cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of a useful roX1 allele by targeted gene conversion.

Methods for altering the sequence of endogenous Drosophila melanogaster genes remain labor-intensive. We have tested a relatively simple strategy that enables the introduction of engineered mutations in the vicinity of existing P-elements. This method was used to generate useful alleles of the roX1 gene, which produces a noncoding RNA involved in dosage compensation. The desired change was first introduced into a genomic clone of roX1 and transgenic flies were generated that carry this sequence in a P-element. Targeted transposition was then used to move the P-element into roX1. Remobilization of the targeted insertion produced large numbers of offspring carrying chromosomes that had precisely introduced the engineered sequences into roX1. We postulate that this occurred by gap repair, using the P-element on the sister chromatid as template. This strategy was used to introduce six MS2 loops into the roX1 gene (roX1MS2-6), enabling detection of roX1 RNA by a MCP-GFP fusion protein in embryos. The roX1MS2-6 remains under the control of the authentic promoter and within the correct genomic context, features expected to contribute to normal roX1 function. The ability to replace relatively large blocks of sequence suggests that this method will be of general use.
Abstract 675: Effect of Progesterone on Antioxidant Activity in Cancer Cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Progesterone (P4) has been implicated as a protective factor for epithelial ovarian and endometrial cancers, yet little is known about its mechanism of action. We previously reported that pregnancy-equivalent doses of P4 inhibited the growth of normal and malignant human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) and endometrial cells. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an altered redox status have been observed in cancer cells. Here, we investigated if P4-induces cell death by modulating major antioxidant enzymes. The exposure of ovarian and endometrial cancer cell cultures to 10−6 M P4 induced time-dependent increases in early and late apoptotic cells and activation of caspase-3. A general caspase inhibitor Z-VAD effectively blocked the P4- induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Expression levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1) and copper and zinc SOD (CuZnSOD) were high in cancer cells. Treatment of cancer cells with progesterone at 10−8 M for a period of 72 h induced significant loss of GPX1, NQO1 and CuZnSOD protein expression. The inhibitory action of progesterone was blocked by the specific progesterone antagonist (miferpristone, 10−5 M), confirming P4 specificity. Further investigation on the regulation of antioxidant enzymes by P4 may provide new insights into P4's anticancer activities and facilitate the development of new strategies to use P4 as an anticancer agent. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 675.
Closed-loop modeling of the hippocampus and design of neurostimulation patterns for suppressing seizures

Anatomical and physiological evidence showing reciprocal connectivity between the hippocampus and Entorhinal Cortex, suggest that in tandem, they function as a closed-loop system. Using neuronal data recorded from the rodent hippocampal regions CA3 and CA1, we construct two open-loop input-output nonlinear dynamical models of the neural signal transformations from CA3 to CA1 and CA1 to CA3, and subsequently combine them into a closed-loop model. It was found that the closed-loop model replicates the theta and delta rhythms of the experimental data, whereas the open-loop models do not, suggesting closed-loop modeling is essential for representing the hippocampal activity. Furthermore, we have shown that the closed-loop model can generate strong oscillations akin to epileptic seizures and specific stimulation patterns can suppress these seizure-like oscillations. The latter result suggests that it may be possible to design model-based neurostimulation patterns to suppress seizure-like activity in the hippocampus.
E1A modulates phosphorylation of p130 and p107 by differentially regulating the activity of G1/S cyclin/CDK complexes

We have previously shown that the adenoviral 12S E1A protein modulates the phosphorylation status of p130 and p107 without apparent changes in the cell cycle dependent phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein. Here we report on the mechanisms by which E1A modifies differentially the phosphorylation status of pocket proteins. In human U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells transiently expressing E1A, ectopic expression of D-type cyclins alone or combined, but not cyclins E and/or A, fully rescues E1A-mediated block in hyperphosphorylation of p130 to form 3. However, cyclins E and A, individually or together, induce hyperphosphorylation of p130 to species with intermediate mobility. Phosphopeptide maps indicate that E1A inhibits phosphorylation of sites phosphorylatable by CDKs. One of these sites is Ser-1044. The effects of blocking the activities of endogenous and exogenous cyclins with p16 and dominant negative CDK2 in E1A expressing cells further indicate that p130 is phosphorylated by both D-type cyclin and cyclin E/CDK complexes and that E1A modulates the activity of these G1/S CDKs by independent mechanisms. Stable expression of E1A in MC3T3-E1 cells leads to downregulation of D-type cyclins, and upregulation of cyclins E and A. This is accompanied by increased CDK2 kinase activity. Downregulation of D-type cyclins in these cells correlates with a block on both p130 hyperphosphorylation to form 3 and hyperphosphorylation of p107. This is rescued by D-type cyclins but not by cyclin E. In addition, we show that the upregulation of cyclins E and A is at least partially dependent on an intact pocket protein/E2F pathway, but downregulation of D-type cyclins is not. Moreover, we provide evidence that while the lack of a functional pRB pathway also results in a block on hyperphosphorylation of p130 to form 3, this is not sufficient to induce constitutive expression of p130 form 2b.
Solids exchange between the bubble wake and the emulsion phase in a two-dimensional gas-fluidized bed

Abstract Information on the rates of solids exchange between the bubble wake and the emulsion phase in a gas-fluidized bed is needed in modeling solids mixing and segregation patterns. Experimental data are presented for two-dimensional bubbles, giving wake exchange rate as a function of minimum fluidization velocity and bubble diameter. Comparisons are made with recent theoretical models for wake exchange.
Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Obesity.

Methods A cohort of 523 patients with symptomatic AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation at a single institution was included in this study. Body weight was determined and patients were stratified by body mass index into three groups: lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Two techniques for atrial fibril lation ablation were employed: 298 patients underwent pulmonary vein ostial ablation with a 5mm tip ablation catheter and 222 patients underwent wide-area circumferential ablation outside the pulmonary vein ostia with an 8mm tip ablation catheter. Patients in this second group also underwent creation of linear lesions and ablation of focal triggers of AF identified during isoproterenol infusion. Patients were followed up with a 24-hour Holter monitor 3 months after the ablation. Follow-up after that time was performed by telephone, annual questionnaires, and with intermittent monitor ing, though the method and timing of monitoring is not well-described. Quality of life questionnaires were administered 3 and 12 months after ablation. Outcomes are reported at 12 and 24 months after ablation but Kaplan-Meier curves are not provided.
Physical characterization of polymorphic drugs: an integrated characterization strategy

Abstract The potential impact of changing crystal forms during late-stage drug development, in terms of cost and product delay, justifies systematic and early characterization of polymorphism. A thorough understanding of polymorph characteristics also allows selection of the best form to market. The authors review the key elements of polymorph characterization (identification and quantitation, structures, properties and structure-property relationships). The emphasis is on recent developments and an integrated characterization strategy for different types of polymorphs using crystallographic, spectroscopic, microscopic and thermal techniques.
War is persuasion

ABSTRACT Persuasion is communication that has the potential to change the recipient’s behavior. War can be very persuasive. However, fighting is not persuasive unless it carries a persuasive message—one that changes the enemy’s behavior. Thus, the battle to persuade the enemy can be more important than the battle to destroy the enemy. Superior force of arms can lose to superior persuasion.
Diverse Cell Type-Specific Mechanisms Localize G Protein-Coupled Receptors to Caenorhabditis elegans Sensory Cilia

The localization of signaling molecules such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to primary cilia is essential for correct signal transduction. Detailed studies over the past decade have begun to elucidate the diverse sequences and trafficking mechanisms that sort and transport GPCRs to the ciliary compartment. However, a systematic analysis of the pathways required for ciliary targeting of multiple GPCRs in different cell types in vivo has not been reported. Here we describe the sequences and proteins required to localize GPCRs to the cilia of the AWB and ASK sensory neuron types in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that GPCRs expressed in AWB or ASK utilize conserved and novel sequences for ciliary localization, and that the requirement for a ciliary targeting sequence in a given GPCR is different in different neuron types. Consistent with the presence of multiple ciliary targeting sequences, we identify diverse proteins required for ciliary localization of individual GPCRs in AWB and ASK. In particular, we show that the TUB-1 Tubby protein is required for ciliary localization of a subset of GPCRs, implying that defects in GPCR localization may be causal to the metabolic phenotypes of tub-1 mutants. Together, our results describe a remarkable complexity of mechanisms that act in a protein- and cell-specific manner to localize GPCRs to cilia, and suggest that this diversity allows for precise regulation of GPCR-mediated signaling as a function of external and internal context.
Insignificant medium-term vitamin D status change after 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing in a large managed care population.

Objectives To examine the clinical utility of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) testing in achieving medium-term vitamin D (VD) sufficiency in a managed care population.
Active site of mercuric reductase resides at the subunit interface and requires Cys135 and Cys140 from one subunit and Cys558 and Cys559 from the adjacent subunit: evidence from in vivo and in vitro heterodimer formation.

Mercuric reductase catalyzes the two-electron reduction of Hg(I1) to Hg(0) using NADPH as the reductant; this reaction constitutes the molecular basis for detoxification of Hg(I1) by bacteria. The enzyme is an α_2 homodimer and possesses two pairs of cysteine residues, Cys_(135) and Cys_(140) (redox-active pair) and cys_(558) and Cys_(559) (C-terminal pair), which are known to be essential for catalysis. In the present study, we have obtained evidence for an intersubunit active site, consisting of a redox-active cysteine pair from one subunit and a C-terminal pair from the adjacent subunit, by reconstituting catalytic activity both in vivo and in vitro starting with two inactive, mutant enzymes, Ala_(l35)Ala_(l40)CyS_(558)CyS_(559) (AACC) and Cys_(135)Cys_(140)Ala_(558)(Ala_(559)(CCAA). Genetic complementation studies were used to show that coexpression of AACC and CCAA in the same cell yielded an Hg^R phenotype, some 10^4-fold more resistant than cells expressing only one mutant. Purification and catalytic characterization of a similarly coexpressed protein mixture showed the mixture to have activity levels ca. 25% those of wild type; this is the same as that statistically anticipated for a CCAA-AACC heterodimeric/homodimeric mixture with only one functional active site per heterodimer. Actual physical evidence for the formation of active mutant heterodimers was obtained by chaotrope-induced subunit interchange of inactive pure CCAA and AACC homodimers in vitro followed by electrophoretic separation of heterodimers from homodimers. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence that the active site in mercuric reductase resides at the subunit interface and contains cysteine residues originating from separate polypeptide chains.
Rigorous transformation of variance-covariance matrices of GPS-derived coordinates and velocities

With the advances in the field of GPS positioning and the global densification of perma- nent GPS tracking stations, it is now possible to determine at the highest level of accuracy the transformation parameters connecting various international terrestrial reference frame (ITRF) realizations. As a by-product of these refinements, not only the seven usual parameters of the similarity transformations between frames are available, but also their rates, all given at some epoch tk. This paper introduces rigorous matrix equations to esti- mate variance-covariance matrices for transformed coordinates at any epoch t based on a stochastic model that takes into consideration all a priori in- formation of the parameters involved at epoch tk, and the coordinates and velocities at the reference frame initial epoch t0. The results of this investiga- tion suggest that in order to attain maximum accu- racy, the agencies determining the 14-parameter transformations between reference frames should also publish their full variance-covariance matrix.
New horizons of pineal research

For years it was assumed that indoles, especially melatonin, were responsible for the ability of the pineal gland to inhibit pituitary gonadotrophins and thus depress sexual physiology. Recent studies have shown, however, that melatonin treatment in two species of hamsters and in the rat is equivalent to pinealectomy in terms of its effect on reproduction. For example, both pinealectomy and the subcutaneous implantation of melatonin prevents darkness from depressing reproductive functions in experimental animals. Furthermore, both treatments also block the changes in pituitary hormones which result from exposure to short daily photoperiods. Such findings suggest that the active pineal principles may be something other than indoles and, indeed, a considerable amount of evidence indicates that polypeptides may account for the pineal's ability to inhibit reproduction. A theory is presented for the cellular release of pineal polypeptides. In this scheme the pineal polypeptide hormones are exocytotically released from cells in conjunction with carrier proteins. The hormone is then exchanged for calcium resulting in the liberation of the hormone into the pineal capillaries and in the eventual deposition of calcium within the pineal gland. This theory provides a working hypothesis for the release of pineal hormonal products and explains the presence of calcified deposits within the pineal gland.
Tailspine movement and its motor control in Limulus polyphemus

Abstract 1. 1. The anatomy of the musculature and innervation of the tailspine system in Limulus polyphemus is described. 2. 2. Rotational movements of the tailspine, important in righting the animal, are accomplished by sequential contraction of the tailspine muscles. 3. 3. The presence of an abundant motor supply for each of the tailspine muscles suggests that recruitment is an important mechanism of neuromuscular control. 4. 4. Polyneuronal innervation by up to five axons/muscle fiber was commonly observed, but no evidence of peripheral inhibition was obtained. 5. 5. Resistance reflexes demonstrate the presence of peripheral sensory feedback in the tailspine system.
INTEGRATED GPS/INERTIAL FAULT DETECTION AVAILABILITY

Different techniques have been proposed for combining GPS and inertial sensor information, and recent published findings seem to indicate that primary-means integrity availability is achievable with standard 2 nmi/h (95 percent) inertial sensor performance. This paper investigates and quantifies the different inertial effects that contribute to enhanced integrity of the integrated GPS/inertial system, such as coasting or Schuler feedback. A Kalman filter-based integration scheme that preserves the integrity information in an optimal fashion is presented and used to quantify integrity performance. This paper also proposes an approximate model, incorporating the main inertial effects contributing to integrity, that can be used to calculate the achievable horizontal protection level (HPL) at any geographical location and time. This model is used to estimate the availability of fault detection for an integrated GPS/inertial system. In addition, the paper compares the availability of fault detection for the GPS/inertial system with that for other augmentations to provide trade-off information.
Purification of thyrotropin from the pituitaries of two turtles: the green sea turtle and the snapping turtle.

Abstract The purification of thyrotropin from the pituitaries of two species of turtles was followed using a bioassay based on the uptake of radioiodide by the thyroid of the baby slider turtle, Pseudemys scripta . Conventional chromatographic techniques which had previously resulted in the separation of pituitary gonadotropins were used initially, yielding a potent thyrotropin (TSH) from the snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina ) that was relatively free of gonadotropic activity. Several pituitary fractions high in thyrotropic activity were obtained from the sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas ), but all had significant gonadotropin contamination (primarily as luteinizing hormone, LH). Successful removal of this LH contamination was achieved by subjecting these glycoprotein preparations to countercurrent distribution, a technique which destroyed the gonadotropic activity while leaving the thyrotropic activity intact. Both species of turtle TSH resembled mammalian TSH in fractionation behavior. Additionally, the amino acid composition of the sea turtle TSH was strikingly similar to that of bovine TSH. Antisera raised against snapping turtle TSH, when used in conjunction with radiolabeled sea turtle TSH, allowed the development of a specific turtle thyrotropin radioimmunoassay able to detect blood levels of TSH in turtles treated with goitrogens. This represents the first successful purification of TSH from a nonmammalian tetrapod.
Interplanetary sector structure in the rising portion of the sunspot cycle.

Interplanetary sector structure during rising portion of 1966-1967 sunspot cycle, giving recurrence period of interplanetary field
Mediastinal abscess after endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration: a case report

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with transbronchial needle aspiration is now becoming widely accepted as a preferred staging technique. It has been perceived as a non-invasive and well tolerated procedure with minimal complications. We report the development and treatment of a severe complication that developed 2 weeks after the initial procedure in the form of a complex mediastinal abscess. EBUS although useful in its non-invasive application for diagnosing mediastinal or hilar disease, must be regarded with caution since the potential exists to develop severe complications.
Functional and Morphological Differences among Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells

A subset of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina express the photopigment melanopsin and are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). These cells are implicated in non-image-forming visual responses to environmental light, such as the pupillary light reflex, seasonal adaptations in physiology, photic inhibition of nocturnal melatonin release, and modulation of sleep, alertness, and activity. Morphological studies have confirmed the existence of at least three distinct subpopulations of ipRGCs, but studies of the physiology of ipRGCs at the single cell level have focused mainly on M1 cells, the dendrites of which stratify solely in sublamina a (OFF sublamina) of the retinal inner plexiform layer (IPL). Little work has been done to compare the functional properties of M1 cells to those of M2 cells, the dendrites of which stratify solely in sublamina b (ON sublamina) of the IPL. The goal of the current study was to compare the morphology, intrinsic light response, and intrinsic membrane properties of M1 and M2 cells in the mouse retina. Here we demonstrate additional morphological differences between M1 and M2 cells as well as distinct physiological characteristics of both the intrinsic light responses and intrinsic membrane properties. M2 cells displayed a more complex dendritic arborization and higher input resistance, yet showed lower light sensitivity and lower maximal light responses than M1 cells. These data indicate morphological and functional heterogeneity among ipRGCs.
PS2-33: Seniors’ Uptake of Online Survey Completion - Experience of the 2011 KPNC Member Health Survey

Background/Aims The aim was to describe the percentages and characteristics of seniors eligible to receive an emailed link to an online health survey and that chose to respond online vs. by hardcopy.
A combinatorial problem involving monomial ideals

Abstract In this paper, we consider monomial ideals in k [ x 1 , x 2 , x 3 ]. For each d ≥ 1, we compute the smallest number of monic monomials of degree d − 1 such that the ideal which they generate contains all monomials of degree d . This answers, for the case n = 3, a question posed by A.V. Geramita, D. Gregory, and L. Roberts.
Variation in Eicosanoid Genes, Non-fatal Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke

Abstract Objectives Eicosanoids are lipid mediators that may play a role in atherosclerosis. We investigated the association of common genetic variation in prostaglandin H synthase 1 ( PTGS1 ), prostaglandin H synthase 2 ( PTGS2 ), thromboxane A2 synthase ( TBXAS1 ), prostacyclin synthase ( PTGIS ), prostaglandin E synthase ( PTGES ), 5-lipoxygenase activating protein ( ALOX5AP ), 12-lipoxygenase ( ALOX12 ) and 15-lipoxygenase ( ALOX15 ) with the risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke. A secondary aim was to replicate the interaction of PTGS2 rs20417 (-765G to C) with aspirin use on coronary heart disease risk observed in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC). Methods We conducted a case-control study in a large Health Maintenance Organization. Cases were men and women, aged 30–79 years with incident non-fatal myocardial infarction ( n =1063) or ischemic stroke ( n =469) between January 1995 and December 2004. Controls ( n =3462) were randomly selected and frequency matched to cases on age, sex, hypertension and calendar year. Results Common variation in TBXAS1 and PTGIS was associated with MI risk ( p -value for global Chi-square test, 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). Common variation in ALOX5AP , ALOX12 , ALOX15 , PTGS1 , PTGS2 and PTGES was not associated with risks of MI and ischemic stroke. We replicated the observation of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study and observed an interaction of rs20417 with aspirin use on myocardial infarction risk ( p for interaction=0.03). Conclusions Study results suggest that variation in TBXAS1 and PTGIS may influence MI risk, and carriers of rs20417C allele might derive greater benefits from aspirin use in primary prevention.
Polyacrylamide coated Milorganite™ and gypsum for controlling sediment and phosphorus loads

Abstract The application of polymer for controlling erosion and the associated nutrient transport has been well documented. However, comparatively less information is available on the effect of polymer application together with soil amendments. In this study, the effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) in combination with surface application of gypsum and Milorganite™ (MILwaukee ORGAnic NITtrogEn) biosolid for reducing sediment and phosphorus transport under laboratory rainfall simulations was investigated. The treatments considered were bare soil, gypsum, Milorganite™, gypsum + Milorganite™, PAM-coated gypsum and PAM-coated Milorganite™. Application rates for gypsum and Milorganite™ were 392 kg ha −1 (350 lb/acre) and 726 kg ha −1 (650 lb/acre), respectively. The PAM was coated on gypsum and Milorganite™ at an application rate of 11.2 kg ha −1 (10 lb/acre) and 22.4 kg ha −1 (20 lb/acre), respectively. Rain simulation experiments were conducted using a rainfall intensity of 6.0 cm h −1 for 1 h on a 10% slope. Surface runoff was collected continuously from each soil box over 10 min intervals and leachate was collected continuously over the 60 min simulation. The reduction in runoff or in leachate for all treatments was not significantly different from the bare soil control. The sediment loss for PAM coated Milorganite™ was reduced by 77%, when compared to bare soil. However, the sediment loss was not significantly reduced for any other treatment compared to bare soil. The PAM-coated gypsum was not effective for erosion control in our study, and there appears to be a correlation between effectiveness and prill size. However, the gypsum (coated and uncoated) contributed about half of the dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) export (in the runoff) compared to bare soil. The PAM-coated Milorgante™ reduced the DRP and total phosphorus (TP) export to 0.3–0.5 times that of Milorganite™ and to levels similar to bare soil. The decreased sediment and phosphorus export for the PAM-coated Milorganite™ treatment is a signal for a potential management practice for controlling erosion and nutrient transport in fertilized agricultural landscapes.
Image against Nature: Spolia as Apotropaia in Byzantium and the dār al-Islām1

Although the use of portable amulets and talismans in the pre-modern Islamic world is well documented, little is known about their monumental counterparts. Despite this neglect, references to apotropaia and talismans designed to offer protection from pests such as pigeons, snakes and scorpions are common in descriptions of medieval architecture in Arabia, Egypt, Syria and Iran. In many cases these consisted of pre-Islamic zoom-orphic spolia set at entrances and gateways. The function and nature of these images find close analogies in Byzantium, where antique statuary was also ascribed a talismanic value. In both cultural spheres, this value is predicated upon the ability of the image to invert or negate the power of the imaged, a function to which antique figural spolia may have been especially well suited.
Antistaphylococcal Activity of DX-619 Alone and in Combination with Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, and Linezolid Assessed by Time-Kill Synergy Testing

Time-kill synergy studies testing in vitro activity of DX-619 alone and with added vancomycin, teicoplanin, or linezolid against 101 Staphylococcus aureus strains showed synergy between DX-619 and teicoplanin at 12 to 24 h in 72 strains and between DX-619 and vancomycin in 28 strains. No synergy was found with linezolid, and no antagonism was observed with any combination.
Effect of Genetic Selection for Group Productivity and Longevity on Immunological and Hematological Parameters of Chickens

A line of White Leghorn chickens was selected for high group productivity and longevity resulting in improved survival and feather score as well as reduced cannibalism and flightiness. Improvements in survival might have also been due to improved immunity. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that selection for high (HGPS) and low (LGPS) group productivity and survivability also altered immune and hematological parameters. The LGPS line was an intense reverse selected line of the HGPS line at the eighth generation of development. Hens were randomly assigned to individual cages at 17 wk of age. Blood samples were collected from the hens at 21 wk of age. Subsets of T lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, and gammadelta cells) were measured using flow cytometry. Concentrations of plasma IgG were quantified with western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation assay. Hematological parameters were collected from blood smears. The HGPS hens had significantly higher percentages of blood lymphocytes and CD4+:CD8+ ratios of circulating T cells (P < 0.01) and tended to have more, but not significantly, gammadelta T cells (P = 0.07) than the LGPS hens. In contrast, the LGPS hens exhibited eosinophilia and heterophilia and greater heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (P < 0.01). The concentrations of plasma IgG were also significantly higher in the LGPS hens (P < 0.01). These results suggest that genetic selection for group productivity and longevity also alters the immunological and hematological systems of hens. The line difference in regulation of T cells, leukocytes, and production of IgG may suggest that different genes or modes of gene action are involved.
Thermoelectric Properties of Mixed Rhenium Chalcogenides Re6Te15-x Sex (0 ≤ × ≤ 8)

Reported are the temperature dependencies of the thermoelectric power and electrical resistivity of mixed rhenium chalcogenides Re6 Te15-x,Sex (0 ≤ x ≤ 8) in the range 90–420 K. Influence of the partial chalcogen exchange on thermoelectric properties of these compounds is discussed. The samples are prepared by sintering elemental powders inside evacuated and sealed quartz ampoules at 1150 K for 170 hours. X-ray analysis reveals an orthorhombic lattice for samples with x < 8 and a tetragonal lattice for the Re6 Te7 Se8. sample. The lattice parameters and the unit cell volume decrease with increasing selenium concentration. The measurements indicate p-type semiconducting behavior for all samples. The presence of the energy gap is observed at higher temperatures (T ≥ 180–220 K) for all x. Data suggest hopping conduction at lower temperatures. Room temperature resistivities increase non-linearly from 6.9 to 20.4 Ω m with the increasing selenium content. Initially, the thermoelectric power a increases with temperature for all samples, with the fastest increase in Re6 Se8 Te7 and the slowest in Re6 Te15. The temperature at which a reaches maximum decreases with the increasing Se content. Above this temperature, a decreases uniformly as the temperature increases, the slowest increase being for Re6 Se8 Te7 and the fastest for Re6 Te15. Such α(T) dependence is also discussed. The temperature dependence of the power factor, α2/ρ, is presented. Comparison of ρ, α, and the power factor in Re6 Sex Te15-x with currently used state-of-the-art materials is given.
Low‐temperature isospecific polymerization of propylene catalyzed by alkylzirconocene‐type ‘cations’

The rac-ethylenebis(indenyl)methylzirconium ‘cation’ (1), generated from rac-Et(Ind)2ZrMe2 and Ph3CB(C6F5)4, has recently been shown to be exceedingly active and stereoselective in propylene polymerization. The ethyl analog (2) can be produced by an alternate, efficient route involving a reaction between rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 and AlEt3 (TEA), followed by addition of Ph3CB(C6F5)4. The use of excess AlEt3 serves both to alkylate the zirconium complex as well as to scavenge the system. The propylene polymerization activity of the ‘cation’ 2 is about 7000 times greater than the activity of rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane (MAO) at Tp=−20°C. The related catalyst system rac-Me2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2/TEA/Ph3CB(C6F5)4 (3) was found to produce 98.3% i-PP with Tm 156.3°C and an activity of 1.8 × 109 g PP {(mol Zr) [C3H6]h}−1.
Thread Cluster Memory Scheduling: Exploiting Differences in Memory Access Behavior

In a modern chip-multiprocessor system, memory is a shared resource among multiple concurrently executing threads. The memory scheduling algorithm should resolve memory contention by arbitrating memory access in such a way that competing threads progress at a relatively fast and even pace, resulting in high system throughput and fairness. Previously proposed memory scheduling algorithms are predominantly optimized for only one of these objectives: no scheduling algorithm provides the best system throughput and best fairness at the same time. This paper presents a new memory scheduling algorithm that addresses system throughput and fairness separately with the goal of achieving the best of both. The main idea is to divide threads into two separate clusters and employ different memory request scheduling policies in each cluster. Our proposal, Thread Cluster Memory scheduling (TCM), dynamically groups threads with similar memory access behavior into either the latency-sensitive (memory-non-intensive) or the bandwidth-sensitive (memory-intensive) cluster. TCM introduces three major ideas for prioritization: 1) we prioritize the latency-sensitive cluster over the bandwidth-sensitive cluster to improve system throughput, 2) we introduce a ``niceness'' metric that captures a thread's propensity to interfere with other threads, 3) we use niceness to periodically shuffle the priority order of the threads in the bandwidth-sensitive cluster to provide fair access to each thread in a way that reduces inter-thread interference. On the one hand, prioritizing memory-non-intensive threads significantly improves system throughput without degrading fairness, because such ``light'' threads only use a small fraction of the total available memory bandwidth. On the other hand, shuffling the priority order of memory-intensive threads improves fairness because it ensures no thread is disproportionately slowed down or starved. We evaluate TCM on a wide variety of multiprogrammed workloads and compare its performance to four previously proposed scheduling algorithms, finding that TCM achieves both the best system throughput and fairness. Averaged over 96 workloads on a 24-core system with 4 memory channels, TCM improves system throughput and reduces maximum slowdown by 4.6%/38.6% compared to ATLAS (previous work providing the best system throughput) and 7.6%/4.6% compared to PAR-BS (previous work providing the best fairness).
Design and Analysis of a 270kW Five-level DC/DC Converter for Solid State Transformer Using 10kV SiC Power Devices

Enabled by high voltage fast switching SiC devices, solid state transformers (SST) are being considered as a feasible application and a major step forward compared with conventional power transformers. One of the key components for the SST is a high voltage high frequency DC/DC converter. To reduce size and weight of this DC/DC converter, high frequency operation is desired hence it requires high voltage fast switching power devices like SiC MOSFETs. Due to the high frequency used, there is still significant amount of losses in the SiC MOSFETs and PIN diodes. In this paper, a five-level DC/DC converter is proposed based on the concept of three-level DC/DC converter with a flying capacitor. A key characteristic of this DC/DC converter is that it allows soft-switching turn-on operation for the SiC power MOSFETs, hence eliminating a major loss component for the SiC devices. This topology-related ZVS capability, coupled with superior conduction and switching performance of SiC MOSFETs and PIN diodes, facilitates the selection of 20 kHz switching frequency as the target frequency for a high power SST application.
Conceptual modeling with processes

Western philosophy of science has been heavily influenced by the idea that substantials are the main carriers of knowledge. Objects and their attributes and their relations to other objects dominate the world of knowledge representation. Processes play a subordinated role as they are merely seen as the things that create, change, or destroy objects. A recent study has shown that this view is dominant in modeling and simulation as well. The paper presents the (semi-) formal method developed in the doctoral study and its application to conceptual modeling techniques as they are taught in M&S education. The result shows that objects and relations are well captured, but that processes can be used as an alternative viewpoint as well. Using a process driven viewpoint opens new conceptual insights. We show that using the formal method allows to extend legacy conceptual methods to address these new aspects as well.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Progression of CKD: Perhaps not so “Simple”

CKD is a global public health challenge. More than 13 million adults in the United States have moderate to severe CKD.[1][1] The prevalence of CKD has increased over time, in part due to the higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension and the aging population.[2][2],[3][3] Importantly, elderly
Consolidation And Profitability In The U.S. Banking Industry

This paper examines the changes in profitability in the U.S. banking industry during the continuing consolidation since Riegle-Neal became fully effective. It presents information on the changes in profitability in the U.S. banking industry to determine whether or not the trends observed in the immediate aftermath of Riegle-Neal have continued.
Different Paths to Core Pathology: The Equifinal Model of the Schizophrenia Syndrome

Schizophrenia is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that is perhaps more accurately characterized as "the schizophrenia syndrome." This clinical heterogeneity is reflected in the heterogeneous neurobiological presentations associated with the illness. Moreover, even highly specific neural aberrations that are associated with distinct symptoms of schizophrenia are linked to a wide range of risk factors. As such, any individual with schizophrenia likely has a particular set of risk factors that interact and converge to cross the disease threshold, forming a particular etiology that ultimately generates a core pathophysiology. This core pathophysiology may then produce 1 or more symptoms of schizophrenia, leading to common symptoms across individuals in spite of disparate etiologies. As such, the schizophrenia syndrome can be considered as anequifinalentity: a state of dysfunction that can arise from different upstream etiologies. Moreover, schizophrenia etiologies are multifactorial and can involve the interactive effects of a broad range of genetic, environmental, and developmental risk factors. Through a consideration of how disparate etiologies, caused by different sets of risk factors, converge on the same net dysfunction, this paper aims to model the equifinal nature of schizophrenia symptoms. To demonstrate the equifinal model, we discuss how maternal infection and adolescent cannabis use, 2 recognized schizophrenia risk factors, may interact with other genetic, environmental, and/or developmental risk factors to cause the conserved clinical presentation of impaired working memory.
PCPOR: Public and constant-cost proofs of retrievability in cloud1

For data storage outsourcing services, it is important to allow users to efficiently and securely verify that cloud storage servers store their data correctly. To address this issue, a number of Proof of Retrievability (POR) and Proof of Data Possession (PDP) schemes have been proposed wherein servers must prove to a verifier that data are stored correctly. While existing POR and PDP schemes offer decent solutions addressing various practical issues, they either have non-trivial (linear or quadratic) communication and computational complexity, or only consider private verification. In this paper, we propose the first POR scheme with public verifiability, constant communication and computational costs on users. In our scheme, messages exchanged between cloud servers and users are composed of a constant number of group elements and random numbers; computational tasks required on users are also constant; batch auditing of multiple tasks is also efficiently supported. We achieved these by a unique design based on our novel polynomial-based authenticators. Extensive experiments on Amazon EC2 cloud and different client devices (contemporary and mobile devices) show that our design allows a user to audit the integrity of a file of any size with a constant computational cost of 150 ms on PC (2.11 s on mobile device) and a communication cost of 2.34 kB for 99% error detection probability when employing an erasure coding with 1% fault tolerance rate. We prove the security of our scheme based on the Computational Diffie-Hellman problem, the t-Strong Diffie-Hellman problem and the Static Diffie-Hellman problem.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GLYCOSYLATION SITES IN CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN (CEA) BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a study focusing on the identification and characterization of glycosylation sites in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by mass spectrometry. In the study, CEA was isolated from liver metastases of colon tumors and purified. Before enzymatic digestion, 10 nmoles CEA were reduced and alkylated with 4-vinylpyridine, and after dialysis, they were treated with neuraminidase overnight at room temperature. CEA was digested with purified trypsin and chymotrypsin (Worthington) in 50 mM Tris–HCl, pH 8.5 at a protein/enzyme ratio of 40:1 (wt/wt) for 36 h at 37°C. The tryptic/chymotryptic peptides were purified by using different high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. The first step was separation on reverse-phase HPLC with a Vydac C4 column using a linear gradient of acetonitrile in 0.1% (vol/vol) trifluoroacetic acid. The fractions were rechromatographed on a Vydac C18 under similar conditions and were then applied to hydrophilic HPLC using a Polyhydroxyethyl Aspartamide column. For sequence analysis, peptides were spotted on a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane (Millipore) and subjected to automated Edman degradation on a gas-phase microsequencer. The phenylthiohydantoin amino acid derivatives were identified by online reverse-phase HPLC.
A question of format: the census of agriculture on compact disk

Les resultats du recensement de l'agriculture americaine sont diffuses sur disque compact par la societe SHIP (Slater Hall Information Products). On presente ici la recherche documentaire telle qu'elle est pratiquee par la logiciel SEARCHER
Abnormal Neural Oscillations in Schizophrenia Assessed by Spectral Power Ratio of MEG During Word Processing

This study investigated spectral power of neural oscillations associated with word processing in schizophrenia. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were acquired from 12 schizophrenia patients and 10 healthy controls during a visual word processing task. Two spectral power ratio (SPR) feature sets: the band power ratio (BPR) and the window power ratio (WPR) were extracted from MEG data in five frequency bands, four time windows of word processing, and at locations covering whole head. Cluster-based nonparametric permutation tests were employed to identify SPRs that show significant between-group difference. Machine learning based feature selection and classification techniques were then employed to select optimal combinations of the significant SPR features, and distinguish schizophrenia patients from healthy controls. We identified three BPR clusters and three WPR clusters that show significant oscillation power difference between groups. These include the theta/delta, alpha/delta and beta/delta BPRs during base-to-encode and encode time windows, and the beta band WPR from base to encode and from encode to post-encode windows. Based on two WPR and one BPR features combined, over 95% cross-validation classification accuracy was achieved using three different linear classifiers separately. These features may have potential as quantitative markers that discriminate schizophrenia patients and healthy controls; however, this needs further validation on larger samples.
Effects of Response Symmetry upon Bi-Manual Rapid Aiming

This experiment investigated effects of response symmetry in a two-handed aiming task. A first-order system with isometric controllers was used to present the task. The Motor Program hypothesis predicts better performance in a symmetric condition because only one set of parameters is required to control both hands. The Divided Attention hypothesis predicts better performance in an asymmetric condition because attention can be more readily switched between hands. Results supported the Divided Attention hypothesis because (1) accuracy was better for the asymmetric condition, and (2) the relative advantage of the asymmetric condition increased as targets became more difficult.
Factors predicting recurrence after resection of clival chordoma using variable surgical approaches and radiation modalities.

BACKGROUND Clival chordomas frequently recur because of their location and invasiveness. OBJECTIVE To investigate clinical, operative, and anatomic factors associated with clival chordoma recurrence. METHODS Retrospective review of clival chordomas treated at our center from 1993 to 2013. RESULTS Fifty patients (56% male) with median age of 59 years (range, 8-76) were newly diagnosed with clival chordoma of mean diameter 3.3 cm (range, 1.5-6.7). Symptoms included headaches (38%), diplopia (36%), and dysphagia (14%). Procedures included transsphenoidal (n=34), transoral (n=4), craniotomy (n=5), and staged approaches (n=7). Gross total resection (GTR) rate was 52%, with 83% mean volumetric reduction, values that improved over time. While the lower third of the clivus was the least likely superoinferior zone to contain tumor (upper third=72%/middle third=82%/lower third=42%), it most frequently contained residual tumor (upper third=33%/middle third=38%/lower third=63%; P<.05). Symptom improvement rates were 61% (diplopia) and 53% (headache). Postoperative radiation included proton beam (n=19), cyberknife (n=7), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (n=6), external beam (n=10), and none (n=4). At last follow-up of 47 patients, 23 (49%) remain disease-free or have stable residual tumor. Lower third of clivus progressed most after GTR (upper/mid/lower third=32%/41%/75%). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, male gender (hazard ratio [HR]=1.2/P=.03), subtotal resection (HR=5.0/P=.02), and the preoperative presence of tumor in the middle third (HR=1.2/P=.02) and lower third (HR=1.8/P=.02) of the clivus increased further growth or regrowth, while radiation modality did not. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore long-standing support for GTR as reducing chordoma recurrence. The lower third of the clivus frequently harbored residual or recurrent tumor, despite staged approaches providing mediolateral (transcranial+endonasal) or superoinferior (endonasal+transoral) breadth. There was no benefit of proton-based over photon-based radiation, contradicting conventional presumptions.
Optical pressure deduced from energy relations within relativistic formulations of electrodynamics

The analysis of plane waves normally incident upon moving media yields a velocity-dependent net flow of electromagnetic energy within the system such that optical pressures are deduced. Two common formulations (Chu and Minkowski) are employed to model the phenomena with respect to the Abraham-Minkowski debate. Within the framework of relativistic electrodynamics, two perfect reflectors submerged in a dielectric are used to compare the calculated optical work and pressure exerted to the system for both formulations via momentum and energy conservation. The perfect reflectors are represented by having zero electric field and zero magnetic field at the surface of the perfect electrical conductor and the perfect magnetic conductor, respectively. Comparison of these results gives valuable insight into the differences between Abraham and Minkowski momenta and provides theoretical evidence as to observable effects in actual optical moment transfer to media.