jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the Laryngeal Nerves During Thyroidectomy. Initial 115 Cases Experience.

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

The lesions of the laryngeal nerves, despite low incidence, are the most severe long term complications after thyroidectomy. Visualization after careful dissection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is now the golden standard among thyroid surgeons. We assessed traditional landmarks for the identification of RLN and anatomic high risk situation. The study also presented our initial experience using neuro monitoring of RLN (IONM) during surgery. The results show a recognizable Zuckerkandl tubercle in 162 of the 222 cases (72,97%). After dissection RLN was found posterior from TZ in 154 cases (95,06%) and lateral from TZ in 8 cases (4,93%). The identification of the Zuckerkandl tubercle is a useful landmark for RLN localization. As concerning high risk situations we found 2 non recurrent laryngeal nerves (both on the right side). Extra laryngeal ramification of RLN is an anatomical reality with significant incidence (23,8% in our study) and major surgical involvement. Extra laryngeal ramification of RLN occurs more often between the cross point with inferior thyroid artery and larynx entry point. Monitoring the branches of RLN we obtain major EMG signal on the anterior one. The surgical meaning is that the anterior branch carries the most important motor fibers and we have to pay extra care in the correct identification and preservation of it. From a total of 222 visually identified RLN we have 215 nerves (96,84%) with positive EMG signal on monitoring. For 7 nerves (3,15%) we had no EMG signal. In 3 cases (2 total thyroidectomies and 1 lobectomy) involving 5 RLN there was a false negative result caused by electrode malposition or desoldering from endotracheal tube. Our initial experience shows that IONM is harmless, easy to handle and a useful tool for identifying the nerve and confirm its integrity. More extended studies are needed to show if intraoperative monitoring decreases the rate of RLN iatrogenic injury.
Spatial Temporal Denoised Thermal Source Separation in Images of Compact Pulsed Thermography System for Qualification of Additively Manufactured Metals

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

We introduce a Spatial Temporal Denoised Thermal Source Separation (STDTSS) unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithm for detection of material flaws in additively manufactured (AM) metals using pulsed thermography (PT) images obtained with compact infrared (IR) camera. Quality control of actual AM structures is necessary before their deployment, because AM metals can contain defects, such as pores, due intrinsic features of AM process. The PT nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method is based on recording material surface temperature transients with IR camera following thermal pulse delivered on material surface with flashlight. The PT method has advantages for NDE of arbitrary size AM structures because the method involves one-sided non-contact measurements and fast processing of large sample areas captured in one image. To reduce the cost and enable in-service NDE in spatially constrained environment, it is highly desirable to develop PT with compact and inexpensive IR camera. However, data cube obtained with PT based on compact IR camera suffers from strong thermal noises and loss of features due to relatively low sampling rate. The purpose of STDTSS algorithm is to compensate for uncertainties detection due to reduced resolution of low-cost hardware. The STDTSS algorithm consists of spatial and temporal denoising using Gaussian and Savitzky-Golay filtering, followed by the matrix decomposition using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to automatically detect flaws. We construct a compact PT system based on FLIR A65 camera, and demonstrate performance of STDTSS method in detection of imprinted calibrated defects in AM stainless steel 316L specimens.
Stability of Biological Activity of Frozen β-lactams over Time as Assessed by Time-Lapsed Broth Microdilutions

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

To evaluate the antimicrobial agent’s stability stored at −80 °C, six β-lactams (meropenem, ertapenem, imipenem, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and piperacillin-tazobactam) were studied using the broth microdilution (BMD). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) remained accurate with the same amount of frozen drug for at least six months. Thereafter, there was a diminishing drug concentration due to instability. At this temperature, most β-lactams can be frozen as a stock concentration for up to six months without a significant loss in antibiotic activity.
Simulation of a Wall-Bounded Flow Using a Hybrid LES/RAS Approach with Turbulence Recycling

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Simulations of a supersonic recessed-cavity flow are performed using a hybrid large-eddy/ Reynolds-averaged simulation approach utilizing an inflow turbulence recycling procedure and hybridized inviscid flux scheme. Calorically perfect air enters the three-dimensional domain at a free stream Mach number of 2.92. Simulations are performed to assess grid sensitivity of the solution, efficacy of the turbulence recycling, and effect of the shock sensor used with the hybridized inviscid flux scheme. Analysis of the turbulent boundary layer upstream of the rearward-facing step for each case indicates excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Mean velocity and pressure results are compared to Reynolds-averaged simulations and experimental data for each case, and these comparisons indicate good agreement on the finest grid. Simulations are repeated on a coarsened grid, and results indicate strong grid density sensitivity. The effect of turbulence recycling on the solution is illustrated by performing coarse grid simulations with and without inflow turbulence recycling. Two shock sensors, one of Ducros and one of Larsson, are assessed for use with the hybridized inviscid flux reconstruction scheme.
Burnout and the work-family interface

Field: Psychology (Social Sciences)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether work-to-family conflict (WFC) and work-to-family enrichment (WFE) predicted burnout in working mothers using conservation of resources theory. The authors also examined whether these relationships varied between sole and partnered working mothers. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 516 partnered and 107 sole mothers in paid employment completed an online survey twice, six months apart. Findings – WFC was significantly positively related to burnout, and WFE significantly negatively related to burnout. Marital status moderated the inverse relationship between WFE and personal burnout, and this relationship was significant for partnered mothers only. Research limitations/implications – Limitations include self-report data, and the sample being highly educated thereby limiting generalizability. Practical implications – Providing an enriching and supportive work environment may be an important strategy for minimizing burnout in mothers, particularly for sole mothers. Social implications – Employed sole mother’s risks of burnout may be higher than for other mothers even when experiencing WFE, which can have implications for their functioning and for family well-being. Originality/value – This two-wave study is the first to highlight that sole mothers, who are at risk of greater socio-economic disadvantages, do not benefit from WFE to the same degree as partnered mothers. Future work-family and burnout research should further examine differences based family structure.
Outcome in Children Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) alone or with dialysis (D) has become an important supportive therapy for critically ill children with acute renal failure. Previous reports of pediatric patient outcome either mix CVVH/D with other renal replacement modalities or do not examine severity of illness. The current study examines only outcomes of children receiving CVVH/D using Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) scores to control for severity of illness. Patients. Twenty-one patients (mean age: 8.8 ± 6.3 years; mean weight: 28.3 ± 20.8 kg) received 22 courses of CVVH/D. Outcomes. Nine (42.8%) of 21 patients survived. Nine (75%) of 12 deaths occurred within 25 days of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Mean PRISM score at PICU admission and CVVH initiation were 13.1 ± 5.8 and 15.4 ± 8.9, respectively. Mean patient weight, age, PRISM score at PICU admission and at CVVH/D initiation, maximum pressor number, estimated glomerular filtration rate at CVVH/D initiation and change in mean airway pressure did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors. The degree of fluid overload at CVVH/D initiation was significantly lower in survivors (16.4% ± 13.8%) compared with nonsurvivors (34.0% ± 21.0%), even when controlled for severity of illness by PRISM score. Mean cost of providing CVVH/D accounted for only 1% of total PICU cost per patient. Conclusions. The pattern of early multiorgan system failure and death, minimal relative cost of CVVH/D provision, and potential for improved outcome with initiation of CVVH/D at lesser degrees of fluid overload are factors that may support early initiation of CVVH/D in critically ill children with acute renal failure.
Developing Core Practices for an Instrumental Music Education Methods\nCourse

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

This article outlines the rationale for the development of an instrumental music education methods course devised around core practices. First, I provide a brief history and context of how teacher educators in the United States, over the last half-century, have negotiated a tension between teaching behaviors and dispositions. Second, I describe some of the guiding principles of practice-based teacher education and its proponents’ critiques of current conceptions of teacher education. Third, I define the concept of core practices and derive a set of core practices of instrumental music education. Fourth, I outline the pedagogy of practice-based education, including the concept of approximations of practice, and demonstrate its application to the instrumental methods course. These approximations of practice include providing feedback, structuring and pacing rehearsals, eliciting thinking through questions, selecting appropriate repertoire and materials, teaching higher-order thinking, and creating a student-centered pedagogy. Finally, I conclude with areas for future development.
The Synthesis of Functionalized Nanoscale Molecular Rods of Defined Length

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

We report a synthetic approach to spiro-ladder oligomers of defined length and structure that form water-soluble molecular rods. We describe the synthesis of a chiral molecular building block 1 and its assembly on solid support to form flexible chains that were then rigidified by the parallel formation of several diketopiperazine rings. Two molecular rods approximately 15 and 25 A in length were synthesized containing three and five monomers, respectively. The molecular rods were easily functionalized on both ends and were shown to have high water solubility, making them compatible with biological buffers. These molecules may find use as scaffolds for the display of ligands in chemical-biology applications and as spacers and construction materials for nanoscience applications.
[Effect of Astragalus injection combined with mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for repairing the spinal cord injury in rats].

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Transplantation of rMSCs is an effective method in treatment of the spinal cord injury; ASI has the capacity for inducing rMSCs differentiated into neurons, and could synergize with rMSCs to promote the repairing of the spinal cord from injury.
Risks Related to Lean Six Sigma Deployment and Sustainment Risks

Field: Decision Sciences (Social Sciences)

Lean Six Sigma is a set of tools utilized by organizations to reduce cost and waste. There are risks associated with deploying and sustaining Six Sigma. The risks are different at each stage of the process. To ensure success, these risks must be identified and mitigated. From an organizational standpoint, companies need to understand the differences between Lean Six Sigma deployment and sustainment. The risk factors discussed in this article are leadership, human resource, and project selection. Since Lean Six Sigma is a project-based approach, many tools offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) can be utilized to complement DMAIC structure. Since risks in improper management are inherent, using project management and Lean Six Sigma tools together is beneficial. This research attempts to identify and analyze the different risks associated with deploying and sustaining Lean Six Sigma. This article presents recommendations based on an analysis of collected information.
Transcriptomic and ChIP-seq Integrative Analysis Reveals Important Roles of Epigenetically Regulated lncRNAs in Placental Development in Meishan Pigs

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

The development of the placental fold, which increases the maternal–fetal interacting surface area, is of primary importance for the growth of the fetus throughout the whole pregnancy. However, the mechanisms involved remain to be fully elucidated. Increasing evidence has revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of RNAs with regulatory functions and could be epigenetically regulated by histone modifications. In this study, 141 lncRNAs (including 73 up-regulated and 68 down-regulated lncRNAs) were identified to be differentially expressed in the placentas of pigs during the establishment and expanding stages of placental fold development. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes (DElncRNA-DEgene) co-expression network analysis revealed that these differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were mainly enriched in pathways of cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization, epithelial cell differentiation and angiogenesis, indicating that the DElncRNAs are related to the major events that occur during placental fold development. In addition, we integrated the RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) data with the ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) data of H3K4me3/H3K27ac produced from the placental samples of pigs from the two stages (gestational days 50 and 95). The analysis revealed that the changes in H3K4me3 and/or H3K27ac levels were significantly associated with the changes in the expression levels of 37 DElncRNAs. Furthermore, several H3K4me3/H3K27ac-lncRNAs were characterized to be significantly correlated with genes functionally related to placental development. Thus, this study provides new insights into understanding the mechanisms for the placental development of pigs.
Phosphorylation of the Core Protein of Hepatitis B Virus by a 46-Kilodalton Serine Kinase

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

ABSTRACT Core protein is the major component of the core particle (nucleocapsid) of human hepatitis B virus. Core particles and core proteins are involved in a number of important functions in the replication cycle of the virus, including RNA packaging, DNA synthesis, and recognition of viral envelope proteins. Core protein is a phosphoprotein with most, if not all, of the phosphorylation on C-terminal serine residues. In this study, we identified a serine kinase activity from the ribosome-associated protein fraction of cytoplasm that could specifically bind and phosphorylate the C-terminal portion of recombinant core protein. This kinase is referred to as core-associated kinase (CAK). CAK could be inhibited by the kinase inhibitors heparin and manganese ions but not by spermidine, DRB, H89, or H7, indicating that CAK is distinct from protein kinase A and protein kinase C. CAK could be partially purified by heparin-Sepharose CL-6B and phosphocellulose P11 columns. By using a far-Western assay, three specific proteins, of 46, 35, and 13 kDa, were shown to interact with the C-terminal part of the core protein. These three proteins were present only in the eluted fractions that contains the CAK activity. An in-gel kinase assay showed that a 46-kDa kinase in the same fraction could bind and phosphorylate the C-terminal part of the recombinant core protein. These results indicate that this 46-kDa kinase is most probably CAK. A similar 46-kDa kinase, which exhibits the same profile of sensitivity to kinase inhibitors as that of CAK, is present in both purified intracellular core particles and extracellular 42-nm virions, suggesting that CAK is a candidate for the core particle-associated kinase.
On the Relationship between the Fatigue Stages of Steel and the Micro Stress-Strain Hysteresis Energies

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

In the previous paper, it was reported that the fatigue being measured by the wire strain gauges of 3 mm in length on the micro stress-strain hysteresis loops was observed at three stages. In this paper, the fatigue stages of steel was observed and concluded as follows : (1) At the 1st stage, the yield point observed on hysteresis loop and the strain hardening varied. (2) At the 2nd stage, slip and recovery varied. (3) At the 1st stage, the fatigue damage was recovered at 600°C but at the 2nd stage it was not recovered. (4) The microcrack started at the beginning of the 2nd stage. (5) We proposed that the unstable state ξand the metastable state ηseemed to be produced by the distortion of crystal lattice, and micro hysteresis loops were caused by their accumulation. (6) The fatigue lives were prolonged when the variance of ξon the 1st stage and of ηon the 2nd stage was minimized.
Interview with Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo Urban Shaman, by Roger Rumrrill

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Roger Rumrrill, a journalist headquartered in Lima, Peru who is a noted expert on the Peruvian Amazon, interviewed Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo urban shaman in Pucallpa, who utilizes ayahuasca in curing rituals. Sr. Arrévalo comments on the phenomenon known as drug tourism, where urban men and women provide tours for foreigners, for a price, to experience drug-induced mystical experiences in urban settings like Iquitos and Pucallpa, Peru, as well as in Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador. Arrévalo distinguishes between folkloric shamanism and touristic practices which are currently in vogue and, in his opinion, are the result of people trying to resolve personal problems. Arrévalo sees a spiritual and psychological crisis in Europe and North American society. The Shipibo shaman laments the misuse of toxic plants as additives to the ayahuasca potion and the damage that these plants cause to the unsuspecting tourist who doesn't really get his money's worth from shamans without experience, people who are liars and cheats and who don't have the capacity, the preparation or the boldness to do the work.
Interlaboratory comparison of metabolomics & lipidomics analyses in human and rodent blood using the MxP® Quant 500 kit

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Metabolomics and lipidomics are pivotal in understanding phenotypic variations beyond genomics. However, quantification and comparability of mass spectrometry (MS)-derived data are challenging. Standardised assays can enhance data comparability, enabling applications in multi-center epidemiological and clinical studies. Here we evaluated the performance and reproducibility of the MxP® Quant 500 kit across 14 laboratories. The kit allows quantification of 634 different metabolites from 26 compound classes using triple quadrupole MS. Each laboratory analysed twelve samples, including human plasma and serum, lipaemic plasma, NIST SRM 1950, and mouse and rat plasma, in triplicates. 505 out of the 634 metabolites were measurable above the limit of detection in all laboratories, while eight metabolites were undetectable in our study. Out of the 505 metabolites, 412 were observed in both human and rodent samples. Overall, the kit exhibited high reproducibility with a median coefficient of variation (CV) of 14.3%. CVs in NIST SRM 1950 reference plasma were below 25% and 10% for 494 and 138 metabolites, respectively. To facilitate further inspection of reproducibility for any compound, we provide detailed results from the in-depth evaluation of reproducibility across concentration ranges using Deming regression. Interlaboratory reproducibility was similar across sample types, with some species-, matrix-, and phenotype-specific differences due to variations in concentration ranges. Comparisons with previous studies on the performance of MS-based kits revealed good concordance of reproducibility results and measured absolute concentrations in NIST SRM 1950 for most metabolites, making the MxP® Quant 500 kit a relevant tool for metabolomics and lipidomics in multi-center studies.
Adrenal insufficiency from steroid-containing complementary therapy: importance of detailed history

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Summary A 62-year-old Asian British female presented with increasing tiredness. She had multiple co-morbidities and was prescribed steroid inhalers for asthma. She had also received short courses of oral prednisolone for acute asthma exacerbations in the last 2 years. Unfortunately, the frequency and dose of steroids for asthma was unclear from history. Her type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) control had deteriorated over a short period of time (HbA1c: 48–85 mmol/mol). Blood tests revealed undetectable cortisol and ACTH (<28 mmol/L, <5.0 ng/L). Renin, electrolytes and thyroid function were within normal limits. A diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency, likely due to long-term steroid inhaler and recurrent short courses of oral steroids for asthma exacerbations was made. Patient was commenced on hydrocortisone 10 mg, 5 mg and 5 mg regimen. Steroid inhaler was discontinued following consultation with respiratory physicians. Despite discontinuation of inhaled steroids, patient continued not to mount a response to Synacthen®. Upon further detailed history, patient admitted taking a ‘herbal’ preparation for chronic osteoarthritic knee pain. Toxicology analysis showed presence of dexamethasone, ciprofloxacin, paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen and cimetidine in the herbal medication. Patient was advised to discontinue her herbal preparation. We believe the cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency in our patient was the herbal remedy containing dexamethasone, explaining persistent adrenal suppression despite discontinuation of all prescribed steroids, further possibly contributing to obesity, hypertension and suboptimal control of DM. In conclusion, a comprehensive drug history including herbal and over-the-counter preparations should be elucidated. Investigation for the presence of steroids in these preparations should be considered when patients persist to have secondary adrenal insufficiency despite discontinuation of prescribed steroid medications. Learning points: The likelihood of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in medication-induced secondary adrenal insufficiency should be considered in any patient presenting with potential symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. If the contents of CAM preparation cannot be ascertained, toxicology screening should be considered. Patients should be advised to stop taking CAM preparation when it contains steroids and hydrocortisone replacement therapy commenced, with periodic reassessment of adrenal function, and then if indicated weaned accordingly. Patients should be informed about the contents of CAM therapies, so they can make a truly informed choice regarding the risks and benefits. This case also highlights a need to increase regulatory processes over CAM therapies, given their propensity to contain a number of undisclosed medications and potent steroids.