cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High aromatase activity in hypogonadal men is associated with higher spine bone mineral density, increased truncal fat and reduced lean mass.

OBJECTIVE Because the aromatase enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol (E2), the activity of this enzyme could be important in the musculoskeletal health of men with low testosterone. The objective of the present study is to determine the influence of aromatase activity on the bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition of patients with hypogonadism. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS The baseline data of 90 patients between 40 and 74 years old who participated in a genetic study of response to testosterone therapy in men with low testosterone (i.e., <300 ng/dl) were analyzed. BMD and body composition were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum testosterone was measured by automated immunoassay, E2 was measured by ultrasensitive enzyme immunoassay, and sex hormone-binding globulin was measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Men in the highest tertile of E2 to testosterone ratio (E2:T) had the highest spine BMD (P ≤ 0.037), highest truncal fat (P=0.046), and lowest truncal lean body mass (P=0.045). A similar pattern was observed in the upper extremities; that is, fat mass significantly increased (P=0.047), whereas lean mass significantly decreased (P=0.034) with increasing E2:T tertiles. CONCLUSION The present findings suggest that in men with hypogonadism, aromatase activity could be an important determinant of musculoskeletal health. Men with high aromatase activity are able to maintain a higher BMD despite low circulating testosterone, but they have lower lean and higher truncal fat mass as compared to those with lower aromatase activity.
Surveillance of Schistosomiasis in the Mobile Population in Huadu, Guangdong

Objective To understand the distribution of schistosomiasis in the mobile population in Huadu district ,so asto provide scientific basis for making up technical strategy of surveillance. Methods Both the active and passivemethods were used to monitor the incidences of schistosomiasis in the mobile population in huadu districts from 2006 to2011. 200 subjects (aged≥6) from the foreign mobile population were investigated.Imported cases were monitored throughthe passive epidemic reporting network system. The subjects were initially screened using DIGFA , and the sero-positivesubjects were further checked with the improved Kato-katz or through the inspection of eggs and miracidium. ResultsBetween 2005 and 2009,1 200 and 983 subjects were monitored by the active and selective-active methods , respectively.The sero-positive rate for these two groups of subjects was 0.17% and 2.95% (χ2=27.95,P 0.01), respectively.Threecases of chronic schistosomasis were found through the active monitoring method ,and 1 case was found to have eggs inthe stools. 10 chronic cases were found through the passive monitoring method. Most of the imported cases 76.92% (10 / 13)were under 20-50 years old. Conclusions Most of the incidences of schistosomasis were imported cases in theGuangdong province. The mobile population should be closed monitored.
Enhancing antimicrobial activity of lysozyme against Listeria monocytogenes using immunonanoparticles.

The antimicrobial efficacy of lysozyme may be reduced by undesirable interactions with food components and nontarget bacteria. Immunonanoparticles, i.e., nanoparticles functionalized with pathogen-specific antibodies, may serve as an antimicrobial carrier for improving the stability and activity of antimicrobials in foods. The objective of this research was to study the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme-carrying immunonanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes. Polystyrene nanoparticles with active carboxyl groups were conjugated with anti–L. monocytogenes antibody through covalent bonding. Enhanced antimicrobial activity of lysozyme-carrying immunonanoparticles was achieved when 0.04 μg/ml anti–L. monocytogenes antibody was used for coating nanoparticles and the resulting immunonanoparticles were then coated with lysozyme for 6 h. Lysozyme-carrying immunonanoparticles with a final concentration of 35 μg/ml reduced L. monocytogenes Scott A populations from ca. 5 log CFU/ml to below the detection limit ...
Setting Up a Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Service

Despite an anticipated rise in demand for consultation- liaison services, most programs find it difficult to recruit child psychiatrists to develop such services. One probable reason is that it is extremely difficult for psychiatrists to obtain information on what is involved in setting up a consultation-liaison service. The authors provide this needed information and help create an awareness of the nature, complexity, and gravity of the issues involved in the process. Discussed are the qualifications for a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, what one should know about the institution, and formulating and implementing the program.
Conformational Restriction of Peptides Using Dithiol Bis-Alkylation.

Macrocyclic peptides are highly promising as inhibitors of protein–protein interactions. While many bond-forming reactions can be used to make cyclic peptides, most have limitations that make this chemical space challenging to access. Recently, a variety of cysteine alkylation reactions have been used in rational design and library approaches for cyclic peptide discovery and development. We and others have found that this chemistry is versatile and robust enough to produce a large variety of conformationally constrained cyclic peptides. In this chapter, we describe applications, methods, mechanistic insights, and troubleshooting for dithiol bis-alkylation reactions for the production of cyclic peptides. This method for efficient solution-phase macrocyclization is highly useful for the rapid production and screening of loop-based inhibitors of protein–protein interactions.
Dysphagia in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Evidence related to dysphagia in infants and children suffering from traumatic brain injury is limited. Increased information is critical to understand conditions and range of severity so that safe swallowing for oral feeding can occur in those children who present with dysphagia. Reports in the literature are limited due to lack of normative data for swallowing in infants and children, difficulties in obtaining approval in the United States for research using radiographic swallow studies to define pharyngeal physiology, and the wide range of deficits across ages in infants and children who change from week to week. This commentary will focus on incidence, range of severity, a brief summary of what is known in the literature, and discussion of research needs.
The blue evolution

There are many who feel that the ocean should only be preserved and protected. Intelligently developing our resources in harmony with the environment for the benefit of humanity is the best policy. Grazing platforms powered by ocean thermal energy conversion, located at the warmest portions of the seas to maximize efficiency, but, serendipitously, preventing the formation of hurricanes (typhoons, cyclones) and remediating global climate warming; plus, supporting the ultimate ocean ranch (energy self-sustaining next generation fish farms which feed themselves without physical boundaries) and marine biomass plantations (marine plants can convert sunlight into biomass up to fives more efficiently than terrestrial counterparts, with upwelling providing the fertilizer in free space not requiring irrigation); and serving as the centerpiece for ocean cities. Green chemicals can be produced, hydrogen fuel manufactured and utilized, and excitingly comfortable new habitats provided. New fisheries are finally being considered, floating platform technology is causing a renaissance of sorts for floating casinos and sea worlds, and marine biotechnology is beginning to actually deliver commercial products. Before we colonize the Moon and Mars, it might well be more practical and economical to consider the next frontier: the ocean around us. A more appropriate term to perhaps better describe the reality is THE BLUE EVOLUTION.
CREEP BEHAVIOR OF NETWORKS UNDERGOING SCISSION REACTIONS

We have carried out a set of experiments to test the accuracy of two procedures, one suggested by Curro and Salazar and the other by Moacanin, Aklonis, and Landel, in predicting the behavior of polymer networks which are simultaneously chemically reacting and physically relaxing. The necessary input data to support the calculations were measured directly on the experimental samples in the absence of chemical reactions. The chemical reaction utilized was a photo-induced scission of disulfide linkages which had been incorporated into the network; thus the reaction could be turned on and off at will. Our results show that the behavior predicted by the MAL technique is in good agreement with that observed experimentally.
Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC)

Traditionally cyclodestructive procedures, achieved either by freezing (cryotherapy) or laser CPC, have been used to treat refractory glaucoma with poor visual potential, presence of extensive scarring from prior surgery, immobile conjunctiva precluding an ab externo approach, or in those at high risk for intraoperative complications (Glaucoma: the requisites in ophthalmology, St. Louis, MO, 2000). Even in eyes with no light perception, the procedure can provide relief from chronic pain, conjunctival injection, and corneal decompensation from elevated IOP. Cyclodestruction is associated with several potential complications including visual loss that may result not necessarily from the procedure itself, but from the underlying disease process including hypotony, macular edema, cataract formation, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma and glaucoma progression (Glaucoma: the requisites in ophthalmology, St. Louis, MO, 2000; Curr Opin Ophthalmol 24:102–110, 2013).
Reduced order model design for three way catalytic converter temperature dynamics

This paper presents a reduced order model for three way catalyst (TWC) temperature dynamics developed using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Galerkin projection method. The TWC thermal dynamics are described using a set of coupled, non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). The Galerkin projection method is applied to the PDE-model to construct a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to describe the dynamics of the system. POD extracts a low dimensional basis functions from a high dimensional data set obtained by numerical simulation of the system. This is achieved by performing singular value decomposition (SVD) on the data set and selecting the basis functions corresponding to the most dominant eigenvalues of the system. Using the POD basis functions along with Galerkin projection leads to a low order ODE system that captures the system dynamics described by the physics based model. The results obtained indicate that the a three state reduced-order model obtained using POD-Galerkin is able to capture the thermal dynamics with satisfactory accuracy. The development of the newly proposed control oriented model for TWC thermal dynamics is carried out using experimental data collected from a TWC running on the Federal Test Protocol (FTP) driving cycle.
Current Epidemiology and Trends in Meningococcal Disease—United States, 1996–2015

Background In 2005, meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) was recommended for routine use among adolescents aged 11-18 years. This report describes the epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease and trends in meningococcal disease incidence following MenACWY introduction in the United States. Methods Incidence rates and case-fatality ratios by age group and serogroup during 2006-2015 were calculated using data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS); changes in incidence during this time were evaluated. Additionally, 20-year trends (1996-2015) in age- and race-standardized incidence were examined using data from Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs). Results During the years 2006-2015, 7924 cases of meningococcal disease were reported to NNDSS, resulting in an average annual incidence of 0.26 cases per 100000 population; 14.9% of cases were fatal. Among cases with serogroup information, 2290 (35.8%) were serogroup B, 1827 (28.5%) were serogroup Y, 1457 (22.8%) were serogroup C, 436 (6.8%) were serogroup W, and 392 (6.1%) were other serogroups. The incidence of serogroups A, C, W, and Y combined declined 76% among persons aged 11-20 years from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015 (P < .0001). From 1996 through 2015, the incidence of meningococcal disease declined among all age groups and predominant serogroups. Conclusions Declines in meningococcal disease incidence in the United States have been observed among all age groups and predominant serogroups (B, C, and Y). Reductions in the incidence of meningococcal disease due to serogroups A, C, W, and Y among adolescents suggest an impact of the MenACWY vaccine program in this age group.
Microaggressions in social work classrooms: strategies for pedagogical intervention

We present an in-depth example from a faculty development and peer consultation seminar to illustrate pedagogical strategies for intervening when microaggressions occur in social work classrooms. W...
Short term dynamics of the sputum microbiome among COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by incompletely reversible airflow obstruction. The complexity of the lung microbial community in COPD patients has been highlighted in recent years. Evidence suggests that transplantation, medications, age, and disease severity influence microbial community membership. However, the dynamics of the lung microbiome in stable COPD patients remain poorly understood. In this study, we completed a longitudinal 16S ribosomal RNA survey of the lung microbiome on replicate sputum samples collected from 4 former smokers with COPD (Stage 2) within a 2-day time period. Samples from each individual over the two-day period were similar based on α-diversity, principle component analysis and taxonomy at the phyla and genera level. Sputum samples from COPD patients were also collected between 2-9 months of follow-up. Data suggest an increased variability of the sputum microbiota when comparing samples collected ≤ 3 months compared to those collected ≥ 4 months; however, no statistically significant shifts in the abundance (>2-fold) of taxa between the two time points was observed. Bacterial composition and the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) remained similar over time. Results from this study suggest that the sputum microbiome is relatively stable in clinically stable COPD patients (Stage 2). This study furthers our understanding of the dynamics of the lung microbiome in COPD patients.
An initial examination of the effects of deviance regulation theory on normative perceptions

ABSTRACTBackground: This study examines the effects of Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) on changes in normative perceptions of protective behavioral strategies (PBS). Methods: Participants (n = 104 college student drinkers; 59.62% women) enrolled in a 6-week, web-based, longitudinal study to test the effects of a DRT intervention on indices of PBS use. Participants were assigned to either the high or low PBS norm group based on their self-reported PBS norms. Participants were randomized to receive either a positively framed message about individuals who do use PBS or a negatively framed message about individuals who do not use PBS. Participants reported the percent of their peers who they believed used PBS (PBS normative belief) each week for 6 weeks. Results: Participants who reported low preintervention PBS norms showed a moderate increase in mean PBS norms postintervention if they received a negatively framed message about those who do not use PBS. Participants who reported high preintervention PBS nor...
A path analysis on school bullying and critical school environment variables: A social capital perspective

Abstract School bullying has gained intensive attention from school personnel and researchers, but still, little is known about the effects of bullying perpetrating, victimization, and bystanding on critical school environment variables. Guided by the social capital theory and empirical findings, the study addressed the complexity of relations among bullying perpetrating, victimization, bystanding and students’ perceived school support, acceptance of diversity at school, and perceived school connectedness. Participants in the study were 973 students in grades 3-6 from two public school districts located in the northeastern United States. The final path model supported the hypotheses that, a) bulling perpetrating has direct as well as indirect, negative effects on perceived school support, acceptance of diversity, and school connectedness; and b) bystanding has an direct effect on students’ perceived acceptance of diversity at school and indirectly affects school connectedness. Results of the study aligned with the social capital perspective on positive human relations and social outcomes. Findings from this study reinforced the need of anti-bullying initiatives at the individual, group, and school-wide levels. They further underscored the importance of enhancing school support and acceptance of diversity at school.
A Rotational Hardening Model Capturing Undrained Failure in Anisotropic Soft Clays

Induced anisotropy is known to play a major role in the undrained strength of clays, especially in case of weakly consolidated deposits. This paper discusses undrained failure in soft clays in light of material stability principles. For this purpose, a strain-hardening elastoplastic model widely used to study undrained instability in isotropic soils is enhanced to account for stress-induced anisotropy. A versatile yield function able to flexibly control the shape of the elastic domain is augmented through a hardening variable related to the evolving fabric, while rotational hardening is used to replicate the reorientation of the surface as a function of the loading history. Parametric analyses are used to illustrate the model capabilities, and instability indices for undrained failure are derived in analytical form. Finally, the model performance is tested against experimental evidence available for two widely tested soils: soft Chicago clay and Boston blue clay. The analyses illustrate how the proposed model allows an accurate representation of soil responses under extension and compression paths. In addition, it enables the identification of undrained failure resulting from the monotonic growth of shear stresses, as well as from a post-peak strength decay.
Carbon cycling of subsurface organic matter recorded in speleothem 14C records: Maximizing bomb-peak model fidelity

Abstract From 1955 to 1963, atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons caused a significant rise in atmospheric radiocarbon activity. This “bomb peak” has been used to calculate turnover rates of organic carbon in soils and other recent sedimentary deposits. Some speleothems contain precise and independently dated records of radiocarbon activity. These records can be used to understand, through inverse modeling, the processes and rates of turnover of subsurface organic carbon in karst regions. This approach is complicated, however, by the contribution of radioactively “dead” carbon to the stalagmite by the dissolution of host-rock limestone and/or by the respiration of relatively old soil organic matter. Previously published inverse models of the radiocarbon bomb peak in speleothems constrain the dead carbon proportion (DCP, in percent) by comparing measurements of speleothem radiocarbon activity from before the onset of the bomb peak to measurements of coeval atmospheric radiocarbon. This approach precludes modeling of speleothems that began growing after the onset of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in 1955. Here, we advance the inverse modeling framework to calculate DCP using the entire length of the speleothem record, allowing for the modeling of speleothems that began growing after the initiation of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. We test the sensitivity and resolution of this model and find that it can precisely resolve the turnover times and relative contributions of subsurface organic matter pools with residence times of less than a decade. The model fails to resolve turnover times or relative contributions of organic matter pools on millennial or greater timescales. These results also hold for the previously published models from which the current model is derived. We find that imprecise estimates of slow-turnover carbon add significant uncertainty to the calculated average age of respired carbon, which is a common metric of subsurface carbon cycling. The high precision and resolution attainable between sub-decadal carbon pools will allow researchers to differentiate the (sub-)annual pool, which is likely dominated by root/rhizosphere respiration, from the 2- to 10-year pools, which are likely dominated by microbial decomposition of labile organic carbon. The high precision attainable in fast-turnover pools also suggests that when there are multiple viable chronological interpretations for the same speleothem, bomb peak models could be used to help select which chronology is most likely to be accurate. This is important for high-resolution (sub-annual) speleothem climate records, where even single-year chronological offsets can result in misleading calibrations to the instrumental record.
Therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with very high HbA1c: is insulin the only option?

Approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will experience microvascular complications (1), and T2DM is the leading cause of renal failure and blindness in western countries (2-4).
Two new ApoB gene polymorphisms: Rs3 and Rs4.

2.0 kb fragment intestinal cDNA clone I subcloned in pUC18. RsaI digests identifies 7 fragments: 2.2, 2.0, 1.4, 1.2, 0.7, and 0.6 and 0.4 kb, spanning 12 kb of the ApoB gene. RsaI RFLP Rs3 detected at 1.6 kb and Rs4 at 2.4 kb. It was located on 2p23-24 by in-situ hybridization. 1.3 kb SstI fragment of I (2) 1 localizes Rs3 near exon 26. Rs4 similarly localizes near exon 26.
Nymph Anatomy and Instar Determination

Knowledge of the external anatomy of Odonata nymphs is necessary for learning how to use the keys for identification. Basic morphology and terminology of all structures crucial for identification of Anisoptera nymphs to family, genus and species are described and illustrated in detail beginning with orientation of the dragonfly nymph body and the basic body parts. Data on growth rate and a method for determining the last five instars are included.
242 Role of stigma and social isolation on depression in patients with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Background Skin disorders can cause mental health problems associated with stigmatization and social isolation. We found that 26% of individuals with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. While patients perceptions of disrespectful office staff increased the risk of depression, emotional support was associated with a reduction. In this study, we examined the relationships between stigma, social isolation, and depression. We further examined if social isolation mediates the relationship between stigma and depression and whether sociodemographic characteristics may moderate those relationships. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a predominantly African American cohort of patients with primary CCLE from metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Depression, stigma and social isolation were assessed using the NIH PROMIS short forms. Linear and multiple regression were used to examine the relationship between depression, stigma and social isolation. Education attainment, poverty and race were explored as potential moderators. Results Among 118 patients with a documented diagnosis of primary CCLE, 104 (88%) were female, 96 (81%) were African American, 54 (46.2%) completed high school or less, 40 (40.8%) lived in poverty and 34 (28.8%) self-reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Stigma and social isolation T-scores were above the general population average (T-score=50) in 69 (58.5%) and 57 (48.3%) participants, respectively. Higher levels of both stigma and social isolation correlated with more severe depression (=0.527, p Conclusions Nearly a third with CCLE reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Social stigma contributed to depression through feelings of social isolation, and those with lower education were more vulnerable to the impact of stigma on depression. Clinical and public health programs should help strengthen social connections in people with CCLE and reduce stigmatization in the community, particularly among those from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Funding Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant U01DP005119.
Omission of radiation therapy following breast conservation in older (≥70 years) women with T1-2N0 triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Although randomized data support omitting adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following breast conservation for T1-2N0 estrogen receptor positive breast cancer in ≥70-year-old women, there remains a knowledge gap regarding its omission for triple-negative BC (TNBC). METHODS AND MATERIALS The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for ≥70-year-old females with newly diagnosed T1-2N0M0 TNBC treated with breast conservation. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with adjuvant RT administration. Overall survival (OS) between patients treated with or without adjuvant RT was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. RESULTS Of 8526 patients, 6283 (74%) patients received adjuvant RT, and 2243 (26%) did not. RT was more frequently withheld in older patients, those with higher comorbidities, lower income, pT2 disease, following margin-positive resection, receipt of chemotherapy, and at academic centers (P < 0.05 for all). Median follow-up was 38.0 months. Five-year OS was greater in the adjuvant RT group (77.2% vs 55.3%, P < 0.001); these differences persisted when stratifying for age, T stage, and chemotherapy utilization (P < 0.001 for all). Omission of RT was also independently associated with poorer OS on multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This investigation, the largest known such study to date, observed that omission of adjuvant RT for elderly women with T1-2N0 TNBC was associated with poorer OS; this was observed across a range of age groups, as well as following stratification by T stage and chemotherapy usage. Although these results do not imply causation, caution must be exercised when considering omission of adjuvant RT in node-negative TNBC patients.
Assessing Barriers to Adherence with the Use of Dimethyl Fumarate in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, central nervous system demyelinating disease that requires long-term use of disease-modifying therapies (DMT). Patient adherence to DMT is key in reducing the inflammation that leads to relapses and neurodegeneration. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) poses unique challenges to adherence including being the only twice-daily dosing DMT. Previous research suggests there are direct roles that providers play on improving their patients’ adherence rates, such as focusing on the patient-provider relationship, helping put the patient at ease so that they feel understood and respected. Also, route of administration affects adherence in other chronic healthcare conditions. However, the issue of adherence to DMT in MS is more complex than just route of administration, with adverse effects being the main predictor of adherence. (1) To define various patient specific factors (e.g. fatigue and mood disorders) that affect adherence with DMF and (2) to understand how patients’ perceptions of treatment satisfaction (such as effectiveness, convenience, side effects and global satisfaction) and DMFs impact on quality of life (such as social support, activities of daily living, coping) influence adherence. Our study was a prospective, observational measurement of adherence to treatment with DMF in MS patients over 52 weeks. Twenty-five out of thirty-five patients enrolled completed the study. Adverse event (AE) data was reviewed on all participants. Adherence rates correlated with patient’s perceived effectiveness (0.25, p < 0.023) and the level of bothersome symptoms the patient experienced (0.45, p < 0.0001). The majority of new AE onset was reported within 12 weeks of DMF initiation. This is consistent with previously published data with DMF use. Adherence rates are an important factor to be considered when starting patients on DMT. DMF creates its own barriers to adherence with our study highlighting some, including twice-daily dosing and AEs experienced following treatment initiation. Healthcare providers should be aware of these barriers prior to treatment initiation and counsel patients appropriately.
Digital Cameras and Information Literacy: Innovations from the Field

The authors describe a learning exercise for an English composition information literacy instruction session that merges technology with active learning and is fun and engaging. Librarians introduced digital cameras into library instruction. Students filmed one another as they searched the online catalog to locate call numbers, investigate subject headings, and find books on the shelves. This active learning exercise infused technology and fun with the important skill of using the libraryâs catalog to locate sources of information. Students gained comfort with using the library, they enjoyed the experience, and they interpreted the exercise in creative ways.
FGFR2 Is Required for AEC2 Homeostasis and Survival after Bleomycin-induced Lung Injury

Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury is central to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Epithelial FGF (fibroblast growth factor) signaling is essential for recovery from hyperoxia- and influen...
Security Issues in Mobile Healthcare Applications

Mobile healthcare applications, in short mHealth apps, are an efficient and more affordable way for patients to communicate with medical doctors and receive treatment using their mobile devices. However, the security of mHealth apps has become obstacle because many of mHealth apps deal with sensitive personal information including health-related data. To promote the developments of secure and trustworthy mHealth apps, in this paper, we survey mHealth-related security issues, not only general security issues but also mHealth-specific issues, and explore potential solutions to each issue.
Factors Associated with Resilience in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report high levels of stress and poor psychological functioning. Resilience serves to buffer these challenges. Little is known about the factors associated with resilience in these families. METHODS Data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2016 were used to investigate independent child, parent, and health care factors associated with resilience in families of children with ASD. We used the NSCH's family resilience composite derived from 4 survey questions focused on (1) communication, (2) working together to solve problems, (3) drawing on strengths, and (4) staying hopeful during difficult times. We defined family resilience as high or low based on the number of questions answered "all of the time" or "most of the time" versus "some of the time" or "none," respectively. Using survey weights, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified associations of child, parent, and health care factors with low family resilience. RESULTS We analyzed data representing 1151 children with ASD. Low resilience was reported in 32% of families. Low family resilience was significantly associated with parent factors such as not having someone to turn to for support, cutting work hours, and feeling "child hard to care for"; child ASD-related factors such as moderate ASD severity; and health care factors such as lack of satisfaction in communications with providers. CONCLUSION The findings highlight specific vulnerabilities in families of children with ASD that are associated with low family resilience. Intervention approaches that have the ability to improve overall family resilience should be carefully considered.
The time-varying response of foreign stock markets to U.S. monetary policy surprises: Evidence from the Federal funds futures market ☆

Abstract In this paper, we estimate the time-varying response of foreign stock markets to U.S. monetary policy shocks derived from the high-frequency Federal funds futures market. Our results show significant time-variation in the response of the global equity markets to U.S. monetary policy surprises, where an unanticipated interest rate cut leads to an increase in stock returns. Our findings suggest that the foreign stock markets respond more to U.S. monetary policy surprises during the crisis periods. We also find that the stock markets in Europe and the U.S. responded negatively to unanticipated interest rate cuts by the Fed during the recent financial crisis.
Update: What Is New on the Horizon?

The treatment options for kidney stones have expanded immensely over the past 30 years, and new concepts in diagnosis and treatment continue to evolve from the research bench to the patient bedside. Advances in imaging capabilities, increased power, durability, and maneuverability of laser stone fragmentation technology, and novel tools to improve patient involvement in surgical decision-making are at the forefront of stone management. In addition, animal models, including rodent, swine, and even fruit flies, hold future promise for advancing our understanding of the progression and management of stone disease. New drug treatments with innovative mechanisms may provide tomorrow’s urologist with new strategies for both therapy and prevention. Similarly, probiotics have received increased focus as a potential approach to the breakdown of oxalate in the digestive tract, a component in nearly 80 % of kidney stones. Perhaps the most unique development is the recent application of robotic-assisted surgery for both basic and complex stone management. A multitude of exciting new therapies, techniques, and technologies are on the horizon, and the future is bright for the management of kidney stones. In closing, we review the most recent American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines for the medical management of stone disease.
New insights into fuel blending effects: Intermolecular chemical kinetic interactions affecting autoignition times and intermediate-temperature heat release

Abstract Fuel blending effects on chemically-dominated fuel properties, such as gasoline anti-knock quality, are influenced by fundamental chemical kinetic interactions between the blending agent and the base fuel. Historically, quantification of such interactions has focused on direct changes to the radical pool, including ȮH and HO2, while intermolecular chemical kinetic interactions pertaining to carbon-containing, non-fuel-specific intermediates are typically overlooked. In this regard, this work aims to derive new insight into intermolecular chemical kinetic interactions that are intrinsic to fuel blending effects, via a case study on blends of 0–30% ethanol (by volume) into FGF-LLNL (a multi-component gasoline surrogate for FACE-F research gasoline) using a rapid compression machine at a diluted/stoichiometric fuel loading, compressed pressure of 40 bar and low- to intermediate-temperature regimes that are representative of boosted SI engine operation. Ethanol blending effects on the intermediate temperature heat release (ITHR) of FGF-LLNL are characterized using experimental measurements, where ethanol is found to promote the extent of ITHR and suppress the transition from ITHR to main ignition. Chemical kinetic modeling is undertaken using recently updated gasoline surrogate and alcohol models. Sensitivity analyses on ITHR characteristics further corroborate the ethanol blending effects, and highlight the significant dependence of ITHR on both fuel-specific and non-fuel-specific reactions. An approach allowing comprehensive characterization of the complex intermolecular chemical kinetic interactions between constituents in a fuel blend is then proposed. Application of the approach to FGF-LLNL/E0–E30 reveals that ethanol perturbs the heat release and autoignition characteristics of FGF-LLNL not only by directly changing the ȮH and HO2 radical pools via fuel-specific reactions, but also indirectly through intermolecular interactions where participating intermediates can be produced and consumed by various sub-chemistries. Disabling the intermolecular interactions in carbon-containing species between ethanol and FGF-LLNL sub-chemistries leads to somewhat slower ITHR evolution and lower ignition reactivity. The role of the individual intermolecular interaction is also characterized using the proposed approach. Finally, implications of intermolecular interactions for future studies that aim to improve model performance are highlighted, where it is found that further investigations on the acetaldehyde sub-model and FGF-LLNL/ethanol interactive chemical reactions (e.g., FGF-LLNL+CH3O2 and RO2+ethanol) are needed for chemistry models to accurately predict fuel blending behavior.
Climate Change Deciphered

An analysis of the temporary increases in average anomalous global temperatures for the period 1850-2019 has led to the conclusion that varying amounts of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) aerosols in the atmosphere, of either volcanic or industrial origin, are responsible for essentially ALL of Earth’s observed temperature changes. (There is a small amount of additional natural warming, primarily due to albedo changes, but no discernable warming from the accumulation of “greenhouse” gasses, or from varying cyclic or solar effects).
An investigation into the organizational and technological factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CASE technology

This study examines the organizational and technological factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CASE (computer-aided software engineering) technology. A questionnaire was developed to determine a profile of CASE users. This profile was used to determine with whom interviews would be conducted. Data were collected through personal interviews with integrated CASE tool users. These interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. A theory of CASE implementation was developed based on this analysis. This study found that CASE implementation success relies on the interaction between management's understanding of information technology, the information systems development environment, and the complexity of application systems that are developed in an organization. Some of the factors underlying these core themes were suggested by the literature, but most emerged from the analysis of the data. The core theme of organizational understanding of information systems technology is described by: the presence of a champion; the factors that were considered in the decision; the commitment of management; the expected benefits of CASE technology; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. The core theme of information systems development environment is described by: the skill set of the information systems professionals that the organization employs; the way the CASE tool is used; the implementation strategy chosen; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. Finally, the core theme of information systems development complexity is described by: the training approach followed; the expected benefits of CASE technology; the implementation strategy used; and the role of an information systems development methodology in the organization. This study found that adherence to a systems development methodology is of particular importance when integrated CASE technology is being implemented. This research adds to the body or knowledge that explores the relationship between factors in an organization and CASE adoption success. This work also extends the stream of information systems research which utilizes qualitative techniques.
Offering value and capturing surplus: A strategy for private label sales in a new customer loyalty building scenario

Abstract The competition between private label brand and national brands in the diaper category is investigated from the view of the private label brand manager. In this category, new customers routinely enter the category buying entry-level diaper sizes (for infants) and then progress to buy larger diaper sizes over time (as their child grows older). Thus, consumer comparisons between the private label brand and national brands are focused on single diaper sizes during any single purchase scenario. Because private label brands are known to suffer from low quality perceptions that often understate the true quality levels of private label brands, this paper advances a pricing strategy to optimize private label performance in the category. The private label brand should price significantly low for small diaper sizes (maintaining a sizeable price gap from national brand competitors). Then, in most cases, the private label brand should shrink the size of this price gap for large diaper size offerings. This strategy will successfully offer initial value to new customers, build private label brand quality perceptions and loyalty, and then capitalize on these gains through higher dollar sales in the late stages of the customer relationship. The price gap shrinking strategy is found to be generally effective, but high national brand competition and too high of an initial price gap diminish the effectiveness of the strategy.
Loss of olfactory cell adhesion molecule reduces the synchrony of mitral cell activity in olfactory glomeruli

Odours generate activity in olfactory receptor neurons, whose axons contact the dendritic tufts of mitral cells within olfactory bulb glomeruli. These axodendritic synapses are anatomically separated from dendrodendritic synapses within each glomerulus. Mitral cells within a glomerulus show highly synchronized activity as assessed with whole-cell recording from pairs of mitral cells. We examined glomerular activity in mice lacking the olfactory cell adhesion molecule (OCAM). Glomeruli in mice lacking OCAM show a redistribution of synaptic subcompartments, but the total area occupied by axonal inputs was similar to wild-type mice. Stimulation of olfactory nerve bundles showed that excitatory synaptic input to mitral cells as well as dendrodendritic inhibition was unaffected in the knockout. However, correlated spiking in mitral cells was significantly reduced, as was electrical coupling between apical dendrites. To analyse slow network dynamics we induced slow oscillations with a glutamate uptake blocker. Evoked and spontaneous slow oscillations in mitral cells and external tufted cells were broader and had multiple peaks in OCAM knockout mice, indicating that synchrony of slow glomerular activity was also reduced. To assess the degree of shared activity between mitral cells under physiological conditions, we analysed spontaneous sub-threshold voltage oscillations using coherence analysis. Coherent activity was markedly reduced in cells from OCAM knockout mice across a broad range of frequencies consistent with a decrease in tightly time-locked activity. We suggest that synchronous activity within each glomerulus is dependent on segregation of synaptic subcompartments.
Analysis of immobilized cell bioreactors for desulfurization of flue gases and sulfite/sulfate-laden wastewater

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of the major pollutantsin the atmosphere that cause acid rain. Microbialprocesses for reducing SO2 to hydrogen sulfide(H2S) have previously been demonstrated byutilizing mixed cultures of sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB) with municipal sewage digest as the carbon andenergy source. To maximize the productivity of theSO2-reducing bioreactor in this study, variousimmobilized cell bioreactors were investigated: a stirredtank with SRB flocs and columnar reactors with cellsimmobilized in either κ-carrageenan gel matrix orpolymeric porous BIO-SEPTM beads. Themaximum volumetric productivity for SO2reduction in the continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR)with SRB flocs was 2.1 mmol SO2/h·l. Theκ-carrageenan gel matrix used for cellimmobilization was not durable at feed sulfiteconcentrations greater than 2000 mg/l or at sulfite feedrate of 1.7 mmol/h·l. A columnar reactor withmixed SRB cells that had been allowed to grow intohighly stable BIO-SEP polymeric beads exhibited thehighest sulfite conversion rates, in the range of16.5 mmol/h·l (with 100% conversion) to20 mmol/h·l (with 95% conversion). In addition toflue gas desulfurization, potential applications of thismicrobial process include the treatment ofsulfate/sulfite-laden wastewater from the pulp and paper,petroleum, mining, and chemical industries.
The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and X-linked congenital thrombocytopenia are caused by mutations of the same gene

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, small platelets, eczema, recurrent infections, and immunodeficiency. Besides the classic WAS phenotype, there is a group of patients with congenital X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) who have small platelets but only transient eczema, if any, and minimal immune deficiency. Because the gene responsible for WAS has been sequenced, it was possible to correlate the WAS phenotypes with WAS gene mutations. Using a fingerprinting screening technique, we determined the approximate location of the mutation in 13 unrelated WAS patients with mild to severe clinical symptoms. Direct sequence analysis of cDNA and genomic DNA obtained from patient-derived cell lines showed 12 unique mutations distributed throughout the WAS gene, including insertions, deletions, and point mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions, termination, exon skipping, or splicing defects. Of 4 unrelated patients with the XLT phenotype, 3 had missense mutations affecting exon 2 and 1 had a splice-site mutation affecting exon 9. Patients with classic WAS had more complex mutations, resulting in termination codons, frameshift, and early termination. These findings provide direct evidence that XLT and WAS are caused by mutations of the same gene and suggest that severe clinical phenotypes are associated with complex mutations.
Recovery in Main Memory Database Systems

In this paper we present a recovery mechanism for main memory database, which does not treat volatile RAM as a buffer and uses a limited size non-volatile RAM for efficient logging and archiving. It allows database recovery in parallel to the execution of normal transactions, it combines Undo and Redo into a single operation in many situations and eliminates the need for checkpointing. Under partial recovery our algorithm manages to identify and recovers only dirty data for bringing the entire database into a consistent state.
A successful model and visual design for creating context-aware drug-drug interaction alerts.

Evaluating the potential harm of a drug-drug interaction (DDI) requires knowledge of a patient’s relevant co-morbidities and risk factors. Current DDI alerts lack such patient-specific contextual data. In this paper, we present an efficient model for integrating pertinent patient data into DDI alerts. This framework is designed to be interoperable across multiple drug knowledge bases and clinical information systems. To evaluate the model, we generated a set of contextual DDI data using our local drug knowledge base then conducted an evaluation study of a prototype contextual alert design. The alert received favorable ratings from study subjects, who agreed it was an improvement over traditional alerts and was likely to support clinical management and save physician time. This framework may ultimately help reduce alert fatigue through the dynamic display of DDI alerts based on patient risk.