cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hocus Pocus and Extensionism in Central Malaya: Notes on Semai Kinship Terminology

This paper presents componential definitions of two sets of Semai kinship terminology gathered in two Semai settlements. A comparison of these definitions with each other and with Semai rules about proper terminology usage brings several inconsistencies to light. These inconsistencies seem to suggest that a modified componential analysis conforms to the cognitive categories of the Semai if the extensionist hypothesis that terms have both primary and derived meanings is taken into account. [Semai, componential analysis, extensionist hypothesis, Malayan aborigines, Austroasiatic].
Requirements for gene silencing mediated by U1 snRNA binding to a target sequence

U1 interference (U1i) is a novel method to block gene expression. U1i requires expression of a 5’-endmutated U1 snRNA designed to base pair to the 3’-terminal exon of the target gene’s pre-mRNA that leads to inhibition of polyadenylation. Here, we show U1i is robust ( T and a 10-nt target length is sufficient for good silencing. Surprisingly, longer U1 snRNAs, which could increase annealing to the target, fail to improve silencing. Extensive mutagenesis of the 10-bp U1 snRNA:target duplex shows that any single mismatch different from GU at positions 3–8, destroys silencing. However, mismatches within the other positions give partial silencing, suggesting that off-target inhibition could occur. The specificity of U1i may be enhanced, however, by the fact that silencing is impaired by RNA secondary structure or by splicing factors binding nearby, the latter mediated by Arginine-Serine (RS) domains. U1i inhibition can be reconstituted in vivo by tethering of RS domains of U1-70K and U2AF65. These results help to: (i) define good target sites for U1i; (ii) identify and understand natural cellular examples of U1i; (iii) clarify the contribution of hydrogen bonding to U1i and to U1 snRNP binding to 5’ splice sites and (iv) understand the mechanism of U1i.
Hepatitis B vaccination in high-risk infants: 10-year follow-up

The long-term efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination among high-risk infants was determined in 805 vaccine responders, immunized at birth in Taiwan during 1981-1984 and followed to age 10 years, via life table survival and Cox multivariate analyses. At 10 years, cumulative persistence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) was 85%, and cumulative incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was 15%. Three children became carriers. Twelve-month anti-HBs titer was the strongest predictor of efficacy. The higher the initial titer, the lower the risk of anti-HBs loss (relative risk [RR], 0.26 for titer of 100-999 mIU/ mL; RR, 0.08 for titer >1000 mIU/mL; P<.001) and HBV infection (RR, 0.55 and 0.27; P <.05). Maternal hepatitis B e antigen positivity but not hepatitis B immunoglobulin dose or gender predicted greater antibody persistence to age 10 years. Because the level of antibody persistence remained high and few became carriers, booster revaccination within 10 years seems unnecessary.
Evaluating the effects of the I-35W bridge collapse on road-users in the twin cities metropolitan region

This study evaluates the effects of the I-35W bridge collapse on road-users in the Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota Twin Cities metropolitan area. We adopted the Twin Cities Seven-County travel demand model developed in previous research, re-calibrated it against July 2007 loop detector traffic data, and used this model to carry out an evaluation of economic loss incurred by increased travel delay in alternative scenarios before and after the bridge collapse. We conclude that the failure of the I-35W bridge resulted in an economic loss of US$71,000 to US$220,000 a day, depending on how flexible road-users in the system adjusted their trip destinations in response to the bridge closing. We also estimate that the major traffic restoration projects Minnesota Department of Transportation has implemented in quick response to the bridge collapse can save road-users US$9500–17,500 a day. This translates into a benefit–cost ratio of 2.0–9.0, suggesting these projects are highly beneficial in an economic sense. In t...
Eastern European Alpine system and the Carpathian orocline as an example of collision tectonics

Abstract Although the two mountain belts of the Eastern European Alpine system (the Dinaric—Hellenic and Carpathian—Balkan belts) form two bifurcating but continuous mountain terranes their internal structural development is conspicuously diachronous and is dependent upon the relative motion of at least three fragments of continental crust which lay between the European and African plate. In Late Jurassic time the three fragments of continental crust were separated by narrow zones of oceanic crust and palinspastic reconstructions of the continental fragments indicate they were considerably larger than their present size and had different shapes. Convergence of continental fragments began in the Late Jurassic by subduction of oceanic crust, but upon complete disappearance of oceanic crust, convergence continued with subduction of small(?) amounts of lower continental crust. During continent—continent convergence, the upper 10–15 km of the continental crust were detached forming thrust sheets as the lower crust is thickened and in part(?) subducted. The Carpathian orocline formed by the complex suturing of continental fragments against an irregular European plate boundary and developed during diachronous collision of fragments which began in the Middle Cretaceous and continued to the Recent. Only one narrow fragment of continental crust is oroclinally bent; the European plate to the east and continental fragment to the west of the Eastern Carpathians are not bent. The continental fragments do not behave as rigid plates, but are strongly internally deformed. Thus, the motion of these small continental fragments cannot always be treated in the same way as large plates. During suturing the three primary plates were fragmented into more complex arrays of small fragments whose boundaries cross cut earlier boundaries. Furthermore, it is doubted whether meaningful plate boundaries can be identified between the fragments and the fragments may be more realistically described as continuously deformed fragments of continental crust. The interpretation presented here suggests that the geologic data that remains in the orogenic belts for determining the magnitude of convergence between fragments always yields a minimum value. Much of the evidence for the magnitude of convergence between fragments is lost during subduction and collision processes.
An analog cell library useful for artificial neural networks

The development of an analog cell library that is compatible with a standard digital CMOS technology is described. Several analog cells useful for the design of artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been designed. The initial efforts in developing an analog cell library utilized a bulk CMOS 3- mu m double-poly single-metal p-well technology supported by MOSIS. The authors designed and laid out an amplifier, a resistor, a switch, a 12-b capacitance array, current mirrors, and several digital cells needed to implement a Hamming-type ANN. Based on this experience, the authors have started developing an ANN cell library that is based on scalable CMOS 2- mu m double-poly double-metal p-well technology supported by MOSIS. They have designed the following circuits: a transconductance amplifier, a wide-range transconductance amplifier, a follower-integrator circuit, a wide-range Gilbert multiplier, and a current mirror. HSPICE simulations that have verified the functionality of the circuits and circuit descriptions are presented. >
Analytic representation of space solar array scaling performance

Advances in space solar arrays have historically been measured against metrics such as stowed volumetric efficiency and specific power. Technical investment against these metrics has resulted in increased photovoltaic efficiency and reduced structural mass. While these simple metrics provide a useful means for comparing arrays of equivalent power levels, they imply scaling linearity and do not capture the impact of important array design parameters, necessary details for objective wing comparisons and scaling projections. The proposed solution augments traditional design assessment metrics by quantifying system level behavior from a structural perspective. Two new parameters are presented herein—the mass equation and the scaling index. The mass equation estimates wing areal mass density for given changes in performance parameters—acceleration loading, fundamental frequency, and deployed area—and component properties affect array mass. The scaling index serves the slightly different purpose of quantifying the scaling performance for direct comparison of competing designs. Both parameters are developed to represent an ideal flexible blanket array of rectangular form, constructed as a system of beam and tensioned blanket components. Practical application of these parameters is shown by quantifying mass scaling of a wide range of array sizes, geometric forms, column types, column quantities, blanket mass densities, acceleration loading, fundamental frequency requirements, and cell efficiencies. One of the findings is that reducing array aspect ratio has just as much of an effect on array mass as increasing cell conversion efficiency.
Effect of Selected Acaricides on Photosynthetic Rates of Lemon and Orange Leaves in California

The “Riverside” dual-isotope porometer was used to measure the change in photosynthetic rates of mature ‘Lisbon’ lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Burmann, and ‘Valentia’ orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, leaves after acaricide application. Initial changes in photosynthetic rate were attributed to an alteration of stomatal conductance, whereas on the later sampling date they were caused by changes in mesophyll conductance. The implications of pesticide effects on photosynthetic rate of citrus and the selection of pesticides for use in citrus pest management programs are discussed.
The Use of Term Paper Projects to Learn Geo-Engineering

Over the last few years, students taking the Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering course at Tufts University have performed term projects where they develop written reports and oral presentations on various topics in geo-engineering. This paper presents how these efforts have enhanced the learning experience of the course. Specifically, the paper presents how the project is integrated into the course, assessment methods used for grading, and the value such projects have had on student learning, based on post-course evaluations. A shortened example of a student’s work is presented. It can be concluded that the project allows not only a deeper appreciation of geo-engineering by the students, but also provides an avenue for students to practice their communication skills; one of the ABET Criterion 3 outcomes.
A prevalence survey and analysis of risk factors on subclinical infection of the EV71 and CoxA16 in healthy children in nurseries

Objective To investigate subclinical infection of enterovirus 71(EV71) and coxsackievirus A16(CoxA16) in the healthy children from the nurseries in Shenzhen and analyze the risk factors of subclinical infection of hand-foot-andmouth disease(HFMD).Methods Antibodies against EV71 and CoxA16 were measured by ELISA method.A casecontrol study was performed to analyze the major risk factors of subclinical infection of HFMD.Results The positive rate of subclinical infection of HFMD was 9.1%(32 / 350).The positive rates of IgM antibodies against CoxA16 and EV71 were 7.4% and 3.1%,respectively.The positive rate of the CoxA16 and HFMD infection was 1.4%.The subclinical infection rates of HFMD in the classes with HFMD outbreaks and the classes without HFMD outbreaks were 17.0% and 6.5%,respectively.The case-control study analysis showed that washing hands three times a day or more(OR=0.40,95% CI:0.19-0.85) and washing hands using a cleaning agent(OR=0.33,95%CI:0.16-0.68) were protective factors.In the classes with HFMD outbreaks(OR=3.80,95%CI:1.81-7.99) and biting toys or fingers(OR=2.29,95%CI:1.06-4.92) were the risk factors concerned with the subclinical infection of HFMD.Conclusions Subclinical infection has an effect on the incidence of HFMD.Strengthening of the management and public education are important in the control of the outbreak and prevalence of HFMD.
The Puzzle of Purges: A New Theory of Judicial Manipulation with Evidence from Latin America

This paper extends the logic of offensive strikes to develop a new strategic theory of judicial manipulation. In contrast to standard insulation accounts, I argue that irregular transfers of power lead politicians to violate judicial independence, not shore it up. The paper examines nine hypotheses related to the theory using a novel dataset on judicial crises across eighteen Latin American countries between 1985 and 2008. Following the first strike logic, I show that variation in judicial crises is systematically related to the president’s risk of instability and to the costs he bears for launching such attacks, as captured by presidential powers, timing within the presidential term, the history of past presidential instability, confidence in the judiciary, and the age of the president’s party. Along the way, I rule out alternative hypotheses related to divided government and tit-for-tat norms. The conclusion explores the broader implications of my argument for institutional instability, judicial independence, and judicial decision-making.
Cultural Differences, Asserting Oneself, and Religion — “Take Your Place”

As From Another Place (Bottomley 2010 [1992]: 3) observes, “Culture is one of the most commonly used concepts in studies of migration, yet it is curiously unexplored.” This chapter considers culture as it both shapes and is also shaped by African immigrants living in France. Castaingts (2005) describes a vast divide separating French and African cultures in France: “These contrasts … involve different worldviews, social behaviors that clash with those of the receiving society, and [employment] qualifications that have little to do with the skills required … ” Migrants are particularly intriguing to study because they physically leave one way of life, with its own social and historical circumstances and practices, and begin another. For Sub-Saharan African migrant families living in France, this new way of life is not a static one but is instead a process, and migrants are agents of cultural formation as they enter relations in France’s social fabric. Based upon my interviews with African immigrant women, I found this new fabric to be woven with the following threads: 1) comprehending cultural differences, 2) negotiating one’s place, and 3) understanding the intervening role of religion.
Use of imagery and text that could convey reduced harm in American Spirit advertisements.

Background In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to three tobacco companies regarding use of the terms ‘natural’ and/or ‘additive-free’ to describe their products, as these terms inaccurately convey reduced harm. Yet, tobacco companies engage in a variety of alternate techniques to attempt to convey the same ‘natural’ (and thus reduced harm) message. It is critical to monitor these practices to inform regulatory action. Objective To describe the marketing techniques used in Natural American Spirit (American Spirit) ads that could convey a natural and less harmful product image. Methods Trained coders content analysed 142 American Spirit ads from 2012 to 2016. Results In addition to use of the terms ‘natural’ and ‘additive-free’, American Spirit ads engage in a variety of other linguistic and iconic techniques that could convey reduced harm, such as references to small, local or organic farming, eco-friendly practices, and plant, farming and other nature-related imagery. Conclusions American Spirit ads use a wide range of marketing techniques to convey a natural product image, which could subsequently communicate reduced harm.
Retro-Auricular Thyroidectomy: An Open Approach

Distant access robot-assisted thyroidectomy has gained popularity in recent years. Adoption of distant access procedures has been limited by cost, need for specialized training and expertise. We report our preliminary clinical experience with our modification of the retro-auricular thyroidectomy approach that allows adequate exposure for thyroid lobectomy without robotic or endoscopic assistance. This is a retrospective chart review of ten patients who have undergone retro-auricular thyroidectomies in the absence of robotic or endoscopic assistance. Ten patients were identified to have undergone this procedure over an 18-month period. All patients were female with average age 36 years (range 27-52). Six were right sided and 4 were left sided procedures. The average gland size was 4.2 cm (range 3.7-6 cm). The average nodule size was 2.1 cm (range 1.1-3.5 cm). The average operative time was 91 min (range 76-114 min). All patients had benign pathology on final histopathology. There were no conversions to open cervical thyroidectomy. Two patients had vocal cord paresis that resolved spontaneously. The average postoperative follow up was 3 months (range 1-7 months). Our technique for retro-auricular thyroidectomy is a safe, reproducible, and cost effective option for remote access thyroidectomy.
From image to sensor: Comparative evaluation of multiple PRNU estimation schemes for identifying sensors from NIR iris images

The field of digital image forensics concerns itself with the task of validating the authenticity of an image or determining the device that produced the image. Device or sensor identification can be accomplished by estimating sensor-specific pixel artifacts, such as Photo Response Non Uniformity (PRNU), that leave an imprint in the resulting image. Research in this field has predominantly focused on images obtained using sensors operating in the visible spectrum. Iris recognition systems, on the other hand, utilize sensors operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. In this work, we evaluate the applicability of different PRNU estimation schemes in accurately deducing sensor information from NIR iris images. We also analyze the impact of a photometric transformation on the estimation process. Experiments involving 12 sensors and 9511 images convey that the Basic and Enhanced Sensor Pattern Noise (SPN) schemes outperform the Maximum Likelihood and Phase-based SPN methods. Experiments also convey the need to explore alternate methods for performing digital image forensics on NIR iris images.
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Evolution

Classical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) may be seen in 27% of Japanese and 25% of North American populations with myelopathy [1–3]. However, an additional subset of patients with a less mature form of OPLL has now been identified [4], Of 90 patients evaluated in our own OPLL series, 40 had classical OPLL, but 50 demonstrated an earlier variant of OPLL that appeared to be part of an evolving continuum toward classical OPLL [5]. This earlier form of OPLL was termed OPLL in evolution (OEV). These individuals, typically in their mid-forties rather than their late fifties, exhibit less significant spinal cord but more prominent nerve root compression. OEV appears on computed tomography-(CT-) based examinations to be composed of hypertrophied posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), centered at the disk space but extending toward midvertebral body levels across single or multiple segments, with punctate, immature pearls of cartilage-calcification-ossification. Although CT and myelo-CT studies best distinguish OEV from classical OPLL, differentiation from disk disease and spondylosis, particularly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone, is more difficult.
Vertebral Imaging in the Diagnosis of Osteoporosis: a Clinician’s Perspective

Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture and result in functional decline and excess mortality. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis to identify patients at risk for fragility fractures; however, advances in imaging have expanded the role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating bone health. The utility of CT and MRI in the assessment of bone density is starting to gain traction, particularly when used opportunistically. DXA, conventional radiography, CT, and MRI can all be used to assess for vertebral fractures, and MRI can determine the acuity of fractures. Finally, advances in imaging allow for non-invasive assessment of measures of bone quality, including microarchitecture, bone strength, and bone turnover, to help identify and treat at-risk patients prior to sustaining a vertebral fracture. CT and MRI techniques remain primarily research tools to assess metabolic bone dysfunction, while use of DXA can be clinically expanded beyond measurement of bone density to assess for vertebral fractures and bone architecture to improve fracture risk assessment and guide treatment.
Beyond zero sum game allocations: expanding resources potentials through reduced interdependencies and increased resource nexus synergies

The 2030 goal for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gives rise to challenging questions stemming from the inherent interconnections and potential competition between primary resources. ‘Economic Growth’ and ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ are intimately related SDGs. Access to quality water is critical to growth, but as economies and populations grow, so does their demand for water. As pressures on water systems increase, existing and proposed economic activities are subject to growing water related stresses, such as service disruptions, droughts, floods, and contamination. Growth is dependent upon investment in critical resources to mitigate water related risks and for sustainable water allocation. Highly interdependent water, energy, and food systems are reflected in SDGs, raising questions about how to achieve the security goal for water without sacrificing that for food; and giving rise to questions of how to quantify the interconnections and assess the possible trade-offs for sustainable pathways into the future. This commentary addresses these complex and critical challenges to achieving the interconnected goals at different scales and in light of scarce or incompatible data, and the many stakeholders involved. It offers thoughts on holistic approaches to complement the SDGs and facilitate science-based decision making, monitoring, assessment and cooperation. The paper reflects on World Water Week 2016, reviews global risks and societies’ perceptions of those risks. Defining ‘resource nexus’, the paper shares examples that illustrate the concept and calls for efforts to reduce inter-dependencies and increase synergies between the primary resources through technology, policy, and adaptations to human consumption and conservation behaviors. The paradigm shift proposed, while critically needed, is not possible without the resource nexus platform.
Regulation of metabolism in Escherichia coli during growth on mixtures of the non-glucose sugars: arabinose, lactose, and xylose

Catabolite repression refers to the process where the metabolism of one sugar represses the genes involved in metabolizing another sugar. While glucose provides the canonical example, many other sugars are also known to induce catabolite repression. However, less is known about the mechanism for catabolite repression by these non-glucose sugars. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of catabolite repression in the bacterium Escherichia coli during growth on lactose, L-arabinose, and D-xylose. The metabolism of these sugars is regulated in a hierarchical manner, where lactose is the preferred sugar, followed by L-arabinose, and then D-xylose. Previously, the preferential utilization of L-arabinose over D-xylose was found to result from transcriptional crosstalk. However, others have proposed that cAMP governs the hierarchical regulation of many non-glucose sugars. We investigated whether lactose-induced repression of L-arabinose and D-xylose gene expression is due to transcriptional crosstalk or cAMP. Our results demonstrate that it is due to cAMP and not transcriptional crosstalk. In addition, we found that repression is reciprocal, where both L-arabinose and D-xylose also repress the lactose gene expression, albeit to a lesser extent and also through a mechanism involving cAMP. Collectively, the results further our understanding of metabolism during growth on multiple sugars.
Efficient potential well escape for bi-stable Duffing oscillators

The problem of escape from a potential well of bi-stable oscillators has attracted attention given the diversity of physical and engineering systems described by this mathematical model. Most previous studies have considered quasi-static dynamics leading to escape. In devising efficient escape strategies for structures, transient conditions have not yet received adequate consideration. In this study, the intra-well nonlinear resonant dynamics of bi-stable systems are studied and exploited, yielding a time-efficient strategy for triggering minimal amplitude escape by employing transient perturbations. The response characteristics of both, the symmetric and asymmetric double-well Duffing oscillators are explored analytically to identify the stable solution branches for any given forcing configuration. Based on the basins of attraction of the stable attractors, a novel actuation methodology employing controlled perturbations in the phase of the forcing for driving the system into a series of high-amplitude limit cycle oscillations and eventual escape to the desired stable solution is proposed. Additionally, accelerated settling to the desired configuration is achieved by implementing state feedback techniques. The proposed algorithm serves as a potential tool for implementing fast shape adaptation in bi-stable structural systems.
Exploration of Low Numeric Precision Deep Learning Inference Using Intel® FPGAs: (Abstract Only)

Convolutional neural networks have been shown to maintain reasonable classification accuracy when quantized down to 8-bits, however, quantizing to sub 8-bit activations and weights can result in classification accuracy falling below an acceptable threshold. Techniques exist for increasing accuracy of sub 8-bit networks typically by means of increasing computation resulting in a trade-off between throughput and accuracy and can be tailored for different networks through combinations of activation and weight precisions. Customizable hardware architectures like FPGAs provide opportunity for data width specific computation through unique logic configurations leading to highly optimized processing that is unattainable by full precision networks. Specifically, ternary and binary weighted networks offer an efficient method of inference for 2-bit and 1-bit data respectively. In this paper, we present a hardware design for FPGAs that takes advantage of the bandwidth, memory, and computation savings of limited numerical precision data. We provide insights into the trade-offs between throughput and accuracy for various networks and how they map to our framework. Further, we show how limited numeric precision computation can be efficiently mapped onto FPGAs for both ternary and binary cases. Starting with Arria 10, we show a 2-bit activation and ternary weighted AlexNet running in hardware that achieves 3,700 images per second on the ImageNet dataset with a top-1 accuracy of 0.49. Using a hardware modeler designed for our low numeric precision framework we project performance most notably for a 55.5 TOPS Stratix 10 device running a modified ResNet-34 with only 3.7% accuracy degradation compared with single precision.
Resolving the angular velocity of two-dimensional particle interactions induced within a rotary tumbler

A horizontally oriented cylindrical tumbler, filled at variable depth with a monoplane of uniform cylindrical media, was rotated at various constant speeds. Resultant motion was captured using a high-speed camera. The images were post-processed with particle tracking velocimetry and image correlation algorithms in order to estimate each particle’s translational and rotational velocity. The particle interactions were then characterized into distance groups based on non-dimensional flow characteristics, where similarities were found with transitions between slip/no-slip and rotation/no-rotation conditions. The results of the particle interactions show rotational chains as analogous to translational force chains. The interactions demonstrated that occurrences of no-slip, no-rotation behavior correspond to areas of confined translational motion. No-slip rotation behavior was lower in areas of high interaction and higher in developing flow areas.
Bromodeoxuridine Procedures for Analysis of DNA Synthesis

Significant advances have been made in studies on DNA synthesis, cell cycle traverse and cell proliferation through the use of radiolabeled DNA precursors. The use of tritiated thymidine to label cells actively synthesizing DNA enabled Howard and Pelc (1953) to subdivide the cell cycle in the G1, S, and G2/M phases. The capability for following the traverse of labeled S phase cells through the subsequent phases of the cell cycle has also dramatically improved investigations on cell kinetics and cell division patterns. Recently, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), the base analog of thymidine, has been substituted for the radioactive precursor. The use of BrdUrd has several advantages in that (a) it can be more safely utilized in studies that would prohibit or limit the use of radiolabeled precursors, (b), methods for assaying BrdUrd, approaching the sensitivity for detection of triatiated thymidine, are currently available. One of the most widely used cytological technique for detection of BrdUrd-substituted DNA is the immunofluorescent assay developed by Grantzer (1982). This method requires partial denaturation of DNA to the single stranded conformation, by heat or acid treatment, to provide access of the incorporated BrdUrd to the antibody, which is usually tagged with the green fluorochrome, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC).
A Survey of Android Malware

In this chapter, we present a survey of existing Android malware. Particularly, with more than one year effort, we have collected a large dataset of existing Android malware. Based on this dataset, we are able to systematically characterize existing Android malware from various aspects, including their installation, activation methods, and malicious payloads.
Statin therapy and association with ovarian cancer risk in the New England Case Control (NEC) study

Statins are widely used to lower blood cholesterol and reduce risk for cardiovascular diseases, but attention has recently focused on a role in cancer prevention or therapy. Here we present data from a large case-control study addressing whether statin use can lower the risk for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Between 1992 and 2008, data including medications used for at least 6 months were collected from 2,040 cases with EOC and 2,100 frequency-matched controls without the disease who participated in the New England Case Control study. We used unconditional logistic regression controlling for matching factors and potential confounders to examine the association between statin use and the risk for EOC. Overall, women who used statins had 32% lower risk of ovarian cancer compared to non-users (Odds ratio (OR) 0.68, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.54-0.85), adjusting for the matching factors and other covariates. The reduced risk was most apparent in women taking a lipophilic statin who began use after age 49, and who had used them 2-4.9 years. Statin use was associated with lower risks for both serous and non-serous histologic subtypes with the strongest effect seen for mucinous and mixed epithelial subtypes. The association became apparent about a decade after the introduction of statins and did not appear to be confounded by indications for use of statins or medications used concomitantly. In this case-control study, statins were found to lower the risk for both serous and non-serous EOC and especially mucinous EOC.
Prescription Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Adults: A Critical Review.

Objectives Despite evidence for many potential risks, use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) among older adults is common. The authors evaluated the available evidence for BZD effectiveness and tolerability for use in older adults in three psychiatric conditions for which BZDs are commonly prescribed: insomnia, anxiety disorders, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Design Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, were searched to identify articles that (1) included patients ≥50 years of age, (2) focused on patients diagnosed with insomnia, anxiety disorders, or behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and (3) were either a randomized, placebo-controlled trial or a randomized trial comparing a BZD with either another psychotropic medication or psychotherapy. Results Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the three clinical indications evaluated, treatment of insomnia had the greatest available evidence for use of BZDs among older adults, with 21 of 25 trials demonstrating improved sleep outcomes with use of BZDs. Only one trial was found to meet eligibility criteria for BZD use in anxiety disorders, demonstrating benefit over placebo. Five studies for use in behavioral disturbances in dementia were included, of which only one demonstrated improvement over placebo. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that BZD prescribing to older adults is significantly in excess of what the available evidence suggests is appropriate. Future trials should focus on efforts to reduce both acute and chronic BZD use among older adults while improving access to effective non-pharmacologic treatment alternatives.
Sleeping through anything: The effects of unpredictable disruptions on mouse sleep, healing, and affect

Many aspects of the laboratory environment are not tailored to the needs of rodents, which may cause stress. Unpredictable stressors can cause ulcers, prolonged pituitary-adrenal activation, and anhedonia. Similarly, pain has been demonstrated to slow wound healing, and mice experiencing pain exhibit altered behavior. However it is unknown how husbandry, which occurs when the mice are inactive, and lack of analgesia, specifically in a punch biopsy procedure, effects animal physiology, behavior, and welfare, particularly as it relates to sleep fragmentation. We hypothesized that sleep fragmentation, induced by unpredictable husbandry and lack of pain management will slow wound healing. Two main treatments were tested in a factorial design in C57BL/6 mice of both sexes (64 mice total); 1) analgesia (carprofen and saline) and 2) sleep disruptions (random and predictable). Mice were singly housed in a non-invasive sleep monitoring apparatus on arrival (Day -4). Disruption treatments were applied from Day -3 to 2. All mice received a punch biopsy surgery (Day 0) with topical lidocaine gel and their analgesic treatment prior to recovery, and on Days 1 and 2. Nesting behavior was assessed daily and a sugar cereal consumption test, as a measure of anhedonia, was conducted on Days -1 to 2. On Day 3, mice were euthanized and wound tissue and adrenal glands were collected. We found that the disruption predictability had no effect on mouse sleep, wound healing, or adrenal cortex:medulla ratio. It's possible that the disruption period was not long enough to induce chronic stress. However, male mice who received analgesia slept more than their female counterparts; this may be related to sex differences in pain perception. Overall, it does not appear that the predictability of disturbance effects sleep fragmentation or stress responses, indicating that husbandry activities do not need to occur at set predictable times to improve welfare.
What a drag!: Skeletal myosin binding protein-C affects sarcomeric shortening.

Myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) is a multidomain protein that resides in the thick filaments of striated muscle sarcomeres. Separate genes (MYBPC1, MYBPC2, and MYBPC3) encode the three isoforms present in slow skeletal (s-), fast skeletal (f-), and cardiac (c-) muscle, respectively. All these
Understanding quality of life and treatment history of patients with Bertolotti syndrome compared with lumbosacral radiculopathy

OBJECTIVEBertolotti syndrome is a rare spinal condition that causes low-back pain due to a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), which is a pseudoarticulation between the fifth lumbar transverse process and the sacral ala. Bertolotti syndrome patients are rarely studied, particularly with regard to their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the quality of life and prior treatments in patients with Bertolotti syndrome at first presentation to the authors' center in comparison with those with lumbosacral radiculopathy.METHODSThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with Bertolotti syndrome and lumbosacral radiculopathy due to disc herniation seen at the authors' institution's spine center from 2005 through 2018. Diagnoses were confirmed with provider notes and imaging. Variables collected included demographics, diagnostic history, prior treatment, patient-reported quality of life metrics, and whether or not they underwent surgery at the authors' institution. Propensity score matching by age and sex was used to match lumbosacral radiculopathy patients to Bertolotti syndrome patients. Group comparisons were made using t-tests, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-tests, Cox proportional hazards models, and linear regression models where variables found to be different at the univariate level were included as covariates.RESULTSThe final cohort included 22 patients with Bertolotti syndrome who had patient-reported outcomes data available and 46 propensity score-matched patients who had confirmed radiculopathy due to disc herniation. The authors found that Bertolotti syndrome patients had significantly more prior epidural steroid injections (ESIs) and a longer time from symptom onset to their first visit. Univariate analysis showed that Bertolotti syndrome patients had significantly worse Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mental health T-scores. Adjustment for prior ESIs and time from symptom onset revealed that Bertolotti syndrome patients also had significantly worse PROMIS physical health T-scores. Time to surgery and other quality of life metrics did not differ between groups.CONCLUSIONSPatients with Bertolotti syndrome undergo significantly longer workup and more ESIs and have worse physical and mental health scores than age- and sex-matched patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy. However, both groups of patients had mild depression and clinically meaningful reduction in their quality of life according to all instruments. This study shows that Bertolotti syndrome patients have a condition that affects them potentially more significantly than those with lumbosacral radiculopathy, and increased attention should be paid to these patients to improve their workup, diagnosis, and treatment.
Diagnostic utility of tele-cystoscopy for bladder cancer surveillance.

e18335Background: Urology workforce shortage in rural areas limits access to surveillance cystoscopy for bladder cancer. Tele-cystoscopy is a novel solution whereby an advanced practice provider (A...
MaizeDIG: Maize Database of Images and Genomes

Background: An organism can be described by its observable features (phenotypes) and the genes and genomic information (genotypes) that cause these phenotypes. For many decades, researchers have tried to find relationships between genotypes and phenotypes and great strides have been made. However, improved methods and tools for discovering and visualizing these phenotypic relationships are still needed. The maize genetics and genomics database (MaizeGDB, www.maizegdb.org) provides an array of useful resources for diverse data types including thousands of images related to mutant phenotypes in Zea mays ssp. mays (maize). To integrate mutant phenotype images with genomics information, we implemented and enhanced the web-based software package BioDIG (Biological Database of Images and Genomes). Findings: We developed a genotype-phenotype database for maize called MaizeDIG. MaizeDIG has several enhancements over the original BioDIG package. MaizeDIG which supports multiple reference genome assemblies, is seamlessly integrated with genome browsers to accommodate custom tracks showing tagged mutant phenotypes images in their genomic context, and allows for custom tagging of images to highlight the phenotype. This is accomplished through an updated interface allowing users to create image-to-gene links and is accessible via the image search tool. Conclusions: We have created a user-friendly and extensible web-based resource called MaizeDIG. MaizeDIG is preloaded with 2,396 images that are available on genome browsers for ten different maize reference genomes. Approximately 90 images of classically defined maize genes have been manually annotated. MaizeDIG is available at (http://maizedig.maizegdb.org/). The code is free and open source and can be found at (https://github.com/Maize-Genetics-and-Genomics-Database/maizedig)
Outcomes measures in children after acute central nervous system infections and malaria.

Purpose of review Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children result in significant mortality and neurologic morbidity worldwide. This article summarizes the recent pediatric literature published on outcomes measures used after acute infectious meningitis, encephalitis, and cerebral malaria, and highlights ongoing research efforts to standardize outcomes measurements. Search terms were geared toward functional, cognitive, behavioral, and other outcome assessments. Recent findings Recent data suggest that, depending on microbiological cause, there are differences in currently used outcome measures following acute CNS infections. Outcomes assessments include a variety of formal psychological tests (structured interviews and neuropsychological tests of cognitive and motor functioning) and dichotomized or ordinal scales. Standardization of outcome measures, however, is lacking. Global efforts to standardize outcomes that encompass both the child and family are ongoing. Summary Centers worldwide can track and measure a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and functional outcomes after acute CNS infections. Standardized documentation and coding of clinically important outcomes is needed. Further research to evaluate effective practices using acute adjunctive and rehabilitation therapies will be aided by outcome measure standardization.
A 1 V 54-64 GHz 4-Channel Phased-Array Receiver in 45 nm RFSOI with 3.6/5.1 dB NF and -23 dBm IP1dB at 28/37 mW Per-Channel

This paper presents a low-power, low-noise, high-linearity 4-channel phased-array receiver in 45 nm RFSOI process. An architecture employing an active low-noise balun, a 180° active phase-shifter, and 11/22/45/90° passive phase-shifters results in optimal performance between noise figure and power consumption. The phased-array front-end channel consumes 28 mW from a 1 V supply, with a measured gain and NF of 14 dB and 3.6 dB at 59 GHz, respectively (NF 3.6–4 dB at 57–64 GHz). The four front-end receive channels are followed by a high-linearity down-conversion mixer and an IF amplifier. The chip is flipped and placed on a low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) with matching network for connectorized measurement. The measured electronic gain of the phased array receiver is 20–21 dB with a 3-dB bandwidth of 54-64 GHz and NF of 5.1–5.4 dB at 57–64 GHz, with a system IP1dB of -23 dBm at 150 mW dc power. To author’s knowledge, this work achieves the lowest NF and highest dynamic range with <40 mW Pdc/channel at 60 GHz band and enables the construction of a large arrays (256–1024 elements) with low power consumption.
TRUCK DRIVER DECISIONS IN PERISHABLE CARGO TRANSPORT: THE CASE OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD TRADE IN EAST AFRICA

The Northern Corridor (NC) is the main route connecting the land-locked countries of East Africa with the port of Mombasa and is heavily used for shipping goods, including perishable cargo. This paper examines how factors pertaining to truck features, job conditions, and truck driver characteristics influence the decision to accept perishable cargo and the size of an accepted perishable product shipment. The decision equation and the volume shipped equation are estimated using survey data collected from truck drivers interviewed at the border crossing between Uganda and Kenya in September and October 2018. Results show that independent truck drivers and drivers who are Kenyan citizens are more likely to accept perishable cargo and ship larger volumes than drivers working for trucking companies. The opposite influence is associated with drivers operating at set schedules and in response to the increasing truck age, possibly due to the risk of malfunction during a trip.
Liability and Patient Suicide

Suicide is one of the leading causes of liability against a psychiatrist treating adult patients. Reducing the risk of liability entails understanding the phenomenology of suicide, approaching suicide risk assessment from a clinical perspective, conceptualizing how malpractice cases unfold, examining the issues of foreseeability and proper risk assessment, and developing a risk management approach to mitigate against the potential for a bad outcome. The use of various suicide screening risk assessments in certain clinical contexts is a potentially useful first step in identifying the need for further risk assessment. In conducting a more detailed review of a patient's risk, nonsuicidal self-injury is typically distinguished from suicidal intent and action, although morbidity and mortality can also be associated with any deliberate self-injury. Understanding the concepts of means reduction and risk management planning are essential elements to assist in helping reduce risk. Special attention to risk reduction related to firearms has received increased attention in recent years. Proper assessment, and documentation thereof in clinical records can assist in reducing liability. This article reviews these basic elements for the general practitioner of adult psychiatry related to suicide risk, assessment, and liability surrounding patient suicide.
Abstract TMP33: Repair of Ischemic Intestinal Epithelial Stem Cells: Potential Therapy to Improve Stroke Outcomes

Background: Nearly 50% of all stroke patients experience “leaky” gut, gut hemorrhage and gut epithelium damage. Gut leakiness may increase circulating inflammatory cytokines and other gut products ...
The Youthwork Paradox: A Case for Studying the Complexity of Community-Based Youth Work in Education Research:

Community-based youth work, through which young people are engaged in community-based educational spaces (CBES; e.g., after-school programs, out-of-school time settings, youth organizations, etc.),...
Tolerance of dinutuximab therapy for treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma in two patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis.

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (aHCT) has a significant survival advantage in patients with high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma. Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a serious complication and may result in chronic renal disease leading to delay in subsequent posttransplant therapy and limitations of treatment options. Dinutuximab represents an important therapeutic advance in the treatment of pediatric HR neuroblastoma, but historically has not been administered in patients with GFR < 60 mL/m2 /min. Here, we present the safe outcome of dinutuximab administration while on renal replacement therapy in two cases of HR neuroblastoma with end-stage renal disease secondary to TA-TMA.
9-Borafluorenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Reactivity.

This review covers all aspects of 9-borafluorene chemistry, from the first attempted synthesis in 1960 to the present. This class of molecules consists of a tricyclic system featuring a central ant...