Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells are sensitive to disturbances in protein homeostasis induced by proteasome deubiquitinase inhibition

The non-genotoxic nature of proteasome inhibition makes it an attractive therapeutic option for the treatment of pediatric malignancies. We recently described the small molecule VLX1570 as an inhibitor of proteasome deubiquitinase (DUB) activity that induces proteotoxic stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. Here we show that acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells are highly sensitive to treatment with VLX1570, resulting in the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteasome substrates and loss of cell viability. VLX1570 treatment increased the levels of a number of proteins, including the chaperone HSP70B’, the oxidative stress marker heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the cell cycle regulator p21Cip1. Unexpectedly, polyubiquitin accumulation was found to be uncoupled from ER stress in ALL cells. Thus, increased phosphorylation of eIF2α occurred only at supra-pharmacological VLX1570 concentrations and did not correlate with polyubiquitin accumulation. Total cellular protein synthesis was found to decrease in the absence of eIF2α phosphorylation. Furthermore, ISRIB (Integrated Stress Response inhibitor) did not overcome the inhibition of protein synthesis. We finally show that VLX1570 can be combined with L-asparaginase for additive or synergistic antiproliferative effects on ALL cells. We conclude that ALL cells are highly sensitive to the proteasome DUB inhibitor VLX1570 suggesting a novel therapeutic option for this disease.
Chemical aging of ambient organic aerosol from heterogeneous reaction with hydroxyl radicals

The chemical transformation of ambient particles due to heterogeneous oxidation was investigated. Ambient aerosol particles sampled in Toronto, Ontario during September and October of 2007 were exposed to OH radicals in a flow tube reactor to simulate relevant atmospheric OH exposures. An Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer measured changes in chemical composition and degree of oxidation of reacted ambient particles. Mass spectral changes of ambient particles exposed to OH revealed a loss in the hydrocarbon‐like organic fraction along with an increase in the oxygenated organic fraction. Furthermore, a minor fraction of the organic mass was lost through volatilization at high OH exposure. These observations indicate that an atmospheric OH exposure time of no more than 4 days for a typical OH concentration of 2 × 106 cm−3 causes enhanced oxidation of the organic matter in ambient particles. Therefore, heterogeneous oxidation may be an important chemical transformation pathway for ambient particles during regional transport.
Evolution of Variegated Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A., Prior to its Surge

Abstract During the decade prior to its 1982–83 surge, Variegated Glacier experienced progressive changes in geometry and velocity. It thickened in the upper 60% and thinned in the lower 40% of its 20 km length. Thickness changes were up to 20%. Annual velocity increased by up to 500%, reaching a maximum of 0.7 m d−1 in the year before surge onset. Amplitude of seasonal variation in velocity increased up to 0.3 m d−1 by 1978, but did not increase markedly after that. The changes in velocity were larger than predicted from changes in deformation rate caused by changes in shear stress and depth. This anomalous velocity was especially large after 1978 in the zone of thickening on the upper glacier. If it is assumed to arise from basal sliding, the inferred pattern of sliding shows qualitative features consistent with a direct effect from basal shear stress and an inverse effect from effective normal stress. A drop in effective normal stress in a zone of decreasing surface slope up-glacier from the largest thickness increase may have been significant in the initiation of surge motion in 1982.
Review on community detection algorithms in social networks

With the development of Internet and computer science, more and more people join social networks. People communicate with each other and express their opinions on the social media, which forms a complex network relationship. Individuals in the social networks form a “relation structure” through various connections which produces a large amount of information dissemination. This “relation structure” is the community that we are going to research. Community detection is very important to reveal the structure of social networks, dig to people's views, analyze the information dissemination and grasp as well as control the public sentiment. In recent years, with community detection becoming an important field of social networks analysis, a large number of academic literatures proposed numerous methods of community detection. In this paper, we first describe the concepts of social network, community, community detection and criterions of community quality. Then we classify the methods of community detection from three classes: i) traditional algorithms of community detection; ii) algorithms of overlapping community detection; iii) algorithms of local community detection. And at last, we summarize and discuss these methods as well as the potential future directions of community detection.
Denitrification in Ryegrass and Winter Wheat Cropping Systems of Western Oregon

Climatic and edaphic conditions in the Willamette Valley of Oregon should be conducive to denitrification, yet N fertilizer balances have generally shown little unaccounted for N. This study is the first effort to directly measure denitrification in cropping systems of Western Oregon. Denitrification was measured in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cropping systems over a 2-yr period using in situ cores with the acetylene block technique. Soil respiration rates, NO⁻₃ concentrations, water contents, and temperatures were also measured. Denitrification rates and NO⁻₃ concentrations were generally higher in winter wheat, but soil respiration was often greater in ryegrass. These soil parameters were all lognormally distributed; soil water content was normally distributed. Microbial activity was greatest in the late spring and often showed a secondary peak in late fall. Denitrification rates were most highly correlated with soil water contents (r² = 0.29, p < 0.01) and soil respiration rates (r² = 0.13, p < 0.01). About 43% of the variability in denitrification rates could be explained using multiple regression. Overall, losses of N through denitrification were small, about 1.7 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and 0.7 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the winter wheat and ryegrass systems, respectively. Contribution of the Dep. of Soil Science, Oregon State Univ. Oregon Agric. Exp. Stn. Tech. Paper no. 8287.
Position Accuracy of Time-of-Arrival Based Ranging Using Visible Light With Application in Indoor Localization Systems

This paper analyzes an indoor positioning system that uses white lighting LEDs. Modulated signals transmitted by the LEDs are used as the basis of time-of-arrival-based distance estimation. The theoretical limits on the accuracy of estimation are calculated by deriving the Cramer-Rao bound for intensity modulated windowed sinusoidal signals. Calculations for a typical indoor scenario, assuming perfect synchronization between transmitter and receiver, but using realistic values for other parameters show that very accurate distance estimates are achievable, with typical errors being in the order of centimeters depending on the frequency and power of the sinusoidal signals, the distance from the LED and the properties of the LED and the photoreceiver.
Treatment with GHRH(1‐29)NH2 in children with idiopathic short stature induces a sustained increase in growth velocity

OBJECTIVE Therapy with GHRH in patients with mild GH insufficiency appears to be more effective than in those with severe insufficiency. We, therefore, studied the clinical response of children with idiopathic short stature to treatment with GHRH(1‐29)NH2 (GHRHa) for a period of 12 months.
[Effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B in attenuating elevated portal pressure in a rat model of portal hypertension induced by endothelin-1].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) on portal hypertension induced by endothelin-1 in rats. METHODS Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: ET-1 group, ET-1+SA-B group, ET-1+ET(A)R blocker (BQ-123) group and ET-1+ET(B)R blocker (BQ-788) group. The rats of ET-1+SA-B group underwent intragastrical administration of salvianolic acid B for five days before ET-1 injection, while in three other groups' drinking water was given. In BQ-123 group or BQ-788 group, an intravenous injection of BQ-123 or BQ-788 via femoral vein was administered 30 minutes prior to ET-1 injection. Then changes of portal pressure, cervical artery pressure and heart rate were monitored continuously. RESULTS After ET-1 injection, the portal pressure of all rats in the ET-1 group increased significantly, while slightly in groups that pretreated with SA-B, BQ-123 or BQ-788. CONCLUSION SA-B can attenuate the elevated portal pressure induced by ET-1 with effect similar to ETR blocker.
THE OUTER DISKS OF EARLY-TYPE GALAXIES. I. SURFACE-BRIGHTNESS PROFILES OF BARRED GALAXIES

We present a study of 66 barred, early-type (S0–Sb) disk galaxies, focused on the disk surface brightness profile outside the bar region, with the aim of throwing light on the nature of Freeman type I and II profiles, their origins, and their possible relation to disk truncations. This paper discusses the data and their reduction, outlines our classification system, and presents R-band profiles for all galaxies in the sample, along with their classifications. In subsequent papers, we will explore the structure of outer disks as revealed by these profiles, and investigate their possible origins. The profiles are derived from a variety of different sources, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (Data Release 5). For about half of the galaxies, we have profiles derived from more than one telescope; this allows us to check the stability and repeatability of our profile extraction and classification. The vast majority of the profiles are reliable down to levels of μR ≈ 27 mag arcsec−2; in exceptional cases, we can trace profiles down to μR > 28. We can typically follow disk profiles out to at least 1.5 times the traditional optical radius R25; for some galaxies, we find light extending to ∼3 × R25. For type I (single-exponential) profiles, this means that we can trace the exponential disk out to 6–7 scale lengths. We classify the profiles into three main groups: type I (single-exponential), type II (down-bending), and type III (up-bending). The frequencies of these types are approximately 27%, 42%, and 24%, respectively, plus another 6% which are combinations of types II and III. We further classify type II profiles by where the break falls in relation to the bar length, and in terms of the postulated mechanisms for breaks at large radii (“classical truncation” of star formation versus the influence of the Outer Lindblad Resonance of the bar). We also classify the type III profiles by the probable morphology of the outer light (disk or spheroid). Illustrations are given for all cases.
Multi-Year Assessment of Toxic Genotypes and Microcystin Concentration in Northern Lake Taihu, China

Lake Taihu is the third-largest freshwater lake in China and has been suffering from cyanobacterial blooms for over two decades. The northern part of the lake, Meiliang Bay, is known to be at high risk of dense and sustained Microcystis blooms and toxins. This study aimed to investigate and record the annual and seasonal dynamics of toxic genotype, Microcystis morphospecies succession and microcystin variation. It also aimed to find out the underlying driving factors influencing the dynamic changes. Microcystin (MC) and the Microcystis genotype were quantified using HPLC and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Our study, over three consecutive years, showed that the pattern of morphospecies succession was seasonally distinct and annually consistent. During the same period in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the average MC were, on dry weight basis, 733 μg·g−1, 844 μg·g−1, 870 μg·g−1, respectively. The proportion of toxic Microcystis accounted for 41%, 44% and 52%, respectively. Cell bound microcystin was found to correlate with the percentage of toxic Microcystis. Based on historical and current data, we conclude that annual bloom toxicity was relatively stable or possibly increased over the last decade.
Robot-driven downward pelvic pull to improve crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy

Robotic training of children with crouch gait improved posture and walking by enhancing muscle strength and coordination. Children with cerebral palsy commonly exhibit an abnormality called crouch gait, which is characterized by excessive flexion of the hips/knees and weak plantar flexor muscles during the stance phase. One of the major reasons for this pathological gait is weakness in soleus muscles. During the mid-stance phase of gait when the toe and heel are both on the ground, the soleus keeps the shank upright and facilitates extension of the knee angle. It also provides propulsive forces on the body during the late stance phase of the gait cycle. We hypothesized that walking with downward pelvic pull will (i) strengthen extensor muscles, especially the soleus, against the applied downward force and (ii) improve muscle coordination during walking. We then tested a robotic training paradigm to improve both posture and gait of children with crouch gait. In this paradigm, participants with crouch gait were subjected to downward pelvic force when walking on a treadmill, provided by a cable-driven robot called Tethered Pelvic Assist Device. Electromyography of soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and walking kinematics of the participants showed the feasibility of this training, enhanced upright posture of the participants, and improved muscle coordination. In addition, walking features of these participants, such as increased step length, range of motion of the lower limb angles, toe clearance, and heel-to-toe pattern, improved. This robotic training method can be a promising intervention for children with cerebral palsy who have a crouch gait.
Comparison of perinatal outcome of growth restricted fetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms.

BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restridtion (IUGR) is a complex problem. It is notorious but a difficult diagnosis. The perinatal mortality can be reduced when the results of umbilical artery Doppler are made available to clinicians to help them intervene more timely and appropriately. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcome of growth restricted foetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery doppler waveforms. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the radiology department of Mother and Child Health (MCH), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad from March 2007 to March 2008. A total of 100 pregnant women -with growth restricted foetuses were studied with umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound. Fifty women had normail umbilical artery Doppler waveform and the umbilical artery Doppler wave-form was compromised (either absent or reversed) in the 50 pregnancies. These patients were followed up and the perinatal outcomes were recorded and compared. RESULTS Premature delivery was recorded in 14% in the normal group and 96% in the abnormal group. The number of babies with low birth weight was more in the abnormal group. The neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions were significantly increased in the abnormal group (82%). The incidence of intra-ventricular haemorrhage was more (18%) in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal group (06%). Perinatal deaths were three times more in the abnormal umbilical artery Doppler group as compared to normal. The difference in the perinatal outcome of both group is statistically significant (p=.0001). CONCLUSION There is a strong relationship between pregnancy outcome in IUGR babies and abnormal uterine artery doppler waveform (Absent or reversed).
Experimenting with Quantitative Evaluation Tools for Monitoring Operational Security

This paper presents the results of an experiment in security evaluation. The system is modeled as a privilege graph that exhibits its security vulnerabilities. Quantitative measures that estimate the effort an attacker might expend to exploit these vulnerabilities to defeat the system security objectives are proposed. A set of tools has been developed to compute such measures and has been used in an experiment to monitor a large real system for nearly two years. The experimental results are presented and the validity of the measures is discussed. Finally, the practical usefulness of such tools for operational security monitoring is shown and a comparison with other existing approaches is given.
In-house alert sounds detection and direction of arrival estimation to assist people with hearing difficulties

A prototype of a low-cost, wearable system is presented to assist persons with hearing impairments by detecting in-house alert sounds and estimating their direction of arrival (DOA). The prototype is composed of a circular microphone array, a small microcomputer, and motors for vibration alerting. The array includes five microphones uniformly distributed on the outer surface of a ring with circumference comparable to human waist. Each microphone is connected to one of the analog inputs of the microcomputer. The power of the microphone signals is analyzed to detect alert sounds. Upon the detection of an alert sound, a low-complexity time-difference of arrival method is used to determine the sound DOA with mean error of 14.1°. The user is notified about the detection of alert sound and its DOA by vibrating the closest motor to the sounds source. The time required to detect and localize an alert sound is around 35 msec.
SIX METHODS FOR DETERMINING SORPTIVITY AND HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY WITH DISC PERMEAMETERS

The disc permeameter has become a popular apparatus for measuring in situ the sorptivity, S, and hydraulic conductivity, K, of the soil at some prescribed potential. A number of different methods have been proposed for calculating S and K using the flow rate, Q(t), from the disc. Measurements of Q(t) on a Kokotau silt loam soil were made using discs with radii of 50 and 102 mm. Measurements were made at potentials of −20, −40, and −100 mm with the 102−mm disc and at potentials of −20 and −40 mm with the 50 mm disc. S and K were calculated using six different methods. Three of the methods use Wooding's equation of flow from a disc: where Q∞ is the steady-state flow rate; r is the radius of the disc source; ΨK = K(Ψ) - K(Ψ) (where Ψo and Ψn are, respectively, the potential of the source and the initial potential of the soil); and λc is the macroscopic capillary length scale. These three methods and a method based on a linear diffusion model gave similar values of S and/or K. The method of Youngs, which uses the early- to medium-time infiltration data to calculate K, gave very low and inconsistent values of K. Calculations of K were also made from values of S at two different potentials. Here S as So was first calculated by using the early-time values of Q(t1/2). These values of K were similar to those calculated using the methods based on Wooding's equation. This suggests that measuring S at two or more different potentials, using the disc permeameter, would provide a very rapid method for characterizing the hydraulic properties of soils, provided the soil is fine textured and S can be measured either from the early-time behavior or using the method of Warrick.
Analysis of surface processes using SAR data: Westdahl Volcano, Alaska

Seasat, Earth Resource Satellite (ERS-1) and Japan Earth Resource Satellite (JERS-1) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data were used to investigate surface geomorphic and topographic changes caused by volcanic eruptions of Westdahl Volcano, Alaska. This volcano is located at the west end of Unimak Island, Alaska, approximately 1200 km southwest of Anchorage. This remote, ice-capped volcano has erupted three times in the last 34 years. The eruptions have melted portions of the ice-cap which have been replenished by winter snow. Changes in terrain were studied by comparing seasonal and inter-annual SAR data acquired over a 17 year period prior to, during and after two eruptions. The SAR data provided a record of geological and environmental processes between 1978 and 1995. Time sequential data recorded the formation of landforms and subsequent burial by snow. A series of winter images showed that changing environmental conditions, thought to be predominantly snow moisture, influence the detection and ability to analyse landforms, such as lava flows, by affecting the contrast between features and surrounding ground. Backscatter values of lava flows indicate that it would be difficult to distinguish them solely by radiometric response due to seasonal and annual fluctuations. A colour composite, formed using multi-temporal data, improved the detection of landforms and surface changes related to the eruption as well as environmental changes during the winter.
Retrospective Proteomic Analysis of Cellular Immune Responses and Protective Correlates of p24 Vaccination in an HIV Elite Controller Using Antibody Arrays

Background: HIV p24 is an extracellular HIV antigen involved in viral replication. Falling p24 antibody responses are associated with clinical disease progression and their preservation with non-progressive disease. Stimulation of p24 antibody production by immunization to delay progression was the basis of discontinued p24 vaccine. We studied a therapy-naive HIV+ man from Sydney, Australia, infected in 1988. He received the HIV-p24-virus like particle (VLP) vaccine in 1993, and continues to show vigorous p24 antigen responses (>4% p24-specific CD4+ T cells), coupled with undetectable plasma viremia. We defined immune-protective correlates of p24 vaccination at the proteomic level through parallel retrospective analysis of cellular immune responses to p24 antigen in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes at viremic and aviremic phases using antibody-array. We found statistically significant coordinated up-regulation by all three cell-types with high fold-changes in fractalkine, ITAC, IGFBP-2, and MIP-1α in the aviremic phase. TECK and TRAIL-R4 were down-regulated in the viremic phase and up-regulated in the aviremic phase. The up-regulation of fractalkine in all three cell-types coincided with protective effect, whereas the dysfunction in anti-apoptotic chemokines with the loss of immune function. This study highlights the fact that induction of HIV-1-specific helper cells together with coordinated cellular immune response (p < 0.001) might be important in immunotherapeutic interventions and HIV vaccine development.