cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic significance of the spleen scan

Clinically significant splenomegaly is frequently not apparent upon routine physical and roentographic examinations. In addition, it may be difficult to. differentiate an enlarged spleen from other masses that may appear in the left-upper quadrant. Splenic-imaging techniques have proven to be valuable in the recognition of splenomegaly, in the differential diagnosis of left-upper quadrant masses, and for detecting space-occupying lesions within the spleen. Two functions of the spleen provide the basis for the currently available spleen-scanning techniques: (1) Appropriately damaged erythrocytes are preferentially sequestered in the Splenic sinusoids; a number of radiopharmaceuticals are available that can be used to label the erythrocytes to permit localization of this organ by external scanning techniques. (2) The reticuloendothelial cells of the spleen, as well as those of other organs, accumulate intravenously injected colloidal particles by phagocytosis; colloids prepared from the short-lived generator-produced gamma-emitting nuclides, such as 99m Tc and 133m In, provide high photon images with a smaller radiation dose to the patient than that associated with the use of most erythrocyte methods for spleen scanning. The radioactive colloids make it possible to do simultaneous scanning of the liver and the spleen. Although many methods are adequate for a majority of clinical problems, colloidal preparations labeled with these short-lived nuclides are preferred for routine use. The use of the gamma camera permits obtaining multiple views of the spleen that often provide more structural detail than the conventional posterior and left lateral views alone.
Optical multidimensional coherent spectroscopy

Techniques developed decades ago for nuclear magnetic resonance and now adapted for the IR, visible, and UV regions of the spectrum are enabling new insights into chemical kinetics and solid-state physics.
The core competencies and MFT education: Practical aspects of transitioning to a learning‐centered, outcome‐based pedagogy

The MFT core competencies and latest COAMFTE accreditation standards usher in a new paradigm for MFT education. This transition necessitates not only measuring student mastery of competencies but also, more importantly, adopting a contemporary pedagogical model. This article provides an overview of the changes, a review of parallel trends in other health professions, definitions of learning-centered and outcome-based pedagogy, and a detailed description of a systematic approach for developing a competency-based curriculum, including a list of educator competencies necessary for successful implementation.
Coral skeletal carbon isotopes (δ 13 C and Δ 14 C) record the delivery of terrestrial carbon to the coastal waters of Puerto Rico

Tropical small mountainous rivers deliver a poorly quantified, but potentially significant, amount of carbon to the world’s oceans. However, few historical records of land–ocean carbon transfer exist for any region on Earth. Corals have the potential to provide such records, because they draw on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for calcification. In temperate systems, the stable- (δ13C) and radiocarbon (Δ14C) isotopes of coastal DIC are influenced by the δ13C and Δ14C of the DIC transported from adjacent rivers. A similar pattern should exist in tropical coastal DIC and hence coral skeletons. Here, δ13C and Δ14C measurements were made in a 56-year-old Montastraea faveolata coral growing ~1 km from the mouth of the Rio Fajardo in eastern Puerto Rico. Additionally, the δ13C and Δ14C values of the DIC of the Rio Fajardo and its adjacent coastal waters were measured during two wet and dry seasons. Three major findings were observed: (1) synchronous depletions of both δ13C and Δ14C in the coral skeleton are annually coherent with the timing of peak river discharge, (2) riverine DIC was always more depleted in δ13C and Δ14C than seawater DIC, and (3) the correlation of δ13C and Δ14C was the same in both coral skeleton and the DIC of the river and coastal waters. These results indicate that coral skeletal δ13C and Δ14C are recording the delivery of riverine DIC to the coastal ocean. Thus, coral records could be used to develop proxies of historical land–ocean carbon flux for many tropical regions. Such information could be invaluable for understanding the role of tropical land–ocean carbon flux in the context of land-use change and global climate change.
A new method for direct detection of the sites of actin polymerization in intact cells and its application to differentiated vascular smooth muscle

Here we report and validate a new method, suitable broadly, for use in differentiated cells and tissues, for the direct visualization of actin polymerization under physiological conditions. We have...
Cumulative Problem Solving in Family Sociology

This article analyzes why, in family sociology, the development of problems for theorizing and research has not led to many cumulative solutions. Cumulative solutions require serial progressions to problem development that are not much evident in family sociology. Problem development has a serial progression when the very framing of a question for research is conditional on the results of previous research. The program of research on mate selection is reviewed in terms of its pattern of problem development. I conclude that the scientific significance of the problem of mate selection has not been established by its research literature. The literature on mate selection is taken to be representative of the way in which programs of research in family sociology have shown incremental but not cumulative growth. Implications for theorizing in family sociology are discussed.
Identification of cis and trans elements involved in the cell cycle regulation of multiple genes in Crithidia fasciculata.

Transcripts of several DNA replication genes, including the RPA1 and TOP2 genes, encoding the large subunit of nuclear replication protein A and the kinetoplast topoisomerase II, accumulate periodically during the cell cycle in the trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata. An octamer consensus sequence, CAUAGAAG, present in the 5′ untranslated regions (UTR) of these mRNAs is required for periodic accumulation of the TOP2 and RPA1 transcripts and also for binding of a nuclear factor(s) to the 5′ UTR RNAs of these genes. We show here that insertion of multiple (six) copies of this octamer sequence (6× octamer) into the 5′ UTR of a reporter gene confers periodic accumulation on its transcript. Competition experiments and UV cross-linking studies show that the 6× octamer RNA and TOP2 5′ UTR RNA bind to the same nuclear factor(s). Single-nucleotide substitutions in the 6× octamer that abolish the RNA gel shift also prevent cyclic accumulation of the reporter gene transcript. A protein termed cycling element binding protein, purified by affinity chromatography using 6× octamer RNA as a ligand, binds to RNAs containing wild-type octamers and not to those with mutant octamers. These results define a small sequence element in C. fasciculata mRNAs required for their cell cycle regulation and report the identification and purification of a putative regulatory protein that binds specifically to these elements.
DEVELOPING A WATER BUDGET FOR A CONSTRUCTED STORMWATER WETLAND

A thorough understanding of the hydrology of a constructed stormwater wetland (CSW) is essential to develop a water budget; that is a comprehensive view of all inputs and outputs in the system. Two of the principal functions of a CSW are to 1) reduce peak flows and 2) improve water quality. The latter is achieved through biological, chemical, and physical processes that are ultimately governed by the hydraulics and hydrology of the system. As these built systems populate the watershed management landscape, it is necessary to account for all flows that pass through the CSW to ensure that it is providing a benefit and does not have any deleterious effects on the watershed. One of the most significant and least understood aspects of a CSW is the groundwater-surface water exchange. This exchange is difficult to quantify, but is deserving of consideration because of the potential impact this exchange has on groundwater and surface water quantity and quality in a CSW system. Therefore, the goals of this study are to 1) use hydraulic and hydrologic computer models to create a water budget of the CSW, with a focus on quantifying groundwater-surface water fluxes, and 2) discuss the implications of how hydraulic and hydrologic processes affect the water quality within a CSW.
Mechanisms of Premature Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the two most common systemic autoimmune disorders, have both unique and overlapping manifestations. One feature they share is a significantly enhanced risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease that significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. The primary mechanisms that drive CV damage in these diseases remain to be fully characterized, but recent discoveries indicate that distinct inflammatory pathways and immune dysregulation characteristic of RA and SLE likely play prominent roles. This review focuses on analyzing the major mechanisms and pathways potentially implicated in the acceleration of atherothrombosis and CV risk in SLE and RA, as well as in the identification of putative preventive strategies that may mitigate vascular complications in systemic autoimmunity.
NADPH oxidase promotes Parkinsonian phenotypes by impairing autophagic flux in an mTORC1-independent fashion in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease

Oxidative stress and aberrant accumulation of misfolded proteins in the cytosol are key pathological features associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). NADPH oxidase (Nox2) is upregulated in the pathogenesis of PD; however, the underlying mechanism(s) of Nox2-mediated oxidative stress in PD pathogenesis are still unknown. Using a rotenone-inducible cellular model of PD, we observed that a short exposure to rotenone (0.5 μM) resulted in impaired autophagic flux through activation of a Nox2 dependent Src/PI3K/Akt axis, with a consequent disruption of a Beclin1-VPS34 interaction that was independent of mTORC1 activity. Sustained exposure to rotenone at a higher dose (10 μM) decreased mTORC1 activity; however, autophagic flux was still impaired due to dysregulation of lysosomal activity with subsequent induction of the apoptotic machinery. Cumulatively, our results highlight a complex pathogenic mechanism for PD where short- and long-term oxidative stress alters different signaling pathways, ultimately resulting in anomalous autophagic activity and disease phenotype. Inhibition of Nox2-dependent oxidative stress attenuated the impaired autophagy and cell death, highlighting the importance and therapeutic potential of these pathways for treating patients with PD.
Geometrical Optics Of High Energy Laser (HEL) Components

A ray trace program, ACCOS V, was used to create optical path difference arrays for axicon-type cylindrical laser components. The arrays were used as data for an interferogram reduction program called MCI, which calculates coefficients for a set of orthogonal functions containing the aberrations encountered in aligning and using reflaxicons and waxicons. It is shown that a linear reflaxicon is free of spherical aberration for all conjugates and that it is a flat-field anastigmat. Contour plots with respect to several pertinent planes are shown for decentrations and tilts of the resonator components. Completeness of the orthogonal functions with respect to misalignment aberrations is demonstrated. Solutions to several difficulties encountered in ray tracing such systems with ACCOS V are described.
Low molecular weight hexosamine-containing compounds in urine.

SummaryRelatively large amounts of low molecular weight hexosamine-containing compounds were shown to be present in urine. The excretion rate varied from 16 mg/24 hours (myxedema) to 137 mg/24 hours (surgical stress) as compared with a normal mean excretion rate of 37 mg/24 hours.
Slave Tax as Sin Tax: 18th and 19th Century Perspectives

This article describes federal attempts, both successful and not, to tax slavery before 1865. It analyzes the pre-1865 discourse on slave taxes as a form of sin taxes, from a contemporary perspective.
Effect of Maize Residues on Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen in Brown Earth

The effect of maize residues on water extracted dissolved inorganic and organic nitrogen in Brown earth with different amount of manure application was studied over the period of 100 d at(30±2)℃.The experiment was composed of different types of treatments:four fertilization level soil and addition of corn straw.Water extractable dissolved organic carbon(DOC) displayed the same trend with time in all treatments that soil DOC content increased immediately and returned rapidly to background level.DOC showed a little response to maize straw amendment at initial stages of incubation.Water extractable dissolved organic nitrogen(DON) displayed the same trend with time in all treatments that soil DON content increased significantly and decreased.DON showed great response to maize straw amendment and manure amounts at the end of incubation.Manure application amounts and the presence of maize straw interacted to have a significant effect on the concentration of NO-3 in extracts.Highest concentration was observed in extract of high fertilization soil without corn straw,whereas lowest concentration was observed in extract of subsoil with corn straw.The C∶N ratios of the extracts widened in manuring treatments as the incubation progressed,indicating that the soluble organic matter was rich in labile organic N.Maize straw amendments made DOC/DON ratios relatively narrow.After application of organic material,the ratios of NO-3 to total dissolved nitrogen(TDN) decreased distinctively,and DON made a greater contribution to TDN.The ratios of DON to TDN decreased with application amount increase of manure.DON had remarkably negative correlation with DIN in medium and high fertilization soil.Maize straw amendments made coefficient relatively decrease.These results suggested that DON was decomposed preferentially in medium and high fertilization soil.Readily mineralizable N of DON was dominantly amino acid-N maize straw amendment affect the rate at which it was decomposed.
Engendering the Land Grab: Development, Imminent Resettlement, and the Struggles for Social Reproduction in Rural Tanzania

The contemporary convergence of the global crises in food, energy, finance, and climate has fomented a phenomenal rush for land in developing countries. Commonly referred to as the “global land grab”, foreign and domestic companies, governments, individual and group investors have purchased and leased large-scale properties to secure access to food and fuel (GRAIN 2008; Borras et al. 2011; McMichael 2012). This paper attempts to tease apart the gendered dimensions of a recent land deal in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania -- a 22,000 hectare land transaction between the Tanzanian government and a Swedish biofuel company to produce sugar, electricity, and ethanol (initially) for the domestic market. The paper investigates the various forms of silent compulsion and disciplinary techniques employed by various actors and institutions involved in the sugarcane project (e.g. government officials, corporate executives, international financial institutions,and resettlement 'consultants'), in order to 'operationalize' involuntary resettlement of peasants and pastoralists, who have been residing and subsisting on the land for decades. I argue that this land deal, despite in early stages, has already created and intensified pre-existing gendered struggles for social reproduction. These struggles are the most salient at the household and the community level, are linked to and fueled by the broader political economy of development and agrarian change.
Storing data from simulation runs for compactness

Simulation models can generate tremendous quantities of data. This paper describes data compression and file organization tech niques which were developed to reduce the disk space required by these data. The compression techniques, which include prefix encoding, differencing and scaling, reduced one file of state variable histories by 73%. Also described is a method which allows histories of many variables to share a single file without requiring individual recorded values to be identified as to their source. This technique reduced by 99% the time to extract the history of a single variable from a file of histories of 600 state variables.
Template-Based Models for Genome-Wide Analysis of Next-Generation Sequencing Data at Base-Pair Resolution

ABSTRACTWe consider the problem of estimating the genome-wide distribution of nucleosome positions from paired-end sequencing data. We develop a modeling approach based on nonparametric templates to control for the variability along the sequence of read counts associated with nucleosomal DNA due to enzymatic digestion and other sample preparation steps, and we develop a calibrated Bayesian method to detect local concentrations of nucleosome positions. We also introduce a set of estimands that provides rich, interpretable summaries of nucleosome positioning. Inference is carried out via a distributed Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm that can scale linearly with the length of the genome being analyzed. We provide MPI-based Python implementations of the proposed methods, stand-alone and on Amazon EC2, which can provide inferences on an entire Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome in less than 1 hr on EC2. We evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the inferences leveraging a factorially designed simulation s...
Acceptability of HIV Testing Sites Among Rural and Urban African Americans Who Use Cocaine

African Americans (AAs) who use cocaine in the Southern region of the U.S. have a relatively high risk of HIV and need for HIV testing. Among this group, those residing in rural areas may have less favorable opinions about common HIV testing sites, which could inhibit HIV testing. We examined rural/urban variations in their acceptability of multiple HIV testing sites (private physician clinic, local health department, community health center, community HIV fair, hospital emergency department, blood plasma donation center, drug abuse treatment facility, and mobile van or community outreach worker). Results from partial proportional odds and logistic regression analyses indicate that rural AA who use cocaine have lower odds of viewing local health departments (OR = 0.09, 95 % CI = 0.03-0.21), physician offices (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI = 0.09-0.42), and drug use treatment centers (OR = 0.49; 95 % CI = 0.30-0.80) as acceptable relative to their urban counterparts. The findings have implications for further targeting HIV testing toward AAs who use of cocaine, particularly those residing in the rural South.
Feeding intolerance, inflammation, and neurobehaviors in preterm infants

Abstract Purpose Identifying relationships between feeding intolerance (FI), inflammation, and early measures of neurodevelopment may provide the basis for clinically relevant assessments for NICU clinicians and staff. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship of FI to inflammatory markers and/or neurobehaviors in the first week of life. Methods This was a retrospective, matched case-control design with data drawn from 114 infants born at ≤32 weeks gestation. Results Eight infants developed FI prior to full enteral feedings. These infants were more likely to have dysregulated levels of cytokines, specifically IL-6, and lower neurodevelopmental scores compared to infants without FI. Conclusions Results suggest physiologic dysregulation and an immature nervous system may contribute to the phenomenon of FI in preterm infants. Further research to identify the role of the brain–gut–immune axis on FI and other GI complications in this population is warranted.
Abuse and Young Children With Disabilities: A Review of the Literature

Legislation in the United States, such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act, mandates service system collaboration to meet...
Phonon Dynamics and Lifetimes of Aln and Gan Crystallites

The quasi-LO and quasi-TO modes of AlN crystallite were investigated. The analysis indicates that the Raman mode behavior concurs with Loudons’ model of mode-mixing in wurtzite (WZ) structure crystals which is due to the long-range electrostatic field. Phononlifetimes of GaN and AlN crystallites were studied via Raman lineshape. It was found that the low energy E2 mode lifetime is about an order of magnitude longer than that of the other modes, and that impurities impact significantly the phonon-lifetimes.
Whole-brain Irradiation Field Design: A Comparison of Parotid Dose

Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) plays an important role in patients with diffusely metastatic intracranial disease. Whether the extent of the radiation field design to C1 or C2 affects parotid dose and risk for developing xerostomia is unknown. The goal of this study is to examine the parotid dose based off of the inferior extent of WBRT field to either C1 or C2. Patients treated with WBRT with either 30 Gy or 37.5 Gy from 2011 to 2014 at a single institution were examined. Parotid dose constraints were compared with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0615 nasopharyngeal carcinoma for a 33-fraction treatment: mean <26 Gy, volume constraint at 20 Gy (V20) < 20 cc, and dose at 50% of the parotid volume (D50) < 30 Gy. Biologically effective dose (BED) conversions with an α/β of 3 for normal parotid were performed to compare with 10-fraction and 15-fraction treatments of WBRT. The constraints are as follows: mean < BED 32.83 Gy, V15.76 (for 10-fraction WBRT) or V17.35 (for 15-fraction WBRT) < 20 cc, and D50 < BED 39.09 Gy. Nineteen patients treated to C1 and 26 patients treated to C2 were analyzed. Comparing WBRT to C1 with WBRT to C2, the mean left, right, and both parotids' doses were lower when treated to C1. Converting mean dose to BED3, the parotid doses were lower than BED3 constraint of 32.83 Gy: left (30.12 Gy), right (30.69 Gy), and both parotids (30.32 Gy). V20 to combined parotids was lower in patients treated to C1. When accounting for fractionation of WBRT received, the mean corrected V20 volume was less than 20 cc when treating to C1. D50 for C1 was lower than C2 for the left parotid, right parotid, and both parotids. BED3 conversion for the mean D50 of the left, right, and both parotids was less than 39.09 Gy. In conclusion, WBRT to C1 limits parotid dose, and parotid dose constraints are achievable compared with inferior border at C2. A possible mean parotid dose constraint with BED3 should be less than 32.83 Gy.
An environmental analysis of the evolution of readmission reduction strategies: A study of United States hospitals

Objective: Environmental factors have changed the manner in which issues in the U.S. healthcare industry are addressed. One of these changes is in the area of quality improvement, specifically readmission reduction. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) analyze macro-environmental segments (political, technological, economic, and socio-demographic); and (2) trace the historic evolution of readmission reduction programs to understand how macro-environmental factors have shaped the development of readmission reduction strategies. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and ABI/Inform electronic databases were searched for articles on readmission reduction programs from 2000 to 2014. In addition, literature on macro-environment was retrieved from these sources for the same time period. Studies were identified using specific search terms and inclusion criteria. A total of 24 articles were selected for review. Data on the following variables were extracted: type of organization studied, type of quality improvement strategy used, type of patients studied, and results of the strategy. In addition, an examination of macro-environmental factors that may have affected the above variables was done. Finally, results were integrated and presented in a chronological order. Results: Findings suggest that macro-environmental factors have influenced the development of readmission reduction strategies over time. This paper informs healthcare managers about being cognizant of environmental trends when devising readmission reduction strategies within hospitals. Conclusions: Insights from this paper urge hospital administrators to forge collaborations with key stakeholders while developing new quality improvement strategies when facing an unstable and complex environment.
Safety assessemt based on physically-viable data-driven models

We consider the problem of safety assessment of a dynamical system for which no model and just limited data on the states is available. That is, given samples of the state {x(t i )}N i=1 at time instances t 1 ≤ t 2 ≤ ••• ≤ t N and some other side information in terms of the regularity of the state evolutions, we are interested in checking whether x(T) ∉ Xu, where T > t N and Xu ⊂ Rn (the unsafe set) are pre-specified. To this end, we use piecewise-polynomial approximations of the trajectories based on the data along with the regularity side information to formulate a data-driven differential inclusion model. For these classes of data-driven differential inclusions, we propose a safety assessment theorem based on barrier certificates. The barrier certificates are then found using polynomial optimization. The method is illustrated by two examples.
Thinking What We Cannot See: Performance, Education, and the Value of the Invisible

In this essay we challenge current trends that attempt to explicate all that occurs in a classroom from the point of view of an observer’s trained eye. Granted, we have come a long way theoretically from the Archimedean point, where the view from nowhere claimed the only legitimacy in positivistic research. However, even the positioned researcher who contextualizes his or her point of view continues to rely on visible data. In response to the question, “How do you know?” the researcher responds, “That is what I saw, and the following is my interpretation.” Further, educational reforms demand that we see results, in the form of test scores or outward classroom behavior. This essay seeks to acknowledge the limitations of our vision and to consider the value of that which we cannot see. We do not seek to uncover the blind spots that we, if we cleared enough of the brush, could have in view. Rather, we attempt to articulate that which never can be seen—that which never can be apprehended visually. This does not mean that we must stop looking, but rather, that we should learn to see differently.
432 THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DENGUE FEVER IN PALAU.

Background Dengue fever has been a long-standing problem in Palau, and public health programs were implemented in 2000 to conduct surveillance for cases of the disease. Epidemiologic analysis of dengue fever cases in Palau is needed to describe disease occurrence in Palau and to help target prevention and control efforts. Methods Case data were collected from the Palau Ministry of Health9s Reportable Disease Surveillance System. Descriptive epidemiology was performed on the case data, and spatial analysis was used to assess the distribution of dengue fever cases in Palau. Results Between 2001 and June of 2006, 676 cases of dengue fever occurred in Palau, and sporadic outbreaks without seasonality were noted. Characteristics of the case population included being male (57.8%), being under the age of 20 (mean age 23.4 years), being Palauan (88.2%), having an indoor occupation (91.7%), and having no history of travel outside Palau during the estimated exposure period (96.3%). Most cases also lived in urban areas of Palau (92.0%), and the disease rate was significantly higher in urban areas compared with rural areas (3,941.8 vss 1,175.7 cases per 100,000, respectively; p = .0007). Conclusion This study supports the idea that dengue fever is still endemic in Palau. Control and prevention measures should be continued and targeted toward urban areas and populations at increased risk of this disease.
Operative management of intraabdominal infection.

Surgical principles in the management of intraabdominal infection have remained constant. Rather, it is the application of these principles in selected cases that has varied. Judgment, therefore, becomes paramount for the surgeon. In selected cases multiple planned relaparotomies may be the most effective means of closing the infectious source and eliminating toxic infectious materials. The Burr has proven to be an effective yet safe means of permitting entry and closure of the abdominal fascia.
THERMODYNAMIC STABILITY OF NANO-CRYSTALLINE MATERIALS

The preparation of nanoscaled materials with a particle size in the range of 2 to 10 nm can be achieved by cyclic mechanical deformation processes, by chemical gas phase reactions or a combination of the above. These processes can also result in the destabilization of the crystalline lattice and the formation of a glass, i.e. a material with a “domain size” of 1.5 to 2 nm. The potential of these processes in preparing materials with novel microstructures and properties, the evolution of the microstructure and the thermal stability of the structure against coarsening and glass formation are discussed. In addition, Mosbauer-spectroscopy data characterizing the magnetic properties of iron-based alloys with a cluster size below and above 2 nm are presented.
Mesenchymal stem cell treatment attenuates liver and lung inflammation after ethanol intoxication and burn injury.

Abstract Cutaneous burn injury is one of the most devastating injuries one can obtain, with tissue damage extending beyond the skin wound to distal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and lungs. Multiple organ failure is a leading cause of death after burn injury, resulting in excessive systemic and localized inflammation directly contributing to end organ damage. We postulated that the gut-liver-lung inflammatory axis underscores multiple organ failure in the context of burn injury and is hyper-activated when ethanol intoxication precedes burn. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regenerative and anti-inflammatory, and MSC treatment has been shown to be beneficial in several immune disorders and injury models. Our objective was to determine whether intravenous infusion of exogenous bone marrow-derived MSCs could reduce post-burn and intoxication pulmonary, hepatic, and systemic inflammation. Vehicle- or ethanol- (1.6 g/kg) treated mice were subjected to sham or 15% total body surface area scald burn. One hour post-injury, mice were given 5 × 105 CFSE-labeled MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline intravenously (i.v.) and were euthanized 24 h later. We assessed circulating biomarkers of inflammation and liver damage, measured cytokine and chemokine production, and quantified apoptosis in lung and liver tissue. Compared to intoxicated and burned mice, those treated with MSCs had less cellularity, limited apoptosis, and a slight reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the neutrophil chemokine, KC (CXCL1) in lung tissue. Mice with MSCs treatment had more dramatic anti-inflammatory effects on systemic and hepatic inflammation, as serum IL-6 levels were diminished by 43%, and il6 and kc expression in liver tissue were markedly reduced, as were biomarkers of liver damage, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (AST), compared with intoxicated and burned mice. Taken together, our results suggest intravenous MSCs treatment can diminish systemic inflammation, lessen hepatic damage, and decrease liver and lung apoptosis and inflammation, indicating MSCs as a novel therapy for restoring homeostasis of multiple organ systems in intoxicated burn patients.
Dopamine and Stress

Abstract The neurotransmitter dopamine is an important modulator of neuronal signaling and circuit activation. Physical and psychological stressors activate brain dopaminergic circuits, which, in turn, lead to both acute and long-term changes in neural functions. Dopamine systems contribute to the generation of the stress response and to coping responses to stress via coregulation of additional chemical transmitters. Regulation of dopamine release and receptor signaling is exquisitely sensitive to certain genetic and environmental perturbations during development and in adulthood. Individual variation in coping responses to stress has been correlated with differences in dopamine-related genes and dopamine neuron structure and firing patterns.
Arts Leadership: Converging on Change

As the twenty-first century approaches the end of its second decade, the word leadership seems ubiquitous. Perhaps because of geopolitical change, the coarsening of public speech, the rise of parti...
Collaborative Engineering as an Efficient Tool for Coordination Among Stakeholders in Aerospace Industry

This paper analyzes the impacts and effectiveness of collaborative engineering, for overcoming coordination barriers and elevate management efficiency among stakeholders in aerospace industry. A case study about Boeing Co. is presented to analyze the collaborative engineering approach and describe an innovation project conducted within the aerospace industry. Three specific methodologies of collaborative engineering are listed to elaborate how recent advances in platform simplification, statistic mapping, experiential scenario design, are becoming the key enablers of next generation systems engineering and systems engineering languages.
Green principles for responsible battery management in mobile applications

Abstract Vehicle electrification is expanding worldwide and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the transportation sector. Batteries are a key component of energy storage systems for electric vehicles (EVs), and their integration into EVs can lead to a wide range of possible environmental outcomes. These outcomes depend on factors such as powertrain type, electricity source, charging patterns, and end-of-life management. Given the complexities of battery systems, a framework is needed to systematically evaluate environmental impacts across battery system life cycle stages, from material extraction and production to use in the EV, through the battery’s end-of-life. We have developed a set of ten principles to provide practical guidance, metrics, and methods to accelerate environmental improvement of mobile battery applications and facilitate constructive dialogue among designers, suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, and end-of-life managers. The goal of these principles, which should be implemented as a set, is to enhance stewardship and sustainable life cycle management by guiding design, material choice, deployment (including operation and maintenance), and infrastructure planning of battery systems in mobile applications. These principles are applicable to emerging battery technologies (e.g., lithium-ion), and can also enhance the stewardship of existing (e.g., lead-acid) batteries. Case study examples are used to demonstrate the implementation of the principles and highlight the trade-offs between them.
ZIP14 is degraded in response to manganese exposure.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element necessary for proper development and brain function. Circulating Mn levels are regulated by hepatobiliary clearance to limit toxic levels and prevent tissue deposition. To characterize mechanisms involved in hepatocyte Mn uptake, polarized human HepaRG cells were used for this study. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy showed the Mn transporter ZIP14 was expressed and localized to the basolateral surface of polarized HepaRG cells. HepaRG cells took up 54Mn in a time- and temperature-dependent manner but uptake was reduced after exposure to Mn. This loss in transport activity was associated with decreased ZIP14 protein levels in response to Mn exposure. Mn-induced degradation of ZIP14 was blocked by bafilomycin A1, which increased localization of the transporter in Lamp1-positive vesicles. Mn exposure also down-regulated the Golgi proteins TMEM165 and GPP130 while the ER stress marker BiP was induced. These results indicate that Mn exposure decreases ZIP14 protein levels to limit subsequent uptake of Mn as a cytoprotective response. Thus, high levels of Mn may compromise first-pass-hepatic clearance mechanisms.
Detection of Oil Under Ice: An Acoustic Reverberation Method

Through new exploration and aging infrastructure, there is an ever-increasing risk of oil spills or leaks into natural bodies of water, but presently there is no low-cost method to actively monitor for such spills under ice cover, particularly not any method giving rapid coverage of a large area. Therefore, a method based on acoustic reverberation time under the ice was investigated. A broadband, impulsive acoustic source generating a frequency band of 10–90 kHz was used in a water tank with a layer of naturally-grown ice for a scaled feasibility study of this method; this band provided appropriately short wavelengths, scaled for the small tank environment. Reflections from the tank walls were minimized, and a diffuse environment within the tank allowed for extraction of a reverberation time with a hydrophone. Results show an oil presence changed the reverberation time as compared to an oil-free ice layer across all diffuse frequency bands.
Evaluating Biventricular Myocardial Velocity and Interventricular Dyssynchrony in Adult Patients During the First Year After Heart Transplantation.

Background Magnetic resonance tissue phase mapping (TPM) measures three-directional myocardial velocities of the left and right ventricle (LV, RV). This noninvasive technique may supplement endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in monitoring grafts post-heart transplantation (HTx). Purpose To assess biventricular myocardial velocity alterations in grafts and investigate the relationship between velocities and acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes. Study type Prospective. Subjects Twenty-seven patients within 1 year post-HTx (49 ± 13 years, 19 M) and 18 age-matched controls (49 ± 15 years, 12 M). Field strength/sequence 1.5T, 2D balanced steady-state free precession, and TPM. Assessment Ventricular function: end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial mass. TPM velocities: peak-systolic and peak-diastolic velocities, cardiac twist, and interventricular dyssynchrony. ACR rejection episodes: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grading of EMB specimens. Statistical tests The Lilliefors test for normality, unpaired t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for normally and nonnormally distributed data, respectively, were used, as well as multivariate regression for confounding variables and Pearson's correlation for associations between TPM velocities and global function. Results Compared to controls, HTx patients demonstrated reduced biventricular systolic longitudinal velocities (LV: 5.2 ± 2.1 vs. 4.0 ± 1.5 cm/s, P 4 preceding ACR episodes showed globally reduced RV and LV systolic radial velocity, and segmentally reduced radial and longitudinal systolic velocities. Data conclusion Biventricular global and segmental velocities were reduced in HTx patients. Patients with >4 rejection episodes showed reduced myocardial velocities. The TPM sequence may add functional information for monitoring graft dysfunction. Level of evidence 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:920-929.
The Human DNA Mismatch Repair Protein MSH3 Contains Nuclear Localization and Export Signals That Enable Nuclear-Cytosolic Shuttling in Response to Inflammation.

Inactivation of DNA mismatch repair propels colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis. CRCs exhibiting e levated m icrosatellite a lterations at s elected t etranucleotide repeats (EMAST) show reduced nuclear MutS homolog 3 (MSH3) expression with surrounding inflammation and portend poor patient outcomes. MSH3 reversibly exits from the nucleus to the cytosol in response to the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting that MSH3 may be a shuttling protein. In this study, we manipulated three putative nuclear localization (NLS1 to -3) and two potential nuclear export signals (NES1 and -2) within MSH3. We found that both NLS1 and NLS2 possess nuclear import function, with NLS1 responsible for nuclear localization within full-length MSH3. We also found that NES1 and NES2 work synergistically to maximize nuclear export, with both being required for IL-6-induced MSH3 export. We examined a 27-bp deletion (Δ27bp) within the polymorphic exon 1 that occurs frequently in human CRC cells and neighbors NLS1. With oxidative stress, MSH3 with this deletion (Δ27bp MSH3) localizes to the cytoplasm, suggesting that NLS1 function in Δ27bp MSH3 is compromised. Overall, MSH3's shuttling in response to inflammation enables accumulation in the cytoplasm; reduced nuclear MSH3 increases EMAST and DNA damage. We suggest that polymorphic sequences adjacent to NLS1 may enhance cytosolic retention, which has clinical implications for inflammation-associated neoplastic processes.
Ex Vivo Entrainment of the Isolated Mammalian Biological Clock Reveals Intrinsic Plasticity in Clock Gene Rhythm Dynamics

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain, the central circadian clock, governs timekeeping under different lighting conditions throughout seasons. It remains elusive how circadian alignment with various light cycles is achieved by the SCN at the level of core clock gene rhythms. We instituted ex vivo long-term periodic optogenetic stimulation and bioluminescence recording on a timescale of weeks to study circadian entrainment of core clock gene PER2 rhythms in the isolated SCN. We show that a single early-night optogenetic stimulation elongates the PER2 falling phase, while a late-night stimulation contracts the rising phase, to induce delay and advance phase resetting. Phase resetting also resulted in subsequent persistent changes in clock period with phase advances leading to period shortening, and phase delays resulting in lengthening. We demonstrate stable entrainment of the isolated clock to 22h and 25h stimulation cycles, which is achieved via repeated rising phase shortening and falling phase lengthening, respectively. When presented with optogenetic skeleton photoperiods (2 pulses/24h cycle) that simulate short-day or long-day photoperiods, isolated SCN entrained preferentially to the short-day photoperiod by phase-jumping, similar to circadian behavioral plasticity classically described in intact mice and files. Skeleton photoperiod entrainment is achieved via increasing the relative duration of the falling phase to the rising phase. Clock gene waveform changes are specific to entrainment as they do not persist following release into constant darkness. Our results reveal how core clock gene rhythms in the SCN encode different lighting conditions, and that key aspects of circadian behavioral plasticity reside within the SCN itself.
Incoterms® 2020 and the missed opportunities for the next version

Incoterms® define obligations, risks and costs that each of the seller and buyer must incur in the movement of the goods for a trade. New versions are issued when deemed necessary by the Internatio...
Sand Columns: An Effective Improvement Technique for Soft Soils

Sand Columns (SC) commonly known as Sand Compaction Piles (SCP) now has been vastly used for reinforcing the range of soft soils. The installation of sand columns improves the ultimate bearing ability of soft soil, accelerates stabilisation, prevents liquefaction in loose sandy soils, and provides lateral resistance to horizontal movement. The aim of this study is to create small scale laboratory models to investigate the effects of floating columns in clayey soil with silty deposits. The laboratory experiments were carried out on a circular column with a diameter of 37 mm, and the results of the treated and untreated ground were compared. The effects of sand columns on soils with varying shear strengths (low-medium-high), slenderness ratios (L/D), and loading patterns are studied. By varying the spacing between the columns, the group effect was also investigated. The stiffness of composite ground was calculated by loading the entire area of the test model, and the axial ability of the sand column was determined by loading the column area alone. According to the findings of the current report, a sand column will significantly improve the engineering properties of soft clayey soil. The group effect was also investigated, and it was discovered that raising the distance between the columns reduces group efficiency. As the distance between the columns is increased, the axial potential of the sand columns decreases.
ACES: Analysis of Conservation with an Extensive list of Species.

MOTIVATION An abundance of new reference genomes is becoming available through large-scale sequencing efforts. While the reference FASTA for each genome is available, there is currently no automated mechanism to query a specific sequence across all new reference genomes. RESULTS We developed ACES (Analysis of Conservation with an Extensive list of Species) as a computational workflow to query specific sequences of interest (e.g., enhancers, promoters, exons) against reference genomes with an available reference FASTA. This automated workflow generates BLAST hits against each of the reference genomes, a multiple sequence alignment file, a graphical fragment assembly file, and a phylogenetic tree file. These data files can then be used by the researcher in several ways to provide key insights into conservation of the query sequence. AVAILABILITY ACES is available at https://github.com/TNTurnerLab/ACES. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary Figure 1 is available online in Bioinformatics.
Modelling the Effects of Eddy-Induced Nutrient Pulses on Primary Production and Algal Taxonomic Composition

Ship-based observations of Loop Current frontal eddies and rings showed that their interaction with the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico margins leads to shoaling of nitrate isopleths of ca. 150 m or more. This engenders elevated levels of primary production and chlorophyll biomass. It also should alter algal taxonomic composition, favoring larger-celled diatoms, with increases in the vertical flux of organic matter on a time scale of several days. CZCS images show tongues of elevated pigment biomass around the periphery of the Loop Current and its separated anticyclonic rings when these features abut the margins. This may reflect offshore advection of continental shelf waters as well as local elevated production.
The Anesthesiology/Emergency Medicine Combined Residency: Defining a New Future for Trauma Resuscitation

As management of patients in extremis becomes increasingly complex, the need for a resuscitation consultant is apparent. This physician must be able to provide and/or coordinate care for the acutely ill and injured patient across the continuum of care; from presentation to definitive care to disposition. The resuscitation consultant produced by a residency in anesthesiology and emergency medicine will capitalize on the complementary strengths of both programs; a 60-month residency will offer board eligibility in both specialties. The first (PGY-1) year will be spent as an intern on the emergency medicine service and the second (PGY-2) year will be spent on the anesthesiology service as a clinical anesthesiology-1 resident. The remaining 3 years will be split into 18 months each of anesthesiology and emergency medicine. Approval of the program in anesthesiology and emergency medicine by appropriate governing bodies is a pre-requisite for program establishment. While medical students will determine the success of the program in anesthesiology and emergency medicine (for it is they who are the prospective applicants to the program), it is the patient who will be the beneficiary of a uniquely trained resuscitation consultant. A physician who is at ease diagnosing undifferentiated disease, managing resuscitation in the operating room or interventional radiology suite and managing the critically ill patient throughout the care continuum will define the future specialty.