cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and purification of the allofarnesenes

Abstract The eight isomers of allofarnesene (3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4,6,10-dodecatetraene) were prepared using Wittig reactions. The four E -4 isomers could be separated using GC but the unstable Z -A isomers required HPLC on silver nitrate impregnated silica gel for analysis. Purified samples of each isomer were prepared for spectral studies. The configuration of the pseudoionone (6,10-dimethyl-3,5,9-undecatriene-2-one) starting materials was also studied, confirming previous results.
Low Cost Testing of Quadruple Band GSM RFCMOS SOC

Modern RF integrated SOC (system on a chip) are becoming increasingly more complex as more and more functions are being integrated on-chip. This is driving the test cost to be higher due to increased design complexity, resulting in greater tester complexity and longer tests times. In this paper, we will describe how we have implemented a low cost multi-site RF test solution for the industry's first single-chip 90 nm RFCMOS GSM transceiver with integrated cellular base-band modem [1,2]. We will illustrate novel methods of performing a Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) spectrum mask test and phase trajectory error (PTE) test as defined in the GSM transmitter specifications. We also demonstrate receiver signal measurements such as gain, received IQ amplitude and phase imbalance, and noise figure (NF) for a GSM receiver. The driving motivation for this work is to enable the use of low cost multi-site testers for RF applications with high test stability and throughput in a production environment.
On the connection of T matrices and integral equations

The authors describe the connection between the major numerical techniques of computational electromagnetics. These are the T-matrix methods and the surface- or volume-integral-equation methods. Both homogeneous (e.g., guidance, resonance) and inhomogeneous (e.g.. scattering) equations can be solved with these two methods. The recursive T-matrix algorithms have been applied to the electromagnetic problem of scattering from ten strips of width w and spacing d=2w. >
Comparison of methods for estimating density of forest songbirds from point counts

New analytical methods have been promoted for estimating the probability of detection and density of birds from count data but few studies have compared these methods using real data. We compared estimates of detection probability and density from distance and time-removal models and survey protocols based on 5- or 10-min counts and outer radii of 50 or 100 m. We surveyed singing male Acadian flycatchers (Empidonax virescens), cerulean warblers (Dendroica cerulea), Kentucky warblers (Oporornis formosus), Louisiana waterthrushes (Parkesia motacilla), wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina), and worm-eating war- blers (Helmitheros vermivorum) in bottomland and upland forest across 5 states in the Central Hardwoods Bird Conservation Region during the breeding season in 2007 and 2008. Detection probabilities differed between distance and time-removal models and species detectabilities were affected differently by year, forest type, and state. Density estimates from distance models were generally higher than from time-removal models, resulting from lower detection probabilities estimated by distance models. We found support for individual heterogeneity (modeled as a finite mixture model) in the time-removal models and that 50-m radius counts generated density estimates approximately twice as high as 100-m radius counts. Users should be aware that in addition to estimating different components of detectability, density estimates derived from distance and time-removal models can be affected by survey protocol because some count durations and plot radii may better meet model assumptions than others. The choice of a method may not affect the use of estimates for relative comparisons (e.g., when comparing habitats) but could affect conclusions when used to estimate population size. We recommend careful consideration of assumptions when deciding on point- count protocol and selection of analysis methods. 2011 The Wildlife Society. y
Nuclear energy generation and waste transmutation using an accelerator-driven intense thermal neutron source

We describe a new approach for commercial nuclear energy production without a long-term high-level waste stream and for transmutation of both fission product and higher actinide commercial nuclear waste using a thermal flux of accelerator-produced neutrons in the 1016 n/cm2s range. Continuous neutron fluxes at this intensity, which is approximately 100 times larger than is typically available in a large scale thermal reactor, appear practical, owing to recent advances in proton linear accelerator technology and to the spallation target-moderator design presented here. This large flux of thermal neutrons makes possible a waste inventory in the transmutation system which is smaller by about a factor of 100 than competing concepts. The accelerator allows the system to operate well below criticality so that the possibility for a criticality accident is eliminated. No control rods are required. The successful implementation of this new method for energy generation and waste transmutation would eliminate the need for nuclear waste storage on a geologic time scale. The production of nuclear energy from 232Th or 238U is used to illustrate the general principles of commercial nuclear energy, production without long-term high-level waste. There appears to be sufficient thorium to meet the world's energy needs for many millenia.
Successful aqueductal plasty and stenting for tectal plate tumor after failed third ventriculostomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND Tectal region tumors can lead to hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal compression. Surgical options for these patients include extracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts, third ventriculostomy, and/or aqueductal plasty. In cases of third ventriculostomy failure, the accepted alternative is an extracranial CSF shunt. We report a patient in whom a repeat third ventriculostomy with aqueductal plasty and stenting was successful after a failed initial third ventriculostomy. CASE PRESENTATION A 12-year-old patient with hydrocephalus secondary to a tectal tumor presented with headaches and blurry vision. She had no focal neurologic findings. She underwent a third ventriculostomy. Five months after the procedure she had recurrence of her symptoms. Therefore, she underwent a secondary third ventriculostomy with aqueductal plasty and stenting. She has been symptom-free for 1 year. CONCLUSION Aqueductal plasty with stenting may be an alternative to CSF shunts in some patients with hydrocephalus because of aqueductal compression resulting from tectal tumors.
An open architecture for tool and process integration

The SoftBench Framework is a set of software services that allows tools and processes to be tied together into an integrated, distributed environment. The Framework allows tools that were created as stand-alone applications to be encapsulated, or plugged-in, without source code modification. These encapsulated tools can then communicate with each other to become a part of a user's task or overall process. The SoftBench Framework allows tasks to be created by the user, quickly and easily. As each user's needs change, the tasks can evolve to meet these needs. This work describes the technical aspects and architecture of the SoftBench Framework, and how these services allow customers to create integrated software environments. >
Asymptotic weight distributions of irregular repeat-accumulate codes

In this paper, the average input-parity weight enumerator (AIPWE) of regular/irregular repeat-accumulate (RA) ensembles is derived, by viewing an RA code as a serial concatenation of an outer low-density generator matrix (LDGM) code and an inner accumulator. The exact average weight distribution (AWD) of the systematic and nonsystematic versions of the RA ensembles are then obtained from their AIPWE's. We further derive the asymptotic growth exponent of the AWD's, which are then used to bound the ensemble performance under maximum likelihood (ML) decoding. It is shown that simple nonsystematic regular RA ensembles outperform systematic regular RA and regular low-density parity-check (LDPC) ensembles and have distance spectrum which closely resembles that of the random ensemble.
Effect of integration methods on the solution of an adiabatic shear banding problem

Equations governing the thermomechanical deformations of a block made of a viscoplastic material, and undergoing overall simple shearing deformations, are stiff in the sense that time scales associated with the heat conduction, viscous effects, strain hardening and strain-rate hardening may differ by several orders of magnitude as localization of the deformation initiates and proceeds. Because of the presence of high spatial gradients within the region of localization of the deformation, we also consider a viscoplasticity theory in which the strain gradient is taken as a kinematic variable. The Galerkin approximation of the pertinent initial-boundary-value problem yields an initial-value problem involving a set of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations. The solution of these equations by the Crank–Nicolson, Adams–Moulton and the Gear methods reveals that the three methods give qualitatively similar results. However, quantitatively the results by the three methods differ somewhat, the difference being more for the dipolar theory.
Effect of temperature elevation on rabbit cochlear function as measured by distortion-product otoacoustic emissions

Low-intensity laser stapedotomy has been shown to produce temperature elevations of 3 degrees to 4 degrees C within the cochlea. This study investigates the effect of temperature elevations in this range on cochlear outer hair cell function by use of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in rabbits. Using esophageal temperature monitoring, we compared 2f1-f2 distortion-product otoacoustic emissions over a range of frequencies (1806 to 8691 Hz) at rabbit normothermia, normothermia plus 3 degrees C, and normothermia after passive cooling. Cochlear temperature was found to exceed changes in esophageal temperature by as much as 1.2 degrees C. We found that a maximum of 3 degrees C elevation in esophageal temperature did not permanently impair outer hair cell function in the rabbit cochlea. Results of this study suggest that moderate changes in cochlear temperature, such as those produced by low-intensity CO2 and holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet lasers, may not produce irreversible thermal damage to the cochlear outer hair cells.
Children's Healthy Weight and the School Environment

As people became aware of the epidemic of childhood obesity, policy makers and public health practitioners called for the schools to change their environments to encourage healthy eating and increased physical activity. This article describes recent policy developments and clarifies what can and cannot be expected of schools based on existing and emerging evidence for prevention of childhood obesity.
Targeted Therapies and Molecular Diagnostics of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Clinical applications of genomic medicine and molecular diagnostics based on testing of tumor tissues are becoming a reality in clinical practice, with significant impact on personalized therapies for cancer patients. Advances in targeted therapies for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract have recently emerged and are rapidly moving targets. In this chapter, we review the targeted therapies that are currently standard of practice in colorectal and gastric cancers, requiring specific molecular testing for selection of candidate patients for therapy.
USE OF PROTEIN-FORMOL TITRATION RELATIONSHIPS FOR ESTIMATING RATIOS OF SKIMMILK AND WHEY SOLIDS IN FROZEN DAIRY DESSERTS

A method was developed for estimating the skimmilk solids: whey solids ratios (NFDMS:WS) in frozen dairy desserts. This was accomplished by comparing protein percentages and formol titration values (ml 0.1N NaOH/50g sample) to regression lines which described relationships of protein percentages (y) and formol titrations (x) for suspensions of various ratios of NFDMS: WS. The equations for the lines are: y = 0.3623x + 0.08, (l00:0); y= 0.3356 ×+ 0.11, (80:20); y = 0.3054 ×+ 0.08, (50:50); y = 0.2630 ×+ 0.09, (20:50: y = 0.2425×+ 0.01, (0:100). The NFDMS:WS ratios of five frozen dessert mixes and two commercial ice cream samples were estimated satisfactorily by the method.
Cost-sensitive multi-class classification from probability estimates

For two-class classification, it is common to classify by setting a threshold on class probability estimates, where the threshold is determined by ROC curve analysis. An analog for multi-class classification is learning a new class partitioning of the multiclass probability simplex to minimize empirical misclassification costs. We analyze the interplay between systematic errors in the class probability estimates and cost matrices for multiclass classification. We explore the effect on the class partitioning of five different transformations of the cost matrix. Experiments on benchmark datasets with naive Bayes and quadratic discriminant analysis show the effectiveness of learning a new partition matrix compared to previously proposed methods.
Clostridium difficile Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor σV Regulates Lysozyme Resistance and Is Necessary for Pathogenesis in the Hamster Model of Infection

Clostridium difficile is a clinically important pathogen and the most common cause of hospital-acquired infectious diarrhea. Expression of the C. difficile gene csfV, which encodes σV, an extracytoplasmic function σ factor, is induced by lysozyme, which damages the peptidoglycan of bacteria. Here we show that σV is required for lysozyme resistance in C. difficile. Using microarray analysis, we identified the C. difficile genes whose expression is dependent upon σV and is induced by lysozyme. Although the peptidoglycan of wild-type C. difficile is intrinsically highly deacetylated, we have found that exposure to lysozyme leads to additional peptidoglycan deacetylation. This lysozyme-induced deacetylation is dependent upon σV. Expression of pdaV, which encodes a putative peptidoglycan deacetylase, was able to increase lysozyme resistance of a csfV mutant. The csfV mutant strain is severely attenuated compared to wild-type C. difficile in a hamster model of C. difficile-associated disease. We conclude that the σV signal transduction system, which senses the host innate immune defense enzyme lysozyme, is required for lysozyme resistance and is necessary during C. difficile infection.
A striking sex difference in the gonadotropin response to gonadectomy during infantile development in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

The present study was conducted to examine further the view that the early postnatal ontogeny of the neuroendocrine control system that regulates ovarian function in the rhesus monkey differs from that which governs testicular activity in this species. To this end, time courses of gonadotropin secretion were determined from birth until 40 weeks of age in neonatally ovariectomized (n = 6) and gonad-intact (n = 4) female rhesus monkeys by monitoring circulating LH and FSH concentrations in blood samples collected at weekly intervals. The developmental patterns of FSH and LH secretion in agonadal infantile females were then compared to those in a group of neonatally orchidectomized animals (n = 4). In addition, moment to moment changes in circulating LH concentrations were determined in agonadal male (n = 2) and female infants (n = 6) at approximately 1 month of age by collecting sequential blood samples every 10–20 min for 5–8 h. Ovariectomy at 1 week of age elicited a truncated and abbreviated rise in circ...
Design for Manufacturability and Reliability in Nano Era

The bottom line of any company is to maximize the profit from any given product. There are many factors influencing the product design resulting in a profitable business. One of the biggest factors is the manufacturability of the product. It is becoming more and more crucial to meet the 6+6 (6 months for the development and 6 months for qualifying the product to ship to customer) product life cycle to accommodate the rapid changing technology hungry market demand. Smooth, reliable, and efficient product ramp through manufacturing is the key of success for meeting TTM, capturing higher percentage of total available market (TAM). This tutorial is going to address the difficulties industries are facing today in designing manufacturing friendly highly complex giga-scale products in submicron technology. As we are heavily into deep submicron era, the error margin or the tolerance guard band is getting tighter and tighter with respect to the previous generation of fabrication process. On this note, it is important to pay attention to Design For Manufacturing (DFM) related issues early in the design cycle as oppose to later in the design. These include, however not limited to, all kinds debugging hooks in the design for easy debugging of billion of transistors in a given design, paying attention to manufacturing friendly physical design rules, making sure of adequate test coverage to toggle most of the design nodes, making sure optimal guard band is implemented for transistor degradation for the lifetime of the product, and last but not least, all reliability (ESD, EM/SH, LU, etc) related issues are resolved in pre-silicon design before Tape out. In the past, manufacturing issues were not given much attention; time has changed and designers must have to be more sensitive than ever before in addressing manufacturing related issues early in the design cycle. In a nut shell, this tutorial will capture the must have knowledge for design engineers (irrespective of front-end or back-end) who are involved in high performance VLSI design, as DFM features moving upstream in the design cycle. Audience will walk out with a good understanding on how to integrate specific manufacturing concerns into a product’s design to obtain a product that is easier to manufacture with excellent overall quality in a shortest development time.
Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action

Preface 1. Reflections on the commons 2. An institutional approach to the study of self-organization and self-governance in CPR situations 3. Analyzing long-enduring, self-organized and self-governed CPRs 4. Analyzing institutional change 5. Analyzing institutional failures and fragilities 6. A framework for analysis of self-organizing and self-governing CPRs Notes References Index.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) Gene Deletion Enhances MMP-9 Activity, Impairs PARP-1 Degradation, and Exacerbates Hepatic Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice.

Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inflammatory condition and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been widely implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Among the different MMPs, gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are within the most prominent MMPs detected during liver IRI. While the role of MMP-9 in liver damage has been fairly documented, direct evidence of the role for MMP-2 activity in hepatic IRI remains to be established. Due to the lack of suitable inhibitors to target individual MMPs in vivo, gene manipulation is as an essential tool to assess MMP direct contribution to liver injury. Hence, we used MMP-2-/- deficient mice and MMP-2+/+ wild-type littermates to examine the function of MMP-2 activity in hepatic IRI. MMP-2 expression was detected along the sinusoids of wild-type livers before and after surgery and in a small population of leukocytes post-IRI. Compared to MMP-2+/+ mice, MMP-2 null (MMP-2-/-) mice showed exacerbated liver damage at 6, 24, and 48 hours post-reperfusion, which was fatal in some cases. MMP-2 deficiency resulted in upregulation of MMP-9 activity, spontaneous leukocyte infiltration in naive livers, and amplified MMP-9-dependent transmigration of leukocytes in vitro and after hepatic IRI. Moreover, complete loss of MMP-2 activity impaired the degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) in extensively damaged livers post-reperfusion. However, the administration of a PARP-1 inhibitor to MMP-2 null mice restored liver preservation to almost comparable levels of MMP-2+/+ mice post-IRI. Deficient PARP-1 degradation in MMP-2-null sinusoidal endothelial cells correlated with their increased cytotoxicity, evaluated by the measurement of LDH efflux in the medium. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that MMP-2 gene deletion exacerbates liver IRI. Moreover, they offer new insights into the MMP-2 modulation of inflammatory responses, which could be relevant for the design of new pharmacological MMP-targeted agents to treat hepatic IRI.
Iron deficiency in infancy and childhood

The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia among infants and children in the United States is now relatively low, but iron deficiency remains the leading cause of anemia. Iron deficiency persists despite increased understanding of methods for its prevention, improvements in the means for its detection, and a greater recognition of the fact that anemia is only one manifestation of this systemic disease. The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Infancy The prevalence of iron deficiency varies widely depending on the criteria used to establish the diagnosis. Variables include the age and socioeconomic status of the patients surveyed, the extent of the population's . . .
Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures: Effect of Microgravity Accelerations on Particle Sedimentation

Coarsening is the growth of larger particles at the expense of smaller ones in a two-phase system of varying particle sizes. Solid-liquid mixtures are ideal systems with which to study the process of coarsening. When the experiments are conducted on Earth, gravity leads to particle sedimentation. Conducting the experiments in a zero-gravity environment would eliminate the particle sedimentation. A series of samples consisting of solid tin particles embedded in a tin-lead liquid matrix were coarsened at the Microgravity Glove box at the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment of interest was conducted in June 2010. The effects of the residual microgravity acceleration on particle sedimentation are investigated. It is observed that there is significant sedimentation, compared to the average particle size, as a result of the residual microgravity acceleration. We also find that the mass transport during coarsening was diffusion driven despite the sedimentation.
832 HYPERGLUCAGONEMIA IN HYPOXIA

We studied plasma glucagon (IRG) in hypoxia because other stressful states stimulate glucagon release. Two groups of paired experiments were performed in 12 puppies. In Group I, 8%02: 92%N2 ventilation (Pa02 20-30 torr) for 45-min. produced a rise in plasma IRG (mean change +100.5 pg/ml) and glucose(+223.7mg/dl) but no change in insulin (IRI) (-.3 μ/ml). However, when Group I was air ventilated (Pa02 >70 torr) and given 45-min. glucose infusions producing hyperglycemia of similar degree (+196 mg/dl), plasma IRG was unchanged (-7.8 pg/ml) while IRI (+32.8 μ/ml) rose. The IRG and IRI responses with 45-min. of hypoxia were different from those during a comparable period of air (p<.03). Because B adrenergic receptor stimulation mediates glucagon release in stressed dogs, its contribution to the IRG rise in hypoxia was examined by giving Group II the β adrenergic blocker, propranolol. Despite β blockade, 8%02: 92%N2 ventilation caused a rise in plasma IRG (+394 pg/ml) and glucose (+71 mg/dl), but IRI was unchanged (+ .8 μ/ml). With propranolol and air ventilation there were no significant changes in plasma IRG(+14.7pg/ml) glucose (+9 mg/dl) or IRI (+6.7μuml/). These data suggest that a) glucagon release is caused by acute 02 deficiency, but b) without B adrenergic receptor mediation. Since hepatic glycogenolysis, the primary glucose source in hypoxia, is stimulated by glucagon and retarded by insulin, we propose that increased glucagon and low insulin levels promote glucose mobilization and hyperglycemia at low 02 tensions.
Tongue Changes and Interfering Effects of TCM Activating Spleen in 60 Children with Anorexia

Objective:To evaluate mechanism of tongue changes and interfering effects of TCM activating spleen in children with anorexia.Methods:60 children with anorexia were chosen,30 in thick coating group,another 30 in peeling coating group,and treated with TCM activating spleen respectively.Tongue changes,clinical symptoms,trace elements(TE) in external circulation blood and curative effects were inspected.Results:Children in two groups had obvious symptoms,such as poor appetite,nausea and vomit,abdominal pain,Qi upward in wrong direction,surplus sweat,fatigue,irregular defecate,etc.before treated.Feed quantity and body weight were increased,while symptom integer were decreased after treated,and significant differences were found compared with those of before treated(P0.01,or P0.05).TE in external circulation blood were tested.60 children were lack of Zn.Peeling coating was more severe than others.Levels of Fe,Cu,Ca and Mg were normal,and level of Pb in 30 cases of thick coating group was excessive.Lack of Zn and excessive level of Pb were improved and returned to normal after treated.Significant differences were found compared with those of before treated(P0.05).Effective rates of two groups were similar,96.67% and 93.33% respectively,and had no significant difference(P0.05).Conclusion:Pathogenesis of children with anorexia was related with spleen-deficiency and stomach-intestines stagnation from TCM angle,and lack of Zn and excessive level of Pb from nutrition view.TCM activating spleen "Erbao Decoction" had double adjusting effects,not only activating spleen but also promoting digestion,as well as accelerating Zn absorbed and enhancing Pb excreted.
Who is someone

The ways of knowing another human being are limited to personal information provided by the individual, creative expressions by the individual, personal observations of the individual, and empathic identification with the individual. Each of these sources of information, while valuable, possesses certain inherent limitations, often contributing to a distorted picture of who a person is. To a large extent, such distortions can be attributed to the still unresolved issue of what is meant by a "self." Addressing this issue allows for a more rational formulation of just who someone is.
Evidence for cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate as chemotactic agent for polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Using the Boyden test for chemotaxis, it was possible to show that cyclic-3',5'- AMP attracts polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Although this effect is definite, casein has a more potent effect. Since cyclic AMP is synthesized by bacteria, and is a heat stable molecule of small molecular weight, it is presumed to be one of the components in bacteria capable of producing positive chemotaxis in leukocytes.
An asymptotically optimal kernel combined classifier

Abstract A kernel ensemble classifier is developed for accurate classification based on several initial classifiers. A data-driven choice of the smoothing parameter of the kernel is considered and the resulting classifier is shown to be asymptotically optimal. Therefore, the proposed combined classifier asymptotically outperforms each individual classifier.
Management of Open Distal Lower Extremity Wounds With Exposed Tendons Using Porcine Urinary Bladder Matrix.

Open wounds of the distal third of the leg and foot with an exposed tendon present a challenge in wound management and in attaining stable, durable coverage. The mobility of the tendon often leads to chronic inflammation that impedes wound closure, while the desiccation of the exposed tendon leads to progressive tendon necrosis. For the authors' cases, the ability of extracellular matrix (ECM) products to modulate wound bed inflammation and facilitate constructive remodeling of a wound seemed a reasonable approach in treating these wounds, especially in patients who are often poor surgical candidates for more advanced reconstructive procedures. Methods The authors reviewed 13 patients who had open wounds of the distal third of the leg and/or foot that had associated tendon involvement in the wound (Achilles, 6; tibialis anterior, 6; and peroneal, 1). Patients' wounds were treated to total closure. The clinical course and patient management is reviewed herein. Results The authors found newer ECM products can provide a more optimal method of management of patients with exposed tendons, as compared to prolonged negative pressure wound therapy. Conclusion Furthermore, the authors conclude the use of newer ECM products yields a more stable, less scarred, reconstructed wound that more closely resembles normal foot and ankle appearance compared to other more complex reconstructive operative procedures.
2.56 Tbps (8 × 8 × 40 gbps) fully-integrated silicon photonic interconnection circuit

We demonstrate a fully-integrated photonic Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) transceiver circuit with heterogeneous integration on silicon, and on-chip interconnection with total transmission capacity up to 8×8×40 Gbps.
Jasmonoyl-L-Tryptophan Disrupts IAA Activity through the AUX1 Auxin Permease

Amide-linked conjugates between tryptophan (Trp) and jasmonic (JA) or indole-3-acetic (IAA) acids interfered with gravitropism and other auxin-dependent activities in Arabidopsis, but the mechanism was unclear. To identify structural features necessary for activity several additional Trp conjugates were synthesized. The phenylacetic acid (PAA) conjugate was active, while several others were not. Common features of active conjugates is that they have ring structures that are linked to Trp through an acetic acid side chain, while longer or shorter linkages are inactive or less active. A dominant mutant, called tryptophan conjugate response1-D that is insensitive to JA-Trp, but still sensitive to other active conjugates, was identified and the defect was found to be a substitution of Asn for Asp456 in the C-terminal domain of the IAA cellular permease AUX1. Mutant seedling primary root growth in the absence of added conjugate was 15% less than WT, but otherwise plant phenotype appeared normal. These results suggest that JA-Trp disrupts AUX1 activity, but that endogenous JA-Trp has only a minor role in regulating plant growth. In contrast with IAA- and JA-Trp, which are present at < 2 pmole g-1 FW, PAA-Trp was found at about 30 pmole g-1 FW. The latter, or other undiscovered Trp conjugates, may still have important endogenous roles, possibly helping to coordinate other pathways with auxin response.
The STEM cell: a computational model of biological neurons useful for spatio-tem­ poral pattern recognition

Understanding how the mammalian cortex processes information is one of the central goals of neuroscience. Progress in this area depends not only on modeling biophysical processes of neural substrates, but modeling at higher levels of abstraction where neural elements are implemented as computing units with mathematically formalized input/output functions. Currently popular paradigms (e.g., Hopfield nets, backprop nets, etc.) utilize computing units that ignore the spatio-temporal dynamical properties of biological neurons. Our modeling approach at the network level (which will not be discussed here in detail) is to consider cortical networks to have a basic set of features likely to influence information processing. These features include neurons with dynamical properties at different time scales, sparse connectivity, intrinsic inhibition, non-linear dendritic input summation, and axonal propagation delay.
Discordance between mass spectrometry and immunometric IGF-1 assay in pituitary disease: a prospective study.

Measuring IGF-1, a biomarker for GH activity, is critical to evaluating disordered hypothalamic-pituitary GH axis. Inconsistent IGF-1 measurements among different immunoassays are well documented. We switched from Immulite 2000 immunoassay to narrow-mass-extraction, high-resolution liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) compliant with recent consensus recommendations on assay standardization. Comparability of these two assays in patients with pituitary disease in a clinical practice setting is not known. We sought to compare IGF-1 levels on Immulite 2000 and LC-MS in samples from naive and treated patients with secretory and non-secretory pituitary masses. We prospectively collected serum samples from 101 patients treated at the Cedars-Sinai Pituitary Center between February 2012 and March 2014. We intentionally recruited more patients with acromegaly or GH deficiency to ensure a clinically representative cohort. Samples were classified as in or out of the respective reference ranges. Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between assays. Twenty-four percent of samples were classified differently as below, in, or above range. Agreement between the assays was poor overall, with a significant bias for immunoassay reporting higher values than LC-MS. This pattern was also observed in patients with acromegaly and those with ≥ 2 pituitary hormone deficiencies. IGF-1 results may differ after switching from an older immunoassay to a consensus-compliant assay such as LC-MS. Clinicians should consider the potential impact of assay switching before altering treatment due to discrepant results, particularly in patients monitored over time, such as those with acromegaly and GH deficiency.
On the number of eigenvalues of the discrete one-dimensional Dirac operator with a complex potential

In this paper we define a one-dimensional discrete Dirac operator on $${\mathbb {Z}}$$ . We study the eigenvalues of the Dirac operator with a complex potential. We obtain bounds on the total number of eigenvalues in the case where V decays exponentially at infinity. We also estimate the number of eigenvalues for the discrete Schrodinger operator with complex potential on $${\mathbb {Z}}$$ . That is we extend the result obtained by Hulko (Bull Math Sci, to appear) to the whole $${\mathbb {Z}}$$ .
Prediction of a peptidome for the ecotoxicological model Hyalella azteca (Crustacea; Amphipoda) using a de novo assembled transcriptome.

Abstract Due to its sensitivity to many environmental and anthropogenic stressors, including a wide range of chemical compounds, Hyalella azteca, a freshwater amphipod, has emerged as one of the most commonly used invertebrates for ecotoxicological assessment.Peptidergic signaling systems are key components in the control of organism-environment interactions, and there is a growing literature suggesting that they are targets of a number of aquatic toxicants.Interestingly, and despite its model species status in the field of ecotoxicology, little is known about the peptide hormones of H. azteca.Here, a transcriptome was produced for this species using the de novo assembler Trinity and mined for sequences encoding putative peptide precursors; the transcriptome was assembled from 460,291,636 raw reads and consists of 133,486 unique transcripts.Seventy-six sequences encoding peptide pre/preprohormones were identified from this transcriptome, allowing for the prediction of 202 distinct peptides, which included members of the allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/molt-inhibiting hormone, ecdysis-triggering hormone, eclosion hormone, elevenin, FMRFamide-like peptide, glycoprotein hormone, GSEFLamide, inotocin, leucokinin, myosuppressin, neuropeptide F, orcokinin, orcomyotropin, pigment dispersing hormone, proctolin, pyrokinin, red pigment concentrating hormone, RYamide, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin, tachykinin-related peptide and trissin families.These peptides expand the known peptidome for H. azteca approximately nine-fold, forming a strong foundation for future studies of peptidergic control, including disruption by aquatic toxicants, in this important ecotoxicological model.
Differentiating positive schizotypy and mania risk scales and their associations with spontaneous eye blink rate.

Abstract Positive schizotypy and mania risk scales are strongly correlated, and both are linked to alterations in striatal dopamine. Previous research has not examined whether these risk scales form distinct factors or whether they are differentially related to other measures of psychopathology risk or striatal dopamine. In the current study (N = 596), undergraduate students completed both positive schizotypy and mania risk scales as well as scales assessing related psychopathology (i.e., negative and disorganized schizotypy; self-reported manic-like episodes). Additionally, we measured spontaneous eye blink rate, which has been consistently associated with striatal dopamine levels. Positive schizotypy and mania risk factors were strongly correlated (factor correlation = 0.73). However, a two-factor model with positive schizotypy and mania risk as separate factors fit significantly better than a one-factor risk model. After removing shared variance, only positive schizotypy was positively associated with both negative and disorganized schizotypy, and only mania risk was related to self-reported manic-like episodes. Furthermore, positive schizotypy was associated with decreased spontaneous eye blink rate, and mania risk was associated with increased spontaneous eye blink rate. Overall, these results suggest that positive schizotypy and mania risk can be distinguished as separate factors and that they might be differentially associated with striatal dopamine measures.
Oral contraceptives and cardiovascular risk: Taking a safe course of action

Although a prospective, longitudinal study on the long-term cardiovascular effects of oral contraceptives has yet to be performed, available data are useful in determining a safe course of action while physicians await definitive answers. Exogenous sex steroids produce important effects on lipid metabolism. Early intervention against cholesterol is important in reducing cardiovascular risk. Current users of high-dose formulations, particularly older women who smoke, are at greatest risk for cardiovascular complications, especially myocardial infarction. Low-dose oral contraceptives have more modest effects on lipid metabolism, but important differences in the potency of progestins remain. Fortunately, recent studies among users of lower-dose oral contraceptive formulations fail to show an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, prudent physicians will avoid oral contraceptives that may adversely affect lipoprotein metabolism, such as those containing progestins with high androgenic and antiestrogenic potency.
Prioritizing a Portfolio of R&D Activities, Employing Data Envelopment Analysis

A system of monitoring, ranking and prioritizing the R&D projects of a commercial enterprise or of an academic institution is presented. To characterize the progress and commercial potential of an R&D project, an entire range of criteria need to be considered. The choice of these may vary from one application to another, but will certainly include characteristics of the new product and its market, the strategic opportunities that the new product will offer, and some suitable indicators) of expected financial return. Environmental and societal considerations may also enter the picture. A new mathematical technique called data envelopment analysis (DEA) permits the ranking of projects in the presence of such multiple performance criteria. The basic DEA calculations are explained. Two practical applications illustrate the choice of criteria and the nature of the calculations, first for a Texas corporation engaged in the development of new drilling equipment for the oil industry, and, next, for the ranking of NASA aeronautics investments.
Frequent N addition and clonal relatedness among immunoglobulin lambda light chains expressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovia and PBL, and the influence of V lambda gene segment utilization on CDR3 length.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), B-lineage cells in the synovial membrane secrete large amounts of immunoglobulin that contribute to tissue destruction. The CDR3 of an immunoglobulin light chain is formed by rearrangements of VL and JL gene segments. Addition of non-germline-encoded (N) nucleotides at V(D)J joins by the enzyme terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) enhances antibody diversity. TdT was previously thought to be active in B cells only during heavy chain rearrangement, but we and others reported unexpectedly high levels of N addition in kappa light chains. We also found clonally related kappa chains bearing unusually long CDR3 intervals in RA synovium, suggesting oligoclonal expansion of a set of atypical B lymphocytes. In this study, we analyzed lambda light chain expression to determine if N addition occurs throughout immunoglobulin gene rearrangement and to compare CDR3 lengths of lambda and kappa light chains in RA patients and normal individuals. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of VλIII transcripts was performed on RA synovia and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and normal PBL for which kappa repertoires were previously analyzed. Representative λ+ PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Analysis of 161 cDNA clones revealed that N addition occurs in lambda light chains of RA patients and normal controls. The lambda light chain repertoires in RA were enriched for long CDR3 intervals. In both RA and controls, CDR3 lengths were strongly influenced by which Vλ gene segment was present in the rearrangement. Five sets of clonally related sequences were found in RA synovia and PBL; one set was found in normal PBL. In humans, unlike mice, N addition enhances antibody diversity at all stages of immunoglobulin assembly, and the structural diversity of lambda CDR3 intervals is greater than that of kappa light chains. Clonally related Vλ gene segments in RA support an antigen-driven B-cell response.
Mother-Adolescent and Father-Adolescent Relationships After Divorce: Relations with Emerging Adult's Romantic Attachment.

This longitudinal study examined relations between mother–child relationship quality and father support in adolescence (ages 15–19) and emerging adults’ (ages 24–28) romantic anxiety and avoidance ...
Enacting lived experiences: Peer specialists with criminal justice histories.

Objective Peer specialists are frequently employed in mental health settings, with growing evidence for positive impact on subjective aspects of recovery. As more individuals within the mental health system have criminal justice involvement, peer specialists with incarceration histories are increasingly important, yet little is known about how their experiences with the criminal justice system factor into their work. This study sought to understand the experiences of peer specialists with criminal justice histories and how they incorporate these experiences into their work. Methods Purposive and snowball sampling was employed to recruit graduates from a peer training program. Three in-depth interviews were conducted each with 15 peer specialists who had incarceration experiences. Results Thematic analysis revealed that Having and Sharing Lived Experiences formed the basis of their work as peer specialists. On this foundation, participants expounded on their specialized contributions in their work as peer specialists: Engagement, Priority of Relationship, Instilling Hope, and Providing an Alternative Service. Participants' criminal justice histories influenced how they approached their work, especially around using disclosure, developing relationships, and instilling hope. Conclusions and implications for practice Peer specialists with incarceration histories may be a critical component toward recovery for consumers with criminal justice involvement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Effects on Comparability and Capital Market Benefits of Voluntary IFRS Adoption

ABSTRACT This study addresses whether voluntary IFRS adoption is associated with increased comparability of accounting amounts and capital market benefits. We find that after firms voluntarily adop...
Inductance Investigation of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ Nano-Slit SQUIDs Fabricated With a Focused Helium Ion Beam

Focused helium ion beam material modification is ideally suited for the fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) Josephson junctions and superconducting feature sizes down to the nanoscale. We report the fabrication and measurement of YBCO nano-slit SQUIDs and study how scaling the dimensions of the SQUID body and electrodes influences the electrical properties. Sixteen nano-slit SQUIDs with different width and length were fabricated from a single-layer 25-nm-thick YBCO film. The experimental results yield an estimation of the sheet inductance to be ∼4 pH/□ and a penetration depth of ∼180 nm. The temperature dependence of the inductance agree well with an impurity scattering model, indicating that the T C of the film was ∼82 K, and the ratio between geometric inductance and kinetic inductance at 0 K was ∼0.8. These results provide solid basis for the design of high-performance, high- T C micro-SQUID magnetometers.
Emerging investigator series: connecting concepts of coinage metal stability across length scales

At all length scales, the stability of materials is impacted by their surrounding environment. However, it has now been observed that materials with different dimensions can exhibit markedly different responses to their environment, even for the same material composition. For example, the deterioration of nanomaterials is complicated by the unique chemical and physical properties that arise from changes to their size, shape, and/or surface chemistry. A first step in understanding and predicting nanomaterial stabilities is to leverage the decades of work dedicated to understanding the environment-specific deterioration mechanisms of analogous bulk materials. Then, unique nanoscale properties can be accounted for and used to understand both similarities and differences in deterioration behavior across these length scales. In this review, we specifically consider the stability of group 11 coinage metal surfaces: copper, silver, and gold. We first summarize the chemical mechanisms of environmentally-driven deterioration of these metals in the bulk. We then apply this knowledge to interpret stability studies of nanoparticles made from the same elements. Ultimately, we find that while the reactivity of gold and copper is relatively consistent across length scales, the composition of products formed on silver surfaces differs significantly. These results have important implications for predicting and controlling both desirable and undesirable metal nanoparticle deterioration processes.