cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
That's My Baby: Why the State's Interest in Promoting Public Health Does Not Justify Residual Newborn Blood Spot Research without Parental Consent

Ninety-eight percent of infants born in the United States undergo blood tests to screen for a variety of genetic conditions as part of mandatory state newborn screening programs. These “newborn blood spots” (NBS) are frequently stored by state health departments after the initial tests are complete. Recent lawsuits in Texas and Minnesota have exposed states’ use of residual NBS for research unrelated to the initial screenings without parental consent. State public health officials and researchers claim that residual NBS are necessary and vital resources for research to advance public health and well-being and that requiring parental consent would hinder important research. Parents and patient advocacy groups, however, are angry that consent is not obtained and are concerned that the samples could be linked back to their child and used for discriminatory purposes, such as in employment or insurance-coverage decisions.This Note argues that the state’s interest in promoting public health does not justify the non-consensual use of residual NBS. It proposes a model that states can, and should, implement to improve transparency and allow parents to make informed decisions. The proposal is crafted in a way that respects parental rights and children’s rights, while still allowing the promotion of public health through medical research that seeks to detect new diseases, develop new treatments, and eradicate disease.
On Being ‘Shy like a Fox’

Several years ago one of the authors (CRS) was conducting a psychotherapy group with men and women who had a variety of difficulties involving social encounters. They reported feelings of nervousness and apprehensiveness in such social arenas as parties, meeting new people, being interviewed for employment, talking before groups, going on dates, and generally being the focus of attention. It was excruciating for these persons to even think about these situations, and much more so to talk about them. As the participants elaborated their problems, they also noted that they typically felt constrained in social situations and preferred to avoid them if possible. The sessions took on a “misery loves company” tone, in which people opened up and shared their feelings and behaviors related to interpersonal events. In those days (like now), the therapist found much merit in this consensus-raising discussion; it appeared to make people feel better, and perhaps paved the way for a lessening of the experiential social anxiety and associated shy behavior. This scene was shattered one evening, however, when a new group member suggested that some of the people seemed to be using their shyness as an excuse. The normally passive and reserved group members assailed the new person for the utter ridiculousness of this excuse notion. After emotional interchanges in this and subsequent sessions, a new perspective (for the therapist and the group) emerged: for a portion of the group members, the experience of shyness was serving as an excuse for their inability to cope with social situations. This revelation broadened the therapist’s conceptualization of shyness to include the possibility that it, like other symptoms, may at times have a strategic, excuse-like component. The present chapter elaborates this view.
Targeted radiotherapy enhancement during electronic brachytherapy of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using controlled release of gold nanoparticles.

Several studies have demonstrated low rates of local recurrence with brachytherapy-based accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). However, long-term outcomes on toxicity (e.g. telangiectasia) and cosmesis remain a major concern. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dosimetric feasibility of using targeted non-toxic radiosensitizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for localized dose enhancement to the planning target volume (PTV) during electronic brachytherapy APBI while reducing normal tissue toxicity. We propose to incorporate GNPs into a micrometer-thick polymer film on the surface of routinely used lumpectomy balloon applicators and provide subsequent treatment using a 50 kVp Xoft device. An experimentally determined diffusion coefficient was used to determine space-time customizable distribution of GNPs for feasible in-vivo concentrations of 7 mg/g and 43 mg/g. An analytical approach from previously published work was employed to estimate the dose enhancement due to GNPs as a function of distance up to 1 cm from the lumpectomy cavity surface. Clinically significant dose enhancement values of at least 1.2, due to 2 nm GNPs, were found at 1 cm away from the lumpectomy cavity wall when using electronic brachytherapy APBI. Higher customizable dose enhancement was also achieved at other distances as a function of nanoparticle size. Our preliminary results suggest that significant dose enhancement can be achieved to residual tumor cells targeted with GNPs during APBI with electronic brachytherapy.
Beyond the passive interactions at the nano-bio interface: evidence of Cu metalloprotein-driven oxidative dissolution of silver nanoparticles.

In a biological system, an engineered nanomaterial (ENM) surface is altered by adsorbed proteins that modify ENM fate and toxicity. Thus far, protein corona characterizations have focused on protein adsorption, interaction strength, and downstream impacts on cell interactions. Given previous reports of Ag ENM disruption of Cu trafficking, this study focuses on Ag ENM interactions with a model Cu metalloprotein, Cu(II) azurin. The study provides evidence of otherwise overlooked ENM-protein chemical reactivity within the corona: redox activity. Citrate-coated Ag ENMs of various sizes (10–40 nm) reacted with Cu(II) azurin resulted in an order of magnitude more dissolved ionic silver (Ag(I)(aq)) than samples of Ag ENMs only, ENMs mixed Cu(II) ions, or control proteins such as cytochrome c and horse radish peroxidase. This dramatic increase in ENM oxidative dissolution was observed even when Cu(II) azurin was combined with a diverse mixture of Escherchia coli proteins to mimic the complexity of the cellular conona. SDS PAGE results confirm that the multiprotein ENM corona includes azurin. A Cu(I)(aq) colorimetric indicator confirms Cu(II) azurin reduction upon interaction with Ag ENMs, but not with the addition of ionic silver, Ag(I)(aq). Cu(II) azurin and 10–40 nm Ag ENMs react to catalyze Ag ENM oxidative dissolution and reduction of the model Cu metalloprotein. Results push the current evaluation of protein-ENM characterization beyond passive binding interactions and enable the proposal of a mechanism for reactivity between a model Cu metalloprotein and Ag ENMs.
Benchmarking Adiabatic Quantum Optimization for Complex Network Analysis

We lay the foundation for a benchmarking methodology for assessing current and future quantum computers. We pose and begin addressing fundamental questions about how to fairly compare computational devices at vastly different stages of technological maturity. We critically evaluate and offer our own contributions to current quantum benchmarking efforts, in particular those involving adiabatic quantum computation and the Adiabatic Quantum Optimizers produced by D-Wave Systems, Inc. We find that the performance of D-Wave's Adiabatic Quantum Optimizers scales roughly on par with classical approaches for some hard combinatorial optimization problems; however, architectural limitations of D-Wave devices present a significant hurdle in evaluating real-world applications. In addition to identifying and isolating such limitations, we develop algorithmic tools for circumventing these limitations on future D-Wave devices, assuming they continue to grow and mature at an exponential rate for the next several years.
Determination of 11 Poisonous Organic Compounds in the Air by Mixed Sample Tube-Thermal Desorption GC-MS

[Objective]To establish a method for determining 11 poisonous organic compounds in the workplace air by mixed sample robe-thermal desorption GC-MS. [Methods]The sample tube was filled with GDX 102 and activated carbon by 2 segments.The analysis was performed by thermal desorption GC-MS,and quantified by external standard method. [Results]The recoveries ranged from 98.1% to 118.9%,detection limits were 0.06～0.2 mg/m3,and RSD ranged from 2.5% to 8.6%. [Conclusion]The method can conduct qualitative and quantitative determination of 11 poisonous organic compounds in the workplace air with high efficiency,scientific method and reliableness.
X-RAY DIFFRACTION PHASE DEPTH PROFILING FOR POLYCRYSTAL WITH CONTINUOUS PHASE DEPTH DISTRIBUTION

A new X-ray powder diffraction method is reported to test phase depth distribution quantitatively and non-destructively. In case of the incident angle is larger than the total reflection critical angle, it is possible to quantitatively measure the polycrystalline phase depth profile in real scale. It can be used to the sample of continuous phase depth distribution. The method was verified with computer simulation and experiment of practical sample.
Investigation on dose levels of exposure to medical diagnostic X-ray procedures in the Ninth Five-Year Plan Period in Shanghai

Objective To survey the dose levels of exposure of the public to medical diagnostic X-ray procedures in the ninth five-year plan period in Shanghai. [Methods] TLD dose meter was used to survey the average entrance surface dose of patients from 19 types of diagnostic X-ray procedures in Shanghai. The average organ dose and effective dose of patients from diagnostic X-ray procedures were estimated. The data on frequency levels of medical exposure were integrated to estimate the collective effective dose of the public from diagnostic X-ray procedures. [Results] The collective effective dose levels of the public from 19 types of diagnostic X-ray procedures in 1996 and 1998 in Shanghai were 520.92 and 546.93 person· Sv respectively. The effective dose levels per person in 1996 and 1998 were 0.040 and 0.042 mSv respectively. [Conclusion] There was an increasing trend year by year on the dose levels of exposure from medical diagnostic X-ray procedures. Attention should be paid to the reasonability and validity of exposure to diagnostic X-ray procedures medical.
Oxygen-derived free radicals and acute pancreatitis: A review

The role of oxygen-derived free radicals in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has been investigated in a series of studies using an ex vivo, perfused canine pancreas preparation. Three models of experimental acute pancreatitis have been developed in this preparation: ischemic pancreatitis, gallstone pancreatitis, and alcohol-induced pancreatitis. In each model, the pancreas becomes edematous, gains weight, and the perfusate develops hyperamylasemia during the 4 hour period of perfusion. Pretreatment with the free radical scavengers superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly ameliorates these manifestations of pancreatic injury in each of the three models. The source of the free radical generation was investigated by pretreating the preparation with allopurinol, a quite specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. In each of the three models, this also significantly ameliorated the injury process. These experiments demonstrate that oxygen-derived free radicals, generated by activated xanthine oxidase, appear to play a central role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis in these models. These findings shed light on the fundamental pathophysiology of this disease and may provide the basis for more effective therapy in the future.
The utility of CT scanning in diagnosing dementia

Dementia is an illness that affects an estimated 10% of noninstitutionalized persons older than 65 years of age. Among those older than 85 years of age, dementia is estimated to affect 20 to 50% of the population. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is based on clinical criteria and the exclusion of other causes of dementia. Neuroimaging procedures, mostly CT scans, have been used to exclude other lesions presenting as dementia. The yield of these procedures has been estimated to be about 3%. This article reviews some of the literature on this topic in an effort to establish specific recommendations for neuroimaging procedures in patients who present with dementia.
The Industrial Policy Legacy

Policies shape more than the fate of industries, technologies, or firms. Directly or indirectly they can affect virtually every aspect of national development, including its growth rate and per-capita income; population growth rate; ethnic and racial mix; urban, suburban, and rural quality of life; environmental health; and class, racial, and regional disparities in wealth and dynamism. While Americans have much to cheer about in terms of their living standards and quality of life, there are several areas, such as the fall in real income, growing gap between rich and poor, and entrenched poverty, crime, illiteracy, and racial animosities, that call into question the efficacy of past, present, and future policies.
Augustine and Social Justice

Despite being the subject of intense discussion, especially in recent decades, the theory of justice remains both misunderstood and misused. I often warn my students that justice is one of those wo...
Supporting integrated STEM in the elementary classroom: a professional development approach centered on an engineering design challenge

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is becoming more prevalent at the elementary level, and there has been a push to focus on the integration between the STEM disciplines. Researchers within this study sought to understand the extent to which triads composed of a classroom teacher, student teacher, and an engineering fellow were able to use the context of an engineering design challenge to integrate and incorporate STEM concepts into the elementary classroom. Using a content analysis approach, researchers analyzed STEM integration across four phases of learning: professional development workshop, lesson plan, classroom enactment, and post-lesson reflection. Results highlight the ability for triads to conceptualize the integration of STEM concepts but also the challenge to sustain the integration of STEM concepts across phases of enactment. The need to support teacher learning of STEM content and pedagogical practices for integration are discussed.
Estimating the Impacts of Climate Change and Potential Adaptation Strategies on Cereal Grains in the United States

Climate change induced alterations from historical patterns of precipitation, temperature, and atmospheric gases as well as increases in the frequency of extreme events is leading to alterations in global cereal production and its spatial distribution. Using a US agricultural sector model, we examine effects and acreage adaptation with an emphasis on wheat and the Pacific Northwest region. Use of a national sector model allows for analysis at the national as well as regional level. Generally, under climate change we find that the incidence of wheat production shifts northward in the Southern Great Plains, westward in Northern Great Plains and eastward in Oregon and Washington, all of which are moves to cooler conditions. Total wheat acreage in the Pacific Northwest is expected to decline from 6 million acres under no climate change to 5.4-5.7 million acres over the study period. Additionally, we consider impacts on price, production, and consumer, producer, and foreign welfare finding losses to consumer welfare and gains to producer welfare with overall losses in surplus. Recommendations are made for future research and alternative ways that adaptation strategies can be integrated into models to predict long-term impacts.
Role of Endothelial K+ Channels in NO-Dependent Vasorelaxant Responses to Acetylcholine in Rat Aorta.

P30 Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine (Ach) in rat aorta are mediated solely by NO. Rings precontracted with U46619 were used to investigate the role of endothelial K + channels. Thus, any effect of K + channel inhibitors on Ach responses in the absence of an effect on those to nitroprusside (NP) can be attributed to interference with Ach-induced stimulation of NO. Vasorelaxant responses to Ach (log EC 50 -7.29M) were abolished by removal of the endothelium or inhibition of NO synthesis with nitroarginine (100μM) which potentiated responses to NP (log EC 50 -9.41M vs -8.47M for control). In the presence of TEA (10mM) to inhibit K + channels, the dose-response curve for Ach, but not NP, was shifted to the right (log EC 50 -6.06). Elevation of extracellular K + (25mM KCl)also shifted the dose-response curve for Ach to the right. Inhibitors of specific types of K + channels: BaCl 2 (30μM), apamin (100nM), glibenclamide (10μM), charybdotoxin (50nM) and iberiotoxin (100nM) were without effect on dose-response curves to either Ach or NP. However, the combination of apamin (100nM) and charybdotoxin (50nM) but not apamin plus iberiotoxin, reduced relaxant responses to Ach (log EC 50 -6.95M) without affecting those to NP.These results confirm that Ach-induced relaxation of rat aorta is mediated entirely by endothelium-derived NO, the release of which apparently involves hyperpolarization of the endothelium. This effect is dependent on activation of a K + channel that is blocked by a combination of apamin/charybdotoxin but neither agent alone, possibly indicating characteristics of both Ca 2+ - activated and voltage-dependent K + channels.
Keeping an Eye on Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Genes in the Eye.

AbstractUpwards of 90% of individuals with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) display rod-cone dystrophy with early macular involvement. BBS is an autosomal recessive, genetically heterogeneous, pleiotropic ciliopathy for which 21 causative genes have been discovered to date. In addition to retinal degeneration, the cardinal features of BBS include obesity, cognitive impairment, renal anomalies, polydactyly, and hypogonadism. Here, we review the genes, proteins, and protein complexes involved in BBS and the BBS model organisms available for the study of retinal degeneration. We include comprehensive lists for all known BBS genes, their known phenotypes, and the model organisms available. We also review the molecular mechanisms believed to lead to retinal degeneration. We provide an overview of the mode of inheritance and describe the relationships between BBS genes and Joubert syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Senior-Loken syndrome, and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Finally, we propose ways that new advances in technology will allow us to better understand the role of different BBS genes in retinal formation and function.
Using Yelp to Find Romance in the City: A Case of Restaurants in Four Cities

Romantic relationships are an understudied aspect of cities and the built environment. Yet, restaurants continue to attract couples and augment the landscape with visible signs of affection at a table for two---or more. User-generated content (UGC) of restaurant reviews from online review site Yelp (http://yelp.com) provide text on romantic keywords such as "date", "love", "boyfriend", "wife", "anniversary", "family" by geolocated restaurants. We use these to distinguish restaurants and discover features of restaurants associated with various romantic keywords. These features include restaurant ratings and location, as well as comments about the ambiance, food, service, etc.Using data from the Yelp Dataset Challenge in U.S. cities Charlotte, NC, Las Vegas, NM, Phoenix, AZ, and Pittsburgh, PA, we employ different data mining and correlation tools as well as GIS modeling to learn more about what types of romantic relationships use which parts of the city, and how their choices of restaurants differ by relationship stage. We find that families prefer restaurants that are outside of the central business district (CBD), have good service and high-rated food, while couples---married or dating---prefer hot spots with great ambiance for nightlife. We also find that inexpensive food is not associated with romantic dates, and the quality of service also plays a secondary role to a "classy" and "cozy" atmosphere.
Evidence based practice readiness: A concept analysis

Aim To analyse and define the concept "evidence based practice readiness" in nurses. Background Evidence based practice readiness is a term commonly used in health literature, but without a clear understanding of what readiness means. Concept analysis is needed to define the meaning of evidence based practice readiness. Method A concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's method to clarify the defining attributes of evidence based practice readiness as well as antecedents and consequences. A Boolean search of PubMed and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted and limited to those published after the year 2000. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Results Evidence based practice readiness incorporates personal and organisational readiness. Antecedents include the ability to recognize the need for evidence based practice, ability to access and interpret evidence based practice, and a supportive environment. Conclusion The concept analysis demonstrates the complexity of the concept and its implications for nursing practice. The four pillars of evidence based practice readiness: nursing, training, equipping and leadership support are necessary to achieve evidence based practice readiness. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers are in the position to address all elements of evidence based practice readiness. Creating an environment that fosters evidence based practice can improve patient outcomes, decreased health care cost, increase nurses' job satisfaction and decrease nursing turnover.
The Interplay of Peer, Parent, and Adolescent Drinking.

Objective To explore variability in the link between peer and adolescent drinking by parental drinking. Stress and differential susceptibility perspectives led to hypotheses that adolescents with drinking parents would be more reactive to peer drinking but also to peer abstention. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, regressions estimated whether the association between peer alcohol use and increased drinking among adolescents was moderated by parental drinking. A regions of significance test identified the level of peer drinking that predicted adolescent drinking in the context of parental drinking. Results Adolescents with binge-drinking parents were more likely to increase drinking at every level of peer drinking, supporting the stress perspective; such adolescents did not accrue benefits from abstaining peers, going against the differential susceptibility perspective. Conclusions Far from monolithic, peer influences on adolescent risky behaviors may require family environments and genetic predispositions conducive to those behaviors.
The performance of Geiger mode avalanche photo-diodes in free space laser communication links

Geiger mode avalanche photo-diode (APD) arrays, when used as detectors in laser communication (lasercom) receivers, promise better performance at lower signal levels than APDs operated in the linear mode. In this paper, we describe the basic operation of the Geiger mode APD array as a lasercom detector, concentrating on aspects relevant to the link design engineer (rather than, for example, describing the details of the physics of the basic device operation itself). Equations are developed that describe the effects of defocus and hold-off time on the relation between the number of photons detected by the array and the output of photo-electron counts. We show how to incorporate these equations into a link budget. The resulting predictions are validated by comparison against simulation results. Finally, we compare the performance of linear mode APD based receivers and Geiger mode APD array based receivers. Results show the Geiger mode receivers yield better performance, in terms of probability of bit error, at lower signal levels, except on links where there is an exceptionally large amount of background noise. Under those conditions, not surprisingly, the hold-off time degrades performance.
Science, Ethics, and Development

During the Renaissance, unlike in the previous era in European history, the individualistic pursuit of knowledge and economic power overrode the moral law in human conduct. It was a secular and dynamic age which eventually led some countries to the industrial revolution. In the latter part of that period, scientific and professional disciplines began to develop their own codes of conduct. However, there was no strong overarching ethical code that could govern the whole scientific endeavor. Although technology has been used in warfare throughout history, industrialized production begun in the First World War greatly escalated during the Second World War. The manufacture of weapons of mass destruction led military technology into a much more dangerous level. Despite the horrors of nuclear weapons witnessed at the end of the latter war, an alarming arms race began during the “Cold War” that followed between the “Western Powers” and the “Eastern Bloc”. Far more dangerous weapons were developed and stockpiled by both sides. The participating scientists had no code of ethics strong enough to resist their own bellicose politicians. A similar ethical situation confronts scientists and planners in dealing with the externalities of economic growth in some of today’s industrialized countries. No less a daunting task is faced by the LMICs with the prospect only of grossly iniquitous progress being achieved and that too amidst environmental crises. If impending disasters are to be averted and genuine prosperity is to be seriously sought to benefit all, scientists and planners should have major parts to play.
Understanding the impact of mild traumatic brain injury on veteran service-connected disability: results from Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium.

Objectives: Disability evaluation is complex. The association between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) history and VA service-connected disability (SCD) ratings can have implications for disabili...
5-HT3 receptor signaling in serotonin transporter-knockout rats: a female sex-specific animal model of visceral hypersensitivity.

We studied a model of female sex-specific visceral hypersensitivity using rats that had a loss of function of the serotonin transporter (SERT) caused by gene truncation. Female SERT-KO rats exhibit...
Answering the Bell: High School Start Times and Student Academic Outcomes:

We contribute to the school start time literature by using statewide student-level data from North Carolina to estimate start time effects for all students and for traditionally disadvantaged stude...
Consumer culture and ‘black is beautiful’ in apartheid South Africa and early postcolonial Kenya

Engaging the ‘method of connective comparison’, this article examines linkages between consumer culture and political debates in apartheid South Africa and early postcolonial Kenya. It does so by c...
Contested taste: foie gras and the politics of food

Foie gras finds itself as the explanatory subject of “Gastropolitics” for Michaela DeSoucey in this fascinating read. “Gastropolitics” is defined by DeSoucey as, “conflicts both small and large, ov...
Special K\"ahler-Ricci potentials and Ricci solitons

On a manifold of dimension at least six, let $(g,\tau)$ be a pair consisting of a K\"ahler metric g which is locally K\"ahler irreducible, and a nonconstant smooth function $\tau$. Off the zero set of $\tau$, if the metric $\hat{g}=g/\tau^2$ is a gradient Ricci soliton which has soliton function $1/\tau$, we show that $\hat{g}$ is K\"ahler with respect to another complex structure, and locally of a type first described by Koiso. Moreover, $\tau$ is a special K\"ahler-Ricci potential, a notion defined in earlier works of Derdzinski and Maschler. The result extends to dimension four with additional assumptions. We also discuss a Ricci-Hessian equation, which is a generalization of the soliton equation, and observe that the set of pairs $(g,\tau)$ satisfying a Ricci-Hessian equation is invariant, in a suitable sense, under the map $(g,\tau)\to (\hat{g},1/\tau)$.
Using Mobile Health Tools to Assess Physical Activity Guideline Adherence and Smoking Urges: Secondary Analysis of mActive-Smoke

Background: Rates of cigarette smoking are decreasing because of public health initiatives, pharmacological aids, and clinician focus on smoking cessation. However, a sedentary lifestyle increases cardiovascular risk, and therefore, inactive smokers have a particularly enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: In this secondary analysis of mActive-Smoke, a 12-week observational study, we investigated adherence to guideline-recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in smokers and its association with the urge to smoke. Methods: We enrolled 60 active smokers (≥3 cigarettes per day) and recorded continuous step counts with the Fitbit Charge HR. MVPA was defined as a cadence of greater than or equal to 100 steps per minute. Participants were prompted to report instantaneous smoking urges via text message 3 times a day on a Likert scale from 1 to 9. We used a mixed effects linear model for repeated measures, controlling for demographics and baseline activity level, to investigate the association between MVPA and urge. Results: A total of 53 participants (mean age 40 [SD 12] years, 57% [30/53] women, 49% [26/53] nonwhite, and 38% [20/53] obese) recorded 6 to 12 weeks of data. Data from 3633 person-days were analyzed, with a mean of 69 days per participant. Among all participants, median daily MVPA was 6 min (IQR 2-13), which differed by sex (12 min [IQR 3-20] for men vs 3.5 min [IQR 1-9] for women; P=.004) and BMI (2.5 min [IQR 1-8.3] for obese vs 10 min [IQR 3-15] for nonobese; P=.04). The median total MVPA minutes per week was 80 (IQR 31-162). Only 10% (5/51; 95% CI 4% to 22%) of participants met national guidelines of 150 min per week of MVPA on at least 50% of weeks. Adjusted models showed no association between the number of MVPA minutes per day and mean daily smoking urge (P=.72). Conclusions: The prevalence of MVPA was low in adult smokers who rarely met national guidelines for MVPA. Given the poor physical activity attainment in smokers, more work is required to enhance physical activity in this population.
Supplementation with vitamin D plus calcium reduces fracture risk; vitamin D alone does not.

Source Citation Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al. Vitamin D and calcium for the prevention of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2:e1917789. 31860103
Authorship trends in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: An update

The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) is considered the flagship journal for the discipline of applied behavior analysis. Thus, popular research topics and other publication trends within JABA reflect the current cultural and scientific contingencies governing the field of behavior analysis. Researchers have previously quantified a number of authorship trends in JABA (and other behavior-analytic journals) across a number of variables, such as gender identity and sex of author, country of origin, or seniority within the field (Dunlap et al., 1998) to examine demographic and organizational factors associated with successful publication in JABA. These analyses ought to be conducted continuously to monitor trends and detect any potential biases (e.g., sexism). Accordingly, the purpose of the present investigation was to replicate previous research in this area (e.g., Dymond et al., 2000) and provide an update of current publication trends within JABA. Implications for future research and publishing practices are discussed.
Refractory bladder dysfunction: A multi-institutional experience with intravesical botulinum toxin-a injection in adult patients who underwent previous augmentation cystoplasty.

Objective Augmentation cystoplasty is a treatment option for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction as well as severe, refractory, complicated idiopathic overactive bladder. In some patients, symptoms may persist or recur postoperatively, and there is little guidance on management in this setting. In this study, we reviewed the use of intravesical onabotulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in patients who had undergone augmentation cystoplasty. Material and methods Retrospective chart review was performed at two institutions, identifying patients who underwent augmentation cystoplasty and were subsequently treated with intravesical BTX-A. Demographics, and preoperative and postoperative findings were collected. Results In total, 21 (16 female, 5 male) patients (mean age: 37.2 years) with previous augmentation cystoplasty were identified. In 17 patients with urodynamic data, mean maximum cystometric capacity was 312 mL, and decreased compliance and detrusor overactivity were noted in 53% and 48% patients, respectively. Combined intradetrusor/intra-augment injections were performed in 11 patients, and the remaining 10 patients received detrusor-only injections. A total of 18 patients (86%) reported subjective improvement with no significant difference associated with site of injection (p=0.59). A total of 17 patients (77%) underwent repeat injections; on average, patients underwent 3.3 injections with interval of 8.8 months between injections. Conclusion BTX-A injection was shown to subjectively improve storage symptoms and continence after augmentation cystoplasty in the majority of patients. In this cohort, patients had good subjective response regardless of site of injection, and most patients benefited from repeat injections. Prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacy and ideal sites of BTX-A injection in the setting of refractory voiding dysfunction following augmentation cystoplasty.
Nematode endosymbiont competition: Fortune favors the fittest

Endosymbiotic bacteria that obligately associate with entomopathogenic nematodes as a complex are a unique model system to study competition. These nematodes seek an insect host and provide entry for their endosymbionts. Through their natural products, the endosymbionts nurture their nematodes by eliminating secondary infection, providing nutrients through bioconversion of the insect cadaver, and facilitating reproduction. On one hand, they cooperatively colonize the insect host and neutralize other opportunistic biotic threats. On the other hand, inside the insect cadaver as a fighting pit, they fiercely compete for the fittest partnership that will grant them the reproductive dominance. Here, we review the protective and nurturing nature of endosymbiotic bacteria for their nematodes and how their selective preference shapes the superior nematode-endosymbiont pairs as we know today.
Body Composition, Metabolic Health, and Functional Impairment among Adults Treated for Abdominal and Pelvic Tumors during Childhood.

Background: We aimed to characterize body composition, metabolic impairments, and physical performance among survivors of pediatric abdominal and pelvic solid tumors. Methods: Participants included 431 survivors of abdominal or pelvic tumors [median attained age = 29.9 (range: 18.7–55.1) years]. Relative lean mass and fat mass were assessed with dual X-ray absorptiometry. Metabolic outcomes [insulin resistance (IR), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides] were based on laboratory values and medication usage. General linear regression evaluated associations between treatment and lifestyle with body composition; binomial regression evaluated associations between body composition and metabolic outcomes and physical performance. Results: Lean mass was lower than values from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in males (Z-score = −0.67 ± 1.27; P Conclusions: Abdominal/pelvic radiotherapy is associated with body composition changes that can adversely influence metabolic outcomes and performance status among survivors. Impact: Interventions targeting body composition may facilitate management of cardiovascular disease risk in this population.
Association of inhaled and systemic corticosteroid use with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) test positivity in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases.

Abstract Background The effects of chronic inhaled and systemic corticosteroids use on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity are unclear. Since many patients with chronic pulmonary diseases rely on corticosteroids to control disease, it is important to understand the risks of their use during the pandemic. We aim to study if the use of inhaled or systemic corticosteroids affects the likelihood of developing COVID-19 infection. Methods We used the National Jewish Health electronic medical record research database to identify a cohort of all subjects who were tested for suspected COVID-19 between March 11 - June 23, 2020. Testing results, medication use, and comorbidities were obtained from the medical record. Following a comparison of different propensity score weighting methods, overlap propensity score weighting was used to analyze the association between medication use and COVID-19 diagnosis. Results The cohort consisted of 928 patients, of which 12% tested positive. The majority (66%) of patients had a history of chronic pulmonary diseases. There was no significant association between inhaled corticosteroid use and testing positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, systemic corticosteroid use was associated with a lower odds ratio (0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99) of testing positive for COVID-19. Similar results were noted when the analysis was restricted to those with any chronic pulmonary diseases, with asthma or with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusions Our study supports the recommendation that patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, including asthma and COPD who require treatment with either inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, should continue their use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building Millennial’s Brand Loyalty via Social Media Engagement: A Perspective of Co-creation Value

The purpose of this study was to further the understanding of Millennials engagement behaviors with fashion brands in social media. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the relationship between consumers’ motivations, perceived co-creation value, engagement toward brand-engagement activities, as well as brand loyalty. Additionally, the mediating effect of perceived co-creation value was examined. Data were collected from 237 consumers and analyzed using structural equation modelling. Empirical results revealed significant influences of respective consumers’ motivation on their perceived co-creation value, which, in turn, had a positive influence on their engagement in social media as well as brand loyalty. Results also suggest that perceived co-creation value mediate the relationships between consumers’ motivations and engagement.
The Effect of Particle Composition and Concentration on the Partitioning Coefficient for Mercury in Three Ocean Basins

The downward flux of sinking particles is a prominent Hg removal and redistribution process in the ocean; however, it is not well constrained. Using data from three U.S. GEOTRACES cruises including the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, we examined the mercury partitioning coefficient in the water column. The data suggest that the Kd varies widely over three ocean basins. We also investigated the effect of particle concentration and composition on Kd by comparing the concentration of small-sized (1-51 μm) suspended particulate mass (SPM) as well as its compositional fractions in six different phases to the partitioning coefficient. We observed an inverse relationship between Kd and suspended particulate mass, as has been observed for other metals and known as the “particle concentration effect”, that explains much of the variation in Kd. Particulate organic matter (POM) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dominated the Hg partitioning in all three ocean basins while Fe and Mn could make a difference in some places where their concentrations are elevated, such as in hydrothermal plumes. Finally, our estimated Hg residence time has a strong negative correlation with average log bulk Kd, indicating that Kd has significant effect on Hg residence time.
Adjusting the Costing/Pricing Systems of Public Health Units in Times of Emergency Health Crises: The Case of Greece

The aim of this research was to examine the costing / payment system applicable to public hospitals in the period before Covid-19 and compare it with adjustments implemented by the Greek Government because of Covid-19, both in payment methods and in the execution of its budgets. In addition, we tried to record the burden on hospitals with the extra costs caused by Covid-19 and how these affected the regular execution of their budget. Quantitative data were collected from a university hospital, which is one of 13 coronavirus reference centers in Greece. Data were collected from the Finance, Supply and Revenue pricing departments. All Greek hospitals have adopted Closed Consolidated Hospitalization – Diagnosis Related Groups (KEN- DRGs) as the pricing system, based on the Australian DRGs. The findings revealed that, due to the inability of the KEN system to readily adjust to a health crisis and due to a lack of time to adapt to the new circumstances, Greek hospitals were called to implement a per-diem reimbursement system as a Covid-19 case pricing system. It was also found that the hospital, in order to keep providing its services for Covid-19 patients at the same pace, was required to incur a large amount of expenses. According to the results, the reimbursement system of public hospitals in no way reflects the actual Covid-19 costs and a reliable cost accounting system for calculating the actual cost per Covid-19 patient (based on actual costs and hospitalization data) is needed. Additionally, there is an evident and urgent need for optimization of the KEN system and its evolution into a more reliable costing/pricing system, such as that of the DRGs. Keywords: health costing, Public Health Units, Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs), budget, health economics, coronavirus (Covid-19)
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage associated with mitral stenosis with an intact atrial septum. A distinctive hemodynamic syndrome.

Abstract A case of partial anomalous venous drainage associated with mitral stenosis and intact interatrial septum is presented. The hemodynamic findings consisted of pulmonary hypertension, markedly elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure and large left-to-right shunt at the atrial level. These findings are distinctive of an intact septum, because in Lutembacher's syndrome there is a tendency for equalization of pressure in the atria and, therefore, the pulmonary artery wedge pressure may be normal or only slightly elevated. The findings of high and low pulmonary artery wedge pressure in different parts of lungs may be additional evidence for presence of partial anomalous venous connection.
Low-cost three-dimensional scanning using range imaging

This paper describes a low-cost hardware and software system for the three-dimensional digitizing of objects. The system employs laser scanning using two diode laser sources, digital still camera, and a suite of software for acquiring, aligning, and viewing scanned data. This implementation leverages the availability of inexpensive diode lasers and recently developed image-processing techniques to provide accurate representations of 3D objects. The components used to construct the scanning apparatus as well as the postprocessing software developed are discussed.
iBoost: Boosting using an instance-based exponential weighting scheme

AdaBoost is a well-recognized ensemble method to improve prediction accuracy over the base learning algorithm. However, it is prone to overfitting the training instances [18]. Freund, Mansour and Schapire [5] established that using exponential weighting scheme in combining classifiers reduces the problem of overfitting. Also, Helmbold, Kwek and Pitt [7] showed in the prediction using a pool of experts framework an instance-based weighting scheme improves performance. Motivated by these results, we propose here an instance-based exponential weighting scheme in which the weights of the base classifiers are adjusted according to the test instance x. Here, a competency classifier c_i is constructed for each base classifier h_i to predict whether the base classifier's guess of x's label can be trusted and adjust the weight of h_i accordingly. We show that this instance-based exponential weighting scheme enhances the performance of AdaBoost.
Current industrial practices and regulatory requirements to assess analyte and reagent stability using ligand-binding assays.

Specific guidelines on bioanalytical method validation for drug development support are recommended by regulatory agencies. Regarding stability assessment, US FDA states that ‘Stability procedures should evaluate the stability of the analytes during sample collection and handling, after long-term (frozen at the intended storage temperature) and short-term (bench-top, room temperature) storage, and after going through freeze and thaw cycles and the analytical process’. Additional regulatory considerations are discussed including topics such as analyte and reagent stability. This article reviews the regulatory requirements as issued by the USA (FDA), Europe (EMA) and Japan (MHLW), for stability studies where bioanalytical methods are used to support drug development programs and summarizes the current industry standard for conducting stability studies when utilizing ligand-binding assays.
Exploration in web science: instruments for web observatories

The following contribution highlights selected work conducted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Web Science Research Center. (RPI WSRC). Specifically, it brings to light four different themed Web Observatories - Science Data, Health and Life Sciences, Open Government, and Social Spaces. Each of these observatories serves as a repository of data, tools, and methods that help answer complicated questions in each of these research areas. We present six case studies featuring tools and methods developed by RPI WSRC to aide in the exploration, discovery, and analysis of large data sets. These case studies along with our web observatory developments are aimed to increase our understanding of web science in general and to serve as test beds for our research.
Adaptation to a High-Fat Diet Leads to Hyperphagia and Diminished Sensitivity to Cholecystokinin in Rats

Rats fed high-fat (HF) diets exhibit reduced sensitivity to some peptide satiety signals. We hypothesized that reduced sensitivity to satiety signals might contribute to overconsumption of a high-energy food after adaptation to HF diets. To test this, we measured daily, 3-h intake of a high-energy, high-fat (HHF, 22.3 kJ/g) test food in rats fed either low-fat (LF) or HF, isoenergetic (16.2 kJ/g) diets. During testing, half of each group received the HHF test food (LF/HHF; HF/HHF), whereas the other half received their respective maintenance diet (LF/LF; HF/HF). Rats fed a HF diet ate more of the HHF food during the 3-h testing period than LF-fed rats (HF/HHF = 7.7 +/- 0.3 g vs. LF/HHF = 5.5 +/- 0.2 g; P = 0.003). Rats tested on their own maintenance diets had similar intakes (HF/HF = 3.2 +/- 0.2 g vs. LF/LF = 3.7 +/- 0.3 g), which were lower (P < or = 0.008) than intakes of rats tested on HHF. HHF-tested rats did not differ in body weight by the end of wk 2 of testing. In a subsequent short-term choice preference test, rats exhibited an equal relative preference for HHF irrespective of their maintenance diets (HF = 63.1%, LF = 68.1%, P = 0.29). Finally, we examined the effect of intraperitoneal NaCl or cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 (100 and 250 ng/kg) injection on 1-h food intake. Both doses of CCK significantly suppressed food intake in LF-fed rats but not HF-fed rats. These results demonstrate that chronic ingestion of a HF diet leads to short-term overconsumption of a high-energy, high-fat food compared with LF-fed cohorts, which is associated with a decreased sensitivity to CCK.