cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whole-exome sequencing as a diagnostic tool in a family with episodic ataxia type 1 (P2.113)

OBJECTIVE: Complex neurological phenotypes are inherently difficult to diagnose. Related to this, whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a new tool in the neurologist9s diagnostic armamentarium. BACKGROUND: WES can be clinically applied through the framework of the Center of Individualized Medicine, a new Mayo Clinic program that is intended to support "diagnostic odyssey" cases. These are patients with rare inherited diseases with unknown diagnosis despite multiple prior attempts utilizing the standard clinical approach. DESIGN/METHODS: The 22-year-old adopted proband had complex movement and mild cognitive disabilities (Video). He underwent numerous multidisciplinary and multicentric attempts that failed to establish a diagnosis. Following his visit to the Mayo Clinic, WES was applied for genetic determination of the unknown disorder in the proband, his biological parents and sister. Three additional paternal relatives also were reported to have similar phenotype. Ancillary investigations including brain magnetic resonance neuroimaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography EEG) of the proband were performed after WES results were available in order to confirm the phenotype. RESULTS: WES identified the c.1210G>A (p.V404I) mutation in the potassium voltage-gated channel, shaker-related subfamily, member 1 gene in the proband, his father, and his sister. MRI demonstrated mild vermian hypoplasia, EMG showed myokymias. EEG demonstrated generalized background slowing. The final diagnosis of the proband and his three relatives was episodic ataxia type 1. The proband was placed on acetazolamide therapy. CONCLUSIONS: WES supported by clinical data is useful, can save time, and is relatively inexpensive. In this study, the correct diagnosis was offered to the proband and other family members and enabled initiation of specific treatment. Study Supported by: NIH/NINDS P50 NS072187 and R01 NS078086 (OAR), the NIH/NINDSP50 NS072187, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson9s Research, and the gift from Carl Edward Bolch, Jr., and Susan Bass Bolch (ZKW) and the Max Kade Foundation (PT). Disclosure: Dr. Wszolek has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Parkinsonism & Related Disorders and the European Journal of Neurology. Dr. Tacik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guthrie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Strongosky has nothing to disclose. Dr. Broderick has nothing to disclose. Dr. Riegert-Johnson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ross has nothing to disclose.
Experimental investigation of oscillating heat pipes under direct current and pulse width modulation heating input conditions

Abstract An experiment was designed to quantify any change in thermal performance of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) subjected to Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) power input as opposed to the more traditional Direct Current (DC) power input/heating. Two identical ThermAvant Technologies aluminum 152.4 × 50.8 × 2.0 mm 3 , 34 turn closed-loop OHPs with 0.76 mm diameter channels were built. One OHP was filled with acetone (54% by volume at room temperature) and another filled with R-134a (55% by volume at room temperature). The OHPs were tested horizontally with DC and PWM (at 2.88 Hz) heat inputs of 0–40 W. Three trials of each OHP and power type were performed. It was found that nearly all trials of each OHP were within one standard deviation of one another. Based on these results and prior findings in OHP performance repeatability it is reasonable to conclude that the use of PWM power input does not influence the thermal performance of a flat-plate OHP of this design.
Pathophysiology of obesity.

The human body appears to be endowed with physiological mechanisms that regulate 1) the energy balance, 2) energy storage and 3) metabolic adjustments to a high carbohydrate or high fat type of diet. In common obesity the first two of these appear to be intact, while the third is impaired. Obesity appears to develop as an adjustment of the impaired organism, making possible a sufficient energy supply on a high carbohydrate diet. The metabolic defect appears to involve the oxidative pathway of pyruvic acid. Limitation of dietary carbohydrate, specifically, as the chief source of pyruvic acid, makes possible a treatment of obesity without restriction of the total caloric intake.
Increasing medical student exposure to musculoskeletal medicine: the initial impact of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Interest Group.

PURPOSE To investigate the impact of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Interest Group (OSSMIG) on medical student interest and confidence in core musculoskeletal (MSK) concepts through supplemental education and experiences at a single tertiary, academic institution. METHODS Medical student OSSMIG members at various levels of training were anonymously surveyed at the beginning and end of the 2014-2015 academic year. RESULTS Eighteen (N=18) medical student interest group members completed the survey. Significant improvement in their level of training was observed with regard to respondents' self-assessed competence and confidence in MSK medicine (p<0.05). Additionally, respondents' attitudes toward exposure and support from the interest group were significantly higher than those provided by the institution (p<0.05). Members believed OSSMIG increased interest in MSK medicine, improved confidence in their ability to perform orthopedics-related physical exams, strengthened mentorship with residents and attendings, and developed a connection with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and its residents (median "Strongly Agree", interquartile range one and two scale items). CONCLUSION Since its inception 8 years ago, OSSMIG has been well received and has positively impacted University of Washington School of Medicine students through various interventions. Surgical interest groups should target both the students interested in primary care and surgery. Medical schools can provide additional exposure to MSK medicine by leveraging interest groups that provide early clinical experiences and supplementary instruction.
Nerve growth factors and control of nerve growth.

Publisher Summary This chapter surveys developmental observations indicating the occurrence of target derived signals that permit a neuron to survive at and beyond a critical time in its life course. It introduces and illustrates the concepts of a trophic drive responsible for both survival and growth supportive production, and of specifying influences that signal the cell to proceed (or do away) with selected performances. With that conceptual background, the chapter examines, in detail, two examples of factors directed toward neurons. The first is a group of target-derived agents recently shown to promote survival and/or neurite growth in cultured ciliary neurons. The second is the classic nerve growth factor, including the mechanisms through which it may exercise its trophic functions of sensory and sympathetic neurons. The chapter also explores some signals and mechanisms for neurite growth. It discusses whether the concepts regarding the regulation of older cells apply during earlier phases of their life, before they connect with their target or even acquire a postmitotic neuronal identity.
Energy constrained scheduling of stochastic tasks

Energy-efficient scheduling of stochastic tasks is considered in this paper. The main characteristic of a stochastic task is that its execution time is a random variable whose actual value is not known in advance, but only its probability distribution. Our performance measures are the probability that the total execution time does not exceed a given bound and the probability that the total energy consumption does not exceed a given bound. Both probabilities need to be maximized. However, maximizations of the two performance measures are conflicting objectives. Our strategy is to fix one and maximize the other. Our investigation includes the following two aspects, with the purpose of maximizing the probability for the total execution time not to exceed a given bound, under the constraint that the probability for the total energy consumption not to exceed a given bound is at least certain value. First, we explore the technique of optimal processor speed setting for a given set of stochastic tasks on a processor with variable speed. It is found that the simple equal speed method (in which all tasks are executed with the same speed) yields high quality solutions. Second, we explore the technique of optimal stochastic task scheduling for a given set of stochastic tasks on a multiprocessor system, assuming that the equal speed method is used. We propose and evaluate the performance of several heuristic stochastic task scheduling algorithms. Our simulation studies identify the best methods among the proposed heuristic methods.
Particle force model effects in a shock-driven multiphase instability

This work presents simulations on a shock-driven multiphase instability (SDMI) at an initial particle volume fraction of 1% with the addition of a suite of particle force models applicable in dense flows. These models include pressure-gradient, added-mass, and interparticle force terms in an effort to capture the effects neighboring particles have in non-dilute flow regimes. Two studies are presented here: the first seeks to investigate the individual contributions of the force models, while the second study focuses on examining the effect of these force models on the hydrodynamic evolution of a SDMI with various particle relaxation times (particle sizes). In the force study, it was found that the pressure gradient and interparticle forces have little effect on the instability under the conditions examined, while the added-mass force decreases the vorticity deposition and alters the morphology of the instability. The relaxation-time study likewise showed a decrease in metrics associated with the evolution of the SDMI for all sizes when the particle force models were included. The inclusion of these models showed significant morphological differences in both the particle and carrier species fields, which increased as particle relaxation times increased.
Dosimetric evaluation of magnetic resonance-generated synthetic CT for radiation treatment of rectal cancer.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the dosimetric equivalence of magnetic resonance (MR)-generated synthetic CT (synCT) and simulation CT for treatment planning in radiotherapy of rectal cancer. Methods This study was conducted on eleven patients who underwent whole-body PET/MR and PET/CT examination in a prospective IRB-approved study. For each patient synCT was generated from Dixon MR using a model-based method. Standard treatment planning directives were used to create a four-field box (4F), an oblique four-field (O4F) and a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan on synCT for treatment of rectal cancer. The plans were recalculated on CT with the same monitor units (MUs) as that of synCT. Dose-volume metrics of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) as well as gamma analysis of dose distributions were evaluated to quantify the difference between synCT and CT plans. All plans were calculated using the analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA). The VMAT plans on synCT and CT were also calculated using the Acuros XB algorithm for comparison with the AAA calculation. Results Medians of absolute differences in PTV metrics between synCT and CT plans were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.3% for 4F, O4F and VMAT respectively. No significant differences were observed in OAR dose metrics including bladder V40Gy, mean dose in bladder, bowel V45Gy and femoral head V30Gy in any techniques. Gamma analysis with 2%/2mm dose difference/distance to agreement criteria showed median passing rates of 99.8% (range: 98.5 to 100%), 99.9% (97.2 to 100%), and 99.9% (99.4 to 100%) for 4F, O4F and VMAT, respectively. Using Acuros XB dose calculation, 2%/2mm gamma analysis generated a passing rate of 99.2% (97.7 to 99.9%) for VMAT plans. Conclusion SynCT enabled dose calculation equivalent to conventional CT for treatment planning of 3D conformal treatment as well as VMAT of rectal cancer. The dosimetric agreement between synCT and CT calculated doses demonstrated the potential of MR-only treatment planning for rectal cancer using MR generated synCT.
Using a Mixed-Reality Environment to Train Special Educators Working With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Implement Discrete Trial Teaching:

Special educators are encouraged to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) with fidelity to maximize student achievement. Two national organizations identified Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) as a...
Open Partial Nephrectomy

Historically, the utilization of partial nephrectomy (PN) was reserved for so-called absolute indications (i.e., solitary kidney or bilateral disease). However, over the past several decades, PN has become more utilized as retrospective and prospective data has accumulated demonstrating similar cancer control when compared with radical nephrectomy. As a result, recent guidelines recommend PN when feasible for small renal masses. PN can be performed through open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. In this chapter, the surgical approach and outcomes for open partial nephrectomy (OPN) will be reviewed.
Hidden Costs in Paediatric Psychiatry Consultation Liaison Services.

AIM Children with acute mental health (MH) concerns increasingly present to Emergency Departments, and in the absence of an accessible MH bed, are admitted. This study estimated the hidden associated costs. METHODS All Emergency MH admissions over a 12-month period (2016) were identified (N=105). Costs associated with length of stay (LOS) and one-to-one nursing were calculated. RESULTS The average Length of Stay for acute MH presentations was 6 days, there were 615 bed day associated with this cohort, totalling costs of €1,216,470, with an average cost/patient of €12,684. Sixty-eight patients (65%) required an average of 5 days of one-to-one nursing, totalling 335 days. Estimating that 40% of this was provided by agency staff, the hospital cost was €115,374. Taken together, the costs associated with primary Emergency Mental Health presentations is €1,331,844. Costs associated with patients who were previously known to MH services were €843,417. DISCUSSION Despite an increasing number of dedicated MH beds, demand outweighs availability, and immediate access remains problematic, the default often being a paediatric admission. Adequate funding and appropriate use of these scare and costly resources must be part of national MH policy planning, especially with ongoing planning for the National Children's Hospital.
Individualized hydration plans improve performance outcomes for collegiate athletes engaging in in-season training.

Athletes commonly consume insufficient fluid and electrolytes just prior to, or during training and competition. Unlike non-athletes or athletes who do not engage in frequent rigorous and prolonged training sessions, “hard trainers” may require additional sodium and better benefit from a hydration plan tailored to their individual physiology. The purpose of this randomized cross-over study was to determine whether a hydration plan based off of an athlete’s sweat rate and sodium loss improves anaerobic and neurocognitive performance during a moderate to hard training session as well as heart rate recovery from this session. Collegiate athletes who were injury free and could exercise at ≥ 75% of their maximum heart rate for a minimum of 45 min were recruited for this randomized, cross-over study. After completing a questionnaire assessing hydration habits, participants were randomized either to a prescription hydration plan (PHP), which considered sweat rate and sodium loss or instructed to follow their normal ad libitum hydration habits (NHP) during training. Attention and awareness, as well as lower body anaerobic power (standing long jump) were assessed immediately before and after a moderate to hard training session of ≥ 45 min. Heart rate recovery was also measured. After a washout period of 7 days, the PHP group repeated the training bout with their normal hydration routine, while the NHP group were provided with a PHP plan and were assessed as previously described. Fifteen athletes from three different sports, aged 20 ± 0.85 years, participated in this study. Most participants reported feeling somewhat or very dehydrated after a typical training session. Compared to their NHP, participants following a PHP jumped 4.53 ± 3.80 in. farther, tracked moving objects 0.36 ± 0.60 m/second faster, and exhibited a faster heart rate recovery following a moderate to hard training session of 45–120 min in duration. A tailored hydration plan, based on an athlete’s fluid and sodium loss has the potential to improve anaerobic power, attention and awareness, and heart rate recovery time.
Mines: The local wealth and health effects of mineral mining in developing countries

Abstract We assess health and wealth impacts of mineral mining using micro-data from about 800 mines in 44 developing countries. Gains in asset wealth (0.3 standard deviations) coexist with a higher incidence of health conditions linked to heavy metal toxicity: anemia among women (ten percentage points), and stunting in young children (five percentage points). Consistent results emerge from a range of distinct identification strategies. Two difference-in-difference tests exploit information on mineral and pollutant characteristics to show that the observed health effects are due to pollution: impacts arise only near mines where metal contamination is to be expected, and the recovery of blood hemoglobin levels in women after childbirth shows a characteristic signature of lead toxicity. Our results add to the nascent literature on health-wealth tradeoffs near industrial operations in developing countries.
The Integration of Africa: Commodity Based Industrialization Examined

The 2013 Economic Report on Africa, ERA, boldly suggests a commodity-based strategy for creating jobs, for increasing growth and for transforming African economies (UNECA, 2013). This is not the first time African countries have flirted with development strategies ranging from export led growth through import substitution to outright macroeconomic liberalization. The paper examines this latest policy and principle statement from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the continent’s apex institution for economic modeling and economic policy making. By adding value to their soft and hard commodities, “African countries have an opportunity to transform their economies through a commodity-based industrialization strategy that leverages on the continent’s abundant resources, current high commodity prices and changing organization of global production process” (UNECA, 2013).
The histopathologic progression of vitamin A-induced hepatic injury.

Abstract The present paper is a follow-up report describing the clinical and hepatic histologic findings of a patient who hod ingested massive doses of vitamin A for many years. Light and electron microscopic features of the patients current liver biopsy specimen demonstrates that cirrhosis may result from prolonged vitamin A ingestion.
Modernizing the animal science curriculum: is change needed?

To identify an animal science cur- riculum is difficult because it is a "moving target" due to changing needs and demands of our society and, more specifically, to changes in the back- grounds and interests of students. Therefore, animal science curriculums not only should change, but must change, if they are to succeed. With new technological innovations and discover- ies that either modify, supplement, or change basic concepts and approaches, it is paramount that changes in courses as well as in the curricu- lum conform. Because of the applied nature of animal science and because of the many unknowns yet to be discovered, the curriculum should be under continual scrutiny. However, we must not fix something when it is not broken. For all practical purposes, a curriculum reflects a philosophy of what subjects should be included to complete a plan of study. After a philosophy has been established the base curriculum will seldom change significantly. When it does, it will be the result of a change in people's philosophies rather than a reflection of industry needs or student interests. Teachers should not forget how to teach most effectively the material and must never lose sight of their goal of molding students into knowledgeable, wise, and responsible citizens in our society. To ensure that curriculums continue to improve, the following should prevail: 1) stu- dents must be adequately prepared before starting an animal science program; 2) teachers must keep current with needs of the industry by conducting research and serving the public; 3) instructors must maintain flexibility in subjects to meet needs of industry and interests and aptitudes of stu- dents; 41 unless all prerequisites have been com- pleted, it is realistic to expect that 9 to 10 semesters will be needed to complete a program; 5) science students should be required to complete a thesis problem followed by a seminar, and busi- ness students should be required to complete a project followed by a report; and 6) a qualifying comprehensive examination should climax the program to ensure credibility of both the graduate and the program.
Genetic programming model for estimation of settlement in earth dams

This study was designed to apply intelligent methods to predict settlement after constructing central core rockfill dams. Attempts were made in this research to prepare models for predicting settle...
A practical approach to estimating optic disc dose and macula dose without treatment planning in ocular brachytherapy using 125I COMS plaques.

It has been reported that proximity of the tumor to the optic disc and macula, and radiation dose to the critical structures are substantial risk factors for vision loss following plaque brachytherapy. However, there is little dosimetry data published on this. In this study, therefore, the relationship between distance from tumor margin and radiation dose to the optic disc and macula in ocular brachytherapy using 125I Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) plaques was comprehensively investigated. From the information, this study aimed to allow for estimation of optic disc dose and macula dose without treatment planning. An in-house brachytherapy dose calculation program utilizing the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group-43 U1 formalism with a line source approximation in a homogenous water phantom was developed and validated against three commercial treatment planning systems (TPS). Then optic disc dose and macula dose were calculated as a function of distance from tumor margin for various tumor basal dimensions for seven COMS plaques (from 10 mm to 22 mm in 2 mm increments) loaded with commercially available 125I seeds models (IAI-125A, 2301 and I25.S16). A prescribed dose of 85 Gy for an irradiation time of 168 h was normalized to a central-axis depth of 5 mm. Dose conversion factors for each seed model were obtained by taking ratios of total reference air kerma per seed at various prescription depths (from 1 mm to 10 mm in 1 mm intervals) to that at 5 mm. The in-house program demonstrated relatively similar accuracy to commercial TPS. Optic disc dose and macula dose decreased as distance from tumor margin and tumor basal dimension increased. Dose conversion factors increased with increasing prescription depth. There existed dose variations (<8%) among three 125I seed models. Optic disc dose and macula dose for each COMS plaque and for each seed model are presented in a figure format. Dose conversion factors for each seed model are presented in a tabular format. The data provided in this study would enable clinicians in any clinic using 125I COMS plaques to estimate optic disc dose and macula dose without dose calculations.
Giving AI a Theory of Mind

Effective collaboration between humans and artificially intelligent agents will require that the two are equipped to build a sense of mutual understanding with each other. When humans have an intuitive understanding of the motives and intentions of other humans, it is known as Theory of Mind. My work revolves around designing artificial intelligence to leverage this capacity to improve human collaborations with artificial agents.
Modelling protected area trade-offs

Protected areas, such as parks and marine reserves, are a vital conservation tools. A new study models the trade-offs between using limited resources for acquiring new protected areas and managing existing ones.
Cleaning Up Mechanistic Debris Generated by Twister Ribozymes Using Computational RNA Enzymology.

The catalytic properties of RNA have been a subject of fascination and intense research since their discovery over 30 years ago. Very recently, several classes of nucleolytic ribozymes have emerged...
Lactate guided resuscitation-nothing is more dangerous than conscientious foolishness.

Sodium chloride is a poison to all people when given in large doses, and occasionally very toxic in small doses to a certain class of cases (sepsis) (1).
Implant-Related Complications Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched-Control Analysis of 42,097 Medicare Patients.

Abstract Background Opioid use disorders (OUD) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The authors of this study hypothesize that patients who have an OUD will have greater relative risk of implant-related complications, periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), readmission rates, and will incur greater costs compared to non-opioid use disorder (NUD) patients following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods OUD patients who underwent a THA between 2005 and 2014 were identified and matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio according to age, sex, a comorbidity index, and various medical comorbidities yielding 42,097 patients equally distributed in both cohorts. Pearson’s chi-square analyses were used to compare patient demographics. Relative risk (RR) was used to analyze and compare risk of 2-year implant-related complications, 90-day PJIs, and 90-day readmission rates. Welch’s t-tests were used to compare day of surgery and 90-day episode-of-care costs between the cohorts. A P value less than .006 was considered statistically significant. Results OUD patients had higher incidences and risks of implant-related complications (11.99% vs 6.68%; RR, 1.74; P Conclusion After controlling for age, sex, a comorbidity index, and various medical complications, OUD patients are at greater risk to experience implant-related complications, PJIs, readmissions, and have greater costs following primary THA compared to non-OUD patients. This study should help orthopedic surgeons counsel their patients of potential complications which may arise following their primary THA.
A real-time acoustic drifter for active and passive sonar applications

A low-cost, long-duration acoustic drifter has been developed to measure directional ambient noise and man-made acoustic signals in both shallow and deep oceans. Traditional acoustic and oceanographic measurements are typically performed by deploying fixed moorings that would limit retrieving the data only after the recovery. With the advancements in low-power CPUs and satellite telemetry, real-time oceanographic and acoustic measurements are possible with in-buoy data reduction and satellite transmission of processed data. A Raspberry Pi computer with a 16-channel data acquisition board is used for both active and passive sonar applications, including directional ambient measurements, seabed characterization, and ocean acoustic tomography. A specific version of the acoustic drifter was built for on-ice deployments in the Arctic as an ice-tethered acoustic buoy. Several examples of its applications from recent sea-going experiments are given. Successful deployments and instant data analysis would indicate a practical alternative to more traditional acoustic and oceanographic measurement techniques by providing a real-time monitoring capability. [Work supported by the ONR.]
The Charlie Hebdo Affair, Freedom of Expression, and Apologia for Terrorism Under French Law

The aim of this chapter is to analyze and explain the freedom of expression regime in France using as a case study, the arrest and conviction of French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala of the criminal offense of electronic apologia for, or glorification of terrorism via a Facebook post in which he parodied the popular Je Suis Charlie slogan by declaring: “Je me sens Charlie Coulibaly” (I feel like Charlie Coulibaly). This was an ironic situation given the fact that the murderous terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo was sheer censorship of the deed. In order to understand the rationale for the comedian’s criminal conviction for electronic apologia for terrorism, this chapter surveys and analyzes the freedom of expression regime under the Catho-secular republican regime of France. It explores issues of group defamation in real space and cyberspace, blasphemy, and collective memory. This chapter demonstrates that French content-based regulation of speech gives the government the power to make “official” authoritative interpretations of history and historical phenomenon at the expense of the right of freedom of expression.
Association between hydroxycarbamide exposure and neurocognitive function in adolescents with sickle cell disease.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for neurocognitive impairments. While disease-modifying treatment, such as hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea), may decrease this risk, it has not been systematically investigated in children with SCD. We screened neurocognitive functioning in 103 adolescents with SCD (16-17 years, 50% female) and compared outcomes between patients with a history of exposure to hydroxycarbamide (n = 12 HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia; n = 52 HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia) and those never treated with hydroxycarbamide (n = 31 HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia; n = 8 HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia). Demographic distributions were similar between the groups. After adjusting for socioeconomic status, the hydroxycarbamide group had significantly higher scores on nonverbal IQ (HbSC/HbSβ thalassaemia: P = 0·036, effect size [d] = 0·65), reaction speed (HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia: P = 0·002, d = 1·70), sustained attention (HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia: P = 0·014, d = 1·30), working memory (HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia: P = 0·034, d = 0·71) and verbal memory (HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia: P = 0·038, d = 0·84) when compared to those who did not receive hydroxycarbamide. In patients with HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia, longer treatment duration with hydroxycarbamide was associated with better verbal memory (P = 0·009) and reading (P = 0·002). Markers of hydroxycarbamide effect, including higher fetal haemoglobin (HbF), higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and lower white blood cell count (WBC), were associated with better verbal fluency (HbF: P = 0·014, MCV: P = 0·006, WBC: P = 0·047) and reading (MCV: P = 0·021, WBC: P = 0·037). Cognitive impairment may be mitigated by exposure to hydroxycarbamide in adolescents with SCD.
Can ultra short-term changes in ambient temperature trigger myocardial infarction?

Abstract Background Climate change is increasing global average temperatures, as well as the frequency of extreme weather events. Both low and high ambient temperatures have been associated with elevated mortality; however, little is known about the cardiovascular impacts of hourly temperature. Methods We assessed the association between hourly ambient temperature and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) across adult residents of New York State (NYS). We identified cases across NYS hospitals from 2000 to 2015 in the New York Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System dataset, using ICD codes. Hourly ambient temperature was assessed at each patient's residential ZIP code, up to 48 hours prior to MI. We employed a time-stratified case-crossover study design matching case to control periods on hour of day, day of week, month and year. Results Of the 791,695 primary MI hospital admissions, 45% were female, the mean (standard deviation; SD) age was 70 (15) years, and 49% of cases occurred among New York City residents. The observed temperature range was −29 °C to 39 °C, with a mean of 10.8 °C (10.5 °C). Temperature in the 6 h preceding the MI was positively associated with risk of MI, across the range of observed temperatures, with null or nearly null associations for earlier hours. We estimated a cumulative percent increase in hourly myocardial infarction rate of 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.2%, 10.6%) for an 11 °C (median) to 27 °C (95th percentile) temperature increase for lag hours 0–5. Men, Medicare-ineligible individuals (age Conclusion Our study provides evidence that increases in hourly ambient temperature can trigger myocardial infarction. Health-based definitions of extreme heat events may better capture the deleterious effects of heat by accounting for hourly temperature. Our findings can inform the design of more effective preparedness strategies for the increasingly frequent extreme heat events.
Spinal cord stimulation using differential target multiplexed programming modulates neural cell-specific transcriptomes in an animal model of neuropathic pain.

Spinal cord stimulation is a proven effective therapy for treating chronic neuropathic pain. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that spinal cord stimulation based on a differential target multiplexed programming approach provided significant relief of pain-like behavior in rodents subjected to the spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. The relief was significantly better than obtained using high rate and low rate programming. Furthermore, transcriptomics-based results implied that differential target multiplexed programming modulates neuronal-glial interactions that have been perturbed by the pain process. Although differential target multiplexed programming was developed to differentially target neurons and glial cells, our previous work did not address this. This work presents transcriptomes, specific to each of the main neural cell populations (neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes), obtained from spinal cord subjected to continuous spinal cord stimulation treatment with differential target multiplexed programming, high rate programming, or low rate programming compared with no spinal cord stimulation treatment, using the spared nerve injury model. To assess the effect of each spinal cord stimulation treatment on these cell-specific transcriptomes, gene expression levels were compared with that of healthy animals, naive to injury and interventional procedures. Pearson correlations and cell population analysis indicate that differential target multiplexed programming yielded strong and significant correlations to expression levels found in the healthy animals across every evaluated cell-specific transcriptome. In contrast, high rate programming only yielded a strong correlation for the microglia-specific transcriptome, while low rate programming did not yield strong correlations with any cell types. This work provides evidence that differential target multiplexed programming distinctively targeted and modulated the expression of cell-specific genes in the direction of the healthy state thus supporting its previously established action on regulating neuronal-glial interaction processes in a pain model.
Predicting myofiber cross-sectional area and triglyceride content with electrical impedance myography: A study in db/db mice.

Introduction Electrical impedance myography (EIM) provides insight into muscle composition and structure. We sought to evaluate its use in a mouse obesity model characterized by myofiber atrophy. Methods We applied a prediction algorithm, i.e., the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), to surface, needle array, and ex vivo EIM data from db/db and WT mice and assessed myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) histologically and triglyceride (TG) content biochemically. Results EIM data from all three modalities provided acceptable predictions of myofiber CSA with average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 15% in CSA (i.e., ± 209 μm2 for a mean CSA of 1439 μm2 ) and TG content with RMSE of 30% in TG content (i.e., ± 7.3 nmoles TG/mg muscle for a mean TG content of 25.4 nmoles TG/mg muscle). Discussion EIM combined with a predictive algorithm provides reasonable estimates of myofiber CSA and TG content without the need for biopsy.
Random access quantum information processors using multimode circuit quantum electrodynamics

Qubit connectivity is an important property of a quantum processor, with an ideal processor having random access-the ability of arbitrary qubit pairs to interact directly. This a challenge with superconducting circuits, as state-of-the-art architectures rely on only nearest-neighbor coupling. Here, we implement a random access superconducting quantum information processor, demonstrating universal operations on a nine-qubit memory, with a Josephson junction transmon circuit serving as the central processor. The quantum memory uses the eigenmodes of a linear array of coupled superconducting resonators. We selectively stimulate vacuum Rabi oscillations between the transmon and individual eigenmodes through parametric flux modulation of the transmon frequency. Utilizing these oscillations, we perform a universal set of quantum gates on 38 arbitrary pairs of modes and prepare multimode entangled states, all using only two control lines. We thus achieve hardware-efficient random access multi-qubit control in an architecture compatible with long-lived microwave cavity-based quantum memories.
Carnegie’s Lemon? The Birth of NPR

Chapter 3 examines the role of the Carnegie Commission on Educational Television, a blue-ribbon establishmentarian panel whose 1967 report was the template for the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. The Carnegie Commission's mixture of high-flown rhetoric and confident assertion of the necessity of federal support won the day over a disorganized and not terribly passionate opposition. Radio wasn't even an afterthought to the Carnegie commissioners, but savvy and determined activists, centered around the University of Michigan's campus radio station, achieved a landmark and rather surreptitious triumph with the late appending of “and radio” to wherever “television” appeared in the Johnson administration's draft legislation. They were aided by a hastily compiled study titled The Hidden Medium: A Status Report on Educational Radio in the United States, which had concluded that government subsidy was essential to the maintenance, not to mention flourishing, of the genre.
Supervised Machine-Learning Approach for the Optimal Arrangement of Active Hotspots in 3-D Integrated Circuits

3-D integration is now considered a new paradigm for the semiconductor packaging industry to sustain Moore’s law. Vertical stacking of semiconductor chips provides high power density in a given footprint area. However, owing to increased integration, 3-D ICs having multiple core areas (hotspots) on each stack layer can often be prone to thermal interaction between the stack layers (Interlayer) and within the stack layers (Intralayer). In this work, three layers with three core hotspot areas on each layer are considered. This article proposes an optimization methodology to optimally arrange the hotspot active core areas in three layers of 3-D IC. The optimization methodology aims to minimize the maximum core temperatures and maximize the temperature uniformity in the stack. The optimal placement of hotspot core areas in each layer not only aids in reducing the thermal interaction but also aids in improving the temperature uniformity by thermal spreading. A sampling algorithm based on Latin Hypercube Sampling that incorporates the “nonoverlap” constraint is demonstrated in this study. A Genetic algorithm coupled with supervised machine-learning-based artificial neural network is employed as an optimization methodology. The article introduces a unique arrangement parameter for the multiple numbers of hotspots in various layers that could well represent the problem under consideration. The methods and results from this article could be efficiently used to perform a thermal aware core hotspot arrangement of multilayer multihotspot 3-D integrated circuits for any operating conditions.
Corporate Resilience and Response to COVID-19

The global COVID crisis provides a test case for the argument that public companies, by making significant and credible commitments to their stakeholder relationships, signal their resilience to investors and, by so doing, cushion their market values against a general collapse. As one example, by limiting layoffs, providing flexible work schedules, and offering paid sick leave, companies are likely to maintain higher employee productivity and avoid costs associated with excessive employee turnover. And companies that adapt their supply chains quickly to avoid costly production halts and secure the supply of important materials should have stronger relationships that result in both higher quality and lower long-run costs. Yet another possibility is that companies that temporarily redirect operations to provide needed products and services such as masks and ventilators could experience stronger customer and brand loyalty. Using multiple databases, regressions, matched sample analysis, and measures of media sentiment about particular companies, the authors report that companies exhibiting behavior perceived as strengthening their human capital and supply chain relationships, as well as a willingness to repurpose operations, experienced significantly less negative returns during the crisis. On the basis of this evidence, the authors conclude that a company's response towards its stakeholders can be important in preserving value, and propose that managements view their stakeholder investments as creating strategic resources, intangible assets whose value becomes most apparent during crises.
Fall, Crush, Kick: Mechanisms and Outcomes in a Cohort of Equine-Related Injuries.

IntroductionThe potential for significant traumatic injury to individuals who interact with horses remains high due to animal size, forces applied, and unpredictability. Despite an estimated 30 mil...
Understanding the role of animals in the family: insights and strategies for clinicians

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the importance of clinicians to routinely assess the child's animal-related experiences using a questionnaire. Clinical examples of interventions address the animal-related experiences of children and adolescents in the larger context of therapy. Children's animal-related experiences are a bonus for the clinician because often children talk about what happens to pets in their homes more willingly than they share what happens to other family members or, especially, to themselves. Knowing and understanding the impact of the child's animal-related experience can inform effective interventions for both children and animals. Effective interventions use knowledge of the child's animal-related experiences with the aim of reducing risk, addressing loss, and creating safe ways for the child to attach to another living being. There are several ways in which clinicians may find knowledge of animal-related experiences useful in assisting the court in assessment and disposition of cases involving children and families. Routinely asking about animal-related experiences can provide important and useful information that clinicians can incorporate in their therapeutic interventions with children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
Influence of diet and supplements on iron status after gastric bypass surgery

Abstract Background Iron deficiency is common after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but there is no consensus on the optimal diet quality and quantity for restoring and preserving iron status. Objectives The authors explored the impact of dietary and supplemental sources of iron and absorptive factors on iron status. Setting Academic, United States. Methods In a cross-sectional cohort of individuals who underwent RYGB, nutrient intakes from food and supplements were measured using 3-day food records. Blood biomarkers of iron status, including concentrations of ferritin, total iron binding capacity, serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), and the sTfR:ferritin ratio, were assessed by a reference laboratory; iron deficiency was defined as having at least 2 abnormal measures. Associations between iron status biomarkers and dietary predictors were determined using regression analysis. Results Of the 36 participants, 97% were female, the mean age was 45 years (95% confidence interval, 41–48 years), and body mass index was 32 (30–35) kg/m 2 . Iron deficiency was found in 42% of participants. Dietary intake of heme iron, found in meats, was favorably associated with 3 iron status biomarkers (ferritin, β = .366; sTfR:ferritin ratio, β = –.459; and total iron binding capacity, β = –18.26; all P P P = .029). Conclusions For patients who have undergone RYGB, consuming high, but realistic amounts of heme iron in meat, vitamin C from food, and adherence to recommended iron supplements can prevent iron deficiency.
Code Compression for DSP

Abstract : Previous works have proposed adding compression techniques to a variety of architectural styles to reduce instruction memory requirements. It is not immediately clear how these results apply to DSP architectures. DSP instructions are longer and have potentially greater variation which can decrease compression ratio. Our results demonstrate that DSP programs do provide sufficient repetition for compression algorithms. We propose a compression method and apply it to SHARC, a popular DSP architecture. Even using a very simple compression algorithm, it is possible to halve the size of the instruction memory requirements.
The Effect of Seal Stiffness on Door Chucking and Squeak and Rattle Performance

Traditionally, door seals are designed to achieve good wind noise performance, water leakage and door closing effort in a vehicle design and development process. However, very little is known concerning the effect of door seal design on vehicle squeak and rattle performance. An earlier research work at Ford indicates a strong correlation between the diagonal distortions of body closure openings (in a low frequency range 0 - 50 Hz) and overall squeak and rattle performance. Another research at Ford reveals that relative accelerations between door latch and striker in a low frequency region (0 - 50 Hz) correlate well with door chucking performance. The findings of this research work enable engineers to assess squeak and rattle and door chucking performance using vehicle low frequency NVH CAE models at a very early design stage. This paper is concerned with a sensitivity study of door chucking and squeak and rattle performance with respect to door seal stiffness using two performance metrics (diagonal distortions at closure openings and relative accelerations between latch & striker) mentioned above. It is found that door chucking performance improves with the increase of seal stiffness monotonically. Whereas overall squeak and rattle performance is dictated by match boxing modes of doors and liftgate that are in turn affected by seal stiffness. No special trend is observed in terms of squeak and rattle sensitivity with respect to seal stiffness.