cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance under bromomethane poisoning

Abstract The poisoning effects of 5 ppm CH3Br in the air on the spatial performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were studied using a segmented cell system. The presence of CH3Br caused performance loss from 0.650 to 0.335 V at 1 A cm−2 accompanied by local current density redistribution. The observed behavior was explained by possible bromomethane hydrolysis with the formation of Br−. Bromide and bromomethane negatively affected the oxygen reduction efficiency over a wide range of potentials because of their adsorption on Pt, which was confirmed by XPS. Moreover, the PEMFC exposure to CH3Br led to a decrease in the anode and cathode electrochemical surface area (∼52–57%) due to the growth of Pt particles through agglomeration and Ostwald ripening. The PEMFC did not restore its performance after stopping bromomethane introduction to the air stream. However, the H2/N2 purge of the anode/cathode and CV scans almost completely recovered the cell performance. The observed final loss of ∼50 mV was due to an increased activation overpotential. PEMFC exposure to CH3Br should be limited to concentrations much less than 5 ppm due to serious performance loss and lack of self-recovery.
Lipid-Dependent Gating of Kv Channels and Excitability Change of Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons in an NPC1 Model Mouse

Recent studies of Kv channels in different membrane systems with altered ratios between phospholipids and nonphospholipids support our lipid-dependent gating hypothesis that the nonphospholipids favor the conformational switch of the voltage sensor domains of a Kv channel to a resting state. To enable more precise control of lipid composition in an artificial membrane and avoid possible solvent contamination or phase separation of lipids in bilayer membranes, we constructed a bead-supported unilamellar membrane (bSUM) and used it to define a more quantitative relationship between nonphospholipid content and change in the gating property of a voltage-gated potassium channel. In the bSUMs, we were able to show for the first time that a small amount of cholesterol (∼10 molar %) in a phospholipid membrane in a fluidic phase exerts a strong inhibitory effect on a KvAP channel, suggesting that the Kv channels might be highly sensitive to change in membrane cholesterol content. To test this prediction in a physiological system where lipid metabolic defects cause significant neurological disorders, we analyzed the neuronal excitability in a mouse model for the Niemann-Pick disease type C, an NPC1-I1061T knockin mice. Systematic comparison of five different groups of cerebellar Purkinje neurons from both knockin mice and control animals revealed a significant decrease in the firing frequency of action potentials in the tonic-burst firing Purkinje neurons of the NPC1 mice, which appears to be consistent with the predicted cholesterol effects on Kv channels. Detailed studies of the gating properties in these Purkinje neurons are being conducted to understand the underlying mechanism. Our data support a potential connection among cholesterol content in cell membranes, cholesterol-dependent gating of voltage-gated K channels and change in neuronal excitability in CNS neurons.
Technology path-finding for directed self-assembly for via layers

Directed Self Assembly (DSA) is a very promising patterning technology for the sub-7nm technology nodes, especially for via/contact layers. In the Graphoepitaxy type of DSA, a complementary lithography technique is used to print the guiding templates, where the Block Copolymer (BCP) phase-separates into regular structures. Accordingly, the design-friendliness of a DSA-based technology is affected by several factors: the complementary lithography technique, the legal guiding templates, the number of masks/exposures used to print the templates, the related design rules, the forbidden patterns (hotspots) and the characteristics of the BCP. Thus, foundries have a huge number of choices to make for a future DSA-based technology, affecting the design-friendliness and the cost of the technology. In this paper, we propose a framework for DSA technology path-finding, for via layers, to be used by the foundry as part of Design and Technology Co-optimization (DTCO). The framework optimally evaluates a DSA-based technology where an arbitrary lithography technique is used to print the guiding templates, possibly using many masks/exposures and provides a design-friendliness metric. The framework is used to evaluate technologies like DSA+193nm Immersion (193i) Lithography, DSA+Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) and DSA+ Self-Aligned Double Patterning. For example, one study showed that one mask of EUV in a DSA+EUV technology can replace three masks of 193i in a DSA+193i technology.
Pediatric precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia: are T helper cells the missing link in the infectious etiology theory?

Precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), the most common childhood malignancy, arises from an expansion of malignant B cell precursors in the bone marrow. Epidemiological studies suggest that infections or immune responses to infections may promote such an expansion and thus BCP-ALL development. Nevertheless, a specific pathogen responsible for this process has not been identified. BCP-ALL cells critically depend on interactions with the bone marrow microenvironment. The bone marrow is also home to memory T helper (Th) cells that have previously expanded during an immune response in the periphery. In secondary lymphoid organs, Th cells can interact with malignant cells of mature B cell origin, while such interactions between Th cells and malignant immature B cell in the bone marrow have not been described yet. Nevertheless, literature supports a model where Th cells—expanded during an infection in early childhood—migrate to the bone marrow and support BCP-ALL cells as they support normal B cells. Further research is required to mechanistically confirm this model and to elucidate the interaction pathways between leukemia cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment. As benefit, targeting these interactions could be included in current treatment regimens to increase therapeutic efficiency and to reduce relapses.
Do racial patterns in psychological distress shed light on the Black-White depression paradox? A systematic review.

Major epidemiologic studies in the US reveal a consistent “paradox” by which psychiatric outcomes such as major depressive disorder (MDD) are less prevalent among Blacks relative to Whites, despite greater exposure to social and economic stressors and worse physical health outcomes. A second paradox, which has received less attention and has never been systematically documented, is the discrepancy between these patterns and Black–White comparisons in psychological distress, which reveal consistently higher levels among Blacks. By systematically documenting the latter paradox, this paper seeks to inform efforts to explain the first paradox. We conduct a systematic review of the literature estimating the prevalence of MDD and levels of psychological distress in Blacks and Whites in the US. The literature review yielded 34 articles reporting 54 relevant outcomes overall. Blacks have a lower prevalence of MDD in 8 of the 9 comparisons observed. In contrast, Blacks have higher levels of psychological distress (in terms of “high distress” and mean scores) than Whites in 42 of the 45 comparisons observed. Tests of statistical significance, where available, confirm this discrepant pattern. A systematic review of the epidemiologic evidence supports the existence of a “double paradox” by which Blacks’ lower prevalence of MDD relative to Whites’ is inconsistent with both the expectations of social stress theory and with the empirical evidence regarding psychological distress. Efforts to resolve the Black–White depression paradox should account for the discordant distress results, which seem to favor artifactual explanations.
Determination of cyanocobalamin by isotope dilution LC-MS/MS

Abstract Cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) is an active form of vitamin B12, commonly employed for the preparation of multivitamin supplements and fortified food. In this study, we present a novel analytical method for its determination based on stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ID LC-MS/MS). Isotopically enriched 13C15NCbl was synthesized in-house and used as internal standard. The method was validated using NIST SRM 3280 multivitamin reference material and by comparison with an independent methodology based on LC-ICPMS. The proposed method provided a detection limit of 57 pg/g and could be applied for the determination of trace level of CNCbl in multivitamin supplements with a relative standard uncertainty better than 3%. The novel ID LC-MS/MS is a primary ratio method that could become a reference for CNCbl determination in multivitamins and food supplements. The method was applied for the characterization of two NRC multivitamin tablet Certified Reference Material (CRM) candidates, VITA-1 and VITB-1 whose CNCbl levels were quantified as 2.64 ± 0.09 and 1.75 ± 0.12 μg/g, respectively.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of first-line treatments for early-stage, low-grade follicular lymphoma.

6619Background: Low-grade follicular lymphoma (FL) can present as localized stage I to II disease in up to one-third of patients. Upfront involved-site radiation therapy (RT) to 24-30Gy is the pref...
Predicting tensorial electrophoretic effects in asymmetric colloids

We formulate a numerical method for predicting the tensorial linear response of a rigid, asymmetrically charged body to an applied electric field. This prediction requires calculating the response of the fluid to the Stokes drag forces on the moving body and on the countercharges near its surface. To determine the fluid's motion, we represent both the body and the countercharges using many point sources of drag known as Stokeslets. Finding the correct flow field amounts to finding the set of drag forces on the Stokeslets that is consistent with the relative velocities experienced by each Stokeslet. The method rigorously satisfies the condition that the object moves with no transfer of momentum to the fluid. We demonstrate that a sphere represented by 1999 well-separated Stokeslets on its surface produces flow and drag force like a solid sphere to 1% accuracy. We show that a uniformly charged sphere with 3998 body and countercharge Stokeslets obeys the Smoluchowski prediction [F. Morrison, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 34, 210 (1970)JCISA50021-979710.1016/0021-9797(70)90171-2] for electrophoretic mobility when the countercharges lie close to the sphere. Spheres with dipolar and quadrupolar charge distributions rotate and translate as predicted analytically to 4% accuracy or better. We describe how the method can treat general asymmetric shapes and charge distributions. This method offers promise as a way to characterize and manipulate asymmetrically charged colloid-scale objects from biology (e.g., viruses) and technology (e.g., self-assembled clusters).
Small Screen IR: A Tentative Typology of Geopolitical Television

ABSTRACTDaniel Drezner recently stated: ‘We live in a Golden Age of international relations programming on television’; however, while geopolitical television dramas have flourished since the new millennium, IR scholars and political geographers have paid relatively little attention, instead focusing more attention on films. Given the capacity of television series to respond to headlines from around the world, as well as cater to audience tastes, the medium provides a substantively different platform for engaging and interrogating world affairs and negotiating geopolitical realities. In this article, I will discuss the emergence of the so-called geopolitical TV or small screen IR, and examine how technological advances and social transformations have created conditions for increasingly sophisticated offerings that interrogate a wide variety of issues in world politics. Addressing the shift towards more intellectually demanding fare since 2001, I provide a brief overview of the evolution of geopolitical TV...
Kinetic Insights into Hydrogen Sulfide Delivery from Caged-Carbonyl Sulfide Isomeric Donor Platforms

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a biologically important small gaseous molecule that exhibits promising protective effects against a variety of physiological and pathological processes. To investigate the expanding roles of H2S in biology, researchers often use H2S donors to mimic enzymatic H2S synthesis or to provide increased H2S levels under specific circumstances. Aligned with the need for new broad and easily modifiable platforms for H2S donation, we report here the preparation and H2S release kinetics from a series of isomeric caged-carbonyl sulfide (COS) compounds, including thiocarbamates, thiocarbonates, and dithiocarbonates, all of which release COS that is quickly converted to H2S by the ubiquitous enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Each donor is designed to release COS/H2S after the activation of a trigger by activation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition to providing a broad palette of new, H2O2-responsive donor motifs, we also demonstrate the H2O2 dose-dependent COS/H2S release from each donor core, establish that release profiles can be modified by structural modifications, and compare COS/H2S release rates and efficiencies from isomeric core structures. Supporting our experimental investigations, we also provide computational insights into the potential energy surfaces for COS/H2S release from each platform. In addition, we also report initial investigations into dithiocarbamate cores, which release H2S directly upon H2O2-mediated activation. As a whole, the insights on COS/H2S release gained from these investigations provide a foundation for the expansion of the emerging area of responsive COS/H2S donor systems.
Antigravity treadmill training during the early rehabilitation phase following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A case series.

Patients who have undergone unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have been reported to exhibit altered gait 19–25 months post-surgery. The most common gait impairment in this population is inad...
Extracranial and Spinal Embolization

Extracranial embolization procedures which are therapeutic endovascular occlusions of vessels outside the cranial cavity are discussed in this chapter. This chapter covers transarterial embolization procedures for head and neck tumors, arteriovenous fistulas and bleeding, percutaneous sclerotherapy and embolization procedures, and spinal embolization for arteriovenous fistulas and malformations.
Low dose bisphenol S or ethinyl estradiol exposures during the perinatal period alter female mouse mammary gland development

Abstract Throughout life, mammary tissue is strongly influenced by hormones. Scientists have hypothesized that synthetic chemicals with hormonal activities could disrupt mammary gland development and contribute to breast diseases and dysfunction. Bisphenol S (BPS) is an estrogenic compound used in many consumer products. In this study, CD-1 mice were exposed to BPS (2 or 200 μg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation. Mice exposed to 0.01 or 1 μg/kg/day ethinyl estradiol (EE2), a pharmaceutical estrogen, were also evaluated. Mammary glands from female offspring were collected prior to the onset of puberty, during puberty, and in early adulthood. Growth parameters, histopathology, cell proliferation and expression of hormone receptors were quantified. Our evaluations revealed age- and dose-specific effects of BPS that were different from the effects of EE2, and distinct from the effects of BPA that have been reported previously. These assessments suggest that individual xenoestrogens may have unique effects on this sensitive tissue.
A General Critical Discourse Analysis Framework for Educational Research

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a qualitative analytical approach for critically describing, interpreting, and explaining the ways in which discourses construct, maintain, and legitimize socia...
Governing and Piloting Emerging Technologies

CIOs, CTOs, CMOs, COOs, CFOs, and CEOs need to identify the technologies that might disrupt their companies and industries, and then decide which ones to pilot. Emerging technologies should be governed by identify-and-pilot best practices.
Archaeology, Intangible Heritage, and the Negotiation of Urban Identity in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has recently experienced a heritage crisis and renewal precipitated by the closing of the Bon Ton, the last downtown department store, and the shuttering of the landmark Watt and Shand Building. Having been the anchor of Penn Square, the city’s physical and social center, the Watt and Shand was perceived by many as a central component of local identity formation, reflecting not only its importance as a manifestation of tangible heritage, but its importance as an arena for the negotiation of the intangible heritage of ritualized consumerism. This article examines the processes of heritage creation and urban renewal by exploring the closing of the Watt and Shand Building, how and why alternative uses of the building were negotiated, and how an alternative heritage narrative emerged through an archaeological investigation of the homes of a radical congressman, Thaddeus Stevens, and his African American associate, Lydia Hamilton Smith.
Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness explain the relationship between sleep problems and suicide risk among adults identifying as sexual and/or gender minorities.

Sleep problems are robust suicide risk correlates. According to the interpersonal theory of suicide, thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) may explain the link between sleep problems and suicide risk. This study examined these relationships among 331 community-dwelling adults
Origin of deflection of precipitates during interaction with a migrating twin boundary in magnesium alloys

Abstract During interaction between a Mg17Al12 precipitate and a migrating { 1 0 1 ¯ 2 } twin boundary, a deflection on the precipitate has been reported and interpreted as a result of twinning shear. However, in the experimental reports, important features of twin boundaries that deviate from classical twinning behavior have been neglected. To better understand how such deflection is produced, in this work we performed atomistic simulations on interaction between precipitates and a moving twin boundary. Detailed analyses of lattice transformation during twinning, the evolution of the precipitate-matrix interfacial structure and the evolution of displacement of selected atoms of the precipitate were conducted. The results show that although the magnitude of twinning shear equals zero, deflection can still occur when the twin boundary is passing the precipitate. Such deflection is inversed during interaction as a result of relaxation to the precipitate caused by basal-prismatic transformation which generates a tensile strain along the c-axis of the parent. When the precipitate is partially engulfed by the twin, the portion in the parent and the portion in the twin experience different strain state, giving rise to the deflection which has nothing to do with the theoretical twinning shear.
Of mosquitoes and men: mitigating Zika risk via Men’s family planning and male contraception

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne viral illnesses commonly occur after storms. As storms are predicted to worsen in intensity and frequency, mosquito-borne viruses, including the Zika virus are expected to spread, and with devastating consequences. While the disease is self-limited, pregnant women who contract Zika can transmit the virus to their fetuses, causing neurodevelopmental abnormalities, including microcephaly. An overlooked vector of the Zika virus, however, is men whose semen can transmit the virus at the time of sexual intercourse. Current recommendations for preventing the sexual transmission of Zika are inadequate and need to emphasize male reproductive responsibility, via expanding services for men’s family planning and developing novel male contraceptives. To prevent the sexual transmission of Zika, the World Health Organization recommends that couples use condoms or abstain from sexual activity for at least 6 months when traveling in Zika-infected areas. Strict adherence to these recommendations is neither practical nor adequate to address Zika’s sexual transmission. As up to 13% of couples who use condoms experience unintended pregnancy, semen and consequent viral exposure is imminent. The use of contraception beyond just barrier methods is essential. However, the burden of contraception largely falls upon women and efforts to prevent vertical transmission are often aimed at educating women, when the outcome is equally undesirable among their male partners. These short-comings highlight the lack of attention to men’s options for family planning. Educating men about the full range of contraceptive options, correcting misconceptions about the efficacy of withdrawal and barrier contraceptive methods, increasing access to vasectomy, and developing novel male contraceptive options would allow shared responsibility for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and Zika-related morbidity. Gaps in recommendations to prevent the sexual transmission of Zika provide an opportunity to develop men’s family planning initiatives and the range of accessible contraceptives to men.
Application of Mapping Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for CdSe/CdTe Solar Cells: Optimization of Low-Temperature Processed Devices with All-Sputtered Semiconductors

The incorporation of CdSe as a top component layer in superstrate CdTe photovoltaics (PV) technology has led to improvements in short-circuit current due to collection at both violet and near-infrared edges of the external quantum efficiency spectra. The achievable improvements are very sensitive to the details of device fabrication including the individual CdSe and CdTe layer thicknesses and the thermal profile of the entire process. In this research, mapping spectroscopic ellipsometry (M-SE) is being applied at different stages of the process, in conjunction with previously-established capabilities of through-the-glass SE (TG-SE) and variable-angle SE (VA-SE), all toward the development of an advanced metrology for this new absorber layer alloy system. In this report, correlations are presented between the effective thickness (or volume/area) of thin film CdSe, obtained by M-SE prior to CdTe deposition, and the ultimate device performance.
Decreased total and central adiposity after 100 exoskeletal-assisted walking sessions in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Introduction In persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), paralysis results in extreme physical inactivity and a higher percent of body fat. The accumulation of excess fat in the visceral cavity is a primary contributor to metabolic abnormalities and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the leading causes of death in the SCI population. Powered exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) are robotic devises that promote exercise through rehabilitation and overground walking that may have positive effects on body composition and cardiometabolic health. Objective The purpose of this prospective observational study was to determine changes in total body fat mass (TBFmass), total body fat percent (TBF%), android adipose tissue percent (AAT%), visceral adipose tissue percent (VAT%), and subcutaneous adipose tissue percent (SAT%) after 100 sessions of powered EAW in persons with chronic SCI. Design/Method This prospective single arm intervention study was performed in 8 participants with chronic SCI (>12 months). Participants trained in a robotic exoskeleton (Ekso, Ekso Bionics, Richmond, CA, USA) with each loading session lasting 1-hour, 3-4 times a week, for a total of 100 1-hour sessions. Measures of TBF, TBF%, AAT%, VAT%, and SAT% were obtained prior to training (PRE) and immediately after 100 sessions of EAW (POST) using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA, GE Lunar iDXA, enCore and CoreScan, platform version 14.0, Madison, WI). Paired t-tests were performed to determine significant differences in the absolute pre-post values and the a priori level of significance was set at p Results Compared to the PRE training values, adiposity POST training was significantly decreased in TBF (pre vs. post: 28.7 ± 7.3 vs. 26.5 ± 7.5 kg, p Conclusions EAW training provided sufficient energy expenditure to reduce total body adiposity and most of the measures of central adiposity. Decreased adiposity would be expected to be associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and CVD.
Dementia Family Caregivers' Willingness to Pay for an In-home Program to Reduce Behavioral Symptoms and Caregiver Stress.

Our objective was to determine whether family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) are willing to pay for an in-home intervention that provides strategies to manage behavioral symptoms and caregiver stress and to identify predictors of willingness-to-pay (WTP). During baseline interviews of a randomized trial and before treatment assignment, caregivers were asked how much they were willing to pay per session for an eight-session program over 3 months. We stratified the sample into those who refused to provide a WTP, those willing to pay $US0, and those willing to pay > $US0. We used a two-part model, controlling for demographic characteristics, to predict adjusted mean WTP and to examine associations between WTP, clinical features (cognition, function, behavioral symptoms), and time spent assisting PwD with daily activities. First, we used logistic regression to model the probability a caregiver was willing to pay > $US0. Second, we used a generalized linear model (log link and Gamma distribution) to estimate the amount caregivers were willing to pay conditional on WTP > $US0. Of 250 dyads enrolled, 226 (90%) had complete data and were included in our analyses. Of 226 dyads, 26 (11%) refused to provide a WTP value, 72 (32%) were willing to pay $US0, and 128 (57%) were willing to pay > $US0. In the combined model, mean adjusted WTP was $US36.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.72–45.27) per session. Clinical features were not significantly associated with WTP. One additional hour providing PwD assistance was associated with a $US1.64 (95% CI 0.23–3.04) increase in WTP per session. As caregivers spend more time assisting with daily activities, they are willing to pay more for a supportive program. NCT01892579.
Formation of PAH Derivatives and Increased Developmental Toxicity during Steam Enhanced Extraction Remediation of Creosote Contaminated Superfund Soil

Steam enhanced extraction (SEE) is an in situ thermal remediation technique used to remove and recover polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soils. However, limited studies have been conducted on the formation of PAH derivatives during and after SEE of PAH contaminated soils. Creosote contaminated soil samples collected from the Wyckoff-Eagle Harbor Superfund site were remediated with laboratory scale SEE. The samples were quantified for unsubstituted PAHs and their derivatives and assessed for developmental toxicity, pre- and post-SEE. Following SEE, unsubstituted PAH concentrations decreased, while oxygenated PAH concentrations increased in soil and aqueous extracts. Differences in developmental toxicity were also measured and linked to the formation of PAH derivatives. Additive toxicity was measured when comparing unfractionated extracts to fractionated extracts in pre- and post-SEE samples. SEE is effective in removing unsubstituted PAHs from contaminated soil, but other, potentially more toxic, PAH derivatives are formed.
Correlation between the distance from the pubic symphysis to the sacrum with pelvic incidence.

Introduction:The distance between the pubic symphysis and sacrococcygeal joint has been noted as an important parameter in evaluating pelvic tilt in an anteroposterior (AP) radiograph. Similarly, p...
Library Networks and Electronic Publishing

The author presents factors affecting electronic publication. A description of plans and strategies for the OCLC Online Computer Library Center and their relationship to electronic publishing in the future is provided
The Lab-to-Institute Components—U.S. View

The U.S.-Russian Nuclear Materials Safety (NMS) initiative is a proposed bilateral collaborative program to reduce the nuclear dangers associated with the treatment, storage, and disposition of excess highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium from various origins, including dismantled warheads. The proposed program is based on the recognition that an accident in a nuclear facility in either country would have a significant detrimental impact in both countries including introducing major delays to the joint U.S.-Russian efforts for fissile materials disposition. The program would reduce the probability for potential accidents but also contribute to the transparency of U.S. and Russian nuclear facility safety practices and procedures and contribute to the global interests in national security and nuclear materials non-proliferation of both countries.
Active Microwave Thermography: A Real-Time Monitoring Tool for CFRP-Concrete Bond Testing

Nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) of materials and structures is important for many civil and infrastructure applications. To this end, this paper introduces active microwave thermography (AMT) as a real-time monitoring tool for detection of defect formation and propagation in composite-strengthened concrete structures. AMT is a thermographic NDT&E technique which utilizes microwave radiation as a heat source. In this case, AMT is used to detect and evaluate debonding in a number of concrete specimens which have been strengthened with externally bonded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite. As microwave radiation can be constantly and continuously applied over a long period of time, it can be effectively used as a source of thermal energy for long inspections. Several measurement results are presented in the paper that support AMT as a successful monitoring tool for the aforementioned application.
Changes in the Molecular and Functional Phenotype of Bovine Monocytes during Theileria parva Infection.

ABSTRACT Theileria parva is the causative agent of East Coast fever (ECF), a tick-borne disease that kills over a million cattle each year in sub-Saharan Africa. Immune protection against T. parva involves a CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response to parasite-infected cells. However, there is currently a paucity of knowledge regarding the role played by innate immune cells in ECF pathogenesis and T. parva control. Here, we demonstrate an increase in intermediate monocytes (CD14++ CD16+) with a concomitant decrease in the classical (CD14++ CD16−) and nonclassical (CD14+ CD16+) subsets at 12 days postinfection (dpi) during lethal infection but not during nonlethal T. parva infection. Ex vivo analyses of monocytes demonstrated upregulation of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA and increased nitric oxide production during T. parva lethal infection compared to nonlethal infection at 10 dpi. Interestingly, no significant differences in peripheral blood parasite loads were observed between lethally and nonlethally infected animals at 12 dpi. In vitro stimulation with T. parva schizont-infected cells or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in significant upregulation of IL-1β production by monocytes from lethally infected cattle compared to those from nonlethally infected animals. Strikingly, monocytes from lethally infected animals produced significant amounts of IL-10 mRNA after stimulation with T. parva schizont-infected cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that T. parva infection leads to alterations in the molecular and functional phenotypes of bovine monocytes. Importantly, since these changes primarily occur in lethal infection, they can serve as biomarkers for ECF progression and severity, thereby aiding in the standardization of protection assessment for T. parva candidate vaccines.
A Spontaneous RAG1 Nonsense Mutation Unveils Naturally Occurring N-Terminal Truncated RAG1 Isoforms

The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins are essential for the assembly of Ag receptor genes in the process known as VDJ recombination, allowing for an immense diversity of lymphocyte Ag receptors. Congruent with their importance, RAG1 and RAG2 have been a focus of intense study for decades. To date, RAG1 has been studied as a single isoform; however, our identification of a spontaneous nonsense mutation in the 5' region of the mouse Rag1 gene lead us to discover N-truncated RAG1 isoforms made from internal translation initiation. Mice homozygous for the RAG1 nonsense mutation only express N-truncated RAG1 isoforms and have defects in Ag receptor rearrangement similar to human Omenn syndrome patients with truncating 5' RAG1 frameshift mutations. We show that the N-truncated RAG1 isoforms are derived from internal translation initiation start sites. Given the seemingly inactivating Rag1 mutation, it is striking that homozygous mutant mice do not have the expected SCID. We propose that evolution has garnered RAG1 and other important genes with the ability to form truncated proteins via internal translation to minimize the deleterious effects of 5' nonsense mutations. This mechanism of internal translation initiation is particularly important to consider when interpreting nonsense or frameshift mutations in whole-genome sequencing, as such mutations may not lead to loss of protein.
Intersectionality and Smoking Cessation: Exploring Various Approaches for Understanding Health Inequities.

Objective Many marginalized groups smoke at higher rates and have greater difficulty quitting than less marginalized groups. Most research on smoking cessation inequities has focused on a single sociodemographic attribute (eg, race or socioeconomic status), yet individuals possess multiple attributes that may increase risk. The current study used an intersectionality framework to examine how the interplay between multiple marginalized attributes may impact smoking cessation outcomes. Methods A diverse sample of 344 adults enrolled in a smoking cessation program and reported on sociodemographic attributes (eg, race/ethnicity, gender, income) and continuous smoking abstinence on their quit date and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postquit date. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate whether intersectional links among race/ethnicity, gender, and income were related to smoking cessation outcomes. Results Lower household income may be related to higher risk of smoking cessation failure. There were no significant interactions among race/ethnicity, gender, and income in predicting relapse. Pairwise intersectional group differences suggested some groups may be at higher risk of relapse. Number of marginalized sociodemographic attributes did not predict relapse. Conclusions Intersectionality may be a promising framework for addressing health inequities, and may help elucidate how to best design and target intervention efforts for individuals characterized by sociodemographic intersections that concur particularly high risk for poor tobacco cessation outcomes. Implications Despite an overall decline in smoking rates, socioeconomic inequities in smoking prevalence and cancer mortality are widening. Efforts targeting tobacco cessation should incorporate new theory to capture the complex set of factors that may account for tobacco cessation inequities (eg, multiple aspects of identity that may influence access to tobacco cessation treatment and exposure to certain stressors that impede cessation efforts). Intersectionality may be a promising framework for addressing health inequities in tobacco use and cessation and may help elucidate how to best design and target intervention efforts for individuals that concur particularly high risk for poor tobacco cessation outcomes.
Propagating Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs)

The simplest excitation geometry of SPP waves is based on illuminating a quasi-1D nanostructures, such as single slits or nanowires. In this chapter, I will describe the field distribution of SPPs launched from quasi-1D Ag nanowires grown on Si(100) substrate [1–3]. In addition, I will go beyond the 1D coupling structure, and discuss how SPPs are launched from 2D Ag islands grown on Si(111) substrate, by imaging its 2D field SPPs interference pattern distribution [4–6]. The 2D fields are more complicated than the 1D case, which is due to the interference of multiple quasi-1D SPP waves coupled or reflected at edges of an Ag island. Finally, I will describe the dynamics of SPPs propagating on a micron scale Ag island and its corresponding simulations.
Development of an innovative delivery system for bacillus Calmette-Guérin bladder administration.

Purpose To describe the development of an innovative process to deliver bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to an offsite urology clinic for bladder instillation. Summary The use of BCG, a live virus vaccine for treatment of patients with localized cancer of the urinary bladder, has created many logistical problems for hospitals and infusion center pharmacies. Due to its short stability, the drug cannot be made ahead of time and coordination with a patient's arrival at an infusion site is challenging. This becomes exceptionally challenging when a urology clinic has limited compounding capacity and/or is distant from the site of BCG medication preparation. This article describes an innovative process involving use of closed-system transfer devices (CSTDs) to allow for the administration of BCG in a urology clinic offsite from a medical center's infusion center facilities. Conclusion The use of the CSTD allowed the patients to continue to receive bladder instillations at an offsite urology clinic without significantly disrupting compounding workflow at the small infusion center pharmacy that was the nearest to the clinic.
COVID-19 Result Follow-up Process in the Pediatric Emergency Department Setting.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic upended the world. As emergency departments and hospitals across the nation and world braced themselves for the surge of this new disease, the Emergency Department (ED) at Children's National Hospital (CNH) quickly created a process to address surges in patient visits and follow-ups for coronavirus testing. Within two weeks of the first reported pediatric patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in the DC metropolitan area, CNH ED implemented a new comprehensive follow-up process. This article describes the novel process which ensured timely notification of testing results, enabled patients to speak remotely with ED providers, increased patient and staff safety by reducing unnecessary exposures and suggested a good patient experience. With over 1900 patients discharged pending their COVID results, the program is successful. We anticipate expansion into antibody testing and notification as the pandemic progresses.
Estimating the Likelihood of Reaching a Road Target Using Multiple Lane Changes for Driver Assistance

This paper presents a model to estimate the probability of reaching a target position on the road using multiple lane changes based on parameters corresponding to traffic flow and driving behavior. Knowing this information can help design advance warning systems that increase driver safety and traffic efficiency. The model is first developed for a two-lane road segment where traffic conditions are simplified to reach an abstract formulation. It is then extended to cases with a higher number of lanes using the law of total probability. Finally, the model is used in two sample cases to illustrate its predictions and the effect of different parameters on the results.
Related Inference: A Supervised Learning Approach to Detect Signal Variation in Genome Data

The human genome, composed of nucleotides, is represented by a long sequence of the letters A,C,G,T. Typically, organisms in the same species have similar genomes that differ by only a few sequences of varying lengths at varying positions. These differences can be observed in the form of regions where letters are inserted, deleted or inverted. These anomalies are known as structural variants (SVs) and are difficult to detect. The standard approach for identifying SVs involves comparing fragments of DNA from the genome of interest and comparing them to a reference genome. This process is usually complicated by errors produced in both the sequencing and mapping process which may result in an increase in false positive detections. In this work we propose two different approaches for reducing the number of false positives. We focus our attention on refining deletions detected by the popular SV tool delly. In particular, we consider the ability of simultaneously considering sequencing data from a parent and a child using a neural network and gradient boosting as a post-processing step. We compare the performance of each method on simulated and real parent-child data and show that including related individuals in training data greatly improves the ability to detect true SVs.
News Shocks and Business Cycles: Evidence from Forecast Data

This paper proposes a novel way to identify the role of news shocks in business cycles. News shocks work through changes in expectations, so data on expectations contain important information for identication. We exploit this fact and estimate a DSGE model augmented with news shocks. We nd that the contribution of news shocks to output is about half of that estimated without data on expectations. The precision of the estimated role of news shocks also greatly improves when data on expectations are used. These results arise because changes in expectations are smooth and do not resemble actual movements of output. JEL classication : C11, E12, E13, E32
The effects of climate change on floral anthocyanin polymorphisms

Pigmentation affords resistance to abiotic stressors, and thus can respond adaptively or plastically to drought and extreme temperatures associated with global change. Plants frequently display variability in flower coloration that is underlain by anthocyanin pigmentation. While anthocyanin polymorphisms impact plant-animal interactions, they also impact reproductive performance under abiotic stress. We used descriptions of flower colour from over 1900 herbarium records representing 12 North American species spanning 124 years to test whether anthocyanin-based flower colour has responded to global change. Based on demonstrated abiotic associations with performance of anthocyanin colour morphs, we predicted pigmentation would increase in species experiencing increased aridity, but decline in those experiencing larger increases in temperature. We found that the frequency of reports of pigmented morphs increased temporally in some taxa but displayed subtle declines in others. Pigmentation was negatively associated with temperature and positively associated with vapour pressure deficit (a metric of aridity) across taxa. Species experiencing larger temperature increases over time displayed reductions in pigmentation, while those experiencing increases in aridity displayed increases in pigmentation. Change in anthocyanin-based floral colour was thus linked with climatic change. Altered flower coloration has the strong potential to impact plant-animal interactions and overall plant reproductive performance.
Combinatorial Optimization, Network Flow and Liquidity Management

The combinatorial liquidity management problem is formally defined. The nature and complexity of the resulting mathematical program are discussed. Casting the ensuing mathematical program into the physical analog of a network flow model offers a natural and elegant approach for problem formulation. This mitigates model misspecification, particularly, as the problem complexity grows. Efficient network algorithms for proofs of maxflow and mincost satisfaction are developed. A variety of examples are chosen to illustrate the presented concepts. The SAS PROC OPTMODEL is introduced as a powerful tool for solving the network flow mapped liquidity problem.
Toward a spirit-led orthopathy of Pentecostal mission: Simultaneous vectors

A biblical orthodoxy and orthopraxy of mission considers the correct teaching and practice of evangelistic mission to provide access to the gospel for all nations. In keeping with right teaching an...
Pediatric unilateral spatial neglect: A systematic review

Purpose Unilateral spatial neglect (USN), an inability to attend to one side of space or one's body, is commonly reported in adult stroke survivors and is associated with poor outcomes. USN has been reported in pediatric survivors of stroke, but its impact is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the literature regarding USN in pediatric stroke survivors. Methods PRISMA guidelines, Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, and other relevant databases were searched with terms including "children", "stroke", and "unilateral neglect", with the ages of participants limited from to birth to 18 years. Data were extracted from studies on the clinical presentation of pediatric USN, the assessment of this condition, treatment options, or USN recovery. Results A total of 18 articles met inclusion criteria. There were no current prevalence data available. USN presents similarly in children compared to adults. Several different USN assessments were used, however, there were little data regarding treatment options. Furthermore, the data suggest that not all children fully recover. Conclusion This systematic review reveals a lack of quality research to inform the assessment and treatment of children with USN. Although the literature spans decades, there remain no guidelines for standardized assessment or treatment. Similar to adults, paper-and-pencil testing may be less able to identify USN than functional assessments. It is likely that there are children who struggle with undetected USN-related deficits years after their injuries. With a rise of pediatric stroke survivors, there is a pressing need for clinicians to be educated about USN in children, clinical presentations, assessments, and treatments.
Antiviral Therapy of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections

Treatment of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections must be based on multiple factors, including the patient’s immune status, age, and clinical presentation. Intravenous acyclovir therapy is the preferred treatment for VZV infections in immunocompromised hosts and those normal individuals with severe disease. Immunocompetent hosts with herpes zoster may be managed as outpatients with high doses of oral acyclovir. At present, topical therapy has no role in the treatment of VZV infections. Further studies with acyclovir and its derivatives, as well as several unrelated antiviral agents, may enable oral therapy of VZV infections in the future.
Constraints on Dark Matter Interactions with Standard Model Particles from Cosmic Microwave Background Spectral Distortions

We propose a new method to constrain elastic scattering between dark matter (DM) and standard model particles in the early Universe. Direct or indirect thermal coupling of nonrelativistic DM with photons leads to a heat sink for the latter. This results in spectral distortions of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the amplitude of which can be as large as a few times the DM-to-photon-number ratio. We compute CMB spectral distortions due to DM-proton, DM-electron, and DM-photon scattering for generic energy-dependent cross sections and DM mass m_{χ}≳1 keV. Using Far-Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer measurements, we set constraints on the cross sections for m_{χ}≲0.1 MeV. In particular, for energy-independent scattering we obtain σ_{DM-proton}≲10^{-24} cm^{2} (keV/m_{χ})^{1/2}, σ_{DM-electron}≲10^{-27} cm^{2} (keV/m_{χ})^{1/2}, and σ_{DM-photon}≲10^{-39} cm^{2} (m_{χ}/keV). An experiment with the characteristics of the Primordial Inflation Explorer would extend the regime of sensitivity up to masses m_{χ}~1 GeV.