cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase G-148A genetic variant and weight loss in obese women.

AbstractPETERS, WARREN R., JAMES P. MACMURRY,JENNIFER WALKER, RUSSELL J. GIESE, JR., ANDDAVID E. COMINGS. Phenylethanolamine N-methyl-transferase G-148Agenetic variant and weight loss in obesewomen. Obes Res. 2003;11:415–419.Objective: To understand the impact of the phenyletha-nolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) G-148Agene andnutritional variables on weight loss in obese women.Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred forty-nine women, ages 45 to 65 with a body mass index of 30kg/m 2 , participated in a 6-month, open-label intervention thatincluded sibutramine (15 mg/d) and a monthly health-educa-tion class. Anthropometric measurements, vital signs, foodfrequency, exercise log, medication compliance, and psycho-logical and sociological questionnaires were completed eachmonth. Genetic polymorphisms of PNMT were determined.Results: Univariate analysis of G/G, G/A, and A/A geno-types against tertiles of percentage of weight loss weresignificant at 3 but not at 6 months (Pearson 2 : p 0.006;homozygous/heterozygosity: p 0.002, p 0.253, and p 0.122, respectively). A regression model that included thePNMT genetic variation and certain nutrition and exercisevariables demonstrated that only the PNMT gene ( 0.360, SE 0.585, and p 0.003) was statistically significantat 6 months, and the total calories ( 0.925, SE 0.004, and p 0.009), fiber intake ( 0.621, SE 0.124,and p 0.000), and PNMT ( 0.262, SE 1.415, andp 0.024) were significant.Discussion: The homozygosity/heterozygosity of thePNMT gene was highly predictive of significant weight losswith sibutramine during the first 3 months, which highlightsthe need for specific pharmacotherapy. The early weight-loss success of those subjects who were homozygous forPNMT may have motivated and selected those that wouldmake further dietary changes, which then augmented theirfinal weight loss.Key words: thermogenesis, epinephrine, lifestyle, genetranscription
Joint Blind Frame Synchronization and Encoder Identification for Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

In this paper, the problem involving joint blind frame synchronization and encoder identification for binary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes of binary phase-shift keyed (BPSK) signals is tackled. The unknown encoder and time-delay can be blindly estimated simultaneously using the average log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) of syndrome a posteriori probability (APP). A new two-stage search method with a search step of size q by exploiting the quasi-cyclic nature of the parity-check matrix is devised to reduce the complexity of the blind frame synchronization algorithm. Numerous Monte Carlo simulations are evaluated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new joint blind frame-synchronization and encoder-identification scheme for multi-path situations.
Variability of motion in individuals with mechanical or functional ankle instability during a stop jump maneuver.

Abstract Background Movement variability may influence episodes of instability following lateral ankle sprain. Methods Sixty-three recreational athletes with a history of moderate-severe ankle sprain were recruited. Mechanically and functionally unstable ankle groups had ⩾2 episodes of instability in the last year. Mechanically unstable had clinically lax lateral ankle ligaments; functionally unstable and copers did not. Copers had a history of sprain but no residual instability. Lower extremity 3-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured during a 2-legged stop jump. Average ensemble curves of eight trials normalized to 100% of stance phase were created. The coefficient of variation and average standard deviation of the ensemble curves of each variable were identified. A loge (ln) transformation was performed on the data. One-way ANOVAs with Tukey post hoc testing were utilized with α = 0.05. Findings The functionally unstable group demonstrated greater mean (standard deviation) ln coefficient of variation ankle inversion/eversion 3.56 (1.19) than the mechanically unstable 2.77 (0.95) and copers 2.74 (1.05) (P = 0.05 and P = 0.04; η p 2 = 0.12), and greater ln standard deviation ankle inversion/eversion 1.07 (0.78) than copers 0.61 (0.31) ( η p 2 = 0.13). The mechanically unstable group demonstrated greater ln coefficient of variation anterior–posterior ground reaction force 3.69 (0.27) than functionally unstable 3.43 (0.25) (P = 0.02; η p 2 = 0.13). Interpretation Functionally unstable individuals demonstrated greater ankle frontal plane movement variability during a stop jump, which may increase risk of instability. Mechanically unstable participants demonstrated greater anterior–posterior ground reaction force variability, which may indicate difficulty mitigating landing forces with lax ligaments. Movement variability may influence episodes of ankle instability.
Vertex Functions and the Unitarity Relation

It is shown that a unitarity relation holds for vertex functions in a form analogous to the one for form factors and that the one-particle irreducible parts of scattering amplitudes satisfy unitarity by themselves. The second half of the present work considers the case of nonrelativistic $S$-wave scattering with one bound state. Interrelations among the $S$ matrix, the denominator function, and functions for the bound state, such as the form factor, the propagator, and the vertex function are discussed under certain general restrictions.
B40 Electron Microscopy Reveals Differences In The Cell Structure Of Huntington’s Disease Mutation Positive Human Embryonic Stem Cells During Differentiation

Background Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder transmitted by the huntingtin (Htt) gene expansion. To date, there is no information about the effect of mutant Htt on the ultrastructure of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and cells differentiated from them. Aims The aim of this study was to characterise ultrastructural changes in mHtt-hESCs at progressive stages of differentiation, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Methods The mutant HD stem cell line, mHtt-hESCs line, (SIVF020-HD, CAG numbers 48, 17), and a normal gender-matched wild-type sibling control wtHtt-hESCs line, (SIVF019 CAG numbers 15, 18), were propagated in feeder-free mTeSR1 media and induced to form embryoid bodies (EBs). Differences were quantified from TEM images using ImageJ. Results TEM shows glycogen-like aggregates and degenerative mitochondria in lysosomes of mHtt-hESCs. Lysosomes with membrane remnants inside and unidentified white patches were more frequently observed in mHtt-hESCs compared with wtHtt-hESCs. The lysosomal area was significantly increased by 64% (p Conclusions Our findings provide evidence of significant lysosomal and other cell structure abnormalities, beginning with undifferentiated mHtt-hESCs, and continuing during differentiation. These abnormalities may be markers of HD cytopathology that begin with the earliest, single-cell stages of embryonic development.
Arterial blood gas levels after midazolam or diazepam administered with or without fentanyl as an intravenous sedative for outpatient surgical procedures.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare arterial blood gas measurements made during the baseline, initial sedation, maintenance, and recovery periods in patients sedated with midazolam and saline (MS), midazolam and fentanyl (MF), diazepam and saline (DS), and diazepam and fentanyl (DF). During induction both the MF and the DF groups had significantly lower average P o2 , pH, and O2 saturations and significantly higher P co 2 values than either the MS or the DS group. While the differences were not as great, the same was also true during the maintenance phase of the procedure. During recovery, patients receiving MF had lower average P o 2, pH, and O2 saturation and higher P co 2 values than the MS or the DF group. Patients receiving MF had significantly lower average P o 2, pH, and O2 saturation levels and significantly higher average P co 2 levels during all three postsurgical periods than at baseline. Patients receiving DF had significantly lower average P o 2, pH, and O2 saturation levels and significantly higher P co 2 levels during both induction and maintenance than at baseline.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Activities of Telavancin, Cefazolin, and Vancomycin against Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Peritoneal Dialysate

This study compared the ability of telavancin to the ability of cefazolin and vancomycin to eliminate staphylococci from peritoneal dialysis fluid by using a static in vitro model to simulate the conditions of peritoneal dialysis. The results showed that telavancin exhibited statistically significantly better kill (P < 0.05) against both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Homocyst(e)ine and arterial occlusive diseases.

. Homocysteine is a thiol-containing amino acid resulting from demethylation of methionine. The free and protein-bound forms of the amino acid derived disulfides are called homocyst(e)ine [H(e)]. Multiple studies have shown elevated H(e) levels in patients with coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial diseases; this association is frequent and independent of most other risk factors for atherosclerosis. In the 1993 Frontiers in Medicine Symposium* investigators discussed the genetic, physiological, nutritional, and pharmacological mechanisms involved in the regulation of plasma H(e), the association of H(e) with arterial occlusive diseases, and the relationships of H(e) with nitric oxide and haemostasis. High plasma H(e) levels usually can be reversed with vitamin supplements. Whether vitamin supplements will affect the evolution of arterial occlusive diseases needs to be established in prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trials.
Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of tetramethylphospholyl complexes of scandium

Abstract Reaction of 2 equiv. of (C 4 Me 4 P)Li(tmeda) (tmeda = tetraethylenediamine) with 1 equiv. of ScCl 3 (THF) 3 gave the new compound (η 5 -C 4 Me 4 P) 2 ScCl 2 Li(tmeda) ( 1 ), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. A phospholyl moiety in 1 is labile, as demonstrated by reactions of 1 with LiCH(SiMe 3 ) 2 and Cp ∗ Li (Cp ∗ = C 5 Me 5 ) to afford, respectively, (η 5 -Me 4 C 4 P)Sc[CH(SiMe 3 ) 2 ]Cl 2 Li(tmeda) ( 4 ) and (η 5 -Me 4 C 4 P)Cp ∗ ScCl 2 Li(tmeda) ( 5 ). Attempts to generate alkyl derivatives of the general type (η 5 -C 4 Me 4 P) 2 ScR (R = alkyl) were unsuccessful.
Extended norm-conserving pseudopotentials.

Atomic pseudopotentials simplify electronic calculations by eliminating atomic core levels and the potentials that bind them. Outside some core radius, norm-conserving pseudopotentials produce the same scattering properties (radial logarithmic derivatives of wave functions for angular momenta of interest) as full-atomic potentials to zeroth and first order in energy about valence-level eigenvalues. We extend the correctness of the radial logarithmic derivative one order further in energy and present analytic and numerical results showing that this extension improves higher-order energy derivatives as well. We also show how our change improves predictions of excited single-particle eigenvalues in a wide variety of atoms, as well as high-energy scattering properties, with effects visible in a band-structure calculation. Our potentials converge nearly as quickly in reciprocal space as the Vanderbilt (modified Hamann-Schl\"uter-Chiang) potentials from which they are derived, and are easily generated.
Cyclic AMP binding proteins in saliva.

Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-binding proteins which have the characteristics of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (E.C. 2.7.1.37) regulatory subunits, have been identified in rat and human saliva. Concentration of these proteins was increased in rat saliva after stimulation with isoproterenol, suggesting that they were released during exocytosis. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic activity was not measurable in saliva of either species.
Hypnotizability in state-hospitalized schizophrenics

It was shown that nine out of 34 schizophrenics randomly selected from a state hospital population could be hypnotized easily into a light trance or deeper. Elimination of the deteriorated, un-co-operative or lobotomized cases would raise the level to nine successful inductions in 23 patients. In the total group, in addition to the nine hypnotized, a further nine patients reached the hypnoidal stage. It was felt that many of these could have been induced to a deeper stage by a further number of sessions. The findings illustrate the fact that a good percentage of schizophrenics can be hypnotized into deep stages with a very brief period of induction but that little success can be obtained in un-co-operative, lobotomized or deteriorated cases.
Inhalation Exposure to Nickel Hydroxide Nanoparticles Induces Systemic Acute Phase Response in Mice

It has been proposed that acute phase response can be a mechanism by which inhaled particles exert adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Although some of the human acute phase proteins have been widely studied as biomarkers of systemic inflammation or cardiovascular diseases, there are only a few studies that investigated the role of serum amyloid P (SAP), a major acute phase protein in mice. In this study, we investigated the changes in SAP, following inhalation exposure to nickel hydroxide nanoparticles (nano-NH). We conducted 1) acute (4 h) exposure to nano-NH at 100, 500, and 1000 ㎍/㎥ and 2) sub-acute (4h/d for 3d) exposure at 1000 ㎍/㎥, then measured serum SAP protein levels along with hepatic Sap mRNA levels. The results show that inhaled nano-NH can induce systemic acute phase response indicated by increased serum SAP levels and hepatic Sap mRNA levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing induction of SAP in response to repeated particle exposure, and the results suggest that SAP can be used as a biomarker for systemic inflammation induced by inhaled particles.
X-ray and optical variability in 2A1052+606—a new RS CVn-type system

The paper discusses a star with RS CVn-type characteristics discovered as a result of an accurate X-ray location. The RS CVn binaries have been found to be a new class of soft X-ray sources from the HEAO 1 low energy sky survey. The source was detected at energies below 1 keV and evidence is presented for variability on time scales of approximately 1 day. The strong soft X-ray source was observed at a position consistent with 2A1052+606 and the X-ray light curve shows that the source underwent a strong soft X-ray flare. Subsequent spectrophotometry revealed variable H(alpha) and possibly CaII H,K emission which strongly supports its classification as an RS CVn system.
Uniform frontal illumination of planar surfaces: where to place the lamps

A method is presented for placing line, point, and ring light sources to produce uniform illumination of planar surfaces. Optimization consists in setting to zero as many terms as possible in a two-dimensional Taylor series expansion of the surface illumination. We analyze several practical lighting arrangements and discuss the significance of symmetry in lighting design. Four conditions are sufficient to produce optimal illumination: (1) place all lamps in a single plane parallel to the illuminated surface; (2) arrange linear sources in parallel pairs; (3) arrange point-source lamps to achieve fourfold symmetry with respect to any two orthogonal axes lying in the surface, this requires a minimum of four lamps; and (4) select lamp heights so that a line connecting each lamp to the center of the illuminated surface forms specific angles with the surface normal: 30 deg for line sources and approximately 39 deg for point and ring sources. Any lamp arrangement meeting these conditions produces an illumination function in which at least three orders of terms of the Taylor series expansion are zero. We also discuss circumstances under which some of these conditions can be relaxed.
Double-boson-exchange processes in high-energy ν μ e - collisions in the standard Weinberg-Salam model

In this paper, we shall study double-boson-exchange processes in the reactions ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$, using the standard Weinberg-Salam SU(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) model of electroweak interactions. At neutrino laboratory energy \ensuremath{\sim} 100 GeV, the cross section for the first reaction is \ensuremath{\sim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}44}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. This reaction may be observable with experimental facilities in the near future. It could serve as a useful tool for distinguishing the Weinberg-Salam model from other models of electroweak interactions.
Unusual coronary emboli associated with coronary arteriography.

Five cases of sudden death, during or soon after coronary arteriography by the transfemoral technique, were apparently caused by a microscopically unique embolus characterized by tightly packed tortuous and homogeneous cords of material which appear to be aggregated platelets without significant fibrin or blood cells. The incidence of this complication during the past 30 months was 1.5 percent Clinical and experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that this type of embolus results from the transfer of platelet deposits from the luminal and external surfaces of intra-arterial catheters or from guidewires to the coronary artery. This complication should be preventable either by the use of adequate systemic heparinization or by the use of a different coronary arteriographic technique.
Evolutionary Aspects of Communication in the Courtship Behavior of Four Species of Anomuran Crabs (Petrolisthes)

Communication during courtship was investigated for exchanges of acts between male and female crabs of four species of the genus Petrolisthes (P. cabrilloi, P. cinctipes, P. eriomerus, P. manimaculis). Acts with a communicatory function can be derived from non-communicatory acts such as feeding, locomotion and tactile investigation of the environment. The communicatory acts are repetitive, conspicuous, and oriented toward other crabs. Several aspects of courtship were similar for all four species: the male crabs held a territory during courtship; courted female crabs performed movements of walking and stretching before copulation; and, just before copulation, the male nudged the female with his chelae and maneuvered her into the mating position with his walking legs. The courtship of P. manimaculis and P. eriomerus was similar in two ways : a pair of animals began courtship behavior an hour or two before copulation; the courting male performed maxilliped oscillations in exchange with the female's movements of walking and stretching. Although the males of these two species performed the same acts, the courting P. manimaculis performed many more communicatory acts than did the P. criomerus male. During the 30 min before the molt of the female one exchange of acts differed between the species for the courting pairs. Antennal taps of the P. manimaculis male were inhibitive of female's movements, but the same was not true for P. eriomerus. Acts which initiated and terminated courtship sequences also differed most significantly during this time for both species. If females perform the discriminating role in mate selection, then P. manimaculus and P. eriomerus females may distinguish the overall differences in frequency of the performance of the male's courtship acts, differences in the acts exchanged, and patterning of acts in sequences during courtship. The courtship of P. cinctipes and P. cabrilloi was also similar in two ways : a pair of crabs could begin courtship anytime between a day and a few seconds before copulation; the courting male performed the act of chelae rocking and the female performed movements of walking and stretching. Because of the variable duration of courtship it was impossible to demonstrate the exchange of male and female acts for the latter two species. The non-communicatory acts of feeding and swimming of Petrolisthes are anomuran in nature. However, those communicatory acts of Petrolisthes employing the chelipeds resembled acts performed by brachyurans having non-predatory feeding habits and chelipeds modified for display.
Characterization of printed CZTSSe films for photovoltaic applications

Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) is a promising alternative absorber material for thin-film photovoltaic applications because of its earth-abundant constituents, tunable band gap, and high optical absorption coefficient. Using binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticles as precursors we have developed a chemical route to produce high efficiency CZTSSe photovoltaic (PV) devices via solution based methods. The printed CZTSSe films show an interesting microstructure consisting of an upper micrometer-sized polycrystalline layer (large-grain layer) and a bottom fine-grain layer. In this paper, we present our results on characterization of the layers including composition, electronic and optical properties. Based on the observed properties we develop a numerical model for the CZTSSe PV device and present the simulation results. We anticipate that the combination of detailed characterization and device model will help us better understand the limitations of our current devices and indicate potential improvement paths.
Inherited Surfactant Disorders

Inherited disorders of surfactant metabolism are rare causes of respiratory disease in newborns but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This review outlines the molecular basis and pathophysiology of the three currently identified single-gene disorders of surfactant metabolism as well as the clinical presentations and evaluation of potentially affected infants. Implications for the understanding of normal surfactant metabolism and the potential roles of surfactant dysfunction mutations in more common neonatal disorders, such as respiratory distress syndrome, also are discussed.
Influence of the annealing conditions on the polarization and electromechanical response of high‐energy‐electron‐irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) copolymer

In this study, we investigated the influence of annealing conditions before irradiation on the ferroelectric and electromechanical properties of uniaxially stretched high-energy-electron-irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (HEEIP) copolymer (68/32 mol %) films. For films annealed at one fixed temperature before the irradiation (one-step annealing), the highest crystallinity, which was highly desirable for enhancing the electromechanical response, was obtained only for films annealed between 132 and 136 °C. In addition, annealing over 10 h in this temperature window resulted in a large increase in the crystal lamellar thickness, which was required for reducing the polarization hysteresis to a minimum in the HEEIP samples. For improvements in the mechanical qualities of the uniaxially stretched films, a two-step annealing procedure was investigated; that is, before the irradiation, the films were first annealed at a lower temperature to release the mechanical stress in the films due to the stretching and then were annealed in the high-temperature window to raise the crystallinity and crystalline size. The experimental results indicated that this approach could produce uniaxially stretched HEEIP films with much improved mechanical qualities. Furthermore, the uniaxially stretched HEEIP films with this two-step annealing exhibited the same electromechanical response as or an even higher one than that from the one-step-annealed HEEIP films. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 797–806, 2003
Acetylcholine in water: Ab‐initio potential and Monte Carlo simulation

Ab initio SCF-LCAO-MO computations using a minimal basis set have been carried out on the acetylcholine ion in different conformations. The rotational barrier around the C9-C8-O1-C2 dihedral angle (τ1) has been also calculated: the curve presents a broad minimum. SCF calculations have been carried out on the system Ach-water at 468 different separations and/or orientations; the interaction energies were then fitted to a pair potential function used in Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of Ach water solution. The rdfs indicate a global first hydration shell with about 38 waters. Details about the hydration shell are presented. The overall MC results indicate that for the Ach ion in water solution at room temperature relative free rotation is possible around τ1, and that Ach is well represented as a large positively charged hydrated globe with a small mobile tail free of strong interactions with the surrounding water molecules.
Catatonia in autism: A distinct subtype?

Catatonia is a life-threatening disorder characterized by motor abnormalities, mutism, and disturbances of behaviour, which is increasingly being diagnosed in persons with autism. In this report, we describe the presentation and course of catatonia in an adolescent with autism who responded to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The illness started with depressive symptoms, but the predominant feature was one of extreme obsessive slowing and immobility. We propose that catatonia should be ruled out as a cause of regression sometimes seen in adolescents with autism, and that catatonia of autism may index a distinct subtype with a particularly poor outcome.
Intracellular Calcium Regulates Agrin-Induced Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering

Agrin is an extracellular matrix protein that directs neuromuscular junction formation. Early signal transduction events in agrin-mediated postsynaptic differentiation include activation of a receptor tyrosine kinase and phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), but later steps in this pathway are unknown. Here, we have investigated the role of intracellular calcium in agrin-induced AChR clustering on cultured myotubes. Clamping intracellular calcium levels by loading with the fast chelator BAPTA inhibited agrin-induced AChR aggregation. In addition, preexisting AChR aggregates dispersed under these conditions, indicating that the maintenance of AChR clusters is similarly dependent on intracellular calcium fluxes. The decrease in AChR clusters in BAPTA-loaded cells was dose-dependent and reversible, and no change in the number or mobility of AChRs was observed. Clamping intracellular calcium did not block agrin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR b-subunit, indicating that intracellular calcium fluxes are likely to act downstream from or parallel to AChR phosphorylation. Finally, the targets of the intracellular calcium are likely to be close to the calcium source, since agrin-induced AChR clustering was unaffected in cells loaded with EGTA, a slower-binding calcium chelator. These findings distinguish a novel step in the signal transduction mechanism of agrin and raise the possibility that the pathways mediating agrin- and activity-driven changes in synaptic architecture could intersect at the level of intracellular calcium fluxes.
Achievable rate regions of cognitive multiple access channel with sensing errors

In this paper, a cognitive multiple access channel in which the secondary transmitters seek to communicate with a common secondary receiver is considered. Before data transmission, it is assumed that cooperative spectrum sensing is performed with possible errors. For this channel, achievable rate regions are initially derived under two scenarios depending on how secondary transmitters access the channel. In the first scenario, secondary users can send data under both busy and idle sensing decisions by adapting the energy level of the transmitted signals according to the sensing result. In the second scenario, the secondary transmitters are not allowed to perform data transmission if the channel is sensed as busy. Subsequently, the performance in the low-power regime is analyzed by characterizing minimum energy per bit and slope regions in these scenarios. The impact of channel sensing performance (e.g., the probabilities of detection and false alarm, channel sensing duration) on achievable rate region, energy efficiency and slope region considering both scenarios are investigated.
MK-801 inhibits the development of morphine tolerance at spinal sites

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 has been shown to attenuate tolerance development in rats. In this study, we show that MK-801 inhibits tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine, as assessed by the tail-flick test, in spinalized rats. These results suggest that NMDA receptor antagonists inhibit opiate tolerance at spinal sites, and also provide strong evidence that the effects of MK-801 are not due to its ability to interfere with associative learning, but instead to inhibition of non-associative mechanisms of opiate tolerance.
Prioritizing State-Based Aspect Tests

In aspect-oriented programming, aspects are essentially incremental modifications to their base classes. Therefore aspect-oriented programs can be tested in an incremental fashion – we can first test the base classes and then test the base classes and aspects as a whole. This paper demonstrates that, in this incremental testing paradigm, we can prioritize aspect tests so as to report failure earlier. We explore test prioritization for testing aspect-oriented programs against their state models with transition coverage and round-trip coverage. Aspect tests are generated from woven state models obtained by composing aspect models into their base class models. We prioritize aspect tests by identifying the extent to which an aspect modifies its base classes. The modification is measured by the number of new and changed components in state transitions (start state, event, precondition, postcondition, end state). Transitions with more changes have higher priorities for test generation. We evaluate the impact of aspect test prioritization through mutation analysis of two AspectJ programs, where all aspects and their base classes can be modeled by finite state machines. We create aspect mutants of each AspectJ program according to a comprehensive AspectJ fault model. Then we test each mutant with the test suites generated without prioritization and with prioritization, respectively. Our experiment results show that prioritization of aspect tests has accelerated failure report.
Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes via 1-aminopropa-1,2-dienes: mechanistic studies

Abstract A facile prototropic rearrangement of N-(prop-2-ynyl)amines to 1-aminopropa-1,2-dienes, followed by acid hydrolysis, affords a novel synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. The mechanism of the reaction has been examined by deuterium labeling.
Towed array shape estimation using Kalman filters-experimental investigations

The problem of estimating the shape of a towed array instrumented with either depth sensors, compasses, or both in a discrete-time state-space formulation is treated in a companion paper by D. A. Gray et al. (to appear), in which the state-space representation is derived from a dynamical model of the propagation of tow-point-induced motion down the array. A Kalman filter is derived to recursively estimate the shape of this towed array, and solutions to the Riccati equation are used to predict the mean square error of the Kalman filter array shape estimates. The present study investigates the performance of this Kalman filter approach as an array shape estimator using both simulated examples and sea trial data. Fundamental to the Kalman filter approach is the model that describes the dynamical behavior of the towed array. The results of an experimental program that was undertaken to validate this model are also presented. >
Structure of the gut microbiome following colonization with human feces determines colonic tumor burden

A growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiome plays a role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with CRC harbor gut microbiomes that are structurally distinct from those of healthy individuals; however, without the ability to track individuals during disease progression, it has not been possible to observe changes in the microbiome over the course of tumorigenesis. Mouse models have demonstrated that these changes can further promote colonic tumorigenesis. However, these models have relied upon mouse-adapted bacterial populations and so it remains unclear which human-adapted bacterial populations are responsible for modulating tumorigenesis. We transplanted fecal microbiota from three CRC patients and three healthy individuals into germ-free mice, resulting in six structurally distinct microbial communities. Subjecting these mice to a chemically induced model of CRC resulted in different levels of tumorigenesis between mice. Differences in the number of tumors were strongly associated with the baseline microbiome structure in mice, but not with the cancer status of the human donors. Partitioning of baseline communities into enterotypes by Dirichlet multinomial mixture modeling resulted in three enterotypes that corresponded with tumor burden. The taxa most strongly positively correlated with increased tumor burden were members of the Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Alistipes, and Akkermansia, all of which are Gram-negative. Members of the Gram-positive Clostridiales, including multiple members of Clostridium Group XIVa, were strongly negatively correlated with tumors. Analysis of the inferred metagenome of each community revealed a negative correlation between tumor count and the potential for butyrate production, and a positive correlation between tumor count and the capacity for host glycan degradation. Despite harboring distinct gut communities, all mice underwent conserved structural changes over the course of the model. The extent of these changes was also correlated with tumor incidence. Our results suggest that the initial structure of the microbiome determines susceptibility to colonic tumorigenesis. There appear to be opposing roles for certain Gram-negative (Bacteroidales and Verrucomicrobia) and Gram-positive (Clostridiales) bacteria in tumor susceptibility. Thus, the impact of community structure is potentially mediated by the balance between protective, butyrate-producing populations and inflammatory, mucin-degrading populations.
On the phyletic relationships of the Tree shrews

The Tree shrews (family Tupaiidae) were earlier grouped with the Elephant shrews (family Macroscelididae) in the suborder Menotyphla of the Insectivora. Following a proposal of Carlsson (1922), many workers, and notably Le Gros Clark, have presented evidence that the Tree shrews should be regarded as primitive or basal Primates. Simpson (1945) accepts them as such in his classification of the Mammalia. This view, because of the wide interdisciplinary interest in Primate evolution, has been widely accepted and has been of considerable influence. It has not, however, been without its opponents. This review critically analyses the evidence for and against accepting the Tree shrews as Primates.
Hydrogen peroxide ingestion associated with portal venous gas and treatment with hyperbaric oxygen: a case series and review of the literature.

Introduction. Ingestion of concentrated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been associated with venous and arterial gas embolic events, hemorrhagic gastritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, shock, and death. Although H2O2 is generally considered a benign ingestion in low concentrations, case reports have described serious toxicity following high concentration exposures. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used with success in managing patients suffering from gas embolism with and without manifestations of ischemia. Methods. Poison center records were searched from July 1999 to January 2010 for patients with H2O2 exposure and HBO treatment. Cases were reviewed for the concentration of H2O2, symptoms, CT scan findings of portal gas embolism, HBO treatment, and outcome. Results. Eleven cases of portal gas embolism were found. Ages ranged from 4 to 89 years. All but one ingestion was accidental in nature. In 10 cases 35% H2O2 was ingested and in 1 case 12% H2O2 was ingested. All abdominal CT scans demonstrated portal veno...
Plasma Chemistry Control of Silicon Nitride Deposition

Triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQMS) showed disilane and aminosilanes, SiH4-n(NH2)n, to be the principal products of an ammonia-silane discharge. Disilane can be completely eliminated from the plasma by operating at high power and high NH3/SiH4 ratio, which results in almost complete conversion of silane to aminosilanes by reaction with activated ammonia. Films so grown had no detectable Si-H bonding and greatly reduced ESR spin density in the dark. The triaminosilane radical appears to be a key deposition precursor, progressively decomposing and condensing towards Si3N4 with increasing substrate temperature.
Sphingolipid functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: comparison to mammals.

▪ Abstract Many roles for sphingolipids have been identified in mammals. Available data suggest that sphingolipids and their intermediates also have diverse roles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These roles include signal transduction during the heat stress response, regulation of calcium homeostasis or components in calcium-mediated signaling pathways, regulation of the cell cycle, and functions as components in trafficking of secretory vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus and as the lipid moiety in many glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins. S. cerevisiae is likely to be the first organism in which all genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism are identified. This information will provide an unprecedented opportunity to determine, for the first time in any organism, how sphingolipid synthesis is regulated. Through the use of both genetic and biochemical techniques, the identification of the complete array of processes regulated by sphingolipid signals is likely to be poss...
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: older patients and newer drugs.

Although the median age for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is older than 60 years, relatively few of these patients have been enrolled on prospective clinical trials. The presence of coexisting medical disorders and unfavorable cytogenetic and biological characteristics within this population presents considerable challenges for successful treatment using conventional chemotherapy programs. Selected patients have achieved remission and long-term survival following intensive chemotherapy. Preliminary data using several new agents that have shown promise for patients with ALL are described. The success that has been achieved in treating children and younger adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has not been paralleled in older adults. Likely reasons include the presence of coexisting medical disorders leading to decreased tolerance for chemotherapy as well as fundamental biological differences in the spectrum of ALL seen in this population. In this review, as in most of the available literature, the older adult age group is generally 60 years and older, although some series start at 55 years and others at 65 years old.
Domestic sacral space in the Florentine Renaissance palace

Among the many reasons that domestic sacral space in Florence invites scholarly attention is the existence in that city of the chapel in Palazzo Medici, one of the most famous of the Italian Renaissance. The fortuitous survival of this splendid chapel is due, in all likelihood, to its meeting the Council of Trent's requirement of 1562 that laymen's domestic chapels be closeable and in the form of a chapel, in forma oratorii. The successful enforcement of Tridentine regulations on domestic chapels and the rare survival of the one in Palazzo Medici have fostered misperceptions about the appearance, frequency and use of lay, or private, chapels. Chief among these is that sacral space in the Quattrocento and earlier resembled what later ensued in conformity with Tridentine guidelines, which were aimed at standardizing and controlling the renovation and construction of domestic chapels and the practices therein. This article employs archival and canon law sources to provide a glimpse of sacral space as it existed in quattrocento Florence. The chapels selected for this article belonged to individuals of different profiles but all were from the governing elite. Together, these chapels illustrate the remarkable flexibility and variety allowed in the creation, furnishing and use of domestic sacral space in the Florentine Renaissance palace prior to the religious upheavals of the sixteenth century.
Severity of illness, functional status, and health-related quality of life in youth with spina bifida

Background As youth with spina bifida age out of pediatrics, they have difficulty transferring care to adult providers. Care is fragmented with a loss of follow-up. Clinicians in adult health care are untrained in historically, pediatric conditions. Understanding health status, functional status, and health-related quality of life [1]in spina bifida is important in a life-span approach to care.
Interannual variability of wintertime temperature on the inner continental shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight

The shallow depth of the inner continental shelf allows for rapid adjustment of the ocean to air-sea exchange of heat and momentum compared with offshore locations. Observations during 2001–2013 are used to evaluate the contributions of air-sea heat flux and oceanic advection to interannual variability of inner-shelf temperature in the Middle Atlantic Bight. Wintertime processes are important for interpreting regional interannual variability at nearshore locations since winter anomalies account for 69–77% of the variance of the annual anomalies and are correlated over broad along-shelf scales, from New England to North Carolina. At the Martha's Vineyard Coastal Observatory on the 12 m isobath, a heat budget is used to test the hypothesis that interannual differences in winter temperatures are due solely to air-sea heat flux. Bimonthly averages of air-sea heat flux are correlated with temporal changes in temperature, but overestimate the observed wintertime cooling. Velocity and satellite-derived temperature data show that interannual variability in wintertime surface cooling is partially compensated for by alongshore advection of warmer water from the west at this particular location. It is also shown that surface heat flux is a strong function of air-sea temperature difference. Because of this coupling between ocean and air temperatures in shallow water, along-shelf advection can significantly modify the surface heat flux at seasonal and interannual time scales. While along-shelf advection at relatively small (∼100 km) scales can be an important component of the heat budget over the inner shelf, interannual temperature variability is still largely determined by adjustment to large-scale air-temperature anomalies.
Chapter 2 The theory of the firm

Publisher Summary The theory of the firm has long posed a problem for economists. This chapter discusses the analytical models of the firm that go beyond the black-box conception of a production function. The firm is seen as a contract among a multitude of parties. The main hypothesis is that contractual designs, both implicit and explicit, are created to minimize transaction costs between specialized factors of production. This follows Coase's original hypothesis that institutions serve the purpose of facilitating exchange and can best be understood as optimal accommodations to contractual constraints rather than production constraints. There are three problems that need attention. A first step is to develop and apply techniques that deal with nonstandard problems, such as incomplete contracts, bounded rationality, and multi-lateral contracting. The second step ought to integrate observations from neighboring fields, such as sociology and psychology, in a consistent way into the theoretical apparatus. The third step will be to increase the evidence/theory ratio, which is currently very low in this field.
DB2 LUW Optimizer: a beginner's guide

The DB2 LUW Optimizer: A Beginners Guide was a hands-on workshop for people new to SQL or who want to become more familiar with the Optimizer. The workshop provides a high level overview and basic understanding of the DB2 Optimizer. This will also include using the DB2 Tools and Features for the DB2 Optimizer.
Integrating electronics in computer science under curricula constraints, a comparative study

With the increasing popularity of Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Hardware Description Languages, and software synthesis tools, on one end of the spectrum one can complete the design of a CPU at a behavioral level in a first course in digital design. Much of the intricate design decisions are left for the synthesis tools and minimal knowledge is gained by the student. On the other end, the design of the CPU is done using MSI chips that require detailed knowledge gained from several courses in electronics.
Subcarrier and power allocation for an OFDMA uplink based on tap correlation information

The impact of tap correlation on the achievable average sum rate of an OFDMA uplink is investigated. Tap correlation between channel taps was showed to reduce the average sum rate of an OFDMA uplink. However, if available subcarriers and power are allocated to multiusers based on their tap correlation information, a hefty portion of inherent multiuser diversity can be exploited in a cost effective manner leading to substantial improvement in spectral efficiency compared with uniform subcarrier and power allocation. The performance gain of such statistical adaptation is further investigated as a function of the number of simultaneously scheduled users per OFDM symbol.
A novel approach for approximation of summation to integral with mid-point summation to speed up the spectral domain approach for shielded microstrip lines

The approximation of summation with a fast convergent series has been frequently used to speed up the solution of problems in electromagnetics like solving for propagation constant for shielded microstrip lines, finlines, etc.[1]. But such convergent series exist only for specific cases and cannot be applied to speed up the summation in general case. The Euler Maclaurin Formula (EMF) [2] has been widely used for approximation of finite and infinite series summations for any general series.