cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with lymph node, spleen, and liver involvement: Report of a fatal adult case with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Abstract Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD, necrotizing lymphadenitis) is defined pathologically by enlarged lymph nodes with characteristic microscopic findings and nearly always follows a self-limiting benign clinical course. We report a case of KFD in a 47 year-old man who presented with weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes and elevated serum levels of aminotransferases and bilirubin. He developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and died in liver failure. At autopsy, histologic findings characteristic of KFD (necrosis, histiocyte accumulation, karyorrhectic debris, absence of neutrophils) were present in lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Similar changes were recognized upon review of a liver biopsy taken 4 weeks before death. This case demonstrates hepatic manifestations of KFD.
Religion, Land, and Rights

This essay makes the argument that the controversy about the Park51 mosque is better understood when it is seen as a problem of religious establishment than when it is seen as a problem of religious tolerance. The religious and legal history of the property originally granted to Trinity Church Wall Street is used to illustrate two contemporary forms of American religion now occupying Trinity land, the proposed Park51 Muslim center and the former World Trade Center site.
Seasonal Changes in the Reproductive Organs of the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in South Carolina

Weevils were collected in the field at Clemson, S. C, at 14-day intervals from mid-October to mid-June. Oviducts, ovaries, and testes were measured, and male reproductive systems were weighed. In mid-October, following estivation, only 4% of the females had fully developed reproductive systems, but by mid-December 95% had eggs ready for oviposition, or showed evidence of having oviposited, or both. Egg counts in alfalfa stems in the field showed a steady rise through these months and remained high until mid-January, when with a period of unusually cold weather, the weevil population became greatly reduced. Throughout the winter the reproductive system showed no sign of regression in either sex; a small percentage of overwintered survivors apparently were responsible for a trickle of oviposition that continued into June. In April adults of the new generation began to appear; their reproductive systems were undeveloped and remained so throughout the spring, up to the start of estivation.
Trends in Retirement Satisfaction in the United States: Fewer Having a Great Time

Most of the existing research on overall retirement satisfaction of retirees uses single-year data and focuses on identifying and measuring the factors that may affect retirement satisfaction. However, the analysis presented in this paper uses data from the 1998-2012 rounds of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to illustrate longer trends in retirement satisfaction and the relationships with various other factors. The cross-sectional results in this study show that the share of respondents reporting “very satisfying” retirements dropped from 60.5 percent in 1998 to 48.6 percent in 2012. On the other hand, the share of respondents reporting “moderately satisfying” and “not at all satisfying” retirements increased from 31.7 percent to 40.9 percent and from 7.9 percent to 10.5 percent, respectively. The longitudinal results from a fixed sample observed over the 15-year period from 1998 to 2012 show similar declines in the share of respondents reporting “very satisfying” retirements and similar increases in the share of respondents reporting “moderately satisfying” retirements. This is in contrast to some of the previous research, which shows that retirement satisfaction increases with age. These trends are not limited to particular economic groups: Both the highest- and lowest-asset quartiles show similar trends. Also, people with and without pension income show similar trends in retirement satisfaction levels. As might be expected, net worth and health status are strongly correlated with retirement satisfaction. Higher net worth is associated with higher levels of satisfaction, and poorer health is associated with lower levels of satisfaction. There is no significant difference in retirement satisfaction levels between men and women. Although this study does not investigate the reasons behind the changes in retirement satisfaction levels, the reported shift in the retirement satisfaction trends raises an important question: Why is the share of very satisfied retirees dropping? Further research to answer this question might provide some important answers.
Role of isoenzyme M2 of pyruvate kinase in urothelial tumorigenesis

The conversion of precancerous lesions to full-fledged cancers requires the affected cells to surpass certain rate-limiting steps. We recently showed that activation of HRAS proto-oncogene in urothelial cells of transgenic mice causes simple urothelial hyperplasia (SUH) which is persistent and whose transition to low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (UC) must undergo nodular urothelial hyperplasia (NUH). We hypothesized that NUH, which has acquired fibrovascular cores, plays critical roles in mesenchymal-to-epithelial signaling, breaching the barriers of urothelial tumor initiation. Using proteomics involving two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting with pan-phosphotyrosine antibody and MALDI-mass spectrometry, we identified isoform 2 of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) as the major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein switched on during NUH. We extended this finding using specimens from transgenic mice, human UC and UC cell lines, establishing that PKM2, but not its spliced variant PKM1, was over-expressed in low-grade and, more prominently, high-grade UC. In muscle-invasive UC, PKM2 was co-localized with cytokeratins 5 and 14, UC progenitor markers. Specific inhibition of PKM2 by siRNA or shRNA suppressed UC cell proliferation via increased apoptosis, autophagy and unfolded protein response. These results strongly suggest that PKM2 plays an important role in the genesis of low-grade non-invasive and high-grade invasive urothelial carcinomas.
Effect of BNP on myocardium apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Objective To evaluate the effects of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) postconditioning on myocardial apoptosis during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model. Methods Twenty four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: sham operation group(S group, n=6, the breast tissue was dissected without ligation of left anterior descending branch); ischemic/reperfusion group(I/R group, n=6, ischemia/reperfusion surgery by ligation of left anterior descending branch, followed by saline injected to caudal vein through syringe pump for 10 min); BNP 0.005 group(n=6, 0.005 μg/(kg·min) BNP injected to caudal vein by syringe pump for 10 min after ischemia surgery); BNP 0.01 group(n=6, 0.005 μg/(kg·min) BNP injected to caudal vein by syringe pump for 10 min after ischemia surgery). At the end of reperfusion, heart was harvested, and myocardium superoxide dismutase(SOD), Malondiadehyde(MDA) and Apoptotic index(AI) were detected. Results In S group, I/R group, BNP 0.005 group and BNP0.01 group, SOD levels were(195.78±21.45) U/mg,(84.35±9.03) U/mg,(125.66±18.06) U/mg,(161.83±15.49) U/mg, respectively; MDA levels were(2.73±0.41) nmol/mg,(7.36±0.51) nmol/mg,(4.46±0.47) nmol/mg,(3.69±0.38) nmol/mg,respectively; AI were(3.84 ± 2.53)%,(43.63±3.70)%,(22.13±2.85)%,(14.21±2.77)%, respectively. The differences between the groups were all statistically significant(P0.001). BNP 0.005 group and BNP 0.01 group had significantly higher SOD activity, lower MDA activity and lower AI level than other groups(P0.001). Compared with BNP0.005 group, BNP 0.01 group had significantly higher SOD activity(P=0.001), lower MDA activity(P=0.007) and lower AI level(P=0.012). Conclusion BNP postconditioning could reduce the oxygen free radicals level to protect the ischemia-reperfusion myocardial injury. This effect is positively correlated with BNP levels.
Creativity, ingenuity, serendipity.

Certaines des premieres experiences de la cardiologie effractive portaient sur l'etude de la physiologie des cardiopathies congenitales, dans une serie de tentatives continues pour en comprendre la physiopathologie et l'anatomie, puis pour concevoir des strategies afin de traiter la lesion. La croissance extraordinaire de ce domaine et les progres rapides des soins aux patients ont ete rendus possibles grâce a la collaboration des premiers investigateurs, y compris les cardiologues pediatriques, les pathologistes cardiaques, les embryologistes, les physiologistes et les chirurgiens cardiovasculaires. Ce groupe s'est accru pour inclure les radiologistes ainsi que les biologistes vasculaires et les ingenieurs. L'heureuse rencontre de Mason Sones avec un panent a fait germer l'idee que la « complication » d'un patient pouvait justifier un autre traitement, et c'est ainsi que des etudes ont ete menees Au debut, l'equipement etait encombrant, rigide et raide Andreas Gruentzig a contribue a l'elaboration de plusieurs nouvelles techniques. Tout au long du developpement de la cardiologie effractive, une grande attention a ete accordee a l'evaluation des issues, tant positives que negatives. Pendant toutes ces annees, de multiples progres de la technologie ont permis d'ameliorer les interventions en rendant la cardiologie effractive plus facile a executer, plus securitaire et plus previsible, et d'accroitre la population de patients pouvant en beneficier. Ces progres ont inclus la mise au point de nouveaux instruments, tels que les catheters d'extraction transluminaux, ainsi que de interventions, tels que l'atherectomie coronaire directionnelle, l'atherectomie rotationnelle et les techniques au laser La cardiologie d'intervention s'est emballee avec des essais aleatoires monocentriques et multicentriques. Les endoprotheses intracoronaires ont completement revolutionne le traitement, en devenant plus petites, plus flexibles et plus faciles a installer. Avec l'arrivee des endoprotheses a elution de medicament, les taux de nouvelle stenose ont considerablement diminue. Cependant, l'occlusion chronique totale continue de representer un probleme en cardiologie d'intervention, en raison de l'augmentation du risque de complications precoces et tardives et des taux plus eleves de nouvelle stenose. De nouveaux secteurs continuent d'etre mis au point, conjuguant l'inventivite et les visees des collaborateurs Une meilleure connaissance de la physiopathologie de hase des maladies cardiovasculaires, combinee a une technologie creative et a des operateurs imaginatifs, continuera d'assurer la progression du domaine.
Automated content scoring of spoken responses containing multiple parts with factual information.

This paper presents approaches to automated content scoring of spoken language test responses from non-native speakers of English which contain multiple parts addressing factual information that the test taker has previously heard via auditory stimulus materials. While previous work relating to content scoring of spontaneous, unpredictable speech has focused only on entire responses and on general topic matching approaches, such as content vector analysis, the specific nature of spoken responses in our data requires response segmentation and extraction of features that indicate the relevance and correctness of the facts contained in the different parts of the response. Our best content features, based on similarity with key facts and concepts, achieve correlations of r = 0.615 (for speech recognition output) and r = 0.637 (using human transcriptions) with expert human rater scores. Furthermore, we show that these content features outperform traditional vector space based features. Finally, we demonstrate that the performance of a scoring model based on a combination of features developed previously and some of the newly designed content features improves significantly from r = 0.624 to r = 0.664 on an unseen evaluation set when using speech recognition output.
Ibutilide: enhanced defibrillation via plateau sodium current activation

Reductions in current and energy requirements for defibrillation have previously been ascribed to type III antiarrhythmic agents that block outward potassium conductance. This study investigated the effect on defibrillation of ibutilide, a type III antiarrhythmic agent that prolongs action potential duration by activating the sodium component of the plateau inward current. Pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were subjected to serial episodes of ventricular fibrillation lasting 10 s. In protocol I, current and energy defibrillation requirements were determined via an interactive approach after bolus injections of saline placebo and ibutilide (0.1 mg/kg i.v.). In protocol II, a current dose-response method was utilized in which four shocks each at current doses of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 x an estimated defibrillation threshold were administered before and after ibutilide (0.075 mg/kg bolus; 0.00125 mg.kg-1 x min-1 i.v.). In protocol I, current and energy values associated with defibrillation measured 10.9 +/- 4.5 A and 16.0 +/- 11.9 J for ibutilide compared with 14.1 +/- 5.6 A and 27.7 +/- 17.7 J for placebo, respectively (n = 9, P < 0.005). In protocol II, ibutilide significantly shifted the current doses associated with 50% successful defibrillation from 14.8 +/- 3.7 to 8.9 +/- 2.0 A (n = 6, P < 0.05). Eight of 15 animals given ibutilide exhibited one or more episodes of spontaneous defibrillation. Ibutilide significantly (P < 0.05) increased ventricular effective refractory period (+23.4%), and both preventricular fibrillation and postdefibrillation monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (+21.7% and +23.3%, n = 9, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Freshwater Passages: The Trade and Travels of Peter Pond

In Freshwater Passages, David Chapin provides a sympathetic portrait of Peter Pond, the eighteenth-century trader who was largely responsible for opening up the northwest of Canada to the fur trade...
ICON: An interactive approach to train deep neural networks for segmentation of neuronal structures

We present an interactive approach to train a deep neural network pixel classifier for the segmentation of neuronal structures. An interactive training scheme reduces the extremely tedious manual annotation task that is typically required for deep networks to perform well on image segmentation problems. Our proposed method employs a feedback loop that captures sparse annotations using a graphical user interface, trains a deep neural network based on recent and past annotations, and displays the prediction output to users in almost real-time. Our implementation of the algorithm also allows multiple users to provide annotations in parallel and receive feedback from the same classifier. Quick feedback on classifier performance in an interactive setting enables users to identify and label examples that are more important than others for segmentation purposes. Our experiments show that an interactively-trained pixel classifier produces better region segmentation results on Electron Microscopy (EM) images than those generated by a network of the same architecture trained offline on exhaustive ground-truth labels.
An experimental characterization of spatial resolution in elastography: analysis of the tradeoffs between spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio

An experimental study of the spatial resolution in elastography was conducted. Models that involved two cylindrical inclusions placed in the form of a wedge were used to characterize the axial and lateral resolution of the axial strain elastograms. A good agreement between the experimental results and the theoretical results was found. The tradeoff between the spatial resolution and the elastographic contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR/sub e/) was then analyzed. A non-linear tradeoff between the CNR/sub e/ and the axial resolution was found that confirmed prior theoretical findings.
Revisiting the Nabucco Debacle

The Nabucco pipeline has been the largest and, arguably, the most ambitious project promoted to “wean Europe from the Russian gas stranglehold.” Both the EU and the United States were strong proponents of the plan. Meanwhile, Gazprom launched its giant South Stream project in strategic partnership with some of the most experienced European energy companies. Despite declarations by both Russia and the EU that Nabucco and South Stream were not competitors, they were designed to provide gas to the same sluggish southeastern European markets. At this writing both projects have been canceled. This paper provides an overview of the debate surrounding the Nabucco pipeline’s cancellation. Conventional wisdom holds that Nabucco failed for political reasons, but the real cause of its failure was the emergence of two more economically viable pipeline plans.
The Impact of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Patch on Right Ventricular Strain in Tetralogy of Fallot: A Comparison with Valvar Pulmonary Stenosis Utilizing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

A non-contractile transannular patch (TAP) in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) contributes to ventricular dysfunction after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. We compared regional right ventricular (RV) strain in repaired TOF with valvar pulmonary stenosis (VPS) after balloon valvuloplasty to investigate the effects of TAP. Retrospective review of 26 cardiac magnetic resonance studies of TOF (n = 13) and VPS (n = 13) subjects matched by degree and duration of pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Feature tracking strain analysis was performed. Student’s t tests, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were applied. RV ejection fraction (EF) was normal and similar between TOF and VPS (60 and 65%, respectively, p = 0.8). RV 4-chamber Lagrangian longitudinal strain (RV 4ch LS) was worse in both groups compared to normals but comparable to each other: −18.2 (95% CI −3.6 to −33) for TOF and −20.2 (95% CI −12.4 to −28) for VPS, p = 0.5. RVOT LS was worse than RV 4ch LS in TOF, p = 0.05, but not in VPS, p = 0.19. There were no significant differences in RVOT strain between groups, p = 0.18. RVOT strain and RV 4ch LS correlated positively with RV EF in VPS (r = 0.72, p = 0.003 and r = 0.55, p = 0.04). PR degree correlated negatively with RVOT LS for TOF and VPS. Longitudinal strain is diminished in VPS and TOF subjects with preserved RV EF. TAP could explain worse RVOT strain in TOF. Longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain if RV strain predicts worsening of RV EF.
An analysis of vocal tract shaping in English sibilant fricatives using real-time magnetic resonance imaging.

This study uses real-time MRI to investigate shaping aspects of two English sibilant fricatives. The purpose of this article is to 1) develop linguistically meaningful quantitative measurements based on vocal tract features that robustly capture the shaping aspects of the two fricatives, and 2) provide qualitative analyses of fricative shaping. Data was recorded in both midsagittal and coronal planes. The proposed three quantitative measures of this study provide robust results in categorizing shape. The qualitative analyses describe tongue shape in terms of grooving and doming and they support previous research.
Cooperation, Competition, and Conflict

Cooperation and conflict and the role of competition have been major areas of social science inquiry, as have investigations of inducing cooperation and resolving conflict. Sherif’s research identified competition in inducing/exacerbating conflict and the importance of common efforts in reversing this. Anthropological studies of peaceful societies reinforce the important role of competition. Subsequently, Osgood, following the work of Richardson on arms races, proposed a means by which the conflict spiral might be reversed. More recent efforts by Kelman through Israeli–Palestinian workshops and by Moyersoen to identify potential negotiation areas are broadening the directions of research.
Biliary obstruction necessitating choledochojejunostomy as a complication of endovascular coil erosion.

Abstract We report the case of a 55-year-old patient presenting with biliary obstruction caused by coil migration from a recently performed embolization of a post-traumatic gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm. Based on imaging findings, biliary drain placement was initially performed and the subsequent endoscopy demonstrated coil erosion into the common bile duct and duodenum, resulting in choledochoduodenal fistula. Choledochojejunostomy was thereafter performed to bypass the area of injury.
Predictive Factors for the Effective Treatment of Acute Stroke with Intravenous Thrombolytic Agents

Patients treated with intravenous thrombolytic agents for acute stroke due to atherosclerotic disease are not without risk for bleeding, and a number of studies in which cerebral and extracerebral hemorrhages have occurred as a complication of the therapy have been reported. Ascertaining the correct dose of a drug to obtain recanalization of an occluded intracerebral artery with an acceptably low hemorrhagic risk is therefore an important aim of any study in which the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy is to be assessed.
The Mayer-Bolza Problem for Several Independent Variables: Necessary Conditions for a Minimum

Partial differential equations describing the behavior of distributed parameter systems can be represented in different forms. For optimization problems, a special form of expression of the equations is particularly convenient, and by analogy with the case of a single independent variable we shall call it the normal form.*
Perfect Lp Sampling in a Data Stream

In this paper, we resolve the one-pass space complexity of L_p sampling for p e (0,2). Given a stream of updates (insertions and deletions) to the coordinates of an underlying vector f e R^n, a perfect L_p sampler must output an index i with probability |f_i|^p/|f|_p^p, and is allowed to fail with some probability δ. So far, for p > 0 no algorithm has been shown to solve the problem exactly using poly(log n)-bits of space. In 2010, Monemizadeh and Woodruff introduced an approximate L_p sampler, which outputs i with probability (1 ± v)|f_i|^p /|f|_p^p, using space polynomial in v^-1 and log(n). The space complexity was later reduced by Jowhari, Saglam, and Tardos to roughly O(v^-p log^2 n log δ^-1) for p e (0,2), which tightly matches the Ω(log^2 n log δ^-1) lower bound in terms of n and δ, but is loose in terms of v. Given these nearly tight bounds, it is perhaps surprising that no lower bound at all exists in terms of v–not even a bound of Ω(v^-1) is known. In this paper, we explain this phenomenon by demonstrating the existence of an O(log^2 n log δ^-1)-bit perfect L_p sampler for p e (0,2). This shows that v need not factor into the space of an L_p sampler, which completely closes the complexity of the problem for this range of P. For p=2, our bound is O(log^3 n log δ^-1)-bits, which matches the prior best known upper bound of O(v^-2log^3 n log δ^-1), but has no dependence on v. Finally, we show that a (1± e) relative error estimate of the frequency f_i of the sampled index i can be obtained using an additional O(e^-p log n)-bits of space for p < 2, and O(e^-2 log^2 n) bits for p=2, which was possible before only by running the prior algorithms with v = e.
Pelvic Inlet Reconstruction for Obstruction Associated with Lumbosacral Agenesis Utilizing Distraction Osteogenesis and Circular External Fixation

Lumbosacral agenesis is a severe anomaly characterized by the absence of some portion of the lumbosacral spine, paralysis of the bowel and bladder, and variable degree of lower extremity paralysis with intact sensation. A 15-year-old female with severe lumbosacral agenesis was presented with a history of pelvic inlet obstruction requiring emergency colostomy 3 years previously. Following vertical midline osteotomy of the fused ileum, two olive wires were inserted through each half of the ileum and secured to proper halves of the specialized external fixator. Gradual distraction was continued for 8 weeks. At that time, reestablishment of adequate pelvic inlet was confirmed by CT scan. Patient lastly was examined at 34 years of age, 19 years after frame removal. X-rays show a fairly remarkable preservation of the pelvic distraction gap and a pseudoarticulation between the lumbar spine and the pelvis allowing both sitting and standing. The patient is very happy with her social life, has been married twice, and has conceived three children naturally.
46. QUICK RESPONSE (QR) CODES ARE A MORE EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ELICITING FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Background Multisource feedback to residents is important for development and evaluation. In addition to traditional feedback from faculty, valuable feedback can be provided by patients and families. Previously, our program obtained family feedback via paper forms distributed on admission. This system resulted in a low response rate. Alternatively, Quick Response (QR) codes are an efficient means of gathering survey responses. Objective To determine whether QR codes are more effective than paper-based surveys in eliciting feedback for first-year residents from patients and families on inpatient units. Methods A standardized set of questions, adapted from Child HCAHPS, asked patients and families for feedback on their experience with first-year residents throughout hospitalization. The survey included multiple-choice and free text response. A QR code was created to link directly to the online survey. Survey responses were collected using REDCap, a secure data collection web application. The QR code was introduced onto already existing Family Centered Rounds handouts, which include name, role, and picture of each team member. At the start of each inpatient service month, first-year residents were briefed on project goals and expectations via e-mail and at required unit orientation. Study designers monitored response rate. Number of online survey responses was compared to the number collected using the previous paper-based method. Results In the first few months of the initiative, there were 30 completed feedback surveys. This was already a 7-fold increase from the previous year, during which only 4 surveys were collected via the paper-based method. Conclusions QR codes are a feasible and more effective method of eliciting feedback for first-year residents from patients and families on inpatient units. The use of a QR code decreases a barrier inherent to paper-based survey collection. Future directions include improving response rate by devising new strategies to involve patients and families and evaluating the effect of receiving feedback on first-year resident engagement with patients.
Associations of Tobacco Advertising Appeal With Intentions to Use Alternative Tobacco Products Among Young Tobacco Users Experiencing Homelessness

Purpose:Virtually nothing is known about the potential effects of tobacco advertising on tobacco use among youth experiencing homelessness, a vulnerable population with high tobacco use rates. This...
A Virus-Derived Immune Modulating Serpin Accelerates Wound Closure with Improved Collagen Remodeling.

Numerous treatments have been developed to promote wound healing based on current understandings of the healing process. Hemorrhaging, clotting, and associated inflammation regulate early wound healing. We investigated treatment with a virus-derived immune modulating serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN), Serp-1, which inhibits thrombolytic proteases and inflammation, in a mouse excisional wound model. Saline or recombinant Serp-1 were applied directly to wounds as single doses of 1 μg or 2 µg or as two 1 µg boluses. A chitosan-collagen hydrogel was also tested for Serp-1 delivery. Wound size was measured daily for 15 days and scarring assessed by Masson’s trichrome, Herovici’s staining, and immune cell dynamics and angiogenesis by immunohistochemistry. Serp-1 treatment significantly accelerated wound healing, but was blocked by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) antibody. Repeated dosing at a lower concentration was more effective than single high-dose serpin. A single application of Serp-1-loaded chitosan-collagen hydrogel was as effective as repeated aqueous Serp-1 dosing. Serp-1 treatment of wounds increased arginase-1-expressing M2-polarized macrophage counts and periwound angiogenesis in the wound bed. Collagen staining also demonstrated that Serp-1 improves collagen maturation and organization at the wound site. Serp-1 has potential as a safe and effective immune modulating treatment that targets thrombolytic proteases, accelerating healing and reducing scar in deep cutaneous wounds.
Fertilizer Source and Irrigation Depth Affect Nutrient Leaching During Coleus Container Production

Abstract Nutrient leaching during nursery container production can have negative effects on plant growth and the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of fertilizer sourc...
Evaluation of Chlorine Dioxide Gas against Four Salmonella enterica Serovars Artificially Contaminated on Whole Blueberries.

ABSTRACT Fresh produce, such as blueberries, continues to be a source of foodborne illness in the United States. Despite new practices and intervention technologies, blueberries and other produce are contaminated with foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chlorine dioxide gas (CDG) against Salmonella enterica serovars Newport, Stanley, Muenchen, and Anatum on artificially contaminated whole fresh blueberries. Blueberries were dip inoculated into a 400-mL bath containing a Salmonella serovar cocktail of either ca. 6 or 9 log CFU/mL. Samples were dried for either 2 or 24 h before treatment with 1.5 or 3 mg of CDG/L of air to a final treatment of 3.55 to 6 ppm/h/g of blueberry. Salmonella cells were recovered by stomaching CDG-treated and nontreated control samples with 0.1% peptone and enumerated on xylose lysine Tergitol 4 agar. CDG treatments achieved up to a 5.63-log CFU/g reduction of the cocktail using 5.5 ppm/h/g, whereas the lowest treatment, 4 ppm/h/g (1.5 mg of CDG/L), was still capable of a 4.45-log CFU/g reduction. Incubation time significantly (P 0.0691). Finally, the availability of a water reservoir during treatments did not have a significant effect (P = 0.9818) on CDG efficacy in this study. Our results demonstrate that CDG can be an efficacious treatment option for whole blueberry decontamination. HIGHLIGHTS
Perceived social isolation, social disconnectedness and falls: the mediating role of depression.

Objectives: to estimate the association of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation with the risk of falls and also investigate whether depression mediated this association.Method: Bi...
Effective Economic Decision-Making Methods in Environmental and Sustainability Project Environments and Project Life Cycle

Effective economic decision-making is a critical aspect in private or public organizations, especially when it comes to environmental and sustainability project initiatives. Executives, project managers, and teams make decisions daily about the exchange, generating new ideas, data review, and the evaluation of substitute approaches and policy implementation. Furthermore, project environments greatly determine the nature of these decisions. This study examines the magnitude to which decision-making influences organizations to achieve their goals through their daily decisions. The study employed a descriptive and qualitative research design. Also, a questionnaire was used for data collection and was designed using a 5-point scale that ranged from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The findings were that organizations with competent teams had ideal decision-making structures that traded along with desired strategic management practices. Moreover, young organizations relied on the services of consultants for advice regarding complex decisions. The nature of project environments equally influences the decision-making process for project managers within their respective organizations. Investing in information analysis was also crucial for effective decision-making in organizations. Equally, organizations took a careful approach and invested in post-decision activities, such as follow-ups and timely monitoring of the implementation of decisions. Such was crucial in instituting performance checks and progress monitoring of projects. Finally, the study revealed that effective decision-making was a result of systemic processes that involved people, systems, and resources within organizations.
Imaging of Fontan-associated liver disease

The Fontan operation has dramatically altered the natural history of functionally single ventricle congenital heart disease. Patients who have undergone the Fontan operation are living longer and, thus, noncardiac morbidity resulting from the Fontan operation is increasingly being recognized. Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), one of the chief morbidities following the Fontan operation, is believed to be a multifactorial process that manifests as hepatic congestion and fibrosis, portal hypertension, and development of focal liver lesions, including malignant tumors. This article reviews the imaging findings of FALD in the pediatric and young adult population, reviews the literature related to the imaging of FALD and discusses possible screening algorithms for this population. The need for further research to better understand the causes of FALD, to establish if early liver stiffness measurements (or their change over time) predict long-term outcomes and complications, and to define optimal liver screening procedures is highlighted.
BNIP3-dependent mitophagy promotes cytosolic localization of LC3B and metabolic homeostasis in the liver.

Mitophagy formed the basis of the original description of autophagy by Christian de Duve when he demonstrated that GCG (glucagon) induced macroautophagic/autophagic turnover of mitochondria in the ...
Trump Administration Labels China a 'Currency Manipulator': What’s Behind the Accusation, and Who’s Right?

Is China a currency manipulator? This article explains the meaning and implications of the term “currency manipulator” and reviews the history of the RMB/USD exchange rate. The implications of the exchange rate for the US-China trade are elucidated.
The association of triglyceride levels with the incidence of initial and recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Background This retrospective cohort study assessed the annualized incidence rate (IR) of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a nationally representative US adult population, as well as the variation in the risk of AP events across strata of triglyceride (TG) levels. Methods Data were obtained from IQVIA's US Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records (EMR) database linked with its LRxDx Open Claims database. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 serum TG value during the overlapping study period of the EMR and claims databases, ≥1 claim in the 12-month baseline period, and ≥ 1 claim in the 12 months post index. All TG measurements were assigned to the highest category reached: 5.65 to ≤9.94, > 9.94, and > 11.29 mmol/L ( 500 to ≤880, > 880, and > 1000 mg/dL, respectively). The outcome of interest was AP, defined as a hospitalization event with AP as the principal diagnosis. Results In total, 7,119,195 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, of whom 4158 (0.058%) had ≥1 AP events in the prior 12 months. Most patients (83%) had TGs 9.94 mmol/L (> 880 mg/dL). Overall, the IR of AP was low (0.08%; 95% confidence internal [CI], 0.08-0.08%), but increased with increasing TGs (0.08% in TGs 11.29 mmol/L [> 1000 mg/dL]). In patients with a prior history of AP, the IR of AP increased dramatically; patients with ≥2 AP events at baseline had an IR of 29.98% (95% CI, 25.1-34.9%). Conclusion The risk of AP increases with increasing TG strata; however, the risk increases dramatically among patients with a recent history of AP.
Previous wildfires and management treatments moderate subsequent fire severity

Abstract We investigated the relative importance of daily fire weather, landscape position, climate, recent forest and fuels management, and fire history to explaining patterns of remotely-sensed burn severity – as measured by the Relativized Burn Ratio – in 150 fires occurring from 2001 to 2019, which burned conifer forests of northeastern Washington State, USA. Daily fire weather, annual precipitation anomalies, and species’ fire resistance traits were important predictors of wildfire burn severity. In areas burned within the past two to three decades, prior fire decreased the severity of subsequent burns, particularly for the first 16 postfire years. In areas managed before a wildfire, thinning and prescribed burning treatments lowered burn severity relative to untreated controls. Prescribed burning was the most effective treatment at lowering subsequent burn severity, and prescribed burned areas were usually unburned or burned at low severity in subsequent wildfires. Patches that were harvested and planted
Transformative Learning of Pre-Service Teachers during Study Abroad

Only a small percentage of pre-service teachers are exposed to meaningful, comprehensive curricula that enhance global competence (Lucas & Villegas, 2002; Tucker, 1982; Wells, 2008). In response to pre-service teachers’ limited exposure to diverse curricula, many universities offer international study abroad programs that provide students with experiences designed to increase multicultural and global awareness that they may not receive in their regular coursework. This paper shares how a Study Abroad Program to Reggio Emilia, Italy transformed pre-service teachers’ learning experiences. Conclusions, discussions, and recommendations for future research are also included.
Experimental Evidence of Trigger Strategies in Repeated Games

In the infinitely repeated Prisoner's Dilemma game with complete information, there are two popular Nash Equilibrium strategies. One such strategy is to not cooperate in every period, which is both a Nash Equilibrium in the one-shot game and a subgame-perfect Nash Equilibrium in the repeated game. Another strategy, known as the 'grim trigger strategy', consists of cooperating in the first stage, and in any subsequent stage, k, if the outcome of k-1 preceding stages has been mutual cooperation, then cooperate, otherwise, do not cooperate. Essentially, this leads to never cooperating, once the other player has not cooperated. In a repeated game, but not infinitely repeated game, with a probability, p, of game continuation, there exists a critical p, p{c}, at which this trigger strategy is also a subgame perfect equilibrium (the so-called Folk Theorem). This paper explicitly models such a game and then performs a laboratory experiment with real subjects to understand to what extent the grim trigger strategy is observed in practice. We find that players generally do not adopt trigger strategies for values of p
Hume's Foundational Project in the Treatise

: In the Introduction to the Treatise Hume very enthusiastically announces his project to provide a secure and solid foundation for the sciences by grounding them on his science of man. And Hume indicates in the Abstract that he carries out this project in the Treatise. But most interpreters do not believe that Hume's project comes to fruition. In this paper, I offer a general reading of what I call Hume's ‘foundational project’ in the Treatise, but I focus especially on Book 1. I argue that in Book 1 much of Hume's logic is put in the service of the other sciences, in particular, mathematics and natural philosophy. I concentrate on Hume's negative thesis that many of the ideas central to the sciences are ideas that we cannot form. For Hume, this negative thesis has implications for the sciences, as many of the texts I discuss make evident. I consider and criticize different proposals for understanding these implications: the Criterion of Meaning and the ‘Inconceivability Principle’. I introduce what I call Hume's ‘No Reason to Believe’ Principle, which I argue captures more adequately the link Hume envisions between his logic, in particular his examination of ideas, and the other sciences.
Determinants of the inhibitory action of purified 14-kDa phospholipases A2 on cell-free prothrombinase complex.

It has been suggested (Kini, R. R., and Evans, H. J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14402-14407) that the anticoagulant activity of members of the 14-kDa phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family depends on the presence of basic residues within a variable surface region (residues 54-77) distinct from both the conserved catalytic machinery and surface sites mediating the antibacterial action of these enzymes (see Weiss, J., Inada, M., Elsbach, P., and Crowl, R. M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 26331-26337). To further define the determinants of the anticoagulant activity of PLA2, we have analyzed the inhibitory effects of purified native and recombinant PLA2 on cell-free prothrombinase. Both native and recombinant wild-type pig pancreas (net charge -1) and human "secretory" PLA2 (net charge +15) produced similar dose-dependent inhibition of prothrombinase activity that was significantly less potent than a toxic PLA2 purified from snake venom. Site-specific mutations that either increased or decreased PLA2 activity toward bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein-treated Escherichia coli by up to 50-fold had no effect on antiprothrombinase activity. In contrast, substitution of Arg for Asp-59/Gly for Ser-60 in the pig PLA2 increased antiprothrombinase activity by 5-10-fold without affecting catalytic activity toward a range of phospholipid substrates or antibacterial activity. Comparison of antiprothrombinase activity of catalytically active and inactive forms of the PLA2 and under a range of phospholipid conditions revealed that the potent antiprothrombinase activity of native toxic venom PLA2 and of the D59R.S60G mutant pancreatic PLA2 reflect combined catalytic and noncatalytic actions, the latter apparently dependent on basic residues at discrete surface sites in the enzyme.
Imaging of Small Animal Peripheral Artery Disease Models: Recent Advancements and Translational Potential

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a broad disorder encompassing multiple forms of arterial disease outside of the heart. As such, PAD development is a multifactorial process with a variety of manifestations. For example, aneurysms are pathological expansions of an artery that can lead to rupture, while ischemic atherosclerosis reduces blood flow, increasing the risk of claudication, poor wound healing, limb amputation, and stroke. Current PAD treatment is often ineffective or associated with serious risks, largely because these disorders are commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Active areas of research are focused on detecting and characterizing deleterious arterial changes at early stages using non-invasive imaging strategies, such as ultrasound, as well as emerging technologies like photoacoustic imaging. Earlier disease detection and characterization could improve interventional strategies, leading to better prognosis in PAD patients. While rodents are being used to investigate PAD pathophysiology, imaging of these animal models has been underutilized. This review focuses on structural and molecular information and disease progression revealed by recent imaging efforts of aortic, cerebral, and peripheral vascular disease models in mice, rats, and rabbits. Effective translation to humans involves better understanding of underlying PAD pathophysiology to develop novel therapeutics and apply non-invasive imaging techniques in the clinic.
14 Cloning of Genes from Single Neurons

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on cloning of genes from single neurons. The cloning strategy used to isolate this gene family, differential screening of a cDNA library constructed from a single neuron, may be more broadly applicable to the analysis of the specific gene expression in diverse populations of cells. In the nervous system, for example, functionally distinct neurons each expressing different genes, and each projecting to different targets, are often interspersed. Therefore, it has been difficult to isolate RNA species unique to functionally distinct subsets of neurons within a heterogeneous cell population. The techniques and strategies presented in the chapter have broader implications for the study of heterogeneous cell populations, specifically in the olfactory system, and more generally for the study of the acquisition of cell identity in the brain or during embryonic development. Despite the obvious limit in sensitivity of differential screening, the absence of dilution of cell-specific transcripts when using single-cell cDNA and single-cell libraries allows the detection of very rare RNAs at the level of a whole tissue. In addition, the large amount of single-cell cDNA obtained and the possibility to reamplify it at will makes it very easy to adapt PCR-based subtraction protocols.
What We Muggles Can Learn about Teaching from Hogwarts

Abstract The Harry Potter series furnishes many instances of both good and bad teaching. From them, we can learn more about three principles outlined in How People Learn (National Research Council 2000a). (1) Teachers should question students about their prior knowledge, as Professor Lupin does before his lessons; (2) we should encourage students to develop theoretical contexts in which to organize facts, perhaps through Socratic dialogue such as Professor Dumbledore uses with Harry; and (3) we should promote metacognition, as Harry, Ron and Hermione use when they discuss their successes and failures.
The development of elevated blood pressure while using oral contraceptives: a preliminary report of a prospective study.

Blood pressure was prospectively studied in 57 women during pregnancy labor the late postpartum period and after 6 cycles of oral contraceptive (OC) use. The women were randomly given either a combination type (COC) or sequential type (SOC) OC. There were no significant differences between the groups in age parity weight weight gain while using OCs or development of hypertension during pregnancy. 8 women using the COD (33%) developed hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 90+ mm Hg) as opposed to 1 (3%) using the SOC (p less than .05). When the absolute blood pressures for the 2 groups were compared the mean diastolic pressure for the COC group of 77.3 mm Hg is significantly higher than that of the SOC group of 72.0. Of the 9 women who developed hypertension during OC use 7 also had hypertension during pregnancy. The different progestins in the OCs may have different direct effects on the cardiovascular system.
Toward Tree Substitution Grammars with Latent Annotations

We provide a model that extends the splitmerge framework of Petrov et al. (2006) to jointly learn latent annotations and Tree Substitution Grammars (TSGs). We then conduct a variety of experiments with this model, first inducing grammars on a portion of the Penn Treebank and the Korean Treebank 2.0, and next experimenting with grammar refinement from a single nonterminal and from the Universal Part of Speech tagset. We present qualitative analysis showing promising signs across all experiments that our combined approach successfully provides for greater flexibility in grammar induction within the structured guidance provided by the treebank, leveraging the complementary natures of these two approaches.