cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of antioxidant therapies during chemotherapy.

Abstract Objective At the present time, many cancer patients combine some form of complementary and alternative medicine therapies with their conventional therapies. The most common choice of these therapies is the use of antioxidants. Results A review of four common antioxidants is undertaken, which includes vitamin E (mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), β-carotene (natural mixed carotenoids), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and vitamin A (retinoic acid). Antioxidants act as electron acceptors as well as therapeutic biologic response modifiers. Despite the fact that chemotherapy-induced formation of free radicals is well-demonstrated, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity in general does not seem to depend on formation of reactive oxygen species. Conclusions Currently, evidence is growing that antioxidants may provide some benefit when combined with certain types of chemotherapy. Because of the potential for positive benefits, a randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of adding antioxidants to chemotherapy in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer is underway at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Heat shock mRNA accumulation during recovery from cold shock in Drosophila melanogaster

Heat shock protein synthesis is induced in response to a variety of chemical and physical stresses. Among these are heating above normal growing temperatures, treatment with heavy metals, amino acid analogues, steroid hormones and a variety of other chemicals (CRC Crit. Rev. Biochem. 18, 239–280). We have shown previously that heat shock proteins are also synthesized during recovery from prolonged 0°C treatment in Drosophila larval salivary glands. In this paper we describe the cold treatments which induce heat shock protein synthesis in more detail, and show that heat shock mRNA does not accumulate during the cold treatment, but rather during the recovery period when the larvae are returned to 25°C. The implications of these results for the regulation of heat shock mRNA levels, and for the role of heat shock proteins in recovery from cold shock are discussed.
Stresses from loading distal-extension removable partial dentures

A concentrated load of 222 N in the region of the central fossa of the second molar resulted in stresses in the supporting bone which increased gradually from zero in the region of the retromolar pad to about 25 MN/m2 distal to the second molar. Stresses in the alveolar bone supporting the second premolar were about 30 MN/m2 at the cemento-enamel junction, decreased to about 20 MN/m2 distal to the apex of the root, increased to 100 MN/m2 at the apex, and decreased to 3 MN/m2 near the mesial upper third of the root surface. When a distributed load of 222 N was applied to the first and second molar region, the stress distribution was similar to that observed for the concentrated load, and stress magnitudes were about 20% lower. Dramatic decreases in stress, with the maximum stress at the apex being 40 MN/m2, occurred when a 222 N load was distributed in the area of the marginal ridge.
Polybutadiene-coated zirconia packing materials in solvating gas chromatography using carbon dioxide as mobile phase

In this paper, practical considerations of column efficiency, separation speed, thermal stability, and column polarity of capillary columns packed with polybutadiene-coated zirconia were investigated under solvating gas chromatography (SGC) conditions using carbon dioxide as mobile phase. When compared with results obtained from conventional porous octadecyl obtained from conventional porous octadecyl bonded silica (ODS) particles, PBD-zirconia particles produced greater change in mobile phase linear velocity with pressure than conventional ODS particles under the same conditions. The maximum plate number per second (Nt) obtained with a 30 cm PBD-zirconia column was approximately 1.5 times higher than that obtained with an ODS column at 100 °C. Therefore, the PBD-zirconia phase is more suitable for fast separations than conventional ODS particles in SGC. Maximum plate numbers per meter of 76,900 and 63,300 were obtained using a 57 cm×250 μm i.d. fused silica capillary column packed with 3 μm PBD-zirconia at 50 °C and 100 °C, respectively. The PBD-zirconia phase was stable at temperatures up to 320 °C under SGC conditions using carbon dioxide as mobile phase. Polarizable aromatic compounds and low molecular weight ketones and aldehydes were eluted with symmetrical peaks from a 10 cm column packed with 3 μm PBD-zirconia. Zirconia phases with greater inertness are required for the analysis of more polar compounds by SGC.
Spectra in angle-modulated waves

A simple method of analysing the spectra of angle-modulated waves directly from modulating functions is sketched. It appears particularly powerful for linear-segment functions such as square waves and telegraph signals. The process is exact, is adaptable to hand or computer calculation, and gives a useful insight into the nature of the results.
Fisherwomen on the Kerala Coast

Leela Sulati. Fisherwomen On The Kerala Coast: Demographic And Socio-Eonomic Impact Of. Fisheries Development Project International Labour Office, Geneva
Geochemistry and tectonic significance of the Stony Mountain gabbro, North Carolina: Implications for the Early Paleozoic evolution of Carolinia

Abstract Carolinia comprises a collection of Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic magmatic arc and sedimentary terranes that were amalgamated and accreted to Laurentia in the early to middle Paleozoic. In central North Carolina, mafic rocks of the Stony Mountain gabbro intrude sub-aqueous volcanic and sedimentary rocks and submarine epiclastic sedimentary rocks of the Albemarle Group. The age of the Stony Mountain gabbro is constrained to the Early Cambrian–Middle Ordovician. Field relations indicate that the gabbro represents the final phase of magmatism following the eruption and deposition of the Neoproterozoic–earliest Cambrian Albemarle Group, yet the gabbro pre-dates regional metamorphism and tectonism related to the Late Ordovician accretion of Carolinia to Laurentia. The Stony Mountain gabbro has a sub-alkaline basaltic composition, variable TiO 2 , MgO and Ni/Cr values. The rocks have a geochemical signature typical of island-arcs; the degree of LREE enrichment, prominent negative Nb anomalies and Nb/Th ratios are all features of low-K to medium-K tholeiitic basalts in modern island-arc, subduction-related lavas. Isotope data are dominated by juvenile compositions that are consistent with derivation from lithospheric and asthenospheric sources during decompression melting of the mantle. The Stony Mountain gabbro records subduction zone magmatism in a rifted island arc setting and can be modeled as the product of ~ 10–15% hydrous partial melting of variable mixtures of MORB- and OIB-like mantle sources overprinted by a minor subducted-slab derived hydrous fluid component. By analogy with modern settings the rocks of the Stony Mountain gabbro are comparable to MORB-like to OIB-type enriched rocks from the Lau Island and Sumisu Rift and are interpreted to have formed within an evolving Early Paleozoic island arc–back arc rift–basin system. The presence of an Early Cambrian arc–back arc rift system in Carolinia is broadly coeval with arc–back arc volcanism in other peri-Gondwanan blocks of the Appalachians and may be related to the Early Paleozoic opening of the Rheic Ocean.
Educational Testing and Validity of Conclusions in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Validity and its integral evidence of reliability are fundamentals for educational and psychological measurement, and standards of educational testing. Herein, we describe these standards of educational testing, along with their subtypes including internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and inter-rater agreement. Next, related issues of measurement error and effect size are discussed. This article concludes with a call for future authors to improve reporting of psychometrics and practical significance with educational testing in the pharmacy education literature. By increasing the scientific rigor of educational research and reporting, the overall quality and meaningfulness of SoTL will be improved.
Modular neural networks with applications to pattern profiling problems

We study the feasibility and the performance of modular design concept as applied to pattern profiling problems using artificial neural network. By decomposing the given pattern profiling problem into smaller modules, it is shown that comparable performance can be achieved with improvement on computation and design complexity. A survey of typical modular neural networks shows that large-scale nonlinear problems can alleviate its dimensionality curse with modular technique. Overview of modular neural networks based on how the problem is modularized through various decomposition and subsequent aggregation is given. A pattern recognition problem for aircraft trajectory prediction using NeuroFuzzy learning with a two stage modular learning design is presented. Decoupled data are used to train respective neural network modules. A genetic algorithm is used to aggregate all the learned modules so that it is ready for online pattern recognition purpose. As compared with the non-modular approach, the modular approach offers comparable prediction performance with significantly lower overall computation time. This study validates that modular design is a promising solution for large-scale soft computing problems.
PAK Signaling in Oncogenesis

The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of serine/threonine kinases is important in physiological processes including motility, survival, mitosis, transcription and translation. PAKs are evolutionally conserved and widely expressed in a variety of tissues and are often overexpressed in multiple cancer types. Depending on structural and functional similarities, the six members of PAK family are divided into two groups with three members in each group. Group I PAKs are activated by extracellular signals through GTPase-dependent and GTPase-independent mechanisms. In contrast, group II PAKs are constitutively active. Over the years, accumulating data from tissue culture models and human tumors has increased our understanding about the biology of PAK family members. In this review, we have summarized the complex regulation of PAK and its downstream diverse myriads of effectors, which in turn are responsible for the biological effects of PAK family of kinases in cancer cells.
Copolymerization of the cyclic monomer, 5,5‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxy‐2,4‐pentadienoic acid lactone

The copolymerization of 5,5-dichloro-4-hydroxy-2,4-pentadienoic acid lactone with methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, and vinylidene chloride to give yellow to red copolymers is described. Infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet spectroscopy indicate that the polymerization of the lactone proceeds by a 1,4-addition mechanism, followed by hydrogen chloride elimination, to give a highly conjugated structural unit closely related to the structure of the original monomer. The intense colors of the copolymers may arise from conjugated sequences of lactone units or through further eliminations along comonomer sequences.
Custom-designed zinc finger nucleases: what is next?

Custom-designed zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) – proteins designed to cut at specific DNA sequences – combine the non-specific cleavage domain (N) of Fok I restriction endonuclease with zinc finger proteins (ZFPs). Because the recognition specificities of the ZFPs can be easily manipulated experimentally, ZFNs offer a general way to deliver a targeted site-specific double-strand break (DSB) to the genome. They have become powerful tools for enhancing gene targeting – the process of replacing a gene within a genome of cells via homologous recombination (HR) – by several orders of magnitude. ZFN-mediated gene targeting thus confers molecular biologists with the ability to site-specifically and permanently alter not only plant and mammalian genomes but also many other organisms by stimulating HR via a targeted genomic DSB. Site-specific engineering of the plant and mammalian genome in cells so far has been hindered by the low frequency of HR. In ZFN-mediated gene targeting, this is circumvented by using designer ZFNs to cut at the desired chromosomal locus inside the cells. The DNA break is then patched up using the new investigator-provided genetic information and the cells’ own repair machinery. The accuracy and high efficiency of the HR process combined with the ability to design ZFNs that target most DNA sequences (if not all) makes ZFN technology not only a powerful research tool for site-specific manipulation of the plant and mammalian genomes, but also potentially for human therapeutics in the future, in particular for targeted engineering of the human genome of clinically transplantable stem cells.
Sociality in Escherichia coli: Enterochelin Is a Private Good at Low Cell Density and Can Be Shared at High Cell Density

ABSTRACT Many bacteria produce secreted iron chelators called siderophores, which can be shared among cells with specific siderophore uptake systems regardless of whether the cell produces siderophores. Sharing secreted products allows freeloading, where individuals use resources without bearing the cost of production. Here we show that the Escherichia coli siderophore enterochelin is not evenly shared between producers and nonproducers. Wild-type Escherichia coli grows well in low-iron minimal medium, and an isogenic enterochelin synthesis mutant (Δ entF ) grows very poorly. The enterochelin mutant grows well in low-iron medium supplemented with enterochelin. At high cell densities the Δ entF mutant can compete equally with the wild type in low-iron medium. At low cell densities the Δ entF mutant cannot compete. Furthermore, the growth rate of the wild type is unaffected by cell density. The wild type grows well in low-iron medium even at very low starting densities. Our experiments support a model where at least some enterochelin remains associated with the cells that produce it, and the cell-associated enterochelin enables iron acquisition even at very low cell density. Enterochelin that is not retained by producing cells at low density is lost to dilution. At high cell densities, cell-free enterochelin can accumulate and be shared by all cells in the group. Partial privatization is a solution to the problem of iron acquisition in low-iron, low-cell-density habitats. Cell-free enterochelin allows for iron scavenging at a distance at higher population densities. Our findings shed light on the conditions under which freeloaders might benefit from enterochelin uptake systems. IMPORTANCE Sociality in microbes has become a topic of great interest. One facet of sociality is the sharing of secreted products, such as the iron-scavenging siderophores. We present evidence that the Escherichia coli siderophore enterochelin is relatively inexpensive to produce and is partially privatized such that it can be efficiently shared only at high producer cell densities. At low cell densities, cell-free enterochelin is scarce and only enterochelin producers are able to grow in low-iron medium. Because freely shared products can be exploited by freeloaders, this partial privatization may help explain how enterochelin production is stabilized in E. coli and may provide insight into when enterochelin is available for freeloaders.
Experimental characterization of periodic frequency-steerable arrays for structural health monitoring

Beam steering through phased arrays is a well-established technique, used extensively in ultrasonic imaging for medical, NDE and SHM applications. Phased arrays typically need individual control of their elements, which involves hardware and software complexity. This paper presents the characterization of a novel frequency-steerable array for structural health monitoring. In the considered configuration, beam steering is achieved by exploiting interference phenomena generated by the spatial lay-out of the array elements, and their simultaneous activation at specific frequencies. Such frequencies correspond to wavenumbers which are associated with radiation in determined spatial directions. In essence, the array acts as a spatial filter, which preferentially radiates at wavenumbers defined by the spatial arrangement of the elements. As such, the array is also effective at tuning its radiation to specific wave modes. In this paper, a simple quadrilateral periodic topology illustrates the directional properties of the array and shows its tuning capabilities. The investigations are supported by a preliminary numerical analysis, which is used to design an experimental prototype. Tests successfully validate the numerical predictions and demonstrate the directional and tuning capabilities of the proposed array design.
Comparative binding of murine and human monoclonal antibodies reacting with myelin-associated glycoprotein to myelin and human lymphocytes.

Abstract Human monoclonal IgM antibodies present in the blood of some patients with peripheral neuropathy and murine hybrid IgM antibodies C5 and C6, raised against myelin-associated glycoprotein, and HNK-1, raised against the human T cell line HSB-2, all bind to the carbohydrate moiety of myelin-associated glycoprotein. The relative avidity of the monoclonal antibodies was HNK -1 > C 5 C 6 ⪢ human IgM , as determined in a competitive binding radioimmunoassay. HNK-1 bound myelin equally well at incubation temperatures between 4°C and 37°C; the human antibodies bound significantly only at 4°C; and C6 bound best at 4°C, less strongly at 20°C and did not bind at 37°C. All of the antibodies bound to a band corresponding to myelin-associated glycoprotein on immunoblots of human CNS myelin proteins in addition to several other antigens. Flow cytometric studies revealed that the murine but not the human antibodies bind to peripheral blood lymphocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that the antibodies probably recognize the same epitope but bind with different avidity.
Cooperative Breeding by Red-Headed Woodpeckers

Abstract Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are one of the most easily recognizable bird species, but little is known about their social system and breeding activity due to their lack of sexual dimorphism. We observed a dense population of Red-headed Woodpeckers and found evidence of cooperative breeding. The habitat at our site may promote cooperative breeding because it has a high density of utility poles that woodpeckers use for nesting, roosting, and caching food.
Equilibrium trip distribution/assignment with variable destination costs

Abstract A “user-equilibrium” trip distribution/assignment model is developed, which includes an endogenous destination cost for the conduct of a given activity at the destination. Destination costs are determined endogenously, as increasing functions of the number of trips to the destination. Link travel costs are increasing functions of link volumes. Travelers are assumed to choose the itinerary of deterministically perceived least cost. Activity performers are assumed to choose among alternative destinations so as to minimize the randomly perceived total cost of activity and travel. It is shown that the model always possesses a unique solution, when destination costs reflect either positive or negative externalities. An algorithm for obtaining that solution is described. The model is well suited to the analysis of a variety of issues concerning the effects of road pricing policies on urban travel demand and, conversely, of toll-based traffic management strategies on economic performance.
A MOX fuel attribute monitor

Abstract Euratom performs safeguards monitoring of Fresh MOX fuel for domestic power production in the European Union. Video cameras monitor the reactor storage ponds. If video surveillance is lost for a certain amount of time a measurement is required to verify that no fuel was diverted. The attribute measurement to verify the continued presence of MOX fuel is neutron emission. Ideally this measurement would be made without moving or handling the fuel rod assembly. A prototype attribute measurement system was made using scintillating neutron sensitive glass waveguides developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Short lengths (5–20 cm) of the neutron sensitive fiber were mechanically spliced to 15 m lengths of commercial high numerical aperture fiber optic cable (Ceramoptec Optran Ultra 0.44). The light detector is a Hamamatsu R7400P photomultiplier tube. An electronics package was built to use the sensors with a GBS Elektronik MCA-166 multichannel analyzer and user interface. The MCA-166 is the system most commonly used by Euratom inspectors. It can also be run from a laptop computer using Maestro (Ortec) or other software. A MCNP model was made to compare to measurements made with several neutron sources including NIST traceable 252 Cf.
Practical approaches to HIV therapy. Recommendations for the year 2000.

PREVIEWDespite advances in treatment, HIV infection continues to present a daunting global medical challenge. Rapid development of new pharmaceutical agents has led to significant increases in the effectiveness of therapy. However, as use of antiretroviral drugs increases, so does our appreciation of the potential toxic effects of these agents. In-depth knowledge of HIV pathophysiology and the characteristics of individual drugs is mandatory for any physician caring for patients with HIV infection. In this article, Dr Wolfe outlines a practical approach to HIV therapy based on current consensus and his own recommendations.
Chronic ethanol produces increased taurine transport and efflux in cultured astrocytes.

Abstract Due to ethanol’s low potency and low level of toxicity, high amounts of ethanol are consumed to achieve pharmacological effects. Blood levels of ethanol in chronic alcoholics may reach as high as 80–100 mM. We undertook a series of studies to determine if these high levels of ethanol stimulated osmoregulatory processes in cultured astrocytes. The uptake and efflux of taurine, the major osmoregulatory amino acid with potentially neuroprotective actions, was assessed. In addition, uptake and efflux of the excitatory amino acid aspartate was studied since astrocytes are vital in maintaining proper synaptic excitatory amino levels through uptake, metabolism, and efflux. Ethanol exposure for 96 h resulted in increased uptake of both H 3 -taurine and H 3 - d -asparate. There were no significant changes in transporter function at 24 h consistent with the delayed time course of transporter up-regulation seen during chronic hyperosmotic stress. Following EtOH withdrawal, efflux of preloaded H 3 -taurine was significantly increased as compared to controls for up to 1 h. In contrast to the efflux profile seen during hypotonic induced swelling and regulatory volume decrease (RVD), no increased H 3 - d -asparate efflux was demonstrated. Cell volume measurements suggest that inhibition of the normal RVD response be involved in the increased taurine release.
Negative regulatory activity of a prostaglandin F2α receptor associated protein (FPRP)

Abstract The cDNA has been cloned for a protein which copurifies with and colocalizes with [ 3 H]PGF 2α binding activity. This cloning was based on prior purification of the [ 3 H]PGF 2α binding complex from pregnant corpus luteum, antibody production against the protein of interest, and antibody screening of a rat ovary cDNA expression library. 1 Here I report on the activity of this prostaglandin F 2α receptor (FP) associated protein (FPRP). Expression of the FPRP cDNA in COS cells results in production of a full length (≈ 130 kD) immunoreactive molecule with an endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi network distribution similar to that seen in granulosa lutein cells. COS cell expressed FPRP inhibits binding of [ 3 H]PGF 2α to FP of COS cell origin or FP expressed from cotransfected rat or mouse FP cDNA in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition of [ 3 H]PGF 2α binding by FPRP occurs only when the FPRP cDNA is expressed in the same cell as the FP resides, reaches a maximum of ≈80%, and is unaffected by second messenger perturbing agents such as phorbol ester, 8-Br-cAMP, calcium ionophore A23187, and okadaic acid. Scatchard analysis indicates that FPRP induces a decrease in receptor number rather than affinity constant, suggesting a non-competitive means of inhibition. Molecular dissection of the FPRP protein indicates that two portions of the molecule play a role in the inhibition of FP. Whether FPRP is an FP-associated regulatory molecule, an FP subunit, or a receptor for a PGF2α-antagonistic ligand is presently unknown. Physiological relevance and significance of FPRP are discussed. During the course of these experiments it was necessary to clone the rat FP cDNA.
Fusing Internet Protocol (IP) receive module at receiving path of open TCP/IP custom Single-Purpose Processor

In this research work, Internet Protocol (IP ) receive module is proposed to represent the IP layer at receiving path of an open TCP/IP custom single-purpose processor. Main components of IP receive module architecture and Finite-State Machine (FSM) are designed at Register Transfer Level (RTL) using VHDL language. Design and synthesis verification results are depicted using SignalTab logic analyzer.
The Relationship between Perceived Health, Health Attitude, and Healthy Offerings for Seniors at Family Restaurants:

Customer behavior—particularly regarding restaurant patronage—is heavily influenced by health concerns, and this influence appears to be particularly strong among older consumers (often called the “senior market segment”). Because the restaurant industry is strongly affected by customers’ health priorities, the purpose of this study was to investigate how senior customers’ health status and attitudes influence their family restaurant patronage and menu choices. Using the Health Perceptions Questionnaire and the Perceived Health Competence Scale, 321 respondents indicated their health status and attitudes. The overall results of this study revealed that health status and health attitude for seniors were positively correlated with health-related family-restaurant-selection criteria. The results also showed that senior customers who have a positive health attitude are willing to pay more money for their healthy menu items.
Marrow transplantation in cancer therapy.

ANASETTI, C. and HANSEN, J.A. Marrow Transplantation in Cancer Therapy. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 1992, 168 (2), 333-343- Issues in bone marrow transplantation were addressed. Reconstitution of hematopoietic function is achieved by autologous, syngeneic, or allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Problems related to transplants from HLA mismatched family members, and HLA matched unrelated donors were also delineated.- marrow ablation; high dose chemotherapy; total body irradiation; unrelated donor registry; allograft reactions
The effect of metformin and intensive lifestyle intervention on the metabolic syndrome: the Diabetes Prevention Program randomized trial.

At the beginning of the Diabetes Prevention Program, half of the participants had the metabolic syndrome. Both the lifestyle intervention and metformin therapy reduced the incidence of the syndrome...
Pharmacokinetics of temozolomide administered in combination with O6-benzylguanine in children and adolescents with refractory solid tumors.

Purpose Temozolomide pharmacokinetics were evaluated in children receiving concurrent O6-benzylguanine (O6BG), which enhanced the hematological toxicity of temozolomide.
SO(10) and the invisible axion

We study the Dine, Fischler, and Srednicki mechanism for solving the strong CP problem in the context of the SO(10) unified gauge theory. We find that this mechanism can be implemented in a minimally extended SO(10) model, where the SO(10) symmetry breaks down to SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1) via SU(5). The resulting theory is consistent with the standard hot-big-bang cosmology and with present phenomenology. We also show that, in other minimally extended SO(10) models, where SO(10) breaks down to SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1) either directly or via SU(4) x SU(2) x SU(2), the Dine, Fischler, and Srednicki mechanism cannot be implemented.
Genetic variation in the carbonic anhydrase isozymes of macaque monkeys. IV. Degradation by heat and proteolysis of normal and variant carbonic anhydrase isozymes of Macaca nemestrina

Abstract Studies were undertaken on the heat denaturation and proteolytic degradation by α-chymotrypsin of the normal red cell carbonic anhydrase isozyme, CA II, and two electrophoretic variants of carbonic anhydrase I, CA Ia and CA Ib, of the pigtail macaque. The heat degradation results showed a difference of about 40-fold in the rate constants between CA Ia and CA Ib, which is due to the marked thermostability of CA Ib compared to CA Ia. The enthalpies and entropies of activation were calculated from the heat denaturation constants. These values were compared, on enthalpy-entropy compensation plots, with those values previously determined for the human CA I and CA II isozymes. They were highly correlated and clearly fell into two distinct clusters, separated by about 200 kJ mol−1; one group comprising the macaque and human CA I isozymes and the other the CA II isozymes. The proteolytic degradation results showed that CA Ia is degraded about 2.5 times more rapidly than CA Ib by α-chymotrypsin. Thus, the characteristic 3 1 ratio of CA Ib CA Ia in mature red cells could be accounted for by the greater susceptibility of CA Ia to degradation at some stage in red cell development.
The Determinants of the Tax-Adjusted Real Interest Rate

A reduced-form real interest rate equation, derived from an IS-LM-AS model, is estimated to examine the relationship between real interest rates, the federal debt, supply shocks, monetary policy and other variables. The federal debt coefficient is consistently positive and significantly related to the real interest rate in the levels form of the equation. When the equation is first-differenced to eliminate any problem of autocorrelation and intercept instability, the evidence shows that both the federal debt and the supply shock coefficients are positive and significant. The coefficient estimates of the first-difference equations are stable and robust to the estimated period.
The 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist MD-354 (meta-chlorophenylguanidine) enhances the discriminative stimulus actions of (+)amphetamine in rats

Abstract The effect of the 5-HT 3 receptor partial agonist MD-354 ( meta -chlorophenylguanidine) was examined on the discriminative stimulus produced by (+)amphetamine. Using male Sprague–Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg (i.p.) of (+)amphetamine from saline vehicle (VI 15-s schedule of reinforcement) in a two-lever operant procedure for appetitive reward, tests of stimulus generalization (substitution) and antagonism showed that MD-354 neither substituted for, nor antagonized, the amphetamine stimulus at the doses evaluated. Administration of (+)amphetamine doses in combination with a fixed (i.e., 1.0 mg/kg) dose of MD-354 shifted the (+)amphetamine dose–response curve to the left such that, following 0.3 mg/kg of (+)amphetamine, stimulus generalization occurred. Furthermore, MD-354 doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, but not doses of 0.01, 0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg (i.p.), administered in combination with the ED 50 dose (0.33 mg/kg) of (+)amphetamine resulted in stimulus generalization (i.e., > 80% drug-appropriate responding). It is concluded that even though MD-354 lacks amphetamine-like central stimulant actions of its own it can modulate the discriminative stimulus effects of (+)amphetamine in rats.
Novel Death Defying Domain in met entraps the active site of caspase-3 and blocks apoptosis in hepatocytes

Met, the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is known to function as a potent antiapoptotic mediator in normal and neoplastic cells. Herein we report that the intracellular cytoplasmic tail of Met has evolved to harbor a tandem pair of caspase-3 cleavage sites, which bait, trap, and disable the active site of caspase-3, thereby blocking the execution of apoptosis. We call this caspase-3 cleavage motif the Death Defying Domain (DDD). This site consists of the following sequence: DNAD-DEVD-T (where the hyphens denote caspase cleavage sites). Through functional and mechanistic studies, we show that upon DDD cleavage by caspase-3 the resulting DEVD-T peptide acts as a competitive inhibitor and entraps the active site of caspase-3 akin to DEVD-CHO, which is a potent, synthetic inhibitor of caspase-3 activity. By gain- and loss-of-function studies using restoration of DDD expression in DDD-deficient hepatocytic cells, we found that both caspase-3 sites in DDD are necessary for inhibition of caspase-3 and promotion of cell survival. Employing mutagenesis studies, we show that DDD could operate independently of Met's enzymatic activity as determined by using kinase-dead human Met mutant constructs. Studies of both human liver cancer tissues and cell lines uncovered that DDD cleavage and entrapment of caspase-3 by DDD occur in vivo, further proving that this site has physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Conclusion: Met can directly inhibit caspase-3 by way of a novel mechanism and promote hepatocyte survival. The results presented here will further our understanding of the mechanisms that control not only normal tissue homeostasis but also abnormal tissue growth such as cancer and degenerative diseases in which apoptotic caspases are at play. (Hepatology 2014;59:2010–2021)
A parallel clustering algorithm for placement

In order to improve the layout quality of a VLSI design, many placement tools employ clustering algorithms to prune the optimization space and produce a design that can be enhanced while considering multiple design constraints. An intelligent clustering algorithm can guide a placement tool to reduce wire length, reduce cycle time, consider additional metrics or optimize a design based on a combination of these objectives. Given the myriad of choices, clustering algorithms can be time consuming to run, and this can impact our ability to fully explore the clustering space. Heterogeneous systems have been growing in popularity due to their attractive processing capabilities. Heterogeneous computing systems can be leveraged to improve the performance of clustering algorithms. In this paper, we present an OpenCL-based parallel clustering algorithm used during placement that targets heterogeneous systems. Our algorithm splits the computation, and exploits both CPU and GPU concurrently to balance the memory usage and the computational load in the heterogeneous system. We compare our parallel algorithm CL-Choice to a number of previously proposed algorithms. We evaluate these implementations in terms of placement speed and overall design quality. Simulation results show that our parallel implementation run on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) can achieve a 27× improvement over a number of serial algorithms in terms of speed, while not significantly impacting design quality.
Conformalional analysis of azetidines-evidenee for a non-planar ring†

The proton coupling constants and particularly chemical shifts of a series of 1-alkylazetidines, 1-alkylazeudin-3-ols, 1-alkyl-3-methylazetidin-3-ols, and C-methylazetidines are rationalized in terms of a conformationally mobile, non-planar azetidine ring. Preferred conformations for these compounds are discussed.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of iodoacetamide derivatives utilized for the ALiPHAT strategy.

Hydrophobic tags, derived from iodoacetamide, were synthesized, characterized, and utilized to alkylate peptide E-76, a known inhibitor of coagulation factor VIIIa, and two other cysteine containing peptides. The electrospray response of each tagged peptide was compared against the same peptide alkylated with iodoacetamide. E-76 peptide alkylated with the synthesized tags demonstrated an increase in electrospray response of up to 429 times when compared to that alkylated with iodoacetamide.
Inference on Reliability in Two-parameter Exponential Stress–strength Model

The problem of hypothesis testing and interval estimation of the reliability parameter in a stress–strength model involving two-parameter exponential distributions is considered. Test and interval estimation procedures based on the generalized variable approach are given. Statistical properties of the generalized variable approach and an asymptotic method are evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation. Simulation studies show that the proposed generalized variable approach is satisfactory for practical applications while the asymptotic approach is not satisfactory even for large samples. The results are illustrated using simulated data.
Incidence of Nocturnal Hypoglycaemia in Insulin-dependent Diabetic Patients on Intensive Therapy

The frequency of nocturnal hypoglycaemia, i.e. blood glucose concentration (BG) less than 3.0 mmol/l, was evaluated in consecutively selected insulin-dependent patients on multiple insulin injections (MII), n = 23, or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSII), n = 25. Blood was sampled hourly from 23.00 to 07.00. Seven patients (30%) on MII had at least one BG less than 3.0 mmol/l during the night. Eleven patients (44%) on CSII had hypoglycaemia (NS). The total number of BGs less than 3.0 mmol/l was higher on CSII, 42 of 225, versus 16 of 207 on MII (p less than 0.025). The duration of hypoglycaemia was 2 hours (range 1-6) on MII and 4 hours (range 1-7) on CSII with a maximal prevalence at 4 hours and between 5 and 7 hours, respectively (p = less than 0.05). The frequency of nocturnal hypoglycaemia is high in patients on intensified insulin regimens. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurs later in the night and is of longer duration on CSII than on MII. HbA1c, BG before bedtime and in the morning might be useful in the evaluation of nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
Poly(1,3,4-oxadiazolidine)

Poly(3,4-isophthaloyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolidine) was prepared from poly(isophthalic dihydrazide) by treatment by reaction with formic acid in dimethylsulfoxide as high-molecular weight film-forming polymer. Under thermal treatment with the evolution of formaldehyde and water, high yields of chemically pure poly[1,3-phenylene-2,5-(1,3,4-oxadiazole)] were obtained.
Pathological Features After Radical Prostatectomy in Potential Candidates for Active Monitoring

Purpose: There are numerous reports on the results of watchful waiting or active monitoring protocols for men with low volume, biopsy Gleason grade 6 or less prostate cancer. When counseling patients with low grade prostate cancer about treatment options, it is useful to know the results of surgical treatment in this population.Materials and Methods: In a contemporary radical prostatectomy series there were 455 patients with biopsy Gleason grade 3 + 3 prostate cancer and information on the number of positive biopsy cores. Of these men 292 had low volume disease on the basis of 2 or fewer positive cores.Results: Overall 245 of 292 men (84%) with low volume Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer on biopsy had organ confined disease. The Gleason score in the prostatectomy specimen was 7 or greater in 78 men (27%), 25 (8%) had extracapsular tumor extension and 29 (10%) had positive surgical margins. In these patients preoperative variables were not reliable predictors of adverse pathological features.Conclusions: More...
Abundance of weed hosts as potential sources of onion and potato viruses in western New York

A season-long survey of common weeds was taken near onion and potato fields located within a large vegetable production region in western New York in 2008 and 2009. The objective was to determine the abundance of weed species known as hosts for Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), a serious pathogen of onion, Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) and Potato virus Y (PVY), which are major pathogens of potato. Ninety-eight weed species were identified, 17 of which are known hosts for IYSV, PLRV and PVY. Common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, shepherd’s purse, horseweed and dandelion were among the most abundant species known as hosts for these viruses. This information could be useful for studying the role that these weed species have on the epidemiology of the major viruses in onion and potato production systems and for developing future virus management strategies.
Combined high frequency microwave, visible and infrared and lidar sensing of tropical clouds from the ER-2 high altitude aircraft

An extensive set of combined visible, infrared, microwave and lidar observations for high tropical clouds were obtained during the TOGA/COARE field experiment from the ER-2 high altitude aircraft. Approximately ten flights from Australia to the West Pacific warm pool region north of New Guinea were flown. Some flights involved simultaneous in situ measurements of cloud microphysics and radiation by the DC-8 aircraft with excellent coordination between the aircraft. The two basic types of cloud systems that were studied were tropical convective systems and thin to moderately thick cirrus that covered large areas of the study legion both within the warm pool area and in the transit region to NE Australia. The two main objectives to the NASA field study were a study of the radiation influence and parameters of high tropical clouds and precipitation remote sensing of tropical convection. The authors consider the application of multi sensor remote sensing of tropical high clouds leading to radiation parameterization and influence. The experiment was the first in which airborne millimeter wavelength microwave radiometry was combined with vis/IR multispectral imaging: and active lidar measurements to define cloud structure. >
Algorithmic aspects of the time synchronization problem in large-scale sensor networks

We study the time synchronization problem for large-scale wireless sensor networks in the high-density regime. Our interest in this problem arises from a sensor networking application, where a large number of power-constrained radio transmitters coordinate their access to a Gaussian multiple access channel to cooperate in generating a waveform stronger than any individual node would be able to generate. In a companion paper to this one, we study theoretical aspects of a time synchronization mechanism that is optimal in the limit of asymptotically high network densities. In this work we summarize those results, and explore practical implementation issues of that mechanism in the context of networks with large, but finite, numbers of nodes. Through simulations, we find that the synchronization mechanism performs very well for finite (and relatively small) networks, maintaining tight clock synchronization indefinitely.
Nonequilibrium spectroscopy of topological edge liquids

We develop a theory for energy and spatially resolved tunneling spectroscopy of topological quantum spin Hall helical states driven out of equilibrium. When a helical liquid is constrained between two superconducting reservoirs transport at the edge is governed by multiple Andreev reflections. The resulting quasiparticle distribution functions of the edge channels exhibit multiple discontinuities at subgap energies with the periodicity of an applied voltage. The combined effect of interactions, disorder, and normal scattering off the superconducting interface leads to the inelastic processes mixing different helicity modes, thus causing smearing of these singularities. If equilibration is strong, then the distribution functions of the edge channels tend to collapse into a Fermi-like function with an effective temperature determined by the superconducting gap, applied voltage, and intraedge interaction parameter. We conclude that mapping out nonequilibrium distribution functions may help to quantify the relative importance of various relevant perturbations that spoil ideally ballistic edge transport.
Why worry? Community water system managers’ perceptions of climate vulnerability

Abstract A mail survey of community water systems (CWS) managers in South Carolina and in Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River Basin addresses perceptions of climate vulnerabilities. Managers report the nature of vulnerabilities to 10 weather and climate events. More detailed analysis of droughts, lightning strikes, and floods shows that the most significant concerns reflect financial and technological challenges. Neither water system size nor water source is a consistent indicator of perceived vulnerability. Regarding droughts, the expected severity of impacts relates significantly to experience with prior droughts, expectations of financial problems, and difficulty meeting water quality requirements. In order for vulnerability analysis to better inform adaptation processes, further research is needed into the management challenges resulting from the interaction of diverse climate events, technological systems, and public expectations.
Analytical and numerical determination of the elastic interaction energy between glissile dislocations and stacking fault tetrahedra in FCC metals

Abstract Understanding flow localization in materials containing high concentrations of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra (SFT’s) depends on delineation of the mechanisms by which they are destroyed as effective dislocation obstacles. The elastic interaction between glissile dislocations and SFT’s in FCC metals is examined, both analytically and numerically. Numerical calculations are performed for both full and truncated tetrahedra interacting with edge dislocations, while a new analytical formula is derived for the elastic energy of a full tetrahedron-dislocation system. Calculations confirm that the stress field of glissile dislocations is not sufficient to re-configure SFT’s into faulted Frank loops by reverse glide of stair-rod dislocations. This mechanism of SFT destruction by shear unfaulting of Frank loops seems to be unlikely. It is proposed that the destruction of SFT’s in irradiated materials is enabled by dislocation drag of interstitial clusters, followed by subsequent recombination and melting of the SFT core.
Wrapping cytochrome c around single-wall carbon nanotube: engineered nanohybrid building blocks for infrared detection at high quantum efficiency

Biomolecule cytochrome c (Cty c), a small molecule of a chain of amino acids with extraordinary electron transport, was helically wrapped around a semiconductive single-wall carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT) to form a molecular building block for uncooled infrared detection with two uniquely designed functionalities: exciton dissociation to free charge carriers at the heterojunction formed on the s-SWCNT/Cty c interface and charge transport along the electron conducting chain of Cty c (acceptor) and hole conducting channel through s-SWCNT (donor). Such a design aims at addressing the long-standing challenges in exciton dissociation and charge transport in an SWCNT network, which have bottlenecked development of photonic SWCNT-based infrared detectors. Using these building blocks, uncooled s-SWCNT/Cyt c thin film infrared detectors were synthesized and shown to have extraordinary photoresponsivity up to 0.77 A W−1 due to a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) in exceeding 90%, which represents a more than two orders of magnitude enhancement than the best previously reported on CNT-based infrared detectors with EQE of only 1.72%. From a broad perspective, this work on novel s-SWCNT/Cyt c nanohybrid infrared detectors has developed a successful platform of engineered carbon nanotube/biomolecule building blocks with superior properties for optoelectronic applications.
A Comparison of Rational Choice and Self-Actualization Theories of Politics

A new political consciousness is unfolding within humanistic psychology. This brings the human growth movement into confrontation with a rival political perspective, called rational choice theory, which is derived from a different model of human nature. Comparison of these two portrayals of politics shows that the humanistic perspective provides not only a new vision of the possible human, but also a new look at our political life. The kind of world we bequeath our grandchildren depends largely on whether we base our current political decisions on humanistic or rational choice premises.