cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicity and bioaccumulation of selenium to a three-trophic level food chain

Three species, Chlorella vulgaris, Brachionus calyciflorus, and Pimephales promelas, were exposed to selenate for 25 d in a three-trophic level test system. The organisms were linked in a continuous flow-through system in separate vessels, with each organism feeding on the trophic level below it. These organisms were continually exposed for 25 d to 0, 110.3, 207.7, and 396.1 μg/L total recoverable selenium (Se) from selenate in natural creek water supplemented with nutrients to sustain algal growth. In an initial algal screening test, growth rates were reduced at 81.7 and 1,053.7 μg/L, with no effect at 8.5 μg/L. In the trophic test, algal populations showed evidence of reduced growth rates at 207.7 and 386.1 μg/L, but not at 110.3 μg/L. Rotifer population standing crop (measured as dry weight) was significantly reduced at 207.7 and 396.1 μg/L by day 4, and declined to below detection by day 7 at these treatments. Fathead minnow growth was impaired after 7 d at the 207.7 and 396.1 μg/L levels, with 100% mortality by day 16. A reduction in rotifers and fish biomass was also apparent at the 110.3 μg/L level after day 20. The amount of Se in whole organisms was measured throughout the experiment. Bioconcentration factors were found to be dependent on the species, treatment level, and length of exposure period, and they ranged between 100 and 1,000.
PRESENT PRACTICE IN WHITEWARE PERIODIC KILN DESIGN1

Tables of whiteware kiln dimensions and design ratios are presented. Distribution charts are included which show the present tendency in kiln size and kiln design factors. Attention is called to the wide variations found in some of the design factors and to the rather narrow limits within which others fall.
Microassay of 5′-Nucleotidase and Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Microdissected Nephron Segments

Abstract The present study describes a new method for microassay of the activity of 5′-nucleotidase (5′-ND) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the microdissected nephron segments. The nephron segments including glomeruli, proximal convoluted and straight tubules (PCT and PST), cortical and medullary thick ascending limbs, and cortical and medullary collecting ducts were microdissected. 5′-ND and ADA in the nondenatured lysate of 20-mm microdissected tubules and 20 glomeruli were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and by isoelectric focusing, respectively. The gels were incubated with specific substrates and staining dyes to exhibit the dephosphorylation by 5′-ND or deamination by ADA. The enzyme activity was estimated by measuring the intensity of the reaction bands on the gels. The 5′-ND activity was detected in all microdissected tubular segments and glomeruli. Among these nephron segments, PCT and PST exhibited the greatest enzyme activity, averaging 1142 and 939 mU/mg tissue protein, respectively. The activity of ADA was also detected in all tubular segments and glomeruli. However, the greatest activity of this enzyme was found in the glomeruli (649.8 mU/mg protein). Using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction technique, we verified the presence of mRNA of 5′-ND and ADA in all microdissected tubular segments and glomeruli. Based on these results, we conclude that 5′-ND and ADA are present in all nephron segments studied, but the activity of these enzymes is nonuniformly expressed along the nephron. This microassay is a highly specific, sensitive, and reliable method for the segmental analysis of adenosine metabolism in the kidney.
An experimental study of sidewall adhesion in microelectromechanical systems

A surface micromachine was designed specifically for studying sidewall adhesion in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The dependence of surface adhesion on contact load and ambient conditions was investigated under quasistatic normal loading conditions. Insight was obtained into the relative contributions of van der Waals and capillary forces to the measured adhesion force. Several shortcomings in previous adhesion studies of MEMS were overcome, and measurement of the true adhesion force was achieved under different testing conditions. The present experimental procedure enables the isolation of the van der Waals component of the adhesion force and the determination of the contributions of both contacting and noncontacting asperities to the total adhesion force at the inception of surface separation. The major benefits of the developed experimental methodology and surface micromachine are discussed in the context of adhesion results obtained for different values of apparent contact pressure, ambient pressure, and relative humidity.
A Behavioral Approach To Derive The Cost Of Equity Capital For Small Closely Held Firms

The purpose of this research is to explore the theoretical structure that underlies the valuation process for small closely held firms. All discounted cash flow valuation models require an estimate of a firm’s weighted average cost of capital as well as the firm’s component cost of equity capital. The CAPM is frequently employed to measure the cost of equity capital for a publicly traded firm. A publicly held firm’s common stock price is determined in the capital markets and is readily available. The firm’s stock price can then be used to estimate its beta; a necessary input to the CAPM. Because there is no information about stock prices, the task of estimating the cost of equity for a closely held firm is more challenging. The build-up model is frequently used to calculate the cost of equity for the closely held firm. However there is much controversy over this model’s assumptions, reliability and validity. Specifically, this research critiques the build-up model identifying its advantages and its liabilities. The purpose of this work is to create discussion and stimulate economists to study and improve this important area. Additionally, this study offers a new economic model to estimate the cost of equity capital that is theoretically correct easy to understand
Fatty acid analysis by high resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for clinical and experimental applications.

Purpose of review Quantitative fatty acid profiles analyzed via fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) are among the most common metabolite panels and fit into the category of omics techniques. Recently, preparation and analysis methods for high throughput clinical analysis have become routine, and novel methods for structure analysis enable rapid identification of unknowns and confounded peaks. Recent findings Observation of one hundred FAME in a single mixture is common with high resolution capillary gas chromatography columns. Structural analysis of FAME requires high resolution gas chromatography with specialized tandem mass spectrometry to obtain fragments indicative of structure. Covalent adduct chemical ionization provides unambiguous double bond positions, whereas electron ionization with fragmentation of the molecular ion identifies branch points. Quantitative analysis requires response calibration using external standards and/or isotopically labeled internal standards with mass spectrometry detection. Summary Modern high throughput methods enable routine analysis of well behaved clinical samples. Careful attention to structure analysis using recent methods avoids biases due to interfering or mischaracterized fatty acids.
Copper-promoted cyanation of a boron cluster: synthesis, X-ray structure, and reactivity of 12-CN-closo-CHB11H10-.

Microwave-assisted cross-coupling reactions of boron-iodinated derivatives of 1-carba-closo-dodecaborate(1−) (1) with CuCN is shown to cyanate boron vertices of this anion. Clusters with one or two...
Dysregulation of a family of short noncoding RNAs, tsRNAs, in human cancer.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia, and transgenic mouse studies indicate that activation of the T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 (TCL1) oncogene is a contributing event in the pathogenesis of the aggressive form of this disease. While studying the regulation of TCL1 expression, we identified the microRNA cluster miR-4521/3676 and discovered that these two microRNAs are associated with tRNA sequences and that this region can produce two small RNAs, members of a recently identified class of small noncoding RNAs, tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). We further proved that miR-3676 and miR-4521 are tsRNAs using Northern blot analysis. We found that, like ts-3676, ts-4521 is down-regulated and mutated in CLL. Analysis of lung cancer samples revealed that both ts-3676 and ts-4521 are down-regulated and mutated in patient tumor samples. Because tsRNAs are similar in nature to piRNAs [P-element–induced wimpy testis (Piwi)-interacting small RNAs], we investigated whether ts-3676 and ts-4521 can interact with Piwi proteins and found these two tsRNAs in complexes containing Piwi-like protein 2 (PIWIL2). To determine whether other tsRNAs are involved in cancer, we generated a custom microarray chip containing 120 tsRNAs 16 bp or more in size. Microarray hybridization experiments revealed tsRNA signatures in CLL and lung cancer, indicating that, like microRNAs, tsRNAs may have an oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressor function in hematopoietic malignancies and solid tumors. Thus, our results show that tsRNAs are dysregulated in human cancer.
Myriad Triple-Helix-Forming Structures in the Transposable Element RNAs of Plants and Fungi

The ENE (element for nuclear expression) is a cis-acting RNA structure that protects viral or cellular noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) from nuclear decay through triple-helix formation with the poly(A) tail or 3'-terminal A-rich tract. We expanded the roster of nine known ENEs by bioinformatic identification of ∼200 distinct ENEs that reside in transposable elements (TEs) of numerous non-metazoan and one fish species and in four Dicistrovirus genomes. Despite variation within the ENE core, none of the predicted triple-helical stacks exceeds five base triples. Increased accumulation of reporter transcripts in human cells demonstrated functionality for representative ENEs. Location close to the poly(A) tail argues that ENEs are active in TE transcripts. Their presence in intronless, but not intron-containing, hAT transposase genes supports the idea that TEs acquired ENEs to counteract the RNA-destabilizing effects of intron loss, a potential evolutionary consequence of TE horizontal transfer in organisms that couple RNA silencing to splicing deficits.
Size-Selective Foraging of Adult Mummichogs, Fundulus heteroclitus, in Intertidal and Subtidal Habitats

Intertidal marshes provide an important foraging habitat for resident marsh fishes. However, few studies have considered whether the importance of intertidal foraging is uniform across the adult-size range of marsh fishes or whether size-selective foraging, which has been demonstrated in intertidal habitats, also occurs in subtidal habitats. This study compares diet composition of adult mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) in Hoffler Creek, VA, USA, foraging in intertidal salt marshes with the diet of individuals foraging in the subtidal creek and considers the effect of fish size on gut fullness and consumption of major intertidal and subtidal diet items. Gut fullness was significantly greater in the intertidal salt marsh for small mummichogs (40–60 mm total length), and small mummichogs were significantly more likely than larger individuals to consume several major intertidal diet items, including copepods and ostracods. However, gut fullness was greater in the subtidal creek for large mummichogs (70–90 mm total length (TL)) due to consumption of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.). This diet item was rarely consumed by large mummichogs in the marsh or by smaller mummichogs in either habitat. Modifications to the marsh landscape that affect prey resources for fishes may, therefore, have differing impacts across adult size classes. Although subtidal habitats are not frequently considered important for foraging of marsh fishes, access to shallow, subtidal water may allow larger adults to take advantage of additional prey resources, such as shrimp.
Satellite magnetic field measurements: Applications in studying the deep Earth

Following a 20 years hiatus, there are several magnetometry satellites in near-Earth orbit providing a global view of the geomagnetic field and how it changes. The measured magnetic field is an admixture of all field sources, among which one must identify the contributions of interest, namely (1) the field generated in Earth's core, and (2) the fields induced in Earth's mantle by external magnetic variations used in studies of electrical conductivity. Models of the core field can be downward continued to the core surface under the assumption that Earth's mantle is a source free region with zero electrical conductivity. Additional assumptions are invoked to estimate the fluid flow at the core surface. New satellite measurements provide an unprecedented view of changes in the core over the past 20 years; further measurements will clarify the temporal spectrum of the secular variation. Secular changes are coupled to changes in length of day, and recent modeling of torsional oscillations in the core can provide an explanation for the abrupt changes in the field known as geomagnetic jerks. Mantle induction studies require a comprehensive approach to magnetic field modeling. Unwanted internal field contributions are removed to yield time series of external variations and their induced counterparts: improved modeling, combined with the increased data accuracy, and longer term magnetic measurements make conductivity studies feasible. One-dimensional global conductivity responses have been estimated under strong assumptions about the structure of the source field. Ongoing improvements to this work will take account of more complicated source-field structure, three-dimensional Earth structure, and spatio-temporal aliasing due to satellite motion. Modeling of three-dimensional near surface conductivity structure, and the use of time-domain rather than frequency-domain techniques to estimate the 3-D Earth response are needed. Progress could be furthered by future magnetometer missions that involve multiple satellite configurations.
A pulse-front-tilt–compensated streaked optical spectrometer with high throughput and picosecond time resolution

A high-throughput, broadband optical spectrometer coupled to the Rochester optical streak system equipped with a Photonis P820 streak tube was designed to record time-resolved spectra with 1-ps time resolution. Spectral resolution of 0.8 nm is achieved over a wavelength coverage range of 480 to 580 nm, using a 300-groove/mm diffraction grating in conjunction with a pair of 225-mm-focal-length doublets operating at an f/2.9 aperture. Overall pulse-front tilt across the beam diameter generated by the diffraction grating is reduced by preferentially delaying discrete segments of the collimated input beam using a 34-element reflective echelon optic. The introduced delay temporally aligns the beam segments and the net pulse-front tilt is limited to the accumulation across an individual sub-element. The resulting spectrometer design balances resolving power and pulse-front tilt while maintaining high throughput.
Iteration strategies for successful positioning of innovative products into new markets

We have studied the experience and practice of entrepreneurs and their respective firms in Portugal to position innovative products into the United States (US) and other markets. Employing a case study approach, we examined the manner dialogue with market stakeholders impacted value propositions in the form of formal pitch documents and oral presentations. These studies revealed an initial tendency of firms to pitch their innovation through generalized claims to non-specific audiences in the marketplace. Following interaction with stakeholders in the new market, the value propositions were iterated to become highly specific and sometimes quantitative. Specifically, value propositions of successful entrepreneurs were changed along four dimensions: 1) specifying the business argument to particular customers; 2) refocusing the technology use case; 3) adapting technology or product design; and 4) providing financial incentive for partners, or a combination of these. We further saw an apparent requirement for innovators to participate in this iteration process if they wish to successfully reach a new market. Ultimately, the presentation of new, innovative products does not resemble selling a finished product as supposed in a value-as-exchange offering, but requires active interplay and co-creation with business stakeholders in the new market to transform the innovation into a fitted value-in-use solution.
What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method

The concept of gravity provides a natural phenomenon that is simultaneously obvious and obscure; we all know what it is, but rarely question why it is. The simple observation that 'what goes up must come down' contrasts starkly with our current scientific explanation of gravity, which involves challenging and sometimes counterintuitive concepts. With such extremes between the plain and the perplexing, gravity forces a sharp focus on scientific method. Following the history of gravity from Aristotle to Einstein, this clear account highlights the logic of scientific method for non-specialists. Successive theories of gravity and the evidence for each are presented clearly and rationally, focusing on the fundamental ideas behind them. Using only high-school level algebra and geometry, the author emphasizes what the equations mean rather than how they are derived, making this accessible for all those curious about gravity and how science really works.
Circadian rhythmicity: A functional connection between differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-1 (DEC1) and small heterodimer partner (SHP).

Abstract Circadian rhythm misalignment has been increasingly recognized to pose health risk for a wide range of diseases, particularly metabolic disorders. The liver maintains metabolic homeostasis and expresses many circadian genes, such as differentiated embryo chondrocyte-1 (DEC1) and small heterodimer partner (SHP). DEC1 is established to repress transcription through E-box elements, and SHP belongs to the superfamily of nuclear receptors and has multiple E-box elements in its promoter. Importantly, DEC1 and SHP are inversely oscillated. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that the SHP gene is a target gene of DEC1. Cotransfection demonstrated that DEC1 repressed the SHP promoter and attenuated the transactivation of the classic circadian activator complex of Clock/Bmal1. Site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation established that the repression was achieved through the E-box in the proximal promoter. Transfection of DEC1 suppressed the expression of SHP. In circadian-inducing cells, the epileptic agent valproate inversely altered the expression of DEC1 and SHP. Both DEC1 and SHP are involved in energy balance and valproate is known to induce hepatic steatosis. Our findings collectively establish that DEC1 participates in the negative loop of SHP oscillating expression with potential implications in metabolic homeostasis.
Short Play and Communication Evaluation: Teachers’ assessment of core social communication and play skills with young children with autism:

Children with autism spectrum disorder experience delays in the development of nonverbal social communication gestures to request and to share (joint attention) as well as play skills such that int...
Influence of feeding thermally peroxidized soybean oil on oxidative status in growing pigs

The objectives of this study were to determine whether feeding thermally processed peroxidized soybean oil (SO) induces markers of oxidative stress and alters antioxidant status in pig tissue, blood, and urine. Fifty-six barrows (25.3 ± 3.3 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing 10% fresh SO (22.5 °C) or thermally processed SO (45 °C for 288 h, 90 °C for 72 h, or 180 °C for 6 h), each with constant air infusion rate of 15 liters/minute. Multiple indices of lipid peroxidation were measured in the SO including peroxide value (2.0, 96, 145, and 4.0 mEq/kg for 22.5, 45, 90, and 180 °C processed SO, respectively) and p-anisidine value (1.2, 8.4, 261, and 174 for 22.5, 45, 90, and 180 °C processed SO, respectively); along with a multitude of aldehydes. Pigs were individually housed and fed ad libitum for 49 d which included a 5 d period in metabolism crates for the collection of urine and serum for measures of oxidative stress. On day 49, pigs were euthanized to determine liver weight and analyze liver-based oxidative stress markers. Oxidative stress markers included serum, urinary, and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and urinary F2-isoprostanes (ISP) as markers of lipid damage; serum and liver protein carbonyls (PC) as a marker of protein damage; and urinary and liver 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-2dG) as a marker of DNA damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity (CAT) were measured in liver, glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) was measured in serum and liver, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was measured in serum and urine as determinants of antioxidant status. Pigs fed 90 °C SO had greater urinary ISP (P = 0.02), while pigs fed the 45 °C SO had elevated urinary TBARS (P = 0.02) in comparison to other treatment groups. Pigs fed 45 °C and 90 °C SO had increased serum PC concentrations (P = 0.01) and pigs fed 90 °C SO had greater (P = 0.01) liver concentration of 8-OH-2dG compared to pigs fed the other SO treatments. Furthermore, pigs fed 90 °C SO had reduced serum GPx activity in comparison to pigs fed fresh SO (P = 0.01). In addition, pigs fed 180 °C SO had increased liver CAT activity (P = 0.01). Liver GPx and SOD or serum and urinary FRAP were not affected by dietary treatment. These results indicate that dietary peroxidized soybean oil induced oxidative stress by increasing serum PC while diminishing serum GPx, increasing urinary ISP and TBARS, and increasing 8-OH-2dG and CAT in liver.
Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Convection-Dominated Problems

We present and analyze the Runge Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin method for numerically solving nonlinear hyperbolic systems. The basic method is then extended to convection-dominated problems yielding the Local Discontinuous Galerkin method. These methods are particularly attractive since they achieve formal high-order 0accuracy, nonlinear stability, and high parallelizability while maintaining the ability to handle complicated geometries and capture the discontinuities or strong gradients of the exact solution without producing spurious oscillations. The discussed methods are readily applied to the Euler equations of gas dynamics, the shallow water equations, the equations of magneto-hydrodynamics, the compressible Navier-Stokes equations with high Reynolds numbers, and the equations of the hydrodynamic model for semiconductor device simulation. As a final example, consideration is given to the application of the discontinuous Galerkin method to the Hamilton-Jacobi equations.
Distinguishing Genuine from Malingered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Head Injury Litigation

Although as Emerson states, exaggeration and fabrication for external and/or internal gain may be common, such as when a poet exaggerates love and writers fabricate stories, exaggeration is problematic when one party unjustly significantly materially gains at another party’s expense. Within the legal system, when a party experiences a civil wrong due to another’s act, the law of Torts typically functions to attempt to make the person whole again often via damages usually in the form of financial compensation (Black’s Law Dictionary; Garner et al., 2005). When an individual or entity has to compensate another individual based upon deception and the individual was not actually hurt or to the extent portrayed, a perversion of the system occurs.
Prevalence of low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein in the U.S.: implications of the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) study.

Objectives We assessed the prevalence of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) Background Rosuvastatin therapy in the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) study reduced cardiovascular events among older adults with LDL-C Methods Using 1999 to 2004 NHANES data, we categorized men age ≥50 years and women age ≥60 years by fasting LDL-C and hsCRP levels, excluding individuals with prevalent coronary heart disease, coronary heart disease equivalent (including diabetes), and other JUPITER exclusions. Results A total of 3.9 million men age ≥50 years and 2.6 million women age ≥60 years meeting JUPITER eligibility criteria had fasting LDL-C Conclusions Extrapolating JUPITER eligibility to NHANES, an estimated 6.5 million additional adults could be potential candidates to initiate statin therapy.
Causes for Concern and Opportunities for Enhanced Nutrition in the Modification of Dietary Carbohydrate Composition

Recent recommendations for modification of the diet presently consumed in the United States have called for an increase in carbohydrate intake from present levels of about 47 percent of total kilocalories to levels between 55−60 percent of total kilocalories. Depending on the way in which these recommendations are implemented, increased intake of carbohydrate may either raise serious concern regarding the resulting effects on metabolic risk factors associated with chronic degenerative diseases or offer an opportunity for lowering the levels of these metabolic risk factors. This chapter will focus on two aspects of carbohydrate nutrition in humans that are related to biotechnological modification of carbohydrate composition: 1) the metabolic effects of the increased intake of fructose through the advent of high-fructose corn sweeteners, and 2) the metabolic effects of the intake of starch in the form of amylose as compared to amylopectin. These effects will be discussed in relation to risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes.
HLA-Mediated Platelet Refractoriness

Objectives To provide an overview of the complexities associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mediated platelet refractoriness. HLA antibody detection technologies and limitations associated with methodologies are discussed. Methods A case scenario and review of relevant literature describing platelet refractoriness are presented, followed by a discussion of HLA antibody testing. Results Following diagnosis of HLA-mediated refractoriness, a decision is made regarding the approach to obtain the appropriate platelets. The panel reactive antibodies (PRA) % of the patient, HLA typing, and limitations of the HLA testing should be taken into account when deciding which type of product would be the best option for a given patient. Conclusions Following confirmation and review of HLA antibody testing, platelets are ordered based upon the PRA% and approach employed, HLA-matched platelets, antigen restricted platelets, or cross-matched platelets. The platelets are transfused and a posttransfusion increment count is monitored to determine transfusion success.
Double-Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signaling in Tumor Xenografts

The activation of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in cancer cells has been shown to enhance migration and tumor angiogenesis and promote survival. The BMP signaling pathway regulates benign cells in the tumor microenvironment and is a known regulator of immune cells. The development of BMP receptor inhibitors has allowed the study of tumor xenografts in mice. We describe a double-humanized mouse model with adoptively transferred human immune and human tumor cells that can be used to assess the effects of BMP inhibitors on these human cells in vivo.
Robust Optimal Control of Continuous Time Linear System using Reinforcement Learning

The paper explores the area of Reinforcement Learning (RL) that is emerging as an elegant tool in solving the control problems that require optimality and robustness simultaneously. The task of stabilization of an inverted pendulum system with known/unknown internal dynamics is discussed to reveal the advantages of RL approach over conventional approach and is demonstrated using simulations. Also discussed are the algorithmic challenges faced by the designer in using the RL approach for online robust optimal control of unknown systems.
Genetic Differentiation of Hawksbill Turtle Rookeries on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

We collected tissue samples from 41 nesting hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, to characterize the genetic structure of this rookery in terms of mitochondrial DNA; we compared haplotype frequencies from this rookery to those from Buck Island, another hawksbill nesting beach on St. Croix. Pairwise FST comparisons showed that Sandy Point was demographically distinct from Buck Island (FST = 0.501, p < 0.001), a finding reinforced by significantly different haplotype frequencies (χ2 = 51.76, p < 0.001) and a lack of interchange of nesting females between both sites based on mark–recapture data. Our results support the delineation of the nesting populations at Sandy Point and Buck Island into separate units for the purposes of management.
Multimodal Analgesia and Opioid Use in Critically Ill Trauma Patients.

Background Opioids are the mainstay of pain management in critically ill trauma patients. However, the risks of opioid use mandate a different approach. Multimodal analgesia employs a combination of opioid and nonopioid agents using different mechanisms that have synergistic effects in treating pain. This study examines the effects of multimodal analgesia on the opioid requirements of critically ill trauma patients. Study Design This was a pre-post cohort study of adult trauma ICU patients before and after implementation of a multimodal pain management order set. Patients were excluded if their hospital stay was less than 5 days, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score was greater than 1, or pre-injury medications included methadone or buprenorphine. The total oral morphine equivalent (OME) dose was calculated for each 24-hour period on days 2 through 5 of admission and the last 24 hours before discharge using standardized ratios. The primary endpoint was cumulative OME doses over the second through fifth days of admission. Results There were 65 patients in the pre-group and 62 in the post-group. Median cumulative OME dose was significantly lower in the post-group (125.6 mg, interquartile range [IQR] 45.0 to 415.0 mg) compared with the pre-group (481.5 mg, IQR 174.8 to 881.3 mg), p Conclusions Implementation of a multimodal pain management strategy significantly reduced opioid use in critically ill trauma patients without compromising patient comfort.
Concussion and National Hockey League Player Performance: An Advanced Hockey Metrics Analysis

Context Postconcussion deficits in neurocognitive performance and postural control may persist at the time of return to sport participation. How these deficits, if present, affect athletic performa...
Biosynthetically directed fractional 13C labeling facilitates identification of Phe and Tyr aromatic signals in proteins

Analysis of 2D [13C,1H]-HSQC spectra of biosynthetic fractionally 13C labeled proteins is a reliable, straightforward means to obtain stereospecific assignments of Val and Leu methyl sites in proteins. Herein we show that the same fractionally labeled protein sample facilitates observation and identification of Phe and Tyr aromatic signals. This is the case, in part, because the fractional 13C labeling yields aromatic rings in which some of the 13C-13C J-couplings, present in uniformly labeled samples, are absent. Also, the number of homonuclear J-coupling partners differs for the δ-, e- and ζ-carbons. This enabled us to vary their signal intensities in distinctly different ways by appropriately setting the 13C constant-time period in 2D [13C,1H]-HSQC spectra. We illustrate the application of this approach to an 18 kDa protein, c-VIAF, a modulator of apoptosis. In addition, we show that cancellation of the aromatic 13C CSA and 13C-1H dipolar interactions can be fruitfully utilized in the case of the fractionally labeled sample to obtain high resolution 13C constant-time spectra with good sensitivity.
Misdiagnosis of ARVC leading to inappropriate ICD implant and subsequent ICD removal – lessons learned

Introduction Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited progressive cardiomyopathy characterized by frequent life-threatening arrhythmias. The diagnosis of ARVC is challenging and is on the basis of a set of major and minor criteria as described by the modified Task Force Criteria (TFC). We report our clinical experience in a series of patients who were misdiagnosed with ARVC and subsequently underwent removal of their implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after a re-evaluation at our center. Methods and results We studied 12 patients who were misdiagnosed with ARVC and had ICD implantation before our assessment. All patients had a repeat evaluation and were scored according to TFC before ICD removal. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) studies performed at outside institutions during the initial evaluation were reported abnormal and classified as meeting major TFC in ninety percent of patients. The most common abnormality reported was fatty infiltration of the right ventricular (RV) free wall and/or presence of focal intra-myocardial fat in six patients (50%). On re-evaluation, none of these findings fulfilled the TFC for the diagnosis. Conclusion This study demonstrated that high dependence on misinterpretation of CMR along with a misunderstanding of the TFC evaluation are the main reasons for the misdiagnosis of ARVC. Despite the updated criteria for almost a decade, this study reminds that the diagnosis of ARVC is complex and hence careful TFC evaluation and consideration of multiple cardiac test results should be the focused approach for clinicians when confronted with suspected ARVC patients.
RNA Specificity and Autoregulation of DDX17, a Modulator of MicroRNA Biogenesis.

Summary DDX17, a DEAD-box ATPase, is a multifunctional helicase important for various RNA functions, including microRNA maturation. Key questions for DDX17 include how it recognizes target RNAs and influences their structures, as well as how its ATPase activity may be regulated. Through crystal structures and biochemical assays, we show the ability of the core catalytic domains of DDX17 to recognize specific sequences in target RNAs. The RNA sequence preference of the catalytic core is critical for DDX17 to directly bind and remodel a specific region of primary microRNAs 3′ to the mature sequence, and consequently enhance processing by Drosha. Furthermore, we identify an intramolecular interaction between the N-terminal tail and the DEAD domain of DDX17 to have an autoregulatory role in controlling the ATPase activity. Thus, we provide the molecular basis for how cognate RNA recognition and functional outcomes are linked for DDX17.
Serum amyloid A4 is a procoagulant apolipoprotein that it is elevated in venous thrombosis patients.

Background Serum amyloid A4 (SAA4) is an apolipoprotein that is in the SAA family and it is constitutively translated. Previously, acute-phase SAA1 and SAA2 levels were associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objective We investigated the association of plasma SAA4 with VTE and the role of SAA4 in coagulation. Patients and Methods The association of SAA4 with VTE in a case-control study of adult VTE subjects (N = 113 each group) and the effects of recombinant SAA4 on plasma blood coagulation assays and prothrombin activation initiated by factor Xa were evaluated. Results Plasma SAA4 levels in VTE subjects were higher vs. controls (48.1 vs. 38.4 µg/mL; P < .001). Elevated plasma SAA4 level (above the 90th percentile of controls) was associated with increased VTE occurrence (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-8.0). This association remained significant after the adjustment for acute-phase SAA level, suggesting that SAA4 associated with VTE is independent of acute-phase SAA. Two isoforms of SAA4, that is, glycosylated and nonglycosylated SAA4 isoforms, were each higher in VTE patients. When recombinant SAA4 was added to plasma, it shortened factor Xa-1-stage clotting times, showing that it enhances clotting in plasma. In reaction mixtures containing purified factors Xa and Va and prothrombin, recombinant SAA4 increased prothrombin activation, showing that it enhances prothrombinase activity. Conclusion Elevated plasma constitutive SAA4 levels were linked to VTE in adults, and SAA4 can enhance thrombin generation in plasma. Our data highlight a previously unknown procoagulant activity of SAA4 that appears to be related to risk of venous thrombotic events.
Aquatic Biogeochemical Eddy Covariance Fluxes in the Presence of Waves

The eddy covariance (EC) technique is a powerful tool for measuring atmospheric exchange rates that was recently adapted by biogeochemists to measure aquatic oxygen fluxes. A review of aquatic biog...
Unites States Country Report for 'Prosecuting Corporations For Violations of International Criminal Law: Jurisdictional Issues' Section 4 of XXth Association Internationale De Droit Penal/International Association of Penal Law Congress

This report was presented (with those from scholars in other nations) at a meeting held to develop draft resolutions for presentation at the 20th Congress of the International Association of Penal Law (Association Internationale De Droit Penal) (AIDP). This report considers how U.S. law addresses the following issues: • The general legal framework for prosecuting corporations, including the respondeat superior standard of liability for corporations and the procedures applicable to criminal prosecutions of corporations; • The U.S. approach to jurisdiction, beginning with the U.S. constitutional structure and including the forms of jurisdiction recognized by U.S. law; • Extraterritorial jurisdiction; • Cross-border cases, overlapping frameworks, and the prosecution of corporations. The report also considers the Supreme Court’s recent decisions considering the Alien Tort Statute and extraterritorial jurisdiction, as well as other legislative and executive initiatives. The report (and the reports reviewing parallel issues in other nations) will be published in 88 INT’L REV. CRIM. L. (forthcoming 2018). The draft resolutions urge changes in national systems to facilitate holding legal entities responsible for violations of human rights laws. See Prosecuting Companies for Violations of International Human Rights: Jurisdictional Issues, DRAFT RESOLUTIONS, Done at the Preparatory Colloquium, University of Basel, 2–4 June 2017.
Marine ecosystem indicators are sensitive to ecosystem boundaries and spatial scale

Abstract Time series indicators are widely used in ecosystem-based management. A suite of indicators is typically calculated for a static region or multiple subregions and presented in an ecosystem assessment (EA). These are used to guide management decisions or determine environmental status. Yet, few studies have examined how the spatial scale of an EA influences indicator behavior. We explore this question using the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf ecosystem (USA). We systematically divided the ecosystem at six spatial scales (31 unique units), covering spatial extents from 250,000 km2 to 20,000 km2. The same 22 indicators were calculated for each unit, assessed for trends, and evaluated as 31 independent EAs. We found that the detected signals of indicator trends depended on the spatial scale at which the ecosystem was defined. A single EA for the whole region differed by 23% (in terms of the 22 indicator trend tests) relative to ones for spatially nested 120,000 km2 subunits, and by up to 36% for EAs at smaller scales. Indicator trend disagreement occurred because (most common) a localized trend was perceived as widespread, (common) a local trend was obscured by aggregating data over a large region, or (least common) a local trend switched direction when examined at a broader scale. Yet, there was variation among indicators in their scale sensitivity related to trophic level. Indicators of temperature, chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton were spatially coherent: trends portrayed were similar regardless of scale. Mid-trophic level indicators (fish and invertebrates) showed more spatial variation in trends. We also compared trend magnitude and indicator values to spatial extent and found relationships consistent with scaling theory. Indicators at broad scales produced subdued trends and values relative to indicators developed at smaller spatial scales, which often portrayed ‘hotspots’ of local abundance or strong trend. Our results imply that subsequent uses of indicators (e.g., determining environmental status, risk assessments, management decisions) are also sensitive to ecosystem delineation and scale. We suggest that indicators and EAs should be done at multiple spatial scales and complimented with spatially explicit analysis to reflect the hierarchical structure of ecosystems. One scale is not best, but rather we gain a new level of understanding at each scale examined that can contribute to management decisions in a multiscale governance framework characterized by goals and objectives with relevance at different scales.
Diurnal Variations in Ocean Wind Speeds Measured by CYGNSS and Other Satellites

Ocean wind speed and/or wind vector measurements from the cyclone global navigation satellite system (CYGNSS), advanced scatterometer (ASCAT), and WindSat satellites are used to investigate diurnal wind variations over the tropical ocean using a method previously reported for diurnal amplitude estimation. The resulting diurnal variability in wind speed is examined in terms of its spatial and temporal properties. The results also show that the remotely sensed diurnal amplitudes obtained are largely consistent with those predicted by the existing reanalysis products such as the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5.
Uncertainties and biases in radionuclide calibrator measurements of I-124.

1122 Objectives: The advantages of quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) are contingent on accurate measurements of administered activity for the imaging agent. While PET imaging with 124I is considered an appealing alternative to single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging with 123I, assays of 124I activity can be challenging. The full decay scheme for 124I includes 28 electron capture transitions and five positron emission transitions, with scores of accompanying gamma-transitions, many of which are highly converted, and many low-energy x-rays. As a result, activity measurements based on gamma-ray spectrometry require careful corrections for summing and annihilation-in-flight, which can lead to errors of 3 % when calibrating 124I activity. Further, radionuclide calibrator measurements exhibit extreme sensitivity to the measurement geometry. Expanding on previous work in our laboratory, we set out to resolve discrepancies in the literature for recommended radionuclide calibrator settings, considering calibration methodology, nuclear decay data inputs, and proper propagation of uncertainties. Methods: Solutions of 124I were calibrated against a primary National standard based on anticoincidence counting. From these calibrated solutions, sources were prepared in flame sealed ampoules and in plastic syringes and measured on several pressurized ionization chambers, including commercial radionuclide calibrators. Calibration curves were established, allowing for determination of the appropriate setting and a robust treatment of uncertainties. Measured ionization chamber responses were also compared to Monte Carlo simulations, allowing further scrutiny of geometric effects. Results: A +5 % bias on the activity measured with a manufacturer-recommended setting was confirmed. Larger discrepancies (g 10 %) with some other literature values were explained in part by: known activity calibration biases (up to 4 %); nuclear decay data discrepancies, particularly annihilation photon abundances (g 1 %); electrometer range effects (l 0.5 %); and volume uncertainties (l 1 %). A detailed treatment of the measurement uncertainties and potential sources of bias is offered to account for remaining unexplained discrepancies. Monte Carlo simulations reproduce observed volume and container effects and confirm decreased sensitivity using copper filters. Conclusions: Radionuclide calibrator settings for 124I are known to be sensitive to source geometry, prompting solutions such as the use of copper filters to reduce volume/container effects. A precise initial calibration, capturing a full treatment of uncertainties must be the basis for any clinical assays underlying quantitative PET imaging with 124I.
The Case Against a U.S.-Arms Monopoly

The U.S. government is the dominant player in the global arms market. An existing literature emphasizes the many benefits of an international U.S.-government arms monopoly including: regional and global balance, stability and security, the advancement of U.S. national interests, and domestic economic benefits from international sales. The purpose of this paper is to balance this largely one-sided treatment of the U.S. government’s dominant position in the international arms market. We discuss several negative consequences and costs associated with U.S. arms sales which call into question the net benefit of the U.S. government’s control over global arms.
Guidelines on management of pancreatic cysts detected in high-risk individuals: An evaluation of the 2017 Fukuoka guidelines and the 2020 International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) consortium statements.

Abstract Background Objectives: Pancreatic cysts are frequently detected in high-risk individuals (HRI) undergoing surveillance for pancreatic cancer. The International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium developed consensus recommendations for surgical resection of pancreatic cysts in HRI that are similar to the Fukuoka guidelines used for the management of sporadic cysts. We compared the performance characteristics of CAPS criteria for pancreatic cyst management in HRI with the Fukuoka guidelines originally designed for the management of cysts in non-HRI. Methods Using prospectively collected data from CAPS studies, we determined for each patient with resected screen-detected cyst(s) whether Fukuoka guidelines or CAPS consensus statements would have recommended surgery. We compared sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curves of these guidelines at predicting the presence of high-grade dysplasia or invasive cancer in pancreatic cysts. Results 356/732 HRI had ≥ one pancreatic cyst detected; 24 had surgery for concerning cystic lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for the Fukuoka criteria were 40%, 85%, 40%, and 85%, while those of the CAPS criteria were 60%, 85%, 50%, 89%, respectively. ROC curve analyses showed no significant difference between the Fukuoka and CAPS criteria. Conclusions In HRI, the CAPS and Fukuoka criteria are moderately specific, but not sufficiently sensitive for detecting advanced neoplasia in cystic lesions. New approaches are needed to guide the surgical management of cystic lesions in HRI.