cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Neurogranin in the Regulation of Calmodulin Dynamics

Neurogranin, also called RC3, is a small neuronal IQ domain protein whose only known function is to bind calmodulin (CaM) in postsynaptic neurons. It was hypothesized that RC3 acts as a CaM-buffer that regulates CaM availability following Ca2+ influx based on qualitative data that indicated that RC3 bound preferentially to apo-CaM. Additionally, protein kinase C phosphorylation of Ser36 in the IQ domain of RC3 was shown to weaken CaM binding. Currently, there is a lack of precise biophysical and biochemical data on quantifying RC3, CaM and calcium interactions. We used isothermal titration calorimetry to measure the thermodynamics of association between CaM and RC3 or a family of peptides that contain the minimal, extended or phosphorylated IQ domain. The extended IQ domain produced similar results as wtRC3 in its binding to Ca2+/CaM and apo-CaM and both bound more tightly to apo-CaM. Interestingly, the differences in their affinity to CaM was lessened by the addition of physiological concentrations of salt. The minimal IQ domain peptide showed distinct binding compared to wild-type RC3 indicating it is not a good mimetic of the native protein. A phosphorylated form of the extended peptide eliminated the binding to CaM; however, the phospho-mimetic version (S36D) of the same peptide was still capable of binding to CaM. Based on these results, we are constructing a mathematical model that contains both RC3 and phospho-RC3 to study their impact on the Ca2+-CaM dynamics under physiological conditions. We propose that RC3 has functions in the neuron beyond simply buffering CaM and likely plays a key regulatory role in the spatial temporal pattern of Ca2+ signaling underlying synaptic plasticity.
Energy and Timing Constrained System Reward Maximization on Wireless Networks

Power efficiency is an important design issue in embedded devices with limited power supplies. In this paper, we study a reward-based packet scheduling problem in wireless environments. We consider a general scenario in which a transmitter communicates with multiple receivers periodically. To guarantee timely transmission of data, each packet is associated with a delay constraint. The periodic data streams have different importance levels, power functions, and levels of data sizes. The more data a transmitter delivers, the more rewards it obtains. Our objective is to develop schemes that selectively transmit data streams of different data sizes at different transmission rates to maximize the system reward under given time and energy constraints. We show that this problem is NP-hard and develop a dynamic programming algorithm for the optimal solution in pseudo-polynomial time. A fast polynomial-time heuristic approach is presented to achieve close approximation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed heuristic approach can achieve a significant improvement over other approaches adapted from existing studies at a small runtime overhead.
Nasal Diagrams: A Tool for Recording the Distribution of Nasal Lesions in Rats and Mice

Knowledge of patterns of lesion distribution can provide insight into the relative roles played by regional tissue dose and local tissue susceptibility in toxic responses to xenobiotics in the nose and assist assessment of potential human risk. A consistent approach is needed for recording lesion distribution patterns in the complex nasal airways of rats and mice. The present work provides a series of diagrams of the nasal passages of the Fischer-344 rat and B6C3F1 mouse, designed for mapping nasal lesions. The diagrams present each of the major cross-sectional airway profiles, provide adequate space for nasal mucosal lesion recording, and are suitable for duplication in a commercial photocopier. Sagittal diagrams are also provided to permit transfer of lesion location data observed in transverse sections onto the long axis of the nose. The distribution of lesions induced by a selected range of xenobiotics is presented. Approaches to application of the diagrams and interpretation of results obtained are discussed in relation to factors responsible for lesion distribution in the nose and their relevance to interspecies extrapolation. A modified approach to anatomical classification of the ethmoturbinates of the rodent is also presented.
Magnetic Properties of Mechanically Alloyed Nano-Crystalline Cu/Fe Composites

Metal powders of the composition 70 at% Cu and 30 at% Fe were produced by high energy mechanical alloying of the elemental powders. The powders were processed in a Spex 8000 mixer/mill for various times to investigate the potential of the mechanical alloying process for producing nano-composite structures with modified magnetic properties. Optical microscopy revealed a layered structure of alternating copper and iron that developed upon milling. The spacing between the layers decreased with milling time, becoming optically unresolvable (< 1 μm) after four hours of milling. A single profile x-ray diffraction profile shape analysis technique was used to determine the average diffracting particle size of the copper and iron phases. The diffracting particle size decreases with alloying time reaching values of 7.5 nm and 2 nm, for copper and iron respectively, after eight hours of alloying. The magnetic coercivity increased with milling time initially, reaching a maximum value above 300 Oe after six hours of milling. These results are discussed and compared to results obtained in Ag/Fe and Cu/Fe nano-composite films.
Comparison of Three Computer Scanning Modes as an Interface Method for Persons With Cerebral Palsy

Occupational therapists are becoming increasingly involved with interface assessments. This involvement is improving the ability of persons with physical disabilities to interact with computers, augmentative communication aids, and other devices. The ability to use these devices facilitates participation in activities that would otherwise be much more difficult to pursue, such as communication, education, work, and recreation. The purpose of the present study was to systematically compare three basic modes of scanning--automatic, inverse, and step--with the use of a single-subject experimental design. Six subjects--3 with spastic and 3 with athetoid cerebral palsy--from a local school volunteered for the study. Results indicated that the 3 subjects with spastic cerebral palsy had the greatest difficulty using the automatic scanning mode. The 3 subjects with athetoid cerebral palsy had the most difficulty using the step scanning mode. The results of this study suggest that clients should attempt each scanning mode and that their performance with each mode be compared to ensure the most appropriate recommendations.
IO buffer for high performance, low-power application

An IO buffer architecture is shown which provides fast output transitions as well as efficient voltage level shifting from the chip interior. The buffer contains a feedback circuit which damps ringing associated with supply bounce. Fast voltage converters are demonstrated which allow the core to operate at a lower voltage (1.8 V), without significant delay penalties on the IO (at 3.6 V). These novel circuits are important for high performance, low power applications, such as wireless DSPs.
SOCIAL ISSUES IN ART AND VISUAL/MATERIAL CULTURE EDUCATION

The roots of social issues in art and visual/material culture research and practice run historically deep.1 Educators such as John Dewey, Vincent Lanier, June King McFee, Graeme Chalmers, Eugene Grigsby, Laura Chapman, Rogena Degge, Ron Neperud, Kenneth Marantz, Jerry Hausman, Edmund Feldman, and others have explored art in relation to culture; popular, everyday, and community art; class and race; and Freire’s theory of conscientization. Well-developed contemporary education discourses, such as social justice, social reconstruction,2 critical pedagogy, feminist pedagogy, and liberatory pedagogy have also influenced art/visual/material culture education research. These pedagogies share premises that teachers serve as guides, not authorities, to their students and that education exists in a politicized sphere, and must be relevant to students’ lives. It should help them develop critical, reflective thinking, guide them to participate in a democratic society and employ “the principles of justice, liberty, and equality” in their lives (Giroux, 1991, p. 245; Torres, 1998). A final influence on social issues in art/visual/material culture education is a trend among artists and writers over the last 25 years to address social issues in their work (e.g., Becker, 1994; Felshin, 1995; Gablik, 1991; Kester, 2004; Lacy, 1995; Raven, 1989). These authors argue for art as a communicative act that must take on relevant social tasks. As in much research in the arts, the character of research focusing on social issues in art/visual/material culture education is qualitative: ethnographic studies, case studies, action research, philosophical inquiry, and anecdotal accounts. Because this handbook emphasizes empirical research, but much of the research on social issues is philosophical and conceptual, the philosophical and conceptual issues serve as frames for the empirical research. We focus on research published between 1990 and 2005.
Coevolution of the Ile1,016 and Cys1,534 Mutations in the Voltage Gated Sodium Channel Gene of Aedes aegypti in Mexico.

Background Worldwide the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) is the principal urban vector of dengue viruses. Currently 2.5 billion people are at risk for infection and reduction of Ae. aegypti populations is the most effective means to reduce the risk of transmission. Pyrethroids are used extensively for adult mosquito control, especially during dengue outbreaks. Pyrethroids promote activation and prolong the activation of the voltage gated sodium channel protein (VGSC) by interacting with two distinct pyrethroid receptor sites [1], formed by the interfaces of the transmembrane helix subunit 6 (S6) of domains II and III. Mutations of S6 in domains II and III synergize so that double mutants have higher pyrethroid resistance than mutants in either domain alone. Computer models predict an allosteric interaction between mutations in the two domains. In Ae. aegypti, a Ile1,016 mutation in the S6 of domain II was discovered in 2006 and found to be associated with pyrethroid resistance in field populations in Mexico. In 2010 a second mutation, Cys1,534 in the S6 of domain III was discovered and also found to be associated with pyrethroid resistance and correlated with the frequency of Ile1,016.
Vietnam Amerasians : Assimilation and Adjustment Problems in the United States

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the assimilation and adjustment problems of the 21,000 plus Vietnamese Amerasians currently living in the United States. The paper provides a brief history of the United States involvement in Vietnam followed by descriptions of the pre- and post-migratory experiences of Vietnamese Amerasians. Next, the paper reviews legislation supporting Vietnamese Amerasian immigration to the United States followed by an examination of adjustment problems in the. overlapping areas of mental health, education, employment, family reunification, and social acceptance. Finally, implications for addressing the multiple adjustment problems of this unique American minority group are discussed.
Detection of Viral and Chlamydial Antigens in Open-Lung Biopsy Specimens

The recovery of viruses and Chlamydia trachomatis from cell cultures and the detection of their antigens in impression smears prepared from open-lung biopsy (OLB) specimens from immunocompromised adults were compared. Touch impression smears were prepared on three slides, each containing eight wells. OLB tissue was homogenized (Stomacher) and inoculated into MRC-5, primary monkey kidney, and McCoy cell cultures. The direct and indirect immunofluorescence (IF) tests were used to detect antigens to the following organisms: herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza types 1 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Chlamydia trachomatis, influenza types A and B, and varicella-zoster virus. Of 105 OLB specimens, 21 viral isolates (20%) were recovered in cell culture; 20 were CMV and one was an influenza virus type A (H3N2). Both culture and IF results were positive with 12 specimens, but in nine instances a virus was isolated and IF was negative or eight times culture results did not yield the organism but IF test results were positive. Chlamydia trachomatis was never isolated or detected by IF. The authors recommend that for optimal detection of CMV from OLB specimens a new rapid centrifugation-enhanced cell culture system be used in preference, or in conjunction with a preliminary IF screen of impression smears for CMV detection.
Evolution of the Preliminary Clinical Year and the Case for a Categorical Diagnostic Radiology Residency

Abstract Purpose While other specialties traditionally utilizing a segregated clinical internship year have slowly progressed toward integrated training curricula, diagnostic radiology has been slow to adopt this path. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in stand-alone preliminary clinical years as well as the shift toward categorical residencies currently being undertaken in other specialties. Advantages of mimicking the trends of other specialties and current integrated radiology programs are discussed. The perception of diagnostic radiology as a competitive specialty is explored, and the prospect of change as a recruiting tool is examined. Methods Data assimilated by the NRMP from 1994 through 2016 were processed and analyzed. Results The total number of postgraduate year (PGY) 1 preliminary year programs has remained relatively constant over the past 10 years despite a gradual increase in overall NRMP applicants. The proportion of these programs offered as a transitional year declined from 31% in 1994 to 20% in 2016. The proportion of categorical anesthesiology positions gradually rose from 43% in 2007 to 70% in 2016. The fraction of categorical neurology positions increased from 30% in 2007 to 59% in 2016. The percentage of diagnostic radiology programs beginning at the PGY 1 level has been relatively constant at 12% to 14% since 2007. Dermatology has increased advanced (PGY 2) positions while decreasing categorical (PGY 1) positions. Those matching in diagnostic radiology have performed at a high level compared with the composite NRMP average since 2007. In the 2015 match, there were 65 diagnostic radiology programs that did not fill all of their offered positions. Of the institutions housing these programs, only 22% of them had preliminary internal medicine or transitional year positions available after the match. Conclusions In response to the evolving nature of health care and graduate medical education, other specialties are gradually shifting toward curricular structures that begin at the PGY 1 level. By considering such a transition, diagnostic radiology would be well served to position itself as a valuable clinical specialty while maintaining a lesser dependence on other specialties to train its physicians.
Analysis of awareness of tuberculosis control measures among patients with tuberculosis in Yantai

Objective To ascertain the level of awareness of tuberculosis control measures,to analyze the influencing factors leading to different levels of awareness in patients with TB,and to provide information to facilitate the formulation of measures to control TB.Methods A retrospective questionnaire was used to survey 642 patients with TB who were registered as having TB from January 1st to September 31st,2009 and who had completed treatment for TB.Patients were surveyed regarding their awareness of tuberculosis control measures and influencing factors.SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis.Results Of the patients surveyed,76.32% knew that control TB measures were free,and 87.85% were satisfied with the free measures.Awareness of these measures was mainly affected by the level of education,income,family assets,and debts(P0.05).Patients with TB wished to receive more free programs and additional medication at a relatively low price.Conclusion Promoting TB control measures and interventions for patients with TB who have a low level of education and family financial difficulties is crucial to the control of outbreaks of tuberculosis.
Novel oral fluoropyrimidines in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

The evolution of and rationale for fluorouracil-based strategies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer are discussed, and the role of the new oral fluoropyrimidines is described. Although fluorouracil is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States for colorectal, head and neck, bladder, and breast cancer, response rates and survival times have been disappointing. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), a rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of fluorouracil, indirectly determines the drug's anticancer efficacy by regulating the availability of fluorouracil for anabolism. Recently, investigators have identified at least five compounds -capecitabine, UFT (tegafur plus uracil), eniluracil, S-1, and BOF-A2-that inhibit, destroy, inactivate, or bypass DPD's activity. Capecitabine, a prodrug of fluorouracil, circumvents DPD. UFT, S-1, and BOF-A2 contain prodrugs of fluorouracil in combination with compounds that alter DPD's activity. Fluorouracil must be administered in combination with eniluracil, an inactivator of DPD. These compounds, classified as fluoropyrimidines, can be administered orally. Oral fluoropyrimidines appear to be at least as active against metastatic colorectal cancer as conventionally administered intravenous fluorouracil, with significantly less toxicity, improved quality of life, and less expense. New oral fluoropyrimidines may ultimately provide enhanced antitumor activity to fluorouracil-containing regimens for advanced colorectal cancer.
Craniofacial Osteosarcomas: Plain Film, CT, and MR Findings in 46 Cases

Forty-six osteosarcomas of the cranial and facial bones were reviewed radiographically by using the conventional parameters for long bone tumors. There were 32 de novo osteosarcomas (11 maxillary, 13 mandibular, and eight cranial) and 14 postradiation osteosarcomas. All the maxillary tumors originated from the alveolar ridge, and the majority of mandibular lesions began in the body of the mandible. The postradiation osteosarcomas occurred in portions of bones at the borders of the radiation field; the latent period ranged from 4 years, 2 months to 50 years (mean, 14 years). The majority of de novo or postradiation craniofacial osteosarcomas were osteolytic with a long transition zone and no periosteal reaction; the exception was in the mandible, where nearly half the cases were osteoblastic and periosteal reaction was occasionally present. Tumor matrix mineralization occurred in more than 75% of the cases, and osteoid matrix calcification was most frequent, even though most tumors were chondroblastic. Soft-tissue extension of tumor was present in all cases and contained calcifications in more than half. Conventional radiographs are of limited value in evaluating head and neck osteosarcomas because of the superimposed bony structures. CT provides excellent detection of tumor calcification, cortical involvement, and, in most instances, soft-tissue and intramedullary extension. MR is even more effective in demonstrating the intramedullary and extraosseous tumor components on both T1- and T2-weighted images. However, CT and plain films are superior to MR in detecting the matrix calcifications and bone destruction or reaction.
Hypersonic Ablation of Graphite Thermal Protection Systems with Surface Defects

The goal of this study is to analyze ablation of a thermal protection system with a small cavity-like surface defect. It is shown that, within the defect region, the ablation mechanism switches from the oxidation-dominated regime to the much faster sublimation-dominated regime. To accurately predict the ablation rate of graphite, several subprocesses must be accounted for, including high-temperature chemically reactive gas dynamics, heat transfer, and surface ablation mechanisms. In this study, a set of equations has been derived that intrinsically couple these subprocesses. A numerical methodology suitable for solving these equations has been developed, including modified finite-volume methods and a novel reactive-Riemann solver that treats the surface as another wave in the Riemann problem and its recession velocity as the wave speed. Numerical simulations have been carried out for the ablation of a graphite sphere–cone over a range of conditions with prevailing oxidation or sublimation. The results com...
A program that figures out meanings of words from context

The inferencing task of figuring out words from context is implemented in the presence of a large database of world knowledge. The program does not require interaction with the user, but rather uses internal parser expectations and knowledge embodied in scripts to figure out likely definitions for unknown words, and to create context-specific definitions for such words.
TURBULENT DIFFUSION AND ANEMOMETER MEASUREMENTS

Although direct theoretical connection between Lagrangian correlation (Lc) and Eulerian correlation (Ec) coefficients was not found, it is shown that empirical relation can be established; Ec coefficients from hot-wire anemometer measurements are compared with Lc coefficients derived from diffusion measurements in homogeneous turbulent flow; from this comparison, relation is found that permits direct prediction of turbulent diffusion from hot-wire (Eulerian) measurements of turbulent field.
Combining Safety and HCI Arguments to Increase Confidence in Information-Only Systems

Whilst the argument for equivalent levels of rigour being applied to Safety and Human Computer Interaction (HCI) in defence, is generally well recognised, it is the authors opinion and experience that this is rarely the case and this could be due to the lack of guidance and collaboration between HCI and Safety guidance and communities. This paper will compare the confidence levels defined in Def Stan 00-56, Issue 4 [3] along with the equivalent Safety Integrity Levels (SILs) in IEC 61508 [2] and discuss the need for the consideration of HCI issues within the confidence levels commensurate with the level of safety risk within the defence domain. (6 pages)
Fast and reliable method for As speciation in urine samples containing low levels of As by LC-ICP-MS: Focus on epidemiological studies.

Abstract The speciation analysis of As in urine samples can provide important information for epidemiological studies. Considering that these studies involve hundreds or thousands of samples, a fast and reliable method using a simple LC system with short-length mixed bed ion exchange chromatographic column coupled to ICP-MS for As speciation in human urine samples was developed in this work. Separation of AB+TMAO, DMA, AC, MMA and As III +As V was accomplished within 5 min with good resolution when ammonium carbonate solutions were used as mobile phases and H 2 O 2 was added to samples to quantitatively convert As III –As V . Repeatability studies yielded RSD values from 2.0% to 4.8% for all species evaluated. Limits of detection (LOD) for As species ranged from 0.003 to 0.051 ng g −1 . Application of the method to human urine samples from a non-contaminated area showed that the sum of species measured corresponded to 62–125% of the total As in the sample. The recovery values for these species in urine SRM 2669 were in the range of 89–112% and demonstrated the suitability of the proposed method for epidemiological studies.
Cu-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C–H/C–O Cyclization of 2,2′-Binaphthols: Practical Synthesis of PXX Derivatives

Cu-catalyzed C–H/C–O cyclization of 2,2′-binaphthol, using air as an oxidant, was developed. C–H functionalization of binaphthols occurred at the 8,8′-position to form peri-xanthenoxanthenes that exhibit high charge-carrier mobility. The reaction can tolerate a wide variety of functional groups and afforded the corresponding peri-xanthenoxanthene derivatives via an efficient procedure.
Novel Role of the Nociceptin System as a Regulator of Glutamate Transporter Expression in Developing Astrocytes

Our previous results showed that oligodendrocyte development is regulated by both nociceptin and its G-protein coupled receptor, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOR). The present in vitro and in vivo findings show that nociceptin plays a crucial conserved role regulating the levels of the glutamate/aspartate transporter GLAST/EAAT1 in both human and rodent brain astrocytes. This nociceptin-mediated response takes place during a critical developmental window that coincides with the early stages of astrocyte maturation. GLAST/EAAT1 upregulation by nociceptin is mediated by NOR and the downstream participation of a complex signaling cascade that involves the interaction of several kinase systems, including PI-3K/AKT, mTOR, and JAK. Because GLAST is the main glutamate transporter during brain maturation, these novel findings suggest that nociceptin plays a crucial role in regulating the function of early astrocytes and their capacity to support glutamate homeostasis in the developing brain.
Sex Offenses Under Military Law: Will the Recent Changes in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Re-Traumatize Sexual Assault Survivors in the Courtroom?

In 2013, the President, Secretary of Defense, and members of Congress responded with shock and outrage to perceptions of increased sex assaults committed by military personnel upon other military personnel. Politicians are considering a variety of changes to substantive and procedural criminal law to make prosecution of such offenses more effective. This Article evaluates substantive military criminal law, UCMJ art. 120, 10 U.S.C. § 920, and Military Rules of Evidence 404(a) and 405(c). Drawing on lessons learned from state and federal laws, the Article then makes recommendations regarding statutory changes in military criminal sexual assault and procedural statutes. Specifically, the author recommends amending substantive military criminal law to add the offense of “Indecent Act” back into UCMJ art. 120; modifying the definition of force; eliminating the increased emphasis on whether the victim’s fears are “reasonable”; removing the focus from the accused’s perceptions of the victim; returning the statutory limitations on the affirmative defense of mistake of fact as to consent; adopting California’s evidentiary threshold for giving affirmative defense instructions on mistake of fact as to consent and consent; and creating a statutory structure to restrict judicial appellate discretion in determining the need for certain lesser-included offense instructions. The author supports a statute-based amendment of Military Rules of Evidence 404(a) and 405(c) to clarify that general military character or good soldier evidence is not admissible to show probability of innocence for sexual assault offenses.
Antenna beamforming using multiplicative array processing

Beamforming with conventional array processing utilizes linear, additive processing techniques to combine the signals from the different array elements. In this project, a multiplicative processing technique is proposed for combining the signals from antenna arrays for beamforming. The multiplicative processing technique is shown to emulate the performance of larger array apertures than the aperture size of the actual array measurements. Simulations are used to show that the proposed method produces direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimates commensurate with those produced by linear processing of measurements from much larger aperture sizes. It is also shown that the multiplicative processing of measurements from smaller apertures performs as well as linear processing of measurements from larger apertures, for separating signals from multiple sources. The sensitivity of the multiplicative processing technique to noise is also investigated.
Objective assessment method for RNAV STAR adherence

Flight crews and air traffic controllers have reported many safety concerns regarding area navigation standard terminal arrival routes (RNAV STARs). Specifically, optimized profile descents (OPDs). However, our information sources to quantify these issues are limited to subjective reporting and time-consuming case-by-case investigations. This work is a preliminary study into the objective performance of instrument procedures and provides a framework to track procedural concepts and assess design specifications. We created a tool and analysis methods for gauging aircraft adherence as it relates to RNAV STARs. This information is vital for comprehensive understanding of how our air traffic behaves. In this study, we mined the performance of 24 major US airports over the preceding three years. Overlaying 4D radar track data onto RNAV STAR routes provided a comparison between aircraft flight paths and the waypoint positions and altitude restrictions. NASA Ames Supercomputing resources were utilized to perform the data mining and processing. We assessed STARs by lateral transition path (full-lateral), vertical restrictions (full-lateral/full-vertical), and skipped waypoints (skips). In addition, we graphed frequencies of aircraft altitudes relative to the altitude restrictions. Full-lateral adherence was always greater than Full-lateral/full-vertical, as it is a subset, but the difference between the rates was not consistent. Full-lateral/full-vertical adherence medians of the 2016 procedures ranged from 0% in KDEN (Denver) to 21% in KMEM (Memphis). Waypoint skips ranged from 0% to nearly 100% for specific waypoints. Altitudes restrictions were sometimes missed by systematic amounts in 1,000 ft. increments from the restriction, creating multi-modal distributions. Other times, altitude misses looked to be more normally distributed around the restriction. This tool may aid in providing acceptability metrics as well as risk assessment information.
Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Severe Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Surgical Mitral Valve Intervention

Background Ischemic mitral regurgitation is associated with substantial risk of death. Although surgical mitral valve intervention (MVi) may improve symptoms, it has not been shown to improve survival. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of mortality in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation and MVi. Methods and Results We evaluated 117 consecutive patients (age, 65±10 years) with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and subsequent MVi between January 1, 2002 and January 1, 2012. Cardiac magnetic resonance was used to assess left ventricular remodeling and myocardial scarring. The effective regurgitant orifice area was calculated from the proximal isovelocity surface area by echocardiography. There were 43 deaths (37%) during follow‐up (median, 62 months). On multivariable analysis, age ≥70 years (P=0.013), diabetes mellitus (P=0.001), dyslipidemia (P=0.012), papillary muscle scar (P=0.010), incomplete revascularization (P=0.001), and total scar %×effective regurgitant orifice area ≥0.20 cm2 (P=0.005) were each independently associated with all‐cause mortality. Although patients with effective regurgitant orifice area <0.2 cm2 at baseline demonstrated an increased hazard ratio of 3.3 for every 10% increase in scar, the hazard ratio increased to 9 for every 10% increase in scar in those with baseline effective regurgitant orifice area ≥0.20 cm2. Mortality also was significantly higher in patients with incomplete revascularization compared with those with vascularized viable myocardium (61% versus 28%; P<0.001). Conclusions Increased total scar burden and the presence of incomplete revascularization are powerful predictors of mortality in patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing MVi. Viability assessment with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can identify which patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation are at highest risk for mortality after surgical MVi.
The Weil Representation

There is a whole aspect of SL 2(R) into which we shall not go, namely the various models which can be found in an infinitesimal equivalence class of representations, and the possibility of finding canonical models, e.g. the Whittaker model in such a class. We refer the reader to Jacquet-Langlands [Ja, La], Knapp-Stein [Kn, St], and Stein [St 2] for more information in this direction, and a discussion of intertwining operators among various models. Helgason [He 3] gives a particularly interesting model of representations in eigenspaces of the Laplacian. I include here just the special model of the Weil representation because of its particular interest in number theoretic applications, and the possibility of constructing automorphic forms with it, as in Shalika-Tanaka [Sh, Ta]. Besides, since Weil’s Acta paper [We] is written in an extremely general context, it may be useful to have a naive treatment of the special case as an introduction. Finally, the way the Weil representation is constructed provides an excuse for giving generators and relations for SL 2, and for mentioning the Brahat decomposition. I did not want to get very much involved in the matters discussed here, and so the chapter is somewhat arbitrary.
Regulation of eIF-2 Activity and Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Mammalian Cells

There is now convincing evidence that the eukaryotic peptide chain initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) plays a major role in regulation of protein syntehsis initiation in mammalian cells. Numerous reports indicate that eIF-2 activity changes under different physiological conditions with accompanying changes in protein synthesis activities in the cells. Austin and Clemens recently reviewed the literature concerning the role of eIF-2 in regulation of protein synthesis in different mammalian cells (1).
Using Counts to Monitor a Process Mean

A procedure for controlling a process mean to a target midway between two specified values is presented. It is assumed that the process variable has a normal distribution with unknown mean and variance, and that the data consists solely of counts of the..
Use of Beauveria bassiana to Control Northern Fowl Mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) on Roosters in an Agricultural Research Facility

Treatment of Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) infestation on poultry in research facilities can be challenging. The mite has a rapid reproductive cycle (egg to adult in 5 to 7 d), and chemical treatments can be toxic to birds, personnel, and the environment. In addition, antimite treatment may interfere with experimental research designs. The current study evaluated the efficacy of topical application of an entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, in the treatment of a naturally occurring infestation of Northern fowl mites in pen-housed roosters (n = 14; age, 18 mo). Two groups of 7 roosters each were used in 2 experiments: Beauveria (30 mL, 2.9 × 1010 spores per bird) compared with water (30 mL, control), and Beauveria compared with the common topical organophosphate agent tetrachlorvinphos–dichlorvos (30 mL). We also assessed a higher dose of Beauveria (300 mL, 2.9 × 1011 spores per bird) in the 7 birds that were not exposed to tetrachlorvinphos–dichlorvos. Beauveria reduced mite levels relative to the control group but did not outperform tetrachlorvinphos–dichlorvos when used at an equal volume and frequency. Increasing the volume and frequency of Beauveria application improved outcomes such that visual inspection failed to detect any mites. The results presented here suggest that, when applied in sufficient doses, Beauveria effectively reduces mites on poultry and can be an important part of an integrated pest management program. Additional research is needed to document the most effective dose, frequency, and location of B. bassiana application to control Northern fowl mites in poultry.
Multidimensional imaging techniques for prediction of treatment response in major depressive disorder.

Abstract A large number of studies have attempted to use neuroimaging tools to aid in treatment prediction models for major depressive disorder (MDD). Most such studies have reported on only one dimension of function and prediction at a time. In this study, we used three different tasks across domains of function (emotion processing, reward anticipation, and cognitive control, plus resting state connectivity completed prior to start of medication to predict treatment response in 13–36 adults with MDD. For each experiment, adults with MDD were prescribed only label duloxetine (all experiments), whereas another subset were prescribed escitalopram. We used a KeyNet (both Task derived masks and Key intrinsic Network derived masks) approach to targeting brain systems in a specific match to tasks. The most robust predictors were (Dichter et al., 2010) positive response to anger and (Gong et al., 2011) negative response to fear within relevant anger and fear TaskNets and Salience and Emotion KeyNet (Langenecker et al., 2018) cognitive control (correct rejections) within Inhibition TaskNet (negative) and Cognitive Control KeyNet (positive). Resting state analyses were most robust for Cognitive control Network (positive) and Salience and Emotion Network (negative). Results differed by whether an -fwhm or -acf (more conservative) adjustment for multiple comparisons was used. Together, these results implicate the importance of future studies with larger sample sizes, multidimensional predictive models, and the importance of using empirically derived masks for search areas.
Synthesis and characterization of Zinc/Chitosan-Folic acid complex.

Abstract Therapeutic drug delivery systems using polymeric materials is an emerging field of research. However, the use of certain polymers has gained much-needed attention by the researchers due to their low toxic nature. In recent years, chitosan has gained popularity as a potential biodegradable polymer that can be used as a component in drug delivery systems. In this study, we synthesized a chitosan derivative that is composed of both folic acid and zinc and may serve as a viable component of a drug delivery system. The results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and UV-visible Spectroscopy demonstrated a substantial difference between chitosan and ZnS/Chitosan-Folic acid derivative. The results were also confirmed using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The average particle size of the ZnS/Chitosan-Folic acid system was measured to be 463.67 ± 5.76 nm, showing that the product is within the nano-size range.
Testing Judgments of Learning in New Contexts to Reduce Confidence

Students often prepare for exams by restudying slides or notes, but the familiarity of these repeatedly reinstated contexts may influence students to be unduly confident in their knowledge, and cease study prematurely. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of reinstatement of encoding contexts during delayed judgments of learning (JOLs) in a laboratory paradigm. At encoding, word pairs were superimposed over unrelated 5-s video contexts, with one video context per target. Delayed judgments of learning for cue–target pairs were given with encoding contexts either changed or reinstated. When the encoding context was changed, judgments of learning decreased relative to the reinstatement condition, without a concomitant decrease in recall (tested later with no context cues), thus producing a metamemory illusion. Experiments 2 and 3 replicated these results with different designs. Although context manipulations did not improve metacognitive accuracy, unfamiliar contexts reduced JOLs, a desirable impact that is associated with increased study choice.
Improved CO2 reduction activity towards C2+ alcohols on a tandem gold on copper electrocatalyst

The discovery of materials for the electrochemical transformation of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels has the potential to impact large-scale storage of renewable energies and reduce carbon emissions. Here, we report the discovery of an electrocatalyst composed of gold nanoparticles on a polycrystalline copper foil (Au/Cu) that is highly active for CO2 reduction to alcohols. At low overpotentials, the Au/Cu electrocatalyst is over 100 times more selective for the formation of products containing C–C bonds versus methane or methanol, largely favouring the generation of alcohols over hydrocarbons. A combination of electrochemical testing and transport modelling supports the hypothesis that CO2 reduction on gold generates a high CO concentration on nearby copper, where CO is further reduced to alcohols such as ethanol and n-propanol under locally alkaline conditions. The bimetallic Au/Cu electrocatalyst exhibits synergistic activity and selectivity superior to gold, copper or AuCu alloys, and opens new possibilities for the development of CO2 reduction electrodes exploiting tandem catalysis mechanisms. The electrochemical transformation of CO2 into liquid fuels is a major challenge. Now, Jaramillo, Hahn and co-workers present a Au/Cu catalyst highly active to C2+ alcohols at low overpotentials as a result of a tandem mechanism where CO2 is reduced to CO on Au and further reduced to C2+ alcohols on nearby Cu.
Continued Summer Sound Lab Academic Research: Developing thin shell precast systems for acoustical environments

This paper presentation continues progress of an active multiphase acoustical research project emphasizing implementation of adaptive interactive acoustical responses in multiuse spaces to transform unhealthy learning environments. Building upon the December 2017 paper presentation, slotted and pocketed thin shell precast systems are being explored as a viable option to decrease excessive reverberation and flutter echo while increasing clarity and speech intelligibility within a multiuse space on campus. The project, launched Spring 2017, is spanning multiple phases and disciplines as faculty and students are analyzing and validating findings in both computer and physical form. Collected data will lead researchers to design applications for adaptive and resilient learning environments with minimized acoustical distractions and improved speech intelligibility. The work presented here defines prototypical concepts to inform final full-scale built form, providing scholarly merit applicable to similar spaces and/or functions. This paper presentation continues progress of an active multiphase acoustical research project emphasizing implementation of adaptive interactive acoustical responses in multiuse spaces to transform unhealthy learning environments. Building upon the December 2017 paper presentation, slotted and pocketed thin shell precast systems are being explored as a viable option to decrease excessive reverberation and flutter echo while increasing clarity and speech intelligibility within a multiuse space on campus. The project, launched Spring 2017, is spanning multiple phases and disciplines as faculty and students are analyzing and validating findings in both computer and physical form. Collected data will lead researchers to design applications for adaptive and resilient learning environments with minimized acoustical distractions and improved speech intelligibility. The work presented here defines prototypical concepts to inform final full-scale built form, providing scholarly merit applicable to similar spaces ...
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Pseudomonas Just Can't Decide.

Surface sensing is a fundamental yet poorly understood behavior of swimming bacteria. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Laventie et al. (2019) describe a cyclic-di-GMP-dependent pathway used by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to respond to surface binding on a several second timescale.
DNA auf Bestellung

Vor knapp zwei Jahrzehnten – das neue Jahrtausend war erst sechs Monate alt – feierte man auf der ganzen Welt die Nachricht, dass das menschliche Genom kartiert worden war. Auf einer gemeinsamen Pressekonferenz gaben der US-Prasident Bill Clinton und der britische Premierminister Tony Blair bekannt, ein staatlich-privates Gemeinschaftsunternehmen habe Erfolg gehabt: Man hatte den Entwurf einer Sequenz aller Sprossen der wunderschonen menschlichen DNA-Doppelhelixleiter erstellt.
The plunging pirouette of two low-mass stars

Astronomers using the Zwicky Transient Facility have discovered two white dwarfs orbiting each other every 6.9 minutes. But there is nothing transient about the gravitational waves emitted from this binary: the stars will produce persistent ripples in spacetime for millennia.
Confusion surrounding trauma resuscitation and opportunities for clarification.

Background In the absence of low-titer group O whole blood, conventional components are often transfused to hemorrhaging trauma patients in a ratio designed to replicate whole blood. However, there is still confusion surrounding how conventional components should be used to support traumatically injured bleeding patients, particularly concerning how platelets should be counted in a ratio-based approach and when the resuscitation can switch from a ratio-based to a laboratory-guided approach. Case report A traumatically injured patient, who was resuscitated with 10 units of red blood cells (RBCs), 6 units of plasma, 2 units of apheresis platelets, and 5 pools of cryoprecipitate is described. After hemostasis was achieved, and in the setting of an international normalized ratio of 1.2, the clinical team requested 4 additional units of plasma because "the patient was not resuscitated with a 1:1 ratio of RBCs to plasma." This case illustrates that misconceptions surrounding resuscitation with conventional components may lead to unnecessary transfusions in patients with normal laboratory values who have achieved hemostasis. Conclusions This report provides clarification as to how conventional components can be used for trauma resuscitation and why there is no need to transfuse additional plasma-containing components to achieve a desired ratio when the patient is no longer bleeding and laboratory values are within normal limits. Furthermore, each dose of platelets is suspended in roughly the equivalent of 1 additional unit of plasma that should also be considered in the cumulative dose of plasma administered when using a ratio-based approach.
Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in FFPE Samples and Histopathologic Findings in Fatal SARS-CoV-2 Cases.

Objectives To report methods and findings of 2 autopsies with molecular evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive individuals. Methods Postmortem examination was completed following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidelines. Numerous formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue types from each case were surveyed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 viral genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) from FFPE lung tissue blocks. Results Postmortem examinations revealed diffuse alveolar damage, while no viral-associated hepatic, cardiac, or renal damage was observed. Viral RNA was detected in lungs, bronchi, lymph nodes, and spleen in both cases using qRT-PCR method. RNA sequencing using NGS in case 1 revealed mutations most consistent with Western European Clade A2a with ORF1a L3606F mutation. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 testing and viral sequencing can be performed from FFPE tissue. Detection and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in combination with morphological findings from postmortem tissue examination can aid in gaining a better understanding of the virus's pathophysiologic effects on human health.