cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of Glycosaminoglycan Receptor Binding after Mosquito Cell Passage Reduces Chikungunya Virus Infectivity

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that can cause fever and chronic arthritis in humans. CHIKV that is generated in mosquito or mammalian cells differs in glycosylation patterns of viral proteins, which may affect its replication and virulence. Herein, we compare replication, pathogenicity, and receptor binding of CHIKV generated in Vero cells (mammal) or C6/36 cells (mosquito) through a single passage. We demonstrate that mosquito cell-derived CHIKV (CHIKVmos) has slower replication than mammalian cell-derived CHIKV (CHIKVvero), when tested in both human and murine cell lines. Consistent with this, CHIKVmos infection in both cell lines produce less cytopathic effects and reduced antiviral responses. In addition, infection in mice show that CHIKVmos produces a lower level of viremia and less severe footpad swelling when compared with CHIKVvero. Interestingly, CHIKVmos has impaired ability to bind to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) receptors on mammalian cells. However, sequencing analysis shows that this impairment is not due to a mutation in the CHIKV E2 gene, which encodes for the viral receptor binding protein. Moreover, CHIKVmos progenies can regain GAG receptor binding capability and can replicate similarly to CHIKVvero after a single passage in mammalian cells. Furthermore, CHIKVvero and CHIKVmos no longer differ in replication when N-glycosylation of viral proteins was inhibited by growing these viruses in the presence of tunicamycin. Collectively, these results suggest that N-glycosylation of viral proteins within mosquito cells can result in loss of GAG receptor binding capability of CHIKV and reduction of its infectivity in mammalian cells.
Peer Mentoring in a High School Jazz Ensemble

The use of peer mentoring in a successful high school jazz band was explored during one academic year of instruction using ethnographic techniques. Participants included primary informants (student...
Salient frame extraction using support vector regression and motion features

We present a new support vector regression (SVR) algorithm to extract salient frames from videos. We use optical flow to describe motion in frames and an adaptive SVR to identify the abrupt change of content in frame sequences. We show that the proposed algorithm is computationally simple and effective in detecting salient frames in video sequences.
What's the catch? Patterns of cetacean bycatch and depredation in Hawaii-based pelagic longline fisheries

U.S. Pacific pelagic longline fisheries operating in the central North Pacific have been subject to a series of regulations to reduce bycatch of protected species, including seabirds and sea turtles. Cetaceans are also occasionally caught, and the bycatch of false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens, in the Hawaii-based deep-set longline fishery currently exceeds allowable levels under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). In this study, we examined longline observer data collected between 1994 and 2009, with emphasis on 2003–2009, to identify patterns of cetacean bycatch and depredation in relation to area, time, vessel, habitat variables, fishing gear, and set characteristics. The objectives of these analyses were to identify relationships amongst fishery interaction rates and variables that could provide opportunities to reduce depredation by cetaceans, reduce the likelihood of incidentally catching a cetacean when present, or reduce the severity of injuries to cetaceans if caught. The results of this study were provided to the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team, convened under the MMPA, as they developed a plan to reduce serious injury and mortality of false killer whales in these fisheries. No correlates were identified that could markedly reduce depredation rates, but a slight (16%) reduction in repeat depredation within a fishing trip was evident when vessels moved at least 100 km following a depredation event. The most practical option for reducing bycatch of false killer whales was determined to be the use of small (14 ⁄ 0–16 ⁄ 0) circle hooks, which could result in an estimated 6% reduction in bycatch and a greater likelihood of releasing animals with non-serious injuries. Additional research is needed to address unresolved questions relating to processes involved in depredation events and hookings or entanglements of false killer whales.
A two-stage Lyapunov-Bellman feedback design of a class of nonlinear systems

The composite control proposed in an earlier paper for a class of singularly perturbed nonlinear systems is now shown to possess properties essential for near-optimal feedback design. It asymptotically stabilizes the desired equilibrium and produces a finite cost which tends to the optimal cost for a slow problem as the singular perturbation parameter tends to zero. Thus, the well-posedness of the full regulator problem is established. The stability results are also applicable to two-time-scale systems which are not singularly perturbed, and the paper does not assume the knowledge of singular perturbation techniques.
Benthic Dispersal of Caribbean Spiny Lobsters among Insular Habitats: Implications for the Conservation of Exploited Marine Species

Abstract: Understanding how populations of target species interact with their habitats is necessary for developing an effective conservation strategy. During its complex life history, the Caribbean spiny lobster ( Panulirus argus) uses a variety of benthic marine habitats, but how habitat characteristics affect their dispersal is unclear. To assess how habitat insularity affects the benthic dispersal of spiny lobsters, I compared lobster abundance, size class structure, and migration among insular mangrove and coral reef habitats that were surrounded by bare rubble fields or by seagrass meadows. Lobsters were significantly more abundant on mangrove and coral islands surrounded by seagrass. The size-class distributions of lobsters in these habitats had higher proportions of juveniles, whereas islands surrounded by sand and rubble had skewed distributions dominated by adult lobsters. Seagrass is known to serve as settlement habitat for larval recruits and is likely associated with the higher abundances of lobsters found in seagrass-isolated habitats. Immigration and emigration rates were three to four times higher on seagrass-isolated islands than on rubble-isolated islands, reflected in the significantly greater number of juveniles moving into and from seagrass-isolated islands. Rubble fields appeared to function as a barrier to benthic dispersal for all lobsters except adults. Vegetated substrates may function as movement corridors for juvenile lobsters and may facilitate dispersal to areas containing new resources. The effects of insularity on a population may be lessened by the nature of the surrounding habitats if those habitats have important functional roles as larval settlement areas, foraging grounds, or movement corridors. Protection of insular habitats like coral reefs may be ineffective if related habitats like seagrass meadows are left unprotected. Conservation strategies for mobile benthic species need to incorporate the protection of areas with heterogenous habitats that are important to meet the changing habitat requirements in complex life cycles.
The default network distinguishes construals of proximal versus distal events

Humans enjoy a singular capacity to imagine events that differ from the "here-and-now." Recent cognitive neuroscience research has linked such simulation processes to the brain's "default network." However, extant cognitive theories suggest that perceivers reliably simulate only relatively proximal experiences-those that seem nearby, soon, likely to happen, or relevant to a close other. Here, we test these claims by examining spontaneous engagement of the default network while perceivers consider experiencing events from proximal and distal perspectives. Across manipulations of perspective in four dimensions, two regions of the default network-medial prefrontal cortex and retrosplenial cortex-were more active for proximal than distal events, supporting cognitive accounts that perceivers only richly simulate experiences that seem immediate and that perceivers represent different dimensions of distance similarly. Moreover, stable individual differences in default activity when thinking about distal events correlated with individual variability in an implicit measure of psychological distance, suggesting that perceivers naturally vary in their tendency to simulate far-off or unlikely experiences.
Image Enhancement of Conventional Transverse-Axial Tomograms

An image processing system for image enhancement of conventional transverse axial tomography (TAT) is described. Conventional TAT means a tomography system in which the X-ray source and X-ray film move in a circular arc about the long axis of the patient, which is a different technique from computerized tomography. In the image processing system described, the original X-ray tomograms are digitized, high-pass filtered, and displayed on a TV monitor. The results of processing several clinical tomograms are shown, and definite improvements in the observed information are noted. The basic technique should be equally applicable to other conventional tomography systems, e.g., linear tomography or hypocycloidal tomography.
HIV-1 Protease in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Background HIV-1 protease (PR) is an essential viral enzyme. Its primary function is to proteolyze the viral Gag-Pol polyprotein for production of viral enzymes and structural proteins and for maturation of infectious viral particles. Increasing evidence suggests that PR cleaves host cellular proteins. However, the nature of PR-host cellular protein interactions is elusive. This study aimed to develop a fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) model system and to examine the possible interaction of HIV-1 PR with cellular proteins and its potential impact on cell proliferation and viability.
Studies on Lactobacilli. III. Relationship of Immunological Specificity and Fermentative Capacity

been reported' that oral strains could be divided into two broad groups on the basis of fermentation reactions. Group A, containing about 75% of the strains, exhibited strong glycolytic activity in a number of carbohydrates, coagulated milk with the formation of a firm clot and fermented the sugar alcohols, mannitol and sorbitol. The remaining strains, group B, showed slower or weaker glycolytic activity in general, and failed to coagulate milk. Most of them also failed to ferment sorbitol and mannitol. Segregation on the basis of reactions in raffinose and dextrin as well as from results
Tests for Associations Between Blood Groups and Performance Traits in Turkeys

Abstract SEVEN separate blood group systems in turkeys have been reported (Law et al., 1965; Stevens and Asmundson, 1967). The A and C systems contained six and three phenogroups respectively, and five other systems were detected by reactions with antisera labelled F, J, K, L and Q. This report is concerned with a statistical evaluation of the relationships of blood groups with economically important traits of turkeys. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two sepearate populations of turkeys maintained on the Davis campus of the University of California were used in this study. Population A (lines 600, 610, 611, 630 and 640) was derived from a commercial strain of Broad Breasted Bronze (BBB) turkeys in 1950. It consisted of controls and groups selected for body weight and early semen production (Abplanalp et al., 1963; Ogasawara et al., 1963). Population B was composed of birds derived from the cross of the domestic turkey (M. gallopavo) . . .
Short-Distance Location of Spider Mite Colonies by Three Predatory Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae, Phytoseiidae): Predator Responses to Prey- and Predator- Associated Stimuli

Behavioral responses of the phytoseiid predators Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Typhlodromus (=Metaseiulus) occidentalis Nesbitt, and Amblyseius andersoni Chant (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to the presence or absence of stimuli associated with the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and conspecific predators were studied in the laboratory using choice tests. Over a distance of 18–36 mm, slightly more starved females of P. persimilis selected rose leaf disks that had been infested with T. urticae than uninfested ones, whereas starved females of T. occidentalis and A. andersoni showed no preference. All three predator species eventually aggregated on the infested leaf disks, although T. occidentalis responded more slowly than P. persimilis and A. andersoni , and A. andersoni had shorter residence time in prey colonies than did the other two species. More predators of all three species chose the branch of a Y-form runway that had been previously exposed to twospotted spider mites than the unexposed branch. More P. persimilis and T. occidentalis chose the branch of the runway that had been previously exposed to conspecific predators than the unexposed one, whereas A. andersoni showed no preference. This comparative study concludes that (1) there are interspecific variations in foraging responses of phytoseiids to prey- and predator-associated stimuli, (2) aggregation of predators in prey colonies is primarily the result of arrestment rather than attraction, and (3) the intrapatch movement of some phytoseiid species among spider mite colonies is not random.
Risk factors for revision surgery following primary adult spinal deformity surgery in patients 65 years and older

OBJECTIVE Surgical correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex undertaking with high revision rates. The elderly population is poorly studied with regard to revision surgery, yet senior citizens constitute a rapidly expanding surgical demographic. Previous studies aimed at elucidating appropriate risk factors for revision surgery have been limited by small cohort sizes. The purpose of this study was to assess factors that modify the risk of revision surgery in elderly patients with ASD. METHODS The PearlDiver database (2005–2012) was used to determine revision rates in elderly ASD patients treated with a primary thoracolumbar posterolateral fusion of 8 or more levels. Analyzed risk factors included demographics, comorbid conditions, and surgical factors. Significant univariate predictors were further analyzed with multivariate analysis. The causes of revision at each year of follow-up were determined. RESULTS A total of 2293 patients who had been treated with posterolateral fusion of 8 or more...
Data Synchronization Strategy of Smart Hydropower Plant Integration Platform

Smart hydropower plant integration platform is an unified software platform across the Ⅰ,ⅡⅢ security regions.As security needs,there are different physical database between the security regions.This paper describes how to synchronize the different database and how to improve the system reliability and availability.
Standing endoscopic electrosurgery.

Endoscopic surgery can be more cost effective and reduces postoperative morbidity compared with other surgical techniques. Electrosurgery is less expensive than laser surgery and may be able to accomplish similar tasks. In other cases, electrosurgery may complement laser surgery, producing a more efficient result. As with laser surgery, some practice is required to apply electrosurgical instruments safely and effectively, but the instrumentation is widely available. Upper respiratory conditions have been most commonly addressed using endoscopic surgery.
Prognostic value of the early serum estradiol response to leuprolide acetate in in vitro fertilization

One hundred in vitro fertilization (IVF)-stimulated cycles were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of the early follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E 2 ) response to the agonist action of leuprolide acetate. Four distinct early E 2 response patterns were found. Pattern A (n = 41) showed a prompt elevation of E 2 , followed by a fall by cycle day 4. Pattern B (n = 16) showed a delayed elevation of E 2 , followed by a fall by cycle day 6. Pattern C (n = 19) showed a persistent elevation of E 2 . Pattern D (n = 18) lacked the early E 2 response. The clinical pregnancy rates per cycle for patterns A, B, C, and D were 46%, 38%, 16%, and 6%, respectively. A baseline serum FSH level > 20 mIU/mL was associated with a lower clinical pregnancy rate, although not statistically significant. Baseline serum LH levels and stimulated FSH and LH levels did not predict IVF outcome. We conclude that the early E 2 response pattern to leuprolide acetate is the best early prognostic indicator of IVF outcome.
Using an FPGA to accelerate pupil isolation in iris recognition

Iris recognition is an important application in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. An algorithm that is both accurate and fast in a hardware design that is small and transportable are crucial to the implementation of this tool. As part of an ongoing effort to meet these criteria, this paper improves a segment of the US Naval Academy's RED iris recognition algorithm, namely pupil isolation. We show a significant speed-up of pupil isolation by implementing this portion of the algorithm on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
Opioids and GI Motility—Friend or Foe?

The use of opioids for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain is growing at an alarming rate. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) is a common adverse effect of long-term opioid treatment manifesting as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. These effects are primarily mediated by peripheral μ-opioid receptors with resultant altered GI motility and function. As a result, patients may present with opioid-induced constipation (OIC), opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV), and/or narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS). This often leads to decreased quality of life and in many cases, discontinuation of opioid therapy. There is limited evidence to support the use of traditional anti-emetics and laxatives in the treatment of OBD. Tapering the dose of opioids, switching to transdermal application, opioid rotation, or dual-action opioids, such as tapentadol, may be helpful in the treatment of OBD. Novel agents, such as peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists which target the cause of OIC, show promise in the treatment of OBD and should be considered when conventional laxatives fail. This chapter will review the pathophysiology of OBD, including OINV and OIC, and treatment options available.
The influence of seasonality and manufacturer kit lot changes on 17α-hydroxyprogesterone measurements and referral rates of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in newborns

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is performed by measuring the concentration of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in dried blood spots. Unfortunately, the level of 17-OHP varies due to multiple factors, and therefore, the false positive rate for the test is a challenge. We analyzed screening data from 2007 to 2015 to determine the effect of seasonal changes and manufacturer kit lot changes on 17-OHP values and on numbers of infants referred. Data from screening 2.2 million infants over a 9-year period indicates that in the NYS during the colder months, daily mean 17-OHP values are higher, more retests are performed, and more infants are referred even though fewer infants are born. The practice of using fixed cutoffs for referring infants for CAH leads to more false positive results in colder months. In addition, there was an overall 10% increase in the daily mean 17-OHP values from the 2 years before and after a manufacturer kit lot change that occurred in November 2013, suggestive of a functional change in the kit at that time. Conclusion: Newborn screening programs should be cognizant of seasonal temperature variations and (un)anticipated manufacturer kit changes because they may affect 17-OHP values and CAH referral rates.
An insider's view of a world without end

Many readers will have heard about the surprising deduction that the expansion of the universe is not decelerating. Two independent teams of astronomers have found that distant supernovae are fainter – and hence further away – than expected for a given expansion velocity. If these supernovae are representative of their local counterparts, it implies that there must be a component of cosmic energy in addition to the gravitating matter that causes the universe to accelerate.
A Multidimensional Approach to Poverty: Implications for Global Mental Health

People with mental disorders are often marginalized in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and as a consequence they can fall through gaps in international development efforts. As a result, they can often be found among the poorest of the poor. Unfortunately, very few studies have investigated the link between poverty and mental disorders in LMICs. Existing studies show that various factors such as high healthcare expenditure, unemployment, reduced productivity, stigma and low income can increase the risk of poverty among persons with mental disorders. In the present chapter, the authors argue that poverty is multidimensional in that it encompasses not only a lack of income but also deprivation in education, healthcare, food intake, shelter, employment, social status, citizenship, physical safety and psychological wellbeing. The chapter draws on research carried out in Afghanistan, India and Nepal using the Capability Approach of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum to show the association between mental disorders and multidimensional poverty. This relationship is complex and has several implications for policy development relevant to Global Mental Health. First, poverty alleviation interventions must be multipronged and cannot focus only on income support through cash transfer, small loans or asset promotion. Second, promoting rights of persons with mental disorders requires public intervention to address negative and stigmatizing beliefs about mental disorders. Third, poverty can impact on all family members of individuals affected by mental disorders, and interventions aiming at supporting caregivers can be effective at alleviating material poverty while simultaneously promoting inclusion of persons with mental disorders. Finally, unemployment is a central issue and providing jobs can serve to not only reduce the material poverty of the family as a whole but also foster social inclusion.
The shifting impact of war on women’s lives and families

American involvement in war has historically coincided with and caused large shifts in U.S. society. This is perhaps clearest in the roles that women embody, and the ways in which those roles and e...
Early change in 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) to predict response to preoperative systemic therapy (PST) in HER2-negative primary operable breast cancer: Translational breast cancer research consortium (TBCRC008).

10509 Background: PST allows for improved surgical outcomes and response assessment without compromising long term outcomes. PST is an attractive model for assessing surrogate markers of response t...
Therapeutic Applications of Classic Hallucinogens

This chapter reviews what is known about the therapeutic uses of the serotonergic or classic hallucinogens, i.e., psychoactive drugs such as LSD and psilocybin that exert their effects primarily through agonist activity at serotonin 2A (5HT2A) receptors. Following a review of the history of human use and scientific study of these drugs, the data from clinical research are summarized, including extensive work on the use of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions, studies of the use of LSD and psilocybin to relieve distress concerning death, particularly in patients with advanced or terminal cancer, and more limited data concerning the use of classic hallucinogens to treat mood and anxiety disorders. A survey of possible mechanisms of clinically relevant effects is provided. The well-established safety of classic hallucinogens is reviewed. To provide a clinical perspective, case summaries are provided of two individuals who received treatment in recent controlled trials of psilocybin: one being treated for alcoholism, the other suffering from anxiety and depression related to fear of death due to a cancer diagnosis. Although promising early phase research conducted from the 1950s through the early 1970s was discontinued before firm conclusions could be reached concerning the efficacy of any of the classic hallucinogens for any clinical condition, the research that was conducted in that era strongly suggests that classic hallucinogens have clinically relevant effects, particularly in the case of LSD treatment of alcoholism. In the past decade, clinical trials have resumed investigating the effects of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of existential distress in the face of cancer, and in the treatment of addictions including alcoholism and nicotine addiction. The studies that have been completed to date are not sufficient to establish efficacy, but the outcomes have been very encouraging, and larger trials, up to and including phase 3, are now underway or being planned. Although research has elucidated many of the acute neurobiological and psychological effects of classic hallucinogens on humans, animals, and in vitro systems, the mechanisms of clinically relevant persisting effects remain poorly understood.
Bicarbonate Transport During Enamel Maturation

Amelogenesis (tooth enamel formation) is a biomineralization process consisting primarily of two stages (secretory stage and maturation stage) with unique features. During the secretory stage, the inner epithelium of the enamel organ (i.e., the ameloblast cells) synthesizes and secretes enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) into the enamel space. The protein-rich enamel matrix forms a highly organized architecture in a pH-neutral microenvironment. As amelogenesis transitions to maturation stage, EMPs are degraded and internalized by ameloblasts through endosomal–lysosomal pathways. Enamel crystallite formation is initiated early in the secretory stage, however, during maturation stage the more rapid deposition of calcium and phosphate into the enamel space results in a rapid expansion of crystallite length and mineral volume. During maturation-stage amelogenesis, the pH value of enamel varies considerably from slightly above neutral to acidic. Extracellular acid–base balance during enamel maturation is tightly controlled by ameloblast-mediated regulatory networks, which include significant synthesis and movement of bicarbonate ions from both the enamel papillary layer cells and ameloblasts. In this review we summarize the carbonic anhydrases and the carbonate transporters/exchangers involved in pH regulation in maturation-stage amelogenesis. Proteins that have been shown to be instrumental in this process include CA2, CA6, CFTR, AE2, NBCe1, SLC26A1/SAT1, SLC26A3/DRA, SLC26A4/PDS, SLC26A6/PAT1, and SLC26A7/SUT2. In addition, we discuss the association of miRNA regulation with bicarbonate transport in tooth enamel formation.
Obama’s Legacy: The View from Persia

This chapter explores various Iranian views on Obama’s foreign policy and analyzes how Obama’s initiatives on foreign policy impacted bilateral relationships between Washington and Tehran. In many areas, the relationship between these two countries did not change over Obama’s eight years in office. Obama’s policies and initiatives did not alter Tehran’s foreign policy or its efforts to be a regional power. Nor did Obama fundamentally change the situation of human rights in the country. President Obama did soften the language and approach to Tehran. His decision to abandon George W Bush’s confrontational language (Axis of Evil) may have contributed to an improved climate that allowed the nuclear talks to make progress. However, aside from the nuclear agreement—which should not be underestimated—much of the bilateral relationship between Washington and Tehran remained the same.
Pilot study of a smartphone application designed to socially motivate cardiovascular disease patients to improve medication adherence.

Background: Social support received by patients from family and community has been identi ed as a key factor for success in improving medication adherence in those patients. This pilot study aimed to investigate the usability and feasibility of PillPal, a smartphone application that uses video-chatting as a social motivation medium to encourage medication adherence in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. We additionally gathered feedback on the Physician Calendar, an accompanying web platform that allows clinicians to view patient adherence data generated from the app. Methods: Thirty patients were recruited from the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) Lipid Clinic (n=14) and Inpatient Cardiology Service (n=16) to pilot test the app. Data were obtained through in-person interviews in which patients tested out the app and answered standardized questions regarding the app’s feasibility as a means to enhance social support, as well as its usability measured in terms of ease of use and patient comfort level with the video-chat technology. Cardiologists (n=10) from JHH were interviewed to gain feedback on the Physician Calendar. Results: We recorded 43.4% participants who stated that PillPal would increase their motivation to take their medications; 96.7% stated the app was easy to use; and 70% stated they were comfortable with video- chatting while taking their medications. Patient factors such as current adherence level, disease severity, and personality were more predictive of positive app reviews than the perceived level of social support. Clinicians generally approved of the Physician Calendar, as they would be able to quickly screen for non-adherence and begin conversations with patients to address the root cause of their non-adherence. Conclusions: Based on pilot testing and interviews, using a smartphone app for video-chatting as a social support medium to improve patient medication adherence is feasible and has potential to increase medication adherence depending on certain patient characteristics. The Physician Calendar was deemed a useful tool by clinicians to quickly identify and understand reasons for medication non-adherence.
The Effect of Burn Trauma on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism: Implications for Insulin Sensitivity

Severe burns represent a unique form of trauma in terms of the magnitude and persistence of the stress response they incur. Given advances in acute burn care in the last quarter of a century and the resultant reduction in mortality rates, even for those with massive burns, greater emphasis is now placed on understanding the metabolic stress response to severe burn trauma in order to devise strategies that promote recovery and reduce morbidity. Derangements in metabolism including protein and lipid redistribution and altered glucose handling are hallmarks of the pathophysiological response to burn trauma. In this review article, we aim to distill and discuss the c urrent literature concerning the effect of burn trauma on lipid and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we will discuss the implications of altered lipid metabolism with regards to insulin sensitivity and glucose control, while discussing the utility of agents and strategies aimed at restoring normal lipid and glucose metabolism in burned patients.
Effects of Virtual Mobility: Environmental Implications of Electronic Commerce Systems

Many people in developed countries are adapting to electronic purchasing methods. This includes individuals buying from e-commerce shopping sites (e.g. Amazon) as well as corporate supply-chain procurement systems. Many discussions about the efficiency of such systems have indicated that there are large economic benefits for users from reduced prices and increased selection. Similarly, online retail and wholesale companies can enhance efficiency considerably by better electronic order-management, inventory and distribution processes. In all, there are significant financial incentives associated with electronic commerce
Skin thickness score in systemic sclerosis: an assessment of interobserver variability in 3 independent studies.

Objective Using data from 3 independent studies, to quantify the interobserver reliability of semi-quantitative skin scoring methods (the original and the modified Rodnan skin thickness scores) used to assess the degree and extent of cutaneous thickening in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Method Interobserver variability of the original Rodnan skin thickness score method (cutaneous thickness assessed in 26 body surface areas using a 0-4 scale) was evaluated in one study. The modified Rodnan method (cutaneous thickness assessed in 17 body surface areas using a 0-3 scale) was evaluated in 2 studies. In all 3 studies, each patient's skin thickness was assessed by 6 or 7 observers in a blinded fashion. Results The overall within patient standard deviations were not statistically different in all 3 studies (5.4, 4.6 and 4.6) irrespective of the overall mean skin thickness scores (26.6, 18.3 and 17.7). With the original Rodnan technique, the within patient standard deviation tended to be higher in patients with higher skin thickness scores. In the 2 studies which used the modified technique, no significant differences in within patient standard deviation were noted between high and low skin thickness scores. Conclusions Three independent studies demonstrate that the Rodnan skin thickness scoring techniques are reproducible among different observers (the within patient standard deviation being consistently about 5 units). Our data provide valuable information needed for sample size calculations for SSc trials in which skin thickness score is an outcome variable.
Joint-Space Trajectory Optimization of a 7-DOF Baxter Using Multivariable Extremum Seeking

In this paper, a novel analytical coupled trajectory optimization of a 7-DOF Baxter manipulator utilizing Extremum Seeking (ES) approach is presented. The robotic manipulators are used in network-based industrial units, and even homes, by expending a significant lumped amount of energy and therefore, optimal trajectories need to be generated to address efficiency issues. These robots are typically operated for thousands of cycles resulting in a considerable cost of operation. First, coupled dynamic equations are derived using the Lagrangian method and experimentally validated to examine the accuracy of the model. Then, global design sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effects of changes of optimization variables on the cost function leading to select the most effective ones. We examine a discrete-time multivariable gradient-based extremum seeking scheme enforcing operational time and torque saturation constraints in order to minimize the lumped amount of energy consumed in a path given. The results are compared with those of a global heuristic genetic algorithm to discuss the locality/globality of optimal solutions. Finally, the optimal trajectory is experimentally implemented to be thoroughly compared with the inefficient one. The results reveal that the proposed scheme yields the minimum energy consumption in addition to overcoming the robot's jerky motion observed in an inefficient path.
An auction mechanism for the optimal provision of ecosystem services under climate change.

Abstract The provision of many ecosystem services depends on the spatial pattern of land use across multiple landowners. Even holding land use constant, ecosystem service provision may change through time due to climate change. This paper develops an auction mechanism that implements an optimal solution for providing ecosystem services through time with multiple landowners who have private information about the net benefits of alternative uses of their land. Under the auction, each landowner has a dominant strategy to truthfully reveal their private information. With this information a regulator can then implement the optimal landscape pattern, which maximizes the present value of net benefits derived from the landscape, following the rules of the auction mechanism. The auction can be designed as a subsidy auction that pays landowners to conserve or a tax auction where landowners pay for the right to develop. Our mechanism optimizes social adaptation of ecosystem management to climate change.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Challenge of Organ Availability

Liver transplantation provides potentially definitive therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Application of liver transplantation to HCC patients is limited by scarce donor organ supply and is dictated by organ allocation policy. In the United States, organ allocation policy for HCC patients has evolved in an effort to balance access to transplant and survival outcomes among HCC patients with those of patients with other indications for transplant. Currently, UNOS criteria for allocation priority to HCC patients are restricted to patients with T2 tumors. Transplanting patients with more advanced HCC is associated with increased recurrence rates and diminished posttransplant survival. Downstaging patients with more advanced HCC to within Milan criteria is appropriate as long as appropriate periods of observation after liver-directed therapy and prior to transplant are maintained. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is appropriate for select patients with HCC, although optimal recipient selection for LDLT among HCC candidates is not yet defined.
Low Complexity NOMA System With Combined Constellations

In this letter, a non-orthogonal multiple access system based on combinatorial designs (C-NOMA) is studied. The sparse pattern of balanced incomplete block designs provide an inherent mapping for this system. A novel constellation design is proposed to avoid the indeterminate equations when multiuser data is linearly combined over the resources. It can form a bijection mapping with much lower complexity compared to other NOMA approaches that require the design of complex codebooks and decoders. This will allow a larger number of users. The simulation results show that our system obtains an equivalent and/or better performance compared to other NOMA systems.
Association between smoking, and hospital readmission among inpatients with psychiatric illness at an academic inpatient psychiatric facility, 2000-2015.

Abstract Introduction Smoking rates are up to 2–4 times higher among individuals with mental illness. Hospital readmissions for patients with psychiatric illness within a year of discharge are also high, and there is limited evidence of associations between smoking and these readmissions. Methods This study was a secondary data analysis using clinical data of psychiatric inpatients with initial admissions between the years 2000 and 2015. Following a descriptive analysis, logistic regression models were fitted to explore relationships between smoking and psychiatric hospital readmission within 30 days and a year of discharge. Results A total of 5439 patients with average age of 30.18 ± 15.97 were identified. Of this number, 47.0% were current smokers and 53.0% were never smokers. Within 30 days of discharge, 11% of the current smokers were readmitted compared to 9% of never smokers. The primary diagnoses with highest proportion of smokers were, opioid or substance use disorders (80.0%), schizophrenia (70.7%), alcohol dependence (68.2%), and bipolar disorders (50.8%). About 31% of current smokers were readmitted within one year of discharge compared to 26% of never smokers. Adjusted odds ratios for readmission within 1-year of discharge were, bipolar disorders (1.41, p = 0.01), schizophrenia (2.33, p Conclusion Significant relationships exist between smoking and readmission for patients with psychiatric illness. Smokers are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days or one year after discharge. Interaction of smoking and certain specific diagnoses significantly increases readmission.
Pruning deep convolutional neural networks for efficient edge computing in condition assessment of infrastructures

Abstract Health monitoring of civil infrastructures is a key application of Internet of things (IoT), while edge computing is an important component of IoT. In this context, swarms of autonomous in...
Cancer Informatics in 2018: The Mysteries of the Cancer Genome Continue to Unravel, Deep Learning Approaches the Clinic, and Passive Data Collection Demonstrates Utility.

Objective: To summarize significant research contributions on cancer informatics published in 2018. Methods: An extensive search using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and manual review was conducted to identify the scientific contributions published in 2018 that address topics in cancer informatics. The selection process comprised three steps: (i) 15 candidate best papers were first selected by the two section editors, (ii) external reviewers from internationally renowned research teams reviewed each candidate best paper, and (iii) the final selection of four best papers was conducted by the editorial board of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Yearbook. Results: The four selected best papers present studies addressing many facets of cancer informatics, with immediate applicability in the translational and clinical domains. Conclusion: Cancer informatics is a broad and vigorous subfield of biomedical informatics. Progress in cancer genomics, artificial intelligence, and passively collected data is especially notable in 2018.
Case Study: Adjunct's Perspectives of a Mentoring Program at a Community College.

Adjunct faculty use in higher education has been on the rise since the 1970s, with adjuncts teaching 58% of United States community college classes. Yet, adjuncts are consistently excluded from the...
Abstract 131: Methods Behind Thrombus Size Variability in Murine IVC Ligation Model Revealed: Insights From MRI

Objectives: Animal models are key tools for studying deep vein thrombosis (VT). Variation in thrombus size is a current concern that limits the ability to detect small differences between experimen...
Beyond Collaboration: Modeling Course Design on Theatre Ensembles for Improved Classroom Culture and Purposeful Learning

The author unpacks and utilizes the pedagogical success of improvisational theatre ensembles, offers core course design elements inspired by improv that match best practices, and gives concrete ide...
Global Variation in the Cost of a Nutrient Adequate Diet by Population Group

Background: Nutrient deficiencies limit human development, and could be caused by the high cost of locally available foods needed to meet nutrient requirements. In this study, we identify the populations whose nutrient needs are most difficult to meet with existing global food systems. Methods: Using the most recent collection of global food prices (ICP 2017), we compute least-cost diets within upper and lower bounds for energy and 20 nutrients for healthy population across 20 demographic groups in 172 countries. Findings: Diet costs per day have a global median of $2.30 (IQR: 1.95-2.75) in 2017, and are highest for males 14-18 y/o at $2.85 [95%CI: 2.83, 2.88]. For females, cost per day is highest during pregnancy and lactation, exceeding cost for adult males 19-50 y/o. Energy-adjusted costs per 1,000 kcal have a global median of $0.94 (IQR: 0.79-1.12), and are higher for females throughout the life course, peaking for adolescent girls 9-13 y/o and women above 70 y/o at $1.17 [95% CI: 1.15, 1.19] and $1.18 [95% CI: 1.17, 1.19]. Meeting needs at least cost uses more animal-source foods in higher income countries, and more plant-source foods in lower income countries. Diet costs are most sensitive to requirements for calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins C and E, and upper bounds on carbohydrates and sodium. Interpretation: Diets with adequate nutrients are unaffordable for many demographic groups, especially women. Results can help guide agriculture and food policy or transfer programs to support populations at risk of inadequate intake. Funding Statement: UKAid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Mechanisms of stearoyl CoA desaturase inhibitor sensitivity and acquired resistance in cancer

The lipogenic enzyme stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) plays a key role in tumor lipid metabolism and membrane architecture. SCD is often up-regulated and a therapeutic target in cancer. Here, we report the unexpected finding that median expression of SCD is low in glioblastoma relative to normal brain due to hypermethylation and unintentional monoallelic co-deletion with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in a subset of patients. Cell lines from this subset expressed undetectable SCD, yet retained residual SCD enzymatic activity. Unexpectedly, these lines evolved to survive independent of SCD through unknown mechanisms. Cell lines that escaped such genetic and epigenetic alterations expressed higher levels of SCD and were highly dependent on SCD for survival. Last, we identify that SCD-dependent lines acquire resistance through a previously unknown FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB)-mediated mechanism. Accordingly, FOSB inhibition blunted acquired resistance and extended survival of tumor-bearing mice treated with SCD inhibitor.
Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown: Challenges of Hei’s Electronic Support Services in Teacher Education Programs

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is the result of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). Pandemic is the outburst of any disease worldwide. Electronic Service (E-service) is based on technology and provides different electronic channels i.e. e-learning & coaching (online learning), e-library, etc. This study was design to explore challenges of HEI’s electronic support services in teacher education during pandemic shut down of COVID-19. The objectives of the study were to explore the challenges of e-support services in teacher education programs due to pandemic shutdown of COVID-19 and to propose a framework for stake holders of HEI’s esupport services. This study was descriptive and the survey method was used. Teacher education program B. Ed (1.5 Years) from two universities of Pakistan, one from formal mode and one from distance education online mode were selected and all the prospective teachers of 2nd semester were defined as population of the study. Sample of the study consisted of 150 students (selected conveniently). An online questionnaire was used as tool for data collection which had 15 closeended statements on 5- point Likert scale. It was concluded that the facility to purchase internet bundles was not available to students in the pandemic shutdown of COVID-19. The students and academia on the other hand were not trained for online teaching learning procedures. It wasproposed that HEI’s may arrange internet bundles with collaboration of internet provider companies to students, academia and institutions also focus to train academia and students for online education because the effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Shutdown are expecting a change in future procedures of education till the situation is not going to be seen normal.