cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Arabidopsis Stomatal Density Mutants Indicates Variation in Water Stress Responses and Potential Epistatic Effects

Recent physiological analysis of Arabidopsis stomatal density (SD) mutants indicated that SD was not the major factor controlling aboveground biomass accumulation. Despite the general theory that plants with fewer stomata have limited biomass acquisition capabilities, epf1 and several other Arabidopsis mutants varied significantly in leaf fresh weight despite having similar stomatal numbers. The in- depth mechanisms controlling increased or decreased leaf area biomass remain undetermined. This work used calculations of SD, overnight water-loss, and LI6400XT measurements to reject the premise that SD is a primary factor controlling leaf biomass accumulation in Arabidopsis. With respect to our data, SD is not the primary factor influencing biomass accumulation in Arabidopsis epf1 mutants as it did not positively correlate to any of the physiological parameters examined. Further observation of morphological differences between the mutants hinted that additional pathways were interrupted when these mutants were generated. Each mutant examined showed a variation in physiological measurements despite SD. Many SD mutants also showed morphological abnormalities in addition to altered stomatal numbers. These phenotypes may indicate epistatic effects related to the mutation of SD genes in the studied mutants.
Erich Auerbach. Dante: Poet of the Secular World

La nueva edicion de la que dispone el lector de ingles reproduce virtualmente sin cambios la traduccion que Ralph Manheim hiciera para la primera edicion de 1961, publicada por The University of Chicago Press. La mas reciente, incluye una introduccion sintetica a cargo de Michael Dirda.
MAGNETIC MOLECULAR CHARGE TRANSFER COMPLEXES

Abstract The charge transfer complex [Fe(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 ] + ·[TCNE] − · unlike either [Co(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 ] + [TCNE] − · or [Fe(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 ] + ·[C 3 (CN) 5 ] − exhibits spontaneous magnetization in zero applied field and is a bulk ferromagnet. These three compounds possess the same structural motif, namely, linear chains of alternating cationic donors and anionic acceptors. The high temperature magnetic susceptibility obeys the Curie-Weiss expression with θ = +30, −1.0, and −1.2 K, respectively, and the latter pair of complexes possess weak antiferromagnetic coupling. The ferromagnet exhibits zero field Zeeman split 57 Fe Mossbauer spectra with an internal field of 425.6 kOe at 4.23 K.
Sodium cyanoborohydride: a reagent for selective reduction of the oxazolidine ring of C20-diterpenoid alkaloids

Abstract A very selective reduction of the oxazolidine ring of C 20 -diterpenoid alkaloid derivatives in the presence of other functional groups, e.g., an α,β unsaturated ketone or a simple ketone, has been achieved in almost quantitative yield using sodium cyanoborohydride.
Seedling Kentucky bluegrass growth responses to chelated iron and biostimulator materials

(...) Field experiments in the spring of 1988 were designed to measure seedling Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) growth responses to foliar applications of benzyladenine (BA, 6-benzylaminopurine), propiconazole [1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole], triadimefon [1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-butanone], or a fortified seaweed extract (SWE, containing 500 mg L −1 of glycol kinetin and 500 μg L −1 gibberellins) applied alone or in combination with chelated Fe (8% Fe-phosphate citrate). The seaweed extract (0.03 mL product m −2 ) significantly increased root and shoot growth 6 wk after treatment (WAT) in the spring experiment, and 4 and 6 WAT in the winter greenhouse experiment (...)
Design of multichip modules

The process and pitfalls of multichip module (MCM) design, including the constraints, tradeoffs, figures of merit, and considerations which make MCM design a unique interdisciplinary challenge are discussed. The MCM must provide the proper operating environment for the chips it contains. It must also fit the constraints of the system in which it is contained. It must be manufacturable, testable, and repairable. The many aspects of MCM design are described, starting with system benefits, then system and MCM partitioning, chip environment, system constraints, and infrastructure/manufacturing issues. >
Right ventricular rupture and tamponade caused by malposition of the Avalon cannula for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Placement of the Avalon Elite bicaval dual lumen cannula for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) via the internal jugular vein requires precise positioning of the cannula tip in the inferior vena cava with echocardiography or fluoroscopy guidance. Correct guidewire placement is clearly the key first step in assuring proper advancement of the cannula. We report a case of unexpected wire migration into the right ventricle at the time of final cannula advancement, resulting in right ventricular rupture and tamponade. Transesophageal echocardiography is an important monitoring modality for appropriate placement of the VV-ECMO guidewire and Avalon cannula, and in particular, for early identification of potential complications.
Clinical Training of MFTs for Adoption, Foster Care, and Child Development Settings: A Comparative Survey of CACREP, COAMFTE, and CSWE Accredited Programs

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are well prepared to work with clinical issues related to adoption, foster care, and child welfare. Yet, it is unclear how many MFTs see these as viable career opportunities, and it is also unclear if typical clinical training includes content in these areas. Surveys were sent to Commission for Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) clinical training programs to assess levels of training in three content areas: adoption, foster care, and child development. Results indicated that many graduates from COAMFTE accredited programs enter adoption and foster care work settings. Although COAMFTE graduates are well trained in child development, most MFTs, social workers, and counselors lack specific training in adoption and foster care. This study has curricular, funding, and mental health parity implications.
Effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen on renal function in the stressed kidney

Exercise, salt restriction, and/or dehydration causes transient reductions in renal function that may be buffered by vasodilatory prostaglandins (PGs). Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics have the po...
Differential scanning calorimetry studies of the cure of carbon fiber–epoxy composite prepregs†

Diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) cured tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) epoxies, whose cure reactions are accelerated by BF3:amine catalysts, are the most common composite matrices utilized in aerospace high performance, fibrous composites. To process reproducible composites requires an understanding of the cure reactions and how these reactions are modified by the BF3:amine catalysts. In this article we report systematic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of (i) the constituents of BF3:NH2C2H5-catalyzed TGDDM–DDS epoxies and their mixtures, (ii) the effect of BF3:NH2C2H5 concentration on the cure reactions, (iii) the nature of the catalyzed cure reactions, and (iv) the environmental sensitivity of the catalyst. DSC studies are also reported on the cure reaction characteristics and environmental sensitivity of commercial C fiber–TGDDM–DDS epoxy prepregs.
Molecular adaptations in catecholamine biosynthesis induced by cold stress and sympathectomy.

Chronic cold stress and chemical sympathectomy are known to increase the synthesis and release of catecholamines in the adrenal medulla. Chromaffin cells adapt to altered functional requirements by increasing the synthesis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying these changes in enzyme activity. Estimates of TH mRNA levels were obtained by RNA dotblot analysis with a cloned TH cDNA hybridization probe. Exposure to cold produced a 4.3-fold increase in the relative abundance of adrenomedullary TH mRNA. Increases in TH mRNA levels (90%) also were observed in the brainstem of cold-stressed animals. The relative amount of TH synthesized in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free system, programmed with adrenal poly (A) +RNA, increased 4.3 times in cold-stressed rats. Alteration in TH mRNA abundance appears to be specific, as we observed no significant difference in the levels of total RNA or poly(A) +RNA in this tissue. In addition, the relative abundance of adrenomedullary TH mRNA increased by 60% 4 days after systemic administration of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. This increase was transient and disappeared 2 weeks after the lesion. Changes in TH mRNA levels after cold stress or sympathectomy were eliminated by denervation of the adrenal gland. These results indicate that alterations in the relative abundance of TH mRNA mediate changes in TH activity induced by chronic stress or sympathectomy, and that these changes require an intact sympathetic input.
Irrigation water quality and ion balance in leaves of deciduous ornamental trees

Abstract In arid and semi‐arid regions, evaporation losses exceed replenishment from fresh water tributaries reducing water quality due to accumulation of salts. Increasing human demand for high‐quality waters has encouraged use of low‐quality, nonpotable water for landscape and agricultural irrigation. However, when used alone for irrigation, growth and appearance of some woody ornamentals are negatively impacted. To date, little is known of the impacts of low‐quality water on ion uptake and salt tolerance of most ornamental plants. Three replications of five deciduous ornamental trees were randomly planted and treated with three blended irrigation waters of high‐, medium‐, and low‐quality water [15, 80, and 120 mg sodium (Na) L1, respectively] in a split‐plot design. Leaf tissues were sampled on October 1996 and September 1997 and analyzed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Na, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The five tree species varied...
Using commodity hardware platform to develop and evaluate CSMA protocols

Developing and evaluating wireless protocols is challenging because it requires flexible network interface hardware, which is not readily available. In this paper, we present FlexMAC, a wireless protocol development and evaluation platform based on commodity hardware. FlexMAC targets CSMA wireless protocols and allows customization of functions such as backoff, retransmission, and packet timing. We describe our implementation of FlexMAC and quantify FlexMAC's precision for 802.11b compared with commercial hardware implementations. The results show that FlexMAC's performance is very close to that of hardware implementations. We also present two case studies that illustrate FlexMAC's flexibility: the use of opportunistic relaying to boost throughput and an investigation of temporal and throughput fairness. We found that FlexMAC is a useful tool for conducting 802.11-style protocol research.
A Moving Target: The Multiple Roles of CCR5 in Infectious Diseases

Fifteen years after the identification of HIV-1 as the etiologic agent of AIDS [1], the chemokine receptor CCR5 was identified as one of the major coreceptors for macrophage-tropic viruses, the key pathogenic strains in vivo [2]. This discovery was shortly followed by the identification of an HIV-resistant population who carried a 32-bp deletion within the coding sequence of CCR5 (CCR5A32) that results in a complete loss of function of the receptor in homozygous individuals [3, 4]. The CCR5A32 allele remains the most important genetic factor associated with host resistance to HIV-1 infection
The impact of glycemic control and diabetes mellitus on perioperative outcomes after total joint arthroplasty.

Background: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in people over the age of sixty years is expected to increase, the number of diabetic patients who undergo total hip and knee arthroplasty should be expected to increase accordingly. In general, patients with diabetes are at increased risk for adverse events following arthroplasty. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the quality of preoperative glycemic control affected the prevalence of in-hospital peri-operative complications following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty. Methods: From 1988 to 2005, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample recorded over 1 million patients who underwent joint replacement surgery. The present retrospective study compared patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (n = 3973), those with controlled diabetes mellitus (n = 105,485), and those without diabetes mellitus (n = 920,555) with regard to common surgical and systemic complications, mortality, and hospital course alterations. Additional stratification compared the effects of glucose control among patients with Type-I and Type-II diabetes. Glycemic control was determined by physician assessments on the basis of the American Diabetes Association guidelines with use of a combination of patient self-monitoring of blood-glucose levels, the hemoglobin A1c level, and related comorbidities. Results: Compared with patients with controlled diabetes mellitus, patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus had a significantly increased odds of stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 3.42; 95% confidence interval = 1.87 to 6.25; p < 0.001), urinary tract infection (adjusted odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval = 1.61 to 2.42; p < 0.001), ileus (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.67 to 3.64; p < 0.001), postoperative hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99; 95% confidence interval = 1.38 to 2.87; p < 0.001), transfusion (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.36; p = 0.011), wound infection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.36 to 3.81; p = 0.002), and death (adjusted odds ratio = 3.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.87 to 5.57; p < 0.001). Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus had a significantly increased length of stay (almost a full day) as compared with patients with controlled diabetes (p < 0.0001). All patients with diabetes had significantly increased inflation-adjusted postoperative charges when compared with nondiabetic patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Regardless of diabetes type, patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus exhibited significantly increased odds of surgical and systemic complications, higher mortality, and increased length of stay during the index hospitalization following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Subcutaneous Lidocaine Affects Inducibility in Programmed Electrophysiologic Testing of Children

Subcutaneous Lidocaine Affects Inducibility. A prospective study of 99 patients undergoing invasive electrophysiologic testing was conducted to determine whether the administration of lidocaine for local anesthesia influenced the inducibility of arrhythmias. Of the 99 patients, 42 had inducible arrhythmias. Multiple stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that the most important factor influencing inducibility was lidocaine dosage per weight, with a calculated cutoff of 3.2 mg/kg. There were 26/54 (48%) of patients who had no inducible arrhythmias below the cutoff, compared with 31/45 (69%) above the cutoff (P 3.2 mg/kg and serum concentration above 1.4 μg/mL (therapeutic range 1-5 μg/mL) 1 hour after administration, 18 had no inducible arrhythmias (86%). Younger, smaller patients were more affected (P 3.2 mg/kg or the serum concentration is > 1.4 μg/mL, failure to induce may be suspect.
The Relationship between Parent-Reported Social Support and Adherence to Medical Treatment in Families of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective To investigate the relationships between both mother-reported spousal support and social network support, and mother-adolescent diabetes-related conflict, discrepancies in decision-making autonomy (DDMA), and adolescent adherence to diabetes treatment. Method Fifty-one mothers of adolescents with IDDM completed self-report measures of social support, diabetes-related conflict, and adolescent autonomy for diabetes care. Analyses tested conflict and DDMA as mediators between mother-reported social support and adolescent adherence to treatment. Results Increased levels of mother–adolescent conflict were associated with poorer treatment adherence and both mother-reported diabetes-related conflict and DDMA predicted adolescents’ glycemic control. Higher levels of mother-reported spousal support were associated with less conflict and greater adherence to treatment. Sobel’s test indicated a statistical trend for conflict as a mediator between spousal support and adolescent treatment adherence (p<.07). DDMA did not predict mother–adolescent conflict and did not emerge as a mediator between mother-reported social support and adolescent adherence. Conclusions This study highlights the role of spousal support for mothers of adolescents with IDDM and indicates that the level of spousal support mothers receive may play an important role in the health care behaviors of their adolescents.
Amnion Degeneration over Fetal Placental Surface Vessels Possibly Resulting from Focal Hypoxia: A Case Report

The monoamnionic placenta of this twin gestation had focal amnion necrosis, but this was present only over the fetal surface vessels of one twin; this twin also developed cerebral atrophy. We hypothesize that this degeneration is due to a more severely reduced oxygen tension in its vessels. The placental amnion epithelium may undergo several degenerative processes, including amnion nodosum and changes due to meconium staining. Sonography had disclosed what appeared to be a dividing membrane, but this was not found at birth when monoamnionic twins with entangled cords presented. The amnion degeneration was present only over the large surface fetal vessels of the placenta of that twin who also developed central nervous system degeneration, and macrophage infiltration was confined to the same lesions. Focal hypoxia from entangling cords may have caused this defect.
Rosenberger Effectively Harmonizes First Amendment Tensions, But Fails to Lay the Specter of Lemon to Rest

The United States Supreme Court ended its 1995 Term with an attempt to reconcile First Amendment tensions. The case selected for this was Rosenberger v. Rector & Visitors of University of Virginia. In its opinion, the Court confronted the problem of the Establishment Clause and the Free Speech Clause -- two competing constitutional provisions that, at first blush, seem to direct a different outcome. This case note analyzes the decision and concludes that the Court's result sees the Establishment Clause and the Free Speech Clause as two sides of the same coin. Although this case invites the Court to overturn the somewhat confusing Lemon test, it declines to do so.
Multiplicity counter development with 6LiF/ZnS

The 3He shortage has driven a search for alternative neutron detection technologies. One of the active areas of research for 3He alternatives is safeguards applications. Neutron coincidence and multiplicity counters that do not rely on 3He are being designed and developed. Simulations with the Monte Carlo particle transport code MCNPX were used to compare the potential performance of multiplicity counters designed with a neutron capture media of either 10B or 6Li. The simulation results indicated that a high performing system, based on a standard figure of merit which considers the efficiency and die-away time, could be achieved with a counter constructed with sheets of 6LiF/ZnS layered with a plastic light guide. A four-panel bench-top counter based on the simulated configuration was constructed to demonstrate design feasibility and verify the model predictions. Presented here are the results of the system characterization, including efficiency, die-away time, gamma ray rejection, and vertical efficiency uniformity, and a comparison of the simulated results.
Absorption Mode Fourier Transform Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

In Fourier transform mass spectrometry, it is well-known that plotting the spectrum in absorption mode rather than magnitude mode has several advantages. However, magnitude spectra remain commonplace due to difficulties associated with determining the phase of each frequency at the onset of data acquisition, which is required for generating absorption spectra. The phasing problem for electrostatic traps is much simpler than for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) instruments, which greatly simplifies the generation of absorption spectra. Here, we present a simple method for generating absorption spectra from a Fourier transform electrostatic linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The method involves time shifting the data prior to Fourier transformation in order to synchronize the onset of data acquisition with the moment of ion acceleration into the electrostatic trap. Under these conditions, the initial phase of each frequency at the onset of data acquisition is zero. We demonstrate that absorption mode provides a 1.7-fold increase in resolution (full width at half maximum, fwhm) as well as reduced peak tailing. We also discuss methodology that may be applied to unsynchronized data in order to determine the time shift required to generate an absorption spectrum.
Ceramic-matrix composites fatigue and fracture

Fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) have been shown to exhibit excellent high-temperature properties. There are some published data on the mechanical properties of Nicalon fiber-reinforced composites with various matrices, but much of the work was performed in bending, and there is little information on the failure modes in textile-reinforced CMCs, especially under cyclic-loading conditions. This article is an interim report on research that examines the tensile deformation, fracture, smoothbar fatigue, and fatigue crack-growth behavior of several CMCs. Unidirectional, two-dimensional eight-harness satin weave, and three-dimensional angle-interlock weave Nicalon fiber architectures infiltrated with polymers and then pyrolized were investigated and are compared with similar experiments on Nicalon-reinforced calcium-silicate glass-ceramic-matrix composites.
Surveillance Duplex Ultrasonography of Stent Grafts for Popliteal Aneurysms

Objective Stent grafts, also known as covered stents, have become an increasingly acceptable treatment for popliteal artery aneurysms. However, endovascular exclusion confers lower primary patency compared to traditional open bypass and exclusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether duplex ultrasonography (DU) can reliably diagnose failing stent grafts placed for popliteal artery aneurysms prior to occlusion. Methods Between June 5, 2007, and March 11, 2014, 21 stent grafts (Viabahn; Gore, Flagstaff, Arizona) were placed in 19 patients for popliteal artery aneurysms. All patients had at least 1 follow-up duplex scan postoperatively. Mean follow-up was 28.9 months (9-93 months). Postoperative DU surveillance was performed in our Intersocietal Accreditation Commission noninvasive vascular laboratory at 1 week postprocedure and every 6 months thereafter. Duplex ultrasonography measured peak systolic velocities (PSVs) and ratio of adjacent PSVs (Vr) every 5 cm within the stent graft and adjacent arteries. Results We retrospectively classified the following factors as "abnormal DU findings": focal PSV > 300 cm/s, uniform PSVs 3.0. These DU criteria were derived from laboratory-specific data that we previously published on failing stent grafts placed for lower extremity occlusive disease. Four of the 21 stent grafts presented with symptomatic graft thrombosis within 6 months of a normal DU. Three of these 4 patients presented with rest pain and underwent thrombectomy (2) or vein bypass (1), and 1 elected for nonintervention for claudication. Conclusion Our results suggest that surveillance DU using criteria established for grafts placed for occlusive disease may not be useful for predicting stent graft failure in popliteal artery aneurysms.
Transition Resilience with ICTs: 'Identity Awareness' in Veteran Re-Integration

This paper reports on a qualitative interview study of ICT use amongst a population undergoing transition following a life disruption. We interviewed 13 veterans who were re-integrating into civil society. Veterans are unique in that they experience several transitions at once-that is, after returning home, they often suffer from PTSD, become homeless, change occupations, etc. Amongst other things, veterans often undergo identity crises as caused by the lack of continuity between military and civilian social structures. We show how veterans are resilient through their uses of ICTs when navigating identity crises. We find that they use ICTs to develop identity awareness-that is, they connect with a human infrastructure through which they can develop a "big picture" understanding of unfamiliar rules and norms and receive support when navigating civil society. We discuss the implications of our study and identify implications for design.
Visual Fields and Functionality

Many different issues have to be taken into consideration when measuring visual fields for functional purposes. These issues are discussed.
Axonal Growth Arrests After an Increased Accumulation of Schwann Cells Expressing Senescence Markers and Stromal Cells in Acellular Nerve Allografts

Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) and other nerve constructs do not reliably facilitate axonal regeneration across long defects (>3 cm). Causes for this deficiency are poorly understood. In this study, we determined what cells are present within ANAs before axonal growth arrest in nerve constructs and if these cells express markers of cellular stress and senescence. Using the Thy1-GFP rat and serial imaging, we identified the time and location of axonal growth arrest in long (6 cm) ANAs. Axonal growth halted within long ANAs by 4 weeks, while axons successfully regenerated across short (3 cm) ANAs. Cellular populations and markers of senescence were determined using immunohistochemistry, histology, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. Both short and long ANAs were robustly repopulated with Schwann cells (SCs) and stromal cells by 2 weeks. Schwann cells (S100β(+)) represented the majority of cells repopulating both ANAs. Overall, both ANAs demonstrated similar cellular populations with the exception of increased stromal cells (fibronectin(+)/S100β(-)/CD68(-) cells) in long ANAs. Characterization of ANAs for markers of cellular senescence revealed that long ANAs accumulated much greater levels of senescence markers and a greater percentage of Schwann cells expressing the senescence marker p16 compared to short ANAs. To establish the impact of the long ANA environment on axonal regeneration, short ANAs (2 cm) that would normally support axonal regeneration were generated from long ANAs near the time of axonal growth arrest ("stressed" ANAs). These stressed ANAs contained mainly S100β(+)/p16(+) cells and markedly reduced axonal regeneration. In additional experiments, removal of the distal portion (4 cm) of long ANAs near the time of axonal growth arrest and replacement with long isografts (4 cm) rescued axonal regeneration across the defect. Neuronal culture derived from nerve following axonal growth arrest in long ANAs revealed no deficits in axonal extension. Overall, this evidence demonstrates that long ANAs are repopulated with increased p16(+) Schwann cells and stromal cells compared to short ANAs, suggesting a role for these cells in poor axonal regeneration across nerve constructs.
Curvature–undulation coupling as a basis for curvature sensing and generation in bilayer membranes

We present coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the epsin N-terminal homology domain interacting with a lipid bilayer and demonstrate a rigorous theoretical formalism and analysis method for computing the induced curvature field in varying concentrations of the protein in the dilute limit. Our theory is based on the description of the height–height undulation spectrum in the presence of a curvature field. We formulated an objective function to compare the acquired undulation spectrum from the simulations to that of the theory. We recover the curvature field parameters by minimizing the objective function even in the limit where the protein-induced membrane curvature is of the same order as the amplitude due to thermal undulations. The coupling between curvature and undulations leads to significant predictions: (i) Under dilute conditions, the proteins can sense a site of spontaneous curvature at distances much larger than their size; (ii) as the density of proteins increases the coupling focuses and stabilizes the curvature field to the site of the proteins; and (iii) the mapping of the protein localization and the induction of a stable curvature is a cooperative process that can be described through a Hill function.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy: A novel meningoencephalomyelitis

Importance A novel astrocytic autoantibody has been identified as a biomarker of a relapsing autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis that is immunotherapy responsive. Seropositivity distinguishes autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) meningoencephalomyelitis from disorders commonly considered in the differential diagnosis. Objective To describe a novel IgG autoantibody found in serum or cerebrospinal fluid that is specific for a cytosolic intermediate filament protein of astrocytes. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective review of the medical records of seropositive patients identified in the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory from October 15, 1998, to April 1, 2016, in blinded comprehensive serologic evaluation for autoantibody profiles to aid the diagnosis of neurologic autoimmunity (and predict cancer likelihood). Main Outcomes and Measures Frequency and definition of novel autoantibody, the autoantigen’s immunochemical identification, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging correlations of the autoantibody, and immunotherapy responsiveness. Results Of 103 patients whose medical records were available for review, the 16 initial patients identified as seropositive were the subject of this study. Median age at neurologic symptom onset was 42 years (range, 21-73 years); there was no sex predominance. The novel neural autoantibody, which we discovered to be GFAP-specific, is disease spectrum restricted but not rare (frequency equivalent to Purkinje cell antibody type 1 [anti-Yo]). Its filamentous pial, subventricular, and perivascular immunostaining pattern on mouse tissue resembles the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging findings of linear perivascular enhancement in patients. Prominent clinical manifestations are headache, subacute encephalopathy, optic papillitis, inflammatory myelitis, postural tremor, and cerebellar ataxia. Cerebrospinal fluid was inflammatory in 13 of 14 patients (93%) with data available. Neoplasia was diagnosed within 3 years of neurologic onset in 6 of 16 patients (38%): prostate and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, myeloma, melanoma, colonic carcinoid, parotid pleomorphic adenoma, and teratoma. Neurologic improvement followed treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, with a tendency of patients to relapse without long-term immunosuppression. Conclusions and Relevance Glial fibrillary acidic protein–specific IgG identifies a distinctive, corticosteroid-responsive, sometimes paraneoplastic autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis. It has a lethal canine equivalent: necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Expression of GFAP has been reported in some of the tumor types identified in paraneoplastic cases. Glial fibrillary acidic protein peptide–specific cytotoxic CD8 + T cells are implicated as effectors in a transgenic mouse model of autoimmune GFAP meningoencephalitis.
HVDC Transmission for Renewable Energy Integration

Abstract Renewable energy such as wind and solar are increasing their penetration in the worldwide market with many countries taking proactive approaches and requiring that an increased percentage of total power consumption and/or generation come from renewable energy sources. However, in many cases, the optimal locations for these renewable energy sources are found in rural or offshore locations that are long distances away from urban areas. Therefore, the generated power from these remote renewable energy sources must be transmitted to the urban areas for consumption. This chapter examines the present and future High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies used to transmit the generated power from remote renewable energy sources as well as provide a cost comparison with Alternative Current transmission systems. Multiple HVDC transmission link designs are presented and their unique advantages and applications are explained.
Design, Assembly, Production, and Transfection of Synthetic Modified mRNA

Proteins are drivers of cell functions and are targets of many therapies. Exogenous protein expression techniques, therefore, have been essential for research and medicine. The most common method for exogenous protein expression relies on DNA-based viral or non-viral vectors. However, DNA-based vectors have the potential to integrate into the host genome and cause permanent mutations. RNA-based vectors solve this shortcoming. In particular, synthetic modified mRNA provides non-viral, integration-free, zero-footprint method for expressing proteins. Modified mRNA can direct cell fate specification and cellular reprogramming faster and more efficiently than other methods. Furthermore, when simultaneously express multiple different proteins, mRNA vectors allow for greater flexibility and control over stoichiometric ratios, dose titrations, and complete silencing of expressions. Additionally, modified mRNAs have been shown to be viable and safe as therapeutic agents for gene therapy and vaccine, providing an alternative approach to address diseases. Despite these advantages, technical challenge, mRNA instability, and host immunogenicity have caused significant barriers to widespread use of this technology. The comprehensive method presented here addresses all of these shortcomings. This stepwise protocol describes every step necessary for the synthesis of modified mRNA from any coding DNA sequence of interest. The meticulously detailed protocol enables the users to make alterations to each component of modified mRNA for even more significant customization, allowing the researchers to apply this technology to a wide range of uses. This non-cytotoxic synthetic modified mRNA can be used for protein expression, regulation of cell reprogramming or differentiation, and drug delivery.
Features of Adult Autoimmune Enteropathy Compared With Refractory Celiac Disease

Background & Aims Little is known about the features of immune-mediated non-celiac villous atrophies, such as autoimmune enteropathy (AIE). We investigated the demographic, clinical, and histologic features of adults with AIE compared to adults with refractory celiac disease type 1. We also report outcomes of treatment with open-label budesonide. Methods We performed a retrospective case–control of patients with AIE (n = 30) seen at the Mayo Clinic (in Rochester, Minnesota) from 2000 through 2015. Patients with refractory celiac disease type 1 who were treated with open-label budesonide served as controls (n = 42). Biopsy specimens were reviewed for all patients. We collected demographic, clinical, biochemical and histologic data from patients. We also collected data on responses to open-capsule budesonide from patients with AIE (available from 22 patients) and controls (available from 42 patients); the median duration of follow up was 28 months (range, 0–1421 months). Results Patients with AIE had a higher proportion of men (60%) and were younger (mean, 44 ± 18 years) than patients with refractory celiac disease type 1 (29% men; P = .002 and mean age, 57 ± 16 years; P = .007). A higher proportion of patients with AIE presented with chronic diarrhea (100%) and weight loss (90%) than patients with refractory celiac disease type 1 (71%; P 40 per 100 epithelial cells in 100%) compared with patients with AIE (in 50%) (P = .003). Conventional therapy (systemic steroids) had failed in most patients with AIE (a complete clinical response was reported in only 7 patients) before treatment with open-capsule budesonide was initiated. A clinical response to open-capsule budesonide was reported for 85% of patients with AIE (50% complete response, 35% partial response) compared to 92% of controls (68% complete response, 24% partial response). Conclusions In a retrospective study of 30 patients with AIE, followed for a median 28 months, we found this disease to have has distinct demographic, clinical, and histologic characteristics compared to refractory celiac disease type 1. Most patients with AIE (85%) have a clinical response to budesonide, all of whom were unsuccessfully treated with conventional therapies.
Comparison of Percutaneous Ventriculostomies and Intraparenchymal Monitor: A Retrospective Evaluation of 156 Patients

Intraventricular catheters (IVC) and Intraparenchymal fiberoptic catheters (IPC) are the prevalent methods of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. This study assesses the complications caused by either method. Previous studies have shown a higher complication rate with IVC. In 156 consecutive patients, with IVC (n = 104) or IPC (n = 52) insertion, the demographics, Glasgow coma score (GCS), ICP, duration of monitoring, changes in monitoring device, complications and computerized tomography findings, were recorded. The patients were categorized into severe (GCS 3–8), moderate (GCS 9–12) and mild (GCS 13–15) groups. A retrospective, comparative analysis of both techniques was conducted, using Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance with chi square approximation and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Improving human-robot interaction for remote robot operation

Our system design is a result of our HRI studies in USAR (see, for example, [Yanco and Drury 2004; Scholtz et al. 2004; Yanco et al. 2004]). A major influence on our design philosophy comes from the observation that users of USAR interfaces become so absorbed in the video display that they ignore all other information on the interface. We exploit this behavior in our design by placing important information on and around the main video display to make it difficult for users to overlook. A full description of the work can be found in [Baker et al. 2004].
Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Posterior Tracheopexy to Treat Severe Tracheomalacia: Lessons Learned from Initial Case Series.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Posterior tracheopexy directly addresses membranous tracheal intrusion in severe tracheomalacia (TM). We have previously reported our experience of posterior tracheopex...
Relevance of spontaneous activity to urinary bladder function: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Abstract The presence and functional significance (if any) of spontaneous activity in the normal urinary bladder during filling is a controversial subject. One model used by many investigators to study spontaneous activity has been isolated urinary bladder smooth muscle strips. Although spontaneous activity is a property commonly observed in isolated urinary bladder strip preparations, the in vitro whole bladder preparation (rabbit) is devoid of spontaneous activity. Additionally, under normal conditions the in vivo rabbit bladder does not display spontaneous activity during the filling phases of micturition. The present study compares the spontaneous activity of isolated smooth muscle strips, the whole bladder preparation, and the catheterized in vivo bladder (rabbit). The results are as follows: 1) The spontaneous activity (frequency and amplitude) of isolated strips is extremely variable among strips of the same bladder. 2) Spontaneous activity is not affected by the following specific inhibitory compounds: tetrodotoxin, atropine, phentolamine, propranolol and hexamethonium. This indicates that spontaneous activity observed in isolated strips is myogenic in nature and not dependent on the activation of specific autonomic receptors. 3) The in vitro whole bladder preparation shows no spontaneous activity at any volume or pressure unless longitudinal tension is applied. 4) The spontaneous activity of the whole bladder subjected to longitudinal tension is not affected by the same compounds mentioned above. 5) Spontaneous activity of the in vivo bladder is absent at low intravesical volumes and pressures. Spontaneous activity develops upon reaching a critical pressure. However, this activity is completely inhibited by intravenous ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium). In the presence of hexamethonium, the in vivo bladder is devoid of spontaneous activity at any volume or pressure, thus the in vivo “spontaneous activity” is mediated through neuronal reflexes. It is concluded that under normal circumstances the rabbit bladder is devoid of myogenic spontaneous activity and that the spontaneous activity observed in isolated strips is directly related to longitudinal stretch. Since under normal conditions the bladder is not subjected to longitudinal stretch, the spontaneous activity observed in the isolated strip studies has little physiological significance under normal conditions, but could help explain the pathophysiology of certain dysfunctions during the filling stage of micturition.
Synthetic Networks: Oscillators and Toggle Switches for Escherichia coli

Bacterial synthetic gene networks are constructed by manipulating the regulation of genes inside a cell, with the purpose of eliciting novel regulatory behaviors. The methods for manipulating genes and gene regulation in E. coli are well established, making it the preferred host for basic studies of synthetic networks. We focus our work on constructing two kinds of synthetic gene networks: toggle switches (bistable systems) and oscillators. Toggle switches are capable of exhibiting two stable steady states of gene expression (OFF and ON) without stable intermediate states; the steady state reached by the system depends on the previous history of the system. Biological oscillators exhibit regular cycles in gene expression around an unstable steady state. Studying these two kinds of synthetic networks helps advance our understanding of natural bistable systems and oscillators, such as the circadian oscillators controlling gene expression in many types of cells, and the genetic systems controlling the cell cycle and differentiation in metazoans.
Rapid identification of nonblood sterile site broth cultures using the FilmArray blood culture identification panel.

Abstract The FilmArray Blood Culture Identification Panel was validated for nonblood sterile site specimens with clinical impact of rapid identification compared to conventional diagnostics. The panel accurately identified target organisms from 98% of positive broth cultures a median 1.1 day faster than conventional techniques (P
Rapid analysis of sulfur mustard oxide in plasma using gas chromatography-chemical ionization-mass spectrometry for diagnosis of sulfur mustard exposure.

Abstract Sulfur mustard (SM) is the most utilized chemical warfare agent in modern history and has caused more casualties than all other chemical weapons combined. SM still poses a threat to civilians globally because of existing stockpiles and ease of production. Exposure to SM causes irritation to the eyes and blistering of skin and respiratory tract. These clinical signs of exposure to SM can take 6–24 h to appear. Therefore, analyzing biomarkers of SM from biological specimens collected from suspected victims is necessary for diagnosis during this latent period. Here, we report a rapid, simple, and direct quantitative analytical method for an important and early SM biomarker, sulfur mustard oxide (SMO). The method includes addition of a stable isotope labeled internal standard, SMO extraction directly into dichloromethane (DCM), rapid drying and reconstitution of the extract, and direct analysis of SMO using gas chromatography-chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. The limit of detection of the method was 0.1 μM, with a linear range from 0.5 to 100 μM. Method selectivity, matrix effect, recovery, and short-term stability were also evaluated. Furthermore, the applicability of the method was tested by analyzing samples from inhalation exposure studies performed in swine. The method was able to detect SMO from 100% of the exposed swine (N = 9), with no interferences present in the plasma of the same swine prior to exposure. The method presented here is the first of its kind to allow for easy and rapid diagnosis of SM poisoning (sample analysis
Microstructure of Ingestive Behavior in Mus Musculus

We describe a novel quantitative home cage monitoring (HCM) approach for dissecting spontaneous patterns of ingestive and locomotor behaviors into a hierarchically organized series of behavioral facets or endophenotypes. Fine-grained analyses of a large multimodal 16-strain behavioral dataset collected from 169 mice revealed bouts of feeding, drinking and locomotor behaviors occurring within animals' Active States. We have automated the detection of these bouts and their discrete properties including bout sizes, rates, durations, and intensities. We have developed a hierarchically organized model of behavioral organization enabling analysis of relationships among Active/Inactive State properties and those of feeding, drinking and locomotor bouts. Robust and analogous patterns of interrelationships among these endophenotypes were found for feeding, drinking behaviors, and these differed markedly from those for locomotor behaviors. Specifically for feeding and drinking, patterns of reciprocal relationships were observed for pairs of endophenotypes at multiple hierarchical levels. Moreover, endophenotype variability was highest at lowest hierarchical levels progressively diminished at higher levels, so that variability of gross levels of food and water intake were much less than those of their lower level determinants. By contrast, interrelationships among locomotor endophenotypes differed markedly from those of ingestive behavior. Altogether, these findings raise the possibility that behavioral regulation of food and water intake may make an important contribution to the homeostatic maintenance of energy and volume balance.
Self-reported eye diseases among American Indian individuals with type 2 diabetes from the northern Midwest

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of self-reported eye diseases and self-reported utilization of dilated eye exams among a sample of American Indian (AI) individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods. AI adults with type 2 diabetes utilizing health care at two reservation clinics were randomly sampled and recruited for interviewer-assisted paper surveys. The prevalence of eye diseases was compared across gender, age, income, and educational attainment. Results. The prevalence of self-reported diabetic retinopathy, cataract, macular degeneration, and glaucoma were 9.4%, 26.7%, 5.2%, and 10.6% respectively, and 59.2% reported past year dilated eye exams. Older participants were more likely to report cataract (p < 0.001) and glaucoma (p = .003). Those with lower income were more likely to report cataract (p = 0.001). Conclusions. Rates of self-reported eye diseases in this sample were higher, and dilated eye exams lower than other samples of the general United States population with diabetes, suggesting improvement can be made to improve the provision of care for AI individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Profiling of Escherichia coli-based Cell-Free Expression Systems for Process Optimization.

Biotechnology has transformed the production of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to its efficient and selective processes, but it is inherently limited by its use of live cells as “biocata...