cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cdc48–Vms1 complex maintains 26S proteasome architecture

The 26S proteasome is responsible for most regulated protein turnover and for the degradation of aberrant proteins in eukaryotes. The assembly of this ~2.5 MDa multicatalytic protease requires several dedicated chaperones and, once assembled, substrate selectivity is mediated by ubiquitin conjugation. After modification with ubiquitin, substrates are escorted to the proteasome by myriad factors, including Cdc48 (cell-division cycle 48). Cdc48 also associates with numerous cofactors, but, to date, it is unclear whether each cofactor facilitates proteasome delivery. We discovered that yeast lacking a conserved Cdc48 cofactor, Vms1 [VCP (valosin-containing protein)/Cdc48-associated mitochondrial stress-responsive], accumulate proteasome-targeted ubiquitinated proteins. Vms1 mutant cells also contain elevated levels of unassembled 20S proteasome core particles and select 19S cap subunits. In addition, we found that the ability of Vms1 to support 26S proteasome assembly requires Cdc48 interaction, and that the loss of Vms1 reduced 26S proteasome levels and cell viability after prolonged culture in the stationary phase. The results of the present study highlight an unexpected link between the Cdc48–Vms1 complex and the preservation of proteasome architecture, and indicate how perturbed proteasome assembly affects the turnover of ubiquitinated proteins and maintains viability in aging cells.
Negotiating the Soul of the Library

(2000). Negotiating the Soul of the Library. Journal of Library Administration: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 17-35.
Formation of Chloroform in Vegetables Treated With Sodium Hypochlorite and Food Safety

This paper summaries the chemical reaction mechanism,precursors and formation of chloroform in vegetables treated with sodium hypochlorite(NaClO) and provides scientific evidence to prevent and reduce harm factors and evaluate the safety of food treated with sodium hypochlorite.
Multilocus sequence typing analysis application in molecular epidemiological research of Escherichia coli O157 isolates in Zhejiang province

The objective was to investigate the molecular epidemiological feature of Escherichia coli O157 isolates in Zhejiang Province.A multilocus sequence typing(MLST) scheme was applied to identify sequences of 8 housekeeping genes including DNA polymerase(dinB),isocitrate dehydrogenase(icdA),p-aminobenzoate synthase(pabB),polymerase PolII(polB),proline permease,(putP),tryptophan synthase subunit A(trpA),tryptophan synthase subunit B(trpB) and beta-glucuronidase(uidA) from 29 EHEC O157 isolated between 2005 and 2010 in Zhejiang Province and 882364 isolated in Jiangshu Province.DNAsp,eBURST and START2 were applied to analyze the polymorphism of the eight housekeeping genes and the evolution of the EHEC O157.Four sequence types(STs),named ST-284,ST-367,ST-125,and ST-296 were identified,which grouped into two lineages,Group 1 and Group 11.ST-284 had the most proportion of 90%(27/30).The proportion of variable sites ranged from 0.4%(trpA) to 4.6%(putP).The nucleotide diversity(Pi,average number of nucleotide differences per site between two randomly-selected isolates) ranged from 0.00119(polB)-0.00648(uidA).Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these STs belong to two CCs(clone complex).The data presented here provide new sights into molecular epidemiology feature of EHEC O157.MLST molecular typing of EHEC O157 isolates in Zhejiang Province call for intense surveillance efforts.It was an ideal tool to the investigation of the genetic evolution of.EHEC O157.
The Microcapsules of Absorbing Water Expanding Polymer Resin Synthesis and Performance Evaluation

With acrylic acid sodium,chitosan as raw materials,potassium sulfate initiator,N,N and methyl double acrylamide(NMBA) as crosslinking agent,through the solution polymerization synthesized a kind of acrylic acid sodium-chitosan polymer absorbing water expanding resin,notes for CS and its molecular structure is analyzed.For CS coated with paraffin wax on,formed a kind of microcapsule,experimental results show that the product is to target product.On resin CS and microcapsule CS some performance evaluation,the results show that the coating really can play the inhibition of high molecular injectivity resin bibulous rate of expansion effect,achieve the expected goal.
Treatment of intractable ulcerative colitis.

When a patient with intractable ulcerative colitis is not benefited by medical therapy, ileostomy and simultaneous colectomy are indicated. There is rarely, if ever, an indication for ileostomy alone. Unsuccessful medical therapy should be discontinued in intractable ulcerative colitis when the patient is not benefited; ileostomy and simultaneous colectomy should be instituted.
The Impact on Family of Pediatric Chronic Respiratory Failure in the Home.

Objective To assess the family impact of managing severe, chronic respiratory failure (CRF) at home. Better understanding will inform parental counseling and serve as a point of reference for interventions. Study design Families of children with CRF completed the Impact on Family Scale (IFS) and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Using multivariable linear regression, we assessed the relationship between IFS and family, clinical, and utilization characteristics. Results A total of 118 parents (60%) completed the IFS; 114 parents (58%) completed all measures. The 15-item IFS mean total score was 40 (SD = 10) with a possible range of 15-60 (greater scores indicate more impact). Modeling identified a negative association with parent emotional functioning, parent-rated child health, and private insurance only (compared with both private/public), and other family characteristics (eg, parental education, marital status, and income) were not associated with IFS scores. Conclusion Families of children with CRF are greatly impacted by their child's health. In contrast to other children with special health care needs, family characteristics were not associated with IFS scores, excluding insurance type. These results may reflect more uniform demands and stressors related to CRF. Future research should identify interventions to attenuate the impact of CRF.
[Genotype analysis of enterovirus type 71 detected from patients with hand-foot-mouth disease in Shenzhen].

Objective To carry out genotype analysis of enterovirus type 71, detected from hand-foot-mouth disease patients in Shenzhen in 2004. Methods All samples were tested by reverse transeription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using EV71 specific primer. The VP1 and VP4 of EV71 were cloned and sequenced. A phylogenetie tree was constructed by comparing the sequences with genogroups A, B and C genotypes using TreeView and PHYLIP software(3.6b). Results The VP1 nucleotide sequence of 4 strains isolated from Shenzhen shared 87.8 %-92.0 % identity with genogroup C,while the homogeneity of the VP4 nucleotide sequence was between 85.9 %-87.4 %. The homogeneity of the VP1 nucleotide sequence with genotypes A and B was between 81.9 % -84.2 % and was 80.6 % -85.0 %with VP4. Among the 4 strains, the homogeneity of the VP1 nucleotide sequence was between 94.1%-99.8% and was 100% with VP4 which formed a small group and could denominate EV71 genetype CA.Conclusion Similar results were obtained from phylogenetic analysis of EV71 based on VP1 and VP4 nueleotide sequence. The four EV71 strains causing epidemic in Shenzhen could be named as CA subgroups. Key words: Enterovirus type 71 ; Hand-foot-mouth disease; Genotype analysis
Population and Society: Population Change in the United States

INTRODUCTION The United States is the third most populous country in the world after the two demographic billionaires, China and India. In 2015, the population of the United States numbered 321 million inhabitants, compared with 1.36 billion in China and 1.29 billion in India (PRB, 2015). When the first census was conducted in the United States in 1790, the population size of the country (as then defined geographically) was just under 4 million, which is about the size today of the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona. In 220 years, the United States has increased tremendously in size, from 3.9 million inhabitants in 1790, to just under 309 million in 2010 (Figure 13.1), to more than 321 million in 2015. In this chapter, I trace the patterns of population growth of the United States from colonial times to the present and then examine some projections of the US population for the future. HISTORY OF POPULATION CHANGE IN THE UNITED STATES The Precolonial Period Estimates for the precolonization period of the size of the population in the land now known as the United States are not easy to obtain, and they vary considerably: “There is probably no single figure that can be accepted as the ‘best’ estimate of the late fifteenth century North American population” (Snipp, 1989: 9). According to Zinn, “The Indian population of [around] 10 million that lived north of Mexico when Columbus came would ultimately be reduced to less than a million. Huge numbers of Indians would die from diseases introduced by the whites. A Dutch traveler in New England wrote in 1656 that ‘the Indians…affirm, that before the arrival of the Christians and before the smallpox broke out amongst them, they were ten times as numerous as they now are, and that their population had been melted down by this disease, whereof nine-tenths of them have died’” (2003: 16). The number of Native Americans continued to decline over the next centuries and totaled between 125,000 and 150,000 by 1900 (Thornton, 1990: 42). This decline resulted in part from attrition during the continual warfare in which they participated in the defense of their tribal lands, as well as from unusual hardships and, as just noted, from diseases introduced by the European settlers.
Novel tropical forests: nature's response to global change

We now live in a world dominated by humans (the Anthropocene), whose activities on Earth are resulting in new habitats and new environmental conditions, including climate change. To many, the Anthropocene is an era of environmental doom that unless reversed, will result in catastrophic reductions in biodiversity. An alternate view is that the biota will adjust to the new environmental conditions and through processes of species mixing and selforganization will form sustainable novel communities of organisms. Using examples from Puerto Rico, I discuss the conditions that lead to novel forest formation and the characteristics of these forests, including their species composition. Novel forests include native tree and animal species as well as significant numbers of introduced and naturalized species. These introduced species dominate forest stands, and their dominance is not incompatible with the regeneration of native species. I propose that these types of ecosystems might represent the natural response of the biota to the Anthropocene.
Team Member Perceptions of Alternative Decision Analysis Approaches

AbstractThis research evaluated team members’ perceptions of alternative decision analysis approaches when they were asked to analyze a simple or complex data set under a time constraint. There has been significant work done to understand what criteria should be included in this class of problems. However, less work has been done examining the selection of a specific decision analysis approach. This is an area of concern since research has shown that selecting a different decision analysis approach can change the results even when the same data is analyzed. This research effort is a preliminary look at perceptions of alternative decision analysis approaches. A mixed method study analyzing quantitative and qualitative data was completed. Teams were assigned to use one of five different decision analysis approaches, including Weighted Sum, SMART, TOPSIS, AHP, and ELECTRE I. After applying the approach to either a simple or complex data set, team members were surveyed to determine perceptions including comfo...
Racial and ethnic differences in treatment outcomes among adults with stimulant use disorders after a dosed exercise intervention.

ABSTRACTThe current study examined differences in substance abuse treatment outcomes among racial and ethnic groups enrolled in the Stimulant Reduction Intervention using Dosed Exercise (STRIDE) trial, a multisite randomized clinical trial implemented through the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA’s) Clinical Trials Network (CTN). STRIDE aimed to test vigorous exercise as a novel approach to the treatment of stimulant abuse compared to a health education intervention. A hurdle model with a complier average causal effects (CACE) adjustment was used to provide an unbiased estimate of the exercise effect had all participants been adherent to exercise. Among 214 exercise-adherent participants, we found significantly lower probability of use for Blacks (z = −2.45, p = .014) and significantly lower number of days of use for Whites compared to Hispanics (z = −54.87, p = <.001) and for Whites compared to Blacks (z = −28.54, p = <.001), which suggests that vigorous, regular exercise might improve treatment o...
New Species of Ixia (Crocoideae) and Moraea (Iridoideae), and Taxonomic Notes on Some Other African Iridaceae

In Iridaceae subfamily Crocoideae, the tropical African Gladiolus erectiflorus subsp. verdickii and South African Tritonia marlothii subsp. delpierrei are restored to species rank as G. verdickii and
A Case Report of Parvovirus B19 Infection in a Renal Allograft.

Parvovirus B19 infection is undiagnosed in recipients undergoing solid organ transplantation. It is usually responsible for unexplained acute and chronic red blood cell aplasia that does not respond to erythropoietin therapy. Cases of parvovirus B19 infection associated with pancytopenia, solid organ dysfunction, and allograft rejection have been described in the literature. The deterioration of the immune system as a result of severe immunotherapy favors the reactivation of a previous infection or the acquisition of a new one. We present a case of a 32-year-old woman with a 1-year history of renal allograft transplant and previous cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection who presented with chest pain, polyarthritis, pancytopenia, and renal dysfunction. A serum sample using polymerase chain reaction showed a parvovirus titer of 13.8 trillion IU/mL and a CMV titer of 800 IU/mL. The renal biopsy revealed nucleomegaly with focal viral inclusions, along with changes associated with immunotherapy toxicity. Electron mic...
Development and validation of an impedance biosensor for point-of-care detection of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 toward lupus diagnostics.

Aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that requires chronic monitoring. In this study, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study of a highly attractive noninvasive strategy for monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus through biomarker quantification. Results: This sensor technology requires 50 μl of urine to detect and quantify vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in 15 min. The sensor used nonfaradaic detection to demonstrate performance with and without detection antibody. Binding of immunoassay and target biomarkers were quantified with an impedance electrical immunoassay and correlated with an equivalent circuit. Conclusion: The novel sensor technology demonstrates detection in the range of 8 fg/ml to 800 pg/ml and comparative analysis with ELISA platforms was performed for 12 patient urine samples.
Influence of common and rare genetic variation on warfarin dose among African-Americans and European-Americans using the exome array.

Aim: We conducted a genome-wide association study using the Illumina Exome Array to identify coding SNPs that may explain additional warfarin dose variability. Patients & methods: Analysis was performed after adjustment for clinical variables and genetic factors known to influence warfarin dose among 1680 warfarin users (838 European–Americans and 842 African–Americans). Replication was performed in an independent sample. Results: We confirmed the influence of known genetic variants on warfarin dose variability. Our study is the first to show the association between rs12772169 and warfarin dose in African–Americans. In addition, genes COX15 and FGF5 showed significant association in European–Americans. Conclusion: We identified some novel genes/SNPs that underpin warfarin dose response. Further replication is needed to confirm our findings.
Why Don't People Change? A Psychoanalytic Perspective

From a psychoanalytic perspective, a central reason that people do not easily change is their fear of the dangers that they believe, at some level, change entails. These dangers include relinquishment of infantile wishes and fantasies, anxiety that would be experienced were defenses weakened, guilt, fantasies that change would harm a parental figure or threaten a vital relationship. Other factors that prevent change and maintain the sameness of behavior include defenses, unconscious pathogenic beliefs, devotion and loyalty to early figures, stable internal working models of self, other, and prototypic interactions, and emitting cues that elicit responses from others that confirm these working models. Finally, 1 discuss some selective psychoanalytic research on therapeutic change.
Thermal and ventilation performance of combined passive chilled beam and displacement ventilation systems

Abstract Chilled beams provide sensible cooling to an occupied space by using chilled water flowing through modular beams mounted to a room ceiling. Previous studies show that active chilled beam systems can achieve larger sensible cooling than all-air systems. However, most studies have focused on active chilled beams and little information is available for performance of passive chilled beam (PCB) under varied ventilation conditions. The objective of the present study is to investigate ventilation and air conditioning performance of combined PCB and displacement ventilation systems. Using a validated and verified computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, parametric analyses were performed to examine the ventilation and air conditioning performance depending on five major operating parameters: 1) ventilation strategy, 2) PCB cooling output, 3) supply air temperature, 4) supply diffuser type, and 5) internal heat source arrangement. The results show that thermal comfort and ventilation performance of a combined PCB-DV system notably vary with the PCB cooling output and supply air temperature. When the PCB cooling output increases from 33% to 53% of the total cooling load, air change effectiveness decreases from 1.6 to 1.2 and vertical temperature difference decreases from 4.0 °C to 1.5 °C in the breathing zone. However, spatial heat source distribution has a marginal effect on the air mixing and temperature distribution. The results suggest that a relatively high PCB cooling output (>50% of the total cooling) combined with a low supply air temperature (e.g., 17 °C) could disrupt thermal stratification of displacement ventilation and increase draft rate in the occupied zone.
Erratum to: Global Activism or Media Spectacle? An exploration of ‘Bring Back Our Girls Campaign’

In April 2014 over 270 girls were abducted from their school in Chibok Nigeria by an Islamist group, Boko Haram. Distraught parents launched #bringbackourgirls on Facebook and Twitter to put pressure on the Nigerian government to act speedily to recover the girls. Picked up by celebrities and world leaders, the campaign went viral and brought to light retrogressive movements rolling back some of the gains achieved worldwide in women’s education. The purpose of the chapter is to analyse the feminist content of the campaign messages. To what extent are gender lenses used to analyse the problem and proposing solutions? The analysis of the campaign discourse on Facebook shows it resonates with that of gender equality. However, the discussion fits more on the liberal-inclusive side than the progressive side of the continuum of feminism. It is widely expected that policy and legislation for gender equality within the current configuration of power will bring the changes needed to uplift the lot of girls. The prospect of transformation of power relations remains largely unacknowledged.
Dielectric properties of cryogenic gas mixtures for superconducting power applications

Dielectric breakdown strengths of ternary mixture of gaseous helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures (77 K) have been investigated experimentally in an effort to identify a gaseous cryogen with higher dielectric strength than pure helium for high temperature superconducting (HTS) power applications. Building on our previous success in enhancing the dielectric strength of helium gas by 80% by using a binary mixture containing4 mol% hydrogen + 96 mol% helium, a ternary mixture with a composition of 4 mol% hydrogen + 88 mol% helium + 8 mol% nitrogen was investigated. The composition of the ternary mixture was the result of theoretical modelling studies which used the Boltzmann equation to calculate the dielectric strength of various ternary mixture ratios. The dielectric breakdown strength of the ternary mixture was measured at room temperature and at 77 K at several pressures up to 2 MPa. A 300 % enhancement in dielectric strength was observed for the ternary mixture compared to pure gaseous helium. The dielectric strength of the ternary mixture was measured to be 12 kV/mm at 1 MPa and 77 K, which is approaching the dielectric strength range of liquid nitrogen. The results on the new mixture are compared to the previous studies on helium-hydrogen binary mixtures and the implications of the observed enhancement for gas cooled HTS power devices is discussed. The challenges posed by the addition of nitrogen in terms of limited operating temperature and pressure due to the condensation of nitrogen at higher pressures and/or lower temperatures is also discussed.
Impact on Quality When Pediatric Urgent Care Centers Are Staffed With Radiology Technologists.

Abstract Purpose The proliferation of pediatric urgent care centers has increased the need for diagnostic imaging support, but the impact of employing radiology technologists at these centers is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic impact and quality at urgent care centers with and without radiology technologists. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted comparing 235 radiographic examinations (study) performed without and 83 examinations (control) performed with a radiology technologist at the authors' pediatric urgent care centers. Studies were evaluated for quality using a five-point, Likert-type scale (1 = poor, 5 = best) regarding field of view, presentation, and orthogonal view orientation. Studies were also evaluated for the incidence of positive results, need for repeat imaging, and discrepancies between initial study and follow-up. Results Imaging quality comparisons between study and control groups were statistically different for field of view (3.98 versus 4.29, P = .014), presentation (4.39 versus 4.51, P = .045), and orthogonal view orientation (4.45 versus 4.69, P = .033). The incidence of repeat imaging was similar (4.7% versus 2.4%, P = 0.526), as well as the discrepancy rates (3.4 versus 2.4%, P = 1.00). The incidence of abnormal radiographic findings for the study and control groups was similar (40.9% versus 34.9%, P = .363). Conclusions Radiography is an important triage tool at pediatric urgent care centers. It is imperative to have optimal radiographic imaging for accurate diagnosis, and imaging quality is improved when radiology technologists are available. If not feasible or cost prohibitive, it is important that physicians be given training opportunities to bridge the quality gap when using radiographic equipment and exposing children to radiation.
A Prediction Model of Privacy Control for Online Social Networking Users

With the growing popularity of social network sites (SNS), organizations have started to leverage them for encouraging both personal and professional data sharing. However, inherent privacy problems in social networks have become a concern for organizations deploying them. So companies have started investing in systems for evaluating employees’ behaviors on SNSs. In evaluating employees’ behaviors on SNSs, this study aims at developing a mechanism for learning users’ behaviors on SNS and predicting their control of privacy on SNS. Privacy prediction is based on the revelation of actual privacy characteristics of users through the analysis of their SNS usage patterns. Using the Design Science research methodology, this study presents the design and instantiation of a prediction model that is trained using survey data and SNS data of graduate students from a prominent Northeastern University in the United States, which is used to generate class labels associated with their privacy control. The prediction model provides a data analytics component for reliable predictions of users’ privacy control using Machine Learning algorithm SVM and a randomized ensemble of decision trees. The results suggest that the prediction model represents a reliable method for predicting privacy control based on user actions on SNS.
Chapter 29 Empirical Models of Entry and Market Structure

This chapter surveys empirical models of market structure. We pay particular attention to equilibrium models that interpret cross-sectional variation in the number of firms or firm turnover rates. We begin by discussing what economists can in principle learn from models with homogeneous potential entrants. We then turn to models with heterogeneous firms. In the process, we review applications that analyze market structure in airline, retail, professional, auction, lodging, and broadcasting markets. We conclude with a summary of more recent models that incorporate incomplete information, “set identified” parameters, and dynamics.
Memory, Learning, Hormones and Behavior

Memory and learning appear to be important factors influencing animal survival and fitness. Animals need to learn and remember numerous pieces of information about breeding sites, food sources, shelters, neighbors, etc. Hormones are well known to have strong effects on learning and memory, and the effects of glucocorticoid and gonadal hormones on memory have been studied especially well. It has been established that glucocorticoid hormones produced by the adrenal glands are necessary for the maintenance of memory. Short-term elevations in glucocorticoids are generally considered to enhance memory and learning, but these effects appear to be both concentration and time dependent. Only moderate elevations seem to enhance memory while both strong elevations and low concentrations seem to impair memory. Long-term or chronic glucocorticoid elevations are generally considered memory impairing, but such generalization is somewhat controversial as data are mixed. It seems that moderate long-term elevations may have memory-enhancing effects, while only strong chronic elevations have negative effects. More research is needed to investigate specific effects of long-term elevations in glucocorticoids in a variety of species to better understand causal and evolutionary relationships between glucocorticoids and memory. Gonadal (testosterone, estradiol) hormones also appear to modulate memory, but effects of testosterone and estradiol on memory and learning seem to be quite complex and may depend on hormone concentration, timing, sex, and age. In addition, testosterone may affect memory both as an androgen and as an estrogen when it is converted into estradiol by aromatase in the brain. Future work should consider better integration of both environmental factors causing hormonal changes, the effects of hormonal changes on memory and learning, mechanisms, and consequences of these effects for biological fitness in a variety of species.
Acoustic microscopy imaging of steel reinforcement in concrete

This paper presents exploratory research in which a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) was used to produce images of reinforced concrete. A reinforced concrete sample was scanned at operating frequencies of 50 MHz and 200 MHz. The results indicate that scans performed with the microscope operating at 50 MHz were able to produce images of the interface region between the concrete and the steel. An interfacial layer with an acoustical impedance different from that of the bulk concrete appeared in the 50-MHz images, but not in the 200-MHz images. At 50 MHz, SAM was also able to produce images of the rebar and the interfacial zone through 2 mm of concrete cover.
Atmospheric effects of friction, friction noise and wear with silicon and diamond. Part I. Test methodology

This multi-part paper series gives evidence of tribothermally catalyzed, lubricative interactions of low partial pressures of hydrogen, water vapor and oxygen with silicon and polycrystalline diamond employed as bearing materials in moving mechanical assemblies (e.g., miniaturized rotors, bearings and gears) of microelectromechanical systems. In part I a test methodology is described, whereby wide environmental range SEM-tribometric friction data are combined with friction noise analysis and applicable literature information to further assist in interpreting atomic-level interactions governing the macroscopic friction and wear behavior of Si and diamond. To further correlate the wear- and thermal desorption-induced generation, re(de)construction and adsorbate-passivated annihilation of dangling σ bonds with high and low adhesion and friction, previously generated average coefficient of friction (COF) values are complemented with the concept of the associated MAX.COF: the highest coefficient of kinetic friction gleaned from the raw computer-logged friction force data of each oscillatory cycle of an experiment. The MAX.COF/COF ratios are used as measures of the friction noise as a function of temperature and atmospheric environment. These quantities, sampled at the appropriate data logging rate to circumvent test machine-related vibrational disturbances, demonstrated signs of friction- and friction noise-reducing gas-phase interactions of dry hydrogen with silicon (part II) and diamond (part III). Future installments will deal with similar lubricative properties of low partial pressures of wet hydrogen and dry oxygen.
PA10-1-0093 Promises and opportunities for global data: violence against children surveys as a tool to assess progress on SDGS

Violence has deep and lasting impacts on the health and well-being of youth over their lifetimes—affecting multiple development outcomes outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) are nationally representative surveys of youth 13–24; it has been implemented in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. VACS provide a platform for countries to measure the burden of violence and direct resources to address it. VACS is also a global measurement tool to capture data on progress towards SDGs as well as various development outcomes that could affect the achievement of multiple SDGs. This presentation will review VACS data on violence-related SDG indicators and discuss VACS as a tool for measuring progress. In 13 countries that completed VACS (Swaziland; Tanzania; Kenya; Zimbabwe; Haiti; Cambodia; Malawi; Nigeria; Lao; Zambia; Rwanda; Uganda; Botswana), these data can be used to establish baselines on SDG goals and inform programs and policies. Across these countries, completion of primary school (SDG Target 4.1.1) ranged from 57.2% to 97.9% for girls, and completion of secondary school (SDG 4.1.1) ranged from 23.7% to 80.7%. Of these countries, 6 have not achieved gender parity in primary education, and 4 have not achieved gender parity in secondary education (SDG 4.5.1). The proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence ranged from 3.0% to 25.4% (SDG 5.2.2), and marriage before the age of 18 (SDG 5.3.1) ranged from 0.2% to 29.6%. Sexual violence before the age of 18 (SDG 16.2.3) ranged from 4.4% to 37.8% for girls, and from 0% to 38.9% of victims reported their experience to authorities (SDG 16.3.1). Recently, CDC and Together for Girls undertook a rigorous stakeholder engagement process to revise the Core questionnaire. As a result, the survey is better positioned to track progress on additional SDG targets.
Animal Communication: Chit-Chat in Meerkats

Coordinated behaviors are the hallmark of animal societies. General mechanisms for the emergence of social group dynamics are still unknown. New research suggests that a vocal feedback loop explains the appearance of coordinated vocal exchanges in large groups of meerkats.
Right Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy for Clip Wrapping of an A2 Fusiform Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms often rupture at a small size and are associated with overall higher operative morbidity relative to other anterior circulation aneurysms. This patient had an incidentally identified anterior cerebral artery proximal A2 segment fusiform aneurysm that did not respond to endovascular treatment and required open surgical management. The fusiform dilation was mobilized and isolated circumferentially within the interhemispheric fissure, and a Gore-Tex clip-wrapping was planned. A permanent clip was applied along the aneurysmal dilation parallel to the vessel directly prior to completing the wrapping to attempt to establish native flow dynamics through the aneurysmal segment. The clip-wrapping was then completed, and intraoperative indocyanine green fluoroscopy demonstrated good distal flow through the aneurysmal segment. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. The institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from the Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Activity patterns related to depression symptoms in stressed dementia caregivers.

Objectives Self-reported activity restriction is an established correlate of depression in dementia caregivers (dCGs). It is plausible that the daily distribution of objectively measured activity is also altered in dCGs with depression symptoms; if so, such activity characteristics could provide a passively measurable marker of depression or specific times to target preventive interventions. We therefore investigated how levels of activity throughout the day differed in dCGs with and without depression symptoms, then tested whether any such differences predicted changes in symptoms 6 months later. Design, setting, participants, and measurements We examined 56 dCGs (mean age = 71, standard deviation (SD) = 6.7; 68% female) and used clustering to identify subgroups which had distinct depression symptom levels, leveraging baseline Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale-Revised Edition and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) measures, as well as a PHQ-9 score from 6 months later. Using wrist activity (mean recording length = 12.9 days, minimum = 6 days), we calculated average hourly activity levels and then assessed when activity levels relate to depression symptoms and changes in symptoms 6 months later. Results Clustering identified subgroups characterized by: (1) no/minimal symptoms (36%) and (2) depression symptoms (64%). After multiple comparison correction, the group of dCGs with depression symptoms was less active from 8 to 10 AM (Cohen's d ≤ -0.9). These morning activity levels predicted the degree of symptom change on the PHQ-9 6 months later (per SD unit β = -0.8, 95% confidence interval: -1.6, -0.1, p = 0.03) independent of self-reported activity restriction and other key factors. Conclusions These novel findings suggest that morning activity may protect dCGs from depression symptoms. Future studies should test whether helping dCGs get active in the morning influences the other features of depression in this population (i.e. insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and perceived activity restriction).
DPF is a cell-density sensing factor, with cell-autonomous and non-autonomous functions during Dictyostelium growth and development

Cellular functions can be regulated by cell-cell interactions that are influenced by extra-cellular, density-dependent signaling factors. Dictyostelium grow as individual cells in nutrient-rich sources, but, as nutrients become depleted, they initiate a multi-cell developmental program that is dependent upon a cell-density threshold. We hypothesized that novel secreted proteins may serve as density-sensing factors to promote multi-cell developmental fate decisions at a specific cell-density threshold, and use Dictyostelium in the identification of such a factor. We show that multi-cell developmental aggregation in Dictyostelium is lost upon minimal (2-fold) reduction in local cell density. Remarkably, developmental aggregation response at non-permissive cell densities is rescued by addition of conditioned media from high-density, developmentally competent cells. Using rescued aggregation of low-density cells as an assay, we purified a single, 150-kDa extra-cellular protein with density aggregation activity. MS/MS peptide sequence analysis identified the gene sequence, and cells that overexpress the full-length protein accumulate higher levels of a development promoting factor (DPF) activity than parental cells, allowing cells to aggregate at lower cell densities; cells deficient for this DPF gene lack density-dependent developmental aggregation activity and require higher cell density for cell aggregation compared to WT. Density aggregation activity co-purifies with tagged versions of DPF and tag-affinity-purified DPF possesses density aggregation activity. In mixed development with WT, cells that overexpress DPF preferentially localize at centers for multi-cell aggregation and define cell-fate choice during cytodifferentiation. Finally, we show that DPF is synthesized as a larger precursor, single-pass transmembrane protein, with the p150 fragment released by proteolytic cleavage and ectodomain shedding. The TM/cytoplasmic domain of DPF possesses cell-autonomous activity for cell-substratum adhesion and for cellular growth. We have purified a novel secreted protein, DPF, that acts as a density-sensing factor for development and functions to define local collective thresholds for Dictyostelium development and to facilitate cell-cell communication and multi-cell formation. Regions of high DPF expression are enriched at centers for cell-cell signal-response, multi-cell formation, and cell-fate determination. Additionally, DPF has separate cell-autonomous functions for regulation of cellular adhesion and growth.
Disparities in Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes: Results of a Statewide Hospital Registry From 2016 to 2018.

Abstract Background In November 2019, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced total hip arthroplasty (THA) will be removed from the inpatient-only list. This may lead to avoidance of patients who have prolonged hospitalizations and discharge to skilled nursing facilities or push providers to unsafely push patients to outpatient surgery centers. Disparities in hip arthroplasty may worsen as patients are “risk stratified” preoperatively to minimize cost outliers. We aimed to evaluate which patient characteristics are associated with extended length of stay (eLOS)—greater than 2 days—and nonhome discharge in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Methods The Illinois COMPdata administrative database was queried for THA admissions from January 2016 to June 2018. Variables included age, sex, race and ethnicity, median household income, Illinois region, insurance status, principal diagnosis, Charlson comorbidity index, obesity, discharge disposition, and LOS. Hospital characteristics included bundled payment participation and arthroplasty volume. Using multiple Poisson regression, we examined the association between these factors and the likelihood of nonhome discharge and eLOS. Results There were 41,832 THA admissions from January 2016 to June 2018. A total of 36% had LOS greater than 2 midnights and 25.3% of patients had nonhome discharges. Female patients, non-Hispanic black patients, patients older than 75, obese patients, Medicaid or uninsured status, Charlson comorbidity index > 3, and hip arthroplasty for fracture were associated with increased risk of eLOS and/or nonhome discharge (P Conclusion With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services emphasis on cost containment, patients at risk of extended stay or nonhome discharge may be deemed “high risk” and have difficulty accessing arthroplasty care. These are potentially vulnerable groups during the transition to the bundled payment model.
The trumping of the funny: classroom joking in a polarized public sphere

Classroom funniness is a common undertaking – a professor often laces discussion with jokes in order to enliven and endear themselves to students. In doing so, one adopts Mintz’s (1985) persona of ...
Implementation of Emulated Inertia using PV Generation with Energy Storage to Improve Integrated Grid Response

Although the penetration of the distributed renewable energy sources into the traditional grid has risen over the past few decades, the potential negative impact of this integration can never be overemphasized. One issue is the absence of inertia in the renewable energy sources. To mitigate this problem, we describe the integration of virtual synchronous generators (VSG) based on the photovoltaic (PV) generation. To ensure the positive contribution of the PV to the stability of the grid, this paper models the VSG based on the swing equation to implement VSG control, bidirectional converter and grid-imposed inverter based on 7-bus ac system. These models are designed and simulated in an electromagnetic transient program (EMTP). This paper also examines the response of the grid under diverse varying conditions. The cases considered includes variations in the grid frequency, inertia time constant, active and reactive power. The control of the VSG was presented and the simulation results showing the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes were clearly discussed.
Oxidized products of omega-6 and omega-3 long chain fatty acids are associated with increased white matter hyperintensity and poorer executive function performance in a cohort of cognitively normal hypertensive older adults

BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular disease is a common cause of dementia in older adults, and potentially preventable with early intervention. Oxylipins are produced from the oxidation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) possessing potent vascular effects. Oxylipins generated from the cytochrome P450 pathway are enzymatically converted to diols by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH); sEH products have been associated with small vessel ischemic disease. Little is known about oxylipins' impact on markers of dementia risk. OBJECTIVE An exploratory examination of the association between omega-6 and omega-3 derived oxylipins, brain MRI, and cognition. METHODS Thirty-seven non-demented participants with controlled hypertension (mean age 65.6 years) were enrolled in a dementia prevention study investigating fish oil and lipoic acid on preserving cognitive function. Baseline associations between plasma oxylipins, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and Trails-B were examined using linear regression. P450-derived diol/epoxide ratio was an indirect measure of sEH activity. RESULTS Omega-6 derived 9-HODE was associated with increased WMH (p = 0.017) and reduced grey matter volume (p = 0.02). Omega-6 P450-derived diol/epoxide ratio 9,10-DiHOME/9,10-EpOME was associated with increased WMH (p = 0.035) and poorer performance on Trails-B (p = 0.05); ratio14,15-DHET/14,15-EET was associated with increased WMH (p = 0.045). Omega-3 P450-derived diol/epoxide ratio 19,20-DiHDPE/19,20-EpDPE was associated with increased WMH (p = 0.04) and poorer performance on Trails-B (p = 0.04). Arachidonic acid was associated with better performance on Trails-B (p = 0.012); Omega-3 derived 16,17-EpDPE was associated with decreased WMH (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS With the exception of arachidonic acid, it was specific oxylipin products, not their parent PUFAs, that were associated with unfavorable and favorable MRI and cognitive markers of dementia risk.
Reduction in microbial survival on food contact surfaces by a spray coated polymerized quaternary ammonium compound

Using polymerization and immobilization techniques, the loss of antimicrobial efficacy of a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) was minimized by decreasing its solubility and crosslinking it to metal substrates. The survivability of Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli K12 inoculated to silane QAC coated metal surfaces was compared with uncoated metal surfaces at different treatment conditions for up to 6 months storage. Resilience of the coating material to repeated cleaning, up to 20 washing and rinsing cycles, was also investigated. No evidence of bacteria viability (>5 log reduction of colony-forming unit) was observed for L. innocua when they were inoculated onto coated surfaces stored for 3 months, whereas E. coli was reduced by 3 to 4-logs. For the viable L. innocua cells on the coated surfaces, >5 log reductions were achieved even after the coated surfaces were cleaned by 20 washing and rinsing cycles prior to the cells' inoculation. For the E. coli cells, ~ 2 log reductions were achieved after 5 cleaning cycles and <1 log reduction after 10 or more cleaning procedures. Overall, the results showed that the coating had antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria while it showed moderate activity to Gram-negative bacteria.
Association Between Time to Operation and Pathologic Stage in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and Early-Stage Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical delays have been common for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and early-stage estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, often in favor of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). To understand possible ramifications of these delays, we examined the association between time to operation and pathologic staging and overall survival (OS). Study Design Patients with DCIS or ER+ cT1-2N0 breast cancer treated from 2010 through 2016 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Time to operation was recorded. Factors associated with pathologic upstaging were examined using logistic regression analyses. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze OS. Analyses were stratified by disease stage and initial treatment strategy. Results There were 378,839 patients identified. Among those undergoing primary surgical procedure, time to operation was within 120 days in > 98% in all groups. Among cT1-2N0 patients selected for NET, operations were performed within 120 days in 59.6% of cT1N0 and 30.9% of cT2N0 patients. Increased time to operation was associated with increased odds of pathologic upstaging in DCIS patients (ER+: 60 to 120 days: odds ratio 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.22; more than 120 days: odds ratio 1.44; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.68; ER–: 60 to 120 days: NS; more than 120 days: odds ratio 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.82; 60 days or less: reference), but not in patients with invasive cancer, irrespective of initial treatment strategy. No difference in OS was seen by time to operation in DCIS or NET patients. Conclusions Increased time to operation was associated with a small increase in pathologic upstaging in DCIS patients, but did not impact OS. In patients with cT1-2N0 disease, NET use did not impact stage or OS, supporting the safety of delay strategies in ER+ breast cancer patients during the pandemic.