cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CALCIUM AND THE CO-ORDINATION OF METABOLISM AND MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE IN RABBIT PAPILLARY MUSCLE

Publisher Summary In addition to its well established role in determining contractility, Ca++ plays an important role as a messenger. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane contains a Ca++ sensitive glycogenolytic complex capable of high rates of glycogen catabolism. This chapter describes experiments that were designed to explore whether Ca++ affect the dynamic relation between the rate of substrate catabolism and mechanical power expenditure. In the experiment, right ventricular papillary muscles were excised from stunned female New Zealand rabbits. The experiments were designed to determine the effects of changes in extracellular [Ca++] on the coupling coefficient and to explore the importance of SR Ca++ in determining the coupling coefficient. The data from these studies demonstrate that Ca++ does play an important role in determining the relation between metabolism and mechanical function. Increases in [Cao++] improve the coupling between these systems as evidenced by the extent of the decrease in pyridine nucleotide (PN) oxidation per unit increase in mechanical power. However, endogenous catacholamines do not contribute to this effect.
High-Order Residual-Distribution Schemes for Discontinuous Problems on Irregular Triangular Grids

In this paper, we develop second- and third-order non-oscillatory shock-capturing hyperbolic residual distribution schemes for irregular triangular grids, extending our second- and third-order schemes to discontinuous problems. We present extended first-order N- and Rusanov-scheme formulations for hyperbolic advection-diffusion system, and demonstrate that the hyperbolic diffusion term does not affect the solution of inviscid problems for vanishingly small viscous coefficient. We then propose second- and third-order blended hyperbolic residual-distribution schemes with the extended first-order Rusanov-scheme. We show that these proposed schemes are extremely accurate in predicting non-oscillatory solutions for discontinuous problems. We also propose a characteristics-based nonlinear wave sensor for accurately detecting shocks, compression, and expansion regions. Using this proposed sensor, we demonstrate that the developed hyperbolic blended schemes do not produce entropy-violating solutions (unphysical stocks). We then verify the design order of accuracy of these blended schemes on irregular triangular grids.
Next-generation sequencing to identify genetic causes of cardiomyopathies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examines the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in the identification of the causation of nonsyndromic genetic cardiomyopathies. RECENT FINDINGS NGS sequencing of the entire genetic coding sequence (the exome) has successfully identified five novel genes and causative variants for cardiomyopathies without previously known cause within the last 12 months. Continual rapidly decreasing costs of NGS will shortly allow cost-effective sequencing of the entire genomes of affected individuals and their relatives to include noncoding and regulatory variant discovery and epigenetic profiling. Despite this rapid technological progress with sequencing, analysis of these large data sets remains challenging, particularly for assigning causality to novel rare variants identified in DNA samples from patients with cardiomyopathy. SUMMARY NGS technologies are rapidly moving to identify novel rare variants in patients with cardiomyopathy, but assigning pathogenicity to these novel variants remains challenging.
Disinfection evaluation on epidemic focus by ATP bioluminescence assay

Objective:To investigate the disinfection evaluation in epidemic focus by ATP bioluminescence assay.Methods:The bacterial residues on epidemic focus before and after disinfection were measured by ATP bioluminescence assay and traditional microbiological culture respectively.Results:According to the simulation test and field test,the logarithm of relative luminescence unit(RLU) decreased.RLU was linear to logarithm of bacteria colony forming unit(CFU).There was no significant difference of bacterial residue RLU between different disinfection condition.Therefore,the RLU value determined by ATP biolum inescence assay reflects bacterial residue amounts.Conclusion:Compared with traditional microbiological culture,ATP bioluminescence assay is a real-time method for quantifying bacterial residue on epidemic focus before and after disinfection.
Group-buying and channel coordination under asymmetric information

Abstract Social media and improvements in technology allow retailers to offer a group-buying option to consumers in a variety of markets. Extant research shows that when consumers are sufficiently heterogeneous, group-buying helps a retailer practice price discrimination. Our paper examines when a manufacturer may prefer its reseller to employ the group-buying mechanism in conjunction with a traditional posted price. In our model, the retailer is privately informed about market heterogeneity, which is summarized via the relative size and the level of price sensitivity of two consumer segments. We show that any value to the manufacturer, of requiring the retailer to offer group-buying, revolves around how profitability varies with market heterogeneity. Our principal finding is that group-buying benefits the manufacturer more when the retailer is privately informed about market size than about the level of consumer price sensitivity.
Effect of w/cm and Composition on Correlations of Concrete Electrical Resistivity and Chloride Migration Coefficients

The performance with regard to chloride penetration of specimens made with three base compositions (supplementary cementitious materials: 20% fly ash, 20% fly ash + 8% silica fume, and 50% slag replacement by weight of cement), and water-to-cementitious ratios of 0.35, 0.41, or 0.47 were investigated here. In this investigation, laboratory experiments were carried out to study the correlation between electrical resistivity and non-steady state chloride ion migration coefficients (Dnssm) of concrete. NT Build 492 was used to determine chloride migration coefficients. Rapid migration tests and resistivity measurements were performed several times over two years, and the non-steady state migration coefficient (Dnssm) vs. resistivity values were correlated. Experimental results show that a good correlation was found between electrical resistivity and Dnssm. Based on the relationships developed from this investigation, it appears that the correlations are age and composition dependent.
Compiler-Assisted Overlapping of Communication and Computation in MPI Applications

The performance of distributed-memory applications, many of which are written in MPI, critically depends on how well the applications can ameliorate the long latency of data movement by overlapping them with ongoing computations, thereby minimizing wait time. This paper presents a study of the various optimization techniques to enable such overlapping in large MPI applications and presents a framework that uses an analytical performance model and an optimizing compiler to systematically enable a majority of such optimizations. In particular, we first generate an analytical performance model of the application execution flow to automatically identify potential communication hot spots that may induce long wait time. Next, for each communication hot spot, we search the execution flow graph to find surrounding loops that include sufficient local computation to overlap with the communication. Then, blocking MPI communications are decoupled into non-blocking operations when necessary, and their surrounding loop is transformed to hide the communication latencies behind local computations. We evaluated our framework using 7 MPI applications from the NAS benchmark suite. Our optimizations can attain 3% to 72% speedup over the original implementations.
Salvation Seeking or Death Avoidance?: Accounting for the Reluctant Consent

Barg and colleagues deepen our understanding of patients’ and caregivers’ perceptions of the destination LVAD's lifesaving capacities and salvific limitations (Barg et al. 2017). Participants in th...
Reply to Baskerville and Cobey: Misconceptions about causation with synchrony and seasonal drivers

Baskerville and Cobey (1) caution against convergent cross-mapping (CCM) as a test for causation. However, their argument is based on an incorrect application of CCM arising from misconceptions about causation with synchrony. As stated in Deyle et al. (2), it is widely believed that there is synchrony between flu incidence and seasonal environmental drivers such as absolute humidity (AH). Synchrony is a well-studied phenomenon that can result from strong coupling or dynamic resonance. In unidirectionally driven systems synchrony can arise when the affected variable becomes effectively enslaved to the driving variable so that their dynamics become indistinguishable. As explained in Sugihara et al. (3), this leads to the false appearance of bidirectional causality (one direction being nonsensical). … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: gsugihara{at}ucsd.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Structure-based design of ferritin nanoparticle immunogens displaying antigenic loops of Neisseria gonorrhoeae .

Effective vaccines are urgently needed to combat gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection, for which treatment options are diminishing due to rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance. We have used a rational approach to the development of gonorrhea vaccines, and genetically engineered nanoparticles to present antigenic peptides of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. We hypothesized that the ferritin nanocage could be used as a platform to display an ordered array of N. gonorrhoeae antigenic peptides on its surface. MtrE, the outer membrane channel of the highly conserved gonococcal MtrCDE active efflux pump, is an attractive vaccine target due to its importance in protecting N. gonorrhoeae from host innate effectors and antibiotic resistance. Using computational approaches, we designed constructs that expressed chimeric proteins of the Helicobacter pylori ferritin and antigenic peptides that correspond to the two surface-exposed loops of N. gonorrhoeae MtrE. The peptides were inserted at the N terminus or in a surface-exposed ferritin loop between helices αA and αB. Crystal structures of the chimeric proteins revealed that the proteins assembled correctly into a 24-mer nanocage structure. Although the inserted N. gonorrhoeae peptides were disordered, it was clear that they were displayed on the nanocage surface, but with multiple conformations. Our results confirmed that the ferritin nanoparticle is a robust platform to present antigenic peptides and therefore an ideal system for rational design of immunogens.
Chemical Bypass of General Base Catalysis in Hedgehog Protein Cholesterolysis Using a Hyper-Nucleophilic Substrate

Proteins in the hedgehog family undergo self-catalyzed endoproteolysis involving nucleophilic attack by a molecule of cholesterol. Recently, a conserved aspartate residue (D303, or D46) of hedgehog was identified as the general base that activates cholesterol during this unusual autoprocessing event; mutation of the catalyzing functional group (D303A) reduces activity by >104-fold. Here we report near total rescue of this ostensibly dead general base mutant by a synthetic substrate, 3β-hydroperoxycholestane (3HPC) in which the sterol −OH group is replaced by the hyper nucleophilic −OOH group. Other hedgehog point mutants at D303, also unreactive with cholesterol, accepted 3HPC as a substrate with the rank order: WT > D303A ≈ D303N ≫ D303R, D303E. We attribute the revived activity with 3-HPC to the α-effect, where tandem electronegative atoms exhibit exceptionally high nucleophilicity despite relatively low basicity.
The worst parallel Hanoi graphs

Abstract The “Towers of Hanoi” is a problem that has been extensively studied and frequently generalized. In particular, it has been generalized to be played on arbitrary directed graphs and using parallel moves of two types. We ask what is the largest number of parallel moves, in either of the two models, that is required to move n disks from the starting node to the destination node. Not all directed graphs allow solving this problem; we will call those graphs that do Hanoi graphs. In previous work, we settled the question of what are the worst sequential Hanoi graphs, that is, those graphs that require the largest number of sequential moves. We also demonstrated that the characterization of sequential Hanoi graphs carries over the parallel Hanoi graphs. Here, we determine the worst Hanoi graphs provided parallel moves are allowed. It turns out that for one of the two models of parallel moves, the worst graphs are quite different from the worst sequential graphs, while in the other model of parallelism, there is little difference with the sequential situation.
Q-model building using one-way wave-equation migration Q analysis — Part 1: Theory and synthetic test

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study is to understand and quantify the attenuation effects in the subsurface and to create an accurate laterally and vertically varying quality factor Q model for gas clou...
Efficient computation of the Damerau-Levenshtein distance between biological sequences

We have developed linear space algorithms to compute the Damerau-Levenshtein (DL) distance [1], [2] between two strings and also to find a sequence of edit operations of length equal to the DL distance (optimal trace). Our algorithms require O(s min{m, n} + m + n) space, where s is the size of the alphabet and m and n are, respectively, the lengths of the two strings. Previously known algorithms require O(mn) space. Cache efficient and multi-core linear-space algorithms have also been developed. The cache miss efficiency of the algorithms was analyzed using a simple cache model.
A self-adaptive 30-day diabetic readmission prediction model based on incremental learning

Hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge are costly and it has been a prior for researchers to identify patients at risk of early readmission. Most of the reported hospital readmission prediction models have been built with historical data and thus can outdate over time. In this work, a self-adaptive 30-day diabetic hospital readmission prediction model has been developed. A diabetic inpatient encounter data stream was used to train the self-adaptive models based on incremental learning algorithms. The result indicated that the model can automatically adapt to the newly arrived data. The best model achieved an average AUC of 0.655 ± 0.078, which is consistent with static models built with the same dataset.
Achieving the secrecy capacity of the AWGN wiretap channel via multilevel coding

In this paper we study coded modulation for the AWGN wiretap channel. We propose multilevel coding in which the encoding of the message and the randomness is performed through distinct levels. Modulation dependent conditions under which the proposed multilevel coding achieves the secrecy capacity are studied. It is shown that it is always possible to achieve the secrecy capacity via this approach as the number of levels increases. While assuming maximum likelihood decoding at the eavesdropper, the proposed multilevel coding is studied under maximum likelihood decoding and multi-stage decoding at the legitimate receiver. The labeling effect on the achievable secrecy rates is also investigated. Achieving other points on the rate-equivocation region is also studied, showing that multilevel coding can approach any point on the rate-equivocation region. One of the advantages of the proposed method is to allow the use of existing BI-AWGN codes, e.g., LDPC codes, to approach the secrecy capacity. Simulations support our findings.
Abstract 17567: Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease: Anatomical Characteristics and Stent Frame Geometry Following Sapien 3 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Introduction: Patients with Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease have been excluded from clinical trial because of anatomical variations and safety considerations. Hypothesis: Patients with BAV that...
Current Trends in Methylotrophy

Methylotrophy is a field of study dealing with microorganisms capable of utilization of compounds devoid of carbon–carbon bonds (C1 compounds). In this review, we highlight several emerging trends in methylotrophy. First, we discuss the significance of the recent discovery of lanthanide-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases for understanding both the occurrence and the distribution of methylotrophy functions among bacteria, and then we discuss the newly appreciated role of lanthanides in biology. Next, we describe the detection of other methylotrophy pathways across novel bacterial taxa and insights into the evolution of methylotrophy. Further, data are presented on the occurrence and activity of aerobic methylotrophs in hypoxic and anoxic environments, questioning the prior assumptions on niche separation of aerobic and anaerobic methylotrophy. The concept of communal function in aerobic methane oxidation is also briefly discussed. Finally, we review recent research in engineering methylotrophs for biotechnological applications as well as recent progress in engineering synthetic methylotrophy.
Geochemical Flows in Landscapes

This classic description by Goldschmidt of biogeochemical cycling of elements in a forest ecosystem is an example of the Holistic geochemical approach to the study of the circulation of elements in landscapes. More recently Kozlovskiy (1972) provided a series of conceptual models and principles, from the viewpoint of theoretical landscape geochemistry, that together summarize neatly the principal flow patterns of elements in landscapes. His paper provides a broad conceptual basis for the discussion of the cycling of elements in landscapes together with the inflow and outflow of elements to and from landscapes in groundwaters and the atmosphere.
The bone marrow on sternal aspiration in multiple myeloma.

Generalizing, it can be said that the pathologic cells seen in smears of the bone marrow in multiple myeloma resemble the plasma cell and vary from the very anaplastic and immature cell to the well-differentiated and almost characteristic plasma cell. The feature which the "myeloma" cell shares with the plasma cell is the abundant, granular, basophilic cytoplasm which tends to be fragile and undergo the same degenerative changes in each; namely, the formation of Russell bodies and vacuolization. Fairly frequently a perinuclear clear area or Hof is present and the nucleus tends to be eccentrically placed. Cytoplasmic extensions or pseudopodia may also be seen in either case, but they occur more often and more dramatically in instances of multiple myeloma. Multinucleated cells are commonly seen. In addition, myeloma-plasma cells will often have a large clear nucleolus and a leptochromatic nucleus and will exhibit a tendency to the formation of isolated areas of condensed chromatin. Cytoplasmic extrusions, free cytoplasmic bodies, occasionally complete with Russell bodies and vacuoles are almost universally present. All cases were of the plasma cell type; there was no exception. In these cases, the myeloma-plasma cell constituted from 2.5 to 96 per cent of the leukocytic elements present. The opinion was expressed that all so-called types of multiple myeloma are merely variations in differentiation of this same cell. It was noted that anaplasia, hypernucleation and lack of plasma cell predominance in certain cases were diagnostic pitfalls. Additional evidence was adduced to confirm the reticulo-endothelial origin of the myeloma-plasma cell. It was further observed that certain prognostically valuable information could be gleaned from a careful review of the cytologic characteristics in these cases.
A longitudinal evaluation of the role of alcohol self-concept in alcohol use, motives, negative affect, and alcohol-related problems among emerging adults.

Background and objectives Emerging adulthood is a time of identity formation, and is also the most common time period for individuals to consume alcohol. Alcohol self-concept (or drinking identity) has been associated cross-sectionally with rates of alcohol use and use-related problems. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence that alcohol self-concept is related to negative affect and to alcohol use motives. However, less research has evaluated the longitudinal nature of these variables, particularly in a community sample. The current study evaluated relationships between self-concept, alcohol-related variables, and negative affect among emerging adults. Additionally, the study explored self-concept as a mediator between motives and alcohol use and problems. Methods Community-recruited participants (n = 226, 55.3% male) involved in a health behaviors study were assessed over the course of 12 months. Results Results substantiated both the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between these variables. Self-concept, rates of use, and problems decreased over the course of time. Decreases in motives for alcohol use (including coping and enhancement motives) were related to subsequent decreases in alcohol self-concept, which in turn were associated with decreases in use and use-related problems. Alcohol self-concept mediated the longitudinal relationship between coping motives and use as well as use-related problems. Discussion and conclusions Results from this study underscore the importance of motivation for alcohol use and internalization of alcohol identity in predicting changes in behavior across emerging adulthood and suggest future avenues of research. Scientific significance Alcohol self-concept may be a risk factor and intervention target. (Am J Addict 2018;27:501-508).
CO2 Reduction by Plasmonic Au Nanoparticle-Decorated TiO2 Photocatalyst with an Ultrathin Al2O3 Interlayer

A well-designed nanocomposite structure, Au/Al2O3/TiO2, that is Au-decorated TiO2 with an atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 interlayer between Au and TiO2, was synthesized to study the role of plasmonic Au nanoparticles on photocatalytic CO2 reduction as well as the influence of the interlayer. Localized surface plasmon resonance induced hot electron injection and near-field enhancement, together with the enhanced charge separation caused by the Au NPs were found responsible for the promoted photocatalytic CO2 reduction on Au-modified TiO2. The Al2O3 interlayer inhibited electron transfer and dampened the near-field enhancement effect; however, it also served as passivation layer to suppress electron–hole recombination on the TiO2 surface. To further identify the significance of each of the mechanisms, photocatalysts with tailored thickness of Al2O3 interlayer and varied size of Au NPs were carefully synthesized, characterized, and tested for CO2 photoreduction with water. A finite difference time domain simul...
Point-of-care Ultrasonography for Detecting the Etiology of Unexplained Acute Respiratory and Chest Complaints in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Analysis.

Introduction Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool in emergency departments. As the number and type of POCUS protocols expand, there is a need to validate their efficacy in comparison with current diagnostic standards. This study compares POCUS to chest radiography in patients with undifferentiated respiratory or chest complaints. Methods A prospective convenience sample of 59 adult patients were enrolled from those presenting with unexplained acute respiratory or chest complaints (and having orders for chest radiography) to a single emergency department in an academic tertiary-care hospital. After a brief educational session, a medical student, blinded to chest radiograph results, performed and interpreted images from the modified Rapid Assessment of Dyspnea in Ultrasound (RADiUS) protocol. The images were reviewed by a blinded ultrasound fellowship-trained emergency physician and compared to chest radiography upon chart review. The primary "gold standard" endpoint diagnosis was the diagnosis at discharge. A secondary analysis was performed using the chest computed tomography (CT) diagnosis as the endpoint diagnosis in the subset of patients with chest CTs. Results When using diagnosis at discharge as the endpoint diagnosis, the modified RADiUS protocol had a higher sensitivity (79% vs. 67%) and lower specificity (71% vs. 83%) than chest radiography. When using chest CT diagnosis as the endpoint diagnosis (in the subset of patients with chest CTs), the modified RADiUS protocol had a higher sensitivity (76% vs. 65%) and lower specificity (71% vs. 100%) than chest radiography. The medical student performed and interpreted the 59 POCUS scans with 92% accuracy. Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS using the modified RADiUS protocol was not significantly different than chest radiography. In addition, a medical student was able to perform the protocol and interpret scans with a high level of accuracy. POCUS has potential value for diagnosing the etiology of undifferentiated acute respiratory and chest complaints in adult patients presenting to the emergency department, but larger clinical validation studies are required.
Psychological Stress in the Workplace (Psychology Revivals)

Originally published in 1995, this book was the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of research on occupational stress at the time. It identifies the sources, consequences and treatments of stress in the workplace from the perspective of organizational psychology and makes clear recommendations for future work in this area. Terry Beehr discusses how role ambiguity and conflict act as stressors in the workplace, and discusses the characteristics of the job and the organization itself that can adversely affect performance. He examines the effects of stress in the workplace and describes methods that can be used to alleviate the problem, both at the individual and organizational level. In addition, the book is illustrated with many examples from field research over the author’s twenty years of experience in studying the workplace. This book will be of considerable interest to students and researchers in occupational psychology, as well as managers and trainers. Terry Beehr is still working in this field today.
The Importance of Evaluating Health Disparities Research

Health disparity populations are socially disadvantaged, and the multiple levels of discrimination they often experience mean that their characteristics and attributes differ from those of the mainstream. Programs and policies targeted at reducing health disparities or improving minority health must consider these differences. Despite the importance of evaluating health disparities research to produce high-quality data that can guide decision-making, it is not yet a customary practice. Although health disparities evaluations incorporate the same scientific methods as all evaluations, they have unique components such as population characteristics, sociocultural context, and the lack of health disparity common indicators and metrics that must be considered in every phase of the research. This article describes evaluation strategies grouped into 3 components: formative (needs assessments and process), design and methodology (multilevel designs used in real-world settings), and summative (outcomes, impacts, and cost). Each section will describe the standards for each component, discuss the unique health disparity aspects, and provide strategies from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Metrics and Measures Visioning Workshop (April 2016) to advance the evaluation of health disparities research.
Impact of eHealth on medication adherence among patients with asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Asthma is an important public health issue in the United States. eHealth technology offers a potential solution to asthma treatment adherence, but the relative effect of various types of eHealth interventions has not been systematically studied. Objectives To systematically review the effectiveness of eHealth in improving adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) among patients with persistent asthma, as well as the satisfaction of patients undergoing eHealth interventions. Methods Literature searches were conducted in five databases in August 2018. Included studies were randomized controlled trials comparing eHealth interventions versus usual care in improving adherence among patients prescribed ICS for persistent asthma. Quantitative synthesis was performed using a random effects model. Results Eighty records were identified after removal of duplicates. Fifteen trials were eligible for qualitative synthesis. Included trials utilized: social media (n = 1), electronic health records (n = 1), telehealth (n = 6), and mHealth (n = 7). Twelve trials were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Results show a small but significant overall effect of eHealth interventions on adherence to ICS (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.02–0.79). Among the different types of eHealth interventions, a significant improvement in adherence was observed for mHealth interventions compared to usual care in a pooled analysis of 4 trials (SMD = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.28–1.64). However, there was considerable heterogeneity among studies. Patient satisfaction was evaluated in 5 trials comparing telehealth (n = 2) and mHealth (n = 3) with usual care. Participants found the interventions to be helpful and satisfactory. Conclusion eHealth interventions, especially mHealth interventions, are effective and acceptable in improving patient adherence to ICS.
Enzyme Immunoassay of Plant Constituents

The use of immunoassay to quantitate plant derived compounds was first developed in clinical laboratories in the early 1970’s. These first assays were directed toward small organic molecules, e. g., colchicine (Boudene et al., 1975), nicotine (Langone et al., 1973), and morphine (Spector, 1971), which have medicinal or pharmaceutical value. These assays were based on the radioimmunoassay (RIA) and were developed for compounds whose small molecular size renders them non-immunogenic. Assays for low molecular weight compounds of animal origin had been developed earlier (see Erlanger, 1980, and references therein) using synthesized protein-hapten conjugates for immunization. The immunoassays mentioned above demonstrated that the hapten-protein conjugate principle (Landsteiner, 1945) also could be used to induce animals to produce antibodies against compounds of plant origin.
Differential contribution of C5aR and C5b-9 pathways to renal thrombic microangiopathy and macrovascular thrombosis in mice carrying an atypical hemolytic syndrome–related factor H mutation

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by dysregulated complement activation. Clinically, aHUS is effectively treated by an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) but whether the disease is mediated by the C5a receptor (C5aR) or C5b-9 pathway, or both, is unknown. Here we address this in a factor H mutant mouse (FHR/R) which developed complement-mediated TMA as well as macrovascular thrombosis caused by an aHUS-related factor H point mutation (mouse W1206R, corresponding to human W1183R). C5 deficiency and anti-C5 mAb treatment blocked all disease manifestations in FHR/R mice. C5aR1 gene deficiency prevented macrovascular thrombosis in various organs but did not improve survival or reduce renal TMA. Conversely, C6 or C9 deficiency significantly improved survival and markedly diminished renal TMA but did not prevent macrovascular thrombosis. Interestingly, as they aged both FHR/R C6−/− and FHR/R C9−/− mice developed glomerular disease reminiscent of C3 glomerulonephritis. Thus, C5aR and C5b-9 pathways drove different aspects of disease in FHR/R mice with the C5aR pathway being responsible for macrovascular thrombosis and chronic inflammatory injury while the C5b-9 pathway caused renal TMA. Our data provide new understanding of the pathogenesis of complement-mediated TMA and macrovascular thrombosis in FHR/R mice and suggest that C5 blockade is more effective for the treatment of aHUS than selectively targeting the C5aR or C5b-9 pathway alone.
Neuromodulatory Control of Rhythmic Behaviors in Invertebrates

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the neuromodulatory control of rhythmic behaviors in invertebrates. Neuromodulation differs from conventional fast neurotransmission in several fundamental ways. With conventional synaptic transmission, a transmitter interacts locally with a specialized postsynaptic receptor–ionophore molecule to cause a rapid opening of specific postsynaptic ion channels for a brief period. Neuromodulators, however, do not act directly on ligand-gated channels to excite or inhibit postsynaptic neurons; they alter endogenous cell properties or synaptic interactions in a variety of indirect ways. The neuromodulatory control of behavior is a complex neural and chemical coding structure whereby many behavioral patterns can be generated by the same ensemble of neurons. Various methods for identification and study of putative neuromodulators include (1) immunohistochemistry, (2) radioimmunoassay (RIA), (3) molecular approaches, and (4) behavioral studies. The common currency for all aspects of neural system integration is the formation of spatio-temporal patterns and blending them into a coherent whole. The transduction of sensory inputs into patterns that have biological meaning is as much influenced by neuromodulatory control, as is the formation of motor patterns.
2) Characterizing Hemophagocytic syndrome hospitalizations in children in the United States

Introduction: Familial hemophagocytic reticulosis was first described in 1952. The Hemophagocytic syndrome {HS} includes the spectrum of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis {HLH}, hemophagocytic reticulosis {HLS} and the Macrophage activation syndrome {MAS}. HS is a rare condition(s) that usually presents with uncontrolled inflammation leading to multi-organ failure and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current national estimates of children hospitalized due to HS and its associated outcomes are unknown. Characterizing and understanding the burden of HS related hospitalizations at a national level is the initial step in optimizing the …
Dissolved phosphate concentrations in Iowa shallow groundwater.

Regional groundwater phosphorus (P) concentrations are rarely reported, and it is important to develop a better understanding of background concentrations in shallow groundwater to help develop strategies to mitigate environmental risks. In this study, results collected from 17 different Iowa-based studies conducted from 2006 to 2019 and a total of 210 discrete locations of water table dissolved phosphate (DPO43- ) measurements are summarized (a) to assess the occurrence, range, and statistical distribution of groundwater DPO43- concentrations in Iowa and (b) to evaluate statewide patterns of DPO43- concentrations related to land use or land cover and landscape position. The DPO43- concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.56 mg L-1 and averaged 0.15 ± 0.19 mg L-1 with a median value of 0.10 mg L-1 (95% confidence interval of 0.08-0.11 mg L-1 ). Although minor variations were observed among land cover class and landscape position, concentrations exhibited uniformity across the state, likely attesting to the legacy of P from historical agricultural management. Median concentrations are higher than typical water quality criteria used to assess risk to surface water systems, implying that simply discharging groundwater DPO43- to streams, rivers, and lakes would be sufficient to cause environmental degradation.
Prospects for bioenergy with carbon capture & storage (BECCS) in the United States pulp and paper industry

The pulp and paper industry utilizes more biomass for stationary heat and power than any other industry in the United States. In total, pulp and paper mills in the US emit ∼150 million metric tons of CO2 each year, of which 77% is biogenic. Thus, the pulp and paper industry has significant potential to indirectly remove atmospheric CO2 through bioenergy with CO2 capture and storage (BECCS). In addition, avenues for CO2 utilization exist in pulp and paper processing. Here, we analyze the technical and economic potential of integrating carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies at pulp and paper mills in the US through top-down, industry-wide screening and bottom-up, chemical process modeling techniques. We estimate costs of capturing and transporting CO2 from pulp and paper mills using post-combustion amine chemisorption in the year 2026 with application of the existing federal tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration (Section 45Q). Costs are highly dependent on scenario-specific details, such as waste heat or power generation at the mill, idling or stranded assets, and proximity to suitable geologic storage opportunities. Some CCS implementation scenarios produce significant economic returns for pulp and paper mills, indicating a near-term opportunity to accelerate CCS in the US. Finally, we qualitatively assess alternative techniques for CO2 capture through process innovation, and opportunities for CO2 utilization at pulp and paper mills.
Trump Tweets: A Desire for Attention

Many Americans find Trump’s Twitter activity both mesmerizing and concerning. Not only is social media—and Twitter in particular—critical to how Trump communicates with the public, it also comprises a major part of his political strategy. The question is, what political benefits does Trump receive from tweeting? This chapter presents our argument. Specifically, we argue that the primary goal of Trump’s Twitter activity is to seek attention. Though he engages in disputes with others on Twitter and he tweets to attack his political opponents, these activities are secondary to his desire to solidify support among his followers on Twitter (and those who follow them) and to encourage them to react to his tweets.
An Updated Perspective on Sinorhizobium meliloti Chemotaxis to Alfalfa Flavonoids

The symbiotic interaction between leguminous plants and their cognate rhizobia allows for the fixation of gaseous dinitrogen into bioavailable ammonia. The perception of host-derived flavonoids is a key initial step for the signaling events that must occur preceding the formation of the nitrogen-fixing organ. Past work investigating chemotaxis - the directed movement of bacteria through chemical gradients - of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and Rhizobium meliloti discovered chemotaxis to various organic compounds, but focused on chemotaxis to flavonoids because of their relevance to the symbiosis biochemistry. The current work sought to replicate and further examine Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti chemotaxis to the flavonoids previously thought to act as the principal attractant molecules prior to the initial signaling stage. Exudate from germinating alfalfa seedlings was analyzed for composition and quantities of different flavonoid compounds using mass spectrometry. The abundance of four prevalent flavonoids in germinating alfalfa seed exudates (SEs) was at a ratio of 200:5:5:1 for hyperoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside, and chrysoeriol. Using quantitative chemotaxis capillary assays, we did not detect chemotaxis of motile S. meliloti cells to these, and two other flavonoids identified in seed exudates. In support of these findings, the flavonoid fraction of seed exudates was found to be an insignificant attractant relative to the more hydrophilic fraction. Additionally, we observed that cosolvents commonly used to dissolve flavonoids confound the results. We propose that the role flavonoids play in S. meliloti chemotaxis is insignificant relative to other components released by alfalfa seeds.
Predictors of mortality in valvular infective endocarditis: A single-center study

Background Valvular infective endocarditis (IE) may occur in association with either native or prosthetic valves, with great risk of mortality and morbidity. Surgical management is an essential part of the therapeutic process in these patients. Objectives This study aims at evaluation of early outcomes of surgically treated patients with native or prosthetic IE together with determining predictors of mortality. Patients and methods Outcomes of 60 patients who underwent surgery for native or prosthetic valve endocarditis at National Heart Institute during a 3-year period (April 2016 to March 2019) were studied prospectively. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were tested as possible predictors for mortality. All patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. Results The hospital mortality rate was 11 (18.3%) patients, and total mortality rate after 6-month follow-up was 17 (28.3%) patients. Native valve endocarditis was present in 36 (60.0%) patients and prosthetic valve endocarditis in 24 (40.0%) patients. The commonest involved valve was mitral valve in 19 (31.7%) followed by aortic valve in 14 (23.3%). The commonest isolated organisms were Staphylococcus spp., which was found in 19 (31.6%) patients, followed by Streptococcus spp. and Gram negative bacteria, which were found in nine (15.0%) patients each. Mean Euro score II was 6.21 ± 2.54 in the surviving group. Duration of bypass time was 144.75 ± 35.81 min in dead patients and 104.56 ± 20.43 min in the surviving patients. Congestive heart failure, embolization, and periannular extension of infection were the most powerful predictors of in-hospital mortality. Periannular extension of infection was the most powerful predictor of 6-month mortality. Conclusion Surgery for IE is risky, especially in redo cases. Extensive infection carried the worst prognosis. Euro score II is a reliable indicator for hospital and early mortality. Valve repair can be performed in selected cases.
Citrus polymethoxyflavones as regulators of metabolic homoeostasis: Recent advances for possible mechanisms

Abstract Background Given the increasing obesity prevalence among adults, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is becoming a common health concern in our modern life. The identification and exploration of dietary compounds against MetS is an attractive strategy for functional food development. Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), abundantly existing in the citrus peels, possess a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, anti-arteriolosclerosis, and others. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of circadian clock and gut microbiota on metabolic homeostasis maintained by PMFs. Scope and approach This review summarizes recent discoveries for PMFs’ role on MetS. The metabolic homeostasis in vivo is regulated by the crosstalk of central nervous system and multiple peripheral organs. The signal pathways of PMFs against MetS in specific organs/cell models are discussed. Key findings and conclusions The anti-inflammation of PMFs is considered as the fundamental for their bioactivities against MetS. PMFs show beneficial effect to modulate MetS, including improving clock dysfunction, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Even though multiple signaling pathways have been explored, the interorgan communication axis needs further investigation. This review would strengthen the mechanistic understanding of PMFs’ health benefits and provide scientific support for functional food development.
An Exploration of Deep Learning Methods in Hungry Geese.

Hungry Geese is a n-player variation of the popular game snake. This paper looks at state of the art Deep Reinforcement Learning Value Methods. The goal of the paper is to aggregate research of value based methods and apply it as an exercise to other environments. A vanilla Deep Q Network, a Double Q-network and a Dueling Q-Network were all examined and tested with the Hungry Geese environment. The best performing model was the vanilla Deep Q Network due to its simple state representation and smaller network structure. Converging towards an optimal policy was found to be difficult due to random geese initialization and food generation. Therefore we show that Deep Q Networks may not be the appropriate model for such a stochastic environment and lastly we present improvements that can be made along with more suitable models for the environment.
Serogroup A, C, W, and Y meningococcal disease in persons previously vaccinated with a serogroup ACWY meningococcal vaccine - United States, 2014-2018.

Abstract Background The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate serogroup A,C,W,Y (MenACWY) vaccine at 11–12 years of age, with a booster dose at 16 years. ACIP also recommends meningococcal vaccination for persons at increased risk of meningococcal disease, including a 2-dose primary series and regular booster doses for persons at increased risk because of underlying medical conditions. U.S. cases of serogroup A, C, W, and Y meningococcal disease in persons previously vaccinated with MenACWY vaccine have not been systematically described since 2008. Characterization of these cases is important to understand potential factors leading to breakthrough disease. Methods We analyzed cases of serogroup A,C,W, and Y meningococcal disease reported through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) from 2014 through 2018. State health departments submitted additional information on risk factors and clinical course. Results During 2014–2018, 822 cases of serogroup A, C, W, and Y meningococcal disease were reported through NNDSS; 34 (4%) were in patients who previously received ≥ 1 dose of MenACWY vaccine. Twenty-three vaccinated patients were up-to-date on MenACWY vaccine per recommendations, and seven were not up-to-date; four were missing information on the number of doses received. Seventeen cases (50%) occurred > 3 years after the most recent dose. A significantly higher proportion of vaccinated patients were people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to unvaccinated patients. Eight of the 34 vaccinated patients were immunosuppressed, including five PLWH, one taking eculizumab, and two taking other immunosuppressive medications. The case fatality ratio did not differ between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Conclusions Immunosuppression, incomplete vaccination, and waning immunity likely contributed to breakthrough cases of meningococcal disease among people who received MenACWY vaccine. Continued monitoring of serogroup A, C, W, and Y meningococcal disease in previously vaccinated persons will help inform meningococcal disease prevention efforts.
Electrophysiological assessment of the time course of bilingual visual word recognition: Early access to language membership.

Abstract Previous research examining the time course of lexical access during word recognition suggests that phonological processing precedes access to semantic information, which in turn precedes access to syntactic information. Bilingual word recognition likely requires an additional level: knowledge of which language a specific word belongs to. Using the recording of event-related potentials, we investigated the time course of access to language membership information relative to semantic (Experiment 1) and syntactic (Experiment 2) encoding during visual word recognition. In Experiment 1, Spanish–English bilinguals viewed a series of printed words while making dual-choice go/nogo and left/right hand decisions based on semantic (whether the word referred to an animal or an object) and language membership information (whether the word was in English or in Spanish). Experiment 2 used a similar paradigm but with syntactic information (whether the word was a noun or a verb) as one of the response contingencies. The onset and peak latency of the N200, a component related to response inhibition, indicated that language information is accessed earlier than semantic information. Similarly, language information was also accessed earlier than syntactic information (but only based on peak latency). We discuss these findings with respect to models of bilingual word recognition and language comprehension in general.