cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BE Coatings on Spherical Surface for NIF Target Development

Beryllium is one of the preferred ablators for achieving ignition in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Thin and thick coatings of Be on CH shells have been deposited using a sputter coater established at UCSD's PISCES facility and examined using a variety of characterization techniques. Due to the spherical nature of these substrates, shadowing effects are expected to play significant roles in film growth as well as the expected surface diffusion length of deposited atoms. Be coatings on flat surfaces and spherical surfaces have been deposited and compared to understand the material growth behaviors on different surfaces and as a function of processing parameters. On flat surfaces, Be film developed polycrystalline morphology with columnar growth. On spherical surfaces, Be film also showed columnar growth at lower powers, which then transitioned into a twisted grain structure at higher powers. Cycling of parameters has been used to investigate possible grain growth interruption during growth and improving morphology. Initial results also suggest that copper doping during deposition does not change the columnar growth morphology. Measurements of the surface roughness of beryllium-coated shells indicate roughness growth proportional to the thickness with an exponent of 0.8 to 1.2, which is consistent with shadowing dominated roughening. As ion-beam-assisted growth may improve the surface finish and micro-structure of deposited films, we have also studied the effect of process parameters on the flux and energy of the ions reaching the substrates using an offline energy dispersive mass spectrometer system.
LONG-TERM BEHAVIORAL OUTCOME AND NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CREATINE AFTER CEREBRAL HYPOXIA ISCHEMIA IN NEONATAL RATS

Objective In the current study we investigated long-term behavioral outcome after cerebral hypoxia ischemia in neonatal rats as a basis to evaluate the long-term benefits of creatine supplementation. Previous findings showed that creatine supplementation preserves energy metabolism and thus ameliorates the extent of brain edema seen after transient cerebral hypoxia-ischamia. Methods Creatine suppl. for 3 days was followed by right common carotid artery ligation and exposure to hypoxia of 8% O2 for 60 min on day 7. 22 animals were creatine supplemented, 14 of them underwent hypoxic-ischemic intervention (Cr/HI). 11 animals underwent hypoxic-ischemic intervention without creatine suppl. (HI) and 10 animals were kept at the same condition without intervention (Con). Results When compared with controls (Con) after 7–8 months, hypoxic-ischemic animals (HI) performed significantly worse in all behavioral tests: 0.56 (0.0–1.4, 25–75% percentile) versus 1.68 (1.4–2.5) sec searching time (p Conclusions This is the first study on this model showing long-term behavioral deficits after cerebral hypoxia-ischemia; this is an important condition for long-term evaluation of potential neuroprotective interventions. Small group size may account for non-significant improvement after creatine suppl. suggesting further investigation.
Construction of Novel Transcription Vectors for Production of Biologically Active Transcripts from Viral cDNAs

A novel transcription vector, pUT118 which starts transcription to be directed to the natural 5' end of viral cDNA insert was constructed. After cleavage at a Xba I site just downstream of the cDNA insert, in vitro transcription can be performed by T7 RNA polymerase to produce full-length copies of viral RNAs. Biologically active CMV satellite RNA (Y strain) was successfully synthesized by inserting complete cDNA copy into a unique Nsi I site in pUT118 and transcribing the clone. To overcome the low transcription efficiency due to the modified T7 promoter in pUT118, pUT118GG was also created from pUT118 to add two extra G residues to the 5' end of the transcripts, allowing high efficiency of transcription initiation of the cDNA insert.
A Graphical Solution of the Differential Equation of the First Order

(1913). A Graphical Solution of the Differential Equation of the First Order. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 20, No. 9, pp. 279-281.
The Respiratory Epithelium. II. Hamster Trachea, Bronchus, and Bronchioles

The normal female hamster respiratory epithelium at five airway levels was characterized with the use of coordinated morphologic and histochemical techniques. Five morphologic cell types were recognized in the trachea, stem bronchi, and primary bronchl: basal cells and neurosecretory cells that were basally located and did not reach the lumen and mucous cells [mucous goblet cells and small mucous granule cells (SMGC)], indifferent cells showing mucous-ciliary differentiation, and ciliated cells that reached the lumen. Two epithelial cell types were observed in the bronchioles, ciliated cells and nonciliated Clara cells, both of which reached the lumen. Mucous cells presented as either SMGC with a few small periodic acid-Schiff-positive granules (diastase-resistant neutral mucosubstances) or as goblet cells, filled with the same material. Mucous cells were columnar, and the cytoplasm was electron-dense and contained a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. The microvilli of the mucous cells were coated more thickly with colloidal iron than either the cilia or microvilli of ciliated cells. Approximately one-half the cells in the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles were ciliated. Ciliated cells containing intracellular ciliated cysts with normal cilia projecting into a closed space or ciliated cells bearing compound cilia were observed infrequently. Neurosecretory cells were rarely observed. These cells contained characteristic dense-core granules.
Survey on Current Status of Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation in Rural Areas of Dongkou County

Objective To grasp the current situation of drinking water,toilets amelioration,and excreta disposal,to know the status of sewage treatment in the rural areas of Dongkou County.Methods A survey was conducted by adopting the unified form of rural drinking water investigation and environmental sanitation questionnaire.The sampling sites were determined according to the stratified method of population proportion,and random sampling tests were conducted.Results Drinking surface water in rural areas of Dongkou County accounted for 2.88% and drinking groundwater accounted for 97.12%.Centralized water supply accounted for 11.81% and distributed water supply accounted for 88.19%.The qualified rates of centralized water supply and distributed water supply were 6.84% and 66.67% (which excluded the index of disinfectant),respectively.Sanitary latrines accounted for 6.67% of the total household toilets.Domestic waste and production garbage accounted for 59.83% and 40.17% of the gross garbage,respectively.Living sewage discharged into the river accounted for 76.30%,and the productive wastewater discharged into the river accounted for 54.55%.Conclusions Rural drinking water supply mode and the quality of drinking water need to be speedily improved.The coverage rate of sanitary latrines in this county is lower,the collection and disposal of garbage and sewage are not standardized,and the situation of environmental sanitation is not satisfied.
Cloning and Expression of Antigen B Subnit 1 and 2(AgB1 and AgB2)of Echinococcus granulosus

Objective Isolates of Echinococcus granulosus from Xinjiang and Gansu Province were used in the cloning of the antigen B subnit B1 and B2 genes(AgB1 and AgB2).Their expression levels in three different expression systems were compared.Method Specific primers were designed to amplify the two antigen B subunit genes,AgB1 and AgB2.These 2 genes were cloned into three different vectors,pET28a(+),pET32a(+)and pGEX4T-1 for the expression in E.coli.The expression levels of AgB1 and AgB2 gene in each of the vectors were compared.Result The sequences of AgB1 and AgB2 gene were compared with the gene sequences in GenBank.The nucleotide and amino acids sequences of AgB1 are differ from the sequence of AgB1 of the parasite isolated from human of German origin,isolated from sheep of Brazil origin,and isolated from cattle of Italy origin.AgB2 had the same sequence with the AgB2 of the parasite isolated from sheep of Uruguay origin.The expression of AgB1 and AgB2 in these 3 expression vectors showed differences in the expression level,biological activity and solubility of the recombinant antigens.Conclusion The antigen B subnit AgB1 and AgB2 were successfully cloned and expressed in three different vectors.Results from the studies on the expression levels and the reactivity of the fused tag proteins with the pooled sera from healthy persons and echinococcosis patients suggested that the two genes was expressed better in pET32a vector than in the pET28a and pGEX4T-1 vectors.
Geodesigning ‘From the Inside Out’

The rise of geodesign as the articulation between landscape-scale design and GIS is stimulating the development of advanced tools to support practically every stage of the planning process. But this growing collection of tools is not coordinated through some coherent perspective on design. We present ongoing work on a methodology for geodesigning ‘from the inside out’, by which we mean a systematic procedure that reflects an approach to design as a distinct science. That approach is motivated by Simon’s view of design-oriented disciplines (which include engineering) as a separate class of ‘sciences of the artificial’. Unlike traditional sciences, the design sciences are geared towards the production of purposeful artifacts that reflect the intentionality of the designer. Our proposed methodology, which we call ‘perspectives mapping’, consists of several steps, starting with the ‘soft’ aspects of a design’s desired purpose and function, and ending with ‘hard’ products built out of geospatial information. We outline the steps of the procedure using coastal and marine spatial planning as an illustration, and focus on the stakeholders’ diverse perspectives that will help define the key characteristics of the plan. The still tentative methodology is being developed in the context of an off-the-shelf marine planning support system, though it does not depend on any particular platform. Beyond the connection with Simon’s ideas, the methodology also has links with ontology work in geographic information science, with models familiar from AI, and with Christopher Alexander’s ‘pattern language’.
Analysis of the Rhizobium meliloti Baca Protein: Implications for Host-Microbe Interactions

The R. meliloti bacA gene is necessary for nodule development in the R. meliloti-alfalfa symbiosis; bacA mutants senesce immediately upon release from infection threads into nodule cells. Sequence analysis predicts that BacA is a cytoplasmic membrane transport protein, and we hypothesize that R. meliloti may recognize that it has been released into the plant cytoplasm as a result of the recognition/transport of a plant compound via the BacA protein.
The Image Plane

Picture plane is a traditional name in descriptive geometry for the location of a two-dimensional image. It corresponds with the plane of the grid used by Albrecht Durer (1471–1528) as illustrated in Fig. 2-1 and with the film plane in a camera. However, not all images arise from projection: image plane is a more general term for the domain of a plane image. Images may be presented in many ways, such as by photography, television, or printing, and there are other modes of presentation that may be equivalent to images. Examples of equivalents include an array of numbers, a voltage waveform (from which a television picture could be generated), or a contour diagram of the kind introduced in 1728 by M. S. Cruquius and most familiar (Fig. 2-2) in the representation of surface relief on maps. One chooses according to end use: a passport photo rendered in grey levels is more appropriate than the equivalent contour diagram or matrix of numerical values, if it is a matter of identifying the bearer. All of these forms, in one way or another, are equivalent to a single-valued scalar function of two variables. and therefore the theory of such functions must be basic to an understanding of images. even though a full understanding of images may go farther.
Abstract IA20: Hypoxic influences on the tumor microenvironment

Solid tumors typically develop hostile microenvironments characterized by irregular vascularization and poor oxygen (O2) and nutrient supply. Whereas normal cells modulate anabolic and catabolic pathways in response to changes in nutrient availability, cancer cells exhibit unregulated growth even under nutrient scarcity. Recent studies have demonstrated that constitutive activation of growth-promoting pathways results in dependence on unsaturated fatty acids for survival under O2 deprivation. In cancer cells, this dependence represents a critical metabolic vulnerability that could be exploited therapeutically. Here I will review how this dependence on unsaturated lipids is affected by the microenvironmental conditions faced by cancer cells, particularly in the setting of sarcomas. Citation Format: M. Celeste Simon. Hypoxic influences on the tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr IA20.
A statistical critical path monitor in 14nm CMOS

Local variation of delay paths has a significant impact on modern microprocessor performance and yield. A critical path monitor is reported which extracts timing variability information on various critical paths, including sample processor paths. The very compact circuit contains 256 copies of 15 different delay paths, enabling measurement of the statistics of delay variation, as a function of threshold voltage, supply voltage, fanout, temperature, and circuit topology. Measurements of 14nm SOI finFET [1] circuit path delays are presented. The reported sensor can offer a variety of advantages on a processor chip, ranging from testing time improvement to power savings.
Next-Generation Sequencing in Cardiovascular Disease: Present Clinical Applications and the Horizon of Precision Medicine.

The initial sequencing of the human genome took nearly a decade to complete. Today, the same can be accomplished in hours using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Before the invention of NGS, genetic testing was accomplished by traditional Sanger sequencing. In cardiovascular medicine, this approach typically involved the sequencing of a region of interest in a single affected patient’s DNA and then comparison of that sequence to the human genome reference sequence. Variants found were then compared to a panel of sequences from unaffected people, often anonymous blood donors. This strategy has been the mainstay of genetic testing to assess small numbers of disease-related genes across cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases. However, this approach is limited in its scalability. NGS builds on these basic principles, extending them to allow billions of DNA molecules to be sequenced simultaneously. This multiplex technology yields billions of small polynucleotide reads, called “short reads.” Mapping and assembly of these short reads to a reference genome then allows discovery of genetic variants at scale (Figure 1), increasing the speed and reducing the cost of sequencing by orders of magnitude.1 Thus, NGS can easily be applied to panels of genes, every gene, or the whole genome in clinical settings. This scientific leap in sequencing technology has occurred over just 15 years and has brought the genetic code to the forefront of diagnosis and therapy, making it increasingly important for clinicians to be aware of its utility and limitations in practice. Figure 1. Comparison of traditional sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS). In traditional sequencing, DNA is replicated in the presence of fluorescently labeled bases, yielding differently sized strands with different terminal bases. These terminal bases are identified to assemble the entire sequence and compare it …
Managing Street-Level Arbitrariness: The Evidence Base for Public Sector Quality Improvement

Decentralized decisions among government officials can cause dramatic inconsistencies in bureaucratic decision making. This article provides a synthetic review of the evidence base for improving the quality of bureaucratic decisions and reducing such street-level arbitrariness. First, we offer a typology to unify quality assurance management techniques often treated in distinct scholarly literatures. This synthesis reveals common challenges but also points to novel hybrid solutions that borrow across management techniques. Second, although empirical evidence is limited, our review suggests that ongoing management techniques, such as monitoring, peer review, and pay-for-performance, are more successful than ex post techniques, such as audits and appeals. Third, performance measurement and pay exacerbate the quantity–quality trade-off long opined about in public administration. We offer suggestions for future directions—most importantly, the vital role of academic-agency research collaborations in crafting ...
Shh...babies growing: A clinical practice guideline for reducing noise level in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract This proposed clinical practice guideline addresses the rationale surrounding, and suggests methods to achieve, actual noise levels that are within recommended parameters within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. The evidence for this guideline is rooted in review of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, quantitative study findings, and expert committee opinion.
Effective Affect: Elucidating MicroMechanisms of Value-Creating Solutions to Strategic Problems

What are the antecedents of value creation and competitive advantage? A growing microfoundational literature provides several cognitive explanations, including experiential fragments, expectations,...
The Apocalypse of Paul ( NHC V ,2) as a Valentinian Baptismal Liturgy of Ascent

The Apocalypse of Paul (NHC V,2), a second-century Valentinian text, imagines Paul’s progression up to the tenth level of heaven. Not only is this a reference to the third-person account in 2 Corinthians, but also a clear indication of the baptismal liturgy in the Valentinian text as the audience joins Paul after the third heaven and ascends through the upper levels while reciting the visionary tale in the first person after their initiation. Ultimately, this paper shows how the second-century Valentinian memory of Paul is a coalescence of his mystical religiosity and authority and the imagistic ritual practices of the Valentinians. Methodologically, this paper follows a traditional historical and text critical approach, augmented with social memory theory and cognitive ritual studies. In this paper, it is argued that the Apocalypse of Paul integrates of the memory of Paul and his ascent according to 2 Corinthians with contemporary Valentinian ritual practices.
Spectral Decomposition of Self-Adjoint and Unitary Operators

The main subject of this chapter is the analogue, for a self-adjoint operator in a Hilbert Space, of the problem of diagonalizing a Hermitian matrix and thereby expressing the matrix in terms of its eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Good Fortune, Good Friends

Born in 1952 in the American south, Richard Golsan’s interest in Vichy and the Holocaust was inspired by childhood experiences in southern France as well as growing up in the United States in a time of political and social turmoil marked by the civil rights movement, the assassination of John Kennedy, and the Vietnam War. His ego-history shows how his path and success as a scholar of Vichy and of its political and cultural legacies were facilitated by mentors and colleagues in France and the United States whose work inspired him and whose generosity enabled his research.
Influence of school environments on childhood obesity in California.

Abstract Objective To conduct a state-wide examination of public schools and the school neighborhood as potential targets for environmental public health tracking to address childhood obesity. Methods We examined the relationship of social and physical environmental attributes of the school environment (within school and neighborhood) and childhood obesity in California with machine learning (Random Forest) and multilevel methods. We used data compiled from the California Department of Education, the U.S. Geological Survey, ESRI's Business Analyst, the U.S. Census, and other public sources for ecologic level variables for various years and assessed their relative importance to obesity as determined from the statewide Physical Fitness Test 2003 through 2007 for grades 5, 7, and 9 (n = 5,265,265). Results In addition to individual-level race and gender, the following within and school neighborhood variables ranked as the most important model contributors based on the Random Forest analysis and were included in multilevel regressions clustered on the county. Violent crime, English learners, socioeconomic disadvantage, fewer physical education (PE) and fully credentialed teachers, and diversity index were positively associated with obesity while academic performance index, PE participation, mean educational attainment and per capita income were negatively associated with obesity. The most highly ranked built or physical environment variables were distance to the nearest highway and greenness, which were 10th and 11th most important, respectively. Conclusions Many states in the U.S. do not have school-based surveillance programs that collect body mass index data. System-level determinants of obesity can be important for tracking and intervention. The results of these analyses suggest that the school social environment factors may be especially important. Disadvantaged and low academic performing schools have a higher risk for obesity. Supporting such schools in a targeted way may be an efficient way to intervene and could impact both health and academic outcomes. Some of the more important variables, such as having credentialed teachers and participating in PE, are modifiable risk factors.
NEW PROCEDURE OF MICRO-SOLID SCINTILLATION COUNTING ON FLUOR-COATED GLASS-FIBER SUPPORT IN PLASTIC MINI-BAGS FOR H3, C14, S35 AND P32 SAMPLES: PART II

Abstract A new procedure of micro-solid scintillation counting on fluor-coated glass-fiber disc in mylar-type plastic minibags is described. The method is easy, simple and extremely inexpensive (800–1000 samples per dollar).
Chapter 26 The transport of neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the transport of neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles. Using selection in the neurotoxin MPP+, a cDNA encoding vesicular amine transport is isolated. The transporter protects against MPP+ by sequestering the toxin in vesicles, away from its primary site of action in mitochondria. Unexpectedly, two distinct but highly related genes encode vesicular amine transport in the adrenal gland and the central nervous system. One occurs at the plasma membrane and serves to terminate the action of the transmitter in the synapse by transporting it back across the plasma membrane. This transport activity uses the Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane to drive transport, and thus functions as a Na-cotransporter. The other transport activity involved in synaptic transmission serves to package the neurotransmitter into vesicles so that its release can be regulated by neural activity. The sequence of both predicts twelve transmembrane domains and weak homology to a class of bacterial antibiotic resistance proteins. The two human genes occur on different chromosomes. In addition, the two transporters—brain and adrenal transporters—show a number of differences in function, including substrate specificity and the interaction with one inhibitor and amphetamines.
In-human activity and pharmacology of homemade silver nanoparticles in highly refractory metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer.

e17533Background: Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) show high efficacy as targeted therapy against cancer cell lines, but have never been tested in patient clinical trials. We present the first in-human ...
Relationship of Ganciclovir Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with Clinical Efficacy and Patient Safety.

ABSTRACT The clinical utility of ganciclovir therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients treated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with ganciclovir with TDM between 2005 and 2015. The primary outcome was an association between ganciclovir TDM and clinical efficacy endpoints within 30 days, defined by viral load and symptomatology. Secondary outcomes included safety endpoints, evaluated within 7 days of the last administered dose of ganciclovir. Of 175 patients evaluated, 82 patients with CMV infection were included in our analysis with a median (interquartile range) baseline CMV viral load of 5,500 (3,000 to 15,200) copies/ml. The majority achieved undetectable or reduced CMV viral load below the lower limit of quantification (74.4%) with improvement in symptomatology (70.7%) at 30 days. Among patients with detectable CMV viremia at 30 days, the viral load had declined to a median of 1,000 (1,000 to 3,090) copies/ml. We did not observe significant associations between the efficacy outcomes and ganciclovir trough ( P = 0.20 and P = 0.20, respectively) or peak concentrations ( P = 0.14 and P = 0.14, respectively). Similarly, there was no significant association between ganciclovir trough or peak concentrations and safety endpoints, including leukopenia ( P = 0.48 and P = 0.69), neutropenia ( P = 0.59 and P = 0.69), thrombocytopenia ( P = 0.29 and P = 0.37), anemia ( P = 0.51 and P = 0.35), nephrotoxicity ( P = 0.41 and P = 0.57), and neurotoxicity ( P = 0.22 and P = 0.48). We did not observe any associations between ganciclovir TDM and clinical efficacy or safety endpoints. Routine ganciclovir TDM may be of limited value. Future studies may be warranted to identify specific populations with unpredictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles in whom ganciclovir TDM may be of benefit.
Supporting peer assessment in education with conversational agents

In this paper, we explored the potential of using a conversational chatbot interface to guide students to perform peer assessments. Our results show that our chatbot interface is in general successful in guiding graders, as reflected by students' grading consistencies across multiple assessments and correlated with teaching assistants' grading. Our results provide insights into how conversational interface can be used to support peer assessments.
Store-Operated Calcium Entry

Depletion of intracellular calcium stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates store-operated channels for Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane (PM), as demonstrated in Fig. 8.1. This process is called the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), a common and ubiquitous mechanism of regulating Ca2+ influx into cells [1, 7, 36, 38]. The best-studied store-operated channel (SOC) is the Ca2+ releaseactivated Ca2+ channel (CRAC) [5, 12, 13, 30, 38, 41, 53]. SOCE is a key feedback controller to stabilize ER Ca2+ and has been proposed as the main Ca2+ entry pathway in non-excitable cells [37, 38]. SOCE, originally known as capacitative calcium entry (CCE), was first proposed by Putney [42] and has been extensively studied later (for review, see Berridge [2, 3], Bird et al [4], Chakrabarti et al [6], Dirksen [9], Lewis [25], Parekh [37], Potier et al [39], Prakriya et al [40], Putney [43], and Shuttleworth et al [47]).
Postexercise facilitation in Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome.

A 57-year-old man presented with 6 months’ history of gradual-onset painless fatigable proximal weakness, described as difficulty going up and down the stairs, as well getting out of low chairs. This was unaccompanied by neck/back pain, and sensory, bulbar or respiratory complaints. His constitutional symptoms were significant for fatigue unaccompanied by sleep or mood disturbances, postural lightheadedness, dry mouth and 50 lb unintentional weight loss. Clinical examination showed orthostatic hypotension, mild bilateral hip flexor weakness and generalised hyporeflexia–areflexia, which improved with brief exercise (video 1). Laboratory tests done at an outside hospital showed normal creatine kinase (CK) and thyroid hormone levels. video 1 ### Diagnosis The differential diagnosis for a pure motor disorder without cranial nerve or sphincter involvement, neck or back …
Mul1 restrains Parkin-mediated mitophagy in mature neurons by maintaining ER-mitochondrial contacts.

Chronic mitochondrial stress associates with major neurodegenerative diseases. Recovering stressed mitochondria constitutes a critical step of mitochondrial quality control and thus energy maintenance in early stages of neurodegeneration. Here, we reveal Mul1-Mfn2 pathway that maintains neuronal mitochondrial integrity under stress conditions. Mul1 deficiency increases Mfn2 activity that triggers the first phasic mitochondrial hyperfusion and also acts as an ER-Mito tethering antagonist. Reduced ER-Mito coupling leads to increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ load that activates calcineurin and induces the second phasic Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy. Overexpressing Mfn2, but not Mfn1, mimics Mul1-deficient phenotypes, while expressing PTPIP51, an ER-Mito anchoring protein, suppresses Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Thus, by regulating mitochondrial morphology and ER-Mito contacts, Mul1-Mfn2 pathway plays an early checkpoint role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity. Our study provides new mechanistic insights into neuronal mitochondrial maintenance under stress conditions, which is relevant to several major neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and altered ER-Mito interplay. Little is known about the pathways that maintain mitochondrial structure and function under neuronal stress conditions. Here, authors demonstrate that the Mul1-Mfn2 pathway plays a checkpoint role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and energy maintenance by ensuring ER-mitochondrial tethering and preventing mitophagy.
MOOCs and their impact on CS education

With the current economy placing even more pressures on families of college-bound students, many families are searching for alternatives to traditional higher education. MOOCs have surfaced as one of many alternatives to the traditional college experience that families and students are exploring in an attempt to lower education costs. How will MOOCs impact computer science education in traditional colleges and universities? This panel brings together several faculty members from the Northwest to discuss current trends and experiences relating to MOOCs in computer science education.
Lyophilized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Amphotericin B: A Novel Targeted Nano Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Systemic Fungal Infections

We formulated and tested a targeted nanodrug delivery system to help treat life-threatening invasive fungal infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis. Various designs of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (34-40 nm) coated with bovine serum albumin and coated and targeted with amphotericin B (AMB-IONP), were formulated by applying a layer-by-layer approach. The nanoparticles were monodispersed and spherical in shape, and the lead formulation was found to be in an optimum range for nanomedicine with size (≤36 nm), zeta potential (-20 mV), and poly dispersity index (≤0.2), and the drug loading was 13.6 ± 6.9 µg of AMB/mg of IONP. The drug release profile indicated a burst release of up to 3 h, followed by a sustained drug release of up to 72 h. The lead showed a time-dependent cellular uptake in C. albicans and C. glabrata clinical isolates, and exhibited an improved efficacy (16-25-fold) over a marketed conventional AMB-deoxycholate product in susceptibility testing. Intracellular trafficking of AMB-IONP by TEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the successful delivery of the AMB payload at and/or inside the fungal cells leading to potential therapeutic advantages over the AMB-deoxycholate product. A short-term stability study at 5 °C and 25 °C for up to two months showed that the lyophilized form was stable.
NATIONAL TRENDS IN READMISSION RATES AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT VERSUS SURGICAL AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT WITH SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in high and intermediate risk patients. We intended to study the national trends in readmission rates, in patients underwent TAVR versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Using the
Pain and Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Excision of Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term impact of laparoscopic excision of endometriosis on quality of life through pain reduction as measured by the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) in uterine-sparing (preservation of the uterus and at least 1 ovary) and nonuterine-sparing (removal of the uterus) surgery. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENTS Sixty-one women who had undergone laparoscopic excision of endometriosis for pelvic pain were enrolled in a tissue-procurement study. INTERVENTIONS Patients who had previously completed an EHP-30 preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively were mailed a copy of the EHP-30 2.6 to 6.8 years after their index surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary outcome was quality of life as measured by changes in the EHP-30 scores before their index surgery and those measured weeks and years later. The secondary outcome was a comparison of the EHP-30 scores between patients who underwent excision of endometriosis alone and those who underwent excision of endometriosis with hysterectomy +/- oophorectomy. From 2011 to 2015, 61 women underwent laparoscopic excision of endometriosis for pelvic pain. Forty-six of the 61 patients completed the EHP-30 for a response rate of 75%. The patients demonstrated significant improvement in all 5 scales of the EHP-30 (pain, control and powerlessness, emotional well-being, social support, and self-image) at 4 weeks postoperatively (p <.001), which persisted for up to 6.8 years in follow-up (p <.001) when compared with their baseline scores. The improvement in EHP-30 scores did not differ by American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging or index surgery. Definitive surgery (total laparoscopic hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) was not associated with improved outcomes when compared with uterine-sparing surgery. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis offers improvement in all quality-of-life domains as measured by the EHP-30, including a reduction in pain, an effect that may persist for up to 6.8 years. These findings suggest that laparoscopic excision of endometriosis with uterine preservation can be considered as an option for discussion during counseling for treatment of endometriosis.
H2O–CO and D2O–CO complexes: Intra- and intermolecular rovibrational states from full-dimensional and fully coupled quantum calculations

We present efficient yet rigorous, full-dimensional quantum bound-state calculations of the fully coupled J = 0 and one intra- and intermolecular rovibrational levels of H2O–CO and D2O–CO complexes. The new ab initio nine-dimensional (9D) potential energy surface (PES) [Y. Liu and J. Li, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 21, 24101 (2019)] is employed. In the spirit of the recently introduced general procedure [P. M. Felker and Z. Bacic, J. Chem. Phys. 151, 024305 (2019)], the 9D rovibrational Hamiltonian is partitioned into a 5D (rigid-monomer) intermolecular Hamiltonian, two intramolecular vibrational Hamiltonians—one for the water monomer (3D) and another for the CO monomer (1D), and a 9D remainder term. The low-energy eigenstates of the three reduced-dimension Hamiltonians are used to build up the 9D product contracted basis, in which the matrix of the full rovibrational Hamiltonian is diagonalized. In line with the findings of our earlier study referenced above, the 5D intermolecular eigenstates included in the 9D bases extend up to at most 230 cm−1 above the lowest-energy state of the given parity, much less than the intramolecular fundamentals of the two complexes that span the range of energies from about 1200 cm−1 to 3800 cm−1. The resulting Hamiltonian matrices are small for the 9D quantum problem considered, ≈ 10 000 for J = 0 and 13 500 for J = 1 calculations, allowing for direct diagonalization. The 9D calculations permit exploring a number of features of the rovibrational level structure of H2O–CO and D2O–CO that are beyond the quantum 5D rigid-monomer treatments reported to date. These include the differences in the magnitudes of the hydrogen-exchange tunneling splittings computed in 9D and 5D, the sensitivity of the tunneling splittings to the intramolecular vibrational excitation, the frequency shifts of the intramolecular vibrational modes, which, depending on the mode, can be either blue- or redshifts, and the effects of the excitation of the intramolecular fundamentals on the low-lying intermolecular eigenstates. Also examined is the extent of the eigenstate delocalization over the two minima on the PES. Whenever possible, a comparison is made with the experimental data in the literature.
Optical coherence tomography angiography of astrocytic hamartoma demonstrates intrinsic vascularity.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the findings of astrocytic hamartoma in the setting of gyrate atrophy, including details of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Observations Multimodal imaging was obtained on a 20-year-old woman with genetically-confirmed gyrate atrophy. Dilated fundus exam was performed, followed by ultra-widefield color and green autofluorescence imaging and OCTA of bilateral peripapillary and optic disc lesions. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with gyrate atrophy. The bilateral peripapillary and optic disc lesions had a glistening, translucent, and mulberry-like appearance. OCTA imaging of these lesions clearly demonstrated an intrinsic vascular network and hyporeflective spaces within the lesion, which could not be seen on routine examination. Conclusions and importance OCTA was used to noninvasively diagnose astrocytic hamartoma in this patient with gyrate atrophy by showing the intrinsic vasculature and hyporeflective spaces of the lesion. This imaging modality can help differentiate astrocytic hamartoma from other lesions that typically lack intrinsic vascularity, such as optic disc drusen.
Clinical Approach to Autoimmune Myelitis and Myelopathy

Autoimmune myelitis is an inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord leading to acute and subacute motor, sensory, or autonomic disturbances. Once compressive and infectious etiologies for myelopathies are excluded, the treatment approach is very similar. The diagnostic evaluation is often more challenging as no single test can provide certainty of the etiology. However, the combination of clinical presentation, radiological features, spinal fluid analysis, and serological testing can elucidate likely causes and guide management.
Phylogeny can inform animal model development for both inherited and induced conditions: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Abstract: The use of animal models in research on human and veterinary diseases and disorders is retracting, though it is likely to remain critical for decades. In light of increasing regulation and expectations of judicious use of animal subjects, we examine the idea that the use of animal models can be guided by phylogenetic relationships and modern evolutionary and cladistic analyses. Given that inherited disorders, and indeed, even the developmental and physiological responses to non-inherited conditions, are subject to evolutionary forces, it follows that the observed differences in model organisms are the products of evolutionary divergence. Understanding that divergence has the potential to elucidate which taxa are most likely to exhibit any given symptom or manifest a reaction in a broadly predictable fashion. We examine two case studies, one the inherited disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the other an entirely environmentally induced problem, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Both case studies reveal symptoms are largely congruent with phylogeny, suggesting relatively conservative evolution of developmental pathways. It follows that it is possible to characterize the manifestation of symptoms or dysmorphologies to broad phylogenetic groups. These data can then be used to inform research into possible treatments based on molecular genetic techniques sourced from unaffected taxa or even provide an evolutionary rationale for maximizing ethical decisions in the use and development of animal models in biomedical research. We argue that the technique should become standard practice in the development of animal models.
Association of antinuclear antibody seropositivity with inhaled environmental exposures in patients with interstitial lung disease.

Background Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are diffuse parenchymal lung disorders that cause substantial morbidity and mortality. In patients with ILD, elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) titres may be a sign of an autoimmune process. Inhalational exposures contribute to ILD pathogenesis and affect prognosis and may trigger autoimmune disease. The association of inhalational exposures with ANA seropositivity in ILD patients is unknown. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of adult ILD patients from five centres in the United States. Exposures to tobacco, inhaled organic antigens and inhaled inorganic particles were extracted from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyse the effects of confounders including age, ILD diagnosis, gender and exposure type on ANA seropositivity. Results Among 1265 patients with ILD, there were more ANA-seropositive (58.6%, n=741) than ANA-seronegative patients (41.4%, n=524). ANA-seropositive patients had lower total lung capacity (69% versus 75%, p<0.001) and forced vital capacity (64% versus 70%, p<0.001) than patients who were ANA-seronegative. Among patients with tobacco exposure, 61.4% (n=449) were ANA-positive compared to 54.7% (n=292) of those without tobacco exposure. In multivariable analysis, tobacco exposure remained independently associated with increased ANA seropositivity (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.71). This significant difference was similarly demonstrated among patients with and without a history of inorganic exposures (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.12-2.07). Conclusion Patients with ILD and inhalational exposure had significantly higher prevalence of ANA-seropositivity than those without reported exposures across ILD diagnoses. Environmental and occupational exposures should be systematically reviewed in patients with ILD, particularly those with ANA-seropositivity.
Healthcare providers' perceived learning needs and barriers to providing care for chronic multisymptom illness and environmental exposure concerns

Abstract Objective Patient provider encounters for chronic multisympom illness (CMI) and/or environmental exposures are difficult often resulting in Veterans and providers having high levels of dissatisfaction. Patients attribute these difficulties to providers lacking knowledge about these health concerns. It is not known whether providers perceive themselves as lacking expertise in CMI and environmental exposure concerns. Methods This needs assessment used a descriptive online survey design. A total of 3632 VA healthcare providers across disciplines were surveyed. Results Healthcare providers reported speaking with Veterans about CMI and environmental exposures despite feeling they have minimal to no knowledge of these topics. At the same time, only half of the providers had taken an available training on CMI or environmental exposure within the last year. Conclusion Healthcare providers recognize a knowledge gap regarding CMI and environmental exposures, despite this, there is low uptake of provider education on these topics. Practice Implications A better understanding of barriers to uptake of training on CMI and environmental exposures is needed to increase engagement with these important trainings.
We're Still Here: Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome Networks of Advocacy

Scholars in TPC have called for research that evaluates the relationship between advocacy and technical communication practices. Current public health vaccination efforts are currently struggling to reach those who are underserved, vaccine hesitant, or anti-vaccination. This project takes up the efforts of people with polio and post-polio syndrome to participate in vaccine advocacy in order to theorize how public health efforts might approach vaccine outreach in other contexts, like COVID-19. Using a combination of interviews and web content analysis, I draw attention to the ways that visible disability and the health consequences of a still unfolding epidemic intersect with stigma, ableism, public memory, and healthcare access.
Self-similar solutions of some nonlinear equations

The method of group invariance under an infinitesimal transformation is applied to a class of nonlinear partial differential equations. Besides yielding a large number of known forms of self-similar solutions, the method also gives new types of solutions.
Evaluating Linearly Interpolated Intercensal Estimates of Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of U.S. Counties and Census Tracts 2001-2009.

The American Community Survey (ACS) multiyear estimation program has greatly advanced opportunities for studying change in the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of U.S. communities. Challenges remain, however, for researchers studying years prior to the full implementation of the ACS or areas smaller than the thresholds for ACS annual estimates (i.e., small counties and census tracts). We evaluate intercensal estimates of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of U.S. counties and census tracts produced via linear interpolation between the 2000 census and both the 2010 census and 2005–2009 ACS. Discrepancies between interpolated estimates and reference estimates from the Population Estimates Program, the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, and ACS are calculated using several measures of error. Findings are discussed in relation to the potential for measurement error to bias longitudinal estimates of linearly interpolated neighborhood change, and alternative intercensal estimation models are discussed, including those that may better capture non-linear trends in economic conditions over the 21st century.
Practical dosimetry of 131I in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

Radioiodine treatments of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma have generally been safe and beneficial. Safety can be ensured while efficacy is increased through practical methods of...
Monitoring Tumor Therapy

This unit presents the preferred protocol for imaging the brain following the institution of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery for brain tumors and specific modifications are discussed where necessary. The sequences described in this unit are based on a 1.5 T scanner (Echospeed GE Medical Systems), but can be expected to be equally applicable to other field strengths and scanners from other manufacturers.