cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular recognition of parathyroid hormone by its G protein-coupled receptor

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is central to calcium homeostasis and bone maintenance in vertebrates, and as such it has been used for treating osteoporosis. It acts primarily by binding to its receptor, PTH1R, a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family that also includes receptors for glucagon, calcitonin, and other therapeutically important peptide hormones. Despite considerable interest and much research, determining the structure of the receptor–hormone complex has been hindered by difficulties in purifying the receptor and obtaining diffraction-quality crystals. Here, we present a method for expression and purification of the extracellular domain (ECD) of human PTH1R engineered as a maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion that readily crystallizes. The 1.95-Å structure of PTH bound to the MBP-PTH1R-ECD fusion reveals that PTH docks as an amphipathic helix into a central hydrophobic groove formed by a three-layer α–β–βα fold of the PTH1R ECD, resembling a hot dog in a bun. Conservation in the ECD scaffold and the helical structure of peptide hormones emphasizes this hot dog model as a general mechanism of hormone recognition common to class B GPCRs. Our findings reveal critical insights into PTH actions and provide a rational template for drug design that targets this hormone signaling pathway.
Protocol information provides opportunity for patient safety and quality improvement.

TO THE EDITOR: We enthusiastically support and applaud the recent decision by the editors of Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) to make available for online readers the entire protocol for published randomized phase II and III trials. This landmark event in clinical trial reporting will not only improve the dissemination of medical knowledge, but will likely simultaneously improve the safe translation of clinical trial data to that of practicing hematologists and oncologists. Noting the details of clinical trial protocol design, statistical methodology, and measurable end points has long been recognized as a critical responsibility of the scientific community. Analysis of such detail is imperative to gauge the scientific merit and accuracy of the data and subsequent conclusions. However, it has recently been recognized that the lack of information in trial publications about patient selection, treatment, monitoring, and management may impact the quality of cancer care that is delivered after publication. The generalizability of published study results to individual patients with any degree of certainty is dependent on many more variables than can possibly be included in an article limited to 3,000 words. Vague exclusion criteria, limited clinical monitoring information, and scarce information on dose modifications for toxicity each create opportunities for disparate outcomes in translating the science to the clinic. If schedule-dependent treatments are not made explicitly clear, differences in efficacy may result. In our study of 262 oncologybased therapeutic randomized controlled trials published in JCO, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Blood, Cancer, and New England Journal of Medicine, only 11% consistently reported essential therapeutic details. By including the complete protocol for readers as a requirement for publication in JCO, a new standard for quality of cancer care in the oncology community has been established. Having immediate and convenient access to the protocol will make it more likely that practicing clinicians will be able and willing to review the study details relevant to the provision of high-quality, safe clinical care. Our hope is that other journals will follow the lead provided by JCO.
TERRAIN CORRECTIONS FOR BOREHOLE GRAVIMETRY

The measurement of in‐situ density by borehole gravimetry has now become a commonly accepted, if not commonly used, practice (McCulloh, 1965, 1967; Howell et al., 1966; Hammer 1950). The expression for density as a function of gravity difference at two depths is given in a general form by McCulloh (1967) as ρ=F+ΔCgΔz-ΔguΔz4πk(1) Δgu=Δg0-ΔCt-ΔCb(2) where ρ is the density, F the free air gradient, Δg0 the measured gravity difference between two depths, ΔCg a correction for the effect of sub surface density differences (according to McCulloh, generally negligible), ΔCt the terrain correction, ΔCb a borehole correction, and k the gravitational constant. This equation can be obtained from first principles using Gauss’ law.
Swash on Steep and Shallow Beaches

Extensive field observations of swash on natural beaches are used to relate the magnitudes of swash oscillations to incident wave conditions and the beach slope. Swash fluctuations at wind wave frequencies (defined here as f > .05 Hz) appear to be "saturated." As in laboratory experiments with monochromatic waves, wave breaking prevents the magnitudes of swash oscillations at incident wave frequencies from increasing past a certain level which depends on the beach slope. All data sets considered support this conclusion. In contrast, the magnitude of swash oscillations at surf beat frequencies (defined as f < .05 Hz) varies between data sets. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are discussed. Despite their differences, all data sets show that motions at surf beat frequencies dominate the swash spectrum on dissipative beaches. As in previous studies, the frequencies of spectral hills and valleys in the spectra of surf zone sensors suggests that a significant fraction of the surf beat energy is contained in motions which are standing in the cross-shore direction. Preliminary analysis indicates that shoreward propagating surf beat is coupled to incident wave groups.
The effect of delayed side information on fundamental limitations of disturbance attenuation

In this paper, we present a fundamental limitation of disturbance attenuation in discrete-time single-input single-output (SISO) feedback systems when the controller has delayed side information about the external disturbance. Specifically, we assume that the delayed information about the disturbance is transmitted to the controller across a finite Shannon-capacity communication channel. Our main result is a lower bound on the log sensitivity integral in terms of open-loop unstable poles of the plant and the characteristics of the channel, similar to the classical Bode integral formula. A comparison with prior work that considers the effect of preview side information of the disturbance at the controller indicates that delayed side information and preview side information play different roles in disturbance attenuation. In particular, we show that for open-loop stable systems, delayed side information cannot reduce the log integral of the sensitivity function whereas it can for open-loop unstable systems, even when the disturbance is a white stochastic process.
Secret Common Randomness From Routing Metadata in Ad Hoc Networks

Establishing secret common randomness between two or multiple devices in a network resides at the root of communication security. In its most frequent form of key establishment, the problem is traditionally decomposed into a randomness generation stage (randomness purity is subject to employing often costly true random number generators) and an information-exchange agreement stage, which relies either on public-key infrastructure or on symmetric encryption (key wrapping). In this paper, we propose a secret-common-randomness establishment algorithm for ad hoc networks, which works by harvesting randomness directly from the network routing metadata, thus achieving both pure randomness generation and (implicitly) secret-key agreement. Our algorithm relies on the route discovery phase of an ad hoc network employing the dynamic source routing protocol, is lightweight, and requires relatively little communication overhead. The algorithm is evaluated for various network parameters in an OPNET ad hoc network simulator. Our results show that, in just 10 min, thousands of secret random bits can be generated network-wide, between different pairs in a network of 50 users.
Theory and simulation of backbombardment in single-cell thermionic-cathode electron guns

This paper presents a comparison between simulation results and a first principles analytical model of electron back-bombardment developed at Colorado State University for single-cell, thermionic-cathode rf guns. While most previous work on back-bombardment has been specific to particular accelerator systems, this work is generalized to a wide variety of guns within the applicable parameter space. The merits and limits of the analytic model will be discussed. This paper identifies the three fundamental parameters that drive the back-bombardment process, and demonstrates relative accuracy in calculating the predicted back-bombardment power of a single-cell thermionic gun.
Income Convergence and Regional Growth in India Before and After the Economic Liberalization

In this article I study regional growth and sub-national income convergence in India in the context of economic reforms that have been undertaken since 1991. I also examine convergence in developme...
Collaboration and Consultation: A Survey of Board Certified Music Therapists

The purpose of this study was to examine the consultation and collaboration practices of board certified music therapists (MT-BC) in order to establish a baseline of service provision for this profession. Board certified music therapists who are members of the American Music Therapy Association (n = 2039) were asked to complete a survey regarding collaboration and consultation in their professional practice. Specific areas of investigation included (a) population(s) with whom the MT-BC works and site of service delivery, (b) selfidentification as a collaborator and/or a consultant (c) populations with whom the MT-BC collaborates, and (d) frequency, methods, purpose, locations, and personnel for whom they provide consultative services. Responses (n = 873, 42.8%) from each of the 8 regions designated by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) indicated a significantly higher report of collaboration versus consultation among music therapists. Implications for music therapy education and need for further research are discussed.
Analysis on Epidemiological Characteristics of Rubella in Changping District,Beijing from 2007 to 2011

Objective To investigate the epidemiological features of rubella in Changping District,Beijing during the period of 2007-2011.Methods Descriptive epidemiological approaches were used to analyze the cases of rubella occurred in Changping District and reported by China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention from 2007 to 2011.Results A total of 482 cases of rubella were reported in Changping District from 2007 to 2011,with an average annual incidence of 10.46/100,000.Most of the patients were aged between 15 and 29 years,accounted for 71.37% of the total cases.The proportion of patients aged 15 years declined to 3.96% from 19.95%,while the proportion of patients aged between 15 and 29 years went up to 82.18% from 68.50%.Area clustering was obvious,urban outskirts with aggregate floating population showed a higher incidence of rubella.Rubella incidence mainly concentrated from March to June,accounting for 86.93% of all cases.Most of the patients were public service personnel and students,accounting for 78.43% of all cases.The patients with immune history showed mild clinical symptoms,there were statistically significant differences in clinical manifestations(including lymph node enlargement,conjunctivitis,cough,symptoms of catarrh and arthralgia) among patients with different immune histories.Conclusions The age of incidence of rubella in Changping District,Beijing from 2007 to 2011 was postponed,and the cases showed declines in children.The cases with immune history showed mild clinical symptoms as compared with those without immune history.
Tumor and T cell engagement by BiTE.

Abstract Cancer immunotherapy attempts to exploit the capability of the immune system to attack malignant cells. Recent results suggest that clinical responses in patients point to this new mechanism as potentially beneficial in harnessing the immune system for combating established malignancies. These checkpoint-related immunotherapies rely on engaging a subset of T cells in anti-tumor immune responses. BiTE® (Bi-specific T cell engager) represents a distinct modality that directly engages any T cell and a specific antigen expressing tumor cell. The approach offers the advantage of engaging T cells and patient tumor cells that differentially express a specific cell surface antigen. The specificity confers redirected tumor cell killing and recent clinical data with the BiTE blinatumomab show evidence of clinical remissions. The characteristics of a suitable BiTE with the benefit of CD3 mediated T cell recognition and articulation of tumor specific antigens combined in this therapeutic modality is described here.
Identification of the in Vivo Function of the High-Efficiency d-Mannonate Dehydratase in Caulobacter crescentus NA1000 from the Enolase Superfamily

The d-mannonate dehydratase (ManD) subgroup of the enolase superfamily contains members with varying catalytic activities (high-efficiency, low-efficiency, or no activity) that dehydrate d-mannonate and/or d-gluconate to 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-gluconate [Wichelecki, D. J., et al. (2014) Biochemistry 53, 2722–2731]. Despite extensive in vitro characterization, the in vivo physiological role of a ManD has yet to be established. In this study, we report the in vivo functional characterization of a high-efficiency ManD from Caulobacter crescentus NA1000 (UniProt entry B8GZZ7) by in vivo discovery of its essential role in d-glucuronate metabolism. This in vivo functional annotation may be extended to ∼50 additional proteins.
Telemedicine, Mobile, and Internet-Based Neurocognitive Assessment

A new medium for delivering neuropsychological assessments has emerged as a result of the Internet called teleneuropsychology. This chapter reviews teleneuropsychology’s potential for extending the availability of neuropsychological assessments to remote and geographically isolated areas. Within the teleneuropsychology framework, neuropsychologists use video teleconferencing, smartphones, and Web-based assessment to administer, score, and aide interpretation of neuropsychological assessments. The chapter includes a discussion of studies comparing video teleconferencing to in-person assessments. Preliminary evaluation of patient acceptance of this methodology has revealed that teleneuropsychology appears to be well accepted by consumers. While teleneuropsychology offers a great deal of promise for remote assessment in general, there are strengths and weaknesses for various modalities and approaches that need to be discussed. For example, while teleconferencing allows neuropsychologists to connect with patients in remote areas, it falls far short of the stimulus presentation and logging found in computer-automated assessments. These limitations and the lack of ecological validity of assessments are discussed. While teleneuropsychology needs to move beyond video-teleconferenced administration of paper-and-pencil tasks, there are possibilities for enhancing data collection and database building for personalized medicine. Given the vast reaches of the Internet, future iterations of teleneuropsychological applications that embrace the technological advances of computerized administration (including simulated environments) have potential for enhanced stimulus presentation, data logging, and ecological validity.
Pheromone Production in Pine Bark Beetles

Abstract The first aggregation pheromone components from a pine bark beetle were identified in 1966 as a mixture of ipsdienol, ipsenol and verbenol from Ips paraconfus . Since then, a number of additional components have been identified as both aggregation and antiaggregation pheromones, with many of them being monoterpenoids. The structural similarity between the major pheromone components of bark beetles and the monoterpenes found in the host trees, along with the association of monoterpenoid production with plant tissue, led to the paradigm that most if not all bark beetle pheromone components were derived from host tree precursors, often with only a simple hydroxylation to produce the pheromone. In the 1990s there was a paradigm shift as evidence for de novo biosynthesis of pheromone components began to accumulate, and it is now recognized that most, but not necessarily all, pine bark beetle monoterpenoid aggregation pheromone components are primarily biosynthesized de novo. The bark beetle aggregation pheromones are released from the frass, which is consistent with the isoprenoid aggregation pheromones, including ipsdienol, ipsenol and frontalin, being produced in midgut tissue. It appears that exo -brevicomin is produced de novo in fat body tissue, and that verbenol, verbenone and verbenene are produced from dietary α-pinene in fat body tissue. Combined biochemical, molecular and functional genomic studies in Ips pini yielded the discovery and characterization of the enzymes that convert mevalonate pathway intermediates to pheromone components, including a novel bifunctional geranyl diphosphate synthase/myrcene synthase, a cytochrome P450 that hydroxylates myrcene to ipsdienol, and an oxidoreductase that interconverts ipsdienol and ipsdienone, presumably to help achieve the appropriate stereochemistry of ipsdienol for pheromonal activity. Furthermore, the regulation of these genes and their corresponding enzymes proved complex and diverse in different species. Mevalonate pathway genes in pheromone-producing male I. pini exhibit much higher basal levels than in females, and feeding induces their expression. In I. duplicatus and I. pini , juvenile hormone III (JH III) induces pheromone production in the absence of feeding, whereas in I. paraconfusus and I. confusus , topically applied JH III does not induce pheromone production. In all four species, feeding induces pheromone production. Many of the details of pheromone production, including the site of synthesis, pathways and knowledge of the enzymes involved, are known for Ips , and recent work has done much to unravel the processes of pheromone production in Dendroctonus . Recent genomic studies in D. ponderosae are rapidly increasing our understanding of pheromone production in this genus. This chapter presents a historical development of what is known about pheromone production in bark beetles, emphasizes the genomic and postgenomic work in I. pini and D. ponderosae and points out areas where research is needed to obtain a more complete understanding of pheromone production.
Modeling of High Frequency Shock Tests

An impact machine (air gun) is used to reproduce high frequency pyroshock tests. The complexity of the tests cause low repeatability and can result in lengthy test setup time and out-of-tolerance tests. In order to better understand the behavior of this test, a study using experimental and numerical simulation is performed to identify the test parameters that affect the repeatability.
Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio at Diagnosis and Survival in De Novo Double/Triple Hit Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio at diagnosis (LMR-D) has been reported to be a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in both T-cell and B-cell lymphomas. However, there are no reports testing the prognostic ability of LMR-D in patients diagnosed with de novo double/triple hit diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Thus, we set out to investigate if the LMR-D is a prognostic factor for survival in de novo double/triple hit lymphomas. From 10/5/1998 until 1/16/2015, thirty-four patients with de novo double/triple hit DLBCL were identified for this study. Double and triple hit were defined by interphase FISH evaluating three fusion signals to identify the BCL2 translocation and IGK/MYC D-FISH probe to identify whether the partner is IG or non-IG. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on paraffin sections using probes that included 8q24 (5'MYC, 3'MYC); t (2;8), IGK/MYC; t(8,14), MYC/IGH; t(8;22), MYC/IGL; 3q27 (3'BCL6, 5'BCL'6); and 18q21 (3'BCL2, 5'BCL2). The cohort included 14 females and 20 males. The median follow-up for the cohort was 9.0 months (range: 0.4-72.6 months). Using the median for the LMR-D as the cut-off value, patients with a LMR-D ≥ 1.2 experienced superior overall survival (OS) [Hazard ratio (HR) of 0.127, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.019-0.530, p < 0.004] and progression-free survival (PFS) [HR of 0.107, 95 CI of 0.024-0.335, p < 0.0001]. The median follow up for OS for patients with a LMR-D ≥ 1.2 was not reached with a 5-year OS rate of 82% (95% CI of 49%-95%) compared with a median follow-up of 10 months for patients with a LMR-D < 1.2 with a 0% 5 year OS rate, p < 0.003 (Figure 1A). The median PFS for patients with a LMR-D ≥ 2 was not reached with a 5 years PFS of 74% (95%CI, of 43%-91%) compared with a median follow-up of 4.7 months for patients with a LMR-D < 1.2 and 0% 5 year PFS rate, p < 0.0001 (Figure 1B). After adjusting for the International Prognostic Index, multivariate analysis showed that the LMR-D remained an independent prognostic factor for OS [HR = 0.180, 95% CI of 0.254-0.784, p < 0.02] and for PFS [HR of 0.127, 95%CI of 0.029-0.409, p < 0.0003]. In spite of the small cohort of de novo double/triple hit DLBCL, the LMR-D was identified as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes for this specific set of aggressive lymphomas. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings. | LMR-D ≥ 1.2, N = 18 Events = 2 | | -------------------------------------- | | LMR-D < 1.2, N = 16 Events = 8 | | P < 0.003 | | LMR-D ≥ 1.2, N = 18 Events = 3 | | LMR-D < 1.2, N = 16 Events = 14 | | P < 0.0001 | | Figure 1 | | A | | B | Table. ![Figure 1.][1] Figure 1. Disclosures Maurer: Kite Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding. Off Label Use: New agent in a combination regimen.. [1]: pending:yes
The Under-Policed

While there is much to be said about the problem of mass incarceration and strategies for de-incarceration, the goal of this essay is to bring two things to the conversation. The first is to bring attention to the complex role misdemeanors play in compounding the problem of mass incarceration. The second is to call attention to race, but not in the usual way. Usually, when we think of race and criminal justice, we think of racialized policing and the overrepresentation of racial minorities in jails and prisons. But what happens when we consider criminal justice not only as an issue of overcriminalization and overenforcement vis-a-vis racial minorities, but also as an issue of undercriminalization and underenforcement vis-a-vis non-minorities? Put differently, in this time when we are again discussing white privilege and the hashtag #Crimingwhilewhite has become a phenomenon, are there advantages to talking about white privilege — or more generally, privilege — and criminal justice? If there exists what Randall Kennedy calls a “racial tax,” are there benefits to asking who gets a “racial pass”? Are there advantages to talking about the under-policed? Finally, how might those conversations impact the issue du jour, mass incarceration? This essay concludes by offering some suggestions for reducing mass incarceration.
Modular antenna of photosystem I in secondary plastids of red algal origin: a Nannochloropsis oceanica case study

Photosystem I (PSI) is a multi-subunit integral pigment–protein complex that performs light-driven electron transfer from plastocyanin to ferredoxin in the thylakoid membrane of oxygenic photoautotrophs. In order to achieve the optimal photosynthetic performance under ambient irradiance, the absorption cross section of PSI is extended by means of peripheral antenna complexes. In eukaryotes, this role is played mostly by the pigment–protein complexes of the LHC family. The structure of the PSI-antenna supercomplexes has been relatively well understood in organisms harboring the primary plastid: red algae, green algae and plants. The secondary endosymbiotic algae, despite their major ecological importance, have so far received less attention. Here we report a detailed structural analysis of the antenna-PSI association in the stramenopile alga Nannochloropsis oceanica (Eustigmatophyceae). Several types of PSI-antenna assemblies are identified allowing for identification of antenna docking sites on the PSI core. Instances of departure of the stramenopile system from the red algal model of PSI-Lhcr structure are recorded, and evolutionary implications of these observations are discussed.
Use of self-gated radial cardiovascular magnetic resonance to detect and classify arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation and premature ventricular contraction).

Arrhythmia can significantly alter the image quality of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR); automatic detection and sorting of the most frequent types of arrhythmias during the CMR acquisition could potentially improve image quality. New CMR techniques, such as non-Cartesian CMR, can allow self-gating: from cardiac motion-related signal changes, we can detect cardiac cycles without an electrocardiogram. We can further use this data to obtain a surrogate for RR intervals (valley intervals: VV). Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of an automated method for classification of non-arrhythmic (NA) (regular cycles) and arrhythmic patients (A) (irregular cycles), and for sorting of common arrhythmia patterns between atrial fibrillation (AF) and premature ventricular contraction (PVC), using the cardiac motion-related signal obtained during self-gated free-breathing radial cardiac cine CMR with compressed sensing reconstruction (XD-GRASP). One hundred eleven patients underwent cardiac XD-GRASP CMR between October 2015 and February 2016; 33 were included for retrospective analysis with the proposed method (6 AF, 8 PVC, 19 NA; by recent ECG). We analyzed the VV, using pooled statistics (histograms) and sequential analysis (Poincare plots), including the median (medVV), the weighted mean (meanVV), the total number of VV values (VVval), and the total range (VVTR) and half range (VVHR) of the cumulative frequency distribution of VV, including the median to half range (medVV/VVHR) and the half range to total range (VVHR/VVTR) ratios. We designed a simple algorithm for using the VV results to differentiate A from NA, and AF from PVC. Between NA and A, meanVV, VVval, VVTR, VVHR, medVV/VVHR and VVHR/VVTR ratios were significantly different (p values = 0.00014, 0.0027, 0.000028, 5×10−9, 0.002, respectively). Between AF and PVC, meanVV, VVval and medVV/VVHR ratio were significantly different (p values = 0.018, 0.007, 0.044, respectively). Using our algorithm, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93 %, 95 % and 94 % to discriminate between NA and A, and 83 %, 71 %, and 77 % to discriminate between AF and PVC, respectively; areas under the ROC curve were 0.93 and 0.89. Our study shows we can reliably detect arrhythmias and differentiate AF from PVC, using self-gated cardiac cine XD-GRASP CMR.
A more open efficient future for AI development and data science with an introduction to Julia

We propose a more open, efficient, expressive, and ergonomic future for AI development, machine learning, and data science based on the Julia programming language. Our thesis is that the current tapestry of high level codes with library calls creates programmer indirections that can work well for the “one off”, but can slow general progress. We provide examples from Machine Learning, Automatic Differentiation, and Data Handling Technologies.
Probabilistic wind power ramp forecasting based on a scenario generation method

Wind power ramps (WPRs) are particularly important in the management and dispatch of wind power and currently drawing the attention of balancing authorities. With the aim to reduce the impact of WPRs for power system operations, this paper develops a probabilistic ramp forecasting method based on a large number of simulated scenarios. An ensemble machine learning technique is first adopted to forecast the basic wind power forecasting scenario and calculate the historical forecasting errors. A continuous Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used to fit the probability distribution function (PDF) of forecasting errors. The cumulative distribution function (CDF) is analytically deduced. The inverse transform method based on Monte Carlo sampling and the CDF is used to generate a massive number of forecasting error scenarios. An optimized swinging door algorithm is adopted to extract all the WPRs from the complete set of wind power forecasting scenarios. The probabilistic forecasting results of ramp duration and start-time are generated based on all scenarios. Numerical simulations on publicly available wind power data show that within a predefined tolerance level, the developed probabilistic wind power ramp forecasting method is able to predict WPRs with a high level of sharpness and accuracy.
Puzzling Two-Proton Decay of ^{67}Kr.

Ground-state two-proton ($2p$) radioactivity is a rare decay mode found in a few very proton-rich isotopes. The $2p$ decay lifetime and properties of emitted protons carry invaluable information on nuclear structure in the presence of a low-lying proton continuum. The recently measured $2p$ decay of $^{67}\mathrm{Kr}$ turned out to be unexpectedly fast. Since $^{67}\mathrm{Kr}$ is expected to be a deformed system, we investigate the impact of deformation effects on the $2p$ radioactivity. We apply the recently developed Gamow coupled-channel framework, which allows for a precise description of three-body systems in the presence of rotational and vibrational couplings. This is the first application of a three-body approach to a two-nucleon decay from a deformed nucleus. We show that deformation couplings significantly increase the $2p$ decay width of $^{67}\mathrm{Kr}$; this finding explains the puzzling experimental data. The calculated angular proton-proton correlations reflect a competition between $1p$ and $2p$ decay modes in this nucleus.
Ultrahigh resolution retinal imaging by visible light OCT with longitudinal achromatization

Chromatic aberrations are an important design consideration in high resolution, high bandwidth, refractive imaging systems that use visible light. Here, we present a fiber-based spectral/Fourier domain, visible light OCT ophthalmoscope corrected for the average longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA) of the human eye. Analysis of complex speckles from in vivo retinal images showed that achromatization resulted in a speckle autocorrelation function that was ~20% narrower in the axial direction, but unchanged in the transverse direction. In images from the improved, achromatized system, the separation between Bruch's membrane (BM), the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and the outer segment tips clearly emerged across the entire 6.5 mm field-of-view, enabling segmentation and morphometry of BM and the RPE in a human subject. Finally, cross-sectional images depicted distinct inner retinal layers with high resolution. Thus, with chromatic aberration compensation, visible light OCT can achieve volume resolutions and retinal image quality that matches or exceeds ultrahigh resolution near-infrared OCT systems with no monochromatic aberration compensation.
Associations of Army Fathers' PTSD Symptoms and Child Functioning: Within- and Between-Family Effects.

This study examined the within-family and between-family associations between fathers' military-related PTSD symptoms and parent ratings of children's behavioral and emotional problems. The sample included married couples (N = 419) with children composed of a civilian wife and an active-duty husband serving in the U.S. Army. Results indicate that changes in fathers' PTSD symptoms over time were associated with corresponding changes in both mothers' and fathers' reports of child behavioral and emotional problems. These within-family findings were independent from between-family effects, which showed that higher average PTSD symptomatology was associated with more overall behavioral and emotional problems for children. This study uses advances in statistical methodologies to increase knowledge about how PTSD symptoms and child problems are related, both across different families and over time within families.
Mechanics of population aging and survival.

In this paper we extend the previous work of Witten and her team on defining a classical physics-driven model of survival in aging populations (Eakin, Bull Math Biol 56(6):1121–1141, 1994; Eakin and Witten, Mech Aging Dev 78(2):85–101, 1995; Witten and Eakin, Exp Gerontol 32(2):259–285, 1997) by revisiting the concept of a force of aging and introducing the concepts of a momentum of aging, a kinetic energy and a potential energy of an aging population. We further extend the analysis beyond the deterministic Newtonian mechanics of a macroscopic population as a whole by considering the probabilistic nature of survival of individual population cohort members, thus producing new statistical physics-based concepts of entropy and of a gerontological “temperature”. These new concepts are then illustrated with application to the classic parametric Gompertz survival model, which is a commonly used empirical descriptor for survival dynamics of mammalian species, human populations in particular. As a function of chronological age the Gompertz Model force, momentum, and power are seen to have an asymmetric unimodal peak profile, while the potential energy has a descending sigmoidal profile similar to that of the survival fraction. The “temperature” is an exponential function of age and the entropy for a future age at a current census age can be represented as a topological surface with an asymmetric unimodal hump.
Analysis of Long-Term Temperature Trend in Illinois and its Implication on the Cropping System

With surging population and changing global climate, the prospect of ensuring global food security has become ever challenging. Crop yield is driven by various environmental and management factors. For exaple, crop yield is related to the temperature during the growth stages of the plants, and therefore, the yield is going to be affected by any changes in temperature pattern. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the salient features of the temperature in the recent past, which marks the advent of the anthropogenic climate change and in the upcoming future as well. This study analyzes the trend in various parameters of temperature in Illinois at an annual and seasonal scale. It also analyzes the temperature at a temporal scale relevant to the crop yield. It was observed that the effects of climate change on Illinois temperature is very low and sparsely distributed. Any change observed heretofore point towards a favorable ambient condition for the cropping systems. The climate change is expected to affect both natural and man-man systems in the future. Agricultural practices combine significant components of both of these systems. For rain-fed agricultural systems, whose dependence outweighs towards the natural determinants, climate change adds another layer of uncertainty that hinders the planning and management process.
Shelf life of ground beef patties treated by gamma radiation.

The effects of irradiation on microbial populations in ground beef patties vacuum package and irradiated frozen at target doses of 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 kGy were determined. Irradiated samples were stored at 4 or -18 degrees C for 42 days, and mesophilic aerobic plate counts (APCs) were periodically determined. Fresh ground beef (initial APC of 10(2) CFU/g) treated with 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 kGy was acceptable ( 10(7) CFU/g) by day 14 and 21, respectively, whereas patties treated at 5.0 kGy did not spoil until 42 days. The nonirradiated control samples for both batches of ground beef spoiled within 7 days. Microbial counts in ground beef patties stored at -18 degrees C did not change over the 42-day period. Shelf life of ground beef patties stored at 4 degrees C may be extended with gamma radiation, especially at 5.0 and 7.0 kGy. Initial microbial load in ground beef samples was an important shelf life factor.
CORTICAL CONTROL OF ROBOTIC DEVICES AND NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATORS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cortical control of robotic devices and neuromuscular stimulators. The Neural Prosthesis Program at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is committed to research and development to provide functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to restore hand and arm function in quadriplegic individuals. These FNS systems must operate under voluntary control of the paralyzed individual. Providing a means for the individual to produce the control signals represents a critical part of any potential FNS system. Currently, such signals are generated by voluntary movements of unparalyzed muscles—such as the contralateral shoulder—or through voice-activated devices. To demonstrate functional cortical control, it is necessary to show that selected cell populations in the central nervous system can be trained to reliably operate an electromechanical device. This must first be demonstrated in an intact animal and, if successful, then demonstrated in the spinal lesioned animal.
Abstract 1663: Identification and characterization of a small-molecule inhibitor of the human uracil-DNA glycosylase for use in combination with DNA damage-based anticancer therapies

Our research aims to develop therapeutically active inhibitors of the human uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG). UNG, a highly conserved enzyme, plays a pivotal role in preventing abnormal bases, uracil and 5-fluorouracil, from incorporation into DNA as a result of treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs, floxuridine (5-FdU) and pemetrexed (PEM). Our previous publication reports that the depletion of UNG by shRNA causes uracil and 5-FU incorporation into DNA following 5-FdU or PEM exposure, and highly sensitizes certain human cancer cells to these chemotherapeutic drugs. These data suggest that UNG specific inhibitors could improve the anticancer effect of 5-FdU or PEM. However, a few known inhibitors have not been shown to function at therapeutic concentrations in human cells. Therefore, in order to identify a novel, small-molecule compound targeting the human UNG enzymatic activity, we have previously optimized a biochemically high-throughput screening (HTS) assay that measures the removal of uracil from a DNA hairpin based on the un-quenching of fluorescence. This assay has been successfully employed in a pharmacologically active compound collection screen (>3,000 small-molecules+ approved drugs). In 384-well plate runs using control wells in which enzyme is not added, the average assay provides signal to background ratios of 3.0 to 4.0. Typical Z factors range from 0.6-0.7, indicating a robust assay. We have identified five bioactive compounds with IC50 values Citation Format: Mya T. Nguyen, Yan Yan, Yuriy Fedorvo, John Pink, Drew Adams, Stanton Gerson. Identification and characterization of a small-molecule inhibitor of the human uracil-DNA glycosylase for use in combination with DNA damage-based anticancer therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1663.
Effects of Advanced Cardiac Procedure Simulator Training on Learning and Performance in Cardiovascular Medicine Fellows.

Background:Simulation-based training has been used in medical training environments to facilitate the learning of surgical and minimally invasive techniques. We hypothesized that integration of a p...
Device Failure from the Initial Current Step of a CDM Discharge

CDM discharges exhibit a fast initial current step when the stray capacitance of the pogo pin is charged. It is demonstrated that the high slew rate can damage sensitive gate oxides. The miscorrelation of CDM and CC-TLP methodologies is addressed by applying pulses with 20 ps rise time.
Influence of Gas-Insulated Transmission Line (GIL) on Energization Overvoltage

Energization overvoltage is very important for security and stability of power grid, and it also provides reasonable reference for insulation coordination. This article proposes the influence of GIL on energization overvoltage. Parameter characteristics for GIL are presented and analyzed in detail, which are different from that of overhead line (OHL). Thus, with GIL applied to transmission system, the traditional methods for analysis of energization overvoltage could not be used. However, amplitude of energization overvoltage and voltage attenuation speed can be simply discussed only for a fully-GIL or a fully-OHL. Analysis on how the length, ratio and location of GIL effect the energization overvoltage, need to be obtained based on simulation results. The study includes various sensitivity analyses to find out the impact of transmission line parameters on overvoltage. By the statistical analysis, it has been discovered that energization overvoltage of a hybrid OHL-GIL circuit are lower than those of a fully-OHL circuit with the same transmission lengths. There is no evident changing regularity of overvoltage in different locations of GIL. The attenuation speed of a hybrid OHL-GIL circuit is lower than those of a fully-OHL and fully-GIL.
Approximate non-coplanar orbital transfers with minimum expenditure of fuel

An approximate method is given for determining the optimal trajectory of a thrust-limited rocket transferring from one known elliptic orbit to another in a vacuum. The trajectory consists of thrust-coast-thrust arcs, and the deviation from the initial orbital plane is of first-order smallness compared to the path projected onto the plane.
Cluster Randomized Trial Reducing Missed Elevated Blood Pressure in Pediatric Primary Care: Project RedDE.

Recognition of childhood hypertension is essential, but pediatricians routinely fail to identify elevated blood pressure (BP). This study investigated if a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) reduces missed elevated BP in primary care. Methods During a cluster-randomized clinical trial, a national cohort worked sequentially to reduce each of three different errors, including missed elevated BP. While working on their first error during an 8-month action period, practices collected control data for a different error. Practices worked to reduce two additional errors in subsequent action periods but continued to provide sustain and maintainenance data on BP. QIC intervention included video learning sessions, transparent data, failures analysis, coaching, and tools to reduce errors. Mixed-effects logistic regression models compared the mean percentage of patients with an elevated BP with appropriate actions taken and documented. Results We randomized 43 practices and included 30 in the final analysis. Control and intervention phases included 1,728 and 1,834 patients with an elevated BP, respectively. Comparing control versus intervention phases, the mean percentage of patients who received appropriate actions increased from 58% to 74% [risk difference (RD) 16%; 95% CI;12%, 20%]. Practices continued to improve during the sustain phase as compared to the intervention phase (RD 5%; 95% CI; 2%, 9%) and did not worsen during the maintenance phase (RD 0.9%; 95% CI -5%, 7%). Conclusions Missed pediatric elevated BP can be sustainably reduced via a QIC intervention, demonstrating a possible model for other error reduction efforts.
Onion‐like Multifunctional Microtrap Vehicles for Attraction–Trapping–Destruction of Biological Threats

A multifunctional motile microtrap is developed that is capable of autonomously attracting, trapping, and destroying pathogens by controlled chemoattractant and therapeutic agent release. The onion-inspired multi-layer structure contains a magnesium engine core and inner chemoattractant and therapeutic layers. Upon chemical propulsion, the magnesium core is depleted, resulting in a hollow structure that exposes the inner layers and serves as structural trap. The sequential dissolution and autonomous release of the chemoattractant and killing agents result in long-range chemotactic attraction, trapping, and destruction of motile pathogens. The dissolved chemoattractant (l-serine) significantly increases the accumulation and capture of motile pathogens (E. coli) within the microtrap structure, while the internal release of silver ions (Ag+ ) leads to lysis of the pathogen accumulated within the microtrap cavity.
TMEM184B promotes pruriceptive neuron specification to facilitate itch sensitivity

Nociceptive and pruriceptive neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) convey sensations of pain and itch to the spinal cord, respectively. A sub-population of these neurons, marked by Somatostatin (Sst) expression, is responsible for sensing IL-31, a mediator of acute itch, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Here we show that Tmem184b, a gene with known roles in axon degeneration and nerve terminal maintenance, is required for the expression of a large cohort of itch receptors such as those for IL-31, Leukotriene C4, and Histamine. Mice lacking Tmem184b fail to respond to IL-31, but maintain normal responses to pain and mechanical force, suggesting a specific defect in pruriception. Lineage-tracing studies using Sst-driven Cre recombinase show a loss of pruriceptive neurons in Tmem184b-mutant mice, indicating a defect in neuron subtype specification. Accordingly, Wnt-dependent transcriptional signatures and signaling components, which are essential for neuronal subtype specification during development, are markedly reduced in Tmem184b-mutant embryonic DRG. Lentiviral reexpression of Tmem184b in mutant embryonic neurons restores Wnt signatures, whereas reexpression of Tmem184b in adult DRG fails to restore itch responses. Together, these data demonstrate that Tmem184b promotes adult somatosensation through developmental Wnt signaling and specification of pruriceptive neurons.
Abstract MP26: Mediterranean Diet And Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures In Young And Older Adults

Introduction: Accumulative evidence has suggested that higher adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, such as Mediterranean diet (MeDi), is associated with preservation of brain structure and less ...
A Robust MPPT Method Based on AWILOG-ZALMS Algorithm for SPV Systems Under Various Loads and Non-Uniform Irradiance Conditions

A robust Zero-Attracting LMS (ZALMS) time-adjustment stepsize adaptation technique for the conventional P&O MPPT method of PV systems is presented. We aimed in this work to accurately attain the maximum power point of the PV systems under various loads and irradiation conditions using Absolute Weighted Input using Log (AWILOG) function for variable stepsize (VSS) ZALMS, i.e. AWILOG-VSS-ZALMS algorithm from [21]. In this work, the filter coefficients adaptation strategy used is based on the L1-norm constraint instead of the L0-norm as was proposed in the AWILOG-VSS-RZALMS [21]. We present a comparative analysis using different connected load types under several patterns of non-uniform irradiation conditions. Results show that in comparison with the conventional method, our algorithm delivers faster convergence and a more rapid response to environmental variations while still reducing steady-state power oscillations. The comparative analysis between both methods using L1-norm versus L0-norm showing their tracking behavior in terms of speed and performance is also presented. Results show that this proposed work, when compared to the AWILOG-VSS-RZALMS algorithm in [19], delivers a relatively slower dynamic response but it delivers a reduction in computational complexity making it more suitable for practical application. In all, the algorithm is robust, and we aim in the future to implement it in real-time systems.
Comparison of a Pain Tolerability Question With the Numeric Rating Scale for Assessment of Self-reported Chronic Pain

This cohort study evaluates whether the incorporation of a pain tolerability question augments the information gathered from a numeric rating scale.