cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ondansetron: A Novel Anti-anxiety Agent

Although the widely used benzodiazepines for control of anxiety have met with high patient acceptance, there is a hesitation about long-term use owing to the possibility of dependence. The new azaspirodecanedione compounds such as buspirone (Buspar) are free from dependence but raise the spectre of tardive dyskinesia since they are derivatives of the butyro-phenones. Furthermore, the azaspirodecanediones have a limitation in that the onset of the anti-anxiety benefit might take a week or two. Therefore, ondansetron, a novel compound with antianxiety properties, was studied in outpatients who met the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III (DSM-III) criteria for generalized anxiety disorder with or without panic attacks. This report is on the methodological difficulties encountered in such a clinical investigation.
Personal Goals and Their Role in Consumer Behavior: The Case of Compulsive Buying

Contrary to previous research, compulsive buying is modeled as a function of one’s personal goals, rather than simply an outcome of psychological tension. Consumer researchers have paid little attention to the purposive element of consumer behavior. Viewing consumers as goal-seeking individuals should contribute to our understanding of a fundamental question about consumer behavior - what are consumers trying to accomplish when they purchase and consume products and services? The study finds that extrinsic goals emphasizing financial success and attractiveness to others are positively related to compulsive buying. Conversely, intrinsic goals emphasizing self-acceptance and community feelings are negatively related to compulsive buying. The findings emphasize the importance of further research and theory development in the study of compulsive buying and have important implications for our understanding of consumer behavior and well being.
Changes in functional connectivity of the amygdala during cognitive reappraisal predict symptom reduction during trauma-focused cognitive–behavioral therapy among adolescent girls with post-traumatic stress disorder

Background While trauma-focused cognitive–behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little is known about the neural mechanisms by which TF-CBT produces clinical benefit. Here, we test the hypothesis that PTSD symptom reduction during TF-CBT among adolescent girls with PTSD is associated with changes in patterns of brain functional connectivity (FC) with the amygdala during cognitive reappraisal. Method Adolescent girls with PTSD related to physical or sexual assault (n = 34) were enrolled in TF-CBT, delivered in an approximately 12-session format, in an open trial. Before and after treatment, they were engaged in a cognitive reappraisal task, probing neural mechanisms of explicit emotion regulation, during 3 T functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results Among adolescent girls completing TF-CBT with usable pre- and post-treatment scans (n = 20), improvements in self-reported emotion from pre- to post-treatment were positively related to improvements in PTSD symptoms. Adolescent girls with greater post-treatment symptom reduction were also able to suppress amygdala–insula FC while re-appraising, which was not evident in girls with less symptom reduction. Pre- to post-treatment changes in right amygdala to left insula FC that scaled with PTSD symptom reduction also scaled with improvements in emotion regulation. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest the neurocircuitry mechanisms through which TF-CBT produces clinical outcomes, providing putative brain targets for augmenting TF-CBT response.
Balancing redox stress: anchorage-independent growth requires reductive carboxylation

The ability of a cell to exhibit anchorage independent growth is a hallmark of cancer, and has been extensively investigated in hopes of finding new therapeutic strategies. In particular, the processes that give rise to and support this dysregulated growth phenotype, which allows cells to proliferate in the absence of survival signals resulting from their attachment to a basement membrane, has been of interest. The contribution of oncogenes and tumor suppressors on anchorage independent growth has been well studied; however, the alterations in cellular metabolism that support this process are much less defined. Changes in cellular metabolism are among the most notable hallmarks of solid tumors, where glucose is imported at high rates and exported from cancer cells as lactate, instead of being utilized within the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) (1,2). This process, known as the Warburg effect, represents the primary metabolic phenotype associated with cancer cells. In order to adapt to this altered metabolism, cancer cells have been shown to rely on other primary metabolic pathways to support their increased requirements for biosynthesis and redox control to allow for their sustained proliferation. In particular, glutamine metabolism has been shown to supplement the decrease in glucose-derived carbon entering the TCA cycle in 2D cultured cancer cells (Figure 1, compare quiescent versus proliferating cells). However, it remains unclear how expendable glutaminkfueled anaplerosis is for cells grown in 3D. In their recent Nature article, DeBerardinis and coworkers [2016] set out to describe the metabolic alterations that accompany the anchorage-independent growth of human cancer cells when cultured as a 2D monolayer or as a 3D spheroid, thereby mimicking the detachment from the extracellular matrix that often occurs during tumorigenesis (3). They find that the same cancer cells exhibit drastically different metabolic phenotypes when grown as spheroids than they do in a monolayer culture.
Choice of Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Impacts Hemodynamics Differently According to Aortic Annular Size.

We sought to determine whether balloon-expandable valve (BEV) and self-expanding valve (SEV) affect valve hemodynamics differently according to native aortic annulus size. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can achieve superior prosthetic valve hemodynamics compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, particularly in patients with small aortic annulus. One hundred ninety-three consecutive transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients were grouped into tertiles defined by computed tomography derived aortic annulus systolic perimeter. The predischarge echocardiogram was analyzed for prosthetic valve hemodynamics. Tertile perimeter cutoffs were 73 and 80 mm. STS score decreased as annulus size increased (7.8% vs 7.6% vs 6.0%, p ≤0.05 for small, medium, and large annulus, respectively). In patients with small aortic annulus, SEV was associated with significantly higher dimensionless index (0.64 vs 0.53, p = 0.02) and lower peak velocity (1.8 vs 2.4 m/sec, p
The Role of Relationship Adjustment in an Integrated Individual Treatment for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Among Veterans: An Exploratory Study.

ABSTRACTObjective: Identifying factors that influence treatment outcomes of emerging integrated interventions for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder is crucial to maximize veterans' health. Dyadic adjustment suffers among individuals with PTSD and substance use disorder and may be an important mechanism of change in treatment. This exploratory study examined the association between dyadic adjustment and treatment outcomes in individual integrated treatment for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder. Methods: Participants were treatment-seeking veterans (N = 15) participating in a larger randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of a novel integrated treatment for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder. Multiple regression analyses controlling for baseline symptom severity and independent sample t-tests were used to examine the relation between dyadic adjustment and treatment outcome variables including PTSD, substance use disorder, and depress...
Technical Solar Photovoltaic Potential of Scaled Parking Lot Canopies: A Case Study of Walmart U.S.A.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology can provide sustainable power for the growing global population in cities, but it demands considerable land area. This is a challenge for densely populated cities. However, the stranded assets of non-productive parking lots areas can be converted to solar farms with PV canopies, enabling sustainable electricity generation while preserving their function to park automobiles. This study provides a method for determining the technical and economic potential for converting a national scale retail company’s parking lot area to a solar farm. First, the parking lot area for the company is determined and divided into zones based upon solar flux using virtual maps. Then the potential PV yield in each zone is calculated. A sensitivity analysis is performed on the price per unit power installed, solar energy production as a proxy for conversion efficiency, electricity rates and revenue earned per unit area. To demonstrate this method, analysis of Walmart Supercenters, USA is presented as a case study. The results show solar canopies for parking lot areas are a profitable as well a responsible step in most locations and there is significant potential for sustainable energy deployment in cities by other similar retailers using solar PV canopies.
Concurrent Hydrogenation of Three Functional Groups Enables Synthesis of C3′-Homologated Nucleoside Amino Acids

Internucleoside amide linkages are excellent mimics of phosphodiesters in RNA and may be used to optimize the properties of short interfering RNAs. Herein we report a remarkably straightforward, efficient and step economic synthesis of C3′-homologated uridine and adenosine amino acids starting from nucleosides in six steps (31% overall yield) and eight steps (16% overall yield), respectively. The key enabling step is a one-pot multifunctional group transformation including a stereoselective hydrogenation, termed “Global Hydrogenation”.
Influence of Error on Hamming Weights for ASCA

Algebraic Side-Channel Attack (ASCA) models the cryptographic algorithm and side-channel leakage from the system as a set of equations and solves for the secret key. The attack has low data complexity and can succeed in unknown plaintext/ciphertext scenarios. However, it is susceptible to error and the complexity of the model may drastically increase the runtime as well as the memory consumption. In this paper, we explore the attack by examining the importance of various Hamming weights in terms of success of the attack, which also allows us to gain insights into possible areas of focus for countermeasures, as well as successfully launch ASCA on AES with a larger error tolerance.
Thrombin enhances glioma growth.

Background Our previous studies have demonstrated that argatroban, a specific thrombin inhibitor, reduces brain edema and neurological deficits in rat glioma models. The present study investigated whether or not thrombin enhances glioma growth in vivo and in vitro. Methods There were two parts in this study. In the first part, rat C6 glioma cells were treated with or without thrombin. These cells were then injected into the right caudate of adult male Fischer 344 rats. Rats underwent behavioral testing prior to sacrifice 12 days later for tumor mass measurement. In the second part, C6 cells were incubated in serum-free medium for 24 hours and then treated with thrombin with or without argatroban, a thrombin inhibitor. DNA synthesis was examined using a 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) ELISA kit. Cell proliferation was determined using a 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Findings Treatment of C6 cells with thrombin prior to intracerebral implantation resulted in a larger tumor mass and worse neurological deficits at day12. In vitro, thrombin increased DNA synthesis in C6 glioma cells, and this effect was blocked by argatroban. MTT assay showed that thrombin significantly increased glioma cell proliferation in vitro. Conclusions In summary, thrombin enhances C6 glioma growth in vivo and cell proliferation in vitro suggesting that thrombin may be a target of glioma therapy.
Lattice Points Inside Rational Simplices and the Casson Invariant of Brieskorn Spheres

We express the number of lattice points inside certain simplices with vertices in Q3 or Q4 in terms of Dedekind–Rademacher sums. This leads to an elementary proof of a formula relating the Euler characteristic of the Seiberg–Witten-Floer homology of a Brieskorn Z-homology sphere to the Casson invariant.
Neuroimaging in Autoimmune and Neuroinflammation-Related Epilepsies

Autoimmune encephalitis is increasingly recognized as a cause of new onset altered mental status and seizures with a wide range of neuroimaging findings. We will describe the neuroimaging findings in autoimmune and neuroinflammation-related epilepsies.
Etiology & Management of Long QT Syndrome

Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a congenital or acquired condition of the heart rhythm which is characterized on an electrocardiogram by a long QT interval and a type of ventricular tachycardia known as Torsades de Pointes (TdP). The pathophysiology of LQTS may be based in either increases in sympathetic activity in the electrical conduction system, or in abnormal ion flow within the heart, which lead to increases in action potential duration and subsequently prolongs the QT interval, causing predisposition to TdP. LQTS can result from inherited genetic mutations but can also be acquired due to medications such as Class I and Class III antiarrhythmics. Treatment for the condition includes beta-blocker medications, sympathetic denervation procedures, and cardioverter-defibrillator implants. LQTS is of particular interest due to its ability to lead to TdP, which can lead to unconsciousness or sudden cardiac death, and because of its typical onset and severity without other clinical signs which often leads to misdiagnosis. Work must be continued to investigate the drugs which can cause the acquired form of this disease, the genetics of the disease, and the best treatment for varying severities of the disease in order to improve patient outcomes.
Learning Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy and Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy (LEAP): A Pilot Study.

Background Prior studies in pulmonology have examined the validity of procedural training tools, however, translation of simulation skill acquisition into real world competency remains understudied. We examine an assessment process with a simulation training course for electromagnetic navigational (EMN) bronchoscopy and percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration (PTTNA). Methods A cohort study was conducted by subjects using EMN bronchoscopy and PTTNA. A procedural assessment tool was developed to measure basic competency for EMN bronchoscopy and PTTNA at 3 different time points: first simulation case, final simulation case upon reaching a competent score, and at their first live case. The assessment tool was divided into 4 domains (total score, 4 to 16; competency ≥12) with each domain requiring a passing score (1 to 4; competency ≥3.0). Complication and procedural time were collected during their first live case. Results Twenty-two serial procedures (12 EMN bronchoscopies, 10 EMN PTTNA) were observed by 14 subjects. The mean first simulation score for EMN bronchoscopy (4.66±0.89) improved after cadaver simulation (12.67±0.89, median 3 simulations attempts). The subjects' mean score for their first live case was 13.0±0.85 (self-reported score 12.5±1.07). For EMN PTTNA, the mean first simulation score (4.3±2.40) improved after cadaver simulation (12.6±1.51, median 3 simulation attempts). The subjects' mean score for their first live PTTNA case was 12.5±2.87 (self-reported score 12.1±1.05). There was only 1 minor complication. Conclusion Learning EMN bronchoscopy/PTTNA is feasible using a structured simulation course with an assessment tool.
Primary care physicians’ perspectives of the survivorship care for older breast cancer survivors: a pilot study

To evaluate primary care physicians’ (PCPs) role in survivorship care of older breast cancer survivors, their experiences and opinions of survivorship care plans (SCPs), and suggestions for improving care coordination and facilitation of SCPs among older (≥ 65 years) breast cancer survivors. A web-based questionnaire was completed individually by PCPs about their training and what areas of survivorship they address under their care. A subset of survey participants were interviewed about survivorship care, care coordination, and the appropriateness and effects of SCPs on older breast cancer survivors’ outcomes. Physician participants (N = 29) had an average of 13.5 years in practice. PCPs surveyed that their main role was to provide general health promotion and their least common role was to manage late- and/or long-term effects. Semi-structured interviews indicated that the majority of PCPs did not receive a SCP from their patients’ oncologists and that communication regarding survivorship care was poor. Participants’ suggestions for improvements to SCPs and survivorship care included regular communication with oncologists, delegation from oncologists regarding roles, and mutual understanding of each other’s roles. PCPs indicated that survivorship care and SCPs should be improved, regarding communication and roles related to their patients’ survivorship. PCPs should assume an active role to enhance PCP-oncologist communication. Future research in PCPs’ role in survivorship care in a broad, diverse cancer survivor population is warranted. More attention needs to focus on the importance of PCPs, as they are an integral part of dual management for older breast cancer survivors post-treatment.
Social Interaction Technology in Context

During the last decade, the population of Internet users around the globe has grown to over 2.4 billion, according to the Internet Usage and World Population Statistics. Surveys of global social media point at the arrival of the previously predicted age of social dynamics, social contact, and social experiences. The different aspects of communication technologies in various contexts are increasingly scrutinized by social scientists, policy makers, marketers, business owners, and social commentators alike. The current issue of the International Journal of Interactive Systems and Technologies offers an analysis of the use of social interaction technologies in different settings ranging from community revitalization efforts in urban areas to physical activity to education to legal situations involving social media. As the social features of communication technologies continue to amplify, the assertion that the Internet has become an indispensable part of modern society, economy, and culture, and the way to move forward is by embracing new technologies, remains valid.
The value of missing information in severity of illness score development

Abstract Objective We aim to investigate the hypothesis that using information about which variables are missing along with appropriate imputation improves the performance of severity of illness scoring systems used to predict critical patient outcomes. Study design and setting We quantify the impact of missing and imputed variables on the performance of prediction models used in the development of a sepsis-related severity of illness scoring system. Electronic health records (EHR) data were compiled from Christiana Care Health System (CCHS) on 119,968 adult patients hospitalized between July 2013 and December 2015. Two outcomes of interest were considered for prediction: (1) first transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) and (2) in-hospital mortality. Five different prediction models were employed. Indicators were utilized in these prediction models to identify when variables were missing and imputed. Results We observed statistically significant gains in prediction performance when moving from models that did not indicate missing information to those that did. Moreover, this increase was higher in models that use summary variables as predictors compared to those that use all variables. Conclusion When developing prediction models using longitudinal EHR data, researchers should explore the incorporation of indicators for missing variables along with appropriate imputation.
Forward genetic analysis using OCT screening identifies Sfxn3 mutations leading to progressive outer retinal degeneration in mice.

Retinal disease and loss of vision can result from any disruption of the complex pathways controlling retinal development and homeostasis. Forward genetics provides an excellent tool to find, in an unbiased manner, genes that are essential to these processes. Using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis in mice in combination with a screening protocol using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and automated meiotic mapping, we identified 11 mutations presumably causative of retinal phenotypes in genes previously known to be essential for retinal integrity. In addition, we found multiple statistically significant gene-phenotype associations that have not been reported previously and decided to target one of these genes, Sfxn3 (encoding sideroflexin-3), using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We demonstrate, using OCT, light microscopy, and electroretinography, that two Sfxn3−/− mouse lines developed progressive and severe outer retinal degeneration. Electron microscopy showed thinning of the retinal pigment epithelium and disruption of the external limiting membrane. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of retinal cells isolated from C57BL/6J mice, we demonstrate that Sfxn3 is expressed in several bipolar cell subtypes, retinal ganglion cells, and some amacrine cell subtypes but not significantly in Muller cells or photoreceptors. In situ hybridization confirmed these findings. Furthermore, pathway analysis suggests that Sfxn3 may be associated with synaptic homeostasis. Importantly, electron microscopy analysis showed disruption of synapses and synaptic ribbons in the outer plexiform layer of Sfxn3−/− mice. Our work describes a previously unknown requirement for Sfxn3 in retinal function.
The pro-apoptotic actions of 2-methoxyestradiol against ovarian cancer involve catalytic activation of PKCδ signaling.

Background 2-methoxyestradiol (2MeOE2) is a natural metabolite of estradiol, which is generated by the action of CYP1A1 enzyme in the liver. We have previously shown that a flaxseed-supplemented diet decreases both the incidence and severity of ovarian cancer in laying hens, also induces CYP1A1 expression in liver. Recently, we have shown that as a biologically derived active component of flax diet, 2MeOE2 induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells which is partially dependent on p38 MAPK. The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of actions of 2MeOE2, a known microtubule disrupting agent, in inducing apoptosis in ovarian tumors. Results 2MeOE2 induces γH2Ax expression and apoptotic histone modifications in ovarian cancer cells, which are predicted downstream targets of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) during apoptosis. Overexpressing full length PKCδ alone does not induce apoptosis but potentiates 2MeOE2-mediated apoptosis. C3-domain mutated dominant-negative PKCδ (PKCδDN) significantly reduces 2MeOE2-induced caspase-3 cleavage and apoptotic histone modification. Silencing PKCδ diminishes 2MeOE2-mediated apoptosis. The catalytic fragment of PKCδ (PKCδCAT) evokes pro-apoptotic effects which are principally dependent on p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Conclusions The pro-apoptotic actions of 2MeOE2 are in part dependent on catalytic activation of PKCδ. Catalytic activation of PKCδ accelerates the 2MeOE2-induced apoptotic cascade. This study describes a novel molecular action of flaxseed diet in ovarian cancer.
Development of preliminary transfer functions for performance predictions in FlexPAVE

Abstract Mechanistic-empirical design and performance-related specifications are state-of-the-art tools for designing pavements and determining incentives/disincentives for paving contracts. These methods require the reliable prediction of pavement performance throughout the pavement’s design life. One such prediction program is FlexPAVE™, which applies three-dimensional viscoelastic finite element analysis with moving loads to calculate the pavement’s mechanical responses under traffic loading and given climate data. The simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model and shift model are used to calculate the fatigue damage in the pavement’s cross-section and the rut depths, respectively. With regard to fatigue damage, a fatigue transfer function is needed to convert the computed cross-sectional damaged area (i.e., the damage level) to the cracked area on the pavement surface. With regard to rut depth, a rutting transfer function is needed to calibrate the predicted rut depths. In this study, preliminary transfer functions for the predicted fatigue damage and rut depths were developed using four sets of field measurement data obtained from test sections in the United States, Canada, and South Korea that include interstate highways and an accelerated testing facility. Good agreement between the predicted performance and field observations was found after calibration of FlexPAVE™.
HIGH-FREQUENCY OSCILLATORY VENTILATION IN EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS: OPTIMUM VOLUME STRATEGY ADOPTION AND SUCCESSFUL EXTUBATION

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of optimal lung volume strategy in electively high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)-treated extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requiring mechanical ventilation. Methods Newborns with gestational age ⩽27 weeks and/or birth weight ⩽1000 g, are electively treated with HFOV (Draeger Babylog 8000 plus). An “optimum volume strategy” was adopted with step-by step continuous distending pressure (CDP) increases with a target FiO2 ⩽0.25, as a marker of optimal alveolar recruitment. Surfactant was given after recruitment phase if CDP was >10 cm H2O. Extubation was attempted with CDP ⩽6 cm H2O, FiO2 ⩽0.25 and amplitude ⩽30%. Results 73 newborns (mean gestational age 26.2 ± 1.2 weeks, birth weight 760 ± 198 g) were studied: 57 (78%) required surfactant, 63 (87%) survived, 18 (28%) developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 10 (14%) had intraventricular haemorrhages >2°. Significant correlations were found between CDP and tidal volume at 24 h of life: a positive correlation in surfactant-treated patients (r2 = 0.20, p Conclusions Our protocol of elective HFOV in ELBW infants has proved to be safe and effective in the management of acute RDS. Weaning the CDP ⩽6 cm H2O with FiO2 ⩽0.25 is feasible during HFOV and extubation at these settings is successful in 91% of cases.
Lyα Absorption Systems and the Nearby Galaxy Distribution

We study the galaxy number density (smoothed on a 5 h-1 Mpc scale) around 18 low-redshift Ly? absorbers previously observed with HST. The absorbers lie in the foregrounds of Mrk 335, Mrk 421, Mrk 501, I Zw 1, and 3C 273, all within regions where there are now complete redshift surveys to mZw = 15.5. We construct a smoothed galaxy number density field from the redshift survey data and determine the distribution of densities at the Ly? absorber locations. We also find the distribution of galaxy number density for a variety of test samples: all galaxy locations within the Center for Astrophysics Redshift Survey (CfA2), CfA2 galaxy locations along randomly selected lines of sight, and randomly chosen redshifts along random lines of sight. The Ly? absorbers are present in dense regions of the survey, but occur far more frequently in underdense regions than do typical luminous galaxies. The distribution of smoothed galaxy density around the Ly? absorbers is inconsistent at the 4 ? level with the density distribution around survey galaxies. It is highly consistent with a density distribution at randomly chosen redshifts along random lines of sight. This supports earlier evidence that the nearby, low column density (log NHI 14) Ly? forest systems are spatially distributed at random; they are not well correlated with the local large-scale structure.
Use of Public Data to Describe COVID-19 Contact Tracing in China during January 20-February 29, 2020

Abstract Objective Although contact tracing is generally not used to control influenza pandemics, China and several countries in the Western Pacific Region employed contact tracing as part of COVID-19 response activities. To improve understanding on the use of contact tracing for COVID-19 emergency public health response activities, we describe reported COVID-19 contacts traced and quarantined in China and a proxy for number of reported contacts traced per reported case. Methods We abstracted publicly available online aggregate data reported from China’s National Health Commission and provincial health commissions’ COVID-19 daily situational reports for January 20–February 29, 2020. The number of new contacts traced by report date was computed as the difference between total contacts traced on consecutive reports. A proxy for the number of contacts traced per case was computed as the number of new contacts traced divided by the number of new cases. Results During January 20–February 29, 2020, China reported 80,968 new COVID-19 cases (Hubei Province = 67,608 [83%]), and 659,899 contacts traced (Hubei Province = 265,617 [40%]). Non-Hubei provinces reported more contacts traced per case than Hubei Province; this difference increased over time. Discussion Along with other NPI used in China, contact tracing likely contributed to reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission by quarantining a large number of potentially infected contacts. Despite reporting only 15% of total cases, non-Hubei provinces had 1.5 times more reported contacts traced compared to Hubei Province. Contract tracing may have been more complete in areas and periods with lower case counts.
Lifestyle intervention to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.

ObjectiveWe assessed the effects of a lifestyle intervention on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence and risk of adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for GDM.Methods...
Hidden Diversity within Common Protozoan Parasites as Revealed by a Novel Genomotyping Scheme.

ABSTRACT Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia lamblia, Giardia intestinalis) is the causative agent of giardiasis, one of the most common diarrheal infections in humans. Evolutionary relationships among G. duodenalis genotypes (or subtypes) of assemblage B, one of two genetic assemblages causing the majority of human infections, remain unclear due to poor phylogenetic resolution of current typing methods. In this study, we devised a methodology to identify new markers for a streamlined multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme based on comparisons of all core genes against the phylogeny of whole-genome sequences (WGS). Our analysis identified three markers with resolution comparable to that of WGS data. Using newly designed PCR primers for our novel MLST loci, we typed an additional 68 strains of assemblage B. Analyses of these strains and previously determined genome sequences showed that genomes of this assemblage can be assigned to 16 clonal complexes, each with unique gene content that is apparently tuned to differential virulence and ecology. Obtaining new genomes of Giardia spp. and other eukaryotic microbial pathogens remains challenging due to difficulties in culturing the parasites in the laboratory. Hence, the methods described here are expected to be widely applicable to other pathogens of interest and advance our understanding of their ecology and evolution. IMPORTANCEGiardia duodenalis assemblage B is a major waterborne pathogen and the most commonly identified genotype causing human giardiasis worldwide. The lack of morphological characters for classification requires the use of molecular techniques for strain differentiation; however, the absence of scalable and affordable next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based typing methods has prevented meaningful advancements in high-resolution molecular typing for further understanding of the evolution and epidemiology of assemblage B. Prior studies have reported high sequence diversity but low phylogenetic resolution at standard loci in assemblage B, highlighting the necessity of identifying new markers for accurate and robust molecular typing. Data from comparative analyses of available genomes in this study identified three loci that together form a novel high-resolution typing scheme with high concordance to whole-genome-based phylogenomics and which should aid in future public health endeavors related to this parasite. In addition, data from newly characterized strains suggest evidence of biogeographic and ecologic endemism.
Effect of electrospinning conditions on β-phase and surface charge potential of PVDF fibers

Abstract Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers, can act as electrets in filtration applications. Relevant to this is the extent at which electrospinning conditions affect the beta-phase content of PVDF fibers. The beta-phase content is a strong factor in measured charge potentials on PVDF fiber mats. PVDF fiber mats were electrospun from three different polymer solution concentrations (10, 14 and 18 wt%) to fabricate mats of three average fiber diameters (328, 780, 1167 nm) respectively and of five different basis weights (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/m2). Furthermore, fiber mat samples were electrospun at varying conditions of applied voltage (21, 24, 27 and 30 kV), solution flow rates (2, 5 and 8 ml/h), needle-tip to collector distances (12, 15, 18, 22 cm) and collector drum rotation speeds (5, 45, 100 rpm) while holding constant the 10 wt% solution concentration and 20 g/m2 mat basis weight. SEM images and FTIR spectra were analyzed to estimate the average fiber diameter and amount of beta-phase content. The apparent surface charge potential was measured using a custom-made Faraday Bucket. The solution compositions, flow rates, and needle-tip distance had moderate effects on fiber diameters and on the beta-phase content. The measured surface potential was found to be directly proportional to beta-phase content. The rotation rate of the drum collector had negligible effect on fiber diameter but did affect the beta-phase and surface potential. The measured surface charge potential was directly proportional to the basis weight and inversely proportional to the fiber diameter.
The implications of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) on healthcare organizations: Lessons learned from early compliance experiences

Abstract Objective In 2018, California legislators passed the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a digital privacy regulation conferring consumers more control over their online personal information. CCPA is a significant regulation overseeing technology companies’ data collection and usage practices in the United States. This article analyzes CCPA and its implications on healthcare organizations. We elaborate on the compliance challenges that have emerged due to the interplay of the CCPA with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) from legal and technical/operational perspectives. Methods Qualitative methods comprising semi-structured expert interviews, qualitative data coding, and analysis were used to explore the perceptions of the practitioners on various dimensions of the policy and to obtain insights from the field. Results Our findings indicated that California's healthcare organizations faced several legal and technological challenges in complying with CCPA. A lack of regulatory clarity and a low likelihood of enforcement emerged as two major themes of legal concern. Poor data discovery and inventory processes, lack of sophisticated digital infrastructure, the interaction between technology and privacy professionals, and the high cost of compliance emerged as significant technological hurdles to CCPA compliance. Conclusions Despite considerable ambiguity around the scope and jurisdiction of CCPA in the healthcare sector, healthcare organizations may be subject to CCPA, primarily when they collect personally identifiable information that is not protected health information. Such organizations may need to comply with both regulations. Furthermore, it is in their best interest to develop compliance plans proactively rather than being caught in the quandary of last-minute implementation or expensive litigation.
Learning in Mathematically-Based Domains

All the mathematical sciences are founded on relations between physical laws and laws of numbers, so that the aim of exact science is to reduce the problems of nature to the determination of quantities by operations with numbers.
Pathogenesis of oncogenic simian adenoviruses: VIII. The histopathology and ultrastructure of simian adenovirus 7-induced intracranial neoplasms

Abstract A high incidence of intracranial (I.C.) neoplasms occurred following inoculation of simian adenovirus 7 (SA7) into newborn hamsters. The neoplasms appeared most often to originate from the choroid plexus; however, other I.C. sites were observed. Although several histopathological patterns of these neoplasms were noted, an undifferentiated type pattern usually predominated. Virus-like particles were noted by electron microscopy within in vivo and in vitro neoplastic cells. These particles were morphologically similar to those observed within neoplastic cells “superinfected” by SA7. Annulate lamellae were observed within in vivo and in vitro neoplastic cells.
Getting to economic equilibrium: a problem and its history

The very concept of equilibrium, economic or otherwise, presupposes a dynamic system which determines change as a function of state variables. An equilibrium is a vector of state variables for which no change occurs. In economics, this is interpreted as a set of quantities and prices for which there is no incentive on anyone’s part to change. The dynamics runs in terms of profit opportunities or incentives to outbid others for scarce commodities or for market opportunities. The idea that traders will respond to profit opportunities by increasing their activities and by, doing so, tend to wipe them out must have been recognized whenever there was trade. A 12th century rabbinical commentary argues that if someone charges ”too high a price”, others will offer the good at a lower price and thereby bring it down. Somewhat more systematic discussions of economic equilibrium are to be found in the founders of modern economic theory, Adam Smith and David Ricardo. Smith’s principal emphasis was on the flow of capital from low-profit to high-opportunities, leading to a zero-profit equilibrium. Ricardo added the adjustment of population to wages and the setting of rents on scarce land.
Fine Structure of Active Genes in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Use of the novel but simple preparative techniques developed by Miller and coworkers (1–5) for electron microscopy of nuclear and cytoplasmic material provides preparations suitable for ultrastructural analysis of active genes in a variety of systems. These direct observations, complemented by biochemical and genetic analysis, provide a new approach to the problems of molecular genetics. This chapter compares electron microscopic studies of active genomes in representatives of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types.
A Review of: “Mark J. Cherry. 2005. Kidney for Sale By Owner: Human Organs, Transplantation, and the Market”

There is a chronic shortage of human organs available for transplantation. This has led to much debate as to what steps to take to increase the supply of organs that are available for transplant. A...
Genome-wide analysis of core promoter elements from conserved human and mouse orthologous pairs.

The canonical core promoter elements consist of the TATA box, initiator (Inr), downstream core promoter element (DPE), TFIIB recognition element (BRE) and the newly-discovered motif 10 element (MTE). The motifs for these core promoter elements are highly degenerate, which tends to lead to a high false discovery rate when attempting to detect them in promoter sequences. In this study, we have performed the first analysis of these core promoter elements in orthologous mouse and human promoters with experimentally-supported transcription start sites. We have identified these various elements using a combination of positional weight matrices (PWMs) and the degree of conservation of orthologous mouse and human sequences – a procedure that significantly reduces the false positive rate of motif discovery. Our analysis of 9,010 orthologous mouse-human promoter pairs revealed two combinations of three-way synergistic effects, TATA-Inr-MTE and BRE-Inr-MTE. The former has previously been putatively identified in human, but the latter represents a novel synergistic relationship. Our results demonstrate that DNA sequence conservation can greatly improve the identification of functional core promoter elements in the human genome. The data also underscores the importance of synergistic occurrence of two or more core promoter elements. Furthermore, the sequence data and results presented here can help build better computational models for predicting the transcription start sites in the promoter regions, which remains one of the most challenging problems.
Vitamin Studies in Middle-Aged and Old Individuals: VII. Roentgenological Studies of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Patients with Hypovitaminemia B1

Summary The literature concerning the effects of deficiency states on the appearance of gastrointestinal radiograms has been briefly reviewed. Roentgenological examinations of the gastro-intestinal tract were performed in 20 middle-aged and elderly individuals with normal blood thiamine levels, and in 20 patients with blood thiamine concentrations below 2.4 micrograms per cent. The latter group was re-examined 3 months later when the blood thiamine level had been returned to normal by oral administration of thiamine hydrochloride, at which time most of the clinical signs had disappeared. No significant radiological abnormalities were observed in either of the groups examined. These findings do not exclude the possibility that a more severe grade of thiamine deficiency may be accompanied by radiological evidence of gastrointestinal abnormality.
Fifty years of disconnexion syndromes and the Geschwind legacy.

‘I read a book one day and my whole life was changed…I sat at the table turning the pages, my mind barely aware that I was reading, and my whole life was changing as I read the new words on each page.’ [From the opening paragraph of Orhan Pamuk’s Yeni Hayat (New Life), English translation by Guneli Gun]. Had Pamuk’s protagonist been a behavioural neurologist, he might have chosen similar words to describe his first encounter with Norman Geschwind’s 1965 Disconnexion Syndromes in Animals and Man (Geschwind, 1965 a , b ). His experience would not have been unique. For the past half century, this two-part monograph has remained the most influential work ever published in the discipline that came to be known as behavioural neurology (Fig. 1). Figure 1 Norman Geschwind. (With kind permission of Claudia Geschwind). The monograph covered 116 pages of text, without a single table, figure or diagram. It offered an unprecedented synthesis of disparate neurological phenomena by translating them into the idiom of neuroanatomy at a particularly pivotal time in the history of neurological sciences. On the occasion of its 50th publication anniversary, the aim of this retrospective is to summarize for the general reader some of the main ideas in Geschwind’s monograph, highlight those that inspired further discovery, mention the few that require revision or amplification, and interpret the legacy of this paper from the vantage point of contemporary neurology. A comprehensive coverage of Disconnexion Syndromes, with a focus on broader themes related to the anatomy of cognition, appeared 10 years ago on the 40th publication anniversary of this work (Catani and ffytche, 2005). The Disconnexion Syndromes revived paradigmatic single case studies published by 19th century French and German neurologists, highlighted the functional rather than topographical subdivision of the cerebral cortex, espoused a hierarchical system …
Determination of detection limitation of NIRF device using QDots 800 based fluorescent solid phantom

Solid fluorescent phantoms were constructed to assess detection limitations of investigational NIRF imaging devices. The phantoms enabled the quantitative assessment of the fluorescent status of lymph nodes following resection from breast cancer patients.
Linear growth and appearance of sex difference in the rabbit pelvis.

Roentgenograms of the pelves of a population of rabbits were secured once each week between 15 and 92 days after birth and once every two weeks thereafter to 204 days. Measurements were made of projections of certain pelvic dimensions on the roentgenograms. With one exception (pelvis width, day 36), no significant differences at the 1% level between males and females were found in os coxae length, ilium length, pelvis width and bi-ischial width. However, interacetabular width of the female became significantly greater than that of the male by day 57. Mean measurements of all dimensions showed characteristic rates of increase with age. Nine-tenths of total increase in lengths of os coxae and ilium occurred by 106 days; pelvis width, by 120 days; bi-ischial and interacetabular width each, by about 148 days. Between 35 mm to 105 mm of tibia length taken as a basis of reference, all dimensions studied showed approximately straight line relative growth trends. Variation in measurements was relatively high, with greatest variation in all except bi-ischial width tending to occur before 50 days, when growth was most rapid. It was lowest in the period 64 to 120 days.
Uncertainty quantification via random domain decomposition and probabilistic collocation on sparse grids

Quantitative predictions of the behavior of many deterministic systems are uncertain due to ubiquitous heterogeneity and insufficient characterization by data. We present a computational approach to quantify predictive uncertainty in complex phenomena, which is modeled by (partial) differential equations with uncertain parameters exhibiting multi-scale variability. The approach is motivated by flow in random composites whose internal architecture (spatial arrangement of constitutive materials) and spatial variability of properties of each material are both uncertain. The proposed two-scale framework combines a random domain decomposition (RDD) and a probabilistic collocation method (PCM) on sparse grids to quantify these two sources of uncertainty, respectively. The use of sparse grid points significantly reduces the overall computational cost, especially for random processes with small correlation lengths. A series of one-, two-, and three-dimensional computational examples demonstrate that the combined RDD-PCM approach yields efficient, robust and non-intrusive approximations for the statistics of diffusion in random composites.