cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Response of Chorioretinal Endothelial Cells to Complement Injury: Implications for Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, blinding disease of the elderly in which macular photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris endothelial cells ultimately degenerate. Recent studies have found that degeneration of the choriocapillaris occurs early in this disease and that endothelial cell drop-out is concomitant with increased deposition of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) at the choroidal endothelium. However, the impact of MAC injury to choroidal endothelial cells is poorly understood. To model this event in vitro, and to study the downstream consequences of MAC injury, endothelial cells were exposed to complement from human serum, compared to heat-inactivated serum, which lacks complement components. Cells exposed to complement components in human serum showed increased labelling with antibodies directed against the MAC, time- and dose-dependent cell death, as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay and increased permeability. RNA-Seq analysis following complement injury revealed increased expression of genes associated with angiogenesis including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -9, and VEGF-A. The MAC-induced increase in MMP9 RNA expression was validated using C5-depleted serum compared to C5-reconstituted serum. Increased levels of MMP9 were also established, using western blot and zymography. These data suggest that, in addition to cell lysis, complement attack on choroidal endothelial cells promotes an angiogenic phenotype in surviving cells.
Molecularly Assembled Interfaces for Nanomachines

State-of-the-art development of the field of ultrathin organic and polymeric molecular coatings is briefly reviewed from the prospective of long-term applications for microelectromechanical systems, microfluidic devices, and microanalytical instrumentation. A possible evolution of the field of protective/lubricate coatings towards intelligent (responsive, sensing, self-repairing, and self-reinforcing) molecular interfacial assemblies acting as an adaptive nanointerface between core elements of nanodevices and molecular environment is discussed.
Testing Multiple Psychological Processes for Common Neural Mechanisms Using EEG and Independent Component Analysis.

Temporal independent component analysis (ICA) is applied to an electrophysiological signal mixture (such as an EEG recording) to disentangle the independent neural source signals-independent components-underlying said signal mixture. When applied to scalp EEG, ICA is most commonly used either as a pre-processing step (e.g., to isolate physiological processes from non-physiological artifacts), or as a data-reduction step (i.e., to focus on one specific neural process with increased signal-to-noise ratio). However, ICA can be used in an even more powerful way that fundamentally expands the inferential utility of scalp EEG. The core assumption of EEG-ICA-namely, that individual independent components represent separable neural processes-can be leveraged to derive the following inferential logic: If a specific independent component shows activity related to multiple psychological processes within the same dataset (e.g., elicited by different experimental events), it follows that those psychological processes involve a common, non-separable neural mechanism. As such, this logic allows testing a class of hypotheses that is beyond the reach of regular EEG analyses techniques, thereby crucially increasing the inferential utility of the EEG. In the current article, this logic will be referred to as the 'common independent process identification' (CIPI) approach. This article aims to provide a tutorial into the application of this powerful approach, targeted at researchers that have a basic understanding of standard EEG analysis. Furthermore, the article aims to exemplify the usage of CIPI by outlining recent studies that successfully applied this approach to test neural theories of mental functions.
The Introduction of New Insect Enemies of the Citrophilus Mealybug From Australia

The citrophilus mealybug, P. gahani Green, has steadily spread in the citrus groves of California. The control measures are biological, the ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri , being propagated for this purpose. During the present season the 13 insectaries will produce over 40,000,000 beetles at a cost of approximately $125,000.00. An expedition was made to Australia to find its native home, which was successful. Six species of natural enemies were found at Sydney, and successfully brought to California. They are Tetracnemus n. sp., Coccophagus n. sp., Diplosis sp., Pullus sp., Diomus sp., and Chrysopa sp. These are being extensively propagated and colonized in the citrus groves. P. gahani was also found in New Zealand where it is evidently introduced.
PVT Measurements, Virial Coefficients, and Joule-Thomson inversion Curve of Fluorine.

Experimental PVT measurements on gaseous and liquid fluorine from the triple point (53.5 K) to 300 K at pressures to about 21 MN/m2 are presented. The data are represented by a truncated virial equation in the low-density region. Comparisons of the second virial coefficient from this equation are made with published data. The PVT relationship along the Joule-Thomson inversion curve was obtained from the isotherm-isochore representation of the high density region.
Direct Lightning Identification Method and Its Application Based on Fault Phase Selection and Time/Frequency Domain Analysis

In order to identify lightning strikes hitting transmission lines, taking three-phase transient current travelling waves caused by direct lightning strike as the research object, we built a model of transmission line with equipment monitoring transient current in its conductors by the EMTP software. According to the principle of coupling between parallel conductors, we classified direct lightning strikes into three groups preliminarily based on the number of lightning-fault phases. From each category, we established criteria based on the time-domain and frequency-domain features of direct lightning strike waves, which were used to finally identify direct lightning strikes. The simulation results show that, the preliminary classification of direct lightning strikes can effectively distinguish multiphase flashover caused by lightning strike to the top of tower, and reduce the difficulty of identifying lightning strikes. The proposed identification method can recognize the direct lightning strikes with different strike positions and different lightning parameters.
Immediate memory span of deaf and normally hearing children.

Immediate recall of sequential and simultaneous presentation of visual stimuli in deaf and hearing children was investigated to determine the effects of rate and method of presentation, stimuli mea...
An Atypical SCF-like Ubiquitin Ligase Complex Promotes Wallerian Degeneration through Regulation of Axonal Nmnat2.

Axon degeneration is a tightly regulated, self-destructive program that is a critical feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, but the molecular mechanisms regulating this program remain poorly understood. Here, we identify S-phase kinase-associated protein 1A (Skp1a), a core component of a Skp/Cullin/F-box (SCF)-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, as a critical regulator of axon degeneration after injury in mammalian neurons. Depletion of Skp1a prolongs survival of injured axons in vitro and in the optic nerve in vivo. We demonstrate that Skp1a regulates the protein level of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ synthesizing enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (Nmnat2) in axons. Loss of axonal Nmnat2 contributes to a local ATP deficit that triggers axon degeneration. Knockdown of Skp1a elevates basal levels of axonal Nmnat2, thereby delaying axon degeneration through prolonged maintenance of axonal ATP. Consistent with Skp1a functioning through regulation of Nmnat2, Skp1a knockdown fails to protect axons from Nmnat2 knockdown. These results illuminate the molecular mechanism underlying Skp1a-dependent axonal destruction.
Leadership in the African Diaspora

The African diaspora refers to the communities throughout the world that are descended from the historic movement of peoples from Africa. More recently, there has been a greater interest in the African diaspora. In this chapter, the concept of diaspora is first discussed and a historical perspective of the African diaspora is then provided with a focus on the Americas— the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. Unlike the USA and Canada, which has a minority population of people of African heritage, the majority of the Caribbean population is of African heritage. The findings of the Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and Diaspora (LEAD) qualitative studies in the USA, Canada, and the English-speaking Caribbean are summarized. Overall, the results suggest some convergence among the African diaspora in the emphasis on the community and the identification with Africa. Finally, the impact of the African diaspora on development in Africa is also highlighted.
REDUCING TIME TO ANTIBIOTICS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WITH SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME AND FEVER

Background 30% of children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) presenting to an emergency department (ED) with fever have a central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Earlier provision of antibiotics may reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Objectives To decrease time to antibiotics for patients presenting to the ED with SBS, central venous access, and fever from 95 minutes to 60 minutes by August 31, 2016. Methods We used the Model for Improvement and assembled a multidisciplinary team to identify key drivers. Failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) and Pareto charts identified and quantified process improvement opportunities. Providers were informed of the initiative through education at conferences, posters in the ED, and emails from the intervention team. Interventions included streamlining of the electronic order entry, pre-arrival, and subspecialty consult processes. Our process measure was time to antibiotics and our outcome measure was ED length of stay (LOS), both of which were extracted from an electronic data warehouse and verified by manual chart review. Rates of hypoglycemia were the balancing measure. Analysis was performed using statistical process control. Results Mean time to antibiotics was reduced from 95 to 53 minutes in the post-intervention period, and ED LOS was reduced from 302 minutes to 170 minutes. Both measures showed narrowing of control limits. There was no change in rates of hypoglycemia. Conclusions In patients presenting to the ED with SBS, central access, and fever, time to antibiotics, process variability as reflected in narrower control limits, and LOS were reduced significantly through a formal improvement process.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antihypertensive Medication Use and Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003 to 2012

Background—A key to reduce and eradicate racial disparities in hypertension outcomes is to understand their causes. We aimed at evaluating racial differences in antihypertensive drug utilization pa...
Preclinical rationale for the phase III trials in metastatic pancreatic cancer is wishful thinking clouding successful drug development for pancreatic cancer

Prior phase III trials in advanced pancreatic cancer have been predominantly unsuccessful. In this review, we attempt to understand how past preclinical data were translated into phase III clinical trials in metastatic pancreatic cancer as described in the article. A systematic literature review conducted through the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, from January 1997 to June 2015 using key words-phase III clinical trials, metastatic/advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer identified 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met criteria. The trials were limited to RCTs in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The success rate of first-line phase III studies in advanced pancreatic cancer was only 13%. In 60% of the RCTs, no preclinical experiments were referenced in biologically cognate pancreatic models. Nine (30%) of the RCTs were designed based on preclinical evidence from in vitro cell lines alone without additional in vivo validation in xenograft models. It remains uncertain how strongly the preclinical data influence the development of clinical regimens but so far the studies developed based on more solid preclinical evidence have been successful.
HYPERMOBILITY OF THE FIRST METATARSAL BONE: THE INTERLINKING FACTOR BETWEEN METATARSALGIA AND LONGITUDINAL ARCH STRAINS

"Hypermobiity of the first metatarsal bone" is due to unusually free motion in the joint between the inner cuneiform and scaphoid bones, and between the inner and middle cuneiforms. The resulting instability of the inner anterior pillar affects the metatarsal portion, and also the longitudinal arch of the foot. Physiological hypertrophy of the second metatarsal bone is the most notable structural feature. It is similar to the enlargement of this bone observed in feet with a short first metatarsal. Metatarsalgic symptoms are more frequent than the symptoms of arch strain, although pain may coexist both in the forepart of the foot and in the arch. Subjective symptoms rarely appear before adult life, although the laxity of the first metatarsal bone seems to be a condition acquired congenitally or during early childhood. Analysis of a large group of metatarsalgic cases in which hypermobility or brevity of the first metatarsal was present (singly or in combination), indicates that the disorder is essentially a physiological one, comprising an improper distribution of stresses borne by the different metatarsal bones; it is not attended with any measurable change in the relative position of the metatarsal heads as inferred by the term "depressed anterior arches". This term is therefore regarded as inapt, and as conducive to misapprehension of the real nature of static disorders in this part of the foot.
Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in laminated Santa Barbara Basin sediments

Abstract The Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) preserves a high-resolution sediment record that is varved down to ca. 1700 CE and laminated for at least 2500 years. The distributions of 25 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in a suite of samples from sediment cores representing different depositional scenarios – varves/laminae, terrigenous flood layers, and marine turbidites. The concentrations of these PAHs were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in selected ion mode and evaluated in terms of their distributions, diagnostic ratios, and loadings recognized by principal component analysis (PCA). Two biogenic PAHs, perylene and retene, provided the greatest variation in their downcore concentration values. Perylene concentrations increased downcore exhibiting markedly higher abundance in sediments older than 300 CE, consistent with the interpretation that perylene is formed diagenetically in reducing sediments. A modest increase in perylene concentrations in sediments from the late 1960s may be associated with flood-derived transport of higher amounts of degraded terrestrial organic matter from fire-denudated landscapes into the coastal environment. The markedly higher concentrations of retene in flood layers and turbidites relative to varves/laminae suggest that these lithologies are more effective in transporting pyrogenic PAHs and can be interpreted as a proxy for wildfires in SBB. Changes in key diagnostic ratios reveal the shift from a dominance of petrogenic PAHs in older sediments to a strong pyrogenic signal beginning in the latter half of the 20th century. Statistical analysis using PCA of the PAH distributions in the samples revealed that modern sediments showed a strong, positive relationship with PC1, which represents the greatest variation among the samples, whereas flood layers showed a strong relationship with the second major variable (PC2). Thus, statistical approaches provide the capability to elucidate modern, anthropogenic signatures within the complex PAH distributions of SBB and also establish a PAH profile that characterizes the lithological signature of flood layers.
Droplets and Filaments: On the Fouling of Metal Surfaces by Carbonaceous Material from Hydrocarbon Gases Above 850 K

Carbon fouling of surfaces is known to increase pressure drops, reduce heat transfer coefficients and weaken the mechanical strength of process equipment. Carbon-containing vapors or gases tend to form or deposit carbon on equipment walls through a variety of chemical and physical steps. Some of the mechanisms of carbonaceous deposit formation and growth challenge the imagination of the investigator with their complexity. Some aspects of catalytic filament growth, which were elaborated upon in a previous lecture of this Institute (1) are so surprising to the scientist, so difficult to explain and the different explanations to prove, that the current discussion of the different theories that have been proposed may continue for years to come.
Tuberculosis Prevention: an Under Prioritized yet Critical Intervention to Reduce Child Tuberculosis Morbidity and Mortality

Identification of vulnerable household tuberculosis (TB) contacts, particularly children under 5 years of age, has been recommended for over 10 years by the World Health Organization (WHO), but uptake has been poor in TB high-burden settings where this intervention is most needed. In part due to this failure of TB contact management, the burden of TB disease in children under 5 years of age is grossly underestimated leading to increased morbidity and mortality. In light of these unfortunate realities, it is critical to identify children exposed to TB and provide preventive treatment before they progress to active TB disease. This review highlights the role of TB prevention for children under 5 years of age and suggests strategies for improved TB prevention in high-burden settings. There have been examples of both programmatic and non-programmatic interventions that have successfully improved TB contact management and preventive therapy implementation. Here, we discuss some of these interventions and use the WHO health system building blocks to provide recommendations for improving TB prevention through isoniazid preventive therapy. Further, we describe the significant contributions of the BCG vaccine to TB prevention in young children and the need to ensure continuous supply of this critical vaccination. Without such devotion to TB prevention, we are unlikely to meet the global END TB targets, and children under 5 years of age will continue to experience preventable morbidity and mortality secondary to TB disease.
Diversification of transcription factor–DNA interactions and the evolution of gene regulatory networks

Sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs) bind short DNA sequences in the genome to regulate the expression of target genes. In the last decade, numerous technical advances have enabled the determination of the DNA-binding specificities of many of these factors. Large-scale screens of many TFs enabled the creation of databases of TF DNA-binding specificities, typically represented as position weight matrices (PWMs). Although great progress has been made in determining and predicting binding specificities systematically, there are still many surprises to be found when studying a particular TF's interactions with DNA in detail. Paralogous TFs' binding specificities can differ in subtle ways, in a manner that is not immediately apparent from looking at their PWMs. These differences affect gene regulatory outputs and enable TFs to rewire transcriptional networks over evolutionary time. This review discusses recent observations made in the study of TF-DNA interactions that highlight the importance of continued in-depth analysis of TF-DNA interactions and their inherent complexity. This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology.
Psychiatry residents’ and fellows’ confidence and knowledge in interpreting urine drug testing results related to opioids

Background: Prior studies have suggested that physicians and residents may not have sufficient knowledge to appropriately interpret urine drug tests (UDTs) in patients who are prescribed opioids or...
Multiple Sclerosis: The Next 20 Years

Although one cannot predict where science will be in two decades from now, based on our current understanding and the work being done, it is possible to speculate on where the field of multiple sclerosis will be in 2030. I discuss below, four important areas which I believe will change our understanding and treatment of the disease in the next 20 years.
Energy-Saving Cooling System

The energy-saving cooling systems have been investigated in recent years and more R&D efforts have been put to improve its performance with higher energy-saving features. This new automatically controlled energy-saving cooling system has been developed, analyzed, and prototyped to verify its function and reliability ability. The major advantages of this new system include simpler structure, compact setup, and easy parameter adjustment to improve its performance, increased efficiency, quiet operation, and less frictional losses in this free piston cooling system. The gaseous pressure inside system can be manipulated by two automatic valves controlled through PLC program in the controller and the motion of free piston is monitored by proximity sensors to improve the performance by automatically adjusting the functioning parameters. The prototype and internal view are shown in Figs. 5.1 and 5.2.
Electrical Resistivity Measurements On The Ross Ice Shelf

Electrical resistivity measurements were made along two perpendicular profiles on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, in 1973–74. Apparent resistivities are generally well determined at electrode separations from 10 m out to 600 m, where the effect of the highly conducting sea-water beneath the shelf becomes strongly fell. Schlumberger and equatorial-dipole data are in excellent agreement on each profile; apparent resistivities on the two profiles, however, differ by about 12% at separations greater than about 30 m. This apparent anisotropy is attributed to a presumed inhomogeneity at a few tens of meters depth, rather than to true anisotropy in the bulk resistivity. A computer program has been developed to calculate apparent resistivities on an ice shelf in which the density and temperature, and thus the resistivity, vary continuously with depth. Temperatures have been calculated according to the analysis of Crary (1961 [b]) for a steady-state ice shelf; densities have been calculated from seismic velocity data. Several different models of the dependence of resistivity on density have been tested—one appears to fit the observations very closely, but it must be accepted only with great caution because the assumptions on which it is based are violated in the ice shelf. The activation energy and the rate of bottom melting or freezing upon which the temperature-depth variations depend have been treated as variable parameters in the modeling. The most satisfactory model corresponds to a melt/freeze rate close to zero, and an activation energy, 0.25 eV (24 kJ mol−1), in agreement with laboratory measurements on Antarctic ice samples, although less than that suggested by previous field measurements. However, since the actual temperatures in the ice shelf are unknown, models that combine a substantial melt rate with a higher activation energy, or a substantial freeze rate with a lower activation energy, cannot be ruled out at present. Future measurements in places where the temperature profile is known should resolve this uncertainty. The actual resistivity in the solid ice at a depth of about 100 m (temperature about —23°C), lies within ±10% of 70000 Ω m, thus once again confirming the very low resistivities typical of polar glacial ice. The resistivity is, in fact, only about half that found near Roosevelt Island to the north and “Byrd” station to the east. That difference is believed to be real, but its cause is not known and probably will not be known until the basic cause for the generally low resistivity of polar ice is better understood.
For Whom Is Lung Volume Reduction Surgery Effective

Lung volume reduction (LVR) was first conceived by Brantigan1 in the early 1950s and reintroduced by Cooper2 in 1995 with excellent results in 20 patients. Multiple single institution studies were published in the ensuing two years all of which supported the supposition that LVR provided significant improvements in spirometry, exercise capacity and quality of life.3–8 However these papers described small numbers of patients with differing inclusion criteria that were treated with various surgical techniques with short and often incomplete follow-up. Although initially it was felt to be important that candidates exhibit heterogeneous distribution of emphysema with predominately upper lobe disease and no comorbidities, many investigators began broadening the narrow inclusion criteria and reported acceptable results with high risk patients.9,10 The procedure rapidly became widely disseminated and began being performed in the community hospital setting on an ever sicker and more fragile subset of patients with end stage emphysema.
Life Interrupted: Medulloblastoma

Anthony 's parents had been planning a family trip to the coast for months. Anthony, a precocious 4-year-old with excellent language skills, had been to the beach once before and could not stop talking about the upcoming trip. On a cool Friday morning in autumn, Anthony 's mother was busy packing the family 's things for their 2-week vacation. She had decided to take the day off from work while Anthony was in day care so that she could take care of all the last-minute details. When the day-care staff called to report that Anthony did not seem right, she figured he might have come down with an illness that would make the plane ride less pleasant, but she certainly did not anticipate that the vacation would never happen.
FUEL CELLS – PROTON-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS | Membranes: Composites

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered to be a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation in the twenty-first century. Current PEMFC technology is based on expensive perflourinated proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) that operate effectively only under fully hydrated conditions. There is considerable application-driven interest in lowering the membrane cost and extending the operating window of PEMs. A number of possible alternative candidates are reviewed and presented in this chapter. The alternative PEMs are classified into three categories: (1) modified Nafion® composite membranes; (2) functionalized nonfluorinated membranes and composite membranes therein; and (3) acid–base composite membranes. Several commonly used inorganic additives are reviewed in the context of composite membranes.
Biogeography and Edaphic Factors Structure Coastal Sediment Microbial Communities More than Vegetation Removal by Sudden Vegetation Dieback

Development of sudden vegetation dieback (SVD), a phenomenon that causes the rapid mortality of salt marsh plants, specifically Spartina alterniflora, has affected large-scale alterations in Atlantic coastal systems, through the often-complete removal of vegetation. In this study, two wetlands that differ in the time since development of SVD were compared in order to study biogeographic and temporal patterns that structure coastal wetland microbial communities and their response to disturbance. Biogeographic and edaphic factors that distinguished the two wetlands, such as differing salinity, water content, and soil carbon and nitrogen between the sites were more strongly associated with sediment microbial community structure than either sampling date or SVD development. In fact, no OTUs differed in abundance due to the season samples were collected, or vegetation loss due to SVD. This is not to say that SVD did not alter the composition of the microbial communities. The taxonomic composition of sediment communities in SVD-affected sediments was more heterogeneous between samples and a small number of OTUs were enriched in the vegetated sediments. Yet, these data suggest that coastal wetland sediment communities are predominantly shaped by environmental conditions and are generally resilient to temporal changes or ecosystem disturbances.
Nuuk, Greenland: Site, Situation, and “The Law of the Primate City”

The Northern Review 48 (2018): 3–32Jefferson’s “Law of the Primate City” states that a country’s principal (i.e., primary) city is always disproportionately large in population and exceptionally representative of national capacity and feeling. This article examines the extent to which Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is in accord with the “law.” Site and situation factors are presented to illustrate how Nuuk came to be Greenland’s dominant population and economic centre. The degree to which the city represents national feeling was assessed through an interpretation of the cultural landscape, literature review, and interviews with current and former residents of Greenland. Clearly Nuuk is disproportionately large and possesses much of the country’s economic capacity; however, there is some reservation at the present time as to whether or not it truly is representative of national feeling. As Greenland continues to modernize and as Nuuk continues to attract more and more people from other parts of the island, the city eventually could become more representative of the country’s cultural identity.
Curricular innovation and emergency management in higher education: Making the general education connection

Objective: As a distributed function, emergency management in higher education must involve students from outside the field. An introductory emergency management course was redesigned to be attractive and visible to nonmajors via approval for inclusion in the university’s core general education curriculum. Design: Pre- / post comparisons were made of enrollment data for two interventions intended to broaden the course’s audience. Later, a survey assessed why students took the course. Setting: A land grant research university serving over 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Participants: Participants were students taking the Department’s introductory course. Interventions: Two interventions involved the Department’s entry level course originally titled, “Introduction to Emergency Management” and numbered at the sophomore level. First, the Department retitled the course, “Emergencies, Disasters, and Catastrophes,” and renumbered the course at the freshman level. Second, the Department later requested and received approval to have the course accepted in the University’s general education curriculum. Main outcome measures: Interventions were assessed by examining the average, annual number of nonmajors in the course, as well as, the academic diversity present among nonmajors. Results: Both interventions, and especially the general education intervention, increased both enrollment measures. Conclusions: A rapid approval for the course’s inclusion in general education validated faculty’s acceptance of emergency management as an academic discipline while each intervention increased both the number and academic diversity of nonmajors. Long-term, the result should prepare nonemergency management leaders for emergency management as a distributed function.
Mucosal-activated invariant T cells do not exhibit significant lung recruitment and proliferation profiles in macaques in response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis CDC1551.

Abstract TB is a catastrophic infectious disease, affecting roughly one third of the world's population. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that recognize vitamin B metabolites produced by bacteria, possess effector memory phenotype, and express tissue-homing markers driving migration to sites of infection. Previous research in both Mtb and HIV infections has shown that MAIT cells are depleted in the human periphery, possibly migrating to the tissue sites of infection. We investigated this hypothesis using rhesus macaques (RMs) with active TB, latent TB (LTBI), and SIV-coinfection to explore the effects of different disease states on the MAIT cell populations in vivo. Early in infection, we observed that MAIT cells increased in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of all infected RMs, irrespective of clinical outcome. However, the frequency of MAIT cells rapidly normalized such that they had returned to baseline levels prior to endpoint. Furthermore, following infection, the chemokines expressed on MAIT cells reflected a strong shift towards a Th1 phenotype from a shared Th1/Th17 phenotype. In conclusion, MAIT cells with enhanced Th1 functions migrating to the site of Mtb-infection. The anti-mycobacterial effector functions of MAIT cells, particularly during the early stages of Mtb infection, had been of interest in promoting protective long-term TB immunity. Our research shows, however, that they have relatively short-acting responses in the host.
DNA methylation from a Type I restriction modification system influences gene expression and virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes

DNA methylation is pervasive across all domains of life. In bacteria, the presence of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been detected among diverse species, yet the contribution of m6A to the regulation of gene expression is unclear in many organisms. Here we investigated the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression and virulence within the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus. Single Molecule Real-Time sequencing and subsequent methylation analysis identified 412 putative m6A sites throughout the 1.8 Mb genome. Deletion of the Restriction, Specificity, and Methylation gene subunits (ΔRSM strain) of a putative Type I restriction modification system lost all detectable m6A at the recognition sites and failed to prevent transformation with foreign-methylated DNA. RNA-sequencing identified 20 genes out of 1,895 predicted coding regions with significantly different gene expression. All of the differentially expressed genes were down regulated in the ΔRSM strain relative to the parent strain. Importantly, we found that the presence of m6A DNA modifications affected expression of Mga, a master transcriptional regulator for multiple virulence genes, surface adhesins, and immune-evasion factors in S. pyogenes. Using a murine subcutaneous infection model, mice infected with the ΔRSM strain exhibited an enhanced host immune response with larger skin lesions and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to mice infected with the parent or complemented mutant strains, suggesting alterations in m6A methylation influence virulence. Further, we found that the ΔRSM strain showed poor survival within human neutrophils and reduced adherence to human epithelial cells. These results demonstrate that, in addition to restriction of foreign DNA, gram-positive bacteria also use restriction modification systems to regulate the expression of gene networks important for virulence.
Hybrid Robotic Impella-Assisted Single Arterial Access Complex High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become popular among operators due to substantial reduction in radiation dose. Complex coronary intervention often requires mechanical support and have long fluoroscopy time. Robotic PCI offers an elegant solution by reducing operator fatigue and offering better analysis in the robotic console. We report a hybrid robotic impella assisted single arterial access complex high-risk PCI to the left anterior descending artery via the left internal mammary artery.
Acute Post-Activation Potentiation Effects of Heavy High-Pulls on Clean Performance

The concept of post-activation potentiation (PAP) is still novel from a training perspective and lacks breadth relative to weightlifting exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a conditioning activity (clean high pulls) on the performance of a main activity (clean) after the conditioning activity. Eleven volunteers who engaged in weightlifting (Male = 5, Female = 6) participated in two different testing sessions (experimental vs. control). Baseline measurements were taken following the warm-up. The testing condition was performed and additional measurements were taken at 30 s, 2 min, 4 min, 6 min, 8 min, 10 min, and 12 min into recovery. A linear position transducer was used to collect peak power, peak velocity, and displacement of the barbell during the clean. Multiple 2 × 8 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the data along with a paired samples t test between baseline and “best” values. There was no interaction or main effect for condition (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant main effect for time (P < 0.05) for all variables. The “best” values were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than baseline values (peak power: experimental = 1354.76 ± 521.24 W vs. baseline 1216.03 ± 492.30 W; peak velocity: experimental = 2.66 ± 0.44 m/s vs. baseline 2.50 ± 0.44 m/s; displacement: experimental = 111.07 ± 12.09 cm vs. baseline 107.01 ± 11.32 cm). The findings of this study are in partial agreement with previous literature where the warm-up was probably enough to elicit PAP. Therefore, recommendations for future studies could include utilizing a more elite population and to ensure all potential participants can squat at least 2 × their body weight.
Chromatin as a key consumer in the metabolite economy

In eukaryotes, chromatin remodeling and post-translational modifications (PTMs) shape the local chromatin landscape to establish permissive and repressive regions within the genome, orchestrating transcription, replication, and DNA repair in concert with other epigenetic mechanisms. Though cellular nutrient signaling encompasses a huge number of pathways, recent attention has turned to the hypothesis that the metabolic state of the cell is communicated to the genome through the type and concentration of metabolites in the nucleus that are cofactors for chromatin-modifying enzymes. Importantly, both epigenetic and metabolic dysregulation are hallmarks of a range of diseases, and this metabolism-chromatin axis may yield a well of new therapeutic targets. In this Perspective, we highlight emerging themes in the inter-regulation of the genome and metabolism via chromatin, including nonenzymatic histone modifications arising from chemically reactive metabolites, the expansion of PTM diversity from cofactor-promiscuous chromatin-modifying enzymes, and evidence for the existence and importance of subnucleocytoplasmic metabolite pools.
Factors Associated with Occurrence of Stillbirth before 32 Weeks of Gestation in a Contemporary Cohort.

Objective We sought to quantify the distribution of stillbirths by gestational age (GA) in a contemporary cohort and to determine identifiable risk factors associated with stillbirth prior to 32 weeks of gestation. Study Design Population-based case-control study of all stillbirths in the United States during the year 2014, utilizing vital statistics data, obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Distribution of stillbirths were stratified by 20 to 44 weeks of GA, in women diagnosed with stillbirth in the antepartum period. Pregnancy characteristics were compared between those diagnosed with stillbirth Results There were 15,998 nonlaboring women diagnosed with stillbirth during 2014 in the United States between 20 and 44 weeks. Of them, 60.1% (n = 9,618) occurred before antenatal fetal surveillance (ANFS) is typically initiated ( Conclusion More than 6 out of 10 stillbirths in this study occurred Key Points
Progress in the development of two stage concentrated (53X) parabolic trough solar thermal collector

In this research work, the performance of a novel secondary concentrator in the vacuum receiver of the parabolic trough collector was investigated. The secondary concentrator was designed, the optical and thermal performance analysis is conducted analytically and validated numerically by using Finite Element Analysis based computational software. From the initial optical and thermal modeling, it was found that the use of secondary reflector gives a concentration of 53X versus a concentration in 20’s X of conventional trough collectors to provide an optical efficiency of 75% and a thermal efficiency of 55% at 650oC. The receiver with the novel secondary reflector was designed, assembled and tested indoors using resistance heaters. Heat loss measurement at 650oC at the absorber demonstrated emissivity of less than 0.2.
How Do We Consume Luxury Fashion

A new framework that examines consumers’ interaction with fashion products in-depth is introduced. It is based on the idea of transmedia storytelling, a new academic field that has been growing in the last fifteen years. The framework consists of nodes that describe the forces that shape a consumer’s purchasing process. It is a complex, non-linear, synchronous, and asynchronous description of all the external factors that contribute to the sense of self. Its complexity is counterbalanced by the practicality it presents to managers of fashion brands as they often need to assess the forces that influence consumer behavior in a particular market. The brand manager who drafts strategic plans is better equipped to ascertain the future state of affairs with a framework that tests the interconnectivity of the inputs that breed desire for luxury fashion.
Probabilistic physics-guided machine learning for fatigue data analysis

Abstract A Probabilistic Physics-guided Neural Network (PPgNN) is proposed in this paper for probabilistic fatigue S-N curve estimation. The proposed model overcomes the limitations in existing parametric regression models and classical machine learning models for fatigue data analysis. Compared with explicit regression-type models (such as power law fitting), the PPgNN is flexible and does not impose restrictions on function types at different stress levels, mean stresses, or other factors. One unique benefit is that the proposed method includes the known physics/knowledge constraints in the machine learning model; the method can produce both accurate and physically consistent results compared with the classical machine learning model, such as neural network models. In addition, the PPgNN uses both failure and runout data in the training process, which encodes the runout data using a new proposed loss function, and is beneficial when compared with some existing models using only numerical point value data. A mathematical formulation is derived to include different types of physics constraints, which can deal with mean value, variance, and derivative/curvature constraints. Several data sets from open literature for fatigue S-N curve testing are used for model demonstration and model validation. Next, the proposed network architecture is extended to include multi-factor (e.g., mean stress, corrosion, frequency effect, etc.) fatigue data analysis. It is shown that the proposed PPgNN can serve as a flexible and robust model for general fitting and uncertainty quantification of fatigue data. This paper provides a feasible way to incorporate known physics/knowledge in neural network-based machine learning. This is achieved by properly designing the network topology and constraining the neural network’s biases and weights. The benefits for the proposed physics-guided learning for fatigue data analysis are illustrated by comparing results from neural network models with and without physics guidance. The neural network model, without physics guidance, produces results contradictory to the common knowledge, such as a monotonic decrease of S-N curve slope and a monotonic increase of fatigue life variance as the stress level decreases. This problem can be avoided using the physics-guided learning model with encoded prior physics knowledge.
Financial recovery strategies for restaurants during COVID-19: Evidence from the US restaurant industry

Abstract A research problem is presented from the inherent devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry: restaurants are now faced with mounting expenses and limited revenue due to mandatory closures of dining rooms. As an example of the problem for the industry, Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) – the torchbearer of the U.S. foodservice industry – closed its 1800 restaurant dining rooms nationwide causing 60.0% decrease in same-store sales, due to the worldwidecollapse in consumer demand and spending, economic shut-down, restricted movement, and reduced intensity of food traffic, etc. Against the backdrop of crisis and recovery management, the purpose of this research note is to manage the negative impact of COVID-19 by identifying recovery strategies and relief efforts for the restaurant industry using Darden Restaurants as a case study. Data obtained from Darden executives revealed that revenue generation focused on carry out and an investment in people through adequate benefits are top strategies for financial recovery. Additionally, cost recovery methods such as preserving cash by delaying capital expenditures and reducing marketing spend are key survival techniques. The note uncovered these critical strategies to revamp the profit margins while leveragingeach brand's exclusive characteristics in order to remain financially competitive during and in the aftermath of COVID-19.
The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice.

Objective To incorporate recent research findings, expert consensus, and patient perspectives into updated guidance on the use of new acute and preventive treatments for migraine in adults. Background The American Headache Society previously published a Consensus Statement on the use of newly introduced treatments for adults with migraine. This update, which is based on the expanded evidence base and emerging expert consensus concerning postapproval usage, provides practical recommendations in the absence of a formal guideline. Methods This update involved four steps: (1) review of data about the efficacy, safety, and clinical use of migraine treatments introduced since the previous Statement was published; (2) incorporation of these data into a proposed update; (3) review and commentary by the Board of Directors of the American Headache Society and patients and advocates associated with the American Migraine Foundation; (4) consideration of these collective insights and integration into an updated Consensus Statement. Results Since the last Consensus Statement, no evidence has emerged to alter the established principles of either acute or preventive treatment. Newly introduced acute treatments include two small-molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists (ubrogepant, rimegepant); a serotonin (5-HT1F ) agonist (lasmiditan); a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib oral solution); and a neuromodulatory device (remote electrical neuromodulation). New preventive treatments include an intravenous anti-CGRP ligand monoclonal antibody (eptinezumab). Several modalities, including neuromodulation (electrical trigeminal nerve stimulation, noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation, single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation) and biobehavioral therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, relaxation therapies, mindfulness-based therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy) may be appropriate for either acute and/or preventive treatment; a neuromodulation device may be appropriate for acute migraine treatment only (remote electrical neuromodulation). Conclusions The integration of new treatments into clinical practice should be informed by the potential for benefit relative to established therapies, as well as by the characteristics and preferences of individual patients.