cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of thromboxane A2 in the cardiovascular response to intracoronary C5a.

Intracoronary administration of complement component C5a induces transient decreases in coronary blood flow and regional left ventricular segment shortening, associated with intramyocardial granulocyte trapping. We evaluated the influence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (acetylsalicylic acid, n = 8) or a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist (SQ29548, n = 6) on these C5a-induced cardiovascular responses. Open-chest anesthetized pigs were instrumented to monitor heart rate, arterial blood pressure, left anterior descending coronary blood flow, regional left ventricular segment shortening, and dP/dt. Oxygen content, lactate concentration, leukocyte count, and thromboxane B2, the stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, were measured in arterial and regional coronary venous blood. Repetitive injections of intracoronary C5a (500 ng) given 60 minutes apart showed no tachyphylaxis of the hemodynamic response. However, tachyphylaxis was seen in coronary blood flow changes when injections were spaced 30 minutes apart. An increase in myocardial oxygen extraction and lactate production was observed after intracoronary C5a. Administration of acetylsalicylic acid (50 mg/kg i.v.) attenuated C5a-induced decreases in coronary blood flow (-8 +/- vs. -3 +/- 1 ml/min) and regional left ventricular segmental shortening (-10 +/- 3% vs. -2 +/- 1%) and blocked the maximal increase in coronary venous thromboxane B2 (2.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.1 pmol/ml plasma). Furthermore, SQ29548 (30 micrograms/kg/min) reduced C5a-induced changes in coronary blood flow (-13 +/- 2 vs. -4 +/- 2 ml/min) and segmental shortening (-14 +/- 2% vs. -3 +/- 1%). Neither cyclooxygenase inhibition nor thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 antagonism blocked the decrease in coronary venous granulocyte count.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Examination of laser microbeam cell lysis in a PDMS microfluidic channel using time-resolved imaging.

We use time-resolved imaging to examine the lysis dynamics of non-adherent BAF-3 cells within a microfluidic channel produced by the delivery of single highly-focused 540 ps duration laser pulses at λ = 532 nm. Time-resolved bright-field images reveal that the delivery of the pulsed laser microbeam results in the formation of a laser-induced plasma followed by shock wave emission and cavitation bubble formation. The confinement offered by the microfluidic channel constrains substantially the cavitation bubble expansion and results in significant deformation of the PDMS channel walls. To examine the cell lysis and dispersal of the cellular contents, we acquire time-resolved fluorescence images of the process in which the cells were loaded with a fluorescent dye. These fluorescence images reveal cell lysis to occur on the nanosecond to microsecond time scale by the plasma formation and cavitation bubble dynamics. Moreover, the time-resolved fluorescence images show that while the cellular contents are dispersed by the expansion of the laser-induced cavitation bubble, the flow associated with the bubble collapse subsequently re-localizes the cellular contents to a small region. This capacity of pulsed laser microbeam irradiation to achieve rapid cell lysis in microfluidic channels with minimal dilution of the cellular contents has important implications for their use in lab-on-a-chip applications.
Envisioning an African Child Development Field

— Institutionalization of an African child development field is a necessary aspect of strategies for strengthening the continent’s contributions to a global knowledge base. A disciplinary structure advances inquiry as it facilitates professionalization and provides space to formulate the canons and conventions that will guide knowledge production and the preparation and socialization of future researchers. Using the term disciplinary development to denote the process of bringing such a field about, this article outlines a pathway to disciplinary development, emphasizing important lessons that must be learned from (a) internal challenges to knowledge production in African universities, (b) Euro-American psychology’s disciplinary development history, and (c) the movement to institutionalize psychology in non-Western countries. The issues addressed have relevance to other non-Western societies.
Neuromorphic path generation in real-time

The problem of real-time trajectory generation in the decentralized control of a manipulator is considered. The trajectory generator presented is based on a vector-integration-to-endpoint (VITE) model of neural dynamics in planned human arm movements. In contrast to approaches which require the stipulation of the desired individual joint positions, the trajectory generator operates with desired coordinates of the end effector and generates the individual joint driving functions in real time, using geometric constraints which characterize the manipulator. The resulting manipulator trajectory exhibited VITE model characteristics including synchronous joint operation. An illustrative two-joint manipulator example is given. >
Cholesterol testing on a smartphone

Home self-diagnostic tools for blood cholesterol monitoring have been around for over a decade but their widespread adoption has been limited by the relatively high cost of acquiring a quantitative test-strip reader, complicated procedure for operating the device, and inability to easily store and process results. To address this we have developed a smartphone accessory and software application that allows for the quantification of cholesterol levels in blood. Through a series of human trials we demonstrate that the system can accurately quantify total cholesterol levels in blood within 60 s by imaging standard test strips. In addition, we demonstrate how our accessory is optimized to improve measurement sensitivity and reproducibility across different individual smartphones. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and increasingly sophisticated image processing technology, accessories such as the one presented here will allow cholesterol monitoring to become more accurate and widespread, greatly improving preventive care for cardiovascular disease.
Interactive presentation: Peripheral-conscious scheduling on energy minimization for weakly hard real-time systems

In this paper, we present a dynamic scheduling algorithm to minimize the energy consumption by both the DVS processor and peripheral devices in a weakly hard real-time system. In our approach, we first use a new static approach to partition real-time jobs into mandatory and optional part to meet the weakly hard real-time constraints. We then adopt an on-line approach that can effectively exploit the run-time variations and reduce the preemption impacts to leverage the energy saving performance. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that our approach can effectively reduce the system-wide energy consumption while guaranteeing the weakly hard constraints.
Statistical Analysis of Big Data on Pharmacogenomics

This paper discusses statistical methods for estimating complex correlation structure from large pharmacogenomic datasets. We selectively review several prominent statistical methods for estimating large covariance matrix for understanding correlation structure, inverse covariance matrix for network modeling, large-scale simultaneous tests for selecting significantly differently expressed genes and proteins and genetic markers for complex diseases, and high dimensional variable selection for identifying important molecules for understanding molecule mechanisms in pharmacogenomics. Their applications to gene network estimation and biomarker selection are used to illustrate the methodological power. Several new challenges of Big data analysis, including complex data distribution, missing data, measurement error, spurious correlation, endogeneity, and the need for robust statistical methods, are also discussed.
Combat casualty care: Lessons learned in Iraq

tients experiencing this surgery, it is critical that they receive comprehensive pre-operative education to ensure the best postoperative experience and achieve successful results. The benefits of pre-admission education are well documented (Kruzik, 2009). Research has also demonstrated that patients often experience problems that health care professionals view as minor but cause considerable distress for the patient and their family (Brumfield et al., 1996; Taylor and Norton, 2000). In order to meet the needs of this specialised patient population, our team developed a preadmission education program that focused on the specific needs of TSA patients. In order to optimise TSA patient care, an interprofessional team approach is essential (Brown, 2008). Our patient education booklet was developed as a starting point for the pre-admission education. To enhance the information provided by our education booklet, a group teaching class was added. The group teaching class includes patients and their families, as well as members from nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. This presentation will review the development and implementation of a TSA pre-admission education program. Facilitators and barriers to program implementation with a small patient volume will be discussed. Key elements of the education booklet and interprofessional group teaching component will be reviewed. Evaluation data collected pre and post implementationwill also be presented.
Diagnosing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in College Students An Investigation of the Impact of Informant Ratings on Diagnosis and Subjective Impairment

Objective: Formal criteria for the use informant-ratings of adult ADHD symptoms have not been established yet they are commonplace in standard assessment batteries. Method: The current study explor...
An orphan kinesin in trypanosomes cooperates with a kinetoplastid-specific kinesin to maintain cell morphology by regulating subpellicular microtubules

Microtubules are a vital part of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells and are involved in various cellular processes. The cytoskeleton of Trypanosoma brucei is characterized by an array of subpellicular microtubules and is essential for maintenance of cell shape and polarity, but little is known about the regulation of the assembly and organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset. Here, we report that the orphan kinesin TbKIN-D regulates the organization of subpellicular microtubules and is required for maintaining cell morphology. TbKIN-D possesses in vitro ATPase activity, associates with cytoskeletal microtubules and is distributed throughout the cytoskeleton at all cell cycle stages. RNAi of TbKIN-D disrupts the organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset and distorts cell morphology, resulting in round cells with an elongated posterior filled with newly assembled microtubules. Depletion of TbKIN-D also abolishes the segregation of organelles and cytoskeletal structures, suggesting that cellular morphogenesis is essential for proper organelle segregation. Moreover, TbKIN-D deficiency impairs the attachment of the new flagellum without compromising the formation of the flagellum attachment zone. Finally, we identified TbKIN-C, a kinetoplastid-specific kinesin known to regulate subpellicular microtubules and cell morphogenesis in T. brucei , as a partner of TbKIN-D. Further, we demonstrate that interaction between TbKIN-C and TbKIN-D requires the coiled-coil motifs in the C-termini of both proteins. Altogether, our results suggest that TbKIN-D cooperates with TbKIN-C to maintain cell morphology by regulating the organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset.
A differential game model for transmission and jamming of information

A zero-sum differential game model is presented for two players who are both transmitting information and jamming their opponent at the same time, under channel capacity constraints. The problem for each player is to find an optimal strategy for allocating this capacity over the duration of the game. Given a cost function for the game, conditions are determined under which equilibrium strategies exist. These strategies are found to be of the bang-bang variety and depend on game parameters such as the channel capacity and jamming effectiveness of the players, as well as the duration of the game.
Quantum functional sensitivity analysis for the 3-D (J = 0) H + H2 reaction

The authors discovered a progamming error that invalidates the cumulative transition probability sensitivity results shown earlier. What is actually shown is the sum of individual state-to-state transition probability sensitivities form ({nu} = 0, j = 0) to all the open channels (in one product arrangement) except for transition sensitivities to ({nu}{prime}, j{prime}) = (0,0), (0,1), and (0,2), which were analyzed separately in. The correct cumulative transition probability sensitivities are, therefore, the sum of the sensitivities shown here. A number of remarkable features in these new results warrant further comment. 1 ref., 1 fig.
Cytotoxicity of local anesthetics on human mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Local anesthetics are frequently delivered intra-articularly to provide perioperative pain control. Previous studies have shown that the commonly used drugs lidocaine, ropivacaine, and bupivacaine can be toxic to human chondrocytes. The present study was conducted to determine whether the toxic effects of local anesthetics on human chondrocytes also extend to human mesenchymal stem cells. Methods: Human mesenchymal stem cells from three healthy donors were grown in tissue culture and exposed to the following anesthetic treatments for sixty minutes: (1) 1% lidocaine, (2) 2% lidocaine, (3) 0.25% bupivacaine, (4) 0.5% bupivacaine, (5) 0.2% ropivacaine, and (6) 0.5% ropivacaine. The cells were then allowed to recover for twenty-four hours in regular growth media, and viability was measured with use of fluorescent staining for live cells or a luminescence assay for ATP content. Results: The live cell counts and ATP content were correlated (r2 = 0.79), and 2% lidocaine was found to be significantly more toxic than all doses of bupivacaine and ropivacaine. Treatment with 1% lidocaine resulted in significantly fewer live cells (49%) compared with the control, and the live cell count was also significantly less than that for the other anesthetics. However, the ATP level in the 1% lidocaine group was not significantly lower than those in the other groups. Bupivacaine and ropivacaine did not exhibit significant differences in toxicity compared with the control or with each other. Conclusions: Ropivacaine and bupivacaine had limited toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells. However, lidocaine could significantly decrease mesenchymal stem cell viability. Since other studies have shown ropivacaine to be less toxic to chondrocytes than bupivacaine, ropivacaine may be a safer intra-articular anesthetic. Clinical Relevance: Mesenchymal stem cells likely play a key role in healing following surgical procedures such as microfracture and ligament reconstruction. If local anesthetics are used following joint surgery, selection of an agent with low toxicity toward mesenchymal stem cells, such as ropivacaine, may maximize tissue healing potential.
Ocular pathology of Fabry's disease in a hemizygous male following renal transplantation

The ocular pathology of a hemizygous male with Fabry's disease after renal transplantation is reported. The ocular pathology in this patient was essentially identical to that which has previously been reported for both hemizygotes and heterozygotes afflicted with Fabry's disease. Glycolipid deposits and/or osmophilic inclusion bodies were found universally throughout the ocular vasculature. Endothelial, perithelial and smooth muscle cells of the vessel walls were preferentially involved. Iris pigment epithelium was affected as were the corneal epithelium cells. Reduplication of the basement membrane was seen on electron microscopy. Retinal ganglion cells were unaffected. Involvement of the retinal pigment epithelium and the corneal endothelium was documented for the first time.
Improving Chronic Illness Care: Findings From a National Study of Care Management Processes in Large Physician Practices

The use of evidence-based care management processes (CMPs) in physician practice is an important component of delivery-system reform.The authors used data from a 2006-2007 national study of large physician organizations—medical groups and independent practice associations (IPAs) to determine the extent to which organizations use CMPs, and to identify external (market) influences and organizational capabilities associated with CMP use. The study found that physician organizations use about half of recommended CMPs, most commonly disease registries, specially trained patient educators, and performance feedback to physicians. Physician organizations that reported participating in quality improvement programs, having a patient-centered focus, and being owned by a hospital or health maintenance organization used more CMPs. IPAs and very large medical groups used more CMPs than smaller groups. Organizations externally evaluated on quality measures used more CMPs than other organizations. These findings can info...
Anthropology and the Present Moment

This article, in honor of Antonio Lauria-Perricelli, examines some of the central theoretical issues which the current economic crisis poses for anthropological theory and practice. It points out that the “brute materiality” of the crisis, calls into question culturalist concepts of practice derived from Bourdieu as well as poststructuralist theories which minimize the significance of material macrostructures. It ends by emphasizing the need for a renewed understanding of the economy by anthropologists as well as for a more dialectical notion of structure as inherently contradictory and dynamic.
Fictive Reality Troubling Our Notions of Truth and Data in Iambic Pentameter

As qualitative researchers, we often wrestle with the intricacies of ontological and epistemological frameworks, the complexities of collection and analysis methods, and the difficulties associated with the dissemination cycle. Positing direct challenges to the paradigms underlying the practice of our craft is something we do rather rarely, but it is something we must do nonetheless in order to advance our field in a fundamental fashion. In this article, we argue for an expanded understanding of what constitute data, posit the need to shift away from examining the “found” world exclusively, and assert that researchers not only create their reality, but their data as well. We illustrate our point by presenting our arguments in alternatively rhyming iambic pentameter, which—as poetry is itself intrinsically a creative enterprise—reflexively positions both our text and ourselves as data to be examined, analyzed, and understood.
Hostility and functional health status in women veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder: a preliminary study.

This study investigated hostility and functional health status in 90 women veterans with and without PTSD. Compared to women without PTSD, women veterans with PTSD reported significantly higher levels of hostility. Minority status was associated with increased hostility. Compared to a national sample, hostility scores for women with PTSD were greater by a factor of 1.5. PTSD diagnosis was also associated with poorer functioning on all SF-36 Health Survey scales. Controlling for age and education, hostility was related to all SF-36 Health Survey scales in the women with PTSD.
Illness in a redeployed soldier.

ABSTRACT Overseas deployments place military personnel at risk for tropical diseases not typically observed on the U.S. mainland. This case describes the first reported case of brucellosis returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A 31-year-old infantry soldier complained of a 6-week history of headaches, relapsing fever, and constitutional symptoms since returning from Iraq. This soldier was determined to have the only reported case of brucellosis, but was one of many soldiers at risk from eating unpasteurized cheese on the local economy. Although malaria and leishmaniasis continue to be the most common deployment-related illnesses, brucellosis must also be considered in the differential of any redeployed soldier with headache, fever, and body aches. Public health as well as command elements must reinforce their role in preventing exposure to this pathogen.
Structural Modification by Perturbation Method

The proposed method is based upon an assumption that any kind of modification may be reduced to an addition of a certain number of new elements to the structure to be modified. The matrix operations algorithm adopting the force method is derived and yields the effect of an arbitrary modification on the stress-strain state of the modified structure. The algorithm eliminates the necessity of repetition of the solution of compatibility equations for the original structure if already solved. The obtained results are especially simple in application if the whole computation procedure is planned from the very beginning in a way so as to include the possibility of later modifications. The method is briefly compared with the initial strain approach and its applicability for calculating the effect of structural element nonlinearity is pointed out.
Does size matter? Technical considerations of a regenerative tissue matrix for use in reconstructive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Acellular dermal matrices have been used with increasing frequency in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. While many studies have described the safety and morbidity profiles of these materials, little is known about the relative mechanical properties of individual sheets of allograft harvested from distinct donors. METHODS: Sixty-two individual sheets of an acellular dermal matrix from distinct lot numbers (signifying different donors of the dermis) were prospectively analyzed before use. Distribution of thickness according to manufacturer specifications in the dry state were as follows: 0.009 inches to 0.013 inches (1 [1.6%]); 0.79 mm to 1.78 mm (3 [4.8%]); 0.79 mm to 2.03 mm (5 [8%]); 0.8 mm to 3.3 mm (1 [1.6%]); 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm (10 [16.1%]) and 28 mm (6 [9.7%]). The size of the matrix was recorded while dry, after hydration and following stretch. The percentage change in surface area was recorded for each lot. RESULTS: The 62 reconstructive cases included breast implant reconstruction (2 [3.2%]); ventral hernia repair (11 [17.7%]); abdominal closure following autologous tissue harvest (6 [9.6%]); autologous breast reconstruction (37 [59.6%]); extremity wound closures (3 [4.8%]) and reinforcement of vertical rectus abdominis muscle closure (3 [4.8%]). The mean percentage change in the size of the acellular dermal matrix to the hydrated state was 58% (36 of 62; thickness 0.06 mm to 3.30 mm); the mean percentage change in size from dry state was 7.14% (range 0% to 18.7%). The mean percentage change in the size of the hydrated matrix to the stretched state was 25.7% (range 0.25% to 70.6%). The variability in elasticity among the individual sheets was significant (P<0.0005). CONCLUSION: The acellular dermal matrix displayed highly variable elastic properties among distinct donors. This may be significant in procedures in which symmetry is critical.
GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION WITHOUT ISOLATION IN THE AMERICAN EEL, ANGUILLA ROSTRATA. II. TEMPORAL STABILITY OF GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS.

In an earlier report (Williams et al., 1973), we examined the problem of genetic isolation among differentiated stocks in the American eel, Anguilla rostrata. This species has an unusual life cycle, with a breeding area in the tropical Atlantic and subsequent extended larval dispersal (about 1 yr) to the shores of the Americas from Surinam to Greenland. Because of the supposed universal panmixia of this species, genetic isolation cannot exist
Revisional surgery after Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia.

Revisional surgery for persistent or recurrent dysphagia following Heller myotomy is rare and should become even more rare if an extended myotomy has been carried out. It is important to work-up patients who experience persistent or recurrent dysphagia in a systematic fashion that includes the deter
General Approach Used in the Performance Assessment for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

This paper discusses the technical approach and rationale of the performance assessments (PAs) conducted for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant that contributed to the success of the certification in 1998. The PAs were iterated: there were four preliminary PAs between 1989 and 1992 and the certification PA in 1996. Although many changes occurred between the 1992 PA and 1996 PA, the preliminary iterations provided a strong foundation on quality assurance, parameter and model databases, documentation, and peer review. The seven general steps of a PA are used to provide a brief overview of their history. The paper then delves into the rationale used for the most computationally intense step of a PA, the consequence evaluation. For this evaluation, Sandia National Laboratories mostly used detailed models when evaluating the probabilistic performance of the repository under the stylized conditions specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A computational tool, CAMCON, was specifically tailored for this approach. Many advantages were gained by using detailed models directly in the PA, rather than using simplified results of these models. One important advantage was that models and parameters remained fairly unbiased (i.e., the analysis had only a few major conservative assumptions rather than many, unquantified conservatisms). This approach allowed Sandia to faithfully provide a “reasonable expectation” of repository performance, as specified by the EPA.
Innovation and Development of Rice Breeding for Super High Yield in China

Super rice breeding is one of the most important innovative technologies in China.The author reviewed the great achievements on China's super rice research by Cooperation Association on China's Super Rice Research since the beginning of the program in 1996,including establishment of breeding theory and strategy,innovation of breeding materials,development of new cultivars and their extension.Meanwhile,the experiences on world-leading development of China's super rice research were analyzed.Firstly,the ultimate objective of super rice is to satisfy the demand of production and consumer.Secondly,the technical route of Chinese super rice breeding is introduced.Thirdly,the combination of fine variety with fine technique is the reason of great area of extending of super rice.Lastly,tackling key problem by collaboration is the guarantee of super rice innovation.
Determination of Gene Expression Patterns by Whole-Mount In Situ Hybridization

Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a reliable and specific method to study three-dimensional patterns of gene expression. A labeled nucleic acid probe anneals to a complementary target sequence and is visualized and localized in the embryo. This chapter describes a sensitive method for WISH on mouse embryos using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes. The technique can be used for the analysis of gene expression patterns during early stages of odontogenesis and in tooth explants.
Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Dental Care for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs: Adolescent and Parent Perspectives--Part One.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to understand transitions from pediatric dental care to adult dental care for adolescents with special health care needs (ASHCNs) from parental and adolescent perspectives. METHODS Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 59 parents and 13 adolescent-parent dyads to identify factors associated with transitions to adult-centered dental care for ASHCNs. RESULTS Most parents believed ASHCNs were at risk for caries, but ASHCNs were not concerned about tooth decay. Parents of adolescents with complex SHCN believed it would be acceptable to continue seeing a pediatric dentist. Parents of Medicaid-enrolled ASHCNs reported lower efficacy in transitioning. ASHCNs desired personalized, adolescent-centered care and were motivated to transition when they felt out of place at the pediatric dentist office. Parents believed pediatric dentists play an important role in initiating and facilitating transitions. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric dentists are well positioned to implement family and adolescent-centered policies to ensure dental transitions for adolescents with special health care needs and their families.
Pharmacology, Function and Adaptive Regulation of 5HT-1c Receptors

The serotonin 5HT-1c receptor site, located on secretory epithelium of choroid plexus, and the 5HT-2 receptor in cerebral cortex are coupled to the hydrolysis of membrane phosphoinositides (PI). Similarities and differences are found in the pharmacological properties of these sites and in the mechanisms of adaptive regulation. The possible role of 5HT-1c receptors in the choroid plexus is explored.
Adsorption and Wetting Characteristics of Pure Non-metallic Minerals in Contact with Cationic Surfactants

The adsorption, zeta potential and wetting characteristics of pure calcium carbonate (synthetic), calcite, quartz and kaolinite minerals in contact with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and dodecylammonium chloride (DDAC) were studied at constant temperature, pH and ionic strength. Further studies were made on the effects of pH and inorganic electrolytes on the adsorption of CTAB on the synthetic calcium carbonate.
Structure and conformational plasticity of the U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein core.

U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is a key component of the active site of the spliceosome, a large ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes the splicing of precursor messenger RNA. Prior to its incorporation into the spliceosome, U6 is bound by the protein Prp24, which facilitates unwinding of the U6 internal stem-loop (ISL) so that it can pair with U4 snRNA. A previously reported crystal structure of the `core' of the U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) contained an ISL-stabilized A62G mutant of U6 bound to all four RNA-recognition motif (RRM) domains of Prp24 [Montemayor et al. (2014), Nature Struct. Mol. Biol. 21, 544–551]. The structure revealed a novel topology containing interlocked rings of protein and RNA that was not predicted by prior biochemical and genetic data. Here, the crystal structure of the U6 snRNP core with a wild-type ISL is reported. This complex crystallized in a new space group, apparently owing in part to the presence of an intramolecular cross-link in RRM1 that was not observed in the previously reported U6-A62G structure. The structure exhibits the same protein–RNA interface and maintains the unique interlocked topology. However, the orientation of the wild-type ISL is altered relative to the A62G mutant structure, suggesting inherent structural dynamics that may facilitate its pairing with U4. Consistent with their similar architectures in the crystalline state, the wild-type and A62G variants of U6 exhibit similar Prp24-binding affinities and electrophoretic mobilities when analyzed by gel-shift assay.
Ambient aging of rhenium filaments used in thermal ionization mass spectrometry: Growth of oxo-rhenium crystallites and anti-aging strategies.

Abstract Degassing is a common preparation technique for rhenium filaments used for thermal ionization mass spectrometric analysis of actinides, including plutonium. Although optimization studies regarding degassing conditions have been reported, little work has been done to characterize filament aging after degassing. In this study, the effects of filament aging after degassing were explored to determine a "shelf-life" for degassed rhenium filaments, and methods to limit filament aging were investigated. Zone-refined rhenium filaments were degassed by resistance heating under high vacuum before exposure to ambient atmosphere for up to 2 months. After degassing the nucleation and preferential growth of oxo-rhenium crystallites on the surface of polycrystalline rhenium filaments was observed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compositional analysis of the crystallites was conducted using SEM-Raman spectroscopy and SEM energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and grain orientation at the metal surface was investigated by electron back-scatter diffraction mapping. Spectra collected by SEM-Raman suggest crystallites are composed primarily of perrhenic acid. The relative extent of growth and crystallite morphology were found to be grain dependent and affected by the dissolution of carbon into filaments during annealing (often referred to as carbonization or carburization). Crystallites were observed to nucleate in region specific modes and grow over time through transfer of material from the surface. Factors most likely to affect the rates of crystallite growth include rhenium substrate properties such as grain size, orientation, levels of dissolved carbon, and relative abundance of defect sites; as well as environmental factors such as length of exposure to oxygen and relative humidity. Thin (∼180 nm) hydrophobic films of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) were found to slow the growth of oxo-rhenium crystallites on the filament surfaces and may serve as an alternative carbon source for filament carburization.
Four-dimensional coherent electronic Raman spectroscopy

The correlations between different quantum-mechanical degrees of freedom of molecular species dictate their chemical and physical properties. Generally, these correlations are reflected in the optical response of the system but in low-order or low-dimensionality measurement the signals are highly averaged. Here, we describe a novel four-dimensional coherent spectroscopic method that directly correlates within and between the manifold of electronic and vibrational states. The optical response theory is developed in terms of both resonant and non-resonant field-matter interactions. Using resonance to select coherences on specific electronic states creates opportunities to directly distinguish coherent dynamics on the ground and electronically excited potentials. Critically, this method is free from lower-order signals that have plagued other electronically non-resonant vibrational spectroscopies. The theory presented here compliments recent work on the experimental demonstration of the 4D spectroscopic method described. We highlight specific means by which non-trivial effects such as anharmonicity (diagonal and off-diagonal), mode-specific vibronic coupling, and curvature of the excited states manifest in different projections of the 4D spectrum.
Regional Competition Analysis of Industrialized Homebuilding Industry

AbstractIndustrialized homebuilding (IHB) has been suggested as the solution to the housing crisis around the world. However, there is no clear understanding of the potential impacts of industriali...
Salvaging the European Union: The Inclusive Multi-Track Supranational Option

The EU has many supranational accomplishments to its credit. Frictions nonetheless exist within the EU because some members want to rollback parts of the consensus (“less Europe”) and others want to expand them (“more Europe”). The conflict cannot be amicably resolved as EU leaders are trying to do in a one-track supranational regime because both factions disagree about whether confederation or federation is best. A solution in a one-track system requires one side to capitulate to the other. This is why the EU is at an impasse. However, the conflict is easily resolved by switching from a one-track to a multi-track supranational system that allows advocates of “more Europe” and “less Europe” to do as they like in some areas, while acting collectively wherever consensus permits. The EU already accepts the multi-track principle with regard to the euro and non-euro zones, and could restore harmony to the European project by applying the principle more broadly.
Communicating Climate Change: Lessons Learned from a Researcher-Museum Collaboration.

The need for science education and outreach is great. However, despite the ever-growing body of available scientific information, facts are often misrepresented to or misunderstood by the general public. This can result in uninformed decisions that negatively impact society at both individual and community levels. One solution to this problem is to make scientific information more available to the public through outreach programs. Most outreach programs, however, focus on health initiatives, STEM programs, or young audiences exclusively. This article describes a collaboration between the Research and Learning Center at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex area. The collaboration was a pilot effort of a science communication fellowship and was designed to train researchers to effectively convey current science information to the public with a focus on lifelong learning. We focus on the broader idea of a university-museum collaboration that bridges the science communication gap as we outline the process of forming this collaboration, lessons we learned from the process, and directions that can support future collaborations.
The use of augmented reality glasses in central line simulation: "see one, simulate many, do one competently, and teach everyone"

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using augmented reality (AR) glasses in central line simulation by novice operators and compare its efficacy to standard central line simulation/teaching. Design This was a prospective randomized controlled study enrolling 32 novice operators. Subjects were randomized on a 1:1 basis to either simulation using the augmented virtual reality glasses or simulation using conventional instruction. Setting The study was conducted in tertiary-care urban teaching hospital. Subjects A total of 32 adult novice central line operators with no visual or auditory impairments were enrolled. Medical doctors, respiratory therapists, and sleep technicians were recruited from the medical field. Measurements and main results The mean time for AR placement in the AR group was 71±43 s, and the time to internal jugular (IJ) cannulation was 316±112 s. There was no significant difference in median (minimum, maximum) time (seconds) to IJ cannulation for those who were in the AR group and those who were not (339 [130, 550] vs 287 [35, 475], p=0.09), respectively. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in median total procedure time (524 [329, 792] vs 469 [198, 781], p=0.29), respectively. There was a significant difference in the adherence level between the two groups favoring the AR group (p=0.003). Conclusion AR simulation of central venous catheters in manikins is feasible and efficacious in novice operators as an educational tool. Future studies are recommended in this area as it is a promising area of medical education.
Impressionist Landscape Cartography

Abstract. Cartography helps to show us the world in which we reside by providing us a framework to explore space. We can select myriad themes to represent what is relevant to our lives: physical characteristics, human behaviors, hazards, opportunities. Themes are represented on a continuum between real-world images and pure abstractions. How we define cartography and what we expect from it changes with society and technology. We are now inundated with data but we still struggle with expressing our personal geographic experiences through cartography. In this age of information we have become more cognizant of our individual experience of place and our need to determine our own paths and therefore create our own maps. In order to reflect our journey we can add individual details to cartographic products or generalize information to concentrate on what is meaningful to us. Since time and space are interrelated we experience geography by viewing the landscape as changing scenes over time. This experience is both spatial and temporal since we experience geography by moving through space. Experiencing each scene is a separate event. This paper expands the personalization of maps to include our impressions of the travel experience. Rather than add art to cartography it provides geographic reference to art. It explores the use of a series of quick sketches drawn while traveling along roads using a single drawing pad to produce a time series of interpreted landscapes. With the use of geographic time stamps from global positioning systems these sketches are converted from a drawing to a map documenting the path of movement. Although the map scale varies between sketch entries each scene impression can be linked to one or more maps of consistent scale. The result is an artistic piece that expresses a dynamic geographic experience that can be viewed in conjunction with more traditional maps. Unlike mental maps which are constructed from memory, these maps reflect our direct impressions of the landscape. The use of art can help us convey our experience.
Effects of Moisture-Based Grain Boundary Passivation on Cell Performance and Ionic Migration in Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells.

Because of the polycrystalline nature, grain boundaries (GBs) in hybrid perovskite thin films play critical roles in determining the charge collection efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), material stability, and in particular the ion migration, considering their relatively soft ionic bonds with low formation energy. Different GB passivation methods are being studied, and introducing PbI2-rich phase at GBs in methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) has been found to be useful. In this study, combining macroscale measurements with tip-based microscopic probing that includes scanning Kelvin probe microscopy for surface potential mapping and conductive atomic force microscopy for charge transport mapping, we revealed the effects of PbI2-rich phase at GBs, which was introduced in moisture-assisted synthesis of MAPbI3 thin films. It was found that PbI2 passivation of GBs could change the surface potential and charge carrier screening and significantly retard current conduction at the GB while enhancing cond...
Current Therapeutic Approaches to DCIS.

Treatment for ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has historically been extrapolated from studies of invasive breast cancer. Accepted local therapy approaches range from small local excisions, with or without radiation, to bilateral mastectomies. Systemic treatment with endocrine therapy is often recommended for hormone positive patients. With improvements in imaging, pathologic review, and treatment techniques in the modern era, combined with new information regarding tumor biology, the management of DCIS is rapidly evolving. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is now more important than ever, with a shift towards de-escalating therapy to reduce treatment related toxicity. This review focuses on nuances of clinical management of DCIS in the modern era, highlighting key differences between DCIS as compared to invasive breast cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) currently recommends beginning screening with annual mammograms for women age 45, with the option to start at age 40. As treatment of DCIS has not been shown to impact survival, the USPSTF has more conservative screening recommendations of biennial mammograms from age 50–74. Unlike invasive breast cancer, DCIS is almost exclusively diagnosed by mammographic detection, and lymph node evaluation is not recommended. Pathologic review of biopsy specimens should follow the guidelines of the College of American Pathologists. Surgical management options include breast conservation, mastectomy, or possibly nipple sparing mastectomy, with upfront sentinel lymph node evaluation in the case of mastectomy. Radiation therapy is generally recommended as a component of breast conserving therapy for patients with DCIS, though in some low risk patients, there is trial data to suggest that adjuvant radiation may be omitted. Techniques for minimizing radiation toxicity should always be emphasized. Endocrine therapy is offered to women with hormone positive DCIS who have undergone lumpectomy for risk reduction, and has the benefit of decreasing incidence of events in both the ipsilateral and contralateral breast. More recent studies have explored use of targeted treatments such as trastuzumab in DCIS for HER2 overexpression. Future directions include tailoring therapy based on patient characteristics and tumor biology. With so many different options for treatment, it is also critical to engage in a discussion with the patient to arrive at a treatment decision that balances patient preferences for disease control versus treatment toxicity, financial toxicity, cosmesis, and quality of life.
Role of UCHL1 in axonal injury and functional recovery after cerebral ischemia

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a unique brain-specific deubiquitinating enzyme. Mutations in and aberrant function of UCHL1 have been linked to many neurological disorders. UCHL1 activity protects neurons from hypoxic injury, and binding of stroke-induced reactive lipid species to the cysteine 152 (C152) of UCHL1 unfolds the protein and disrupts its function. To investigate the role of UCHL1 and its adduction by reactive lipids in inhibiting repair and recovery of function following ischemic injury, a knock-in (KI) mouse expressing the UCHL1 C152A mutation was generated. Neurons derived from KI mice had less cell death and neurite injury after hypoxia. UCHL1 C152A KI and WT mice underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or sham surgery. White matter injury was significantly decreased in KI compared with WT mice 7 d after MCAO. Histological analysis revealed decreased tissue loss at 21 d after injury in KI mice. There was also significantly improved sensorimotor recovery in postischemic KI mice. K63- and K48-linked polyubiquitinated proteins were increased in penumbra of WT mouse brains but not in KI mouse brains at 24 h post MCAO. The UCHL1 C152A mutation preserved excitatory synaptic drive to pyramidal neurons and their excitability in the periinfarct zone; axonal conduction velocity recovered by 21 d post MCAO in KI mice in corpus callosum. These results demonstrate that UCHL1 activity is an important determinant of function after ischemia and further demonstrate that the C152 site of UCHL1 plays a significant role in functional recovery after stroke.
Artificial Intelligence and Game Theory Models for Defending Critical Networks with Cyber Deception

Traditional cyber security techniques have led to an asymmetric disadvantage for defenders. The defender must detect all possible threats at all times from all attackers and defend all systems against all possible exploitation. In contrast, an attacker needs only to find a single path to the defender’s critical information. In this article, we discuss how this asymmetry can be rebalanced using cyber deception to change the attacker’s perception of the network environment, and lead attackers to false beliefs about which systems contain critical information or are critical to a defender’s computing infrastructure. We introduce game theory concepts and models to represent and reason over the use of cyber deception by the defender and the effect it has on attacker perception. Finally, we discuss techniques for combining artificial intelligence algorithms with game theory models to estimate hidden states of the attacker using feedback through payoffs to learn how best to defend the system using cyber deception. It is our opinion that adaptive cyber deception is a necessary component of future information systems and networks. The techniques we present can simultaneously decrease the risks and impacts suffered by defenders and dramatically increase the costs and risks of detection for attackers. Such techniques are likely to play a pivotal role in defending national and international security concerns.