cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein and Amino Acid Quality of Feather Meals

Abstract Experiments were conducted to evaluate protein quality and TMEn of seven commercial feather meal (FM) samples by various in vivo and in vitro methods. True digestibilities of amino acids (AA) were determined with a 48-h excreta collection assay using conventional (CONV) and cecectomized (CEC) cockerels. Bioavailabilities of Lys and TSAA were estimated by chick growth assays using purified crystalline AA diets. Protein efficiency ration (PER; grams of gain:grams of CP consumed) was determined by feeding chick diets containing 9% CP supplied solely by a FM. The FM samples averaged (range) 81.0% (76 to 87) CP, 1.82% (1.46 to 2.15) Lys, 4.79% (4.07 to 5.30) Cys, .52% (.45 to .61%) Met, and 1.20% (.93 to 1.66) lanthionine. The PER values averaged .97 (.80 to 1.22). Pepsin N digestibility values determined with .2% pepsin ranged from 70 to 81%, whereas those determined with .002% pepsin ranged from 17 to 49%. True digestibilities of several AA were lower for CEC than for CONV birds. Chick Lys bioavailability values were much lower than the corresponding digestible Lys values for most FM, varied greatly among individual FM samples, and also varied markedly depending on method of calculation. The chick growth assays yielded imprecise estimates of bioavailability of Lys and Met in FM. Correlation analyses indicated that lanthionine concentration was negatively correlated with most in vitro and in vivo assay values. The .002% pepsin digestibility values were more highly correlated with in vivo assay values than were the .2% pepsin ones. Digestible Lys and Cys values for CEC and CONV birds were highly correlated with one another and were also highly correlated with bioavailable Lys and TSAA values, respectively. Mean TMEn was 3.471 kcal/g of DM (2.804 to 3.931) for CEC cockerels and 3.799 kcal/g of DM (3.263 to 4.381) for CONV cockerels, and me values were highly correlated (r = .95).
King’s Conceptual System and Theory of Goal Attainment: Past, Present, and Future

Imogene King is universally recognized as a pioneer of nursing theory development. Her interacting conceptual system for nursing and her theory of goal attainment have been included in every major nursing theory text, are taught to thousands of nursing students, form the basis of nursing education programs, and are implemented in a variety of service settings.
In vitro bioactive luteinizing hormone assay shows cyclical, seasonal hormonal changes and response to luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)

Studies on the reproductive mechanisms of the squirrel monkey have been hampered by inadequate measurements of luteinizing hormone (LH). The mouse interstitial cell bioassay, which measures testosterone production as the endpoint, was validated for use in the squirrel monkey by parallel responses of serum to LH standards and by in vivo responses to an LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue. The LH surge profile, as determined by daily blood sampling, was found to be of 1-2 days duration and comparable in amplitude to those of other primates. A 9.7-day ovulatory cycle length was also calculated and was similar to previous estimates based on other hormonal and behavioral methods. A 150-fold decrease in basal LH was found in the nonbreeding season, as was a decreased LHRH response. This assay makes possible future studies on hypothalamic-ovarian mechanisms in this species.
Partial detectability profiles

Partial detectability profiles are introduced for estimating the fault coverage of random pattern input vectors. Partial profiles are justified mathematically, and the relationship between sample size and error introduced is quantified. The results of circuit simulations are presented, illustrating the accuracy of estimates based on partial detectability profiles. The reason for use of partial profiles instead of full profiles is that they do not require fault simulation over all possible input vectors. Similarly, the advantage partial profiling has over simulating a few random faults for all input vectors is that the number of possible input vectors often becomes prohibitive before the number of faults in very large circuits. Another interesting application is to use partial profiles to determine which faults have the lowest detectabilities. >
CELL BIOLOGY OF VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR

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Ion Channelopathies and Heritable Epilepsy

In this section we feature some of the latest and most striking new findings in physiology, interpreting the term “physiology” in its broadest sense. In each instance, an effort will be made to place the new findings in perspective. Heinz Valtin Editor, trendsetters Inherited alterations of
Rehospitalization of Suicidal Adolescents in Relation to Course of Suicidal Ideation and Future Suicide Attempts.

Objective:Psychiatric hospitalization is essential in the clinical management of suicidal adolescents, and a considerable number of hospitalized adolescents are rehospitalized, yet little is known about how this experience may influence postdischarge outcomes. This study examined the association between rehospitalization within three months of index hospitalization and subsequent suicide attempts and suicidal ideation among adolescents.Methods:Participants were 373 youths (13–17 years old) hospitalized because of suicide risk, and they were followed for one year. Using Cox regression, the investigators examined rehospitalization within three months of index hospitalization as a predictor of time to suicide attempt during the subsequent nine months. Using latent-class growth modeling, they also examined whether rehospitalization predicted a change in the nine-month course of three suicidal ideation trajectories (subclinical, elevated but fast declining, and chronically elevated).Results:Rehospitalization w...
Serial assessment of functional recovery following nerve injury using implantable thin-film wireless nerve stimulators

Introduction Comprehensive assessment of the time course of functional recovery following peripheral nerve repair is critical for surgical management of peripheral nerve injuries. This study describes the design and implementation of a novel implantable wireless nerve stimulator capable of repeatedly interfacing peripheral nerve tissue and providing serial evaluation of functional recovery postoperatively. Methods Thin-film wireless implants were fabricated and subcutaneously implanted into Lewis rats. Wireless implants were used to serially stimulate rat sciatic nerve and assess functional recovery over 3 months following various nerve injuries. Results Wireless stimulators demonstrated consistent performances over 3 months in vivo and successfully facilitated serial assessment of nerve and muscle function following nerve crush and nerve transection injuries. Conclusions This study highlights the ability of implantable wireless nerve stimulators to provide a unique view into the time course of functional recovery in multiple motor targets. Muscle Nerve 54: 1114-1119, 2016.
A theoretical morphologic analysis of convergently evolved erect helical colony form in the Bryozoa

Abstract Exploration of the theoretical morphospace of erect helical colony form in Bryozoa, created by McKinney and Raup (1982), reveals that only a small volume of the three-dimensional space of hypothetical form is occupied by actual colonies of the Paleozoic fenestrates (Class Stenolaemata) Archimedes and Helicopora, helical species of the cheilostome (Class Gymnolaemata) Bugula, and the cyclostome (Class Stenolaemata) Crisidmonea archimediformis. Actual helical-colony bryozoans are not found in regions of the morphospace characterized by colony geometries that possess the largest surface areas of filtration sheet. Examination of computer-simulated colonies in the theoretical morphospace reveals that, although possessing high surface areas, colonies in the empty region of high-surface-area morphospace possess other aspects of geometry that are unrealistic as filter-feeding geometries: the filtration-sheet whorls are held at small acute angles to the central colony axis and are deeply nested within one...
“The Uncertainty of the End Keeps Up the Interest”: Maria Graham's Journal of a Residence in Chile as Life Writing

(2001). “The Uncertainty of the End Keeps Up the Interest”: Maria Graham's Journal of a Residence in Chile as Life Writing. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 17, Private Lives/Public Texts: Women's Literary Diaries and Journals, pp. 43-64.
The Kinetics of Serum Ferritin

SummaryThe mean serum ferritin in normal dogs averaged 24 ng/ml which is similar to the level in normal man. The plasma clearance of recrystallized ferritin was determined by changes in the serum level or by the clearance of ferritin tagged with 125I or 59Fe. Clearance half times was invariably less than 10 min with doses ranging from tracer quantities to several mg protein. The iron and protein moieties of ferritin were removed simultaneously, but clearance of the protein was slower when iron was removed before injection. The clearances of relatively crude hepatic or splenic ferritin preparations were also slower, suggesting that isoferritins may differ substantially in their rate of clearance.
The Effect of Academic Preparation on Achievement in Professional Courses and on Certification Examinations

This study was designed to investigate the effect of various configurations of preprofessional science courses on student achievement in professional courses and on a national certification examination. The sample consisted of 180 graduates of a university-based 2 + 2 medical technology program. Preprofessional courses were categorized to form configurations for comparison with percentage grades earned in professional courses and categorical scores achieved on a national certification examination. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on one factor. Results showed no significant difference between course configurations and professional course or examination grades. A significant interaction, however, was identified between students selecting either a physiological chemistry or organic plus biochemistry option and achievement on a certification examination.
Interactions between fish and salamander larvae : Costs of predator avoidance or competition?

Two species of salamander larvae (Ambystoma talpoideum and A. maculatum) were reared separately in the presence and absence of a fish (Lepomis macrochirus) in artificial ponds to measure the effects of a predator on the growth, survival, diet, and activity of larvae. The presence of L. macrochirus reduced body sizes of larvae by 18% in A. talpoideum and by 16% in A. maculatum. L. macrochirus apparently preyed on the smallest individuals. Survival in the presence of L. macrochirus decreased by 61% in A. talpoideum and by 97% in A. maculatum compared with larvae reared alone. Species identity did not significantly effect body size or survival, but an interaction effect suggested that A. maculatum was more severely affected by predators than was A. talpodeum. Activity of larvae in the water column was dramatically reduced in the presence of L. macrochirus, when larvae were restricted to the leaf litter of the benthic zone. There was overlap in the diets of fish and salamander larvae. Larvae reared in the presence of fish, however, consumed different taxa of prey as well as reduced number of prey compared to larvae reared alone. A. talpoideum larvae were more nocturnal than diurnal in the absence of fish, whereas A. maculatum larvae were equally active day and night. This experiment suggests that predator-prey relationships can change with shifts in species attributes and potentially confound apparent costs of predator avoidance with competition. Measuring the long-term dynamics of the cost-benefit relationship will help elucidate how prey balance the demands of their life history with the demands of predators.
Chemical Termination and Irrigation Cut-off to Reduce Overwintering Populations of Pink Bollworms

The numbers of diapausing larvae of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) found in soil and trash in the fall after harvest in cotton were reduced by early irrigation cut-off and chemical termination treatments. Also, the number of moths that emerged the following spring was reduced by the combination of the 2 treatments. The early irrigation termination reduced pink bollworm infestations in bolls and Heliothis spp. oviposition in the fall, but there was no effect due to the chemical termination.
Institutional Degeneration and the Economic Crisis in Spain

The economic crisis has had an earth-shattering effect in Spain at all levels: economic, political, institutional, and social. There are different interpretations about the causes of the crisis. Most of the analyses on the economic crisis in Spain have concerned themselves with phenomena like mismanaged banks, excessive debts, the bubble in the real estate sector, or the loss of competitiveness. Others have sought to explain the crisis as a byproduct of European Monetary Union integration. This article moves beyond those explanations and argues that a fundamental reason for the crisis is rooted in the process of institutional degeneration that preceded the crisis.
Reformulation and Solution of the Master Equation for Multiple-Well Chemical Reactions

We consider an alternative formulation of the master equation for complex-forming chemical reactions with multiple wells and bimolecular products. Within this formulation the dynamical phase space consists of only the microscopic populations of the various isomers making up the reactive complex, while the bimolecular reactants and products are treated equally as sources and sinks. This reformulation yields compact expressions for the phenomenological rate coefficients describing all chemical processes, i.e., internal isomerization reactions, bimolecular-to-bimolecular reactions, isomer-to-bimolecular reactions, and bimolecular-to-isomer reactions. The applicability of the detailed balance condition is discussed and confirmed. We also consider the situation where some of the chemical eigenvalues approach the energy relaxation time scale and show how to modify the phenomenological rate coefficients so that they retain their validity.
Detection System for Wheat Biomass Based on LabVIEW

In order to detect the wheat biomass non-destructively and fast,a system based on LabVIEW was developed according to the mechanical property of wheat stalk.Real-time acquisition,display and storage of the data was finished by detection system based on LabVIEW,with mechanical sensor as measuring element and collecting resilience signal produced when the stalk was pushed by the rod with high-speed acquisition module DAM-3056AH of ART-TECH.The detection system was tested in the wheat field to examine its property.The results showed that the resilience of the wheat stalks between different varieties were clearly different.The resilience of the wheat stalk had close relationship with biomass(fresh weight),of which the R2was achieved 0.712 7.It was indicated that the detection of wheat biomass based on mechanics was feasible.
Adaptive Decoupling Control of a Distillation Column

In this paper,a simple adaptive decoupling controller for a binary distillation column is presented.The controller combines a decoupling compensator with generalized minimum variance control strategy.It can real-lize decoupling for stochastic multivariable systems dynamically and at steady state It also has good trace perfor-mences.Experimental results of adaptive decoupling control and conventional PI control to a binary distillation column show that the performences of adaptive decoupling control are better than those of conventional PI control.
Cholesteryl octanoate breath test: Preliminary studies on a new noninvasive test of human pancreatic exocrine function

Abstract A new breath test for noninvasive assessment of pancreatic exocrine function in humans was developed. The test is based on the hydrolysis of cholesteryl-[1- 14 C] octanoate by pancreatic carboxyl ester lipase (cholesterol esterase) with subsequent absorption and hepatic metabolism of the liberated octanoate to 14 CO 2 . The rate at which 14 CO 2 appears in breath appeared to be proportional to the rate of hydrolysis. The substrate is administered as a gum acacia stabilized emulsion of vegetable oil (18 g) containing cholesteryl octanoate (2 g; 4.4 μCi) dispersed in a 500-ml isotonic meal. Tests were performed in 6 healthy volunteers and 11 patients with pancreatic disease with varying degrees of steatorrhea. In healthy subjects, 14 CO 2 output was rapid with peak output occurring at 60–90 min in all subjects; cumulative output in 4 h averaged 30%. Duplicate studies indicated that the time-course of 14 CO 2 recovery was reproducible. The pattern of 14 CO 2 output in patients with pancreatic disease varied widely. Patients without steatorrhea (fecal fat ≤ 7 g/day) or with mild steatorrhea (fecal fat 7–11 g/day) had normal or near normal patterns of 14 CO 2 output, whereas patients with moderate or severe steatorrhea (fecal fat > 11 g/day) expired 14 CO 2 at a rate one-third to one-tenth that of the healthy volunteers. Addition of pancreatic enzyme supplementation to the test meal increased 14 CO 2 output in 6 of 6 patients with moderate or severe steatorrhea, suggesting that the activity of pancreatic carboxyl ester lipase was rate limiting in these patients. In an additional study in a healthy volunteer, 14 CO 2 and 13 CO 2 were measured simultaneously in breath after ingestion of a test meal containing cholesteryl-[1 13 C] octanoate and 14 C-octanoate. 14 CO 2 was expired more rapidly than 14 CO 2 , suggesting that hydrolysis of the substrate may also be rate limiting in healthy volunteers. These studies indicate that severe pancreatic exocrine dysfunction can be detected with a simple breath test in 60–90 min.
Abnormal methylation of the calcitonin gene marks progression of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The clinical aspects of disease progression in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are well established, but the nature of the molecular events responsible is not known. We have previously reported a consistent pattern of novel sites of methylation in the 5′ region of the calcitonin (CT) gene and other chromosome 11p loci in acute myelogenous and and lymphoid leukemias. In the present study, CT gene methylation patterns were investigated in peripheral blood from 51 patients with CML. Abnormal patterns were found in only 2 of 31 patients in chronic phase, but in 5 of 8 patients in accelerated phase, and in 11 of 12 patients in blast crisis (P less than .005). For one patient studied in blast crisis, abnormal CT gene methylation was found in the peripheral blast cells but not in the granulocytes. In two of three patients studied with CML and having normal peripheral cell patterns, abnormal patterns were found in marrow blast cells. In one patient, only partial normalization of the CT gene methylation pattern was seen after chemotherapy induction of a second chronic phase and the patient relapsed 5 months later. Our findings indicate that abnormal methylation of the 5′ region of the CT gene is regularly a marker of disease progression in CML which may prove clinically useful. This abnormal methylation site is part of an imbalance in DNA methylation that may play a role in the progressive genetic instability which characterizes the advancing stages of CML.
Stridor in Neonates After Using the Microcuff® and Uncuffed Tracheal Tubes: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND:We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine the frequency of stridor and contributing factors after the use of Microcuff® and uncuffed tracheal tubes (TTs) in neonates.METHODS:All neonates in our neonatal intensive care unit whose airways were intubated between May 2011 and Jun
Carathéodory Kernels and Farrell’s Theorem

Given a sequence {Gn} of regions and a region G ≠ Ɉ such that G ⊆ Gn+1 ⊆ Gn for n = 1,2,3,.., we say that a superset G’ of G is suitable if G’ is connected and G’ ⊆ ∩Gn. Then ker[Gn: G], the kernel of {Gn} with respect to G, is defined as the union of all suitable supersets of G.
Current–Voltage Enhancement of a Single Coaxial Nanowire Solar Cell

We show that the absorption cross-section of a single absorbing nanowire can be significantly enhanced over a broad bandwidth by coating the nanowire with a transparent dielectric to create a coaxial nanowire. The coating, while by itself is not absorbing, increases the number of resonances supported by the wire and also enhances the coupling to incident light, resulting in the enhancement of absorption cross-section. When operating as a solar cell, we show that the short-circuit current of a GaAs nanowire coated with Al2O3 is strongly enhanced over that of the bare GaAs nanowire with the same absorbing volume. This addition of the transparent dielectric layer maintains the open-circuit voltage enhancement of the bare nanowire over that of a bulk GaAs cell. Similar large current–voltage enhancements are also presented for a Si nanowire coated with SiO2.
Concluding remarks: Faraday Discussion on chemistry in the urban atmosphere

This article summarises the Concluding remarks from the Faraday Discussion on Chemistry in the Urban Atmosphere. The following themes are addressed: (a) new results that inform our understanding of the evolving sources and composition of the urban atmosphere (“News”); (b) results that identify gaps in our understanding that necessitate further work (“Gaps”); (c) the emerging instrumentation revolution and some of the challenges that it brings; (d) the structural issues of insufficient support for the analysis of field campaigns; and (e) some important areas that were missing from this Faraday Discussion and that should receive an increasing focus in the future.
Quantifying the impact of architectural uncertainties on system reliability

Architecture-based software reliability analysis can provide early identification of critical components for cost-effective reliability improvement. However, an important challenge in conducting this analysis early in the life cycle is that it is nearly impossible to estimate the architectural and component parameters with certainty. It is then necessary to determine the impact of parametric uncertainties on the analysis results, prior to basing resource provisioning and allocation decisions on these results. Earlier research focused on addressing the impact of uncertain component parameters on system reliability. The issue of assessing the impact of uncertain architectural parameters on system reliability, however, remains largely unaddressed. In this paper, we present a methodology to estimate the confidence levels in the architectural parameters and then discuss how these levels could be used to assess the impact of uncertain architectural parameters on system reliability. We illustrate the methodology using a case study of a banking application. Our results highlight the significant impact of uncertain architectural parameters on system reliability. Based on these results, we also discuss the need for estimating the architectural parameters with higher confidence in the earlier phases via simulation and emulation.
Knowledge and persuasion in economics: Rhetoric as morally radical

The Review of Radical Political Economy , the main journal of the small group of Marxist economists in the United States, held a forum on The Rhetoric of Economics in 1987. Of the radical readers many — represented in the forum by the comments of Arjo Klamer and much of those by Hamish Stewart — approve of the book and the later works. They see them as weapons for overturning the more sterile version of neoclassical economics, mathematically speaking, Max U(x,y,z) s.t. y = x + Pz . As a neoclassical I find Max U a more charming fellow than they do, but the work might well be used this way. Even from a neoclassical point of view the rhetorical overturning might be useful. That mad Max, for all his charming simplicity, is by now getting on people's nerves. The graduate textbooks in economics are littered with his cigarette butts and half-empty cups of coffee. He has reprogrammed the heads of economists for fourth-rate applied mathematics, and too often has erased the first-rate economics. By now it's time to clean up the rubbish and wipe the blackboards, retaining the useful bits from Max's lesson but refixing our attention on the wide world outside. Hamish Stewart, though, was alarmed by the claim that morality matters in science, calling it a “scary aspect of McCloskey's book.”
Changes in body mass and fat reserves in pre-hibernating little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)

Changes in body mass, fat mass, lean dry mass, and energy content of little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus (LeConte), captured at a cave in southern Vermont, were quantified during the pre-hibernatio...
Effect of Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes on the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Li–O2 Batteries

Li–oxygen batteries could provide energy density that is up to five times greater than that of state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. However, Li–oxygen cell rechargeability is limited by cathode passivation due to nonconductive discharge products. Despite efforts to efficiently oxidize these products, oxygen recovery remains poor at potentials where cell constituents are stable. Transition metal oxide (TMO) cathodes have shown low charging potentials, but a correspondence to improved oxygen evolution efficiency is debated. This is because the deposition of electrically insulating Li2O2 during the battery discharge could passivate the TMO surfaces and render them inactive for catalyzing oxygen evolution during charge. Contrary to this, we show that TMOs enable charging at low overpotentials without compromising the oxygen evolution efficiency. Charge potentials are lowered by 130–400 mV in batteries employing TMO-based cathodes compared to carbon-only cathodes. By a combination of current-sensing atomic force...
Characterization of the Soluble NSF Attachment Protein gene family identifies two members involved in additive resistance to a plant pathogen

Proteins with Tetratricopeptide-repeat (TPR) domains are encoded by large gene families and distributed in all plant lineages. In this study, the Soluble NSF-Attachment Protein (SNAP) subfamily of TPR containing proteins is characterized. In soybean, five members constitute the SNAP gene family: GmSNAP18, GmSNAP11, GmSNAP14, GmSNAP02, and GmSNAP09. Recently, GmSNAP18 has been reported to mediate resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Using a population of recombinant inbred lines from resistant and susceptible parents, the divergence of the SNAP gene family is analysed over time. Phylogenetic analysis of SNAP genes from 22 diverse plant species showed that SNAPs were distributed in six monophyletic clades corresponding to the major plant lineages. Conservation of the four TPR motifs in all species, including ancestral lineages, supports the hypothesis that SNAPs were duplicated and derived from a common ancestor and unique gene still present in chlorophytic algae. Syntenic analysis of regions harbouring GmSNAP genes in soybean reveals that this family expanded from segmental and tandem duplications following a tetraploidization event. qRT-PCR analysis of GmSNAPs indicates a co-regulation following SCN infection. Finally, genetic analysis demonstrates that GmSNAP11 contributes to an additive resistance to SCN. Thus, GmSNAP11 is identified as a novel minor gene conferring resistance to SCN.
Hospitalizations for mitochondrial disease across the lifespan in the U.S.

Abstract Importance Mitochondrial disease is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Although children with mitochondrial disease often have severe, life-limiting illnesses, many survive into adulthood. There is, however, limited information about the impact of mitochondrial disease on healthcare utilization in the U.S. across the lifespan. Objectives To describe the characteristics of inpatient hospitalizations related to mitochondrial disease in the U.S., to identify patient-level clinical factors associated with in-hospital mortality, and to estimate the burden of hospitalizations on individual patients. Design Cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies. Setting U.S. hospitals. Participants Individuals with hospital discharges included in the triennial Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids Inpatient Database (KID) and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) in 2012 (cross-sectional analysis); individuals with hospital discharges included in the HCUP California State Inpatient Database from 2007 to 2011, inclusive (longitudinal analysis). Exposure Hospital discharge associated with a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease. Main outcome measures Total number and rate of hospitalizations for individuals with mitochondrial disease ( International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification code 277.87, disorder of mitochondrial metabolism); in-hospital mortality. Results In the 2012, there were approximately 3200 inpatient pediatric hospitalizations (1.9 per 100,000 population) and 2000 inpatient adult hospitalizations (0.8 per 100,000 population) for mitochondrial disease in the U.S., with associated direct medical costs of $113million. In-hospital mortality rates were 2.4% for children and 3.0% for adults, far exceeding population averages. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with both having a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and with higher in-hospital mortality. From 2007 to 2011 in California, 495 individuals had at least one admission with a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease. Patients had a median of 1.1 hospitalizations (IQI, 0.6–2.2) per calendar year of follow-up; infants under 2y were hospitalized more frequently than other age groups. Over up to five years of follow up, 9.9% of participants with any hospitalization for mitochondrial disease were noted to have an in-hospital death. Conclusions and relevance Hospitalizations for pediatric and adult mitochondrial diseases are associated with serious illnesses, substantial costs, and significant patient time. Identification of opportunities to prevent or shorten such hospitalizations should be the focus of future studies.
Note: Manganin foil sensor for small uniaxial stress

We describe a simple manganin foil resistance manometer for uniaxial stress measurements. The manometer functions at low pressures and over a range of temperatures. In this design, no temperature seasoning is necessary although the manometer must be prestressed to the upper end of the desired pressure range. The prestress pressure cannot be increased arbitrarily; irreversibility arising from shear stress limits its range. Attempting larger pressures yields irreproducible resistance measurements.
Less sitting, more physical activity and higher cardiorespiratory fitness: associations with weight status among a national sample of children

Background: Very few studies have evaluated the independent and combined associations of sedentary behavior (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on obesity. Our recent work has evaluated this paradigm in the adult population,but no study has evaluated this paradigm in the child population, which was the purpose of this study. Methods: A national sample of children (N=680, 6-11 years) were evaluated via the National Youth Fitness Survey; this study was conducted in 2012, employing a nationally representative sample, occurring across 15 different geographic regions in the United States. SB and MVPA were assessed via parental recall, with CRF objectively measured via a treadmill-based aerobic test. Obesity was determined for measured body mass index. A PACS (Physical Activity Cardiorespiratory Sedentary) score was created ranging from 0-3, indicating each child’s number of positive characteristics (PA, CRF, SB). Results: Meeting MVPA guidelines (OR adjusted=0.47; 95% CI: 0.29-0.77) and above-median CRF (OR adjusted=0.12; 95% CI: 0.07-0.21), but not SB (OR adjusted=0.62; 95% CI: 0.35-1.10),were associated with reduced odds of obesity. Compared to those with a PACS score of 0, the odds of obesity for PACS scores of 1-3, respectively, were: 0.31 (0.18-0.53), 0.12 (0.04-0.34),and 0.05 (0.02-0.10). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for public health strategies to promote child MVPA and CRF, and to reduce SB.
Semiquantitative Assessment of 18F-FDG Uptake in the Normal Skeleton: Comparison Between PET/CT and Time-of-Flight Simultaneous PET/MRI

OBJECTIVE. Differences in the attenuation correction methods used in PET/CT scanners versus the newly introduced whole-body simultaneous PET/MRI reportedly result in differences in standardized upt...
“Going for Broke” on Palestine

This article, a corrective to long-time frustration experienced by the United States in mediating Israel-Palestine differences, argues for American recognition of a Palestinian state to reach a two-state solution. Recognition, though not even-handed, constitutes legitimate mediation, as confronting one or another primary antagonist can be a useful mediation strategy. Though Israel is likely to object to US recognition of Palestine, analysis suggests the objection is not likely to lead to a break in Israel-American relations, which would jeopardize the valued Israel-American alliance. Recognition as a fallback option is recommended for the Trump administration’s way forward in mediating the conflict.
Gemella bergeri infective endocarditis: a case report and brief review of literature

Gemella is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria found in the digestive tract of humans. They rarely cause systemic illness but have been recently implicated in several serious infections. We report infective endocarditis caused by Gemella bergeri in a 23-year-old with a bicuspid aortic valve status post-intervention in infancy.
Midline necrotizing nasal lesions: analysis of 18 cases emphasizing radiological and serological findings with algorithms for diagnosis and management.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the principal signs and symptoms for severe necrotizing midline nasal lesions and give diagnostic and management algorithms. METHODS: Literature review and retrospective chart review were performed. Three patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), six patients with sarcoid, eight patients with cocaine abuse, and one lymphoma patient were analyzed with respect to symptom complexes, laboratory results, and radiographic findings. Based on computed tomography findings, a nasal destruction score was tabulated for each patient. RESULTS: All diseases essentially had similar signs and symptoms within the head and neck but several extranasal sites were suggestive of specific etiologies. Serological laboratory testing was diagnostic in only two of the six sarcoid patients and two of the three WG patients. There were no specific tests associated with lymphoma or cocaine abuse, although erythrocyte sedimentation rate was consistently and significantly elevated in the latter group. Biopsy confirmed disease was found in one of the three sarcoid patients, in one of the three WG patients, and in one out of one of the lymphoma patients. Nasal destruction scores were highest in WG and lymphoma patients, intermediate in cocaine abuse patients, and lowest in patients with sarcoidosis. Two of the three WG patients had extensive neoosteogenesis. One out of one lymphoma and five of the eight cocaine abuse patients had oronasal or oroantral fistulas. CONCLUSION: Laboratory tests and biopsies were consistently unreliable in all diseases. Repeat studies should be performed in all cases of negative results if clinical suspicion is high. Neo-osteogenesis and mastoid disease were associated with WG when compared with patients with similar levels of nasal destruction due to other etiologies. Laryngeal and dermatologic changes without significant nasal bony abnormalities raised suspicion for sarcoidosis. Hard and soft palate defects were associated with cocaine abuse and extranodal nasal lymphoma.
Safer than the average human driver (who is less safe than me)? Examining a popular safety benchmark for self-driving cars.

Abstract Although the level of safety required before drivers will accept self-driving cars is not clear, the criterion of being safer than a human driver has become pervasive in the discourse on vehicle automation. This criterion actually means “safer than the average human driver,” because it is necessarily defined with respect to population-level data. At the level of individual risk assessment, a body of research has shown that most drivers perceive themselves to be safer than the average driver (the better-than-average effect). Method: Using an online sample, this study examined U.S. drivers’ ratings of their own ability to drive safely and their desired level of safety for self-driving vehicles. Results: This study replicated the better-than average effect and showed that most drivers stated a desire for self-driving cars that are safer than their own perceived ability to drive safely before they would: (1) feel reasonably safe riding in a self-driving vehicle; (2) buy a self-driving vehicle, all other things (cost, etc.) being equal; and (3) allow self-driving vehicles on public roads. Conclusions: Since most drivers believe they are better than average drivers, the benchmark of achieving automation that is safer than a human driver (on average) may not represent acceptably safe performance of self-driving cars for most drivers. Practical applications: If perceived level of safety is an important contributor to acceptance of self-driving vehicles, the popular “safer than a human driver” benchmark may not be adequate for widespread acceptance.
Insects associated with cool-season cover crops in southern Georgia: implications for pest control in truck-farm and pecan agroecosystems.

ABSTRACTCool-season cover crops may sustain beneficial and pest insects of vegetable crops and pecan. In a replicated field trial, we evaluated 18 cover-crop regimes and associated complexes of insects. The following grasses (Poaceae) were planted in monoculture: (l)Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lamarck cv ‘Gulf Annual’); and (2) Rye (Secale cereale L. cv ‘Wrens Abruzzi’). Brassicaceae evaluated in monoculture were: (3) Mustard (Brassica hirta Moench cv 'Florida Broadleaf); (4)Turnip (Brassica campestris var. rapa L. cv ‘Purple Top White Globe’); (5) A turnip-Chinese cabbage hybrid (Brassica campestris var. rapa L. x B. pekinensis [Loureiro] cv ‘Tyfon’); (6)Canola (Brassica napus L. cv ‘Dwarf Essex’); (7)Collard (Brassica oleracea L. cv ‘Georgia’). Fabaceae considered in monoculture were: (8)Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L., SNLL-87 [low in alkaloids]); (9) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.); (10)‘Cahaba White’ vetch (Vicia saliva L. X V. cordata Wulf); (11) ‘Vantage’ vetch(V. saliva X V...
Efficacy and Tolerance of Blended Diets in Children Receiving Gastrostomy Feeds

Background To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in children receiving a blended diet via a gastrostomy tube. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective study of children ages 1-18 years that received a blended diet. We reviewed demographics, anthropometrics, clinical characteristics, and rationale for switching to blended diet. Fixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the changes in patient symptoms over the 12-month follow-up period, and fixed-effects regression was employed to test for changes in anthropometrics. Results Twenty-three patients (8 female, 15 male) were identified, and data from 89 outpatient visits were analyzed. The most common underlying diagnosis was neurological disorder. Thirty-five percent of patients received commercial whole cow milk formulas, 30% received hydrolysate formulas, and 35% received amino acid-based formulas. After formula switches were made, 65% received homemade blended diets, 17.5% received commercial blended diets, and 17.5% received a combination of both. Median duration of time on a blended diet was 17 months. Ninety-five percent of patients who were previously experiencing upper GI symptoms improved within the first 3 months after blended diet initiation. Twenty-one percent of patients developed mild constipation on the diet, which was managed with increased water intake and/or polyethylene glycol. Only 2 patients discontinued the blended diet, because of inadequate weight gain and worsening of upper GI symptoms. Conclusions In our study population, blended diets were well tolerated in gastrostomy-fed children and were associated with clinical improvement of upper GI symptoms.
Linking Traffic Volume and Weight Data for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design

AbstractPavement engineers are now practicing the cluster method to categorize routes by grouping them based on the similarity of their axle load spectra (ALSs). Ideally, once clusters are formed, ...
Impact of the Revised Heart Allocation System at a Large Volume Center

Purpose In October of 2018, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) instituted a revised allocation system (RAS) for heart transplantation (HT). We sought to explore how these changes impacted our own center's listing and bridging strategies and rates of adult HT. Methods We performed a retrospective review comparing adult patients transplanted at our center between October 1, 2017 and October 17, 2018 (prior to RAS, Cohort A) with those transplanted between October 18, 2018 and August 1, 2019 (following RAS, Cohort B). Among the characteristics we explored were patient blood type, status at time of listing and HT, status justification, and for patients listed by exception, reason for exception request Results Between October 1, 2017 and August 1, 2019, a total of 178 adults underwent HT at our institution, including 98 patients in Cohort A and 80 patients in Cohort B. Relative to patients in Cohort A, patients in Cohort B were more likely to be bridged to HT with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) (9 (11%) vs 2 (2%), less likely to be bridged with durable LVAD (21 (26%) vs 39 (40%)) and equally likely to be listed by status exception request (23 (29%) vs 28 (29%)). Among 21 patients in Cohort B bridged with durable LVAD, only 4 (19%) underwent HT at status 4 whereas 17 (81%) required upgrade to status 3 using their ‘30-day time’ (n=15) or due to complications (n=2), in order to achieve HT. By comparison, among 39 patients in Cohort A bridged with durable LVAD, 18 (46%) underwent HT at Status 1B (equivalent to status 4 in the RAS). Nineteen (49%) transplanted LVADs in Cohort A had ABO O blood type, compared to only 6 (29%) in Cohort B. Conclusion While implementation of the RAS did not significantly impact our center's rate of HT, it influenced decision-making at time of HT listing in favor of temporary MCS when justified, and against durable MCS, especially in patients with O blood type. Moreover, despite RAS changes aimed at reducing status exception requests, requests made by our center remain equally likely now as they were prior to RAS implementation.
Endovascular Treatment of Malignant Portomesenteric Venous Obstruction

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition, and malignancies account for up to a quarter of cases. Malignant PVT is an advanced stage in the neoplastic process, which affects survival. In addition, portal venous obstruction can result in portal hypertension and associated complications. There are a few reports on the surgical and nonsurgical management of this condition. We herein aim to present an overview of these management options and discuss the factors affecting the outcomes after each. We will also discuss gaps in knowledge and the possible areas for future research.
Bidirectional Relations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Children’s Behavioral Problems

Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of poor health and well-being, yet less is known about the pathways through which these life outcomes emerge. For instance, prospective, longitudinal research into the link between ACEs and the trajectories of children’s behavioral problems is limited. Moreover, no longitudinal study has investigated whether children’s behavioral problems also increase their risk of adverse experiences over time. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore bidirectional relations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and children’s behavioral problems in a sample of low-income children. This study uses the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a birth cohort study of 4898 children followed from birth through 15 years of age. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model was fit to examine the bidirectional relations between ACEs and child behavioral problems. Study findings indicated that age 5 ACEs score significantly predicted age 9 anxious or depressed problems and age 9 aggressive problems. Age 5 anxious or depressed problems also significantly predicted age 9 ACEs exposure. From age 3 to age 9, ACEs also played a dominant role in the bidirectional relations with behavioral problems. There were certain bidirectional relations between ACEs and child behavioral problems. The findings have implications for understanding the etiology and consequences of adversities as well as the design of prevention and intervention strategies.
A Dual-Core RISC-V Vector Processor With On-Chip Fine-Grain Power Management in 28-nm FD-SOI

This work demonstrates a dual-core RISC-V system-on-chip (SoC) with integrated fine-grain power management. The 28-nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) SoC integrates switched-capacitor voltage converters and 4-Gb/s off-chip serial links. The SoC runs applications with operating system support on dual RISC-V Rocket cores with vector accelerators. Runtime monitoring of microarchitectural counters allows prediction of future compute intensity, enabling the voltage state of the managed core to be adjusted quickly to optimize energy efficiency without sacrificing overall performance.
Procedures, Visits, and Procedure Costs in the Management of Microbial Keratitis.

PURPOSE To investigate the burden of procedures, visits, and procedure costs in the management of microbial keratitis (MK). METHODS Medical records of patients from an academic hospital outpatient facility between December 2013 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they were older than the age of 18 years, recruited for study of likely MK, and not concurrently undergoing treatment for other acute eye conditions. For procedural costs, Medicare data for billing were obtained using the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Fee Lookup tool. RESULTS A total of 68 patients were included for analysis. Patients were on average 51.3 years (SD = 19.5), 55.9% women (n = 38), and 89.7% White (n = 61). Per person, the average number of procedures was 2.9 (SD = 4.2). The average number of visits was 13.9 (SD = 9.2) over an average of 26.9 weeks (SD = 24.3). Age (P < 0.0001), positive Gram stain (P = 0.03), and mixed Gram stain (P = 0.002) were positively associated with the number of procedures. Age (P = 0.0003), fungal keratitis (P = 0.02), and mixed Gram stain (P = 0.01) were positively associated with the number of visits. Race was inversely associated with the number of procedures (P = 0.045) and visits (0.03). Patients with bacterial keratitis were more likely to have amniotic membrane grafts (P = 0.01) and tarsorrhaphies (P = 0.03) than fungal patients. Across all procedures performed for the management of MK, the mean cost per patient was $1788.7 (SD = $3324.62). CONCLUSIONS Patients incur many procedural costs and attend many visits during the management of MK. These findings emphasize the importance of patient-provider communication for frequent follow-up care and the potential need to perform procedures for disease management.
Computational Analysis of Olfactory Airspace in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity.

Objectives:To evaluate the magnitude of olfactory recess opacity in patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity (uCLND).Design:Subject-specific 3-dimensional reconstruction of the nasal airw...