cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Power of the F Test in Normal Populations with Heterogeneous Variances

An empirical study of the power of the F test in normal populations with variances proportional to the cell means is reported. The results indicate that the power of the test can be approximated by the noncentral F distribution with a modified parameter of noncentrality.
Representing Reality: The Critical Realism Project

Is there only one basic structure of reality? Can anyone produce culture-free representations of reality? Is the partiality of our representations only a problem or inconvenience rather than also an epistemic resource? Should we think of the goal of sciences as the production of accurate representations of reality or of effective interaction with it? This essay focuses on differences in how Tony Lawson and I would respond to such questions.
Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) therapeutics: Time to think outside the BoNT?

The development of small molecule inhibitors of Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) has been a robust focus of biodefence research funding. Despite an intense effort, no compounds have been identified that would be suitable for extensive preclinical testing. Due to the emphasis on BoNT inhibitor development, research into other aspects of toxin biology may have been overlooked. In particular, the molecular mechanisms that neuronal cells utilise to respond to the presence of BoNT has been an area that, to date, is a significant gap in our understanding of BoNT pathogenesis. An elucidation of these pathways could lay the foundation for the identification of novel targets for the treatment of botulism.
Human Red Blood Cell Choline in Aging and Senile Dementia: Effects of Precursor Therapy

The decline of cognitive function associated with aging is thought to involve deficits in brain cholinergic mechanisms (4, 8, 16, 21, 28). Cognitive deterioration is greatly exacerbated in senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (SDAT). In this disease the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthetic enzyme for acetylcholine (ACh), is markedly reduced in cortex and hippocampus, when compared to age-matched controls (5, 8, 22, 25, 26). The decrease of ChAT activity in cortex is closely correlated with the severity of cognitive impairment and the extent of neuropathology (5, 22). High affinity uptake of choline (Ch) and in vitro synthesis of ACh in cortical tissue biopsied from SDAT patients were reduced (29, 30). These biochemical changes in Alzheimer’s patients appear to reflect a loss of cholinergic innervation to hippocampus and cortex (31, 34), which subserve an important role in memory and cognition (4, 11). Therefore, many of the recent strategies for treatment of SDAT reflect attempts to reverse this deficit in cholinergic function.
Rating Growth of Scientific Knowledge and Risk from Theory Bubbles

In physics the value of a theory is measured by its agreement with experimental data. But how should the physics community gauge the value of an emerging theory that has not been tested experimentally as of yet? With no reality check, a hypothesis like string theory may linger for a while before physicists will know its actual value in describing nature. In this short article, I advocate the need for a website operated by graduate students that will use various measures of publicly available data (such as the growth rate of newly funded experiments, research grants, publications, and faculty jobs) to gauge the future dividends of various research frontiers. The analysis can benefit from past experience (e.g. in research areas that suffered from limited experimental data over long periods of time) and aim to alert the community of the risk from future theory bubbles.
Inhibition by pentosan polysulfate (PPS) of heparin-binding growth factors released from tumor cells and blockage by PPS of tumor growth in animals.

BACKGROUND In a proliferating tumor, locally secreted polypeptide growth factors, which have autocrine and paracrine functions, induce vascularization essential for tumor growth and metastasis. These growth factors may serve as targets for tumor therapy. We have shown that the heparinoid pentosan polysulfate (PPS) can block growth of subcutaneous human tumor xenografts in nude mice and angiogenesis induced by the heparin-binding, Kaposi's sarcoma-derived fibroblast growth factor (K-FGF). PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether PPS might also interfere with stimulation of endothelial cells by other growth factors released from tumor cells and whether the promising antitumor effects of PPS extend to other human tumor cell lines. We studied the effects of PPS on stimulation by heparin-binding growth factors released from seven human tumor cell lines in vitro and on tumors growing from these cell lines in athymic nude mice. METHODS Seven human cell lines established from breast, prostate, epidermoid, and lung carcinomas and rhabdomyosarcoma were used in in vivo as well as in vitro studies of the effects of PPS. We also studied in vitro the effects of PPS on growth factor-induced colony formation of normal rat kidney fibroblasts and human adrenal carcinoma cells. RESULTS The tumor cell lines released growth factors into their media that stimulated growth of endothelial and epithelial cells as well as fibroblasts. Heparin-affinity chromatography showed that heparin-binding growth factors contributed substantially to this paracrine activity and that PPS inhibited this stimulus. Six of the seven tumor cell lines were resistant to PPS in soft-agar cloning assays and hence did not appear to depend on autocrine stimulation by the heparin-binding growth factors. In contrast to this in vitro resistance, subcutaneous growth of tumors from all cell lines in athymic nude mice was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by daily intraperitoneal injections of PPS. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that heparin-binding growth factors contribute substantially to tumor growth in vivo and that PPS acts by blocking the paracrine effects of heparin-binding growth factors released from the tumor cells. IMPLICATION PPS could become a novel treatment tool targeting tumor growth factors.
eCoaching: The Effects on Co-Teachers’ Planning and Instruction

Although co-teaching has become a popular approach to special education service provision in inclusive classrooms, practitioners have struggled to carry it out well. One suggestion for improvement has been to provide co-teachers with training that includes coaching. In this study, we used single-case (ABAB) withdrawal design, to investigate the effects of eCoaching, delivered through online bug-in-ear technology, on co-teachers as they planned and carried out co-teaching. Participants included three co-teaching dyads (n = 6); each comprised of one general and one special educator. Visual inspection of graphed data along with quantitative analysis (i.e., percentage of non-overlapping data) confirmed that eCoaching increased participants’ use of varied co-teaching models and student-specific accommodations, while co-teachers’ interviews and students’ time samples verified social validity. Taken together, these findings lead to better understanding of the benefits and limitations of eCoaching with co-teachers.
Traffic-Adaptive, Flow-Specific Medium Access Control for Wireless Networks

In this paper, we formally introduce the novel concept of traffic-adaptive, flow-specific medium access control and show that it outperforms contention, non-contention and hybrid medium access schemes. A traffic-adaptive, flow-specific mechanism is proposed that utilizes flow-specific queue size statistics to select between medium access modes. A general model for traffic-adaptive, flow-specific medium access control is developed and it is shown that hybrid medium access as well as traditional contention-based and non-contention schemes can be seen as special cases of the more general flow-specific access. The proposed traffic-adaptive, flow-specific mechanism is applied to Cooperative Wireless Sensor Network Medium Access Control (CWS-MAC) to provide representative simulation results.
Purification and Immunobiological Properties of R Antigen and Its Relation to M Protein of Type 3 Group A Streptococcus

R protein was extracted from type 3 group A streptococci with hot (95 degrees C) HCl and was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by molecular-sieve and ion exchange chromatography. Although the R3 antigen was present in a heterogeneous population of proteins ranging from 78,000 to 100,000 daltons in size, we were able to separate an R-rich fraction that contained minimal amounts of heterogeneous proteins as indicated by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. The final yield of the purified R protein was approximately 15 mug (dry weight) per g (wet weight) of washed and sedimented streptococci. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated a molecular size of approximately 78,000 daltons. Amino acid analysis showed lysine, glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid as the predominant amino acids. A detailed comparison of the purified R3 protein with type 3 M protein indicated a similarity in composition and order of frequency of amino acids. However, the R3 antigen was found to be distinctive from the M3 antigen in agar gel diffusion tests. In addition, R3 and M3 proteins behaved differently in opsonophagocytosis tests and opsonization inhibition tests. Thus, R3 and M3 proteins produced precipitin lines of nonidentity with an unabsorbed antiserum against whole type 3 streptococci: M3-specific antiserum, but not R3-specific antiserum, enhanced the phagocytosis of type 3 streptococci. Purified M3 but not R3 protein was capable of inhibiting the type-specific opsonization of type 3 streptococci. The physicochemical resemblance between M and R proteins in general suggests a common genetic origin. Perhaps R proteins are variant forms of M proteins from which the antiopsonic determinant has been deleted.
Ultrafast LTD's for bremsstrahlung diodes and Z-pinches

Most of the modern high-current high-voltage induction linacs require several stages of pulse conditioning (pulse forming) to convert the multi-microsecond pulses of the Marx generator output to the 40-100 ns pulse required for a cell cavity. This makes the devices large, cumbersome to operate, and expensive. In the present design we eliminate Marxes and pulse-forming networks and instead utilize a new technology recently implemented at the Institute of High Current Electronics in Tomsk (Russia). Each inductive voltage adder cavity is directly fed by a number of fast 100-kV small-size capacitors arranged in a circular array around each accelerating gap. The number of capacitors connected in parallel to each cavity defines the total maximum current. By selecting low inductance switches, voltage pulses as short as 30-60-ns FWHM can be directly achieved. The voltage of each stage is low (100-200 kV). Many stages are required to achieve multi-megavolt accelerator output. However, since the length of each stage is very short (4-10 cm), accelerating gradients of higher than I MV/m can easily be obtained. Each LTD voltage adder can deliver up to 1-MA current to the load. To produce drivers of higher current, many LTD's are connected in parallel. A conceptual design for Saturn three ring diode and Z-pinch and a compact 10-MV 100-kA 60-ns accelerator for advanced radiography will be presented. In both designs the LTD's operate in vacuum and no liquid dielectrics like oil or deionized water will be required. Even elimination of ferromagnetic material (air-core cavities) is a possibility. This makes the devices cheaper, smaller, and lighter than the devices presently utilized which are based on conventional pulsed power technology architecture. We envisage a factor of 3 reduction in size and cost.
IS THE UNIVERSE OPEN FOR SURPRISE? PENTECOSTAL ONTOLOGY AND THE SPIRIT OF NATURALISM

. Given the enchanted worldview of pentecost-alism, what possibility is there for a uniquely pentecostal intervention in the science-theology dialogue? By asserting the centrality of the miraculous and the fantastic, and being fundamentally committed to a universe open to surprise, does not pentecostalism forfeit admission to the conversation? I argue for a distinctly pentecostal contribution to the dialogue that is critical of regnant naturalistic paradigms but also of a naive supernaturalism. I argue that implicit in the pentecostal social imaginary is a distinct conception of nature that is amenable to science but in conflict with naturalism.
Myostatin Inhibition Prevents Diabetes and Hyperphagia in a Mouse Model of Lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophies are characterized by a loss of white adipose tissue, which causes ectopic lipid deposition, peripheral insulin resistance, reduced adipokine levels, and increased food intake (hyperphagia). The growth factor myostatin (MSTN) negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth, and mice with MSTN inhibition have reduced adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity. MSTN inhibition may therefore be efficacious in ameliorating diabetes. To test this hypothesis, we inhibited MSTN signaling in a diabetic model of generalized lipodystrophy to analyze its effects on glucose metabolism separate from effects on adipose mass. A-ZIP/F1 lipodystrophic mice were crossed to mice expressing a dominant-negative MSTN receptor (activin receptor type IIB) in muscle. MSTN inhibition in A-ZIP/F1 mice reduced blood glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride levels, and the rate of triglyceride synthesis, and improved insulin sensitivity. Unexpectedly, hyperphagia was normalized by MSTN inhibition in muscle. Blood glucose and hyperphagia were reduced in double mutants independent of the adipokine leptin. These results show that the effect of MSTN inhibition on insulin sensitivity is not secondary to an effect on adipose mass and that MSTN inhibition may be an effective treatment for diabetes. These results further suggest that muscle may play a heretofore unappreciated role in regulating food intake.
The significance of sinonasal radiodensities: ossification, calcification, or residual bone?

PURPOSE To determine whether very radiodense material within a sinonasal soft-tissue mass on CT can be differentiated as calcification, ossification, or residual bone. METHODS We retrospectively described the radiodensities within 235 sinonasal soft-tissue masses as discrete, solitary or multiple, or as a diffuse process with either a well-defined or poorly defined margin. They were also classified as calcification, ossification, or residual bone. Findings were correlated with pathologic specimens. RESULTS Residual bone was underdiagnosed; calcification was overdiagnosed. A solitary discrete density was most likely to be calcification within an inflammatory mass. However, multiple discrete densities were as likely to be in a tumor as in an inflammatory lesion. If the process was diffuse with a well-defined margin, it was most likely to be a benign fibroosseous lesion. If the process was diffuse with a poorly defined margin, it was most likely to be a high-grade sarcoma. Densities within inverted papillomas were shown to be residual bone, not calcifications; densities within esthesioneuroblastomas were calcifications. CONCLUSION Radiodensities may help in refining a CT diagnosis, but one may not know based on CT whether the density is a calcification, ossification, or residual bone.
Evaluating the Effects of a 532-nm Fiber-Based KTP Laser on Transoral Laser Surgery Supplies

ObjectiveThe KTP laser has become commonplace in transoral head and neck surgery. The interactions of this laser with commonly used supplies in transoral surgery have not been formally examined. This study evaluates the effects of the KTP laser on surgical supplies.Study DesignExperimental study.SettingThe study was conducted in an empty operating room at a university-affiliated medical center.MethodsAn Aura XP 532-nm KTP laser with a 600-nm fiber was used in pulsed and continuous modes. The beam was focused at the shaft and balloon of 3 “laser-safe” endotracheal tubes (ETTs), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ETT, and a Codman surgical patty. Time to penetrate was recorded.ResultsThe KTP laser beam was unable to penetrate any of the laser-resistant ETTs. It did react with the black number markings on the PVC ETT by producing sparks but was unable to penetrate the shaft of the ETT. The KTP laser was nonreactive with all ETT cuffs except in 1 of 3 trials with the outer balloon cuff of a Rusch Lasertubus ETT when ...
The rotavirus vaccine

Abstract Background: Rotavirus gastroenteritis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objectives: To review the biology, immunology, and virology of rotavirus infections and describe the efforts towards the construction of vaccines using human and animal rotaviruses. Study design: A review of the literature and provision of the author’s understanding and speculation of vaccination of infants against rotavirus disease. Results: In August 1998 the Food and Drug Administration in the United States approved the licensure of a rotavirus vaccine. Both the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Pediatrics are likely to recommend that the vaccine be given to all children by mouth as a series of three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The vaccine is made by combining a simian rotavirus strain (RRV) with several human strains representing different rotavirus serotypes. An understanding of the biology, immunology, and virology of rotavirus will help to explain the strengths and limitations of the rotavirus vaccine. Conclusion: If used as recommended, the rotavirus vaccine should cause a significant decrease in the number of deaths, hospitalizations, and office visits of children infected with rotavirus.
Stimulation of IgG production by glucocorticoids in human myeloma lymphoblasts.

Abstract LICR-LON-HMy2 cells (HMy2 cells), an established line of human myeloma lymphoblasts, produce and secrete IgG, and have been used for production of human-human hybridomas. We have previously shown that HMy2 cells are growth-inhibited by glucocorticoids and contain high affinity, saturable, steroid-specific glucocorticoid receptors. Here we report that treatment for 0–4 days with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (1,4-pregnadien-9-fluoro-16α-methyl-11β,17α,21-triol-3,20-dione) leads to time-dependent increases in IgG secretion rates as measured by goat anti-human IgG antibodies in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stimulation of IgG secretion is dependent on the concentration of dexamethasone employed, with half-maximal stimulation occurring between 1 · 10−9 and 1 · 10−8 M, and maximal stimulation occurring at 1 · 10−7 M. Stimulation of IgG secretion is specific for active glucocorticoids such as cortisol and dexamethasone; treatment of cells with 17β-estradiol, progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, and aldosterone has little, if any, effect on IgG secretion. Finally, dexamethasone markedly stimulates both secreted and newly synthesized IgG, as determined by continuous and pulse labeling of extracellular and intracellular proteins, respectively, followed by binding to protein A-Sepharose, gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography. Thus, although dexamethasone effects on post-translational or secretory processes have not been ruled out, our data indicate that increased biosynthesis of IgG accounts for most, if not all, of the observed increase in IgG secretion rates. In summary our results demonstrate that despite the known immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids, these hormones can stimulate IgG biosynthesis and secretion in human myeloma lymphoblasts in vitro.
Experimental Study on the Effect of a Circumferential Feeding Groove on the Dynamic Force Response of a Sealed Squeeze Film Damper

The influence of a circumferential feeding groove on the dynamic force response of a sealed squeeze film damper is determined experimentally. The damper is sealed by means of a serrated piston ring located at the discharge end of the damper. Damper configurations with two different groove depths and journal orbit radii were tested at increasing whirl frequencies. Large levels of dynamic pressure were measured at the circumferential groove, and relatively large tangential (damping) forces are produced at the groove which contribute considerably to the damping characteristics of the test damper. Radial forces were also determined at the feeding groove and at the film land for uncavitated flow conditions.
Minlake: A dynamic lake water quality simulation model

Abstract A dynamic, one-dimensional, unsteady lake water quality simulation model is described. The model is intended primarily for lake eutrophication studies and control strategies. The model attempts to simulate the continuous change of lake stratification and water quality in response to weather, inflow, outflow, exchange processes at the sediment interface and inlake processes. The latter include advective and diffusive transport, settling, chemical and biological kinetics. A Lagrangian approach is used for the simulation of transport processes. The model uses horizontal layers of time variable thickness. The water quality parameters modeled include temperature, up to three forms of algae (expressed as chloropphyll- a ), several forms of phosphorus and nitrogen, detritus, zooplankton, inorganic suspended sediment and dissolved oxygen. The model simulates each parameter as a function of depth in 1-day timesteps. The model can be run on a personal computer.
RAIN CATCH UNDER WIND AND VEGETAL COVER EFFECTS

Wind effects on a rain gauge can cause a significant underestimation of rainfall depths and con- tribute to the inconsistency in rainfall data. To reconstruct rainfall data requires a consistent method to quantify the undercatch. Although some empirical adjustment factors have been recommended, they are not generalized enough to reflect the variations of wind speed with respect to height. This paper presents a model by which the undercatch at an elevated rain gauge can be estimated by the logarithmic wind velocity profile and raindrop terminal velocity. Deficiency percentages of rain catch predicted by this model agree with field observations and recommended adjustment factors. This approach was further expanded to predict rain undercatch percentage due to vegetal coverage or other obstructions.
Nanogap Capacitors for Label Free DNA Analysis

Nanogap capacitors are fabricated for DNA hybridization detection. Without labeling, the nanogap capacitors on a chip can function as DNA microarray sensors. The difference in dielectric properties between single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA permits use of capacitance measurements to detect hybridization. To obtain high detection sensitivity, a 50 nm gap capacitor was fabricated using a Si-nanotechnology. To ensure proper measurement of DNA's dielectrical properties, the probe ssDNA was first immobilized onto the electrode surface using self-assembly monolayers and allowed to hybridize with the target ssDNA. The capacitance changes were measured for 35-mer homonucleotides. The self-assembly monolayer and DNA immobilization events were verified independently by contact angle measurement and FTIR. Capacitance values are measured at frequencies ranging from 75 kHz to 5 MHz, using 0 V DC bias and 25 m V AC signals. Approximately 9% change in capacitance was observed after DNA hybridization at 75 kHz.
Eisenbestimmung mit Pyridin-2,6-dicarbonsäure

Die Lichtabsorption des orangeroten, in schwach sauren Losungen bestandigen Eisen(II)-chelates mit Pyridin-2,6-dicarbonsaure kann zur raschen und genauen Bestimmung kleiner und mittlerer Eisengehalte ausgenutzt werden. Die photometrischen Messungen sind sehr gut reproduzierbar. Das Mesverfahren ist weitgehend selektiv. Bei Anwesenheit von Chrom, Kobalt und Nickel treten systematische Fehler auf, die sich rechnerisch eliminieren lassen.
Measuring the Awareness of The Problem of Group Hostility

makes for increased activity and increased frequency of meeting. The data only partially support the hypothesis, however, suggesting that other factors in group solidarity may work against the influence of conflict and competition. The direct measure of loyalty of the members (at the top of Table 5) indicates that a low percentage of loyal members is most characteristic of groups with neither opposers nor competitors-which is what our hypothesis predicts-but that a high percentage of loyal members is also most characteristic of other groups of this type-which is contrary to our hypothesis. The direct personal benefits to the members of the work of the organization are distributed, as we expected, in descending order from conflicting groups to competing groups to groups which face neither opposition nor competition, although the differences are not sharp. When the question was asked of the executive officers, "Do you like members of your organization to also be members of other organizations?" the most favorable responses came from the officers of the competing organizations. Again we are faced with a conflicting finding: We expected indifference to be greatest in the groups facing neither opposition nor conflict, which actually turned out to be the fact, but we also expected opposition to be greatest in the conflicting groups, which was not found to be the fact. Our general hypothesis is confirmed, however, by the question concerning the estimated influence of group leaders on rank-andfile members. The influence of the leaders, which is an index of group cohesiveness, is greatest in the conflicting groups and next greatest in the competing groups. Insofar as charismatic leaders are to be found in voluntary associations, they probably most frequently gravitate to, or are created in, conflicting groups. The leadership in groups that face neither opposition nor competition probably comes closer to Max Weber's conception of bureaucratic leadership. We have examined the relationships between and the supporting evidence for five hypotheses concerning conflicting and competing voluntary associations. The study confirms our expectation that a study of this type of functioning group would prove to be as fruitful as the more frequent studies of nonvoluntary groups or ad hoc groups.
Chiral Structure of Thiolate-Protected 28-Gold-Atom Nanocluster Determined by X-ray Crystallography

We report the crystal structure of a new nanocluster formulated as Au28(TBBT)20, where TBBT = 4-tert-butylbenzenethiolate. It exhibits a rod-like Au20 kernel consisting of two interpenetrating cuboctahedra. The kernel is protected by four dimeric "staples" (-SR-Au-SR-Au-SR-) and eight bridging thiolates (-SR-). The unit cell of Au28(TBBT)20 single crystals contains a pair of enantiomers. The origin of chirality is primarily rooted in the rotating arrangement of the four dimeric staples as well as the arrangement of the bridging thiolates (quasi-D2 symmetry). The enantiomers were separated by chiral HPLC and characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Changes in body weight of normal and castrated rats by different doses of testosterone propionate.

SummaryAdministration of testosterone propionate above physiological levels inhibits body weight gain of normal and castrated young adult rats. Inhibition in the normal rat appears in doses above 25 μg/day and in castrated rats at above 100 μg/day. In the castrated rat inhibition is preceded by increase in rate of body weight gain. Food consumption of both normal and castrated rats varied with changes in body weight.
Alien Nation: Chinese Migration in the Americas from the Coolie Era through World War II . By Elliott Young.

Alien Nation: Chinese Migration in the Americas from the Coolie Era through World War II . David J. Weber Series in the New Borderlands History. By Elliott Young. (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2014. xvii + 360 pp. Illustrations, maps, tables, charts, notes, bibliography, index. $29.95, paper.) This is a fruitfully ambitious attempt to understand Chinese migration to important destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its remarkably extensive scope represents a pathbreaking contribution, as an international perspective helps readers understand the varied experiences of Chinese immigrants in different countries. For example, while the Chinese became victims of nationalistic xenophobia in Mexico, their compatriots’ disproportionate participation in the wars of independence “helped to mitigate the most virulent expressions of racism” in Cuba (p. 13). But this book is not merely a traditional comparative study. Rather, … y3chen{at}uci.edu
Overview, Measurement and Point-of-Care Testing of Platelet Function

Platelet function plays an integral role in hemostasis and in the biological response to vascular injury. A basic understanding of platelet physiology allows physicians to treat the consequences of abnormal platelet function, monitor and modify it as needed throughout a patient’s care. In the setting of acute hemorrhage, an assessment of platelet function may determine the need for reversal of anticoagulation agents or correction of bleeding diatheses. On the other hand, commonly used therapeutic anticoagulation during or post-intervention may be monitored using point-of-care assays that evaluate platelet function. This chapter aims to provide a brief overview of normal platelet function, as well as a summary of the various tests and point-of-care function assays that have been developed to aid in the monitoring of platelet function, diagnosis of abnormal function, and maintenance of therapeutic anticoagulation.
A formal analysis of lip-pointing in Latin-American Spanish

The present research focuses on the understudied interface between syntax and gesture within the emerging field of the dialectal syntax of Spanish. In particular, a formal analysis of so-called lip-pointing in various Latin-American varieties of Spanish is developed. Evidence is provided for the availability of deictic adverbs realized as pointing gestures and, most importantly, gestural pronominals, that is to say, gestures which fulfill a nominal function. The discussion provides evidence for Jouitteau’s (2004, 2007) multi-channeled syntax hypothesis, which states that even in oral languages the externalization procedure may include a gestural component as part of their syntax.
On the decay of strong magnetization in global disc simulations with toroidal fields

Strong magnetization in accretion discs could resolve a number of outstanding issues related to stability and state transitions in low-mass X-ray binaries. However, it is unclear how real discs become strongly magnetized and, even if they do, whether they can remain in such a state. In this paper, we address the latter issue through a pair of global disc simulations. Here, we only consider cases of initially purely toroidal magnetic fields contained entirely within a compact torus. We find that, over only a few tens of orbital periods, the magnetization of an initially strongly magnetized disc, $P_\mathrm{mag}/P_\mathrm{gas} \ge 10$, drops to $\lesssim 0.1$, similar to the steady-state value reached in initially weakly magnetized discs. This is consistent with recent shearing box simulations with initially strong toroidal fields, the robust conclusion being that strongly magnetized toroidal fields can not be locally self-sustaining. These results appear to leave net poloidal flux or extended radial fields as the only avenues for establishing strongly magnetized discs, ruling out the thermal collapse scenario.
Short circuit fault diagnosis for interleaved DC-DC converter using DC-link current emulator

Switch fault diagnosis is an important design criterion for dc-dc converters, as it can improve system reliability, prevent converter damage, and production losses to end users. This paper proposes a short circuit fault (SCF) diagnosis method for interleaved dc-dc converters that can detect the fault and identify the faulty switch in less than one switching cycle. The dc-link current is utilized as the diagnostic signature. The main idea is to apply the derivative of the dc-link current based on the modulation of the converter, and to propose a predictive dc-link current emulator model. The measured dc-link current, and its corresponding predicted current, obtained from the available control signals, are used as the input to the fault diagnosis module. The entire fault diagnosis method, including the dc-link current emulator and fault diagnosis modules, is implemented on a DSP. The method has been analyzed, tested, and validated for a certain converter.
Comparative Visualization of the RNA Suboptimal Conformational Ensemble In Vivo

When a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule folds, it often does not adopt a single, well-defined conformation. The folding energy landscape of an RNA is highly dependent on its nucleotide sequence and molecular environment. Cellular molecules sometimes alter the energy landscape, thereby changing the ensemble of likely low-energy conformations. The effects of these energy landscape changes on the conformational ensemble are particularly challenging to visualize for large RNAs. We have created a robust approach for visualizing the conformational ensemble of RNAs that is well suited for in vitro versus in vivo comparisons. Our method creates a stable map of conformational space for a given RNA sequence. We first identify single point mutations in the RNA that maximally sample suboptimal conformational space based on the ensemble's partition function. Then, we cluster these diverse ensembles to identify the most diverse partition functions for Boltzmann stochastic sampling. By using, to our knowledge, a novel nestedness distance metric, we iteratively add mutant suboptimal ensembles to converge on a stable 2D map of conformational space. We then compute the selective 2' hydroxyl acylation by primer extension (SHAPE)-directed ensemble for the RNA folding under different conditions, and we project these ensembles on the map to visualize. To validate our approach, we established a conformational map of the Vibrio vulnificus add adenine riboswitch that reveals five classes of structures. In the presence of adenine, projection of the SHAPE-directed sampling correctly identified the on-conformation; without the ligand, only off-conformations were visualized. We also collected the whole-transcript in vitro and in vivo SHAPE-MaP for human β-actin messenger RNA that revealed similar global folds in both conditions. Nonetheless, a comparison of in vitro and in vivo data revealed that specific regions exhibited significantly different SHAPE-MaP profiles indicative of structural rearrangements, including rearrangement consistent with binding of the zipcode protein in a region distal to the stop codon.
Tonotopic alterations in inhibitory input to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome

Hyperexcitability and the imbalance of excitation/inhibition are one of the leading causes of abnormal sensory processing in Fragile X syndrome (FXS). The precise timing and distribution of excitation and inhibition is crucial for auditory processing at the level of the auditory brainstem, which is responsible for sound localization ability. Sound localization is one of the sensory abilities disrupted by loss of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene. Using triple immunofluorescence staining we tested whether there were alterations in the number and size of presynaptic structures for the three primary neurotransmitters (glutamate, glycine, and GABA) in the auditory brainstem of Fmr1 knockout mice. We found decreases in either glycinergic or GABAergic inhibition to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) specific to the tonotopic location within the nucleus. MNTB is one of the primary inhibitory nuclei in the auditory brainstem and participates in the sound localization process with fast and well-timed inhibition. Thus, a decrease in inhibitory afferents to MNTB neurons should lead to greater inhibitory output to the projections from this nucleus. In contrast, we did not see any other significant alterations in balance of excitation/inhibition in any of the other auditory brainstem nuclei measured, suggesting that the alterations observed in the MNTB are both nucleus and frequency specific. We furthermore show that glycinergic inhibition may be an important contributor to imbalances in excitation and inhibition in FXS and that the auditory brainstem is a useful circuit for testing these imbalances.
Entropy production and volume contraction in thermostated Hamiltonian dynamics.

Patra et al. [Int. J. Bifurcat. Chaos 26, 1650089 (2016)IJBEE40218-127410.1142/S0218127416500899] recently showed that the time-averaged rates of entropy production and phase-space volume contraction are equal for several different molecular dynamics methods used to simulate nonequilibrium steady states in Hamiltonian systems with thermostated temperature gradients. This equality is a plausible statistical analog of the second law of thermodynamics. Here we show that those two rates are identically equal in a wide class of methods in which the thermostat variables z are determined by ordinary differential equations of motion (i.e., methods of the Nose-Hoover or integral feedback control type). This class of methods is defined by three relatively innocuous restrictions which are typically satisfied in methods of this type.
Prior beta Blocker Use Is Associated with Favorable Outcome in Patients with Acute Insular Stroke (P01.217)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of prior beta blocker use on clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). BACKGROUND: Sympathetic nervous system activation during AIS can lead to a number of undesirable changes such as hyperglycemia, left ventricular stunning, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and thereby could potentially result in worsening of clinical and tissue outcome. We hypothesized that beta blocker (BB) therapy could be beneficial in patients with AIS by suppressing increased sympathetic activity. DESIGN/METHODS: This was a consecutive study of patients with AIS enrolled during a 1-year period as a part of an ongoing prospective study (Heart-Brain Interactions Study). The relationship between BB use within 24 hours prior to stroke onset and clinical outcome measured by modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 3 months was tested using multiple logistic regression after propensity score matching. Outcome was dichotomized as favorable (mRS RESULTS: The study population consisted of 294 BB-users and 387 BB non-users. BB-users were older and more often had coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and other stroke risk factors. Univariate analyses revealed that prior BB use was associated with increased probability of unfavorable outcome (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.20 - 2.40). Propensity score analysis to adjust for baseline differences resulted in 183 matching pairs. A multivariable analysis in this matching population that controlled for admission NIHSS score, infarct volume, and etiologic stroke mechanism showed a significant interaction between BB use and insular infarction; prior BB use was a significant predictor of favorable outcome in patients with infarction including the insula (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.18 - 7.82). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that BB therapy might be beneficial in selected patients with AIS whose infarcts encompass the insula. Our findings highlight the importance of the insula as the neuroanatomic substrate for sympathetic nervous system activation following AIS. Supported by: Dr. Ay received financial support for research activities from NIH. Disclosure: Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Avery has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ay has nothing to disclose.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and systemic inflammation: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background Few data have been published on the association of variables of the metabolic syndrome and infection with Helicobacter pylori, a putative risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, in large, representative samples of total populations. The null hypothesis was no association of prevalent infection with H. pylori with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD), systemic inflammation, and variables associated with the metabolic syndrome in American men. Design Cross-sectional survey of a large national sample, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods Among men aged 40-74 years, the survey measured history of CHD, glycated hemoglobin percent, and concentrations of fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results Prevalence of infection with H. pylori increased with age. H. pylori infection was not correlated with serum CRP, prevalence of diagnosed diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin percent, or other risk factors other than age. In diabetic men but not in all men, seropositivity was significantly associated with CHD prevalence. Conclusions No consistent associations of H. pylon infection with diabetes prevalence or variables of the insulin resistance syndrome were found in American men aged 40-74 years. In diabetic men, H. pylori infection was associated with CHD prevalence.
DISTRIBUTED DIGITAL CONTROL: PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract Distributed Digital Control is a reality. And this paper addresses what the author perceives as the most important practical considerations in designing and implementing distributed digital control systems. In order to put the discussion in proper perspective, a brief introduction/background is presented along with a graphic definition of what constitutes distributed digital control. The body of the paper deals with: the human engineering aspects, e.g., operator's interface, control room design and utilization; equipment questions such as reliability, failure modes and their effects, and remote installation; operations considerations regarding backup for controls and displays; and systems issues, e.g., communication links, system security, and the distribution of control functions. Finally, the potential advantages and disadvantages of distributed digital control compared to centralized control are considered in practical terms.
Report on USA

This chapter in the book on transnational inquiries and the protection of fundamental rights in criminal proceedings takes into account the particular, and perhaps unique situation in the United States (US) following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. It explores the laws regulating inquiries by foreign governments who seek evidence in the US to use in criminal proceedings overseas, but primarily the protections recognized by US statutes and jurisprudence when US officials gather evidence abroad. In this respect, the chapter focuses on protections during interrogations, searches, interceptions of confidential communications, and examinations of witnesses and explores when the protection differs, depending on whether the target of the investigative measure is a US-, or non US-citizen, or whether the investigating officials are part of the criminal justice apparatus or belong to the military or the intelligence community. Finally, the chapter explores the admissibility of evidence gathered in the same areas, depending on whether it is used in the normal civilian criminal courts, or in the newly constituted military commissions instituted for trial of foreigners accused of international terrorism.
Total Quality Culture — Industrielle Umsetzung bei Texas Instruments

Die Kundenanforderungen fur Integrierte Schaltungen haben sich gewandelt. Vor ca. 10 Jahren begann eine Verscharfung der Qualitatsmeskriterien mit dem Ubergang von % Ausfallen zu PPM und FIT. Inzwischen sind weitere, fur unsere Kunden wichtige, Faktoren hinzugekommen, die weit uber die Produktqualitat hinausgehen. Jetzt kommt es immer mehr auf Partnerschaftsprogramme an, die ein breites Spektrum von Service umfassen.
CD3+/CD19+ Depleted Matched and Mismatched Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant with Targeted T Cell Addback Is Associated with Excellent Outcomes in Pediatric Patients with Nonmalignant Hematologic Disorders.

Abstract Unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly being used to cure nonmalignant hematologic diseases (NMHD) in patients who lack HLA matched related donors. Both graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain major barriers to safe and effective transplant for these patients requiring unrelated donors. Partial T cell depletion combined with peripheral stem cell transplantation (pTCD-PSCT) has the potential advantages of providing a high stem cell dose to facilitate rapid engraftment, maintaining cells that may facilitate engraftment, and decreasing GVHD risk compared with T cell–replete HSCT. Here, we report a single-institution, retrospective experience of unrelated donor pTCD-PSCT for pediatric patients with NMHD. From 2014 to 2017, 12 pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent NMHD underwent matched unrelated donor (MUD) or mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) pTCD HSCT in our center using disease-specific conditioning. Donor PSCs underwent CD3+ T cell and CD19+ B cell depletion using CliniMACS, followed by a targeted addback of 1 × 105 CD3+ T cells/kg to the graft before infusion. All 12 patients demonstrated rapid trilinear engraftment. At a median follow-up of 740days (range, 279 to 1466), all patients were alive with over 92% total peripheral blood donor chimerism and without transfusion dependence or recurrence of their underlying hematologic disease. Immune reconstitution was rapid and comparable with T cell–replete HSCT. No patients developed severe acute GVHD (grades III to IV) or chronic extensive GVHD, and all patients had discontinued systemic immune suppression. Viral reactivations were common, but no patient developed symptoms of life-threatening infectious disease. Our data indicate that MUD and MMUD pTCD-PSCTs are safe and effective approaches that enable rapid engraftment and immune reconstitution, prevent severe GVHD, and expand availability of HSCT to any patients with NMHD who have closely MUDs.
Widely Tunable Integrated Laser Transmitter for Free Space Optical Communications

Integrated laser transmitters are demonstrated for free space communications. The sampled grating DBR laser is tunable from 1521 nm to 1565 nm while maintaining >45 dB side mode suppression ratio. The transmitters demonstrate a 3-dB linewidth of 6.4 MHz and 7 Gbps data rate.