cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Corn Shredlage on lactation performance and total tract starch digestibility by dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of feeding a TMR containing Corn Shredlage (SHRD; Shredlage LLC, Tea, SD) or conventionally processed corn silage (KPCS) on lactation performance by dairy cows. The KPCS was harvested using conventional rolls (3-mm gap) and set at a 19-mm theoretical length of cut. The SHRD was harvested using novel cross-grooved rolls (2.5-mm gap) and set at a 30-mm length of cut. One hundred twelve cows stratified by DIM, milk yield, breed, and parity were randomly assigned to 14 pens with 8 cows. Pens were randomly assigned to 2 treatment TMR in a completely randomized design. A 2-wk covariate period with cows fed a 50:50 mixture of treatment diets was followed by an 8-wk treatment period with cows fed their assigned treatment diet. The TMR contained (DM basis) KPCS or SHRD (50%), alfalfa silage (10%), and concentrate mixture (40%). Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed in SAS with covariate, treatment, week, and the treatment × week interaction as fixed effects and pen within treatment as a random effect. Cows fed SHRD tended to consume 0.7 kg/d more DM. Milk yield and composition were similar between treatments. The 3.5% FCM yield tended to be 1.0 kg/d greater for cows fed SHRD. A treatment × week interaction was detected for 3.5% FCM yield; as during wk 2, a tendency was observed for SHRD to be greater during wk 4 and 6 and greater for SHRD at wk 8. Ruminal in situ digestibility of starch was greater for SHRD than for KPCS. Feeding SHRD tended to increase DMI and 3.5% FCM yield.
Pathologic quiz case: an enlarging, firm nodule on the abdominal skin in an otherwise healthy 73-year-old woman.

On microscopic examination, a well-circumscribed, but not encapsulated, tumor was noted within the dermis and the panniculus and arranged in nests and sheets surrounded by a vascularized, sclerotic stroma (Figures 2 and 3). The individual tumor islands were composed of clear cells and slightly smaller cells with amphophilic cytoplasm, both with small, central nuclei. The clear cells mainly occupied the central aspect of the nests and sheets, whereas the amphophilic staining cells were located at the periphery of the individual tumor islands. There were also areas where the nests and sheets were exclusively composed of one cell type. Occasional mitotic figures were observed, but atypical forms were not detected. Areas of necrosis were evident, but without cytologic atypia of the surrounding tumor cells (Figure 2, arrow). Focal squamous metaplasia was also noted (Figure 4). The surgical margins were free of tumor. The overlying epidermis was unremarkable. Immunohistochemical studies on paraffin sections were negative for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and S100 protein. What is your diagnosis?
Anesthetic actions on cardiovascular control mechanisms in the central nervous system.

Publisher Summary This chapter delineates the effects of volatile anesthetics such as halothane and isoflurane on vasomotor and preganglionic sympathetic neuronal responses evoked by electrical stimulation of cardiovascular control sites within the central nervous system (CNS). The disruption of normal cardiovascular function by all the volatile anesthetics is well known and well appreciated clinically. The mechanisms by which these agents modulate circulatory alterations have been attributed to direct effects on vasculature, myocardium, sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, and the CNS. The mechanism(s) by which volatile anesthetics may disrupt CNS modulation of the cardiovascular system is as yet unknown. However, there appear to be differential effects of halothane and isoflurane in the disruption of CNS cardiovascular control mechanisms. The attenuation of CNS stimulation-induced pressor responses by halothane and isoflurane may involve an action at one or several locations along the sympathoexcitatory pathway, a disruption of the central integration of afferent neuronal information, or the generation of appropriate responses. These differential effects may, in part, contribute to dissimilar circulatory effects, that are observed clinically with these two agents. Alternatively, these agents may affect CNS pressor responses by altering the responsiveness of pre- and or postganglionic neurons. Although the differential disruption of CNS cardiovascular control has been described for the volatile agents, α-chloralose, urethane, and barbiturates, the relative contributions of peripheral versus central mechanisms are still somewhat unclear.
Should Notice 2001-45 Apply to Basis Shifts in Consolidated Groups?

The transactions targeted by Notice 2001-45 all utilize Reg. 1.302-2(c). Under that regulation, if a redemption is treated as a dividend distribution, a "proper adjustment of the basis of the remaining stock [must] be made with respect to the stock redeemed." This article considers how the notice may affect consolidated groups, beginning by surveying how Reg. 1.302-2(c) may permit the basis of redeemed stock to shift between taxpayers. Although Notice 2001-45 seems to target redemptions of stock owned by exempt taxpayers, it might embrace intra-group redemptions of member stock by a consolidated group. The Notice provides that it may apply when the redeemed shareholder does not include "the full redemption proceeds as a dividend in gross income that is subject to U.S. tax," something that happens when a member receives an intra-group redemption that it treats as a dividend. The article reviews how Notice 2001-45 proposes to attack that basis shift and concludes that the Notice probably should not apply to basis shifts within a consolidated group. A recent private ruling - PLR 9815050 (4/10/98) - is consistent with that conclusion. Finally, the article suggests some planning opportunities for consolidated groups and possible IRS responses.
New Hippocampal Neurons Mature Rapidly in Response to Ketamine But Are Not Required for Its Acute Antidepressant Effects on Neophagia in Rats.

Abstract Virtually all antidepressant agents increase the birth of granule neurons in the adult dentate gyrus in rodents, providing a key basis for the neurogenesis hypothesis of antidepressant action. The novel antidepressant ketamine, however, shows antidepressant activity in humans within hours, far too rapid for a mechanism involving neuronal birth. Ketamine could potentially act more rapidly by enhancing maturation of new neurons born weeks earlier. To test this possibility, we assessed the effects of S-ketamine (S-(+)-ketamine hydrochloride) injection on maturation, as well as birth and survival, of new dentate gyrus granule neurons in rats, using the immediate-early gene zif268, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and BrdU, respectively. We show that S-ketamine has rapid effects on new neurons, increasing the proportion of functionally mature young granule neurons within 2 h. A single injection of S-ketamine also increased cell proliferation and functional maturation, and decreased depressive-like behavior, for at least 4 weeks in rats treated with long-term corticosterone administration (a depression model) and controls. However, the behavioral effects of S-ketamine on neophagia were unaffected by elimination of adult neurogenesis. Together, these results indicate that ketamine has surprisingly rapid and long-lasting effects on the recruitment of young neurons into hippocampal networks, but that ketamine has antidepressant-like effects that are independent of adult neurogenesis.
Fast, Accurate Method of Measuring Ant Head Widths

A wedge micrometer, constructed from two microscope slides, provides a fast and accurate alternative to an ocular micrometer for measuring the width of ant heads and other similarly shaped objects.
The Genesis of the Proximate Principle in the Development of Urban Parks in England

AbstractThere is a willingness by many people to pay more for property located close to parks and open space than for property that does not offer this amenity. This process of ‘capitalisation’ of park land into increased property values is termed the ‘proximate principle’. The paper traces the central role of the proximate principle in persuading local governments to invest resources into England’s early urban parks. The first purpose-built urban parks in England were conceived as private enclaves for the wealthy. Their primary purpose was to create premium values for properties around them and, hence, enhance the profitability of residential dwellings to the developer. The earliest forms of these private enclaves were ‘squares’. The evolution of the principle to larger park areas occurred in 1811 with John Nash and the commitment to develop Regent’s Park in London and its adjacent Nash terraces that were targeted at the wealthy. In 1841, Richard Yates developed Prince’s Park in Liverpool, using the prox...
Single-stage interpolation flaps in facial reconstruction.

BACKGROUNDRelatively deep and complex surgical defects, particularly when adjacent to or involving free margins, present significant reconstructive challenges. When the use of local flaps is precluded by native anatomic restrictions, interpolation flaps may be modified to address these difficult wou
Monodisperse Cobalt Ferrite Nanomagnets with Uniform Silica Coatings

Ferro- and ferrimagnetic nanoparticles are difficult to manipulate in solution as a consequence of the formation of magnetically induced nanoparticle aggregates, which hamper the utility of these particles for applications ranging from data storage to bionanotechnology. Nonmagnetic shells that encapsulate these magnetic particles can reduce the interparticle magnetic interactions and improve the dispersibility of the nanoparticles in solution. A route to create uniform silica shells around individual cobalt ferrite nanoparticles—which uses poly(acrylic acid) to bind to the nanoparticle surface and inhibit nanoparticle aggregation prior to the addition of a silica precursor—was developed. In the absence of the poly(acrylic acid) the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles irreversibly aggregated during the silica shell formation. The thickness of the silica shell around the core−shell nanoparticles could be controlled in order to tune the interparticle magnetic coupling as well as inhibit magnetically induced nanopar...
Tailoring the Release of Drugs Using Excipients

Current efforts in the area of drug delivery include the development of modified release technologies for improving product efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. Polymeric excipients play a critical role in determining the mechanism and rate of drug release from the solid oral dosage forms. Regardless of the physicochemical properties of drug molecules and physiological conditions of the body, it is now possible to achieve site-specific delivery of drugs in a sustained manner. This chapter highlights the polymeric excipients that are widely used in modulating the release and enhancing the oral absorption of drugs.
Biographical Feature: Alexander C. Sonnenwirth, Ph.D.

It was the spring of 1971, and I was at the Monsanto Company headquarters in St. Louis, MO, for a meeting of the regional ASM group when I first met Dr. Alex C. Sonnenwirth. I was a 2nd-year graduate student at the University of Missouri in Columbia and had traveled to St. Louis with other graduate
Surveillance of influenza in yiwu during 2010-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Yiwu city and provide evidence for the prevention and control of influenza. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the surveillance data of influenza 1ike illness in Yiwu city from 2010 to 2012. Results The average proportion of ILI cases in total outpatients was 2. 68% in sentinel hospitals during 2010 to 2012. The highest ILI% season was spring and the proportion was 4.36%, the summer was 1.51%, the autumn was 2.74%, and the winter was 2.43%. The ILI cases were mainly children aged 15 years and the proportion was 81.53%. Of the 314 cases, 56.37% were type B seasonal flu virus, 32.17% were type H3N2 seasonal flu virus, 10.83% were type H1N1, and 0.63% were type H1N1 seasonal flu virus. Conclusion The major flu strains are type B and type H3N2 in Yiwu city.
Discussion on Chemistry Check-up of Supercritical Once-through Boiler

The chemistry check-up was carried out in the first maintenance of eight AVT treatment supercritical once-through boiler 600 MW units in Henan,and some common problems were found,including high scaling rate of the water-cooled wall and coal economizer,high salt deposition rate on the turbine blades,complex composition of deposits,and blade crusting corrosion of low-pressure cylinder.The causes for the problems are analyzed and relevant countermeasures are proposed.
Yield Analysis of Approved Rice Varieties in Guangxi from 2008 to 2014

[Objective]In order to more fully grasp the yield of approved rice varieties in Guangxi from 2008 to 2014.[Method]The basic situation,annual yield,yield of rice various types,the relationship of yield with growth period and plant height of the approved rice varieties in Guangxi from 2008 to 2014 were compared and analyzed in this paper. [Result] The yield potential of Guangxi hybrid rice has no breakthrough,which was still hovering in 7 500 kg / hm2,the conventional yield decreased greatly from 2012 to 2014. [Conclusion]We should take the high- yielding hybrid rice breeding as a long- term objective in future,and continue to strengthen the conventional rice breeding.
Waging Conflicts Constructively (2009)

The contemporary field of conflict analysis and resolution (CAR) derives from many sources, which contributes to its creativity and its breadth (Kriesberg 2008). Workers in the field utilize theories and research from many traditional academic disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, sociology, geography, political science, history, and economics. Some of them also have experience in various interdisciplinary fields, notably peace studies as well as industrial relations and security studies. The experiences of, and reflections by, persons in religious undertakings, international diplomacy, collective bargaining, and legal proceedings also have contributed to the development of the field. Finally, the field has grown so greatly that many workers in it theorize, engage in research, and create new conflict resolution methods as well as apply familiar methods in new settings, which all contribute to the continuing advancement of the field.
Is Innovation Dependent on the Hierarchical Leadership Pyramid

The purpose of the current essay is to consider the influence that the hierarchical form of leadership has on the ability to innovate within an organization. Organizational leadership sets the direction that steers innovation. Leadership facilitates the collaborative efforts of a diverse group of individuals. Leadership also provides the support and resources necessary to implement innovative initiatives successfully. The leadership develops the culture that can either help or hinder innovation. A culture that supports innovation emphasizes learning, experimenting, diversity, and collaboration. Leadership encourages either a mindset of collaboration or that of competition. Ideas and problems should be challenged in positive, collaborative ways rather than by competitive methods. Individuals in a position of authority must understand the impact that their support and access to resources have on the process of innovation. Such an understanding will allow leadership to focus their energy on providing a clear direction and sharing information, supporting implementation, building an innovative culture, and developing an organizational mindset of collaboration not competition.
Neonatal Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

The clinical presentation and management of 7 neonates with idiopathic cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are reported from the Floating Hospital for Infants and Children, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
Compliance Counseling Improves Outcomes of Bracing for Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Commentary on an article by Lori A. Karol, MD, et al.: "Effect of Compliance Counseling on Brace Use and Success in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis".

Until recently, five fundamental questions regarding the orthotic treatment of idiopathic scoliosis have eluded a clear answer: 1. Does bracing prevent the progression of scoliosis? 2. If so, in which patients? 3. What type of brace works best? 4. How many hours per day must the brace be worn in order to be effective? 5. Why do some patients have successful control of their curves while others do not? The first question was addressed in 1995 by a prospective controlled multicenter study sponsored by the Scoliosis Research Society, which showed that only 27% of patients treated with a brace had curve progression versus 63% in a control group1. Subsequently, another well-designed and executed prospective controlled multicenter study, the Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BRAIST)2, confirmed that bracing is effective in controlling the progression of scoliosis. Nevertheless, in that study, brace treatment was (once again) unsuccessful in 27% of patients. It is appropriate to ask why the curve progressed in 27% of the patients despite bracing …
Classical Control Design for a Gyroscopically Stabilized Inverted Pendulum

This work reports on the design and development of an inverted pendulum using a control moment gyro as a stabilizing mechanism. A common educational demonstration calls for a person to stand on a pivoting platform, and hold a spinning bicycle tire with one hand on each side of the axle. As the person rotates their arms, they begin to spin on the platform. This is due to the interesting effect of the control moment gyro. Similarly, this paper suggests the use of control moment gyros as a compact way of dynamically controlling objects. This paper will first discuss some of the current applications of control moment gyro systems, and how they could be used to improve existing technologies. This paper derives the dynamics of a particular gyroscope influenced pendulum, and shows a simple way to design a controller that stabilizes the pendulum. With the theory and background in place, experimental results are presented to verify the predicted response and validate the control approach. Finally, this paper will evaluate some of the strengths and weakness of this control approach, compared to other balancing techniques.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Mitochondrial transplantation: From animal models to clinical use in humans

Mitochondrial transplantation is a novel therapeutic intervention to treat ischemia/reperfusion related disorders. The method for mitochondrial transplantation is simple and rapid and can be delivered to the end organ either by direct injection or vascular infusion. In this review, we provide mechanistic and histological studies in large animal models and present data to show clinical efficacy in human patients.
The use of social media for campus safety

As public safety communication evolved, each disaster or emergency presented unique challenges for emergency managers and others response to disasters. Yet, a foundational focus is the timely dissemination of accurate information to keep communities informed and able to prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover. For the campus community, the increase in bomb threats, active shooter incidents, and geographic-based natural disasters call for the discovery of reliable and cost-effective solutions for emergency information management. Social media is becoming a critical asset in this endeavor. This article examines the evolution of public safety communication, the unique setting of the campus community, and social media's role in campus disaster resilience. In addition, an exploratory study was done to better understand the perception of social media use for public safety within the campus community. The findings provide practical recommendations for campus emergency management professions; however, future research is needed to provide specific, actionable ways to achieve these goals as well as understand how diverse universities utilize a variety of platforms.
Contemporary deep recurrent learning for recognition

Large-scale feed-forward neural networks have seen intense application in many computer vision problems. However, these networks can get hefty and computationally intensive with increasing complexity of the task. Our work, for the first time in literature, introduces a Cellular Simultaneous Recurrent Network (CSRN) based hierarchical neural network for object detection. CSRN has shown to be more effective to solving complex tasks such as maze traversal and image processing when compared to generic feed forward networks. While deep neural networks (DNN) have exhibited excellent performance in object detection and recognition, such hierarchical structure has largely been absent in neural networks with recurrency. Further, our work introduces deep hierarchy in SRN for object recognition. The simultaneous recurrency results in an unfolding effect of the SRN through time, potentially enabling the design of an arbitrarily deep network. This paper shows experiments using face, facial expression and character recognition tasks using novel deep recurrent model and compares recognition performance with that of generic deep feed forward model. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of incorporating our proposed deep SRN based recognition framework in a humanoid robotic platform called NAO.
Sex-Differential Responses of Tumor Promotion-Associated Genes and Dysregulation of Novel Long Noncoding RNAs in Constitutive Androstane Receptor-Activated Mouse Liver.

Xenobiotic agonists of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) induce many hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes, but following prolonged exposure, promote hepatocellular carcinoma, most notably in male mouse liver. Here, we used nuclear RNA-seq to characterize global changes in the mouse liver transcriptome following exposure to the CAR-specific agonist ligand 1,4-bis-[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), including changes in novel long noncoding RNAs that may contribute to xenobiotic-induced pathophysiology. Protein-coding genes dysregulated by 3 h TCPOBOP exposure were strongly enriched in KEGG pathways of xenobiotic and drug metabolism, with stronger and more extensive gene responses observed in female than male liver. After 27 h TCPOBOP exposure, the number of responsive genes increased >8-fold in males, where the top enriched pathways and their upstream regulators expanded to include factors implicated in cell cycle dysregulation and hepatocellular carcinoma progression (cyclin-D1, oncogenes E2f, Yap, Rb, Myc, and proto-oncogenes β-catenin, FoxM1, FoxO1, all predicted to be activated by TCPOBOP in male but not female liver; and tumor suppressors p21 and p53, both predicted to be inhibited). Upstream regulators uniquely associated with 3 h TCPOBOP-exposed females include TNF/NFkB pathway members, which negatively regulate CAR-dependent proliferative responses and may contribute to the relative resistance of female liver to TCPOBOP-induced tumor promotion. These responses may be modified by the many long noncoding liver RNAs we show are dysregulated by TCPOBOP or pregnane-X-receptor agonist exposure, including lncRNAs proximal to CAR target genes Cyp2b10, Por, and Alas1. These data provide a comprehensive view of the CAR-regulated transcriptome and give insight into the mechanism of sex-biased susceptibility to CAR-dependent mouse liver tumorigenesis.
Experimental Studies on the Phototoxicity of Acidic Precipitation: The United States Experience

The existence of acidic precipitation in the eastern U.S.A. presents a difficult issue for national energy and pollution control policies. We need to determine whether the effects of acidic precipitation are sufficiently serious to require changes in fuel usage and energy or emission control strategies. Because decisions made today have effects a decade or more in the future, we must predict the influence of current policies on this environmental problem. A thorough understanding of the phenomenon and its consequences is required to form a sensible basis for policy decisions.
National Cancer Institute Programmatic Collaboration for Investigational Radiopharmaceuticals.

Radiopharmaceutical therapies have provided an attractive therapeutic approach since the introduction of 131I to treat thyroid cancer. New insights in cancer biology and radiochemistry have brought radiopharmaceuticals to the leading edge of oncology clinical research. National Cancer Institute (NCI) programs watch for new radiopharmaceutical breakthroughs that should be used to treat patients with unmet therapeutic needs. Such efforts occur through leveraged partnerships between NCI’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program and its Radiation Research Program. If groundbreaking discoveries are made, NCI pulls together clinician scientists to design novel radiopharmaceutical phase I and II monotherapy or combination trials. The specific infrastructure needs, such as radiopharmaceutical dosimetry and treatment planning, demand new programmatic workflow and regulatory oversight. This article discusses a modern approach to the development of radiopharmaceutical therapies in the era of personalized medicine.
Motives for the New Constitution

The government introduced the constitution to achieve international, ideological, and political goals. Among the political was the managerial goal of improving the effectiveness of government, and its ability to control, through a new election law—to use democratic procedures to motivate, revitalize, and purge sluggish, unreliable officials. Internal communications convey that the leaders took seriously the dictum of the attainment of socialism and the “new order of classes”—this was the ideological reason for a new constitution. The Stalinist vision of achieved socialism and a transformed peasantry explains why the idea of election reform with the enfranchisement of former enemies ascended. But later, when abstraction (the idea of a harmonious society) showed its discord with reality (when the discussion campaign exposed “enemies” inspired by freedoms and the obstruction of officials), the most daring part of the constitutional reform—contested elections—was castrated and the constitution became a sham.
An algorithm for real-time tracking of non-rigid objects

We describe an algorithm for tracking an unknown object in natural scenes. We require that the object's approximate initial location be available, and further assume that the it ean be distinguished from the background by motion or stereo. No constraint is placed on the object's shape, other than that it not change too rapidly from frame to frame. Objects are tracked and segmented cross-temporally using a massively parallel bottom-up approach. Our algorithm has been implemented on a Connection Machine, and runs in real time 15-20 frames per second).
A surgical technique for the long term collection of bile in the pig and measurement of the biliary excretion of copper and zinc.

A method is described for surgically modifying the gastrointestinal tract of the pig which enables the long term collection of bile and measurement of bile flow and allows the pig to be kept unrestrained in a large pen. Three surgically prepared gilts grew at an average of 0·79 kg d −1 . Bile flow increased with bodyweight from 1·6 ml min −1 at 45 to 50 kg to 3·5 ml min −1 at 124·5 kg bodyweight. Mean output in bile of copper and zinc by the three gilts during the period 08.00 to 12.30 was 161·0 ± 11·1 and 3·94 ± 0·41 nmol min −1 , respectively. The calculated output during 24 hours represented approximately 5·8 and 0·13 per cent of the daily intake of copper and zinc, respectively.
A Bayesian latent class approach for EHR‐based phenotyping

Phenotyping, ie, identification of patients possessing a characteristic of interest, is a fundamental task for research conducted using electronic health records. However, challenges to this task include imperfect sensitivity and specificity of clinical codes and inconsistent availability of more detailed data such as laboratory test results. Despite these challenges, most existing electronic health records-derived phenotypes are rule-based, consisting of a series of Boolean arguments informed by expert knowledge of the disease of interest and its coding. The objective of this paper is to introduce a Bayesian latent phenotyping approach that accounts for imperfect data elements and missing not at random missingness patterns that can be used when no gold-standard data are available. We conducted simulation studies to compare alternative phenotyping methods under different patterns of missingness and applied these approaches to a cohort of 68 265 children at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In simulation studies, the latent class approach had similar sensitivity to a rule-based approach (95.9% vs 91.9%) while substantially improving specificity (99.7% vs 90.8%). In the PEDSnet cohort, we found that biomarkers and clinical codes were strongly associated with latent T2DM status. The latent T2DM class was also strongly predictive of missingness in biomarkers. Glucose was missing in 83.4% of patients (odds ratio for latent T2DM status = 0.52) while hemoglobin A1c was missing in 91.2% (odds ratio for latent T2DM status = 0.03 ), suggesting missing not at random missingness. The latent phenotype approach may substantially improve on rule-based phenotyping.
Limits to Financialization of a Production Firm

Should commodity producers that engage in trading keep production and trading operations together or divide them into separate entities? A joint firm can substitute production with trading when switching capacity is expensive, and use the shared balance sheet to exploit trading opportunities. However, a joint firm unable to ring-fence a profitable operation, and is vulnerable to shocks in one operation that contaminates the other. Trading to support and hedge production adds value. Trading to expand the profits of the company must be limited below a threshold. Excessive trading is characterized by its scope in the joint firm.
Eliminating Risk of Intubation in Very Preterm Infants with Noninvasive Cardiorespiratory Support in the Delivery Room and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Introduction. Avoiding intubation and promoting noninvasive modes of ventilator support including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants minimizes lung injury and optimizes neonatal outcomes. Discharge home on oxygen is an expensive morbidity in very preterm infants (VPI) with lung disease. In 2007 a standardized bundle was introduced for VPI admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) which included delayed cord clamping (DCC) at birth and noninvasive ventilation as first-line cardiorespiratory support in the delivery room (DR), followed by bubble CPAP upon NICU admission. Objective. Our goal was to evaluate the risk of (1) intubation and (2) discharge home on oxygen after adopting this standardized DR bundle in VPI born at a regional perinatal center and treated in the NICU over a ten-year period (2008-2017). Materials and Methods. We compared maternal and neonatal demographics, respiratory care processes and outcomes, as well as neonatal mortality and morbidity in VPI ( 8% in all California NICUs and > 10% in all California regional NICUs (2014-2016). Conclusion. Noninvasive strategies in DR and NICU minimize risk of intubation in VPI without adversely affecting other neonatal or respiratory outcomes. Risk-adjusted rates for discharge home on oxygen remained significantly lower for inborn VPI compared with rates at regional NICUs in California. Reducing intubation risk in ELBW infants may confer an advantage for survival without major morbidity. Prenatal magnesium may reduce intubation risk in ELBW infants.
2018 Health Care & Education Presidential Address: The American Diabetes Association in the Era of Health Care Transformation.

This address was delivered by Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, ABPP, President, Health Care & Education of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) at the ADA’s 78th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL, on 23 June 2018. Diabetes has become a high-priority condition in the current era of health care transformation due to diabetes and prediabetes prevalence rates, suboptimal diabetes outcomes at the health care system and population levels, and high health care and public health costs attributed to diabetes. Population health is the path forward for the ADA to facilitate diabetes health care and public health improvement nationally. Population health management initiatives underway at the ADA include Diabetes INSIDE for health care systems and a Mental Health Provider Training Program and referral directory. Population health improvement initiatives include the prediabetes Risk Test Campaign, National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) dissemination in underserved states and populations, a DPP Express information technology platform, and a social determinants of health scientific review and recommendations. Dr. Hill-Briggs is a professor of medicine; physical medicine and rehabilitation; health, behavior, and society; and acute and chronic care at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. She is a core faculty member of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology & Clinical Research and colead of behavioral, social, and systems science for the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. Dr. Hill-Briggs has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine of The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine and is the 2018 recipient of the Rachmiel Levine Medal for Leadership from the ADA.
Biosensor platforms for biomarker detection: plasmonic aptasensors for detection of Neuropeptide Y

A Neuropeptide Y-binding aptamer (NPY-BA) and 15 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used to create plasmonic aptasensors for the selective detection of Neuropeptide Y in a rapid colorimetric assay. In this report, we describe different parameters that can be varied to optimize the sensitivity and selectivity of these assay and demonstrate initial NPY detection in sweat.
LA CERVICITE: ANTECEDENT DE L'INFECTION PELVIENNE: UNE MISE AU POINT

Le col de l'uterus est la porte d'entree anatomique et fonctionnelle au tractus genital superieur. Les bacteries doivent passer au travers du col pour arriver a l'etage superieur du pelvis. Elles y arrivent par de nombreuses voies, comme la bacteriospermie et une adherence aux trichomonas
Mind the Gap: Southern Exit, Northern Voice and Changing Loyalties since the Euro Crisis

In this article, we examine whether the EU's unequal encroachment on its northern and southern members' core state powers since the Euro crisis – manifested in highly uneven burdens of economic adjustment and the reversal of intra‐EU migration dynamics – has in turn affected individual European identity. Using individual‐level data from Eurobarometer pooled over time, we investigate the micro‐foundations of EU citizens' continued sense of belonging, be it shared (national or EU) or exclusive (national). Though a steady majority of EU citizens continues to identify at least partially as European, we observe a rather puzzling North–South divergence in identity among the young and a widening skills gap overall. We argue that the Euro crisis triggered dynamics of southern exit (through surging South–North migration), northern voice (based on EU adoption of policies preferred in the North) and shifting national versus European loyalties, which may have consequences for the changing nature of European identity research.
Abstract MP08: Targeted Healthy Food Incentives Influence Grocery Purchase Quality and Purchase of Targeted Foods: Results From the Randomized Controlled Crossover Smart Cart Study

Introduction: Incentives can increase healthy food purchases, but less is known about whether they improve dietary quality. The Smart Cart Study evaluated whether healthful food incentives based on...
A comparison of currently available optoelectronic motion capture systems

Abstract The measurement of human motion relies heavily on the ability of the optoelectronic motion capture systems to accurately measure retroreflective marker positions. Marker position accuracy is largely dependent on the optical characteristics of the camera system and algorithms implemented in the tracking software. In 1999, Richards critically reviewed multiple camera systems and each of their ability to generate the same marker coordinate positions under different field tests. Field tests were designed utilizing what became to be known as the Standard Assessment of Motion System Accuracy (SAMSA) device. The SAMSA test results indicated that some systems outperformed others and accuracy varied depending on the test. In the subsequent 20 years, motion capture technology has significantly improved. Therefore, we aimed to replicate the tests from 1999 using current, higher-resolution motion capture systems and current calibration techniques. Reference marker distances were established utilizing a FaroArm 3D digitizer (FARO technologies). The modern cameras field test performance showed nearly a three-fold improvement in agreement with the reference measure compared to their 1999 predecessors. No systems’ absolute marker distance measured greater than 0.5 mm from the FaroArm measurement and no systems’ maximum error exceeded 1.0 mm. Given the consistency in accuracy reported by all the systems included in the current assessment, it’s reasonable to assume that the current systems would eliminate errors associated with system hardware/software as an obstacle to sharing data between laboratories.
Cell Division: Interkinetic Nuclear Mechanics.

New work reveals that interkinetic nuclear migration - the movement of nuclei towards the apical surface of dividing epithelial cells - is mechanically regulated, relying on a balance of forces between the mitotic cell and the surrounding tissue.
DO NOT FALL to the VAPE TRAP

Abstract Introduction Whilst the use of combustible tobacco products continues to decline in the United States, the use of e-cigarettes has seen an explosive rise in recent years. In 2019 an outbreak on EVALI was seen across the country, highlighting the fact that e-cigarettes may not be as harmless as previously perceived. Case description A 22-year-old male came to the emergency department complaining of vomiting and shortness of breath. Patient reported using a “pod” a day of a “JUUL” e-cigarette. Patient's oxygen requirement continued to increase and was eventually shifted to the intensive care unit and mechanically ventilated. After a course of intravenous glucocorticoids, the patient was successfully weaned off the mechanical ventilation to oral glucocorticoids and discharged. Discussion Our patient's clinical course can be described as a “classic” case of EVALI. But in contrast to previously reported cases, our patient did not use e-cigarettes known to contain vitamin E acetate or THC two common substances implicated in EVALI. Our patient exclusively used a JUUL e-cigarette at a rate much higher than the typical user. The widespread use of JUUL and e-cigarettes especially amongst the younger demographics is especially concerning. Conclusion Research efforts must be directed towards the substances utilized in e-cigarettes, and their use should be actively discouraged.
Cost-Effectiveness of 2 Support Models for a Healthy School Initiative.

Background In school year (SY) 2014-2015, 128 schools in 24 districts and 14 states were randomly assigned to receive either onsite or online support to implement a school-based wellness program. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of the 2 models of implementation support: onsite and online. Methods We adapted the "ingredients method" for the CE analysis. Using expenditure data, we tabulated the costs of relevant expense categories and allocated the appropriate proportion to determine the total costs of providing each type of support for 4 years (SY 2014-2015 through SY 2017-2018). We divided the average cost per school by the average change in school wellness policies and practices, using assessment data provided by the program provider, to calculate a CE ratio for schools in each group. Results Findings indicate that when the program is implemented as intended, online support is, on average, approximately 1.3 times more cost-effective than onsite support at the end of 4 years. Conclusions By demonstrating the relative CE of 2 approaches to supporting the implementation of a school health program, this study provides further insight on more efficient interventions for improving overall school wellness.
Correlates of Homelessness Among Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

BACKGROUND Although homelessness and opioid use disorder (OUD) are important public health issues, few studies have examined their cooccurrence. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlates of homelessness among patients enrolled in low-barrier-to-treatment-access methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs for OUD. METHODS Demographic, diagnosis-related, and treatment-related correlates were assessed by self-report for 164 patients in MMT. Correlates of past-month homelessness were investigated with logistic regression. RESULTS Twenty-four percent of patients reported homelessness in the past month. Bivariate analyses initially identified 7 statistically significant (P<0.05) correlates of homelessness: gender; Latinx ethnicity; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization; self-criticism; and duration of MMT. In the final logistic regression model, which included significant independent variables from the bivariate logistic regressions, patients in MMT who were homeless (vs. domiciled) were more likely to be male (odds ratio 2.54; confidence interval, 1.01-6.36) and report higher symptoms of depression (odds ratio 1.07; confidence interval, 1.01-1.15). CONCLUSIONS Low-barrier-to-treatment-access programs can attract people who are homeless with OUD into MMT. These programs also have an important public health role in addressing both depression and OUD among people who are homeless.
Painful Subacute Thyroiditis is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Suspicious Thyroid Nodular Disease

Abstract Objective To investigate and characterize the clinical and radiologic features of 10 patients with painful subacute thyroiditis with ultrasound findings considered suspicious for malignancy or for whom biopsy of a suspicious area was recommended by an attending radiologist. Patients and Methods Ten patients with painful subacute thyroiditis were seen from June 1, 2016, through January 1, 2019. All 10 patients presented to an endocrine or thyroid clinic with a neck ultrasound report stating findings suspicious for malignancy or nodular disease. Clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and pathologic data were (retrospectively collected and) reviewed. Results The mean ± SD patient age was 49.0±15.0 years at diagnosis; 8 patients were female. All the patients presented with a low or undetectable serum thyrotropin level. Six of 7 patients with available inflammatory markers had elevated levels. Thyrotropin receptor antibodies were absent in all 6 patients tested. On follow-up imaging, 8 patients had complete resolution or improvement of described findings, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 1 had an incidental nodule that was biopsied after the episode of thyroiditis and found to be papillary thyroid carcinoma. Conclusion Painful subacute thyroiditis demonstrates specific sonographic patterns that may be misdiagnosed as suspicious thyroid nodular disease. Recognition of the innocent and transient nature of these findings is important for the proper management and monitoring of these patients.
Team-Based Ultrasound Objective Structured Practice Examination (OSPE) in the Anatomy Course

The clinical use of ultrasound has dramatically increased, necessitating early ultrasound education and the development of new tools in ultrasound training and assessment. The goal of this study was to devise a novel low-resource examination that tested the anatomical knowledge and technical skill of early undergraduate medical students in a gross anatomy course. The team-based ultrasound objective structured practice examination (OSPE) was created as a method for assessing practical ultrasound competencies, anatomical knowledge, and non-technical skills such as teamwork and professionalism. The examination utilized a rotation of students through four team roles as they scanned different areas of the body. This station-based examination required four models and four instructors, and tested ultrasound skills in the heart, abdominal vessels, abdominal organs, and neck regions. A Likert scale survey assessed student attitudes toward the examination. Survey data from participants (n = 46) were examined along with OSPE examination grades (n = 52). Mean and standard deviations were calculated for examination items and survey responses. Student grades were high in both technical (96.5%). and professional (96.5%) competencies with structure identification scoring the lowest (93.8%). There were no statistical differences between performances in each of the body regions being scanned. The survey showed that students deemed the examination to be fair and effective. In addition, students agreed that the examination motivated them to practice ultrasound. The team-based OSPE was found to be an efficient and student-favored method for evaluating integrated ultrasound competencies, anatomical knowledge, team-work, and professional attributes.
III-V material superlattice infrared focal plane array technology

During last decade, several Government-funded programs resulted in a groundbreaking new infrared focal plane array (FPA) material that serves as a low cost and more reliable FPA alternative for DoD military systems. These new IR FPAs use the Sb-based III-V semiconductor Type-II Superlattice (T2SL) infrared detector technology with bandgap-engineered device architectures. Follow on programs have accelerated the manufacturability of T2SL FPAs sensitive in single and multiple infrared bands with inherent operability, uniformity, and stability advantages. Today, T2SL materials grown on very-large diameter (up to 6”) gallium antimonide (GaSb) substrates with higher processing yields provide a much lower cost option for very large format staring imagers in mid- and long-wavelength infrared bands. This talk reviews the current state of T2SL FPA technology and discusses remaining challenges for further advancement of this infrared detector technology.
Will the “Bush Doctrine” Survive Its Progenitor? An Assessment of Jus ad Bellum Norms for the Post-Westphallan Age

The election of President Barack Obama has generated enormous goodwill abroad. Many have come to anticipate a sharp departure from the foreign policy of President George W. Bush. There is no question that President Obama has broken with his predecessor in important ways, especially in terms of his emphasis on multilateralism and strategic dialogue. Nevertheless, he is unlikely to jettison two core principles associated with what has become known as the Bush Doctrine: state responsibility and anticipatory self-defense. This Note asks whether there is support for these principles under customary international law. It concludes that there is, and that the use of force provisions in the United Nations Charter—at least as originally interpreted in 1945—no longer accurately reflect international legal norms on the use of military force.