cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cybersmear II: Blogging and the Corporate Rematch Against John Doe Version 2.006

Blogging, the act of posting a regular journal on the Internet, has quickly become one of the most prevalent methods for obtaining and disseminating decentralized information. In part because the barriers to creating a blog are virtually nonexistent, a person can write about anything, from the weather in Tonga to how Company X's president typically handles a controversial client. Given the lack of limitations in the content of a blog and the increasing number of people who use them, corporations are finally realizing the marketing potential behind this latest technology. Simultaneous to trying to harness the marketing power of blogging, corporations have begun to develop methods to control their constituents' (including employees) use of them. When a company has been cybersmeared, e-defamed, or virtually abused by someone through a blog, decisions have to be made to determine the most effective way of countering the attack. Where the attack comes from an anonymous source, the company must first tackle the problem of determining who smeared them. This note explains the standards a court may apply when a cybersmeared company seeks to discover the identity of a John Doe. This note also suggests that the summary judgment standard, recently imposed by the Delaware Supreme Court in such cases, clearly, adequately, and most fairly balances the corporation's interest in obtaining relief against John Doe's First Amendment rights.
The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Agonist G-1 Inhibits Nuclear Estrogen Receptor Activity and Stimulates Novel Phosphoproteomic Signatures.

Estrogen exerts cellular effects through both nuclear (ESR1 and ESR2) and membrane-bound estrogen receptors (G-protein coupled estrogen receptor, GPER); however, it is unclear if they act independently or engage in crosstalk to influence hormonal responses. To investigate each receptor's role in proliferation, transcriptional activation, and protein phosphorylation in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), we employed selective agonists for ESR1 propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT), ESR2 diarylpropionitrile (DPN), and GPER (G-1) and also determined the impact of xenoestrogens bisphenol-A (BPA) and genistein on these effects. As anticipated, 17β-estradiol (E2), PPT, DPN, BPA, and genistein each enhanced proliferation and activation of an ERE-driven reporter gene whereas G-1 had no significant impact. However, G-1 significantly reduced E2-, PPT-, DPN-, BPA-, and genistein-induced proliferation and ERE activation at doses greater than 500 nM indicating that G-1 mediated inhibition is not ESR isotype specific. As membrane receptors initiate cascades of phosphorylation events, we performed a global phosphoproteomic analysis on cells exposed to E2 or G-1 to identify potential targets of receptor crosstalk via downstream protein phosphorylation targets. Of the 211 phosphorylated proteins identified, 40 and 13 phosphoproteins were specifically modified by E2 and G-1, respectively. Subnetwork enrichment analysis revealed several processes related to cell cycle were specifically enriched by G-1 compared with E2. Further there existed a number of newly identified proteins that were specifically phosphorylated by G-1. These phosphorylation networks highlight specific proteins that may modulate the inhibitory effects of G-1 and suggest a novel role for interference with nuclear receptor activity driven by E2 and xenoestrogens.
Advanced instrument system for real-time and time-series microbial geochemical sampling of the deep (basaltic) crustal biosphere

Abstract Integrated Ocean Drilling Program borehole CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) observatories provide long-term access to hydrothermal fluids circulating within the basaltic crust (basement), providing invaluable opportunities to study the deep biosphere. We describe the design and application parameters of the GeoMICROBE instrumented sled, an autonomous sensor and fluid sampling system. The GeoMICROBE system couples with CORK fluid delivery lines to draw large volumes of fluids from crustal aquifers to the seafloor. These fluids pass a series of in-line sensors and an in situ filtration and collection system. GeoMICROBE's major components include a primary valve manifold system, a positive displacement primary pump, sensors (e.g., fluid flow rate, temperature, dissolved O 2 , electrochemistry-voltammetry analyzer), a 48-port in situ filtration and fluid collection system, computerized controller, seven 24 V–40 A batteries and wet-mateable (ODI) communications with submersibles. This constantly evolving system has been successfully connected to IODP Hole 1301A on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Also described here is a mobile pumping system (MPS), which possesses many of the same components as the GeoMICROBE (e.g., pump, sensors, controller), but is directly powered and controlled in real time via submersible operations; the MPS has been employed repeatedly to collect pristine basement fluids for a variety of geochemical and microbial studies.
Factors Influencing Dental Students’ Specialty Choice: A Survey of Ten Graduating Classes at One Institution

The aim of this study was to survey ten graduating classes at Harvard School of Dental Medicine regarding students' specialty choice and factors influencing that choice. Students were surveyed once in 2008 (for the Classes of 2007-11) and again in 2013 (for the Classes of 2012-16). A prior article reported results regarding students' interest in and experiences with prosthodontics; this article presents results regarding their interest in all dental specialties and factors influencing those interests. Of a total 176 students in the Classes of 2012-16, 143 responded to the survey, for a response rate of 81%, compared to a 95% response rate (167 of total 176 students) for the Classes of 2007-11. The results showed that orthodontics was the most popular specialty choice, followed by oral and maxillofacial surgery. From the 2008 to the 2013 survey groups, there was an increase in the percentages of students planning to pursue oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and postdoctoral general dentistry. The educational debt these students expected to accrue by graduation also increased. The largest percentage of students chose "enjoyment of providing the specialty service" as the factor most influencing their specialty choice. "Prior dental school experience" and "faculty influence" were greater influences for students pursuing specialties than those pursuing postdoctoral general dentistry. Increased interest in particular disciplines may be driven by high debt burdens students face upon graduation. Factors related to mentoring especially influenced students pursuing specialties, demonstrating the importance of student experiences outside direct patient care for exposure to the work of specialists beyond the scope of predoctoral training. This finding suggests that dental schools should increase mentoring efforts to help students make career decisions based not on financial burden but rather on personal interest in the specialty, which is likely to have a more satisfying result for them in the long run.
Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors on Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits.

Abstract Purpose: In this study, we investigated the effect of a slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, GYY 4137, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive rabbits. Furthermore, we compared the IOP-lowering action of GYY 4137 with those elicited by other H2S-producing compounds, l-cysteine and ACS67 (a hybrid compound of latanoprost with an H2S-releasing moiety). Methods: IOP was measured in New Zealand normotensive male albino rabbits using a pneumatonometer (model 30 classic; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY). At 0 h, 50 μL of test compounds were applied topically to 1 eye of each animal, while the contralateral eye received the same quantity of vehicle (saline). IOP was measured hourly until baseline IOP readings were attained and animal eyes monitored for potential side effects (i.e., tearing, hyperemia). Results: GYY 4137 (0.1%–2%) produced a dose-dependent decrease in IOP reaching a maximum of 27.8% ± 3.14% (n = 5) after 6 h. Interestingly, a significant contralateral effect was ...
Who Is the Decipherer of "Jin Wu Ge Ci

This article tells about Mr. YANG Gongji's deciphering process of "Jin Wu Ge Ci" (a performing script of longtowel dance) and some thing about ZHAO Kuifu's research on "Jin Wu Ge Ci". If compared ZHAO Kuifu's original version which "Research on the Performing Script of the Earlist Song and Dancing Drama" Gong Mo Wu based on, with YANG Gongji's textural criticism of "Jin Wu Ge Ci",and enumberated ten mistakes of ZHAO's paper,we would prove that ZHAO Kuifu's not the decipherer of "Jin Wu Ge Ci".
Developing and implementing a Usability Test Plan for the Challenger Center's EngiLearn

This work focuses on usability testing of a computer-based simulation that immerses fifth graders in an underwater ocean exploration mission. In particular, the focus is on the testing the interface that teachers use during and after the mission to view student performance. The Challenger Center, a non-profit with a long history of inspiring young students to pursue careers in STEM fields through simulated space and exploration missions, is developing the simulation for use in classrooms. As with the traditional Challenger Center experiences that are conducted at regional "Learning Centers", students will answer questions "embedded" within this new classroom simulation throughout an entertaining adventure-style mission. Students' progress through these questions is displayed for the elementary school teacher to review during and after the mission on what has been labeled the "Embedded Assessment." This Embedded Assessment is the focus of the usability testing in this paper. The Usability Test plan consists of both internal testing and user-oriented testing. The university team completes internal testing and all results and recommendations are reported to the Challenger Center to be implemented before user-oriented testing. Internal testing is focused on assuring that functional requirements are met and the software is clear and intuitive. User-oriented testing incorporates potential users (i.e. teachers and students) to test the software, and asks them to give feedback on the overall experience. This stage of testing is focused on assuring that the software is easy to use and the end user is satisfied. This paper includes the comprehensive Usability Test Plan and the motivation behind each of the tests, along with internal test results and recommendations for improvement.
Staging Prostatic Cancer: A Different Distribution

AbstractA review of 300 recent cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma and use of current staging methods revealed a marked change in the distribution of the various stages of the disease from previous classical reports.Stage A disease, the incidental carcinoma, now assumes a significant proportion of new cases (37 per cent) and full staging procedures must be done at least in all A2 cases (13 per cent). This is especially true in those patients with higher grade lesions. One of the challenges facing urologists in the future is to detect which of these patients with stage A2 disease are at greater risk and to investigate the use of early therapy to determine whether the natural history of this disease can be affected.Stage B disease, clinical B1 disease, often pathologically B2, C or Dl, may be curable by other than radical prostatectomy with its impotence and threat to continence. Controlled, randomized studies are needed to establish the natural history of the disease now since its stage is more finely and ac...
Green media and popular culture, by John Parham

Researchers from the University of Melbourne recently published a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology that found that merely looking at computerised images of nature has significant co...
Can three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry detect anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence?

Aim Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence (FI), while anorectal manometry evaluates sphincter function. 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) is a newer modality with the potential to assess both sphincter function and anatomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare 3D HRAM with 3D EAUS in detecting anal sphincter defects in patients with FI. Method A linkage analysis was performed between 3D HRAM and 3D EAUS databases of a tertiary referral centre to identify patients with FI who underwent both 3D EAUS and 3D HRAM. Using 3D HRAM, a defect was defined as any pressure measurement below 25 mmHg at rest with at least 18ᵒ of continuous expansion. Findings on 3D HRAM were compared with those of 3D EAUS. Results The study cohort included 39 patients with a mean age of 64.7 ± SD (standard deviation) 15.2 years and 31 (79%) were female. Eight (21%) patients had an anal sphincter defect on EAUS with a median size of 93 (40 – 136) degrees. Fourteen (36%) had a defect shown by 3D HRAM with a median size of 144 (36 – 180) degrees. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 3D HRAM in detecting a sphincter defect were 75%, 74%, 43%, and 92%. Conclusion With a negative predictive value of 92%, 3D HRAM may be a useful screening method to rule out a sphincter defect in patients with FI, thereby avoiding both EAUS and manometry in selected patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Topical Minocycline Effectively Decontaminates and Reduces Inflammation in Infected Porcine Wounds.

BACKGROUND Wound infection can impair postoperative healing. Topical antibiotics have potential to treat wound infection and inflammation and minimize the adverse effects associated with systemic antibiotics. METHODS Full-thickness porcine wounds were infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Using polyurethane wound enclosure devices, wounds were treated with topical 100 μg/ml minocycline, topical 1000 μg/ml minocycline, topical saline control, or 4 mg/kg intravenous minocycline. Bacteria were quantified in wound tissue and fluid obtained over 9 hours. Immunosorbent assays were used to analyze inflammatory marker concentrations. Minocycline's effect on in vitro migration and proliferation of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts was tested using scratch assays and metabolic assays, respectively. RESULTS After 6 hours, 100 and 1000 μg/ml topical minocycline decreased bacteria in wound tissue to 3.5 ± 0.87 and 2.9 ± 2.3 log colony-forming units/g respectively, compared to 8.3 ± 0.9 log colony-forming units/g in control wounds (p < 0.001) and 6.9 ± 0.2 log colony-forming units/g in wounds treated with 4 mg/kg intravenous minocycline (p < 0.01). After 2 hours, topical minocycline reduced concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.01), and inflammatory cell counts in wound tissue (p < 0.05). In noninfected wounds, topical minocycline significantly reduced interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and inflammatory cell counts after 4 hours (p < 0.01). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations decreased after 1-hour treatment (p < 0.05). Keratinocyte and fibroblast in vitro functions were not adversely affected by 10 μg/ml minocycline or less. CONCLUSIONS Topical minocycline significantly reduces bacterial burden and inflammation in infected wounds compared with wounds treated with intravenous minocycline or control wounds. Minocycline also decreases local inflammation independently of its antimicrobial effect.
A failure of dialogue? a critical reflection on a discussion between a teacher trainer and a pre-service second-language teacher

Reflective practice in teacher education often involves dialogic communication between teacher educators and teachers. This essay asks what constitutes authentic dialogic engagement in discussions ...
Local neuropeptide signaling modulates serotonergic transmission to shape the temporal organization of C. elegans egg-laying behavior.

Animal behaviors are often composed of distinct alternating behavioral states. Neuromodulatory signals are thought to be critical for establishing stable behavioral states and for orchestrating transitions between them. However, we have only a limited understanding of how neuromodulatory systems act in vivo to alter circuit performance and shape behavior. To address these questions, we have investigated neuromodulatory signaling in the context of Caenorhabditis elegans egg-laying. Egg-laying activity cycles between discrete states–short bursts of egg deposition (active phases) that alternate with prolonged quiescent periods (inactive phases). Here using genetic, pharmacological and optogenetic approaches for cell-specific activation and inhibition, we show that a group of neurosecretory cells (uv1) located in close spatial proximity to the egg-laying neuromusculature direct the temporal organization of egg-laying by prolonging the duration of inactive phases. We demonstrate that the modulatory effects of the uv1 cells are mediated by peptides encoded by the nlp-7 and flp-11 genes that act locally to inhibit circuit activity, primarily by inhibiting vesicular release of serotonin from HSN motor neurons. This peptidergic inhibition is achieved, at least in part, by reducing synaptic vesicle abundance in the HSN motor neurons. By linking the in vivo actions of specific neuropeptide signaling systems with the generation of stable behavioral outcomes, our study reveals how cycles of neuromodulation emanating from non-neuronal cells can fundamentally shape the organization of a behavioral program.
Sjögren’s syndrome, an under-diagnosed etiology of facial pain? (P3.060)

BACKGROUND: Facial pain is one the challenging issues in headache medicine which have wide differential diagnosis. Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic disease which affects the nervous system in approximately 20[percnt] of cases.Although painful sensory neuropathy is one of the known features of SS, facial pain due to trigeminal neuropathy as initial presenting symptom of SS is not a frequently reported condition. Frequency of positive antibodies (SSA or SSB)is approximately 60[percnt] and only 21[percnt] of patients with SS associated neurological disease had positive antibodies at presentation. METHODS: This is a case series of five patients with facial pain, whom were referred to a headache clinic and diagnosed with SS-associated trigeminal neuropathy as underlying etiology. RESULTS: All five patients were female, ranging from 31 to 53 years of age at the onset of their facial pain. All five patients were seen by a range of specialists before referral to headache clinic. Three patients had slightly elevated ANA and the rest of the antibodies, including SSA and SSB were negative. Brain and Trigeminal nerve MRI for all patients were unremarkable. Due to high clinical suspicion for SS, labial salivary gland biopsy performed and showed clusters of 50 or more lymphocytes per 4 mm2 in at least 2 fragments in each patient which was diagnostic for SS. Upon 6 month follow-up, one of the patients turned to be SSB positive. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with facial pain who meet the criteria for trigeminal neuropathy, especially in middle age female population, performing a minimally invasive labial biopsy should be considered for proper diagnosis and to avoid inappropriate treatment. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of trigeminal neuropathy as an initial presenting symptom of SS .So,this is probably an under-diagnosed entity which needs further attention by neurologists. Disclosure: Dr. Ansari has nothing to disclose.
The heritability of retinoblastoma: An institutional review.

1591Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) accounts for ~3% of pediatric cancer and is the most common primary intraocular malignancy. Patients with bilateral disease and about 15% of patients with unilat...
COMPARISON OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF GLARGINE AND DETEMIR INSULIN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INPATIENT HYPERGLYCEMIA AND DIABETES.

ABSTRACT Objective: Glargine and detemir insulin are the two most commonly prescribed basal insulin analogues for the ambulatory and inpatient management of diabetes. The efficacy and safety of bas...
Synthesis of self-suspending silica proppants using photoactive hydrogels

Abstract Micro and mesoscale particles in fluids are widely used from hydrocarbon extraction to drug delivery applications. Of interest are silica particles that are used as proppants for the extraction of natural gas from underground reserves. These particles have the tendency to settle out or aggregate in slurries, resulting in hindered transport. This in turn, necessitates requires high pressure pumping or additives, resulting in various environmental concerns and increased costs. As an alternative to using lighter proppant particles, here we report on a facile procedure to create self-suspending particles formed by a water swellable hydrogel shell. We graft photoactive polyethylene glycol hydrogels to large, non-spherical silica particles using a UV polymerization procedure. The proppant particles formed are stable with a high degree of hydration and reduced apparent density. A significant drop in density in comparison to unmodified particles is shown that can reduce the settling velocity and thereby, reduce hindered transport. The experimentally obtained settling velocities are in good agreement with theoretical models. The ability to tune particle density has implications in industrial applications to improve environmental impact, efficiency and productivity.
Integration, Polarization, and Segregation in the Global City

Analyses of the Great Recession following the 2008 financial crash have neglected its effects on migrants and their integration into Western societies. This section disentangles the relevant theoretical debates and sets up the subsequent empirical analysis. Global cities scholars expect serious economic crises to widen socio-spatial polarization, sharpening inequalities and leaving neighborhoods with greater concentrations of residents with similar ethnic and social class backgrounds. Cities must resist the negative effects on migrants’ structural and residential integration to secure long-term stability and prosperity. At the same time, cultural diversity, particularly its manifestation in ethnic neighborhoods, is a valuable asset for a “creative” city in the competition with other urban centers. This celebration of ethnicity runs counter to worries about the disintegrative effects of spreading socio-spatial divisions.
Brief Research Report: A User Friendly Effect Size—When Normality Matters

There is a need for effect sizes that are readily interpretable by a broad audience. One index that might fill this need is π, which represents the proportion of scores in one group that exceed the...
An examination of reproductive senescence and parental effects in the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

The harvest or conservation of particular size and age classes of fished species can significantly affect their reproductive potential. Management strategies, such as maximum size limits, can help rebuild depleted spawning stocks, but both positive and negative effects of parental size on reproductive success should be considered. Positive parental effects on offspring fitness relative to increasing parent size or age have been documented in several marine species. Likewise, reproductive senescence, the reduction in reproductive fitness relative to size or age, also has been documented in a number of taxa. The Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804), supports one of the Caribbean region's most valuable fisheries, but lobster catch and their average size in most areas has decreased over the last 30 yrs. Large lobsters produce more eggs per clutch and more clutches per season, thus contribute disproportionately to a population's reproductive capacity. In the present study, we tested the relationship between lobster size, gamete production, and larval quality over multiple mating events to examine the possibility of reproductive senescence and positive parental effects. Rather than a decline in offspring quality with female size over successive clutches, we found that eggs and larvae in the second and third clutches produced by large females were generally of higher quality. Similarly, spermatophores deposited by large males were heavier and thicker with no decline in sperm number or quality with size. Thus, we found no evidence of reproductive senescence in P. argus, and instead some positive parental effects—important considerations for their future management.
Spinor Modules of Clifford Algebras in Classes $$N_{2k-1}$$ N 2 k - 1 and $$\Omega _{2k-1}$$ Ω 2 k - 1 are Determined by Irreducible Nonlinear Characters of Corresponding Salingaros Vee Groups

Clifford algebras $$C \ell _{2,0}$$ and $$C \ell _{1,1}$$ are isomorphic simple algebras whose Salingaros vee groups belong to a class $$N_1$$ . The algebras are isomorphic to the quotient algebra $$\mathbb {R}[D_8]/\mathcal {J}$$ of the group algebra of the dihedral group $$D_8$$ modulo an ideal $$\mathcal {J}=(1+\tau )$$ where $$\tau $$ is a central involution in $$D_8$$ . Since all irreducible characters of $$D_8$$ , including a single nonlinear character of degree 2, can be realized over $$\mathbb {R}$$ , spinor representations of the Clifford algebras can be realized over $$\mathbb {R}$$ and so $$C \ell _{2,0} \cong C \ell _{1,1} \cong \mathbb {R}(2)$$ . Spinor modules in $$C \ell _{2,0}$$ and $$C \ell _{1,1}$$ are isomorphic to irreducible $$\mathbb {R}D_8$$ -submodules of dimension 2 of the regular module $$\mathbb {R}D_8$$ . As such, they are uniquely determined by the nonlinear character of degree 2. These results are generalized to the vee groups in classes $$N_{2k-1}$$ and $$\Omega _{2k-1}$$ ( $$1 \le k \le 4$$ ). It is proven that each irreducible character of $$G_{p,q}$$ in these classes can be realized over $$\mathbb {R}.$$ Consequently, every nonlinear character of $$G_{p,q}$$ uniquely determines a spinor module of $$C \ell _{p,q}$$ which is faithful (resp. unfaithful) when $$G_{p,q}$$ is in the class $$N_{2k-1}$$ (resp. $$\Omega _{2k-1})$$ . This paper is a continuation of [1].
Effects of Alcohol on the Neuron

It should be made clear at once that the nature of the ensuing discussion is deliberately limited. Consideration of the effects of alcohols on cerebral neurons (or stated another way, cerebral effects of alcohols at the cellular and subcellular levels) necessitates taking a quite specific point of view. The latter is based on certain assumptions, some of which can be stated, as well as on the setting up of arbitrary limits or boundaries with regard to both data and theory (or, depending on the degree of libidinal investment, with regard to both fact and fancy). The limits are particularly obvious if the concept of “behavior” is involved; this is certainly the primary interest of psychiatrists and psychologists dealing with the use of alcohol consumed either occasionally or chronically. For present purposes, i.e., in the neurophysiologic or neurobiologic frame of reference, behavior is also a central issue, but in more than the usual sense. The neurophysiologist, in other words, hopes, in time, to understand the effects of alcohol on the total organism (alone and in its relationships to others), but focuses his investigative efforts on least suborders of behaviors: 1. Effects of alcohols on the integrated activity of the nervous system 2. Effects of alcohols on behavior of specific of the central nervous system 3. Effects of alcohols on behavior of the neuron (the functional unit of the nervous system) and its junctions with other neurons.
National study of the effect of patient and hospital characteristics on bariatric surgery outcomes.

The influence of patient and hospital demographics on gastric bypass (GB) outcomes is unknown. We analyzed year 2000 data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for all GB patients. In 2000, 5876 GB were performed in the 137 sample hospitals (M:F, 14%:86%). Length of stay (LOS, days), charges, comorbidities, and morbidity were higher for those aged >60 years compared to <40 years. LOS, charges, comorbidities, morbidity, and mortality were highest in males. LOS was longest in African Americans compared to Caucasians and Hispanics. Charges and comorbidities were greatest in African Americans and Hispanics compared to Caucasians. Medicare and Medicaid-insured patients have higher LOS, charges, comorbidities, morbidity, and mortality compared to privately insured and self-pay patients. Lower income patients have higher LOS and total charges. Nonteaching hospitals have an increased LOS and charges and treat patients with more comorbidities compared to teaching hospitals. LOS, charges, and morbidity are directly proportional to hospital size. Urban hospitals have lower LOS and higher charges compared to rural hospitals. As hospital GB volume increases, LOS, charges, and morbidity decrease with no mortality effect. After controlling for all other covariates, male gender, increased age, and large hospital size were predictors of increased morbidity. Having had a complication predicted increased mortality, while female gender had a protective effect. Patient income, insurance status, and race did not play a role in morbidity or mortality. Neither academic, teaching status of the hospital or hospital gastric bypass volume influenced patient outcomes. Patient and hospital demographics do affect the outcomes of patients undergoing GB. Increasing age, male gender, and surgery performed in large hospitals are predictors of morbidity. Male gender and postoperative complications predict increased mortality. Neither comorbidities, race, payer, income, hospital academic status, location, nor hospital volume affect the outcome after GB.
DNA Fragmentation as a Developmental Program for Cellular Aging in Cardiac Muscle

Several years ago we determined that semiconservative DNA replication in the intact rat heart and in isolated individual cardiac muscle cells essentially ceases by the third week of postnatal development (1–3). Temporally correlated with this loss of DNA replicative ability was the disappearance from these cells of the putative replicative DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase a (1,3). An obvious question to ask of this data was: does DNA synthesis cease in these cells because the activity of this enzyme is lost, or is the activity of this enzyme lost because DNA synthesis ceases? Which is cause and which is effect? In an attempt to answer this question, DNA template availability (capacity to prime for DNA replication) and the number of 3’-OH termini in the DNA (origins of DNA replication) were measured in cardiac muscle nuclei and chromatin prepared at various times during the developmental period when DNA replication is being and has been restricted. These parameters were assessed using several different exogenous DNA polymerases (4). It was observed that DNA template and 3’-OH termini available to exogenously added DNA polymerases do not change as cardiac muscle differentiates and the rate of DNA synthesis ceases (4) (Fig. 1). It was concluded from these experiments that DNA replication ceases in these cells because the activity of a replicative DNA polymerase is lost, rather than the activity of this enzyme being lost because DNA synthesis ceases.
Experimental pain assessment in patients with poststroke aphasia.

Objective To evaluate an observational-behavioral pain tool among individuals with acute poststroke aphasia. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, controlled study of experimental pain assessment among 36 adult patients with acute poststroke aphasia. Patients were administered 3 levels of mechanical pain, including placebo. The behavioral responses were video recorded and then evaluated by 3 neurology nurses using the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors With Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC-II). Pain-specific facial action units were quantified with FaceReader version 6.1. Results Median PACSLAC-II ratings for 0-, 2-, and 4.5-lb weight stimuli were 2 (0, 3), 1 (0, 3), and 2 (1, 5), respectively. Overall, differences were not detected ( p = 0.06). Pairwise comparisons with the Wilcoxon method demonstrated significance in differentiating PACSLAC-II ratings of patients experiencing the 4.5-lb stimulus vs either the 2-lb weight ( p = 0.03) or placebo ( p = 0.05). Overall interrater reliability by the Cronbach α was strong at 0.87, 0.94, and 0.96 for weights of 0, 2, and 4.5 lb, respectively. Pain-specific facial activation and negative valence were observed similarly in placebo and experimental pain groups. Conclusions Among our cohort with acute poststroke aphasia, the PACSLAC-II was not able to overall differentiate patients experiencing experimental mechanical pain, although differences in those experiencing the strongest pain stimulus were significant. The detection of pain-specific facial activation and negative valence in the placebo group indicates that pain and distress are unmet needs among stroke patients who are unable to verbally communicate.
Baseline markers of inflammation, lipids, glucose, and Dietary Inflammatory Index scores do not differ between adults willing to participate in an intensive inflammation reduction intervention and those who do not:

Background:Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous chronic diseases and can be managed with diet.Aim:The purpose of this study was to examine differences in baseline characteristics and pl...
Analyzing Urban Politics: A Mobilization–Governance Framework:

This paper begins by examining recent scholarship on the carceral state and its political consequences as an opportunity to reassess the study of urban politics. Along with illuminating how race st...
The Latent Threat of Community Violence: Indirect Exposure to Local Homicides and Adolescents' Mental Health in Colombia.

This study examines the relation between adolescents' indirect exposure to local homicides and mental health disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We employ a sample of 300 adolescents ( Mage=14.52,range=12-17) representative for Bogota, Colombia, and geocoded data on violent crimes recorded by the national police. Findings show that one SD increment in local homicides is associated with increments by 0.17 SD in the mental health disorder index and a 0.14 SD increase in the PTSD score index, even after accounting for adolescents' direct exposure to violence. The estimated effect for PTSD was larger for adolescents' who were directly exposed to violence and for those living in multidimensionally poor households, whereas no detectable effects were found for adolescents who perceived their residential neighborhood as relatively safe.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of laparoscopic disease assessment in ovarian cancer.

5556Background: Laparoscopic assessment of disease resectability can be useful for treatment planning for patients [pts] with advanced ovarian cancer [OC] but may be associated with added cost. Met...
Resolution of anemia and improved quality of life following laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair

Cameron lesions (CL) are common complications of large hiatal hernia (HH) disease and are known to result in chronic blood loss with resultant microcytic anemia. There is support in the literature that repair of HH may lead to resolution of CL and restore normal hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to determine the impact of elective HH repair on resolution of anemia and the quality of life (QOL) in patients with CL. A single-institution, retrospective review analyzed all patients with history of CL or anemia (hemoglobin < 12.0 gm/dl in women, < 13.5 gm/dl in men) who underwent HH repair from January 2012 to May 2019. Four validated surveys were used to assess QOL: Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related QOL (GERD-HRQL), laryngopharyngeal reflux health-related QOL (LPR-HRQL), and QOL and swallowing disorders (SWAL) survey. History of iron supplements and perioperative hemoglobin were also noted. Ninety-six patients were included in this study. The mean age was 67.4 ± 10.8 years and 79% of patients were female. CL were endoscopically identified in 61.5% of patients preoperatively, and the rest of the patients experienced anemia of undiagnosed origin but had a high suspicion for CL. Mean follow-up after HH repair was 17.3 months (range, 1 month–5 years). Mean preoperative hemoglobin was 11.01 ± 2.9 gm/dl and 13.23 ± 1.6 gm/dl postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forty-two (73.7%) patients had resolution of anemia during follow-up and 94.5% stopped supplemental oral iron. Finally, QOL scores significantly improved after surgical intervention: RSI (63%), GERD-HRQL (77%), LPR-HRQOL (72%), and SWAL (13%). Elective HH repair in patients with chronic anemia secondary to CL may potentially resolve CL and anemia and contribute to significant QOL improvements. Future studies will prospectively assess the resolution of CL with biochemical and endoscopic follow-up to confirm the preliminary findings of our analysis.
Microsatellite instability detection using a large next-generation sequencing cancer panel across diverse tumour types.

Aim Microsatellite instability (MSI), a hallmark of DNA mismatch repair deficiency, is a key molecular biomarker with multiple clinical implications including the selection of patients for immunotherapy, identifying patients who may have Lynch syndrome and predicting prognosis in patients with colorectal tumours. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides the opportunity to interrogate large numbers of microsatellite loci concurrently with genomic variants. We sought to develop a method to detect MSI that would not require paired normal tissue and would leverage the sequence data obtained from a broad range of tumours tested using our 467-gene NGS Columbia Combined Cancer Panel (CCCP). Methods Altered mononucleotide and dinucleotide microsatellite loci across the CCCP region of interest were evaluated in clinical samples encompassing a diverse range of tumour types. The number of altered loci was used to develop a decision tree classifier model trained on the retrospectively collected cohort of 107 clinical cases sequenced by the CCCP assay. Results The classifier was able to correctly classify all cases and was then used to analyse a test set of clinical cases (n=112) and was able to correctly predict their MSI status with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Analysis of recurrently altered loci identified alterations in genes involved in DNA repair, signalling and transcriptional regulation pathways, many of which have been implicated in MSI tumours. Conclusion This study highlights the utility of this approach, which should be applicable to laboratories performing similar testing.
U.S. child custody outcomes in cases involving parental alienation and abuse allegations: what do the data show?

Family court and abuse professionals have long been polarized over the use of parental alienation claims to discredit a mother alleging that the father has been abusive or is unsafe for the childre...
DeepECO: Applying Deep Learning for Occupancy Detection from Energy Consumption Data

Occupancy identification using Electricity Consumption data has been shown as an effective, non-intrusive strategy aiding the design of efficient Energy Management solutions. This paper introduces DeepECO, a Deep Learning framework for the Occupancy Classification task. It studies the impact of different feature selection algorithms, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a new game-theoretic approach called SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) on the network performance. Three different metrics- Classification Accuracy, Mathew’s Correlation Coefficient and F2 score are used for evaluation and comparison between the mentioned algorithms. The results obtained serve as a comprehensive evaluation of different feature selection methods for deep CNNs and their effectiveness in addressing the given problem.
Prostate bed and organ-at-risk deformation: Prospective volumetric and dosimetric data from a phase II trial of stereotactic body radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Purpose Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the post-prostatectomy setting is investigational. A major concern is the deformable prostate bed clinical target volume (CTV) and the closely juxtaposed organs-at-risk (OARs). We report a volumetric and dosimetric analysis of kilovoltage cone-beam CT (CBCT) data from the first 18 patients enrolled on a phase II trial of post-prostatectomy SBRT. With instructions on bladder filling and rectal preparation, we hypothesized acceptable CTV coverage while minimal overdosing to OARs could be achieved. Methods All patients received 5 fractions of 6–6.8 Gy to the prostate bed. CBCT were taken prior to and halfway through each fraction. CTV and OARs were contoured for each CBCT. Changes in inter- and intra-fraction volume and dose were calculated. Relative changes in CTV V95%, bladder V32.5 Gy, and rectal V32.5 Gy and V27.5 Gy were evaluated. Results Interfraction CTV volume remained stable, with median change +5.69% (IQR −1.73% to +9.84%). CTV V95% exhibited median change −0.74% (IQR −9.15% to −0.07%). Volumetric and dosimetric changes were minor from interfraction rotation and intrafraction motion. CTV V95% was ≥93% in 13 of 18 (72%) patients; in the remaining five, median change was −14.09% (IQR −16.64% to −13.56%). Interfraction CTV volume change was significantly larger among patients with CTV V95% Conclusions With specific bladder and rectum filling protocols, CTV underdosing and overdosing to bladder and rectum are avoided in majority of patients. Changes in CTV shape may account for the underdosing that may be observed.
Evaluation of the Symmetry of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle and Velopharyngeal Closure Among a Noncleft Adult Population.

Purpose:The goal of this study is to determine the typical range of asymmetry between the length and thickness of the levator veli palatini muscle and to explore the impact of the observed asymmetr...
Brief Report: Hospitalization Rates Among Persons With HIV Who Gained Medicaid or Private Insurance After the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

BACKGROUND It is unknown whether gaining inpatient health care coverage had an effect on hospitalization rates among persons with HIV (PWH) after implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014. METHODS Hospitalization data from 2015 were obtained for 1634 adults receiving longitudinal HIV care at 3 US HIV clinics within the HIV Research Network. All patients were engaged in care and previously uninsured and supported by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in 2013. We evaluated whether PWH who transitioned to either Medicaid or private insurance in 2014 tended to have a change in hospitalization rate compared with PWH who remained uncovered and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program supported. Analyses were performed by negative binomial regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, age, HIV risk factor, CD4 count, viral load, clinic site, and 2013 hospitalization rate. RESULTS Among PWH without inpatient health care coverage in 2013, transitioning to Medicaid [adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.26, (0.71, 2.23)] or to private insurance [0.48 (0.18, 1.28)] in 2014 was not associated with 2015 hospitalization rates, after accounting for demographics, HIV characteristics, and prior hospitalization rates. The factors significantly associated with higher hospitalization rates include age 55-64, CD4 400 copies/mL, and 2013 hospitalization rate. CONCLUSIONS Acquiring inpatient coverage was not associated with a change in hospitalization rates. These results provide some evidence to allay the concern that acquiring inpatient coverage would lead to increased inpatient utilization.
Physical Activity as a Mediator between Race/Ethnicity and Changes in Multimorbidity.

Objectives Studies report racial/ethnic disparities in multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and their rate of accumulation over time as well as differences in physical activity. Our study aimed to investigate whether racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity were mediated by physical activity among middle-aged and older adults. Methods We assessed racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity (of nine conditions) over twelve years (2004-2016) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N = 18,264, mean age = 64.4 years). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate latent growth curve models of changes in multimorbidity and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White participants) to changes in the number of chronic conditions was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, household wealth, insurance coverage, smoking, alcohol, and body-weight. Results There was a significant increase in multimorbidity over time. Initial levels and changes in multimorbidity over time varied significantly across individuals. Indirect effects of the relationship between race/ethnicity and changes in multimorbidity as mediated by physical activity were significant, consistent with the mediational hypothesis. Black respondents engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than White respondents after controlling for covariates, but there were no differences between Hispanic and White respondents once education was included. These results provide important new information for understanding how modifiable lifestyle factors may help explain disparities in multimorbidity in mid-to-late life, suggesting greater need to intervene to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.
Decoding ionic conductivity and reordering in cation-disordered pyrochlores.

The ordered structure A2B2O6O in pyrochlores engenders twin rows of inequivalent anion sublattices each centred on alternating cations. While it is known that cation antisite disorder augments the ...
Comparison of photometric stereo and spectral analysis for visualization and assessment of burn injury from hyperspectral imaging

Burn wounds resulting from thermal insult to the skin are typically classified according to varying depth and therefore require differential levels of medical intervention. In this paper, two methods are proposed for assessing burn injury. The two methods compared are photometric stereo (PS) and spectral analysis. Firstly, PS represents a robust topography recovery algorithm that is implemented to reconstruct the burn and normal skin tissue from multiple hyperspectral images under different illumination conditions. This enabled the visualization of a 3D skin depth map which is used to assess the burn degree. Next, the hyperspectral measurement data of the skin are analyzed to assess partial thickness thermal injury with functional correlation through hemodynamic parameters related to tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Two dimensional principle component analysis (2DPCA) is used for noise reduction towards extracting features from the hyperspectral images within the wavelength range from 375 nm to 1050 nm. This is followed by applying the spectral analysis algorithm to calculate oxygen saturation fraction and concentration of total hemoglobin, where each parameter provided a biomarker of injured tissue. The two methods yielded alternative indicators for burn assessment that could be correlated with each other. Specifically, the spectral measurement result could be used as a reference value for the physical skin site depth map.