cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating physical activity data in videogames with user-centered dashboards

To promote healthy awareness and activity learning, we gave 12-to 14-year-old youth activity monitors (Fitbits) to track their physical activity, which was then integrated into a videogame we created. The players' real-world steps transform into in-game resources needed for gameplay. In addition to requiring real-world steps for various in-game activities, a dashboard in this game presents visual representations of activity patterns, ostensibly informing students about patterns of their own activity. In this paper and poster, we discuss challenges in initial designs of our dashboard. We present findings and challenges in the process of creating a user-centered dashboard and conclude with our future design goals.
Analysis of Contagious Disease Outbreaks of Schools and Kindergartens in Nanshan District of Shenzhen from 2010 to 2012

Objective: To analyze the outbreaks of contagious diseases in Schools and Kindergartens in Nanshan,2010-2012,and explore feasible measures to prevent and control them.Methods: Data which derived from the school surveillance and pre-warning system that development baseed on the project of the surveillance and early-warning system in the school were analyzed with software of MS Excel and SPSS.Also the field epidemic investigation was used.Results: 519 cases of outbreaks of contagious diseases,which occurred in Schools and Kindergartens in Nanshan district of ShenZhen in 2010-2012 Years,there was no A Class infectious diseases,56 cases of B Class infectious diseases,428 cases of C Class infectious diseases and 35 cases of the other diseases.The kinds of diseases were mainly influenza,hand foot and mouth disease,epidemic hemorrhagic fever,infectious diarrhea and chickenpox,which infected 4227 kids.All eight streets of Nanshan district suffered from the diseases,and the summit period was in March and September.Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the communicable diseases prevention and control in susceptible population like school and kindergarten children.Comprehensive methods should be taken to prevent outbreaks of frequent infectious diseases such as influenza,hand foot mouth disease and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis,etc.to safeguard physical heath of children.
Thickness identification of epitaxial Bi 2 Te 3 via optical contrast

Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet thickness identification is effective for rapidly determining thickness-dependent properties of 2D materials. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) is a 2D material known for its promising thermoelectric properties and potential dissipationless charge transport in the topological surface states. To date, thickness measurements of Bi2Te3 2D nanosheets are mainly carried out via atomic force microscope or Raman spectroscopy. Here, we investigate a practical, rapid, inexpensive, and non-invasive thickness measurement technique that utilizes the optical contrast of Bi2Te3 2D nanosheets on a mica substrate (i.e., as-grown) and a SiO2/Si substrate (i.e., transferred). The reflected optical intensity and the corresponding contrast are studied as a function of Bi2Te3 thickness, illumination wavelength, and substrate thickness. Disagreement between experimental and calculated optical contrast values is observed, which is ascribed to the thickness-dependent refractive indices of Bi2Te3, mica thickness error, and the deviation from normal light incidence. Despite thin film interference in mica, the monotonic relationship between nanosheet's contrast and thickness makes mica a better substrate for identifying Bi2Te3 thickness. In addition, a brief recipe is provided for such a thickness identification method to be generally applied in any laboratory.
Preferentially expressed genes in chronic myelogenous leukemia

The predominant circulating cells in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) morphologically resemble normal myeloid precursors; however, certain characteristics indicate the two are not identical. Approximately 88% of the patients with clinically typical CML present with a cytogenetic abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1). Additionally, the leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) value is decreased in CML. To investigate if there are selected genes expressed in the CML cell population, poly(A+)RNA from a chronic-phase, Ph1-positive CML patient was used for construction of a complementary DNA (cDNA) library. Recombinant clones representing moderately to abundantly transcribed sequences were selected by annealing [32P]-cDNA transcribed from homologous RNA to the library sequences and assessing radioactivity in the hybrids. From an initial 729 colonies, 417 (57.2%) displayed a hybridization signal more intense than controls, indicating these recombinant plasmids contained sequences homologous to moderately or highly expressed RNAs from this particular patient. Screening of the 417 clones--utilizing 32P-cDNAs derived from normal human placenta, an acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML), and two other CML samples--was used to select clones likely to represent sequences preferentially expressed in CML. Sixteen recombinants were initially selected that repeatedly failed to display hybridization with the placenta and AMML- derived probes. Further analysis of eight of these clones indicated that six contain sequences preferentially expressed in CML. One clone, C-A3, has been studied with 63 different RNA samples. This sequence is found to be highly expressed in peripheral blood cells from the chronic phase of both Ph1-positive and Ph1-negative CML as well as in a Ph1- positive acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Expression is reduced in lymphoblastic crisis of CML (L BC-CML) and essentially absent in myeloblastic crisis of CML (M BC-CML). While preliminary, the results suggest that this probe may be useful as an aid in diagnosing Ph1- negative CML and in distinguishing M BC-CML from L BC-CML and Ph1- positive AML.
Compositional Synthesis of Reactive Controllers for Multi-agent Systems

In this paper we consider the controller synthesis problem for multi-agent systems that consist of a set of controlled and uncontrolled agents. Controlled agents may need to cooperate with each other and react to the actions of uncontrolled agents in order to fulfill their objectives. Besides, the controlled agents may be imperfect, i.e., only partially observe their environment, for example due to the limitations in their sensors. We propose a framework for controller synthesis based on compositional reactive synthesis. We implement the algorithms symbolically and apply them to a robot motion planning case study where multiple robots are placed on a grid-world with static obstacles and other dynamic, uncontrolled and potentially adversarial robots. We consider different objectives such as collision avoidance, keeping a formation and bounded reachability. We show that by taking advantage of the structure of the system, compositional synthesis algorithm can significantly outperform centralized synthesis approach, both from time and memory perspective, and can solve problems where the centralized algorithm is infeasible. Our findings show the potential of symbolic and compositional reactive synthesis methods as planning algorithms in the presence of dynamically changing and possibly adversarial environment.
Mdm2 Phosphorylation Regulates Its Stability and Has Contrasting Effects on Oncogene and Radiation-Induced Tumorigenesis

Summary ATM phosphorylation of Mdm2-S394 is required for robust p53 stabilization and activation in DNA-damaged cells. We have now utilized Mdm2 S394A knockin mice to determine that phosphorylation of Mdm2-S394 regulates p53 activity and the DNA damage response in lymphatic tissues in vivo by modulating Mdm2 stability. Mdm2-S394 phosphorylation delays lymphomagenesis in Eμ-myc transgenic mice, and preventing Mdm2-S394 phosphorylation obviates the need for p53 mutation in Myc-driven tumorigenesis. However, irradiated Mdm2 S394A mice also have increased hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell functions, and we observed decreased lymphomagenesis in sub-lethally irradiated Mdm2 S394A mice. These findings document contrasting effects of ATM-Mdm2 signaling on p53 tumor suppression and reveal that destabilizing Mdm2 by promoting its phosphorylation by ATM would be effective in treating oncogene-induced malignancies, while inhibiting Mdm2-S394 phosphorylation during radiation exposure or chemotherapy would ameliorate bone marrow failure and prevent the development of secondary hematological malignancies.
A simplified model to predict transient liquid loading in gas wells

Abstract This paper presents a simplified model to predict the inception of liquid loading in gas wells and its subsequent transient phenomenon. This model enables the estimation of erratic or cease of production due to liquid loading using a simple but robust technique. This approach is validated with field data. The model described in this paper proposes the use of the so-called “nodal analysis technique” to predict liquid loading in gas wells. The approach proposed modifies the tubing performance relationship instead of using the common critical velocity or minimum pressure point concept. This modification enables the simple use of nodal analysis to accurately predict liquid loading initiation, including the amount of time required to cease production after the inception of liquid loading. The model shows good agreement field data on the prediction of liquid loading. From the modeling results and comparison with field data, it is possible to conclude that this model can provide a reasonable prediction of the liquid loading phenomena. For instance, one of the main objectives of using models to predict liquid loading is to anticipate when a gas well would start suffering from liquid loading problems, and potentially stop flowing. The use of conventional models showed a significant mismatch in the critical flow for liquid loading initiation when compared to field data while the use of the model proposed would reduce this mismatch significantly. In addition to that, the use of this simplified model also enables understanding of the main field symptoms related to liquid loading in gas wells.
Prehospital Glucose Testing for Children with Seizures: A Proposed Change in Management.

ABSTRACTObjective: Many Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) protocols require point-of-care blood glucose testing (BGT) for any pediatric patient who presents with seizure or altered level of conscious. Few data describe the diagnostic yield of BGT when performed on all pediatric seizures regardless of presenting mental status. We analyzed a large single center dataset of pediatric patients presenting with prehospital seizures to determine the prevalence of hypoglycemic seizures and the utility of repeat BGT in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a retrospective, IRB-approved chart analysis of all pediatric patients (≤14 years) transported by EMS to the Harbor-UCLA pediatric ED over a 2-year period with a chief complaint of seizure. Cases were selected in which witnessed seizures had occurred in the field by family or EMS. Chart review included prehospital, nursing and physician records. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose <60 mg/dL. Analysis included blood glucose, witnessed field seizur...
Strain Transduction in Conductor-Modified Polymers

We present the fabrication and electromechanical characterization of a class of polymeric high-elongation strain sensors. Samples of polydimethylsiloxane were coated with Creative Materials, Inc.’s 123-27 Electrically Conductive Silicone Ink and the resistance behavior was evaluated in uniaxial tensile tests. Large strains (up to 100%) were observed with monotonically increasing resistance changes. A clear, linear trend up to 65% strain dominated the resistance vs. strain behavior then resistance increased non-linearly. Image processing of the film coupled with a finite element conduction simulation indicate the change in resistance is primarily a geometric effect. Both the conduction path and the polydimethylsiloxane substrate break completely around 100% strain. The samples exhibit a gauge factor of approximately 10.
Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus: The Chicken and Egg Problem.

See related article, pp 879–891 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 million Americans had diabetes mellitus and 86 million adults were prediabetic in 2014. If the current trend continues, it is predicted that 1 in 3 US adults could have diabetes mellitus by 2050. Hypertension often affects people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the combination of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is associated with high morbidity and mortality because it leads to cardiovascular and kidney disease.1,2 In this issue of the Hypertension , Wang et al3 explored interactions of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and their contribution to kidney injury. This study is highly significant from both conceptual and technical perspectives. Most of the available animal models for studies of diabetes mellitus have other cardiovascular complications. Typically, these animals, as is the case in the human condition, exhibit increased blood pressure (BP) and diabetes mellitus in the same model, which makes it impossible to determine whether the renal injury is a consequence of hyperglycemia or is more determined by the elevation of renal perfusion pressure in the hypertensive state. The authors developed a novel experimental model, which allowed them to study the mechanisms of kidney injury in diabetes mellitus under the condition of normal and elevated BP. Hypertension to 1 kidney was induced either in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) or control Wistar rat by aorta constriction (AC) between the renal arteries. Therefore, both kidneys were exposed to the same levels of hyperglycemia, circulating hormones, neural activity, and other factors but the right kidney above the AC was exposed to elevated BP compared with the left kidney below the AC. Using this approach, the authors compared the kidney …
Intercostal Nerve Blocks With Liposomal Bupivacaine: Demonstration of Safety, and Potential Benefits.

Liposomal bupivacaine is designed to allow drug diffusion for up to 96 hours following a single administration. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety of liposomal bupivacaine as an intercostal nerve block as part of an enhanced recovery pathway using standardized multimodality pain regimen compared with epidural analgesia in propensity score-matched patients undergoing lung resection. Patients undergoing lung resection (n = 1737; 2010-2015) were stratified by treatment with intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine intercostal block vs epidural analgesia. We performed 2 propensity score matching analyses. In the first, propensity for treatment with liposomal bupivacaine was estimated using pretreatment variables and the patients were matched on the propensity score. The variables were age, neoadjuvant therapy, extent of resection, and the Zubrod score. In the second, the propensity score matching was performed only in patients who had a thoracotomy. Perioperative outcomes were compared between groups using paired statistical analysis techniques. In the first analysis (n = 1236), there were more thoracotomies performed in the epidural group ( P P = 0.02), mostly atrial arrhythmias. In the second analysis (n = 494), there were no differences in the rate of postoperative complications between the groups. The use of liposomal bupivacaine is not associated with a rise in perioperative complications when compared with epidural analgesia. Liposomal bupivacaine is a safe adjunct to the management of pain of patients undergoing pulmonary surgery.
Active electromechanical resonance tuning of localized gap plasmons

We present a nanoelectromechanical system with integrated localized gap plasmon resonators. The system enables broad tuning of plasmonic resonances and subdiffraction, high-sensitivity optical sensing of nanomechanical motion; applications include smart metamaterials and miniaturized light modulators.
The life organic: the theoretical biology club and the roots of epigenetics

Almost two decades into the new millennium, the gene triumphalism of the twentieth century is still with us. Siddhartha Mukherjee's The Gene: An Intimate History (2016a) reads like a paean to all t...
Dynamics and Shock Waves in Media with Second Order Phase Transformations

We study free oscillations and the weak shock waves in the Ehrenfest liquids, i.e., in the liquids undergoing second order phase transformations. Also, we discuss the second order phase transformations in crystalline solids.
Situating Maimonides’s Approach to the Oral Torah in Its Andalusian Context

Maimonides’s readers have long recognized that his presentation of the Oral Torah differed markedly from that of the Baghdadi geonim, particularly Sa‘adya Gaon. Maimonides did not cite any precedent for his disagreements with the geonim. Recent studies, however, have called attention to Andalusian sources that prefigure and parallel Maimonidean claims, suggesting that his views, at least in part, drew on earlier Andalusian thought. This article argues that a uniquely Andalusian understanding of the talmudic adage “A sage is superior to a prophet,” first found in the writings of Isaac Ibn Ghiyāth, demonstrates that Andalusian Rabbanite culture had long approached the Oral Torah differently than did the geonim of Baghdad. After identifying a number of Andalusian antecedents for Maimonides’s approach to the Oral Torah, this article explores possible motives for the divergent pictures of revelation put forward by Rabbanites in Baghdad and Andalusia. It is suggested that the impact of Andalusian Maliki jurists helps explain the divergent positions of Baghdadi and Andalusian Rabbanites.
Changes in Physicians' Computer Anxiety and Attitudes Related to Clinical Information System Use

Study Overview : Interns' anxiety about computer use (“computer anxiety”) and their attitudes toward medical computer applications were determined by a standardized questionnaire. Participants were surveyed before and after three months of differential exposure to three clinical information systems (CISs), including one with provider-entered encounters. Population : Fifty-one interns completed both surveys. Their average age was 27 years. Thirty-three percent were female, 7% were African American, and 8% were foreign graduates. Results : The most common previous exposures to computers were for literature searching and retrieval of patient information (both 92%). Factors that commonly emerged as predictive of anxiety about computer use included self-rated skills, typing ability, and computer attitudes. Factors predictive of attitudes toward computers included self-rated skills, typing ability, maximal frequency of prior computer use, computer ownership, and computer anxiety. Factors that were not predictive of computer anxiety or attitudes toward computers included age, gender, and physician input of data. Conclusion : Identification of markers for negative psychological reactions to computer use may allow development of interventions to improve acceptance of computer base patient records (CBPRs).
The Median Principle

The mean or average value is often used as the representation of a list of numbers when in fact another measure, the median, which is the middle value of the list, is more appropriate. This principle of “middle” is more general and has several other applications—from location to inventory problems.
Cigarette and e-cigarette dual use and risk of cardiopulmonary symptoms in the Health eHeart Study

E-cigarettes are promoted as healthier alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Many cigarette smokers use both products. It is unknown whether the additional use of e-cigarettes among cigarette smokers (dual users) is associated with reduced exposure to tobacco-related health risks. Cross-sectional analysis was performed using baseline data from the Health eHeart Study, among English-speaking adults, mostly from the United States. Cigarette use (# cigarettes/day) and/or e-cigarette use (# days, # cartridges, and # puffs) were compared between cigarette only users vs. dual users. Additionally, we examined cardiopulmonary symptoms/ conditions across product use: no product (neither), e-cigarettes only, cigarettes only, and dual use. Among 39,747 participants, 573 (1.4%) reported e-cigarette only use, 1,693 (4.3%) reported cigarette only use, and 514 (1.3%) dual use. Dual users, compared to cigarette only users, reported a greater median (IQR) number of cigarettes per day, 10.0 (4.0-20.0) vs. 9.0 (3.0-15.0) (p < .0001), a lower (worse) median (IQR) SF-12 general health score, 3.3 (2.8-3.8) vs. 3.5 (2.8-3.9) (p = .0014), and a higher (worse) median (IQR) breathing difficulty score in the past month, 2.0 (1.0-2.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0-2.0) (p = .001). Of the 19 cardiopulmonary symptoms/ conditions, having a history of arrhythmia was significantly different between cigarette only users (14.2%) and dual users (17.8%) (p = .02). In this sample, dual use was not associated with reduced exposure to either (i) cigarettes, compared to cigarette only users or (ii) e-cigarettes, compared to e-cigarette only users. E-cigarette only use, compared to no product use, was associated with lower general health scores, higher breathing difficulty scores (typically and past month), and greater proportions of those who responded 'yes' to having chest pain, palpitations, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, COPD, and asthma. These data suggest the added use of e-cigarettes alone may have contributed to cardiopulmonary health risks particularly respiratory health risks.
Perception-production relations in residual speech errors before and after biofeedback training

Rhotics are among the latest-emerging, most frequently misarticulated sounds in acquisition of American English (Smit et al., 1990). Children with residual speech errors (RSE) affecting rhotics may be unable to perceive differences between their own accurate and inaccurate productions (Shuster, 1998). Visual biofeedback may be an efficacious treatment approach for these children because it can bypass deficient auditory-perceptual channels (Shuster et al., 1995). Previous research has shown a relationship between accuracy in perceiving and producing rhotic targets in typically developing (TD) children (McAllister Byun & Tiede, 2017). We used the same methods to measure rhotic perception and production in a sample of 75 children with RSE. Based on previous literature (e.g., Hearnshaw et al., 2018; Rvachew & Jamieson, 1989), we hypothesize that children with RSE will show poorer perceptual abilities on average than TD children, but that they will show a similar degree of association between perception and production. Second, we will test whether changes in auditory acuity take place after a period of biofeedback treatment for RSE. Finding such changes would suggest that biofeedback may have its effect not only by retraining a target motor plan, but also by helping children update their auditory targets.Rhotics are among the latest-emerging, most frequently misarticulated sounds in acquisition of American English (Smit et al., 1990). Children with residual speech errors (RSE) affecting rhotics may be unable to perceive differences between their own accurate and inaccurate productions (Shuster, 1998). Visual biofeedback may be an efficacious treatment approach for these children because it can bypass deficient auditory-perceptual channels (Shuster et al., 1995). Previous research has shown a relationship between accuracy in perceiving and producing rhotic targets in typically developing (TD) children (McAllister Byun & Tiede, 2017). We used the same methods to measure rhotic perception and production in a sample of 75 children with RSE. Based on previous literature (e.g., Hearnshaw et al., 2018; Rvachew & Jamieson, 1989), we hypothesize that children with RSE will show poorer perceptual abilities on average than TD children, but that they will show a similar degree of association between perception and pr...
Insights and experiences of chaplain interns and social work interns on palliative care teams

Interdisciplinary palliative care teams provide critical, comprehensive end-of-life care, although the accumulated literature points toward barriers that impede their effectiveness. The current phe...
Laryngeal force sensor metrics are predictive of increased perioperative narcotic requirements.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To determine the relationship between force metrics measured by the laryngeal force sensor (LFS) during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML) and perioperative narcotic requirements. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational study. METHODS Compressive tissue forces were recorded during SML using the LFS and correlated with postoperative narcotic requirements in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) at an academic tertiary center. Patients were prospectively enrolled and had force metrics recorded throughout each procedure including maximum force, average force, suspension time, and total impulse. Narcotic administration in the intraoperative period and PACU were also recorded and converted into intravenous morphine equivalents (ME). Surgeons were blinded to the force recordings during surgery to prevent operator bias. RESULTS Eighty-two patients completed the study. Of these patients, the mean perioperative ME requirement was 16.96 mg (range, 0.15-79.82 mg). Univariate analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between perioperative narcotic requirements and total suspension time (P < .001) as well as total impulse (P = .007). A positive correlation was also seen with maximum force, although not significantly. On multiple linear regression, total suspension time was a significant predictive variable for perioperative narcotic use, with a marginal incremental increase of 0.273 mg of ME per minute of total suspension time (0.273 mg/min, 95% confidence interval: 0.040-0.507 mg/min, P = .022). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative force metrics including total suspension time are predictive of increased perioperative narcotic requirement after SML. Total impulse during SML may also correlate with increased perioperative narcotic requirements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Laryngoscope, 129:2563-2567, 2019.
Are Parental Relationships Improved if Fathers Take Time Off of Work After the Birth of a Child

Research has begun to examine the consequences of paternity leave, focusing primarily on whether paternity leave-taking increases father involvement. Yet, other consequences of paternity leave-taking have not been considered using U.S data. This study uses longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine whether fathers' time off from work after the birth of a child is associated with relationship quality, relationship support, and coparenting quality. We also consider whether these relationships are mediated by father involvement. Results suggest that fathers' time off of work after a birth and length of time off are each positively associated with relationship quality and coparenting quality one year after a child's birth. They are also positively associated with trajectories of relationship quality and coparenting quality over the first five years after birth. Father involvement at least partially mediates these relationships. Overall, this study suggests that the potential benefits of fathers' time off of work after the birth of a child may extend beyond father involvement and may improve parental relationships.
A genetic study on the activiation of quiescent Uq transposable elements in Zea mays L.

9 INTRODUCTION 10 MATERIALS AND METHODS 13 RESULTS 24 DISCUSSION 36 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 43 REFERENCES 44 SECTION II SPONTANEOUS GERMINAL ACTIVATION OF QUIESCENT lig TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN ZSa. mavs L. 48 ABSTRACT 50 INTRODUCTION 51 MATERIALS AND METHODS 55 RESULTS 69 DISCUSSION 85 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 94 REFERENCES 95 ill SECTION III NEWLY ACTIVATED GERMINAL IZg ELEMENTS IN MAIZE ARE CLUSTERED ON ONE LINKAGE GROUP THAT IS INDEPENDENT OF THE STANDARD Hfl ELEMENT 99 ABSTRACT 10
The History and Rebirth of the Remarkable Haile Gold Mine by Jack H. Morris. Vertel Publishing, www.vertelpublishing.com. 324 pages; 2018; $29.99 (hardbound).

Although not known for its spectacular mineral specimens, the Haile gold mine near Kershaw, Lancaster County, South Carolina, is certainly not unknown to many mineral collectors. To be sure, there ...
Preparation of electrospun nanofibers with desired microstructures using a programmed three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber collector.

Abstract The traditional electrospinning process produces dense two-dimensional (2D) nanofiber (NF) sheets that limit cell infiltration and proliferation. Our previous study demonstrated that 3D NF sheets could be formed on an NF collector surface mounted with multiple movable needles through the corona discharge. In this study, we developed a programmed electrospun 3D NF collector. It can precisely control the moving speed of NF collector during electrospinning; thereby fabricating 3D NFs with desired microstructures (pore size, pore volume, and interconnectivity). Four types of polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D NF matrices with different microstructures can be obtained concurrently on the NF collector surface, which are set by different forward moving speed of the NF collector device: NF-zero (no move, as control), NF-low (0.085 mm/min), NF-mid (0.158 mm/min) and NF-high (0.232 mm/min). A linear increase of the NF sheet thickness (from 0.21 mm to 0.91 mm) was recorded with accelerating collector movement. Quantitative analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed a monotonic increase of pore size and porosity with the increase of collector moving speeds. The collector movement also impacted the crystallinity and mechanical properties of the NFs. When prepared at high collector speed, the NFs showed improved proliferation and differentiation (p
Transfer Learning for Classifying Single Hand Gestures on Comprehensive Bharatanatyam Mudra Dataset

For any dance form, either classical or folk, visual expressions - facial expressions and hand gestures play a key role in conveying the storyline of the accompanied music to the audience. Bharatanatyam – a classical dance form which has origins from the southern states of India, is on the verge of being completely automated partly due to an acute dearth of qualified and dedicated teachers/gurus. In an honest effort to speed up this automation process and at the same time preserve the cultural heritage, we have chosen to identify and classify the single hand gestures/mudras/hastas against their true labels by using two variations of the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that demonstrates the exceeding effectiveness of transfer learning irrespective of the domain difference between the pre-training and the training dataset. This work is primarily aimed at 1) building a novel dataset of 2D single hand gestures belonging to 27 classes that were collected from Google search engine (Google images), YouTube videos (dynamic and with background considered) and professional artists under staged environment constraints (plain backgrounds), 2) exploring the effectiveness of Convolutional Neural Networks in identifying and classifying the single hand gestures by optimizing the hyperparameters, and 3) evaluating the impacts of transfer learning and double transfer learning, which is a novel concept explored in this paper for achieving higher classification accuracy.
The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Brain Morphology in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

A growing literature emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition in successful aging. The current study examined if one year of supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), two nutrients with known antioxidative properties and cognitive benefits, impacted structural brain outcomes in older adults using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial design. Community-dwelling older adults (20 males and 27 females) aged 65–87 years (M = 71.8 years, SD = 6.04 years) were randomized into supplement (N = 33) and placebo groups (N = 14) using simple randomization. The supplement group received 10 mg L + 2 mg Z daily for 12 months while the placebo group received a visually identical, inert placebo. L and Z were measured via retinal concentrations (macular pigment optical density or MPOD). Structural brain outcomes, focusing on global and frontal-temporal lobe regions, were acquired using both T1-weighted and DTI MRI sequences. We hypothesized that the supplement group would increase, maintain, or show attenuated loss in hypothesized regions-of-interest (ROIs) while the placebo group would show age-related declines in brain structural integrity over the course of the trial. While results showed age-related declines for frontal and temporal gray and white matter volumes, as well as fornix white matter microstructure across both groups, only minimal differences were found between the supplement and placebo groups. However, exploratory analyses showed that individuals who responded better to supplementation (i.e., showed greater increases in MPOD) showed less decline in global and prefrontal gray matter volume than supplement “nonresponders.” While results suggest that one year of L and Z supplementation may have limited effects on structural brain outcomes overall, there may be a subsample of individuals for whom supplementation of L and Z provides greater benefits. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02023645 .
Leibniz on Slavery and the Ownership of Human Beings

Leibniz puts forward an intriguing argument against the moral permissibility of chattel slavery in a text from 1703. This argument has three independent layers or sub-arguments. The first is that slavery violates natural rights. The second is that moral laws such as the principles of equity and piety oppose slavery, or at least severely limit the permissible actions toward slaves. The third and final layer is that slavery can at most be justified if the slave is permanently incapable of conducting herself well. Yet, it is very doubtful that any actual human beings satisfy that description. This paper analyzes and evaluates Leibniz’s argument, which scholars have so far largely neglected. Even though some elements of the argument are not original to Leibniz, it is of considerable importance for the scholarship of early modern philosophy: it sheds light on Leibniz’s views not only on the moral status of slavery itself, but also on moral rights and obligations more generally.
Norm inflation for the Boussinesq system

We prove the norm inflation phenomena for the Boussinesq system on \begin{document}$ \mathbb T^3 $\end{document} . For arbitrarily small initial data \begin{document}$ (u_0,\rho_0) $\end{document} in the negative-order Besov spaces \begin{document}$ \dot{B}^{-1}_{\infty, \infty} \times \dot{B}^{-1}_{\infty, \infty} $\end{document} , the solution can become arbitrarily large in a short time. Such largeness can be detected in \begin{document}$ \rho $\end{document} in Besov spaces of any negative order: \begin{document}$ \dot{B}^{-s}_{\infty, \infty} $\end{document} for any \begin{document}$ s>0 $\end{document} .
Building Capacity: The Case for Values-based Operations

Since the opening of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Community Engagement Center in 2014, both university and community building partners have been guided by a set of core values. Established by a community/university task force after months of focus groups, community conversations, and other data gathering activities, these values have helped provide a foundation for the selection of university and community building partners, decision-making, and ongoing operations. This study explored the ways in which building partner alignment with the Weitz CEC values influenced their subsequent perceived organizational capacity. Results indicated that embracing the values was positively associated with increased perceptions of organizational capacity. Essentially, those who indicated they embraced the values experienced heightened feelings of belongingness, participated in more networking activities, and agreed that the culture was more cooperative, which contributed to their organization’s perceived capacity.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

In reinforcement learning, complicated applications require involving multiple agents to handle different kinds of tasks simultaneously. However, increasing the number of agents brings in the challenges on managing the interactions among them. In this chapter, according to the optimization problem for each agent, equilibrium concepts are put forward to regulate the distributive behaviors of multiple agents. We further analyze the cooperative and competitive relations among the agents in various scenarios, combining with typical multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithms. Based on all kinds of interactions, a game theoretical framework is finalized for general modeling in multi-agent scenarios. Analyzing the optimization and equilibrium situation for each component of the framework, the optimal multi-agent reinforcement learning policy for each agent can be guided and explored.
Boosting the Tobacco Control Vaccine: recognizing the role of the retail environment in addressing tobacco use and disparities

Much of the progress in reducing cigarette smoking and tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among youth and adults is attributable to population-level strategies previously described in the context of the Tobacco Control Vaccine. The retail environment is used heavily by the tobacco industry to promote and advertise its products, and variations in exposure to and characteristics of the retail environment exist across demographic groups. It is therefore also an essential environment for further reducing smoking, as well as ameliorating racial, ethnic and socioeconomic tobacco-related disparities. This commentary provides an overview of the importance of incorporating strategies focused on the tobacco retailer environment (availability; pricing and promotion; advertising and display; age of sale; and retail licensure) as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention and control. To reach tobacco endgame targets, such innovative strategies are a complement to, but not a replacement for, long-standing evidence-based components of the Tobacco Control Vaccine.
Three-Dimensional Printed Anatomic Modeling for Surgical Planning and Real-Time Operative Guidance in Complex Primary Spinal Column Tumors: Single-Center Experience and Case Series.

Objective Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a visualization tool for clinicians and patients. We sought to use patient-specific 3D-printed anatomic modeling for preoperative planning and live intraoperative guidance in a series of complex primary spine tumors. Methods Over 9 months, patients referred to a single neurosurgical provider for complex primary spinal column tumors were included. Most recent spinal magnetic resonance and computed tomography (CT) imaging were semiautomatically segmented for relevant anatomy and models were printed using polyjet multicolor printing technology. Models were available to surgical teams before and during the operative procedure. Patients also viewed the models preoperatively during surgeon explanation of disease and surgical plan to aid in their understanding. Results Tumor models were prepared for 9 patients, including 4 with chordomas, 2 with schwannomas, 1 with osteosarcoma, 1 with chondrosarcoma, and 1 with Ewing-like sarcoma. Mean age was 50.7 years (range, 15–82 years), including 6 males and 3 females. Mean tumor volume was 129.6 cm3 (range, 3.3–250.0 cm3). Lesions were located at cervical, thoracic, and sacral levels and were treated by various surgical approaches. Models were intraoperatively used as patient-specific anatomic references throughout 7 cases and were found to be technically useful by the surgical teams. Conclusions We present the largest case series of 3D-printed spine tumor models reported to date. 3D-printed models are broadly useful for operative planning and intraoperative guidance in spinal oncology surgery.
An Unusual Case of Severe Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis in a 3-year-old Girl.

1. Ryan M. Fredericks, MD* 2. George Sam Wang, MD† 3. Christine U. Vohwinkel, MD, PhD* 4. Jessica Kraynik Graham, MD† 1. *Children’s Hospital Colorado, Section of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, 2. †Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 1. Address correspondence to Ryan M. Fredericks, MD, Heinrich A. Werner Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Kentucky Children's Hospital, 800 Rose St, MN 464-A, Lexington, KY 40536. E-mail: ryan.fredericks{at}uky.edu A 3-year-old previously healthy girl with normal development presents with 2 days of low-grade fevers, abdominal pain, nonbloody and nonbilious emesis occurring 6 to 7 times daily, and now tachypnea. At an urgent care clinic, she is afebrile and normotensive with a heart rate of 127 beats/min, respiratory rate of 52 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation of 92% on room air. She weighs 1 kg less than her last recorded weight measured 2 months ago. On physical examination, she has dry mucous membranes, tachypnea, substernal retractions, and inferior abdominal tenderness. She is speaking slowly and her parents endorse that she seems slightly confused. They deny access to any medications or chemicals. Her newborn screens are normal. Family history is negative for consanguinity, genetic conditions, miscarriages, stillbirths, or early childhood deaths. Laboratory evaluation reveals a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA) with appropriate respiratory compensation, (1) normal lactate, normoglycemia, and profound ketonemia (Table 1). A urine dipstick result is significant for hypersthenuria, ketonuria, and pH 5.5 but no glucosuria. Her measured serum osmolality is 299 mOsm/kg (299 mmol/kg), and her ammonia, albumin, homocysteine, and cobalamin levels are normal. Her complete blood cell count and hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) are normal, her respiratory pathogen and standard toxicology panels are negative, and her chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasound are without abnormalities. Further laboratory tests are sent to evaluate her severe AGMA including toxic alcohols, urinary organic acids (UOAs), serum amino acids (AAs), acylcarnitines, and a carnitine panel. View this table: TABLE 1. Laboratory Data The girl is admitted to the PICU at a quaternary care center after receiving 20 mL/kg of normal saline, ondansetron, and ketorolac without improvement …
An Integrated Multi-omics Approach Identifies Therapeutic Potential for ATP6V1A in Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

In this issue of Neuron, Wang et al. employ an impressive multi-omics approach, including gene co-expression network analyses and drug repositioning, to normalize disease-disrupted gene modules and identify a therapeutically relevant driver of Alzheimer's disease.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Utility of the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R in Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) have high accuracy as diagnostic instruments in research settings, while evidence of accuracy in clinical settings is less robust. This meta-analysis focused on efficacy of these measures in research versus clinical settings. Articles (n = 22) were analyzed using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) model. ADOS-2 performance was stronger than the ADI-R. ADOS-2 sensitivity and specificity ranged from .89-.92 and .81-.85, respectively. ADOS-2 accuracy in research compared with clinical settings was mixed. ADI-R sensitivity and specificity were .75 and .82, respectively, with higher specificity in research samples (Research = .85, Clinical = .72). A small number of clinical studies were identified, indicating ongoing need for investigation outside research settings.
Prospective associations between sedentary behavior and physical activity in adolescence and sleep duration in adulthood

Abstract The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate whether sedentary screen time (SST) and physical activity in adolescence were related to sleep duration in adulthood and whether these associations varied by sex. We analyzed data from 9279 adolescents who participated in Waves I and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) in the United States. SST was measured by reported hours spent watching television/videos or playing video/computer games per week. Physical activity was measured with participation in school team club sports and frequency (times/week) of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results from multinomial regression models indicated that adolescents with more SST, particularly 15–21 h (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36) or 22 or more hours (RRR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06–1.35) compared to 0–7 h per week SST, had significantly higher relative risk of short sleep (six or fewer hours) in adulthood, after controlling for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status and health behaviors at Waves I and V, sleep duration at Wave I, and SST and MVPA at Wave V. The association between 22 or more hours per week SST in adolescence and later short sleep varied by sex (RRR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.95) and was significantly stronger among males. Measures of physical activity in adolescence did not predict sleep duration. Decreasing adolescents' SST to prevent suboptimal sleep later in development may be a target for further investigation, particularly for males.
Balloon-Assisted Endovascular Thrombectomy for Tibial Thromboembolism.

ABSTRACT We present a novel approach to endovascular thrombectomy using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System with balloon assistance for a thromboembolic occlusion to the tibioperoneal trunk and tibial arteries causing acute limb ischemia. This technique allows for effective suction thrombectomy of distal vessels into a shorter, large-diameter aspiration catheter, thereby overcoming the limitations of the longer but smaller aspiration catheters.
Testing Vulnerability Models: Stability of Potential Vulnerability Indicators Across Clinical State

In recent years, several researchers have proposed a distinction between vulnerability indicators (or markers) and episode indicators for schizophrenic disorders, based on whether an abnormality is present only during the active psychotic state or on a continuing basis (Zubin and Spring 1977; Cromwell and Spaulding 1978). Measures that reveal abnormalities during the acute psychotic episode and then return to normal levels during nonpsychotic, clinically remitted periods are called episode indicators, because they index processes that show acute disruptions during the psychotic period. Episode indicators would be expected to include (1) abnormalities that reflect processes immediately underlying the acute psychotic symptoms and (2) abnormalities that are secondary to disruptions associated with acute psychotic symptoms.