cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ROLLING REVISITED: USING ROLLING TO ASSESS AND TREAT NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL AND COORDINATION OF THE CORE AND EXTREMITIES OF ATHLETES

Rolling is a movement pattern seldom used by physical therapists for assessment and intervention with adult clientele with normal neurologic function. Rolling, as an adult motor skill, combines the use of the upper extremities, core, and lower extremities in a coordinated manner to move from one posture to another. Rolling is accomplished from prone to supine and supine to prone, although the method by which it is performed varies among adults. Assessment of rolling for both the ability to complete the task and bilateral symmetry may be beneficial for use with athletes who perform rotationally‐biased sports such as golf, throwing, tennis, and twisting sports such as dance, gymnastics, and figure skating. When stability‐based dysfunction exists, the rolling patterns can be used as intervention techniques, and have the ability to affect dysfunction of the upper quarter, core, and lower quarter. By applying proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) principles, the therapist may assist patients and clients who are unable to complete a rolling pattern. Examples given in the article include distraction/elongation, compression, and manual contacts to facilitate proper rolling. The authors assert that therapeutic use of the developmental pattern of rolling with techniques derived from PNF can be creatively and effectively utilized in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Preliminary results from an exploration of the mechanism by which rolling may impact stability is presented, and available updated evidence is provided. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe techniques for testing, assessment, and treatment of dysfunction, using case examples that incorporate rolling. Level of Evidence 5
First Excited State of Mn 55

The spin of the first excited state of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$ at 128 kev has been measured in the electric excitation process with 3-Mev alpha particles. Determinations of the $K$ conversion coefficient and the angular distribution of the gamma rays lead to a spin assignment of $\frac{7}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ for the excited state and multipolarity $M1$ for the transition to the ground state. The $K$ conversion coefficient (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{K}=0.0144\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$) was measured by comparison with the known coefficient of the 137-kev transition in ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{181}$. The spin, parity, and transition probability are consistent with those expected for a rotational state.
Effects of an ongoing oak savanna restoration on small mammals in Lower Michigan.

Abstract Oak (Quercus spp.) savannas have declined drastically in the midwestern United States since European settlement. Oak savanna restoration projects are primarily driven by species closely linked to this habitat type, such as the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). However, it is essential that other species are monitored during restoration. Small mammals, due to their importance in ecosystem function, are particularly useful to study. The United States Forest Service is currently conducting an oak savanna restoration in the Manistee National Forest in Lower Michigan using forest thinning and prescribed burning. To understand management impacts on small mammal communities, we live trapped small mammals in each of the mechanically thinned plots (i.e., bulldozer, masticator, and shear cutter) and control plots in five blocks over six years (2008–2013), as well as measured vegetation variables each year. Initially, we used a permutation multivariate analysis of variance (perMANOVA) to determine if there were treatment and year interactions for both small mammal community assemblages and vegetation variables. We then compared changes in small mammal diversity, relative abundance, and vegetation variables among treatments using exploratory randomized block design analysis of variances (ANOVAs). Canopy cover was significantly lower in bulldozer and shear cutter thinned plots than control plots five years following thinning. We observed significant treatment by year interactions in how the small mammal community responded. A large increase in relative abundance of white-footed mice occurred one year post-thinning in all treatments. Within 1–2 years of treatment, thirteen-lined ground squirrels and meadow jumping mice, both open-canopy grassland species became established on thinned plots. The retention of brush piles in bulldozer and shear cutter plots provided important refuge habitat for small mammals following thinning. Restoration efforts were beneficial to the small mammal community overall and promoted grassland species to immigrate into the restored area.
Considering calcium-binding proteins in invertebrates: multi-functional proteins that shape neuronal growth.

Calcium is a critical second messenger molecule in all cells and is vital in neurons for synaptic transmission. Given this importance, calcium ions are tightly controlled by a host of molecular players including ion channels, sensors, and buffering proteins. Calcium can act directly by binding to signaling molecules or calcium's effects can be indirect, for example by altering nuclear histones which can lead to changes in gene transcription (Rishal and Fainzilber, 2014). All of these mechanisms come into play in developing axons as calcium is required for both axon pathfinding and branching. Furthermore, after neuronal injury, waves of calcium originating at the site of axon segmentation and propagating to the nucleus have long been known to be required for regeneration (Rishal and Fainzilber, 2014). These changes in intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca2+]i must be properly controlled or else new growth cones may fail to form and degeneration of the neuron may occur. While many of the molecular players involved in these calcium-dependent processes have been identified, calcium buffering proteins have often been undervalued for their role in regulating axon growth either during normal development or in the event of injury.
Partial Validation of a Proposed Rating Methodology for Residential Fuel Cell Systems

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in conjunction with Virginia Tech, has developed a rating methodology for residential-scale stationary fuel cell systems. The methodology predicts the cumulative electrical production, thermal energy delivery, and fuel consumption on an annual basis. The annual performance is estimated by representing the entire year of climate and load data into representative winter, spring/fall, and summer days for six different U.S. climatic zones. It prescribes a minimal number of steady state and simulated use tests, which provide the necessary performance data for the calculation procedure that predicts the annual performance. The procedure accounts for the changes in performance resulting from changes in ambient temperature, electrical load, and, if the unit provides thermal as well as electrical power, thermal load. The rating methodology addresses four different types of fuel cell systems: grid-independent electrical load following, grid-connected constant power, grid-connected thermal load following, and grid-connected water heating. This paper will describe a partial validation of the rating methodology for a grid-connected thermal load following fuel cell system. The rating methodology was validated using measured data from tests that subjected the fuel cell system to domestic hot water and space heating thermal loads for each of the three representative days. The simplification of a full year’s load and climate data into three representative days was then validated by comparing the rating methodology predictions with the prediction of each hour over the full year in each of the six cities.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Does Σ Control Intergranular Cracking in Ni3Al

The relation between intergranular fracture and grain boundary character was studied in Ni3Al using the electron backscattering pattern (EBSP) technique. Using specimens of small grain size, we are able to index the orientation of a large number of grains, thus improving the statistical quality of the data compared to previous results. Furthermore, we are able to characterize the boundary planes using the EBSP method because of the special specimen geometry used. It was found that Σ3 boundaries do have a substantially lower propensity for cracking as compared to other boundaries, but there is no correlation between grain boundary Σ value and the propensity for cracking for low Σ and low angle boundaries. These results are in general agreement with recent theoretical predictions of grain boundary structure.
Sudden infant death syndrome in asian and caucasian infants

The incidence of SIDS in South Australia 1980-1988 was 1.9 per 1,000 for infants born to Caucasian mothers, 3.6 per 1,000 for infants born o Australian Aboriginal mothers, and 0.5 per 1,000 for infants born to Asian mothers. A low incidence in Asian infants has also been reported in Hong Kong and Malaysia, in Chinese infants in California and Japanese infants in Hawaii. The families of all infants who died of SIDS in Adelaide have been visited personally for the past 15 years, and the sleeping environment of over 400 SIDS infants observed, including that of the five Asian or part-Asian infants who died. Visits have been made to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and China to interview paediatricians and parents of infants to gain obstetric data and information about infant care practices. In China differences in parity, maternal age, survival of very low birth weight infants, maternal smoking and breast feeding may all be relevant to the incidence of SIDS. The relevance of the following factors found to be more common for Asian than Caucasian infants will be discussed - a period of confinement of mother and infant for 30 or 50 days, sleeping in the same room as an adult, supine sleeping, quilted clothing and swaddling rather than bed clothes used for warmth, restriction of movement of infants, smaller containers for sleeping infants, and shorter intervals between night feeds.
C Language Coding's Application in the Experiment of Surveys the Triangular Prism of the Refractive Index

The quite complex empirical datum with C language coding method is simple, direct and accurate. A chance of theory combines with practice is provided.
Integrated composite spinning (ICS)

Abstract: The chapter reviews ICS, which is the creation of a yarn by bonding staple fibers to a filament core using molten polymer as the bonding agent. An overview of the development of the concept through to a commercial machine is presented, including the optimization of the key components. The results of independent studies on the system are summarized, including analyses of yarn structure and properties. The conclusion offers thoughts on why a system with so much promise was not adopted by the industry.
Susceptibility of Alphitobius diaperinus in Texas to permethrin‐ and β‐cyfluthrin‐treated surfaces

BACKGROUND Effective control of the lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus, relies heavily on insecticides. The susceptibility level of beetles to these insecticides can be dependent on active ingredient, population treated, formulation, surface treated and timing of observation. The susceptibility of adult beetles from six populations to β-cyfluthrin was determined up to 48 h after exposure. The susceptibility of adult beetles to the label rate of β-cyfluthrin and permethrin formulations on concrete, wood-chip-type particle board and pressure-treated wood was determined up to 48 h post-exposure. RESULTS Variation in LC50 values at 2 and 24 h was found within and between beetle populations from two regions of Texas. The permethrin formulation had lower mean mortality than the β-cyfluthrin formulation on all surfaces tested. The permethrin formulation had high levels of recovery on all surfaces tested after 2 h. Surface affected the efficacy of the insecticides tested on killing adult beetles. CONCLUSION Permethrin-based insecticide had lower knockdown and persistence on various surfaces over time than β-cyfluthrin-based insecticide. Beetle recovery in less susceptible populations may necessitate longer observation periods for efficacy evaluations. Our study also shows that surfaces chosen can affect the efficacy of the compound on killing adult beetles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Early Dielectronic Recombination Measurements: Singly Charged Ions

The papers in this volume present many historical perspectives on recombination, and dielectronic recombination (DR) in particular, and this paper will be no exception in presenting some such perspectives. It is, of course, dangerous to try to give the “history” of something, and it is emphasized that the few paragraphs here represent “historical perspective,” i.e. from the writer’s point of view.
Increasing Incidence of Multidrug Resistance Among Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Bacterial Isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are common pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with increasing multidrug resistance (MDR). This study characterized antimicrobial susceptibility trends among organisms isolated from the respiratory tract of CF patients. Microbiological culture and sensitivity results for all CF patients were collected from January 2010 through December 2014. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were obtained using Phoenix® and Etest® methods. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines were used to remove duplicate isolates and develop antimicrobial susceptibility reports. MDR was defined as resistance to one agent in three or more antibiotic classes or oxacillin resistance in S. aureus. Overall, 542 bacterial isolates from 376 cultures were analyzed for trends. P. aeruginosa (41%), S. aureus (40%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (8%) were the most commonly isolated organisms. Multidrug-resistant organism isolation increased from 39% to 49% (r = 0.76, p = 0...
Brushing—An Algorithm for Data Deduplication

Deduplication is mainly used to solve the problem of space and is known as a space-efficient technique. A two step algorithm called ‘brushing’ has been proposed in this paper to solve individual file deduplication. The main aim of the algorithm is to overcome the space related problem, at the same time the algorithm also takes care of time complexity problem. The proposed algorithm has extremely low RAM overhead. The first phase of the algorithm checks the similar entities and removes them thus grouping only unique entities and in the second phase while the unique file is hashed, the unique entities are represented as index values thereby reducing the size of the file to a great extent. Test results shows that if a file contains 40–50 % duplicate data, then this technique reduces the size up to 2/3 of the file. This algorithm has a high deduplication throughput on the file system.
System identification and data fusion for on-line adaptive energy forecasting in virtual and real commercial buildings

Abstract Accurate, computationally efficient, and cost-effective energy forecasting models are essential for model based control. Existing studies in model based control have mostly been focusing on developing energy forecasting models using simplified physics based or data driven models. However, creating and identification the simplified physics model are often challenging, which requires expert knowledge for model simplification and significant engineering efforts for model training. In addition, the accuracy and robustness of data driven models are always bounded by the training data. To this end, developing high fidelity energy forecasting models with less engineering effort and good performance is still an urgent task. Although the previous studies from the authors have shown great promises in a system identification model and outperformed other data-driven and grey box models, they still have large errors at the special operation situations. Therefore, this paper investigates a novel methodology to develop energy estimation models for on-line building control and optimization using an integrated system identification and data fusion approach. The data fusion approach is able to adapt the forecasting model under the special operation situations based on the real measurements. An eigensystem realization algorithm based model reformation method is developed to convert the system identification models into state space models. Kalman filter based data fusion techniques are then implemented on the state space models to improve the model accuracy and robustness. The developed methodology are evaluated using data from a virtual building (simulated) and a real small size commercial building. Three different data fusion intervals: 15, 30, and 60 min, have been tested. The overall building energy estimation accuracy from this proposed methodology can reach to above 95% in the virtual building and around 90% in the real building. The results also show that the shorter data fusion interval used, the higher accuracy can be achieved.
Bisubstrate Analog Inhibitors

The use of bisubstrate analogs as inhibitors for enzymatic reactions has proven to be a very effective strategy. By combining binding determinants from both substrates into a single molecule, the effective affinity and selectivity for the target is dramatically increased. Here we describe the use of bisubstrate analog inhibitors in the characterization of enzymes from a number of families including acetyltransferases, kinases, and methyltransferases. These experiments share the common protocol of initial inhibitor synthesis, followed by second-generation inhibitors designed to probe different aspects of the enzyme active site. Of importance in these examples is the need to implement charge neutralization either through altered chemical moieties or the use of prodrugs in order to maximize chances of in vivo success. This chapter also includes an in-depth discussion of several bisubstrate analogs that are currently in use as potent therapeutics.
Preparing Scientific Images for Publication and Display

This chapter discusses the effective publication of scientific data via computer-based publishing tools. It covers a wide range of publishing options available to the scientist and discusses the ways in which research end-products like text, graphics, and images can be modified for use with each publishing option. Although preparing scientific images for publication and display is often the last step in the research process, it is one of the most important. By analyzing the needs, preparing the images efficiently, and then using the appropriate software tools available, one can make this final step easier, more productive, and more communicative to their scientific peers.
Proteins of Human Vaginal Fluid

Proteins of vaginal fluid from normal and hysterectomized women were identified and compared with those of cervical mucus. Albumin, α 1 -antitrypsin, α 2 -haptoglobin, α 2 -macroglobulin, β-lipoprotein, orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin, γ chains, γ G. K. (Bence Jones), and immunoglobulins G, A, and M were present in both vaginal fluid and cervical mucus. Fibrin and C-reactive protein were not found in the vaginal fluid but were identified in cervical mucus. α 2 -Haptoglobin, α 2 -macroglobulin, β-lipoprotein, orosomucoid, and immunoglobulin M were absent in the vaginal fluid of hysterectomized women, indicating that their presence in the vaginal secretion of normal women may be due to contamination from cervical mucus.
Oxford Nanopore sequencing in a research-based undergraduate course

Abstract Background Nanopore sequencing is a third generation genomic sequencing method that offers real time sequencing of DNA samples. Nanopore sequencing is an excellent tool for teaching because it involves cutting-edge sequencing methods and also helps students to develop a research mindset, where students can learn to identify and resolve problems that arise during an experiment. Results We, as a group of undergraduate biology students, were able to use nanopore sequencing to analyze a sample of pupfish DNA. We were able to accomplish this without computer science backgrounds and only some basic DNA extraction training. Although there were issues, such as inconsistent results across runs, we found it useful as a research learning experience and an application of the skills we learned. Conclusions As students, it was exciting to be able to experience this technology first hand and apply what we learned in the classroom. Nanopore sequencing holds potential for DNA sequencing of large fragments in real time. It allows students to be acquainted with novel technologies and the theories behind them. However, as with all new techniques, it does not have the same established support, and when students run into difficulties while using nanopore sequencing, it is often difficult to identify what went wrong.
Implementation of a Rapid, Protocol-based TIA Management Pathway.

Introduction: Our goal was to assess whether use of a standardized clinical protocol improves efficiency for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA).Methods: We performed a structured, retrospective, cohort study at a large, urban, tertiary care academic center. In July 2012 this hospital implemented a standardized protocol for patients with suspected TIA. The protocol selected high-risk patients for admission and low/intermediate-risk patients to an ED observation unit for workup. Recommended workup included brain imaging, vascular imaging, cardiac monitoring, and observation. Patients were included if clinical providers determined the need for workup for TIA. We included consecutive patients presenting during a six-month period prior to protocol implementation, and those presenting between 6-12 months after implementation. Outcomes included ED length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, use of neuroimaging, and 90-day risk of stroke or TIA. Results: From 01/2012 to 06/2012, 130 patients were evaluated for TIA symptoms in the ED, and from 01/2013 to 06/2013, 150 patients. The final diagnosis was TIA or stroke in 45% before vs. 41% after (p=0.18). Following the intervention, the inpatient admission rate decreased from 62% to 24% (p<0.001), median ED LOS decreased by 1.2 hours (5.7 to 4.9 hours, p=0.027), and median total hospital LOS from 29.4 hours to 23.1 hours (p=0.019). The proportion of patients receiving head computed tomography (CT) went from 68% to 58% (p=0.087); brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging from 83% to 88%, (p=0.44) neck CT angiography from 32% to 22% (p=0.039); and neck MR angiography from 61% to 72% (p=0.046). Ninety-day stroke or recurrent TIA among those with final diagnosis of TIA was 3% for both periods.Conclusion: Implementation of a TIA protocol significantly reduced ED LOS and total hospital LOS.
Workforce grouping and assignment with learning-by-doing and knowledge transfer

We consider a workforce allocation problem in which workers learn both by performing a job and by observing the performance of and interacting with co-located colleagues. As a result, an organisati...
Recent Advances to Estimation of Fixed-Interface Modal Models Using Dynamic Substructuring

In 2010, Allen & Mayes proposed to estimate the fixed-interface modes of a structure by measuring the modes of the structure bolted to a fixture and then applying constraints to the fixture using the transmission simulator method. While the method proved useful, and has indeed been used in studies since that point, a few peculiarities were noted. First, in some cases the estimated fixed-base natural frequencies were observed to converge very slowly to the true values (in simulated experiments) as the number of constraints was increased. To formulate these constraints, prior studies used only the free-interface modes of the fixture or the measured modes of the assembly. This work extends that to consider other sets of constraints, showing improved results. Furthermore, in some prior studies it has been observed that there were errors of more than 10% in the natural frequencies even when the fixture motion was hundreds of times smaller than the motion of the structure of interest (and so it had presumably been removed). This work explores this phenomenon, seeking to use the strain energy in the fixture, to the extent that it can be estimated using a test-analysis model for the fixture, as a metric to predict frequency error. The proposed methods are explored by applying them to simulated measurements from a beam and from the NASA Space Launch System coupled to the Mobile Launcher.
Sedation scales: Do they capture the concept of opioid-induced sedation?

Aim The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of opioid-induced sedation and how nurses define and measure sedation in the hospital setting. Background Opioid medications are the primary treatment for acute pain in the postoperative setting. One of the most serious side effects of opioid therapy is excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Nurses have the responsibility of providing effective pain management, while keeping the patient safe from adverse sedation and respiratory depression. Thus, the assessment of sedation becomes an integral part of the nurses' responsibilities. Review method A review of the literature on the concept of opioid-induced sedation, and how it is measured by nurses in the hospital setting was performed using the Walker and Avant's (2011) framework. Results Sedation is an ambiguous concept that challenges nurse's critical thinking skills. The linear sedation scales can assist with the measurement of sedation, but may lack sensitivity and specificity in detecting the small changes on the continuum of levels of consciousness. Additionally, the scales may not capture the entire aspects of the concept of sedation. Conclusions Sedation, as defined by the linear sedation scales is limiting nurses' appreciation of the small changes in level of cognition as well as consciousness that occurs as an adverse and potentially dangerous side effect of opioid medications used for acute pain management. Through developing a better understanding of sedation as a clinical concept, nurses may enhance their clinical skillset in safer postoperative pain management. Additionally, linear sedation scales could be further developed to better capture all aspects of sedation.
Membrane Cycling between the ER and Golgi Apparatus and Its Role in Biosynthetic Transport

Selective localization and transport of protein and lipid within eukaryotic cells requires the proper functioning of an intercommunicating “endomembrane” system characterized by distinct membrane-bound compartments and membrane transport pathways. Two organelles that play a key role in the generation and maintenance of this endomembrane system, as well as in membrane targeting within it, are the ER and Golgi apparatus. All newly synthesized proteins enter the endomembrane system in the ER and only move to different final destinations in the cell after passing through the Golgi apparatus. This fundamental relationship between the ER and Golgi apparatus in the regulation and sorting events of biosynthetic transport was first recognized in the 1960s (Palade, 1975). Only recently, however, has insight into the underlying mechanisms of membrane traffic between the ER and Golgi apparatus been achieved, because of the development of new biochemical, pharmacologie, genetic, and morphologic approaches.
Feature Extraction and Classification in Automated Inspection of NDE Images

Industry currently relies on manual inspection of X-Ray images, which is expensive, time consuming and subject to inconsistent results by various inspectors. Automatic inspection of the industrial NDE images using high speed computers would make the flaw detection task more consistent and efficient. However, since the objects to be inspected usually have complex geometric structures, it is very difficult to separate automatically flaws from the complex geometric background of an image. Most of the automated inspection systems developed so far are customized packages which are tailored for particular types of applications, such as the inspections of aluminum wheel castings [1], the welds of space shuttle fuel tanks [2], and nodules in chest X-rays [3]. Customized packages have the advantages of relatively fast speed and good liability, but they can not be used in other applications without substantial changes in computer programs.
Cancer and free radicals.

It is now clear that free radical Intermediates often are involved in the activation of many types of procarcinogens and promutagens to their active forms as well as in the binding of these activated species to DNA. In this chapter, a general introduction to free radical chemistry is presented, with some discussion of radical lifetimes and reactivities. Potential biological targets of radical attack include lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and the reactions of all three of these target molecules with radicals are discussed. Finally, the evidence linking free radical reactions with chemical carcinogenesis is reviewed. A mechanistic scheme that divides the mechanisms for activating procarcinogens into 5 types is suggested; of these, 3 types of mechanisms involve free radicals, either in the activation of the carcinogen or in its binding to DNA or both. It also is suggested that a “reverse binding” can occur in which radicals produced on the DNA backbone attack and bond to unactivated substrates, rather than activated substrates (such as radicals) attacking unactivated DNA. It is known that systems that produce superoxide can lead to the production of hydroxyl radicals and that these HO· radicals form radical sites on DNA; thus, reverse binding could occur when any species that can add to a free radical is in the vicinity of the radical-damaged DNA.
Biochemical and biophysical properties of native Bombyx mori silk for tissue engineering applications

Abstract: This chapter surveys the biochemical and biophysical properties of silk fibroin produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm, and highlights the unique chemical and physical aspects that make it attractive for use in a variety of tissue engineering applications. The chapter begins by examining the gene encoding for the main component of silk fibroin and the primary structure of the protein itself. A summary of what is known and predicted about the folding, assembly and structural organization within fibers is then discussed. Finally, a brief overview of the mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of the native fibers is given.
Book Review, Democracy Despite Itself: Why a System that Shouldn't Work at All Works so Well By Danny Oppenheimer and Mike Edwards

It’s an election year, and once again many of us long for a swift end to the negative campaign ads, reports of voter fraud and gerrymandering, and sound-bite yapping of political pundits that passes for news. In the midst of that longing, we often wonder if this system of government truly represents the wishes of the people. In Democracy Despite Itself: Why a System That Shouldn’t Work at All Works So Well, Mike Edwards, political scientist and founder of Leftfielder.org, and Danny Oppenheimer, Princeton University psychologist, attempt to make sense of our system by stating and investigating this basic paradox: “If voters are irrational and uninformed, and the election process flawed, why is democracy successful?”
A Student-Centered Geography Classroom

When you ask adults to think back to their learning experiences in their K–12 geography classrooms, they often recall memorizing places in the world, making maps, and learning facts about a country...
Septic Shock Caused by Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in a Suburban Texas Patient with Pet Dog Exposure: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is associated with high mortality and requires prompt identification and treatment to ensure better outcomes. CASE REPORT We describe an advanced case of RMSF in a 45-year-old female patient with pet dog exposure who presented with altered mental status, dyspnea, and ataxia progressing to septic shock and acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the importance of keeping RMSF in the differential diagnosis in patient populations outside of the usual geographic areas of incidence in the appropriate clinical setting.
Improving Documentation of Distress in Veteran Patients for Hematology/Oncology Clinics.

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to improve physician documentation of distress in medical records of hematology/oncology veteran patients at the Malcolm Randall Veteran Affairs (V...
Perturbation of Short Hydrogen Bonds in Photoactive Yellow Protein via Noncanonical Amino Acid Incorporation

Photoactive yellow protein (PYP) is a small photoreceptor protein that has two unusually short hydrogen bonds between the deprotonated p-coumaric acid chromophore and two amino acids, a tyrosine and a glutamic acid. This has led to considerable debate as to whether the glutamic acid-chromophore hydrogen bond is a low barrier hydrogen bond, with conflicting results in the literature. We have modified the p Ka of the tyrosine by amber suppression and of the chromophore by chemical substitution. X-ray crystal structures of these modified proteins are nearly identical to the wild-type protein, so the heavy atom distance between proton donor and acceptor is maintained, even though these modifications change the relative proton affinity between donor and acceptor. Despite a considerable change in relative proton affinity, the NMR chemical shifts of the hydrogen-bonded protons are only moderately affected. QM/MM calculations were used to explore the protons' potential energy surface and connect the calculated proton position with empirically measured proton chemical shifts. The results are inconsistent with a low barrier hydrogen bond but in all cases are consistent with a localized proton, suggesting an ionic hydrogen bond rather than a low barrier hydrogen bond.
A Reference Governor Approach Towards Recovery from Constraint Violation

This paper proposes a new formulation for the Reference Governor (RG) applied to linear systems affected by exogenous disturbances, specifically those large enough to cause constraint violation. This formulation is based on a set-theoretic approach which includes external disturbances within a new RG, that we call Recovery RG (RRG). The idea is to update the Maximal Output Admissible Set (MAS) and compute a constraint-admissible input that recovers the system from constraint violation at steady-state. The proposed RRG overcomes some of the limitations of standard RG schemes, and maintains their desirable features such as formulation simplicity and finite time determination of the MAS. We validate this new scheme by simulating a linearized turbocharged gasoline engine affected by additive disturbances.
The transcriptional co-repressor CtBP is a negative regulator of growth that antagonizes the Yorkie and JNK/AP-1 pathways

Abstract Multicellular organisms require strict growth control mechanisms to ensure that an organ reaches, but does not grossly exceed, its appropriate size and shape. In an unbiased mosaic screen for genes involved in growth regulation, we identified a loss-of-function allele of the gene CtBP that conferred a growth advantage to homozygous mutant tissue. CtBP encodes a transcriptional co-repressor found in diverse organisms, yet its role in regulating tissue growth is not known. We found that CtBP functions as a negative regulator of growth by restricting the expression of the growth-promoting microRNA bantam (ban). ban is a known target of the Hippo pathway effector Yorkie (Yki). We show that loss of CtBP function leads to the activation of a minimal enhancer of ban via both Yki-dependent and AP-1 transcription factor-dependent mechanisms. AP-1 is downstream of the Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway and thus JNK could regulate growth during development via ban. Furthermore, we show that distinct isoforms of the AP-1 component Fos differ in their ability to activate this enhancer. Since the orthologous pathways in mammalian cells (YAP/TEAD and AP-1) converge on enhancers implicated in tumor progression, a role for mammalian CtBP proteins at those enhancers merits attention.
FIGLA, LHX8 and SOHLH1 transcription factor networks regulate mouse oocyte growth and differentiation.

Germ-cell transcription factors control gene networks that regulate oocyte differentiation and primordial follicle formation during early, postnatal mouse oogenesis. Taking advantage of gene-edited mice lacking transcription factors expressed in female germ cells, we analyzed global gene expression profiles in perinatal ovaries from wildtype, FiglaNull, Lhx8Null and Sohlh1Null mice. Figla deficiency dysregulates expression of meiosis-related genes (e.g. Sycp3, Rad51, Ybx2) and a variety of genes (e.g. Nobox, Lhx8, Taf4b, Sohlh1, Sohlh2, Gdf9) associated with oocyte growth and differentiation. The absence of FIGLA significantly impedes meiotic progression, causes DNA damage and results in oocyte apoptosis. Moreover, we find that FIGLA and other transcriptional regulator proteins (e.g. NOBOX, LHX8, SOHLH1, SOHLH2) are co-expressed in the same subset of germ cells in perinatal ovaries and Figla ablation dramatically disrupts KIT, NOBOX, LHX8, SOHLH1 and SOHLH2 abundance. In addition, not only do FIGLA, LHX8 and SOHLH1 cross-regulate each other, they also cooperate by direct interaction with each during early oocyte development and share downstream gene targets. Thus, our findings substantiate a major role for FIGLA, LHX8 and SOHLH1 as multifunctional regulators of networks necessary for oocyte maintenance and differentiation during early folliculogenesis.
Amdahl’s and Other Laws

A general look at Amdahl’s law, which expresses the parallel processing advantage of a job with serial and parallel components. Variants of Amdahl’s law such as Gustafson’s law are discussed. The design of different multicore architectures is examined. A CPU/GPU example is considered. Delay and energy objective functions are presented. Finally, the role of Amdahl’s law in the context of local versus cloud processing tradeoffs is studied.
Assessing the Benefits of Flipped Classroom in Enhancing Construction Students’ Technical Communication Skills

AbstractBecause of the availability of internet resources including audio and video on virtually any subject, the flipped classroom is being increasingly used in many areas. However, the benefits o...
1 H NMR study of hydrogen in quasicrystalline Ti 0.45 − x V x Zr 0.38 Ni 0.17

${}^{1}\mathrm{H}$ nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) spectra and spin-lattice relaxation rates ${(R}_{1})$ were studied in the hydrogenated ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{0.45\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{V}}_{x}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{0.38}{\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.17}$ quasicrystal for $x=0.00,$ 0.02, and a hydrogen-to-metal-atom ratio $(\mathrm{H}/M)=1.88.$ NMR measurements were made from 4 to 550 K at resonance frequencies of 8, 18, 55, and 200 MHz. Theoretical ${}^{1}\mathrm{H}$ second-moment values ${(M}_{2})$ were calculated based on Bergman and Mackay cluster models and compared with experimental ${M}_{2}$ values. The ${R}_{1}$ data reveal a distribution of activation energies for the ${}^{1}\mathrm{H}$ diffusion through the quasilattice; the distribution is insensitive to the vanadium concentration, $x.$ Low-temperature ${R}_{1}$ data reveal an additional low-temperature relaxation mechanism that is not yet well understood.
Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Small Bowel and Stool Microbiomes

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is extremely common. PPIs have been suggested to affect the gut microbiome, and increase risks of Clostridium difficile infection and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). However, existing data are based on stool analyses and PPIs act on the foregut. To compare the duodenal and stool microbiomes in PPI and non-PPI users. Consecutive subjects presenting for upper endoscopy without colonoscopy were recruited. Current antibiotic users were excluded. Subjects taking PPI were age- and gender-matched 1:2 to non-PPI controls. Subjects completed medical history questionnaires, and duodenal aspirates were collected using a validated protected catheter. A subset also provided stool samples. Duodenal and stool microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The duodenal microbiome exhibited no phylum-level differences between PPI (N = 59) and non-PPI subjects (N = 118), but demonstrated significantly higher relative abundances of families Campylobacteraceae (3.13-fold, FDR P value 103 CFU/ml) or 16S sequencing, nor between subjects taking different PPIs. The stool microbiome exhibited significantly higher abundance of family Streptococcaceae (2.14-fold, P = 0.003), and lower Clostridiaceae (2.60-fold, FDR P value = 8.61E-13), in PPI (N = 22) versus non-PPI (N = 47) subjects. These findings suggest that PPI use is not associated with higher rates of SIBO. Relative abundance of Clostridiaceae was reduced in both the duodenal and stool microbiomes, and Streptococcaceae was increased in stool. The clinical implications of these findings are unknown.
Long-Term Outcomes of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Supported by Durable Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices

Purpose End-stage heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients; however, advanced therapies such as ventricular assist devices (VADs) are rarely implemented in this population. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of ACHD patients supported by durable continuous-flow VADs. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with congenital heart disease >18 years of age at time of VAD implantation at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center from 2011-2020. Results In total, 13 patients (median age 34 years [IQR, 24-47]) received a VAD (Table). All devices were implanted in the subaortic ventricle; 2 patients (15%) and 11 patients (85%) had moderate and great complexity congenital heart disease, respectively. Prior to implantation, 11 patients (85%) required inotropic support and 5 patients (38%) required temporary mechanical circulatory support. 12 patients (92%) survived to hospital discharge with a median postoperative LOS of 36 days (IQR, 27-50). Among those who survived to hospital discharge, all (100%) were NYHA class I or II at follow-up and the median duration of support was 816 days (IQR, 160-1629). Patients experienced device-related complications including neurologic events (n = 5; n = 2 disabling stroke), driveline infections (n = 3), presumed device infections requiring chronic antibiotic therapy (n = 4; n = 1 associated pump exchange), GI bleeds (n = 6), and presumed pump thromboses (n = 5; n = 2 associated pump exchanges). Overall survival (heart transplant censored) at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82%, 70%, and 32%, respectively. 2 patients (50%) were successfully bridged to transplant and 1 patient initially implanted as destination therapy eventually received a transplant. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that durable VADs can be used effectively in ACHD patients with end-stage heart failure and support efforts to more readily utilize these therapies in this population.
Ensuring Gender Affirming Care: Utilizing the Electronic Health Record to Improve Care of Gender-Diverse Patients in a Large Pediatric Hospital

A growing population of youth identify as transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC). Studies demonstrate significantly higher rates of mental health conditions such as depression and suicidality in this population compared to cisgender (non-gender-diverse) peers. Access to gender affirming care can improve health outcomes for these youth. Collecting gender identity information in electronic health record (EHRs) can improve patient experience and help address health disparities in this frequently uncounted population. Health systems are developing best practices around how to properly collect information around sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Limited evidence exists on the collection of this …
Concussion in National Football League Athletes Is Not Associated With Increased Risk of Acute, Noncontact Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury:

Background:Impaired neuromuscular function after concussion has recently been linked to increased risk of lower extremity injuries in athletes.Purpose:To determine if National Football League (NFL)...
Abstract P144: One-year Change In Walking Performance And Mobility Loss In People With Peripheral Artery Disease: The Walking And Leg Circulation Study (walcs)

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 10-15% of people age 65 and older, and the prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages. People with PAD have greater functional impai...
Low-Pressure Hydrocephalus in Spontaneous Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Following COVID-19 Infection

A preliminary report warned that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could have neuro-invasive potential as it was observed that some patients showed neurologic symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. Following early speculation there have been reports of neurologic manifestations involving both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system including reports that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may increase the risk of acute ischemic stroke. Here we present a patient with recent COVID-19 infection who experienced low-pressure hydrocephalus requiring high-output cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion following spontaneous angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage. We hypothesize that patients who are either currently or who have recently been infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have altered ventricular compliance and/or altered CSF hydrodynamics from mechanisms that are not yet understood but potentially related to previously described pathophysiologic mechanisms of the virus and associated inflammatory reaction.
Student Learning And Reflection: Journey Map

Location: Dewberry Hall This activity is based on the concept of Customer Journey Maps that have been researched and used in Marketing to better understand customer experience within a domain of interest, such as cooking or travel (Yachin 2018; Lemon and Verhoef 2016). In the Marketing learning/education literature, the concept has also been applied to make data-driven marketing more understandable and interesting (Micheaux and Bosio 2018). A Customer Journey Map is a step-by-step walk through a particular activity in the life of the customer. The map addresses customer thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions as related to the focal domain. The activity can also be extended for teambuilding and reflection among a diverse population of students. Working in a classroom or in a distance learning setting, students work in pairs, each student interviewing each other on their experience in a domain relevant to a course (undergraduate or graduate) or more generally to encourage students to learn about each other and reflect on their own experiences (e.g., first year experience at Mason, experience of growing up in U.S. or another country, etc.), including on what could have made a better experience. After the interviews are complete, students create a visual representation of the other studentâs journey that includes what was uncovered â the thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions. The student shares their representation of the journey with the student that underwent the journey for feedback. Engaging in this activity students learn to appreciate each otherâs perspective and experiences that may be different from their own.