cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of the ent-Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase PtmT2 from Streptomyces platensis CB00739, a Bacterial Type II Diterpene Synthase

Terpenoids are the largest and most structurally diverse family of natural products found in nature, yet their presence in bacteria is underappreciated. The carbon skeletons of terpenoids are generated through carbocation-dependent cyclization cascades catalyzed by terpene synthases (TSs). Type I and type II TSs initiate cyclization via diphosphate ionization and protonation, respectively, and protein structures of both types are known. Most plant diterpene synthases (DTSs) possess three α-helical domains (αβγ), which are thought to have arisen from the fusion of discrete, ancestral bacterial type I TSs (α) and type II TSs (βγ). Type II DTSs of bacterial origin, of which there are no structurally characterized members, are a missing piece in the structural evolution of TSs. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a type II DTS from bacteria. PtmT2 from Streptomyces platensis CB00739 was verified as an ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase involved in the biosynthesis of platensimycin and platencin. The crystal structure of PtmT2 was solved at a resolution of 1.80 A, and docking studies suggest the catalytically active conformation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed residues involved in binding the diphosphate moiety of GGPP and identified DxxxxE as a potential Mg(2+)-binding motif for type II DTSs of bacterial origin. Finally, both the shape and physicochemical properties of the active sites are responsible for determining specific catalytic outcomes of TSs. The structure of PtmT2 fundamentally advances the knowledge of bacterial TSs, their mechanisms, and their role in the evolution of TSs.
Perioperative cerebrospinal fluid and plasma inflammatory markers after orthopedic surgery

Postoperative delirium is prevalent in older patients and associated with worse outcomes. Recent data in animal studies demonstrate increases in inflammatory markers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) even after aseptic surgery, suggesting that inflammation of the central nervous system may be part of the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive changes. We investigated the hypothesis that neuroinflammation was an important cause for postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction after major non-cardiac surgery. After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, we recruited patients undergoing major knee surgery who received spinal anesthesia and femoral nerve block with intravenous sedation. All patients had an indwelling spinal catheter placed at the time of spinal anesthesia that was left in place for up to 24 h. Plasma and CSF samples were collected preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 18 h postoperatively. Cytokine levels were measured using ELISA and Luminex. Postoperative delirium was determined using the confusion assessment method, and cognitive dysfunction was measured using validated cognitive tests (word list, verbal fluency test, digit symbol test). Ten patients with complete datasets were included. One patient developed postoperative delirium, and six patients developed postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Postoperatively, at different time points, statistically significant changes compared to baseline were present in IL-5, IL-6, I-8, IL-10, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IL-6/IL-10, and receptor for advanced glycation end products in plasma and in IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-8/IL-10, and TNF-α in CSF. Substantial pro- and anti-inflammatory activity in the central neural system after surgery was found. If confirmed by larger studies, persistent changes in cytokine levels may serve as biomarkers for novel clinical trials.
Type I IFN signaling facilitates the development of IL-10-producing effector CD8+ T cells during murine influenza virus infection

Recent evidence has suggested that IL-10-producing effector CD8+ T cells play an important role in regulating excessive inflammation during acute viral infections. However, the cellular and molecular cues regulating the development of IL-10-producing effector CD8+ T cells are not completely defined. Here, we show that type I interferons (IFNs) are required for the development of IL-10-producing effector CD8+ T cells during influenza virus infection in mice. We find that type I IFNs can enhance IL-27 production by lung APCs, thereby facilitating IL-10-producing CD8+ T-cell development through a CD8+ T-cell-nonautonomous way. Surprisingly, we also demonstrate that direct type I IFN signaling in CD8+ T cells is required for the maximal generation of IL-10-producing CD8+ T cells. Type I IFN signaling in CD8+ T cells, in cooperation with IL-27 and IL-2 signaling, promotes and sustains the expression of IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), two transcription factors required for the production of IL-10 by effector CD8+ T cells. Our data reveal a critical role of the innate antiviral effector cytokines in regulating the production of a regulatory cytokine by effector CD8+ T cells during respiratory virus infection.
Six-Nine Year Follow-Up of Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) region has shown promise as a neurosurgical intervention for adults with severe treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Pilot studies have revealed improvement in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and secondary outcomes following DBS. We sought to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of DBS of the VC/VS for adults with OCD. Materials and Methods A long term follow-up study (73–112 months) was conducted on the six patients who were enrolled in the original National Institute of Mental Health pilot study of DBS for OCD. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Results Reduction in OCD symptoms mirrored the one-year follow-up data. The same four participants who were treatment responders after one year of treatment showed a consistent OCD response (greater than 35% reduction in Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS)). Another subject, classified as a non-responder, achieved a 26% reduction in YBOCS score at long term follow-up. The only patient who did not achieve a 25% or greater reduction in YBOCS was no longer receiving active DBS treatment. Secondary outcomes generally matched the one-year follow-up with the exception of depressive symptoms, which significantly increased over the follow-up period. Qualitative feedback indicated that DBS was well tolerated by the subjects. Discussion These data indicate that DBS was safe and conferred a long-term benefit in reduction of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. DBS of the VC/VS region did not reveal a sustained response for comorbid depressive symptoms in patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD.
Terreur, Terroir, Terrace: Vectors of Police and Public in France after Charlie Hebdo and La Bataclan

In November 2015, the city of Paris witnessed the second series of deadly attacks in less than a year. The first occurred on January 7, 2015, at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdom...
The effect of cutaneous prostaglandin application on nail growth, nail brittleness, and intraocular pressure

SummaryBackground Bimatoprost has known adnexal activity and was observed to increase nail growth at two clinical centers. Objectives In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study, we examine the effect of bimatoprost (Lumigan 0.01%), applied bid to the proximal nail fold on nail growth, nail brittleness, and intraocular pressure. Methods Bimatoprost drops were placed on the proximal nail folds of 45 subjects on one hand (medication group) and vehicle drops to the other hand (control group). Baseline and final nail growth measurements, Goldmann applanation tensions of both eyes, and photos at 30 days were performed. Nail brittleness was subjectively graded. Results For the 38 subjects completing the study, the final mean nail growth of the hands, the net individual nail growth of the digits (excluding chipped nails), nail brittleness, and eye pressure readings were NS at P<.05. Photos revealed no increased hirsutism, but one subject with increased skin pigmentation. The drops were well tolerated without adverse effects. Nail chipping was a limitation of the study. Conclusions Despite the negative results in this pilot study on nail growth and brittleness, further studies with higher bimatoprost concentration (0.03%) are warranted. We recommend monitoring nail growth by etching or marking the nail rather than measuring the full nail length due to our chipped nail findings.
State Income Tax Treatment of Residents and Nonresidents Under the Privileges and Immunities Clause

Under New York law at this time, non-resident taxpayers were only permitted state income tax deductions for expenses reasonably related to income earned in the state. Residents could deduct alimony payments, but non-residents could not because such expenses were considered wholly personal. Prior to being heard by the Supreme Court, Christopher Lunding argued that New York’s favorable treatment of residents over non-residents violated the Privileges and Immunities Clause. This article describes the parallels between New York’s tax structure regarding alimony and that of the federal government. Section 1 explains New York’s income tax system, which denies deductions to non-residents for personal expenses, but allows such deductions for residents. Section 2 provides background on the 1987 New York tax reform legislation that resulted in the current alimony rule. Section 3 details the legal issues in Lunding by analyzing the likely arguments of both parties. This section concludes by distinguishing Lunding from Austin v. New Hampshire, and determines that the New York alimony rule is reasonable and equitable to both non-residents and other states. The article concludes in Section 4 by asserting that New York’s tax treatment of alimony is consistent with precedent, consistent with tax logic, and consistent with the Privileges and Immunities Clause.
A hybrid dynamical extension of averaging and its application to the analysis of legged gait stability

We extend a smooth dynamical systems averaging technique to a class of hybrid systems with a limit cycle that is particularly relevant to the synthesis of stable legged gaits. After introducing a d...
Document retrieval using linguistic knowledge

The theoretical goal underlying the DR-LINK Text Retrieval System is to represent and match documents and queries at the various linguistic levels at which human language conveys meaning. Accordingly, we have developed a modular system which processes and represents text at the lexical, syntactic, semantic, and discourse levels of language. In concert, these levels of processing permit DR-LINK to achieve a level of intelligent retrieval beyond more traditional approaches. In addition, the rich annotations to text produced by DR-LINK are replete with much of the semantics necessary for more precise information extraction tasks.
FRACTURE SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY OF CAST TNT

Profiles spaced 1.0 mm apart across the fracture surface of TNT have been obtained with a diamond stylus profilometer. Spatial wavelengths of 1.0 μ to 1.0 cm have been characterized. Spatial power spectra have been calculated using a prolate spheroidal data window in the horizontal space domain prior to using a fast Fourier transform algorithm. Higher power amplitudes at spatial frequencies, which correspond to grain sizes in TNT, and slopes ≤ −3 occur at the edges of the sample. Deterministic intergranular failure is occurring at grain boundaries. Higher power amplitudes at the lowest spatial frequency, and spectral slopes in the range −3 < s ≤ −2, occur at the center of the sample. Trans-granular failure is occurring in the bulk. This non-deterministic (fractal) failure is chaotic.
Risk factors for prolonged hospitalization after kidney transplants.

A major variable in the cost of kidney transplants is the length of initial hospitalization. Using multivariate analysis, we studied risk factors for hospital stay > 10 d post-transplant. Between 1 January 1985 and 31 August 1995 a total of 1588 patients underwent first or second kidney transplants at the University of Minnesota. Antibody was used for 1 wk in cadaver donor recipients and for 2 wk in pediatric recipients (resulting in a long stay for all pediatric recipients). Adult living related donor recipients were immunosuppressed with triple therapy. Donor risk factors studied were age ( 50 yr) and,- for cadaver recipients, preservation time ( 30 h) and cause of death (trauma, cerebrovascular accident, or cardiac). Recipient risk factors studied were age ( 55 yr); sex; transplant number; antigen mismatch; peak PRA; PRA at transplant ( 50); diabetic status; pretransplant dialysis (vs. pre-emptive transplant); pretransplant cardiac, peripheral vascular, or respiratory disease; and delayed graft function (DGF) (dialysis in the first week vs. no dialysis). Risk factors were analyzed separately for living donor and cadaver donor recipients. For cadaver donor recipients, DGF was the major risk factor (p 50 (p 55 yr (p = 0.02), pretransplant respiratory disease (p = 0.005), and pretransplant dialysis (p = 0.005). Because DGF was the major risk factor for a prolonged stay, we then studied risk factors for DGF using multivariate analysis. For cadaver donor recipients, risk factors were recipient weight > 90 kg (p = 0.004), preservation time 24 h (p = 0.03), PRA at transplant > 50 (p = 0.03), and donor age 50 yr (p = 0.002). For living donor recipients, risk factors were recipient age 50 yr (p = 0.03), female sex (p = 0.05), pretransplant respiratory disease (p = 0.1), pretransplant peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.05), and recipient weight > 90 kg (p = 0.1). From our data, a profile emerged of recipients likely to have a longer hospital stay. Important variables, either simultaneous with or related to DGF, include donor and recipient age, diabetes, pretransplant recipient weight, PRA at transplant, preservation time, and pretransplant respiratory or peripheral vascular disease.
BOTANICAL, CHEMICAL AND MICRO-BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF PEAT ACCUMULATION PROCESSES IN THE EVERGLADES OF FLORIDA

Abstract The southern section of the Florida peninsula contains large areas of swamp or slough in which peat is accumulating. A number of distinctive environments are recognizable, in each of which the plant populations are relatively simple. As a relatively stable sub-tropical area of accumulation of decayed plant tissue, it is believed that southern Florida represents a suitable model system for studying some of the problems of coal formation. A technique has been devised for sampling sections of organic sediment without disturbance and mounting them for microscopic study. Sections of anatomical components of living plants have been differentially stained and examined microscopically. Direct comparison of living with decayed tissue from the sediment shows that certain types of cell wall and cell contents (e.g. palisade cells in red mangrove leaves) rapidly disappear, while others (e.g. certain xylem cells, dense cell fillings that are believed to represent flavonoid pigments) are fairly well preserved. Surprisingly, lignified cell walls in the rootlets of red mangrove appear to be less well preserved than unlignified. In a preliminary survey of the chemistry and microbiology of the peat accumulations, it was found that pH is uniformly near neutrality, and Eh values in most cores indicated positive values even at depths of 2–3 m.; it is not clear that the latter values should be interpreted as proving oxidizing conditions, since the thermodynamic reversibility of reactions in these organic media is questionable. Measurement of dehydrogenase activity showed a high level of microbiological activity in the top 20 cm of three different cores, which at greater depths decayed to a fairly constant rather low activity. Plating techniques indicated the probable presence of some unidentified fungal hyphae and protozoa. Simple proximate analyses showed low humic acid contents, except in peat derived from sawgrass ( Mariscus ). A systematic trend towards higher C 13 contents with increasing depth was found in the humic acids from a sawgrass peat core; this may be associated with the fact that the source of the peat changed from sawgrass to red mangrove in about the middle of the core, indicating that the surface environment had changed during the accumulation of the peat. It appears that peat microorganisms, unlike the well-known microflora in soil, do not plate satisfactorily on to glass sheets, so that isolation of organisms for study is not easy. Moreover, attempts to culture the organisms in samples removed for the sediment indicate that it is the adventitious inclusions that multiply most freely, not the true, active, peat microflora. However, a large indigenous microflora has been found in centrifuged slurries of peat by staining and ultra-violet fluorescence microscopy; this resembles but is not identical with the recently discovered “Q-form” microflora in soils, and nothing is known of its physiology. A specially designed probe was used for measuring the pH, ER and conductivity values in situ in the peat.
Government Bureaucrats and Capitalist Institutions in 1870s Japan

This chapter focuses on Shibusawa Eiichi’s work as an official in the Meiji government from 1869 to 1873 where he played a critical role in laying the groundwork for tax, currency, and industrial promotion policies as well as other institutions for economic development. As a government official, Shibusawa’s ideas of Confucian capitalism evolved as he explored institutions of Western market capitalism as the means to the Confucian ends of a stronger state and more prosperous people. Shibusawa’s own narrative of his departure from government to head the new Dai-Ichi Bank characterized this move as a sharp break with official life motivated by a strong desire to work in the private sector to elevate the status of commerce and industry in Japanese society.
Analysis and Identification of Major Organic Acids in Wine and Fruit Juices by Paper Chromatography.

A simple and inexpensive paper chromatography experiment that separates and identifies major organic acids in wine and fruit juices has been developed for introductory organic undergraduate student...
Application of a Message-Passing Decomposition of Sparsely-Coupled Linear Programming Problems to the Uniform Stabilization of Positive Switched Linear Systems

We apply a distributed, message-passing scheme for sparsely-coupled linear programming problems to the stabilization of positive switched linear systems. We first develop exact conditions for the existence of a stabilizing path-dependent controller for positive switched linear systems in terms of an increasing family of linear programming (LP) problems. These results are of independent interest as a special case of the stabilization of arbitrary switched linear systems. The size of each member of this family of LPs grows combinatorially in both the number of switching modes and the path-length of the controller. We then make use of a problem decomposition for sparsely-coupled linear programming problems by decomposing the induced switching graph for the system. The resulting problem decomposition can be solved in parallel using distributed computing resources. An example problem and its decomposition are presented to facilitate discussion of this approach and to highlight future areas of interest for our particular problem formation.
Advances in milestoning. I. Enhanced sampling via wind-assisted reweighted milestoning (WARM).

The milestoning algorithm of Elber and co-workers creates a framework for computing the time scale of processes that are too long and too complex to be studied using simply brute force simulations. The fundamental objects involved in the milestoning algorithm are the first passage time distributions KAB(τ) between adjacent conformational milestones A and B. The method proposed herein aims to further enhance milestoning (or other interface based sampling methods) by employing an artificially applied force, akin to a wind that blows the trajectories from their initial to their final states, and by subsequently applying corrective weights to the trajectories to yield the true first passage time distributions KAB(τ) in a fraction of the computation time required for unassisted calculations. The re-weighting method is rooted in the formalism of stochastic path integrals. The theoretical basis for the technique and numerical examples are presented.The milestoning algorithm of Elber and co-workers creates a framework for computing the time scale of processes that are too long and too complex to be studied using simply brute force simulations. The fundamental objects involved in the milestoning algorithm are the first passage time distributions KAB(τ) between adjacent conformational milestones A and B. The method proposed herein aims to further enhance milestoning (or other interface based sampling methods) by employing an artificially applied force, akin to a wind that blows the trajectories from their initial to their final states, and by subsequently applying corrective weights to the trajectories to yield the true first passage time distributions KAB(τ) in a fraction of the computation time required for unassisted calculations. The re-weighting method is rooted in the formalism of stochastic path integrals. The theoretical basis for the technique and numerical examples are presented.
Reconfigurable Acrylic-tape Hybrid Microfluidics

There is a great interest in low-cost, versatile microfluidic platforms of which the fabrication processes are rapid, straightforward, and translatable to industrial mass productions. In addition, it is beneficial for microfluidic devices to be reconfigurable in the field, so that multiple functions can be realized by a minimum number of devices. Here, we present a versatile acrylic-tape platform which allows highly accessible rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, as well as device reconfiguration to realize different functions. The clean-room-free fabrication and sealing process only requires a laser cutter, acrylic, and tapes and can be done by an untrained person in the field. We experimentally characterized the relationship between the capillary flow speed and the channel height, the latter of which can be well controlled by the fabrication process. Reconfiguration of microfluidic functions was demonstrated on a single acrylic-tape device, thanks to the reversible sealing enabled by functional tapes. Different pumping mechanisms, including on-chip pumps for better portability and syringe pumps for precise fluid control, have been employed for the demonstration of two-phase flow and droplet generation, respectively. The low-cost and versatile acrylic-tape microfluidic devices are promising tools for applications in a wide range of fields, especially for point-of-care biomedical and clinical applications.
Differential Measurements of Single and Multiple Ionisation of Argon by Positron Impact

Ionisation of argon was measured for 750 eV positron impact. Information about single and multiple ionisation probabilities was obtained from target ionscattered projectile coincidences. By using a specially designed electrostatic spectrometer and a position sensitive detector, these probabilities were measured as a function of energy loss and positron scattering angle. Energy losses up to 90% of the incoming energy and scattering angles from 0 to 17 degrees were investigated. The data demonstrate that with increasing energy loss the degree of multiple ionisation systematically increases. Also, double ionisation is found to primarily result from the removal of two M-shell electrons whereas triple ionisation is not observed until the energy loss is sufficient to ionise the L-shell.
A 28-nm Compute SRAM With Bit-Serial Logic/Arithmetic Operations for Programmable In-Memory Vector Computing

This article proposes a general-purpose hybrid in-/near-memory compute SRAM (CRAM) that combines an 8T transposable bit cell with vector-based, bit-serial in-memory arithmetic to accommodate a wide range of bit-widths, from single to 32 or 64 bits, as well as a complete set of operation types, including integer and floating-point addition, multiplication, and division. This approach provides the flexibility and programmability necessary for evolving software algorithms ranging from neural networks to graph and signal processing. The proposed design was implemented in a small Internet of Things (IoT) processor in the 28-nm CMOS consisting of a Cortex-M0 CPU and 8 CRAM banks of 16 kB each (128 kB total). The system achieves 475-MHz operation at 1.1 V and, with all CRAMs active, produces 30 GOPS or 1.4 GFLOPS on 32-bit operands. It achieves an energy efficiency of 0.56 TOPS/W for 8-bit multiplication and 5.27 TOPS/W for 8-bit addition at 0.6 V and 114 MHz.
Comparison Study of Patient Demographics, Risk Factors, and Lengths of Stay for Postoperative Ileus After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Introduction Postoperative ileus is a potential complication following orthopaedic surgery, that has not been well-studied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aims of this study were to analyze: 1) rates of postoperative ileus; 2) patient demographic profiles; 3) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); and 4) patient-related risk factors for postoperative ileus following primary TKA. Methods A query was performed from January 1st, 2005 to March 31st, 2014 using the Medicare Standard Analytical Files. Patients who underwent primary TKA and developed postoperative ileus within 3-days following their index procedure were identified. Patients who did not develop ileus represented controls. Primary outcomes analyzed and compared included patient demographics, risk factors, and in-hospital LOS. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Ileus patients were older, more likely to be male, and had higher Elixhauser- Comorbidity Index scores (8 vs 6; p Conclusion The study demonstrated differences in patient demographics, patient-related risk factors, and an increased in-hospital length of stay for ileus patients following primary TKA. The study is important as it can allow orthopaedists to properly identify and optimize patients with certain risk factors to potentially mitigate this adverse event from occurring.
Thinking ahead and staying in the present: Implications for reactivity to daily stressors

Abstract We examined how proactive coping and daily mindfulness may work together to predict emotional reactivity to daily stressors. Using data from the Mindfulness and Anticipatory Coping Everyday study (MACE; Neupert & Bellingtier, 2017 ; Neupert & Bellingtier, 2019 ), 116 older adults and 107 younger adults participated in a daily diary study for nine consecutive days. Results from multilevel models suggest that people high in proactive coping were more emotionally reactive to daily stressors on days with decreased mindfulness. Due to the trait-like future-oriented thinking of proactive coping and the state-like present-oriented aspect of daily mindfulness, these results underscore the importance of simultaneously considering state and trait information to elucidate antecedents, correlates, and consequences of daily stressors.
Glimpses Inside the Minds of Young Writers: How Children Plan Texts With Art

Many children find writing to be a challenge. This exploratory case study included four students with a learning disability who had writing goals/objectives in their individual education program. T...
Unexpected Negative Participant Responses and Researcher Safety: “Fuck Your Survey and Your Safe Space, Trigger Warning Bullshit”:

In this article, the authors revisit their experiences analyzing open-ended responses to an online questionnaire about the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. This piece initiates the discussion about...
Neuropeptide and cytokine regulation of pain in the context of substance use disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are frequently accompanied by affective symptoms that promote negative reinforcement mechanisms contributing to SUD maintenance or progression. Despite their widespread use as analgesics, chronic or excessive exposure to alcohol, opioids, and nicotine produces heightened nociceptive sensitivity, termed hyperalgesia. This review focuses on the contributions of neuropeptide (CRF, melanocortin, opioid peptide) and cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, chemokine) systems in the development and maintenance of substance-induced hyperalgesia. Few effective therapies exist for either chronic pain or SUD, and the common interaction of these disease states likely complicates their effective treatment. Here we highlight promising new discoveries as well as identify gaps in research that could lead to more effective and even simultaneous treatment of SUDs and co-morbid hyperalgesia symptoms.
The political socialization of Latinx youth in a conservative political context

Abstract Drawing on semi-structured interviews, participant observations, surveys, and voting records, this mixed-methods study investigates Latinx youths' political socialization and grassroots organizing efforts in a conservative, anti-immigrant regional context. This investigation makes three contributions. First, findings suggest that under hostile political contexts, vertical (adult-to-youth) forms of political socialization may rarely guide Latinx youth in taking political action, and may sometimes even discourage participation. Second, we show that, despite political opposition, youth organizing groups can function as vehicles of horizontal (peer-to-peer) socialization, bolstering members' political engagement and providing them with valuable civic knowledge and skills. Third, youth-led grassroots mobilization efforts can increase young voter turnout, as evidenced by our experimental findings. We argue that grassroots youth organizing groups can empower their members to operate as agents of political socialization among a peer constituency that extends far beyond their friendship networks and schoolmates.
Keap1 binds cytokine promoters upon virus infection and moderates their induction by recruiting NFκB p50 and G9a-GLP

Abstract Innate immunity requires a balance of positive and negative regulators of cytokine transcription. Keap1 deletion in mice alters innate immunity and inflammation. We investigated the influence of Keap1 on cytokine gene induction by Sendai virus infection in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). Keap1 bound to the Ifnb1, Tnf and Il6 promoters upon virus infection, and moderated viral induction of their transcription. Keap1 was required for viral induction of NFκB p50 and G9a-GLP lysine methyltransferase binding to these genes. Keap1 formed BiFC complexes with NFκB p50 that were localized to the nuclei in a subset of cells. Nrf2 counteracted viral induction of Keap1 binding to the promoters, and the effects of Keap1 on NFκB p50 and on G9a-GLP recruitment. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors enhanced viral induction of transcription of the genes that were bound by Keap1 only in MEFs with intact Keap1, and not in Keap1-/- MEFs. They also enhanced NFκB p50 and NFκB p65 recruitment to these genes only in MEFs with intact Keap1, whereas they inhibited G9a-GLP recruitment. The reciprocal effects of Keap1 and of G9a-GLP lysine methyltransferase activity on chromatin binding by each other constitute a feedback circuit that moderates viral induction of cytokine transcription. Summary Virus infection induces Keap1 binding to cytokine promoters, which recruits NFκB p50 and G9a-GLP and moderates their transcription.
Classification and Feature Extraction of Different Hand Movements from EMG Signal using Machine Leaning based Algorithms

Prosthetic plays an important role for the amputees to improve the ability and mobility of their regular activities. Electromyography(EMG) has been used for decades in the control of the motorized upper-limb prosthesis. Processed EMG can imitate human movements. Mayo armband is a wireless sensor of low power, Bluetooth, and small interference which provides a good quality EMG signal. The Myo armband measures the EMG from the upper-limb. In this paper, the statistical time-domain features have been considered to classify different hand movements. The classification and comparison have been performed by 4 different Machine Learning based algorithms i.e. Support Vector Machine(SVM), Naive Bayes(NB), Random Forest(RF), and K-Nearest Neighbor(KNN). The data has been collected from subjects (males and females) of different ages. The classifier model has used 80% data as a training set and the remaining 20% of data as the test set. The result shows that Random Forest and SVM outperform the other two algorithms with an accuracy of 98 %. Referring to the accuracy here, this classification model serves as a promising candidate for the input of prosthetic hand control systems.
Charmonium and Bottomonium Quark State Production via Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions: A Review

This is a review of the production of heavy quark states via relativistic heavy ion collisions in RHIC. The heavy quarks here are c, charm quark, and b, bottom quark. The states are charmonium meson states \(\psi\)(nS), with n=1,2 and upsilon meson states Y(mS), with m=1,2,3. Another nonperturbative theory, which is used in our review of mixed hybrid heavy quark mesons, is the method of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) sum rules. QCD sum rules were used to derive the result that the \(\psi\)(2S) and Y(3S) are mixed hybrid states, which increase their production cross sections. We also review the \(\psi\)(nS) and Y(mS) production cross sections via Cu-Cu and Au-Au collisions, which are very important for this review of the production of heavy quark states in RHIC. The possible detection of the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) is also reviewed.
Telehealth a medicolegal quagmire

Ihave to chastise CMAJ gently about the statement in a news piece that Canada's telehealth services “trace back ... 10 years.”[1][1] Equally erroneous was the assertion that “the telehealth model was originally imported from the US.” In 1973/74 we received an Opportunities for Youth grant
Tax Policies and Entrepreneurship: Relative Tax Rates and Health Insurance Deductibility

This project investigates the effects of taxes on entrepreneurship activities in the United States over a twelve-year period, 1979-1990. The study details two prior theoretical models focusing on two aspects of the tax system: (1) the effects of tax policies on the relative risk of the entrepreneurial sector through loss and offsets, and (2) the opportunities for, and benefits of, evasion. Critiquing the theoretical ambiguity of such theoretical models, a model is developed that combines the relative risk framework with evasion opportunities. Using a random effects model, the tax rates the filer would face both as a wage and salary worker and as an entrepreneur are predicted. The data spans from 1979 to 1990, from more than 200,000 tax returns. Employing a duration model and a discrete choice model, the following findings are made: (1) tax rates have important effects on entrepreneurial entry and survival; and (2) decreases in expected marginal tax rates in the wage sector lower the probability of entrepreneurial entry, diminish the survival of existing entrepreneurs, and increase the probability of entrepreneurial exit. The findings are consistent with the predictions of the chosen theoretical model. It is also indicated that entrepreneurs are sensitive to multiple facets of the tax system, including relative tax rates and tax incentives targeted at health insurance. Findings also indicate that tax policy is an effective tool for influencing levels of entrepreneurship in the economy.
Self-calibration compatible Z-axis bulk PZT vibratory gyroscope

We report a laser micromachined piezoelectric bulk-PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) Z-axis Coriolis force gyroscope, which utilizes spring-mass resonances of the in-plane PZT bimorphs and a PZT proof-mass. The gyroscope is compatible to be monolithically integrated with a PZT dither stage for in-situ self-calibration. The design exploits the large piezoelectric coefficients and high mass density of bulk-PZT to obtain high sensitivity, even at low resonance quality factors, compared to other piezoelectric gyroscopes. The gyroscope provides high dynamic range owing to elimination of micro-gaps needed in capacitive transduction. The gyroscope has unamplified sensitivity of ∼1.3µV/°/sec under mode-mismatched operation, at drive amplitude of 10V p-p , drive resonance of 108.9 kHz, with electromechanical coupling factor k t of ∼0.15 and Q of ∼100.
Photoinactivation of porcine D-amino acid oxidase with flavin adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract FAD photosensitizes its own oxidation and that of d-amino acid oxidase. First order photoinactivation of the enzyme is paralleled by losses of cysteine, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, and, at saturating levels of FAD, tryptophan. Minimal photo-oxidation of methionine has also been found with illuminated enzyme samples. Native and partially photoinactivated enzyme have the same pH activity profile and Km values for d-alanine and for FAD from pH 8 to 10. The degree of photoinactivation correlates with the number of catalytically inactive enzyme molecules. Hence, an all-or-none inactivation is indicated. The binding ability of photoinactivated enzyme for benzoate (a substrate-competitive inhibitor) diminishes, while no changes in FAD-binding stoichiometry occur. This indicates that photochemical modification of the substrate-binding site is a cause of photoinactivation. Under conditions such that the native oxidase exists only as a monomer, the light-treated enzyme consists of monomer, dimer, tetramer, and polymer (or polymers). The remaining activity is associated only with the monomeric units, which are probably mixtures of fully active and completely inactivated monomer. Decrease in specific activity of the monomeric units isolated from partially photoinactivated enzyme is concomitant with partial photo-oxidation of cysteine and tyrosine only. Limited amounts of benzoate were found to slow down the photoinactivation by protecting tyrosyl residues. Hence, there are probable involvements of cysteinyl and tyrosyl residues in the catalytic activity of d-amino acid oxidase. Photoinactivation of oxidase is temperature dependent. From the biphasic Arrhenius plot with a transition point at 15°, values of energy of activation were calculated as 8.2 Cal per mole above and 11.0 Cal per mole below this transi tion.
Initiation of cardiac allograft rejection: New developments in cellular and molecular mechanisms

Although cardiac transplantation has become a viable therapeutic option for end-stage heart disease, long-term success is limited by rejection and medical complications of immunosuppression. Earliest events in rejection revolve around T-lymphocyte recognition of foreign antigen through a panel of specialized cell surface proteins. This is followed by a cascade of signaling events, transcription of multiple genes, and cytokine production. The central importance of these events, collectively known as T-cell activation, to the rejection process is underscored by the clinical utility of cyclosporine, which prevents T-cell activation. The specific site of action of cyclosporine within the T cell has recently been elucidated at the molecular level, revealing important details of T-cell biology. Once the immune response has been initiated, localization of inflammatory cells to the graft requires alteration in the functional state of the vascular endothelium, which can then express adhesive ligands for immune effector cells. Recent evidence suggests that host natural killer lymphocytes may play a role in this process. Understanding the molecular details of these and other early events in rejection will facilitate the development of more specific and effective immunosuppressive therapies.
Chemical states of bacterial spores: heat resistance and its kinetics at intermediate water activity.

Bacterial spore heat resistance at intermediate water activity, like aqueous and strictly dry heat resistance, is a property manipulatable by chemical pretreatments of the dormant mature spore. Heat resistances differ widely, and survival is prominently nonlogarithmic for both chemical forms of the spore. Log survival varies approximately as the cube of time for the resistant state of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores and as the square of time for the sensitive state. A method for measuring heat resistance at intermediate humidity was designed to provide direct and unequivocal control of water vapor concentration with quick equilibration, maintenance of known spore state, and dispersion of spores singly for valid survivor counting. Temperature characteristics such as z, Ea, and Q10 cannot be determined in the usual sense (as a spore property) for spores encapsulated with a constant weight of water. Effect on spore survival of temperature induced changes of water activity in such systems is discussed.
Iterative Solution of SPARK Methods Applied to DAEs

In this article a broad class of systems of implicit differential–algebraic equations (DAEs) is considered, including the equations of mechanical systems with holonomic and nonholonomic constraints. Solutions to these DAEs can be approximated numerically by applying a class of super partitioned additive Runge–Kutta (SPARK) methods. Several properties of the SPARK coefficients, satisfied by the family of Lobatto IIIA-B-C-C*-D coefficients, are crucial to deal properly with the presence of constraints and algebraic variables. A main difficulty for an efficient implementation of these methods lies in the numerical solution of the resulting systems of nonlinear equations. Inexact modified Newton iterations can be used to solve these systems. Linear systems of the modified Newton method can be solved approximately with a preconditioned linear iterative method. Preconditioners can be obtained after certain transformations to the systems of nonlinear and linear equations. These transformations rely heavily on specific properties of the SPARK coefficients. A new truly parallelizable preconditioner is presented.
SU‐F‐BRA‐08: An Investigation of Well‐Chamber Responses for An Electronic Brachytherapy Source

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation of well-type ionization chamber response between a Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy (EBT) source and a GE Oncoseed™ 6711 I-125 seed. Methods: A new EBT air-kerma standard has recently been introduced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Historically, the Axxent source strength has been based on a well chamber calibration from an I-125 brachytherapy source due to the lack of a primary standard. Xoft utilizes a calibration procedure that employs a GE 6711 seed calibration as a surrogate standard to represent the air-kerma strength of an Axxent source. This method is based on the premise that the energies of the two sources are similar and thus, a conversion factor would be a suitable interim solution until a NIST standard was established. For this investigation, a number of well chambers of the same model type and three different EBT sources were used to determine NIST-traceable calibration coefficients for both the GE 6711 seed and the Axxent source. The ratio of the two coefficients was analyzed for consistency and also to identify any possible correlations with chamber vintage or the sources themselves. Results: For all well chambers studied, the relative standard deviation of the ratio of calibration coefficients between the two standards is less than 1%. No specific trends were found with the well chamber vintage or between the three different EBT sources used. Conclusion: The variation of well chamber calibration coefficients between a Xoft Axxent™ EBT source versus a GE 6711 Oncoseed™ are consistent across well chamber vintage and between sources. The results of this investigation confirm the underlying assumptions and stability of the surrogate standard currently in use by Xoft, and establishes a migration path for future implementation of the new NIST air kerma standard. This research is supported in part by Xoft, a subsidiary of iCAD.
RECONSIDERING THE DISPOSITIONAL BASIS OF COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK BEHAVIOR: THE ROLE OF ABERRANT PERSONALITY

Interest in the study of aberrant behaviors has coincided with widely publicized scandals involving unethical behaviors of individuals in organizations. Consequently, the literature in the organizational sciences has been increasingly focused on counterproductive and deviant behaviors such as aggression, sabotage, or theft and how individual differences can predict such behaviors. As such, research linking personality to counterproductive work behaviors has grown substantially over the last 10 years. However, the majority of this research has relied on traditional personality traits as the dispositional antecedents of such counterproductive behaviors (e.g., the global traits comprising the five factor model). A different yet possibly fruitful framework with which to examine the link between individual differences and counterproductive work behaviors is through the use of aberrant personality traits. The importance of focusing attention on aberrant traits in relation to counterproductive work behaviors is highlighted through a review of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, followed by a variety of research hypotheses designed to spur future research in these and related areas.
Corporate Charitable Contributions: A Corporate Social Performance or Legitimacy Strategy?

This study examines the relation between firms’ corporate philanthropic giving and their performance in three other social domains – employee relations, environmental issues, and product safety. Based on a sample of 384 U.S. companies and using data pooled from 1998 through 2000, we find that worse performers in the other social areas are both more likely to make charitable contributions and that the extent of their giving is larger than for better performers. Analyses of each separate area of social performance, however, indicate that the relation between giving and negative social performance (cited concerns) only holds for the environmental issues and product safety areas. We find no significant association between corporate philanthropy and employee relations concerns. In general, these findings suggest that corporate philanthropy may be more a tool of legitimization than a measure of corporate social responsibility.