cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waiting Room Education in a Community Health System: Provider Perceptions and Suggestions

The increasing burden of chronic diseases in the United States presents a major challenge to the nation’s primary care systems, so improving the efficacy and efficiency of patient education is an important goal. Understanding the current perspectives, practices, and needs of primary care providers should guide innovation towards this end. As a part of the authors’ ongoing quality improvement work, a short internet survey was an effective method of enhancing this understanding in one health care system. With a response rate of 24.6 %, the survey revealed that primary care waiting rooms in the health system studied are not conceived of or used by providers as spaces to engage patients in health education. To change this, providers suggested using both printed and technological methods for delivering health information, primarily related to medications, diabetes, and healthy lifestyle practices. Common barriers to improvement cited by providers included diverse language and literacy backgrounds in the patient population, as well as difficulty sustaining change due to infrastructural and administrative barriers. These results suggest steps for development, implementation, and investigation of new educational interventions for patients in the local primary care context.
Evaluation on Agronomic Characters of Local Rice Germplasm with Heavy Spike and Big Grain in Guizhou

The distribution,type,growth period,plant height,effective spike per plant,spike length,grain per spike,setting rate,1000-grain weight,disease resistance and adverse resistance of 518 and 492 local rice varieties with heavy spike and big grain from Guizhou are identified.The results show that the rice germplasm with heavy spike and big grain is mainly distributed in Qianxinan,Qiandongnan and Qiannan regions,accounting for about 62.8%.These germplasms are rich in the genetic diversity and variance of quantitative characters,which have the important utilization value in rice higher yield breeding.
Simulation of Engineering Guarantee Queuing System Based on Multi-Agent

Aiming at the problem that the engineer army should ensure lots of teams and cover large area in limited time with insufficiency resources in warfare,a simulation model of engineering guarantee queuing system is constructed based on the theory of queuing and the technology of Multi-Agent.The phenomenon of engineering guarantee queuing is simulated within interaction among agents.An algorithm for adjusting the type of engineering guarantee unit is proposed.And the model is simulated by the software of Repast.The experiment and analysis shows that the model can simulate phenomena of engineering guarantee queuing actually,and it can supply references to reduce the waiting time of task and improve the work efficiency in warfare.
What can be learned

Both human and animal learning often exhibit fast rates of convergence. From relatively few examples an individual can induce the concept that is exemplified. Furthermore distinct individuals appear to converge to essentially the same concept even when they have learned from different sets of examples.
Large-amplitude time-domain simulation tool for marine and offshore motion prediction

Although linear ship motions theory is sufficiently accurate in predicting the motions of a ship/offshore platform in irregular seas, it cannot capture many of the nonlinear dynamic phenomena (e.g., parametric resonance) which might be very important in the design phase. In order to accurately simulate the motions of a structure, one has to resort to 6 degrees of freedom coupled nonlinear time-domain simulations. This paper presents the theoretical development of such a tool (called SIMDYN) which solves the nonlinear equations of motion while considering the large-amplitude rotations of the body. It also accounts for the nonlinearity of Froude–Krylov and hydrostatic forces. The validity of the developed tool is verified by comparing the predicted motions against the linear theory for small amplitude motions. The paper also shows an example of parametric roll simulation of a container ship to demonstrate the ability of the tool to capture nonlinear phenomena accurately. This tool is then applied to perform 30 3-h coupled simulations of a container ship in head seas, and the resultant time series from each simulation are analyzed to study the ergodicity of parametric roll in irregular longitudinal seas.
Multiplexed 3D FRET imaging in deep tissue of live embryos.

Current deep tissue microscopy techniques are mostly restricted to intensity mapping of fluorophores, which significantly limit their applications in investigating biochemical processes in vivo. We present a deep tissue multiplexed functional imaging method that probes multiple Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) sensors in live embryos with high spatial resolution. The method simultaneously images fluorescence lifetimes in 3D with multiple excitation lasers. Through quantitative analysis of triple-channel intensity and lifetime images, we demonstrated that Ca2+ and cAMP levels of live embryos expressing dual FRET sensors can be monitored simultaneously at microscopic resolution. The method is compatible with a broad range of FRET sensors currently available for probing various cellular biochemical functions. It opens the door to imaging complex cellular circuitries in whole live organisms.
Loss of Suppressor of Fused in Mid-Corticogenesis Leads to the Expansion of Intermediate Progenitors

Neural progenitors in the embryonic neocortex must be tightly regulated in order to generate the correct number and projection neuron subtypes necessary for the formation of functional neocortical circuits. In this study, we show that the intracellular protein Suppressor of Fused (Sufu) regulates the proliferation of intermediate progenitor (IP) cells at later stages of corticogenesis to affect the number of Cux1+ upper layer neurons in the postnatal neocortex. This correlates with abnormal levels of the repressor form of Gli3 (Gli3R) and the ectopic expression of Patched 1 (Ptch1), a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) target gene. These studies reveal that the canonical role of Sufu as an inhibitor of Shh signaling is conserved at later stages of corticogenesis and that Sufu plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal number by controlling the cell cycle dynamics of IP cells in the embryonic neocortex.
Multi-State Modeling of Biomolecules by Satisfaction of Spatial Restraints from Single-Particle Electron Microscopy Images

Single proteins and macromolecular complexes can exist in multiple conformational and compositional states. Accurate modeling of these ensembles of states is key to understanding and modulating the molecular function. Single-particle electron microscopy (EM) can produce a wealth of structural information. Here, we describe an integrative method for computing a multi-state model of a biomolecular system, based primarily on input particle images from EM. The approach also leverages prior knowledge about the stereochemistry of molecules, image noise, and potentially other sources of information.
A Challenging Pie to Splice: Drugging the Spliceosome

Since its discovery in 1977, the study of alternative RNA splicing has revealed a plethora of mechanisms that had never before been documented in nature. Understanding these transitions and their outcome at the level of the cell and organism has become one of the great frontiers of modern chemical biology. Until 2007, this field remained in the hands of RNA biologists. However, the recent identification of natural product and synthetic modulators of RNA splicing has opened new access to this field, allowing for the first time a chemical-based interrogation of RNA splicing processes. Simultaneously, we have begun to understand the vital importance of splicing in disease, which offers a new platform for molecular discovery and therapy. As with many natural systems, gaining clear mechanistic detail at the molecular level is key towards understanding the operation of any biological machine. This minireview presents recent lessons learned in this emerging field of RNA splicing chemistry and chemical biology.
Inhibition of Ciliogenesis Promotes Hedgehog Signaling, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis in Breast Cancer

Primary cilia are chemosensors that play a dual role to either activate or repress Hedgehog signaling, depending on presence or absence of ligand, respectively. While inhibition of ciliogenesis has been shown to be characteristic of breast cancers, the functional consequence is unknown. Here, for the first time, inhibition of ciliogenesis led to earlier tumor formation, faster tumor growth rate, higher grade tumor formation, and increased metastasis in the polyoma middle T (PyMT) mouse model of breast cancer. In in vitro model systems, inhibition of ciliogenesis resulted in increased expression of Hedgehog-target genes through a mechanism involving loss of the repressor form of the GLI transcription factor (GLIR) and activation of Hedgehog target gene expression through cross-talk with TGF-alpha (TGFA) signaling. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that increased Hedgehog signaling is frequently associated with increased TGFA; signaling in patients with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), a particularly aggressive breast cancer subtype. These results identify a previously unrecognized role for inhibition of ciliogenesis in breast cancer progression. This study identifies inhibition of ciliogenesis as an important event for activation of Hedgehog signaling and progression of breast cancer to a more aggressive, metastatic disease.Implications: These findings change the way we understand how cancer cells turn on a critical signaling pathways and a provide rationale for developing novel therapeutic approaches to target noncanonical Hedgehog signaling for the treatment of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(10); 1421-30. ©2017 AACR.
A Novel Partnership Disrupts the Norm in Early Childhood Education and Pediatric Health Care.

Children living in poverty in the United States in 2016 face a devastating combination of psychological problems. Their neighborhoods are often violent. They have no place to get healthy food. It is not safe to play outside, even on playgrounds. The children who grow up in this environment, not surprisingly, have many adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs cause toxic stress. Toxic stress leads to long-term physical and psychological problems. For many pediatricians, children’s hospitals, civic leaders, and public health officials, it is difficult to know how to intervene. While the science on causation is indisputable, there are fewer data about treatment. We know that intervention should start early, but the types of interventions that are being proposed require extensive collaboration between social services, health care, and education. Such collaborations require a new sort of cooperation among professionals in disciplines that have not traditionally worked closely together. But they need to start. No one group will be able to solve this problem. This issue of Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care essentially provides a case study of one community’s attempt to develop such a collaboration.
A Systematic Process for Weaning Children With Aspiration From Thickened Fluids.

Importance Thickening of fluids is a common strategy for feeding patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia but has known risks and should be stopped once it is safe to do so. Weaning children from thickened fluids safely can be challenging, and novel methods are required. Objective To describe the use of a systematic weaning process (SWP) for children who received thickened liquids owing to oropharyngeal dysphagia and identified risk of aspiration. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective case series (2010 to 2015) at a tertiary care center of 50 children with documented aspiration by clinical swallowing assessment, airway evaluation, and videofluoroscopic swallow study with at least 4 months of follow-up. All patients were initially receiving thickened fluids. A 10% reduction in thickness was made every 2 weeks based on clinical symptoms. Caregivers progressed to the next incremental level if there were no signs or symptoms of aspiration. Main Outcomes and Measures Number of patients weaned to a thin-fluid diet. Results Of 50 children (32 [64%] male; median [interquartile range] age, 0.7 [1.0] y at presentation and 1.8 [1.3] y at start of wean) using the SWP, 44 (88%) were able to reduce the amount of thickener used. A successful wean from thickened fluids to thin fluids was completed in 39 (78%). The mean (SD) duration of a successful wean was 0.9 (0.6) years. Five patients tolerated a reduction in thickener but not a full wean to thin fluids. For 6 patients, weaning failed and they continued to receive thickened fluids. Of those whose weaning failed, 2 patients developed pneumonia. Of the 39 successfully weaned patients, 14 (36%) experienced a temporary stall but eventually tolerated thin fluids. Only 2 (5%) developed pneumonia while all other successfully weaned patients (n = 37 [95%]) did not experience any substantial respiratory issues. Overall, 46 (92%) of children required 2 or fewer videofluoroscopic swallow study evaluations. Conclusions and Relevance Patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration should be gradually weaned off of thickened fluids. The SWP uses small incremental steps to gradually reduce the amount of thickener. Using this method, most children tolerated a reduction in thickeners and a thin-fluid diet. The SWP presents a safe and effective way of gradually returning children to a more normal diet.
Paraneoplastic Syndrome in Hawai‘i: A Case of Dermatomyositis Associated with Endometrial Cancer

Dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic consequence of gynecological malignancy has rarely been reported in literature and never been reported in Honolulu. This case report describes a local Honolulu resident who was diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma upon presenting with acute dermatomyositis symptoms.
ROLE OF GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE IN REGULATION OF GONADOTROPIN SECRETION FROM AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILIAN PITUITARIES

The ubiquity of a brain peptide involved in regulating pituitary gonadotropin (Gn) secretion in vertebrates has been confirmed by a variety of direct and indirect studies.57 This gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) [also known as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)] has been extensively characterized biochemically and physiologically in mammals, but data for nonmammalian species are still very limited. Indeed, our use of the term GnRH, unless specified otherwise, will refer to the mammalian decapeptide: $$ {\rm{pGl}}{{\rm{u}}^1} - {\rm{Hi}}{{\rm{s}}^{\rm{2}}} - {\rm{Tr}}{{\rm{p}}^{\rm{3}}} - {\rm{Se}}{{\rm{r}}^4} - {\rm{Ty}}{{\rm{r}}^5} - {\rm{Gl}}{{\rm{y}}^{\rm{6}}} - {\rm{Le}}{{\rm{u}}^{\rm{7}}} - {\rm{Ar}}{{\rm{g}}^{\rm{8}}} - \Pr {{\rm{o}}^{\rm{9}}} - {\rm{Gl}}{{\rm{y}}^{{\rm{10}}}} - {\rm{N}}{{\rm{H}}_2}. $$
The Effects of Footwear on Postural Sway: A Pilot Study

AbstractAims: This pilot study provides a methodology to measure differences in velocity of postural sway of older adults while barefoot, with non-slip socks, and in athletic shoes during a simulat...
The Role of Attention and Saccades on Parietofrontal Encoding of Contextual and Grasp-specific Affordances of Tools: An ERP Study.

Abstract The ability to recognize a tool’s affordances (how a spoon should be appropriately grasped and used), is vital for daily life. Prior research has identified parietofrontal circuits, including mirror neurons, to be critical in understanding affordances. However, parietofrontal action-encoding regions receive extensive visual input and are adjacent to parietofrontal attention control networks. It is unclear how eye movements and attention modulate parietofrontal encoding of affordances. To address this issue, scenes depicting tools in different use-contexts and grasp-postures were presented to healthy subjects across two experiments, with stimuli durations of 100 ms or 500 ms. The 100-ms experiment automatically restricted saccades and required covert attention, while the 500-ms experiment allowed overt attention. The two experiments elicited similar behavioral decisions on tool-use correctness and isolated the influence of attention on parietofrontal activity. Parietofrontal ERPs (P600) distinguishing tool-use contexts (e.g., spoon–yogurt vs. spoon–ball) were similar in both experiments. Conversely, parietofrontal ERPs distinguishing tool-grasps were characterized by posterior to frontal N130-N200 ERPs in the 100-ms experiment and by saccade-perturbed N130-N200 ERPs, frontal N400 and parietal P500 in the 500-ms experiment. Particularly, only overt gaze toward the hand–tool interaction engaged mirror neurons (frontal N400) when discerning grasps that manipulate but not functionally use a tool – (grasp bowl rather than stem of spoon). Results here detail the first human electrophysiological evidence on how attention selectively modulates multiple parietofrontal grasp-perception circuits, especially the mirror neuron system, while unaffecting parietofrontal encoding of tool-use contexts. These results are pertinent to neurophysiological models of affordances that typically neglect the role of attention in action perception.
Sustainable hydropower in the 21st century

Hydropower has been the leading source of renewable energy across the world, accounting for up to 71% of this supply as of 2016. This capacity was built up in North America and Europe between 1920 and 1970 when thousands of dams were built. Big dams stopped being built in developed nations, because the best sites for dams were already developed and environmental and social concerns made the costs unacceptable. Nowadays, more dams are being removed in North America and Europe than are being built. The hydropower industry moved to building dams in the developing world and since the 1970s, began to build even larger hydropower dams along the Mekong River Basin, the Amazon River Basin, and the Congo River Basin. The same problems are being repeated: disrupting river ecology, deforestation, losing aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, releasing substantial greenhouse gases, displacing thousands of people, and altering people’s livelihoods plus affecting the food systems, water quality, and agriculture near them. This paper studies the proliferation of large dams in developing countries and the importance of incorporating climate change into considerations of whether to build a dam along with some of the governance and compensation challenges. We also examine the overestimation of benefits and underestimation of costs along with changes that are needed to address the legitimate social and environmental concerns of people living in areas where dams are planned. Finally, we propose innovative solutions that can move hydropower toward sustainable practices together with solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
The definition of syntactic types: The generation, analysis, and sorting of universes of superblock designs:

Syntactic types are defined as sets of designs with particular properties. We are specifically interested in the definition of deformed grids, a particular type of street network internal to superb...
Abstract 413: CD11c/CD18 Affinity Modulates Monocyte Inflammatory in Primary and Recurrent Myocardial Infarction

Several studies address the role of CD11c+ monocytes in the exacerbation of atherosclerosis through the maintenance of macrophages, notably foam cells, however this cell type remains elusive in the...
Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia at first relapse in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Despite the advances in the management of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), relapses remain challenging. We reviewed clinical data from adult patients with Ph + ALL who received frontline hyperCVAD chemotherapy with a TKI to determine their outcomes after first relapse. Patients with first morphological relapse after prior complete remission were evaluated for predictors of response and survival. For 57 of 233 (25%) patients, there was morphological relapse after a median of 15.9 months from first remission [range: 5.3-94]. The choice of salvage treatments was at the discretion of the treating physician. So, 43 (75%) patients received a TKI in combination with their salvage treatment. Second remission was achieved in 41 of 49 (84%) evaluable patients. Median relapse free survival (RFS) was 10.5 months [range, 0.2-81]. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) were 41% and 20% respectively. On multivariate analysis, only elevated LDH (units/L), the use of first-generation or no TKI at the time of first relapse and the achievement of a major molecular response (MMR) had a significant effect on OS (HR: 2.82, 95% CI:1.11-7.16, P = .029; HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.07,5.39, P = .034; HR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16-0.94, P = .03, respectively). Whereas, only achievement of MMR was significantly prognostic for RFS with a HR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.23-0.98, P = .04). The OS and RFS were comparable between recipients and non-recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) at second remission, due to a higher non-relapse mortality (53%) seen in patients who underwent alloHSCT.
Exploring the sterically disfavored binding of acetylene to a geminal olefinic hydrogen-fluorine atom pair: The microwave spectrum and molecular structure of cis-1,2-difluoroethylene–acetylene

The microwave rotational spectrum of the gas-phase bimolecular heterodimer formed between cis-1,2-difluoroethylene and acetylene is obtained using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy from 5.9 to 21.2 GHz. Rotational constants derived from the analysis of the spectra for the normal isotopologue and singly substituted 13C isotopologues, obtained in natural abundance, allow the determination of the structure of the complex, which, in the absence of a fluorine-hydrogen atom pair located cis to each other, adopts a sterically disfavored geometry ("side-binding") in which the acetylene interacts with a geminal fluorine-hydrogen atom pair. Structural details are found to be similar to those of previously studied heterodimers with side-binding of acetylene to fluorine while reflecting the degree of halosubstitution. A detailed comparison with the (Z)-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene-acetylene complex reveals information regarding the relaxed steric requirements for hydrogen bonding to chlorine as opposed to hydrogen bonding to fluorine.
Minimally Invasive Hepatectomy in North America: Laparoscopic Versus Robotic.

Minimally invasive hepatectomy has been shown to be associated with improved outcomes when compared with open surgery. However, data comparing laparoscopic and robotic hepatectomy is lacking and limited to single-center studies. Patients undergoing major (≥ 3 segments) or partial (≤ 2 segments) hepatectomy were identified in the 2014–2017 ACS-NSQIP hepatectomy targeted database. Patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic approaches were compared, and propensity score matching was utilized to adjust for bias. Of 3152 minimally invasive hepatectomies (MIHs), 86% (N = 2706) were partial and 14% (N = 446) were major. The laparoscopic approach was utilized in 92% of patients (N = 2905) and 8% were performed robotically (N = 247). The percentage of MIHs increased over time (p < 0.01). After matching, 240 were identified in each cohort. Compared with the robotic approach, patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy had a significantly higher conversion rate (23% vs. 7.4%) but had shorter operative time (159 vs. 204 min) (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic cases undergoing an unplanned conversion to open were associated with increased morbidity (p < 0.001), but this difference was not observed in robotic cases. Both MIH approaches had low mortality (1.0%, p = 1.00), overall morbidity (17%, p = 0.47), and very short length of stay (3 days, p = 0.80). Minimally invasive hepatectomy is performed primarily for partial hepatectomies. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is associated with a significantly higher conversion rate, and converted cases have worse outcomes. Both minimally invasive approaches are safe with similar mortality, morbidity, and a very short length of stay.
Authentic field experiences for STEM teachers: Collecting Florida fossils

The extensive sedimentary sequence of Florida preserves evidence of prehistoric life spanning some 40 million years into the past. This paper describes the results of a three-pronged professional development (PD) program conducted in November 2019 in which Florida teachers from eight counties gained knowledge and experience about the process and content of paleontology at an active field research site in northern Florida. Working alongside scientists, 15 elementary, middle, and high school teachers collected 5-million-year-old fossil vertebrates and made scientifically important discoveries that advance understanding of Floridas prehistoric life. The PD included three components: (1) a pre-trip webinar; (2) a morning tour of our museum exhibits to scaffold teachers understanding of the kinds of fossils they would find; and (3) the actual day-long field experience collecting fossils. A post-PD evaluation revealed gains in knowledge about, and experience with, fossils and paleontology. We also found that overall satisfaction with the PD underscored the importance of each of the three components supporting one another, resulting in a more informative and rewarding learning experience for the participants. Fossils and the science of paleontology are a gateway for STEM learning and this subject and its extensions are applicable to existing standards in earth and life sciences at many grade levels.
Health Care Provider Attitudes, Beliefs, and Perceived Confidence in Managing Patients With Cancer Pain and Nonmedical Opioid Use

Abstract Context Health care provider education is an effective strategy to improve knowledge and competencies in opioid-prescribing practices. However, there are very few studies regarding this among providers of patients with cancer pain and nonmedical opioid use (NMOU). The aim of our study was to assess participants' attitudes, beliefs, and self-perceived confidence in caring for patients with cancer pain and NMOU before and after attending an opioid educational seminar on the use and nonmedical use of opioids in patients with cancer. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among health care providers who attended an opioid educational event in April 2018 and May 2019. Results The overall response rate was 63% (129 of 206). Approximately 72% of participants had concerns about NMOU in patients with cancer, 69% felt that such patients are frequently underdetected, and 63% felt that cancer pain is frequently undertreated. At baseline, only 23% reported adequate knowledge and 35% reported confidence in caring for patients with cancer with NMOU-related issues. Among those who completed both the preseminar and postseminar surveys, these numbers improved significantly at the end of the seminar (26% vs. 71% and 43% vs. 84%, respectively; all P Conclusion Most health care providers expressed concerns about underdetection of NMOU and undertreatment of pain among patients with cancer. Many self-reported knowledge and confidence deficits in caring for patients with cancer with NMOU. Seminar participation was associated with an increase in the number of participants with self-perceived knowledge and confidence. Future studies are needed to ascertain the impact of such opioid educational events on patient care practices.
Drachenbiologie – Fledermäuse, aber mit Feuer

Weder Drogon noch seine Eltern oder seine Geschwister sind Drachen – zumindest nicht im ublichen Sinne. In den alten Geschichten sind Drachen feuerspeiende, vierbeinige Kreaturen, wahrend Danys Drachen nur zwei Beine haben. Fur ein weiteres Beinpaar benotigte man zusatzliche Gelenke, was einen Haufen weiterer Komplikationen ergeben wurde, ganz zu schweigen davon, dass es in der Natur keine vierbeinigen fliegenden Wesen gibt. Doch konnte Daenerys Targaryen uberhaupt auf Drogons Rucken fliegen?
Effects of sodium and calcium chloride ionic stresses on model yeast membranes revealed by molecular dynamics simulation.

Abstract As efforts to move a renewable economy grow, it will be necessary to make use of microbial conversion strategies for the production of novel materials or the upgrading of waste to high-value products. One critical technical challenge currently limiting waste upgrading remains the difficulty in obtaining single-pot conversion techniques where physical, chemical, and biological conversion are performed in a single step. To overcome this challenge, a detailed understanding of how different stresses impact microbial membrane stability will be necessary. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we examine the impacts of moderate concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2on a model yeast plasma membrane. Weak, though statistically significant, changes in membrane morphology and dynamics functions are observed that are consistent with swelling and stiffening. Additionally, an examination of the ion-lipid contacts and the behavior of water at the water-membrane interface suggests that the impacts of these common salts may, in part, be mediated through changes to water-membrane hydrogen-bonding and hydration water dynamics.
Security in Centralized Data Store-based Home Automation Platforms: A Systematic Analysis of Nest and Hue

Home automation platforms enable consumers to conveniently automate various physical aspects of their homes. However, the security flaws in the platforms or integrated third-party products can have serious security and safety implications for the user’s physical environment. This article describes our systematic security evaluation of two popular smart home platforms, Google’s Nest platform and Philips Hue, which implement home automation “routines” (i.e., trigger-action programs involving apps and devices) via manipulation of state variables in a centralized data store. Our semi-automated analysis examines, among other things, platform access control enforcement, the rigor of non-system enforcement procedures, and the potential for misuse of routines, and it leads to 11 key findings with serious security implications. We combine several of the vulnerabilities we find to demonstrate the first end-to-end instance of lateral privilege escalation in the smart home, wherein we remotely disable the Nest Security Camera via a compromised light switch app. Finally, we discuss potential defenses, and the impact of the continuous evolution of smart home platforms on the practicality of security analysis. Our findings draw attention to the unique security challenges of smart home platforms and highlight the importance of enforcing security by design.
Monitored Anesthesia Care

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is a term used to describe an anesthetic that is not a general anesthetic, although it is important to remember that all anesthesia provided by an anesthesiologist is carefully monitored from the preoperative to intraoperative to postoperative period. MAC is best paired with some type of nerve blockade, whether that is local anesthetic infiltration, a peripheral nerve block, or a neuraxial block such as an epidural or spinal. MAC is additionally typically paired with some form of IV sedation, but this is not a requirement. It is important to remember when performing MAC that it is a spectrum from mild to moderate (i.e., conscious) to deep sedation. As the degree of sedation progresses, there is an increasing risk of hypotension and, perhaps more importantly, an increasing degree of upper airway obstruction, hypoventilation, and eventually apnea.
A Systematic Review of Human Factors Literature About Voice User Interfaces and Older Adults

We conducted a systematic literature review of the human factors literature at the intersection of voice user interfaces (VUI) and older adults among Human Factors publications. Our review was limi...
Like a Loaded Weapon: The Rehnquist Court, Indian Rights, and the Legal History of Racism in America

Like a Loaded Weapon: The Rehnquist Court, Indian Rights, and the Legal History of Racism in America. By Robert A. Williams, Jr. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2005. 312p. $57.00 cloth, $18.95 paper.For two decades, Robert Williams has been developing a powerful critique of federal Indian law, calling for his readers to recognize its irredeemably racist roots. In Williams's view, if we try to build Native American policy from the racist materials of the past, we will inevitably build racism into Indian law of the future. Ultimately, we must therefore recognize that racism lies at the foundation of the American legal system. To many, this message is a bitter pill. But in his view, only after we swallow it will we be able to construct a better foundation for federal Indian policy. And precisely because many hope to avoid this medicine, his call is enormously important. Much as we might like to, he will not let us look away.
It’s all right(-handed neutrinos): a new W ′ model for the \( {R}_{D^{{}_{\left(\ast \right)}}} \) anomaly

The measured B-meson semi-leptonic branching ratios RD and $$ {R}_{D^{*}} $$ have long-standing deviations between theory and experiment. We introduce a model which explains both anomalies through a single interaction by introducing a right-handed neutrino as the missing energy particle. This interaction is mediated by a heavy charged vector boson (W ′) which couples only to right-handed quarks and leptons of the Standard Model through the mixing of these particles with new vector-like fermions. Previous W ′ models for the $$ {R}_{D^{\left(*\right)}} $$ anomaly were strongly constrained from flavor changing neutral currents and direct collider searches for Z′ → τ τ resonances. We show that relying on right-handed fermion mixing enables us to avoid these constraints, as well as other severe bounds from electroweak precision tests and neutrino mixing.
Near-Minimax Optimal Estimation With Shallow ReLU Neural Networks.

We study the problem of estimating an unknown function from noisy data using shallow (single-hidden layer) ReLU neural networks. The estimators we study minimize the sum of squared data-fitting errors plus a regularization term proportional to the Euclidean norm of the network weights. This minimization corresponds to the common approach of training a neural network with weight decay. We quantify the performance (mean-squared error) of these neural network estimators when the data-generating function belongs to the space of functions of second-order bounded variation in the Radon domain. This space of functions was recently proposed as the natural function space associated with shallow ReLU neural networks. We derive a minimax lower bound for the estimation problem for this function space and show that the neural network estimators are minimax optimal up to logarithmic factors. We also show that this is a "mixed variation" function space that contains classical multivariate function spaces including certain Sobolev spaces and certain spectral Barron spaces. Finally, we use these results to quantify a gap between neural networks and linear methods (which include kernel methods). This paper sheds light on the phenomenon that neural networks seem to break the curse of dimensionality.
How Landlords of Small Rental Properties Decide Who Gets Housed and Who Gets Evicted

Scholars and policymakers have long been interested in whether large-scale owners of rental properties have different management practices than smaller-scale owners and whether these differences ma...
Seizures in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) were first described in the mid-nineteenth century, but the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1980s improved the insight about their prevalence. CCMs are present in approximately 0.1–0.5 % of the general population with a familial incidence of 20 %. When diagnosed incidentally, they have a benign prognosis with only 4 % causing seizures within 5 years of the diagnosis. In one survey of more than 24,000 autopsies, only 131 had CCMs and, of those, only 3 caused seizures. The first line of treatment remains pharmacotherapy, and there are no preferred antiepileptic drugs. As with other focal epilepsies, medical intractability necessitates surgical evaluation. Surgical options include lesionectomy with or without resection of the surrounding hemosiderin-stained tissue. The optimal extent of resections that include the surrounding hemosiderin is unclear, but these tend to have better outcomes than pure lesionectomy. Surgery is generally well tolerated. Longer duration of epilepsy is associated with worse postoperative outcomes. For those who are not surgical candidates, radiosurgery is an option. The outcomes of radiosurgical ablation may not be as good as those of pure lesionectomy, although it may still be useful when CCMs are close to eloquent cortical regions.
Synthesis of Tc-99m cyclam-2-nitroimidazole: A probe for imaging tumor hypoxia

1606 Objectives It is known that the nitro group of 2-nitroimidazole could be reduced selectively by nitro reductase under hypoxic conditions. 1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclohexadecane (cyclam, N4) has also shown to be a stable chelator for Tc-99m. This study was aimed to synthesize Tc-99m cyclam-2-nitroimidazole (N4-2-NIM) for tumor hypoxia imaging. Methods N4-2-NIM was synthesized by reacting N4-oxalate and 3-bromopropyl-2-NIM. After de-oxalate, N4-NIM was obtained in 14% (total synthesis). N4-AMT was labeled with Tc-99m in the presence of tin (II) chloride. In vitro cellular uptake of Tc-99m N4-2-NIM and Tc-99m N4 was conducted in 13762 rat breast tumor cells-line in 12 wells plates at 0.5-4hrs. Planar imaging was performed in breast tumor-bearing rats and VX-2 tumor bearing rabbits. Tumor and muscle oxygen tension values were measured by using an oxygen probe. Results Structure of N4-NIM was confirmed by NMR and mass spectrometry. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m N4-2-NIM was >96% by HPLC. Cellular uptake of Tc-99m N4-2-NIM at 0.5-4hrs under was 0.3-2.5% which was significantly (p Conclusions Efficient synthesis of N4-2-NIM was achieved. In vitro and in vivo findings suggest that Tc-99m N4-2-NIM may be a useful probe for imaging tumor hypoxia and monitoring therapeutic response
Specificity in ceramide biosynthesis from long chain bases and various fatty acyl coenzyme A's by brain microsomes.

The formation of ceramide from long chain bases and 14C-acyl coenzyme A's by a mouse brain microsomal preparation was investigated. Activity of the acyl-CoA:long chain base N-acyltransferase was measured as a function of time, acyl-CoA concentration, amount of amine, and microsomal protein concentration. The rate and extent of conversion of stearoyl-, lignoceroyl-, palmitoyl-, and oleoyl-CoA to ceramide were in the ratio of about 60:12:3:1, respectively. Since this ratio strongly resembles the relative distribution of these fatty acids in brain sphingolipids, we suggest that the transferase plays an important role in controlling the observed distribution. There was some specificity with respect to the base, particularly with lignoceroyl-CoA, which reacted somewhat better with dihydrosphingosine than with sphingosine. The keto analogue of dihydrosphingosine acted as an acceptor, with stearoyl-CoA, to form "ketoceramide." The microsomal preparation also converted the acyl-CoAs to free fatty acid and polar lipid during the incubations. Ceramide synthesis was found to occur primarily in microsomal membranes, but ceramide hydrolase was rather widely distributed in subcellular fractions; its highest specific activity was in the lysosome-rich fractions. Free stearic acid did not react to form ceramide, yet it could react with ethanolamine to form the analogous amide. From these and related considerations, we conclude that the synthetic capability of ceramide hydrolase has little or no physiological significance.
Esophageal abnormalities in chronic graft-versus-host disease in humans

Disabling esophageal symptoms ((dysphagia, painful swallowing, and severe restrosternal pain) developed in 8 of 63 patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. At endoscopy 7 patients had characteristic desquamation of the upper esophagus; 2 of these also had distal esophagitis; and 3 had distinctive upper esophageal webs. No infectious pathogens were detected in esophageal biopsies or brushings. Abnormalities of esophageal motility were seen in 5 of 7 patients studied including 3 with aperistalsis. Retrosternal pain in 3 patients resulted from acid reflux. Esophageal histology from 5 autopsied patients showed no muscle or neuronal abnormalities by silver stain or conventional light microscopy. There was increased submucosal fibrosis associated with mucosal esophagitis and ulceration. Blind microscopic review of histology clearly distinguished the esophagus of chronic graft-versus-host disease from that of progressive systemic sclerosis. We conclude that esophageal epithelium, like skin and mucous membranes, is a target organ in chronic graft-versus-host disease. This immunologic disease results in desquamative esophagitis with web formation. Peptic esophagitis, a cause of severe pain and perhaps distal esophageal strictures in these patients, may be related to poor acid clearing from the esophagus. Diagnostic endoscopy and disruption of webs should be performed carefully to avoid perforation. Treatment should be directed toward suppressing the underlying immunologic disorder and at preventing acid-peptic reflux.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation in the Embryonic Heart

The progenitors of the mitral and tricuspid valves and the membranous interventricular septum in the heart arise by an epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation (EMT) from embryonic endothelial cells. Experiments using collagen gel cultures to mimic the three dimensional environment in the embryonic heart cushions showed that EMT was triggered by an inductive stimulus produced by the adjacent myocardium and that myocardium from a nontransforming region was insufficient to induce transformation. Studies using chick embryos have demonstrated distinct and sequential roles for two isoforms of TGFβ, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, and roles for several TGFβ-family receptors in this EMT. Additional studies have identified at least two separate transcription factors required for EMT, Slug and Mox-1. The complexity of the inductive signal is not yet fully understood, but recent studies have shown roles for several Wnt proteins and a requirement for signaling by extracellular hyaluronan. The embryonic heart provides an experimental model of relevance to congenital heart diseases that are likely to continue to provide novel insight into the regulation of EMT as a normal process of development.
Accepting a donor kidney: an evaluation of patients' and transplant surgeons' priorities.

Solomon DA, Rabidou N, Kulkarni S, Formica R, Fraenkel L. Accepting a donor kidney: an evaluation of patients’ and transplant surgeons’ priorities. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 786–793. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Despite a trend toward patient autonomy in clinical practice, the decision whether or not to accept a kidney for transplantation is made predominantly by the transplant surgeon. The purpose of this study is to examine how patients and surgeons prioritize relevant factors when deciding to accept or decline an available kidney. Methods: We elicited patient and surgeon rankings for a list of factors involved in the decision using a validated computer survey. We computed the relative importance of each factor and examined associations between patient characteristics and priorities using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: Patients placed the greatest value on kidney quality and predictors of transplant outcome. Patients who were on the waiting list longer gave less importance to kidney quality and function. Surgeons placed the greatest value on kidney quality, difficulty for the patient to be matched to a kidney, and the age of the donor. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that decision support tools can be used to improve the understanding of patient priorities in the decision to accept a donor kidney.
The Trouble with Venus

Venus is the closest planet. Its surface has never been seen at optical frequencies; nevertheless we now know with at least fair reliability, and in some cases with remarkable accuracy, its surface temperature and pressure, its atmospheric structure, its period of rotation, the obliquity of its rotation axis, the mean surface dielectric constant, its ionospheric structure, and even a little about its surface topography. And yet the clouds of Venus, visible to the naked eye and known to be clouds since the time of Lomonsov, continue to elude our efforts to understand them comprehensively. Not only do we disagree on the chemical composition of the clouds, but it is not even settled whether they are condensation clouds or non-condensable aerosols. And yet there is a very wide variety of relevant data on the clouds. Indeed, the ratio of potentially diagnostic data points to mutually exclusive hypotheses is of the order unity.
The Brave New World of Cell-Site Simulators

How do you catch a hacker that has stolen thousands of dollars, stolen multiple identities, and evaded capture for years? If you’re the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), you use a Stingray, of course. If you’re puzzled right now, you probably also have an expectation of privacy within your home and it has never occurred to you that the FBI could use a device to cause your phone to emit a signal, without your knowledge, for the purpose of locating it — and you. That device is the Stingray — a cell-site simulator — and the story of the hacker is not a fictional one. Technology constantly adapts, updates, and changes, and with it so does the law and society. Once again, we are faced with an emerging technology that the legal community must deal with. First, however, the legal community must understand the technology in order to spot the issues, argue causes, and apply analogous law until laws that are on-point are developed.This article will cover the public awareness concerning cell-site simulators in section I. In section II, pertinent elements of cellular network technology will be discussed, which will be crucial to the legal community’s ability to apply the law and create new laws. Section III will merge the technological information and other information publicly available to outline possible methods that have been, or could be, used. Finally, section IV will point to certain legal issues raised by cell-site simulator technology and the need for possible legislation or regulation. The technology explained, and the legal issues raised, will enable following efforts to explore the brave new world of cell-site simulators.