cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary and systemic blood flow contributions to upper airways in canine lung.

The blood flow contributions and drainage patterns of the pulmonary and systemic circulations in the upper airways (trachea and main bronchi) were assessed in anesthetized dogs by injecting 15-micron radiolabeled microspheres into the right and left heart, respectively. After the animals were killed, the tracheal cartilage, tracheal muscle-mucosa, and main bronchi were excised. The tracheal cartilage and tracheal muscle-mucosa were divided into lower, middle, and upper segments for blood flow determinations. The pulmonary contribution to tracheal blood flow was very small, averaging only 0.6 +/- 0.3 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (means +/- SE), being higher in the lower segments. The systemic contribution to these same tracheal regions was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher, averaging 20.9 +/- 5.5 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (means +/- SE) and higher in the upper segments. The pulmonary and systemic circulations each contributed approximately 50% to the main bronchi blood flow, which averaged 11.2 +/- 4.2 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (means +/- SE). The pulmonary blood flow contribution alone to the trachea and main bronchi was also determined in subsequent experiments that utilized the isolated lung, and these blood flows were not significantly different from the pulmonary contribution measured in the intact lungs. The present results indicate that the systemic (bronchial) circulation is the primary source of tracheal blood flow and that both the pulmonary and systemic circulations may contribute approximately 50% of the blood flow to the main bronchi in dog lungs.
Carcinosarcoma of the Liver: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

No more than 11 cases of carcinosarcoma of the liver have been reported in the past 40 years that fulfill the definition of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with differentiated sarcomatous elements. Most cases consist of hepatocellular carcinoma with 1 to 2 heterologous elements. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with liver carcinosarcoma consisting of 3 carcinomatous components and 4 sarcomatous components. Hepatocellular carcinoma, fibrolamellar type, was accompanied by neuroendocrine carcinoma (neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin positive) and adenocarcinoma (cytokeratin 7 and 20 positive). The sarcomatous elements consisted of poorly differentiated spindle cell neoplasm (vimentin positive), leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle actin positive), rhabdomyosarcoma (desmin positive), and osteosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of liver carcinosarcoma with this many differentiated heterologous features. There are differing views on the pathogenesis of this tumor. Findings in this case support the view that metaplasia of carcinomatous cells gives rise to the sarcomatous elements.
American Indian Policy in Committee: Structure, Party, Ideology, and Salience

This research explores the motivations for action on American Indian policy in the committees and subcommittees of both chambers of the U.S. Congress from 1947 to 1998. The goal is to discover which attributes lead committees to report American Indian bills to the full chamber. In order to achieve this goal, I first examine the reigning theories of committee action. Legislative scholars have long recognized that committee motivations are different than those of their parent chambers (Fenno 1973, Deering and Smith 1997). Moreover, varying principals create differences between committees as well (Rohde 1995, Maltzman and Smith 1995). The traditional emphasis on constituency and parent chamber demands, however, leaves committee behavior inadequately explained in American Indian policy—a field where constituency interest remains uniform and small and the parent chambers voice few demands, yet the amount and nature of legislative attention varies greatly. After taking a closer look at the committees which have held jurisdiction over matters relating to American Indians, and from a comparison with the general theories, I develop a set of hypotheses to explain the actions of Indian affairs committees. I argue that salience, party, institutional structure, and ideology play a more significant role in the development of American Indian policy at the committee level than most general theories of committee action would lead us to expect. I use regression analysis to provide empirical tests of these hypotheses and draw some tentative conclusions regarding the relationship between major and minor policy at the committee level. These conclusions contribute to congressional scholarship by offering explanations for committee behavior in a minor policy arena. In addition, they offer the field of American Indian policy a working model of legislative decision making for future exploration and refinement.
Could US Stocks Be Fairly-Valued under the 'New Normal' Paradigm?

Investors have expressed concern over US stocks' persistent high valuations relative to fundamentals, and the accompanying forecasts of below-average stock returns. This issue is important, as both consumer and business spending is thought to rise and fall with the value of stocks. In this paper I show that perceptions that high valuations and low returns are unusual or abnormal are based on an efficient markets-type of paradigm. When viewed through an alternative framework that allows for more of an adaptive or evolutionary expectations-setting process, and, in particular, economic agents' tendency to overweight recent events, US stocks do not appear nearly as overvalued, and may indeed be priced for the lower expected return equilibrium described by Gross (2009) and El-Erian's (2009) "New Normal" paradigm.
The great American biotic interchange and diversification history in Dynastes beetles (Scarabaeidae; Dynastinae)

Biotic interchange between geographic regions can promote rapid diversification. However, what are the important factors that determine the rate of diversification (e.g., trait-dependent diversification) vary between study systems. The evolutionary history of Dynastes beetles, which can be found in both North and South Americas and exhibit two different altitudinal preferences (highland and lowland) is tested for the effects of biotic interchange between continents and different ecological preferences on the rate of species diversification. Additionally, the hypotheses of geological time-dependent and lineage specific diversification rates are also tested. Results from this study indicate that in Dynastes beetles a pre-landbridge dispersal hypothesis from South to North America is preferred and that the speciation rates estimated using BAMM are similar between lineages of different geographic origins and different altitudinal preferences (i.e., diversification rate is not trait-dependent). On the other hand, my result from marcoevolutionary cohort analysis based on BAMM outputs suggests that the rate of speciation in Dynastes beetles is, instead of trait-dependent (geographic and ecological), lineage specific. Furthermore, a steadily increasing speciation rate can be found in Pliocene and Pleistocene, which implies that geological and climatic events, i.e., colonizing North America, habitat reformation in the Amazonia, and forest contraction in Pleistocene, may have together shaped the current biodiversity pattern in Dynastes beetles.
O-024 A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischaemic Stroke in the Stent-Retriever ERA

Background and purpose Early Reperfusion is critical for favourable outcomes in ischaemic stroke (AIS). Stent-Retrievers lead to faster and more complete reperfusion than previous technologies. Our aim is to compare the cost-effectiveness of Stent-Retrievers (the Solitaire™ FR device and the Trevo™ Pro Retrieval System) to the previous mechanical thrombectomy devices. Methods Retrospective review of a prospective collected database of endovascularly treated large vessel AIS in a large academic centre. Data from all consecutive patients who underwent treatment with Merci, Penumbra, intracranial stenting, or Stent-Retrievers from January 2012 through November 2012 were analysed. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, baseline NIHSS, and co-morbidities were analysed. The primary outcomes measures was the total procedural cost (using device list price). Other outcome measures included the rates of successful near-complete or complete recanalisation (TICI 2b-3) and good outcomes (90-day mRS 0–2) as well as the length of stay at the hospital, and the critical care unit. Univariate analysis was performed to identify any differences between the Stent-Retriever (SR) and the Non Stent-Retriever (NSR) groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to define factors associated with a “high cost procedure” (defined as a cost above the median procedural cost for the overall cohort). Results After excluding the patients that underwent concomitant extra-cranial stenting (n=22) or received Intra-Arterial t-PA only (n=6), the entire cohort included 150 patients. There were no significant differences in terms of baseline characteristics between the SR group (n= 85) and the NSR group (n=65). The total cost of the reperfusion procedure was significantly higher in the SR group compared to the NSR ($13,419 vs $9,308, p Conclusion The procedural costs of mechanical thrombectomy for AIS are increasing and account for the bulk of hospitalisation reimbursement. The impact of these expenditures in the long-term sustainability of stroke centres deserves greater consideration. While is likely that the SR technology results in higher rates of optimal reperfusion, better clinical outcomes, and shorter lengths of stay, larger studies are needed to prove its cost-effectiveness. Disclosures T. Kass-Hout: None. O. Kass-Hout: None. C. Sun: None. R. Gupta: None. R. Nogueira: None.
Adeno-Associated Virus Mediates Long-Term Gene Transfer and Delivery of Chondroprotective IL-4 to Murine Synovium

Abstract Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies are often ineffective at preventing joint destruction. Long-term genetic modification of the cells lining the joint space (synoviocytes) in vivo represents a potential method for the treatment of these chronic conditions. However, a vector capable of efficiently transducing synoviocytes in vivo for a persistent period has not been available. The present report describes the genetic modification of synoviocytes in vivo using recombinant adeno-associated virus. High-titer adeno-associated virus encoding the gene for Escherichia coli β-galactosidase was injected into the knee joints of mice. Synovial tissues were then examined for β-galactosidase transgene expression by in situ staining and by fluorometry. High-efficiency, persistent transgene expression was observed in the synovium with no evidence of vector-induced inflammation. Expression was observed for at least 7 months and was higher in arthritic than nonarthritic mice. Gene transfer of murine IL-4 to the joints of mice with collagen-induced arthritis led to detectable levels of IL-4 in the joint and protection from articular cartilage destruction. These data suggest that adeno-associated virus may be a useful vector for gene delivery to the synovium for the treatment of inflammatory arthropathies.
Nonlinear dynamical systems for theory and research in ergonomics

Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) theory offers new constructs, methods and explanations for phenomena that have in turn produced new paradigms of thinking within several disciplines of the behavioural sciences. This article explores the recent developments of NDS as a paradigm in ergonomics. The exposition includes its basic axioms, the primary constructs from elementary dynamics and so-called complexity theory, an overview of its methods, and growing areas of application within ergonomics. The applications considered here include: psychophysics, iconic displays, control theory, cognitive workload and fatigue, occupational accidents, resilience of systems, team coordination and synchronisation in systems. Although these applications make use of different subsets of NDS constructs, several of them share the general principles of the complex adaptive system. Practitioner Summary: Nonlinear dynamical systems theory reframes problems in ergonomics that involve complex systems as they change over time. The leading applications to date include psychophysics, control theory, cognitive workload and fatigue, biomechanics, occupational accidents, resilience of systems, team coordination and synchronisation of system components.
Research Status and Prospect of Gas-insulated Metal Enclosed Transmission Line

Gas insulated metal enclosed transmission line(GIL) is widely applied in high-power, long-distance transmission system thanks to its larger capacitance, lower transmission losses, and greater safety and environmental friendliness in comparison with traditional overhead transmission lines and cables. We reviewed GIL development's history, introduced its features, typical application situations and development status in and outside China, summarized key GIL technologies, and analyzed its development prospect from both manufacture and application perspectives. It is revealed that, with four decades of development, AC GILs have achieved comparatively mature manufacturing techniques, better structure design, more diversified installment, and greater reliability in real operation, whereas DC GILs have lagged relatively behind due to inadequate knowledge on the effect of surface charge accumulation on insulation performance as well as higher manufacturing costs. With the overall development of power industry and advancement of science and technology, future GIL studies are expected to make influencing breakthroughs in key technologies covering insulation surface charge, insulation optimization, alternative gas, as well as low-cost manufacturing. Wider application of GIL apparatus should provide necessary technical backstopping in safeguarding the operation of a clean, safe, self-recovery, economic and interactive smart grid in China.
Automatic Detection of Endotracheal Intubation During the Anesthesia Procedure

This paper is concerned with the mathematical modeling and detection of endotracheal (ET) intubation in children under general anesthesia during surgery. In major pediatric surgeries, the airway is often secured with an endotracheal tube (ETT) followed by initiation of mechanical ventilation. Clinicians utilize auscultation of breath sounds and capnography to verify correct ETT placement. However, anesthesia providers often delay timely charting of ET intubation. This latency in event documentation results in decreased efficacy of clinical decision support systems. In order to target this problem, we collected real inpatient data and designed an algorithm to accurately detect the intubation time within the clinically valid range; the results show that we are able to achieve high accuracy in more than 96% of the cases. Automatic detection of ET intubation time would thus enhance better real-time data capture to support future improvement in clinical decision support systems.
The Impact of Deep UV Lithography on Device Fabrication

At present the critical lithographic for advanced Silicon devices with design rules down to 0.35 micron, is performed predominantly with i-line wafer steppers operating at a wavelength of 365 nm. In the friture wafer steppers will remain the equipment of choice for production lithography but the operating wavelength will change to the Deep UV at 248 nm, when design rules move to 0.3 micron and below. The shorter Deep UV wavelength will provide the higher depth of focus needed for a practical process window. It is expected that Deep UV will be applied first by manufacturers of microprocessors and other random logic devices. The Memory producers have more possibilities to extend the life of i-line lithography down to 0.3 micron, by using phase shifting masks and off-axis illumination, because these methods lend themselves better to repetitive geometries. In this paper the new technical properties of the Deep UV wafer steppers will be discussed, including the impact for use in production and the cost effects. Both factors will influence the speed of introduction in the fab area.
Communication Skill Development: An Antecedent to Leadership Effectiveness

Diatoms of research articles throughout different settings and industries disaggregate diverse communication behaviors reflect the positive associativity with leadership. The reflection of Lincoln’s communication skills sets affirmed that the principles of the communication are timeless to building relationships and influencing other. The focus of the paper was to outline communication behaviors of Abraham Lincoln and determine if the principles of communication were still relevant to modern day application.
A new approach for recycling waste rubber products in Li–S batteries

Vulcanized rubber products contain polymer backbones crosslinked with sulfur to improve mechanical strength. Burning of waste rubber products emits toxic gases, and recycling of rubber by breaking the C–S bond with costly reagents and heat is also haunted by environmental concerns. The crosslinked polymers can be extracted chemically at room temperature and, by a simple solution-drop method, used to prepare a bifunctional cathode layer on the cathode current collector of a Li–S battery. The C–S bond of the crosslinking sulfur can be broken reversibly in a discharge/recharge cycle to provide a sulfur source, and the broken carbon bond can capture a lithium polysulfide soluble in a liquid organic electrolyte by forming a C–Li–S bond during discharge. During charge, the Li is extracted and the C–S bond is reformed. However, added sulfur powder is also needed in the cathode of a Li–S battery. The data also provide a low-cost way to recycle waste rubber electrochemically.
Coping styles and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer

e20521 Background: The psychological outcomes of men with advanced cancer may vary based upon their appraisal and response to the threat of cancer. Coping styles in other illnesses are influenced b...
Hippocampal atrophy and altered brain responses to pleasant tastes among obese compared with healthy weight children.

Hippocampal atrophy and altered brain responses to pleasant tastes among obese compared with healthy weight children
Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for Early Mortality After Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases: a Single Institutional Retrospective Review

BACKGROUND Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used commonly for patients with brain metastases (BM) to improve intracranial disease control. However, survival of these patients is often dictated by their systemic disease course. The value of SRS becomes less clear in patients with anticipated short survival. OBJECTIVE To evaluate prognostic factors, which may predict early death (within 90 d) after SRS. METHODS A total of 1427 patients with BM were treated with SRS at our institution (2000-2012). There were 1385 cases included in this study; 1057 patients underwent upfront SRS and 328 underwent salvage SRS. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality within 90 d after first SRS. Multivariate analyses were performed to develop prognostic indices. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-six patients (19%, 95% confidence interval 17%-21%) died within 90 d after SRS. Multivariate analysis of upfront SRS patients showed that Karnofsky Performance Status, primary tumor type, extracranial metastases, age at SRS, boost treatment, total tumor volume, prior surgery, and interval from primary to BM were independent prognostic factors for 90-d mortality. The first 4 factors were also independent predictors in patients treated with salvage SRS. Based on these factors, an index was defined for each group that categorized patients into 3 and 2 prognostic groups, respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 5% to 7% in the most favorable cohort and 36% to 39% in the least favorable. CONCLUSION Indices based on readily available patient, clinical, and treatment factors that are highly predictive of early death in patients treated with upfront or salvage SRS can be calculated and used to define well-separated prognostic groups.
Cyber-attack detection and accommodation algorithm for energy delivery systems

Cyber-attack accommodation in a cyber-physical system is to ensure system operation, integrity and availability while maintaining a reasonable operational performance under attack. In this paper, we present a novel cyber-attack accommodation algorithm by estimating the true operational states of the system with new boundary & performance constrained resilient estimators while the system is continuously operating and is under attack. Our approach is based on combining data driven machine learning and physics based domain knowledge with traditional resilient estimation. The results were evaluated using a high fidelity model-based simulation environment.
Surfaces Limit Carrier Lifetimes in Lead Halide Perovskite Films

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites are attracting intense research effort due to their impressive performance in solar cells. Carrier recombination at defects is detrimental to the device performance. While the bulk carrier parameters in the perovskites such as mobility and bulk carrier lifetime show sufficient characteristics, the surface carrier dynamics has not been studied. If not properly managed, surfaces can be a major source of carrier recombination. Separating surface carrier dynamics from bulk and/or grain-boundary recombination in thin films is challenging. Here, we use transient reflection spectroscopy to investigate the surface carrier dynamics in both methylammonium lead halide perovskite single crystals and polycrystalline films.1–2 We find that surface recombination limits the total carrier lifetime in perovskite polycrystalline thin films, meaning that recombination inside grains and/or at grain boundaries is less important than top and bottom surface recombination. The surface recombination velocity in polycrystalline films is nearly an order of magnitude smaller than that in single crystals, possibly due to unintended surface passivation of the films during synthesis.
Noise-induced perilymph fistula

Perilymph fistulae are difficult to diagnose because they present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms, they are associated with many etiologies, and they often mimic other conditions. In this article, we describe a case of perilymph fistula that featured one of its more rare causes: acoustic trauma--specifically, damage from a loud blast from the siren of a fire engine. We also review the literature and discuss the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment and the possible mechanisms by which acoustic trauma and other etiologies cause perilymph fistulae.
Health Beliefs and Medication Adherence in Black Patients with Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives To evaluate determinants of medication adherence and glycemic control in black patients with diabetes and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Cross-sectional study of 143 participants with mean age of 68.8 (SD: 6.7) years; 66.4% were women. Results Eighty-seven participants (60.8%) self-reported medication nonadherence; they had more negative beliefs about medicines, greater diabetes-related distress, and more difficulty with daily living activities and affording medications than adherent participants. There were no group differences in cognition, depressive symptoms, or glycemic control. Glycemic control negatively correlated with regimen distress, emotional burden, interpersonal distress, beliefs that physicians overprescribe medications, and beliefs that medications are harmful. Conclusions Beliefs about medications, diabetes-related distress, functional disability, and medication affordability are associated with medication nonadherence in black individuals with diabetes and MCI. Interventions that respect personal health beliefs and compensate for impaired cognition may improve medication adherence and glycemic control in this population.
Early adipogenesis contributes to excess fat accumulation in cave populations of Astyanax mexicanus.

Abstract Cavefish populations of Astyanax mexicanus have increased body fat compared to surface fish populations of the same species when fed ad libitum in the laboratory. We have previously shown that some cavefish populations display hyperphagia (elevated appetite) to increase food consumption, fat deposition and starvation resistance. However, not all cavefish populations display hyperphagia, yet all previously tested cavefish display elevated body fat levels. Here we have extended this analysis by focusing on visceral fat acquisition in three independently derived cavefish populations. We show that cavefish from two independently derived cavefish populations (Pachon and Tinaja) display increased amounts of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) due to hypertrophy of visceral adipocytes while Molino cavefish display hypertrophy but only slightly elevated VAT levels compared to surface fish. Furthermore, we show that Pachon and Tinaja cavefish develop increased VAT even when food intake is matched to surface fish, suggesting appetite independent mechanisms. We show that in the Pachon population, the differences in the visceral fat in adults correlates with changes in the timing of visceral development, making a developmental contribution likely. Visceral fat development in surface fish starts between 10 and 11 dpf, while in Pachon cavefish, visceral fat cells become visible as early as 8 dpf and develop significantly higher amounts of lipid droplets before surface fish start visceral fat accumulation. We further show that this developmental difference is unique to the Pachon cavefish population, while the Tinaja cavefish population - which displays hyperphagia - starts to develop visceral fat similar to surface fish. We suggest the differences in early adipogenesis in the Pachon population as an additional strategy of increased fat gain in cavefish to adapt to food scarcity.
Rotor Dynamic Analysis Using ANSYS

The computer based codes for rotor dynamics evolved from tabular method, transfer matrix method and to finite element method. Recent trends in rotor dynamics analysis indicate a shift from beam to solid and shell models, which enable the classical finite element approach to be used in the design process. The application of the finite element method is a useful and important tool when the classic theory is difficult to use or apply.The ANSYS finite element programs are used extensively in many disciplines of engineering to solve variety of problems. Over the years, ANSYS mechanical program’s dynamics capabilities have evolved according to the emerging analysis needs, maturity of analysis methods and increasing computing power. The program’s rotor dynamic analysis technology has developed at a rapid pace to meet the requirements of Industry. This paper is devoted to discuss the various features available in ANSYS mechanical program to study the dynamic characteristics of rotors and their supporting systems.
Gonadal Hormones, Diseases, and Emerging Therapeutics

Gonadal steroids play a critical role in bone metabolism throughout life. Not only are they essential for normal bone mass accrual and development during adolescence, but they also are critical in the maintenance of bone health through adult and senior life. In this chapter, discussion of normal gonadal hormone synthesis will be reviewed, and commonly encountered disease states and therapies will be considered for both men and women. We will initiate the discussion with disorders that occur at the level of the target organs, the testes and ovaries, and then consider defects of the pituitary and hypothalamus. Discussion will focus on common disorders of primary and secondary hypogonadism in men and women, including their diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for treatment of these diseases.
9.9 Catalyst Recovery and Recycle: Metal Removal Techniques

This two part chapter first focuses on the use of heterogeneous or immobilized catalysts and their ability to be recovered and recycled. The advantages and drawbacks of immobilized catalysts are described with an emphasis on their potential benefits and the issues that need to be taken into consideration for their implementation in the pharmaceutical industry. An overview of the various types of immobilized catalysts is presented including supported and biphasic systems.
Perspectives on the Molecular Microworld

By the time that the present millennium expires at the end of the year 2000, quantum theory will have been with us for some 75 years. From the moment of its inception, quantum theory provoked an immense furor and throughout its entire existence has continued to exert a highly disruptive influence on science as a whole. Quantum theory may truly be said to be the enfant terrible of science! What is it about this theory that causes so much heat to be generated? Broadly speaking, it is the friction between the ideas of quantum theory and more traditional views of our world that have evolved over the past three centuries in particular. Quantum theory calls upon us to abandon several of the most cherished concepts of classical physics and to start thinking in strange and unaccustomed ways. To begin with, we are required to relinquish any notion that the entities constituting the microworld of atoms and molecules behave like classical particles. Exactly what these entities are is unknown at the present time. Many workers have suggested that such entities can no longer be viewed as substantive particles, even though they possess a rest mass. They are to be characterized solely in terms of wave functions that describe the vibrations of supposedly empty space. But the wave functions employed are in general complex, i.e., they include the square root of minus one, which means that to obtain anything approaching solidity from them we have to take the square of the amplitude of the modulus of the wave function.
Investigations on the Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial Neurosecretory System of the Grass Frog (Rana pipiens) after Transection of the Proximal Neurohypophysis. III. Ultrastructure and Hormone Content of the Distal Stump

Various structural and physiological changes are known to occur in the proximal as well as in the distal stumps of transected axons in the central and peripheral nervous system (Hild, 1951; Christ, 1962; Etkin, 1962; Kreutzberg, 1963; Lubinska, 1964; Schlote, 1964, 1966a, b; Christ and Nemetscheck-Gansler, 1965; Blumcke, Niedorf and Rode, 1966; Dellmann and Dale, 1966; Dellmann, Dale, Eldridge and Owsley, 1967; Iturizza and Restelli, 1967; and others). In the distal stump of interrupted neurosecretory axons Hild (1951), Christ (1962), Etkin (1962), Dellmann and Dale (1966), Iturriza and Restelli (1967), and Dellmann and Owsley (1968) observed an increased amount of chromalum-hematoxylin-phloxin positive (CHP +) and/or paraldehyde-fuchsin-positive (PAF +) substance in the first few days following the lesion; based upon this particular staining affinity it was generally assumed that this substance represented neurosecretory material.
Ambulatory Tubeless Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using Moses Technology and Dusting Technique

Abstract Objective To demonstrate the use of the Moses technology for holmium laser lithotripsy in conjunction with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to treat a lower pole stone. The Moses technology is a pulse modulation method that can reduce stone retropulsion, which may have advantages when used during mini-PCNL. Methods A 63-year-old patient with a left-sided 1.5 cm lower pole stone (1300 Hounsfield Unit) underwent mini-PCNL using a 120W holmium laser (MosesP120, Lumenis). Moses has 2 modes—“Contact” and “Distance”—optimized for operation at 0-1 and 2-3 mm from the stone surface, respectively. Percutaneous access was obtained into the lower pole while the patient was in prone position. Using the medium (17.5F) mini-PCNL set (Karl Storz), the stone was fragmented using dusting settings with a 230 µm Moses fiber (0.3 J × 20-30 Hz; Moses Contact and Distance modes). Results The video demonstrates the capabilities of treating a lower pole stone with a dusting technique using Moses modes. Dusting, to decrease the stone size so that it can fit within the sheath, in combination with fragment expulsion with the Venturi effect, as well as extraction with graspers/baskets resulted in complete stone removal. Following placement of an antegrade ureteral stent (tubeless technique) and sealing of the tract with FloSeal, the patient was discharged from the recovery unit. There were no adverse events. The stent was removed after 7 days, and follow-up KUB at 2 weeks showed no residual fragment. Conclusion Due to the miniaturization of equipment, the holmium laser serves as an ideal energy source for fragmentation. In our early experience, the Moses technology with mini-PCNL allows a combination of dusting and stone extraction. As mini-PCNL offers smaller tract dilatation, for lower pole stones it can be performed in an ambulatory setting and is an alternative to ureteroscopy or shockwave lithotripsy with the potential for complete stone clearance.
The Use of Blended Data to Improve Public Assistance Programs: Results from a Partnership between the U.S. Census Bureau, USDA, and State Program Agencies

The Census Bureau is partnering with state public assistance agencies to acquire program participation data and estimate new statistics that deepen a state’s understanding of program participants and improve outreach efforts to those who are eligible but do not participate. In collaboration with the Economic Research Service and the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture, the Census Bureau obtains individual-level program participation administrative records (AR) data for three state programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The Census Bureau constructs a unique data set for each state program by linking the AR data to survey response data for the same individuals. These linked data enable the Census Bureau to model which survey respondents are eligible for program participation and also to observe which eligible individuals participate in the program. The Census Bureau then estimates eligibility and participation rates by a variety of demographic and economic characteristics and by county. The individual-level data also enable the Census Bureau to construct a statistical profile of eligible individuals and families that do not participate to assist state agencies with their outreach programs. All statistical results provided back to state agencies in table reports and data visualizations are reviewed to insure that individual identities are protected and not disclosed. This paper will present results for several state programs that have partnered the Census Bureau.
Racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes and labour and delivery-related charges among women with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the USA are bearing children at increasing rates. However, very little is known whether racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes and labour and delivery-related charges exist in this population. This study investigated racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes and labour and delivery-related charges among women with IDD. METHODS The study employed secondary analysis of the 2004-2011 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer, publicly available US inpatient healthcare database. Hierarchical mixed-effect logistic and linear regression models were used to compare the study outcomes. RESULTS We identified 2110 delivery-associated hospitalisations among women with IDD including 1275 among non-Hispanic White women, 527 among non-Hispanic Black women and 308 among Hispanic women. We found significant disparities in stillbirth among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women with IDD compared with their non-Hispanic White peers [odds ratio = 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-5.28, P < 0.01 and odds ratio = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.08-5.92, P < 0.01, respectively]. There were no racial and ethnic disparities in caesarean delivery, preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age neonates among women with IDD. The average labour and delivery-related charges for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Women with IDD ($18 889 and $22 481, respectively) exceeded those for non-Hispanic White women with IDD ($14 886) by $4003 and $7595 or by 27% and 51%, respectively. The significant racial and ethnic differences in charges persisted even after controlling for a range of individual-level and institutional-level characteristics and were 6% (ln(β) = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.11, P < 0.05) and 9% (ln(β) = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03-0.14, P < 0.01) higher for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Women with IDD compared with non-Hispanic White women with IDD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need for an integrated approach to the delivery of comprehensive perinatal services for racial and ethnic minority women with IDD to reduce their risk of having a stillbirth. Additionally, further research is needed to examine the causes of racial and ethnic disparities in hospital charges for labour and delivery admission among women with IDD and ascertain whether price discrimination exists based on patients' racial or ethnic identities.
Best Practices and Admissibility of Forensic Author Identification

Forensic linguistics provides answers to four categories of inquiry in investigative and legal settings: (i) identification of author, language, or speaker; (ii) intertextuality, or the relationship between texts; (iii) text-typing or classification of text types such as threats, suicide notes, or predatory chat; and (iv) linguistic profiling to assess the author’s dialect, native language, age, gender, and educational level. This article discusses author identification in relation to linguistics, research, and admissibility as evidence in U.S. courts. Federal and states courts in the United States have undertaken three main approaches in determining whether to admit, partially admit, or exclude forensic authorship identification evidence. These three approaches are forensic computational linguistics, forensic stylistics, and stylometric computing. Each has a distinct origin. Forensic computational linguistics developed out of linguistic theory and computational linguistics. Forensic stylistics developed out of traditional forensic handwriting identification. The stylometric computing approach developed out of both literary authorship identification and machine-learning-based text classification. This article focuses upon the forensic computational linguistic approach and contrasts this approach to the forensic stylistics and stylometric computing approaches. In Section II, best practices for
Marked variability in intrapartum electronic fetal heart rate patterns: association with neonatal morbidity and abnormal arterial cord gas.

Investigate marked variability in fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns before delivery and its association with neonatal morbidity and abnormal arterial cord gases. Prospective cohort of laboring patients at term. Composite neonatal morbidity (respiratory distress, mechanical ventilation, suspected sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, therapeutic hypothermia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizure, and death) and abnormal arterial cord gases (pH < 7.10, lactate ≥ 4 mmol/L, base deficit < −12 mEq/L) were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Three hundred and ninety (4.5%) neonates had marked variability in FHR patterns before delivery. There was no difference in composite neonatal morbidity (aRR 1.22; 95% CI 0.91–1.63), though neonates with marked variability in FHR patterns were more likely to have a respiratory distress (aRR 1.85; 95% CI 1.25–2.70). There was an increased risk of composite abnormal arterial cord gases (aRR 1.66; 95% CI 1.47–1.88). Marked variability in FHR patterns was not associated with composite neonatal morbidity but was associated with abnormal arterial cord gases.
Trialing a novel intubation equipment: A bidirectional tube with a flexible video stylet

Abstract Background Video-laryngoscopy has proven valuable in management and training of difficult airways. We evaluate the Yann tube, a novel bi-directional articulable endotracheal tube and video stylet combination, together with video-laryngoscopy in a simulation setting to determine if it improves management and education of difficult airways. Methods We evaluated the Yann tube (with video-laryngoscopy) against direct and video-laryngoscopy alone across four simulated airway scenarios, and measured time and attempts to successful intubation, percentage-of-glottic-opening (POGO) score, and Cormack-Lehane grading. Afterward, we surveyed participant subjective experiences. Results There were 32 participants of varying experience. Pharyngeal obstruction was the only airway scenario where the Yann tube was significantly slower than video-laryngoscopy alone (37s vs 27s; p Conclusions Although the Yann tube did not significantly improve successful first pass intubation, it did not significantly take longer to perform, and improved airway visualization in certain difficult airway scenarios. The use of simulation also enhanced education and understanding of airway anatomy for novice intubators.
Correlations between dental wear and oral cavity characteristics: Mandibular torus, palatine torus, and oral exostoses.

Objective This study evaluates the correlations amongst mandibular torus, palatine torus, oral exostoses to dental wear/loss and temporomandibular damage. Methods The sample consists of 504 skulls from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection; 223 African American and 281 European Americans aged between 30 and 80 years. The sample was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square for significance of sex, age, ancestry, and wear as well as the interactions between the demographic variables and the presence of mandibular torus, palatine torus and oral exostoses. Results Wear was statistically significant by age and sex but not ancestry. The maxillary exostoses varied significantly by age, ancestry and wear but not sex. Mandibular torus frequencies varied significantly by wear, sex and ancestry. The palatine torus varied significantly across wear groups, sex and ancestry. Discussion The etiology of nonmetric oral cavity characteristics, mandibular torus, palatine torus and oral exostosis, is complex. The degree to which traits' presence and expression is the result of genetic and environmental interactions is not fully understood. More than age, sex or ancestry, the degree of dental wear and tooth loss influences the presence and expression of the oral cavity traits. The sample can be characterized as the presence of exostoses in higher frequencies in young African American males with little tooth loss. Males of both ancestral groups with heavy wear have higher frequencies of mandibular tori than females. The palatine torus is more common in edentulous European American females.
Critical spinal cord lesions associate with secondary progressive motor impairment in long-standing MS: A population-based case-control study:

Background:Progressive motor impairment anatomically attributable to prominent, focally atrophic lateral column spinal cord lesions (“critical lesions”) can be seen in multiple sclerosis (MS), for ...
Collateral Effects of Behavioral Treatment for Problem Behavior on Caregiver Stress

When individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities exhibit severe problem behavior, assessment and treatment are often warranted. Parents of such individuals are at high risk for developing parenting stress. In this study, 194 parents completed the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form at their child’s time of admission to and discharge from inpatient or outpatient treatment for severe problem behavior. Parent stress was examined in relation to rate and function of child problem behavior as determined via functional analysis. Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted, and differential effects were observed when child participants exhibited an attention, automatic, or mands function for problem behavior. These findings highlight the importance of considering function of problem behavior in relation to parenting stress.
Spatially resolved fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy.

This paper presents a fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy probed by Rayleigh scattering optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which provides spatial location of stimuli and improved signal to noise ratio for distributed sensing measurements. A section of optical fibre was integrated into an active fibre ring cavity with optical gain and interrogated by the OFDR system for 11 cycles with a single laser scan. Through the cavity ring down configuration, root-mean-squared (RMS) noise of distributed temperature and strain measurements was reduced to 6.9 mK and less than 0.1 μe, respectively for 1-cm spatially resolved measurements. Our work shows that the active fibre cavity configuration can be combined with distributed fibre sensing schemes to achieve both high spatial resolution and high sensitivity measurements.
Comparison of subsequent infusion hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel using two different infusion strategies

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of rescue medication utilization with up to 3 subsequent doses of paclitaxel in patients who underwent an infusion rate escalation versus those who continued on the standard infusion rate after experiencing an initial paclitaxel infusion hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) requiring rescue medications. A retrospective, single-center review was conducted on patients who experienced a paclitaxel infusion HSR requiring rescue medications to their first or second lifetime dose of paclitaxel. A total of 99 patients were included for analysis, and from this group, 22 patients were continued on the standard infusion rate, while 77 patients were changed to an infusion rate escalation. The rate of subsequent rescue medication utilization was 5% in patients who were continued at the standard infusion rate versus 23% in patients who were changed to an infusion rate escalation (p = 0.064). The incidence of subsequent rescue medication utilization was unrelated to disease stage (p = 0.39), the paclitaxel dosing regimen (p = 0.99), or a diagnosis of asthma (p = 0.99). This single-center, retrospective study suggests that while not statistically significant, there was a potentially clinically meaningful increase in the rate of subsequent rescue medication utilization in patients who were changed to an infusion rate escalation compared to those who continued on the same standard infusion rate after experiencing an initial HSR to paclitaxel.