cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNA-binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases

Gene expression is regulated at many levels, including after generation of the primary RNA transcript from DNA but before translation into protein. Such post-translational gene regulation occurs via the action of a multitude of RNA binding proteins and include varied actions from splicing to regulation of association with the translational machinery. Primary evidence that such processes might contribute to disease mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders comes from the observation of mutations in RNA binding proteins, particularly in diseases in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia spectrum and in some forms of ataxia and tremor. The bulk of evidence from recent surveys of the types of RNA species that are affected in these disorders suggests a global deregulation of control rather than a very small number of RNA species, although why some groups of neurons are sensitive to these changes is not well understood. Overall, these data suggest that neurodegeneration can be initiated by mutations in RNA binding proteins and, as a corollary, that neurons are particularly sensitive to loss of control of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Such observations have implications not only for understanding the nature of neurodegenerative disorders but also how we might intervene therapeutically in these diseases. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1397. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1397 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Historical Changes in the Demographics of Inventors in the United States

Who invents? This is a central question to understanding possible barriers to entry in the innovation process. To address it, we match the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents from 1870 to 1940 to the corresponding U.S. Federal Population Censuses. This matching procedure provides a rich set of demographic information on a comprehensive set of inventors. We first document that patentees over this seventy year period are more likely to be older, white, male and to be living in a state other than the one in which they were born. These patterns are very persistent over space and time. We then attempt to identify correlates of the demographics of patentees focusing on county-level economic and demographic characteristics. Beyond the most obvious, such as the fraction of a particular demographic group in that county, very little explains differences in the demographics of inventors across counties. We then examine two historical institutions that differentially affected particular demographic groups. For blacks, we consider historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and for women, state-level extension of the franchise. We find some evidence that HBCUs differentially increased black patenting rates while the extension of the franchise did not seem to have an effect for the representation of women amongst inventors.
Historia transnacional y comparada. Pensando en el yo y en los otros

This paper reflects on the traditional model of history of education, very focused on the document and the archive, and suggests a metatheory of the history of education based on the transnational and comparative dimension. The base of reflection is the community of historians of education in the USA, but the reflection reaches universally the entire scientific community, promoting a transnational and comparative reading of historical studies on the school and educational systems around the world.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Hydration and Swelling of Mixed-Layer Clays

Swelling of clay minerals is important to a broad class of problems in science and engineering. While the problem has been extensively studied experimentally, past molecular modeling of the phenome...
Design considerations for a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA)-based PET isotope generator

Purpose Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging remains limited due to the cost associated with on-site production of short half-life, positron-emitting isotopes. In this work, we examine the use of a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA) to accelerate protons for single-dose PET isotope production. Methods Time-domain electromagnetic field and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations were performed for a 1.5-m PLIA structure modeled in CST Microwave Studio and Particle Studio software. Scaled measurements from a kV ramp-pulse generator were incorporated into the simulations to accelerate a 1 A, 50 ns proton beam injected with initial kinetic energy of 100 keV. A uniform, 3 T, solenoidal magnetic field was used to provide external beam focusing. Electromagnetic fields and particle phase space were recorded with ns resolution for subsequent analysis. Results Applying a scaled 100 kV, 20 ns ramped voltage pulse to the PLIA input resulted in a travelling electric field wave inside the structure with accelerating gradient of 2.4 MV/m. The observed wave speed was 1.2 × 107 m/s and is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Phase space monitors showed both acceleration and bunching of the proton beam, with a maximum kinetic energy of 2.5 MeV, observed at the exit of the single PLIA stage. Evaluation of beam position monitors at different locations in the accelerator showed bunch compression and minimal beam divergence, illustrating that the 3 T field is adequate to contain the beam over the length of the PLIA structure. Conclusion Simulations performed in this work demonstrate the feasibility of using a PLIA structure to accelerate protons with MV/m level gradients. Combining several PLIA stages in series could allow for a low-cost accelerator suitable for dose-on-demand PET isotope production.
A novel coupled fluid-behavior model for simulating dynamic huddle formation

A coupled numerical model is developed to examine aggregative behavior in instances where the behavior not only responds to the environment, but the environment responds to the behavior such as fish schooling and penguin huddling. In the coupled model, the full Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the wind field using a finite difference method (FDM), and coupled to a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model adapted to simulate animal behavior (penguins are individual particles in the SPH). We use the model to examine the dynamics of penguin huddling as a purely individual fitness maximizing behavior. SPH is a mesh-free Lagrangian method driven by local interactions between neighboring fluid particles and their environment allowing particles to act as free ranging ‘animals’ unconstrained by a computational grid that implicitly interact with one another (a critical element of aggregative behavior). The coupled model is recomputed simultaneously as the huddle evolves over time to update individual particle positions, redefine the properties of the developing huddle (i.e., shape and density), and adjust the wind field flowing through and around the dynamic huddle. This study shows the ability of a coupled model to predict the dynamic properties of penguin huddling, to quantify biometrics of individual particle “penguins”, and to confirm communal penguin huddling behavior as an individualistic behavior.
Clinical Trials for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is a non-obligatory precursor to invasive breast carcinoma, with a variable natural history and biological potential for progression to invasive disease. Over the past 30 years, clinical trials have applied the therapeutic principles used for invasive carcinoma to treat DCIS (surgery, with or without breast radiotherapy, and post-operative endocrine therapy), with excellent survival outcomes, and in-breast recurrence rates that range from 0.5 to 1% annually. However, half of such recurrences are again in-situ lesions, and intensive therapy is likely not necessary for all patients. Current clinical research is focused on a better characterization of the potential of individual lesions to progress to invasive disease, and to identify women who would do well with lesser treatment. Three ongoing trials in the United States and Europe randomize women to active surveillance (with or without endocrine therapy) versus usual treatment with surgery and radiotherapy. The use of pre-operative endocrine therapy has been evaluated in a recently completed trial of letrozole use in postmenopausal women with DCIS; and in on-going trials of tamoxifen, used either orally, or as a 4-hydroxytamoxifen gel formulation for application to the breast skin. This review summaries the major past and current clinical trials of DCIS, and the likely trajectories of DCIS management in the near future.
Femtosecond pulse compression using a neural-network algorithm

A key requirement for femtosecond spectroscopy measurements is to compress the laser pulse to its transform-limited duration. In particular, for few-cycle laser pulses, the compression process is time-consuming using conventional algorithms that converge statistically. Here we show that machine learning can accelerate the process of pulse compression: we have developed an adaptive neural-network algorithm to control a deformable-mirror–based pulse shaper that converges 100× faster than a standard evolutionary algorithm.
Effective Engineering Information Literacy Instruction: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate effective methods of teaching information literacy to engineering undergraduate students. The authors searched several databases (e.g., Compendex, Scopus, ERIC) for English language studies published between January 2000 and January 2016 that contained both an information literacy intervention for engineering undergraduate students and an assessment method for evaluating the intervention's effectiveness. Thirteen studies were included in the final data set, of which eleven studies reported effective results based largely upon descriptive statistical analysis. The strongest indicator of effectiveness that emerged in the data was collaboration with disciplinary faculty. With few articles in the final results set containing inferential statistics, the authors were only able to draw limited conclusions regarding effectiveness. The low use of such statistical methods highlights a need for librarian researchers to develop skills with research design and statistical analysis. This study is one of few systematic reviews on the topic of information literacy and the first systematic review on engineering information literacy effectiveness. It intends to serve as a baseline for future work.
STEAM through Culturally Relevant Teaching and Storytelling.

When we think of humane and liberating classrooms in which every learner is recognized and sustained in his or her struggle to learn that we can perceive the insufficiency of bureaucratized uncarin...
Cause of Ascending Aortic Dilatation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valves: The Final Link.

Background This article discusses about the cause of dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients with congenitally bicuspid aortic valves (CBAVs). Some members of the profession believe that it is genetic, while others attribute it to turbulence. The author previously presented in vitro data proving that CBAVs are inherently morphological stenotic, even in the absence of measurable gradient and clinical symptoms. This article reinforces the view that the dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients with CBAV represents a “poststenotic dilatation” by demonstrating that the structure of the aortic wall is normal in infants who have CBAV as a sole cardiac anomaly. Methods The aortic wall was studied in newborns who had CBAV as the sole cardiovascular anomaly and in those where CABV was associated with other inborn cardiovascular defects. Results We found that in patients where CBAV is the sole cardiovascular anomaly, aortic structure is normal at birth, but abnormal if additional cardiovascular anomalies are present. Conclusions Dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients, where CBAV is the only cardiovascular anomaly, is caused by turbulence (poststenotic dilatation). If additional cardiovascular anomalies are present, this process may be exaggerated by genetic abnormalities of the aortic wall.
Highly Solvating Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

There is a critical need to evaluate lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries with practically relevant high sulfur loadings and minimal electrolyte. Under such conditions, the concentration of soluble polysulfide intermediates in the electrolyte drastically increases, which can alter the fundamental nature of the solution-mediated discharge and thereby the total sulfur utilization. In this work, we present an investigation into various high donor number (DN) electrolytes that allow for increased polysulfide dissolution, and demonstrate how this property may in fact be necessary for increasing sulfur utilization at low electrolyte and high loading conditions. The solvents dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and 1-methylimidazole are holistically evaluated against dimethoxyethane as electrolyte co-solvents in Li-S cells, and they are used to investigate chemical and electrochemical properties of polysulfide species at both dilute and practically relevant conditions. The nature of speciation exhibited by lithium polysulfides is found to vary significantly between these concentrations, particularly in regards to the S3•- species. Furthermore, the extent of the instability in conventional electrolyte solvents and high DN solvents with both lithium metal and polysulfides is thoroughly investigated. These studies establish a basis for future efforts into rationally designing an optimal electrolyte for a lean electrolyte, high energy density Li-S battery.
Depression, food insecurity and diabetic morbidity: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study.

Abstract Objective This study examined whether diabetic morbidity mediates the relationship of food insecurity with depression among older adults with diabetes. Methods Data came from the 2010–2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study and analyses were limited to respondents with diabetes (n = 2951). Depression was indexed by the 8-item Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Weighted logistic regression was used to examine relationships of food insecurity and diabetic morbidity with depressive symptoms, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Path analysis quantified the contribution of diabetic morbidity as a mediation of the relationship of food insecurity with depressive symptoms. Results Food insecurity was associated with having poor diabetes control (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–2.5) and diabetes-related kidney problems (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.5). Additionally, food insecurity was associated with depression contemporaneously (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.7–2.4) and longitudinally (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.8). However, food insecurity was no longer associated with depression when adjusting for diabetic morbidity. In path analyses, diabetic morbidity explained 12.7% (p-value = .04) of the association of food insecurity with depressive symptoms in 2012 and 18.5% (p-value = .09) of the association with depressive symptoms in 2014. Conclusion The relationship of food insecurity with depression was attributable to worse diabetes morbidity. Interventions that reduce food insecurity among older adults with diabetes may improve disease management and reduce depression severity.
Identifying e-books authored by faculty: a method for scoping the digital collection and curating a list

Electronic books are a substantial component of many academic libraries. Many libraries aim to make their collections easily discoverable through curated lists. The authors’ library devised a methodology to identify and flag all e-books authored by our institution’s faculty using MARCEdit and Microsoft Access. We highlight some of the challenges in gathering a comprehensive list of titles, the process of formulating such a list, and the measures needed to actively curate e-books by faculty for both content already in the collection and newly published titles.
Breast MRI screening for average-risk women: A monte carlo simulation cost-benefit analysis.

Background Screening high-risk women for breast cancer with MRI is cost-effective, with increasing cost-effectiveness paralleling increasing risk. However, for average-risk women cost is considered a major limitation to mass screening with MRI. Purpose To perform a cost-benefit analysis of a simulated breast cancer screening program for average-risk women comparing MRI with mammography. Study type Population simulation study. Population/subjects Five million (M) hypothetical women undergoing breast cancer screening. Field strength/sequence Simulation based primarily on Kuhl et al8 study utilizing 1.5T MRI with an axial bilateral 2D multisection gradient-echo dynamic series (repetition time / echo time 250/4.6 msec; flip angle, 90°) with a full 512 × 512 acquisition matrix and a sensitivity encoding factor of two, performed prior to and four times after bolus injection of 0.1 mmol of gadobutrol per kg of body weight (Gadovist; Bayer, Germany). An axial T2 -weighted fast spin-echo sequence with identical anatomic parameters was also included. Assessment A Monte Carlo simulation utilizing Medicare reimbursement rates to calculate input variable costs was developed to compare 5M women undergoing breast cancer screening with either triennial MRI or annual mammography, 2.5M in each group, over 30 years. Statistical tests Expected recall rates, BI-RADS 3, BI-RADS 4/5 cases and cancer detection rates were determined from published literature with calculated aggregate costs including resultant diagnostic/follow-up imaging and biopsies. Results Baseline screening of 2.5M women with breast MRI cost $1.6 billion (B), 3× higher than baseline mammography screening ($0.54B). With subsequent screening, MRI screening is more cost-effective than mammography screening in 24 years ($13.02B vs. $13.03B). MRI screening program costs are largely driven by cost per MRI exam ($549.71). A second simulation model was performed based on MRI Medicare reimbursement trends using a lower MRI cost ($400). This yielded a cost-effective benefit compared to mammography screening in less than 6 years ($3.41B vs. $3.65B), with over a 22% cost reduction relative to mammography screening in 12 years and reaching a 38% reduction in 30 years. Data conclusion Despite higher initial cost of a breast MRI screening program for average-risk women, there is ultimately a cost savings over time compared with mammography. This estimate is conservative given cost-benefit of additional/earlier breast cancers detected by breast MRI were not accounted for. Level of evidence 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Is Partnership Intensity or Density More Effective

AbstractCurrent scholarship identifies benefits to both quality of partnerships and extensiveness of networks when managing shared policy goals. However, with limited collaborative capacity, many p...
Using the Black–Litterman Model: A View on Opinions

We provide evidence on using the Black–Litterman (1991, 1992) asset allocation model and show that if investors form even partially correct opinions on small-cap and emerging market stocks, portfolio performance would have improved vis-a-vis no opinions. For the period 20006–2011, we show that the Black–Litterman expected returns for large-cap US stocks, the EAFE index, and the Bloomberg Barclays US aggregate bond index are highly correlated with future five-year returns in each of those assets. Expected returns on US small-cap and emerging market stocks have a low correlation with future returns. If an opinion was only partially correct on the latter assets, the resulting portfolios would have outperformed a market-cap-weighted benchmark portfolio. Thus, we conclude that investors may benefit more from investing resources in forming opinions on the future direction of small-cap and emerging market stocks relative to large-cap stocks.
Effects of different moisture and temperature levels on Salmonella survival in poultry fat

Fat products have been historically thought to have too low water activity to harbor pathogens. However, it has been recently reported that high moisture levels in fats may lead to Salmonella presence and growth. Limited research on strategies to eliminate pathogens in these environments is available, and the mechanisms contributing to microbial presence and growth are not yet well understood. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of moisture levels and storage temperatures on the growth and survival of Salmonella in poultry fat. Samples were stored for 7 d at 48°C or 76°C and remaining Salmonella was evaluated. When poultry fat was challenged with a wet high inoculum, more than a 4 log CFU/mL difference in Salmonella population was observed with 1% and 3% moisture levels at 48°C after 5 d (P 0.05) were observed when samples were tested with a wet low inoculum. Counts below detectable limits were observed after 24 h in samples challenged at 76°C, regardless of inoculum level. When poultry fat was stored at 48°C and inoculated with low levels of Salmonella spp., bacterial growth was influenced only by time (P 0.05) by moisture level. However, when poultry fat was stored at 48°C and inoculated with high levels of Salmonella spp., bacterial decrease was easier (P < 0.05) in samples containing greater moisture. This research suggests that residual moisture in containers during transportation of poultry fat largely does not affect Salmonella spp. growth.
Advancing electrodeionization with conductive ionomer binders that immobilize ion-exchange resin particles into porous wafer substrates

Electrodeionization (EDI) is an electrically driven separations technology that employs ion-exchange membranes and resin particles. Deionization occurs under the influence of an applied electric field, facilitating continuous regeneration of the resins and supplementing ionic conductivity. While EDI is commercially used for ultrapure water production, material innovation is required for improving desalination performance and energy efficiency for treating alternative water supplies. This work reports a new class of ion-exchange resin-wafers (RWs) fabricated with ion-conductive binders that exhibit exceptional ionic conductivities—a 3–5-fold improvement over conventional RWs that contain a non-ionic polyethylene binder. Incorporation into an EDI stack (RW-EDI) resulted in an increased desalination rate and reduced energy expenditure compared to the conventional RWs. The water-splitting phenomenon was also investigated in the RW in an external experimental setup in this work. Overall, this work demonstrates that ohmic resistances can be substantially curtailed with ionomer binder RWs at dilute salt concentrations.
SNP-based heritability and genetic architecture of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador Retrievers

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is one of the leading causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. About 6% of Labrador Retrievers suffer from this orthopedic problem. The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of CCLR in this breed using SNP array genotyping data. DNA samples were collected from CCLR-affected dogs (n = 190) and unaffected dogs over the age of 8 years (n = 143). All 333 dogs were genotyped directly or imputed up to approximately 710k SNPs on the Affymetrix Axiom CanineHD SNP array. Heritability of CCLR was calculated using multiple methodologies, including linear mixed models, Bayesian models and a model that incorporates LD. The covariates of sex and sterilization status were added to each analysis to assess their impact. Across the algorithms of these models, heritability ranged from 0.550 to 0.886, depending on covariate inclusion. The relatively high heritability for this disease indicates that a substantial genetic component contributes to CCLR in the Labrador Retriever.
Efficacy of a Fungal Biopesticide for Bed Bug Management Is Influenced by the Toxicity and Associated Behavioral Avoidance of Harborages on Insecticide-Impregnated Box Spring Covers

Bed bugs spend most of their lives hiding in harborages, usually in the seams of mattresses and box springs and in crevices of bed frames. For insecticidal products that target these shelters, the repellency of the products for bed bugs may influence their duration of contact. Bed bugs are known to avoid contacting surfaces treated with certain insecticides. The fungal biopesticide Aprehend contains spores of the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana. It is sprayed around bed frames, box springs, and furniture where bed bugs are likely to walk, which includes potential shelters. Here, I investigated the influence of a permethrin-impregnated cover, ActiveGuard, on bed bug sheltering behavior and the effectiveness of combining ActiveGuard with Aprehend. Bed bugs avoided harboring in a shelter constructed with ActiveGuard compared to a nontoxic encasement-type cover. This avoidance behavior reduced mortality induced by ActiveGuard shelters compared to forced continuous contact on the ActiveGuard cover. However, while bed bugs also avoided Aprehend-treated ActiveGuard shelters, the combined treatment induced almost complete mortality and more quickly than Aprehend-treated shelters made of the encasement-type cover. This suggests compatibility between the two integrated pest management (IPM) tools even though the bed bug's avoidance behavior would suggest otherwise. Since Aprehend is highly effective against pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs, its use would provide more effective control where bed bug populations are more resistant to the permethrin-impregnated cover.
Difficult-to-Localize Epilepsy After Stereoelectroencephalography: Technique, Safety, and Efficacy of Placing Additional Electrodes During the Same Admission.

Background Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is used to identify the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients with epilepsy for potential surgical intervention. Occasionally, the EZ is difficult to localize even after an SEEG implantation. Objective To demonstrate a safe technique for placing additional electrodes in ongoing SEEG evaluations. Describe efficacy, complications, and surgical outcomes. Methods An operative technique which involves maintaining previously placed electrodes and sterilely placing new electrodes was developed and implemented. All patients who underwent placement of additional SEEG electrodes during the same admission were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 14 patients met criteria and had undergone SEEG evaluation with 198 electrodes implanted. A total 93% of patients (13/14) had nonlesional epilepsy. After unsuccessful localization of the EZ after a mean of 9.6 d of monitoring, each patient underwent additional placement of electrodes (5.5 average electrodes per patient) to augment the original implantation. At no point did any patients develop new hemorrhage, infection, wound breakdown, or require any kind of additional antimicrobial treatment. A total 64% (9/14) of patients were able to undergo surgery aimed at removing the EZ guided by the additional SEEG electrodes. A total 44% (4/9) of surgical patients had Engel class I outcomes at an average follow-up time of 11 mo. Conclusion Placing additional SEEG electrodes, while maintaining the previously placed electrodes, appears to be safe, effective, and had no infectious complications. When confronted with difficult-to-localize epilepsy even after invasive monitoring, it appears to be safe and potentially clinically effective to place additional electrodes during the same admission.
Stem cell-laden hydrogel bioink for generation of high resolution and fidelity engineered tissues with complex geometries

Abstract Recently, 3D bioprinting has been explored as a promising technology for biomedical applications with the potential to create complex structures with precise features. Cell encapsulated hydrogels composed of materials such as gelatin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, alginate and polyethylene glycol have been widely used as bioinks for 3D bioprinting. However, since most hydrogel-based bioinks may not allow rapid stabilization immediately after 3D bioprinting, achieving high resolution and fidelity to the intended architecture is a common challenge in 3D bioprinting of hydrogels. In this study, we have utilized shear-thinning and self-healing ionically crosslinked oxidized and methacrylated alginates (OMAs) as a bioink, which can be rapidly gelled by its self-healing property after bioprinting and further stabilized via secondary crosslinking. It was successfully demonstrated that stem cell-laden calcium-crosslinked OMA hydrogels can be bioprinted into complicated 3D tissue structures with both high resolution and fidelity. Additional photocrosslinking enables long-term culture of 3D bioprinted constructs for formation of functional tissue by differentiation of encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells.
Teacher perspectives of self-efficacy and remote learning due to the emergency school closings of 2020

The K-12 Spring 2020 COVID-19 school closures saw teachers move into an online learning environment, and use their knowledge of technology, pedagogy, and content (TPACK) to develop online learning ...
Effects of multifunctional plant rhizosphere promoting bacteria on maize growth in black soil areas in Northeast China

The application of microbial fertilizer plays an important role in improving soil restoration and fertilizer utilization. The effects of microbial fertilizer are greatly affected by crop genotypes and ecological conditions. Little is known about the effects of microbial fertilizers on maize production in Northeast China. To develop microbial fertilizer specific to the black soil and the climate characteristics of Northeast China, we isolated five plant rhizosphere-promoting bacteria (PGPR), named as MZ1, MZ2, MZ3, MZ4 and MZ5, with different degrees of biological functions such as IAA synthesis, phosphate-solubilizing, potassium-solubilizing and siderophore-releasing, from the rhizosphere of maize field. The analysis of ecological adaptability showed that those five strains differed in salt resistance, drought tolerance, acid and alkali resistance, pesticide resistance. The 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis showed that the strains MZ1, MZ2, MZ3, MZ4 and MZ5 belonged to the genus of Sphingomonas, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Rhizobium, respectively. In maize field experiment with 50% nitrogen fertilizer reduction, the inoculation with MZ1, MZ3 and MZ5 increased grain yield by 19.9%-25.0%. MZ1, MZ3, and MZ5 could be used as microbial fertilizers for maize in Northeast China.
Structural mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition by ruthenium red and econazole.

TRPV6 is a calcium-selective ion channel implicated in epithelial Ca2+ uptake. TRPV6 inhibitors are needed for the treatment of a broad range of diseases associated with disturbed calcium homeostasis, including cancers. Here we combine cryo-EM, calcium imaging, and mutagenesis to explore molecular bases of human TRPV6 inhibition by the antifungal drug econazole and the universal ion channel blocker ruthenium red (RR). Econazole binds to an allosteric site at the channel’s periphery, where it replaces a lipid. In contrast, RR inhibits TRPV6 by binding in the middle of the ion channel’s selectivity filter and plugging its pore like a bottle cork. Despite different binding site locations, both inhibitors induce similar conformational changes in the channel resulting in closure of the gate formed by S6 helices bundle crossing. The uncovered molecular mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition can guide the design of a new generation of clinically useful inhibitors. TRPV6 is a calcium-selective ion channel that is involved in numerous calcium-dependent physiological processes and it is of interest as a potential drug target. Here, the authors present the cryo-EM structures of human TRPV6 with the bound inhibitors ruthenium red and the antifungal drug econazole and discuss their inhibition mechanisms.
On the Influence of Resonant States on Ballistic Transport in Open Quantum Dots: Spectroscopy and Tunneling in the Presence of Multiple Conducting Channels

A fundamental issue in quantum mechanics concerns the manner in which the discrete level spectrum of an isolated system is modified when it is coupled to some external, macroscopic measuring environment. From an experimental perspective, an ideal system for the study of this issue is provided by semiconductor quantum dots, which are quasi-zero dimensional semiconductor structures in which the flow of electrical current is confined on length scales comparable to the size of the electron itself [1]. The key components of a quantum dot are illustrated schematically in Fig. 6.1(a), in which the basic idea is that current flow between the macroscopic source and drain reservoirs is forced to occur via a central cavity.
Commentary on Hubar JS, Carr RF. Computed Dental Radiography Used to Reproduce Antemortem Film Position. J Forensic Sci 1999 Mar; 44(2):401–4

Commentary on Hubar JS, Carr RF. Computed dental radiography used to reproduce antemortem film position. J Forensic Sci 1999 Mar; 44(2):401–4
Heroes of 1974

I never actually saw her, but in my mind she was X-rated, a cartoon figure straight out of Playboy or Fritz the Cat?tiny waist, boobs swelling from a pink sweater, a look that said, Meeeow. She had a car to go with the flashy boobs, too, a yellow Mustang that gleamed like a huge piece of sugar-coated candy. The Mustang was real. It stood parked for all the world to see, at a motel on Route 44, next to my father's C?maro. His girlfriend's name was Tina: ridiculous, because my mother was Gina, and leaving Gina for Tina sounded like a game. And in a way it was. Somewhere in America, a giant round of mari tal musical chairs had begun, and by 1974 it had reached Hartford, Connecticut. Anyone could get up and switch lives for any reason, even boobs and a shiny car. For two months my father lived at the Royal Motel. Then one day he and Tina were gone?off to California, where her car made sense.
CRACKING THE CORNFIELDS: Recruiting Illicit Stimulant Drug Users in Rural Ohio

This article describes the process of recruiting research subjects for a natural history study of illicit stimulant use in rural Ohio using respondent-driven sampling and ethnographic methods. Participant observation, qualitative interviews, and focus groups were used to establish the project and to evaluate and modify the sampling process as it unfolded. We outline the steps taken in several different rural counties, using ethnographic data to illustrate local differences and obstacles that were faced. The article concludes that respondent-driven sampling is a promising method for identifying and recruiting members of hidden populations in rural areas. However, adequate time must be allotted to establish ethnographic footholds and to reach various networks in separate communities.
Inference for Classes of Processes

This chapter is devoted to specific problems of inference for both the continuous and discrete indexed processes. The hypothesis testing, estimation and certain (unbiased) weighted prediction problems together with some calculations of likelihood ratios for processes are detailed. In the discrete indexed cases, an analysis of the asymptotic properties of estimators for some classes is also given. Principles outlined in the preceding chapters on classical (finite sample) cases are utilized and improved upon for the types of processes considered. The sequential testing aspect is included with an extended treatment as it motivates solving several new and important questions using stopping times, both in probability and inference theories. Processes defined by difference equations and estimation problems for their parameters are also treated. These indicate the depth and a feeling for the general theory. This chapter contains an essential and important part of analysis studied in the present work. Various aspects of this study will be analyzed in greater detail for many specialized problems in the ensuing chapters, as they play key roles.
The Effect of Perfusate pH on Glutamine Metabolism in the Isolated Perfused Rat Liver

Abstract To elucidate the effect of perfusate pH on hepatic glutamine metabolism, livers were isolated from normal adult fed male Sprague-Dawley rats and perfused with diluted whole heparinized rat blood for 6 hours. With the aid of discontinuous infusion of appropriate solutions automatically regulated with a pH-stat, the perfusate pH was maintained at either 7.45 ± 0.05 (a normal physiological value) or at 7.15 ± 0.05 (a value corresponding to severe metabolic acidosis). Glutamine utilization was examined in two types of experiments designed to study the steady state utilization of uniformly labeled glutamine-14C-infused at a constant rate and the utilization of a single dose of uniformly labeled glutamine-14C with concomitant inhibition of glutamine synthesis by methionine sulfoximine. Livers perfused at pH 7.15 utilized one-half as much glutamine from a constant infusion as those perfused at pH 7.45. Production of 14CO2 and urea was also less at pH 7.15. With glutamine synthetase irreversibly inhibited by methionine sulfoximine, utilization of a single dose of uniformly labeled glutamine-14C indicated glutamine half-lives of 3.7 and 1.2 hours at pH 7.15 and pH 7.45, respectively. The pH dependence of glutamine synthesis from a continuous infusion of (NH4)2CO3 plus uniformly labeled glutamate-14C was examined; glutamine synthesis was greater at pH 7.45. The observed suppression of glutamine utilization at pH 7.15 is relatively greater than suppression of glutamine synthesis at that pH and could account for greater net hepatic synthesis of glutamine said to occur in acidosis in intact animals. In contrast to l-glutamine, uptake of l-glutamic acid by the isolated perfused liver occurred as readily at pH 7.15 as at pH 7.45 and there was no significant difference in per cent doses oxidized to 14CO2 or in urea synthesis. Additional comparative observations at both values of perfusate pH were made on urea synthesis, glucose metabolism, lactate formation, and the oxidation-reduction state of the liver.
Molecular insights into eukaryotic chemotaxis.

Many cells display directed migration toward specific compounds. The best-studied eukaryotic models of chemotaxis are polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which respond to formylated peptides and Dictyostelium amoebas, which respond to extracellular cAMP. In both cell types, chemoattractants bind to surface receptors that contain seven transmembrane domains and interact with G proteins. Some cells, such as fibroblasts, undergo chemotaxis toward compounds whose receptors lack this motif and transmit their signals by other mechanisms. The cytosolic changes elicited by chemoattractants include increased levels of cAMP, cGMP, inositol phosphates, and calcium. These changes are correlated with actin polymerization and other cytoskeletal events that result in preferential extension of pseudopods toward the chemoattractant. Dictyostelium cell lines in which specific genes have been disrupted have demonstrated the necessity of a cAMP receptor (cAR1) and a G protein alpha-subunit (G alpha 2) for responsiveness to cAMP. O...
Adrenal Gland in Vitamin E Deficiency LIPID PEROXIDATION AND MALONALDEHYDE PRODUCTION IN VITRO

Abstract Incubation of adrenal homogenates of tocopherol-deficient rats was shown to produce a compound which was identified as malonaldehyde. This product formed a pink color with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) which had the same absorption characteristics as authentic malonaldehyde-TBA complex. The malonaldehyde production in vitro as an index of lipid peroxidation, as tested by the TBA test, has been evaluated and compared in the various tissue homogenates of tocopherol-deficient and control rats. Lipid peroxidation in the liver homogenates of tocopherol-deficient rats reached a maximum level in 1 week. In contrast, the adrenal homogenates exhibited a progressive increase in lipid peroxidation in vitro from the 2nd to 7th week of tocopherol deprivation. The kinetic studies of lipid peroxidation reaction of adrenal homogenate during various stages of vitamin E deprivation indicated presence of a lag period in the early period of tocopherol deprivation which disappeared by 9th week of tocopherol deprivation. The extent of adrenal lipid peroxidation in vitro was about 10 times higher than in any other tissue tested. Diminution of adrenal ascorbate in the deficient group by stress, dialysis of the homogenate, or addition of ascorbic acid oxidase to the homogenate reduced lipid peroxidation in vitro. Malonaldehyde was not produced by either the particulate nor the supernatant fraction of the adrenal homogenate, but optimal amounts were formed by combining these two fractions. The ability of the supernantant fraction to catalyze formation of malonaldehyde (in the presence of adrenal particulate fraction) could be mimicked by ascorbic acid; this catalytic effect was abolished by addition of ascorbic acid oxidase. The content of adrenal ascorbate and percentage of individual fatty acids were similar in the two dietary groups at various stages of vitamin E deprivation. It is suggested that with gradual diminution of tocopherol, the high level of polyunsaturated lipids in the adrenal particulate matter, in the presence of high ascorbic acid in the adrenal supernatant solution, may contribute to the high lipid peroxidation in vitro in vitamin E-deficient rats.
The quantization effects of the CORDIC algorithm (coordinate rotation digital computer)

CORDIC is a rotation-based arithmetic computing algorithm which has many important signal processing applications. Quantization errors occurring in the CORDIC algorithm are analyzed. Two types of quantization errors in the CORDIC algorithm are identified: one is an approximation error due to a quantized representation of rotation angles; another is the rounding error due to finite-precision arithmetic. Tight error bounds for these two types of errors are derived for both fixed-point and floating-point arithmetic. The effect of scaling (normalization) has been taken into account. These theoretical results are verified by simulation examples. The impact of these results on the architecture of a practical CORDIC processor is discussed. >
Mandibular incisive canal: cone beam computed tomography.

Purpose: Panoramic radiography is often used to analyze the anatomical structure of the teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging allows multiple axial slices of the image to be obtained through these anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to assess CBCT compared with panoramic radiography to verify the presence, location, and dimensions of the mandibular incisive canal. Materials and Methods: CBCT scan images and panoramic radiographs of 89 subjects were compared for the presence of the mandibular incisive canal, its location, size, and anterior-posterior length. The distance between the incisive canal and the buccal and lingual plate of the alveolar bone, and the distance from the canal to the inferior border of the mandible and the tooth apex were also measured. A paired t-test was used to calculate any significant difference between the two imaging techniques. Results: Eighty-three percent of the CBCT scans showed the presence of the incisive canal, as did 11% of the panoramic radiographs. The range of the incisive canal diameter, as seen in the CBCT scans, was from 0.4 × 0.4 mm to 4.6 × 3.2 mm. The mean length of the canal was 7 ± 3.8 mm. The distance from the inferior border of the mandible to the canal was 10.2 ± 2.4 mm, and the mean distance to the buccal plate was 2.4 mm. The apex–canal distance (in dentate subjects) was 5.3 mm. Conclusion: The presence, location, and dimensions of the mandibular incisive canal are better determined by CBCT imaging than by panoramic radiography.
Developing consensus about groupthink after all these years

The groupthink model is evaluated in the context of the papers of this special issue. The major focus is on the basis for its impact and its scientific status. The groupthink perspective is seen as consistent with some other contributions to the groups literature. Interesting parallels between the groupthink and the brainstorming literature are noted. It is concluded that many of the issues raised by the groupthink model are worthy of further examination in a broad-based study of group decision processes.
EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT AND DEXAMETHASONE ON α1B-ADRENOCEPTOR MRNA IN RAT CAROTID ARTERY USING QUANTITATIVE COMPETITIVE RTPCR. † 1494

We have observed maturation of α1-adrenoceptor (AR) response over the first two weeks of life in isolated carotid arteries from rats. Carotid arteries from rats treated postnatally with dexamethasone have accelerated maturation of α1-AR response which is accompanied by an increase inα1A-AR mRNA. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in mRNA in a different α1-AR subtype, α1B, was responsible for the differences seen in isolated vessel responses. Pups were treated daily with dexamethsone(DEX) 0.4 μg/gm body weight or the same volume of saline from day of life(DOL) 2-4, carotid artery removed on DOL 4 and total RNA isolated. RNA was also obtained from carotid artery of rats on DOL 10. To determine quantitative differences between animal groups, a competitive template was constructed consisting of α1B-AR cDNA with 168bp DNA insertion. Oligonucleotide primers specific for α1B-AR gene were synthesized. PCR product was distinguished by expected appropriate size and unique restriction endonuclease cleavage. These data indicate that the increased response to phenylephrine with maturation or in dexamethasone-treated animals is not explained by a change in α1B-AR mRNA. The results suggest that the increased vessel contraction may be due to post-transcriptional effects on α1-AR subtypes or other changes in the signal transduction pathway.Table
Formation and properties of hemoglobin β2Aβ2S

Abstract 1. 1.|Hemoglobin β 2 A β 2 S was isolated by electrophoresis on starch granules from a mixture of β A-PHMB and β S-PHMB chains (sulfhydryl groups blocked with p -hydroxymercuribenzoate (PHMB)) which had been treated with cysteine to regenerate sulfhydryl groups. Evidence for the structure β 2 A β 2 S included an electrophoretic migration midway between β A and β S on starch gels, an s 20, w of 4.5 S, recovery of Hb A and Hb S after recombination with α chains, and recovery of β A-PHMB and β S-PHMB chains (identified by position on starch-gel electrophoresis) after treatment with PHMB. With available information it cannot be explained with certainty why Hb β 2 A β 2 S was recovered in the above manner but was not seen during hybridization of hemoglobins H and S at pH extremes. 2. 2.|Hemoglobin β 2 A β 2 S was stable: it did not dissociate spontaneously into β 4 A and β 4 S . On preliminary determination its oxygen equilibrium was similar to that of Hb H, and it did not form a complex with haptoglobin 1-1. 3. 3.|Unlike deoxyhemoglobin S( α 2 β 2 S ), deoxyhemoglobin β 2 A β 2 S had a solubility in concentrated phosphate buffer similar to that of Hb H and Hb A, and at a concentration of 37.4 g per 100 ml did not undergo gelation. Therefore, the presence of two β S chains in Hb tetramer was not a sufficient condition for the molecular aggregating properties seen with Hb S.