cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allorecognition of an HLA-A*01 aberrant allele by an HLA identical family member carrying the HLA-A*0101 allele.

We identified and characterized an HLA-A1 aberrant allele ( A*0118N ) resulting from a novel molecular mechanism; this allele was present in an unusually informative family with a near identical parental HLA haplotype (c d) differing only by one nucleotide substitution in one HLA-A allele, A*0118N , of the maternal HLA haplotype (c) and not of the paternal HLA haplotype (a). Although serologic HLA typing showed a “blank,” DNA molecular HLA typing detected a HLA-A*0118N allele. Sequence based typing identified the substitution of guanine by cytosine at the nucleotide position 215, which resulted in the replacement of arginine by proline at position 48 of the HLA-A1 H chain. The loss of surface protein expression was also found by FACS analysis. Isoelectric-focusing analysis detected a HLA-A H chain with a unique isoelectric-focusing pattern, which does not associate with the L chain (β 2 -microglobulin). These results suggest that the residue 48-containing interaction site on the α 1 domain plays a critical role in the association between HLA class I H chain and β 2 -microglobulin. Functional studies showed that the T cells of the propositus (HLA haplotypes c d) carrying this null allele recognized its wild-type counterpart, HLA-A*010101, in her HLA-identical son that carries the HLA-A*0101 heterodimer. This is the first example of the generation of cytotoxic T cells in the absence of proliferation of CD4 + T cells (mixed lymphocyte culture) and the description of an aberrant allele, A*0118N , that may behave as a minor histocompatibility Ag, with implications in allorecognition by cytolytic T cells in solid organ and stem cell transplantation.
A stochastic approach to studying biochemical reactions without Monte Carlo simulations

The time evolution of molecular species in a biochemical system is a discrete-state continuous-time Markov process, which can be described by a chemical master equation. The traditional methods for solving the chemical master equation are based on Monte Carlo methods, such as the stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA). In prior work, we proposed a method for simulation of the time evolution based on the propagation of the first two moments of the molecules in the biochemical system over time. In this paper we present a generalization of our previous result. We also compare our method with other methods such as the stochastic hybrid systems (SHS).
fw2.2 Directly Affects the Size of Developing Tomato Fruit, with Secondary Effects on Fruit Number and Photosynthate Distribution

fw2.2 is a quantitative trait locus responsible for approximately 30% of the difference in fruit size between large, domesticated tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and their small-fruited wild relatives. The gene underlying this quantitative trait locus was cloned recently and shown to be associated with altered cell division in ovaries (Frary et al., 2000). However, it was not known whether the change in fruit size is associated with other changes in plant morphology or overall fruit yield-changes that could potentially cause the fruit weight phenotype. To shed light on this issue, a detailed comparison was made between nearly isogenic lines differing for alleles at this locus to search for pleiotropic effects associated with fw2.2. Field observations show that although the small-fruited nearly isogenic line produced smaller ovaries and fruit as expected, this was compensated by a larger number of fruit-due mainly to a significantly greater number of inflorescences-but with no net change in total fruit mass yield. This strongly suggests that fw2.2 may have a pleiotropic effect on how the plant distributes photosynthate among fruit. In a flower removal experiment to control for differences in inflorescence size and number, fruit size remained significantly different between the nearly isogenic lines. These observations indicate that the primary effect of fw2.2 is in controlling ovary and fruit size, and that other associated phenotypic effects are secondary.
Acquired A amyloidosis from injection drug use presenting with atraumatic splenic rupture in a hospitalized patient: a case report

Little is known about splenic rupture in patients who develop systemic acquired A amyloidosis. This is the first report of a case of atraumatic splenic rupture in a patient with acquired A amyloidosis from chronic injection drug use. A 58-year-old Caucasian man with a long history of injection drug use, hospitalized for infective endocarditis, experienced atraumatic splenic rupture and underwent splenectomy. Histopathological and microbiological analyses of the splenic tissue were consistent with systemic acquired A amyloidosis, most likely from injection drug use, that led to splenic rupture without any recognized trauma or evidence of bacterial embolization to the spleen. In patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, including the use of injection drugs, who experience acute onset of left upper quadrant pain, the diagnosis of atraumatic splenic rupture must be considered.
Catastrophic Acute Ischemic Stroke After Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine)-Treated Rattlesnake Envenomation

We report 2 cases of catastrophic ischemic stroke after Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine)-treated rattlesnake envenomation, 1 fatal and the other resulting in significant permanent disability. It is possible these serious adverse events may have been related to venom factor(s), an interaction between venom and antivenom, occult patient blood dyscrasia, or to random unrelated events. We present the rationale for each possibility, and submit the experiences to elicit alternate postulation and communication of similar presentations.
Efficacy of Leuconostoc mesenteroides (ATCC 13146) isomaltooligosaccharides as a poultry prebiotic

Abstract The complex dietary carbohydrates, called prebiotics, have been used to control Salmonella and improve intestinal bacterial balance in broilers. Leuconostoc mesenteroides (ATCC 13146) isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) stimulate growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and are not used by Salmonella or Escherichia coli. We tested the efficacy of these IMO as a prebiotic. IMO, compared with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as sole carbon source, promoted growth of chicken cecal isolates and Bifidobacterium. Cecal isolates and Salmonella typhimurium grown in mixed culture on IMO reduced the Salmonella population. Cecal isolates grown on IMO showed higher viable counts and faster growth than Salmonella, indicating a potential value for these oligomers for poultry intestinal microflora modification.
Five centuries of climate change in Australia: the view from underground†

Fifty-seven borehole temperature profiles from across Australia are analysed to recon- struct a ground surface temperature history for the past five centuries. The five-hundred-year reconstruction is characterised by a temperature increase of approximately 0.5 K, with most of the warming occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 17th century was the coolest interval of the five-century reconstruction. Comparison of the geothermal reconstruction to the Australian annual surface air temperature time series in their period of overlap shows excellent agreement. The full geothermal reconstruction also agrees well with the low-frequency component of dendroclimatic reconstructions from Tasmania and New Zealand. The warming of Australia over the past five centuries is only about half that experienced by the continents of the Northern Hemisphere in the same time interval. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ipilimumab: A Novel Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma

Objective:To review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, dosing, and economic considerations of ipilimumab.Data Sources:A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-November 2010) was performed using the terms ipilimumab, metastatic melanoma, MDX-010, and MDX-101. Additional data were obtained from meeting abstracts, bibliographies, and media releases.Study Selection and Data Extraction:English-language articles identified from the data sources were reviewed. Selected studies evaluated the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.Data Synthesis:The incidence of melanoma in the US is increasing faster than any other type of cancer in men and more than any other type of cancer, except lung cancer, in women. For patients with metastatic melanoma, systemic therapies are limited by low response rates, snort durations of response, and a 5-year survival rate <10%. Ipilimumab, a novel CTLA-4 inhibitor, is unde...
Play-based procedural preparation and support intervention for cranial radiation.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between play-based procedural preparation and support intervention and use of sedation in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors during radiation therapy. The secondary objective was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to costs associated with daily sedation. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and 116 children aged 5–12 years met criteria for inclusion. Outcome measures included the total number of radiation treatments received, the number of treatments received with and without sedation, and the type and duration of interventions, which consisted of developmentally appropriate play, education, preparation, and distraction provided by a certified child life specialist. The results of univariate analyses showed that age, tumor location, and total number and duration of interventions were significantly associated with sedation use during radiation therapy. Multivariate analyses showed that, after adjustment for age, tumor location, and craniospinal radiation, a significant relationship was found between the total number and duration of the interventions and sedation use. The implementation of a play-based procedural preparation and support intervention provided by a certified child life specialist significantly reduced health-care costs by decreasing the necessity of daily sedation. Support interventions provided by child life specialists significantly decreased both sedation use and the cost associated with daily sedation during cranial radiation therapy in children with CNS tumors. This study supports the value of the child life professional as a play-based developmental specialist and a crucial component of cost-effective healthcare.
The Emergence of Israel in Retrospect

Three models have been put forth to explain the appearance of Israel in the western highlands of the southern Levant: conquest, pastoral sedentarization, and social revolt. All of them attempt to reconcile archaeological data with the textual evidence; but a fourth model, which takes into account the dissolution of the Egyptian empire at the end of the Late Bronze Age, provides a more satisfying explanation for what must have been a widespread, complex, and lengthy process. Even so, the various events and forces that gave rise to formative Israel are far from the straightforward history that many assume in the Bible. What we find instead is a constructed history whereby later Israel both remembered and forgot essential dimensions of itself. In doing so, Israel was able to enshrine and reshape its past to create official memories of a culture and formulate a new vision for the future.
Objective Quantitative Assessment of Movement Disorders Through Analysis of Static Handwritten Characters

Movement disorders associated with Essential Tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) can negatively impact use of the upper limb for many precision tasks, including handwriting. Both ET and PD can be assessed through clinical tests which are, however, relatively subjective. This assessment approach possesses inherent logistical and resolution limitations. To address this, here we present objective computerized metrics intended to assess and quantify the extent to which static writing samples display the effects of ET and PD. Specifically, these metrics are tested in their ability to measure tremor by comparing unaffected writing samples with those affected by artificially induced tremor on healthy subjects, and also by comparing healthy writing samples with symptomatic writing samples collected from PD patients reporting micrographia. Our findings indicate that the presented metrics can be utilized for assessment, leading to a toolset capable of objectively monitoring static handwriting changes associated with symptom variations in ET and/or PD patients.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Investigation on Sanitary Status of Cooked Food Rooms in Catering Units of Haizhou District of Guangzhou City

[Objective]To understand the sanitary status of cooked food rooms in catering units of Haizhou District of Guangzhou City,so as to take control measures for guarantee Guangzhou Asian Games.[Methods]According to the business area ≥500 m2and 500 m2,20 catering units were randomly selected for survey of sanitary status in cooked food room and sample test of cooked meat products and equipment.[Results]Some cooked food rooms were too small.The UV lamps were installed and used incorrectly.Cooked food operators were not well educated.The sanitary quality of cooked meat products needed to be improved.[Conclusion] It is necessary to improve the architectural design of cooked food room,to increase investment in health facilities,and to strength staff training to ensure the food safety of 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
Application Investigation on Parallel Gap Lightning Protection Device of Composite Insulators for 110kV Transmission Line

The application investigation on parallel gap lightning protection device of composite insulators for the 110 kV overhead transmission line used in Dongguan Power Supply Company is present in this article.The lightning performance calculation after the installation of parallel gap device is carried out.The functions of its guiding lightning discharge,transferring power frequency arc,uniforming power frequency electric field are verified by tests.The operation situation of the 110 kV line parallel gap lightning protection of composite insulator is introduced.The results show that the designs of the parallel gap for 110 kV transmission line composite insulators meet the requirements.The parallel gap is in good on-site operation condition,which can be used as the positive complement the existing lightning protection measures,and has broad application prospects.
Study on application of lithium boron alloy anode in thermal battery

The anodes of thermal battery with 61%-lithium boron alloy and 15% Li-Ni lan were studied. the results show that the lithium boron alloy anode and lan anode have the same potential. The lithium boron alloy and lan anode can output long-time high current impulse, and the relationship of impulse voltage can be shown as ULi(B)ULAN. When loaded current density is more than 1 A/cm2, the thermal battery with lithium boron alloy and LAN anode can be activated immediately, and their activation times are almost the same. When loaded with any current density, the lithium boron alloy's utilization rate is higher than LAN anode. The freedom lithium adsorbed by the lithium boron compound fibers can discharge completely, and the lithium constituted the lithium-boron compound fibers can discharge nearly more than 30%. When the reasonable anodes structure of lithium boron alloy and LAN are designed, the activated thermal batteries can discharge normally at radial centrifugal force 2 048.2 m/s2. The lithium boron alloy's mechanical properties are superior to LAN anode, and its anti-oxidation property is also superior to LAN anode. When used in the thermal batteries, the relative cost of the lithium boron alloy is only 60% of the LAN- (Li-Ni) anode.
Probing Mechanistic Similarities between Response Regulator Signaling Proteins and Haloacid Dehalogenase Phosphatases.

Response regulator signaling proteins and phosphatases of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily share strikingly similar folds, active site geometries, and reaction chemistry. Proteins from both families catalyze the transfer of a phosphoryl group from a substrate to one of their own aspartyl residues, and subsequent hydrolysis of the phosphoprotein. Notable differences include an additional Asp that functions as an acid/base catalyst and an active site well-structured prior to phosphorylation in HAD phosphatases. Both features contribute to reactions substantially faster than those for response regulators. To investigate mechanisms underlying the functional differences between response regulators and HAD phosphatases, we characterized five double mutants of the response regulator CheY designed to mimic HAD phosphatases. Each mutant contained the extra Asp paired with a phosphatase-inspired substitution to potentially position the Asp properly. Only CheY DR (Arg as the anchor) exhibited enhanced rat...
Risks and Benefits of Postmenopausal Exogenous Estrogen

Cyclically administered estrogen helps prevent and treat vasomotor symptoms and atrophic changes in the genitourinary tracts of postmenopausal women. Administering exogenous estrogen may also help prevent postmenopausal bone loss and help treat severe postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although recent studies have indicated an association between estrogen replacement therapy and endometrial carcinoma, a true cause-and-effect relationship has not been established. Thus, estrogen replacement therapy should be administered carefully, considering the risk/benefit ration for each individual, and should use the smallest dose necessary to achieve the desired effect. If irregular bleeding occurs before or during estrogen administration, a complete gynecologic examination (including a histologic examination of the endometrium) is mandatory.
SU-F-T-14: Dosimetric Impacts of Various Uncertainties in Cervical Cancer HDR Brachytherapy: Are Conventional Point Doses Good Surrogates for 3D Dosimetry?

Purpose: In the context of evaluating dosimetric impacts of a variety of uncertainties involved in HDR Tandem-and-Ovoid treatment, to study the correlations between conventional point doses and 3D volumetric doses. Methods: For 5 cervical cancer patients treated with HDR TO (2) positional dwell error simulated from −5mm to 5mm in 1mm steps; (3) simulated temporal dwell error of 0.05s, 0.1s, 0.5s, and 1s. The original plans were based on point dose prescription, from which the volume covered by the prescription dose was generated as the pseudo target volume to study the 3D target dose effect. OARs were contoured. The point and volumetric dose errors were calculated by taking the differences between original and simulated plans. The correlations between the point and volumetric dose errors were analyzed. Results: For the most clinically relevant positional dwell uncertainty of 1mm, temporal uncertainty of 0.05s, and inter-fractional applicator displacement within the same insertion, the mean target D90 and V100 deviation were within 1%. Among these uncertainties, the applicator displacement showed the largest potential target coverage impact (2.6% on D90) as well as the OAR dose impact (2.5% and 3.4% on bladder D2cc and rectum D2cc). The Spearman correlation analysis shows a correlation coefficient of 0.43 with a p-value of 0.11 between target D90 coverage and H point dose. Conclusion: With the most clinically relevant positional and temporal dwell uncertainties and patient interfractional applicator displacement within the same insertion, the dose error is within clinical acceptable range. The lack of correlation between H point and 3D volumetric dose errors is a motivator for the use of 3D treatment planning in cervical HDR brachytherapy.
Mechanically-Tunable, Protein-Based Materials Can be Functionalized with Other Proteins and with DNA

Protein sequences can be easily customized using standard molecular biology techniques. Thus, the use of protein monomers for materials assembly provides an opportunity for facile tuning of structural, mechanical, and functional properties. We discovered that the Drosophila transcription factor Ultrabithorax (Ubx) self-assembles into ordered, robust, nanoscale and macroscale materials that are biocompatible and non-immunogenic. Further, Ubx fibers are remarkably strong and extensible, properties which can be genetically tuned by altering the number of intermolecular dityrosine covalent bonds. In addition, a surprising array of full-length proteins can be successfully incorporated into Ubx materials by fusing the gene for the additional protein to the ubx gene, so that they are transcribed and translated as a single polypeptide. We have successfully attached proteins that vary greatly in size, quaternary structure, charge, and solubility, without impacting Ubx self-assembly. The fused proteins retain their functions because Ubx rapidly forms materials in mild aqueous buffers, in contrast to most materials-forming proteins. As proof-of-principle, we created VEGF-Ubx fibers that stimulated and sustained VEGF signaling in cultured cells. In vivo, these fibers both induced and patterned vascular formation. Finally, Ubx materials, like Ubx monomers, can bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner. DNA sequences with multiple binding sites were retained on the fibers for over one week. In summary, these versatile protein materials offer multiple avenues for long-term functionalization, without creating toxic by-products that are a common problem when chemically crosslinking materials.
What Dialysis is Best for Diabetic Patients — Hemodialysis or CAPD?

Diabetes was thought a contra-indication to active treatment for ESRD until the early 1970’s. It is now the most common diagnosis in many countries of patients who start dialysis. Since the early 1980’s CAPD has become a competing and complementary dialysis treatment to hemodialysis particularly in diabetic patients ([1]). The smooth regulation of electrolytes, fluid, and uremia and blood sugar through intraperitoneal insulin are all potential advantages of CAPD ([2]).
FACTORS PREDICTING LONGER TIME TO ANTICOAGULATION FOLLOWING A NEW DIAGNOSIS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Background: Oral anticoagulation (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is effective yet underutilized. Factors associated with delayed OAC initiation after new diagnosis of AF are unknown. Methods: In a large electronic medical record, we identified outpatients with new AF diagnosed 2006-2014 using a
Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder and the Rise of Immunotherapy

With the advent of platinum-based chemotherapy, survival rates for metastatic urothelial carcinoma have plateaued, giving way to the modern immunotherapy paradigm. Although immunotherapy as an effective treatment dates back to the live, attenuated bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine, the recent impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) coupled with the promise of both anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies and indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) inhibitors have provided a resurgence. To date, pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has been granted full FDA approval based on its high antitumor activity, tolerability, and efficacy, with notable prolonged durable responses in the second-line setting. Nivolumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) and atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab (PD-L1 inhibitors) have also gained accelerated drug approval in the second-line setting. In addition, atezolizumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for platinum-ineligible patients in the first-line setting. Effective 2-drug combinations reported include nivolumab plus the CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab and pembrolizumab plus the IDO-1 inhibitor epacadostat. Further expansion of immunotherapy will hinge in part on the ability to define responders versus nonresponders through the use of biomarkers like PD-L1 or mutational load. Clinical trials with immunotherapy for metastatic disease as single agents or in combination are ongoing. This review explores the rise of immunotherapy and presents the current treatments and challenges posed with development of biomarkers, and provides a summary of ongoing phase III clinical trials.
Graphs and Laplacians

In this chapter, we are interested in exploring questions such as the following. If a group G acts on a graph \(\Gamma \), what is the relationship between the spectrum of \(\Gamma \) and the spectrum of the quotient \(\Gamma /G\)?
Technique of Total Parenteral Nutrition in Infants

Normal growth and development in any animal species nourished entirely by vein was achieved for the first time in Beagle puppies in the Harrison Department of Surgical Research of the University of Pennsylvania in 1965 (Dudrick et al., 1967; Dudrick et al., 1970), Repeated demonstrations of normal growth and development in subsequent litters of puppies as well as positive nitrogen balance in adult surgical patients suggested the feasibility and safety of providing all nutrients entirely by vein to newborn human infants. Based on knowledge of the daily average oral pediatric nutritional requirements, on information obtained from the puppy studies, and on serial serum and urine measurements during infusions of dextrose, nitrogen, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes in man, a solution providing theoretically adequate intravenous requirements of the major nutrients for newborn infants was developed (Wilmore et al., 1968; Dudrick et al., 1969; Wilmore et al.,). Initially, 4 gm of protein in the form of fibrin hydrolysate were given per kilogram body weight daily. Subsequently, normal growth and development have been achieved in infants receiving 2½ to 3 gm of intravenous protein hydrolysates/kg/day.
Additive manufacturing of transparent fused quartz

This paper investigates a filament-fed process for additive manufacturing (AM) of fused quartz. Glasses such as fused quartz have significant scientific and engineering applications, which include optics, communications, electronics, and hermetic seals. AM has several attractive benefits such as increased design freedom, faster prototyping, and lower processing costs for small production volumes. However, current research into glass AM has focused primarily on nonoptical applications. Fused quartz is studied here because of its desirability for use in high-quality optics due to its high transmissivity and thermal stability. Fused quartz filaments are fed into a CO2 laser-generated molten region, smoothly depositing material onto the workpiece. Spectroscopy and pyrometry are used to measure the thermal radiation incandescently emitted from the molten region. The effects of the laser power and scan speed are determined by measuring the morphology of single tracks. Thin walls are printed to study the effects of layer-to-layer height. This information is used to deposit solid pieces including a cylindrical-convex shape capable of focusing visible light. The transmittance and index homogeneity of the printed fused quartz are measured. These results show that the filament-fed process has the potential to print transmissive optics.
Using recurrent neural networks for decompilation

Decompilation, recovering source code from binary, is useful in many situations where it is necessary to analyze or understand software for which source code is not available. Source code is much easier for humans to read than binary code, and there are many tools available to analyze source code. Existing decompilation techniques often generate source code that is difficult for humans to understand because the generated code often does not use the coding idioms that programmers use. Differences from human-written code also reduce the effectiveness of analysis tools on the decompiled source code. To address the problem of differences between decompiled code and human-written code, we present a novel technique for decompiling binary code snippets using a model based on Recurrent Neural Networks. The model learns properties and patterns that occur in source code and uses them to produce decompilation output. We train and evaluate our technique on snippets of binary machine code compiled from C source code. The general approach we outline in this paper is not language-specific and requires little or no domain knowledge of a language and its properties or how a compiler operates, making the approach easily extensible to new languages and constructs. Furthermore, the technique can be extended and applied in situations to which traditional decompilers are not targeted, such as for decompilation of isolated binary snippets; fast, on-demand decompilation; domain-specific learned decompilation; optimizing for readability of decompilation; and recovering control flow constructs, comments, and variable or function names. We show that the translations produced by this technique are often accurate or close and can provide a useful picture of the snippet's behavior.
Variables, Registers, and Data Movement

High-level languages, such as C, C++, and Java, are more like natural languages and thus make programs easier to read and write. Low-level languages are closer to the machine and there is a one-to-many relationship between high-level languages and low-level languages, where language translators such as compilers and interpreters convert each high-level instruction into many low-level instructions. The native language of a particular machine is a low-level language known as machine language and is coded in ones and zeros. Further, the machine language of an Intel microprocessor is different than that of other microprocessors or mainframes, thus machine language is not transferable from one type of machine to another.
Hemodialysis Access Creation and Maintenance

Approximately 350,000 Americans with end-stage renal disease receive hemodialysis therapy with annual Medicare costs over $23 billion.
Virtual Team Leader Communication: Employee Perception and Organizational Reality:

Based on a study of leader communication effectiveness conducted in a large human resource outsourcing firm, this article reports how virtual team members’ perceptions of their leaders’ effective u...
Application of the S-pyridylethylation reaction to the elucidation of the structures and functions of proteins.

Cysteine (Cys) and cystine residues in proteins are unstable under conditions used for acid hydrolysis of peptide bonds. To overcome this problem, we proposed the use of the S-pyridylethylation reaction to stabilize Cys residues as pyridylethyl-cysteine (PEC) protein derivatives. This suggestion was based on our observation that two synthetic derivatives formed by pyridylethylation of the SH group of Cys with either 2-vinylpyridine (2-VP) or 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP), designated as S-β-(2-pyridylethyl)-L-cysteine (2-PEC) and S-β-(4-pyridylethyl)-L-cysteine (4-PEC), were stable under acid conditions used to hydrolyze proteins. This was also the case for protein-bound PEC groups. Since their discovery over 30 years ago, pyridylethylation reactions have been widely modified and automated for the analysis of many structurally different proteins at levels as low as 20 picomoles, to determine the primary structures of proteins and to define the influence of SH groups and disulfide bonds on the structures and functional, enzymatic, medical, nutritional, pharmacological, and toxic properties of proteins isolated from plant, microbial, marine, animal, and human sources. Pyridylethylation has been accepted as the best method for the modification of Cys residues in proteins for subsequent analysis and sequence determination. The reaction has also been proposed to measure D-Cys, homocysteine, glutathione, tryptophan, dehydroalanine, and furanthiol food flavors. This integrated overview of the diverse literature on these reactions emphasizes general concepts. It is intended to serve as a resource and guide for further progress based on the reported application of pyridylethylation reactions to more than 150 proteins.
The Pursuit of Novel Phosphors for the Next Generation of LED Lighting

The development of new phosphors that are necessary for the next generation of high efficiency LED lighting requires a unique approach for materials discovery. Researchers often rely on chemical substitution or serendipity to identify new materials; however, this inevitably leads to slow, incremental advances in technology development. Our work has recently created a new approach that uses computational chemistry and machine learning to identify new materials guiding our experimental efforts. By predicting the vibrational properties and electronic structure of potential phosphors compounds, high-efficiency materials can be screened a priori ensuring the only best materials are experimentally explored. Following this methodology, our research has found NaBaB9O15:Eu2, which possesses a quantum yield of 95% and excellent thermal stability.
Field Validated Utility-Scale Battery Storage Control Models for Quasi-static Analyses

This paper presents a co-simulation based approach to implement and validate advanced battery storage control modes in OpenDSS that replicate behavior of a utility scale vanadium red-ox flow battery (VRFB). Inverter-interfaced utiliy-scale battery storage systems (BSS) have modes of operation to facilitate multiple grid-support functions. In order to enable accurate understanding of the impacts from grid-support functions modes of operation it is required to develop validated models that replicates behavior of the actual control system. This paper presents the pseudo code for the implemented control schemes including peak shaving and capacity firming control modes. Additionally, this paper also provides insight on convergence sensitivity of the presented algorithms to related parameters. The results obtained from simulation studies will be compared against field operated utility-scale BSS measurements to verify the implemented algorithms.
A Critical Experimental Study of Integral Physics Parameters in Simulated Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Meltdown Cores

Integral physics parameters of several representative, idealized meltdown liquid-metal fat breeder reactor (LMFBR) configurations were measured in mockup critical assemblies on the Zero Power Reactor 9 at Argonne National Laboratory. The experiments were designed to provide data for the validation of analytical methods used in the neutronics part of LMFBR accident analyses. Large core distortions were introduced in these experiments (involving 18.5% core volume), and the reactivity worths of configuration changes were determined. The neutronics parameters measured in the various configurations showed large changes on core distortion. Both diffusion theory and transport theory methods were shown to mispredict the experimental configuration eigenvalues. In addition, diffusion theory methods were shown to result in a nonconservative misprediction of the experimental configuration change worths.
Predictors of use and overall survival for patients undergoing metastasectomy for bladder cancer in a national cohort.

OBJECTIVES To determine the use of surgical resection of metastatic disease in a large national sample and its association with overall survival. METHODS The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with metastatic bladder cancer (2004-2016). Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox analyses. The associations between covariates and use of metastasectomy were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 16 382 patients with metastatic bladder cancer included, 6.8% underwent metastasectomy. Its use increased over time (4.7% in 2004 to 6.6% in 2016; per year odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.04, P = 0.019). Median survival was 7.0 months for patients who received metastasectomy and 5.1 months for those who did not (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.91, P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, metastasectomy predicted longer survival in patients with lung (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.88, P = 0.001) or brain metastases (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.96, P = 0.035) and in patients with variant histology (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.93, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS In a national sample, the use of metastasectomy for bladder cancer is low. Furthermore, metastasectomy is associated with longer survival overall and in multiple subgroups. However, these results should be validated in future studies.
Assessing Differences on Eye Fixations by Attention Levels in an Assembly Environment

The purpose of this study is to see how eye movement can be used to determine how much attention a person is paying to a task in an assembly setting. The study uses the Dikablis Eye Tracking Glasses to analyze differences in length and number of eye fixations. Two groups of participants; the high and low attention level groups were compared to understand differences between workers who give full attention and those who do not. The participants who were assigned in the low attention level group had to memorize some given numbers throughout their assembly task while the high attention level group only had to complete the assembly task. According to our results, three of the six areas of interest locations had significantly different eye fixation lengths and one of the six locations had a significantly different number of eye fixations. The findings show that analyzing eye fixation lengths could be a way to measure a worker’s attention level during an assembly task.
Categorical Wall-Crossing in Landau-Ginzburg Models

We describe how categorical BPS data including chain complexes of solitons, CPT pairings, and interior amplitudes jump across a wall of marginal stability in two-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=(2,2)$ models. We show that our jump formulas hold if and only if the $A_{\infty}$-categories of half-BPS branes constructed on either side of the wall are homotopy equivalent. These results can be viewed as categorical enhancements of the Cecotti-Vafa wall-crossing formula.
Temporal ideologies in uneven and combined development

Scholars exhibit a general self-reflexive tendency to purge Eurocentrism from UCD in order to strengthen the concept. Yet, unless the role of the cultural in UCD is adequately theorized, UCD cannot...
NIH Funding, Research Productivity, and Scientific Impact: a 20-Year Study

The Research Project Grant (R01) is the oldest grant mechanism used by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Receiving an R01 award is often taken as a sign of scientific success. We presented normative data on multiple productivity and impact metrics for a more objective assessment of funded grants’ scientific success. All initial R01 grants awarded by NIH in the year 2000 were prospectively followed and evaluated using the numbers of publications and citations, as well as the h-indices at the grant level. We examined the variability, time trends, and relations among these metrics to better understand the funded projects’ cumulative output and impact. In the 20 years since initial funding, 4451 R01 grants generated a total of 55,053 publications. These publications were cumulatively cited 3,705,553 times over 736,811 citation years. The median number of publications was 8 (25th, 75th percentiles 4, 17) per grant for the entire 20-year duration. The median number of citations and the median h-index were 441 (25th, 75th percentiles 156, 1061) and 7 (25th, 75th percentiles 4, 13) per grant, respectively. The time courses of publication, citation, and accumulation of h-index were highly variable among the awarded grants. Although the metrics were correlated within an award, they reflected the grant’s success in different domains. Numbers of publications, citations, and h-indices vary greatly among funded R01 grants. When used together, these metrics provide a more complete picture of the productivity and long-term impact of a funded grant.
The role of imaging in the evaluation of hoarseness: A review

Hoarseness is a common symptom indicating an abnormal change in the quality of voice and has a lifetime prevalence of around 30%. There are multiple causes of hoarseness, ranging from acute laryngitis, chronic laryngitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, functional dysphonia due to vocal overuse or abuse, vocal cord paralysis (VCP), to various pathologies and masses in the larynx. A detailed history and thorough physical examination, and in many cases, laryngoscopy by a clinician are the initial steps in its management. Laryngoscopy should be considered if hoarseness persists for more than 2 weeks without a known benign cause. An Ear Nose and Throat surgeon performs direct visualization by laryngoscopy to rule out VCP or a lesion in the larynx, and it should be performed before ordering any imaging. CT with contrast is the imaging of choice to evaluate the laryngeal tumors and find the etiology of VCP. Typical findings of VCP are ipsilateral dilatation of the pyriform sinus and laryngeal ventricle, thickening and medialization of the ipsilateral aryepiglottic fold, medialization of the arytenoid cartilage and posterior aspect of the true vocal cord (TVC) atrophy of the TVC, and loss of the subglottic arch. The lesions causing the VCP may extend from the medulla, jugular foramen, carotid space, and upper mediastinum. CT neck must cover the aorticopulmonary window when evaluating the left VCP to cover the left recurrent laryngeal nerve's origin.
Impact of Spin Fluctuation on the magnetic properties of Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Molecular Spintronic Device (MTJMSD)

Striking advancement of science over the last few decades has doubled the need of having faster and more efficient electronic devices. Magnetic tunnel junction-based molecular spintronic devices (MTJMSDs) are potential platforms for futuristic computers and may significantly reduce power consumption and enhance processing speed [1], [2]. Using transport properties of electrons, MTJMSD creates conductive molecular channels between two FM electrodes (FMEs). In our previous work, we investigated the effect of several factors on MTJMSDs' magnetic properties through Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). Our results showed that i) Molecule-FMEs' coupling strength and nature ii) FMEs' length and thickness and iii) thermal energy have determinative effect on MTJMSD magnetic behavior [3]. For our initial comprehension, we constrained our earlier studies to just electrons' transport properties via molecular channels. In this research we took one step further towards realization of MTJMSD magnetic properties and investigated the effect of spin fluctuation (SF) as well. Here, we report the result of an extreme case where molecules made a strong antiFM coupling with one electrode and a strong FM coupling with another one at room temperature (KT=0.1 of the Curie temperature) for a fixed device size. Our preliminary results show that MTJMSD's need more iteration counts to attain equilibrium state in the presence of SFs. According to our MCS results, 16 molecules can induce antiFM coupling between FMEs in both with and without SF cases. However, the spatial orientation of M is noisier in the presence of SF despite doing 500 million simulation counts. The correlation results agree with spatial orientation of electrodes and molecules' magnetic moment. Based on our observation, there is a strong negative/antiferromagnetic correlation between FMEs when there is no SF. However, there are multiple pockets of average to high negative correlation between FMEs and molecules while applying SF effect. To complement our study and gain a better understanding of the role of SF on MTJMSD's magnetic properties, we will also investigate time evolution of energy, magnetic susceptibility and coupling energy required for transition from low to high magnetization.
TCR-independent activation of T-cells through CD31 triggering as an etiology of cytokine production in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). (HUM7P.311)

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and synovium are key actors in JIA pathology. We recently reported that JIA patients have an over abundance of prematurely senescent CD8+ T cells expressing CD31, an adhesion molecule expressed by granulocytes and endothelial cells. CD31 triggering alone is sufficient to activate such senescent T cells. This study examined whether cytokine profile in JIA may be derived from T cell activation through CD31 ligation independent of the TCR. Results showed a cytokine signature of JIA characterized by dominance of IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα. Notably, patients with oligoarticular JIA showed higher levels of IFNγ and IL-17 family cytokines than those with polyarticular JIA. All patients also had a novel subset of T cells deficient in CD4, CD8, and CD28, but expressing CD31. Cross-linking bioassays, using anti-CD31 or its ligand CD38, show high levels of induction of IL-2, IL-17, and IFNγ. This CD31-driven, TCR-independent cytokine production was also verified by using somatic T cell line mutants that lack TCR and TCR/CD3, respectively, but both are CD31+. The observed cytokine production was associated with the phosphorylation of the signaling substrates ZAP70, cAbl, and p65-NFΚB. TCR independent, CD31-driven induction of these cytokines suggests maladaptive T cell function in JIA. Further investigation on the relevance of IFNγ and IL-17 to disease activity, and the CD31 signaling pathway may allow for innovations in immunotherapy.
Inactivation of hormone-sensitive lipase from adipose tissue with adenosine triphosphate, magnesium, and ascorbic acid.

Abstract Inactivation of ammonium sulfate-precipitated lipase requires, in addition to ATP and Mg2+ion, a dialyzable factor present in homogenates of adipose tissue (Tsai, S.-C., and Vaughan, M. (1972) J. Biol. Chem. 247, 6253–6258) and liver which has now been identified as ascorbic acid. It was extracted from acetone powder of rat liver with methanol-water, 70:30, and purified using barium precipitation and ion exchange and paper chromatography. Approximately 3 mg of a fine white powder obtained from 100 g of liver were used for preparation of trimethylsilyl and deuterotrimethylsilyl derivatives with and without prior reaction with diazomethane. Analysis of these with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry led to the conclusion that the factor was ascorbic acid. This was confirmed by analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivative of authentic l-ascorbic acid. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum and chemical characteristics of the isolated material were consistent with this designation. Lipase inactivation was proportional to ascorbic acid concentration in the range of 0.3 to 3 µm in the presence of 2 mm ATP and 4 mm MgCl2. In the absence of the latter, ascorbic acid, like the inactivation factor, did not alter lipase activity. Identification of ascorbic acid as the tissue factor required for Mg2+ATP-dependent inactivation of the hormone-sensitive lipase should facilitate further characterization of this process. In addition, because the requirement for ascorbic acid appears to be rather specific and the effective concentrations low relative to those employed in many other enzymatic systems, these observations may lead to the demonstration of a role for ascorbic acid in reactions of a type not hitherto associated with this compound.