cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadcast Electrode-Addressing and Scheduling Methods for Pin-Constrained Digital Microfluidic Biochips

Recent advances in digital microfluidics have enabled lab-on-a-chip devices for DNA sequencing, immunoassays, clinical chemistry, and protein crystallization. Basic operations such as droplet dispensing, mixing, dilution, localized heating, and incubation can be carried out using a 2-D array of electrodes and nanoliter volumes of liquid. The number of independent input pins used to control the electrodes in such microfluidic “biochips” is an important cost-driver, especially for disposable printed circuit board devices that are being developed for clinical and point-of-care diagnostics. However, most prior work on biochip design-automation has assumed independent control of the electrodes using a large number of input pins. We present a broadcast-addressing-based design technique for pin-constrained multifunctional biochips. The proposed method provides high throughput for bioassays and it reduces the number of control pins by identifying and connecting control pins with “compatible” actuation sequences. We also describe two scheduling methods to map fluidic operations on the pin-constrained design, in order to minimize the completion time while avoiding pin-actuation conflicts. The proposed methods are evaluated using multifunctional chips designed to execute a set of multiplexed bioassays, the polymerase chain reaction, and a protein dilution assay.
Simultaneous cannulation and needle-knife papillotomy using a large-channel duodenoscope.

cant ly prolong procedures. Because of the abili ty of the t rac t ion papil lotome to bow, the re is g rea te r control over the perpendicu la r axis for directed guide wire placement , bu t again, the na tu ra l or ien ta t ion is usually to the right. The use of ro ta t ional torque at the handle , which is t hen t r ansmi t t ed to the distal tip of the papillotome, allows for more complete control of the axis perpendicu la r to the bi l iary tree. There m a y be a potent ia l r isk of t r aumat i c in jury to the bil iary t ree if a t t empts are made to ro ta te the papil lotome in a fully bowed position in a nondi la ted system; therefore, this m a n e u v e r should be avoided. The use of a s t anda rd t rac t ion doublelumen papillotome, available in most bi l iary units, to direct wire access dur ing ERCP should be added to the growing a rmamen ta r ium of techniques available to bi l iary endoscopists.
Identification of CS‐derived compounds formed during heat‐dispersion of CS riot control agent*†

High temperatures are frequently used to disperse 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) riot control agent. We examined airborne CS degradation products heat-dispersed together with CS from canisters of a type used by law enforcement personnel for crowd and riot control. Air contaminants derived from CS were trapped using a polytetraflouroethylene filter. Analysis was by open tubular gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Compounds observed in addition to CS included 2-chlorobenzaldehyde, 2-chlorobenzonitrile, quinoline, 2-chlorobenzylcyanide, 1,2-dicyanobenzene, 3-(2-chlorophenyl)propynenitrile, cis and trans isomers of 2-chlorocinnamonitrile, 2,2-dicyano-3-(2-chlorophenyl)oxirane, 2-chlorodihydrocinnamonitrile, benzylidenemalononitrile, cis and trans isomers of 2-cyanocinnamonitrile, 2-chlorobenzylmalononitrile, 3-quinoline carbonitrile, and 3-isoquinoline carbonitrile. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 186–190, 2001
Debridement and Marrow Stimulation

Appropriate debridement of a cartilage defect is a necessary first step in the treatment process. It can be used in isolation to mechanically stabilize a lesion by removing loose flaps. If debridement alone is felt to be inadequate due to lesion size or the individual patient’s demand level, then a marrow stimulation technique can be utilized to induce a reparative response, ideally filling the defect with a fibrocartilaginous tissue.
A symplectic fixed point theorem for toric manifolds

In this paper, by a toric manifold we mean a non-singular symplectic quotient M = ℂ n //T k of the standard symplectic space by a linear torus action. Such a toric manifold is in fact a complex Kahler manifold of dimension n - k. We denote p(M) and c(M) the cohomology class of the Kahler symplectic form and the first Chern class of M respectively. They both are effective, that is, Poincare-dual to some holomorphic hypersurfaces. We call a homology class in H 2(M, ℤ) effective if it has non-negative intersection indices with fundamental cycles of all compact holomorphic hypersurfaces in M, and denote ℰ the set of all non-zero effective homology classes. Our main result is the following
Properties of human serum low density lipoproteins after modification by succinic anhydride.

Human serum low density lipoprotein of d 1.019-1.063 (LDL2) treated with succinic anhydride at pH 7.5-8.0 showed the same chemical composition, hydrodynamic properties (flotation and sedimentation coefficients, intrinsic viscosity) and optical properties (circular dichroism) as untreated LDL2. However, in contrast to LDL2, the succinylated product (s-LDL2) failed to react with rabbit anti-LDL2 antisera. Extraction with ethanol-ether 3:1 yielded the succinylated apoprotein (s-apo-LDL2), which was, unlike untreated apoprotein, soluble in aqueous buffers. Succinylated apoprotein, which was also immunologically unreactive, appeared to differ in structure from s-LDL2, as assessed by the parameters of intrinsic viscosity and circular dichroism. The molecular weights of both LDL2 and s-LDL2 obtained by the technique of sedimentation equilibrium were 2.1-2.3 × 106. By the same method, s-apo-LDL2 gave an uncorrected figure of 3.95-4.15 × 104 and, after correction for succinyl functions, of 3.60-3.80 × 104. Because of the assumptions made in the computations, the latter figure was considered approximate. The marked differences in molecular weight between s-apo-LDL2 and whole apo-LDL2 (5 × 105) were taken to support the subunit structure of apo-LDL2, which is envisaged as an aggregate of about 12 subunits which dissociate upon succinylation. Further, the large percentage (about 90%) of the free amino groups of LDL2 found to react with succinic anhydride suggests that these groups are at the surface of the molecule.
Technology, Markets and Governance: A Logic of Trade Agreements

In this paper, I seek to devise a general argument that can account for the characteristics of trade agreements and their effectiveness, as well as states’ likelihood of signing them. I do so by focusing on the role of technological innovations -- which lower the costs of transportation and communication -- in simultaneously facilitating exchanges in larger markets and engendering market failures in those newly expanded markets. More specifically, I argue that states are likely to sign trade agreements when the costs of the market failures outweigh the cost savings effected by technological innovations. In short, trade agreements ensure that states sustain the market access initially created by technological changes. I carry out a preliminary analysis against 19th century British trade agreements using indices of ocean freight rates as a measure of technological changes.
ALIAS: Author Disambiguation in Microsoft Academic Search Engine Dataset

We present a system called ALIAS, that is designed to search for duplicate authors from Microsoft Academic Search Engine dataset. Author-ambiguity is a prevalent problem in this dataset, as many authors publish under several variations of their own name, or different authors share similar or same name. ALIAS takes an author name as an input (who may or may not exist in the corpus), and outputs a set of author names from the database, that are determined as duplicates of the input author. It also provides a confidence score with each output. Additionally, ALIAS has the feature of finding a Top-k list of similar authors, given an input author name. The underlying techniques heavily rely on a mix of learning, mining, and efficient search techniques, including partitioning, clustering, supervised learning using ensemble algorithms, and indexing to perform efficient search to enable fast response for near real time user interaction. While the system is designed using Academic Search Engine data, the proposed solution is generic and could be extended to other problems in the category of entity disambiguation. In this demonstration paper, we describe different components of ALIAS and the intelligent algorithms associated with each of these components to perform author name disambiguation or similar authors finding.
DEVELOPMENT OF BLAST DAMAGE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY FOR ADVANCED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

Dynamic response of a composit e plate subject to blast wave loading is investigated using a finite element analysis code based on a geometrically nonlinear solid shell element formulation. The analytical formulation incorporates a material damage model with failure criteria for matrix cracking, fiber breakage, and fiber matrix shear failure. A trinitrotoluene (TNT) -based, blast loading module is used to predict the blast wave pressure loading on the composite plates including ground reflection. Numerical time integration is used to calc ulate the dynamic response of a composite plate. Results are obtained for glass/epoxy composite plates and parametric studies were conducted to characterize the response of composite plates. The effects of several loading and structural parameters, includi ng the maximum loading amplitude and the ground reflection, on the dynamic behavior of composite plates are investigated. The effects of material damage on the dynamic response of a glass/polyester composite become more pronounced as the magnitude of peak blast pressure increases.
MACRO-CLASS SELECTION FOR HIERARCHICAL K-NN CLASSIFICATION OF INERTIAL SENSOR DATA

Quality classifiers can be difficult to implement on the limited resources of an embedded system, especially if the data contains many confusing classes. This can be overcome by using a hierarchical set of classifiers in which specialized feature sets are used at each node to distinguish within the macro-classes defined by the hierarchy. This method exploits the fact that similar classes according to one feature set may be dissimilar according to another, allowing normally confused classes to be grouped and handled separately. However, determining these macro-classes of similarity is not straightforward when the selected feature set has yet to be determined. In this paper, we present a new greedy forward selection algorithm to simultaneously determine good macro-classes and the features that best distinguish them. The algorithm is tested on two human activity recognition datasets: CMU-MMAC (29 classes), and a custom dataset collected from a commodity smartphone for this paper (9 classes). In both datasets, we employ statistical features obtained from on-body IMU sensors. Classification accuracy using the selected macro-classes was increased 69% and 12% respectively over our non-hierarchical baselines.
Differentiation of precordial pain.

The differential diagnosis and evaluation of precordial pain at times are very difficult. One reason for this is the fact that there are no objective signs to help in making the diagnosis, and one has to depend entirely on the pain itself. Consequently one must be sure that he gets a careful statement regarding all the factors related to the pain. Also, all pains in the precordial region have the same mechanism; consequently, regardless of cause, the pain itself is exactly the same and may have the same distribution and character. Many things cause pain in this region if it affects this same reflex arc, and one must determine the background cause.
Target at the Right Level: Aid, Spillovers and Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

This article uses spatial analytical skills to investigate aid effectiveness and aid spillovers at the sub-national level in Sub-Saharan Africa over the period 1995-2013. The previous literature examines aid-growth relationship and gets mixed results. One reason of the conflicting conclusions is that it suffers from the so-called “aggregation bias”. By using geocoded aid dataset and night lights data as proxy for economic activities, I am able to reveal more detailed pictures of aid effectiveness at different aggregate levels. Overcoming the potential simultaneity problem, I find that aid targeted at the local level tends to promote local economic growth, while aid received at more aggregate levels depresses local economic activities; there exist positive aid spillovers of aid across adjacent neighbors at the local level. One possibility is that more specifically targeted aid tends to be less fungible compared to “general” aid, while aid generally given to a more aggregated level is more likely to be misappropriated for other purposes, thus creating rent-seeking opportunities to cause corruption and hurt institutional environment. Aid at the local level promotes total economic flourish and slows down population growth, while aid at more aggregate levels depresses total economic activities but stimulates population growth. Aid directly received at all levels exhibits diminishing returns, which is consistent with the theory that aid directly stimulates investment and adds capital accumulation. While aid spillovers show weak increasing returns, which suggests the spillover effects partly function through technology and knowledge dissemination. As to the conditional aid effectiveness, no systematic story is found that aid is effective conditional on policy or institutions, probably due to data limitations that local policy and institutions data are unavailable in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings have very profound policy implications that to promote local economic growth, we should focus more on specifically targeted and less-fungible aid projects rather than aid generally given to governments at more aggregate levels; also we should reduce barriers to resource movements and knowledge dissemination within the country to promote positive spillover effects.
Finding enzymes in the gut metagenome.

The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that colonize the colon ( 1 ). The composition of this microbiome has profound effects on human health: It not only influences normal processes, like maturation of the immune system, but it is also associated with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other diseases ( 2 ). Understanding these influences requires knowledge of the biochemical interactions between the gut microbiome and humans. On page 595 of this issue, Levin et al. ( 3 ) show that combining genomic and biochemical knowledge can reveal unknown enzymatic pathways in microbiomes. Using a novel workflow, they uncover a universal pathway for metabolizing trans -4-hydroxy-l-proline, a modified amino acid that is common in dietary and human proteins.
Gas pipeline recovery from disruption using multi-objective optimization

Pipeline failures due to natural disasters, corrosion and manufacturing defects have generated tremendous economic loss. To recover efficiently from disruption with minimum loss, we propose a multi-objective optimization model that minimizes both the loss from disruption and recovery time. Recovery on disrupted pipelines may incur additional recovery cost but it can alleviate the cost of unmet demand. Considering the gas production and transmission costs, we use multi-objective optimization to study the recovery decisions in a pipeline network. The analysis on factors such as units cost of gas production, transmission and recovery time are shown for a real-world gas network. The trade-off between generation, transmission, recovery costs and lost demand is analyzed. This research provides insights for improving the resilience of gas pipelines after disruption; and a tool for analyzing strategic recovery and potential cascading failure effects in gas network.
The critical phase for visual control of human walking over complex terrain

To walk efficiently over complex terrain, humans must use vision to tailor their gait to the upcoming ground surface without interfering with the exploitation of passive mechanical forces. We propose that walkers use visual information to initialize the mechanical state of the body before the beginning of each step so the resulting ballistic trajectory of the walker’s center-of-mass will facilitate stepping on target footholds. Using a precision stepping task and synchronizing target visibility to the gait cycle, we empirically validated two predictions derived from this strategy: (1) Walkers must have information about upcoming footholds during the second half of the preceding step, and (2) foot placement is guided by information about the position of the target foothold relative to the preceding base of support. We conclude that active and passive modes of control work synergistically to allow walkers to negotiate complex terrain with efficiency, stability, and precision.
Estimation of reference evapotranspiration from climatic data

This study investigated the capability of M Model Tree M MT to predict reference evapotranspiration ET M MT was trained and tested with climatic data from eight weather stations located in coastal areas of Iran for the years It was validated with climatic data from seven California Irrigation Management Information System CIMIS weather stations for the year Four different data combinations were utilized to train test and validate the M MT model These were daily mean air temperature wind speed relative humidity and solar radiation configuration daily mean air temperature and solar radiation configuration daily mean air temperature and relative humidity configuration and daily maximum minimum and mean air temperature and extraterrestrial radiation configuration The Penman Monteith PM equation was used as a standard method to provide target ET values Mean absolute error MAE root mean square error RMSE and the coefficient of determination R were used to evaluate the performance of the M MT models developed with different input configurations Results indicated that M MT was able to successfully estimate ET Configuration provided the most accurate results Configuration showed to have the variables that have a greater influence on ET than configuration Configuration performed the worst MAE of ET estimates from M MT was respectively and lower than that of M MT M MT and M MT when the model is validated in California Also RMSE from M MT was and smaller than that of M MT M MT and M MT respectively
Setting Up the Physician’s Office for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

With a small investment in time and funds, any primary care provider can equip the office and train office personnel to perform a large number of important dignostic and therapeutic interventions in the management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as listed in Table 1. These investments will pay handsomely in the ability to diagnose accurately and thereby offer more precise treatment.
The aristotelian ethics of collaborative care

Abstract Collaborative care is common among health care practitioners, serving multiple benefits for the patients. Clinical procedures are in place to serve as a checklist, ensuring that the proper means of treatment is provided. This essay details an Aristotelian ethics that defines teleology, that which achieves the final good. In the sense of the patient's telos , the rehabilitation clinician should be viewed as a co-laborer in working towards this end, rather than a means showing that a process was followed. This distinction is important when determining the optimal care for the patient. The works of Aristotelian ethicists Edmund Pellegrino and Alysdair MacIntyre are introduced in describing teleology, science, art, virtue, and practice. Two cases are presented that show how, in current practice, collaborative care is used differently in achieving the final good as defined by the patient. Finally, the model of International Classification of Functioning, Disease, and Disability (ICF) distinguishes how the viewpoint of physicians can differ from that of rehabilitation clinicians.
ST Segment Elevation Is Not Always Myocardial Infarction: A Case of Focal Myopericarditis

Protocols exist on how to manage STEMI patients, with well-established timelines. There are times when patients present with chest pain, ST segment elevation, and biomarker elevation that are not due to coronary artery disease. These conditions usually present with normal coronary angiography. We present a case that was clinically indistinguishable from STEMI and that was diagnosed with focal myopericarditis on cardiac MRI.
Viscoelastic properties of human pancreatic tumors and in vitro constructs to mimic mechanical properties

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is almost universally fatal, in large part due to a protective fibrotic barrier generated by tumor-associated stromal (TAS) cells. This barrier is thought to promote cancer cell survival and confounds attempts to develop effective therapies. We present a 3D in vitro system that replicates the mechanical properties of the PDAC microenvironment, representing an invaluable tool for understanding the biology of the disease. Mesoscale indentation quantified viscoelastic metrics of resected malignant tumors, inflamed chronic pancreatitis regions, and histologically normal tissue. Both pancreatitis (2.15 ± 0.41 kPa, Mean ± SD) and tumors (5.46 ± 3.18 kPa) exhibit higher Steady-State Modulus (SSM) than normal tissue (1.06 ± 0.25 kPa; p in vitro system that recapitulates in vivo stiffening of PDAC tumors. In addition, our quantification of viscoelastic properties suggests that elastography algorithms incorporating viscosity may be able to more accurately distinguish between pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Statement of Significance Understanding tumor-stroma crosstalk in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenged by a lack of stroma-mimicking model systems. To design appropriate models, pancreatic tissue must be characterized with a method capable of evaluating in vitro models as well. Our indentation-based characterization tool quantified the distinct viscoelastic signatures of inflamed resections from pancreatitis, tumors from PDAC, and otherwise normal tissue to inform development of mechanically appropriate engineered tissues and scaffolds. We also made progress toward a 3D in vitro system that recapitulates mechanical properties of tumors. Our in vitro model of stromal cells in collagen and complementary characterization system can be used to investigate mechanisms of cancer-stroma crosstalk in PDAC and to propose and test innovative therapies.
Real-World Comparative Effectiveness, Treatment Patterns, and Costs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients Initiated on Canagliflozin 300 mg (CANA) or a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1)

This study compared HbA1c control, treatment patterns, and costs in adults with T2DM initiated on CANA or a GLP-1 based on administrative claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (4/2013-02/2016) augmented with laboratory data. The analysis included adult patients with ≥1 HbA1c result at baseline (BL) and in the 12-month follow-up period; statistical analysis was performed at 3-month intervals. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) accounted for differences in BL characteristics. From 12 months pre- to 12 months post-index (Figure), there were no significant differences in HbA1c at each 3-month interval in patients initiated on CANA (n = 750) or GLP-1 (n = 2417); results were consistent regardless of BL HbA1c (≥7%, ≥8%, or ≥9%) (data not shown). A greater proportion of patients were adherent to index medication (proportion of days covered ≥80%) over 12 months with CANA vs. GLP-1 (47.5% vs. 37.5%; P In summary, CANA initiation resulted in similar HbA1c values, greater adherence, less discontinuation, and lower treatment cost compared to GLP-1 in T2DM patients. Disclosure M. Singhal: Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. H. Tan: Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. C.I. Coleman: Research Support; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. W.H. Herman: Other Relationship; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Consultant; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC.. Research Support; Spouse/Partner; Nestle. Other Relationship; Self; American Diabetes Association. Advisory Panel; Self; National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). J. Cai: Employee; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. M. Han: Employee; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. M. Ingham: Employee; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC..
A Simple Taxable Income-Based Cost of Living Index

As a means of introducing the concept of an income-based measure of the cost of living, it is useful to note that in the absence of taxes, the expenditure function and the full income compensation function correspond. That is, \({\text{e}}\left( {{\text{P, u}}} \right) \equiv \mu \left( {{\text{P, u; T}}} \right)\) where e(•) in the expenditure function defined in Chapter Three, and μ(•) is the income-compensation function defined in Chapter Four.
Bone Matrix Proteoglycans in Skeletal Function

Proteoglycans (PGs) are a widely diverse family of macromolecules copiously found on cell membranes and in the (ECM) of many tissues throughout the musculoskeletal system. Structurally, these macromolecules are composed of a protein core to which several linear glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains are covalently bound. As PGs are usually extracellular or bound to cellular membranes they play a role in maintaining the structural integrity, including, for example, collagen fibrillogenesis. In addition, as the GAG chains are able to bind a multitude of cell surface receptors, cytokines and growth factors, PGs act both as a local reservoir for these cytokines and growth factors as well as upstream mediators of a multitude of cell-signaling pathways. Animal studies indicate that manipulating the expression of different PGs has a profound effect on the musculoskeletal system and in many cases generated animal models with traits that resemble osteogenesis imperfecta.
Traumatic Ureteral Injuries

Ureteral injuries are rare and can be both difficult to detect and manage. Proper injury staging must be performed either radiographically or surgically. Detection of ureteral injuries is often delayed which increases both morbidity and complication rates. In addition, patients with a ureteral trauma have a high degree of associated injuries which complicates management. Surgical reconstruction is the gold standard and each repair must be adapted to the patient based on the location of the injury, ureteral blood supply, and overall patient condition. Techniques discussed include: damage control, ureteral reimplantation, ureteroureterostomy, vesico-psoas hitch, transureteroureterostomy, and tubularized bladder flap. Despite the complexity of these repairs, the majority of ureteral reconstruction will have excellent long-term outcomes.
La evaluación de los procesos de pensamiento de los maestros en contextos urbanos: un estudio de caso en escuelas primarias de Guatemala

La investigacion sobre los procesos de pensamiento del profesor es alarmantemente escasa en el mundo desarrollado. Este estudio de caso aborda esta importante necesidad evaluando las cogniciones de tres profesores con experiencia y otros tres novatos en colegios urbanos de Primaria en la ciudad de Guatemala. Este estudio de caso pretendio discernir (a) las diferencias en las cogniciones de estos grupos de profesores, (b) el vinculo entre las cogniciones del profesor y sus practicas instruccionales, y (c) el impacto del pensamiento y las variables de profesor sobre los niveles de implicacion de los alumnos. Fueron evaluadas las atribuciones del profesor sobre el fracaso de los alumnos, el pensamiento interactivo del profesor, las practicas instruccionales de los docentes y la implicacion de los alumnos. Aunque distintos patrones de pensamiento del profesor fueron identificados en estos dos grupos de profesores, las diferencias en sus estilos de ensenanza y los resultados de los alumnos no fueron identificadas hasta que estos datos fueron analizados en los contextos en los que los variables cognitivas fueron registradas. Los argumentos relacionados con las fases del desarrollo profesional del profesorado y con los contextos de escuelas urbanas son empleados para discutir las recomendaciones y sus implicaciones.
Responding to Other People's Posture: Visually Induced Motion Sickness From Naturally Generated Optic Flow.

Understanding the relationship between our actions and the perceptual information that is used to support them is becoming increasingly necessary as we utilize more digital and virtual technologies in our lives. Smart and his colleagues (2014) found that altering the relationship between perception and action can have adverse effects, particularly if the perceptual information cannot be used to guide behavior. They also found that motion characteristics varied between people who remained well and those that became motion sick. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of naturally produced virtual motion on postural regulation and examine how people respond to different types of optical flow (produced by other people). Participants were either exposed to optic flow produced by the postural motion of a person who did not become motion sick, or a person who did exhibit motion sickness from Smart and his colleagues (2014). It was discovered that participants exhibited both stronger coupling and more incidents of motion sickness in response to optic flow generated by a non-sick participant. This suggests that participants recognized the potentially usable nature of the well-produced optic flow- but the open loop nature of the stimuli made this perception disruptive rather than facilitative.
Chance missed, but still there! Memoirs at the 10th anniversary of 2003 SARS outbreak

It has been ten years since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was recognized in Guangdong Province, China, in November 2002. As the new infectious disease first emerging at the beginning of the twenty-first century like AIDS in 1980s, SARS posed a serious threat to global health security, human livelihood, functioning of health systems and stability and growth of economies.
Privacy-by-design task offloading for UAV-mounted cloudlets

We consider a network of capacitated Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) cooperating as an aerial edge computing system. Due to limited onboard energy and computation capabilities of UAV-mounted cloudlets, a single UAV might not be able to execute a large number of tasks and guarantee their desired quality of services. The overloaded UAV can fulfill its overwhelming workload by offloading its tasks to other UAVs. However, data privacy and accessibility are of critical importance that need to be considered for offloading. We propose a privacy-by-design offloading solution for an overloaded UAV aiming to minimize the offloading cost while satisfying the quality of services.
Association Between Endoscopic and Histologic Findings in a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort of Patients with Non-esophageal Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders

Little is known about the endoscopic and histologic findings of non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGID). To characterize the presenting endoscopic and histologic findings in patients with eosinophilic gastritis (EG), eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), and eosinophilic colitis (EC) at diagnosis and 6 months after initiating the treatment. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at 6 US centers associated with the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Researchers. Data abstracted included demographics, endoscopic findings, tissue eosinophil counts, and associated histologic findings at diagnosis and, when available, after initial treatment. Of 373 subjects (317 children and 56 adults), 142 had EG, 123 EGE, and 108 EC. Normal endoscopic appearance was the most common finding across all EGIDs (62% of subjects). Baseline tissue eosinophil counts were quantified in 105 (74%) EG, 36 (29%) EGE, and 80 (74%) EC subjects. The mean peak gastric eosinophil count across all sites was 87 eos/hpf for EG and 78 eos/hpf for EGE. The mean peak colonic eosinophil count for EC subjects was 76 eos/hpf (range 10–500). Of the 29% of subjects with post-treatment follow-up, most had an improvement in clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings regardless of treatment utilized. Reductions in tissue eosinophilia correlated with improvements in clinical symptoms as well as endoscopic and histologic findings. In this large cohort, normal appearance was the most common endoscopic finding, emphasizing the importance of biopsy, regardless of endoscopic appearance. Decreased tissue eosinophilia was associated with improvement in symptoms, endoscopic, and histologic findings, showing that disease activity is reversible.
Motivated viewing: Selective exposure to political images when reasoning is not involved

Abstract Motivated reasoning is an important element of politics especially in these highly polarized times. People selectively expose themselves to information in a fashion that makes it possible to embrace arguments consistent with their existing biases and ignore arguments inconsistent with those biases. Often overlooked in the research on motivated reasoning and selective exposure to information, however, is that a substantial portion of politics is about affective responses—that which makes people feel good and that which makes people feel bad. In this paper, we introduce a novel indicator of people's tendency to prolong exposure to favored political images or to truncate exposure to disliked political images. This measure makes it possible to better understand individual differences regarding concepts such as negativity bias and asymmetric political attention even when substantive, issuebased information is not at play.
Abstract C024: Ribitol enhances O-mannosylation of α-DG in breast cancer cells

O-mannosylation of a-dystroglycan (α-DG) is an important modification in most tissues in mammals and plays diverse roles, from acting as viral receptors to neuronal development. The glycosylation produces a laminin-binding glycan (matriglycan) identified in nearly all epithelial cells in a differentiation-related manner. Reduction or loss of matriglycan has been implicated in cancer development and metastasis, and specifically associated with high-grade tumors and poor prognoses in breast cancers. Enhancing matriglycan expression has been proposed as potential therapeutics. In the current study, we demonstrate that ribitol, considered to be an end product of metabolism, increases levels of CDP-ribitol, the substrate for the ribitol-5-phosphate transferases FKRP and FKTN, and consequently significantly enhances the expression of matriglycan in the MCF7 breast cancer cells. This effect is FKRP and LARGE dependent and ribitol treatment does not alter the expression of glycosyltransferases known to be critical for the synthesis of matriglycan. Enhanced expression of matriglycan is related to cell cycle progression with highest levels in S and G2 phases. This is the first time that glycosylation of a-DG is shown to be up-regulated in cancer cells by a metabolite. Our data show another layer of modulation and illustrate the complexity of matriglycan expression in cancer cell proliferation and progression. Citation Format: qi L Lu, Pei J Lu, Jason D Tucker, Elizabeth K Branch, Fei Guo, Anthony R Blaeser. Ribitol enhances O-mannosylation of α-DG in breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C024. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-C024
Mycotic Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta

A 53-year-old male underwent open repair of a mycotic aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with direct in-line reconstruction using Dacron graft. Infection was caused by E. coli. Patient subsequently developed osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine which was treated with prolonged course of antibiotics.
Single loop allograft reconstruction for sternoclavicular joint instability.

Background Various surgical strategies have been used for the treatment of sternoclavicular joint instability with variable results. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results of patients who underwent single-loop allograft reconstruction for sternoclavicular joint instability. Methods A total of 10 patients underwent single-loop allograft reconstruction for sternoclavicular joint instability from June 2012 to August 2014 by a single surgeon. All patients had a history of instability of the sternoclavicular joint with persistent chronic subluxation of the joint, magnetic resonance imaging disruption of the sternoclavicular ligaments, and persistent symptoms of pain and instability. Regarding the surgical technique, a single 5.5 mm drill hole was placed in the sternum and a second was placed in the medial aspect of the clavicle. A semitendinosus hamstring allograft was looped between the 2 holes and then tied in a square knot anteriorly. A #5 high-strength suture was used as cerclage as well. Nine of 10 patients (90% follow-up) were available at an average of 3.3 ± 0.84 years postoperatively. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 42 years (range, 20-73 years). Patients were evaluated postoperatively with outcome scores (visual analog scale pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test), a question regarding tenderness at the sternoclavicular joint, and a question regarding residual instability and overall patient satisfaction (yes/no). Results The average functional outcome scores for the Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale pain, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were 11.8, 0.9, and 94.8, respectively. Three of 9 patients reported some residual tenderness located to the sternoclavicular joint. No patients reported any residual instability of the sternoclavicular joint. Eight of 9 patients reported that they were satisfied with the procedure. No patients required reoperation, and there were no complications. Conclusion Single-loop allograft reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint provides reliable pain relief, functional improvement, and joint stability for patients with chronic sternoclavicular joint instability. The simplicity of the procedure eliminates the need for small, multiple drill holes that may lead to fracture between tunnels or the use of a small, thin graft.
Conjugate Bayesian Regression Models for Massive Geostatistical Data Sets

Geographic Information Systems and related technologies are routinely used to construct massive amounts of spatially oriented data. This, in turn, has generated substantial interest among statisticians for modelling and analysing large spatial datasets. Scalable spatial process models have been found especially attractive due to their richness and flexibility and, particularly so in the Bayesian paradigm, due to their presence in hierarchical model settings. A substantial amount of research articles focus upon innovative theory and more complex model development, but limited attention has been accorded to approaches for easily implementable scalable hierarchical models for the practising scientist or spatial analyst. This article outlines how point-referenced spatial process models can be cast within the framework of conjugate Bayesian linear regression that can rapidly deliver inference on spatial processes. The approach directly samples from the exact joint posterior distribution of regression parameters, the latent process and the predictive random variables, and can be easily implemented on statistical programming environments such as R.
Building Resilient Brains is as Easy as A-B-C, 1-2-3!

Children’s ability in mathematics, which builds on what young children have learned in their early years, is critical to their success in school, and their future economic success. For all young children, the development of math skills is closely linked with the development of literacy skills and with other important non-academic abilities, including social-emotional skills. However, national and international data paint a discouraging picture of math proficiency in the US. The 21st century economy will increasingly be one in which those proficient in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills will have an …
Evidence of dental agenesis in late pleistocene Homo.

Abstract Objective Differential diagnosis and tabulation of cases of dental agenesis in Middle and Upper Paleolithic Western Eurasian humans to synthesize this data and to test previous hypotheses about when recent human patterns of third molar agenesis were established. Materials 139 Late Pleistocene human remains and 149 individuals from three Epi-Paleolithic/ Holocene non-agricultural comparative collections. Methods All remains were visually and radiographically recorded by the author. Results In addition to establishing that third molar agenesis was common during the Late Upper Paleolithic (22,500–10,000 years BP), this study suggests a pattern of increasing prevalence through time. Conclusions An increase in the prevalence of third molar agenesis in the Late Upper Paleolithic could indicate selection for dental size reduction and orthognathy, but also bio-cultural changes from more intensive food preparation techniques. Significance Third molar agenesis, a well-known developmental defect, is often reported for recent human skeletal collections, but the prevalence of the condition for Pleistocene hominins had not been previously quantified in order to consider patterns through time. Hypotheses posited for the high prevalence of third molar agenesis, or hypodontia in general, in some recent human groups require an understanding of the prevalence of these traits in the past. Limitations Paleolithic skeletal remains are incomplete, so these values are under-estimations. Individuals are also separated diachronically and geographically and should not be assumed to represent a single population sample. Suggestions for Further Research Hypotheses on some of the potential selective forces acting on dental size reduction and subsequent agenesis could be tested in recent humans.
Microsurgical Excision of Ruptured Lenticulostriate Artery Aneurysm

Lenticulostriate artery aneurysms are uncommon lesions, usually found in adults post-hemorrhage. Despite their challenging location, mortality rates after initial hemorrhage are favorable. Securing the hemorrhage source is critical but may be complicated by lesional compression or thrombosis on post-hemorrhage vascular imaging. We present key steps in the diagnosis and surgical management of a ruptured lenticulostriate aneurysm. A healthy 18-year-old patient with prior intermittent prescription amphetamine use presented after acute severe headache onset while weight-lifting. On examination, he had trace left upper extremity drift and weakness but was otherwise neurologically intact. A head computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 2.9×2.6×1.7-cm right basal ganglia intraparenchymal hemorrhage, with trace subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns. Secondary imaging including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, CT angiogram, and digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) was negative for underlying lesions. After an uneventful recovery, a 4-month MR angiogram and subsequent DSA demonstrated a 2.7-mm right lenticulostriate aneurysm in the area of the prior hemorrhage. Treatment was recommended to prevent a rehemorrhage, with the safety of local vessel sacrifice presumed based on prior local tissue damage. Microcatheterization was unsuccessful. A right frontotemporal craniotomy for transsylvian, transinsular microsurgical aneurysm excision was performed, with image guidance used for the insular entry site. The patient was discharged home neurologically intact on postoperative day 2. At one-year follow-up, there were no new or recurrent vascular lesions on imaging. Delayed imaging is critical to identify initially occult cerebrovascular lesions after hemorrhage. The transsylvian, transinsular approach provides safe access to the basal ganglia region in selected patients.
Clicks Bias in Editorial Decisions: How Does Popularity Shape Online News Coverage?

Abstract Do clicks received by online news stories, independent of story quality, influence the way newspaper editors allocate journalistic resources to them, and if so, how? Combining a unique online news dataset obtained from a large Indian English daily newspaper and publicly available data about story characteristics, we provide evidence that editors respond to the clicks received by the first article of news stories by increasing the amount of follow-up coverage. We show that a standard deviation increase in clicks received by the first article of a story can expand the coverage of the story by three additional articles and its duration by three days. To establish causality, we use an instrumental variables strategy by exploiting ordinary power shortages and rainfall as exogenous shocks to readers' access to online news. An analysis of the content of stories demonstrates that editorial response to clicks is asymmetric for hard (i.e., economic, business events, world events) and soft (i.e., entertainment, sports) news stories. Additional coverage is only awarded to popular hard stories but not to the soft ones, suggesting that hard news may crowd out soft news stories, but not vice-versa. We discuss the implications of our findings for policy makers, managerial strategy, as well as the readers.
In planta side-chain glucosinolate modification in Arabidopsis by introduction of dioxygenase Brassica homolog BoGSL-ALK

Aliphatic glucosinolates and their derived isothiocyanates are important secondary metabolites in crucifers. Some of these compounds have beneficial activities such as carcinogen detoxification, pesticidal and antifungal properties, but others are anti-nutritional; the differences are largely due to side chain modifications. We report the cloning and in planta functionality analysis of BoGSL-ALK, a gene whose protein product influences side-chain modifications in the glucosinolate pathway. Expression of this Brassica gene was demonstrated in Arabidopsis thaliana by assaying RNA activity and monitoring changes in the glucosinolate profiles in leaves and seeds of transformed plants. Dependent on the proposed uses of the crops under development, the ability to regulate BoGSL-ALK expression is a key step towards engineering Brassica crops with specific glucosinolate content.
Do Major Customers Influence Voluntary Corporate Disclosure

Prior research suggests that firms in bilateral relationships have incentives to use accounting information to enhance stakeholders’ assessment of the firms’ reputation for fulfilling implicit claims. Using a database of firms’ major customers, we provide evidence that principal customers influence discretionary management earnings forecast disclosures. We find that firms with greater dependence on major customers are more likely to issue earnings forecasts, especially in environments where implicit claims with customers and resulting relationship-specific investments are significant. Further, we find that dependence on major customers is associated with more timely and frequent forecasts, but only when relationship-specific investments are more important. However, when relationship-specific investments are less important, the dependence on major customers is associated with more optimistically-biased forecasts. Overall, our results suggest that the decisions managers make about earnings forecasts are affected by the dependence on major customers.