cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Magnitude of Occupational Disease in the United States

The data from our study indicate that the magnitude of occupational disease in New York State is considerable, and that a detailed and comprehensive plan must be initiated and implemented if occupational disease is to be controlled. New York State contains slightly less than 10% of the nation's workforce. A direct linear extrapolation of findings in New York State cannot be made to derive estimates of the national burden of work-related illness. Nevertheless, a crude estimate of the national magnitude of occupational disease can be derived from the New York experience. Such extrapolation provides a crude estimate of 50,000-70,000 deaths each year from occupational disease and of 350,000 new cases of occupational illness. These numbers are distressingly similar to the annual estimates of 100,000 deaths and 400,000 cases of occupational illness developed almost 15 years ago by Ashford. Clearly substantial progress remains to be made.
Polyglot: extensions to relational databases for sharable types and functions in a multi-language environment

Polyglot is an extensible relational-database-type system that supports inheritance, encapsulation, and dynamic method dispatch. It allows use from multiple application languages and permits objects to retain their behavior as they cross the boundary between database and application program. The authors describe the design of Polyglot, extensions to the structured query language (SQL) to support the use of Polyglot types and methods, and the implementation of Polyglot in the Starburst relational database system. >
Assessment of left ventricular dimensions and function by echocardiography.

Abstract Left ventricular dimensions and function indexes were measured in 40 patients with cardiac disease by both angiocardiographic and echocardiographic techniques. Good correlation was obtained between echocardiographic and angiographic values in 18 patients with technically excellent studies obtained by both techniques. The left ventricular echogram appears to be an effective technique for the noninvasive determination of left ventricular dimensions and volume. Echocardiographic indexes of ventricular function, including percent shortening of internal diameter, mean shortening velocity of internal diameter, ejection fraction, percent thickening of posterior wall and mean posterior wall velocity, distinguished between groups of patients with normal and abnormal left ventricular function. However, a single echocardiographic or angiographie measurement does not appear to provide selective data for the accurate functional classification of most individual patients.
Caregiving and alzheimer's-type disorders

Alzheimer's disease ravages the minds and robs the personalities of about four million Americans, yet little clinical research has addressed the secondary behavioral symptoms cited by caregivers as a major source of burden and strain.
The Interracial “Baha'i Movement” and the Black Intelligentsia: The Case of W. E. B. Du Bois

This article surveys W. E. B. Du Bois's encounters with the Baha'i religion, from 1910 to 1953. Sections one and two focus on Du Bois and ‘Abdu'l-Baha (1844–1921), while section three treats Du Bois's indirect connection to the New York Baha'i community through Nina Du Bois's documented affiliation with that group. Section four chronicles the 1937 Nashville incident involving reportedly segregated Baha'i meetings, and section five looks at Du Bois's later Baha'i contacts, completing the trajectory. Originally attracted to Baha'i teachings on interracial unity — with Du Bois prominently featuring ‘Abdu'l-Baha with full-page photograph in Du Bois's “Men of the Month” column — Du Bois later waxed indignant, openly criticizing the Baha'i movement in a Pittsburgh Courier editorial. Drawing on press reports, Baha'i records, and archival correspondence between members of the Baha'i community and Du Bois, primary sources establish that Du Bois's righteous indignation was based on misinformation.
Reusability-based selection of parametric finite element analysis models

A selection method to support adaptive reuse of parametric finite element analysis (FEA) models is introduced in this paper. Adaptive reuse of engineering artifacts such as FEA models is common in product design, but difficult to automate because of the need to integrate new information. The proposed method factors reusability into selection by evaluating models based on comparative estimates of effort involved in adapting them for reuse to model a query problem. The method is developed for FEA models of component-based designs. FEA modeling of electronic chip packages is used to illustrate the method's usefulness. We conclude with a discussion on the method's advantages and limitations and highlight important issues for further research.
An approximate effective index model for efficient analysis and control of beam propagation effects in photonic Crystals

Propagation of optical beams through a photonic crystal (PC) is analyzed and modeled. It is shown that the propagation effects for beams with slow spatial variations can be effectively modeled by diffraction behavior obtained directly from band structure. In particular, we present here an approximate model based on defining an effective index for the PC that can be used to analyze the propagation of optical beams inside the PC using the well-known analytic formulas for wave propagation in bulk media. The model presented here allows for considerable reduction in computation time and complexity. It also allows us to obtain more intuitive and design-oriented information about beam propagation effects inside PCs. We apply this model to several practical cases and show that its results agree very well with direct (time-consuming) numerical simulations.
E-vinylstannanes via stereospecific transmetallation with vinylalanes facilitated by lithium salts

Abstract The direct transmetallation of vinylalanes in the presence of an ether co-solvent and a lithium salt is described. This reaction proceeds in good yield and with high regio- and stereoselectivity without significant contamination by other organostannanes.
Platinum‐conjugated antibodies for application in mass cytometry

Mass cytometry has overcome limitations of fluorescent single cell cytometry by allowing for the measurement of up to currently ∼40 different parameters on a single cell level. However, the cellular proteome comprises many more potential analytes, and current mass cytometry instrumentation allows for theoretically up to 121 different mass detection channels. The labeling of specific probes with appropriate metal ions is a significant hurdle for exploiting more of mass cytometry's analytical capacity. To this end, we here describe the labeling of antibody with natural abundance or isotopically purified platinum as formulated in cisplatin and circumventing the use of chelator-loaded polymers. We confirm the utility of cisplatin-antibody-conjugates for surface, intracellular, and phosphoepitope-specific immunophenotyping, as well as for application in cell surface CD45-based barcoding. Cisplatin-labeling of antibody increases the analytical capacity of the CyTOF(®) platform by two channels based on available reagents, and has the potential to add a total of six channels for detection of specific probes, thus helping to better extend the analytical mass range of mass cytometers.
Systems design issues in manufacturing process control

A manufacturing plant process control system generally has hierarchical layers of control and involves many elements of technology. A discussion is presented of the requirements and design issues for manufacturing process control (MPC). Much of the discussion focuses on process-control technology as it relates to system design. >
Assessing outcome in practice

The measurement of mental health outcomes has evolved from unstandardized, global, uni-dimensional assessments to those which assess multiple perspectives, using standardized rating scales for specific treatment related issues. What criteria are useful when choosing instruments to measure particular outcomes of specific treatments or services? A conceptual scheme is described which categorizes outcome instruments based on key characteristics. This scheme can be used to guide the selection of measures for a particular purpose. Intepreting outcomes has progressed from simply considering statistical significance to the assessment of clinical significance. Summary reports that provide information regarding the number of clients who make clinically meaningful changes will provide understandable and useful data for both mental health administrators and clinicians.
The differential effects of four types of environmental enrichment on the activity budgets, fearfulness, and social proximity preference of Japanese quail

Abstract Environmental enrichment falls into four general categories: foraging opportunities, structural complexity, sensory stimulation/novelty, and social companionship. Each may have distinct behavioural effects. We examined the use of these four enrichment types, and their effects on activity budgets (foraging, general activity, pacing), social proximity preference (time spent observing companions through a window), and fear (flight distance in a predator surprise test, consumption of novel food) in adult Japanese quail. Foraging and structural enrichments were used extensively (29 and 26% of scans, respectively), as were the dustbaths available in all pens (16%). Use of enrichments and the dustbath was consistent over 24 h and over 17 d (partial r > 0.42, p F 3,89 = 5.66, p F 3,89 = 4.75, p F 3,89 = 6.33, p = 0.001). Novelty enrichment had no significant effects. Social housing reduced use of enrichments (enrichment treatment × housing type F 3,89 = 3.30, p F 1,89 = 4.59, p F 1,45 = 5.43, p F 1,45 = 7.88, p F 1,89 = 13.35, p F 1,89 = 38.18, p F 1,89 = 34.83, p
Identification and significance of Weissella species infections

Weissella spp. are non-spore forming, catalase-negative, gram-positive coccobacilli. They are often misidentified by traditional and commercial phenotypic identification methods as Lactobacillus spp. or Lactobacillus-like organisms. Weissella spp. were previously grouped along with Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., and Pediococcus spp. Utilization of more sensitive methods like DNA sequencing or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has facilitated identification of Weissella as a unique genus. Nineteen species have been identified to date. W. confusa, W. cibaria, and W. viridescens are the only species isolated from humans. The true prevalence of Weissella spp. continues to be probably underestimated. Weissella spp. strains have been isolated from a wide range of habitats including raw milk, feces, fermented cereals, and vegetables. Weisella is believed to be a rare cause of usually nonfatal infections in humans, and is often considered a contaminant. However, in recent years, Weissella spp. have been implicated in bacteremia, abscesses, prosthetic joint infections, and infective endocarditis. Alterations of the gut flora from surgery or chemotherapy are believed to facilitate translocation of Weissella spp. due to disruption of the mucosal barrier, predisposing the host to infection with this organism. Implications of the isolation of Weissella spp. from blood must be interpreted in context of underlying risk factors. Weissella spp. are inherently resistant to vancomycin. Therefore, early consideraton of the pathogenic role of this bacteria and choice of alternate therapy is important to assure better outcomes.
Higher pericardial adiposity is associated with prevalent diabetes: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study

Abstract Background and aims Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is located on both sides of the pericardium. We tested whether PAT was associated with prevalent diabetes at the year 25 exam of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Methods and results The CARDIA Year 25 exam (2010–2011) included complete data for all covariates on 3107 participants. Prevalent diabetes ( n = 436) was defined as high fasting (≥126 mg/dl) or 2-h postload glucose (≥200 mg/dl) or HbA 1c (≥6.5%) or use of diabetes medications. Volume of PAT was measured from computed tomographic scans. Logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between quartiles of PAT and diabetes. In regression models adjusted for field center, sex, race, age, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, log triglycerides, and treatment with blood pressure and cholesterol lowering medication, PAT volume in the 4th quartile was significantly associated with diabetes status after adjustment for BMI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.66, 3.98) or visceral adipose tissue (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.32, 3.29). PAT volume in the 2nd and 3rd quartiles was not significantly associated with diabetes status relative to the first quartile. Conclusions Metabolically active pericardial adipose tissue is associated with prevalent diabetes only at higher volumes independent of overall obesity.
Baptists and Church-State Advocacy: An Analysis of the Relationship between Membership Opinion and Lobbying the Supreme Court

Interest groups provide an opportunity for citizen interests to be represented before the Supreme Court. In recent decades, numerous religious advocacy organizations have formed, seeking to influence the Court. Among these groups, advocacy organizations connected to religious denominations have structural advantages, as they can easily overcome the collective action problem. They have advantages in resources, membership numbers, and leadership autonomy. However, they are constrained because their members do not join for ideological incentives, as denominational group membership comes as a byproduct of their affiliation with a local church. This may reduce their ability to gain influence. Two denominational groups, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC), serve as a useful case study to analyze how the structure of denomination advocacy groups affects political decisions, particularly lobbying the Supreme Court and taking positions on constitutional issues. Using the Baylor Religion Study, this study compares the activities of the BJC and ERLC on church-state issues, evaluating the congruence between their members’ opinions on church-state issues and the groups’ official church-state positions and amicus brief filings. It finds that the members of both the BJC and the ERLC prefer government support and accommodation of religion. These opinions differ from the actions that the groups take, especially the BJC. The BJC takes positions and actions that are incongruent with the policy opinions of its membership, and the ERLC takes positions more in line with the views of its membership, though it does not support accommodation as much as its members do. I argue that it is the structure of these denominational groups that allows the members to take positions that are incongruent with the positions of the membership. Particularly, denominational leaders have increased autonomy, because the members do not join for the benefits that the group offers, the members cannot easily leave the group, and the group leaders do not depend on membership dues. This study has implications for the tactics that groups targeting the Court may take and citizen representation before the Court. It also describes the opportunities and constraints of religious denominational advocacy groups, which differ from the opportunities and constraints of other citizen religious groups.
An Unusual Cation-Binding Site and Distinct Domain-Domain Interactions Distinguish Class II Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate Synthases.

Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) catalyzes a critical step in the biosynthesis of a number of aromatic metabolites. An essential prokaryotic enzyme and the molecular target of the herbicide glyphosate, EPSPSs are the subject of both pharmaceutical and commercial interest. Two EPSPS classes that exhibit low sequence homology, differing substrate/glyphosate affinities, and distinct cation activation properties have previously been described. Here, we report structural studies of the monovalent cation-binding class II Coxiella burnetii EPSPS (cbEPSPS). Three cbEPSPS crystal structures reveal that the enzyme undergoes substantial conformational changes that alter the electrostatic potential of the active site. A complex with shikimate-3-phosphate, inorganic phosphate (Pi), and K+ reveals that ligand induced domain closure produces an unusual cation-binding site bordered on three sides by the N-terminal domain, C-terminal domain, and the product Pi. A crystal structure of the class I Vibrio ch...
How Much Does Lead Shielding during Fluoroscopy Reduce Radiation Dose to Out-of-Field Body Parts?

Abstract Background Fluoroscopy technologists routinely place a lead shield between the x-ray table and the patient's gonads, even if the gonads are not directly in the x-ray field. Internal scatter radiation is the greatest source of radiation to out-of-field body parts, but a shield placed between the patient and the x-ray source will not block internal scatter. Prior nonfluoroscopy research has shown that there is a small reduction in radiation dose when shielding the leakage radiation that penetrates through the collimator shutters. The goal of this in vitro study was to determine if there was any radiation dose reduction when shielding leakage radiation during fluoroscopy. Methods This was an in vitro comparison study of radiation doses using different collimation and shielding strategies during fluoroscopy. Ionization chamber measurements were obtained during fluoroscopy of an acrylic block with and without collimation and shielding. Ionization chamber readings were taken in-field at 0 cm and out-of-field at 7.5, 10, and 12.5 cm from beam center. Results Collimation reduced 87% of the out-of-field radiation dose, and the remaining measurable dose was because of internal scatter. The radiation dose contribution from leakage radiation was negligible, as there was not any measurable radiation dose difference when shielding leakage radiation, with P value of .48. Conclusion These results call into question the clinical utility of routinely shielding out-of-field body parts during fluoroscopy.
Temporally increasing spatial synchrony of North American temperature and bird populations

The degree of spatial synchrony of many North American wintering bird species has increased over the past 50 years. This may affect ecological resilience by decreasing the potential for demographic rescue from interacting subpopulations.
Sub-band gap photo-enhanced secondary electron emission from high-purity single-crystal chemical-vapor-deposited diamond

Secondary-electron-emission (SEE) current measured from high-purity, single-crystal (100) chemical-vapor-deposited diamond is found to increase when sub-band gap (3.06 eV) photons are incident on the hydrogenated surface. Although the light does not produce photoemission directly, the SEE current increases by more than a factor of 2 before saturating with increasing laser power. In energy distribution curves (EDCs), the emission peak shows a corresponding increase in intensity with increasing laser power. However, the emission-onset energy in the EDCs remains constant, indicating that the bands are pinned at the surface. On the other hand, changes are observed on the high-energy side of the distribution as the laser power increases, with a well-defined shoulder becoming more pronounced. From an analysis of this feature in the EDCs, it is deduced that upward band bending is present in the near-surface region during the SEE measurements and this band bending suppresses the SEE yield. However, sub-band gap p...
Does Nursery-Based Intensified Anticipatory Guidance Reduce Emergency Department Use for Nonurgent Conditions in the First Month of Life? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. We aimed to evaluate the impact of an intensified anticipatory guidance program in the nursery on Emergency Department (ED) use for nonurgent conditions (NUCs) in the neonatal period. Methods. Parturient mothers of healthy newborns were randomized to an intervention group or control group. Baseline and 1-month follow-up knowledge surveys regarding newborn care were conducted. The primary outcome was the proportion of neonates who used the ED for a NUC. Secondary outcome was change in caregivers' knowledge on NUC. Results. Of a total of 594 mothers, 323 (54%) agreed to participate and were randomized to intervention (n = 170) or control (n = 153) group. Most were Hispanic (68%), single (61%), primiparous (39%), and without high school diploma (44%). 35 (21%) neonates in the intervention group and 41 (27%) in the control group were brought at least once for a NUC to the ED (p = 0.12). There was no statistically significant difference in within subject change on knowledge scores between the two study arms. Conclusions. Neonatal ED visits for NUCs occur frequently. This nursery-based intensified anticipatory guidance program had no statistically significant impact on neonatal ED use for NUC, nor on neonatal care-relevant knowledge among parturient mothers. Alternative modalities and timing of parental educational intervention may need to be considered. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials Number NCT01859065 (Clinicaltrials.gov).
Left Atrial 4-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Stasis and Velocity Mapping in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

ObjectivesLeft atrial (LA) 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to derive anatomic maps of LA stasis, peak velocity, and time-to-peak (TTP) velocity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify relationships between LA flow with LA volume and patient characterist
Exstrophy, epispadias, and cloacal and urogenital sinus abnormalities.

The congenital defects in the pelvis and perineal area, which are derived from defective development of the cloacal membrane, the urorectal septum, the mesonephric and paramesonephric (mullerian) ducts and the urogenital sinus, have been described. These may be life threatening, are often complex, and are certainly devastating to the parents. With knowledge of their embryologic origin, of their anatomy in detail, and the effect on function and drainage, treatment can be planned so that a good quality of life usually can be expected. Improved reconstructive programs and techniques can usually achieve near-normal appearance and function, with the expectation of good social adjustment.
Polymorphisms in the canine monoamine oxidase a ( MAOA ) gene: identification and variation among five broad dog breed groups

In humans, reduced activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) due to genetic polymorphisms within the MAOA gene leads to increased brain neurotransmitter levels associated with aggression. In order to study MAOA genetic diversity in dogs, we designed a preliminary study whose objectives were to identify novel alleles in functionally important regions of the canine MAOA gene, and to investigate whether the frequencies of these polymorphisms varied between five broad breed groups (ancient, herding, mastiff, modern European, and mountain). Fifty dogs representing these five breed groups were sequenced. A total of eleven polymorphisms were found. Seven were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; two exonic, two intronic and three in the promoter), while four were repeat intronic variations. The most polymorphic loci were repeat regions in introns 1, 2 (7 alleles) and 10 (3 alleles), while the exonic and the promoter regions were highly conserved. Comparison of the allele frequencies of certain microsatellite polymorphisms among the breed groups indicated a decreasing or increasing trend in the number of repeats at different microsatellite loci, as well as the highest genetic diversity for the ancient breeds and the lowest for the most recent mountain breeds, perhaps attributable to canine domestication and recent breed formation. While a specific promoter SNP (−212A > G) is rare in the dog, it is the major allele in wolves. Replacement of this ancestral allele in domestic dogs may lead to the deletion of heat shock factor binding sites on the MAOA promoter. Dogs exhibit significant variation in certain intronic regions of the MAOA gene, while the coding and promoter regions are well-conserved. Distinct genetic differences were observed between breed groups. Further studies are now required to establish whether such polymorphisms are associated in any way with MAOA level and canine behaviour including aggression.
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas

Diffusion MRI is the first non-invasive window on the organization of the human brain white matter. By linking the direction of diffusion of water molecules in the brain with the local orientation of white matter fibers, the technique has enabled in vivo exploration of the architecture of white matter pathways at the individual patient scale. Such a non-invasive brain mapping tool is of special interest in the management of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) which are invasive lesions that migrate along white matter fibers. In particular, diffusion MRI tractography techniques enable three-dimensional visualization of the spatial relationship of the tumor with white matter structures associated with sensorimotor, language, and visual function. White matter mapping could help neurosurgeons characterize tumor invasion and maximize the extent of resection while preserving fibers associated with critical function. However, the complexity of diffusion MRI data and the challenges inherent to the validation of the anatomical accuracy of tractography reconstruction remain barriers to the use of the technology as a standalone tool for neurosurgical decision-making. Multidisciplinary efforts that bring together neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuroanatomists, and neuroimaging scientists are needed to lower this barrier so that the development and application of innovative diffusion MRI acquisition sequences and post-processing tools can become part of the brain mapping apparatus for the treatment and monitoring of DLGG. This chapter covers the basics of diffusion MRI analysis, and introduces the current performances and challenges of using the technique for the neurosurgical treatment of DLGG.
"Reforzando las Redes": Supporting Latina/o Undergraduates at a State Flagship University.

This study investigated the experiences of self-identified Latina/o students at a flagship state university. From a university-provided list of self-identified Latina/o undergraduate students, 117 ...
Deflate to Extricate: A Technique for Rectal Foreign Body Removal of Inflatable Ball.

Abstract Background Rectal foreign bodies are commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED). Three techniques are well described in literature, including using a Foley catheter, “scooping” the object out, or grasping the object directly with ring forceps. We present a novel extraction method for an inflatable foreign body. Case Report A 27-year-old man presented to the ED 13 h after inserting a rubber inflatable child's ball into his rectum. After well-described extraction techniques failed to remove the ball, an 18-gauge needle at the end of a syringe was inserted into the rectum to puncture the ball and partially deflate it. The ball was then able to be removed easily. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although recent published literature has pushed for early consultation of surgical specialties in lieu of emergency physician bedside extraction, this case report highlights the ability of emergency physicians to modify known extraction techniques to safely remove rectal foreign bodies in well-appearing patients at the bedside using appropriate analgesia, positioning, and readily available equipment.
Can Functional Movement Assessment Predict Football Head Impact Biomechanics

PURPOSE The purposes of this study was to determine functional movement assessments' ability to predict head impact biomechanics in college football players and to determine whether head impact biomechanics could explain preseason to postseason changes in functional movement performance. METHODS Participants (N = 44; mass, 109.0 ± 20.8 kg; age, 20.0 ± 1.3 yr) underwent two preseason and postseason functional movement assessment screenings: 1) Fusionetics Movement Efficiency Test and 2) Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Fusionetics is scored 0 to 100, and participants were categorized into the following movement quality groups as previously published: good (≥75), moderate (50-75), and poor ( 7 errors). The Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System measured head impact frequency and magnitude (linear acceleration and rotational acceleration). An encoder with six single-axis accelerometers was inserted between the padding of a commercially available Riddell football helmet. We used random intercepts general linear-mixed models to analyze our data. RESULTS There were no effects of preseason movement assessment group on the two Head Impact Telemetry System impact outcomes: linear acceleration and rotational acceleration. Head impact frequency did not significantly predict preseason to postseason score changes obtained from the Fusionetics (F1,36 = 0.22, P = 0.643, R = 0.006) or the LESS (F1,36 < 0.01, P = 0.988, R < 0.001) assessments. CONCLUSIONS Previous research has demonstrated an association between concussion and musculoskeletal injury, as well as functional movement assessment performance and musculoskeletal injury. The functional movement assessments chosen may not be sensitive enough to detect neurological and neuromuscular differences within the sample and subtle changes after sustaining head impacts.
Robust, Radiation Tolerant Command and Data Handling and Power System Electronics for SmallSats

In today's budgetary environment, there is significant interest within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enable small robotic science missions that can be executed faster and cheaper than previous larger missions. To help achieve this, focus has shifted from using exclusively radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened parts to using more commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for NASA small satellite missions that can last at least one year in orbit. However, there are some portions of a spacecraft's avionics, such as the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystem and the Power System Electronics (PSE) that need to have a higher level of reliability that goes beyond what is attainable with currently available COTS parts. While there are a number of COTS components that can withstand a total ionizing dose (TID) of tens or hundreds of kilorads, there is still a great deal of concern about tolerance to and mitigation of single-event effects (SEE).
Stem Cells, Embryos and Ethics: Is There a Way Forward?

A century of advances in molecular and cell biology have brought us at the dawn of the 21st century back to the study of whole living beings. When these studies are applied to human biology, we must once again consider the fundamental questions about the meaning and significance of nascent human life. The current conflict over embryonic stem cell research is only the beginning of a series of difficult controversies concerning scientific manipulation of human life in its early stages of development. What is needed now is a coherent and reasonable definition of the boundaries of humanity that we seek to defend, one that takes into account the vast wealth of human tradition – social, political and scientific. This would facilitate a resolution that would make possible the advance of science while achieving social consensus. Several proposals have been advanced to achieve this end. One of these methods, altered nuclear transfer, proposes to make use of the technology of somatic nuclear cell transfer, but with a pre-emptive genetic or epigenetic alteration that precludes the integrated and coordinated organization necessary for embryogenesis. The moral and scientific aspects of this proposal are discussed as a way forward for embryonic stem cell research.
Intractable hiccup. Etiologic factors in 220 cases.

Hiccup previously was thought to be due to a single disease that produced an abnormal irritation of the phrenic nerve or of the higher centers. A study of 220 cases of intractable hiccup suggests that there may be several exciting causes that one must elucidate in the same patient.
Trends in anemia care in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the United States (2006–2015)

The objective of the study was to examine overall anemia management trends in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from 2006 to 2015, and to evaluate the impact of Trial to Reduced Cardiovascular Events with Ananesp Therapy (TREAT)‘s study results (October 2009) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s (June 2011) safety warnings and guidelines on the use of ESA therapy in the current treatment of anemia. A retrospective cohort analysis of anemia management in CKD patients using Truven MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases was conducted. Monthly rates and types of anemia treatment for post-TREAT and post-FDA safety warning periods were compared to pre-TREAT period. Anemia management included ESA, intravenous iron, and blood transfusion. A time-series analysis using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model were used. Between 2006 and 2015, CKD patients were increasingly less likely to be treated with ESAs, more likely to receive intravenous iron supplementation, and blood transfusions. The adjusted probabilities of prescribing ESAs were 31% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.71) and 59% (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.42) lower in the post-TREAT and post-FDA warning periods compared to pre-TREAT period. The probability of prescribing intravenous iron was increased in the post-FDA warning period (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19) although the increase was not statistically significant in the post-TREAT period (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.94–1.12). The probabilities of prescribing blood transfusion during the post-TREAT and post-FDA warning periods increased by 14% (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.23) and 31% (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.22–1.39), respectively. Similar trends of prescribing ESAs and iron supplementations were observed in commercially insured CKD patients but the use of blood transfusions did not increase. After the 2011 FDA safety warnings, the use of ESA continued to decrease while the use of iron supplementation continued to increase. The use of blood transfusions increased significantly in Medicare patients while it remained stable in commercially insured patients. Results suggest the TREAT publication had effected treatment of anemia prior to the FDA warning but the FDA warning solidified TREAT’s recommendations for anemia treatment for non- dialysis dependent CKD patients.
Self-reported cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first use of opioids predict analgesic and subjective responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration.

Background and objectives To expand the evidence base needed to enable personalized pain medicine, we evaluated whether self-reported cumulative exposure to medical opioids and subjective responses on first opioid use predicted responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration. Methods In study 1, a survey assessing cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first opioid use was created (History of Opioid Medical Exposure (HOME)) and psychometric features documented in a general sample of 307 working adults. In study 2, 49 patients with chronic low back pain completed the HOME and subsequently rated back pain intensity and subjective opioid effects four times after receiving saline placebo or intravenous morphine (four incremental doses) in two separate double-blinded laboratory sessions. Placebo-controlled morphine effects were derived for all outcomes. Results Two HOME subscales were supported: cumulative opioid exposure and euphoric response, both demonstrating high test–retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients > 0.93) and adequate internal consistency (Revelle’s Omega Total = 0.73–0.77). In study 2, higher cumulative opioid exposure scores were associated with significantly greater morphine-related reductions in back pain intensity (p=0.02), but not with subjective drug effects. Higher euphoric response subscale scores were associated with significantly lower overall perceived morphine effect (p=0.003), less sedation (p=0.04), greater euphoria (p=0.03) and greater desire to take morphine again (p=0.02). Discussion Self-reports of past exposure and responses to medical opioid analgesics may have utility for predicting subsequent analgesic responses and subjective effects. Further research is needed to establish the potential clinical and research utility of the HOME. Trial registration number NCT02469077.
Are hormones a "female problem" for animal research?

Lymphocytes recirculate continuously between the blood and lymphoid organs, a process that is of fundamental importance for proper functioning of the immune system. The molecular mechanisms underlying lymphocyte trafficking to the spleen remain an enigma. Here, we show that lymphocytes enter the spleen preferentially from vessels in the red pulp rather than the marginal sinus or the vasculature in the white pulp. Ex vivo adhesion assays in mice and humans, together with genetic ablation of Clever-1 in mice, indicate that CD8+ T cell and B220+ B cell homing to the spleen via the red pulp is Clever-1 dependent. Moreover, absence of Clever-1 leads to down-regulation of the B cell attractant chemokine, CXCL13, on spleen endothelium. CXCL13 is known to guide B cell trafficking to lymphoid organs, and its lack may contribute to the observed decrease in B cell trafficking into the spleen as well. In summary, this study identifies Clever-1 as an important molecule controlling lymphocyte entry into the spleen, along with a critical role for the splenic red pulp in this regulated trafficking. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that location-specific homing-associated molecules guide lymphocyte entry into the spleen.
The Taming of the Shrew and Anger

Frances Dolan has demonstrated that few Shakespeare comedies stage both the occurrence and intensity of physical violence to the degree that The Taming of the Shrew does. Analysis of this violence ...
Management of Knee Cartilage Injuries in Basketball

Articular cartilage defects are relatively common in athletes and can affect athletic performance. Specifically, in basketball players, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown a similar level of asymptomatic focal cartilage defects compared to athletes of other sports, and these defects most often affect the patellofemoral joint. In symptomatic patients or those who fail conservative therapy, numerous surgical options exist to address the cartilage defect including chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral autograft transplantation, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation, in addition to newer innovations. Orthopedic surgeons must have an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes of these various procedures to best address the needs of a basketball player with a focal cartilage defect.
Optimal Sizing of Renewable Microgrid for Flow Shop Systems under Island Operations

Abstract This paper addresses a critical question pertaining to manufacturing sustainability: is it economically viable to implement an island microgrid to power a flow shop system under power demand and supply uncertainty? Though many studies on microgrid sizing are available, the majority assume the microgrid is interconnected with main grid. This paper aims to size wind turbine, photovoltaic and battery storage to energize a multi-stage flow shop system in island mode. A mixed-integer, non-linear programming model is formulated to optimize the renewable portfolio and capacity with the goal of minimizing the levelized cost of energy. The island microgrid is tested in three locations with diverse climate profiles. The results show that net zero energy flow shop production is economically feasible in the areas where the average wind speed exceed 8 m/s at 80-meter tower height, or the battery cost drops below $100,000/MWh. Sensitivity analyses are further carried out with respect to installation cost, demand response program, production scalability, and weather seasonality.
Wideband Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) With 5.4:1 Bandwidth on a Miura-Ori Pattern

This paper presents a foldable Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) implemented on a Miura-Ori pattern. This array achieves a wide broadside bandwidth of 5.4:1 (viz. 1.14 GHz – 6.16 GHz) with $\text{VSWR} . This paper is the first to show the foldability of a Miura patterned TCDA using standard printed circuit board (PCB) substrates and practical feeds. A simple differential pair of conventional $50-\Omega$ coax cables are included, with low profile snap-on connectors to enable foldability.
How Covid-19 post-recovery plans can tackle poverty and address economic inequality in the USA

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the stark economic inequality in the USA, where those with lower incomes were likelier to catch the virus or suffer income loss due to lockdowns and other containment measures. This article describes the unequal impact of Covid-19 amidst high inequality and identifies priorities for a human rights centred recovery. It does so by drawing lessons from the recovery efforts of the Great Recession of 2008, which placed Wall Street's well-being above people's rights and failed to consider structural inequalities. A post-recovery agenda in line with human rights means investing in people, social infrastructure and social protection. It means empowering workers, ensuring decent jobs, and a strong commitment to addressing structural inequities based on ecological and economic justice principles.
Let’s Work Together: Bill Success via Women’s Cosponsorship in U.S. State Legislatures:

Not all pieces of legislation introduced for consideration are equally likely to be successful. The characteristics of legislation’s cosponsors can influence bill passage rates. Despite facing marg...
Pediatric Tracheostomy Care Simulation: Real-Life Scenarios in a Safe Learning Environment.

Background Pediatric patients require tracheostomy tube placement as a last resort for critical airway management. Around-the-clock care is needed at discharge because of the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with a tracheostomy. The potential for catastrophic sequalae can create a high stress home environment. A simulation program that used a high-fidelity manikin was implemented to reduce complications, morbidity and mortality, and improve skills for real-life medical scenarios. Methods A tracheostomy care simulation program was implemented at a large tertiary care children's hospital from October 2019 to October 2020. Caregivers participated in a pre-post program survey and rated 9 statements on a 5-point scale with regard to knowledge, confidence, and comfort level of taking care of their child at home. Emergency scenarios included accidental tracheostomy tube dislodgement, tracheostomy tube plugging, cardiac arrest, and ventilator failure. Classes were recorded for objective start-to-finish scenario time stamps and prompt rates. A medical chart review was performed 90 d after discharge. Results Eighteen caregivers for 10 children participated. For the 10 children, there was a 9.1% increase in the average total score agreement from pre to post survey, with scores going from "agree" to "strongly agree" (P = .001). Each subset of questions had a significant increase in scores after participation: knowledge, P = .002; confidence, P = .006; and comfort, P = .01. The caregivers required an average 20% prompt rate for the next step in the scenario. Children were 70% female, 80% white, and 60% had public insurance and had their tracheostomy tube placed at a median age of 4 months (range, 0 months to 24 years). Three children (n = 3/9 [33.3%]) were readmitted for tracheitis within 90 d after being discharged to home. Conclusions Caregiver knowledge, confidence, and comfort levels were increased after participation. Pediatric patients with a tracheostomy are medically fragile, therefore, it is important for caregivers to be aware of and prepared for common tracheostomy emergencies and to "experience" emergency situations firsthand.
Dynamic interplay of environmental sustainability and corporate reputation: a combined parametric and nonparametric approach

For decades, research on the relationship between environmental sustainability and firm performance focused on determining whether the effect of the former on the latter was positive or negative. That potentially controversial approach had driven mainstream research to ask two focal questions: Does it pay to be green? and Does it cost to be green? Recent papers have explored a curvilinear effect (i.e., U-shaped and inverted U-shaped) by tackling another question: When does it pay to be green? These efforts, however, have either oversimplified the complex linkage between these two things into a linear relationship or confined the complexity within a formatted frame. This paper overcomes these shortfalls by exploring the holistic effect of environmental sustainability on firm performance, contingent upon corporate reputation. In conjunction with direct effect analysis, this paper uniquely explores the synergistic effect of environmental sustainability and corporate reputation on performance. In addition to detecting the nonlinear synergy pattern, we found that the synergy effect is asymmetric. Specifically, the effect is complementary for low-reputation firms but substitutive for high-reputation firms. In addition to its theoretical contributions and pragmatic implications, this paper uniquely presents PROCESS-Neural network as a promising analytic paradigm.
Membrane glycolipid trafficking in living, polarized pancreatic acinar cells: assessment by confocal microscopy.

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the membrane glycolipid trafficking in living, polarized pancreatic acinar cells using confocal microscopy. When the confocal scanning laser microscope (CLSM) is equipped for video imaging through coupling to a digital host computer with image processing capabilities and a shuttering system, it becomes possible to image living cells with increased clarity and increased resolution over that possible with conventional light microscopes. Once images obtained with the CSLM are stored in digitized form either directly on the computer hard disk or more practically on a laser disk, they can be subdivided into picture elements called “pixels.” The chapter uses pixelation to quantify the ceramide fluorescence in pancreatic acinar cells as it moves with time from the Golgi to membranes of the post-Golgi compartments that compose the secretory pathway. The fluorescent analogs of ceramide and the vectorial secretory transport pathway in pancreatic acinar cells are used to (1) define the kinetics of entry of the fluorescent lipid derivatives into elements of the Golgi complex, and (2) examine the kinetics and routes of post-Golgi transport of membrane glycolipids into the distal compartments of the secretory pathway, terminating in secretory granules at the cell apex in rat pancreatic acinar cells.