cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Haiti: projecting tactical network and systems management

The nature of recent military operations has been one of maximizing readiness (e.g., quick deployments) while minimizing in-theater personnel and equipment. Projecting technical expertise from the Continental United States (CONUS) to the deployed area of operations is critical to ensuring the success of the warfighter. Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY is the first of many opportunities to project tactical network and systems management (NSM) expertise from CONUS to tactical network managers and their respective tactical networks. NSM solutions were demonstrated and employed to provide remote monitoring and control capabilities from CONUS of the tactical packet network (TPN) and the mobile gateway van (MGV), both in Haiti. The TPN is the army tactical packet switched data network. The MGV provides users in the deployed tactical environment access to the non-classified Internet protocol router network (NIPRNET) for transmission of unclassified traffic. This paper will discuss the ways in which commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) NSM tools were used to manage the TPN and the MGV in support of operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. TPN management was accomplished using the integrated management system (IMS) application. An integrated set of COTS tools (Hewlett Packard Network Node Manager, Remedy Action Request System, and Cisco Systems CiscoWorks) have been configured to remotely manage the MGV in Haiti. Managing the TPN and MGV successfully demonstrate the technical feasibility of projecting NSM capabilities from CONUS to deployed tactical networks.
Sol-Gel Process Derived Superhydrophobic Silica Thin Films for Antistiction of MEMS Devices

Based on the theory of superhydrophobicity for low surface energy coatings, we describe a superhydrophobic antistiction silica coating for MEMS devices. The process uses a novel sol-gel process sequence with a eutectic liquid as a templating agent. The eutectic liquid displays negligible vapor pressure and very low melting point (12°C at ambient conditions) to reduce solvent loss during the high speed spincoating process. After a fluoroalkyl silane treatment, superhydrophobicity is achieved on the as-prepared silica thin film. The solvent can be extracted after the gelation and aging processes. Spin speed effect, eutectic liquid:TEOS ratio in the solution were studied in order to optimize the surface roughness to ensure excellent super-hydrophobicity. Comparison of the silica thin films with silicon pillar surfaces showed that superhydrophobicity for the traditional sol-gel derived silica films demonstrated significant improvement, especially under humid conditions. The AFM force curve obtained with a tipless probe showed that the interaction force is greatly reduced on a rough silica superhydrophobic surface. This result offers great potential to reduce stiction failures in MEMS devices.
Hyperreal waves on transfinite, terminated, distortionless and lossless, transmission lines: Research Articles

A prior work (Graphs and Networks: Transfinite and Nonstandard, Chapter 8. Birkhauser: Boston, Cambridge, MA, 2004) examined the propagation of an electromagnetic wave on a transfinite transmission line—transfinite in the sense that infinitely many one-way infinite transmission lines are connected in cascade. That there are infinitely many such one-way infinite lines results in the wave propagating without ever reflecting at some discontinuity. The present work examines the case where the cascade terminates after only finitely many one-way infinite transmission lines, with the result that reflected waves are now produced at both the far end as well as at the initial end of the transfinite transmission line. The questions whether the reflected waves are infinitesimal or appreciable and whether they sum to an infinitesimal or appreciable amount are resolved for both distortionless and lossless lines. Finally, the generalization to higher ranks of transfiniteness is briefly summarized. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration and Gender in China’s HIV/AIDS Epidemic

China today is considered to be a low HIV prevalence country. In 2007 there were an estimated 700,000 HIV cases corresponding to 0.1% of the adult population. HIV infections tend to be concentrated in relatively well-defined population subgroups, such as injecting drug users (IDUs), former plasma and blood donors, and female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients. Despite this low HIV prevalence, the Chinese HIV epidemic is considered to be in the stage of “rapid spread” (Grusky et al. 2002; Qian et al. 2005 cited in Hong and Li 2008), and concerns about a growing epidemic through heterosexual contact persist. Injecting drug users and former commercial blood and plasma donors currently comprise about 55% of all infections, while 44% of infections are among female sex workers, their clients and partners. In 2005, 49% of new cases were attributed to heterosexual contact (MOH, UNAIDS and WHO 2006). The extent to which HIV will spread through heterosexual transmission in China’s general population depends largely on the levels and distribution of sexual activity in the population. Results from an empirically grounded compartmental mathematical model used to explore the implications of the observed Chinese regime of sexual relations for the progression of HIV/AIDS (Merli et al. 2006) suggested that levels of sexual activity must cross a certain threshold for a given input to have a sizeable impact on the simulated epidemic curve. In China, overall levels of sexual activity
Economic and Nutritional Implications from Changes in U.S. Agricultural Promotion Efforts

Promotion programs that subsidize advertising for exported agricultural products continue to be used despite much criticism that they are an inefficient use of taxpayer money. At the same time, others have advocated for an increase in funds to support domestic advertising for fruits and vegetables. We investigate the economic and nutritional effects from changes in both export and domestic promotion expenditures for horticultural and nonhorticultural commodities. Simulation results show that even modest decreases in trade promotion expenditures coupled with a corresponding increase in domestic promotion efforts have the capacity to influence domestic market conditions, caloric intake, and nutrient consumption.
Prediction of Long-Lead Heavy Precipitation Events Aided by Machine Learning

Long-lead prediction of heavy precipitation events has a significant impact since it can provide an early warning of disasters, like a flood. However, the performance of existed prediction models has been constrained by the high dimensional space and non-linear relationship among variables. In this study, we study the prediction problem from the prospective of machine learning. In our machine-learning framework for forecasting heavy precipitation events, we use global hydro-meteorological variables with spatial and temporal influences as features, and the target weather events that last several days have been formulated as weather clusters. Our study has three phases: 1) identify weather clusters in different sizes, 2) handle the imbalance problem within the data, 3) select the most-relevant features through the large feature space. We plan to evaluate our methods with several real world data sets for predicting the heavy precipitation events.
Quasiconcha reticulata and its anamorph from conifer roots

Quasiconcha reticulata is reported from roots of two species of conifers. Agar cultures from single ascospores produced a dark mycelium bearing chlamydospores. An anamorph similar to the form-genus Chalara developed only on sterile twigs and leaves of Pinus halapensis. Because the fungus was associated with the pine wood nematode on one occasion it was tested in culture as a food organism for the nematode and found to support growth and reproduction of the nematode at 20 and 24 C.
On Einstein's λ Transformations

The invariance of the curvature with respect to $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ transformations is given a geometric significance that permits its immediate extension to more general curvatures.
Adaptive Model Refinement in Surrogate-based Multiobjective Optimization

Surrogate-Based Optimization (SBO), while providing a computationally-efficient alternative to expensive high-fidelity optimization of complex systems, is often plagued by the low reliability of the optimum values obtained thereof. Model refinement techniques are one of the most recognized means to increasing the reliability of the optimum solutions while preserving the computational efficiency of SBO. One such method is the recently developed Adaptive Model Refinement (AMR) technique, which decides when to refine and the desired extent of the refinement, for single-objective optimization using any type of surrogate models (i.e., a model independent approach). In this paper, we make fundamental modifications to the AMR technique to extend its applicability to multiobjective problems, both in the case of problems involving multiple and single high-fidelity source codes or simulations. The AMR technique is designed to work particularly with population-based optimization algorithms. In AMR, the reconstruction of the model is performed by sequentially adding a batch of new samples at any given iteration (of SBO), when a refinement metric is met. This metric is formulated by comparing (1) the uncertainty associated with the outputs of the current model, and (2) the distribution of the latest fitness function improvement over the population of candidate designs. Conservative, non-conservative, and balanced approaches are explored for multiobjective implementation, in terms of the fraction of objectives for which the model refinement metric has been satisfied. In the case of an affirmative decision for model refinement, the history of the fitness function improvement is used to determine the desired fidelity for the upcoming iterations of SBO. The location of the new samples in the input space is determined based on the smallest hypercube enclosing the entire population of candidate designs, the smallest hypercube enclosing the current set of non-dominated designs, and a distance-based criterion that minimizes the correlation between the current sample points and the new points. A multiobjective implementation of GA algorithm is used in conjunction with Kriging surrogate model to apply the new AMR method. The performance of the new multiobjective AMR method is investigated by applying it to a structural wind blade design problem.
The myofascial genesis of pain.

(1952). The Myofascial Genesis of Pain. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 11, No. 5, pp. 425-434.
Predispositions to Lymphoma: A Practical Review for Genetic Counselors

This review provides a synopsis for genetic counselors of the major concepts of lymphoma predisposition: genomic instability, immune deficiency, inappropriate lymphoproliferation, and chronic antigen stimulation. We discuss syndromes typifying each of these mechanisms. Importantly, our review of the genetic counseling literature reveals sparse discussion of genetically-based immune-mediated lymphoma predisposition, which we address in depth here. We aim to increase awareness among genetic counselors and colleagues in oncology about familial susceptibility and facilitate critical thinking about lymphoma risk assessment. Clinical application of this knowledge is aided by recommendations for collection of personal and family history to guide risk assessment and testing. Lastly, we include a special discussion of genetic counseling issues including perceptions of the context, nature, and magnitude of lymphoma risk, as well as coping with awareness of susceptibility to lymphoma.
Oral Appliances for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The principal methods of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include behavioral modification, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and various types of upper airway surgery. CPAP is the gold standard for treatment of OSA, but many patients are unable to tolerate or refuse to use CPAP. In these instances, oral appliances are an acceptable treatment alternative. Current guidelines developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (formerly the American Sleep Disorders Association) recommend that oral appliances are indicated for the treatment of patients with snoring or mild OSA who do not respond to weight loss or sleep position change, and for patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who are intolerant of or who refuse treatment with CPAP (1). Oral appliances are also used as a supplement to CPAP and in patients who have failed surgery or who refuse surgery.
Preoperative Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations with Silk Suture and Particles: Technical Considerations and Outcomes

Objective Embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is commonly performed prior to surgical resection in order to reduce intraoperative bleeding and improve the safety of resection. Although most modern embolization procedures utilize permanent embolic agents, silk suture and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles may offer unique advantages for preoperative devascularization. The aims of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical considerations and determine the outcomes for preoperative silk suture and PVA particle embolization (SPE) of AVMs. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of our AVM embolization database. AVM patients who underwent preoperative SPE and subsequent surgical resection were included for analysis. Baseline patient demographics, AVM characteristics, embolization and operative records, and post-treatment outcomes were reviewed. Results A total of 11 patients who underwent 12 preoperative SPE procedures were included for analysis. Five AVMs were ruptured (45%), and the median nidus volume was 3.0 cm3 (range: 1.3-42.9 cm3). The Spetzler-Martin grade was I-II in seven patients (64%) and III-IV in four patients (36%). The degree of nidal obliteration was less than 25% in two procedures (17%), 25-50% in one procedure (8%), 50-75% in eight procedures (67%), and greater than 75% in one procedure (8%). The rates of post-embolization AVM hemorrhage and mortality were 8% and 0%, respectively. The postoperative angiographic obliteration rate was 100%, and the modified Rankin Scale score improved or stable in 91% of patients (median follow-up duration 2 months). Conclusion Preoperative AVM SPE affords a reasonable risk to benefit profile for appropriately selected patients.
Provenance of Lower Paleogene Strata In the Huerfano Basin: Implications For Uplift of the Wet Mountains, Colorado, U.S.A.

Abstract: Sedimentary basins throughout the western interior of North America preserve a record of Late Cretaceous through latest Eocene sedimentation derived from flanking Laramide uplifts and Sevier hinterland. In northern and western basins, the strata contain a well-documented record of Laramide-style exhumation. However, the tectonic histories of more southerly basins, such as the Huerfano Basin studied herein, are comparatively poorly known despite being key for understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of Laramide tectonism. In this study we address this issue with a comprehensive analysis of provenance for the Poison Canyon, Cuchara, and Huerfano formations in the Huerfano Basin (south-central, Colorado, U.S.A.). As part of our provenance analysis, we characterized gravel clast composition, petrographic compositions of sandstone bodies (N = 31 thin sections), and U–Pb detrital-zircon age spectra (n = 848 age determinations) from fluvial sandstone units in each of the three formations. The results are used to construct a new unroofing and source history for the sediments in the basin that contradicts previous hypotheses. Diagnostic zircon peaks at 516–517 Ma, 1423–1430 Ma, and 1678–1687 Ma show that sediment delivered to the Huerfano Basin did not originate in the San Luis Highlands or the incipient Sangre de Cristo Mountains, but from the Precambrian crystalline core and associated Cambrian plutons of the Wet Mountains, which were exposed by the time Laramide deposition began in the basin. There are no detected provenance shifts upsection, indicating a largely stable or lithologically uniform sediment source from the Paleocene through at least ∼ 51 Ma. This suggests that the major changes recorded in the rock record were more likely related to variations in tectonic and climatic conditions rather than changes in lithology of the rocks being eroded.
Correlation of dynamic infrared imaging with radiologic and pathologic response for patients treated with primary systemic therapy for locally advanced breast cancer

10696 Background: Assessment of response to therapy for locally advanced breast cancer includes serial assessments of physical exam, radiologic imaging, or repeated biopsies. Expense, subjective assessment, and patient risk make these methods impractical. Dynamic infrared imaging (DIRI) utilizes a quantum well infrared photon (QWIP) sensor with software to analyze the emission patterns over time. DIRI can detect biological temperature gradients with sensitivity of 0.009oC. Tumor-induced local tissue nitric oxide production can increase local capillary blood flow. Anti-tumor therapies have been shown to result in decreased peri-tumoral capillary blood flow. These changes in temperature, detected by serial DIRI imaging, may provide a low cost, non-invasive, easily reproducible objective tool for real-time clinical assessment. Methods: In this prospective pilot study, we are evaluating patients with locally advanced breast cancer using serial DIRI. Primary endpoints include: sensitivity, specificity, PPV, an...
G10 Swap and Exchange Rates

This paper develops a simple no-arbitrage model of foreign exchange rates and interest rates that can easily be applied to an arbitrary number of foreign currencies. The model has the appealing feature that it reduces to a standard two or three factor model for pricing yields in each currency, yet it can still accommodate a small number of globally priced risk factors. We use the model to analyze the joint dynamics of exchange rates and the term structures of swap rates for the G10 currencies. Using both in- and out-of-sample measures of fit we conclude that there is one priced risk factor in G10 swap rates. We estimate the risk premium for exposure to this single factor and show that a U.S. fixed income investor can roughly double the Sharpe ratio of her portfolio if she is willing/able to invest in any yield in any G10 currency.
Evaluating Assignments Using Grading App

Grading App is a cross-platform desktop application for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X for evaluating student assignments and providing them with a grade and detailed feedback on TITANium. The Grading App can be used for any course in any department. The faculty used the app successfully to grade three sets of assignments (in Fall 2015) and two sets (in Spring 2016) and her grading time was reduced by 80% as compared to manual grading, while providing detailed feedback to the students.
Carrie Baugh's Self-Assessment Paper

This material presents Carrie Baugh's self-assessment paper, written halfway through a career-management course. Students can use this material to compare their own plans for writing a paper and to see what one looks like. Excerpt UVA-PACS-0070 Rev. Apr. 11, 2013 CARRIE BAUGH'S SELF-ASSESSMENT PAPER Introduction It was late October 1988—an exciting time in my life, a time of expanding opportunities, continuing growth, and impending change. Indeed, I have approached another major crossroad in my life's journey, which involves making choices along many dimensions: family, lifestyle, and career (perhaps the most important). Given the above context, my self-assessment paper became a critical tool to help me in this decision-making process for a variety of reasons. First, it forced me to articulate major, recurring life themes, develop them, support them, and examine them. Were they correct and were they “representative”? Second, the themes helped me identify groups of values that were important: family, personal identity, and control, for example. These values explained why I've made the choices I have in the past. This point leads to my third reason: this paper helped me begin to establish goals, particularly professional goals compatible with my personality and values. . . .
Autonomously Blended Passive and Active control for a CubeSat-class science mission

One challenge facing CubeSat-class spacecraft undertaking science operations is that the volume constraints associated with this form factor impose strict limitations on control authority. In particular, it can be difficult to complete traditional reorientation maneuvers in a timely manner due to the comparatively low saturation limits of these actuators. This paper demonstrates the use of a new approach to spacecraft attitude control known as Autonomously Blended Passive and Active (ABPA) control. This control strategy treats the space environment as an asset and seeks to simultaneously regulate both passive and active attitude control elements in flight in accordance with a set of desired guidance commands. Applied to a six-unit (6U) CubeSat performing a reorientation maneuver typical of scientific spacecraft, a controller designed using techniques in autonomous blending of active and passive controls is demonstrated through simulation to offer significant thruster propellant savings without sacrificing time domain performance when compared to traditional control methods.
Effective magnetic shielding in electric arc furnace transformers using interphase wall shunts

Magnetic shielding in electric arc furnace (EAF) transformers is of a great importance for stray loss reduction in different structural parts of the transformer. Conventionally, magnetic wall shunts in front of each phase or wall shunts covering the entire tank wall are used to reduce stray losses on the tank walls. In this study, interphase magnetic wall shunt configuration for effective magnetic shielding in EAF transformers is introduced. The proposed wall shunt arrangement is very effective in stray loss reduction in EAF transformers and provides a low-cost alternative for conventional magnetic wall shunt designs. A 30 MVA three-phase EAF transformer is investigated as a case study and 2D finite element analysis (FEA) is used for evaluation of stray losses in different arrangements of magnetic shunts. Also, wall shunt losses are calculated using an analytical formulation of eddy-current losses for laminated steel material. The simulation results show that the proposed wall shunt arrangement can reduce the stray losses by 48% with 33% less weight compared to conventional arrangements where wall shunts are placed exactly in front of each phase.
Comparing and Combining Topiramate and Aripiprazole on Alcohol-Related Outcomes in a Human Laboratory Study

Aims The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topiramate up to 200 mg/day and of aripiprazole up to 15 mg/day, alone and combined, in reducing alcohol-related outcomes in a human laboratory study. Method This was a 5 week, between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory study with topiramate [0 mg/day (placebo), 100 mg/day, 200 mg/day] and aripiprazole [0 mg/day (placebo), 7.5 mg/day, 15 mg/day] in 90 non-treatment seeking, heavy drinking, alcohol-dependent individuals. Main outcomes were the efficacy of 200 mg/day topiramate and 15 mg/day aripiprazole, alone and combined, in reducing drinks consumed during an alcohol self-administration procedure (human laboratory phase) and while receiving the study medications prior to the laboratory session (naturalistic drinking phase). Other outcomes in the laboratory phase included alcohol craving, and alcohol biphasic effects. Results In the human laboratory phase, topiramate 200 mg/day reduced alcohol craving [**P < 0.01] and amplified alcohol-induced stimulation [*P < 0.05], but did not reduce the number of drinks consumed. Topiramate 200 mg/day was also effective in reducing drinking days [*P < 0.05], and alcohol craving [*P < 0.05], in the naturalistic drinking phase. No significant findings were found for aripiprazole for any of the outcomes analyzed. Conclusion Participants receiving 200 mg/day topiramate reported reduced alcohol drinking and craving, and increased alcohol-related stimulation. These findings provide further support for the role of topiramate as a pharmacological treatment for AUD. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT00884884. Short Summary This study tested topiramate and aripiprazole alone and in combination. The results replicate past findings and suggest that topiramate may be an effective treatment for alcohol use disorder. The present results suggest that the combination of topiramate and aripiprazole do not warrant further evaluation.
Genetic Risk Stratification: Tipping Point for Global Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease.

In 2003, Wald and Law1 predicted that coronary artery disease (CAD) would be markedly attenuated if not eliminated. CAD is a preventable disease based on randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that consistently showed 30% to 40% reduction in cardiac events with decreased plasma cholesterol.1 Epidemiologists claimed for decades that 40% to 50% of predisposition for CAD is genetic. Discovery of the first genetic risk variant in 2007 has led to an avalanche of >90 genetic risk variants predisposing to CAD, each of genome-wide significance and replicated in independent populations,2 but each with relatively low individual effect sizes. The total individual genetic risk burden for CAD is proportional to the number of genetic risk variants inherited. These variants account for ≈25% of genetic predisposition to CAD, which is less than the predicted 40%, signaling that more genetic risk variants are yet to be discovered. It is interesting to note that only one third of the genetic risk variants for CAD mediate their risk through known conventional risk factors. Exploration of the unknown pathways mediating the risk conferred by these genetic variants is already enabling new insights into the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis (eg, inflammation, lack of protection of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and novel targets for the development of specific drugs. A major impetus for our pursuit of genetic risk variants was to better predict those at higher risk for CAD who would benefit most from preventive measures, particularly primary prevention. The genetic …
Historical Perspectives in Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury and in Situating Disruption in CBF in the Pathotrajectory of Head Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal function of the brain. Though not all head injuries are classified as traumatic, TBI is a major public health problem. It is estimated that 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year, and of these injuries, 275,000 require hospitalization with 52,000 resulting in death (Faul et al. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2010). TBI has been found to be the leading cause of disability among individuals under 40, contributing to 30.5 % of all injury-related deaths in the USA (Langlois et al., MMWR 52:1–8, 2003). Furthermore, the high prevalence and morbidity of TBI add to the exceeding cost of treating affected patients, which in the USA alone has been estimated to exceed $56 billion annually (Langlois et al., MMWR 52:1–8, 2003). However, despite the seemingly alarming epidemiology of TBI, it has only recently gained significant attention in the scientific realm. This chapter will explore the historical perspectives of situating head trauma in the forefront of discovery by focusing on its prevalence through time in literature, its ever-changing definitions, and diagnoses. In doing so, Chap. 1 will set the tone for the importance of the subsequent chapters.
Parent-child communication about substance use: Experiences of Latino emerging adults

x Introduction 1 Review of the Literature 4 Emerging Adulthood: Development from the Late Teens through the Twenties 4 Emerging Adulthood as a Risk Period 11 Substance Use among Emerging Adults 11 Parents as a Protective Factor for Substance Use 15 Parenting Influences on the Substance Use of Emerging Adults 15 Parenting Influences on Substance Use in Latino Youth 16 Culturally Specific Risk and Protection for Latinos 21 Socialization Model of Adolescent Drug Use – Continued Influence into Emerging Adulthood 23 Parent-Child Communication about Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use 24 Potential Cultural Factors that may Influence Parental Messages 35 Purpose and Proposal 38 Study 1: Method 39
Molecular Dynamics of Nanophase Intermetallics

We have performed computer simulations on a NiAl Intermetallic Nanophase using Molecular Dynamics of Embedded Atom Method.
Bias and Bias Remediation in Creative Problem-Solving: Managing Biases through Forecasting

Although scholars have identified many variables that contribute to creative problem-solving, less attention has been given to variables that might lead to failure in creative problem-solving. One ...
Allogeneic vs. autologous intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell injection within normal horses: Clinical and cytological comparisons suggest safety

Background Allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) could provide multiple advantages over autologous BMDMSCs, including creating an 'off-the-shelf' treatment together with the ability to control for donor variation. Objectives The objective of the study was to compare the clinical and synovial fluid response of the normal equine joint to autologous and pooled-allogeneic BMDMSCs while controlling for individual variation and joint variations in response to intra-articular injections. We hypothesised that, by controlling for individual animal and joint variation, we could identify differences between allogeneic vs. autologous BMDMSCs in noninflamed joints. Study design Randomised-controlled experiment. Methods Bone marrow was harvested from eight horses. Autologous BMDMSCs were culture expanded, cryopreserved and thawed immediately prior to administration. For allogeneic BMDMSC treatments, four horses' BMDMSCs were culture expanded, pooled, cryopreserved and thawed immediately prior to use. Ten million (autologous or pooled-allogeneic) BMDMSCs were administered into contralateral forelimb metacarpophalangeal joints so that every autologous and allogeneic injection could be compared within the same animal. Clinical parameters included subjective lameness, objective lameness (Lameness Locator™), response to flexion, joint circumference and joint effusion. Arthrocentesis was performed for assessment of the nucleated cell count, differential cell count, total protein, and synovial concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and c-reactive protein (CRP). All parameters were measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168 and 336 h post-injection. Results No difference was detected in any parameters between forelimb metacarpophalangeal joints administered autologous or pooled-allogeneic BMDMSCs. Main limitations This study did not attempt to measure efficacy of BMDMSCs for musculoskeletal disease and should be followed by properly controlled efficacy trials. Conclusions The study did not identify any clinical or cytological differences in the normal joint response to allogeneic or autologous BMDMSCs. A larger study to prove equivalence is warranted as allogeneic BMDMSCs may be a feasible alternative to autologous BMDMSCs.
New Economical, Convenient Procedures for the Synthesis of Catecholborane†

Catecholborane was conveniently synthesized by the reaction of tri-O-phenylene bis-borate (2) with diborane in triglyme or tetraglyme at moderate temperatures (70−80 °C). The product, catecholborane, can be distilled out in 85% yield with >97% purity. The tri-O-phenylene bis-borate also reacts with borane−Lewis base complexes, such as BH3:DMS, BH3:THF, and BH3:NR3, with or without solvent, providing catecholborane of high purity in good yields.
IBM Research: Ultimate Source for New Businesses

OVERVIEW:Research organizations must have a strong balance of near-term and exploratory projects. Having a system that tracks and nurtures the development of these projects enables the organization...
Machine Learning-Based Predictive Modeling of Surgical Intervention in Glaucoma Using Systemic Data From Electronic Health Records.

Purpose To predict the need for surgical intervention in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using systemic data in electronic health records (EHRs). Design Development and evaluation of machine learning models. Methods Structured EHR data of 385 POAG patients from a single academic institution were incorporated into models using multivariable logistic regression, random forests, and artificial neural networks. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed. Mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index were calculated for each model to evaluate performance. Systemic variables driving predictions were identified and interpreted. Results Multivariable logistic regression was most effective at discriminating patients with progressive disease requiring surgery, with an AUC of 0.67. Higher mean systolic blood pressure was associated with significantly increased odds of needing glaucoma surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, P Conclusions Existing systemic data in the EHR has some predictive value in identifying POAG patients at risk of progression to surgical intervention, even in the absence of eye-specific data. Blood pressure-related metrics and certain medication classes emerged as predictors of glaucoma progression. This approach provides an opportunity for future development of automated risk prediction within the EHR based on systemic data to assist with clinical decision-making.
Old Forts and New Amenities in the Southern Plains

The Southern Plains of the United States (U.S.), specifically the states of Texas and Oklahoma, is a region of transition. Physically, it represents the transition from the humid, forested eastern U.S. with mostly perennial water resources to the dry western U.S. with grasslands, deserts, and mostly ephemeral water resources. Socioeconomically, it represents the transition from the densely populated eastern U.S. to the wild open spaces of the western U.S. Historically and culturally, it represents the transition from the French/English colonies of the eastern half of the U.S. to the Spanish territory of the Southwest. Later, it would represent the transition from the eastern pre-Civil War states to the western post-Civil War states. The Southern Plains also represent a transition in time when U.S. settlers were moving into western Native American lands. This occupation led to many intense battles between the European/American settlers and various Tribal Nations. Between 1821 and 1890, many forts were built in response to these conflicts and also to promote new settlements. Of these, 33 have been protected as publicly accessible places, including museums, state parks, national historic sites, city parks, resorts, and even a U.S. Department of Agriculture research facility. This chapter inventories and discusses the historical, cultural, and natural values of these ‘protected forts’ within the context of ecosystem services that have evolved from these sites.
Severe emesis and acholic stools in a 70-year-old man.

A 70-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of dark urine, pale stools and diffuse abdominal discomfort. He could not tolerate any oral intake secondary to significant emesis within 1–2 hours of eating. He endorsed a 5 kg weight loss since onset of symptoms. The patient was clinically jaundiced, and abdominal examination was normal. Blood tests showed elevated aspartate aminotransferase 88 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 238 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 396 U/L, total bilirubin 339 µmol/L, direct bilirubin 311 µmol/L and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 295 U/mL. After intravenous hydration, he underwent abdominal ultrasound, which showed pancreatic and intrahepatic biliary duct dilation with no visible stone. Abdominal CT is shown in figure 1. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy noted duodenal stenosis from the apex of the bulb through …
Teaching NeuroImages: A rare case of metachromatic leukodystrophy with multiple bilateral cranial nerve enhancement.

A 32-month-old boy, born at term, presented with progressive developmental regression from 14 months of age. On examination, he had horizontal nystagmus, diminished gag reflex, hypertonicity, and depressed reflexes. Brain MRI revealed symmetric T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery confluent hyperintensities in the periventricular white matter, corpus callosum, and centrum semiovale (sparing subcortical U fibers) with enhancement of multiple cranial nerves (figure). The characteristic leopard-like appearance of the hyperintensities prompted further evaluation for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).1,2 Arylsulfatase A enzyme activity was found to be low, and the patient had a homozygous pathogenic variant in the ARSA gene (c.465+1G), confirming MLD.
Perioperative Administration of Emend® (Aprepitant) at a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital: A 12-Month Survey.

Introduction Aprepitant (Emend®) is a novel antiemetic agent that works through antagonism of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors. To date, there are limited data regarding its use to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children. We retrospectively reviewed our initial 12-months experience with aprepitant after it was made available for perioperative use. Methods The anesthetic records of patients who received aprepitant were retrospectively reviewed and demographic, surgical, and medication data retrieved. Results The study cohort included 31 patients (15 male and 16 female) ranging in age from 4 to 27 years (15.7 ± 7.4 years) and in weight from 14.4 to 175.7 kilograms (59.3 ± 30.2 kgs). Most of the patients (30 of 31) received the capsule form and 1 received the liquid. The average dose of aprepitant administered was 0.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg; however, only one patient received dosing expressed as mg/kg, and the majority received a 40 mg capsule. All of the patients in the cohort had either a previous history of PONV or risk factors for PONV. PONV occurred in the PACU in 1 patient and during the first 24 postoperative hours in 3 additional patients. No adverse effects related to aprepitant use were noted. Conclusion Aprepitant was easily added to the preoperative regimen for pediatric patients who may require it. Our approach limited overuse and subsequent cost concerns. Future studies with a comparator group and a greater sample size are needed to demonstrate its efficacy, especially in comparison to time-honored agents such as ondansetron. No adverse effects were noted in our limited study cohort.
Identifying the causal effect of income on religiosity using the Earned Income Tax Credit

Abstract How do economic conditions – income and the generosity of social insurance–affect religious behavior? This paper provides novel evidence for the United States using variation in Earned Income Tax Credit benefits across states, over time, and by number of children. In the raw data, income and religiosity have a trivial relationship. In contrast, the instrumental variables strategy shows that increases in income from the EITC are found to sizably reduce religious attendance among low-income individuals. Among individuals who attend, the results indicate that an additional $1000 in annual income is associated with a decrease of roughly 1 service per year (as compared to an average of 16 services per year). The effect arises mainly along the intensive margin, decreasing devout behavior and increasing more marginal attendance, but having little impact on whether an individual participates at all or on beliefs. There are also minimal effects on the occurrence and amount of contributions to religious organizations. The results extend our understanding of the determinants of religiosity, the relationship between governmental income support and religious behavior, and the social effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit.
A Motor Learning Approach to Reducing Fall-Related Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of injury related death in older adults. In this piece, a motor learning lens is applied to falls, and falls are viewed as three interdependent phases: 1) destabilization, 2) descent, and 3) impact. This review examines how movements can be performed in the descent and impact phases to potentially reduce fall-related injuries. The evidence that movements performed during the descent and impact phases are voluntary motor skills that can be learned by older adults is reviewed. Data from young adult and older adult studies suggest that safe landing strategies can reduce impact force, are voluntary, and are learnable. In conclusion, safe landing strategies may provide a complimentary approach to reduce fall-related injuries.
Time to First Culture Positivity for Gram-Negative Rods Resistant to Ceftriaxone in Critically Ill Adults:

Background:The optimal timing for the de-escalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics with activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and resistant Gram-negative rods (GNRs) in critically ill adults remai...
The chicken and the egg dilemma: A case of disseminated MAC with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract Introduction Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) as a cause of disseminated disease has been well described in immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of disseminated MAC diagnosed in an otherwise healthy patient, one year before further testing and follow-up revealed a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Case presentation A 48-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with new-onset fever, chills and night sweats. Chest imaging revealed large conglomerate mediastinal lymph nodes (LN). Endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy demonstrated caseating granulomatous inflammation and MAC on broth culture. She was started on guideline-based antibiotic therapy for disseminated MAC but showed no improvement after 6 months. An open mediastinal biopsy confirmed the findings of non-caseating granuloma. However, due to continued symptoms and widespread lymphadenopathy on additional full body imaging, an iliac lymph node core biopsy was performed which revealed abnormal CD30+ lymphoid infiltrate consistent with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). She was started on steroids and chemotherapy, whilst maintained on MAC treatment. Discussion Disseminated MAC is largely limited to immunocompromised hosts, signs and symptoms of which may overlap with lymphoma. Our case demonstrated that multiple initial LN biopsies were unrevealing except for MAC. As no clinical improvement was observed with guideline based MAC treatment, further diagnostic measures were aggressively pursued ultimately leading to a diagnosis of HL. It is unclear whether disseminated MAC preceded lymphoma, an early undiagnosed lymphoma led to MAC infection or an undefined systemic immune disorder was causative for both these processes.
SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS FORMING SMOKING CESSATION INTENTIONS

This article presents an analysis of data from a study of smoking cessation as a health behavior. The process of quitting smoking can be difficult expressed in different ways. Since health is a systemic phenomenon, reflected in physical, mental and social well-being, the steps and actions to maintain it must be considered systematically. We believe that quitting smoking will contribute to the development of a generally healthy lifestyle, as the processes at the physiological and psychological levels will change. In particular, the purpose of this article is to present the predictors underlying the intention to smoking cessation and their possible role in the development of the desired behavior. The research was conducted on the methodological basis of the theory of planned behavior. A sample of 70 smokers was included in the study sample. Regression analysis was conducted of the research data. According to the analysis, both the attitudes about the possibility of changing the behavior and the autonomous motivational regulation play an important role in the intention to implement the behavior.
The influence of different nutritional planes in the dry period on immunoglobulin G concentration of bovine colostrum

High-quality colostrum is important for successful rearing of calves. Parity and length of dry period have been discussed as factors influencing the quality of colostrum. However, the role of the nutritional plane of the cow during the dry period and its effect on the colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration remains unclear. Results from studies carried out in sheep suggest that colostrum volume as well as composition can be affected by different energy levels prepartum. Furthermore, recent publications in the field of human medicine have found lower concentrations of IgG in colostrum from women suffering from an altered insulin response. Because dry cows on a high-energy diet are at increased risk to develop insulin resistance, and their colostrum volume and IgG concentration might be affected in a similar manner as that in other species, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional planes during the dry period on colostrum composition.
Environmental Carcinogens and Mutagens

Environmental agents (chemicals, radiation and viruses) can be carcinogens (cancer-causingsubstances)andmutagens(substancesthatalterDNA).Thestepsfrommutagen/carcinogen to tumour involve mutagen/carcinogen activation by metabolism, reactionwithDNAtogiveaDNAadductandDNAreplicationoftheadduct,resultinginamutation;a mutation in a cancer gene may result in enhanced growth potential, and ultimately intumour growth.