cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Division of labor: multiple and specialized controls of vegetative growth and development in a poplar tree

Plants size, shape and adaptability are determined in large by their capacity to sustain, spur, redirect or arrest localized and whole-plant growth. We show that GA signaling and metabolism determines the level and extent of shoot and root growth. Increase of GA concentrations or signaling leads to increased shoot growth but suppresses root development. These GA-related responses are underpinned by sets of highly specialized in their functions enzymes and signaling factors and cross-talk with other hormonal pathways. The differential effects of GA on root and shoot growth and development are likely associated with a regulatory mechanism responding to optimum and stress conditions. Ongoing work in the laboratory employs genomics and genetics approaches to more thoroughly understand poplar growth and development under stress conditions including nitrogen and water limitations. We use genetic networks analysis and forward genetics approaches to identify key regulators of poplar roots response to stress. Besides overall growth, trees show incredible repertoire of spatiotemporal regulation of growth in relation to control of organ size, growth periodicity and tropic responses. We have identified and characterized novel regulators of these processes in poplar.
The Role of Constraints in the MDO of a Cantilever and Strut-B raced Wing Transonic Commercial Transport Aircraft

This study examines the role of different design constraints applied to the multidisciplinary design optimization of a strut-braced wing (SBW) transonic passenger aircraft. Four different configurations are examined: the reference cantilever wing aircraft, a fuselage mounted engine SBW, a wing mounted engine SBW, and a wingtip mounted engine SBW. The mission profile was for 325-passengers, Mach 0.85 and a 7500 nautical mile range with a 500 nautical mile reserve. The sensitivity of the designs with respect to the individual design constraints was calculated using Lagrange multipliers. A design space visualization technique was also used to gain insight into the role of the different constraints in determining the design configuration. This design visualization technique uses a classic ‘thumbprint’ plot to represent the design space. As expected, all the designs are very sensitive to the range constraint. The designs are also sensitive to the field performance constraints. The design visualization revealed that the second segment climb gradient constraint was a limiting factor in all the designs. It was also found that the wing mounted engines SBW and tip mounted engines SBW designs are more constrained than the cantilever wing optimum and fuselage mounted engines SBW designs. INTRODUCTION Transonic passenger transport aircraft designs over the past 50 years have utilized the same general configuration, the cantilever low wing concept. Keeping the general layout the same, advances in this concept have relied on advances in individual technologies, such as better engines, airfoil designs, high lift devices and control system alternatives. It is quite unlikely that major improvements in performance will occur if new design configurations are not considered in the transonic passenger transport aircraft industry. One such design configuration is the strut-braced wing design concept. Although this design configuration is common among small general aviation aircraft, it is rare in the large passenger transport arena. The idea of using a truss-braced wing configuration for a transonic transport originated with Werner Phenninger [1] at Northrop in the early 1950s. The strut-braced wing (SBW) concept can be considered a subset of the trussbraced wing configuration. Other SBW aircraft investigations followed Phenninger’s work, notably by Kulfan et al. [2] and Park [3] in 1978. Turriziani et al. [4] considered the advantages of the strut-braced wing concept on a subsonic business jet with an aspect ratio of 25. He found that the strut-braced wing concept achieved approximately 20% in fuel savings compared to a similar cantilevered subsonic business jet.
Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program in child care centers: A qualitative study ☆

Abstract Pesticide use in and around child care centers is a potential health threat to children and staff. The implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) can reduce these risks yet child care providers receive minimal, if any, education concerning pest management. The objectives of this qualitative study are to: (a) develop a model to describe the process of implementing an IPM program in child care centers, (b) identify the facilitators and barriers to implementing an IPM program in child care centers, and (c) examine congruence between IPM practices identified on an IPM checklist with practices reported in qualitative interviews with child care managers. Interviews and IPM checklist observations were conducted with nine child care center managers in California before and after the introduction of a pilot IPM education intervention program. The qualitative analysis of the interviews revealed a four-stage IPM implementation process, from awareness of IPM, recognizing the importance of IPM and learning how to practice it, motivation and the decision to adopt IPM, to the implementation of IPM. A wide range of facilitators and barriers were identified. There was general congruence between the manager interviews and IPM checklist findings on IPM policies, practices, and management. Understanding the process of how an IPM program was implemented in these child care centers and the facilitators and barriers involved in the process can inform planning efforts for future health interventions in child care.
An improvement in stability of oxygen microprobe.

Article portant sur les microsondes permettant de mesurer les concentrations d'oxygene dissous dans un milieu liquide ou dans des couches de cellules immobilisees. La stabilite de ces microsondes est amelioree grâce a un traitement par le silane
Leading in crisis

There is nothing quite like a crisis to test leadership. Like being in a war, a crisis tests limits because the outcome is rarely predictable. Leaders not only have to use all their wisdom to guide the organization through the storm, but also dig deep inside themselves to find the courage to keep going forward. Based on his research on both failed and successful leaders, George offers seven key strategies for weathering crises and emerging stronger than before.
Induction of functional and morphological expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in cortical cultures by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): evidence for a requirement for extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent and ERK-independent mechanisms.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in aggregate cultures derived from the fetal rat cortex. Using BDNF induction of NPY production and neurite extension of NPY neurons as functional and morphological criteria, respectively, we addressed the question: Does BDNF activate the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and if so, is activated (phosphorylated, P)-ERK required for the induction of both the functional and morphological expression of NPY? BDNF led to a rapid (30 min) and sustained (6 h) phosphorylation of ERK. PD98059 (PD, a specific inhibitor of the ERK kinase MEK), drastically inhibited, LY294002 (LY, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, PI-3K) partially inhibited, and GF 109203X (GF, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C) did not inhibit phosphorylation of ERK. A 24-h exposure to BDNF led to ∼2-fold increase in the total culture content of NPY (∼60% of which was secreted and ∼40% remained in the aggregates) and to an abundance of neurite-bearing NPY neurons. BDNF-induced NPY produced and secreted into the medium was inhibited 73% by PD, 52% by LY and not at all by GF. In contrast, BDNF-induced NPY produced and sequestered in the aggregates was not inhibited by any of these inhibitors, suggesting a role for the ERK pathway in induced secretion of NPY. PD or LY did not inhibit BDNF-induced abundance of neurite-bearing NPY neurons. K252a (an inhibitor of TrkB-tyrosine kinase) abolished all the effects of BDNF assessed in our cultures. In summary, we demonstrate that TrkB-mediated activation of the ERK pathway is preferentially required for BDNF induction of NPY produced and secreted but not for the induction of the expression of neurite-bearing NPY neurons. Thus, BDNF induction of the functional and morphological expression of NPY is brought about by ERK-dependent and ERK-independent mechanisms.
Enhanced protocol for determining the 3' terminus of hepatitis C virus.

The determination of viral 3′ ends is a routine practice in molecular biology. However, this has been a challenging task for hepatitis C virus (HCV), an enveloped single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus classified into the Flaviviridae family. The extreme end of HCV 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR), the so-called 3′ X tail, was not identified at the time of HCV discovery. Complete HCV 3′UTR sequences occupy a very small percentage of the exponentially growing HCV sequence databases. Although commercial kits and experimental protocols are available, these methods are both tedious and not reproducible. A stepwise optimization procedure was developed as a simple and robust protocol for determining the complete HCV 3′UTR from clinical samples. The availability of abundant authentic sequence information for the complete HCV 3′UTR will allow full investigation of its biological role in the life cycle of HCV.
Experience of a Clinical Outcome-Based Pediatric Nutrition Support Service

In an era of reduced health care resources, ongoing documentation of nutrition interventions and resultant clinical outcomes are essential in supporting nutrition support services. Nutrition interventions and clinical outcomes obtained from an ongoing quality-improvement program for a nutrition support service in a tertiary care pediatric hospital is presented. Consecutive cases of inpatients with intermediate- to high-level nutrition risk who were hospitalized from June 1996 through May 1997 were reviewed for standard interventions offered by nutrition support staff members, including recommendations for diet alteration, supplements, TPN, enteral feedings, and nutrition instruction. Of 5369 admissions, 1422 (26.5%) were classified as intermediate- to high-level nutritional risk, requiring 2896 initial and follow-up interventions for which outcome was documented in 1184 cases (83.3%). Improvement was noted more often for cases receiving interventions within 72 hours of admission (91% vs. 82%, p = .031) an...
1,3-Sigmatropic fluorine migration to boron in McLafferty type of rearrangements: Observation of tetrafluorobenzyne radical cation and trifluorobenzyne cation by CID-mass spectrometry

The electron-impact mass spectra of the tris(pentafluorophenyl)boroxine (1) and triphenylboroxine (2) were analyzed to probe the McLafferty type of rearrangements involving 1,3-fluorine or 1,3-hydrogen migrations to boron from the adjacent aromatic rings. 1,3-Sigmatropic fluorine migration leading to the McLafferty rearrangement of 1 results in the formation of the tetrafluorobenzyne radical cation (1c), whereas the similar rearrangement involving 1,3-hydrogen rearrangement is not observed for the nonfluorinated analog 2. The DFT calculations show that the activation barrier for the 1,3-fluorine migration in 1 is significantly lower than that for the 1,3-hydrogen migration in 2 (ΔΔG^‡ ∼33 kcal/mol), which is in accordance with the observed 1,3-fluorine migration for the fluorinated boroxine and the lack of such rearrangement for the nonfluorinated boroxine. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the fluoride anion with 1 has also been demonstrated by high resolution electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Geophysical Investigations of the Cove Fort-Sulphurdale Geothermal System, Utah

Abstract The Cove Fort-Sulphurdale KGRA is part of one of the largest thermal anomalies in the western United States. Since 1975 an extensive data base has been developed which includes the results of detailed and regional geologic, gravity, magnetic, seismic, and resistivity investigations. Geologic studies have delineated the major tectonic elements of the thermal system and have led to the recognition of large-scale gravitational glide blocks that act as a leaky cap to portions of the geothermal system. Gravity and magnetic data have delineated major throughgoing structures beneath alluvium and basalt cover, and have indicated the importance of the Cove Fort-Beaver graben in localizing the geothermal reservoir. The presence of these structures and a high level of microearthquake activity suggest other target areas within the larger thermal anomaly. Electrical resistivity surveys and thermal gradient holes both contribute to the delineation of the known reservoir. Four deep exploration wells which test the geothermal system were drilled between 1975 and 1979. One well, CFSU 42-7, recorded temperatures of 178°C. The high cost of drilling, high corrosion rates, low reservoir pressures, and the apparent limited extent of the high-temperature reservoir led to a premature conclusion in 1980 that the field was not economic for large-scale electric power production. More recent drilling in the vicinity of CFSU 42-7 resulted in the discovery of high-temperature (2Q0°C?) geothermal fluids at a depth of approximately 350 m. A well-head generator was installed and power production is expected in 1985. Additional development of the geothermal reservoir is anticipated in the 1985 to 1987 time frame.
Innate lymphoid cell development requires TOX-dependent generation of a common ILC progenitor (HEM5P.221)

Subtypes of innate lymphoid cells (ILC), defined by effector function and transcription factor expression, have recently been identified in both mice and humans. ILC are critical in maintaining barrier homeostasis and orchestrating cross-talk between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. In the adult, ILC derive from common lymphoid progenitors in bone marrow by passing through multiple ILC-specific progenitor stages, although transcriptional regulation of the developmental pathways involved in this process remains poorly defined. Previously, we showed that the nuclear DNA-binding protein TOX is required for development of lymphoid tissue inducer cells, a type of ILC3 required for lymph node organogenesis, and conventional natural killer cells, a type of ILC1. Here, we demonstrate that the production of multiple ILC lineages requires TOX, as a result of TOX-dependent development of common ILC progenitors. In vitro and ex vivo studies indicate that this deficit is cell intrinsic. Furthermore, using low-input RNA sequencing, we obtained robust whole transcriptome data from wild-type and TOX-deficient ILC progenitors. Comparative analysis demonstrated failure to induce various aspects of the ILC gene program in the absence of TOX, implicating this nuclear factor as a key early determinant of ILC lineage specification.
Trial of labor after cesarean versus repeat cesarean in women with small-for-gestational age neonates: a secondary analysis.

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to determine whether trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates.Methods: This secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study evaluated SGA neonates born to women with a single prior cesarean delivery. Nonanomalous, singleton pregnancies delivered at 24–41 weeks were included. The primary exposure was whether women underwent planned cesarean versus attempted TOLAC. Log-linear regression models were developed to characterize the relationship between TOLAC and neonatal outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite measure of neonatal morbidity and/or mortality, including death, respiratory complications, treated hypoglycemia, sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and hospital stay >5 days.Results: Of 1009 patients identified, 258 underwent repeat cesarean; 751 attempted TOLAC. Controlling for age, race, body mass index, smoking, ...
Reimagining Enoch in Sasanian Babylonia in Light of Zoroastrian and Manichaean Traditions

The article examines the reception and transmission of traditions about the figure of Enoch/Metatron in Sasanian Babylonia, and particularly the emergence of Metatron speculation in the Babylonian Talmud and 3 Enoch, by reading these traditions in light of Zoroastrian and Manichaean reports of the Iranian hero, Yima. The figure of Enoch/Metatron was reimagined and reconfigured by the Babylonian authors so as to resemble local Yima traditions, though the process of translating and repackaging the figure of Enoch in the image of his Iranian counterpart was not merely a conscious act of comparison, in which an analogy is drawn in an attempt to highlight particular aspects common to both figures; it was an expression of a more comprehensive discourse of identification.Beyond close parallels in the depictions of these figures, the connections between Metatron speculation and the Zoroastrian and Manichaean Yima traditions are supported by an identification of Yima with the son of man implied in two Sogdian fragments of the Manichaean Book of Giants. The syncretic atmosphere that pervaded Sasanian culture in general and the Manichaean identification of Yima with the son of man in particular facilitated, and perhaps reinforced, the refiguring of Enoch/Metatron in the Babylonian Talmud and 3 Enoch in the image of local Yima traditions.
Dethiosulfatarculus sandiegensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a methanogenic paraffin-degrading enrichment culture and emended description of the family Desulfarculaceae

A mesophilic deltaproteobacterium, designated strain SPRT, was isolated from a methanogenic consortium capable of degrading long-chain paraffins. Cells were motile, vibrio-shaped, and occurred singly, in pairs or in clusters. Strain SPRT did not metabolize hydrocarbons but grew fermentatively on pyruvate and oxaloacetate and autotrophically with H2 and CO2. Thiosulfate served as a terminal electron acceptor, but sulfate or sulfite did not. The organism required at least 10 g NaCl l− 1 and a small amount of yeast extract (0.001%) for growth. Optimal growth was observed between 30 and 37 °C and a pH range from 6.0 to 7.2. The DNA G+C content of SPRT's genome was 52.02 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain SPRT was distinct from previously described Deltaproteobacteria, exhibiting the closest affiliation to Desulfarculus baarsii DSM 2075T and Desulfocarbo indianensis SCBMT, with only 91% similarity between their respective 16S gene sequences. In silico genome comparison supported the distinctiveness between strain SPRT and both Desulfocarbo indianensis SCBMT and Desulfarculus baarsii DSM 2075T. Based on physiological differences, as well as phylogenetic and genomic comparisons, we propose to classify SPRT as the type strain ( = DSM 100305T = JCM 30857T) of a novel species of a new genus with the name Dethiosulfatarculus sandiegensis gen. nov., sp. nov.
Uniformity in procedural rules and the attributes of a sound procedural system: the case for presumptive limits

This paper on uniformity in procedural rules was presented at the 1997 Civil Justice Reform Act Conference in Tuscaloosa, Alabama co-hosted by the American Bar Association and the University of Alabama School of Law.
Intimal sarcomas of the aorta and iliofemoral arteries: a clinicopathological study of 26 cases

Aortic sarcomas are predominantly endoluminal tumours that are believed derived from the intima. Because of their rarity, relatively little is known about their pathological features. We report a series of 26 aortic and iliofemoral tumours with histopathological and clinical data.Of the 26 cases, there were 16 men (63.6 ± 13 years) and 10 women (58.6 ± 18 years). Tumours occurred in the abdominal aorta (13), descending thoracic aorta (8), iliac or femoral arteries (4) and ascending aorta (1). Presenting tumour manifestations included claudication or peripheral vascular disease (6), pain (5), pulsatile aneurysm (2) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA; 2), occluded graft (2), renal artery stenosis (1), pain from bone metastasis (1), aortic rupture (1), fever (1), weight loss (1), vasculitis (1) impotence (1), incidental finding (1) and bowel ischaemia (1). The diagnosis was not suspected clinically in any case. The tumours were sampled by endarterectomy (9), aortic resection (8), repair of aneurysm (5), and in four the diagnosis was made at autopsy. Histologically and immunohistochemically, 13 were categorised as poorly differentiated angiosarcomas, seven as undifferentiated sarcomas, three as osteosarcomas, two as myxofibrosarcomas, and one as myxoid sarcoma, not otherwise specified. The undifferentiated sarcomas and angiosarcomas were histologically similar to one another and were characterised by tumour cells within and overlying thrombus. The angiosarcomas were defined by diffuse CD31 expression with co-expression of pancytokeratin in 10 (77%). Undifferentiated sarcomas were composed of spindled and/or epithelioid cells and 71% expressed smooth muscle actin. Histological material from metastatic tumours was available in two osteosarcomas and two undifferentiated sarcomas, and showed undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in all cases.In this series, half of aortic intimal sarcomas are histologically undifferentiated and express endothelial and epithelial markers (epithelioid angiosarcoma). The second largest group is undifferentiated sarcoma without immunohistochemical evidence of endothelial differentiation and frequent actin positivity. Rare types include myxofibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma.
Authentic learning and multifaceted assessment utilizing interprofessional collaborative learning events

ABSTRACTEffective teaching is a balancing act of many preparative tasks and attempts to engage and assess students. Bain (2004) researched qualities and practices of best college teachers and reported that best teachers create a natural critical learning environment where the thinking skills and desired end goals are embedded into authentic learning tasks. This teaching-learning approach facilitates development of critical thinking skills concurrently while learning the critical skills for their discipline. Through implementation of interprofessional learning opportunities and assessment, our objective is to establish authentic experiential learning for producing desired student outcomes of increased role definition and increased interprofessional readiness.
Palliative Care for Patients Dying in the Intensive Care Unit with Chronic Lung Disease Compared with Metastatic Cancer

Rationale: Palliative care has been focused largely on patients with cancer, and yet patients with chronic lung diseases also have high morbidity and mortality. The majority of deaths in intensive care units (ICUs) follow decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments, suggesting that palliative care is critically important in this setting.Objectives: We explored differences in receipt of elements of palliative care among patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who die in ICUs compared with patients with cancer.Methods: We identified patients with COPD, ILD, or metastatic cancer who died in the ICUs of 15 Seattle-area hospitals between 2003 and 2008. We used robust multivariable logistic and linear regression to compare differences in receipt of elements of palliative care and length of stay.Measurements and Main Results: Compared with patients with cancer, patients with COPD were more likely to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation befo...
Transverse Colon Conduit Urinary Diversion

AbstractWe studied 62 patients who had undergone transverse colon conduit urinary diversion. This procedure was done for malignant disease in 57 patients and for benign conditions in 5. The immediate postoperative complication rate was 25 per cent, while in 13 per cent of the patients long-term complications were observed.
Increased signal intensities in the dentate nucleus and globus pallidus on unenhanced T1-weighted images: evidence in children undergoing multiple gadolinium MRI exams

Background Recent reports have suggested residual gadolinium deposition in the brain in subjects undergoing multiple contrast-enhanced MRI exams. These findings have raised some concerns regarding gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) usage and retention in brain tissues.
Median sternotomy for synchronous bilateral pulmonary operations

Since 1975 10 patients at Rush Medical Center have undergone synchronous bilateral pulmonary operations by median sternotomy. Nine had pulmonary metastases and one had bullous emphysema with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Between three and 20 metastases were removed by wedge resection per patient, but right upper lobe anterior segmentectomy and left upper lobectomy were required in one patient. Bilateral bullae resections and plications improved pulmonary function in the patient with emphysema. The average hospital stay was 9 days, and the only complication was one reoperation for postoperative bleeding. Median sternotomy has been advantageous in selected patients with bilateral pulmonary disease because it allows one-stage completion of the required pulmonary procedures with minimal impairment of pulmonary function, shortened hospital stay, and maximal patient recovery.
Classification of Private Tweets Using Tweet Content

Online social networks (OSNs) like Twitter provide an open platform for users to easily convey their thoughts and ideas from personal experiences to breaking news. With the increasing popularity of Twitter and the explosion of tweets, we have observed large amounts of potentially sensitive/private messages being published to OSNs inadvertently or voluntarily. The owners of these messages may become vulnerable to online stalkers or adversaries, and they often regret posting such messages. Therefore, identifying tweets that reveal private/sensitive information is critical for both the users and the service providers. However, the definition of sensitive information is subjective and different from person to person. To develop a privacy protection mechanism that is customizable to fit the needs of diverse audiences, it is essential to accurately and automatically classify potentially sensitive tweets. In this paper, we make the first attempt to classify private tweets into 14 categories, such as alcohol & drugs, family information, etc. We model tweet semantic with term distribution features as well as users' topic-preferences based on personal tweet history. Experiments show that our method can boost classification accuracy compared with the well-known Bag-of-Words and tf-idf methods.
When identity hurts: How positive intragroup experiences can yield negative mental health implications for ethnic and sexual minorities

Two studies (longitudinal, N = 510; cross-sectional; N = 249) explain how feeling valued in one's ethnic/sexual minority group has benefits for mental health but also certain costs through the way it shapes minorities' identity. Drawing from the intragroup status and health (ISAH) model, we posit that when individuals feel valued in their minority group it bolsters group identification; with greater identity-centrality, individuals tend to view daily social interactions through the “lens” of their minority group and ultimately perceive more discrimination. Discrimination, in turn, negatively shapes health. Thus, feeling valued in one's minority group has benefits for health but also indirect costs, perhaps counterintuitively by strengthening minority group identity. Results of both studies supported these predictions. Study 2 also supported an adapted ISAH model for use in the context of concealable stigmatized identities (sexual minorities). Overall, the ISAH model explains why feeling valued and having strong social identities are not always beneficial, yielding certain costs for stigmatized individuals' health.
An Interactive Ambulatory Nephrology Curriculum for Internal Medicine Interns: Design, Implementation, and Participant Feedback

While diminishing nephrology fellow recruitment is a known issue, more work is needed to evaluate possible interventions to reverse this trend. We designed and implemented a curriculum to increase exposure to ambulatory nephrology among internal medicine interns. The curriculum focused on key aspects of outpatient nephrology practice, including supervised clinic visits, formal themed didactic content, and an online interactive forum with assigned evidence-based readings and small-group responses to relevant cases. We obtained postcourse surveys from all participating interns. Of the 43 interns who took part in the first year of the ambulatory nephrology curriculum, 100% reported a positive didactic experience and 91% reported a positive interactive online experience. 77% reported an improvement in their familiarity with clinical nephrology practice (median 2-point increase in familiarity score on a 7-point scale, P<0.001 by signed rank testing). Qualitative feedback included praise for the high-yield topics covered by the lectures and energizing teachers. In conclusion, we successfully implemented an ambulatory nephrology curriculum using a framework that integrated formal didactics, interactive online learning, and key clinical components of outpatient nephrology care. Future investigation will evaluate whether early implementation of this curriculum is associated with increased pursuit of nephrology as a career.
Use of Nasal Non-Invasive Ventilation with a RAM Cannula in the Outpatient Home Setting.

Background Nasal non-invasive-ventilation (Nasal NIV) is a mode of ventilatory support providing positive pressure to patients via a nasal interface. The RAM Cannula is an oxygen delivery device that can be used as an alternative approach to deliver positive pressure. Together they have been successfully used to provide respiratory support in neonatal in-patient settings. Objective To describe the outpatient use of Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula as a feasible alternative for home respiratory support in children with chronic respiratory failure. Methods We performed a retrospective case series of 18 children (4 months to 19 years old) using the Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula in the Pediatric Pulmonary Clinic at the McGovern Medical School, UTHealth (2014-16). Consideration for Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula utilization included: inability to wean-off in-patient respiratory support, comfort for dyspnea, intolerability of conventional mask interfaces and tracheostomy avoidance. Results Average age was 7 years. 50% were Caucasian, 38% African-American and 11% Hispanics. Pulmonary disorders included: chest wall weakness (38%), central control abnormalities (33%), obstructive lung disease (16%) and restrictive lung disease (11%). Indications for Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula initiation included: CPAP/BPAP masks intolerability (11%), dyspnea secondary to chest wall weakness (38%) and tracheostomy avoidance (50%). Average length of use of Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula was 8.4 months. Successful implementation of Nasal NIV/Ram Cannula was 94%. One patient required a tracheostomy following the use of Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula. Significant decrease in arterial PaCO2 pre and post Nasal NIV/RAM cannula initiation was notable (p=0.001). Conclusion Outpatient use of Nasal NIV/RAM Cannula may prove to be a feasible and save treatment alternative for children with chronic respiratory failure, chest wall weakness, dyspnea and traditional nasal/face mask intolerance to avoid tracheostomy.
Paid: Tales of Dongles, Checks, and Other Money Stuff, edited by Bill Maurer and Lana Swartz

Paid: Tales of Dongles, Checks, and Other Money Stuff introduces itself as a catalogue for a museum exhibit that never happened. Contributors – drawn from a range of disciplines including archeolog...
The Forty-Seven Rōnin: The Vendetta in History

The Forty-Seven Rōnin vendetta is one of the most famous incidents in Japanese history, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. John A. Tucker seeks to provide a credible account of the vendetta and its afterlife in history. He suggests that, when considered historically and holistically, the vendetta appears as a site of contested cultural ground, with conflicts, disagreements, and debates characterizing its three-century history far more than cultural unanimity about its values, virtues, and icons. Tucker narrates the incident as the historical event that it was, within the context of Tokugawa social, political, cultural, and spiritual history, before exploring the vendetta as conflicted cultural ground, generating a steady flow of essays, novels, plays, and ideologically driven expressions intrinsic to the course of Japanese history. This engaging, accessible study provides insights into ways in which events and debates from early modern history have continued to inform developments in modern Japan.
Ustekinumab IV 6 mg/kg Loading Dose Re-induction Improves Clinical and Endoscopic Response in Crohn's disease: A Case Series.

Ustekinumab IV 6 mg/kg Loading Dose Re-induction Improves Clinical and Endoscopic Response in Crohn’s disease: A Case Series
Spatial and temporal patterns of microbial mats and associated invertebrates along an Antarctic stream

Microbial biofilms are biological hotspots in many alpine and polar ecosystems, but the controls on and functional significance of their fauna are little known. We studied cyanobacterial mats and the underlying sediment in a glacial meltwater stream in the McMurdo Dry valleys, Antarctica. We investigated mat biomass (total and phototrophic), diatoms, and micro-meiofauna (nematodes, rotifers, and tardigrades) at nine sites along a 1670 m stream reach in a cold, low-flow growing season, and in a warmer growing season in which peak flows (above 100 L s−1) scoured the mats. Diatom and invertebrate communities were not related, but mat biomass in the low-flow year was negatively related to nematode abundance, including that of the omnivore Eudorylaimus. In the high flow year that followed, invertebrate abundance was reduced in the mats, diatom community structure was altered, and mat biomass was higher. The difference in invertebrate abundance between years was greater in mats in upstream reaches, where the greatest increases in flow velocity may have occurred, and was negligible in mats in downstream reaches as well as in the sediment beneath the mats. Integrating our results with previous findings, we generate two predictive hypotheses to be tested in glacial meltwater streams: (1) under peak flows invertebrates decline in the microbial mats, while (2) the sediment beneath the mats is a refuge from the flow disturbance. Our results also suggest that, under stable flow conditions, microinvertebrate grazers could exert top-down control on microbial mat biomass.
Antioxidant Capacity of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Abstract Increased consumption of green tea (Camellia sinensis) is associated with lower risks of obesity and obesity-related disorders, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that green tea, likely through its main polyphenolic components, the catechins, exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, making it an ideal dietary component or functional food ingredient for preventing and/or managing chronic disorders characterized by a high involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the bioavailability of catechins is relatively poor, thereby raising controversy over whether the in vitro reactive oxygen/nitrogen scavenging activities of catechins extrapolate to an antioxidant function in vivo. This chapter will highlight the antioxidant activities of green tea catechins both in vitro and in vivo, and provide insight into their antioxidant activities within the context of oxidative stress occurring in CVD and NAFLD, with consideration of the mechanisms that limit oral catechin bioavailability.
A Time-Domain Impedance Probe for Fast Measurements of Electron Plasma Parameters in the Ionosphere

A new time-domain impedance probe is presented in this paper. The new instrument is able to make measurements of absolute electron density and electron-neutral collision frequency in the ionosphere at temporal and spatial resolutions not previously attained. A single measurement is made in $100~\mu \text{s}$ , which yields an instantaneous spatial resolution of 0.1 m for sounding rocket experiments. A prototype of this instrument was integrated into the payload of a NASA Undergraduate Student Instrument Program sounding rocket launched out of Wallops Island on March 1, 2016. Here, we describe the instrument, and present the data obtained from the sounding rocket experiment. A 6-V amplitude Gaussian derivative excitation was applied to a dipole probe structure, and the current through the probe terminals measured with a balanced active bridge circuit. The time-domain current response was sampled at 5 MS/s, at 12-bit resolution. In the course of the flight, the instrument measured a highly nonlinear response of the plasma because of the large input voltage signal applied. The linear theory cannot explain this response, which obscured interpretation of the data. As a result, we used time- and frequency-domain trend analysis to obtain the variation of electron density over the upleg and downleg of the rocket trajectory. The obtained time and fast Fourier transform trends showed enhanced electron densities in the F layer, which confirmed that the instrument was able to measure the density variations during a significant portion of the flight.
Assessing the geothermal potential of the Shahin Dezh Region, based on the geological, geochemical and geophysical evidence

Abstract The Shahin Dezh Region is one of several areas prospective for geothermal energy in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran. Hot spring spewing fluids at 30 °C is regarded as the first surface signature for the existence of a subsurface geothermal reservoir in this region. To determine the geothermal energy potential for the region we carried out geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys in the study area. Field observation, thin section studies and XRD analysis reveal the existence of a zone of pervasive hydrothermal alteration in this region. Based on the geochemical analysis, the hydrothermal spring fluids falls into the bicarbonate water family. The results of geothermometric calculations indicate that geothermal reservoir temperature ranges between 40 and 51 °C. Euler deconvolution of geophysical data over the region suggests the reservoir is shallow. This shallowness together with groundwater mixing are factors that played a role in decreasing the reservoir temperature. Integrating geological, geochemical and gravity studies revealed that geothermal reservoir contains 2.3 × 10 7 kJ thermal energy.
Economics of Municipal Solid Waste as a Raw Material

It is said that “figures don’t lie” although “liars can figure” and that data can be chosen to suit the objective of the story teller. Economics is such a discipline. A record of past performance in terms of numbers and currency values can be used as a basis for forecasting and planning future happenings. Unfortunately, the economic scenarios of future operations are influenced by subjective judgments and unforseen events. We have a new term to describe such situations: “sociotechnical systems”.
In-situ TEM analysis of the phase transformation mechanism of a Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy

Abstract Minimizing phase transformation (PT) hysteresis is of crucial importance for reliability of shape memory alloy (SMA)-based devices, where the lattice strain/stress caused by thermal hysteresis leads to functional degradation. As a result, understanding structural factors that control PT pathway is critical for development of materials with high reversibility. In this study, two distinct PT mechanisms (from γ 1 ' martensite to β 1 austenite phase) in Cu–Al–Ni SMAs were revealed by in-situ TEM observation. A growth-dominant conventional PT mechanism shows in the fast quench sample, whereas a nucleation-dominant PT mechanism that suppresses interface propagation and induces high thermal hysteresis displays in the slow quench sample. By characterizing the atomic scale composition and microstructure we discover that slow quenching induces nanoprecipitation that changes chemistry of the matrix alloy, which in turn causes the higher PT hysteresis and temperature, while fast quenching avoids the formation of these nanoprecipitates. Our finding provides valuable insights into the fabrication of SMAs with better reliability.
More Than Skin Deep? The Effect of Visible Tattoos on the Perceived Characteristics of a Rape Victim

The present experiment examined whether negative tattoo stereotypes would cause negative judgments about a rape victim. Mock jurors (N = 174) read an acquaintance rape trial summary online and view...
A Grounded Theory of Musical Independence in the Concert Band

Defined as the ability to engage in music activities on one’s own, musical independence is a frequent goal of music education. This yearlong study investigated musical independence within concert b...
The Black Digital Syllabus Movement: The Fusion of Academia, Activism and Arts

As Black America experienced some of the most profound shifts in politics and entertainment in recent history, from the Charleston church shooting to the release of Beyonce’s Lemonade, Black academ...
A Quality Initiative for Reducing Postoperative Hypothermia for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Surgical Patients.

Introduction The association between hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and morbidity and mortality is well described. Neonates are at higher risk of perioperative hypothermia when compared to older children. Previous studies showed that quality improvement tools reduced postoperative hypothermia in NICU patients, but none showed sustained improvement at incidence rates of <10%. As a single institution, we aimed to reduce the percentage of postoperative temperatures < 36°C in NICU patients from 10% to 6% over 6 months and sustain for 6 months. Methods An interdisciplinary team created a key driver diagram and implemented interventions, including monthly reporting of postoperative hypothermia incidence to the anesthesiologists, individual feedback sessions with the anesthesiologists, use of a perioperative checklist, and continuous axillary temperature monitoring of the infant throughout the perioperative period. Data were collected retrospectively using a chart review of electronic medical records. The primary outcome was the percentage of hypothermic patients (T < 36°C) based on the first postoperative temperature taken in the NICU. We tracked this measure using a statistical control chart and evaluated it using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Results From February 1, 2016 to May 30, 2018, data were collected for 554 patients (pre-intervention: 242 and post-intervention: 312). The percentage of surgical patients who returned to the NICU hypothermic decreased from 9.7% to 2.5% (P < 0.002)-a change sustained for greater than 12 months. Conclusions Quality improvement tools are useful in reducing postoperative hypothermia in NICU surgical patients and in maintaining these results.
The Dark Side of Narrow Gamification: Negative Impact of Assessment Gamification on Student Perceptions and Content Knowledge

We explored the effects of assessment gamification on students’ content knowledge and perceptions of satisfaction, course experience, learning, and impact of teaching techniques. The course prepara...
Stressed Out! Examining family meal decisions in response to daily stressors via ecological momentary assessment in a racially/ethnically diverse population.

The impact various sources of stress have on family meal decisions and child health-related behaviors is an understudied area. For this study, 128 racially/ethnically diverse parent/child dyads were recruited from primary care clinics in the Twin Cities, Minnesota between 2015 and 2016. Parent participants completed eight days of ecological momentary assessment, which included end-of-day surveys where the parent reported on (1) sources of daily stress (e.g., family demands, work/school demands) and related family meal choices (e.g., fixed quick meal, skipped meal), (2) meal planning, and (3) parent and child health-related behaviors (e.g., watched TV, ate unhealthy snack). Adjusted generalized estimating equations were used to estimate marginal probabilities and 95% confidence intervals of outcomes by race/ethnicity. Results indicated that common meal-related choices as a result of being stressed varied from fixing a quick/easy meal, buying fast food, everyone fixing their own meal or skipping a meal, or none of the above. When parents reported family demands as the source of stress, children were three times more likely to eat an unhealthy snack. Additionally, children were more likely to eat an unhealthy snack with higher levels of parental stress or if families have not planned the meal the night before. Interventions to lower parental stress and support family meal planning may increase the healthfulness of the home food environment during moments of elevated stress.
Use of Oral Tetracyclines in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia: A Literature Review on the Often-Overlooked Antibiotic Class

Oral tetracyclines have been used in clinical practice for over 60 years. Overall, one of the most common indications for use of oral tetracyclines is for treatment of adult outpatients with lower respiratory tract infections, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Despite the longstanding use of oral tetracyclines, practice patterns indicate that they are often considered after other guideline-concordant oral CAP treatment options (namely macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and β-lactams). However, there are growing resistance or safety concerns with the available oral agents listed for outpatients with CAP in the updated American Thoracic Society (ATS)/Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) CAP guidelines, especially among patients with comorbidities or notable risk factors for resistant pathogens. Given the need for alternative oral agents to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and beta-lactams for adult outpatients with CAP, this review summarizes the literature on the use of oral tetracyclines (i.e., doxycycline, minocycline, and omadacycline) for this indication. As part of this review, we described their mechanism of action, common mechanisms of resistance, susceptibility profiles against common CAP pathogens, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical data, and safety. The intent of the review is to highlight the important considerations when deciding between doxycycline, minocycline, and omadacycline for an adult outpatient with CAP in situations in which use of an oral tetracycline is warranted.
Malaria Situation in Henan Province in 2013

In 2013, 197 cases were reported in Henan Province and all of them were imported cases. Among them, 154(78.2%) were Plasmodium falciparum cases, 18(9.1%) were P. vivax cases, 2(1.0%) were P. malariae cases, and 23(11.7%) were P. ovale cases. The ratio of males to females was 97.5 ∶ 1. The average age was(37.8±9.9)years old. 183(92.9%) patients were returned from Africa. Most of the cases were peasants, export labours and workers.Cases were reported every month with 28 cases in May. The median interval from symptom appearing to diagnosis was4 d, only 17 patients(8.6%) were diagnosed within 24 h. 61 cases( 31.0%) were reported by provincial medicalinstitutions. 60 cases(30.5%) were reported by county CDCs. A total of 193 cases recovered with chemotherapy and 4cases died.