cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and Thermal Sensory Testing in Normal Chondrodystrophoid Dogs and Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury caused by Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniations

Background Intervertebral disc herniation is a common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) causing paralysis and sensory loss. Little quantitative information is available on the loss and recovery of sensation in dogs with SCI. Objectives To determine whether quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be used to establish thermal and mechanical sensory thresholds in chrondrodystrophoid dogs and compare thresholds among normal dogs and dogs with different grades of SCI. Animals Thirty-three client-owned chondrodystrophoid dogs: 15 normal and 18 SCI dogs. Methods Thermal testing was performed by placing a hot (49°C) and cold (5°C) probe on the dorsal metatarsus and mechanical thresholds were tested using calibrated forceps to apply force to the lateral digit. Stimuli were applied until acknowledged, and response rate, latency, and force applied to response were recorded. Test-retest repeatability was determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients. Response rates were compared using logistic regression and thresholds were compared using Kaplan–Meier Survival curves. Results Testing was feasible with moderate repeatability. Thresholds and response rates were significantly different between normal and SCI dogs for all modalities (P < .001). When dogs were grouped by their clinical grade, each grade was significantly different from normal dogs, and cold stimuli differentiated among all grades. Conclusion and clinical importance Sensory thresholds can be measured reliably in chondrodystrophoid dogs and are altered by SCI. The differences in sensation among neurologic grades indicate that these techniques can be used to further characterize recovery of SCI dogs.
Organic geochemical approaches to identifying formation processes for middens and charcoal-rich features

Abstract Charcoal is an important component of archaeological sites that can yield fundamental information useful in understanding past human activities. We applied a suite of organic geochemical tools to identify and quantify anthropogenic molecular charcoal fragments in an archaeological site in Panola County, N Texas to determine the provenance of a buried melanic horizon. The site is a small Middle-Late Caddo occupation inhabited principally between ca. 1450 and 1600 AD. We tested three molecular techniques to determine their ability to constrain site formation processes: solid state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), lignin free phenols and lignin oxidation products (LOPs) and anhydrosugar analysis. We demonstrated that, in conjunction, the three afforded the identification and quantification of anthropogenic molecular charcoal fragments at this archaeological site. The approach allowed reconstruction of the fire history and vegetation type around the site during the occupation period. The NMR and anhydrosugar analysis pointed to temperature conditions associated with thermal refuse in different contexts. In particular, geochemical signatures in a smudge pit indicated a higher combustion temperature than for the charcoals in the other paleosol samples, suggesting multiple fire uses. The data also showed differential persistence of fire signals in environmental samples, likely as a result of differential decomposition rate and solubility, which may lead to heterogeneous fates of different forms of pyrogenic C in the environment. The techniques expand the tool kit available to archaeologists and soil scientists in detecting the human footprint in soil formation, especially in warm, humid climates where decomposition is rapid.
Operational Air Quality Monitor: Scientific Studies in Preparation for Flight

The Air Quality Monitor (AQM), on board the International Space Station (ISS) as an experiment for almost two years, successfully monitored trace contaminant target compounds in the ISS atmosphere. The purpose of the AQM experiment was to assess the capability of the AQM to operate in the ISS environment and to identify areas where modifications to hardware and procedures might improve performance. The lessons learned from the experiment have been incorporated into the design and operational concept for the government furnished equipment (GFE) version of the hardware. This paper will provide a quick overview of the AQM technology, and then provide detailed explanations of the modifications that have improved its performance. Test data will be shown for the most critical change: better water management.
Egg cultivated tumor protects embryo against vaccinia virus.

Summary1. Yolk sac implants of a dba mouse mammary tumor protected the host embryos against vaccinia virus. A dosage of the virus which killed embryos of nontumor-bearing eggs in 3-4 days gave no evidence of toxicity in the embryos bearing the dba tumor 7 days after inoculation. Tests demonstrated that the virus was present in the fluids of these embryos. 2. Comparable tests with eggs bearing a C3H mammary tumor indicated the embryos were only slightly protected against the virus, and yolk sac implants of a rat sarcoma gave negative results in this respect. 3. None of the 3 tumors affected the toxicity of a strain of influenza. 4. It is suggested that the dba tumor's protective effect on the embryos was due to the neutralization of the vaccinia virus by the tumor agent.
Inhibition of photosynthesis and respiration by substituted 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides

Abstract Effects of 12 substituted 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides [ N -butyl- N -ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro- p -toluidine (benefin), 2,6-dinitro- N,N -dipropylcumidine (isopropalin), 4-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro- N,N -dipropylaniline (nitralin), 3,5-dinitro- N 4 ,N 4 -dipropylsulfanilamide (ozyzalin), α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro- N,N -dipropyl- p -toluidine (trifluralin), and seven experimental derivatives] were measured on electron transport and phosphorylation in isolated spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts and mung bean ( Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) mitochondria. In chloroplasts, the 2,6-dinitroanilines inhibited both photoreduction and coupled photophosphorylation with water as the electron donor and with ferricyanide as oxidant, and cyclic photophosphorylation with phenazine methosulfate as the electron mediator under an argon gas phase. In mitochondria, all of the 2,6-dinitroanilines except nitralin markedly inhibited phosphorylating electron transport (state 3 respiration) with malate as substrate, and most were strong inhibitors of NADH and succinate oxidation. Some also inhibited nonphosphorylating (state 4 respiration) electron transport. Interference on the energy-generating pathway was suggested by a limited stimulation of state 4 respiration measured either as a steady-state or transitional condition. However, the strong interference imposed on electron transport prevented an accurate evaluation of their effect on the energy-generating pathway. Inhibition of oxidative and photophosphorylation by the 2,6-dinitroanilines in isolated mitochondria and chloroplasts suggests that if the compounds should partition into the organelles in vivo , photosynthesis and respiration would be inhibited. Because of the dependence of biochemical and physiological processes on oxidative and photophosphorylation for the energy (ATP) needed to drive the reactions, interference with ATP production could be one of the major mechanisms through which phytotoxicity is expressed by the 2,6-dinitroanilines.
Use of high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of urate concentrations in nanoliter quantities of fluid

The study of the renal handling of uric acid by micropuncture techniques has been severely hampered by the lack of a reliable microanalytic method for determining the urate concentration in nanoliter quantities of tubular fluid. The problem is further compounded in studies in the rat, in which the plasma concentrations of urate are low. Differing nonspecific (nonuricase) chemical micromethods adaptable to micropuncture studies have been reported by Greger, Lang, and Deetjen and by Roch-Ramel et al [l, 2]. The results of these studies, however, have yielded results that are not concordant. Moreover, in urine samples, Roch-Ramel et al have suggested that the methodology used by Greger et al may have been significantly influenced by the presence of nonurate-reducing substances [2]. Other than this comparison, no studies have been performed by other laboratories, for either of the reported chemical micromethods, to confirm or refute the findings of these two investigative groups. Recently, Kissinger and Pachla reported the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC) for determining urate concentrations in fluid samples [3]. In a preliminary report, Roch-Ramel and Peters have presented evidence that HPLC could be adapted to nanoliter sample sizes [4]. The current report details the use of HPLC as adapted to sample sizes of several nanoliters and the use of this system in micro-perfusion studies in the rat.
Viscoelastic Properties and Shock Response of Coarse-Grained Models of Multiblock versus Diblock Copolymers: Insights into Dissipative Properties of Polyurea

We compare and contrast the microstructure, viscoelastic properties, and shock response of coarse-grained models of multiblock copolymer and diblock copolymers using molecular dynamics simulations. This study is motivated by the excellent dissipative and shock-mitigating properties of polyurea, speculated to arise from its multiblock chain architecture. Our microstructural analyses reveal that the multiblock copolymer microphase-separates into small, interconnected, rod-shaped, hard domains surrounded by a soft matrix, whereas the diblock copolymer forms larger, unconnected, hard domains. Our viscoelastic analyses indicate that compared with the diblock copolymer, the multiblock copolymer is not only more elastic but also more dissipative, as signified by its larger storage and loss modulus at low to intermediate frequencies. Our shock simulations and slip analyses reveal that shock waves propagate slower in the multiblock copolymer in comparison with the diblock copolymer, most likely due to the more def...
Development of a Silicon Nitride High Temperature Power Module

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) offer potential advantages as a substrate for high temperature power packaging. Si3N4 has higher fracture strength than alumina and aluminum nitride. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Si3N4 is ~3 ppm/°C and the thermal conductivity ranges from 30–50W/m-K. Active metal brazed Cu-Si3N4 substrates are commercially available for power modules. However, the large mismatch in CTE between Si3N4 and Cu results in ceramic fracture and delamination with the wide temperature thermal cycling ranges encountered in high temperature applications. In this work Cu-Carbon and Cu-Mo metal matrix composites have been investigated to reduce the CTE mismatch. The process details are presented along with finite element modeling of the proposed structure. Ultimately, the proposed structure was unsuccessful.
Analysis on the Epidemic Situation of Notifiable Infectious Diseases in Cangxian during 2006—2007

[Objective]To study and master the prevalent law of infectious diseases in Cangxian,provide scientific evidences for prevention and control of infectious diseases.[Methods] The epidemic situation of infectious diseases in Cangxian during 2006—2007 was analyzed synthetically.[Results] No type A infectious disease were reported,4932 cases of type B and type C infectious disease were reported,and average annual incidence rate was 370.61/ lakh.11 cases died,mortality was 1.65/ lakh,fatality rate was 0.22%.The top 5 diseases were virus hepatitis,phthisis,dysentery,other infectious diarrhea and epidemic parotitis which accounted for 54.44%,17.78%,7.34%,7.34% and 5.54% of all cases respectively,and top 5 diseases accumulative total 92.44% of all cases.19 towns of Cangxia all reported cases.In 2006 and 2007,the highest incidence appeared in Dulin(228 cases) and Fenghuadian(219 cases),which accounted for 9.475% and 8.69% of all cases respectively.According with age and gender distribution,crowd range in age from 11 to 30(37.92%) and more than 50 years(24.49%) had high incidence,and male cases(61.29%) were more than female cases(38.71%).80.70% cases were peasants and students.The major spreading ways was blood and sex(54.97%),and respiratory way was in the next place(29.16%).[Conclusion]The control on the transmission and spread of notifiable infectious diseases should be strengthened.The prevention of virus hepatitis and phthisis was the emphasis in control work.
Phospholipid synthesis by chick retinal microsomes: fatty acid preference and effect of fatty acid binding protein.

The acylation of 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycerophosphocholine (1-16∶0-GPC) or 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycerophosphoethanolamine (1-16∶0-GPE) was measured using the microsomal fraction prepared from retinas of 14–15-day-old chick embryos. Rates of incorporation of exogenously supplied fatty acids into diacyl-GPC were generally 5–7 times greater than into diacyl-GPE. Substrate preferences for incorporation into diacyl-GPC and diacyl-GPE were, respectively, 18∶2>18∶3=20∶5>20∶4>18∶1>22∶6=18∶0 and 18∶2>22∶6≽18∶3=18∶0≽20∶4=18∶1>20∶5. The apparent selectivities were not consistent with the reported fatty acid compositions of these lipid classes. The addition of partially purified fatty acid binding protein (FABP) to the reaction had no effect either on overall rates of incorporation or on the substrate preference. When fatty acyl-CoA substrates were used, rates of incorporation of the 18∶0 derivative were much higher than with the fatty acid, while rates with other fatty acyl-CoA were similar to those with the respective fatty acid. Substrate preferences for CoA derivatives incorporated into diacyl-GPC were: 18∶0>20∶4>18∶2≽22∶6, and into diacyl-GPE: 20∶4=22∶6>18∶0>18∶2. Polyunsaturated fatty acyl CoA (PUFA-CoA) were thus favored for incorporation into diacyl-GPE, and to a lesser extent into diacyl-GPC, a result that is consistent with composition data. When purified FABP was added to the reactions, there was an increase in the incorporation of 18∶0-CoA and a decrease or no change in the incorporation of PUFA-CoA. The deacylation/reacylation cycle thus appears to play a role in the modification of phospholipid composition. The data are not consistent, however, with a role for FABP in directing PUFA toward membrane lipid synthesis.
Management of the facial nerve.

Facial palsy, from whatever cause, cripples the afflicted individual physically and emotionally. The plastic surgeon may encounter and have to deal with facial nerve injury or have to resect and reconstruct the facial nerve following tumor ablation in an effort to prevent or at least reduce this deformity.
The Language Application Grid Web Service Exchange Vocabulary

In the context of the Linguistic Applications LAPPS Grid project, we have undertaken the definition of a Web Service Exchange Vocabulary WS-EV specifying a terminology for a core of linguistic objects and properties exchanged among NLP tools that consume and produce linguistically annotated data. The goal is not to define a new set of terms, but rather to provide a single web location where terms relevant for exchange among NLP tools are defined and provide a "sameAs" link to all known web-based definitions that correspond to them. The WS-EV is intended to be used by a federation of six grids currently being formed but is usable by any web service platform.
Interrogation of CRISPR Dynamics with Fluorescent Single Guide RNAs in Live Cells

Although the CRISPR-Cas9 system has been widely used for genome editing, little is known about its dynamics in live cells such as the kinetics of sgRNA:Cas9 assembly and DNA recognition. By stably expressing both fluorescent dCas9 and sgRNAs that specifically targets on chromosome 3 in live human cells we monitored the assembly of sgRNA:dCas9 complexes and tracked its dynamics of interactions with the target gene. In the absence of dCas9 expression, the sgRNA was so unstable as to not be detectable. In the presence of dCas9 the sgRNA was primarily localized in the nucleus and displayed a half-life within 15 minutes estimated by actinomycin chase experiments. These results are in agreement with sgRNA stability and sgRNA:dCas9 complex formation being the limiting step for DNA targeting. We next monitored the dynamics of on-target dCas9:sgRNA complexes by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), employing different lengths of sgRNA seed sequence and found that the recovery times of dCas9:sgRNA complexes on the target were about 6, 12 and 60 min. for a 7mer, 8mer and 11mer, respectively. This suggests that the complexes having shorter sgRNA seeds exchange with the target at a higher rate, implying a weaker affinity. We also compared the PAM sequences AG vs. GG, with the same length of the sgRNA seed sequence. The fluorescence recovery times were the same (> 60 min.), indicating similar affinities to the target and that the reported lower cleavage efficiency of AG PAM is possibly due to its inefficient targeting specificity.Our use of dCas9 in these in vivo studies has allowed us to deconvolve the overall CRISPR cycle to extract the DNA binding step and further to facilitate the optimization of Cas9-based gene editing.
Compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction in neonatologists in the US.

Compassion fatigue (CF) is distress experienced by caregivers from ongoing contact with patients who are suffering. Burnout (BO) is occupational stress directly related to dissonance between job demands and available resources. Compassion satisfaction (CS) is professional fulfillment experienced through helping others. CF in physicians is not well studied. Neonatologists may be at particular risk for CF by virtue of recurrent exposure to distress in patients and their families. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of CF, BO and CS, and to identify potential predictors for these phenomena in neonatologists. A modified Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test and a questionnaire of professional details and personal characteristics were distributed electronically to neonatologists nationally. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models for CF, BO and CS as a function of potential predictors were constructed. The survey response rate was 47%. The prevalence of CF, BO and CS was 15.7, 20.8 and 21.9%, respectively. Female gender, emotional depletion, distress from ‘a clinical situation’, ‘co-workers’, ‘personal health issues’ and ‘not talking about distressing issues’ were each significant determinants of CF. Emotional depletion, distress from the ‘physical work environment’ and ‘co-workers’, and ‘not talking about distressing issues’ were significant determinants of BO. Self-identification as Hispanic; ‘not currently feeling distressed’; talking about distressing issues; and utilization of pediatric palliative care services were significant determinants of higher CS. CF and BO may impact emotional well-being and professional performance of neonatologists. Enhancement of CS is a potential target for intervention.
Epigenetic Memory Underlies Cell-Autonomous Heterogeneous Behavior of Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

Stem cells determine homeostasis and repair of many tissues and are increasingly recognized as functionally heterogeneous. To define the extent of—and molecular basis for—heterogeneity, we overlaid functional, transcriptional, and epigenetic attributes of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at a clonal level using endogenous fluorescent tagging. Endogenous HSC had clone-specific functional attributes over time in vivo. The intra-clonal behaviors were highly stereotypic, conserved under the stress of transplantation, inflammation, and genotoxic injury, and associated with distinctive transcriptional, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility patterns. Further, HSC function corresponded to epigenetic configuration but not always to transcriptional state. Therefore, hematopoiesis under homeostatic and stress conditions represents the integrated action of highly heterogeneous clones of HSC with epigenetically scripted behaviors. This high degree of epigenetically driven cell autonomy among HSCs implies that refinement of the concepts of stem cell plasticity and of the stem cell niche is warranted.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular pathology in the developed world. The natural history of aortic stenosis is well established. For patients with severe aortic stenosis (jet velocity >4 m/s, mean gradient >40 mmHg, valve area <1 cm2), the cardinal symptoms of cardiac syncope, angina, or exertional dyspnea portend a very poor prognosis with medical treatment alone. As such, The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis [1].
Reading Augustine’s Confessions in Normandy in the 11th and 12th Centuries

Scholars such as Pierre Courcelle have observed an intensification in interest in Augustine’s Confessions in medieval Europe after the 11th century. This intensification was manifested in Normandy in two ways: first, in the early 11th century, Abbot John of Fecamp drew extensively from Augustine’s Confessions in his own Confessio Theologica; and second, book lists and extant manuscripts from the Norman monastic world show a marked increase in the number of copies of Confessions in Normandy by end of the 12th century. This article offers, for the first time, both an analysis of how John of Fecamp used Augustine’s work in his own Confessio and an interpretation of the manuscript evidence for the diffusion of Confessions in Normandy. This study hopes to demonstrate how an analysis of contemporary intellectual interpretations of texts in Normandy can be used alongside paleographical examination of surviving copies to uncover both the ways in which and the reasons for which books circulated among the monastic houses.
Acute Leukemia in Hispanic Americans: Incidence and Incidence Rate Differences by Nativity.

Abstract 3160 Introduction: Acute leukemias (AL) have a distinct incidence pattern in Hispanics versus Caucasians, with higher rates of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and lower rates of non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite the fact that incidence differentials between foreign- and native-born populations can inform the relative contributions of environmental and genetic factors in cancer etiology, no such investigation has been undertaken in Hispanics with AL. Methods: To better understand heritable genetic versus environmental contributors to occurrence patterns, we assessed AL incidence in a large population of California Hispanics according to birthplace. Cancer incidence data were obtained from the California Cancer Registry, part of the National Cancer Institute9s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Patients were included if they were living in California and diagnosed between 2000–2009 with AL. Population estimates were obtained from the 2000 Census Summary Files 3, and estimates by nativity were derived from the 20% Integrated Public-Use Microdata Sample of the censuses. Results: Compared to Caucasians, Hispanics had an increased incidence of B-cell ALL and APL, with incidence rate ratios (IRR) of 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93–2.35) and 1.33 (95% CI 1.12–1.57), respectively. There was no difference in B-cell ALL incidence by nativity, with an IRR for foreign- to native-born Hispanics of 1.07 (95% CI 0.85–1.34). However, foreign-born Hispanics had a greater incidence of APL than native-born Hispanics (IRR 1.79, 95% CI 1.11–2.94). Conclusions: Our findings suggest the increased B-cell ALL incidence for foreign-born Hispanics is influenced by heritable genetic factors. Furthermore, the increased incidence of APL for foreign-born Hispanics may result from environmental exposures currently not described and which require further epidemiologic investigation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Unstaged cancer: Long-term decline in incidence by site and by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics

PURPOSE The study of trends in stage at diagnosis contributes to understand disease burden and the effects of cancer control activities. However, a proportion of cancers reported to registries have insufficient information to assign stage. The limited research addressing unstaged cancers has noted racial and socioeconomic disparities. Long-term incidence trends for unstaged cancers have not been described. We examined long-term trends in diagnosis of unstaged cancers in the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) reporting areas. METHODS Incidence of unstaged invasive cancers for primary sites that have a staging scheme was analyzed for the years 1992-2011. JoinPoint regression was used to describe incidence rate trends of unstaged cancers, with analysis stratified by cancer site and by socioeconomic and demographic variables. RESULTS From 1992 to 1996, 8.6% of invasive cancers were unstaged. A steep decline in the incidence of unstaged cancers, represented by an annual percent change (APC) of -9.16%, was observed from 1997 to 2001, followed by a modest decline. By the end of the study period, 2007-2011, unstaged cancers represented 4.9% of invasive cancers. Unstaged cancers are disproportionately more common for older individuals and those in lower socioeconomic communities. CONCLUSION The incidence of unstaged cancers decreased markedly over the period studied. Change in ability to assign stage was seen, possibly related to increased use of advanced imaging like PET scans, and should be considered when evaluating changes in cancer stage distributions over time.
Fetomaternal and Pediatric Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important causes of foodborne illnesses and inflammatory complications, as well as congenital disorders. Promiscuous Toxoplasma is transmitted by contaminated food and animal produce, water, vegetations, fruits, and sexually through semen. Toxoplasma infects nucleated cells with a unique tropism for muscles and central nervous system and a mind bugging malicious effect. Pregnant women with acute or reactivated toxoplasmosis can transmit Toxoplasma via transplacental transmission to the fetus. The severity of congenital toxoplasmosis depends on the gestation period, as infection in early pregnancy causes more severe consequences. Congenital toxoplasmosis complications include miscarriage, encephalitis, neurological retardation, mental illnesses, auditory, and visual inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular abnormalities, and pains. Current therapies are inefficient for congenital and chronic toxoplasmosis or have severe side effects with life-threatening complications. There is an urgent need for effective and safe therapeutic modalities to treat complications of toxoplasmosis and effective vaccines to eliminate the infectious agent. This investigation will discuss the pathogenesis of fetomaternal, congenital, and pediatric toxoplasmosis, the currently available therapies in practice, and explore those therapeutic modalities in experimental stages for promising future trials.
Are adult and pediatric neuroblastoma clinically different entities

10049 Background: It is unknown if the presentation, treatment, and outcomes differ between adults and pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. Methods: Medical records of 118 adults (patients >17 ye...
"Like, We Don't Want to Be PE Teachers": Preservice Classroom Teachers' Beliefs about Physical Education and Willingness to Incorporate Physical Activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine preservice elementary classroom teachers’ (PCTs) beliefs about physical education and their willingness to incorporate physical activity as they progressed through an undergraduate physical education methods course. This course focused on quality physical education as well as the classroom teacher’s role in school-wide physical activity and required participation in one of three laboratory experiences. Participants (33) completed either focus-group or individual interviews at the beginning and end of the course. Results indicated that PCTs’ beliefs about physical education positively evolved through the course and PCTs gained an appreciation for the subject. Despite this, PCTs strongly indicated that they are not willing to teach physical education lessons as future teachers. They are very willing, however, to incorporate physical activity into their classrooms. Subscribe to TPE
Effects of NGM282, an FGF19 variant, on colonic transit and bowel function in functional constipation: a randomized phase 2 trial.

NGM282 is an analog of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a potent inhibitor of bile acid (BA) synthesis in animals and humans. In phase 2 trials in type 2 diabetes and primary biliary cholangitis, NGM282 was associated with dose-related abdominal cramping and diarrhea. We aimed to examine effects of NGM282 on colonic transit, stool frequency and consistency, hepatic BA synthesis (fasting serum C4), fecal fat, and BA in functional constipation (FC). Two-dose NGM282 (1 and 6 mg, subcutaneously daily), parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled, 14-day study in patients with FC (Rome III criteria) and baseline colonic transit 24 h geometric center (GC) <3.0. We explored treatment interaction with SNPs in genes KLB, FGFR4, and TGR5 (GPBAR1). Statistical analysis: overall ANCOVA at α = 0.025 (baseline as covariate where available), with three pairwise comparisons among the three groups (α = 0.008). Overall, NGM282 altered bowel function (number of bowel movements, looser stool form, and increased ease of passage) and significantly accelerated gastric and colonic transit. Dose-related effects were seen with GC 24 h, but not with gastric emptying (GE) and GC 48 h. There were no differences in fecal fat or weight, but there was reduced fecal total BA excretion with NGM282. The most common adverse events were increased appetite (n = 0 with placebo, 2 with 1 mg, 9 with 6 mg), injection site reaction (n = 2 placebo, 4 with 1 mg, 8 with 6 mg), and diarrhea (n = 1 with 1 mg and 4 with 6 mg NGM282). There was treatment interaction with KLB SNP, with greater increase in colonic transit in participants with the minor A allele (p = 0.056). NGM282 significantly impacts GE and colonic transit, consistent with the observed clinical symptoms. The specific mechanism of prokinetic activity requires further research.
Creating At-Risk Children and Youth

She entered the room wearing a slightly soiled bulky winter coat with fake fur trim around the hood. The hood completely covered her face. She was much taller than I was and did not seem to be the least bit excited about my idea to organize a new group. As one of my University students told me later, “I thought she was going to hit you.” I, too, was not entirely certain that she was not planning violence. Her body posture was definitely aggressive. Ignoring her obvious signs of hostility, I suggested that we all find a chair. Three teens, middle school and high school age, two of my university students, and myself were stuffed in an overly crowded computer lab at a local community center. I explained that the six of us would be meeting each week. Sometimes we would meet as a group, sometimes for one-on-one tutoring, but that every Thursday we would come to this room to work on reading. She sat defiant with her hood still pulled over her head hiding her face. We broke into one-on-one subgroups for testing and initial tutoring. She was 15 years of age, a freshman in high school, and reading at the pre-primer (below first grade) level. The school had placed her in a special education classroom and had designated that she was to be taught second grade course material. She had an extensive record of behavioral issues and had been removed from the school bus because of bad behavior. Her file was marked “will most likely drop out of school as soon as she is old enough.” There was absolutely no way she could read the second grade material being given to her at school.
A primer on vector hydrophones

Vector hydrophones are used by the military to track submarines, and, more recently, by scientists attempting to measure the influence of particle velocity on the behaviour of fish. Despite being in use for decades, vector hydrophones remain poorly understood by both communities. The problem is particularly acute for those aiming to measure particle velocity because vector hydrophones do not measure particle velocity directly; rather they measure pressure difference, the force that creates particle velocity. Topics covered will be the two types of vector hydrophone and why only one works well at low frequencies, the importance of knowing the phase of the directional channels relative to each other and to the pressure hydrophone, how bearings are determined, calibration of vector hydrophones and near-field effects, the magnitude of particle velocity for typical sound pressure levels, why bigger is better for mechanical noise, why neutral buoyancy is unnecessary and undesirable, and best practice for mounting.
Hypopharyngeal carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

Background Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is relatively rare, representing approximately 3% of all head and neck malignancies. It also is characterized by having one of the worst prognoses at time of diagnosis. This is largely due to its tendency for late presentation. Methods This article will review current literature including as well as the National Comprehensive NCCN Guidelines Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. Results Hypopharyngeal cancer often presents in an advanced stage and its prognosis is notoriously poor. Treatment goals are similar to other carcinomas of the head and neck and treatment typically involves multiple modalities including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Organ sparing nonsurgical therapy has shown comparable survival outcomes to surgery in early stage hypopharyngeal cancer. Conclusion Treating hypopharyngeal cancer remains a challenging prospect for the head and neck oncologist. A multidisciplinary approach is essential due to the necessity of combined therapy treatment protocols. There is opportunity for novel treatments and prospective trials to improve outcomes in hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Disease prevention by targeting environmental risk factors is likely to have the greatest impact in this disease.
The Search for Yield and the Size Premium in Emerging Market Corporate Debt

Emerging market corporations have significantly increased their borrowing in international markets after the global financial crisis. We show that this expansion was led by large-denomination bond issuances (bonds with face values exceeding US$300 million, and often exceeding US$500 million). The drastic shift in the pattern of bond issuances reflects increased investor willingness to purchase emerging market corporate bonds so long as they are included in international bond indexes, which require face values of at least US$300 and US$500 million. Inclusion in the index gives investors the advantage of holding more liquid bonds, which also makes them more similar to those issued by U.S. corporates and emerging market sovereigns. Additionally, those bonds allow investors to target performance closer to the market benchmark. After 2008, emerging market firms started facing a new trade-off. They could borrow at a lower cost (a full percentage point lower) by issuing index-eligible bonds, which often imply raising more financing than needed. Or, they could borrow smaller quantities at a higher cost, while avoiding accumulating substantial cash assets. Because the liquidity premium for large-denomination bonds is sizable, many companies have issued them. As a result, larger firms have become more likely to issue them and some smaller firms have issued large bonds for the first time, which has entailed large increases in their post-issuance cash holdings. The overall changes after 2008 in emerging market corporate issuance are not apparent in advanced economies.
De Subitaneis Mortibus VIII. Coronary Arteries and Conduction System in Scleroderma Heart Disease

In eight cases of scleroderma heart disease studied at necropsy special attention was paid to the cardiac conduction system and the coronary arteries. Six of the eight patients died suddenly, and all had some form of electrical instability of the heart. Distinct morphological abnormalities were present in the sinus node, atrioventricular (A-V) node and His bundle of every case, with sclerotic destruction of the sinus node being particularly striking in four of the hearts. Widespread lesions of the small coronary arteries (less than 1 mm diameter) were present in the ventricular myocardium, the sinus node artery and the A-V node artery. These lesions included mural and intimal fibrosis, endothelial proliferation, medial hyperplasia, fibrinoid necrosis and platelet-fibrin clots. The large coronary arteries were conspicuously normal or minimally diseased except in one case, and in that example there was no myocardial disease attributable to the single large coronary lesion found. It is concluded that arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are an integral component of the clinical picture of scleroderma heart disease, that this is associated with structural abnormalities in the centers of impulse formation and conduction, and that widespread narrowing lesions of the small coronary arteries (but not the major trunks) are important as a basis for fibrotic and degenerative changes throughout the heart. Some components of the fibrosis, particularly in the sinus node, seem disproportionate and suggest that both microvascular and primary collagen abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of scleroderma heart disease.
Evaluation of spin waves and ferromagnetic resonance contribution to the spin pumping in a Ta/CoFeB structure

The spin waves and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) contribution to the spin pumping signal is studied in the Ta/CoFeB interface under different excitation bias fields. Ferromagnetic resonance is excited utilizing a coplanar waveguide and a microwave generator. Using a narrow waveguide of 3 μm, magnetostatic surface spin waves with a large wavevector (k) of about 0.81 μm−1 are excited. A large k value results in the dissociation of spin waves and FMR frequencies according to the surface spin wave dispersion relation. Spin waves and FMR contribution to the spin pumping are calculated based on the area under the Lorentzian curve fitting over experimental results. It is found that the FMR over spin wave contribution is about 1 at large bias fields in a Ta/CoFeB structure. Based on our spin pumping results, we propose a method to characterize the spin wave decay constant, which is found to be about 5.5 ± 1.27 μm in the Ta/CoFeB structure at a bias field of 600 Oe.
A Novel Piezoelectrically Driven Miniature Proportional Pneumatic Control Valve Utilizing a Microfabricated Orifice Array

In this paper, we report a new valve architecture enabling the use of a piezostack actuator in miniature valves without the need for a motion amplifier. Normally, the small stroke length of the piezostack would reduce the flow capacity of the valve to a small fraction of the flow capacity of the valve orifice. The novel feature of the valve consists of replacing a single orifice with an array of micro-orifices having the same cumulative area, but each orifice having a diameter of four times the stroke length of the piezostack. The micro-orifice array enables achieving the full flow capacity of the equivalent single orifice while exploiting the low-power and high-speed capabilities of the piezostack. Using a piezostack, the open-loop linearity of proportional flow control is improved in comparison to an electromagnetically actuated valve. A prototype valve is characterized to assess the performance attributes possible with the valve architecture. The characterization of the first prototype revealed that it achieved similar flow rates to those of other miniature valves, all the while demonstrating a response time of 295 $\mu$ s, and a steady-state power consumption of 41 $\mu$ W.
North American Pinyon–Juniper Woodlands: Ecological Composition, Dynamics, and Future Trends

Abstract Pinyon and juniper woodland is a major biome type centered on the Basin and Range and Colorado Plateau physiographic regions of interior western North America. It covers over 40 million ha from western Oregon in the northwest United States, eastward to Wyoming and southward to northern Chihuahua in Mexico, then westward to Baja California. Climatically, these woodlands lie within both the warm and cold temperate zones of North America but at the wetter and cooler portion of the semiarid realm where precipitation seldom exceeds 400 mm. This biome occupies a unique environmental envelope within North America, and with it comes a diverse complement of plant and animal species with the center of their ranges within its confines, and a wide variety of vegetation communities. The communities are characterized by low-statured woodlands and forests dominated by pinyon (nut pines) in combination with juniper trees. At lower elevations junipers tend to prevail and typically form very open-canopied woodlands of scattered trees in a shrubland or grassland matrix (shrubby woodlands and grassy woodlands or savannas, respectively). With increasing elevation, pinyons become more prevalent and co-dominate with junipers to form moderate-canopied woodlands and closed-canopied forests. Fire is integral to the dynamics of these woodlands ranging from high-frequency, low-intensity surface fires in grassy woodlands to low-frequency, high severity canopy fires in the forest communities. Across their domain, pinyon–juniper woodlands have been economically important in the lives of the people of western North America for millennia, from the harvesting of pinyon nuts and hunting to fuel wood gathering and livestock grazing. But now, given a growing human population in the region, increased landscape fragmentation, and potential climate change impacts, particularly on water availability, this biome is on the cusp of a transformation not yet seen in its history.
Knowledge and behavior towards oral lichen planus: An observational study

Lichen planus is an immunologically mediated mucocutaneous disease that is triggered by multiple etiological agents. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is characterized by a slow evolution without complete remission, nor spontaneous healing. The establishment of an early diagnosis is essential to be able to support and to relieve patients with oral lichen plan lesions especially those in active phase. This requires recognition by the dentists of the signs and symptoms, characteristics and different clinical forms under which this pathological entity may occur. The purpose of our survey was to evaluate the knowledge of dentists (teachers and Master students) in the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Saint Joseph University, Beirut, on the oral lichen planus by means of a survey study. Resume Le lichen plan buccal (LPO) est une affection de la muqueuse buccale, vraisemblablement due a un dereglement de la reponse immunitaire, caracterisee par une evolution lente, sans remission complete, ni guerison spontanee. L’etablissement d’un diagnostic precoce est essentiel pour pouvoir soulager les patients atteints de lesions licheniennes, en particulier celles en phase active. Cela necessite la reconnaissance par les dentistes des signes et symptomes, des caracteristiques et des differentes formes cliniques sous lesquelles cette entite pathologique peut se presenter. Notre enquete visait a evaluer, a l’aide d’une enquete, les connaissances des dentistes (enseignants et etudiants en Master) de la faculte de medecine dentaire de l’Universite Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth sur le LPO.
Spirituality, religion, and suicide

Abstract Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and there has been little progress in reducing suicide rates over the past several decades. Participation in religion is a consistent protective factor against suicide attempts and completion. More specifically, available evidence has shown that religious affiliation/identity and regular service attendance are associated with a multi-fold decrease in suicide. This chapter reviews recent methodologically strong empirical articles that have been written on this topic, and discusses directions for future research as well as implications of this literature for policy and clinical practice.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DISCOMFORT OR DISSATISFACTION AS A RESULT OF WEARING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

In a metal refining plant, 366 workers were interviewed to investigate factors contributing to the discomfort or dissatisfaction of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Up to 97.8% of these individuals used one or more types of PPE. The percentages of employees who reported their hard hats and cooling vests as comfortable were 17% and 19%, respectively. Twenty-five percent of workers felt their respirators and safety harnesses were comfortable. Safety glasses ranked at 50%, gloves 53%, and safety shoes 54% for comfort factor. The percentage of employees who tolerated their PPE (just acceptable) ranged from 27% to 52%. The most frequently cited factors contributing to discomfort or dissatisfaction of wearing PPE were related to the workers' beliefs that the PPE was not needed, created a new hazard, interfered with work, was too heavy, was hard to wear, prohibited breathing or communicating, irritated skin, put pressure on the body, and was of an undesirable type or model.
Evaluation of a successful fluoroquinolone restriction intervention among high-risk patients: A mixed-methods study.

Objective We conducted a quality improvement initiative to restrict fluoroquinolone prescribing on two inpatient units housing high-risk patients and applied a human factors approach to understanding the barriers and facilitators to success of this intervention by front-line providers. Methods This was a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study. This study was conducted on two inpatient units at a tertiary care academic medical center: the medical-surgical intensive care and abdominal solid organ transplant units. Unit-level data were collected retrospectively for 24 months pre- and post- fluoroquinolone restriction intervention, implemented in July 2016, for all admissions to the study units. Our restriction intervention required antimicrobial stewardship pre-approval for fluoroquinolone prescribing. We explored barriers and facilitators to optimal fluoroquinolone prescribing using semi-structured interviews attending, fellow and resident physicians, advanced practice providers and pharmacists on these units. Results Hospital-onset C. difficile infection did not decrease significantly, but fluoroquinolone use declined significantly from 111.6 to 19.8 days of therapy per 1000 patient-days without negatively impacting length of stay, readmissions or mortality. Third generation cephalosporin and aminoglycoside use increased post-restriction. Providers identified our institution’s strong antimicrobial stewardship program and pharmacy involvement in antimicrobial decision making as key facilitators of fluoroquinolone optimization and patient complexity, lack of provider education and organizational culture as barriers to optimal prescribing. Conclusions Fluoroquinolones can be safely restricted even among high-risk patients without negatively impacting length of stay, readmissions or mortality. Our study provides a framework for successful antimicrobial stewardship interventions informed by perceptions of front line providers.