cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppressed autophagy flux in skeletal muscle of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model during disease progression

Accumulation of abnormal protein inclusions is implicated in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Autophagy, an intracellular process targeting misfolded proteins and damaged organelles for lysosomal degradation, plays crucial roles in survival and diseased conditions. Efforts were made to understand the role of autophagy in motor neuron degeneration and to target autophagy in motor neuron for ALS treatment. However, results were quite contradictory. Possible autophagy defects in other cell types may also complicate the results. Here, we examined autophagy activity in skeletal muscle of an ALS mouse model G93A. Through overexpression of a fluorescent protein LC3-RFP, we found a basal increase in autophagosome formation in G93A muscle during disease progression when the mice were on a regular diet. As expected, an autophagy induction procedure (starvation plus colchicine) enhanced autophagy flux in skeletal muscle of normal mice. However, in response to the same autophagy induction procedure, G93A muscle showed significant reduction in the autophagy flux. Immunoblot analysis revealed that increased cleaved caspase-3 associated with apoptosis was linked to the cleavage of several key proteins involved in autophagy, including Beclin-1, which is an essential molecule connecting autophagy and apoptosis pathways. Taking together, we provide the evidence that the cytoprotective autophagy pathway is suppressed in G93A skeletal muscle and this suppression may link to the enhanced apoptosis during ALS progression. The abnormal autophagy activity in skeletal muscle likely contributes muscle degeneration and disease progression in ALS.
Learning to Teach: Instructional Actions and Decisions of Preservice ESL Teachers.

This study examines the instructional actions and decisions of preservice English as a second language teachers during their initial teaching experiences. Six preservice ESL teachers viewed videotapes of their own teaching and provided recall comments that detailed their instructional decisions while teaching. Transcriptions of videotaped lessons along with corresponding recall comments were examined to determine the ways in which these teachers perceived and responded to student input during second language instruction, the instructional decisions they made, and the prior knowledge they considered while making those decisions. The results suggest that preservice ESL teachers' instructional actions were directed by unexpected student responses and the desire to maintain the flow of instructional activities. Their instructional decisions were overwhelmingly influenced by the need to ensure student understanding, to increase student motivation and involvement, and to maintain control over instructional management. The findings of this study highlight the cognitive demands placed on preservice ESL teachers and support the need for second language teacher preparation programs to provide opportunities for preservice ESL teachers to understand the dynamics of how they think and act as they learn to teach.
Hypertension and a missing kidney

Standard initial assessment via ultrasound of a 4-year-old girl with hypertension revealed the absence of one kidney. Instead of cross-sectional imaging of the retroperitoneal space, a functional (nuclear) study was performed. This revealed a malformed kidney within the chest. Though systemic levels of renin and aldosterone were not elevated, removal of the malformed kidney normalized the blood pressure. The presence of prominent smooth muscle nodules surrounding the arteries was seen in the malformed kidney. Initial attempts to avert surgery by pharmacologically reducing blood flow to the malformed kidney were unsuccessful. The review of the literature offers little evidence to support such a strategy.
Unsupervised inductive learning in symbolic sequences via Recursive Identification of Self-Similar Semantics

This paper presents a new pattern discovery algorithm for constructing probabilistic finite state automata (PFSA) from symbolic sequences. The new algorithm, described as Compression via Recursive Identification of Self-Similar Semantics (CRISSiS), makes use of synchronizing strings for PFSA to localize particular states and then recursively identifies the rest of the states by computing the n-step derived frequencies. We compare our algorithm to other existing algorithms, such as D-Markov and Casual-State Splitting Reconstruction (CSSR) and show both theoretically and experimentally that our algorithm captures a larger class of models.
Evidence-Based Prediction of Statin Use with Lipid-Panel Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Objectives This study compared actual use of individual statin drugs to expected use based on their efficacy and safety profiles. Methods Five panels covering the years 1999 to 2008 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provided interview, demographic, and laboratory data for 8769 (365,503,838 weighted) people aged 20 years or older who were not taking a statin medication. An individual's risk for coronary heart disease and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goal were determined, following the Adult Treatment Panel III Cholesterol Guidelines. The percentage LDL cholesterol lowering required to reach his/her LDL cholesterol level goal was calculated. Depending on the amount of LDL cholesterol lowering needed and on if the individual had a liver condition (i.e., enhanced risk of rhabdomyolysis) statins were hypothetically prescribed. Predicted use was compared to actual use by US Medicaid beneficiaries in the third quarter of 2009, obtained from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results Results showed that 72.34% of the population was in the lowest coronary heart disease risk group and that 86.30% required no statin therapy. Among the people who did require LDL cholesterol lowering, a significant majority (37.3 million or 10.22% of the population) needed 30% lowering or less. Only 314,784 (0.09%) required LDL cholesterol lowering of greater than 60%. Utilization shares based on safety and efficacy were estimated at 19.26% (rosuvastatin), 18.67% (atorvastatin), 16.48% (simvastatin), 16.30% (lovastatin), 14.93% (pravastatin), and 14.36% (fluvastatin). Conclusions Actual statin use differed substantially from predicted use. It may be appropriate to develop and maintain policies that encourage use of less costly products that have essentially equivalent safety profiles and efficacy.
Early Cognitive Stimulation, Emotional Support, and Television Watching as Predictors of Subsequent Bullying Among Grade-School Children

for both variables associated with a 1-SD increase (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.82 for cognitive stimulation and 0.54-0.84 for emotional support). Each hour of television viewed per day at age 4 years was associated with a significant odds ratio of 1.06 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.11) for subsequent bullying. These findings persistedwhenwecontrolledforbullyingbehavioratage 4 years in a subsample of children for whom this measure was available. Conclusion:Theearlyhomeenvironment,includingcognitivestimulation,emotionalsupport,andexposuretotelevision,hasasignificantimpactonbullyingingradeschool. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:384-388
ASME Subcommittee XI Initiatives for the Detection and Correction of Boric Acid Corrosion of Pressure Retaining Low Alloy Steel Components in Pressurized Water Reactor Plants

In pressurized water reactor power plants sodium pentaborate is commonly used as a soluble chemical neutron absorber to control the reactivity level within the reactor core. This chemical solution of boron in the reactor primary cooling water forms a mild boric acid. The main reactor coolant system pressure vessels, i.e., the nuclear reactor and the steam generators, are protected internally from this corrosive solution by a corrosion resistant cladding. The nuclear power industry has recorded instances of leakage from the primary coolant system resulting in corrosion of these pressure vessels on their outer surfaces. In 2002 a primary coolant leak resulted in the nearly complete loss of the pressure retaining capability of the reactor vessel closure head at a domestic nuclear power plant. In response to this event the ASME Subcommittee XI has undertaken to establish inspection rules for pressurized water reactor plants for the detection of primary coolant leakage and the resulting corrosion of low alloy steel components. This paper discusses the history of this issue and the development of inspection rules designed to ensure the early detection of primary coolant system leakage and the possible resulting corrosion prior to loss of the pressure retaining capability of primary coolant system components.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Severe feed restriction of pregnant swine and rats: effects on postweaning growth and body composition of progeny.

Rats and swine were restricted in feed during pregnancy to deter mine the effect on postnatal growth and development of the progeny. Restriction of rats to 50 % of preconception feed intake during the first 2 wk of gestation was asso ciated with higher body weight of the progeny at 21 wk postpartum than was ad libi tum feeding throughout gestation. However, maternal intake during gestation had no effect on perirenal and gonadal fat weight or adipocyte size in male and female off spring at 160 d of age. Restriction of swine to one-third of recommended feed intake during the first 10 wk of pregnancy was associated in the progeny with less perirenal and subcutaneous backfat and smaller adipocytes in depot fat compared with progeny of adequately fed swine. It is concluded that feed restriction of pregnant rats to one- half of preconception intake for the first two-thirds of pregnancy results in increased weight gain in the resulting progeny while restriction of swine to one-third of the recommended feed allowance during the first two-thirds of pregnancy results in re duced postweaning weight gain and decreased fat accretion during young adulthood. J. Nutr. 115: 179-189, 1985.
HOMER: Home-Based Object-Relational Medical Electronic Record

This article introduces a lab project which can be applied as part of a capstone course for undergraduate students within a computer science or information system degree program. The intent of the coursework is to provide students with a practical application of learned concepts and a forum for gaining additional knowledge and experience prior to entering the workforce. This article identifies coursework literature coverage limitations, and integrates multiple current and advanced areas such as database setup, querying, object-relational concepts, programming, and web technologies/design in order to develop HOMER (Home-based Object-relational Medical Electronic Record). Presented are the details of the course including the project introduction, course outline, assignments, discussion of technology topics, sample code, and demonstrated outputs.
An integrated hydrological and water management study of the entire Nile river system - Lake Victoria to Nile delta

The Nile basin River system spans 3 million km2 distributed over ten nations. The eight upstream riparian nations, Ethiopia, Eretria, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Tanzania and Kenya are the source of approximately 86% of the water inputs to the Nile, while the two downstream riparian countries Sudan and Egypt, presently rely on the river's flow for most of the their needs. Both climate and agriculture contribute to the complicated nature of Nile River management: precipitation in the headwaters regions of Ethiopia and Lake Victoria is variable on a seasonal and inter-annual basis, while demand for irrigation water in the arid downstream region is consistently high. The Nile is, perhaps, one of the most difficult trans-boundary water issue in the world1, and this study would be the first initiative to combine NASA satellite observations with the hydrologic models study the overall water balance in a comprehensive manner. The cornerstone application of NASA's Earth Science Research Results under this project are the NASA Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS)2 and the USDA Atmosphere-Land Exchange Inverse (ALEXI)3 model. The end-users such as Regional Center for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD, Nairobi, Kenya), Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Ethiopian and Kenya Meteorological and Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNet) will be the eventual benefactors of this work.
The physiology and pathophysiology of the parasympathetic nervous system in nasal disease: an overview.

The nose functions as an organ of respiration, as the first line of host defense against inspired microorganisms, as the organ of olfaction, as the source of liquid to humidify and cleanse inspired air, and to provide resonance. The human nasal mucosa is lined by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium and nonciliated goblet cells. Beneath the epithelium is a lamina propria rich in seromucous acinar glands, blood vessels, and nerves. Deeper in the tissue is an area of venous sinusoids. The nasal mucosa has a relatively limited set of responses to irritation, infections, and allergic reactions. The tissue may swell because of increased vascular permeability or sinusoidal engorgement; secrete mucous, serous, or goblet cell products; or become irritated with a reduced threshold to either swell or secrete. Stimulation of sensory nerves leads to itching and sneezing. These responses are orchestrated by sets of regulatory processes, which are now being defined.’ What follows is a brief summary of the findings relevant to the response of the nose to parasympathetic stimulation . The mucosa is richly innervated by parasympathetic, adrenergic , and sensory nerves. Parasympathetic discharge will release acetylcholine, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and the closely related peptide, peptide histidine methionine (the latter two neuropeptides are colocalized to cholinergic nerves) and will result in glandular discharge, vasodilation, and possibly sinusoidal engorgement.’ Secretions (a runny nose) come from three major sources-the seromucous glands, goblet cells, or as part of the process of vascular permeability. Nasal secretions consist of proteins, glycoproteins , lipids, cells resident in the mucosa and plasma, and electrolytes and water secreted from the epithelial lining
Hormones and Hearing: Too Much or Too Little of a Good Thing Can Be Ototoxic

Hormones regulate and modulate many physiological processes of the body including the nervous, cardiac, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. So, it is not surprising that hormonal regulation can manifest itself at the sensory level as well. The present report reviews some recent studies on the relations between several key hormones— including aldosterone and sex hormones—and auditory processing in vertebrate animal models and in human clinical research investigations. Keeping with the theme of this issue of Seminars in Hearing, the present review is not meant to be exhaustively comprehensive but rather to provide synopses and key references of representative research reports that capture the flavor of what we know about important interactions between the auditory and hormonal systems, and how they relate to certain animal and human behaviors. Indeed, the old adage “too much or too little of a good thing is not good” applies here.
A Specific Activation of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1 (Mek1) Is Required for Golgi Fragmentation during Mitosis

Incubation of permeabilized cells with mitotic extracts results in extensive fragmentation of the pericentriolarly organized stacks of cisternae. The fragmented Golgi membranes are subsequently dispersed from the pericentriolar region. We have shown previously that this process requires the cytosolic protein mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1). Extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and ERK2, the known downstream targets of MEK1, are not required for this fragmentation (Acharya et al. 1998). We now provide evidence that MEK1 is specifically phosphorylated during mitosis. The mitotically phosphorylated MEK1, upon partial proteolysis with trypsin, generates a different peptide population compared with interphase MEK1. MEK1 cleaved with the lethal factor of the anthrax toxin can still be activated by its upstream mitotic kinases, and this form is fully active in the Golgi fragmentation process. We believe that the mitotic phosphorylation induces a change in the conformation of MEK1 and that this form of MEK1 recognizes Golgi membranes as a target compartment. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis reveals that treatment of permeabilized normal rat kidney (NRK) cells with mitotic extracts, treated with or without lethal factor, converts stacks of pericentriolar Golgi membranes into smaller fragments composed predominantly of tubuloreticular elements. These fragments are similar in distribution, morphology, and size to the fragments observed in the prometaphase/metaphase stage of the cell cycle in vivo.
Components of the CCR4-NOT Complex Function as Nuclear Hormone Receptor Coactivators via Association with the NRC-interacting Factor NIF-1

CCR4-NOT is an evolutionarily conserved, multicomponent complex known to be involved in transcription as well as mRNA degradation. Various subunits (e.g. CNOT1 and CNOT7/CAF1) have been reported to be involved in influencing nuclear hormone receptor activities. Here, we show that CCR4/CNOT6 and RCD1/CNOT9, members of the CCR4-NOT complex, potentiate nuclear receptor activity. RCD1 interacts in vivo and in vitro with NIF-1 (NRC-interacting factor), a previously characterized nuclear receptor cotransducer that activates nuclear receptors via its interaction with NRC. As with NIF-1, RCD1 and CCR4 do not directly associate with nuclear receptors; however, they enhance ligand-dependent transcriptional activation by nuclear hormone receptors. CCR4 mediates its effect through the ligand binding domain of nuclear receptors and small interference RNA-mediated silencing of endogenous CCR4 results in a marked decrease in nuclear receptor activation. Furthermore, knockdown of CCR4 results in an attenuated stimulation of RARalpha target genes (e.g. Sox9 and HoxA1) as shown by quantitative PCR assays. The silencing of endogenous NIF-1 also resulted in a comparable decrease in the RAR-mediated induction of both Sox9 and HoxA1. Furthermore, CCR4 associates in vivo with NIF-1. In addition, the CCR4-enhanced transcriptional activation by nuclear receptors is dependent on NIF-1. The small interference RNA-mediated knockdown of NIF-1 blocks the ligand-dependent potentiating effect of CCR4. Our results suggest that CCR4 plays a role in the regulation of certain endogenous RARalpha target genes and that RCD1 and CCR4 might mediate their function through their interaction with NIF-1.
Relation of the Temperature of Separation and the Heat Treatment Given the Skim Milk to the Keeping Quality of Spray Dried Ice Cream Mix

Summary Twelve batches of dried ice cream mix were made from the same lot of milk. The milk was separated at various temperatures to secure cream and skim milk containing various amounts of "agglutinin." The skim milk was forewarmed at both low and high temperatures and condensed in a stainless steel vacuum pan. Some of the cream was made into butter and butter oil. Dried ice cream mixes were made from these ingredients so that the relation of the heat treatment given the serum solids to the keeping quality could be studied. The carbon dioxide content of the headspace gas varied throughout the storage period. Oxygen concentration gradually became lower as the storage period advanced. There was a tendency toward more rapid oxygen absorption, more carbon dioxide evolved, and more oxidized flavor development in mixes that had the condensed skim milk forewarmed to 150° F. for 20 minutes than in those mixes that had the condensed skim milk forewarmed at 180° F. for 5 minutes. There seemed to be no significant differences in oxidized flavor development when the mixes were prepared from concentrated skim milk made from skim milk separated at 55° or 130° F. Whether the fat used was in the form of cream, butter or butter oil was not a factor influencing the keeping quality of the dried ice cream mix. All the batches became oxidized which contained butter oil, butter or cream which were made with skim milk forewarmed at 150° F. for 20 minutes. After one year dried mixes made from skim milk forewarmed. at 180° F. for 5 minutes had not developed an oxidized flavor and were still highly palatable. High forewarming temperature, on the skim milk before condensing is beneficial in prolonging the keeping qualities of dried, ice cream mixes and the retardation of oxidized flavor development.
Adsorption of Hydrocarbons in (Na, K)-ZSM5, -ZSM11 and “Al-Free” NaZSM5 and NaZSM11

The equilibrium adsorption and diffusion of methanol, n-hexane, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and xylenes on different ZSM samples were studied at 303K and in the pressure range of P/P ° =0.0001 to 0.8. The effects of the presence of a small amount of Al in the ZSM samples were investigated by comparing the sorption data in “Al-free”-NaZSM5 and -NaZSM11 with those for NaZSM5 and NaZSM11. The effects of cations on adsorption and diffusion were also investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption data obtained for directly synthesized KZSM5 and KZSM11 were compared with those for KZSM5(ex) and KZSM11(ex), which were prepared through ion exchange with their respective Na-forms, to study the effects of methods of introducing exchangeable cations on adsorption and diffusion.
Book Review: Faculty Identities and the Challenge of Diversity: Reflections on Teaching in Higher Education

This is a review of the book 'Faculty Identities and the Challenge of Diversity' edited by Mark A. Chesler & Alford A. Young Jr.I was interested in this book for two reasons: 1) I conducted qualitative research on the perceptions of faculty of color toward being role models for students of color in and out of the classroom at the same research site (Vander Putten, 1998), and 2) because of my recent research on faculty social class identities (Vander Putten, 2013).This edited volume has four parts: Background and Contexts, Difference and Diversity in Classroom Interactions, Examinations of the Role of Identity, and Larger Contexts...and Change. The book’s twelve chapters address a series of important topics, including the influences of instructor and student race and gender on classroom interactions and conflicts, white dominance, women faculty of color and bodily dynamics, faculty cultural taxation, and individual faculty strategies and organizational strategies to advocate for diversity. Each chapter effectively uses a number of exemplary quotes from faculty interviews to provide additional meaning and insights into the issues being discussed, and these will undoubtedly capture the attention of a wide audience of readers and provide much food for thought and reflection on their own instructional strategies and experiences.
Oriented Fiber Filter Media

Coalescing filters are widely used throughout industry and improved performance will reduce droplet emissions and operating costs. Experimental observations show orientation of micro fibers in filter media effect the permeability and the separation efficiency of the filter media. In this work two methods are used to align the fibers to alter the filter structure. The results show that axially aligned fiber media improve quality factor on the order of 20% and cutting media on an angle from a thick layered media can improve performance by about 40%. The results also show the improved performance is not monotonically correlated to the average fiber angle of the medium.
Effect of Estrogen on Viscoelastic Properties of the Anterior Pouch of the Macaque Animal Model of the Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

The effect of hormone treatment on the material properties of ligaments has been extensively studied for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However, there have been very few studies on the effects of hormones on the material properties of the shoulder. These shoulder ligaments contribute to overall shoulder stability, and a change in ligament properties could contribute to a change in overall shoulder laxity. This study uses female cynomologus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys as an animal model of the human shoulder to determine if estrogen has an effect on the viscoelastic properties of the anterior pouch of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL). Cynomolgus monkeys have served as nonhuman primate models in several studies, including monkey models of menopause, the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the cardiovascular system, reproductive support organs, and the knee joint. The cynomolgus macaques are commonly used for studies involving hormone replacement therapy because they have 28-day menstrual cycles with very similar hormonal patterns to that of women.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Criteria for Administrative Regions

RITERIA to guide the development of regional patterns for Federal field administration can be distilled from the experience of Federal agencies with the over one hundred such patterns currently in use.' These criteria relate to (1) whether the adoption of a formal regional pattern is desirable, (2) how many regions there should be (and, by necessary implication, what their average size should be), (3) where regional boundaries should be placed, and (4) where regional headquarters should be located. The review of such criteria will be complemented by an indication of the more common errors in administrative regionalization.
People, not property: population issues and the neutron bomb

AbstractPopulation issues often factor into militarism as, historically, population was identified with power. The destructive capabilities of weaponry in the twentieth century shifted the role of population as more civilians were at risk, and the introduction of nuclear armaments did so even further. During the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union entered into a nuclear arms race which threatened the earth’s entire population, and the earth itself. The neutron bomb was introduced as a clean weapon, however, and its proponents argued that it would protect property while killing people. This article examines various aspects of population as it related to arguments for and against the neutron bomb, beginning in the 1950s.
Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells using a novel adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of early myeloid cells that accumulate in the blood and tumors of patients with cancer. MDSC play a critical role during tumor evasion and promote immune suppression through variety of mechanisms, such as the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) and cytokines. AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that regulates energy homeostasis and metabolic stress. However, the role of AMPK in the regulation of MDSC function remains largely unexplored. This study was designed to investigate whether treatment of MDSC with OSU-53, a PPAR-inactive derivative that stimulates AMPK kinase, can modulate MDSC function. Our results demonstrate that OSU-53 treatment increases the phosphorylation of AMPK, significantly reduces nitric oxide production, inhibits MDSC migration, and reduces the levels of IL-6 in murine MDSC cell line (MSC2 cells). OSU53 treatment mitigated the immune suppressive functions of murine MDSC, promoting T-cell proliferation. Although OSU-53 had a modest effect on tumor growth in mice inoculated with EMT-6 cells, importantly, administration of OSU53 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of MDSC in the spleens and tumors. Furthermore, mouse MDSC from EMT-6 tumor-bearing mice and human MDSC isolated from melanoma patients treated with OSU-53 showed a significant reduction in the expression of immune suppressive genes iNOS and arginase. In summary, these results demonstrate a novel role of AMPK in the regulation of MDSC functions and provide a rationale of combining OSU-53 with immune checkpoint inhibitors to augment their response in cancer patients.
Bargaining: A Common Way to Delay the Inevitable

Since Marty was a lawyer, he felt it was an insult and disgrace for him to consult another lawyer to help us with the legal forms we needed to protect ourselves. But by 2009 he couldn’t function as a lawyer anymore.
The Influence of Wiring Economy on Nervous System Evolution

The activity and maintenance of neurons requires substantial metabolic energy, resulting in selective pressure to decrease resource consumption by the nervous system. The wiring economy principle proposes that animals have evolved mechanisms that wire circuits efficiently by minimizing neurite length. Computational modeling of neuronal morphology, microcircuit organization, and neural networks reveals that wiring economy is a significant determinant of nervous system layout. The strategies for reducing wiring costs are shared across phyla and point to the possibility of generalizable rules that specify the development of efficient nervous systems. As the developmental mechanisms underpinning wiring economy are only now being elucidated, whether the molecular basis of this phenomenon is the result of conserved genetic programs or convergent evolution remains to be determined.
256. Pharmacokinetics of Natural and Engineered Secreted Factors Delivered by a Cell Therapeutic

Cell therapy is an emerging drug class that requires new approaches for pharmacological monitoring during use. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a clinically-tested transient cell therapeutic that naturally secrete anti-inflammatory factors to attenuate immune-mediated diseases. MSCs were used as a proof-of-concept with the hypothesis that measuring the release of secreted factors after cell transplantation, rather than the biodistribution of the cells alone, would be an alternative monitoring tool to understand the exposure of a subject to MSCs. View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideBy comparing cellular engraftment and the associated serum concentration of secreted factors released from the graft, we observed clear differences between the pharmacokinetics of MSCs and their secreted factors. Exploration of the effects of natural or engineered secreted proteins, active cellular secretion pathways, and clearance mechanisms revealed novel aspects that affect the systemic exposure of the host to secreted factors from a cellular therapeutic. A combined consideration of cell delivery strategies and molecular pharmacokinetics may provide a more predictive model for outcomes of MSC transplantation and other cell therapeutics.
Orientation and interfacial stress transfer of cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposite fibers

Abstract Orientation and interfacial stress transfer in cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) reinforced polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanocomposite fibers were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The 1095 cm −1 Raman band was used to quantify the orientation of CNC in composite fiber. Under VV (vertical/vertical) mode, polar plots of all composite fibers showed a two-fold symmetry. Under VH (vertical/horizontal) mode, it showed a four-fold symmetry. The CNCs are highly oriented in the composite fiber, which is confirmed by second and fourth order orientation parameters : 〈 P 2 ( cosθ ) 〉 and 〈 P 4 ( cosθ ) 〉 . The 1095 cm −1 Raman band shift under uniaxial deformation was used to characterize the interfacial shear stress transfer between PAN matrix and CNCs.
Telehealth Applications to Enhance CKD Knowledge and Awareness Among Patients and Providers

CKD affects 13% of the US adult population, causes excess mortality, and is associated with significant sociodemographic disparities. Optimal CKD management slows progression of disease and reduces cardiovascular-related outcomes. Resources for patients and primary care providers, major stakeholders in preventive CKD care, are critically needed to enhance understanding of the disease and to optimize CKD health, particularly because of the asymptomatic nature of kidney disease. Telehealth is defined as the use of electronic communication and telecommunications technology to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, and public health and health administration. It provides new opportunities to enhance awareness and understanding among these important stakeholders. This review will examine the role of telehealth within existing educational theories, identify telehealth applications that can enhance CKD knowledge and behavior change among patients and primary care providers, and examine the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth vs usual modalities for education.
Personal Narratives and Self-Transformation in Postindustrial Societies

This article surveys literature on personal narratives as situated practices in a variety of contexts in primarily Western, postindustrial societies. It begins with an overview of theories that articulate the relationships among narrative, self, and narrating context. I then consider how narratives of the self are shaped in institutional contexts, including those in which narratives are used to evaluate selves or used as a technology for changing selves. The section that follows examines how narrative analysis can be used to examine people's positioning in relation to larger social discourses such as neoliberalism. The final section returns to the relationship between narrative forms and contexts by examining how people narrate themselves across the variety of digital media and online contexts provided by the Internet.
Comparative effects of in ovo versus subcutaneous administration of the Marek's disease vaccine and pre-placement holding time on the processing yield of Ross 708 broilers

Abstract Effects of the in ovo (i.o.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) method of administration (moa) of the Marek's disease (MD) vaccine and 4 or 18 h pre-placement holding time (pht) on the processing yield of male broilers through 49 d of age (doa) were investigated. Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs (3,900) were either i.o.-vaccinated at 18 d of incubation or chicks from eggs that were not i.o.-vaccinated were s.c.-vaccinated at hatch. The i.o. injections (50 μL) were delivered by a commercial multi-egg injector and s.c. injections (200 μL) were delivered by an automatic pneumatic s.c. injector. The pht was imposed on chicks after vaccination. Sixteen birds were initially assigned to each of 15 replicate floor pens belonging to each of the moa and pht combination groups and were grown out through 48 doa. At 48 doa, 6 birds were randomly selected from each replicate pen and were weighed and fasted for 16 h before being processed. At 49 doa, whole carcass, fat pad, breast muscle, and tenders muscles weights were recorded. Whole carcass weight as a percentage of live BW, and fat pad, breast muscle, and tenders muscles weights as percentages of both live and whole carcass weights were calculated. Upon subjection of the data to a 2 × 2 factorial analysis, only a main effect due to moa was observed for tenders muscles weight as a percentage of live and whole carcass weights. Tenders muscles weight as a percentage of both live (P ≤ 0.010) and whole carcass (P ≤ 0.004) weight was higher in birds hatched from eggs that received i.o. rather than s.c. vaccinations. In conclusion, in comparison to s.c. vaccination, i.o. vaccination increased relative tenders weight yield, whether or not broilers were held for 4 or 18 h prior to placement. Therefore, with regard to broiler processing yield, i.o. and s.c. vaccinations were safe for the administration of the MD vaccine, with i.o. vaccination displaying a slight potential advantage.
Observation and modeling of the evolution of an ephemeral storm-induced inlet: Pea Island Breach, North Carolina, USA

Abstract The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a wave-dominated barrier island system that has experienced the opening and closure of numerous inlets in the last four centuries. The most recent of those inlets formed after the breaching of Pea Island during Hurricane Irene in 2011. The Pea Island Breach experienced a rapid evolution including episodic curvature of the main channel, rotation of the ebb channel, shoaling, widening by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and finally closing before the summer of 2013. Studying the life cycle of Pea Island Breach contributes to understanding the behavior of ephemeral inlets in breaching-prone regions. This topic has gained relevance due to rising sea levels, a phenomenon that increases the chances of ephemeral inlet formation during extreme events. This study explores the spatiotemporal effects of tides, waves, and storms on flow velocities and morphology of the breach by means of remotely sensed data, geospatial metrics, and a numerical model. The combined use of observations and results from modeling experiments allowed building a conceptual model to explain the life cycle of Pea Island Breach. Wave seasonality dominated the morphological evolution of the inlet by controlling the magnitude and direction of the longshore current that continuously built transient spits at both sides of the breach. Sensitivity analysis to external forcings indicates that ocean waves can modify water levels and velocities in the back barrier. Sound-side storm surge regulates overall growth rate, duration, and decay of peak water levels entering the inlet during extreme events.
Regulation of endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.

Abstract Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4 ) is a critical cofactor for the nitric oxide synthases. In the absence of BH 4 , these enzymes become uncoupled, fail to produce nitric oxide, and begin to produce superoxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). BH 4 levels are modulated by a complex biosynthetic pathway, salvage enzymes, and by oxidative degradation. The enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase-1 catalyzes the first step in the de novo synthesis of BH 4 and new evidence shows that this enzyme is regulated by phosphorylation, which reduces its interaction with its feedback regulatory protein (GFRP). In the setting of a variety of common diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes, reactive oxygen species promote oxidation of BH 4 and inhibit expression of the salvage enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), promoting accumulation of BH 2 and NOS uncoupling. There is substantial interest in therapeutic approaches to increasing tissue levels of BH 4 , largely by oral administration of this agent. BH 4 treatment has proved effective in decreasing atherosclerosis, reducing blood pressure, and preventing complications of diabetes in experimental animals. While these basic studies have been very promising, there are only a few studies showing any effect of BH 4 therapy in humans in treatment of these common problems. Whether BH 4 or related agents will be useful in treatment of human diseases needs additional study.
Methods for deriving pesticide aquatic life criteria for sediments.

Sediments represent an integral component of aquatic ecosystems that provide habitat and food sources for aquatic life. Although many international and local governments have regulations in place to protect aquatic life, the majority of these are focused on or are based upon criteria for conserving water quality, and these have been in place for many years. After release to the aqueous environment, however, various organic chemicals tend to accumulate in sediments, where they may cause toxicity to aquatic life, even when water quality criteria (WQC) are met. Sediments comprise a complex medium and pose unique challenges for those who would like to develop single numeric concentrations below which aquatic life is protected. Currently, no official US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methods or other agreed upon approaches are available in the United States for generating such sediment quality criteria (SQC).
The Behavior of Austenite During Hot Rolling

ABSTRACT A study of the hot rolling behavior of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel has been conducted. Of particular interest in this study was the origin of the equiaxed grams that resulted from high temperature rolling. A thorough investigation of the microstructure of hot rolled specimens was made. The microstructures were characterized using optical and transmission electron metallography as well as x-ray pole figures. The results of these experiments indicate that dynamic recrystallization is the mechanism responsible for the equiaxed grains that result from high temperature rolling.
Assured deep learning: practical defense against adversarial attacks

Deep Learning (DL) models have been shown to be vulnerable to adversarial attacks. In light of the adversarial attacks, it is critical to reliably quantify the confidence of the prediction in a neural network to enable safe adoption of DL models in autonomous sensitive tasks (e.g., unmanned vehicles and drones). This article discusses recent research advances for unsupervised model assurance against the strongest adversarial attacks known to date and quantitatively compare their performance. Given the widespread usage of DL models, it is imperative to provide model assurance by carefully looking into the feature maps automatically learned within D1 models instead of looking back with regret when deep learning systems are compromised by adversaries.
Overview of complications of acute and chronic myocardial infarctions: revisiting pathogenesis and cross-sectional imaging

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the leading contributors to overall mortality and morbidity in the modern world, even with recent advances in medicine. Various complications can arise following an MI, particularly with delayed or inadequate treatment. Even though many of these complications are uncommon, they can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Some of these complications can be diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic evaluation. Other times, however, cardiac MR and multidetector CT are necessary in their diagnosis and proper evaluation. Accurate detection of these complications is an important aspect of optimising prompt and effective patient care, leading to better clinical outcomes. It is the goal of this article to review the role of cross-sectional imaging in patients with post-MI as well as the characteristic imaging findings and differential diagnosis of common and uncommon complications of MI.
Media coverage and firearm acquisition in the aftermath of a mass shooting

With an alarming frequency, the United States is experiencing mass shooting events, which often result in heated public debates on firearm control. Whether such events play any role in recent dramatic increases in firearm prevalence remains an open question. This study adopts an information-theoretic framework to analyse the complex interplay between the occurrence of a mass shooting, media coverage on firearm control policies and firearm acquisition at both national and state levels. Through the analysis of time series from 1999 to 2017, we identify a correlation between the occurrence of a mass shooting and the rate of growth in firearm acquisition. More importantly, a transfer entropy analysis pinpoints media coverage on firearm control policies as a potential causal link in a Wiener–Granger sense that establishes this correlation. Our results demonstrate that media coverage may increase public worry about more stringent firearm control and partially drive increases in firearm prevalence. Porfiri et al. show that firearm acquisitions in the United States increase with mass shootings, and this growth may be driven by anticipation of stricter regulations as media coverage about gun control increases with shooting events.
Basic Calculus: From Archimedes to Newton to Its Role in Science. By Alexander J. Hahn

(2000). Basic Calculus: From Archimedes to Newton to Its Role in Science. By Alexander J. Hahn. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 107, No. 4, pp. 378-384.
Alcohol Use and Harm to Children by Parents and Other Adults.

This study used mixed methods to examine parent-reported harm to children (lack of supervision or physical harm) due to alcohol use by themselves or someone else as well as parent beliefs about alc...
Parallel system utilization in weak link analysis

Parallel subsystems within operational systems can improve system reliability, especially in areas of the system which are or may become weak links. The basic modes of operation of parallel systems include backup, operation under exceptional conditions, and functioning on a compare-for-equal basis to facilitate output quality. A parallel system classification scheme is presented as well as a description of a database which ties parallel subsystems to their corre­ sponding operational systems. The database can assist the manager in identifying and analyz­ ing weak links anywhere in the organization to determine where parallel subsystems can best improve overall system reliability. INTRODUCTION The purpose of parallel systems is to enhance the reliability of the overall system by serving as back ups, operating under exceptional circumstances, or being integrated into the quality assurance function. Parallel systems, if implemented in a cost-effective manner, can enhance overall organizational effectiveness by bolstering v/eak links, which are subsystems that would improve overall system reliability if they were supplemented. Parallel systems abound in everyday life and occur when two or more subsystems are capable of performing a similar function. An automobile spare tire, for instance, functions as a parallel system for each of the four tires. Backing up computer files by copying them from a hard disk to media such as tape, diskette, or second hard disk is another example. This parallel system requires periodic updating because files are continuously being created and modified. A third example is an outboard motor on a sail boat. The motor can be used while the boat is under sail to maintain a certain speed, when the wind is insufficient, or to maintain greater control of the boat over short distances, such as in docking. Production and operation systems have a plethora of parallel systems. A machine may serve on a standby basis in the event that other machines either unexpectedly break down or are receiving preventive maintenance. In other situations a parallel system might consist of personnel who are cross-trained in the event that the machine or individuals performing a given operation need to be replaced or supplemented. Parallel systems can also be used as part of a quality
Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: Twenty years of surgical and medical management at a tertiary referral center.

430Background: Malignant melanoma of the female urethra accounts for less than 1% of all melanoma and less than 4% of urethral cancer. Due to limited data regarding management and outcomes of this ...