cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fitness, body size, ventilation and the oxygen cost of breathing in adults

The purpose of the study was to characterize the oxygen cost of ventilation (VO2VENT) response at submaximal and maximal efforts in men and women with different fitness levels, body sizes, and ages and to determine which factors contribute significantly and independently to maximal VO 2VENT. Twenty healthy, non-smoking men (n=18) and women (n=2) participated in the study. During the first visit to the laboratory, height and body mass were measured and body surface area and body mass index were calculated using standard procedures. Fitness (VO2max) and submaximal and maximal ventilation rates were then assessed by an incremental cycle ergometer test. During the second visit, subjects mimicked submaximal and maximal ventilation rates in a cycling posture. Curve fitting (regression) was used to characterize the VO2VENT response to incremental exercise. Multiple regression was used to determine if subject characteristics (body surface area, body mass, body mass index, VO2max, maximal ventilatory equivalent, or maximal ventilation) were independently related to maximal VO2VENT. Body surface area, body mass, body mass index, VO 2max, and maximal ventilation were significantly and independently related to maximal VO2VENT (P < 0.001). Body surface area, body mass, and maximal ventilation were the strongest contributors to maximal VO 2VENT. Although approximately 60-70% of the variance in maximal VO2VENT could be explained, the remaining large unexplained between subjects variability in maximal VO2VENT warrants further research in this area.
AI-21 Defective ikappabns leads to loss of peritoneal B1 cells and a reduction in induced but not spontaneous autoimmune hemolytic anaemia

Background The role of the B1a subset in cells in autoimmunity remains controversial. Here we identify a spontaneous mutation in IkappaBNS associated with severe reduction in the peritoneal B1a, but not other B cell subsets and use this mutation to study its contribution to autoimmunity. Materials and methods NZB, NZB.NZW-Lbw2, B6-Nfkbidbumble (IkappaBNS-deficient mice), and crosses were bred and maintained at TSRI and experiments approved by Scripps IACUC. Flow cytometry, mapping, sequencing, Ig and autoantibody ELISA, and direct Coomb’s test were by standard procedures. For in vivo poly(I:C) stimulation, 200 ug were given i.p. to 6–10 wk-old mice 2x/wk for 8 wks. B cells were stimulated in vitro with 30 ug/ml goat F(ab’)2 anti-mouse IgM in RPMI 10% FCS. Results A chromosome 4 NZB subcongenic line, NZB.NZW-Lbw2SE, was discovered to exhibit very low B-1a cells in the peritoneal cavity and reduced serum IgM, but with no detectable effect on B cells in other lymphoid compartments including the MZ subset in the spleen. Mapping and a complementation study with Nfkbid (IkappaBNS gene)-deficient mice, identified a spontaneous hypomorphic K100N mutation of IkappaBNS, a member of the nuclear IkappaB family that serves as modulators of NF-kB function. Notably, in contrast to complete deletion of IkappaBNS, which affects multiple immune cell types, the phenotype of the NZB-SE mutation, named lowb1, was limited to peritoneal B-1a cells. The absence of low B-1a cells did not reduce susceptibility to spontaneous autoimmune hemolytic anaemia. However, lowb1 mice were resistant to poly(I:C)-induced autoimmune hemolytic anaemia indicating that B-1a cells could play a role in modulating environmental factors. Conclusions These studies suggest a limited role for B1a cells in autoimmune hemolytic anaemia and identify the nuclear Ikappa family as a modulator of autoimmunity.
Supply chain operations reference model for U.S. based powder bed metal additive manufacturing processes

This paper focuses on modeling the supply chain of an additively manufactured, uniquely customized Total Hip Replacement implant. It explores how the supply chain could be modeled for hip components which are customized for individual patients and produced using additive manufacturing processes. The concept of the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model is used to create a formal model of this system. The SCOR model is used to compare the traditional and the AM supply chain on the basis of different performance metrics. The formal supply chain model is used to extract operational activities so that a computer simulation model of the system can be developed. The simulation is used to model system performance so that bottleneck operations can be identified and source needs determined along with a sensitivity analysis to analyze how change in times and resources affect production quantities.
Band offsets in sputtered Sc2O3/InGaZnO4 heterojunctions

Abstract We measured the band offsets of sputtered Sc 2 O 3 on thin film InGaZnO 4 (IGZO) using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and obtained the bandgaps of the materials using reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy and UV/Vis absorption. The valence band offset was determined to be −1.33 eV ± 0.13 eV for Sc 2 O 3 on sputtered IGZO (bandgap 3.16 eV). The conduction band offset for Sc 2 O 3 /IGZO was then determined to be 4.07 eV. The Sc 2 O 3 /IGZO system has a staggered, type II alignment, meaning that it is not suitable for thin film transistors but it may still be useful for surface passivation to prevent the commonly observed changes in conductivity of the IGZO resulting from atmospheric exposure.
Altars to the Unknown God: Poetry’s Religious Impulse

O’Donnell’s essay explores the rich and complex relationship between poetry and religion and demonstrates ways in which poetry in the Western literary tradition engages, interrogates and transcends Judeo–Christian tradition and mythos. O’Donnell’s exploration rests on three premises: poetry is a sacramental activity; the sources of poetry—namely inspiration and imagination—are a mystery; and the role of poetry is not to affirm orthodoxy, but to engage, reinvent and transcend orthodoxy of every kind. O’Donnell concludes with a focus on pedagogy, offering practical strategies to initiate students into the mystery of poetry, to bring them to “the altar of the unknown god” enabling them not just to study poetry, but to experience it.
Rapid prediction of electric fields associated with geomagnetically induced currents in the presence of three‐dimensional ground structure: Projection of remote magnetic observatory data through magnetotelluric impedance tensors

Ground level electric fields arising from geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) are used by the electric power industry to calculate geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in the power grid. Current industry practice is limited to electric fields associated with 1-D ground electrical conductivity structure, yet at any given depth in the crust and mantle lateral (3-D) variations in conductivity can span at least three orders of magnitude, resulting in large deviations in electric fields relative to 1-D models. Solving Maxwell's equations for electric fields associated with GMDs above a 3-D Earth is computationally burdensome and currently impractical for industrial applications. A computationally light algorithm is proposed as an alternative. Real-time data from magnetic observatories are projected through multivariate transfer functions to locations of previously occupied magnetotelluric (MT) stations. MT time series and impedance tensors, such as those publically available from the NSF EarthScope Program, are used to scale the projected magnetic observatory data into local electric field predictions that can then be interpolated onto points along power grid transmission lines to actively improve resilience through GIC modeling. Preliminary electric field predictions are tested against previously recorded time series, idealized transfer function cases, and existing industry methods to assess the validity of the algorithm for potential adoption by the power industry. Some limitations such as long period diurnal drift are addressed, and solutions are suggested to further improve the method before direct comparisons with actual GIC measurements are made.
Effects of Metribuzin Applied Lay-by on Weed Control and Sweetpotato Crop Response

Field studies were conducted at the Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station in Pontotoc, MS in 2015 and 2016 to determine the influence of lay-by metribuzin application on weed control and sweetpotato crop response. With the exception of weedy and hand-weeded checks, all plots received flumioxazin at 107 g ai ha-1 pre-transplanting followed by (fb) clomazone at 1,120 g ai ha-1 immediately after transplanting. Lay-by treatments consisted of S-metolachlor (800 g ai ha-1), metribuzin (210 or 315 g ai ha-1), metribuzin (210 g ha-1) plus napropamide (1,120 g ai ha-1), and metribuzin (210 g ha-1) plus S-metolachlor (800 g ha-1). At 4 weeks after transplanting, sweetpotato crop injury was 3 to 15%, but was transient and not evident after 6 (2015) to 8 weeks after transplanting (2016). Season-long weed control was excellent (≥98%) for all herbicide treatments used in the study. Hand-weeded check plots yielded 4,600; 18,350; 28,770; and 1,520 kg ha-1 of jumbo, No. 1, marketable, and cull grades, respect...
Top-Down (Cognitive) Therapies That Treat Trauma

This chapter outlines the current cognitive therapies that are being utilized for the treatment of PTSD as a result of MST in many military- and veteran-affiliated treatment centers. Research of successful outcomes using cognitive modalities is explored, as well as discussion of the under-researched populations for MST treatment. Some research on depression and anxiety related to MST is also discussed.
A dynamic computational network model for the role of nitric oxide and the myogenic response in microvascular flow regulation

Objectives The effect of NO on smooth muscle cell contractility is crucial in regulating vascular tone, blood flow, and O2 delivery. Quantitative predictions for interactions between the NO production rate and the myogenic response for microcirculatory blood vessels are lacking. Methods We developed a computational model of a branching microcirculatory network with four representative classes of resistance vessels to predict the effect of endothelium-derived NO on the microvascular pressure-flow response. Our model links vessel scale biotransport simulations of NO and O2 delivery to a mechanistic model of autoregulation and myogenic tone in a simplified microcirculatory network. Results The model predicts that smooth muscle cell NO bioavailability significantly contributes to resting vascular tone of resistance vessels. Deficiencies in NO seen during hypoxia or ischemia lead to a decreased vessel diameter for all classes at a given intravascular pressure. At the network level, NO deficiencies lead to an increase in pressure drop across the vessels studied, a downward shift in the pressure-flow curve, and a decrease in the effective range of the autoregulatory response. Conclusions Our model predicts the steady state and transient behavior of resistance vessels to perturbations in blood pressure, including effects of NO bioavailability on vascular regulation.
Accelerated MR parameter mapping with a union of local subspaces constraint.

Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) - Improving Health and Arizona Biomedical Research Commission (ABRC) [ADHS14-082996]
Cuidado de enfermería con enfoque de integralidad en salud, aplicado a una escolar hospitalizada

Tras la experiencia de cuidar durante la practica clinica de pregrado, el estudio de caso es la estrategia investigativa que permite comprender en profundidad los aspectos fisicos, emocionales, comunicativos, espirituales y sociales insertos en la dinamica del proceso de enfermeria. Este articulo tiene como objetivo analizar el caso de una escolar hospitalizada, con el fin de identificar los ambitos del ejercicio profesional del enfermero/a que debieran ser abordados para otorgarle cuidados integrales. Ademas, se espera promover la importancia de la utilizacion del proceso de enfermeria y su resguardo legal. El estudio de caso se desarrollo a traves de las cinco etapas que considera el Proceso de enfermeria, destacando la relevancia de una valoracion exhaustiva y comprometida, utilizando como sustento la Teoria de las 14 necesidades de Henderson, para obtener la informacion necesaria y planificar un cuidado con enfoque de integralidad en salud y adaptado a la etapa del desarrollo infantil de la escolar. Luego del analisis del estudio de caso se determino la priorizacion de un problema psicosocial, lo que estimula a la reflexion de la importancia que se otorga a este ambito y nuestra intervencion frente a un nino hospitalizado
Unique thermo-responsivity and tunable optical performance of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel films

Abstract A hybrid materials system to modulate lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and moisture content for thermo-responsivity and optical tunability was strategically developed by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel matrix. The PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films exhibit tunable optical properties and wavelength bandpass selectivity as characterized by PROBE Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Importantly, the micro/nano structures of the PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films were completely different when dried below and above the LCST. Below the LCST, PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films exhibit transparency or semi-transparency due to the uniform bonding of hydrophilic PNIPAm and CNC through hydrogen bonds. Above the LCST, the hydrogel films engage in both hydrophobic PNIPAm and hydrophilic CNC interactions due to changes in PNIPAm conformation which lead to light scattering effects and hence opacity. Furthermore, the incorporation of CNC induces a ∼ 15 °C reduction of the LCST relative to pure PNIPAm hydrogel films.
A Velocity-Field-Based Controller for Assisting Leg Movement During Walking With a Bilateral Hip and Knee Lower Limb Exoskeleton

This paper presents a control approach for an overground lower limb exoskeleton that is intended to provide guidance and assistance to poorly ambulatory individuals during walking without unduly interfering with their ability to maintain balance. The control approach achieves these objectives by emulating a viscous flow field acting on the lower limb joints. The extent to which the control approach achieves the objectives was assessed in experiments, conducted on five healthy subjects, comparing guidance and disturbance characteristics of the velocity-based controller to a potential-field-based controller. Results show that the flow controller provides a combination of lower guidance error and lower disturbance to the user, relative to the potential-field-based controller. The paper also discusses various potentially beneficial characteristics of the flow controller, such as first-order homogeneous behavior, implicitly combined guidance and assistance behaviors, and improved directionality in error correction relative to a potential-field-based controller.
Factors of Carmichael numbers and an even weaker $k$-tuples conjecture

One of the open questions in the study of Carmichael numbers is whether, for a given for which there are infinitely many such Carmichael numbers. In this paper, we improve on our 2016 result by weakening the required conjecture even further.
Charged grain boundary transitions in ionic ceramics for energy applications

Surfaces and interfaces in ionic ceramics play a pivotal role in defining the transport limitations in many of the existing and emerging applications in energy-related systems such as fuel cells, rechargeable batteries, as well as advanced electronics such as those found in semiconducting, ferroelectric, and piezotronic applications. Here, a variational framework has been developed to understand the effects of the intrinsic and extrinsic ionic species and point defects on the structural and electrochemical stability of grain boundaries in polycrystalline ceramics. The theory predicts the conditions for the interfacial electrochemical and structural stability and phase transitions of charged interfaces and quantifies the properties induced by the broad region of electrochemical influence in front of a grain boundary capable of spanning anywhere from a few angtroms to entire grains. We demonstrate the validity of this theory for YxZr1−xO2−x/2, cubic yttria stabilized zirconia. For small crystallographic misorientations, sharp Debye-type interfaces, D(1): $${\mathrm{C}}^{VY}{\mathrm{S}}^{\underline {VY} }$$ , are favored and promote high ionic conductivity in materials in polycrystalline form. For large grain boundary misorientations and large amounts of [Y2O3] substitutions, three Mott–Schottky interfaces, MS(2): $${\mathrm{C}}^{VY\,\underline h e}{\mathrm{S}}^{\underline {VYh} e}$$ , MS(2): $${\mathrm{C}}^{VY\underline h e}{\mathrm{S}}^{e\underline {hVY} }$$ , and MS(2): $${\mathrm{C}}^{VY}{\mathrm{S}}^{\underline h e}$$ are responsible for controlling grain boundary segregation and the observed poor macroscopic ionic transport, in great agreement with the scientific literature.
Muslim Victimization in the Contemporary US: Clarifying the Racialization Thesis

This article draws on in-depth, qualitative interviews with Muslim and non-Muslim Americans in 2016 to specify how Muslim “racialization” is shaped by the racial politics of the United States (US). Anti-Muslim bias is not experienced by religious Muslims as a whole, but by people whose bodies are read to be affiliated with the Islamic religion—often erroneously—because of their perceived racial characteristics. Self-identified black, white, and Hispanic Muslims with no visible markers of their religion do not experience anti-Muslim harassment, while non-Muslim Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs who embody an imagined “Muslim look,” cope with fear and aggression from strangers on a daily basis. These findings are notable for two reasons. First, our respondents demonstrate how racialized religion is mutable: they are active in constructing how Islam is read on their bodies in public. Second, our findings demonstrate how hate crime categorization in the US obscures the role that racism plays in religious victimization. We urge scholars who study anti-Muslim acts to include non-Muslims in their analyses, and advocate for the re-conceptualization of identity-based hate crime categories. Excavating the corporeality of criminal victimization in particular can help to understand the ways in which biases are experienced in the contemporary US.
On the Connection Between Learning Two-Layer Neural Networks and Tensor Decomposition

We establish connections between the problem of learning a two-layer neural network and tensor decomposition. We consider a model with feature vectors x, r hidden units with weights w_i and output y, i.e., y=\sum_{i=1}^r \sigma(w_i^{T} x), with activation functions given by low-degree polynomials. In particular, if \sigma(x) = a_0+a_1x+a_3x^3, we prove that no polynomial-time algorithm can outperform the trivial predictor that assigns to each example the response variable E(y), when d^{3/2}<< r << d^2. Our conclusion holds for a 'natural data distribution', namely standard Gaussian feature vectors x, and output distributed according to a two-layer neural network with random isotropic weights, and under a certain complexity-theoretic assumption on tensor decomposition. Roughly speaking, we assume that no polynomial-time algorithm can substantially outperform current methods for tensor decomposition based on the sum-of-squares hierarchy. We also prove generalizations of this statement for higher degree polynomial activations, and non-random weight vectors. Remarkably, several existing algorithms for learning two-layer networks with rigorous guarantees are based on tensor decomposition. Our results support the idea that this is indeed the core computational difficulty in learning such networks, under the stated generative model for the data. As a side result, we show that under this model learning the network requires accurate learning of its weights, a property that does not hold in a more general setting.
Wellens' Syndrome in a HIV-positive Patient: A Case Report

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk for coronary artery disease, due to accelerated atherosclerosis resulting from chronic inflammation, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the side effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The Wellens’ pattern is an electrocardiographic (ECG) finding that represents critical proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery stenosis that, that when is not promptly treated, can lead to extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction and death. Very few cases of Wellens’ syndrome in HIV positive patients have been reported. We present a case of Wellens’ syndrome in a 38-year-old male with HIV on HAART and hyperlipidemia, as his only traditional cardiovascular risk factor. Recognition of the characteristic biphasic T-waves in V2 and V3 on ECG in the setting of typical angina and elevated troponin levels directed the clinicians to proceed with an emergent cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stent placement in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD). Physicians should recognize Wellens’ syndrome as it indicates critical LAD stenosis requiring intervention. HIV positive patients can present with Wellens’ sign at a younger age, indicating premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in this population.
International Courts and the African Woman Judge: Unveiled Narratives

In recent decades the decisions of supranational courts, such as the International Criminal Court, have attracted widespread attention in the media and by scholars. But who are the judges on intern...
Transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities who experienced foster care: An ecological approach.

Abstract Background Almost 21,000 youth, in the U.S., leave foster care due to "emancipation" each year. Although not well documented for this age group, nearly half of children/youth in foster care receive a disability diagnosis. There is a growing body of literature about the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. However, minimal research exists on the transition experiences of youth in foster care who also have a disability. This study intends to help fill this gap in the literature. Objective The purpose of the study was to uncover challenges during the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities who experienced foster care and elucidate the supports most beneficial in addressing these challenges. Participants and setting All participants reside in the United States pacific northwest. Seven foster care alumni aged 19–23 and five professionals serving the target population participated in the study. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with YDFC and a focus group with professionals to understand the process of the transition to adulthood for YDFC. Our findings generated an ecological model useful for transition planning prior to the youth leaving foster care. Within our model we focus on alterable factors to bring intervention points to light. Results Barriers uncovered included lack of consistent high school graduation requirements, high quality Independent Living Programs, positive relationships and highly skilled professionals; frequent placement changes; and inappropriate disability or mental health diagnosis. Conclusions Recommendations include systems improvements; improved intra- and interagency collaboration; and helping youth build and maintain positive relationships.
Planning for the next generation of proton-decay experiments in the United States

There are now three well-developed proposals for new proton decay detectors to be built in the United States. These are the 1000–5000-ton Soudan 2 tracking calorimeter, the 1400-ton Homestake II liquid scintillator Tracking Spectrometer, and the 2500-ton University of Pennsylvania liquid-scintillator — proportional-drift-cell calorimeter. These proposals were reviewed by the Department of Energy Technical Assessment Panel on Proton Decay in February 1982. I shall describe the Soudan and Pennsylvania proposals, present the latest results from the 31-ton Soudan 1 experiment, and discuss the recommendations of the DOE Panel. Following these recommendations, a one-week workshop, to be held at Argonne in June, will focus on the optimization of techniques for future experiments.
FINITE-AMPLITUDE WAVY FLOW OF THIN FILMS

Recent theoretical studies on finite amplitude wavy flow of thin liquid films on an inclined plane is briefly reviewed. The theory of Krantz and Goren (1) is extended to predict the half peak-to-peak equilibrium amplitude A eq as a function of a single dimensionless group G ≡ {(6/5 Re — cot β) 3 /8/5 Re We } 1/2 ; when G ≪1 and a ≪1 we predict A eq ≃ 1.10 G ; when G ≫ 1 and a ≪ we predict A eq ≃ 0.29. New measurements of equilibrium amplitudes for the flow of viscous oils and earlier measurements of Kapitza and Kapitza [2] for alcohol and water are found to be satisfactorily correlated by the single group G. While the theory predicts the observed trends and even gives accurate values for much of the range of G , it is found to significantly under-predict observed amplitudes for G less than about 0.1.
Covid-19 Wuhan

Coronaviruses are an incredibly diverse family of viruses, found in many animal species, and are commonly encountered in clinical practice during the cold and flu season. We often encounter the common coronaviruses (HKU1, NL63, 229E and OC43) in our surveillance and epidemiological studies in schools, clinics and long-term care settings.
Adults with cystic fibrosis: spiritual coping with lifelong disease

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic life-shortening disease requiring significant coping. Spiritual belief relates to treatment behaviors. Little is known about spirituality’s role in adults diagnose...
The Impact of a Sensory Garden for People with Dementia

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of sensory garden interventions on agitation and quality of life for people with dementia. The sensory garden consisted of plants that stimulated all the senses. Four people diagnosed with dementia residing in assisted living participated in the multiple treatment single-subject design (A1-B-BC-A2) study. Baseline phase A1 lasted two weeks, intervention B and BC were four weeks each, and return to baseline A2 was two weeks, for a total of 12 weeks. Intervention B was an indoor sensory garden, and intervention BC was an approximated outside sensory garden. The Agitated Behavior Mapping Instrument, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, and Dementia Quality of Life-Proxy were used to collect data. Data revealed positive trends following the sensory garden interventions on decreasing agitation and improving quality of life. Intervention B worked best for two participants and intervention BC for the remaining two participants. Applications to recreational therapy practice are provided. Subscribe to TRJ
Cholesterol and mevalonic acid are independent requirements for the in vitro proliferation of human bone marrow granulocyte progenitor cells: studies using ML-236B

ML-236B is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, the key regulatory enzyme in the sequence that catalyzes the conversion of acetate to mevalonic acid in cholesterol biosynthesis. This compound caused marked inhibition of human bone marrow granulocyte progenitor cell (CFU-C) proliferation, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IHD50) being 2.0 X 10(6)M. Inhibition of colony formation was reversed by mevalonic acid but not by cholesterol. ML-236B also inhibited DNA synthesis and acetate incorporation into cholesterol in marrow mononuclear cells (IHD50 = 5.6 x 10(6)M and 3.2 x 10(7)M, respectively). No inhibition of mevalonate incorporation into cholesterol was observed. These results differ from those observed with 25-hydroxycholesterol, another inhibitor of HMG CoA reductase. The latter compound also inhibited CFU-C proliferation and cholesterol biosynthesis from acetate; inhibition of colony formation was reversed by cholesterol but not by mevalonic acid. In addition, 25-hydroxycholesterol inhibited cholesterol synthesis from mevalonic acid precursor. We conclude that: (1) ML-236B is a potent inhibitor of CFU-C proliferation, DNA synthesis, and cholesterol biosynthesis from acetate precursor in marrow mononuclear cells; (2) the effects of ML-236B are completely reversed by mevalonic acid but not by cholesterol, suggesting that mevalonic acid per se or one or more of its nonsterol products are critical for cell growth; (3) the inhibitory effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol on CFU-C proliferation and cholesterol biosynthesis are not solely a result of its inhibition of HMG CoA reductase, but are due in part to inhibition of enzymatic steps distal to mevalonic acid in the sterol synthetic pathway; and (4) mevalonic acid and cholesterol are independent requirements for CFU-C proliferation and differentiation in vitro.
Association Between Congenital Cytomegalovirus and the Prevalence at Birth of Microcephaly in the United States.

Importance Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has received far less clinical and public health attention as a teratogenic infection than the Zika virus epidemic. However, cCMV may be responsible for a large fraction of microcephaly cases in the United States. Objective To evaluate the association between cCMV and the prevalence at birth of microcephaly in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study included pregnant women and their newborns identified in 2 insurance claims databases from the United States: Medicaid Analytic eXtract (January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2013) and IBM Research MarketScan, a database for employer-sponsored private health insurance (January 1, 2011, to September 30, 2015). All pregnancies that resulted in live births in women with full health benefits were included. Analysis began June 2016 and ended May 2020. Exposures Congenital cytomegalovirus infection documented in inpatient or outpatient newborn claims records. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was microcephaly at birth documented in inpatient or outpatient newborn and/or maternal claims records. Cases with chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects were excluded. The association between cCMV and microcephaly was estimated in the pooled cohort using prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs. Results In the pooled cohort of 2 338 580 pregnancies (2 075 410 pregnancies [88.7%] were among women younger than 35 years), 336 infants (0.014%) had a cCMV diagnosis. The prevalence of microcephaly among newborns with and without a cCMV diagnosis was 655 and 2.8 per 10 000 live births, respectively (PR, 232; 95% CI, 154-350). After restricting to CMV-tested newborns (572 [0.024%]) to correct for preferential testing of infants with microcephaly, the PR was 15 (95% CI, 5.2-41). However, this PR is biased if other cCMV-related outcomes (eg, hearing loss) trigger testing because cCMV prevalence in tested infants, with ([46%]) or without microcephaly (22 of 559 [3.9%]), would overestimate that in the source population. Therefore, the prevalence of cCMV in overall infants with microcephaly (22 of 669 [3.2%]) was compared with that from an external unbiased sample of US infants screened at birth (449 of 100 332 [0.45%]) to estimate a PR of 7.4 (95% CI, 4.8-11.5) as a conservative lower bound. Conclusions and Relevance Congenital cytomegalovirus infection increases the prevalence of microcephaly at birth by at least 7-fold. Prevention of CMV infection during pregnancy might substantially reduce the number of newborns with microcephaly and other cCMV-related outcomes in the United States.
A quality improvement project for managing hypocalcemia after pediatric total thyroidectomy.

Objectives Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy (TT) is relatively common. It may result in significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs. Treatment with intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate may also carry significant risks. In pediatrics, management consensus guidelines are lacking. Methods At Phoenix Children's Hospital, a team of pediatric endocrinologists, surgeons and otolaryngologists developed a clinical pathway for patients undergoing TT. It was a Quality Improvement (QI) project with the primary aim of decreasing IV calcium gluconate use from a baseline of 68% to less than 40% over 15 months. Secondary aims included reducing hypocalcemia and length of hospitalization. Interventions included sending weekly pathway reminder emails, starting pre-operative calcium, and pathway implementation into the electronic health record. Results Twenty-seven patients underwent TT over 15 months. IV calcium gluconate use dropped to 48%. Hypocalcemia and length of hospitalization were 96% and 52.7 h (range 21.1-115.7) respectively. Pathway adherence improved after targeted interventions. Eleven (73%) of the 15 patients whose post-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) nadir was below 15 pg/mL required IV calcium gluconate vs. two (17%) out of 12 with levels above this threshold. Conclusions Standardizing care allowed for objective outcome analysis. We learned that post-operative serum PTH level was the main risk factor for requiring IV calcium gluconate. Implementing the pathway as a QI project allows for revisions based on outcomes, ultimately resulting in a pathway that best utilizes our infrastructure to optimize care. Other pediatric institutions may face similar challenges and can potentially learn from our experience.
A missing step is a key step.

Physicists are searching for superconducting materials that can host Majoranas. New evidence for these elusive particles is provided by missing Shapiro steps in a Josephson effect mediated by an accidental Dirac semimetal.
The Role of Primary Dealers in Federal Reserve Efforts to Change the Money Supply

This chapter examines whether using investment banks, brokerages, and foreign banks reduces the effectiveness of accommodative monetary policy (compared to using only U.S. commercial and savings banks) and concludes it does. Test results showing this are presented.
From Line-Item to Performance Budgeting

Public budgets tend to be organized according to the activities and purposes governments want to identify and control. They may be organized according to agencies and divisions within agencies, by government programs, or by a combination of both. They may emphasize goods and services purchased (objects-of-expenditure), volume of work performed (workload), the efficiency with which work is conducted (productivity) or the impact and effectiveness of the work (performance). Sometimes concepts like inputs, outputs and outcomes are used to describe objects-of-expenditure, productivity and performance.
Alcohol-involved overdose deaths in US Veterans

Abstract Background Alcohol-involved overdose deaths are increasing and often occur with other substances but have been minimally studied compared to other causes of overdose. Methods We used national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) records linked to National Death Index data from 2012-2018 to examine trends in alcohol-related overdose mortality. Patient characteristics and treatment receipt were compared across categories of alcohol overdose deaths (alcohol-only, alcohol+opioids which may include additional substances, and alcohol+other substances without opioids). Results From 2012-2018, 2,421 Veterans died from an alcohol-involved overdose (alcohol-only: 868, alcohol+opioids: 1,269, alcohol+other substances: 284). The alcohol-involved overdose rate increased 57% during this period. Compared to those who died of an alcohol-only overdose, Veterans who died from alcohol+opioids and alcohol+other substances were more likely Black or Hispanic, and to have an opioid use disorder, but less likely to live in rural areas or to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Only 32.5% of those who died from alcohol-involved overdose received treatment in a substance use disorder clinic in the year preceding death, compared to 65.1% seen in mental health and 85.7% in primary care. Only 9.5% of Veterans who died from alcohol overdose received medication treatment for AUD and 24.8% received psychotherapy for AUD in the year preceding death. Conclusions Alcohol overdose is increasing primarily related to overdoses involving opioids and other substances. Most patients did not receive any effective medication or psychotherapy treatments for AUD, suggesting further need to identify those at risk and to target treatment for this vulnerable group in healthcare settings.
Case Report: Clinical Features of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in the Neonatal Period

Objective: The aim of this single center retrospective study was to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment options, and course of neonatal-onset congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS). Methods: We included all patients with CPSS who presented with clinical symptoms within the neonatal period in our institution between 2015 and 2020. Results: Sixteen patients were identified, including thirteen patients with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS) and three patients with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EPSS). Median age of diagnosis was 16 days (range prenatal 24 weeks – 12 months). Hyperammonemia (60%), neonatal cholestasis (44%), elevated liver enzyme (40%), hypoglycemia (40%), thrombocytopenia (38%) and coagulation abnormalities (23%) appeared in neonatal CPSS. Twelve patients (75%) presented with congenital anomalies, of which congenital heart disease (CHD) (44%) was the most common. Thirteen patients with IPSS initially underwent conservative treatment, but two of them were recommended for the catheter interventional therapy and liver transplantation, respectively, due to progressive deterioration of liver function. Spontaneous closure occurred in nine patients with IPSS. The shunt was closed using transcatheter embolization in one patient with EPSS type II. Another patient with EPSS type II underwent surgical treatment of CHD firstly. The remaining patient with EPSS type Ib received medical therapy and refused liver transplantation. Conclusion: Hyperammonemia, neonatal cholestasis, elevated liver enzyme, hypoglycemia and thrombocytopenia are the main complications of neonatal CPSS. And CPSS is associated with multiple congenital abnormalities, especially CHD. IPSS may close spontaneously, and conservative treatment can be taken first. EPSS should be closure to prevent complications.
Chapter 7. Mouse models of ischemic angiogenesis and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract Ischemia and ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) events are distinct but interrelated processes etiologic to the most prevalent human diseases. A delicate balance exists whereby ischemic injury can result in beneficial angiogenesis or in detrimental reperfusion injury overwhelming the organism. Here, we describe in vivo models of ischemia and ischemia‐reperfusion injury with emphasis on murine hindlimb ischemia models. We also provide a brief introduction to murine myocardial ischemia experiments. Each model is described in the context of human disease. Emphasis is made on the strengths and weaknesses of the available techniques, particularly as it relates to data analysis, interpretation, and translational relevance.
Anti-tarnishing evaluations of silver solid solution phase with indium

Pure silver or sterling silver can be tarnished under ordinary atmospheric conditions after a long period of time, or can be easily tarnished under severe environment with high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, sulfur gas, or sulfur dioxide. In electronic packaging, the epoxy molding compounds are gas permeable so that those corrosive gases could penetrate into plastic encapsulation. Therefore, silver-based interconnections will not be widely accepted if the issue of silver tarnishing cannot be addressed properly. In this paper, the authors present an alternative method to reduce the chemical reaction rate between silver and sulfur element containing gases by introducing silver solid solution phase with indium. A brief summary of preparation of the homogeneous silver solid solution phase with indium will be illustrated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) results are shown in the paper to verify the chemical composition of silver solid solution phase with indium samples. In the following sections, both qualitative and quantitative experimental results of the chemical reactions between silver solid solution phase with indium samples and corrosive gases will be demonstrated and discussed with pure silver samples in comparison. According to experimental results of the anti-tarnishing evaluations, the reaction rate between silver and corrosive gases can be largely reduced without changing the appearance and color of the surface of silver samples. Finally, the impacts and implications of this research result to electronic packaging industry will be illuminated.
Moving Beyond Cleanup: Identifying the Crucibles of Environmental Gentrification

This paper reviews the distributional impacts associated with environmental gentrification following the cleanup and reuse of LULUs. By making a neighborhood more attractive, cleanup and reuse of LULUs may drive up local real estate prices. Renters in the neighborhood would have to pay higher rents. Moreover, existing residents may not value the removal of the disamenity as much as other households, creating a mismatch between their priorities and the new character of the neighborhood. Thus, even if they do not move, existing residents, especially renters, may be harmed by the gentrification effects of cleanup. We find that even a simple economic model does not yield clear predictions on neighborhood effects following cleanup, except for the initial effect of rising housing values. In the empirical literature, we actually find conflicting evidence of rising real estate prices following cleanup of LULUs. We find somewhat stronger evidence for increased housing density and increasing incomes, but no evidence for racial impacts. Our review also uncovers a variety of factors that are likely to minimize the likelihood of gentrification or temper its adverse consequences.
Replication and Recombination of Gene 59 Mutant of Bacteriophage T4D

After infection of Escherichia coli B with phage T4D carrying an amber mutation in gene 59, recombination between two rII markers is reduced two- to three-fold. This level of recombination deficiency persists even when burst size similar to wild type is induced by the suppression of the mutant DNA-arrest phenotype. In the background of two other DNA-arrest mutants in genes 46 and 47, a 10- to 11-fold reduction in recombination is observed. The cumulative effect of gene 59 mutation on gene 46-47 mutant suggests that complicated interactions must occur in the production of genetic recombinants. The DNA-arrest phenotype of gene 59 mutant can be suppressed by inhibiting the synthesis of late phage proteins. Under these conditions, DNA replicative intermediates similar to those associated with wild-type infection are induced. Synthesis of late phage proteins, however, results in the degradation of mutant 200S replicative intermediate into molecules are associated with membrane, they do not replicate. These results suggest a role for gene 59 product, in addition to a possible requirement of concatemeric DNA in late replication of phage T4 DNA.
Deadly Force by Law Enforcement Officers

It is a necessary conversation, though not necessarily an easy one. The use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, in the course of their duties, has captured both national and local attention. It is an issue implicating a diverse set of concerns ranging from disproportionate targeting of minority populations, racial inequality, police tactics, training, militarization, criminal conduct, officer safety, and the inherent danger of policing.
Rheology at High Pressures and High Temperatures

We review recent progress in studying deformation at simultaneous high pressure and high temperature using in-situ diffraction and imaging in the large volume press (LVP). Current state-of-the-art deformation devices and diffraction and imaging techniques are introduced, along with theoretical background for stress measurements based on diffraction. Examples are given to illustrate the kind of information that can be extracted using these techniques. Future prospects are discussed.
Interventions to prevent and manage overweight or obesity in preschool children: A systematic review

Abstract Objectives The preschool period is a pivotal time for lifestyle interventions to begin the establishment of long-term physical activity and healthy eating habits. This systematic review sought to (a) examine the effects of prevention and management interventions on overweight/obesity among children aged 2–5 years, and (b) explore factors that may influence intervention effects. Design A systematic review of randomized controlled studies was conducted. Data sources Six databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Cochrane library, were searched for relevant studies. Review methods Data were extracted and checked by two reviewers. Each study was appraised based on 4 quality indicators adapted from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A narrative summary technique was used to describe the review findings. Results Thirty-seven articles describing 32 randomized controlled trials and 29 unique interventions were retained. Eight of 23 prevention and 4 of 6 management interventions resulted in significant weight loss, with 3 prevention and 5 management interventions showing sustained effects over 6 to 24 months. Of the 12 efficacious interventions, 10 included physical activity and nutrition components, 9 actively involved parents, and only 4 were theory-based. Interactive education was the most common strategy used for parents in prevention interventions, compared to behavioral therapy techniques in management interventions. For children, interactive education and hands-on experiences involving physical activity and healthy eating were equally used. Conclusions Management interventions showed greater effects in weight loss compared to prevention interventions. Future prevention interventions in preschool children should target both parents and children, and focus on physical activity and nutrition through interactive education and hands-on experiences, although intervention effects were less than optimal. Management interventions should focus on parents as the "agents of change" for physical activity and nutrition while integrating behavioral therapy techniques and interactive education.