cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequencing the exposome: A call to action

The exposome is a complement to the genome that includes non-genetic causes of disease. Multiple definitions are available, with salient points being global inclusion of exposures and behaviors, and cumulative integration of associated biologic responses. As such, the concept is both refreshingly simple and dauntingly complex. This article reviews high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) as an affordable approach to routinely analyze samples for a broad spectrum of environmental chemicals and biologic responses. HRM has been successfully used in multiple exposome research paradigms and is suitable to implement in a prototype universal exposure surveillance system. Development of such a structure for systematic monitoring of environmental exposures is an important step toward sequencing the exposome because it builds upon successes of exposure science, naturally connects external exposure to body burden and partitions the exposome into workable components. Practical results would be repositories of quantitative data on chemicals according to geography and biology. This would support new opportunities for environmental health analysis and predictive modeling. Complementary approaches to hasten development of exposome theory and associated biologic response networks could include experimental studies with model systems, analysis of archival samples from longitudinal studies with outcome data and study of relatively short-lived animals, such as household pets (dogs and cats) and non-human primates (common marmoset). International investment and cooperation to sequence the human exposome will advance scientific knowledge and also provide an important foundation to control adverse environmental exposures to sustain healthy living spaces and improve prediction and management of disease.
Tracheal intubation during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A videography-based assessment in an emergency department resuscitation room.

Abstract Objectives To describe procedural characteristics of tracheal intubation (TI) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a pediatric emergency department, and to characterize interruptions in CPR associated with TI performance. Methods Retrospective single center case series. Resuscitations in a pediatric ED are videorecorded for quality improvement. Children who underwent TI while receiving chest compressions were eligible for inclusion. Intubations done by methods other than direct laryngoscopy were excluded. Background data included patient age and training background of intubator. Data on intubation attempts (success, laryngoscopy time) and chest compressions (interruptions, duration of pauses) were collected. Results Between December 2012 and February 2014, 32 patients had 59 TI attempts performed during CPR. Overall first attempt success at TI was 15/32 (47%); a median of 2 attempts were made per patient (range 1 to 4). Median laryngoscopy time was 47s (range 8–115s). 32/59 (54%) TI attempts had an associated interruption in CPR; the median interruption duration was 25s (range 3–64s). TI attempts without interruption in CPR were successful in 20/32 (63%) compared to 11/27 (41%) when CPR was paused ( p =0.09). Laryngoscopy time was not significantly different between TI attempts with (47±21s) and without (47±26s; p =0.2) interruptions in compressions. 25/32 (78%) of pauses exceeded 10s in duration. Conclusions TI during pediatric CPR results in significant interruptions in chest compressions. Procedural outcomes were not significantly different between attempts with and without compressions paused. In children receiving CPR, TI should be performed without pausing chest compressions.
Fatigue toughness of irradiated vitamin E/UHMWPE blends

Radiation cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) have become the standard-of-care in total joint replacements (TJR) in the last decade because of their superior wear resistance in comparison with previously used "conventional" gamma sterilized UHMWPE. Some first generation radiation cross-linked UHMWPEs were stabilized against oxidation by post-irradiation melting, which significantly reduced their fatigue crack propagation resistance or fatigue toughness. Second generation cross-linked UHMWPEs incorporated instead an antioxidant such as vitamin E, eliminating the need for melting. In this study, we investigated the fatigue crack propagation resistance and the impact toughness of vitamin E-blended and radiation cross-linked UHMWPEs as a function of vitamin E concentration and radiation dose. Both properties were strongly dependent on the cross-link density and they showed a good correlation with each other (R(2) = 0.89). © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1514-1520, 2016.
ON ALFRED MELE'S FREE WILL AND LUCK

I argue that agent-causal libertarianism has a strong initial rejoinder to Mele's luck argument against it, but that his claim that it has yet to be explained how agent-causation yields responsibility-conferring control has significant force. I suggest an avenue of response. Subsequently, I raise objections to Mele's criticisms of my four-case manipulation argument against compatibilism.
Signaling at the Golgi: sensing and controlling the membrane fluxes.

Over the past few decades, it has emerged that the Golgi (and other secretory stations) is host to a variety of signaling molecules and can act as a signaling hub that receives, emits and elaborates signals. This endomembrane-based signaling apparatus appears to have more than one purpose. Its most fundamental function appears to be the auto-regulation of the biosynthetic apparatus to maintain and/or optimize its own activities and to coordinate such activities with those of other cellular modules. 1 This is achieved by dedicated control devices that provide stability, robustness, precision, sensitivity and complexity to cellular behaviors.
Pigmentation of Candida albicans by molybdenum.

Some yeasts have been shown to accumu­ late certain compounds with resulting development of pigmentation. The colora­ tion of various yeasts by tetrazolium has been established to be the result of the presence within the cells of insoluble formazan, 12 a product of the reduction of tetraz­ olium by various dehydrogenase systems. 3
Overview of Basic Methods for Data Science

Data science utilizes all mathematics and computer sciences. In this chapter, we give a brief review of the most fundamental concepts in data science: graph search algorithms, statistical methods especially principal component analysis (PCA), algorithms and data structures, and data mining and pattern recognition. This chapter will provide an overview for machine learning in relation to other mathematical tools. We will first introduce graphs and graph algorithms, which will be used as the foundation of a branch of artificial intelligence called search. The other three branches of artificial intelligence are learning, planning, and knowledge representation. Classification, also related to machine learning, is at the center of pattern recognition, which we will discuss in Chap. 4 Statistical methods especially PCA and regression will also be discussed. Finally, we introduce concepts of data structures and algorithm design including online search and matching.
Research and Application of Modern Bamboo Structure Pedestrian Bridge

A new type of bridge structure named modern bamboo structure pedestrian bridge was addressed.The main structural elements are laminated bamboo veneer sheets.Three full-scale bamboo beams were tested in order to study the processing methods and the mechanical performance of model beams.The failure of beams was caused by the delamination of laminated bamboo sheet or joint fracture in the mid-span zone.The CFRP sheet in the tensile side of beam showed effect on the increase of capacity.The bamboo beam,manufactured with short laminated bamboo sheet,had enough stiffness and loading capacity for building pedestrian bridges.Based on the test and analysis,a modern bamboo pedestrian bridge,probably the first of its kind in the world,was constructed successfully by using a prefabricated procedure.The integrated water proof measure was used in the pedestrian bridge.The bridge has been functioning well for more than one year.
Anatomic Definitions of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and surgery offers the only opportunity for cure for patients who develop this disease. Indeed, a negative margin resection is considered one of the strongest prognostic factors for long-term survival. Improvement in imaging capabilities, specifically triple-phase contrasted computed tomography (CT) scans, has allowed clinicians to more accurately determine a patient’s likelihood of undergoing a margin-negative resection preoperatively. Historically, patients with tumor involvement of the mesenteric vasculature were considered to have unresectable disease due to high rates of positive margins following surgery; such patients were treated instead with palliative chemotherapy or chemoradiation. However, more recent data have demonstrated improved overall survival following multimodality therapy that includes surgical resection. Contemporary use of neoadjuvant therapy may allow for a subsequent margin-negative operation and may also improve patient selection to minimize the use of surgery in patients with biologically unfavorable disease. The concept of “borderline resectable pancreatic cancer” (BRPC) has simultaneously emerged. This stage designation is used for tumors that are at high risk for a margin-positive resection when surgery is used as an initial treatment approach. In this chapter, we will discuss the importance of this clinical category, review the relevant anatomy, and summarize specific definitions of BRPC within the current literature.
Extended left upper quadrant resection during primary cytoreductive surgery for Stage IV ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective The completeness of primary cytoreductive surgery for Stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer is associated with greater progression free survival and overall survival Winter et al. (2008) [1]. Cytoreduction to no gross residual disease in patients with bulky upper abdominal disease presents significant surgical challenges, highlighting the importance of specialized and comprehensive surgical training in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancers Zivanovic et al. (2008) [2]. Extensive upper abdominal surgical procedures have shown to improve the ability to achieve cytoreduction to no gross residual disease Chi et al. (2004) [3]. This film displays an extended left upper quadrant resection in one of our recent patients. Methods The patient was a 62-year-old female with a CA-125 of 2,577U/mL, abdominal ascites, and a preoperative CT showing carcinomatosis with a left upper quadrant infiltration. Primary cytoreductive surgery was undertaken with exploratory laparotomy, type 2 radical oophorectomy (en bloc modified radical abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pan-pelvic peritonectomy, distal colectomy, retosigmoid colectomy), with en bloc omentectomy, transverse colectomy, splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and diaphragm peritonectomy. Results Operative time was 337min with an estimated blood loss of 900mL. The patient was discharged home on post-operative day 10 after a standard prolongation in hospitalization required to meet milestones after extensive upper quadrant cytoreductive surgery. Conclusion Bulky upper abdominal disease can present significant surgical challenges. This film illustrates obtaining cytoreduction to no gross residual disease is feasible. We show transection of the pancreas by reinforced linear staple closure due to its ease of use and surgeon preference, although controversy remains regarding the ideal technique.
Optical Studies of Drug-Protein Complexes

The extrinsic Cotton effects generated by the binding of flufenamic acid [ N -(α,α,α-trifluoro- m -tolyl)anthranilic acid], meclofenamic acid [ N -(2,6-dichloro- m -tolyl)anthranilic acid], and mefenamic acid [ N -(2,3-xylyl)anthranilic acid] to human serum albumin suggested that although these anti-inflammatory drugs are bound to the same binding site, each one takes up a unique spatial orientation to the protein. Extrinsic Cotton effects generated by the binding of flufenamic acid to different albumins indicated that time drug-binding sites on human, porcine, equine, and bovine serum albumins were similar, while those of canine, ovine, and rabbit serum albumins had somewhat different asymmetries. Spectral changes which accompanied the binding of flufenamic acid to human serum albumin strongly suggested that the aromatic portion of the drug was inserted into a hydrophobic crevice in the protein, while the carboxylate group of the drug interacted with a cationic site on the protein surface. ACKNOWLEDGMENT It is a pleasure to acknowledge the skilled technical assistance of Mrs. D. K. Starkweather.
Platinum Nanoparticle Decorated SiO2 Microfibers as Catalysts for Micro Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Propulsion

Micro unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) need to house propulsion mechanisms that are small in size but sufficiently powerful to deliver on-demand acceleration for tight radius turns, burst-driven docking maneuvers, and low-speed course corrections. Recently, small-scale hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) propulsion mechanisms have shown great promise in delivering pulsatile thrust for such acceleration needs. However, the need for robust, high surface area nanocatalysts that can be manufactured on a large scale for integration into micro UUV reaction chambers is still needed. In this report, a thermal/electrical insulator, silicon oxide (SiO2) microfibers, is used as a support for platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) catalysts. The mercapto-silanization of the SiO2 microfibers enables strong covalent attachment with PtNPs, and the resultant PtNP–SiO2 fibers act as a robust, high surface area catalyst for H2O2 decomposition. The PtNP–SiO2 catalysts are fitted inside a micro UUV reaction chamber for vehicular propulsion; t...
Self-Management with Behaviorally Disordered Students in School Settings: A Promise Unfulfilled?:

Self-management procedures have been promoted in the professional literature as effective in producing, maintaining, and generalizing behavior changes in behaviorally disordered students. Additional purported advantages are increased student involvement in the behavior change process with a concurrent decrease in teacher involvement. The present review was conducted to evaluate studies of self-management procedures (i.e., self-evaluation, self-instruction, self-monitoring, and self-reinforcement) used with behaviorally disordered students in school settings. While general support for these techniques was found, many procedural concerns must be addressed in future research before educators can use them with confidence and efficiency.
Assessing the suitability of network community detection to available meta-data using rank stability

In the last two decades, we have witnessed the widespread use of structural analysis of data. The area, generally called Network Science, concentrates on understanding complex phenomena by looking for properties that emerge from the relationships between the pieces of data instead of the traditional mining of the data itself. A commonly used structural analysis in networks consists of finding subgraphs whose density of connections within the subgraph surpasses that of outside connections; called Community Detection. Many techniques have been proposed to find communities as well as benchmarks to evaluate the algorithms ability to find these substructures. Until recently, the literature has mostly neglected the fact that these communities often represent common characteristic of the elements in the community. For instance, in a social network, communities could represent: people who follow the same particular sport, people from the same classroom, authors working in the same field of study, to name a few. The problem here is one of community detection selection as a function of the ground truth provided by available meta-data. In this work, we propose the use of rank stability (entropy of ranks) to assess communities identified using different techniques from the perspective of meta-data. We validate our approach using a large-scale data set of on-line social interactions across multiple community detection techniques.
Investigating the Association Between Home-School Dissonance and Disruptive Classroom Behaviors for Urban Middle School Students:

Disruptive classroom behaviors are a major schooling dilemma in urban schools. While several contextual and motivational factors have been statistically associated with disruptive classroom behavio...
The multiplexed CRISPR targeting platforms

The discovery and engineering of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) in the past several years have revolutionized biomedical research. The CRISPR technology showed great potential to advance detection, prevention, and treatment of human diseases in the near future. Compared to previous developed genome editing approaches, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), the CRISPR-based systems have numerous advantages. One example is that the CRISPR systems can be easily adopted to efficiently target multiple genes simultaneously. Several strategies and toolboxes have been developed to achieve multiplexed targeting using the CRISPR systems. In this short review, we will discuss the principle, approach, and application of these strategies.
The Molecular Structure of Basement Membranes as It Relates to Function

Any attempt to correlate the chemical structural properties of glomerular basement membrane with those of its apparent functions assumes certain prerequisites. Adequate knowledge of the number and the chemical nature of the macromolecular components as well as of the mode of their interaction is clearly necessary. Knowledge of the immunochemical nature of these components in order to explain a number of immunologic reactions is definitely desirable. Information about the ionic charge of the basement membrane and the fate of molecules and cells brought to it by the circulating blood is an important prerequisite. There are two ways of correlating chemical structure with function: (1) either by assigning possible morphologic and functional properties to known chemical and molecular features, or (2) by attempting to explain a series of apparent functions by the chemical structure of the basement membrane.
Exploring Cooperatives, Cooperation, and the Nature of Work in a Belizean Village

This article examines how cultural models in the national political culture played out in a Belizean village whose culture was rooted in a quite different cultural model and characterized by ideals of self-reliance and individualism rooted in Yucatecan Maya culture. This is a study of eight worker cooperatives, of cooperation, and of individual work over a 34-year period, from 1979 to 2012 in the village of Bullet Tree Falls. This village is an historically agricultural village populated with Maya refugees from Mexico and Guatemala. I observed three distinct national political cultures, each seeking to promote local worker cooperatives. But generally, the national political culture did little to support the worker cooperatives. Only in the last phase of influence do we see what was necessary to make a worker cooperative organization somewhat functional. The paper concludes with observation of two enterprises where workers successfully participated, but not according to the formula for the cooperative. Here personnel could work independently but cooperated only when it proved useful. Recognition of positive features of the workplace environment suggests that investigating local cultural experience is an important and practicable effort, far more so than simply assuming the national political culture is viable on the local level.
Reproducing, mothering and caretaking: Forms of resistance in Ahdaf Soueif’s In the Eye of the Sun

Spanning the years 1967 to 1980, Ahdaf Soueif’s novel In the Eye of the Sun narrates the period in Egyptian history when family planning had shifted from being almost exclusively the domain of dome...
Home and the limits of belonging: Homophobia and return migration to Peru:

This article examines how in Peru LGB experiences of return migration expose multiple forms of exclusionary incorporation that mark the home—in terms of family, city, and nation—as a site of simult...
The Antarctic psychrophiles Chlamydomonas spp. UWO241 and ICE-MDV exhibit differential restructuring of photosystem I in response to iron.

Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241 is a psychrophilic alga isolated from the deep photic zone of a perennially ice-covered Antarctic lake (east lobe Lake Bonney, ELB). Past studies have shown that C. sp. UWO241 exhibits constitutive downregulation of photosystem I (PSI) and high rates of PSI-associated cyclic electron flow (CEF). Iron levels in ELB are in the nanomolar range leading us to hypothesize that the unusual PSI phenotype of C. sp. UWO241 could be a response to chronic Fe-deficiency. We studied the impact of Fe availability in C. sp. UWO241, a mesophile, C. reinhardtii SAG11-32c, as well as a psychrophile isolated from the shallow photic zone of ELB, Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-MDV. Under Fe-deficiency, PsaA abundance and levels of photooxidizable P700 (ΔA820/A820) were reduced in both psychrophiles relative to the mesophile. Upon increasing Fe, C. sp. ICE-MDV and C. reinhardtii exhibited restoration of PSI function, while C. sp. UWO241 exhibited only moderate changes in PSI activity and lacked almost all LHCI proteins. Relative to Fe-excess conditions (200 µM Fe2+), C. sp. UWO241 grown in 18 µM Fe2+ exhibited downregulation of light harvesting and photosystem core proteins, as well as upregulation of a bestrophin-like anion channel protein and two CEF-associated proteins (NdsS, PGL1). Key enzymes of starch synthesis and shikimate biosynthesis were also upregulated. We conclude that in response to variable Fe availability, the psychrophile C. sp. UWO241 exhibits physiological plasticity which includes restructuring of the photochemical apparatus, increased PSI-associated CEF, and shifts in downstream carbon metabolism toward storage carbon and secondary stress metabolites.
MGS-Fast: Metagenomic shotgun data fast annotation using microbial gene catalogs.

Background Current methods used for annotating metagenomics shotgun sequencing (MGS) data rely on a computationally intensive and low-stringency approach of mapping each read to a generic database of proteins or reference microbial genomes. Results We developed MGS-Fast, an analysis approach for shotgun whole-genome metagenomic data utilizing Bowtie2 DNA-DNA alignment of reads that is an alternative to using the integrated catalog of reference genes database of well-annotated genes compiled from human microbiome data. This method is rapid and provides high-stringency matches (>90% DNA sequence identity) of the metagenomics reads to genes with annotated functions. We demonstrate the use of this method with data from a study of liver disease and synthetic reads, and Human Microbiome Project shotgun data, to detect differentially abundant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes gene functions in these experiments. This rapid annotation method is freely available as a Galaxy workflow within a Docker image. Conclusions MGS-Fast can confidently transfer functional annotations from gene databases to metagenomic reads, with speed and accuracy.
An Enzyme Based Dechlorination of a Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Mixture, Aroclor 1248, Using Glutathione S-Transferases from the Northern Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria

The glutathione S-transferases from the northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) from control and contaminated sites were subjected to incubation with polychlorinated biphenyls in an Aroclor 1248 mixture. Subsequent solvent-solvent extraction and gas chromatographic analysis revealed that 2 of the 28 congeners present in the Aroclor 1248 mixture were affected by the presence of the GST. The first of the aforementioned congeners with a retention time of 36.7 min by gas chromatographic analysis decreased in total content. The largest decrease in the 36.7 min peak was the result of incubation with GSTs purified from quahogs taken from the Superfund site in New Bedford Harbor, New Bedford, MA. The second of the affected congeners with a retention time of 59 min showed an increase, which could result from the glutathione conjugation to the PCB congener. The Aroclor 1248 mixture (a limited number of its constituent congeners) also acts as a competitive inhibitor of the GST activity, which is indicative of a substance interacting with the free GST in solution. The ultimate result of the conjugation of the PCB congener to GSH would be the formation of a hydrophillic conjugate of an otherwise insoluble PCB. The PCB-GSH conjugating activity of the quahog GSTs may ultimately serve as a tool for PCB remediation.
The Dirac Equation in ($$$$) GR

The importance of working in (\(1+1\)) gravity for modeling its quantum versions, was originally pointed out by Teitelboim [1] and Jackiw [2].
Militant internationalism and dogmatism among foreign policy elites: evidence from Russia, 1995–2016

ABSTRACTAre foreign policy attitudes among Russian elites structured around broader beliefs about the nature of world politics? Are these attitudes consistently related to individual cognitive styl...
Differences in Assessment of Everyday Preferences Between People With Cognitive Impairment and Their Care Partners: The Role of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.

Abstract Objective As cognitive impairment progresses, people with dementia increasingly rely on surrogate decision-makers for everyday activities. Yet, little is known about concordance on everyday preferences between persons with cognitive impairment and their care partners. Methods The sample included 69 dyads of persons with cognitive impairment (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale ≥0.5) and their care partners. We used the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) to assess preferences for activities and lifestyle choices among persons with cognitive impairment. The PELI was concurrently but separately administered to care partners, who answered as surrogate decision-makers. Factor analysis was used to ascertain factor structure of the PELI; reliability measures were computed within the sample. Paired sample t-tests were used to estimate differences in scores of corresponding PELI items for each factor. Multiple regression models were used to relate predictors, including neuropsychiatric symptoms, to agreement levels. Results Four factors were identified from the PELI: autonomous choice, social engagement, personal growth, and keeping a routine. Significant participant-care partner discrepancy was found in “social engagement” preferences (e.g., regular contact with family, meeting new people, volunteering). Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score and care partner sex were significantly associated with participant-care partner discrepancies in “social engagement” preferences. Conclusion This study yields new insights regarding the most important preferences for persons with cognitive impairment and clarifies a path to optimizing surrogate decision-making around everyday preferences by highlighting areas of apparent disagreement and identifying potential predictors of discrepancy.
Semi-supervised Adversarial Domain Adaptation for Seagrass Detection Using Multispectral Images in Coastal Areas

Seagrass form the basis for critically important marine ecosystems. Previously, we implemented a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model to detect seagrass in multispectral satellite images of three coastal habitats in northern Florida. However, a deep CNN model trained at one location usually does not generalize to other locations due to data distribution shifts. In this paper, we developed a semi-supervised domain adaptation method to generalize a trained deep CNN model to other locations for seagrass detection. First, we utilized a generative adversarial network loss to align marginal data distribution between source domain and target domain using unlabeled data from both data domains. Second, we used a few labelled samples from the target domain to align class specific data distributions between the two domains, based on the contrastive semantic alignment loss. We achieved the best results in 28 out of 36 scenarios as compared to other state-of-the-art domain adaptation methods.
The impact of lime additions on mercury dynamics in stream chemistry and macroinvertebrates: a comparison of watershed and direct stream addition management strategies.

Acid deposition has declined across eastern North America and northern Europe due to reduced emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides. Ecosystem recovery has been slow with limited improvement in surface water chemistry. Delayed recovery has encouraged acid-neutralization strategies to accelerate recovery of impaired biological communities. Lime application has been shown to increase pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which could also drive increased mobilization of mercury (Hg) to surface waters. A four-year study was conducted within Honnedaga Lake’s watershed in the Adirondack region of New York to compare the effects of watershed and direct channel lime additions on Hg in stream water and macroinvertebrates. All treatments sharply increased stream pH and DOC concentrations, but large differences in the duration of impacts were apparent. The watershed treatment resulted in multi-year increases in concentrations and loads of total Hg (150%; 390%), DOC (190%; 350%) and nutrients, whereas total Hg and DOC increased for short periods (72–96 h) after channel treatments. No response of Hg in macroinvertebrates was evident following the watershed treatment, but a potential short-term and spatially constrained increase occurred after the channel treatment. Our observations indicate that both treatment approaches mobilize Hg, but that direct channel liming mobilizes considerably less than watershed liming over any period longer than a few days. During the final study year, increased methyl Hg concentrations were observed across reference and treated streams, which may reflect an extended dry period, highlighting that climate variation may also affect Hg dynamics.
Impact of Home Country Terrorism on Medical Tourism in India January 2020

This paper examines the relationship between home country terrorism and medical tourism as many such countries are faced with failing health care systems because of the increased threat and incidences of terrorism. The results of this analysis show that there is a direct and significant effect of terrorism in a country on the number of medical tourists from that country. Using instrumental variable approach, I find that a country ranked high on the terrorism index is likely to send 28.95 per cent more patients to India for medical treatment than a country ranked lower on the same index. I also find that distance plays a crucial role in determining medical trade volumes between such countries and popular medical tourism destinations such as India. The analysis demonstrates that the top nations sending medical tourists to India are developing and/or war-ravaged countries. This is one of the first studies to look at the socio-political climate in a home country as a factor influencing trade in health services, in particular, medical tourism.
Aging in Place: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Declining public resources necessitate collaboration between public and private investors in order to meet the demands of an aging society to ‘age in place.’ Aging in place is a term that has emerged in the past ten years to describe older people’s desire to stay in their home and community. This paper presents an overview of aging in place and the role of public-private partnerships in finding solutions. Examples illustrate the common elements of successful existing partnership models for future replication. Additional opportunities for innovation demonstrate that much more can be done to meet the needs of the aging population and honor their preference to age in place.
Aging influences in the blood-brain barrier permeability and cerebral oxidative stress in sepsis.

Abstract Sepsis is a set of serious manifestations throughout the body produced by an infection, leading to changes that compromise cellular homeostasis and can result in dysfunction of the central nervous system. The elderly have a higher risk of developing sepsis than younger peoples. Under the influence of inflammatory mediators and oxidizing agents released in the periphery as a result of the infectious stimulus, changes occur in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, with neutrophil infiltration, the passage of toxic compounds, activation of microglia and production of reactive species that results in potentiation of neuroimmune response, with the progression of neuronal damage and neuroinflammation. The objective of this study is to compare BBB permeability and the development of oxidative stress in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of young and old rats submitted to polymicrobial sepsis induction. Male Wistar rats grouped into sham (60d), sham (210d), cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) (60d) and CLP (210d) with n = 16 per experimental group were evaluated using the CLP technique to induce sepsis. The brain regions were collected at 24 h after sepsis induction to determine BBB permeability, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as marker of neutrophil activation, nitrite/nitrate (N/N) levels as marker of reactive nitrogen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as marker of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation as marker of protein oxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT). There was an increase in the BBB permeability in the CLP groups, and this was enhanced with aging in both brain region. MPO activity in the brain regions increased in the CLP groups, along with a hippocampal increase in the CLP 210d group compared to the 60d group. The concentration of N/N in the brain region was increased in the CLP groups. The damage to lipids and proteins in the two structures was enhanced in the CLP groups, while only lipid peroxidation was higher in the prefrontal cortex of the CLP 210d group compared to the 60d. CAT activity in the hippocampus was decreased in both CLP groups, and this was also influenced by age, whereas in the prefrontal cortex there was only a decrease in CAT in the CLP 60d group compared to the sham 60d. These findings indicate that aging potentiated BBB permeability in sepsis, which possibly triggered an increase in neutrophil infiltration and, consequently, an increase in oxidative stress.
Approach to the Patient with MODY-Monogenic Diabetes

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young, or MODY-monogenic diabetes, is a not-so-rare collection of inherited disorders of non-autoimmune diabetes mellitus that remains insufficiently diagnosed despite increasing awareness. These cases are important to efficiently and accurately diagnose, given the clinical implications of syndromic features, cost-effective treatment regimen, and the potential impact on multiple family members. Proper recognition of the clinical manifestations, family history, and cost-effective lab and genetic testing provide the diagnosis. All patients must undergo a thorough history, physical examination, multigenerational family history, lab evaluation (glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies [GADA], islet antigen 2 antibodies [IA-2A], and zinc transporter 8 [ZnT8] antibodies). The presence of clinical features with 3 (or more) negative antibodies may be indicative of MODY-monogenic diabetes, and is followed by genetic testing. Molecular genetic testing should be performed before attempting specific treatments in most cases. Additional testing that is helpful in determining the risk of MODY-monogenic diabetes is the MODY clinical risk calculator (>25% post-test probability in patients not treated with insulin within 6 months of diagnosis should trigger genetic testing) and 2-hour postprandial (after largest meal of day) urinary C-peptide to creatinine ratio (with a ≥0.2 nmol/mmol to distinguish HNF1A- or 4A-MODY from type 1 diabetes). Treatment, as well as monitoring for microvascular and macrovascular complications, is determined by the specific variant that is identified. In addition to the diagnostic approach, this article will highlight recent therapeutic advancements when patients no longer respond to first-line therapy (historically sulfonylurea treatment in many variants). Learning objectives Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to. Target audience This continuing medical education activity should be of substantial interest to endocrinologists and all health care professionals who care for people with diabetes mellitus.
Validity of daily and annual age estimation and back-calculation methods for early life stages of a subtropical-tropical species, the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

Abstract Much emphasis has been placed on challenges related to estimating ages of old fish, yet accurately estimating age for young individuals has proved equally challenging for some species. Indices of recruitment are often based on assigning ages to young fish to estimate the strength of a given year class. Similarly, growth is most commonly estimated using age-based methods and has been proposed as a metric for evaluating the quality of nursery habitats. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information on the validity of age estimates for many fishes, and thus the accuracy of age-based metrics used to guide management of these species is unknown. To address such needs, we conducted a validation study of age and growth estimation methods for juvenile tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), using oxytetracycline to chemically mark otoliths and scales. Oxytetracycline marks were observed on all the otoliths of recaptured tarpon (n = 23), prior to a newly formed annulus, validating true age and that one annulus is deposited yearly. Marginal increment analysis indicated that annuli form in tarpon otoliths and scales during March–April. Annuli in scales were more easily identified by readers leading to more accurate and precise estimates of age from scales (100 % accuracy of age estimates for age-1 fish) compared to otoliths (88 % accuracy). Although annual age estimates were accurate, we observed substantial error and low accuracy for daily age estimates based on otoliths (10 % accuracy). Additionally, there was a poor relationship between otolith radius and tarpon length (R2 = 0.46), which resulted in inaccurate estimates of back-calculated length-at-age and growth rates. Our results indicate that scales can be used to differentiate between age-0 and age-1 tarpon, which will aid in conservation efforts by allowing for more accurate evaluation of the age structure within nursery habitats and the quality of these habitats. Further research is needed to better understand factors influencing daily age and growth estimates from otoliths.
Sleep Health in U.S. Military Women: A Scoping Review of the Literature, 2000–2019

Abstract Background Sleep, critical to military operational effectiveness, is among the top five outpatient conditions for which military women seek care, yet sleep research in active duty servicewomen is sparse. We conducted a scoping review to 1) describe literature focused on sleep disorders and promotion of sleep health among U.S. active duty servicewomen and 2) identify opportunities for future health policies and research that may improve sleep health and decrease incidence of disordered sleep in servicewomen. Methods The PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews informed this project. We searched Ovid; MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions; Embase; CINAHL; Cochrane Central; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; PsycInfo; and the Web of Science, and several sources of grey literature, from January 2000 through March 2019. We used a three-step screening and data extraction process: 1) title and abstract screening, 2) full-text article screening, and 3) data extraction from included articles. Results Seventeen of 1464 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most articles were retrospective, descriptive, or observational research. No intervention studies were identified. Sleep diagnoses and dimensions included insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, disordered sleep quality and duration, and narcolepsy. Sex/gender differences were documented in screening, diagnosis, risk factors, and conditions associated with disordered sleep, for example, pregnancy and postpartum status. Actionable leverage points involve military culture, training, education, treatment, and self-care behaviors related to sleep health. Conclusions Although we identified leverage points where policy changes have the potential to improve sleep health in active duty servicewomen, there is an urgent need for intervention research to address the gaps in knowledge about sleep health in this population.
Group B Streptococcus capsular serotype alters vaginal colonization fitness.

Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. A candidate vaccine targets six GBS serotypes, offering a potential alternative to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce disease burden. However, our understanding of the contributions of specific capsule types to GBS colonization and disease remains limited. Methods Using allelic exchange, we generated isogenic GBS strains differing only in the serotype-determining region in two genetic backgrounds, including the hypervirulent clonal complex (CC) 17. Using a murine model of vaginal co-colonization, we evaluated the roles of the presence of capsule and of expression of specific capsular types in GBS vaginal colonization fitness independent of other genetic factors. Results Encapsulated wild-type strains COH1 (CC17, serotype III) and A909 (non-CC17, serotype Ia), outcompeted isogenic acapsular mutants in murine vaginal co-colonization. COH1 wild-type outcompeted A909. Notably, expression of type Ia capsule conferred an advantage over type III capsule in both genetic backgrounds. Conclusions Specific capsule types may provide an advantage in GBS vaginal colonization in vivo. However, success of certain GBS lineages, including CC17, likely involves both capsule and non-capsule genetic elements. Capsule switching in GBS, a potential outcome of conjugate vaccine programs, may alter colonization fitness or pathogenesis.
Gene Transcription Profile of the Detached Retina (An AOS Thesis)

Purpose: Separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) yields many morphologic and functional consequences, including death of the photoreceptor cells, Muller cell hypertrophy, and inner retinal rewiring. Many of these changes are due to the separation-induced activation of specific genes. In this work, we define the gene transcription profile within the retina as a function of time after detachment. We also define the early activation of kinases that might be responsible for the detachment-induced changes in gene transcription.
A new method for isolating primary mesenchyme cells of the sea urchin embryo: Panning on wheat germ agglutinin-coated dishes☆

Abstract This paper describes a rapid and efficient way to isolate primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) of the sea urchin embryo. The procedure involves three simple steps: 1. 1. Dissociation of mesenchyme blastulae in calcium-free artificial seawater. 2. 2. Incubation of the resulting cell suspension on dishes that have been coated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), to which the PMCs adhere more firmly than do other cell types. 3. 3. Gentle rinsing of the dishes to remove loosely attached cells, followed by more vigorous rinsing to remove PMCs. This panning procedure has been applied to embryos of three species of sea urchins, Lytechinus variegatus, L. pictus and Arbacia punctulata, and yields populations of PMCs that are 95–99% pure as determined by the proportion of cells that stain with fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)-WGA and with a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to PMCs. The yield of PMCs is 4–5 × 106 cells/100-mm dish, or 1–2 × 107 PMCs/ml of packed embryos. The principal advantages of this procedure are that it can be carried out rapidly and simply, and it yields pure populations of PMCs.
GameBuilder: does reduced software complexity allow more time on task?

Research Goals and Theoretical Framework. To allow for greater student engagement and learning as a result of involvement with augmented reality (AR) games, several programs are underway in which students, not teachers or researchers, develop their own AR games. Previous tools for developing AR games had very complex user interfaces. As a result, the team developed GameBuilder, an AR editor with a much simpler interface, under the assumption that such a tool would allow for more focus on the game to be built and learning components to be included in the game. This research is designed to test that assumption.
Absorption of NH3 and SO2 during activation of atmospheric cloud condensation nuclei

A numerical model is presented that considers the micro-physics and chemistry of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) as the nuclei are transported vertically from the base of a cloud. The CCN are initially composed of mixtures of (NH4)2SO4, H2SO4 and H2O and are in equilibrium with gaseous SO2 and NH3 concentrations. The model incorporates liquid phase oxidation of S(IV) to S(VI) during adiabatic lifting of the CCN. Simultaneous absorption of SO2 and NH3 between the cloud droplets and gaseous dispersion medium is also considered. The model also evaluates whether the droplets are in chemical equilibrium with respect to gaseous SO2 and NH3 concentrations. Results from the model indicate that oxidation of S(IV) increases cloud droplet acidity during activation of the CCN. Large cloud droplets also exhibit gas phase mass transfer limitations with respect to SO2 and NH3. pH values of the resulting cloud droplet size distribution range over 3 pH units within the cloud at typical atmospheric conditions.
Genetic interactions between the Drosophila tumor suppressor gene ept and the stat92E transcription factor.

Background: Tumor Susceptibility Gene-101 (TSG101) promotes the endocytic degradation of transmembrane proteins and is implicated as a mutational target in cancer, yet the effect of TSG101 loss on cell proliferation in vertebrates is uncertain. By contrast, Drosophila epithelial tissues lacking the TSG101 ortholog erupted (ept) develop as enlarged undifferentiated tumors, indicating that the gene can have anti-growth properties in a simple metazoan. A full understanding of pathways deregulated by loss of Drosophila ept will aid in understanding potential links between mammalian TSG101 and growth control. Principal Findings: We have taken a genetic approach to the identification of pathways required for excess growth of Drosophila eye-antennal imaginal discs lacking ept. We find that this phenotype is very sensitive to the genetic dose of stat92E, the transcriptional effector of the Jak-Stat signaling pathway, and that this pathway undergoes strong activation in ept mutant cells. Genetic evidence indicates that stat92E contributes to cell cycle deregulation and excess cell size phenotypes that are observed among ept mutant cells. In addition, autonomous Stat92E hyper-activation is associated with altered tissue architecture in ept tumors and an effect on expression of the apical polarity determinant crumbs. Conclusions: These findings identify ept as a cell-autonomous inhibitor of the Jak-Stat pathway and suggest that excess JakStat signaling makes a significant contribution to proliferative and tissue architectural phenotypes that occur in ept mutant tissues.