cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of higher radiation dose on biochemical control after radical prostatectomy for PT3N0 prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose: The appropriate radiation dose has not been determined for postoperative radiation therapy (RT) of prostate cancer. Postoperative PSA level is a useful marker of local residual disease, and may allow evaluation of RT dose–response after radical prostatectomy. Methods and Materials: Between 1989 and 1996, 86 consecutive patients with pT3N0 prostate cancer who did not receive prior hormonal therapy or chemotherapy were irradiated postoperatively. All patients received 55.8 to 70.2 Gy (median = 64.8 Gy) to the prostatic/seminal vesicle bed. Patients were judged to be free of biochemical failure (bNED) if their PSA remained undetectable or decreased to undetectable level ( Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses of variables showed that the preRT PSA level was the most significant predictor of improved bNED survival ( p p p = 0.01). For the 21 patients with preRT PSA level > 0.2 and ≤ 2.0 ng/ml, the 3-year bNED rate was 79% for patients irradiated to 64.8 Gy or more and 33% for those irradiated to a lower dose ( p = 0.02). No other preRT PSA interval or radiation dose level was associated with a dose–response function. Conclusion: In patients with pT3N0 prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, a radiation dose–response function may be present and depends on the preRT PSA value. Patients with high postoperative PSA levels (> 2.0 ng/ml) may be less likely to benefit from higher doses of RT, and should be considered a group for which systemic therapy should be tested.
Leukopenia, hypoxia, and complement function with different hemodialysis membranes

Complement activation during exposure of plasma to cuprophan has been postulated to cause leukopenia and hypoxia in hemodialysis patients. To determine if hypoxia is related to leukopenia and if complement activation leads to a depletion of functional complement components, we dialyzed four patients three times sequentially against each of four types of membranes: cuprophan, regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate, and polyacrilonitrile. Within 20 min there was a marked leukopenia with cuprophan from 5541 +/- 376 to 1216 +/- 94 (P less than 0.001) and with regenerated cellulose from 5541 +/- 411 to 1533 +/- 203 (P less than 0.001). With cellulose acetate, the change from 5558 +/- 400 to 3783 +/- 341 (P less than 0.001) was less dramatic, and with polyacrilonitrile the fall from 5591 +/- 381 to 464 +/- 401 (P less than 0.02) was minimal. After 2 and 4 hours of dialysis, a rebound leukocytosis was seen with cuprophan, regenerated cellulose, and cellulose acetate, but not with polyacrilonitrile. Transient thrombocytopenia occurred with cuprophan and regenerated cellulose. In spite of the variable degree of leukopenia, all membranes induced a similar and significant hypoxia, which was progressive throughout dialysis, even during the rebound leukocytosis. After 4 hours, the mean PO2 ranged from 91 to 93 mm Hg with all membranes. Functional hemolytic titers of whole complement, C3, C5, and C4 were normal prior to hemodialysis and failed to decrease after 4 hours with any membrane. It is concluded that hemodialysis leukopenia is membrane-dependent and is not the cause of hypoxia. In addition, hemodialysis complement activation does not lead to functional complement depletion and is of no clinical significance.
Design and construction of a flat-panel-based cone-beam computed tomography (FPD-CBCT) imaging system through the adaptation of a commercially available CT system: recent data

The purpose of this presentation is to show how a commercially available spiral CT has been modified for use as the electro-mechanical scanner hardware for a prototype flat panel detector-based cone beam computed tomography (FPD-CBCT) imaging system. FPD-CBCT has the benefits of isotropic high resolution, low contrast sensitivity and 3D visualization. In contrast to spiral CT, which acquires a series of narrow slices, FPD-CBCT acquires a full volume of data (limited by the cone angle and the FPD active area) in one <= 360° scan. Our goal was to use a GE HighSpeed Advantage (HSA) CT system as the basis for an FPD-CBVCT imaging prototype for performing phantom, animal and patient imaging studies. Specific electromechanical and radiographic subsystems controlled include: gantry rotation and tilt, patient table positioning, rotor control, mA control, the high frequency generator (kVp, exposure time, repetition rate) and image data acquisition. Also, a 2D full field FPD replaced the 1D detector, as well as the existing slit collimator was retrofitted to a full field collimator to allow x-ray exposure over the entire active area of the FPD. In addition, x-ray projection data was acquired at 30 fps. Power and communication signals to control modules on the rotating part of the gantry were transmitted through integrated slip rings on the gantry. A stationary host computer controlled mechanical motion of the gantry and sent trigger signals to on-board electronic interface modules to control data acquisition and radiographic functions. Acquired image data was grabbed to the system memory of an on-board industrial computer, saved to hard disk and downloaded through a network connection to the stationary computer for 3D reconstruction. Through the synchronized control of the pulsed x-ray exposures, data acquisition, and gantry rotation the system achieved a circle cone beam image acquisition protocol. With integrated control of the gantry tilt and of the position and translation speed of the patient table, spiral cone beam and circle-plus-arc cone beam image acquisition protocols will also be achieved. Performance is being evaluated with optical encoders, standard dosimetry equipment and phantom studies.
Texture in Hot-Pressed or Forged Alumina

Quantitative texture analysis, including calculation of the orientation distribution function, is used to demonstrate textures in alumina hot-forged at 1800°C. As suggested by earlier investigations, strong basal textures can be produced by pressing and forging alumina. Experiments in plane strain support arguments for slip-based texture development. Since the earlier investigations provided incomplete information on preferred orientation, a comparison is made of current and past procedures used to report textures in alumina.
Autonomous indoor aerial gripping using a quadrotor

This paper presents an implementation of autonomous indoor aerial gripping using a low-cost, custom-built quadrotor. Such research extends the typical functionality of micro air vehicles (MAV) from passive observation and sensing to dynamic interaction with the environment. To achieve this, three major challenges are overcome: precise positioning, sensing and manipulation of the object, and stabilization in the presence of disturbance due to interaction with the object. Navigation in unstructured, GPS-denied environments is achieved using a visual SLAM algorithm that relies on an onboard monocular camera. A secondary camera, capable of detecting infrared light sources, is used to estimate the 3D location of the object, while an under-actuated and passively compliant manipulator is designed for effective gripping under uncertainty. The system utilizes nested PID controllers for attitude stabilization, vision-based navigation and gripping. The quadrotor is therefore able to autonomously navigate, locate and grasp an object, using only onboard sensors.
Model- and Architecture-Driven Development in the Context of Cross-Enterprise Business Process Engineering

Modelling and enacting cross-enterprise business processes (CBPs) is a key ability for successfully setting up and managing virtual organizations, e.g. supply chains. In this paper we present and compare approaches for modelling CBPs based on the service-oriented architecture paradigm. By embedding our overall approach into a model- and architecture-driven development perspective, we show how service-oriented systems realising CBPs can be derived from business-level modelling
A cross-layer communication solution for multimedia applications in underwater acoustic sensor networks

Underwater multimedia acoustic sensor networks will enable new underwater applications such as multimedia coastal and tactical surveillance, undersea explorations, picture and video acquisition and classification, and disaster prevention. Because of the different requirements of these applications, it is needed to provide efficient differentiated-service support to delay-sensitive and delay-tolerant data traffic as well as to loss-sensitive and loss-tolerant traffic. The objective of this paper is twofold: 1) explore the interactions of different underwater communication functionalities such as modulation, forward error correction, medium access control and routing, and 2) develop a distributed cross-layer solution integrating specialized communication functionalities that cooperate to allow multiple devices to efficiently and fairly share the bandwidth-limited high-delay underwater acoustic medium.
Tampa’s Lafayette Street Bridge: Building a New South City

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Liberal Arts, Department of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Uteroglobin Represses Allergen-induced Inflammatory Response by Blocking PGD2 Receptor–mediated Functions

Uteroglobin (UG) is an antiinflammatory protein secreted by the epithelial lining of all organs communicating with the external environment. We reported previously that UG-knockout mice manifest exaggerated inflammatory response to allergen, characterized by increased eotaxin and Th2 cytokine gene expression, and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. In this study, we uncovered that the airway epithelia of these mice also express high levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, a key enzyme for the production of proinflammatory lipid mediators, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contain elevated levels of prostaglandin D2. These effects are abrogated by recombinant UG treatment. Although it has been reported that prostaglandin D2 mediates allergic inflammation via its receptor, DP, neither the molecular mechanism(s) of DP signaling nor the mechanism by which UG suppresses DP-mediated inflammatory response are clearly understood. Here we report that DP signaling is mediated via p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase, p44/42 mitogen–activated protein kinase, and protein kinase C pathways in a cell type–specific manner leading to nuclear factor–κB activation stimulating COX-2 gene expression. Further, we found that recombinant UG blocks DP-mediated nuclear factor–κB activation and suppresses COX-2 gene expression. We propose that UG is an essential component of a novel innate homeostatic mechanism in the mammalian airways to repress allergen-induced inflammatory responses.
Fiber orientation of the transverse carpal ligament

The transverse carpal ligament is the volar roof of the carpal tunnel. Gross observation shows that the ligament appears to have fibers that roughly orient in the transverse direction. A closer anatomical examination shows that the ligament also has oblique fibers. Knowledge of the fiber orientation of the transverse carpal ligament is valuable for further understanding the ligament's role in regulating the structural function of the carpal tunnel. The purpose of this study is to quantify collagen fiber orientation within the transverse carpal ligament using the small angle light scattering technique. Eight transverse carpal ligament samples from cadaver hands were used in this study. Individual 20-μm sections were cut evenly along the thickness of the transverse carpal ligament. Sections of three thickness levels (25%, 50%, and 75% from the volar surface) were collected for each transverse carpal ligament. Fibers were grouped in the following orientation ranges: transverse, longitudinal, oblique in the pisiform-trapezium (PT), and oblique in the scaphoid-hamate (SH) directions. In analyzing the fiber percentages, the orientation types for the different thickness levels of the ligament showed that the transverse fibers were the most prominent (>60.7%) followed by the PT oblique (18.6%), SH oblique (13.0%), and longitudinal (8.6%) fibers.
Ampicillin-induced enterocolitis: implication of toxigenic Clostridium perfringens type C.

THE MOST IMPORTANT CAUSE of ant ibiot ic-associated p s e u d o m e m b r a n o u s colitis is toxigenic Clostridium difficile. M a n y cases s tudied a few decades ago seemed a t t r ibutable to Staphylococcus aureus. 1. 2 Both types of the disease appea red responsive to oral t r ea tment with vancomycin. It is not known Whether o ther microbes are capable of induc ing this syndrome, bu t it is known that most of the d iar rhea associated with antibiotics and in which there is no evident colitis is of u n k n o w n cause. We recent ly encounte red a pa t ient with severe ant ibioticinduced d iar rhea and enterocolitis in whom Clostridium perfringens type C appeared responsible for the disease. Vancomycin was successful in t rea tment . We are writing this report to call a t ten t ion to this organism in cases of severe ant ibiot ic-associated d iar rhea in which C. difficile and its toxin canno t be identified.
Analysis of Stress-dependent Permeability in Nonorthogonal Flow and Deformation Fields

The stress-dependent permeability of porous-fractured media is examined where principal stresses do not coincide with the principal permeabilities. This condition is the norm, and may arise when either flow is controlled at the local level due to the presence of inclined bedding partings or oblique fractures, or as a result of the evolving loading environment. Permeability response is controlled by shear and normal stiffnesses of fractures, frictional dilation coefficients, skeletal and grain modulii, initial permeabilities and stress state. For parameters representative of intact and fractured rocks, hydrostatic loading modes are shown to have the greatest effect in the pre-failure regime. Shear dilation effects are small, primarily controlled by the selected magnitudes of shear stiffnesses and dilation coefficients. The resulting stress-permeability relationships, which cover both fractured and intact media, are examined in a numerical study of fluid flow injected across the diameter of a cylindrical core with inclined fabric, subjected to various loading configurations. This is used to produce relationships that allow one to reduce flow test data in non-standard specimen geometries, where effective stress changes are simultaneously applied. These results confirm the significant impact of inclination of the rock fabric with respect to both flow and loading geometry on the evolving permeability field.
Child Functioning and Caregiver Well-being in Families of Children with Emotional Disorders: A Longitudinal Analysis

Researchers and practitioners concerned about children with emotional disorders and their families often try to understand the relationship between a child's condition and family functioning. Does some aspect of the caregiver affect the child's emotional and behavioral difficulties? Does the strain of caring for a child with such difficulties have an impact on parents? Does each affect the other in some reciprocal fashion? Previous research has often been limited by cross-sectional designs and study of unidirectional effects. This article attempts to advance the understanding of the interplay between children's functioning and caregivers' well-being in a longitudinal study of 164 families. Data are from two waves of a panel survey and are analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that caregivers and children do have effects on each other and that the effect of child functioning on caregiver well-being increases over time. Implications for further research and interventions are suggested.
Flexural Fracture Strength, Fracture Locations, and Monte Carlo Predictions for a Silicon Nitride by Ten U.S. Laboratories

The work reported was conducted to provide a basis for a number of structural ceramic mechanical property standardization activities in the United States, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. A comparison of key property values of a commercial silicon nitride determined in a number of laboratories was a major objective. The work reported was conducted by 10 U.S. laboratories on GN-10 silicon nitride, and represented the U.S. work within an International Energy Agency program including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Fracture location analyses showed that fracture location within the inner span often was not a linear function of location within the span. Some of this behavior was explained by random sampling effects based upon simulation predictions, but some was apparently dependent upon friction within the fixtures in spite of efforts to minimize it. Flexural strengths were measured at 25° and 1250°C in air and were analyzed using the two-parameter Weibull model in terms of m and σΘ using both linear regression (LR) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Under the measurement conditions for the 10 room-temperature strength sets, the value of the ML estimator for m varied by as much as 36%, while the value for the σΘ parameter estimator varied only 3.3%. The LR estimator for m varied by about 54%. For the high-temperature specimens, the ML estimator for m varied by 48% while the LR estimator varied by 38%. Ranked fracture location analysis showed that the high-temperature fracture locations were more random than those in the room-temperature specimens, and was probably due to friction in the high-temperature fixtures. There was little pin rolling ability in many of the high-temperature fixtures used. Monte Carlo and one-way analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) methods provided insight into the consistency of the strength values. Monte Carlo predictions showed that for room-temperature strength, the maximum likelihood estimator m for all 10 laboratories fit within the 10% and 90% confidence bounds for 30 specimen sets. The dispersion of the high-temperature data was such that the m estimator satisfied the model only at the 1% and 99% confidence levels for the 15 specimen sets. ANOVA results showed that for the room-temperature flexural strength, data from all 10 laboratories were not distinguishable for this evaluator at the 95% confidence level and that scatter within individual data sets was a larger effect than was the variation between the data sets. For the high-temperature data, the results from one laboratory were clearly outside the allowable range at this confidence level.
In situ analysis of LiFePO4 batteries: Signal extraction by multivariate analysis

The electrochemical reaction behavior of a commercial Li-ion battery (LiFePO4-based cathode, graphite-based anode) has been measured via in situ neutron diffraction. A multivariate analysis was successfully applied to the neutron diffraction data set facilitating in the determination of Li bearing phases participating in the electrochemical reaction in both the anode and cathode as a function of state-of-charge (SOC). The analysis resulted in quantified phase fraction values for LiFePO4 and FePO4 cathode compounds as well as the identification of staging behavior of Li6, Li12, Li24, and graphite phases in the anode. An additional Li-graphite phase has also been tentatively identified during electrochemical cycling as LiC48 at conditions of ∼5% to 15% SOC.
Percolation Effects in the Mechanical Properties of Granular Ni-A12O3 thin films

The mechanical properties of sputtered Ni-Al2O3 granular thin films were investigated by low load microharaness testing. It was found that the microhardness of these films displayed a percolation threshold at a nickel volume fraction of about 0.6, below which the hardness is greatly enhanced. This behavior is qualitatively similar to the electrical and magnetic properties of these types of films. A percolation threshold in hardness can be understood as due to a change in the mechanism for plastic deformation.
In vitro replication by prokaryotic and eukaryotic polymerases on DNA templates containing site-specific and stereospecific benzo [a]pyrene-7, 8-dihydrodiol-9, 10-epoxide adducts

DNA adducts of the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) interact stereospecifically with prokaryotic and eukaryotic polymerases in vitro. Toward understanding the capacity to replicate past different diastereomers of BPDE at specific sites in DNA, six deoxyoligonucleotides, each 33 bases long, were constructed with stereochemically defined BPDE adducts on adenine N6 at position two of the human N-ras codon 61. Four polymerases that were studied under single encounters with the template-primer complex terminated synthesis one base 3' to the lesion with all the adducted templates. When multiple encounters between polymerase and substrate were permitted, each of the polymerases analyzed revealed a unique pattern for a given adducted template. The general replication pattern was encompassed under two categories, reflecting the significance of the R and S configurations of C10 of the pyrenyl ring attached to the single-stranded DNA template. Furthermore, within each of these categories, every polymerase demonstrated distinct quantitative differences in product accumulation at a given site, for the various adducted templates. Among the polymerases utilized in this study, exonuclease-deficient Klenow fragment of polymerase I (exo- KF) exhibited the most efficient translesion synthesis resulting in approximately 16% full-length products with the modified templates bearing adducts with C10-S configuration. In contrast, chain elongation with bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase bearing an active 3'-->5' exonucleolytic activity was most strongly inhibited by all six BPDE-adducted templates. Misincorporation of A opposite the adduct occurred in all the templates when polymerized with Sequenase, whereas exo- KF preferentially incorporated C opposite the C10-R BPDE adducts and A opposite the C10-S BPDE adducts.
Root Metaphors in Accounts of Developing Romantic Relationships

This study was undertaken in an attempt to complement extant approaches to our understanding of how parties make sense of their developing romantic relationships. A metaphor analysis was undertaken of 106 interview transcripts, finding three root metaphors that dominated the data: relationship development as work, relationship development as a journey of discovery and relationship development as an uncontrollable force. In addition, four secondary root metaphors were identified: relationship development as danger, relationship development as organism, relationship development as economic exchange and relationship development as game. These seven root metaphors were subsequently reduced through cluster analysis to four groups: work-exchange, journey-organism, force-danger and game. These four groups are posited as folk-logics which relationship parties use to make sense of their relational experiences.
The logic of indirect speech

When people speak, they often insinuate their intent indirectly rather than stating it as a bald proposition. Examples include sexual come-ons, veiled threats, polite requests, and concealed bribes. We propose a three-part theory of indirect speech, based on the idea that human communication involves a mixture of cooperation and conflict. First, indirect requests allow for plausible deniability, in which a cooperative listener can accept the request, but an uncooperative one cannot react adversarially to it. This intuition is supported by a game-theoretic model that predicts the costs and benefits to a speaker of direct and indirect requests. Second, language has two functions: to convey information and to negotiate the type of relationship holding between speaker and hearer (in particular, dominance, communality, or reciprocity). The emotional costs of a mismatch in the assumed relationship type can create a need for plausible deniability and, thereby, select for indirectness even when there are no tangible costs. Third, people perceive language as a digital medium, which allows a sentence to generate common knowledge, to propagate a message with high fidelity, and to serve as a reference point in coordination games. This feature makes an indirect request qualitatively different from a direct one even when the speaker and listener can infer each other's intentions with high confidence.
Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study

Because previous studies have suggested that motorized non-surgical spinal decompression can reduce chronic low back pain (LBP) due to disc degeneration (discogenic low back pain) and disc herniation, it has accordingly been hypothesized that the reduction of pressure on affected discs will facilitate their regeneration. The goal of this study was to determine if changes in LBP, as measured on a verbal rating scale, before and after a 6-week treatment period with non-surgical spinal decompression, correlate with changes in lumbar disc height, as measured on computed tomography (CT) scans. A retrospective cohort study of adults with chronic LBP attributed to disc herniation and/or discogenic LBP who underwent a 6-week treatment protocol of motorized non-surgical spinal decompression via the DRX9000 with CT scans before and after treatment. The main outcomes were changes in pain as measured on a verbal rating scale from 0 to 10 during a flexion-extension range of motion evaluation and changes in disc height as measured on CT scans. Paired t-test or linear regression was used as appropriate with p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. We identified 30 patients with lumbar disc herniation with an average age of 65 years, body mass index of 29 kg/m2, 21 females and 9 males, and an average duration of LBP of 12.5 weeks. During treatment, low back pain decreased from 6.2 (SD 2.2) to 1.6 (2.3, p < 0.001) and disc height increased from 7.5 (1.7) mm to 8.8 (1.7) mm (p < 0.001). Increase in disc height and reduction in pain were significantly correlated (r = 0.36, p = 0.044). Non-surgical spinal decompression was associated with a reduction in pain and an increase in disc height. The correlation of these variables suggests that pain reduction may be mediated, at least in part, through a restoration of disc height. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these promising results. NCT00828880
Inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass

This article reviews the roles of the contact and complement systems and of neutrophils and monocytes in the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass and open heart operation. These blood proteins and cells, together with other blood elements, produce the vasoactive and cytotoxic substances and microemboli that cause the morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and open heart operation.
Recognition of words from palatometric displays

This experiment was designed to explore articulatory perception at the phonetic gesture level. It was hypothesized that with relatively brief experience individuals could learn to identify words from video displays of linguapalatal contact patterns, that such learning will reveal general visual articulatory perception rules, and that both vowels and consonants will be differentiated by their contact patterns. Movements to and from articulatory positions, the number of syllables in a word, place and extent of linguapalatal contact, and specific articulatory gestures such as sibilant grooving and stop occlusion patterns were found to be used in word differentiation and recognition.
Variable and often severe phenotypic expression in patients with the α-thalassemic variant Hb Agrinio [α29(B10)Leu→Pro (α2)].

Hb Agrinio [α29(B10)Leu→Pro] is a highly unstable variant, classified as a nondeletional α-thalassemia (α-thal) mutation. To date it has only been described in individuals of Greek and Cypriot origin. Evaluation of the phenotypic presentation of 12 Hb Agrinio homozygotes or compound heterozygotes, diagnosed in a single center in Greece during a 15-year period, found a wide clinical expression, ranging from thalassemia intermedia (with or without transfusion requirement) to Hb H hydrops fetalis, with some phenotype-to-genotype correlation. The often severe clinical presentation of Hb Agrinio homozygotes or Hb Agrinio compound heterozygotes, coinheriting severe α-thal determinants, indicates that molecular identification of carriers of the Hb Agrinio mutation should be considered within the context of screening programs involving individuals of Greek and Cypriot origin. Selective molecular investigation of candidate carriers is facilitated by the observation that all heterozygotes for the Hb Agrinio mutatio...
Zero-Carbon Cloud: A Volatile Resource for High-Performance Computing

The growing deployment of renewable power generation creates a growing opportunity in "stranded power", power that is generated a close to zero-cost, but not usable by the power grid. We propose to use this stranded power to create a "zero carbon" high-performance computing resource, exploiting the batch computing model to exploit the volatile power efficiently.
In Situ Vaccination with Adenoviral Vectors to Treat Cancer

This chapter describes the use of in situ vaccination using adenoviral (Ad) vectors to treat cancer. In situ vaccination is an approach in which an agent that can stimulate the immune system, alter the tumor microenvironment, and cause cell death is injected directly into a tumor, allowing the tumor itself to be the source of antigen. Intratumoral injection of Ad vectors is ideal for this approach because they can effectively transduce tumor cells in vivo, express transgenes to high levels, and strongly stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Adenovirus vectors encoding the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase suicide gene or type 1 interferons seem especially effective for in situ vaccination. Successful preclinical and clinical trials using these vectors are described. Current approaches combine Ad vector in situ vaccination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to maximize responses.
Clickable analogue of cerulenin as chemical probe to explore protein palmitoylation.

Dynamic palmitoylation is an important post-translational modification regulating protein localization, trafficking, and signaling activities. The Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain containing enzymes are evolutionarily conserved palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) mediating diverse protein S-palmitoylation. Cerulenin is a natural product inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis and protein palmitoylation, through irreversible alkylation of the cysteine residues in the enzymes. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a “clickable” and long alkyl chain analogue of cerulenin as a chemical probe to investigate its cellular targets and to label and profile PATs in vitro and in live cells. Our results showed that the probe could stably label the DHHC-family PATs and enable mass spectrometry studies of PATs and other target proteins in the cellular proteome. Such probe provides a new chemical tool to dissect the functions of palmitoylating enzymes in cell signaling and diseases and reveals new cellular targe...
Effects of Shading Treatments on the Growth of Pometia tomentosa Seedlings

Pometia tomentosa is a dominant uppermost canopy tree species of vallyland forest in Xishuangbanna tropical seasonal rainforest,China. Under different light intensities such as 100% natural sunlight (NS), 37.3% NS, 15.5%NS, 4.2% NS, 1.6% NS, 0.6% NS in shade house, growth characteristics were studied in early development stage and established seedlings. Light was an important environmental factor for the growth of P. tomentosa seedlings. During the early growth stage of seedlings, basal stem diameter and paripinnate number were decreased with the increasing of shade, taproot length, root : shoot ratio, total dry weight and leaf area per seedling were maximal under 37.3% NS, specific leaf area (SLA) was increased with the increasing of shade, but the relative growth rate was declined. Seedlings grew fastest under 0.6% NS, suggesting that nutrients stored in seeds played an important role at the early growth stage. The treatment of 37.3% NS was best for established seedlings in seedling height, basal stem diameter, paripinnate number, rachis length, the maximum sub-leaflet number of individual paripinnate, leaf area per seedling, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. Light intensity was positively correlated to total dry weight, and negatively to specific leaf area. The maximum of SLA was observed under 15.5% NS. The fluctuations of SLA and root : shoot ratio in developmental established seedlings may be responsible for light intensity and soil moisture.
Serum Insulin Levels Are Reduced by Intravenous Ghrelin Administration but Do Not Correlate with Alcohol Craving in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals

Background: Increasing evidence supports a role for appetite-regulating pathways like ghrelin, insulin and leptin in alcoholism. We previously reported that intravenous (IV) exogenous ghrelin increases alcohol craving. We also reported, IV ghrelin reduces endogenous serum leptin, whose levels, in turn, negatively correlated with alcohol craving. Exogenous ghrelin administration decreases insulin secretion both in vitro and in vivo experiments. This study tested the hypothesis that IV ghrelin may also decrease endogenous serum insulin levels in alcoholic individuals. Additionally, we explored possible correlations between serum insulin and alcohol craving since a correlation between insulin and alcohol craving was previously reported. Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory study ( n =43). Non-treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent, heavy-drinkers were randomized to receive IV ghrelin or placebo, followed by an alcohol cue-reactivity procedure. Results: There was a main effect for IV ghrelin, compared to placebo in reducing serum insulin [ P .05]. We did not find a correlation between the reduction of serum insulin and alcohol craving [ P >.05]. The change in serum insulin was consistent with a parallel reduction in serum connective-peptide (C-peptide) in the ghrelin group compared to placebo, although this difference did not reach statistical significance [P=.076]. No similar effects were found for other glucose-regulating hormones analyzed, i.e.: glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) [ P ’s>.05]. Conclusions: These findings indicate IV ghrelin administration has an effect on reducing serum insulin in alcohol-dependent individuals, however the reduction of insulin did not correlate with changes in alcohol cue-elicited craving. We speculate that, unlike for leptin, the interactions between ghrelin and insulin relationship are limited at the peripheral level. However, mechanistic studies are needed to investigate this hypothesis.
A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE FORM OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF RED CELL RESISTANCES TO SIMPLE HEMOLYSINS

A method is described for determining quantitatively the form of the resistance distributions of red cell resistances to simple hemolysins. The normal range of variation is given for the resistance distributions to saponin, digitonin, and hypotonic NaCl, all at pH 7.0, and examples of departures from the normal, which may take the form of bimodalities after hemorrhagic or hemolytic episodes or of more persistent changes in the characteristics of the distributions, are provided.
Metric Density and Quasimobius Mappings

We study the notion of μ-density of metric spaces which was introduced by V. Aseev and D. Trotsenko. Interrelation between μ-density and homogeneous density is established. We also characterize μ-dense spaces as “arcwise” connected metric spaces in which “arcs” are the quasimobius images of the middle-third Cantor set. Finally, we characterize quasiconformal self-mappings of n in terms of μ-density.
A Systematic Review of Reproductive Coercion in International Settings.

Reproductive coercion is behavior that interferes with a woman's autonomous reproductive decision making. It may take the form of birth control sabotage, pregnancy coercion, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy. Perpetrators may be partners, a partner's family, or the woman's family. This article reviews the literature on reproductive coercion in international settings. In this review of 10 research studies, findings are presented on prevalence and type of reproductive coercion, associated factors, specific tactics, relationship with intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence (in-laws particularly), and implications for women's reproductive health. Findings highlight reproductive coercion as a subset of IPV that is poorly understood, especially in international settings. More research is needed on protective factors, how interventions can capitalize on protective factors, and the strategies women use to resist reproductive coercion. Policy implications and recommendations are discussed with particular attention to issues related to diverse social and cultural environments.
How Can We Tell Which Foods Are Real

Perhaps no one has changed the way we think about food in the twenty-first century as much as Michael Pollan. I confess that his writing, in part, inspired me to write this book. As seen in the quote above, he has introduced the concept of “nutritionism” which from his perspective has focused attention on eating to supply nutrients rather than on eating simple foods. His mantra has become “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” He decries an obsession with healthy eating based on the “chemical principles of nutrition” which change so rapidly that it is difficult to keep up. He also criticizes the food industry for manipulating such information to their benefit and our detriment. He asks us to forgo “foodlike substances” for real foods.
Early risk factors and the role of fluid administration in developing acute respiratory distress syndrome in septic patients

Sepsis is a major risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there remains a paucity of literature examining risk factors for ARDS in septic patients early in their course. This study examined the role of early fluid administration and identified other risk factors within the first 6 h of hospital presentation associated with developing ARDS in septic patients. This was a secondary analysis of septic adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department or being admitted for high-risk elective surgery from the multicenter observational cohort study, US Critical Injury and Illness trial Group-Lung Injury Prevention Study 1 (USCIITG-LIPS 1, NCT00889772). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify potential early risk factors for ARDS. Stratified analysis by shock status was performed to examine the association between early fluid administration and ARDS. Of the 5584 patients in the original study cohort, 2534 (45.4%) met our criteria for sepsis. One hundred and fifty-six (6.2%) of these patients developed ARDS during the hospital stay. In multivariable analyses, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.13), age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.98), total fluid infused in the first 6 h (in liters) (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.29), shock (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.62–4.08), pneumonia as a site of infection (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.59–3.36), pancreatitis (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.33–11.24), and acute abdomen (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.37–10.41) were associated with developing ARDS. In the stratified analysis, total fluid infused in the first 6 h (in liters) (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.87–1.28) was not associated with the development of ARDS in the shock group, while there was an association in the non-shock group (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.38). In septic patients, the following risk factors identified within the first 6 h of hospital presentation were associated with ARDS: APACHE II score, presence of shock, pulmonary source of infection, pancreatitis, and presence of an acute abdomen. In septic patients without shock, the amount of fluid infused during the first 6 h of hospital presentation was associated with developing ARDS.
Structure-Based Design of Highly Selective and Potent G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Inhibitors Based on Paroxetine

In heart failure, the β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) become desensitized and uncoupled from heterotrimeric G proteins. This process is initiated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), some of which are upregulated in the failing heart, making them desirable therapeutic targets. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, was previously identified as a GRK2 inhibitor. Utilizing a structure-based drug design approach, we modified paroxetine to generate a small compound library. Included in this series is a highly potent and selective GRK2 inhibitor, 14as, with an IC50 of 30 nM against GRK2 and greater than 230-fold selectivity over other GRKs and kinases. Furthermore, 14as showed a 100-fold improvement in cardiomyocyte contractility assays over paroxetine and a plasma concentration higher than its IC50 for over 7 h. Three of these inhibitors, including 14as, were additionally crystallized in complex with GRK2 to give insights into the structural determinants of potency and selectivity of t...
Ultra-thin ALD-MnN barrier for low resistance advanced interconnect technology

As dimension shrinks the volume percent occupied by conventional barrier and liner increases and line resistance (Rs) and via resistance (Rc) increases dramatically. An ultrathin ALD MnN barrier is being evaluated as a single layer barrier for resistance reduction in small structures. >20% and >80% Rs and Rc reduction was demonstrated, while 4× better mean time to failure (MTTF) on the time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) was achieved comparing to conventional barrier/liner. ALD MnN is a potential barrier candidate for future interconnects technology.
Correction to: Proceedings of the 16th Annual UT-KBRIN Bioinformatics Summit 2017: proceedings

Following the publication of the original supplement article [1], it was brought to our attention that the supplement title unfortunately contains an error: “Proceedings of the 16th Annual UT-KBRIN Bioinformatics Summit 2016: proceedings” should instead read “Proceedings of the 16th Annual UT-KBRIN Bioinformatics Summit 2017: proceedings”. The correct title has been included in this correction.
Reassessment of Isotaches Compression Concept and Isotaches Consolidation Models

AbstractA substantial body of laboratory and field observations on compression and consolidation of soft clay and silt deposits as well as organic soils, suggest a soil behavior according to Hypoth...
Enantioselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Allenyl–B(pin) Compounds by Phosphine–Cu-Catalyzed 1,3-Enyne Hydroboration. Insights Regarding Stereochemical Integrity of Cu–Allenyl Intermediates

Catalytic enantioselective boron-hydride additions to 1,3-enynes, which afford allenyl-B(pin) (pin = pinacolato) products, are disclosed. Transformations are promoted by a readily accessible bis-phosphine-Cu complex and involve commercially available HB(pin). The method is applicable to aryl- and alkyl-substituted 1,3-enynes. Trisubstituted allenyl-B(pin) products were generated in 52-80% yield and, in most cases, in >98:2 allenyl:propargyl and 92:8-99:1 enantiomeric ratio. Utility is highlighted through a highly diastereoselective addition to an aldehyde, and a stereospecific catalytic cross-coupling process that delivers an enantiomerically enriched allene with three carbon-based substituents. The following key mechanistic attributes are elucidated: (1) Spectroscopic and computational investigations indicate that low enantioselectivity can arise from loss of kinetic stereoselectivity, which, as suggested by experimental evidence, may occur by formation of a propargylic anion generated by heterolytic Cu-C cleavage. This is particularly a problem when trapping of the Cu-allenyl intermediate is slow, namely, when an electron deficient 1,3-enyne or a less reactive boron-hydride reagent (e.g., HB(dan) (dan = naphthalene-1,8-diaminato)) is used or under non-optimal conditions (e.g., lower boron-hydride concentration causing slower trapping). (2) With enynes that contain a sterically demanding o-aryl substituent considerable amounts of the propargyl-B(pin) isomer may be generated (25-96%) because a less sterically demanding transition state for Cu/B exchange becomes favorable. (3) The phosphine ligand can promote isomerization of the enantiomerically enriched allenyl-B(pin) product; accordingly, lower ligand loading might at times be optimal. (4) Catalytic cross-coupling with an enantiomerically enriched allenyl-B(pin) compound might proceed with high stereospecificity (e.g., phosphine-Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling) or lead to considerable racemization (e.g., phosphine-Cu-catalyzed allylic substitution).
Speed but not amplitude of visual feedback exacerbates force variability in older adults.

Magnification of visual feedback (VF) impairs force control in older adults. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the age-associated increase in force variability with magnification of visual feedback is a consequence of increased amplitude or speed of visual feedback. Seventeen young and 18 older adults performed a constant isometric force task with the index finger at 5% of MVC. We manipulated the vertical (force gain) and horizontal (time gain) aspect of the visual feedback so participants performed the task with the following VF conditions: (1) high amplitude-fast speed; (2) low amplitude-slow speed; (3) high amplitude-slow speed. Changing the visual feedback from low amplitude-slow speed to high amplitude-fast speed increased force variability in older adults but decreased it in young adults (P 0.2), but decreased it in young adults (P 0.2). In summary, increased force variability in older adults with magnification of visual feedback was evident only when the speed of visual feedback increased. Thus, we conclude that in older adults deficits in the rate of processing visual information and not deficits in the processing of more visual information impair force control.
Infrared Studies of the Acetylcholine Receptor Structure

The Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is being studied by vibrational spectroscopic methods to reveal the structural features associated with the macromolecule that controls the passage of cations through synaptic membranes. The present data obtained with a Fourier transform computerized IR spectrometer show a high degree of reproducibility between two samples prepared independently in other laboratories and measured here. A number of lines are identified and are tentatively assigned to known modes of peptide vibrations previously investigated by IR, Raman and theoretical methods. The results show that both the α-helix and the β-sheet structures are present in membrane bound receptor.
Jewish Ethical Perspectives toward Business

This chapter is intended to be a preliminary foray into the territory where the concerns of the Jewish ethical tradition and the world of modern commerce intersect. It will focus on two particular sorts of activities—one associated primarily with corporations and the other associated principally with individuals. But it is hoped that much of what will be said will be applicable to more general problems and settings in the business world and, perhaps, even beyond.