cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opening the black box of neural networks with fuzzy set theory to facilitate the understanding of remote sensing image processing

The purpose of this research is to facilitate the understanding of remote sensing image classifications based on the integration of neural networks with fuzzy expert systems, which is often known as neuro-fuzzy systems. A neuro-fuzzy system is basically a fuzzy system that uses a learning algorithm derived from or inspired by neural network theory to determine its parameters (fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules) based on sample data. The learning approach of neural networks can extract the fuzzy if-then rules and fine-tune the membership parameters based on empirical examples. The generated rules in symbolic form are comprehensible so that human expertise can be incorporated in the classification process. In this way, the black box of neural networks can be opened so that the decision process can be made transparent. This generalization ability can also be available to fuzzy systems. The combination of neural networks and fuzzy expert systems obtains the best of both worlds and compensates for the shortcomings of each.
Magnetism of Lanthanide and Actinide Intermetallic Hydrides

The search for new hydrogen storage materials (needed for the development of hydrogen as a fuel) is impeded by a paucity of information about metal-metal and metal-hydrogen bonding. Information bearing upon these types of bonds is provided by appropriate magnetic studies.
Real Time Aspects of Manned Space Flight Avionics Computing

A Category III Precision instrument landing system (ILS) approach requires 18 ft horizontal and 2.2 ft vertical accuracy at 50 ft above the ground, and is probably the most severe real-time flight control task. if the Global Positioning System in differential mode (DGPS), integrated with inertial, barometric and/or radar altitude sensors, and supported by real-time fault tolerant computing, is to be approved by the ICAO and FAA for automatic landings, additional requirements of availability and integrity at the (1–10−9) level must be met for civil aviation. Onboard real-time health management requires advances in on-board processing, memory, and communications. Technical feasibility was established as part of the DARPA Pilot’s Associate project, but it did not function in real-time. To minimize cost and risk of migrating GSE diagnostic systems to the onboard environment, use of the Rockwell Science Center developed “Simulation Analysis of Distributed Systems (SADS)” is being recommended to ensure adequate real-time performance.
Urea activates ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) in a MEK-dependent fashion in renal mIMCD3 cells

Urea activates a characteristic subset of signaling pathways in a tissue-specific fashion, including transcription of immediate early genes through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), and activation of its transcription factor substrate, Elk-1. The ability of urea to activate the ERK effector and pivotal regulatory kinase, ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), was investigated in mIMCD3 renal inner medullary collecting duct cells. Urea upregulated RSK activity in a time-dependent fashion in serum-deprived mIMCD3 cells; the effect was maximal at 5 min. Activation by hypertonic NaCl, in contrast, was negligible at 5 min and peaked at 15 min. Both stimuli induced the nuclear translocation of cytosolic RSK, as determined via immunofluorescence. Importantly, activation of RSK by both solutes was MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) dependent, as determined by the ability of the specific MEK inhibitor, PD-98059, to abrogate the response. Taken together, these data indicate that urea activates the ERK effector, RSK, in cells of the renal medulla in an ERK-dependent fashion, further emphasizing the functional significance of urea signaling through ERK activation in renal medullary cells.
Sexual Differences in Home Ranges of Raccoons

We monitored movements of 30 (11 male, 19 female) adult raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) from February 1990 to July 1992 on the Welder Wildlife Refuge, Texas, to identify differences in seasonal sizes of home range between males and females. Sizes of home range of males varied little ( P > 0.05) among seasons, and males had larger ( P < 0.05) home ranges than females in all seasons. There was considerable variation in size of home range among individual females; however, median sizes of home range for females did not change among seasons. Size of home ranges of males were larger ( P < 0.05) than would be expected based on the relationship between body mass and size of home range in mammals and suggested that movements of males were not dictated solely by energetic requirements. Social behavior appears to play an important role in the size of home range of male raccoons.
Size-Dependent Sulfur Poisoning of Silica-Supported Monodisperse Pt Nanoparticle Hydrogenation Catalysts

Colloidal techniques were used to synthesize monodisperse Pt nanoparticles of four distinct sizes between 2 and 7 nm before immobilization onto silica. Ethylene hydrogenation demonstrated structure-insensitive behavior with TOFs of ∼12 s–1 before poisoning. With thiophene being a strong binding adsorbate, TOFs decreased by orders of magnitude, and the poisoning-induced antipathetic structure sensitivity because thiophene adsorbed more strongly to the coordinatively unsaturated, as compared with coordinatively saturated, surfaces, and the degree of saturation increased with decreasing Pt size. This effort is part of a broader study in which structure sensitivity is analyzed for adsorbates in complex reaction networks.
Fluorescent single-stranded DNA-based assay for detecting unchelated Gadolinium(III) ions in aqueous solution

The main concern pertaining to the safety of Gadolinium(III)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) is the toxicity caused by the unchelated ion, which may be inadvertently present in the solution due most commonly to excess unreacted starting material or dissociation of the complexes. Detecting the aqueous free ion during the synthesis and preparation of GBCA solutions is therefore instrumental in ensuring the safety of the agents. This paper reports the development of a sensitive fluorogenic sensor for aqueous unchelated Gadolinium(III) (Gd(III)). Our design utilizes single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides with a specific sequence of 44 bases as the targeting moiety. The fluorescence-based assay may be run at ambient pH with very small amounts of samples in 384-well plates. The sensor is able to detect nanomolar concentration of Gd(III), and is relatively unresponsive toward a range of biologically relevant ions and the chelated Gd(III). Although some cross-reactivity with other trivalent lanthanide ions, such as Europium(III) and Terbium(III), is observed, these are not commonly found in biological systems and contrast agents. This convenient and rapid method may be useful in ascertaining a high purity of GBCA solutions. Graphical abstract Fluorescent aptamer-based assay for detecting unchelated Ln(III) ions in aqueous solution.
Research on Coordinate Control System of 330 MW W-Flame Boiler

By analyzing the structures,operation principle and performance characteristic of DEB coordinate control system and combining with the characters of the W-flame boiler,the problems occurred in operation process were studied deeply and results have certain reference for the commissioning and test of similar system.
Design and application of the early warning curves for influenza surveillance in Jinhua,Zhejiang province

Objective To design an early warning curves for influenza surveillance,and to assess its application value in order to alert influenza epidemic in Jinhua.Methods Alert database was established based on the percentage of historical weekly influenza-like illnesses in total outpatients(ILI%)in three sentinel hospitals in Jinhua.Control chart was used to detect outbreaks or epidemics of influenza.Reference criterions of influenza epidemic were defined based on epidemiological characteristics of influenza and estimated influenza infection rate of ILI cases from 2009 to 2011.After calculating sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,positive likelihood ratio and describing receiver-operating characteristic curve(ROC),the optimal model and thresholds were chosen.Results 75 percentile was chosen as cutoff value for early warning of influenza epidemic with the sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 62.3%.Meanwhile,85 percentile was chosen as threshold for early warning of influenza pandemic with the sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 90.0%.The efficiencies of early warning of two percentiles were both high.Conclusions Control chart can be as an essential method for early warning system of influenza.75 percentile and 85 percentile are optimal alert thresholds for influenza epidemic early warning.
Dynamics and mechanism of ultrafast water–protein interactions

Protein hydration is essential to its structure, dynamics, and function, but water–protein interactions have not been directly observed in real time at physiological temperature to our awareness. By using a tryptophan scan with femtosecond spectroscopy, we simultaneously measured the hydration water dynamics and protein side-chain motions with temperature dependence. We observed the heterogeneous hydration dynamics around the global protein surface with two types of coupled motions, collective water/side-chain reorientation in a few picoseconds and cooperative water/side-chain restructuring in tens of picoseconds. The ultrafast dynamics in hundreds of femtoseconds is from the outer-layer, bulk-type mobile water molecules in the hydration shell. We also found that the hydration water dynamics are always faster than protein side-chain relaxations but with the same energy barriers, indicating hydration shell fluctuations driving protein side-chain motions on the picosecond time scales and thus elucidating their ultimate relationship.
Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics for Solid Organ Transplantation

Disparity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules between a transplant recipient and a donor elicits the generation of alloreactive T and B cells that mediate graft rejection. Matching HLA of the donor and recipient reduces alloreactivity and prolongs graft survival in organ transplants. However, only few transplants are actually performed between HLA-identical individuals, and life-long immunosuppression is needed to prevent graft rejection. Accurate assessment of immunological risk factors coupled with precise tools for diagnosis and classification of rejection is critical for successful treatment and prevention of rejection. HLA testing has evolved substantially over the last 50 years with the advent of comprehensive molecular HLA typing and sensitive solid-phase HLA antibody identification assays that enable new strategies for donor-recipient risk assessment. This chapter provides an overview of the HLA system and mechanisms underlying allograft rejection. We also discuss the diagnostic tests performed by the Immunogenetics Laboratory to assess risk, diagnose transplant rejection, and guide immunosuppressive therapy.
A modified wavelet method for identifying transient features in time signals with applications to bean beetle maturation

We develop an averaging method, based on a modified Haar wavelet technique, for identifying when transient features occur in a time signal. We call this method the seaweed method and use it to identify different stages of bean beetle embryo maturation. We use randomized simulations to evaluate the seaweed method for accuracy and precision at different levels of noise. Our results support the efficacy of the seaweed method as a means for analyzing time-lapse photographs of bean beetle embryos and a wide variety of other time signals.
HEAD (Health Education Across the Disciplines): Addressing Intervention Strategies Across the Disciplines for Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, & Addiction

Health Education Across the Disciplines (HEAD) is an intervention strategy to integrate alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and addiction lessons into disciplines other than health. Follow-up integration activities to Defining Addiction Activity is presented. Two other lesson plan examples of integrating alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and addiction lessons into disciplines other than health are presented.
Formulation Approaches and Strategies for Vaccines and Adjuvants

In order to create safe and efficacious vaccines, formulations that confer stability must generally be developed. In this chapter, formulation considerations consisting of solution conditions, particles, delivery route, endotoxin level, and preservatives will be covered along with the addition of adjuvants currently approved for use in vaccines and adjuvants currently being researched. Methods to increase vaccine stability and analytical techniques used to monitor vaccines will be discussed.
A pilot study comparing histological and immunophenotypic patterns in stage 4 skin graft vs host disease from toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Background Stage 4 skin graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Clinical and histologic similarities with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) make it difficult to distinguish between these 2 life-threatening conditions. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from a tertiary referral center. Skin biopsies were obtained from 11 patients who developed stage 4 skin GVHD and 11 patients who developed TEN between 2005 and 2012. The CD8+/CD4+ T lymphocyte ratios were assessed in lesional skin specimens. Results Average CD8+and CD4+ cell counts co-expressing CD3 were 126.29 (range 86.42-173.06) and 84.60 (29.87-197.20) for stage 4 skin GVHD patients, and 61.97 (45.79-146.67) and 7.65 (0.00-39.50) for TEN patients, respectively. Immunohistochemical studies of stage 4 skin GVHD and TEN skin demonstrated average CD8+/CD4+ ratios of 1.78 (range 0.69-3.09) and 7.33 (1.16-12.3), respectively (P = .013). Conclusions Stage 4 skin GVHD and TEN are processes with cytotoxic profiles. TEN is notable for a greater relative depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes compared with stage 4 skin GVHD, while stage 4 skin GVHD tends to be more inflammatory than TEN. These data suggest an immunohistologic method by which these 2 entities may be distinguished.
High-Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) Imaging of Cellulose Microfibril Organization in Plant Primary Cell Walls.

We have used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to study the high-resolution organization of cellulose microfibrils in onion epidermal cell walls. We frequently found that conventional “rule of thumb” conditions for imaging of biological samples did not yield high-resolution images of cellulose organization and often resulted in artifacts or distortions of cell wall structure. Here we detail our method of one-step fixation and dehydration with 100% ethanol, followed by critical point drying, ultrathin iridium (Ir) sputter coating (3 s), and FESEM imaging at a moderate accelerating voltage (10 kV) with an In-lens detector. We compare results obtained with our improved protocol with images obtained with samples processed by conventional aldehyde fixation, graded dehydration, sputter coating with Au, Au/Pd, or carbon, and low-voltage FESEM imaging. The results demonstrated that our protocol is simpler, causes little artifact, and is more suitable for high-resolution imaging of cell wall cellulose microfibrils whereas such imaging is very challenging by conventional methods.
Introduction: Political and Theological Framework

Through anecdotes and examples, this chapter sketches an approach to wrongs and outlines the plan of the book. Dalit Christianity and theology are presented as helpful starting points for a political theological account that considers wrongs and delineates how an approach to wrongs encompasses memory, grief, and agency. The anecdotes and examples offer readers a window into possibilities that arise out of generating a conversation between theologians and theorists of caste and race.
Surfactant Adsorption and Aggregate Structure at Silica Nanoparticles

Surfactant adsorption onto colloidal particles is of eminent importance to technological processes in which colloidal stability or detergency plays a role. Surfactant adsorption onto hydrophilic surfaces can be regarded as a surface aggregation process, reminiscent of micelle formation in solution.
Real-Time Closed Loop Diastolic Interval Control Prevents Cardiac Alternans in Isolated Whole Rabbit Hearts.

Cardiac alternans, a beat-to-beat alternation in action potential duration (APD), can lead to fatal arrhythmias. During periodic pacing, changes in diastolic interval (DI) depend on subsequent changes in APD, thus enhancing cardiac instabilities through a ‘feedback’ mechanism. Recently, an anti-arrhythmic Constant DI pacing protocol was proposed and shown to be effective in suppressing alternans in 0D and 1D in silico studies. However, previous experimental validation of Constant DI pacing in the heart has been unsuccessful due to the spatio-temporal complexity of 2D cardiac tissue and the technical challenges in its real-time implementation. Here, we developed a novel closed loop system to detect T-waves from real-time ECG data, enabling successful implementation of Constant DI pacing protocol, and performed high-resolution optical mapping experiments on isolated whole rabbit hearts to validate its anti-arrhythmic effects. The results were compared with: (1) Periodic pacing (feedback inherent) and (2) pacing with heart rate variability (HRV) (feedback modulation) introduced by using either Gaussian or Physiological patterns. We observed that Constant DI pacing significantly suppressed alternans in the heart, while maintaining APD spatial dispersion and flattening the slope of the APD restitution curve, compared to traditional Periodic pacing. In addition, introduction of HRV in Periodic pacing failed to prevent cardiac alternans, and was arrhythmogenic.
Introduction: The Confucian Challenge

This chapter describes the revival of Confucianism in contemporary China both at the level of government, and among intellectuals and the common people. For the first time the West is forced to consider Confucianism not as an exotic philosophy that need not concern us but as the ideological supplement to a powerful state that is challenging Western hegemony. But contemporary Westerners have difficulties in understanding the impact of China and its Confucian tradition in the present. The chapter describes the difficulties liberals and left-wing theorists have in understanding China, and outlines the argument that follows.
Humoral, hormonal and behavioral correlates of feeding in ponies: the effects of meal frequency.

The effect of meal frequency on body fluid, glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), heart rate and behavior was measured in 10 ponies. A simple reversal design was used in which each pony received one meal/day (1X) for 2 wk and six meals/day (6X) for 2 wk. The total intake/day was held constant. Feeding was followed by a rise in plasma levels of glucose, T3, protein and osmolality. One large meal was followed by significantly greater changes in all of the variables than was a meal one-sixth the size. Plasma T3 rose from 41 +/- 5 (SE) ng/liter before feeding to 43 +/- 5 ng/liter following a small meal, but rose significantly higher, from 39 +/- 4 to 60 +/- 10 ng/liter, following a large meal. Glucose rose from 84 +/- 3 to 109 +/- 7 mg/dl following a small meal and rose significantly higher, from 83 +/- 3 to 154 +/- 11 mg/dl, after a large meal. Plasma protein rose from 6.55 +/- .14 to 6.62 +/- .16 g/dl following a small meal and from 6.45 +/- .14 to 6.99 +/- .11 g/dl following a large meal. Osmolality rose from 227 +/- 1 mosmol/liter before to 279 +/- 1 mosmol/liter following a small meal and significantly higher from 278 +/- 2 to 285 +/- 1 mosnol/liter following a large meal. Heart rate rose from 42 beats/min in the absence of feed to 50 beats/min when food was visible to the ponies and did not rise higher when eating began. There were no significant differences in the cardiac response to one large meal and that to a small meal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Energy-Requiring Regulation of Hexose Transport, as Studied in Fibroblast Cultures of a Metabolic Mutant

I am indeed thankful to my friend Ed Haber for his initiative to come up with a full monograph based on the symposium on selected aspects of membrane biology, what some of us used to call “Ektobiology.”
Gut microbiota: a new way to take your vitamins.

IBD is associated with disruptions to resident microbial populations and inflammatory immune responses; however, little is known about how bacteria influence pathogenic immunity. New research identifies microbially produced ascorbate as a potential drug target to ameliorate disease by inhibiting inflammatory T cell function through altered cellular metabolism.
A series of dithiocarbamates for americium, curium, and californium

Characterizing how actinide properties change across the f-element series is critical for improving predictive capabilities and solving many nuclear problems facing our society. Unfortunately, it is difficult to make direct comparisons across the 5f-element series because so little is known about trans-plutonium elements. Results described herein help to address this issue through isolation of An(S2CNEt2)3(N2C12H8) (Am, Cm, and Cf). These findings included the first single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements of Cm-S (mean of 2.86 ± 0.04 A) and Cf-S (mean of 2.84 ± 0.04 A) bond distances. Furthermore, they highlight the potential of An(S2CNEt2)3(N2C12H8) for providing a test bed for comparative analyses of actinide versus lanthanide bonding interactions.
Avoiding and Managing Oral Appliance Therapy Side Effects

There is a serious need to consider all potential side effects thoughtfully before commencing individual treatment with oral appliance therapy. Although many of these side effects are self-limiting, easily corrected, or innocuous, others are difficult or impossible to correct and can affect the patient in serious ways. As this field evolves, new information is discovered, and new products are introduced at a rather rapid pace, continuing education and prudent practice are critical to ethical care in the practice of dental sleep medicine.
Comparing once-weekly semaglutide to incretin-based therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Aims Our aim was to compare once-weekly semaglutide to incretin-based therapies – defined as either dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) or other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) – in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We searched for randomized trials comparing once-weekly semaglutide to other incretin-based therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes. We pooled trials that compared semaglutide to other GLP-1RA together, and those comparing semaglutide to DPP-4i together. The primary outcome was the change in haemoglobin A1c over time. Results Five trials met our inclusion criteria. There was a significantly greater reduction in haemoglobin A1c favouring semaglutide when compared to other GLP-1RA or DPP-4i [MD (95% CI) = −0.38% (−0.62, −0.15) and −1.14% (−1.53, −0.75) respectively]. There was a significantly greater weight loss favouring semaglutide when compared to other GLP-1RA or DPP-4i [MD (95% CI) = −2.50 kg (−3.91, −1.09) and −3.19 kg (−3.66, −2.72) respectively]. The proportion of patients achieving glycaemic goals and goal weight loss was greater in semaglutide-treated patients when compared to either other GLP-1RA or DPP-4i. However, semaglutide-treated patients had a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusions While both once-weekly semaglutide and other incretin-based therapies can reduce haemoglobin A1c, semaglutide causes a more potent haemoglobin A1c reduction and greater weight loss when compared to other incretin-based therapies. However, this potent effect of semaglutide was associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this marked reduction in both haemoglobin A1c and body weight may translate into improved cardiovascular outcomes.
AMERICA, AS SEEN ON TV: HOW TELEVISION SHAPES IMMIGRANT EXPECTATIONS AROUND THE WORLD By Clara E. Rodríguez. New York UP, 2018. 240 pp. $28 paper.

While there remains little doubt that television, as a popular and globally pervasive form of popular culture, shapes perceptions and social views, the degree to which American TV influences immigr...
Patient recommendations for reducing long‐lasting economic burden after breast cancer

Background In the United States, patients who have breast cancer experience significant economic burden compared with those who have other types of cancers. Cancer-related economic burden is exacerbated by adverse treatment effects. Strategies to resolve the economic burden caused by breast cancer and its adverse treatment effects have stemmed from the perspectives of health care providers, oncology navigators, and other subject-matter experts. For the current study, patient-driven recommendations were elicited to reduce economic burden after 1) breast cancer and 2) breast cancer-related lymphedema, which is a common, persistent adverse effect of breast cancer. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 long-term breast cancer survivors who were residents of Pennsylvania or New Jersey in 2015 and were enrolled in a 6-month observational study. Purposive sampling ensured equal representation by age, socioeconomic position, and lymphedema diagnosis. Semistructured interviews addressed economic challenges, supports used, and patient recommendations for reducing financial challenges. Interviews were coded, and representative quotes from the patient recommendations were analyzed and reported to illustrate key findings. Results Of 40 interviewees (mean age, 64 years; mean time since diagnosis, 12 years), 27 offered recommendations to reduce the economic burden caused by cancer and its adverse treatment effects. Nine recommendations emerged across 4 major themes: expanding affordable insurance and insurance-covered items, especially for lymphedema treatment (among the 60% who reported lymphedema); supportive domestic help; financial assistance from diagnosis through treatment; and employment-preserving policies. Conclusions The current study yielded 9 actionable, patient-driven recommendations-changes to insurance, supportive services, financial assistance, and protective policies-to reduce breast cancer-related economic burden. These recommendations should be tested through policy and programmatic interventions.
Parameters from Submaximal Exercise

During a progressive exercise test, the anaerobic threshold (theoretically) occurs when aerobic metabolism, limited as it is by the amount of O2 delivered by the cardiovascular system, is insufficient to meet the energy requirements of the exercising muscles. The anaerobic threshold is a physiologic phenomenon that is not affected by patient effort or motivation and may be determined on a submaximal exercise test. Consequently, it is an excellent index of the cardiovascular system’s capacity to support the hemodynamic demands of exercise. Because anaerobic metabolism produces CO2 (through the buffering of lactic acid by bicarbonate) but does not consume O2, during a progressive exercise test, the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) is marked by an increase in VCO2 out of proportion to the associated increase in VO2. This phenomenon can be detected by expiratory gas analysis. The VO2 at this point is termed the “VAT.” Other parameters from submaximal exercise may also shed light upon a patient’s cardiopulmonary function.
Sociopoetics in the Works of Shakespeare

This study is meant to develop an immanent critique following the dialogism of socio-poetics in the literary criticism of Mikhail Bakhtin. Socio-poetics in the reception and composition of Shakespeare’s works reflect the first intimations of social and political transformation to a modern nationalized society from a premodern feudal society. This study explores Shakespeare’s use of metaphor through his dramatizations and characterizations at the dawn of modernity and the decline of feudalism: identifying contradictions and tensions that intimate this transformation in English society and language, and, providing an approach to this globalizing language that partakes in simultaneous modes of confabulation and possible de-commodification of that language through an understanding founded in a socio-poetics. Shakespeare’s unique historical position in delimiting later formations of the English language, his composition of modes of reference and literacy, also prepares a potential critique of the contemporary use of figurative language in the present socio-political moment.
Interleukin-10 Deficiency Alters Endothelial Progenitor Cell–Derived Exosome Reparative Effect on Myocardial Repair via Integrin-Linked Kinase Enrichment

Rationale: Systemic inflammation compromises the reparative properties of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and their exosomes on myocardial repair, although the underlying mechanism of loss of fun...
16S rRNA Gene PCR/Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid in the Diagnosis of Post-operative Meningitis.

Introduction. Post-operative meningitis (POM) is a life-threatening complication of neurosurgery. Diagnosis is often difficult due to pre-existing inflammation and antecedent antimicrobial use. Bacterial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures may reveal no growth, but empiric antibiotics are typically given due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with POM. 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing is a molecular methodology that can identify the presence of bacteria regardless of viability for culture. Case Presentation. A patient presented with a rapid onset of fever associated with headache, neck pain, nausea and altered mental status 11 days after undergoing laser interstitial thermal therapy for treatment of recurrent astrocytoma at another hospital. Based on clinical presentation and imaging, POM was suspected, and empiric antibacterial therapy was started. Microbiological stains and cultures of CSF were negative. Due to persistent fevers, 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing was done on CSF; it detected a member of the order Enterobacteriales most closely resembling Serratia species. All antimicrobials were stopped except for cefepime, which was given for 2 weeks. The patient’s mental status fully recovered. Conclusion. The application of 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing in the setting of POM is of value by improving the quality of patient care and decreasing costs by antimicrobial de-escalation. Further studies regarding the positive and negative predictive values of this test are required.
Topographic Variation of the Growth Rate of Geographic Atrophy in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose To determine the impact of topographic locations on the progression rate of geographic atrophy (GA). Methods We searched in five literature databases up to May 3, 2019, for studies that evaluated the growth rates of GA lesions at different retinal regions. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to determine and compare the GA effective radius growth rates in four location groups defined by two separate classification schemes: (1) macular center point involved (CPI) or spared (CPS) in classification 1, and (2) foveal zone involved (FZI) or spared (FZS) in classification 2. We then estimated the GA growth rate in eight topographic zones and used the data to model the GA expansion. Results We included 11 studies with 3254 unique eyes. In studies that used classification 1, the effective radius growth rate was 30.1% higher in the CPS group (0.203 ± 0.013 mm/year) than in the CPI group (0.156 ± 0.011 mm/year) (P < 0.001). This trend became significantly more prominent in classification 2, where the growth rate was 61.7% higher in the FZS group (0.215 ± 0.012 mm/year) than in the FZI group (0.133 ± 0.009 mm/year) (P < 0.001). The estimated GA effective radius growth rates in eight retinal zones fit a Gaussian function, and the modeling of GA expansion gave rise to various GA configurations comparable to clinical observations. Conclusions This study indicates that the GA progression rate varies significantly across different retinal locations. Our analysis may shed light on the natural history and underlying mechanism of GA progression.
Heterogeneity in temporal self-appraisals following exposure to potentially traumatic life events: A latent profile analysis.

Abstract Background People tend to believe that they continuously improve over time. In fact, Temporal Self-Appraisal Theory (“Chump to Champ”) has found that people are motivated to derogate their past selves in favor of their present selves. Studies on temporal self-appraisals following trauma is less clear, with some studies showing perceived improvement whereas other studies show appraisals of decline. Method Utilizing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), we tested for discrete patterns of temporal self-appraisals in undergraduate college students (N = 740) following trauma exposure. We then explored various trauma-related characteristics as predictors of profile membership. Results LPA revealed three distinct profiles of appraisal styles (Profile 1: optimistic, Profile 2: chump to champ, Profile 3: pessimistic). The optimistic profile was associated with lower levels of PTSD and depression symptoms, whereas the optimistic and chump to champ profiles were associated with greater trauma centrality. Limitations Findings are limited in that this study utilized cross-sectional data from a sample of predominantly undergraduate females, thus conclusions regarding temporal relations among study constructs cannot be made and findings may not generalize to other populations. Conclusion Temporal self-appraisals following trauma exposure may reflect prototypical patterns in which individual appraise adaptation to potentially traumatic stress and may confer risk for psychopathology. Such findings have implications for approaches to intervention with clinical and non-clinical populations following trauma exposure.
Experiments and Direct Dynamics Simulations That Probe η2-Arene/Aryl Hydride Equilibria of Tungsten Benzene Complexes

Key steps in the functionalization of an unactivated arene often involve its dihaptocoordination by a transition metal followed by insertion into the C-H bond. However, rarely are the η2-arene and aryl hydride species in measurable equilibrium. In this study, the benzene/phenyl hydride equilibrium is explored for the {WTp(NO)(PBu3)} (Bu = n-butyl; Tp = trispyrazoylborate) system as a function of temperature, solvent, ancillary ligand, and arene substituent. Both face-flip and ring-walk isomerizations are identified through spin-saturation exchange measurements, which both appear to operate through scission of a C-H bond. The effect of either an electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituent is to increase the stability of both arene and aryl hydride isomers. Crystal structures, electrochemical measurements, and extensive NMR data further support these findings. Static density functional theory calculations of the benzene-to-phenyl hydride landscape suggest a single linear sequence for this transformation involving a sigma complex and oxidative cleavage transition state. Static DFT calculations also identified an η2-coordinated benzene complex in which the arene is held more loosely than in the ground state, primarily through dispersion forces. Although a single reaction pathway was identified by static calculations, quasiclassical direct dynamics simulations identified a network of several reaction pathways connecting the η2-benzene and phenyl hydride isomers, due to the relatively flat energy landscape.
Insecticidal RNA interference, thinking beyond long dsRNA.

Over 20 years ago double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was described as the trigger of RNAi interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing. This paradigm has held since, especially for insect biopesticide technologies where dsRNAs, similar to those described in 1998, are used to inhibit gene expression. In the intervening years, investigation of RNAi pathways has revealed the small RNA effectors of RNAi are diverse and rapidly evolving. The rich biology of insect small RNAs suggests potential to use multiple RNAi modes for manipulating gene expression. By exploiting different RNAi pathways, the menu of options for pest control can be expanded and could lead to better tailored solutions. Fortunately, basic delivery strategies used for dsRNA such as direct application or transgenic expression will translate well between RNAs transiting different RNAi pathways. Importantly, further engineering of RNAi-based biopesticides may provide an opportunity to address dsRNA insensitivity seen in some pests. Characterization of RNAi pathways unique to target species will be indispensable to this end and may require thinking beyond long dsRNA. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) induced electric fields in pediatric stroke

Abstract Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an increasingly popular tool for stroke rehabilitation. Consequently, researchers have started to explore the use of TMS in pediatric stroke. However, the application of TMS in a developing brain with pathologies comes with a unique set of challenges. The effect of TMS-induced electric fields has not been explored in children with stroke lesions. Here, we used finite element method (FEM) modeling to study how the electric field strength is affected by the presence of a lesion. We created individual realistic head models from MRIs (n = 6) of children with unilateral cerebral palsy due to perinatal stroke. We conducted TMS electric field simulations for coil locations over lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres. We found that the presence of a lesion can strongly affect the electric field distribution. On the group level, the mean electric field strength did not differ between lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres but exhibited a greater variability in the lesioned hemisphere. Other factors such as coil-to-cortex distance have a strong influence on the TMS electric field even in the presence of lesions. Our study has important implications for the delivery of TMS in children with brain lesions with respect to TMS dosing and coil placement.
Surf4 Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum Exit of the Lysosomal Prosaposin-Progranulin Complex

Abstract Progranulin is a lysosomal protein whose haploinsufficiency causes frontotemporal dementia while homozygous loss of progranulin causes neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a lysosomal storage disease. The sensitivity of cells to progranulin deficiency raises important questions about how cells coordinate intracellular trafficking of progranulin to ensure its efficient delivery to lysosomes. In this study, we discover that progranulin interacts with prosaposin, another lysosomal protein, within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and that prosaposin is required for the efficient ER exit of progranulin. Mechanistically, we identify an interaction between prosaposin and Surf4, a receptor that promotes loading of lumenal cargos into COPII coated vesicles, and establish that Surf4 is critical for the efficient export of progranulin and prosaposin from the ER. Collectively, this work demonstrates a network of interactions occurring early in the secretory pathway that promote the ER exit and subsequent lysosomal delivery of newly translated progranulin and prosaposin.
Evaluation of Dry Cow Vaccination with a Killed Viral Vaccine on Post-colostral Antibody Titers in Calves

The administration of a vaccine shortly prior to parturition is believed to increase the titers of the cows at the time of calving, and potentially increase the amount of antibody available for passage to the calf via colostrum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of postcolostral agent specific titers in calves whose dams received a killed viral vaccine at dry-off.
SU-E-T-724: Testing the Limitations of a Photon Dose Algorithm in Commissioning

Purpose: This work is to test the limitations of a photon dose algorithm during the commissioning of a treatment planning system. Methods: Commissioning tests for a model-based dose calculation algorithm typically involve the verification of PDD, output and dose profiles, but often those tests are performed at one SSD, one depth and one nominal gantry position. Those tests are useful to validate the modeling of radiation beams, but they may not be sufficient to detect the limitations of an algorithm. Additional tests were performed at several SSDs, various depths, oblique gantry angles and off-axis conditions to demonstrate the accuracy and limitations of the dose calculation algorithm. Dose profiles were measured by in-water scanning with a three-dimensional scanning system and calculated in the TPS using a virtual water phantom. Results: Dose profiles from both the measurement and the calculation were plotted for comparison. Also plotted were the difference in absolute dose between the measurement and the calculation. For the off-axis MLC field tests, larger discrepancies were observed at the open portion and the far edge of the field, which became greater with short SSD and deep depth. In addition, the shape of the profile appeared different for the open portion of the field. For the oblique MLC field tests, the largest difference was seen around the high-dose shoulder of the profile. Differences in some point doses were observed to be greater than 10% of the maximum field dose. Conclusion: We have learned the limitations of the superposition dose algorithm in the XiO planning system through some specific tests, which are related to the parallel kernel approximation and the simplified energy spectra employed by the algorithm to calculate field-size dependent fluence.
RCAN1-1L is overexpressed in neurons of Alzheimer's disease patients

At least two different isoforms of RCAN1 mRNA are expressed in neuronal cells in normal human brain. Although RCAN1 mRNA is elevated in brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease, it is not known whether the disease affects neuronal RCAN1, or if other cell types (e.g. astrocytes or microglia) are affected. It is also unknown how many protein isoforms are expressed in human brain and whether RCAN1 protein is overexpressed in Alzheimer's disease. We explored the expression of both RCAN1-1 and RCAN1-4 mRNA isoforms in various cell types in normal and Alzheimer's disease postmortem samples, using the combined technique of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We found that both exon 1 and exon 4 are predominantly expressed in neuronal cells, and no significant expression of either of the exons was observed in astocytes or microglial cells. This was true in both normal and Alzheimer's disease brain sections. We also demonstrate that RCAN1-1 mRNA levels are approximately two-fold higher in neurons from Alzheimer's disease patients versus non-Alzheimer's disease controls. Using western blotting, we now show that there are three RCAN1 protein isoforms expressed in human brain: RCAN1-1L, RCAN1-1S, and RCAN1-4. We have determined that RCAN1-1L is expressed at twice the level of RCAN1-4, and that there is very minor expression of RCAN1-1S. We also found that the RCAN1-1L protein is overexpressed in Alzheimer's disease patients, whereas RCAN1-4 is not. From these results, we conclude that RCAN1-1 may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, whereas RCAN1-4 may serve another purpose.
A subset of Pr65gag is nucleus associated in murine leukemia virus-infected cells

Nuclei of cells infected with Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) were examined for the presence of gag proteins. This analysis was performed in conjunction with other studies suggesting a possible role for gag proteins in regulating nuclear events relating to processing and/or transport of viral genomic RNA. We detected Pr65gag and a p30-related protein in a nuclear fraction of infected cells. We also found evidence that a highly conserved amino acid sequence, which is shared by p30 and U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein 70-kDa protein, is a component of the nuclear targeting sequence for Pr65gag. Immunoelectron microscopy studies with a monoclonal anti-p12 antibody established that approximately 18% of gag-containing proteins of MoMuLV are located in the nucleus. Such gag-containing proteins from a mutant MoMuLV that lacks N-terminal myristic acid had greater affinity for the nucleus, suggesting that fatty acid acylation of Pr65gag plays a role in overcoming the proposed nuclear transport signal. The possible roles that nuclear gag proteins may play in retroviral replication are discussed.
[29] Preparation of selenomethionyl proteins for phase determination.

Publisher Summary The use of selenomethionyl proteins for phase determination is growing in popularity for isomorphous replacement or multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) experiments. In some cases, it provides crucial phasing information and the key to solve a crystal structure. With the increase in the availability of synchrotron facilities (ESRF, APS) with beam lines dedicated to crystallographic studies, and MAD data collection in particular, selenomethionyl proteins may find routine use in phase determination. The procedures for engineering and crystallizing selenomethionyl proteins are divided into four steps: expression, cell growth, purification, and crystallization. The storage and properties of selenomethionyl protein crystals are discussed in this chapter. Selenomethionyl protein crystals should be kept in a reducing medium containing dithiothreitol (DTT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and stored in an anaerobic chamber. Selenomethionyl protein crystals tend to be isomorphous with the native crystals, and selenomethionine incorporation does not usually alter diffraction limits. However, in some cases, selenomethionyl protein crystals are more radiation sensitive than their natural counterparts.
Prevalence of aneuploidy and additional anatomic abnormalities in fetuses and neonates with cleft lip with or without cleft palate: a population-based study in Utah.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of aneuploidy and additional major anatomic abnormalities in fetuses and neonates with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Methods. All cases of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (cleft lip/cleft palate) occurring in Utah from 1995 through 1999 were reviewed by using the Utah Birth Defect Network population-based surveillance system. All pregnancy outcomes are included (stillborn, live born, and termination) in this analysis. Results. Of 263 cases of cleft lip/cleft palate, 72 (27.4%) were unilateral cleft lip, 112 (42.6%) were unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, 12 (4.6%) were bilateral cleft lip, and 67 (25.5%) were bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. Fifteen (5.7%) of the 263 fetuses and neonates were aneuploid. One (1.2%) with cleft lip (unilateral and bilateral combined) was aneuploid. Five (4.5%) of the fetuses and neonates with unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate were aneuploid compared with 9 (13.4%) of fetuses and neonates with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. In known or presumed euploid fetuses and neonates, additional sonographically occult major anatomic abnormalities occurred in 5 (7.0%) of 71 with unilateral cleft lip, 18 (16.8%) of 107 with unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, 1 (8.3%) of 12 with bilateral cleft lip, and 12 (20.7%) of 58 with bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. These abnormalities primarily involved the heart and the central nervous system. Conclusions. Amniocentesis for karyotype should be offered in all cases of cleft lip/cleft palate because of the risk of aneuploidy. Patients should be counseled that sonographically occult additional anatomic abnormalities might be present with all clefts.