cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral and bacterial protein syntheses in MS2-infected Escherichia coli cells

Abstract Protein synthesis in Escherichia coli cells infected with the RNA bacteriophage MS2 was studied by a variety of techniques. Both β-galactosidase synthesis in the presence of an inducer and total protein synthesis, as measured by uptake of labeled amino acids into hot trichloroacetic acid-insoluble materials, were gradually reduced during the progress of infection. Electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels of the [14C]phenylalanine-labeled proteins synthesized in MS2-infected cells showed that host protein synthesis decreased during the progress of infection, whereas synthesis of the viral coat protein increased gradually until it accounted for 30 to 40% of the total protein synthesized. The reduction of the synthesis of host proteins by infection was also examined using MU9, an amber mutant of MS2 which is unable to direct the synthesis of coat protein. Although cells infected with MU9 did not lyse, the synthesis of β-galactosidase as well as the total uptake of labeled amino acids was reduced as much as (or more than) in cells infected with wild-type MS2. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins synthesized in MU9-infected cells showed that the synthesis of host proteins was greatly reduced. In addition, two protein peaks were revealed which corresponded, in mobility, to MS2-specific RNA synthetase and “maturation” protein, respectively. Possible mechanisms for the inhibition of host-protein synthesis by MS2 infection are discussed.
A Pilot Trial of Low-Dose Intravenous Abciximab and Unfractionated Heparin for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Translating GP IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibition to Clinical Practice

Thrombolysis remains a mainstay in the treatment of ischemic stroke. While not usually considered in the spectrum of clot lysis, experimental data show that inhibition of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor can reduce as well as reverse thrombus formation and improve microvascular flow in stroke models. However, a recent clinical trial of GP IIb/IIIa inhibition in stroke did not demonstrate clinical benefit and was associated with increased hemorrhage. Based on an understanding of the relationship between GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition, efficacy and hemorrhage, we hypothesized that a lower dose of abciximab would achieve a favorable range of platelet inhibition and potentially good clinical outcomes. Forty-four patients with suspected large vessel occlusion, who were not eligible for rt-PA were offered treatment with approximately 30% lower total dose of intravenous abciximab if within 6 h for anterior circulation or 24 h for posterior circulation stroke (later modified to 12 h). Concomitant anticoagulation, usually with unfractionated heparin was employed. The extent of platelet inhibition was measured in 21 patients. Hemorrhage rate and 90-day functional outcomes and mortality were obtained. A matching algorithm involving finding the nearest neighbor from individual subjects in the control arm of the NINDS rt-PA database was used to compare outcomes at similar baseline characteristics and gender. Mean platelet inhibition was 92.1 ± 6.7% vs inhibition reported with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of 96 ± 10; p = 0.08. Successful matching to NINDS controls was accomplished: after outlier elimination, median and mean NIHSS of the abciximab subjects compared to NINDS controls was 16.5 vs 15.5 (p = 0.92) and 16.3 vs 16.0 (p = 0.86). Mean age was 67.2 vs 67.1 (p = 0.97). Mean glucose was 141 vs 142 (p = 0.92). There was one symptomatic hemorrhage; minor hemorrhages occurred in 9%. The percent of patients who achieved an mRS 0–2 or died in the treated vs matched NINDS control patients was 63 vs 38 (p = .02) and 23 vs 23 (p = 1.0). Our pilot results indicated that a lower dose of abciximab results in platelet inhibition similar to that achieved in the coronary vascular bed during PCI. Comparison to matched historical controls suggests that this lower dose in combination therapy may be safe and effective therapy for thrombotic stroke and a randomized trial is warranted.
Recommendations for Planning and Reporting Focus Group Research

Abstract The use of focus group interviews as a qualitative research method has grown in popularity. This paper was written to provide ideas on how to determine if publication of focus group-based research should be pursued. Included are viewpoints on methodological, design, analysis, and reporting issues. In addition, a list of suggested readings is provided.
Isotope effects in the decarboxylation of 1-14C-dicarboxylic acids studied by means of the Schmidt reaction.

Abstract The isotope effect of 1- 14 C-dicarboxylic acids during decarboxylation by the use of the Schmidt reaction was determined for malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, and sebacic acids. Results indicated a kinetic predilection for the loss of the 12 C-carboxyl group over the 14 C one. The observed isotope effects were in the range of 3–15%. The rate-determining step in the Schmidt reaction appears to be a break of the CC bond between the CO and adjacent methylene carbon during the Lossen rearrangement. Results suggest small but statistically significant isotope effect differences due to increased chain length and in grouping of odd versus even-chain dicarboxylic acids.
Inactivation of amphotericin B, chlorquinaldol, gentian violet and nystatin by bile salts.

SummaryOne per cent bile salts inactivates amphotericin B, chlorquinaldol, gentian violet and nystatin to a considerable but variable degree depending upon the antimycotic agent. A number of factors possibly involved in the mechanism of this inactivation have been studied and are discussed.
Pyridoxamine (pyridoxine) phosphate oxidase activity in mammalian tissues

1. Vitamin B6-sufficient rats had moderate pyridoxamine-P oxidase specific activities in heart, brain, kidney and liver, but no detectable activity in skeletal muscle. Vitamin B6-deficiency in rats resulted in a decreased oxidase activity in liver but no change in the activities in other tissues. 2. The pyridoxamine-P oxidase activity in vitamin B6-sufficient mice was high in liver, moderate in brain and kidney, and not measurable in skeletal muscle and heart. Vitamin B6-deficient, compared with control mice, had decreased oxidase activities in brain, kidney and liver. 3. Mouse erythrocytes took up pyridoxine more rapidly than did rat and human erythrocytes. 4. Mouse and human erythrocytes rapidly converted pyridoxine to pyridoxal-P. Rat, hamster and rabbit erythrocytes had appreciably lower pyridoxamine-P oxidase activity than did mouse and human erythrocytes.
Influence of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on granulocyte function

Manipulation of dietary fatty acid content has been shown to influence platelet aggregation responses, Because granulocytes and platelets interact in a variety of biologic systems, we wondered whether a similar effect might be observed on granulocytes. Granulocyte function was therefore studied in three donors prior to and after three weeks upon a diet supplemented with large amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid. The previously reported attenuation of platelet aggregation was observed, but no effect was seen on granulocyte aggregation, chemotaxis, or superoxide production. Although several other explanations are possible, we suggest that the most likely explanation for this dichotomy is that granulocyte aggregation and chemotaxis are not centrally dependent upon production of thromboxane A2.
NOTE ON REVISING INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

An “identified point” scatter diagram may aid in program revision. Response times and error rates for program items are first obtained during laboratory study and then expressed as z scores. Pairs of z scores are plotted as points which are numbered according to the program item upon which each pair is based. The discrepancy of each point can be viewed from the location it would have occupied in the special case of perfect linear correlation. Discrepant would be the frequently incorrect, quickly answered item or the slowly but correctly answered item. These, especially, would deserve consideration in relation to the programmer's intent. Perhaps discrepancies between these or other measures of task difficulty for other tasks could also help guide task redesign.
Oxide thickness effect on boron diffusion in thin oxide p/sup +/ Si gate technology

Based on a network defect model for the diffusion of B in SiO/sub 2/ we propose that B diffuses via a peroxy linkage defect whose concentration in the oxide changes under different processing conditions. We show that as the gate oxide is scaled below 80 /spl Aring/ in thickness, additional chemical processes act to increase B diffusivity and decrease its activation energy, both as a function of the distance from the Si/SiO/sub 2/ interface. For a 15 /spl Aring/ oxide, the B diffusivity at 900/spl deg/C would increase by a factor of 24 relative to diffusion in a 100 /spl Aring/ oxide.
Measurements and characterization of multiple-coupled interconnection lines in hybrid and monolithic integrated circuits

(5)eI(t-TN)The delays are obtained from the measurements as the time differences between the exciting step and thevarious transitions in the far end port waveforms. All N eigenvalues are obtained by using these waveformsor the reflected signal with open ended transmission lines to enhance the sensitivity. Frequency domainresonance measurements can also be used for accurate evaluation of the eigenvalues. The temporally spreadmodal output is then given by,
Risk of High School Dropout among Immigrant and Native Hispanic Youth.

This article examines the relationship between immigrant generation and high school dropout among Hispanic students. Using the NELS:88 data set, Hispanic eighth grade students were followed for fou...
Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Methods for Determining the Purity of Reference Drug Standards and Illicit Forensic Drug Seizures

A rapid, sensitive, accurate, precise, reproducible, and versatile method for determining the purity of reference drug standards and the routine analysis of illicit drugs and adulterants using proton (1H) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy is presented. The methodology uses a weighed sample dissolved in a deuterated solvent or solvent mixture containing a high purity internal standard. The NMR experiment employs 8 scans using a 45 second delay and 90 degrees pulse. In the determination of purity of reference standards, the number of quantitative determinations available is equal to the number of peak groups that are baseline resolved. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of these signals is usually 0.9999 for all 6 methamphetamine peak groups. The spectra of complex illicit heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine samples are presented, as well as an extensive list of compounds, their solubilities and the solvent(s) and internal standard used.
Light emission and electrical characteristics of epitaxial GaAs lasers and tunnel diodes

Abstract Lasing characteristics of epitaxially formed GaAs p-n junctions are compared with those of Zn diffused lasers. Abrupt epitaxially formed junctions only lased when a high concentration of donors was deliberately added to the p-type side. This result supports Nelson's et al. band filling model of the GaAs laser and relates the impurity band in this model to the n-type dopant.
Presidential Reputation and the Veto

This paper develops a dynamic model of the bargaining between a legislature and an executive with veto power. The dynamic nature of the model provides the executive with incentives to use the veto as a reputation building device in order to gain more favorable legislative outcomes. The model illustrates that the implicit threat of building a reputation may cause the legislature will be more accommodating in its proposals to the executive. The model illustrates the possibility of a ``honeymoon period'' of legislative accommodation followed by a decline in the president's influence. This paper also explores ways in which the legislature might mitigate the effects of presidential reputation building.
A distributed self-clustering algorithm for autonomous multi-agent systems

In this paper, we consider clustering in autonomous multi-agent systems where the agents, assumed to belong to either ‘blue’ or ‘red’ type, engage in local location-swaps to physically separate the network into two connected clusters. The groupings (red/blue) may reflect hardware differences or some other distinguishing factor that differs across groups. We present a randomized algorithm, Naive Swap, where the agents randomly swap their locations with an arbitrary neighbor. We then provide two modifications to this naive strategy, Intelligent Swap and Stable Marriage Swap, that are based on truncated average-consensus and the Gale-Shapley algorithm for solving the stable marriage problem, respectively. These modifications serve as an improvement upon the randomized (naive) location-swaps by using information on the group association of neighbors to guide swapping decisions. We provide a sketch for the analysis of the proposed schemes via an irreducible Markov chain analogy. We further show the effectiveness of the proposed strategies via simulations.
The combined effects of phytoremediation and biostimulation in enhancing habitat restoration and oil degradation of petroleum contaminated wetlands

Abstract The combined effects of biostimulation and phytoremediation as a means of post-oil spill habitat restoration and enhancement of oil degradation in the soil were evaluated. Marsh sods of Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens were dosed with 0, 4, 8, 16 and 24 l m −2 of south Louisiana crude oil in the greenhouse. Plants were killed at oil dosages of 8 l m −2 in the growing season following oil application. Two years after application of the oil, S. alterniflora and S. patens individuals were transplanted into the oiled and unoiled sods. Fertilizer was applied 1 and 7 months after transplantation. Application of the fertilizer significantly increased biomass of the transplants within 6 months and regrowth biomass of the transplants 1 year after transplantation for both plant species. The residual oil in the soil did not significantly affect the biomass of the S. patens transplants compared with that in the no oil treatment, except at the highest oil level. However, regrowth biomass of the S. alterniflora transplants treated with fertilizer was significantly higher at all oil levels up to 250 mg g −1 than in the unoiled treatment, with or without fertilizer. The oil degradation rate in the soil was significantly enhanced by the application of fertilizer in conjunction with the presence of transplants. These results suggest that vegetative transplantation, when implemented with fertilization, can simultaneously restore oil contaminated wetlands and accelerate oil degradation in the soil.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Acute Pharmacological Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm”

We appreciate the comments by Dr Reiffel about our report1 from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee Meeting, December 2007, which reviewed 2 development programs for the acute pharmacological conversion of atrial fibrillation. On the basis of his letter, we would like to clarify several points. The deliberations and recommendations of FDA advisory panels are focused on the development program under review and therefore do not serve as …
Ultrastructure of the osphradium of Aplysia californica.

The osphradium of Aplysia californica, a sensory organ, is a small yellow-brown epithelial patch located in the mantle cavity immediately anterior to the rostral attachment of the gill. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a round ellipsoid structure of 0.6–1 mm in diameter with a central, occasionally folded, sensory epithelium. The central area is covered with microvilli and surrounded by a densely ciliated epithelium. Transmission electron micrographs show that the columnar supporting cells in the sensory epithelium contain an abundance of apical pigment granules and microvilli. Between the epithelial-supporting cells, the putative sensory elements consist of thin neurites (0.4–1.5 μm in diameter) that reach the sea-water side of the osphradium. The neurites contain many neurotubules, mitochondria, vesicles and cilia in their apices. The nerve endings originate from cell bodies up to 40 μm below the epithelium or in the osphradial ganglion itself, as revealed by electron microscopy and retrograde labeling with Lucifer yellow. There appear to be two populations of putative sensory cells, a large population of heavily stained cell bodies 4–10 μm in diameter and a few scattered cells of large diameter (25–60 μm). Following lanthanum impregnation, septate junctions can be seen between all types of cells in the epithelium, 3–5 μm below the sea-water surface. This study provides new information for further investigation of osmo- and mechanosensation in Aplysia californica.
Layout synthesis for datapath designs

DPLAYOUT is a layout synthesis tool for bit-sliced datapath designs targeting standard-cell libraries. We developed fast and efficient heuristics for placing the cells in a bit-slice, such that the regularity of datapath circuits is presented and the number of channels occupied by a control signal is minimized. In addition, we propose a novel window-based heuristic for global routing of multipin nets. VHDL interface makes DPLAYOUT a general tool which can be easily integrated with any high-level synthesis system. This paper describes the heuristics developed for placement and global routing of a single bit-slice. We compared the area and run-time efficiency of the proposed heuristics with conventional methods and the results show a significant improvement.
Coccidioidomycosis in Patients with HIV-1 Infection in the Era of Potent Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis is a common opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals living in regions where coccidioidomycosis is endemic. However, there have been no studies on its incidence or clinical expression during the era of potent antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Clinical data were abstracted from the records of all HIV-1-infected patients attending a single clinic in a region where coccidioidomycosis is endemic from January 2003 through May 2008. Additional follow-up was performed through May 2009 for individuals with active coccidioidomycosis. A case-control study was performed that compared all individuals who attended the clinic with individuals who received a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. RESULTS Among 257 HIV-1-infected patients seen over a 64-month period, 29 cases (11.3%) of coccidioidomycosis were identified. Twelve patients (4.7%) received a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis during the study period (annual incidence, 0.9%). Patients with less severe coccidioidomycosis were significantly more likely to have an undetectable HIV RNA level and to be receiving potent antiretroviral therapy than were those with more severe disease (for both, P< .01). Five patients with coccidioidomycosis received no antifungal therapy, and 11 others had antifungal therapy discontinued. All were healthy during follow-up. Patients with coccidioidomycosis had significantly lower CD4 T lymphocyte counts than did control subjects (mean +/- standard deviation, 285 +/- 42 cells/microL vs 477 +/- 21 cells/microL; P= .003). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of symptomatic coccidioidomycosis in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy has decreased, and its clinical expression is less severe than it was before the potent antiretroviral therapy era. Severity of coccidioidomycosis was inversely associated with control of HIV-1 infection.
Selected mapping with monomial phase rotations for peak-to-average power ratio reduction in OFDM

Selected mapping (SLM) is a promising technique to reduce the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) of OFDM signals. In this paper, we propose a novel concept of using monomial phase sequences for SLM. The selected monomial phase parameter is not transmitted as side information, but can be detected at the receiver. We demonstrate that it is possible to achieve significant PAR reduction with no loss of information rate and little degradation in the symbol error rate. The cubic phase sequence is found particularly suitable for this application.
Promoting Cultural Competence in Academics and Clinical Education

In the 21st century, academic climate educators must be knowledgeable of and sensitive to differing cultural values and customs of the students we educate and patient populations we serve. Demograp...
Effects of Computer Competency on Usability and Learning Experience in Online Learning Environments

Many institutions in higher education are offering at least some of their curriculum online and use online course management systems to support these learning environments. Successful participation in online learning depends on many factors, and may especially be influenced by the degree of computer competency users bring with them to the learning environment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of several areas of computer competency on student learning experiences and learning environment usability in online learning environments. Subject of evaluation was a multi-section course consisting of eight sections taught in hybrid format; approximately 50% of course work was conducted using the World Wide Web. Results of the study have direct implications in online course design and development.
Cholesterol storage defect in RSH/Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome fibroblasts.

Abstract The RSH/Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a multiple malformation/mental retardation syndrome caused by an inborn error of cholesterol synthesis. Mutations in the 3β-hydroxysteroid Δ 7 -reductase gene result in impaired enzymatic reduction of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) to cholesterol. Cells obtain cholesterol by either de novo synthesis or from exogenous sources by the binding and uptake of low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Because de novo synthesis of cholesterol is impaired in SLOS, current investigational therapy for SLOS consists of dietary cholesterol supplementation. However, the potential effects of elevated intracellular levels of 7-DHC on intracellular LDL metabolism have not been described. We now report that in addition to the primary defect in de novo cholesterol synthesis, SLOS fibroblasts have a secondary defect of LDL cholesterol metabolism. Staining of fibroblasts with filipin, a fluorescent polyene antibiotic which binds unesterified sterols, shows that SLOS fibroblasts accumulate unesterified sterols. Further studies show that this increased filipin staining was due to an abnormal accumulation of LDL derived cholesterol rather than due to storage of endogenously synthesized 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). We have also found that SLOS fibroblasts failed to degrade LDL at a normal rate, and examination of SLOS fibroblasts by electron microscopy demonstrated the formation of lysosomal inclusions similar to that seen in Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) cells. We propose that 7-DHC may directly or indirectly inhibit the function of the NPC protein through its sterol-sensing domain (SSD), and that 7-DHC may perturb the function of other SSD containing proteins in SLOS.
Relationships among bounds for the region of entropic vectors in four variables

Extreme point representations are utilized together with facet membership to gain insights about the relationship between various bounds on the set of normalized entropic vectors in 4 random variables. Echoing prior results from Matus (1995), we begin by showing that the 206 extreme points of the Shannon outer bound comprise 33 forms where 16 of these forms are entropic and achievable with binary random variables (one bit), 16 of the forms are entropic and achievable using two bits, and the remaining single form of six extreme points is not entropic, not achievable with two bits, and is the only violator of the Ingleton inequality. Thus, the Ingleton inner bound is matched to the Shannon outer bound in that it contains all entropic Shannon extreme points. Further novel investigation of the structure of the Ingleton and Shannon polytopes reveal that every facet of the Shannon outer bound requires two bits per variable and can be improved upon. The inner bound formed from the convex hull of the set of binary entropic vectors is shown to neither contain nor be contained in the Ingleton inner bound, and is shown to not be a polytope. The addition of the non-Shannon-type inequality due to Zhang and Yueng plus the six non-Shannon-type inequalities due to Dougherty, Freiling, and Zeger yield a polytopic outer bound where none of the non-Shannon extreme points obey Ingleton or are binary achievable. Worst case distance gaps between the various bounds are calculated.
Sox9 Inhibits Wnt Signaling by Promoting β-Catenin Phosphorylation in the Nucleus

Chondrocyte fate determination and maintenance requires Sox9, an intrinsic transcription factor, but is inhibited by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activated by extrinsic Wnt ligands. Here we explored the underlying molecular mechanism by which Sox9 antagonizes the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in chondrocyte differentiation. We found that Sox9 employed two distinct mechanisms to inhibit Wnt/beta-catenin signaling: the Sox9 N terminus is necessary and sufficient to promote beta-catenin degradation, whereas the C terminus is required to inhibit beta-catenin transcriptional activity without affecting its stability. Sox9 binds to beta-catenin and components of the beta-catenin "destruction complex," glycogen synthase kinase 3 and beta-transducin repeat containing protein, to promote their nuclear localization. Independent of its DNA binding ability, nuclear localization of Sox9 is both necessary and sufficient to enhance beta-catenin phosphorylation and its subsequent degradation. Thus, one mechanism whereby Sox9 regulates chondrogenesis is to promote efficient beta-catenin phosphorylation in the nucleus. This mechanism may be broadly employed by other intrinsic cell fate determining transcription factors to promptly turn off extrinsic inhibitory Wnt signaling mediated by beta-catenin.
Nonintegral and integral folding crystal growth in low‐molecular mass poly (ethylene oxide) fractions. II. End‐group effect: α,ω‐methoxy‐poly (ethylene oxide)

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in situ small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) indicate that in an α ω-methoxy-poly(ethylene oxide) (MPEO) fraction (MW 3000) a transient nonintegral folding (NIF) crystal initially forms during crystallization throughout a wide range of crystallization temperatures. Subsequent transformations of the NIF to IF (integral folding) crystals at low temperatures occur mainly through isothermal thickening or thinning via perfection processes or, at higher temperatures, through primary crystal formation. The NIF crystal is thermodynamically the least stable state among the crystal forms, but its growth is the most rapid. The overall crystallization and crystal melting of this MPEO fraction reveal that the NIF crystal and the NIF IF crystal transformations are common to low-molecular mass PEO fractions without regard to the end group. Nevertheless, diffusion coefficient and viscosity measurements provide clear evidence of an end-group effect in PEO and MPEO fractions. The difference in the overall crystallization and isothermal thickening and thinning kinetics of low-molecular mass PEO and MPEO fractions can lead to further understanding of end-group effects.
Deconstructing spiritual well-being: existential well-being and HRQOL in cancer survivors

We demonstrate the utility of partitioning the spiritual well-being (SpWB) construct into spiritual and religious components using results from a study of the relationship of existential well-being to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a sample of 237 cancer survivors. Existential and religious well-being were measured using the FACIT-Sp-12 and HRQOL was measured using the mental and physical component scores of the SF-12. In hierarchical linear regression analyses, existential well-being fully mediated religious well-being's effect on HRQOL and explained unique variance in both the mental and physical HRQOL domains, controlling for demographic, disease, and psychosocial variables previously shown to impact HRQOL. Religious well-being was not predictive of HRQOL.
Association between sleep duration and 24-hour urine free cortisol in the MrOS Sleep Study.

Context: Short sleep duration is associated with adverse health outcomes, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. It has been postulated that short sleep duration may elevate cortisol levels, but studies have had conflicting results. It is unclear whether these differing findings may be due to methodological issues, such as assessment of sleep duration. Specifically, objective versus subjective methods of measuring habitual sleep duration may account for the conflicting results found in epidemiological studies. Objective: Our goal was to determine whether habitual sleep duration, measured objectively (by actigraphy) and subjectively (by self-report), was associated with 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC), a measure of integrated cortisol secretion. Our secondary goal was to determine whether slow wave sleep (SWS, determined by polysomnography) was associated with 24-hour UFC. Design/Setting: Cross sectional study of community dwelling older men. Patients/Participants: 325 men (mean age=76.6 years, SD=5.5) from the Portland site of the MrOS Sleep Study, who underwent 24-hour urine collection, polysomnography, actigraphy and sleep questionnaire. Primary Outcome: 24-hour UFC. Results: In this study of community dwelling older men, self-reported sleep duration was inversely related to 24-hour UFC levels. Participants reporting ,5 hours of habitual sleep had an adjusted mean 24-hour UFC of 29.8 ug, compared to 28.0 ug in participants reporting . 5t o,8 hours of sleep 25.5 ug in those reporting .8 hours of habitual sleep. However, sleep duration determined by actigraphy was not associated with 24-hour UFC in either univariable or multivariable regression models. SWS was not associated with 24-hour UFC. Conclusion: Objectively measured (i.e., actigraphic) sleep duration is not associated with 24-hour UFC in these community dwelling older men. This finding, together with prior studies, suggests that elevated levels of integrated cortisol secretion is not the mechanisms by which short sleep duration leads to adverse health outcomes.
Trauma and memory within the Sikh diaspora: Internet dialogue

The events surrounding the 1947 partition and the attack on Sikhs in the Golden Temple and Delhi continue to affect Sikhs today. Memory of the specifics and related issues plays a major role in politics both in India and within the diaspora. This paper explores the literature on the events and how they are recast and understood by various groups. Particular attention is paid to interactions on the Internet and especially within chat groups and on websites. Modern communication has created a global Sikh dialogue that has implications for understanding of traditions, control of institutions, and politics. Please do not quote without permission.
(R*)‐Methyl 3‐carb­oxy‐2‐hydroxy­propanoate

The crystal structure of the title compound, C5H8O5, was determined at 173 K. The compound is a monomethyl ester of butane­dioic acid and was isolated from fresh cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon). The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Radiocarbon Age Constraints on Rates of Advance and Retreat of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet during the Last Glaciation

Calibrated radiocarbon dates of organic matter below and above till of the last (Fraser) glaciation provide limiting ages that constrain the chronology and duration of the last advance–retreat cycle of the Puget Lobe in the central and southeastern Puget Lowland. Seven dates for wood near the top of a thick proglacial delta have a weighted mean age of 17,420 ± 90 cal yr B.P., which is the closest limiting age for arrival of the glacier near the latitude of Seattle. A time–distance curve constructed along a flowline extending south from southwestern British Columbia to the central Puget Lowland implies an average glacier advance rate of ca. 135 m/yr. The glacier terminus reached its southernmost limit ca. 16,950 yr ago and likely remained there for ca. 100 yr. In the vicinity of Seattle, where the glacier reached a maximum thickness of 1000 m, ice covered the landscape for ca. 1020 yr. Postglacial dates constraining the timing of ice retreat in the central lowland are as old as 16,420 cal yr B.P. and show that the terminus had retreated to the northern limit of the lowland within three to four centuries after the glacial maximum. The average rate of retreat was about twice the rate of advance and was enhanced by rapid calving recession along flowline sectors where the glacier front crossed deep proglacial lakes.
Topoisomerase 2 Alpha Cooperates with Androgen Receptor to Contribute to Prostate Cancer Progression

Overexpression of TOP2A is associated with risk of systemic progression in prostate cancer patients, and higher levels of TOP2A were found in hormone-resistant cases. To elucidate the mechanism by which high levels of TOP2A contribute to tumor progression we generated TOP2A overexpressing prostate cancer cell lines. We show that TOP2A promotes tumor aggressiveness by inducing chromosomal rearrangements of genes that contribute to a more invasive phenotype. Anti-androgen treatment alone was ineffective in killing TOP2A overexpressing cells due to activation of an androgen receptor network. TOP2A poisons killed tumor cells more efficiently early in the progression course, while at later stages they provided greater benefit when combined with anti-androgen therapy. Mechanistically, we find that TOP2A enhances androgen signaling by facilitating transcription of androgen responsive genes, thereby promoting tumor cell growth. These studies revealed a relationship between TOP2A and androgen receptor signaling pathway that contributes to prostate cancer progression and confers sensitivity to treatments.
The mechanisms underlying the increased ventilatory response to exercise in chronic stable heart failure

Chronic heart failure is a common clinical condition with a high mortality and morbidity. Patients with the condition suffer from shortness of breath and fatigue on exercise. This article reviews the recent advances made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure and explores further possible research options.
Leibniz and the Foundations of Physics: The Later Years

This essay offers an account of the relationship between extended Leibnizian bodies and unextended Leibnizian monads, an account that shows why Leibniz was right to see intimate, explanatory connections between his studies in physics and his mature metaphysics. The first section sets the stage by introducing a case study from Leibniz's technical work on the strength of extended, rigid beams. The second section draws on that case study to introduce a model for understanding Leibniz's views on the relationship between derivative and primitive forces. The third section draws on Leibniz's understanding of the relationship between derivative and primitive forces in order to shed light, in turn, on his understanding of the relationship between extended, material bodies and unextended, immaterial monads. The fourth section responds to a likely objection by arguing that Leibniz's monads may, in a perfectly reasonable sense, be spatially located.
A methodology for the synthesis of robust feedback systems

A new methodology is developed for the synthesis of linear, time-variant (LTI) controllers for multivariable LTI systems. The resulting closed-loop system is nominally stable and exhibits a known level of performance. In addition, robustness of the feedback system is guaranteed, i.e., stability and performance are retained in the presence of multiple unstructured uncertainty blocks located at various points in the feedback loop. The design technique is referred to as the Causality Recovery Methodology (CRM). The CRM relies on the Youla parameterization of all stabilizing compensators to ensure nominal stability of the feedback system. A frequency-domain inequality in terms of the structured singular value mu defines the robustness specification. The optimal compensator, with respect to the mu condition, is shown to be noncausal in general. The aim of the CRM is to find a stable, causal transfer function matrix that approximates the robustness characteristics of the optimal solution. The CRM, via a series of infinite-dimensional convex programs, produces a closed-loop system whose performance robustness is at least as good as that of any initial design. The algorithm is approximated by a finite dimensional process for the purposes of implementation. Two numerical examples confirm the potential viability of the CRM concept; however, the robustness improvement comes at the expense of increased computational burden and compensator complexity.
Molecular orbital calculations on beryllium and boron oxyanions: Interpretation of X-ray emission, ESCA, and NQR spectra and of the geochemistry of beryllium and boron

Quantitative molecular orbital (MO) calculations for the [BeOnJu-, [BeO']*, [BO*]E- and tBOsl* ions are used to interpret the oxygen Ka X-ray emission spectra of BeO and BrO' and the core and valence level nscr, spectra of BeO. Good agreement between calculated and experimental data support both the spectral interpretations and the validity of the calculations. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constant for trigonally coordinated boron in the [BO"J* group has also been calculated and reasonable agreement was found with experiment. The application of these MO calculations to beryllium and boron geochemistry is discussed.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes.

Glycoprotein (GP) Ilb/IIIa inhibitors are potent antiplatelet agents and represent an exciting breakthrough in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. However, their safety and cost-effectiveness require further investigation, and more information on risk stratification is needed to clarify which patients benefit the most from empiric use of these agents.
Activated graphene nanoplatelets as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Activated graphene nanoplatelets (aGNPs) prepared by a hydrothermal method using KOH as activating agent were used as counter electrode for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). After the KOH activation, the scanning electron microscopy image shows that aGNPs demonstrate a more curled, rough, and porous morphology which could contain both micro- and mesopores. The KOH activation changed the stacked layers of GNPs to a more crumpled and curved morphology. The microstructure of large pores significantly increased the electrode surface area and roughness, leading to the high electrocatalytic activity for triiodide reduction at the counter electrode. The DSSCs fabricated using aGNP as counter electrodes were tested under standard AM 1.5 illumination with an intensity of 91.5 mW/cm2. The device achieved an overall power conversion efficiency of 7.7%, which is comparable to the conventional platinum counter electrode (8%). Therefore, the low cost and high performance aGNP based counter electrode i...
Microbiological Studies on Frozen Foods

Microbiological studies were carried out with frozen foods purchased at the market. Microorganisms were isolated at both temperatures of 0°C and 30°C using tryptone agar plates for bacteria and actinomycetes, and yeast extract-malt extract agar plates for yeasts and molds. The kinds and numbers of the microorganisms were variable from sample to sample. Aerobic bacteria were the main members of microflora of the frozen foods. Yeasts succeeded the aerobic bacteria, and a few actinomycetes and molds were isolated. On an average, 103 to 106 of microorganisms per gram were found in the frozen foods, and they were consisted of the following taxonomical groups: 44.4 per cent of Gram-negative rods, 15.3 per cent of Gram-positive cocci, 14.0 per cent of Gram-positive straight rods, 16.7 per cent of Gram-positive pleomorphic rods, and 8.8 per cent of yeasts. It was interesting from the point of view of microbial ecology that a considerable number of yeasts were isolated from the frozen foods. Furthermore, the microorganisms isolated from the frozen foods were divided into three groups on the basis of the relation to temperature for growth; (1) those growing at 0°C, but not at 30°C, (2) those growing at 30°C, but not at 0°C, and (3) those growing at both temperatures of 0°C and 30°C. They were composed of about 20 per cent Group 1, 16 per cent Group 2, and 64 per cent Gmup 3. The microorganisms belonging to Group 3 were mainly Gram-negative rods. and most abundantly isolated from the frozen foods.
Islamism, Nationalism and Modernization: The Case of the Islamic Movement in Israel

ABSTRACTSince its establishment in the late 1970s, the Islamic Movement (Alharaka al-Islamiyya, subsequently referred to as IM) in Israel, has had to deal with many challenges and contradictions. There is a unique aspect to this Islamist movement's rising power: how it has adapted to the challenges of operating within not simply a non-Muslim state, but as a minority within a Jewish state. Furthermore, the IM has had to deal with some Palestinian secular parties that accuse it of being regressive politically and socially. Ideological and internal political divisions, mainly as a consequence of facing these challenges, caused the IM to split into two factions: the so-called Southern faction and a Northern faction. I argue that the power of the IM in Israel stems from its ability to adapt to different situations, reconcile with the complex reality of a minority in a Jewish state by adopting modernism, and reconcile with the state structure and basic democratic values that have long been debated to clash with...
Study of Supplier Evaluation Model Based on Grey Relevancy

By analyzing the significance and procedure of supplier evaluation, a new model is proposed in this paper. The model uses Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the weights of evaluating indicators and takes the grey relevancy as the evaluation criteria. Then it introduces a supplier evaluation system utilizing this model.
Multi-Kinect v2 Camera Based Monitoring System for Radiotherapy Patient Safety.

3D kinect camera systems are essential for real-time imaging of 3D treatment space that consists of both the patient anatomy as well as the treatment equipment setup. In this paper, we present the technical details of a 3D treatment room monitoring system that employs a scalable number of calibrated and coregistered Kinect v2 cameras. The monitoring system tracks radiation gantry and treatment couch positions, and tracks the patient and immobilization accessories. The number and positions of the cameras were selected to avoid line-of-sight issues and to adequately cover the treatment setup. The cameras were calibrated with a calibration error of 0.1 mm. Our tracking system evaluation show that both gantry and patient motion could be acquired at a rate of 30 frames per second. The transformations between the cameras yielded a 3D treatment space accuracy of < 2 mm error in a radiotherapy setup within 500mm around the isocenter.
Genome-wide search identifies a gene-gene interaction between 20p13 and 2q14 in asthma.

Many studies have attempted to identify gene-gene interactions affecting asthma susceptibility. However, these studies have typically used candidate gene approaches in limiting the genetic search space, and there have been few searches for gene-gene interactions on a genome-wide scale. We aimed to conduct a genome-wide gene-gene interaction study for asthma, using data from the GABRIEL Consortium. A two-stage study design was used, including a screening analysis (N = 1625 subjects) and a follow-up analysis (N = 5264 subjects). In the screening analysis, all pairwise interactions among 301,547 SNPs were evaluated, encompassing a total of 4.55 × 1010 interactions. Those with a screening interaction p-value < 10−5 were evaluated in the follow-up analysis. No interaction selected from the screening analysis met strict statistical significance in the follow-up (p-value < 1.45 × 10−7). However, the top-ranked interaction (rs910652 [20p13] × rs11684871 [2q14]) in the follow-up (p-value = 1.58 × 10−6) was significant in one component of a replication analysis. This interaction was notable in that rs910652 is located within 78 kilobases of ADAM33, which is one of the most well studied asthma susceptibility genes. In addition, rs11684871 is located in or near GLI2, which may have biologically relevant roles in asthma. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified and found suggestive evidence of replication for a gene-gene interaction in asthma involving loci that are potentially highly relevant in asthma pathogenesis.
Acoustic radiation force expressed using complex phase shifts and momentum-transfer cross sections

Acoustic radiation force is expressed using complex phase shifts of partial wave scattering functions and the momentum-transfer cross section, herein incorporated into acoustics from quantum mechanisms. Imaginary parts of the phase shifts represent dissipation in the object and/or in the boundary layer adjacent to the object. The formula simplifies the force as summation of functions of complex phase shifts of adjacent partial waves involving differences of real parts and sums of imaginary parts, providing an efficient way of exploring the force parameter-space. The formula for the force is proportional to a generalized momentum-transfer cross section for plane waves and no dissipation.
Characterization of PET data acquisition system with compressed sensing detectors

We evaluated the timing performance of our data acquisition system (DAQ) with compressed sensing detectors we used in a PET insert for simultaneous PET/MR brain imaging. Compressed sensing is a promising multiplexing method that can achieve high multiplexing ratio while resolving simultaneous hits on multiple pixels without serious degradation of timing and energy resolution for positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. In our compressed sensing detector, each of the 128 silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) pixels produces a unique pattern on the 16 read out channels (the multiplexing ratio is 8∶1), which are digitized and recorded at the DAQ system. The unique decoding pattern for each SiPM is used to recover the crystal indexes. In this study, we used a 10 µCi 22Na radioactive point source to evaluate the coincidence timing resolution across the two lutetium-yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO) based block detectors. We also measured the timing integral non-linearity of the DAQ system by using a pulser to trigger both detectors with the triggering pulses for one detector offset by sequential ∼ 2 ns steps. The integral non-linearity of the DAQ system is ∼0.3 ns across the entire ADC sampling period, which is below the timing resolution for the measurements using a pulser as input (∼ 1.0 ns FWHM). The coincidence timing resolution measured with a 22Na source over the entire 128 crystal block is 5.98 ± 0.09 ns. Possible factors that are limiting the current timing performance are also presented.