cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of sensorimotor-based intervention versus therapeutic practice on improving handwriting performance in 6- to 11-year-old children.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two interventions (sensorimotor and therapeutic practice) on handwriting and selected sensorimotor components in elementary-age children. METHOD. Thirty-eight children 6 to 11 years of age with handwriting dysfunction but no identified educational need were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups or a control group. Intervention groups met four times per week over 5 weeks. Handwriting was measured pre- and postintervention using the Test of Handwriting Skills. Visual perception (motor-reduced), visual-motor integration, proprioception, and in-hand manipulation were also measured. RESULTS. Children receiving therapeutic practice moderately improved handwriting whereas children receiving sensorimotor intervention declined in handwriting performance. The control group did not change significantly. Sensorimotor impairment was noted at pretest in three or four components and selected sensorimotor component function improved with intervention.
Towards a Transpacific Archaeology of the Modern World

The historical archaeology of overseas Chinese communities is a rapidly growing subfield. Although historical archaeology is not widely practiced in China, there are well-developed interdiscipinary research centers that investigate the history and culture of migrants’ qiaoxiang (hometown) societies. Scholars in American Studies programs throughout Asia are also bringing new perspectives to the study of Chinese migration past and present. By collaborating with these scholars, archaeologists on the Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project are developing new chronological, geographic, spatial, and material frameworks for the interpretation of overseas Chinese archaeological sites and landscapes.
Amylophosphorylase and oxidative enzymes in human myometrium

Abstract Sites of certain types of enzyme activity have been localized in human myometrium, including leiomyomas, and at full-term pregnancy. Succinic dehydrogenase is an enzyme involved in cell respiration and metabolism. It (and the succinodehydrogenase group) showed marked reactivity in smooth muscle fibers and arterial walls. DPN diaphorase is involved in the electron transport system within the cell. This enzyme had much the same distribution pattern as succinic dehydrogenase, but the reaction was weaker. Amylophosphorylase, involved in carbohydrate metabolism and structural processes, was found in smooth muscle fibers and arterial walls. Marked reaction for all of these enzyme groups was found in leiomyomas, less reaction in the centers of the tumors. Amylophosphorylase was more reactive in myometrium from the full-term uteri.
Seasonal adult emergence patterns and soil larval distribution of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in southern California.

Abstract Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus L., was first found in southern California in 2005 and has since spread to citrus groves in a small area of southern California. To develop pest management programs for this pest, its seasonal abundance and distribution of immature stages (including teneral adults) in the soil were investigated. The seasonal abundance of D. abbreviatus adults was monitored with modified Tedders traps. Emergence of D. abbreviatus adults from soil pupation chambers occurred throughout most of the year, and peak emergence occurred from July to October. However, there was no secondary annual peak emergence over the 4 yr of study in California as has been observed in Florida, suggesting diaprepes root weevil is univoltine in southern California's cooler climate. Annual emergence cycles mirrored patterns of air temperature rather than rainfall. Seasonal abundance and the impact of climate on range expansion of diaprepes root weevil are discussed. The effect of the number an...
On necessary and sufficient conditions for incremental stability of hybrid systems using the graphical distance between solutions

This paper introduces new incremental stability notions for a class of hybrid dynamical systems given in terms of differential equations and difference equations with state constraints. Incremental stability is defined as the property that the distance between every pair of solutions to the system has stable behavior (incremental stability) and approaches zero asymptotically (incremental attractivity) in terms of graphical convergence. Basic properties of the class of graphically incrementally stable systems are considered as well as those implied by the new notions are revealed. Moreover, several sufficient and necessary conditions for a hybrid system with such a property are established. Examples are presented throughout the paper to illustrate the notions and results.
A Comparison of Standard and Nonstandard Measures of Malt Quality

The objectives of this study were to compare standard and nonstandard measures of malting quality using simple correlations and to determine whether six highly elite malting barley cultivars could be distinguished from each other using multivariate statistics to analyze 9 standard and 22 nonstandard measures of malting quality. Simple linear regression revealed cultivar differences in the thermostabilities of α-amylase, β-amylase, limit dextrinase, and α-glucosidase that were positively correlated with differences in wort osmolyte concentrations (r = 0.853-0.958, P≤ 0.05-0.01) and differences in the thermostabilities of α-amylase, P-amylase, and limit dextrinase that were correlated with diastatic power (r = 0.872-0.937, P ≤ 0.05-0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) of the nonstandard measures of malting quality were considered more useful than PCA of the standard measures because the former was able to categorize the six-row cultivar and two-row cultivar with the lowest real degree of fermentation, an important measure of brewhouse performance, as being different from the other two- and six-row malts. The malt quality traits that distinguished the two lowest performing of the six elite malting barleys from the other malts were α-glucosidase, limit dextrinase, and α-amylase activities, which were lower in these two malts, plus the thermostabilities of α-amylase, p-amylase, and limit dextrinase and wort osmolyte concentrations, which were higher in these two malts.
Improved visualization of cell nuclei in unstained cultured cells.

Nuclear morphology is useful in tissue culture studies in determining the presence and grade of transformed cells as well as in determining the heterogeneity of the cell population (Grogan el al. 1981, Hustin 1976, Siracky et al. 1978, Siracky 1979). The ratio of long and short nuclear axes provides a useful numerical expression of nuclear shape (Hustin 1976). Clear visualization of nuclei is critical for making the necessary measurements.
Glutamate Receptor Antagonists Block Gustatory Afferent Input to the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract

Li, Cheng-Shu and David V. Smith. Glutamate receptor antagonists block gustatory afferent input to the nucleus of the solitary tract. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 1514–1525, 1997. The effects of excitatory...
SmartNav: A rule-free fuzzy approach to rover navigation: Research Articles

This paper introduces the basic concepts of the SmartNav rule-free fuzzy approach to safe rover navigation through hazardous natural terrain. This novel “rule-free” approach reduces the complexity in rover navigation where many alternative paths must be evaluated and compared. The SmartNav rover navigation architecture integrates goal attainment with both local and regional hazard avoidance. Goal and safety preference factors differentiate between preferred and unpreferred terrain sectors. The goal-preference factor is used to make sector evaluation based on the sector orientation relative to the designated goal position. The safety-preference factors are used to make sector evaluations on the basis of the sector local and regional hazards. These sector evaluations are blended to find the effective preference factor for each sector. The preference factors of all sectors are then compared to choose the heading command for the rover. The rover speed command is also computed based on the goal distance and safety-preference factor of the chosen sector. The above navigation steps are continuously repeated throughout the rover motion. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the basic concepts introduced in this paper, and tests on a commercial rover are planned. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A spectral profiling method of mm-wave and terahertz radiation sources

We report on a characterization method of the emission spectrum of mm-Wave and terahertz sources without the use of additional terahertz instruments. It exploits the reciprocal properties of these radiating sources. This method can be applied to any source equipped with an antenna. It has been used to characterize the spectral response of two distinct sources. The first is a 0.35 THz ring oscillator and the second is a 0.55 THz Colpitts oscillator, both implemented in a 65 nm CMOS technology. The results of the proposed characterization method have been verified with an FTIR spectrometer and a commercial harmonic mixer.
Probabilistic Decision Making for Interactive Evolution with Sensitivity Analysis

Recent research in the area of evolutionary algorithms and interactive design tools for ideation has investigated how sensitivity analysis can be used to enable region-of-interest selection on design candidates. Even though it provides more precise control over the evolutionary search to the designer, the existing methodology for this enhancement to evolutionary algorithms does not make full use of the information provided by sensitivity analysis and may lead to premature convergence. In this paper, we describe the shortcomings of previous research on this topic and introduce an approach that mitigates the problem of early convergence. A discussion of the trade-offs of different approaches to sensitivity analysis is provided as well as a demonstration of this new technique on a parametric model built for character design ideation.
Design and Verification of Secure Mutual Authentication Protocols for Mobile Multihop Relay WiMAX Networks against Rogue Base/Relay Stations

Mobile multihop relay (MMR) WiMAX networks have attracted lots of interest in the wireless communication industry recently because of its scalable coverage, improved data rates, and relatively low cost. However, security of MMR WiMAX networks is the main challenge to be addressed. In this paper, we first identify several possible attacks on MMR WiMAX networks in which a rogue base station (BS) or relay station (RS) can get authenticated and gain control over the connections and show that the current standard does not address this problem well. We then propose a set of new authentication protocols for protecting MMR WiMAX networks from rogue BS attack, rogue RS attack, and suppress-replay attack. Our protocols can provide centralized authentication by using a trusted authentication server to support mutual authentication between RS and BS, between RS and RS, and between mobile station (MS) and RS. Moreover, our protocols can also provide distributed authentication with a license issued by the trusted server. We use a formal tool called Scyther to analyze and verify the security properties of our protocols. The results show that our protocols can counter rogue BS and RS attacks and suppress-replay attack and are not susceptible to any known attacks.
Predictors of public early care and education use among children of low-income immigrants☆

Abstract Little is known about predictors of publicly funded early care and education (ECE) use among low-income children of immigrants. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to effectively increase participation in these public programs, which promote school readiness but are underused by children of immigrants. Using nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Birth Cohort (ECLS-B), this study attempts to identify pertinent family, child, maternal ECE preference, broader contextual, and immigrant specific characteristics predictive of ECE use among 4-year-old children in a sample of low-income children of immigrants ( N ≈ 1050). Specifically, we estimate multinomial logistic regression models predicting type of ECE (Head Start, public pre-k, subsidized ECE, unsubsidized ECE, parental care) from these characteristics. Findings suggest that even in a low-income sample, correlates of disadvantage such as low maternal education and prior receipt of public benefits are important predictors of public ECE use, as are maternal preferences for certain features of care and supply-side factors such as ECE availability. Immigrant-specific factors such as English proficiency, citizenship status, availability of non-English speaking caregivers, and generosity of state policies toward immigrants emerged as particularly salient for explaining the public ECE selection patterns of low-income immigrants. Results point to future research areas and potential policy solutions aimed at increasing public ECE use for children who may stand to benefit the most.
Catalyst Activation and Kinetics for Propylene Metathesis by Supported WOx/SiO2 Catalysts

The activation and kinetics of propylene metathesis by well-defined supported WOx/SiO2 catalysts were investigated with transient temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) spectroscopy and steady-state olefin metathesis. The TPSR measurements revealed for the first time that catalyst activation with olefins creates three distinct activated sites [highly active (Tp ∼ 160 °C), modestly active (Tp ∼ 450 °C), and sluggishly active (Tp ∼ 600–750 °C)]. The number and reactivity of the activated surface WOx sites increase with activation temperature, olefin partial pressure, and olefin size (C2= ≪ C3= ∼ C4=). Only propylene and 2-butene are able to generate the highly active sites because of the presence of ═CHCH3 groups in these olefins, while ethylene is able to create only the sluggish active sites. The specific activity (TOF) of the surface WOx sites increases with surface coverage because of the increasingly strained configuration (larger bridging O–W–O bond angles) at higher levels of surface WOx cove...
Abstract B10: Transcriptome analysis of mouse PDA subtypes

Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; November 30-December 3, 2015; Austin, TX Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PDA) often present with advanced stage disease including widespread metastasis and have dismal 5-year survival rates. The molecular mechanism promoting PDA progression and metastasis remain poorly understood. We have previously demonstrated that tumor cells undergo Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in mouse models of PDA [Rhim et al., 2012]. EMT is a developmental process where cells loss epithelial characteristics and transdifferentiate into a mesenchymal-like state that is highly associated with increased invasion and metastasis. To better understand molecular mechanisms of PDA development and metastatic disease, we subjected tumors cells from a lineage labeled mouse model of PDA to RNA sequencing to identify global transcriptional changes. Interestingly, we discovered that there are at least two distinct subtypes of PDA based on transcriptome profiling. Comparison of gene expression profiles from mouse PDA subtypes to established subtypes from human PDA datasets [Collisson et al., 2011] revealed that mouse PDA is transcriptionally similar to the human disease. Differences in transcriptional profiling between PDA subtypes may dictate response to chemotherapeutics and metastatic competency. Citation Format: David Balli, Nicole Aiello, Robert Norgard, Jingyang Li, Amine Sahmoud, Ben Stanger. Transcriptome analysis of mouse PDA subtypes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B10.
μ → e γ in Theories with Dirac and Majorana Neutrino-Mass Terms

The $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}e\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay as induced by massive neutrino mixings is studied. In models with either pure Dirac or Majorana mass terms it is suppressed by small neutrino masses. When both Dirac and Majorana terms are present, one can avoid this mass suppression and the Glashow-Iliopoulos-Maiani cancellation is generally not complete. Then it is suppressed by small mixing angles. However, one instance is found where both suppression mechanisms can be avoided, yielding a "large" $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}e\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rate.
Methods to implement & qualify the circuit changes on Proto-PCB to reduce the ESD test cycle time

It's very important to test the changes implemented in the schematics of an existing board before going to the production. For this we will have to implement the circuit changes of the next revision board on the existing prototype or first revision board and we will try to simulate the tests and get good confidence of result before going to production. Most of the times when we implement the changes we see failure scenarios. These failure cases occur based on the way we implement the external changes. Objective of this paper is to give guidelines to implement the circuit level changes in a better way.
Detection and Evaluation of Renal Injury in Burst Wave Lithotripsy Using Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract Purpose: Burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) is a transcutaneous technique with potential to safely and effectively fragment renal stones. Preclinical investigations of BWL require the assessment of potential renal injury. This study evaluates the capabilities of real-time ultrasound and MRI to detect and evaluate BWL injury that was induced in porcine kidneys. Materials and Methods: Ten kidneys from five female farm pigs were treated with either a 170 or 335 kHz BWL transducer using variable treatment parameters and monitored in real-time with ultrasound. Eight kidneys were perfusion fixed and scanned with a 3-Tesla MRI scanner (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and susceptibility-weighted imaging), followed by processing via an established histomorphometric technique for injury quantification. In addition, two kidneys were separately evaluated for histologic characterization of injury quality. Results: Observed B-mode hyperechoes on ultrasound consistent with cavitation predicted the presence of BWL-induced r...
Examining the Role of Primary Care Physicians and Challenges Faced When Their Patients Transition to Home Hospice Care

Background:The transition into home hospice care is often a critical time in a patient’s medical care. Studies have shown patients and caregivers desire continuity with their physicians at the end ...
Multiplex Dynamics on the World Trade Web

The network of international trade, where countries are represented with nodes and trade relations are represented by directed, weighted edges is an important economic model. In this paper, we consider a multiplex version of this system, wherein nations are connected by multiple edges, representing different commodities, based on a new approach for multilayer network models. The central idea behind this method is to use a network dynamics interpretation of the commodity flows to construct a single operator representing the entire system. This allows us to study the global structure of the trade network as a single object instead of as a disjoint collection of layers. We analyze centralities and communities determined by this model and show that studying the multiplex as a whole allows us to uncover structure not evident in the individual layers or the aggregate network.
Epaphroditidae sensu novo , an Endemic Caribbean Family of Morphologically Divergent Praying Mantises (Insecta, Mantodea)

Three endemic Caribbean praying mantis genera with a complex taxonomic history were recently discovered to be part of a lineage that colonized the Caribbean region during the Cretaceous period (Svenson & Rodrigues, Proc R Soc B Biol Sci 284, 2017). In all classification systems proposed up to now, the three genera, Callimantis, Epaphrodita, and Gonatista, were never considered as close relatives, a reflection of their divergent morphology. More recently, the genus Brancsikia was placed with Epaphrodita in a family based on the similarity of camouflage-related morphology. To address recent phylogenetic results that do not track current classification, we compared the morphology of the three Caribbean genera with each other and representative members of traditional or current family groups. Our morphological analysis of external and male genital characters provides strong support for the Caribbean lineage despite the divergent morphological evolution present in the three genera. We raise this Caribbean lineage to family status by employing a precedent family-group name, Epaphroditidae Brunner de Wattenwyl, 1893 sensu novo. We remove Brancsikia from our new concept of Epaphroditidae, rendering the genus incertae sedis.
Synthesis and Evaluation of PET Radiotracers for the Presynaptic High-affinity Choline Transporter

1041 Objectives Acetylcholine (ACh) is essential for autonomic function, motor control, memory and learning, and dysfunction of cholinergic signaling plays a critical role in several neurodegenerative diseases. Current cholinergic PET radiotracers such as N-[11C]methylpiperidiny-4-yl propionate ([11C]PMP: acetylcholinesterase) and [18F]fluoro-ethoxybenzovesamicol ([18F]FEOBV: vesicular acetylcholine transporter) have provided valuable information on the integrity of cholinergic synapses in PD, but they are not capable of quantifying the level at which the synapses are working. As a new approach to studying the functional status of the cholinergic neurons, we propose the in vivo imaging of the presynaptic high-affinity choline transporter, CHT-1. The transport of choline across the synaptic membrane by the CHT-1 is the rate-limiting determinant in ACh biosynthesis; the functional status of the transporter is regulated by shuttling of transporter molecules from the cytosol to the synaptic membrane. In vivo radioligands for the CHT-1 have not been available due to the lack of high affinity ligands that can readily cross the blood-brain barrier. To address the need for a CHT- 1 radiotracer, the goals of this project are the synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [11C]ML352, a potential PET radiotracer based upon a scaffold with high affinity for CHT-1 (Ennis et al., ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2015;6:417-27). Methods The lead compound, ML352, was discovered by high throughput screening and identified as a high affinity (Ki = 92 nM) and selective inhibitor of CHT-1. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated metabolic stability and good CNS penetration (Ennis et al., 2015). [11C]ML352 was synthesized from the desmethyl piperidinic precursor by treatment with [11C]methyl triflate in an automated radiochemistry synthesis module. Results [11C]ML352 was produced in excellent radiochemical yield (105 mCi from 3 Ci of [11C]CO2, corresponding to a non-corrected radiochemical yield of 3.5%), radiochemical purity (>99%) and specific activity (7777 Ci/mmol). Product identification was confirmed by HPLC co-injection with the unlabeled reference standard and the radiotracer was formulated in an isotonic solution of ethanolic saline suitable for in vivo use in pre-clinical PET imaging studies. Preliminary PET imaging studies of [11C]ML352 in CHT-1 overexpressing mice and nonhuman primates are ongoing to explore in vivo functional neuroimaging of CHT-1. Conclusions The synthesis of [11C]ML352, the first brain-permeant PET radiotracer for the CHT-1 transporter, has been completed. The feasibility of imaging CHT-1 activity using [11C]ML352 PET is underway. Acknowledgements: Financial support for this work from the NIH (1P50NS091856-01) and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.
Focused ultrasound transducer with electrically controllable focal length

This paper reports a novel acoustic transducer capable of delivering focused acoustic beam with electrically tunable focal length over 7 mm. Constructed on a 1.02 mm thick lead zirconate titanate (PZT) substrate, the transducer uses a collection of equal-width-equal-spacing concentric ring electrodes (and a circular electrode at the center) on one side of the substrate. With each electrode individually addressable, a desired focal length is mapped to a set of the electrodes generating the acoustic waves that arrive at the focal point in-phase for constructive interference. We have demonstrated a device capable of electrically tuning the focal length (of a focal spot of sub-mm in diameter) from 5 to 12 mm, with the electrical tunability confirmed through droplet ejection from liquid surface (that is at the focal plane), as the liquid level is varied.
What Is New in Clinical Microbiology—Microbial Identification by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: A Paper from the 2011 William Beaumont Hospital Symposium on Molecular Pathology

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) offers the possibility of accurate, rapid, inexpensive identification of bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories. The procedures for preanalytic processing of organisms and analysis by MALDI-TOF MS are technically simple and reproducible, and commercial databases and interpretive algorithms are available for the identification of a wide spectrum of clinically significant organisms. Although only limited work has been reported on the use of this technique to identify molds, perform strain typing, or determine antibiotic susceptibility results, these are fruitful areas of promising research. As experience is gained with MALDI-TOF MS, it is expected that the databases will be expanded to resolve many of the current inadequate identifications (eg, no identification, genus-level identification) and algorithms for potential misidentification will be developed. The current lack of Food and Drug Administration approval of any MALDI-TOF MS system for organism identification limits widespread use in the United States.
Erice Lectures on Cosmology

LECTURE 1: REVIEW OF BIG-BANG COSMOLOGY A. Dynamic Equations of Cosmology The correct equations for development of a homogeneous, isotropic universe follow from simple Newtonian considerations (justified by general relativity):
Neural Control of Blood Pressure and Body Temperature During Heat Stress

Abstract Environmental heat stress is associated with a marked decrease in orthostatic tolerance (OT), which is defined as the ability to stand or sit upright without symptoms of dizziness, lighthe...
Form and Function: The Physiological Implications of the Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System

This chapter helps the reader to delineate the functions which the digestive system has been designed to address and define the key anatomic components of the gastrointestinal (GI) wall. This knowledge is used to understand how the GI smooth muscle functions as a syncytium and to describe its electrical activity. Related to this the reader learns to delineate the general features of neural control of the GI wall by the autonomic nervous system (extrinsic component: parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, intrinsic component: enteric nervous system) and to describe the roles of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Further consideration is given to outlining the regulatory functions of GI peptides, hormones, neurocrines, and paracrines. With regard to relationship to the circulatory system, the anatomy of the GI blood supply is outlined and the splanchnic circulation is described. Finally with specific consideration of digestion the requirements for nutrient exchange are discussed and the basics of absorption including describing the (a) role of the liver in the absorption of water-soluble nutrients, (b) role of the intestinal lymphatics in the absorption of fat-based nutrients, (c) effect of gut activity and metabolic factors on GI blood flow, and (d) effect of the nervous system on GI blood flow.
Exosomes from Cell Culture-Conditioned Medium: Isolation by Ultracentrifugation and Characterization

Exosomes are small vesicles of endosomal origin secreted by most cell types. Recent studies have identified exosomes as important mediators of intercellular communication and as important source materials for many clinical applications, including minimal invasive disease diagnosis. Exosomes have been purified from in vitro cell culture supernatants by many different methods; however the most simple and reliable method involves purification by ultracentrifugation. This chapter describes a detailed protocol for isolating exosomes from cell culture-conditioned medium using ultracentrifugation and their characterization based upon size, number, and protein expression by several complementary methods such as transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, and flow cytometry.
"It gave me so much confidence": First-time U.S. mothers' experiences with antenatal milk expression.

Antenatal milk expression (AME) involves maternal hand-expression, collection, and storage of breast milk during pregnancy for the purposes of reducing the early formula use in breastfed infants. AME is not widely practiced in the United States, despite its growing popularity elsewhere. In this study, we examined the experiences of first-time mothers recruited from a U.S. midwife practice who engaged in AME within the context of a pilot randomized controlled trial. The AME intervention involved demonstration and practice of AME with a lactation consultant beginning at 37 weeks of gestation, reinforcement at weekly study visits until delivery, and daily home practice. Nineteen women participated in a semistructured interview at 1-2 weeks postpartum regarding their study experiences. Major themes included (1) perceived benefits and impact of AME, (b) AME implementation, and (c) use of AME milk. Women perceived multiple benefits of AME, most notably that it increased their confidence that they would be able to make milk and breastfeed successfully postpartum. Women expressed some concern that no/little milk expressed could be indicative of postpartum milk production problems. Regarding implementation, women found that the AME protocol fit well into their daily routine. There was mixed feedback regarding comfort with practicing AME in the presence of partners. Reasons for postpartum use of AME milk varied; barriers to provision included inadequate milk storage options at the birth hospital and unsupportive hospital providers/staff. With few caveats, AME appears to be an acceptable breastfeeding support intervention among a sociodemographically homogeneous group of first-time mothers in the United States.
Management options for a patient with squamous cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary.

Objective Mature cystic teratomas, also referred to as dermoid cysts, are one of the commonly occurring ovarian germ cell tumors. Malignant transformation of a germ cell tumor occurs approximately 1-2% of the time. Treatment options vary by stage and are not well outlined in the literature. Here we report a case of a perimenopausal female who presented with increasing abdominal girth and an elevated CA-125. Final pathology revealed an invasive squamous cell carcinoma, moderately to poorly differentiated, multifocal, arising in a cyst on the left ovary, possibly a teratoma. At the time of diagnosis, the patient was FIGO stage IA. The decision was made against adjuvant treatment. Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary is rare. Treatment options are not well outlined in the literature, especially for disease less than stage II. Further research is needed to better inform the clinician on management recommendations.
Remote Interview Methods in Chemical Education Research

Student interviews have found an increasingly important place in the educational research landscape. They are used to create and validate assessments and concept inventories, as well as to more cle...
Sleep and Safety Decision-Making Among Truck Drivers:

Background:Restorative sleep is essential for the level of cognitive performance required of truckers to drive safely. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe and explore ...
Cost-effectiveness of the Adaptive Implementation of Effective Programs Trial (ADEPT): approaches to adopting implementation strategies

Theory-based methods to support the uptake of evidence-based practices (EBPs) are critical to improving mental health outcomes. Implementation strategy costs can be substantial, and few have been rigorously evaluated. The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis to identify the most cost-effective approach to deploying implementation strategies to enhance the uptake of Life Goals, a mental health EBP. We used data from a previously conducted randomized trial to compare the cost-effectiveness of Replicating Effective Programs (REP) combined with external and/or internal facilitation among sites non-responsive to REP. REP is a low-level strategy that includes EBP packaging, training, and technical assistance. External facilitation (EF) involves external expert support, and internal facilitation (IF) augments EF with protected time for internal staff to support EBP implementation. We developed a decision tree to assess 1-year costs and outcomes for four implementation strategies: (1) REP only, (2) REP+EF, (3) REP+EF add IF if needed, (4) REP+EF/IF. The analysis used a 1-year time horizon and assumed a health payer perspective. Our outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The economic outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Our results indicate that REP+EF add IF is the most cost-effective option with an ICER of $593/QALY. The REP+EF/IF and REP+EF only conditions are dominated (i.e., more expensive and less effective than comparators). One-way sensitivity analyses indicate that results are sensitive to utilities for REP+EF and REP+EF add IF. The PSA results indicate that REP+EF, add IF is the optimal strategy in 30% of iterations at the threshold of $100,000/QALY. Our results suggest that the most cost-effective implementation support begins with a less intensive, less costly strategy initially and increases as needed to enhance EBP uptake. Using this approach, implementation support resources can be judiciously allocated to those clinics that would most benefit. Our results were not robust to changes in the utility measure. Research is needed that incorporates robust and relevant utilities in implementation studies to determine the most cost-effective strategies. This study advances economic evaluation of implementation by assessing costs and utilities across multiple implementation strategy combinations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02151331 , 05/30/2014.
Contestations of Imperial Citizenship: Student Protest and Organizing in Qatar's Education City

Texas A&M, a public land grant university in College Station, Texas, has a long history of engagement with the Bush family. These ties highlight the university's entanglement with US imperial enterprises, which extend into the Persian Gulf. George H. W. Bush's own explanation of why he decided to place his presidential library at the campus despite not attending Texas A&M focused on these connections: “Over the years, Aggies have provided great service to the Armed Forces of our country. Patriotism abounds at A&M.” Meanwhile, Qatar hosts the largest concentration of US troops abroad. The US military's Central Command is at Al Udeid Air Base, not far from the Education City complex that hosts TAMUQ and several branch campuses of American and other foreign universities. The students at these institutions are Qatari citizens, South Asian and Arab immigrants, and international students, primarily from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Opioid Prescription Patterns for Discharged Patients from the Emergency Department.

Context. Opioid prescriptions from the emergency department (ED) have gradually increased over the last 20 years. Mounting evidence of the potential for abuse of these drugs, even after a transient ED encounter, has fueled a push to curtail the prescriptions of opioids from the ED. Objectives. It is important to analyze the types of etiologies and provider demographics that drive opioid prescription in our emergency departments. Our study aimed to determine which patients in the ED are receiving opioid prescriptions, as well as their strength and quantity. Secondary outcomes included identifying difference in prescribing between provider classes. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary care university-based, level-one trauma ED from November 2017 to October 2018. We identified and analyzed data from 2,259 patients who were sent home with an opioid prescription. We retrieved patient and provider demographics, diagnosis, etiologies, and prescription information. Results. The mean age of a patient receiving an opioid prescription was 45, and 72.7% of patients were white. The most common diagnosis groups associated with an opioid prescription were abdominal pain (18.5%), nonfracture extremity pain (18.4%), and back/neck pain (12.5%). Hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5–325 mg was the most commonly prescribed (67.4%). The median total prescribed milligram morphine equivalent (MME) was highest for extremity fracture (75.0; IQR 54.0–100.0). The median total prescribed amount of pills was highest for patients with extremity fractures (15.0; IQR 12.0–20.0). Conclusions. Our study elucidates the prescribing patterns of an academic level 1 trauma center and should pave the way for future studies looking to maximize effectiveness at ways to curb ED opioid prescription.
RNA-Targeting Splicing Modifiers: Drug Development and Screening Assays

RNA splicing is an essential step in producing mature messenger RNA (mRNA) and other RNA species. Harnessing RNA splicing modifiers as a new pharmacological modality is promising for the treatment of diseases caused by aberrant splicing. This drug modality can be used for infectious diseases by disrupting the splicing of essential pathogenic genes. Several antisense oligonucleotide splicing modifiers were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recently, a small-molecule splicing modifier, risdiplam, was also approved for the treatment of SMA, highlighting small molecules as important warheads in the arsenal for regulating RNA splicing. The cellular targets of these approved drugs are all mRNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) in human cells. The development of novel RNA-targeting splicing modifiers can not only expand the scope of drug targets to include many previously considered “undruggable” genes but also enrich the chemical-genetic toolbox for basic biomedical research. In this review, we summarized known splicing modifiers, screening methods for novel splicing modifiers, and the chemical space occupied by the small-molecule splicing modifiers.
Flow Diversion in Acute Sub Arachnoid Haemorrhage: A Single Centre Five Year Experience.

Abstract Objectives The role of flow-diversion in acute sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is controversial. Many of the published data warns of high rates of procedure-related complications and aneurysmal rebleed. This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, clinical and angiographic outcomes of acute flow-diversion at our institute. Methods The institutional database from June 2015 to June 2020 was retrospectively reviewed for aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) treated with flow diversion. Clinical presentation, procedural details, complications, anti-platelet usage, rebleeding and aneurysm occlusion rates and outcomes were recorded. Results 22 (59% females; median age 56 years) consecutive patients were identified. None of them were on regular antiplatelets/anticoagulation in the 15-days preceding the treatment. The mean aneurysm diameter was 5.4 mm and the median delay to flow-diversion was 2 days. Almost 73% (16/22) of patients had adjunctive coiling in the same session. There was no aneurysmal rebleed at a median follow up of 8.5 months and 86.3% (19/22 patients) had good clinical outcomes (3-month MRS 0–2). Adverse events related to the flow diversion procedure were seen in 3 patients; none of them had a medium to long-term clinical consequence. Three patients died from complications of SAH, unrelated to the procedure. Vascular imaging follow-up was available for 20 patients and the complete aneurysm occlusion rate was 95%. Conclusion Flow-diversion could be a reasonably safe and effective technique for treating ruptured aneurysms in appropriately selected patients when conventional options of surgical clipping and coiling are considered challenging.
How I Handle Retreatment of LUTS Following a Failed MIST.

Purpose of review The goal of this paper is to review retreatment management after failed minimally invasive treatment (MIST) of various technologies. Recent findings A failed MIST can be defined by the return, persistence, or worsening of LUTS, as documented by symptom scores. Persistence, development, or recurrence of comorbidities such as recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), retention, stones, hematuria, and incontinence can also signal a failed MIST. The common etiology for MIST failure is the preoperative consequence of long-term bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on the bladder function. Close monitoring of therapies with antimuscarinics or beta-agonists can be empirically utilized if post-void bladder residual (PVR) is low. If there is a high PVR, urodynamic studies and cystoscopy can be used to determine overactive bladder (OAB), BOO, or necrosis. Depending on the timing of the observed BOO/OAB, subsequent retreatments involving transurethral debridement, medical and behavioral therapies, or repeat surgical debulking can be employed.
How Does Removing the Tax Benefits of Debt Affect Firms? Evidence from the 2017 US Tax Reform

Despite extensive efforts, the impact of the tax benefits of debt on firm decisions is an open question. The 2017 US tax reform creates an opportunity to directly estimate the effects. The reform limits the tax advantage of debt for all firms except for small businesses with average sales below $25 million. I use the exception threshold in a regression discontinuity design and show that corporate debt declines nearly dollar for dollar as the present value of the tax benefits of debt shrinks, but equity financing is not affected. Treated firms decrease their investments and hiring, consistent with the rise in the cost of external financing. The effects are similar in public and private companies. Although the new law disproportionately reduces the tax benefits of debt in small firms, the evidence suggest that the estimates likely provide a lower bound for the effects in large companies. Overall, I document a first-order role for tax incentives that affect the cost of capital in shaping corporate financial and real policies.
Update on Prostaglandin

Much has been said and written about prostaglandins in the past few years. Two products are now commercially available for veterinary use in mares. The efficacy of prostaglandins has been well established in cattle for estrus synchronization and now therapeutic use, especially in dairy fertility work, but as yet they are not available commercially.
Quel avenir pour la gestion des parties prenantes

Au cours des dernieres annees, le concept de parties prenantes (stakeholders) est, sans aucun doute, l’une des contributions les plus importantes au domaine de l’ethique des affaires. Ce concept exprime un imperatif moral en vertu duquel les gestionnaires se doivent de considerer les interets de l’ensemble des parties prenantes. Dans sa forme la plus generalement admise, la liste des parties prenantes comprend les employes, les clients, les fournisseurs et la communaute, de meme que les actionnaires et les autres investisseurs. Les defenseurs de la gestion des parties prenantes ont raison sur un point : la societe a but lucratif moderne doit servir les interets de tous les groupes de parties prenantes. Mais la ou la gestion des parties prenantes echoue, c’est dans le fait de ne pas reconnaitre que des gestionnaires qui agissent dans l’interet des actionnaires peuvent aussi, par le fait meme, agir dans l’interet de tous les groupes de parties prenantes. En effet, dans la mesure ou le marche est capable de fournir les benefices desires aux differents groupes de parties prenantes, les gestionnaires n’ont pas explicitement besoin de considerer leurs interets lorsqu’ils prennent une decision. Neanmoins, les partisans de la theorie de la gestion des parties prenantes ont raison de rappeler que chacun de ces groupes devraient pouvoir beneficier des activites de l’entreprise. Ils ont egalement raison de chercher a rendre les gestionnaires attentifs a leurs responsabilites de creer de la richesse au benefice de tous.
Sample complexity of continuous binary search with noisy information

Studies the sample complexity of a continuous binary search problem with probabilistic noise present in the information. The authors derive a general lower bound on the complexity and propose an algorithm that can solve the problem with arbitrary accuracy and confidence. The authors also give the sufficient condition on the number of samples for the success of the algorithm. >
Voltage monitor circuit for ESD diagnosis

A newly designed on-chip voltage monitor circuit (VM) is capable of recording for subsequent readout the peak voltage reached at internal nodes during ESD events. Real-time voltage probing techniques during wafer-level CDM are verified using VMs; guidelines are discussed for reducing the impact of probing on current flow.
The uptake of 2-14C-5-hydroxytryptamine by uterine tissue of nonpregnant and pregnant rats.

Abstract The uptake during in vitro incubations of 2- 14 C-5-hydroxytryptamine (2- 14 C-5-HT) by uterine slices of pregnant rats was compared to that of nonpregnant rats. It was found that uteri of nonpregnant rats accumulated about 3 times as much activity as did uteri of rats 13 to 21 days pregnant. An abrupt diminution of 2- 14 C-5-HT uptake occurred between the third and fifth postcoital day, corresponding to the period of implantation. Maximum uptake of 2- 14 C-5-HT was reached after two hours of incubation without a subsequent decline. It is suggested that the fetoplacental unit plays an important role in uterine 5-HT metabolism.
Effect of growth stage on mycolic acid structure in cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2.

Mycolic acids were extracted from the cell walls of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 during different phases of growth at 37 degrees C. These were subjected to structural analysis by combining thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography with UV and infrared spectrophotometry and mass spectroscopy of both methyl esters and trimethyl silyl derivatives. By analyzing the fragmentation patterns of these derivatives by three different methods of mass spectroscopy combined with gas-liquid chromatographic separation, the different structural subclasses of mycolic acids were quantitated. Significant qualitative and quantitative modifications of specific mycolic acid subclasses occurred in the cell walls of N. asteroides GUH-2 that were growth stage dependent. The mycolic acids that were predominant in the log phase were polyunsaturated (greater than 2 double bonds per molecule), with long chain lengths and even carbon atom numbers (i.e., C54, C56). In contrast, those that were prominent in the stationary phase were more saturated (few or no double bonds) and of shorter overall carbon chain length (less than or equal to C52). Furthermore, stationary-phase cells had significantly increased amounts of mycolic acids with odd-numbered carbon chain lengths (i.e., C49, C51, C53).