cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the phosphorylation status of the hepatitis B virus X-associated protein 2.

Abstract The cytosolic Ah receptor (AhR) heterocomplex consists of one molecule of the AhR, a 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) dimer, and one molecule of the hepatitis B virus X-associated protein 2 (XAP2). Serine residues 43,53,131-2, and 329 on XAP2-FLAG were identified as putative phosphorylation sites using site-directed mutagenesis followed by two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping analysis. Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) was identified as the 45-kDa kinase from COS 1 cell or liver extracts that was responsible for phosphorylation of serine 43 in the XAP2 peptide 39–57. Loss of phosphorylation at any or all of the serine residues did not significantly affect the ability of XAP2-FLAG to bind to the murine AhR in rabbit reticulocyte lysate or Hsp90 in COS-1 cells. Furthermore, all of these serine mutants were able to sequester murine AhR-YFP into the cytoplasm as well as wild-type XAP2. YFP-XAP2 S53A was unable to enter the nucleus, indicating a potential role of phosphorylation in nuclear translocation of XAP2.
Determining the relative importance of patient motivations for nonadherence to topical corticosteroid therapy in psoriasis

Background Medication nonadherence is a significant problem in psoriasis. Although previous research has aimed to quantify the prevalence of nonadherence in topical medication users, patient motivations for intentional nonadherence are not fully understood. Objective Our purpose was to determine the relative importance of factors contributing to nonadherence in topical corticosteroid users with psoriasis. Methods A survey was distributed to psoriasis patients visiting an outpatient clinic. Results Among the 53 persons surveyed, medication nonadherence was 40%. Frustration with medication efficacy, inconvenience, and fear of side effects were the most important reasons patients deviated from usage instructions. Subjects who did not receive instructions on topical treatment duration used corticosteroids longer (>8 weeks) than subjects who were instructed (P Limitations A relatively small sample size prevented trends in demographic predictors of adherence from reaching statistical significance. The patient self-report format has the potential to introduce recall bias. Conclusions Factors contributing to intentional nonadherence, including dissatisfaction with efficacy, inconvenience, and fear of side effects, are the most important patient-identified barriers to appropriate use of topical steroids in psoriasis. Clear patient instructions on the intended steroid treatment duration may reduce adverse effects from overuse.
ACE: A robust variability and aging sensor for high-k/metal gate SoC

A novel on-chip variability and aging sensor has been designed for robust generation of a voltage guard band in high-K/metal gate technologies. It is the first single sensor solution that is capable of guard-banding for both NBTI and PBTI effects. It offers the SoC the capability to dynamically adjust the on-chip guard-band for joint power-reliability optimization.
The hyper-radial visualisation method for multi-attribute decision-making under uncertainty

In this paper, a new method that enables the visualisation of multi-attribute design problem solutions is presented. The Hyper-Radial Visualisation (HRV) method provides the decision-maker with the ability to perform real-time tradeoff investigations by incorporating weight preferences and uncertainty representations. In these problems, designers must consider potentially complex tradeoff decisions in order to choose a point or set of points with which to proceed. Designers can investigate the performance space under different weights and/or uncertainty conditions through a two-dimensional visual representation. This allows a more informed and efficient method to find promising solutions for the designer, thereby significantly reducing the time required for tradeoff analysis in a complex design process. This paper presents the HRV method, along with the results and discussion of different case problems with varying dimensionalities to demonstrate the method's viability and usefulness.
Thermal reduction of chlordecone in the presence of alcohol

Abstract Chlordecone was observed to undergo reduction to chlordecone alcohol when dissolved in primary and secondary alcohols, and analyzed using gas chromatography. Reduction occurred in the injection port and was catalyzed by Na + , Mg 2+ and Al 3+ . It appears that the reduction occurs via a Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley mechanism.
Cytometry by Time-of-Flight Shows Combinatorial Cytokine Expression and Virus-Specific Cell Niches within a Continuum of CD8+ T Cell Phenotypes

Cytotoxic CD8(+) T lymphocytes directly kill infected or aberrant cells and secrete proinflammatory cytokines. By using metal-labeled probes and mass spectrometric analysis (cytometry by time-of-flight, or CyTOF) of human CD8(+) T cells, we analyzed the expression of many more proteins than previously possible with fluorescent labels, including surface markers, cytokines, and antigen specificity with modified peptide-MHC tetramers. With 3-dimensional principal component analysis (3D-PCA) to display phenotypic diversity, we observed a relatively uniform pattern of variation in all subjects tested, highlighting the interrelatedness of previously described subsets and the continuous nature of CD8(+) T cell differentiation. These data also showed much greater complexity in the CD8(+) T cell compartment than previously appreciated, including a nearly combinatorial pattern of cytokine expression, with distinct niches occupied by virus-specific cells. This large degree of functional diversity even between cells with the same specificity gives CD8(+) T cells a remarkable degree of flexibility in responding to pathogens.
Electrodiffusion, Barrier, and Gating Analysis of DIDS-insensitive Chloride Conductance in Human Red Blood Cells Treated with Valinomycin or Gramicidin

Current-voltage curves for DIDS-insensitive Cl 2 conductance have been determined in human red blood cells from five donors. Currents were estimated from the rate of cell shrinkage using flow cytometry and dif- ferential laser light scattering. Membrane potentials were estimated from the extracellular pH of unbuffered sus- pensions using the proton ionophore FCCP. The width of the Gaussian distribution of cell volumes remained in- variant during cell shrinkage, indicating a homogeneous Cl 2 conductance among the cells. After pretreatment for 30 min with DIDS, net effluxes of K 1 and Cl 2 were induced by valinomycin and were measured in the continued presence of DIDS; inhibition was maximal at z 65% above 1 m M DIDS at both 25 8 C and 37 8 C. The nonlinear cur- rent-voltage curves for DIDS-insensitive net Cl 2 effluxes, induced by valinomycin or gramicidin at varied (K 1 ) o , were compared with predictions based on ( 1 ) the theory of electrodiffusion, ( 2 ) a single barrier model, ( 3 ) single occupancy, multiple barrier models, and ( 4 ) a voltage-gated mechanism. Electrodiffusion precisely describes the relationship between the measured transmembrane voltage and (K 1 ) o . Under our experimental conditions (pH 7.5, 23 8 C, 1-3 m M valinomycin or 60 ng/ml gramicidin, 1.2% hematocrit), the constant field permeability ratio P K /P Cl is 74 6 9 with 10 m M DIDS, corresponding to 73% inhibition of P Cl . Fitting the constant field current-volt- age equation to the measured Cl 2 currents yields P Cl 5 0.13 h 2 1 with DIDS, compared to 0.49 h 2 1 without DIDS, in good agreement with most previous studies. The inward rectifying DIDS-insensitive Cl 2 current, however, is in- consistent with electrodiffusion and with certain single-occupancy multiple barrier models. The data are well de- scribed either by a single barrier located near the center of the transmembrane electric field, or, alternatively, by a voltage-gated channel mechanism according to which the maximal conductance is 0.055 6 0.005 S/g Hb, half the channels are open at 2 27 6 2 mV, and the equivalent gating charge is 2 1.2 6 0.3.
Stability and convergence in adaptive systems

Sufficient conditions for adaptive control to ensure stability and convergence to a controller that is robustly stabilizing and performing are developed, provided that such a controller exists in the candidate controller pool. The results can be used to interpret any cost-minimizing adaptive scheme. An example of how a recently developed adaptive switching method can fail to select a stabilizing controller is presented, and a correction is proposed.
Diffusional kurtosis imaging in hydrocephalus

Abstract Purpose Diffusional kurtosis imaging is an advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging method that yields, in addition to conventional diffusion information, non-Gaussian diffusion effects, which may allow a more comprehensive characterization of tissue microstructure. The purpose of this study is to use diffusional kurtosis to assess white matter integrity in patients with hydrocephalus and to determine whether changes in kurtosis correlate with the severity of hydrocephalus and leukoaraiosis (LA), a commonly seen comorbidity in hydrocephalus. Methods 26 patients with imaging evidence of hydrocephalus and 26 age- and sex- matched subjects with normal ventricular size were retrospectively analyzed. Standard diffusion tensor imaging and diffusional kurtosis metrics were compared between the two groups. Correlation between kurtosis and severity of hydrocephalus and presence and severity of LA was determined. Results Hydrocephalus patients relative to controls demonstrated statistically significant decrease in all kurtosis metrics in most brain regions studied. The severity of hydrocephalus was associated with greater decrease in kurtosis in the corpus callosum. There was more LA in the hydrocephalus group, and severity of LA was associated with decrease in kurtosis. After controlling for the degree of LA, kurtosis was still decreased in hydrocephalus relative to the controls. Conclusion Diffusional kurtosis imaging detects microstructural changes in the white matter of patients with hydrocephalus. Our results suggest that hydrocephalus plays a role in altering white matter integrity.
The Sireviruses, a Plant-Specific Lineage of the Ty1/copia Retrotransposons, Interact with a Family of Proteins Related to Dynein Light Chain 8

Plant genomes are rich in long terminal repeat retrotransposons, and here we describe a plant-specific lineage of Ty1/copia elements called the Sireviruses. The Sireviruses vary greatly in their genomic organization, and many have acquired additional coding information in the form of an envelope-like open reading frame and an extended gag gene. Two-hybrid screens were conducted with the novel domain of Gag (the Gag extension) encoded by a representative Sirevirus from maize (Zea mays) called Hopie. The Hopie Gag extension interacts with a protein related to dynein light chain 8 (LC8). LC8 also interacts with the Gag extension from a Hopie homolog from rice (Oryza sativa). Amino acid motifs were identified in both Hopie Gag and LC8 that are responsible for the interaction. Two amino acids critical for Gag recognition map within the predicted LC8-binding cleft. Two-hybrid screens were also conducted with the Gag extension encoded by the soybean (Glycine max) SIRE1 element, and an interaction was found with light chain 6 (LC6), a member of the LC8 protein family. LC8 and LC6 proteins are components of the dynein microtubule motor, with LC8 being a versatile adapter that can bind many unrelated cellular proteins and viruses. Plant LC8 and LC6 genes are abundant and divergent, yet flowering plants do not encode other components of the dynein motor. Although, to our knowledge, no cellular roles for plant LC8 family members have been proposed, we hypothesize that binding of LC8 proteins to Gag aids in the movement of retrotransposon virus-like particles within the plant cell or possibly induces important conformational changes in the Gag protein.
Tailoring of the Resonant Mode Properties of Optical Nanocavities in Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Slab Waveguides

Optically thin dielectric slabs, in which a fully etched-through two-dimensional patterning is applied, are used to form high-Q optical cavities with modal volumes approaching the theoretical limit of a cubic half-wavelength. Resonant cavities are formed from local defect regions within the photonic lattice. Simple group theoretical techniques are developed to design cavities which support resonant modes with a particular polarization and radiation pattern. Numerical simulations using the finite-difference time-domain method are then used to study the detailed emission and loss properties of these modes. The cavities are probed spectroscopically through photoluminescence measurements, which when compared with numerical results show the presence of both donor and acceptor type modes. These experimental results show the predictive power of the modest symmetry analysis presented here in describing highly localized defect states within photonic crystals.
Principles and results of some test cost reduction methods for ASICs

This paper describes several different approaches to obtain test cost reduction, with emphasis on experimental results obtained for a class of ASICs, although the techniques are general. A review is given of some architectural approaches before giving details of techniques which address reduction in test time. The importance of the gathering and analysis of production data is highlighted with a view to better balance wafer and package tests, eliminate ineffective tests, truncate existing tests and carefully examine at which voltage a test should be run. Stress testing is also discussed with the goal of optimizing tests which are run before and after stress.
AGA technical review on irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is part of the larger group of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that, despite differences in location and symptom patterns, share common features with regard to their motor and sensory physiology, central nervous system (CNS) relationships, and the approach to patient care.1 IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with disturbed defecation.2 This disorder is highly prevalent and can be associated with significant emotional distress, impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL), disability, and high health care costs. Psychosocial factors, although not part of IBS per se, have an important role in modulating the illness experience and its clinical outcome.3 GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:2108-2131
Irreducible error rate in aeronautical satellite channels

The irreducible error rate in aeronautical satellite systems is experimentally investigated. It is shown that the introduction of a delay in the multipath component of a Rician channel increases the channel irreducible error rate. However, since the carrier/multipath ratio is usually large for aeronautical applications, this rise in the irreducible error rate should not be interpreted as a practical limitation of aeronautical satellite communications.
Design of an energy-efficient standalone distributed generation system employing renewable energy sources and smart grid technology as a student design project

This paper describes an undergraduate or graduate level student project that involves the design of an energy-efficient standalone distributed generation system integrating existing fossil fuel based energy sources with renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies for offgrid communities. One such application is the development of stand-alone electric power sources for Native American villages in rural Alaska. This student project addresses many facets of engineering design and development including system component design, system integration including smart grid technology, environmental impacts, and economic and cultural concerns. The design requires consideration of all possible energy sources and energy conversion alternatives in the development of a standalone distributed generation system, and depends on the power requirements and location, as well as environmental, economic, and cultural concerns. System efficiency is determined, including the possibility of utilizing waste thermal energy. Available energy sources may include wind, solar, small head or river hydro, thermoelectric generators, micro-turbine technology, and thermoelectric systems, battery and other energy storage devices combined with the existing diesel/electric or gasoline/electric generators. Environmental impacts include calculations of emissions and avoided costs of integrating renewable energy sources into the system. Economic considerations include the life cycle cost and estimated unit cost of electricity generated.
Observations of NO x , ΣPNs, ΣANs, and HNO 3 at a Rural Site in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains: summertime diurnal cycles

Abstract. Observations of NO, NO2, total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs), total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs), HNO3, CO, O3, and meteorological parameters were obtained from October 2000 through February 2002 at 1315 m a.s.l., 38.9° N, 120.6° W on Sierra Pacific Industries land, adjacent to the University of California Blodgett Forest Research Station (UC-BFRS). We describe the data set with emphasis on the diurnal cycles during summertime 2001. We show that transport of the Sacramento urban plume is a primary factor responsible for diurnal variation in total reactive nitrogen mixing ratios as well as in NOx, ΣPNs and ΣANs, all of which exhibit a late afternoon/early evening peak. In contrast, HNO3 has a peak just after local noon indicating that HNO3 is in near steady state during the day with production due to photochemistry and removal by deposition and mixing with the background free troposphere. Boundary layer dynamics influence mixing ratios of all species in the early morning. Analysis of the morning feature suggests that higher mixing ratios of NOx and HNO3 persist in the residual layer than in the nocturnal boundary layer indicating the presence of nocturnal sinks of both species. Nighttime observations also indicate large HNO3 and ΣANs production through oxidation of alkenes by NO3.
Impaired impulse formation.

Scenario: This ECG (V1 top and lead II bottom) was obtained from a 78-year-old female patient admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit 3 weeks earlier. She was admitted with respiratory distress and is currently intubated via a tracheal tube, on phenylephrine hydrochloride for blood pressure control, is in septic shock, and requiring dialysis every other day. She has an extensive clinical history including: hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), prior myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney disease. The patient is nonresponsive so subjective symptoms could not be ascertained. Her blood pressure dropped from 108/60 to 85/43 during this rhythm. A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for clinical practice. To send an eLetter or to contribute to an online discussion about this article, visit www.ajcconline.org and click “Respond to This Article” on either the full-text or PDF view of the article. We welcome letters regarding this feature.
Set-Theoretic Update on Topology

This is the third in the Recent Progress in General Topology series, and this is the author’s third contribution with the assigned theme of recent progress of applications of set-theory to topology.
“The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated”: Reading and Writing Objective Legal Memoranda in a Mobile Computing Age

Is there any reason for lawyers to write legal memoranda, particularly when some lawyers report that they no longer value the “traditional” legal memo? Does the legal memorandum – a common first writing project for law students – have any application whatsoever beyond the first year of law school? Does the usefulness of the memo decrease when it is read on a mobile device?This article takes issue with the idea that the “traditional” legal memorandum is dead. It challenges lawyers, law faculty, and law students to think more deeply about the purposes of the legal memo, its role in modern legal practice, and its readability in a mobile computing world. And it offers a view of the legal memo that draws upon not only legal practice traditions but also upon the rules of ethics, rhetorical theory, cognitive science, and on-screen readability studies.
System level DSP synthesis using voltage overscaling, unequal error protection & adaptive quality tuning

In this paper, we propose a system level design approach considering voltage over-scaling (VOS) that achieves error resiliency using unequal error protection of different computation elements, while incurring minor quality degradation. Depending on user specifications and severity of process variations/channel noise, the degree of VOS in each block of the system is adaptively tuned to ensure minimum system power while providing “just-the-right” amount of quality and robustness. This is achieved, by taking into consideration system level interactions and ensuring that under any change of operating conditions only the “less-crucial” computations, that contribute less to block/system output quality, are affected. The design methodology applied to a DCT/IDCT system shows large power benefits (up to 69%) at reasonable image quality while tolerating errors induced by varying operating conditions (VOS, process variations, channel noise). Interestingly, the proposed IDCT scheme conceals channel noise at scaled voltages.
Field emission and thermal breakdown in superconducting niobium cavities for accelerators

Field emission and thermal breakdown are the main mechanisms limiting the accelerating gradient of niobium radiofrequency cavities. Diagnostic tools to study these mechanisms include quality measurements, thermometry and microscopy. Results presented here demonstrate that micron-size, conducting particles are the source of field emission. Thermal breakdown is caused by a variety of defects such as inclusions, pits and submillimeter-size particles. Techniques developed to minimize field emission and thermal breakdown include clean-room assembly, high-power processing (to avoid field emission) and the use of high-purity niobium (to avoid thermal breakdown). With these techniques, accelerating gradients of 20-30 MV/m can be achieved in niobium cavities.
Self adaptive filtering of noise from speech: a hearing aid application

The authors discuss and evaluate a self-adaptive filter of noise from speech. The filter uses a single microphone, and incorporates time-series identification algorithms with artificial intelligence decision procedures to discriminate between environmental noises, including babble from speech. The filter has recently been realized in a single CMOS microchip that includes digital, analog, and ADC circuits and is presently being used by seven hearing-aid manufacturers in their otherwise conventional hearing aids, of both the behind-ear and inside-ear types. Circuit and system design considerations are discussed and performance evaluation is presented, as is the relative performance as compared with conventional nonadaptive single microphone designs based on automatic gain control and ASP-type compression circuits. >
Object recognition based on characteristic view classes

A characteristic view (CV) class of a planar-faced solid (PFS) is a class of representative projection views of the solid such that all members of the class have isomorphic planar graph representation and can be related by a 3D geometric transformation. The viewing space of a PFS can be partitioned into regions called characteristic view domains (CVDs), such that a view of the PFS from any location within a region belongs to the same CV class and is different from all the CVs of the neighboring regions. The authors present a method of partitioning the viewing space into CVDs and finding the set of CV classes for a given PFS. Using the CV classes as the representation of the model object, they also present a method for model-based object recognition. Algorithms for representing, sorting, classifying, and graphically matching the CVs are given. All of these operations are needed in the object recognition method proposed. >
CHAPTER 12 – Phasor Algebra

This chapter provides an introduction to phasor algebra by introducing the use of j- operator as well as its application to the solution of simple RL and RC circuits. It is necessary to work with phasor quantities to determine values of impedance, current, voltage, and phase angle. The vectorial relationships in the circuits are enough to allow the use of right triangle trigonometric relationships and Pythagorean Theorem. However, if more complex AC circuits are encountered, the phase relationships become more complex and the solution of problems involving such a circuit with its various components as well as phase relationships becomes a long process. Because of this, a different method of solution called phasor algebra must be used. The phasor algebra method simplifies solving complex AC circuit problems. There are two methods to specify the location of any unique point: complex numbers and polar coordinates. In a complex plane, point locations are defined by complex numbers. The chapter gives the rectangular and polar coordinate representations of circuit impedance as well as the methods of conversion from one form to the other.
Asthma and orbital immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Abstract Background An association has been suggested between asthma and orbital immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD). Objective To explore this association, including asthma characteristics and risk factors. Methods A retrospective, computer-assisted search identified patients with orbital IgG4-RD seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 1997 to 2014. Asthma prevalence and its related clinical and radiologic characteristics were studied. Results Thirty-one patients (17 men) with biopsy-proven orbital IgG4-RD were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 54.3 years (SD 11.0 years). Median duration from onset of orbital symptoms to IgG4-RD diagnosis was 1.96 years (range 0.1–31.8 years). Twenty-two patients (71%) were not smokers, 6 (19%) were former smokers, and 3 (10%) were current smokers. Sixteen patients (52%) had asthma. Three patients had childhood asthma onset, and median age at asthma onset in the 7 patients with data available was 56 years (range 15–62 years). In this cohort, the most common findings at chest computed tomography were mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy (44%), linear scarring (20%), and nodules and bronchial wall thickening (16%). Bronchial wall thickening correlated with presence of asthma. Chronic sinusitis (94%) was most commonly associated with asthma. Serum IgG4 was markedly increased in patients with asthma (median 195.0 mg/dL, range 31.8–1,790.0 mg/dL) vs patients without asthma (median 78.9 mg/dL, range 7.7–166.0 mg/dL; P = .02). Treatment was commonly prednisone and then rituximab; rituximab helped control asthma in most cases. Two deaths were reported (median follow-up 4.2 years). Conclusion Asthma is commonly associated with orbital IgG4-RD and generally manifests as adult-onset bronchial wall thickening seen at computed tomography, increased serum IgG4 levels, and good rituximab response.
Profiling cancer metabolism at the 'omic' level: a last resort or the next frontier?

When profiling metabolites, there are two general experimental paradigms: untargeted studies at the omic scale and targeted studies which usually focus on a much smaller subset of compounds. Although untargeted studies have become increasingly fashionable and are often perceived to be the cutting edge, it is important to recognize that they have limitations and are not always the better experiment. In theory, an untargeted analysis profiles all of the same metabolites as a targeted analysis, plus more. So why is more not always better? We will frame our consideration in the words of pioneering computer scientist Alan Perlis: “Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.” [1].
Population biology of Schistosoma mating, aggregation, and transmission breakpoints: more reliable model analysis for the end-game in communities at risk.

Mathematical modeling is widely used for predictive analysis of control options for infectious agents. Challenging problems arise for modeling host-parasite systems having complex life-cycles and transmission environments. Macroparasites, like Schistosoma, inhabit highly fragmented habitats that shape their reproductive success and distribution. Overdispersion and mating success are important factors to consider in modeling control options for such systems. Simpler models based on mean worm burden (MWB) formulations do not take these into account and overestimate transmission. Proposed MWB revisions have employed prescribed distributions and mating factor corrections to derive modified MWB models that have qualitatively different equilibria, including ‘breakpoints’ below which the parasite goes to extinction, suggesting the possibility of elimination via long-term mass-treatment control. Despite common use, no one has attempted to validate the scope and hypotheses underlying such MWB approaches. We conducted a systematic analysis of both the classical MWB and more recent “stratified worm burden” (SWB) modeling that accounts for mating and reproductive hurdles (Allee effect). Our analysis reveals some similarities, including breakpoints, between MWB and SWB, but also significant differences between the two types of model. We show the classic MWB has inherent inconsistencies, and propose SWB as a reliable alternative for projection of long-term control outcomes.
The metallurgical control of electromigration failure in narrow conducting lines

Electromigration is a serious potential source of failure in the narrow, thin-film Al-Cu conductors used in modern microelectronic devices. The problem has become more acute as line widths have shrunk to below one micrometer, creating lines with quasi-bamboo microstructures. The usual mechanism of internal electromigration failure in such lines involves the formation of a transgranular void across a bamboo grain at the upstream end of a long, polygranular segment, preceded by the depletion of copper from both the polygranular segment and the upstream bamboo grain. At least three metallurgical mechanisms are available to inhibit this failure mechanism and improve the useful lifetime of the line, Each of these methods has been demonstrated in the laboratory environment.
Overlay Accuracy in 0.18 μm Copper-Dual-Damascene Process

As overlay budgets shrink with design rules, the importance of overlay metrology accuracy increases. We have investigated the overlay accuracy of a 0.18 μm design rule Copper-Dual-Damascene process by comparing the overlay metrology results at the After Develop (DI) and After Etch (FI) stages. The comparisons were done on five process layers on production wafers, while ensuring that the DI and FI measurements were always done on the same wafer. In addition, we measured the in-die overlay on one of the process layers (Poly Gate) using a CD-SEM, and compared the results to the optical overlay metrology in the scribe-line. We found that a serious limitation to in-die overlay calibration was the lack of suitable structures measurable by CD-SEM. We will present quantitative results from our comparisons, as well as a recommendation for incorporating CD-SEM-measurable structures in the chip area in future reticle designs.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance Of Isolated Trisomy 2 In Hematopoietic Malignancies

Isolated trisomy 2 in hematopoietic malignancies is rare, having only been reported in eight cases in the literature. Of these cases, the majority are older male patients (7/8) ranging in age from 64 to 84 years. The underlying hematologic malignancies include: myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), refractory anemia (RA) subtype; MDS, RA with excess blasts (RAEB-II) subtype; MDS, RAEB in transformation (RAEB-t); chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML-t) in transformation; MDS transformed into AML; acute monoblastic and monocytic leukemia (AMoL; FAB M5); and AML in relapse. The molecular pathogenesis and prognostic significance of isolated trisomy 2 remains unknown due to the small number of reported cases. Herein, we report 11 cases of isolated trisomy 2 in hematologic disorders seen in the Mayo Clinic Cytogenetics laboratory from 1996-2012. The majority of patients were older males (7/11) ranging in age from 63 to 93 years. The underlying bone marrow pathologic diagnoses include: hypercellular bone marrow without diagnostic features of malignancy (cases 1 and 2); MDS, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) subtype (cases 3 and 4); RAEB-1 (cases 5 and 6); long-standing history of primary myelofibrosis now with 7% bone marrow blasts (case 7); acute myeloid leukemia (AML), not otherwise specified (cases 8 and 9); AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (cases 10 and 11). Trisomy 2 has been suggested to represent an age-related phenomenon as it is seen predominantly in older individuals demonstrating this abnormality. Our data suggests that this could be a possible explanation since all of the eleven cases were ages 63 and over. Based on the limited clinical information in our study, it appears that isolated trisomy 2 harbors little prognostic significance and that, rather, the prognostic significance is driven by the underlying pathologic diagnosis. For example, 3 of the 4 AML cases and the case of PMF with increasing bone marrow blasts survived only 7, 8, 6 weeks and 21 weeks post bone marrow biopsy/cytogenetic evaluation, respectively. Although our study only has two cases that lack diagnostic features of malignancy, one of these cases survived 10 years following the identification of the cytogenetic abnormality. Therefore, trisomy 2 as a sole abnormality should not be considered as definitive evidence for MDS in the absence of diagnostic morphological criteria (similar to trisomy 8 and 20q deletion). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Clinical studies of TMR with the CO2 laser.

ABSTRACT Objective: This paper reviews the current status of transmyocardial laser revascularization by a carbon dioxide laser. Summary: Since 1990 over 3000 patients worldwide have been treated wi...
Disparities in first-to-second dose measles-containing vaccination coverage: A comparative analysis of the predictive power of three economic indices

While overall mortality from measles has decreased, it is still associated with significant global infant deaths. Studies indicate that a second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) is necessar...
Synaptic vesicles isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo californica and from the central nervous system of Mus musculus contain small ribonucleic acids (sRNAs)

Abstract Synaptic vesicles (SVs) are presynaptic organelles that load and release small molecule neurotransmitters at chemical synapses. In addition to classic neurotransmitters, we have demonstrated that SVs isolated from the Peripheral Nervous Systems (PNS) of the electric organ of Torpedo californica, a model cholinergic synapse, and SVs isolated from the Central Nervous System (CNS) of Mus musculus (mouse) contain small ribonucleic acids (sRNAs; ≤ 50 nucleotides) (Scientific Reports, 5:1–14(14918) Li et al. (2015) [1]). Our previous publication provided the five most abundant sequences associated with the T. californica SVs, and the ten most abundant sequences associated with the mouse SVs, representing 59% and 39% of the total sRNA reads sequenced, respectively). We provide here a full repository of the SV sRNAs sequenced from T. californica and the mouse deposited in the NCBI as biosamples. Three data studies are included: SVs isolated from the electric organ of T. californica using standard techniques, SVs isolated from the electric organ of T. californica using standard techniques with an additional affinity purification step, and finally, SVs isolated from the CNS of mouse. The three biosamples are available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/biosample/ SRS1523467, SRS1523466, and SRS1523472 respectively.
Teachers' Professional Learning Experiences and Their Engagement in Reflective Practice: A Replication Study.

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the association between teachers’ exposure to different kinds of learning experiences and the degree to which they actively reflect on their teaching. We examine this association using data from 3 samples of teachers and schools in the United States. By examining multiple samples, we sought to strengthen the validity of our conclusions and understand whether and how the relationship between teachers’ engagement in reflection and their learning experiences varies across different kinds of work contexts. In all the 3 samples studied, we found that teachers engaged in reflective practice more often when they had more regular access to embedded learning opportunities which we define as collaborating with peers on instructional matters or working with instruction experts. This consistent result across all 3 samples suggests that embedded learning opportunities may provide a supportive context for teacher reflection across a range of settings.
Evaluating the performance of a retrofitted stormwater wet pond for treatment of urban runoff

This paper describes the performance of a retrofitted stormwater retention pond (Ashby Pond) in Northern Virginia, USA. Retrofitting is a common practice which involves modifying existing structures and/or urban landscapes to improve water quality treatment, often compromising standards to meet budgetary and site constraints. Ashby Pond is located in a highly developed headwater watershed of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. A total maximum daily load (TMDL) was imposed on the Bay watershed by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 due to excessive sediment and nutrient loadings leading to eutrophication of the estuary. As a result of the TMDL, reducing nutrient and sediment discharged loads has become the key objective of many stormwater programs in the Bay watershed. The Ashby Pond retrofit project included dredging of accumulated sediment to increase storage, construction of an outlet structure to control flows, and repairs to the dam. Due to space limitations, pond volume was less than ideal. Despite this shortcoming, Ashby Pond provided statistically significant reductions of phosphorus, nitrogen, and suspended sediments. Compared to the treatment credited to retention ponds built to current state standards, the retrofitted pond provided less phosphorus but more nitrogen reduction. Retrofitting the existing stock of ponds in a watershed to at least partially meet current design standards could be a straightforward way for communities to attain downstream water quality goals, as these improvements represent reductions in baseline loads, whereas new ponds in new urban developments simply limit future load increases or maintain the status quo.
Smartphone spectroscopy for mobile health diagnostics with laboratory-equivalent capabilities

Approaches are demonstrated that enable mobile devices, such as smartphones, to function as spectrophotometers with equivalent performance to laboratory instruments for measuring any diagnostic test that generates a colored liquid, fluorescent liquid, or colored solid surface. We envision mobile health diagnostic applications in which smartphone integrated measurement of point-of-care assays enables smart service systems for efficiently connecting patients with health care providers and other health services. A key to this capability is to offer valid tests that are equivalent to those performed in the laboratory by utilizing the same reagents, experimental controls, and calibration standards as conventional assays.
Renal Support Therapy for Neonates: Challenges, Opportunities, and Growing Awareness

Recent reports of new dialysis machines designed for infants, data suggesting improved outcomes for patients starting chronic dialysis as neonates, and increased awareness of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) have all intensified interest in the successful provision of dialysis to neonates. The purpose of this review is to summarize research on neonatal renal support therapy (RST) published in the last year (2017) and to highlight both the active areas of investigation as well as the ongoing knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research. Recent studies cover a breadth of topics related to neonates with both AKI and chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. New research comes from both single centers and large international cohorts. Topics include survival outcomes, infant hemodialysis, and differences between neonatologists’ and nephrologists’ attitudes about neonatal RST. Survival rates for neonates supported with RST are improving, but still are worse than those for older patients. Increased attention to this issue and the development of novel machines designed specifically for neonates will likely lead to increased RST use and better outcomes. Additional data about the right timing for interventions, strategies to decrease complications, and best practices to improve the care for these complex patients is much needed.
Lipoproteins, Cell Proliferation and Cancer

In experimental animals, diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (USF) greatly promote tumorigenesis relative to the same animals fed saturated fat (SF)1–6. It appears that the tumor-promoting properties of a high fat diet are more a function of fatty acid composition than of fat content per se or total caloric intake5. Various mechanisms that were examined to explain the promotion of tumorigenesis by USF diet include: alterations in hormone levels, membrane fluidity, intracellular communication, prostaglandins, protein kinases, immune system and cell proliferation5. In spite of studies by cancer biologists and nutritionists, the exact mechanism(s) by which USF diets promote tumorigenesis is not well understood. It is likely that the tumor promoting properties of high USF diets may be related to their capacity to eliminate bile acids, stimulate de novo cholesterogenesis and decrease serum cholesterol ester levels7. Moreover, in various experimental tumor model systems3–5 and in epidemiological studies8, the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were found to be reduced. However, a cause and effect relationship between low serum low density lipoproteins (LDL) and promotion of cancer has not been explored thoroughly. Nonetheless, it is widely accepted that there is a cause and effect relationship between serum LDL and coronary heart disease (CHD) and that a reduction in serum LDL will greatly reduce the risk of CHD9.
Water, Mosquitoes and Malaria

There are >3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world. Mosquitoes need water to complete their aquatic life from egg, larva, pupa to adult emergence of both sexes. Adults are terrestrial and feed on nectar and fruit juices, and females feed on blood of warm-blooded animals. Females bite and transmit the diseases. Male mosquitoes are short lived (about a week or 10 days), mate, and die, while females feed on blood, lay eggs on alternate days, may live for 4–6 weeks, and die. During the process of feeding on man, they transmit dreadful diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever (in Africa), and many other viral diseases. There are innumerable mosquitoes’ breeding sites created by the rainfall, irrigation, stagnant water bodies, and man-made water collection in the rural and urban areas. Water bodies produce a variety of mosquitoes including disease vectors and nuisance mosquitoes. Anophelines breed in clean water and some species breed in brackish water, whereas Culex mosquitoes breed in polluted water with organic matter. Rainy seasons are the main transmission season as vector breeding and longevity are favorable for disease transmission. Since the discovery of malaria transmission by mosquitoes, malaria wastelands reclaimed mainly through drainage have produced enormous wealth and prosperity to the malaria-endemic countries in the world. Classical examples include malaria control in Pontine Marshes near Rome, Tennessee Valley Authority in USA, drainage in Assam during the World War II, installation of siphons to wash away mosquito breeding, Banbasa Head works in India, drainage in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and many other countries. The paper provides strong link between malaria mosquitoes and water and brings out the importance of drainage in human welfare.
TEMPOL protects against lens DNA strand breaks and cataract in the x-rayed rabbit.

PURPOSE To investigate the ability of the nitroxide free radical and superoxide dismutase mimic 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-n-oxyl (TEMPOL) to protect against x-ray-induced lens DNA damage and cataract formation in the rabbit. METHODS Eleven gray (Gy) x-rays was delivered twice, with a 48-hour interval, to the same eye of 5-week-old rabbits. Fifteen minutes before each x-ray, 150 microliters aqueous humor was removed from the anterior chamber and replaced with 150 microliters citrate buffer containing 0 mM or 100 mM TEMPOL. The development of cataract was classified into seven stages by slit-lamp examination. DNA strand breaks were measured in the lens epithelium of x-rayed rabbits using a single-cell gel electrophoresis method. RESULTS The level of total TEMPOL in the aqueous humor of rabbits at 15 minutes after intracameral injection of the compound was 21 mM with 84% present in the oxidized form (determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy). At 19 weeks after x-ray, rabbits irradiated without TEMPOL showed either stage 5 (complete posterior subcapsular opacity) or stage 6 (mature) cataracts, whereas the animals that had first been injected with TEMPOL developed only stage 2 to stage 4 cataracts (the difference between the two groups was significant at P < 0.01). Intracameral injection of TEMPOL resulted in a decrease of nearly 70% in the level of DNA strand breaks produced by a single 11-Gy dose of x-ray. In vitro studies showed that TEMPOL was reduced rapidly by ascorbic acid but not by reduced glutathione. Oxidized but not reduced TEMPOL (TEMPOL-H) was an effective radioprotector in cultured rabbit lenses, and TEMPOL was nearly completely bioreduced in the plasma and aqueous humor of animals that were fed the compound in drinking water. CONCLUSIONS TEMPOL was effective in protecting against lens epithelial DNA damage and cataract formation in x-rayed rabbits. Although a number of mechanisms are possible, the protective effect may be associated with the ability of TEMPOL to protect against radiation-produced peroxides by acting as a superoxide dismutase mimic and to oxidize Fe2+ bound to DNA, thus preventing formation of the hydroxyl radical and subsequent DNA damage through the Haber-Weiss mechanism.