cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assembly of partial TFIID complexes in mammalian cells reveals distinct activities associated with individual TATA box-binding protein-associated factors.

The TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated factors (TAFIIs) compose the general transcription factor TFIID. The TAFII subunits mediate activated transcription by RNA polymerase II by interacting directly with site-specific transcriptional regulators. TAFIIs also participate in promoter recognition by contacting core promoter elements in the context of TFIID. To further dissect the contribution of individual TAFII subunits to mammalian TFIID function, we employed a vaccinia virus-based protein expression system to study protein-protein interactions and complex assembly. We identified the domains of human (h) TAFII130 required for TAFII-TAFII interactions and formation of a complex with hTBP, hTAFII100, and hTAFII250. Functional analysis of partial TFIID complexes formed in vivo indicated that hTAFII130 was required for transcriptional activation by Sp1 in vitro. DNase I footprinting experiments demonstrated that purified hTBP/hTAFII250 complex reconstituted with or without additional TAFIIs was significantly reduced for TATA box binding (as much as 9-fold) compared with free hTBP. By contrast, hTAFII130 stabilized binding of hTBP to the TATA box, whereas hTAFII100 had little effect. Thus, our biochemical analysis supports the notion that TAFIIs possess distinct functions to regulate the activity of TFIID.
Protection against fatal Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in mice after nasal immunization with a live, attenuated aroA deletion mutant.

Studies of immunity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa have indicated that a variety of potential immunogens can elicit protection in animal models, utilizing both antibody- and cell-mediated immune effectors for protection. To attempt to optimize delivery of multiple protective antigens and elicit a broad range of immune effectors, we produced an aroA deletion mutant of the P. aeruginosa serogroup O2/O5 strain PAO1, designated PAO1ΔaroA. Previously, we reported that this strain elicits high levels of opsonic antibody directed against many serogroup O2/O5 strains after nasal immunization of mice and rabbits. Here, we assessed the protective efficacy of immunization with PAO1ΔaroA against acute fatal pneumonia in mice. After active immunization, high levels of protection were achieved against an ExoU-expressing cytotoxic variant of the parental strain PAO1 at doses up to 1,000-fold greater than the 50% lethal dose. Significant protection against PAO1 and two of four other serogroup O2/O5 strains was also found, but there was no protection against serogroup-heterologous strains. The serogroup O2/O5 strains not protected against were killed in opsonophagocytic assays as efficiently as the strains with which protection was seen, indicating a lack of correlation of protection and opsonic killing within the serogroup. In passive immunization experiments using challenge with wild-type PAO1 or other noncytotoxic members of the O2/O5 serogroup, there was no protection despite the presence of high levels of opsonic antibody in the mouse sera. However, passive immunization did prevent mortality from pneumonia due to the cytotoxic PAO1 variant at low-challenge doses. These data suggest that a combination of humoral and cellular immunity is required for protection against P. aeruginosa lung infections, that such immunity can be elicited by using aroA deletion mutants, and that a multivalent P. aeruginosa vaccine composed of aroA deletion mutants of multiple serogroups holds significant promise.
Fracture detection using crosswell and single well surveys

We recorded high‐resolution (1 to 10 kHz), crosswell and single well seismic data in a shallow (15 to 35 m), water‐saturated, fractured limestone sequence at Conoco's borehole test facility near Newkirk, Oklahoma. Our objective was to develop seismic methodologies for imaging gas‐filled fractures in naturally fractured gas reservoirs. The crosswell (1/4 m receiver spacing, 50 to 100 m well separation) surveys used a piezoelectric source and hydrophones before, during, and after an air injection that we designed to displace water from a fracture zone. Our intent was to increase the visibility of the fracture zone to seismic imaging and to confirm previous hydrologic data that indicated a preferred pathway. For the single well seismic imaging (a piezoelectric source and an eight‐element hydrophone array at 1/4 m spacing), we also recorded data before and after the air injection. The crosswell results indicate that the air did follow a preferred pathway that was predicted by hydrologic modeling. In addition,...
Pleiotropic Approach to Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the main complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). Acute GVHD is thought to occur as a result of alloreactivity arising from mismatches in major or minor histocompatibility antigens between donor and recipient. The immunologic sequence of events leading to acute GVHD is initiated with the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and their presentation of host antigens to alloreactive donor lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid tissue. This is followed by activation, proliferation, and differentiation of these lymphocytes into T-helper type 1 (Th1) effector cells. These effector cells then migrate to host target tissues where direct cytotoxicity along with locally and systemically released cytokines result in end-organ damage (Figure 1). Traditionally, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for GVHD have relied on generalized immunosuppression. Given the lack of specificity, these methods often resulted in infectious complications as well as possible disease relapse due to suppression of the potentially curative graft-versus-malignancy effect. Certainly, better targeted and more effective therapies for the prevention and treatment of acute GVHD are needed.
Effects of Buffered Saline Solution on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance and Nasal Airway Patency

Objective To compare the effects of buffered hypertonic and buffered normal saline nasal spray on mucociliary clearance and nasal airway patency. Study design and setting Double-blind trial with subjects acting as their own controls. Tertiary care academic medical center. Results Buffered hypertonic saline and buffered normal saline both improved saccharine clearance times (P Conclusions Both buffered hypertonic and buffered normal saline nasal spray significantly improved saccharine clearance times without affecting nasal airway patency. Buffered hypertonic saline affected saccharine clearance times to a greater degree than buffered normal saline. Clinical significance Buffered hypertonic and buffered normal saline sprays both improve mucociliary clearance and should therefore be beneficial in conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis, which are associated with disruption of mucociliary clearance. However, these sprays do not appear to affect the nasal airway. Patients may therefore benefit from other treatments for “nasal congestion.” EBM rating: B-2.
A direct repeat is a hotspot for large-scale deletion of human mitochondrial DNA

Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) and progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) are related neuromuscular disorders characterized by ocular myopathy and ophthalmoplegia. Almost all patients with KSS and about half with PEO harbor large deletions in their mitochondrial genomes. The deletions differ in both size and location, except for one, 5 kilobases long, that is found in more than one-third of all patients examined. This common deletion was found to be flanked by a perfect 13-base pair direct repeat in the normal mitochondrial genome. This result suggests that homologous recombination deleting large regions of intervening mitochondrial DNA, which previously had been observed only in lower eukaryotes and plants, operates in mammalian mitochondrial genomes as well, and is at least one cause of the deletions found in these two related mitochondrial myopathies.
Is it congestion or a DDoS attack

We propose a new stealthy DDoS attack model referred to as the "quiet" attack. The attack traffic consists of TCP traffic only. Widely used botnets in today's various attacks and newly introduced network feedback control are integral part of the quiet attack model. We show that shortlived TCP flows can be intentionally misused. The quiet attack is detrimental to the Internet traffic and at the same time difficult to be detected by using current defense systems. We demonstrate the inability of representative defense schemes such as adaptive queue management and aggregate congestion control to detect the quiet attack.
Adaptive delay estimation for partitioning-driven PLD placement

This paper describes the application of weighted partitioning techniques to timing-driven placement on a hierarchical programmable logic device. We discuss the nature of placement on these architectures, the details of applying weighted techniques specifically to the programmable logic device (PLD) CAD flow, and introduce the new concept of adaptive delay estimation using phase local to increase performance. Empirical results show that these techniques, in a fully complete system with large industrial designs, give an average 38.5% improvement over the unimproved partitioning-based placement tool. Approximately two-thirds of this benefit is due to our improvements over a straightforward weighted partitioning approach.
Why do children misunderst and reversible passives? the child program learns to understand passive sentences

As children learn language they initially misunderstand reversible passive sentences as if they were active sentences. This error is an important clue to possible mechanisms by which children learn to understand passives in general. This paper reports on how the CHILD program learns to understand passive sentences, initially misunderstanding reversible passives e-s it does so. It presents an explanation of children's performance based on CHILD, and presents a number of predictions which follow from this explanation.
Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes present new opportunities for rechargeable magnesium batteries. However, few polymer electrolytes have demonstrated reversible Mg deposition/dissolution and those that have still contain volatile liquids such as tetrahydrofuran (THF). In this work, we report a nanocomposite polymer electrolyte based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), Mg(BH4)2 and MgO nanoparticles for rechargeable Mg batteries. Cells with this electrolyte have a high coulombic efficiency of 98% for Mg plating/stripping and a high cycling stability. Through combined experiment-modeling investigations, a correlation between improved solvation of the salt and solvent chain length, chelation and oxygen denticity is established. Following the same trend, the nanocomposite polymer electrolyte is inferred to enhance the dissociation of the salt Mg(BH4)2 and thus improve the electrochemical performance. The insights and design metrics thus obtained may be used in nanocomposite electrolytes for other multivalent systems.
Harringtonine, an inhibitor of initiation of protein biosynthesis.

The Cephalotaxus alkaloid harringtonine inhibits protein biosynthesis in HeLa cells, intact rabbit reticulocytes, and reticulocyte lysates. DNA synthesis in HeLa cells is partially inhibited by a 200 nM concentration of the alkaloid, while synthesis of RNA is unaffected; the inhibitory effects on protein and DNA synthesis are partially reversible. Harringtonine induces breakdown of polyribosomes to monosomes with concomitant release of completed globin chains. When the alkaloid is added to a reticulocyte lysate, a delay of 2 min occurs before inhibition of globin synthesis is observed. Based on the preceding observations, the principal effect of harringtonine appears to be on initiation of protein synthesis. In contrast to some other inhibitors of initiation, harringtonine does not inhibit binding of polyuridylic acid or tRNA to ribosomes, nor does it inhibit chain elongation even at high concentrations of drug. These observations provide a biochemical basis for the cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic properties of harringtonine and suggest its use as a tool for the study of protein synthesis in animal cells.
A 14.4nW 122KHz dual-phase current-mode relaxation oscillator for near-zero-power sensors

This paper presents a novel ultra-low-power dual-phase current-mode relaxation oscillator, which produces a 122 kHz digital clock and has total power consumption of 14.4 nW at 0.6 V. Its frequency dependence is 327 ppm/°C over a temperature range of −20° C to 100° C, and its supply voltage coefficient is ±3.0%/V from 0.6 V to 1.8 V. The proposed oscillator is fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS technology and occupies 0.03 mm2. At room temperature it achieves a figure of merit of 120 pW/kHz, making it one of the most efficient relaxation oscillators reported to date.
Are International Students Cash Cows? Examining the Relationship Between New International Undergraduate Enrollments and Institutional Revenue at Public Colleges and Universities in the US

There has been growing interest in the business of international education. It is often assumed that universities seek international students as a means of generating revenue. The broad purpose of this study was to understand the effects of increased international student enrollment on net tuition revenue. Informed by resource dependency and academic capitalism theory, this study used panel regression techniques to estimate the effect of enrolling an international undergraduate student on tuition revenue among public colleges and universities in the United States Findings show some but not all institutions are able to generate additional income by enrolling additional international students.
Moral discourse about medicine: a variety of forms.

Moral evaluations of medical research and care focus on different issues, e.g., clinical choices, public policy and cultural values. Technical ethical concepts and arguments do not suffice for all issues. Analysis of the literature suggests that, in addition to ethical discourse, prophetic, narrative, and policy discourse function morally. The article characterizes each of these forms, and suggests the insufficiency of each if it is taken to be the only mode of analysis.
Public Islam in Post-Apartheid South Africa: The Radio Islam Controversy:

This article examines the Radio Islam controversy of 1997, in which a South African Muslim radio station, affiliated with the conservative Deobandi organization Jamiatul Ulama, forbade women’s voic...
The matching-minimization algorithm, the INCA algorithm and a mathematical framework for voice conversion with unaligned corpora

This paper presents a mathematical framework that is suitable for voice conversion and adaptation in speech processing. Voice conversion is formulated as a search for the optimal correspondances between a set of source-speaker spectra and a set of target-speaker spectra under a transform that compensates speaker differences. It is possible to simultaneously recover a bi-directional mapping between two sets of vectors that is a parametric mapping (a transform) in one direction and a non-parametric mapping (correspondences) in the reverse direction. An algorithm referred to as Matching-Minimization (MM) is formally derived with proven convergence and an optimal closed-form solution for each step. The algorithm is closely related to the asymmetric-1 variant of the well-known INCA algorithm [1] for which we also provide a proof within the same framework. The differences between MM and INCA are delineated both theoretically and experimentally. MM outperforms INCA in all scenarios. Like INCA, MM does not require parallel corpora. Unlike INCA, MM is suitable when only a few adaptation data are available.
Sequential Action Control for Tracking of Free Invariant Manifolds

Abstract This paper presents a hybrid control method that controls to unstable equilibria of nonlinear systems by taking advantage of systems’ stable manifold of free dynamics. Resulting nonlinear controllers are closed-loop and can be computed in real-time. Thus, we present a computationally efficient approach to optimization-based switching control design using a manifold tracking objective. Our method is validated for the cart-pendulum and the pendubot inversion problems. Results show the proposed approach conserves control effort compared to tracking the desired equilibrium directly. Moreover, the method avoids parameter tuning and reduces sensitivity to initial conditions. Finally, when compared to existing energy based swing-up strategies, our approach does not rely on pre-derived, system-specific switching controllers. We use hybrid optimization to automate switching control synthesis on-line for nonlinear systems.
Care of sudden cardiac death survivors: the aberrant cardiac patients

Caring for survivors of sudden cardiac death presents nursing with a challenge. Although many of these individuals' needs are similar to those of other patients with cardiac disease, some are different. This article investigates the role of the nurse in providing care for these unique clients. To increase the nurse's understanding, sudden cardiac death is defined, its pathophysiology described, and the current medical management detailed. The unique nursing care needs of these individuals are outlined and suggestions for nursing interventions are presented. By providing comprehensive physical and emotional support to these individuals, recovery and return to a high-quality life will be facilitated.
Chapter 11 The Mnemonic Benefit of Pictures in Text: Selective Enrichment for Differentially Skilled Readers

Abstract Our research has focused on the extent to which pictures can enhance recall of textually presented information, particularly item-specific (detailed) information and relational information. Two sets of pictures were constructed, one set depicting individual details conveyed in the text and one depicting the relationship among several propositions. Initial findings showed that information targeted by a particular picture set was better recalled when the pictures were included in the text. Several theoretical orientations suggest, however, that this general pattern might vary depending on reading ability. A second experiment confirmed that the just-mentioned pattern emerged only for high- and average-reading ability readers. Low-ability readers benefited very selectively from pictures, with the benefit restricted to recall of illustrated details. These results are interpreted from the view that pictures enable the extraction and retention of information that readers under ordinary circumstances do not encode effectively, providing the readers have the requisite comprehension abilities to begin with. Resume Notre recherche vise a preciser dans quelle mesure les dessins peuvent ameliorer le rappel ďinformations presentees textuellement, et plus particulierement, les informations de detail et les informations de type relationnel. Deux ensembles de dessins ont ete realises, ľun representant des details individuels evoques dans le texte, ľautre representant les relations entre plusieurs propositions. Les premiers resultats montrent que ľinformation ciblee par un ensemble de dessins particulier est mieux rappelee quand les dessins sont inclus dans le texte. Cependant, plusieurs perspectives theoriques suggerent que ce pattern general peut varier selon les capacites de lecture et de comprehension. Une deuxieme experience a permis de confirmer que ce pattern n'est retrouve que chez les lecteurs de niveau eleve ou moyen. Les lecteurs de niveau faible n'ont beneficie que tres selectivement des dessins. Ľamelioration n'a porte que sur le rappel des details qui etaient illustres. Ces resultats suggerent que les dessins permettent ľextraction et la retention ďinformations que les sujets n'encodent pas specialement dans des conditions habituelles, pour autant que les lecteurs ont les capacites requises minimales de comprehension.
THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the concepts of significance in instruction in the elementary school. The approach is not a psychological one, but rather one of a substantive and practical nature. A mathematical concept, even the most elementary or so-called basic one, is a very complex entity. Similar to the structure of an atom that in its nuclear description becomes a more and more complex structure, the apparently simple idea of cardinal number becomes a multiplicity of ideas on investigation. A general concept of number is attained only by very few persons after many years of mathematical study. The chapter reviews some basic concepts of elementary school mathematics such as set; mapping; relation (equivalence, order); cardinal number; counting; numeration; operation, algorism; and classification of numbers; fraction; rational number (positive or zero); measure; ratio, proportion, and percent; and space.
Field-to-Fuel Performance Testing of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks for Fast Pyrolysis and Upgrading: Techno-economic Analysis and Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle Analysis

This work shows preliminary results from techno-economic analysis and life cycle greenhouse gas analysis of the conversion of seven (7) biomass feedstocks to produce liquid transportation fuels via fast pyrolysis and upgrading via hydrodeoxygenation. The biomass consists of five (5) pure feeds (pine, tulip poplar, hybrid poplar, switchgrass, corn stover) and two blends. Blend 1 consists of equal weights of pine, tulip poplar, and switchgrass, and blend 2 is 67% pine and 33% hybrid poplar. Upgraded oil product yield is one of the most significant parameters affecting the process economics, and is a function of both fast pyrolysis oil yield and hydrotreating oil yield. Pure pine produced the highest overall yield, while switchgrass produced the lowest. Interestingly, herbaceous materials blended with woody biomass performed nearly as well as pure woody feedstock, suggesting a nontrivial relationship between feedstock attributes and production yield. Production costs are also highly dependent upon hydrotreat...
Improvement of Eye Alignment in Adult Strabismic Monkeys by Sustained IGF-1 Treatment.

Purpose The goal of this study was to determine if continuous application of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) could improve eye alignment of adult strabismic nonhuman primates and to assess possible mechanisms of effect. Methods A continuous release pellet of IGF-1 was placed on one medial rectus muscle in two adult nonhuman primates (M1, M2) rendered exotropic by the alternating monocular occlusion method during the first months of life. Eye alignment and eye movements were recorded for 3 months, after which M1 was euthanized, and the lateral and medial rectus muscles were removed for morphometric analysis of fiber size, nerve, and neuromuscular density. Results Monkey 1 showed a 40% reduction in strabismus angle, a reduction of exotropia of approximately 11° to 14° after 3 months. Monkey 2 showed a 15% improvement, with a reduction of its exotropia by approximately 3°. The treated medial rectus muscle of M1 showed increased mean myofiber cross-sectional areas. Increases in myofiber size also were seen in the contralateral medial rectus and lateral rectus muscles. Similarly, nerve density increased in the contralateral medial rectus and yoked lateral rectus. Conclusions This study demonstrates that in adult nonhuman primates with a sensory-induced exotropia in infancy, continuous IGF-1 treatment improves eye alignment, resulting in muscle fiber enlargement and altered innervational density that includes the untreated muscles. This supports the view that there is sufficient plasticity in the adult ocular motor system to allow continuous IGF-1 treatment over months to produce improvement in eye alignment in early-onset strabismus.
My Recent Epiphany Regarding Major Cause of Lead Exposure

As a toxicologist, I’ve always considered the length of exposure as more important than the peak exposure, looking at the area under the curve as being more important than actual lead levels of children. The Canfield et al1 study clearly illustrates this concept that, even at low levels of lead exposure and blood lead levels, the effects can be pronounced. The recent revelations of lead contamination of water in Flint, Michigan, served as an epiphany for me. I examined the … E-mail: stevenmmarcusmd{at}gmail.com
Revealing Multiple Pathways in T4 Lysozyme Substep Conformational Motions by Single-Molecule Enzymology and Modeling.

Enzyme conformational dynamics play crucial roles in catalytic functions. Obtaining molecular level insights into the conformational transition dynamics of enzyme–substrate complex from the inactive state to the active state is fundamental for understanding enzymatic function and dynamics. Here, we report our progress on the real-time conformational transition dynamics of T4 lysozyme under enzymatic reactions using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The time duration in forming the active enzyme–substrate complex state (ES*) shows distinctive Poisson and non-Poisson statistics, including exponential and nonexponential, convoluted Poisson distributions, and Gaussian-like distributions. These complex dynamic behaviors of T4 lysozyme are in excellent agreement with a Markov dynamic simulation and a transition steps modeling. Specifically, we are able to obtain mechanistic understandings: (1) Transiting from enzyme (E) to ES*, T4 lysozyme hinge-bending conformational changes undergo multi...
The Incidence of Arthroplasty After Initial Arthroscopy for Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis.

Background: It remains unclear how many patients undergo secondary surgery after initial arthroscopy for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrosis. We studied the factors related to secondary TMC arthropl...
Intellectual Property Law and Bioprospecting: A Model Legal Framework

This paper addresses the questions of what form of legal protection is suitable for traditional knowledge, which is defined in the paper as the know-how, skills, innovations, and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities. The paper highlights the alarming rate of traditional knowledge loss caused by key factors such as a rising protectionist trend among knowledge holder communities. Legal intervention is, therefore, justified on the need to encourage investments in the codification (documentation) of traditional knowledge. Based on such rationale, a suitable model legal framework that interested jurisdictions could adopt is provided in the paper. It outlines a legal framework which builds on the public goods literature in general and the 'knowledge as a global public good' in particular. The paper proposes the establishment of a bioprospecting right over codified traditional knowledge to encourage investment in codification endeavors. Knowledge holder communities (or their licensees) who codify and disclose the knowledge will obtain a bioprospecting right over such knowledge. This right may include an exclusive privilege to conduct research in bioprospecting projects, or a right to benefit from bioprospecting projects that use codified traditional knowledge. The requirements for obtaining such rights are discussed, and the scope of these rights is examined in terms of its breadth and term. This paper then examines the nature and scope of codification that will be subject to the proposed bioprospecting right. It concludes by examining the implications of knowledge codification and disclosure on subsequent patent applications by knowledge holders or their licensees. It also examines ways in which the bioprospecting right could build the interest of diverse stakeholders.
Effect of Ambulatory Transitional Care Management on 30-Day Readmission Rates:

A process improvement initiative for transitional care management (TCM) was evaluated for effectiveness in reducing 30-day readmission rates in a retrospective cohort study. Regression models analyzed the association between level of TCM component implementation and readmission rates among patients discharged from a university medical center hospital. Of the 1884 patients meeting inclusion criteria, only 3.7% (70) experienced a 30-day readmission. Patients receiving the full complement of TCM had 86.6% decreased odds of readmission compared with patients who did not receive TCM ( P < .001). However, the complete package of TCM services under Medicare guidelines may not be essential. A postdischarge telephone call did not reduce readmission odds, provided a TCM office visit occurred. Important for risk assessment models targeting patients for TCM, the number of previous hospital admissions, not age, predicted 30-day readmission risk. This study provides evidence that primary care-based TCM can reduce 30-day readmissions even when overall rates are low.
Functional Characteristics of the Continent Ileocecal Urinary Reservoir: Mechanisms of Urinary Continence

AbstractWe evaluated urodynamically 14 patients with a continent ileocecal urinary reservoir. Reservoirs were constructed of detubularized right colon alone (4 patients), or augmented with ileum (2) or with a U-shaped ileal patch (8). All reservoirs were placed in the abdomen and used plicated terminal ileum as the efferent continence mechanism.Twelve patients are completely continent with intermittent catheterization at 4 to 8-hour intervals. Two patients suffer mild nighttime incontinence. Mean reservoir volume was 675ml. Intermittent intestinal contractions were noted in the plicated ileal segment and reservoir but they occurred more frequently in the former and were either synchronous with or preceded those in the reservoir. Mean and maximal contraction pressures were 24 and 47cm. water, respectively, in the reservoir and 40 and 151cm. water, respectively, in the plicated ileal segment (p equals 0.043 and less than 0.001, respectively). The highest reservoir contractions occurred in the 2 patients wit...
Learning transformation rules by examples

This paper presents an abstract for a general data transformation approach. Using programming by demonstration technique, we learn the transformation rules through user given examples. These transformation rules are automatically generated from a predefined grammar. Due to the grammar space is huge, we propose a grammar space reduction method to reduce the search space and a sketch of search algorithm is adopted to identify the rules that are consistent with the examples. The final experimental results show our approach achieves promising results on different transformation scenarios.
The ubiquitin ligase HECTD1 promotes retinoic acid signaling required for development of the aortic arch.

ABSTRACT The development of the aortic arch is a complex process that involves remodeling of the bilaterally symmetrical pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs) into the mature asymmetric aortic arch. Retinoic acid signaling is a key regulator of this process by directing patterning of the second heart field (SHF), formation of the caudal PAAs and subsequent remodeling of the PAAs to form the aortic arch. Here, we identify the HECTD1 ubiquitin ligase as a novel modulator of retinoic acid signaling during this process. Hectd1 opm/opm homozygous mutant embryos show a spectrum of aortic arch abnormalities that occur following loss of 4th PAAs and increased SHF marker expression. This sequence of defects is similar to phenotypes observed in mutant mouse models with reduced retinoic acid signaling. Importantly, HECTD1 binds to and influences ubiquitination of the retinoic acid receptor, alpha (RARA). Furthermore, reduced activation of a retinoic acid response element (RARE) reporter is detected in Hectd1 mutant cells and embryos. Interestingly, Hectd1 opm/+ heterozygous embryos exhibit reduced retinoic acid signaling, along with intermediate increased expression of SHF markers; however, heterozygotes show normal development of the aortic arch. Decreasing retinoic acid synthesis by reducing Raldh2 (also known as Aldh1a2 ) gene dosage in Hectd1 opm/+ heterozygous embryos reveals a genetic interaction. Double heterozygous embryos show hypoplasia of the 4th PAA and increased incidence of a benign aortic arch variant, in which the transverse arch between the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries is shortened. Together, our data establish that HECTD1 is a novel regulator of retinoic acid signaling required for proper aortic arch development.
Do name changes to “acaste” names by the Sinhalese indicate a diminishing significance of caste?:

In modern Sri Lankan society, caste has become less significant as a marker of social identity and exclusion than was the case in the past. While acknowledging this trend across South Asian societi...
Proceedings of the 2010 ACM international workshop on mmWave communications: from circuits to networks

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2010 ACM International Workshop on mmWave Communications: from Circuits to Networks (mmCom'10). This workshop presents research results and experience reports on leading edge issues of mmWave communications. The workshop brings experts from academia and industry together and covers topics from protocol and hardware design to standardization and product development. The program consists of eleven high quality papers which are presented in three sessions: The first session covers network architecture, protocols and algorithms as well as cross layer design for support of high performance applications. The second session focuses on coding, antenna design and beamforming techniques. And the last session covers mmWave band channel modeling as well as implementation challenges faced by mmWave developers. In addition, the program includes a panel entitled mmWave Communications: What is the killer Application and How to Make it Happen? and a keynote speech by Dr. Ali Sadri on Defining the Future of Multi-Gigabit mmWave Wireless Communications. We hope that these proceedings will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and developers in the field of mmWave communications.
Induction of RNA interference to block Zika virus replication and transmission in the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

Abstract The yellow fever mosquito , Aedes aegypti , serves as the primary vector for epidemic transmission of yellow fever, dengue, Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya viruses to humans. Control of Ae. aegypti is currently limited to insecticide applications and larval habitat management; however, to combat growing challenges with insecticide resistance , novel genetic approaches for vector population reduction or transmission interruption are being aggressively pursued. The objectives of this study were to assess the ability of the Ae. aegypti antiviral exogenous-small interfering RNA (exo-siRNA) response to inhibit ZIKV infection and transmission, and to identify the optimal RNA interference (RNAi) target region in the ZIKV genome. We accomplished these objectives by in vitro transcription of five long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from the genome region spanning the NS2B-NS3-NS4A genes, which were the most highly conserved among ZIKV RNA sequences representing both East and West African and Asian-American clades, and evaluation of the ability of these dsRNAs to trigger an effective antiviral exo-siRNA response after intrathoracic injection into Ae. aegypti . In a pilot study, five ZIKV dsRNAs were tested by intrathoracic inoculation of 250 ng dsRNA into groups of approximately 5-day-old mosquitoes. Three days post-inoculation, mosquitoes were provided an infectious blood-meal containing ZIKV strain PRVABC59 (Puerto Rico), MR766 (Uganda), or 41525 (Senegal). On days 7 and 14 post-infection individual whole mosquito bodies were assessed for ZIKV infectious titer by plaque assays. Based on the results of this initial assessment, three dsRNAs were selected for further evaluation of viral loads of matched body and saliva expectorants using a standardized infectious dose of 1 × 10 7 PFU/mL of each ZIKV strain. Fourteen days post-exposure to ZIKV, paired saliva and carcass samples were harvested from individual mosquitoes and assessed for ZIKV RNA load by qRT-PCR. Injection of each of the three dsRNAs resulted in significant inhibition of replication of all three strains of ZIKV in mosquito bodies and saliva. This study lays critical groundwork for pursuing ZIKV transmission-blocking strategies that exploit the Ae. aegypti exo-siRNA response for arbovirus suppression in natural populations.
Narrow, intrinsic C IV absorption in quasars as it relates to outflows, orientation, and radio properties

This work provides evidence that a large fraction of \ion{C}{IV} narrow absorption lines (NALs) seen along the line of sight to distant quasars are due to accretion disk winds, while also seeking to understand the relationship between NALs and certain quasar-intrinsic properties. We extend the results from past work in the literature using $\sim105,000$ NALs from a sample of $\sim58,000$ SDSS quasars. The primary results of this work are summarized as follows: (1) the velocity distribution (${\rm d}N/{\rm d}\beta$) of NALs is not a function of radio loudness (or even detection) once marginalized by optical/UV luminosity; (2) there are significant differences in the number and distribution of NALs as a function of both radio spectral index and optical/UV luminosity, and these two findings are not entirely interdependent; (3) improvements in quasar systemic redshift measurements and differences in the NAL distribution as a combined function of optical luminosity and radio spectral index together provide evidence that a significant portion of NALs are due to outflows; (4) the results are consistent with standard models of accretion disk winds governed by the $L_{\rm UV}$-$\alpha_{ox}$ relationship and line-of-sight orientation indicated by radio spectral index, and (5) possibly support a magnetically arrested disk model as an explanation for the semi-stochastic nature of strong radio emission in a fraction of quasars.
Dealing with Complex Systems

We can’t avoid complexity and when we try, we get into trouble. So, what to do after recognizing your own limitations and imbibing a strong dose of humility? I have tried to come up with some rules of thumb. They should not be considered to be authoritative pronouncements. However, they have helped me to deal with complexity without throwing up my hands in utter frustration. These rules fall into three basic categories – thinking, learning, and leading.
Indications for surgical resection of metastatic ocular melanoma. A case report and review of the literature.

Ocular melanoma can metastasize to the gallbladder and porta hepatic nodes and mimic pancreatic carcinoma. If one suspects metastatic disease, a complete metatstatic work-up must be done prior to surgery to prevent unnecessary surgery. If no distant disease is present or the patient is symptomatic, metastatic disease should be resected. To review the literature pertaining to the spread of ocular melanoma and to determine if distant disease should be resected. A 44-yr-old Egyptian male presented to an outside institution with mid-epigastric and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. His past medical history was significant for a left orbital enucleation for uveal melanoma in 1982. On physical examination, there was no supraclavicular adenopathy and no skin lesions were noted. There was a mass in the right upper quadrant. The total bilirubin was 4.8 mg/dL. A computed tomography showed a mass in the head of the pancreas and portal vein involvement could not be determined. The patient was taken to the operating room and a pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed for a cystic mass in the head of the pancreas. Final pathology revealed metastatic melanoma in the gallbladder and an enlarged, cystic lymph node growing into the head of the pancreas replaced with metastatic melanoma. The patient did well psot-operatively and was discharged home on the eighth post-operative day.
Modulation spectroscopy of Rydberg atoms in an optical lattice

We develop and study quantum and semiclassical models of Rydberg-atom spectroscopy in amplitude-modulated optical lattices. Both initial- and target-state Rydberg atoms are trapped in the lattice. Unlike in other spectroscopic schemes, the modulation-induced ponderomotive coupling between the Rydberg states is spatially periodic and perfectly phase-locked to the lattice trapping potentials. This leads to a type of sub-Doppler mechanism which we explain in detail. In our exact quantum model, we solve the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation in the product space of center-of-mass (COM) momentum states and the internal-state space. We also develop a perturbative model based on the band structure in the lattice and Fermi's golden rule, as well as a semiclassical trajectory model in which the COM is treated classically and the internal-state dynamics quantum-mechanically. In all models we obtain the spectrum of the target Rydberg-state population versus the lattice modulation frequency, averaged over the initial thermal COM momentum distribution of the atoms. We investigate the quantum-classical correspondence of the problem in several parameter regimes and exhibit spectral features that arise from vibrational COM coherences and rotary-echo effects. Applications in Rydberg-atom spectroscopy are discussed.
Oral health-related quality of life in Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder: an observational cohort study

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder whose oral manifestations and dental phenotypes have not been well-characterized. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of oral manifestations on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in LDS patients. LDS subjects were assessed by the craniofacial team at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Dental Clinic between June 2015 and January 2018. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire, oral health self-care behavior questionnaire and a comprehensive dental examination were completed for each subject. OHRQoL was assessed using the OHIP-14 questionnaire with higher scores corresponding to worse OHRQoL. Regression models were used to determine the relationship between each oral manifestation and the OHIP-14 scores using a level of significance of p ≤ 0.05. A total of 33 LDS subjects (51.5% female) aged 3–57 years (19.6 ± 15.1 years) were included in the study. The OHIP-14 scores (n = 33) were significantly higher in LDS subjects (6.30 [SD 6.37]) when compared to unaffected family member subjects (1.50 [SD 2.28], p < 0.01), and higher than the previously reported scores of the general U.S. population (2.81 [SD 0.12]). Regarding oral health self-care behavior (n = 32), the majority of LDS subjects reported receiving regular dental care (81%) and maintaining good-to-excellent daily oral hygiene (75%). Using a crude regression model, worse OHRQoL was found to be associated with dental hypersensitivity (β = 5.24; p < 0.05), temporomandibular joints (TMJ) abnormalities (β = 5.92; p < 0.01), self-reported poor-to-fair oral health status (β = 6.77; p < 0.01), and cumulation of four or more oral manifestations (β = 7.23; p < 0.001). Finally, using a parsimonious model, self-reported poor-to-fair oral health status (β = 5.87; p < 0.01) and TMJ abnormalities (β = 4.95; p < 0.01) remained significant. The dental hypersensitivity, TMJ abnormalities, self-reported poor-to-fair oral health status and cumulation of four-or-more oral manifestations had significant influence on worse OHRQoL. Specific dental treatment guidelines are necessary to ensure optimal quality of life in patients diagnosed with LDS.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Zn(Acetylene)n+ Complexes: Ligand Activation and Nascent Polymerization

Zinc–acetylene ion–molecule complexes were produced by laser vaporization in a supersonic expansion. These complexes were mass selected and studied with infrared laser photodissociation spectroscop...
His bundle pacing: troubleshooting during follow-up

Follow-up of pacemaker systems for His bundle pacing (HBP) requires electrocardiogram (ECG) knowledge and creative thinking. This relates to ventricular threshold measurement in which it can be difficult to distinguish between selective HBP and loss of capture with pseudofusion since, by definition, intrinsic QRS complexes and those selectively paced via the His bundle look identical. Threshold testing in HBP is best performed in unipolar pacing mode, recording of a 12-lead ECG and pacing in VVI mode significantly above the intrinsic rate. Peculiarities of HBP relate to oversensing by the His bundle lead of atrial activity or the His bundle potential itself, leading to ventricular asystole or incorrect measurements during sensing testing. Ventricular undersensing and the use of His bundle plus additional right ventricular leads may lead to complex ECGs. However, other daily pacemaker problems (such as tachycardia above the upper rate limit or premature beats) and specific phenomena (such as paradoxical cardiac memory) may also be demanding in ECG troubleshooting of HBP.
Along-stream evolution of Gulf Stream volume transport

AbstractThe Gulf Stream affects global climate by transporting water and heat poleward. The current’s volume transport increases markedly along the US East Coast. An extensive observing program usi...
Reduced Expression of VEGF-A in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Human Muller Cells Following CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein-Mediated Gene Disruption.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene editing in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and human Muller cells, which are the main VEGF-A producing cells in the eye. Methods CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein was used to target exon 1 in VEGF-A gene. Lipofectamine CRISPRMAX was used as a vehicle. In vitro gene editing efficiency was assessed on oligonucleotides and genomic DNAs. Sanger sequencing was performed to detect indels. VEGF-A messenger RNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In vitro cleavage assay on a 60-nucleotide DNA duplex showed 88% cleavage of the precursor. The cleavage efficiency was 40% in RPE cells and 32% in Muller cells. Sanger sequencing in the CRISPR-Cas9 treated RPE and Muller cells showed indels at the predicted cut site in both cells. After the VEGF-A gene disruption, VEGF-A protein levels decreased 43% in RPE cells (P < 0.0001) and 38% in Muller cells (P < 0.0001). Conclusions CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene disruption resulted in a significant decrease in the VEGF-A gene protein expression in human RPE and Muller cells. CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein may allow simultaneous targeting of multiple VEGF-A producing cells. Translational Relevance VEGF-A gene disruption using CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein has a potential in treating retinal vascular diseases.
Automated multiport flow-through water pumping and sampling system

Abstract Flow-through systems are often used in aquarium and aquaculture facilities, laboratories, and aboard research vessels and other mobile systems to collect, analyze, and monitor water properties as they vary across time and location. These systems most often intake water from a single source and deliver it to a suite of flow-through sensors after which waste water either exits the system or is recirculated back to the source. Here we describe a system that is designed to take water from multiple sources via a multiport valve manifold and deliver it to a common sample stream, facilitating analysis by a single suite of flow-through and probe type sensors. Build cost depends on the manifold design and the number of valves, but generally under $9000. The inclusion of a Free Surface Interface Cup (FSIC) allows probe type sensors or sample “sippers” that require unpressurized conditions to be utilized down-stream of the pumping system and manifold. With the exception of the multiport sampling manifold, all components of this system are available off-the-shelf, simplifying construction, service, and maintenance. The operating system code is open source and based on the Arduino platform, enabling users to customize the code to better fit their requirements.