1920–1925)

This is a review of the recent English translation of Edmund Husserl’s lecture series, “First Philosophy.” This translation makes accessible some of Husserl’s focused reflections on the history of philosophy and phenomenology’s place in it.
Unsupervised Drowsy Driving Detection With RFID

With the increasing number of vehicles and traffic accidents, driving safety has become an important factor that affects human daily life. As the primary cause of driving accidents, driving fatigue could be prevented by a sensing and alarm system built in the vehicle. In this paper, we propose an effective, low-cost driving fatigue detection system to sense driver's nodding movements using commodity RFID. The system measures the phase difference between two RFID tags attached to the back of a hat worn by the driver. To accurately extract nodding features, we propose an effective approach to mitigate the environment noise, the interference caused by surrounding movements, and the cumulative error caused by the frequency hopping offset in FCC-compliant RFID systems. A long short-term memory (LSTM) autoencoder is utilized to detect nodding movements using calibrated data. The highly accurate detection performance of the proposed system is validated by extensive experiments in various real driving scenarios.
Predicting PPE use, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms during the early weeks of COVID-19 lockdowns in the USA

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic combined with inconsistent governmental and public health recommendations, media communications emphasizing threat, and widespread lockdowns created a complex psychological environment for Americans. In this study, 450 MTurk workers completed measures of (a) risk for COVID-19, (b) perceived vulnerability to disease, (c) intolerance of uncertainty, (d) mindfulness, (e) COVID-19 preventive health behaviors, (f) post-Trauma symptoms, and (g) stress related physical symptoms. The surveys were completed between April 9, 2020 and April 18, 2020 which is a period that corresponded to the first 2-3 weeks of lockdown for most participants. A substantial number of participants reported a reduction employment status and 69% were in self-isolation. The participants reported a high degree of perceived vulnerability with 68% indicating they felt there was a 50/50 chance or greater they would contract COVID-19. Mask wearing was variable: 16% “not at all,” 20% “some of the time,” 42% “a good part of the time,” and 26% “most of the time.” Using clinical cutoff on the post-trauma scale, 70% of the sample would be considered to have symptoms consistent with PTSD. The mean level of physical symptoms was significantly (p PPE use was positively associated with level of education and mindfulness nonreactivity and negatively associated with age, having a current medical condition, and mindfulness nonjudgment. Post trauma and physical health symptoms were strongly predicted by susceptibility variables and intolerance of uncertainty. Highlights COVID-19 created a complex psychological environment for Americans due to threat exposure combined with contradictory communications from government and media. In a survey of 450 Americans, 68% reported that there was a 50/50 chance of greater they would contract COVID-19 and 70% of participants reported symptoms that met criteria for PTSD. Mask wearing was variable with only 26% reporting use “most of the time.” Participants who reported: older age, having one or mode medical conditions, less educational attainment, and less judgmental attitudes about their own thinking reported lower PPE use. Intolerance of uncertainty and perceived susceptibility were associated with higher PTSD symptoms. Mindfulness awareness and being judgmental attitudes about thinking were associated with lower PTSD symptoms.
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 proteins reveals Orf6 pathogenicity, subcellular localization, host interactions and attenuation by Selinexor

SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 which has a widely diverse disease profile. The mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity remain unclear. We set out to identify the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenic proteins that through host interactions cause the cellular damages underlying COVID-19 symptomatology. We examined each of the individual SARS-CoV-2 proteins for their cytotoxicity in HEK 293 T cells and their subcellular localization in COS-7 cells. We also used Mass-Spec Affinity purification to identify the host proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 Orf6 protein and tested a drug that could inhibit a specific Orf6 and host protein interaction. We found that Orf6, Nsp6 and Orf7a induced the highest toxicity when over-expressed in human 293 T cells. All three proteins showed membrane localization in COS-7 cells. We focused on Orf6, which was most cytotoxic and localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, autophagosome and lysosomal membranes. Proteomics revealed Orf6 interacts with nucleopore proteins (RAE1, XPO1, RANBP2 and nucleoporins). Treatment with Selinexor, an FDA-approved inhibitor for XPO1, attenuated Orf6-induced cellular toxicity in human 293 T cells. Our study revealed Orf6 as a highly pathogenic protein from the SARS-CoV-2 genome, identified its key host interacting proteins, and Selinexor as a drug candidate for directly targeting Orf6 host protein interaction that leads to cytotoxicity.
Postoperative Rehabilitation of Multiligament Knee Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND Multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) are rare, and heterogeneous in presentation and treatment options. Consequently, optimal postoperative rehabilitation of MLKI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To summarize the latest evidence for postoperative rehabilitation protocols following multiligamentous knee reconstruction (MLKR). PATIENTS AND METHODS A multidatabase search was conducted with the aid of a health sciences librarian. Blinded reviewers conducted multiple screenings of studies evaluating postoperative rehabilitation protocols following MLKR. All included studies were then graded based on level of evidence, and data concerning patient demographics and rehabilitation protocols were extracted. RESULTS MLKR rehabilitation protocols differ widely in terms of weightbearing, bracing, initiation, and types of physical therapy, yet several established protocols were referenced frequently throughout the literature. Such protocols resulted in good outcomes, with patients returning to running in 6 to 12 months and returning to sport in 8 to 12 months. CONCLUSION The rare nature of MLKI hinders the ability to create a standardized rehabilitation protocol. However, early postoperative physical therapy and range of motion consistently lead to improved outcomes. Randomized studies are needed to determine optimal postoperative rehabilitation following MLKR.
Oral ulcers in children- a clinical narrative overview

The prevalence of oral ulcers in children is reported to be 9%, however diagnosis of oral lesions can be challenging, being an unspecific symptom of several diseases. Differential diagnosis can range from classic infectious disease of childhood (e.g. herpangina, hand-foot-and-mouth-disease) over nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammations (e.g. pemphigus vulgaris, lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid) to side effects of medications (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) or chronic dieseases (e.g. sarcoidosis, systemic Lupus erythematodes, familial Mediterrenean fever). Therefore, children with oral ulcers are treated by many different specialists such as dentists, family doctors, paediatricians, rheumatologists, haematologists, gastroenterologists and otorhinolaryngologists.A systematic literature search and a narrative literature review about the potential 48 diseases connected to oral ulcers were performed. According to the duration of symptoms and size of the lesions, a tabular overview was created to support the clinician in making a correct diagnosis, additionally different treatment options are presented.
Using the Veterinary Antimicrobial Decision Support (VADS) System to Evaluate Therapeutic Regimens

The goal of the Veterinary Antimicrobial Decision Support (VADS) System is to support the veterinary profession in preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials for therapeutic use in animals and humans. Enabling the practicing veterinarian to efficiently access and utilize currently available information when making anti-microbial use decisions is a critical component in the judicious use of antimicrobials in food animals.
Inverse Association of Telomere Length With Liver Disease and Mortality in the US Population.

Physiologic aging leads to attrition of telomeres and replicative senescence. An acceleration of this process has been hypothesized in the progression of chronic liver disease. We sought to examine the association of telomere length (TL) with liver disease and its impact on mortality risk. A cohort of 7,072 adults with leukocyte TL measurements from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 with mortality follow-up through 2015 was analyzed. Liver disease was defined by aminotransferase levels and classified into etiology-based and advanced fibrosis categories. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models estimated effect sizes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of the presence of liver disease on TL. Cox regression models evaluated associations between TL and all-cause mortality risk using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). The cohort was representative of the US population with mean age 46.1 years and mean TL 5.79 kilobase pairs. No overall association between TL and liver disease was found; however, there was a significant negative association of TL and advanced liver fibrosis in individuals aged 65 and above. The liver disease cohort (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.51) and those with metabolic syndrome (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.96-1.67) had increased mortality risk with shorter TL. The relationship between TL and all-cause mortality was stronger in women (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.23) and in non-Hispanic Whites (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02-1.84). Conclusion: Shortened leukocyte TL is independently associated with advanced liver disease at older ages, and with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in those with liver disease. These associations reaffirm the need to better understand the role of telomeres in the progression of liver disease.
The Role of Calcium Ions in the Electrically-Stimulated Neurite Formation in Vitro

In this chapter the role of endogenous and applied electric fields in growth and regeneration of nerve tissue are explored. Although nerve tissue uses electricity for communication with and between target tissue, imposition of external electric fields by applying direct current or using Helmholtz coils to induce current have been shown to affect various processes. Such processes include stimulation of neurite outgrowth (which may be directionally-oriented), increased neuronal survival, modification of cell shape and redistribution of membrane receptors. Application of such fields to nerve tissue growing in culture dishes permits the investigation of the mechanisms underlying these events. While these mechanisms are poorly understood, electrophoresis of membrane components, and changes in ion concentration extracellularly and intracellularly have been implicated. To this end, the importance of calcium ions in the transduction of electric signals to growth and regenerative processes will be discussed.
Cryptography and Secure Communication

Today's pervasive computing and communications networks have created an intense need for secure and reliable cryptographic systems. Bringing together a fascinating mixture of topics in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and informatics, this book presents the timeless mathematical theory underpinning cryptosystems both old and new. Major branches of classical and modern cryptography are discussed in detail, from basic block and stream cyphers through to systems based on elliptic and hyperelliptic curves, accompanied by concise summaries of the necessary mathematical background. Practical aspects such as implementation, authentication and protocol-sharing are also covered, as are the possible pitfalls surrounding various cryptographic methods. Written specifically with engineers in mind, and providing a solid grounding in the relevant algorithms, protocols and techniques, this insightful introduction to the foundations of modern cryptography is ideal for graduate students and researchers in engineering and computer science, and practitioners involved in the design of security systems for communications networks.
Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors in a Migrant Worker Community

There are not many studies exploring the association between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors among migrant workers. This study analyzed how changes in alcohol use was associated with changes in risky sexual behavior and psychosocial variables. Data for this study was drawn from an HIV risk reduction project. Repeated measures ANOVA and Linear mixed model statistical method was conducted to find changes and association between alcohol use, sexual risk and psychosocial variables over time. The sample (n = 203) was composed of African Americans (33.0 %) and Hispanics (77.0 %) men. Both groups, over time, showed reduction in sexual risk in accordance with reduction in alcohol use. Changes in alcohol use and psychosocial variables showed significant association with sexual risk changes over time. Psychological strategies like building social support should be considered for HIV risk reduction intervention directed towards high alcohol consuming migrant workers.
Amateur Astronomers and the IAU Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams and Minor Planet Center

Of all the sections of the International Astronomical Union the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams is undoubtedly the one that most concerns amateur astronomers. Just about anybody in the world with at least some familiarity with the sky has the potential to discover (or to think he or she has discovered) a comet or nova. If the object is real and sufficiently bright, it is very probably already known. Somebody has to be the first discoverer of every comet or nova, however, and soon after the IAU was established in 1919 it set up the Central Bureau to receive and to disseminate to the astronomical community news of such discoveries. Discoveries of supernovae in other galaxies, natural satellites of the planets, erupting x-ray sources and transient features on the planets are also dealt with by the Central Bureau, which since 1965 has operated at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Central Bureau handles unusual minor planets in the vicinity of the earth, although the thousand or more ordinary minor planets routinely discovered each year (and with which amateurs are being increasingly involved) are more appropriately the province of the Minor Planet Center, set up by the IAU in 1947 and since 1978 also operated at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. About one-quarter of the subscribers to the various services of the Central Bureau and/or the Minor Planet Center are individual amateur astronomers or organizations of amateurs.
The Development of Reasoning

This chapter discusses the course of development for deductive and inductive forms of reasoning across childhood and adolescence. Key theories of how best to account for that course are critiqued. The development of deduction is considered primarily with respect to syllogistic and conditional reasoning. Mental logic, metacognitive, and mental models accounts of deduction are contrasted and compared and the potential for rapprochement is identified. The development of inductive reasoning is discussed with respect to three primary types of induction—category-based induction, causal induction, and inductive processes in scientific thinking. The discussion of the development of reasoning provided in this chapter is situated within a dual systems or dual process account of cognition. According to this account, human cognition consists of two distinct systems (1 and 2) or types of processing, with the primary basis for the distinction being the question of whether processing engages working memory resources. By adopting this framework, it becomes possible to shed light on the processes that underlie deductive and inductive reasoning and to trace how the development of each type of reasoning is related to changes in these underlying processes. Among the key conclusions of the chapter is that while the development of certain aspects of System 1 processing contributes to age-related changes in performance on reasoning tasks, the most significant changes in both deductive and inductive reasoning result from key developments in System 2 processing. Keywords: Bayesian models; category-based induction; causal induction; conditional reasoning; deductive reasoning; dual systems/process; epistemic self-regulation; inductive reasoning; mental logic; mental models; metacognition; metalogical norms; possibility; scientific thinking
Transmission-scanning electron microscopic observations of selected Eikenella corrodens strains.

Abstract The morphology of Eikenella corrodens 333/54-55 (ATCC 23834) and two human periodontal lesion isolates, strains 470 and 373, was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. All strains exhibited a cell envelope characteristic of gram-negative bacteria. Staining with ruthenium red and alcian blue revealed a loosely organized fibrous slime layer associated with the outer surface of the outer membrane. Slime "stabilization" was achieved by incubation of cells with antisera prepared against whole cells of the Eikenella strains. The stabilized slime appeared as a thick, electron-opaque layer juxtaposed to the outer membrane. Negative staining and heavy metal shadow-casting revealed an interwoven network of fibrils approximately 4 nm in diameter. These fibrils appeared to represent subunits of a larger fibril. Scanning electron microscopy after antibody slime stabilization confirmed the presence and location of the slime layer.
Should psychiatrists use atypical antipsychotics to treat nonpsychotic anxiety

There is neurobiologically based, theoretical support for the use of antipsychotic medications in the treatment of anxiety, and two first-generation neuroleptics are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of nonpsychotic anxiety. However, neuroleptics are associated with a large side effect burden, which has limited their utility in the treatment of nonpsychotic disorders. Because of their somewhat improved safety profile, atypical antipsychotics are increasingly used for the treatment of nonpsychotic anxiety. The published literature describing the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in randomized, controlled trials involving patients with anxiety disorders is briefly reviewed, and the safety of atypical antipsychotics in nonpsychotic disorders is discussed. There is moderately strong controlled evidence supporting the use of some atypical antipsychotics, either as adjunctive treatment or monotherapy, in the treatment of nonpsychotic anxiety; however, the side effect burden of some atypical antipsychotics probably outweighs their benefits for most patients with anxiety disorders. The evidence to date does not warrant the use of atypical antipsychotics as first-line monotherapy or as first- or second-line adjunctive therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Rigorous, independently funded, long-term studies are needed to support the off-label use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, some patients with highly refractory anxiety disorders may benefit from the judicious and carefully monitored use of adjunctive atypical antipsychotics. A careful risk-benefit assessment must be undertaken by the physician, on a case-by-case basis, with appropriate informed consent.