cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CENTROMERE MAPPING FUNCTIONS FOR ANEUPLOID MEIOTIC PRODUCTS : ANALYSIS OF REC8, REC10 AND REC11 MUTANTS OF THE FISSION YEAST SCHIZOSACCHAROMYCES POMBE

Recent evidence suggests that the position of reciprocal recombination events (crossovers) is important for the segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I and sister chromatids during meiosis II. We developed genetic mapping functions that permit the simultaneous analysis of centromere-proximal crossover recombination and the type of segregation error leading to aneuploidy. The mapping functions were tested in a study of the rec8, rec10, and rec11 mutants of fission yeast. In each mutant we monitored each of the three chromosome pairs. Between 38 and 100% of the chromosome segregation errors in the rec8 mutants were due to meiosis I nondisjunction of homologous chromosomes. The remaining segregation errors were likely the result of precocious separation of sister chromatids, a previously described defect in the rec8 mutants. Between 47 and 100% of segregation errors in the rec10 and rec11 mutants were due to nondisjunction of sister chromatids during meiosis II. In addition, centromere-proximal recombination was reduced as much as 14-fold or more on chromosomes that had experienced nondisjunction. These results demonstrate the utility of the new mapping functions and support models in which sister chromatid cohesion and crossover position are important determinants for proper chromosome segregation in each meiotic division.
Embedded Sensitivity Functions for Improving the Effectiveness of Vibro-Acoustic Modulation and Damage Detection on Wind Turbine Blades

In structural health monitoring, it is desirable to select sensor locations in order to minimize the number of sensors required for and the cost associated with an on-board monitoring system. When using a frequency response-based structural health monitoring technique, data measured at sensor locations which exhibit the greatest change in frequency response function (FRF) due to damage are expected to maximize the effectiveness of the chosen technique. In this work, an embedded sensitivity function is presented which identifies the sensor locations at which the maximum differences in FRFs due to damage at a known location will be observed. The formulation of the embedded sensitivity function is based on FRFs measured on a healthy structure in the frequency range in which the damage detection technique will be applied. The effectiveness of the embedded sensitivity functions in predicting the most effective sensor locations is demonstrated by applying a vibro-acoustic modulation (VAM) damage detection method to a residential-scale wind turbine blade. First, data from the healthy blade is acquired and the embedded sensitivity functions are calculated. Then, the blade is damaged and the VAM method is applied using several sensor locations. The data acquired using sensor locations identified by the embedded sensitivity functions as being most effective are shown to most clearly identify the damage on the blade.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Germinal center B cells regulate their capability to present antigen by modulation of HLA-DO.

Peptide acquisition by MHC class II molecules is catalyzed by HLA-DM (DM). In B cells, HLA-DO (DO) inhibits or modifies the peptide exchange activity of DM. We show here that DO protein levels are modulated during B cell differentiation. Remarkably, germinal center (GC) B cells, which have low levels of DO relative to naive and memory B cells, are shown to have enhanced antigen presentation capabilities. DM protein levels also were somewhat reduced in GC B cells; however, the ratio of DM to DO in GC B cells was substantially increased, resulting in more free DM in GC B cells. We conclude that modulation of DM and DO in distinct stages of B cell differentiation represents a mechanism by which B cells regulate their capacity to function as antigen-presenting cells. Efficient antigen presentation in GC B cells would promote GC B cell–T cell interactions that are essential for B cells to survive positive selection in the GC.
A Role for Chunk Formation in Statistical Learning of Second Language Syntax.

Humans are remarkably sensitive to the statistical structure of language. However, different mechanisms have been proposed to account for such statistical sensitivities. The present study compared adult learning of syntax and the ability of two models of statistical learning to simulate human performance: Simple Recurrent Networks, which learn by predictive computation, and PARSER, which learns chunks as a byproduct of general principles of associative learning and memory. In the first stage, a semiartificial language paradigm was used to gather human data. In the second stage, a simulation paradigm was then used to compare the patterns of performance of the SRN and PARSER. After the human adults and the computational models were trained on sentences from the semiartificial language with probabilistic syntax, their learning outcomes were compared. Neither model was able to fully reproduce the human data, which may indicate less robust statistical learning effects in adults; however, PARSER was able to simulate more of the adult learning data than the SRN, suggesting a possible role for chunk formation in early phases of adult learning of second language syntax.
Self-regularization of chaos in neural systems: experimental and theoretical results

The results of neurobiological studies in both vertebrates and invertebrates lead to the general question: How is a population of neurons, whose individual activity is chaotic and uncorrelated able to form functional circuits with regular and stable behavior? What are the circumstances which support these regular oscillations? What are the mechanisms that promote this transition? We address these questions using our experimental and modeling studies describing the behavior of groups of spiking-bursting neurons. We show that the role of inhibitory synaptic coupling between neurons is crucial in the self-control of chaos.
The Implications of the New Materialisms for Feminist Epistemology

Feminists drawing on the physical and biological sciences increasingly repudiate the notion that biology and matter are passive or inert and instead recognize the agency of biology or matter in worldly phenomena and social and political behavior. Such ‘new materialist’ work challenges the linear models of causation that underlie constructivist analyses of the ways power shapes the subjects and objects of knowledge. It provokes feminist epistemologists to develop models of causation and explanation that can account for the complex interactions through which the social, the biological, and the physical emerge, persist, and transform.
General Climatology 3

General Climatology 3 is volume 3 of the series World Survey of Climatology, which consists of 15 volumes containing review articles on a broad range of topics. General Climatology 3 contains four chapters: ‘Human Bioclimatology,’ ‘Agricultural Climatology,’ ‘City Climate,’ and ‘Technical Climatology.’ Each of these chapters will be briefly described here. ‘Human Bioclimatology,’ the first chapter, was authored by E. Flach and provides a survey of the effects on the human organism of the physical conditions at the earth's surface. It contains four main sections. A section entitled ‘Light and Life’ deals with the effects of solar radiation on man and contains much interesting information on the response of the human eye and human skin to radiation at various frequencies. ‘Air and Life’ discusses the composition of air and its effect on human health and performance, including discussions of the effects of altitude, aerosols, and noxious trace gases. ‘Temperature and Life’ discusses how the body responds to temperature and how it maintains its heat budget under the variety of conditions to which it falls subject and considerable discussion is given to objective ways to characterize air conditions that give an accurate measure of their impact on the body. This discussion leads naturally into the final section, ‘Bioclimatological Evaluation Systems,’ which addresses the problem of how to classify a particular site according to its overall suitability to human habitation.
The Development of Special Orders and Special Rules in the U.S. House, 1881–1937

The modern Committee on Rules plays a critical role in structuring the agenda of the U.S. House of Representatives. In fact, resolutions from the Committee on Rules are the primary means through which controversial legislation reaches the House floor. But the Committee on Rules did not play a role in shaping the floor agenda until the 1880s and, despite intense scrutiny of episodes such as the institution of the Reed rules and the revolt against Speaker Cannon, our understanding of the role of the Committee on Rules is limited and skewed heavily toward the post-World War II era. This limitation is unfortunate, because special rules play a starring role in major theories of legislative organization. In this article, I present analysis of the usage and historical development of special rules in the House, and I offer findings from my empirical analysis of the determinants of rule choice from 1881 to 1937. A nuanced interrogation of new data on special rules in this era reveals support for committee specialization and conditional party government as motives for rule choice in this era.
Evidence for the Timing and Duration of the Last Interglacial Period from High-Precision Uranium-Series Ages of Corals on Tectonically Stable Coastlines

The last interglacial period has a timing and duration that can be estimated from U-series dating of emergent, coral-bearing deposits on tectonically stable coastlines. High-precision dating from Bermuda, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Australia suggests that the last interglacial period had a sea level at least as high as present from ∼128,000 to 116,000 yr B.P. Sea level reached a near-present level more quickly after the close of the penultimate glacial period than at the close of the last glacial period and the duration of high sea level is longer than that implied by the deep-sea record.
Radiation induced endothelial cell retraction in vitro: correlation with acute pulmonary edema.

We determined the effects of low dose radiation ( or =30 minutes post irradiation and correlated positively with loss of cell-cell integrity. Cells of irradiated monolayers recovered to form contact inhibited monolayers > or =24 hours post irradiation; concomitantly, the depolymerized microfilaments organized to their pre-irradiated state as microfilament stress fibers arrayed parallel to the boundaries of adjacent contact-inhibited cells. Previous studies by other investigators have measured slight but significant increases in mouse lung wet weight >1 day post thoracic or whole body radiation (> or =500 cGy). Little or no data is available concerning time intervals <1 day post irradiation, possibly because of the presumption that edema is mediated, at least in part, by endothelial cell death or irreversible loss of barrier permeability functions which may only arise 1 day post irradiation. However, our in vitro data suggest that loss of endothelial barrier function may occur rapidly and at low dose levels (< or =200 cGy). Therefore, we determined radiation effects on lung wet weight and observed significant increases in wet weight (standardized per dry weight or per mouse weight) in < or =5 hours post thoracic exposure to 50 200 cGy x-radiation. We suggest that a single fraction of radiation even at low dose levels used in radiotherapy, may induce pulmonary edema by a reversible loss of endothelial cell-cell integrity and permeability barrier function.
Geriatric Assessment Tools

In addition to medical diseases, psychological, social, cognitive, and functional issues influence the health of older persons. Therefore, the traditional medical assessment alone is often not enough to evaluate the older population with multiple comorbidities. Out of this recognized need, the geriatric assessment has been developed, which emphasizes a broader approach to evaluating contributors to health in older persons. Geriatric assessment uses specific tools to help determine patient's status across several different dimensions, including assessment of medical, cognitive, affective, social, economic, environmental, spiritual, and functional status. This article reviews specific tools that practitioners can use in their screening for the following geriatric syndromes: hearing impairment, vision impairment, functional decline, falls, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, depression, and malnutrition. This article also reviews spiritual, economic, and social assessment. By identifying conditions that are common in the elderly, geriatric assessment can provide substantial insight into the comprehensive care of older persons, from those who are healthy and high-functioning to those with significant impairments and multiple comorbidities.
Intraoperative fibrinolytic therapy: An adjunct to catheter thromboembolectomy

Abstract This article describes our initial experience with intraoperative infusion of the fibrinolytic agent streptokinase. Five patients with various complications of atherosclerosis manifested by limb-threatening ischemia were treated by balloon-catheter thromboembolectomy followed by intra-arterial streptokinase infusion. In each patient viability of the involved extremity was questionable after removal of all thrombus accessible to the balloon catheter. Fibrinolytic therapy was used when operative arteriography showed residual thrombus distal to the popliteal artery. All patients were systemically heparinized during the operation, and three patients were maintained on anticoagulants during the initial postoperative period. A streptokinase solution containing 750 U/ml was infused intra-arterially proximal to the residual thrombus. The total dosage ranged from 20,000 to 100,000 units per patient. This treatment was considered successful in all five patients, as documented by return of palpable pulses, audible Doppler flow signals where none was present prior to infusion, and operative arteriography. There were no complications related to intraoperative streptokinase infusion. We conclude that intraoperative fibrinolytic therapy is a safe adjunct to catheter thromboembolectomy. The observed improvement in limb perfusion can be attributed to lysis of thrombus in the distal arteries that could not be retrieved with the balloon catheter. Laboratory studies are in progress to establish precise indications for intraoperative streptokinase and to determine the most effective dosage and rate of administration (J VASC SURG 1985;2:319-26.)
Modelling Impacts of Socio-Economic Factors on Temporal Diffusion of PV-Based Communal Grids

Impacts of socio-economic factors on temporal diffusions of solar electricity microgeneration systems in a rural developing community are modelled and simulated using an agent-based model (ABM). ABMs seek to capture the overall macro-effects of different micro-decisions in a virtual world; they model individual entities within a complex system and the rules that govern them to capture the overall effects of their interactions. Results showed that falling PV costs coupled with generally increasing grid electricity costs would lead to increased uptake of PV systems in such communities. On the other hand, high lending rates in most developing nations would stifle use of credit facilities in purchases of PV systems and thus diminishing their uptakes. Results also showed that introduction of favourable government policies in forms of subsidies would strongly stimulate PV installations in such communities. Social acceptance is important for diffusion of any new technology into a given market and more so with solar systems; results show that neighbourhood influence plays major roles in PV diffusions with many households installing PV systems if their neighbours within a given sensing radius do the same. Results also showed that requiring a certain percentage of neighbours to have installed PV before a household considered doing the same could have negative effects on PV installations as decisions to install PV are influenced by many independent and dependent factors and not by neighbourhood threshold alone.
Potential Therapeutic Effect of Adriamycin-Monoclonal Anti-prostatic Acid Phosphatase Antibody Conjugate on Human Prostate Tumor

Abstract Adrlamycin was conjugated to an IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human prostatic acid phosphatase via a dextran bridge. The adriamycin-monoclonal antibody conjugate retained substantially the original Immunological activity of the antibody. Antitumor effect of the conjugate in vitro was studied by Its Inhibition on RNA synthesis In human prostate tumor cells (LNCaP), which exhibited a higher inhibition than that by an identically prepared adrlamycin-normal mouse IgG conjugate but was less than that by free adrlamycin. The loss In pharmacological activity of the conjugate In vitro was proportional to the extent of dextran oxidation. Antitumor effect In vivo demonstrated that adriamycin-monoclonal antibody conjugate greatly Inhibited the growth of xenografted prostate tumor, as compared with control groups, only In the early phase of experiment. These results suggested that although adrlamycin conjugated to monoclonal antl-PAP antibody via a dextran bridge may be a potential reagent for experimental immunochemotherapy of prostate tumor, caution must be exercised at this stage of development.
The Role of Guidances in Modern Administrative Procedure: The Case for De Novo Review

This article examines the rise of the administrative guidance under the APA. Guidances supply information so private parties can organize their behavior in accordance with law, but also allow agencies, without notice and comment, to indiscriminately expand their power. Separating useful from dangerous guidances requires allowing review of all guidances de novo as questions of law, without Chevron and Skidmore deference, by any interested party, even for nonfinal agency actions. Private selection effects will limit challenges to dangerous guidances without undermining those guidances that reduce uncertainty without improperly expanding the scope of agency power. The purpose of this article is to analyze the role that various guidance statements have played in the modern law of administrative procedure. In one sense this inquiry is an odd one, because the canonical statute of administrative law, the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 500 et seq, does not use the term “guidance” at all. Historically, the phrase only worked its way into administrative law in the mid-1990s, about 50 years after the passage of the APA
Unitary TRPV3 channel Ca2+ influx events elicit endothelium-dependent dilation of cerebral parenchymal arterioles

Cerebral parenchymal arterioles (PA) regulate blood flow between pial arteries on the surface of the brain and the deeper microcirculation. Regulation of PA contractility differs from that of pial arteries and is not completely understood. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that the Ca(2+) permeable vanilloid transient receptor potential (TRPV) channel TRPV3 can mediate endothelium-dependent dilation of cerebral PA. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we found that carvacrol, a monoterpenoid compound derived from oregano, increased the frequency of unitary Ca(2+) influx events through TRPV3 channels (TRPV3 sparklets) in endothelial cells from pial arteries and PAs. Carvacrol-induced TRPV3 sparklets were inhibited by the selective TRPV3 blocker isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). TRPV3 sparklets have a greater unitary amplitude (ΔF/F0 = 0.20) than previously characterized TRPV4 (ΔF/F0 = 0.06) or TRPA1 (ΔF/F0 = 0.13) sparklets, suggesting that TRPV3-mediated Ca(2+) influx could have a robust influence on cerebrovascular tone. In pressure myography experiments, carvacrol caused dilation of cerebral PA that was blocked by IPP. Carvacrol-induced dilation was nearly abolished by removal of the endothelium and block of intermediate (IK) and small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. Together, these data suggest that TRPV3 sparklets cause dilation of cerebral parenchymal arterioles by activating IK and SK channels in the endothelium.
Cleptoparasitism of Tachysphex terminatus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) by three species of Miltogrammini (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Three species of miltogrammine flies utilized various phases of the nesting sequence of Tachysphex terminatus (Smith) for parasitic larviposition at two sites in central New York. Phrosinella aurifacies Downes larviposited primarily in temporarily closed wasp entrances. Senotainia vigilans Allen maintained surveillance perches near entrances during the wasp's burrow construction and hunting forays and larviposited on the prey when the wasp was preoccupied with provisioning activities. S. trilineata (Van der Wulp) was attracted by the wasp's provisioning flight and attacked the prey in midair or on the ground, larvipositing almost always in the presence of the wasp. T. terminatus attempted to prevent larviposition by the flies or, if larviposition occurred, to remove maggots from the prey using the mandibles. These attempts included face-offs, chases, and diversionary flights. The difference in the frequencies of cleptoparasitism at Auburn (57.9%) and Chittenango (30.6%) reflected the effectiveness of maggot removal by T. terminatus and the species of cleptoparasite. S. vigilans, the predominant cleptoparasite at Auburn (32.9% mortality), usually larviposited when the wasp was out of sight and was more successful than S. trilineata at Chittenango (12.2% mortality). P. aurifacies accounted for ca. 20% of the miltogrammine cleptoparasitism at both sites. The two generations of wasps each summer were afflicted by the same amount of parasitism.
Network and System Architectures Exploiting Fast Reconfigurable Optical Switches

The holy Grail of optical switches is a combination of high radix, fast switching times, low insertion loss, low power and low cost. This talk reviews promising development efforts and explores system scenarios that could use such switches
The Role of Dynamic (4D) CT in the Detection of Scapholunate Ligament Injury.

Background Scapholunate (SL) interosseus ligament injuries detected at an early stage could allow the surgeon to prevent progression through the spectrum of injury that leads to instability, and eventually osteoarthritis. We contend that early instability following injury can be detected by visualizing the relative motions and distances between the involved carpal bones (scaphoid and lunate) during wrist movement in vivo. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the utility of dynamic CT (i.e., 4DCT) in diagnosing SL interosseus ligament injuries in two patients with clinical suspicion of SL interosseus ligament injury during flexion-extension (FE), radial-ulnar (RU) deviation, and dart thrower's (DT) motions. Case Description 4DCT images obtained from two individual cases were analyzed to assess the proximity between the scaphoid and lunate during wrist motion using standard image processing techniques. Proximity maps representing the distances between the scaphoid and lunate bones during each phase of wrist motion were determined. These maps provide insight into the severity of diastasis (large separation) and location of diastasis at the SL joint. The patients' proximity maps indicated dorsal diastasis and subtle uniform diastasis. Literature Review Complex musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as wrist joint instabilities, elude diagnosis during 2D fluoroscopy due to the 3D geometry of the anatomy and the inherent 3D nature of the bony kinematics. Even the most recent advances with MR arthrography lack good correlation with wrist arthroscopy. Wrist arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis to assess for intercarpal laxity. However, arthroscopy is an invasive procedure subjecting patients to the risk of infection, nerve injury, pain, and stiffness. Clinical Relevance 4DCT allows noninvasive characterization of where ligament injuries likely occur; this may allow for a more selective surgical treatment directed at the specific location of the tear.
Current utilities of imaging in grading musculoskeletal soft tissue sarcomas

The care of patients with musculoskeletal malignancies has increasingly become a multidisciplinary function. Radiologists play an important role in many areas of these patients' care including initial diagnosis, staging, in many cases guiding therapy, and monitoring treatment response. However, the gold standard for the final diagnosis of these diseases remains the histopathologic proof. Intense efforts have been made to develop non-invasive methods of determining the tumor grade, or a surrogate, in order to predict biologic behavior, aid early treatment decisions, and provide prognostic information. Multiple imaging modalities have been employed in this domain-including computed tomography (CT); anatomic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques; functional MR imaging sequences such as dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), MR spectroscopy (MRS); and positron emission tomography (PET). This article reviews current available literature in this realm and highlights future directions towards the potential of non-invasive imaging in grading of soft tissue sarcomas.
Politics, Religion, and Sex-Social, Legal, and Medical Equality for LGBTQI Americans.

Introduction to the August 2010 issue of Virtual Mentor on the topic of sexual orientation, gender identification, and patient care. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Amyloid Research as a Paradigm for Alzheimer’s Disease

Previous studies on amyloidosis have established certain concepts that can be applied to newer investigations. Staining of tissues with Congo red and subsequent polarization microscopy detects the β-pleated sheet conformation of proteins. Amyloid diffusely deposited in the walls of vessels has its origin from an abnormal (variant, isotypic) serum protein. Protein variants that can be formed into amyloid fibers are operationally defined as “amyloidogenic”. Amyloid fibrils must be solubilized before they become immunogenic.
Active Caspase-1 Induces Plasma Membrane Pores That Precede Pyroptotic Lysis and Are Blocked by Lanthanides

Canonical inflammasome activation induces a caspase-1/gasdermin D (Gsdmd)-dependent lytic cell death called pyroptosis that promotes antimicrobial host defense but may contribute to sepsis. The nature of the caspase-1-dependent change in plasma membrane (PM) permeability during pyroptotic progression remains incompletely defined. We assayed propidium(2+) (Pro(2+)) influx kinetics during NLRP3 or Pyrin inflammasome activation in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) as an indicator of this PM permeabilization. BMDMs were characterized by rapid Pro(2+) influx after initiation of NLRP3 or Pyrin inflammasomes by nigericin (NG) or Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB), respectively. No Pro(2+) uptake in response to NG or TcdB was observed in Casp1(-/-) or Asc(-/-) BMDMs. The cytoprotectant glycine profoundly suppressed NG and TcdB-induced lysis but not Pro(2+) influx. The absence of Gsdmd expression resulted in suppression of NG-stimulated Pro(2+) influx and pyroptotic lysis. Extracellular La(3+) and Gd(3+) rapidly and reversibly blocked the induced Pro(2+) influx and markedly delayed pyroptotic lysis without limiting upstream inflammasome assembly and caspase-1 activation. Thus, caspase-1-driven pyroptosis requires induction of initial prelytic pores in the PM that are dependent on Gsdmd expression. These PM pores also facilitated the efflux of cytosolic ATP and influx of extracellular Ca(2+) Although lanthanides and Gsdmd deletion both suppressed PM pore activity and pyroptotic lysis, robust IL-1β release was observed in lanthanide-treated BMDMs but not in Gsdmd-deficient cells. This suggests roles for Gsdmd in both passive IL-1β release secondary to pyroptotic lysis and in nonlytic/nonclassical IL-1β export.
CSF Outflow Resistance: Effects of Transvillus Pressure Gradients and CSF Production

Increased resistance to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption has been hypothesised to be the predisposing factor of many pathologic conditions which alter intracranial pressure dynamics. Meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage, are two common disease States which primarily affect resistance to CSF absorption. In order to evaluate both the severity of the disease and the outcome of treatment, the resistance function must be properly defined in the region of physiological interests. However, such a relationship must be proven adequate under normal conditions before it can be applied to the analysis of pathophysiologic processes.
Rational Design of Bi Nanoparticles for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: The Elucidation of Size and Surface Condition Effects

We report an efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO on surface-activated bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) in acetonitrile (MeCN) under ambient conditions, with the assistance of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([bmim][OTf]). Through the comparison between electrodeposited Bi films (Bi-ED) and different types of Bi NPs, we, for the first time, demonstrate the effects of catalyst’s size and surface condition on organic phase electrochemical CO2 reduction. Our study reveals that the surface inhibiting layer (hydrophobic surfactants and Bi3+ species) formed during the synthesis and purification process hinders the CO2 reduction, leading to a 20% drop in Faradaic efficiency for CO evolution (FECO). Bi particle size showed a significant effect on FECO when the surface of Bi was air-oxidized, but this effect of size on FECO became negligible on surface-activated Bi NPs. After the surface activation (hydrazine treatment) that effectively removed the native inhibiting layer, activated 3...
Critical length of a one-dimensional nucleus

One-dimensional (1D) nucleation is important in crystal growth, amyloid fibril formation, and supramolecular polymerization. The nucleation rate can be readily calculated, but there is no consensus on the critical length. In this work, we employ a splitting probability to derive an analytical expression for the critical length, which corresponds to a 50% survival probability. For a 1D nucleus on a crystal step, this critical length depends on the supersaturation (driving force) and is nearly independent of the kink (surface) energy.
Dissociating retrieval interference and reanalysis in the P600 during sentence comprehension

We investigated the relative independence of two key processes in language comprehension, as reflected in the P600 ERP component. Numerous studies have linked the P600 to sentence- or message-level reanalysis; however, much research has shown that skilled, cue-based memory retrieval operations are also important to successful language processing. Our goal was to identify whether these cue-based retrieval operations are part of the reanalysis processes indexed by the P600. To this end, participants read sentences that were either grammatical or ungrammatical via subject-verb agreement violations, and in which there was either no possibility for retrieval interference or there was an attractor noun interfering with the computation of subject-verb agreement (e.g., “The slogan on the political poster(s) was/were …”). A stimulus onset asynchrony manipulation (fast, medium, or slow presentation rate) was designed to modulate participants' ability to engage in reanalysis processes. Results showed a reliable attraction interference effect, indexed by reduced behavioral sensitivity to ungrammaticalities and P600 amplitudes when there was an opportunity for retrieval interference, as well as an effect of presentation rate, with reduced behavioral sensitivity and smaller P600 effects at faster presentation rates. Importantly, there was no interaction between the two, suggesting that retrieval interference and sentence-level reanalysis processes indexed by the P600 can be neurocognitively distinct processes.
Variable sensitivity to complement-dependent cytotoxicity in murine models of neuromyelitis optica

Studies of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), have demonstrated that autoantibodies against the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) induce astrocyte damage through complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In developing experimental models of NMO using cells, tissues or animals from mice, co-administration of AQP4-IgG and normal human serum, which serves as the source of human complement (HC), is required. The sensitivity of mouse CNS cells to HC and CDC in these models is not known. We used HC and recombinant monoclonal antibodies (rAbs) against AQP4 to investigate CDC on mouse neurons, astrocytes, differentiated oligodendrocytes (OLs), and oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) in the context of purified monocultures, neuroglial mixed cultures, and organotypic cerebellar slices. We found that murine neurons, OLs, and OPCs were sensitive to HC in monocultures. In mixed murine neuroglial cultures, HC-mediated toxicity to neurons and OLs was reduced; however, astrocyte damage induced by an AQP-specific rAb #53 and HC increased neuronal and oligodendroglial loss. OPCs were resistant to HC toxicity in neuroglial mixed cultures. In mouse cerebellar slices, damage to neurons and OLs following rAb #53-mediated CDC was further reduced, but in contrast to neuroglial mixed cultures, astrocyte damage sensitized OPCs to complement damage. Finally, we established that some injury to neurons, OLs, and OPCs in cell and slice cultures resulted from the activation of HC by anti-tissue antibodies to mouse cells. Murine neurons and oligodendroglia demonstrate variable sensitivity to activated complement based on their differentiation and culture conditions. In organotypic cultures, the protection of neurons, OLs, and OPCs against CDC is eliminated by targeted astrocyte destruction. The activation of human complement proteins on mouse CNS cells necessitates caution when interpreting the results of mouse experimental models of NMO using HC.
Temporal Dynamics of Retinal and Extraretinal Signals in the FEFsem during Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements

The frontal eye field (FEF) is known to play a critical role in volitional smooth pursuit, carrying a variety of signals that are distributed throughout the brain. This study used a novel applicati...
A variable-temperature cavity ring-down spectrometer with application to line shape analysis of CO2 spectra in the 1600 nm region

We present a new cavity ring-down spectroscopy system which was developed for variable-temperature absorption measurements (220–290 K) of atmospheric gases. This laser spectrometer was developed in the framework of the NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 project to improve our understanding of line shape parameters for carbon dioxide and oxygen. The apparatus consists of a monolithic, fixed-mirror ring-down cavity within a temperature-regulated enclosure, which is interrogated by a tunable, single-frequency diode laser. We experimentally characterize and model the dependence of the spectrum detuning axis at each setpoint temperature, and show that absolute frequencies are stable to within 200 kHz over several hours, corresponding to temperature stabilities better than 1 mK. We measure the R16e (30013-0001) 12C16O2 transition and carry out multi-spectrum analyses using two line profiles incorporating speed-dependent (quadratic approximation) and Dicke narrowing (hard collision assumption) effects. The resulting broadening coefficient and temperature exponent are in excellent agreement (0.05% level) with previous high-resolution Fourier-transform spectroscopy measurements, and the speed dependent broadening parameter is within 3% of the theoretical value.
Hyperspectral determination of ocean color as an ocean monitoring tool: example applications in the Gulf of Mexico

The combination of increased spectral resolution for in situ ocean optical instrumentation as well as future ocean remote sensing missions (e.g., PACE) provides an opportunity to examine new methods of analysis and ocean monitoring that were not feasible during the multispectral satellite era. For example, hyperspectral data enables a much more precise determination of the apparent true color for natural waters, one based on the full spectral shape of water-leaving radiance distributions. Herein we provide examples of how specific integrated biogeo-optical and physical processes in the northern Gulf of Mexico have characteristic hyperspectral signatures, and thusly, characteristic true color identifiers. Our emergent hypothesis is that once the characteristic hyperspectral color signature of a specific biophysical process is known, it can be detected and monitored even with multispectral or broad-band response digital imaging systems. To test this hypothesis, we examine archived imagery from MODIS and HICO to identify putative bottom boundary layer ventilation events along divergent shelf-frontal boundaries across the northern Gulf continental margin. Whereas on-demand in situ physical data that provide spatiotemporal correspondence with archived images are not available, we employ the data-assimilative Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) as a physical data surrogate. Preliminary results of this method appear to support the hypothesis, with the caveat that model results must be interpreted with due caution.
Becoming a Parent: The Social Contexts of Fertility During Young Adulthood

Using quantitative data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, as well as qualitative data from an in-depth study of low-income fathers in Philadelphia, this chapter describes the characteristics of young adults who transition to parenthood before 25 and the family contexts into which their children are born. Most births to young adults occur outside of marriage, but unmarried parents typically rally around the birth of their child, claiming a commitment to making their relationships work. Yet, the responsibility of providing for a family of their own before they have achieved financial stability proves to be an enormous strain for most. Perhaps because the children of young adults are seldom explicitly planned, and because economic hardship and parenthood strain even the most committed relationships, young parents break up at higher rates than couples who delay childbearing. Young parents who break up with their partners do not remain single for very long, however, and quickly enter into new romantic relationships, many of which produce additional children. The churning of romantic partners, and the birth of additional children who result, create a complex web of economic obligations and negotiations that complicate paternal access to nonresident children, compromise maternal parenting, and create unstable family environments for young children.
Systematic review of genetic polymorphisms associated with psychoneurological symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Psychoneurological (PN) symptoms, such as anxiety, cognitive impairment, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain, are highly prevalent in breast cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic polymorphisms may contribute to differential symptom susceptibility. We aimed to systematically review associations between genetic polymorphisms and PN symptoms during or after cancer treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Twenty-six eligible articles published until October 2017 were identified in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and additional records. Information on study characteristics, genetic polymorphisms, and PN symptoms was extracted. Study quality was evaluated by the STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association (STREGA) guideline. Genes included in the analysis were categorized by biological pathways based on the Reactome database. A total of 54 single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes that are significantly associated with PN symptoms were identified; half of them were associated with increased severity of PN symptoms, while the other half contributed to the decrease of PN symptoms. Pain has the known highest number of associated genetic polymorphisms reported, followed by fatigue, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. The majority of genetic polymorphisms were involved in immune system and neuronal system pathways. Most studies were unsuccessful in meeting the STREGA guideline, which requires transparent reporting of methods and results. This review provides comprehensive evidence of genetic polymorphisms underlying PN symptoms, which may pave the way for the development of personalized therapeutics targeting these symptoms. More well-designed genome-wide association studies are required to validate and replicate these findings.
The international financial implications of Brexit

This paper analyzes the international monetary and financial implications of the UK's potential exit from the European Union, focusing on the impact on cross-border capital flows, on London's status as an international financial center, on the roles of sterling and the euro as international and reserve currencies, and on the roles of the UK and EU in the institutions of global governance (the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Group of Seven, Group of Twenty, and Financial Stability Board. All such conclusions are necessarily speculative at this stage, but the implications are potentially farreaching.
National criteria for academic appointment in vascular surgery

Abstract Objective Advancement in academic medicine is multifactorial. Our objectives were to characterize academic appointments in vascular surgery and to investigate what factors, particularly publications, influenced academic appointment. Methods Academic vascular surgeons at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education vascular training programs or at primary sites of U.S. allopathic medical schools were included. Those with qualified titles, such as “adjunct” or a “clinical” prefix, were excluded. Sex, education, region, board certification, and affiliation details were recorded. Web of Science was queried for publication details and h-index. The h-index is a “personal impact factor” defined as “x” number of publications cited at least “x” number of times. After surgeons' information was deidentified, univariate and multivariable analyses were completed for academic appointment and appointment as division chief. Results There were 642 vascular surgeons who met criteria: 297 (46.3%) assistant professors, 150 (23.4%) associate professors, and 195 (30.4%) professors. There were 96 (15%) division chiefs and 10 (1.6%) chairs of surgery, and 83.2% were male. Surgeons worked in the Northeast (33.5%), Southern (32.6%), Central (20.1%), and Western (13.9%) United States. The mean (±standard deviation) number of publications was 13.7 ± 15.4 for assistant professors, 33.9 ± 28.8 for associate professors, and 86.8 ± 63.6 for professors (P Conclusions Total number of publications was independently associated with associate professor, with number of first or last author publications particularly important for professor. The h-index was not independently associated with academic appointment, but it was for appointment as division chief. This study provides relevant data for promotional guidance in academic vascular surgery.
Manipulating Fano coupling in all-dielectric meta-molecules

We demonstrate the all-optical assembly of dielectric Fano metamolecules in the opto-thermoelectric trap with both reconfigurability and tunability.
Optimizing Weight Mapping and Data Flow for Convolutional Neural Networks on Processing-in-Memory Architectures

Recent state-of-the-art deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown remarkable success in current intelligent systems for various tasks, such as image/speech recognition and classification. A number of recent efforts have attempted to design custom inference engines based on processing-in-memory (PIM) architecture, where the memory array is used for weighted sum computation, thereby avoiding the frequent data transfer between buffers and computation units. Prior PIM designs typically unroll each 3D kernel of the convolutional layers into a vertical column of a large weight matrix, where the input data needs to be accessed multiple times. In this paper, in order to maximize both weight and input data reuse for PIM architecture, we propose a novel weight mapping method and the corresponding data flow which divides the kernels and assign the input data into different processing-elements (PEs) according to their spatial locations. As a case study, resistive random access memory (RRAM) based 8-bit PIM design at 32 nm is benchmarked. The proposed mapping method and data flow yields $\sim 2.03\times $ speed up and $\sim 1.4\times $ improvement in throughput and energy efficiency for ResNet-34, compared with the prior design based on the conventional mapping method. To further optimize the hardware performance and throughput, we propose an optimal pipeline architecture, with ~50% area overhead, it achieves overall $913\times $ and $1.96\times $ improvement in throughput and energy efficiency, which are 132476 FPS and 20.1 TOPS/W, respectively.
Ribonucleic Acid Sequence Characterization by Negative Electron Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry.

Modified oligonucleotides represent a promising avenue for drug development, with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and microRNAs gaining traction in the therapeutic market. Mass spectrometry (MS)-bas...
Tribades and Amazons: Playacting Women of the French Revolution

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was proclaimed by the recently self-styled French National Assembly on August 27, 1789; its seventeen articles constituted a direct challenge to the absolutist rule of the French monarchy and the hierarchical structure of French society. Among other assertions outrageous to the king and privileged orders, the Declaration avowed that all citizens enjoy legal and political equality, that political sovereignty derives from the whole of the people, that law is an expression of general will, that arrests and prosecutions are subject to due process, that private property is inviolate, and that maintenance of these principles is guaranteed through freedoms of assembly, speech, writing, and publication.
A Homodimeric Aptamer Variant Generated from Ligand-Guided Selection Activates the T Cell Receptor Cluster of Differentiation 3 Complex.

Recently, immunotherapeutic modalities with engineered cells and monoclonal antibodies have been effective in treating several malignancies. Nucleic acid aptamers can serve as alternative molecules to design immunotherapeutic agents with high functional diversity. Here we report a synthetic prototype consisting of DNA aptamers that can activate the T cell receptor cluster of differentiation 3 (TCR-CD3) complex in cultured T cells. We show that the activation potential is similar to that of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against TCR-CD3, suggesting potential for aptamers in developing efficacious synthetic immunomodulators. The synthetic prototype of anti-TCR-CD3e, as described here, was designed using aptamer ZUCH-1 against TCR-CD3e, generated by ligand-guided selection (LIGS). Aptamer ZUCH-1 was truncated and modified with nuclease-resistant RNA analogs to enhance stability. Several dimeric analogs with truncated and modified variants were designed with variable linker lengths to investigate the activation potential of each construct. Among them, a dimeric aptamer with dimensions approximately similar to those of an antibody showed the highest T cell activation, suggesting the importance of optimizing linker lengths in engineering functional aptamers. The observed activation potential of dimeric aptamers shows the vast potential of aptamers in designing synthetically versatile immunomodulators with tunable pharmacokinetic properties, expanding immunotherapeutic designs by using nucleic acid-based ligands such as aptamers.