cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Replication of derivatives of the broad host range plasmid RK2 in two distantly related bacteria

A 0.7-kb segment of the broad host range plasmid RK2 containing the replication origin of this plasmid will replicate in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida when this segment is joined to a 1.8-kb region of RK2 designated traA*. The presence of another region of RK2, designated trfB, that previously was implicated in RK2 replication had no effect on the maintenance of the RK2 trfA*-oriV replicon in these two organisms. These observations indicate a requirement for a minimal account of information for replication of this broad host range plasmid in two distantly related bacteria.
THE EFFECT OF CORTICOSTERONE AND RELATED COMPOUNDS ON THE RENAL EXCRETION OF ELECTROLYTES

The sodium and chloride retaining effect of suprarenal cortical extracts and of crystalline compounds derived from the suprarenal cortex parallels their effectiveness in maintaining suprarenalectomized dogs. All of the active compounds thus far studied produce a potassium diuresis when injected into normal dogs. The injection of a synthetic compound, desoxy-corticosterone acetate, produced in normal dogs a very marked sodium and chloride retention and a potassium diuresis. In a suprarenalectomized dog desoxy-corticosterone acetate was substituted successfully for suprarenal cortical extract.
Explicit Ziv–Zakai bound for analysis of DOA estimation performance of sparse linear arrays

Abstract Sparse linear arrays (SLAs) provide similar direction-of-arrival estimation performance to filled linear arrays in terms of angular accuracy and resolution with reduced size, weight, power consumption, and cost. However, they are subject to significant ambiguities due to high sidelobes in the array beampattern, which give rise to large estimation errors. In this paper, we develop an explicit closed-form expression for the Ziv–Zakai bound on the mean square estimation error in order to quantify the degradation in estimation performance due to the sidelobe ambiguities. The bound consists of three terms which correspond to the three types of estimation errors: small mainlobe errors, errors due to sidelobe ambiguities, and random errors. The bound is used to analyze the performance of different SLA configurations. Maximum likelihood estimation simulations confirm the contribution of the different types of estimation errors predicted by the bound. The analysis shows that much of the performance degradation due to ambiguities are from random errors that cannot be controlled by array design, while additional degradation due to sidelobe errors depends strongly on the array configuration. Isolating the contributions of the three types of errors provides greater understanding of the behavior of sparse arrays, allowing for more effective system design and analysis.
Experimental test for geminate recombination applied to organic solar cells

We show that a clear experimental test can distinguish between geminate and nongeminate recombination in low mobility semiconductors. For the particular case of the organic solar cell, the relative contribution of geminate recombination can be determined by measuring transient photoconductivity versus applied voltage. Measurements carried out at room temperature and 200 K on bulk heterojunction organic solar cells fabricated with two different semiconducting polymers show that neither exhibits significant geminate recombination.
Effects of music-based social stories on comprehension and generalization of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized effectiveness study

Abstract The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effects of music-based social stories on the comprehension and generalization of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders. The principle investigator (PI) collected data during three separate one-week summer camps. Participants (N = 30) were randomly assigned by cluster to one of three non-music control groups (social story read to them) or one of three experimental music therapy groups (social story sung to them). Participants’ parents completed the autism social skills profile (ASSP) at pre- and posttest and five comprehension check (CC) questions over time pertaining to their child's assigned social story. The only main effect for the ASSP that was significant was subcategory but there were numerous significant two- and three-way interactions confounding results. Main effects for time on the CC were significant, with scores being highest on the posttest. Overall, the lack of significant main effects was likely a function of minimal treatment dose. Although results of the study were confounded by numerous significant interactions, clinicians might pair social stories with music to facilitate comprehension, generalization, and on-task behaviors conducive to learning social information. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Using yield-focused design methodologies to speed time-to-market (Invited Paper)

As manufacturers employ emerging advances in lithographic technologies, the need for complementary improvements in design processes becomes critical. In moving to nanometer technology nodes at 90nm and below, semiconductor companies will face increased challenges for optimizing yield beyond traditional post-processing methods. Instead, increasing responsibility for yield improvement will focus on lithography-friendly design methodologies and adoption of improved design-for-manufacturability (DFM) practices able to address manufacturing yield issues from first silicon, into production ramp-up and during volume manufacturing. Among emerging DFM practices, "yield-focused" design tools and methodologies address yield-loss mechanisms arising with nanometer technologies. By employing these emerging tools and methodologies, engineers can address manufacturing-induced yield problems early in the design process and through manufacturing.
The cost of losing: an analysis of commercial weight-loss programs in a metropolitan area

Thirty-four million adult Americans are obese (greater than 30% above ideal body weight). 1990 national Health Objectives state that 50% of all adults should adopt weight-loss and exercise regimes. This recommendation has caused a dramatic surge in the number and variety of weight-loss programs currently available. A parallel surge has occurred in the cost of these weight-loss programs. This wide variation in personal expenditure (and treatment provided) necessitates a review of the programs and their cost to the participant. The cost of a 12-week outpatient commercial weight-loss program can range from $2,120 for the most expensive very low-calorie diet program to $108 for the least expensive nutrient-balanced hypocaloric diet program. This article reviews 11 commercial diet programs in the Boston area and analyzes the out-of-pocket cost paid to the clinic by the participant to lose 1 kg on each program. Given the complexity of treatment to achieve long-term weight control, knowledge of financial obligations is important.
The rosette cell response of several mouse strains to immunization with both sheep and pigeon erythrocytes; magnitude of errors caused by cytophilic antibody.

Immunization of mice with two non-cross-reacting red cells, sheep and pigeon, gave rise to rosette-forming spleen cells (RFC) capable of binding both types of erythrocytes. These double rosettes occurred in random bred mice and ininbred strains. The double RFC response vaned from strain to strain, from 6-32% of the total RFC response. Serum taken from mice during the peak response was able to passively sensitize normal mice, resulting in a considerable number of RFC and double RFC recovered in their spleens. Strain differences in the number of double KFC determined following immunization were found to be related to the ability of individual strains to be passively sensitized with cytophilic antibody. The transfer could be performed in vivo or in vitro. It has also been shown that this cytophilic antibody can belong to the IgM or IgC class. This data indicates that cytophilic antibodies are responsible for all double RFC and for a significant varying number of the RFC in actively immunized mice depending upon the strain.
Quantitation of the normal Frank and McFee-Parungao orthogonal electrocardiogram in the adolescent.

A detailed linear, circular and spherical quantitation of the Frank and McFee-Parungao orthogonal electrocardiograms of 166 adolescents is presented. There are significant differences between pubescent males and females: (1) QRS and T magnitudes in the male are greater than in the female. (2) The difference in magnitudes is greater at age 11-15 than at age 16-19, presumably because females reach puberty earlier. (3) The differences in magnitudes are on the X and Z axes but not the Y axis. (4) Males achieve their maximal posterior QRS orientation sooner than females and are more superior as it occurs. (5) The female9s T vector is less anterior than the male9s. (6) The angular deviation of T from QRS is less in females than males for the horizontal and sagittal planes. There are significant differences between the two lead systems: (1) The McFee-Parungao9s voltages are greater than those of the Frank system. (2) On the X axis, the Frank leftward vector is 62% of the McFee, but the terminal rightward vector is 85% of the McFee. (3) On the Y axis, the Frank inferior vector is 76% of the McFee, but initial superior is 90% and the terminal superior 62% of the McFee. (4) On the X axis, 25% is terminally to the right in the Frank, but only 15% in the McFee. (5) The Frank system is oriented slightly more posterior than the McFee, though the T vectors are not oriented differently. There is no evidence that the spatial QRS and T orientations are related to each other.
Digital signal processing architecture design for gate array based software defined radios

A complete digital signal processing architecture for software defined radios (SDRs) has been developed for several NASA missions under the JHU/APL name Frontier Radio.1, 2 The design is completely integrated into a single field programmable gate array (FPGA), and includes all processing necessary to execute a variety of modulation and demodulation schemes, as well as abstract the radio hardware and control up to a human interface level. A balance in the inherent dichotomy between key mission requirements, low power and infinite flexibility, has been achieved with an eye towards FPGA and space flight qualified application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) commercial device trends. The Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) compliant modular design architecture allows for low cost reconfiguration, replacement, or addition of functionality. Trades made during the development process of this architecture are discussed: including different firmware development paths, FPGA integration vs. commercial device usage, and implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) mathematics. Several usage scenarios, STRS Waveforms, of the FPGA architecture are discussed together with tested performance metrics.
Mechanism of the aminolysis of methyl benzoate: a computational study.

Density functional and ab initio methods were applied in examining the possible mechanistic pathways for the reaction of methyl benzoate with ammonia. Transition state structures and energies were determined for concerted and neutral stepwise mechanisms. The theoretical results show that the two possible pathways have similar activation energies. The general base catalysis of the process was also examined. The predictions reveal that the catalytic process results in considerable energy savings and the most favorable pathway of the reaction is through a general-base-catalyzed neutral stepwise mechanism. The structure and transition vectors of the transition states indicate that the catalytic role of ammonia is realized by facilitating the proton-transfer processes. Comparison of the energetics of the aminolysis for methyl benzoate and methyl formate shows the more favorable process to be that for the aliphatic ester. The differing reactivity of the two esters is explained in terms of the electrostatic pote...
Thermal Conductivity Measurements in Porous Mixtures of Methane Hydrate and Quartz Sand

[1] Using von Herzen and Maxwell's needle probe method, we measured thermal conductivity in four porous mixtures of quartz sand and methane gas hydrate, with hydrate composing 0, 33, 67 and 100% of the solid volume. Thermal conductivities were measured at a constant methane pore pressure of 24.8 MPa between −20 and +15°C, and at a constant temperature of −10°C between 3.5 and 27.6 MPa methane pore pressure. Thermal conductivity decreased with increasing temperature and increased with increasing methane pore pressure. Both dependencies weakened with increasing hydrate content. Despite the high thermal conductivity of quartz relative to methane hydrate, the largest thermal conductivity was measured in the mixture containing 33% hydrate rather than in hydrate-free sand. This suggests gas hydrate enhanced grain-to-grain heat transfer, perhaps due to intergranular contact growth during hydrate synthesis. These results for gas-filled porous mixtures can help constrain thermal conductivity estimates in porous, gas hydrate-bearing systems.
A combined fiber Bragg grating and interferometric based sensor

A novel combined fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and interferometric based sensor is proposed and demonstrated. The sensor is based on two overlapped Michelson interferometers working at different wavelengths in a Sagnac loop and two FBGs used as wavelength selective mirrors. The advantage of the system is that it combines the benefit of point measurement with FBG and the high sensitivity of long gauge interferometric sensor.
Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of N-acetylcysteine after oral administration in Parkinson's disease.

© 2015. Introduction: Depletion of neuronal glutathione may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can restore neuronal glutathione levels, but it has not been established whether NAC can cross the blood-brain barrier in humans. Methods: Twelve patients with PD were given oral NAC twice daily for 2 days. Three doses were compared: 7mg/kg, 35mg/kg, and 70mg/kg. NAC, cysteine, and glutathione were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at baseline and 90min after the last dose. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed pre- and post-NAC administration using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III motor subscore (UPDRS-III). Results: Oral NAC produced a dose-dependent increase in CSF NAC concentrations (p<0.001), with the highest dose producing a CSF concentration of 9.26±1.62μM. There were no significant adverse events. NAC had no acute effect on motor or cognitive function. Conclusion: Orally administered NAC produces biologically relevant CSF NAC concentrations at doses that are well tolerated. The findings support the feasibility of NAC as a potential disease-modifying therapy for PD.
Automatic Detection of Arrow Annotation Overlays in Biomedical Images

Images in biomedical articles are often referenced for clinical decision support, educational purposes, and medical research. Authors-marked annotations such as text labels and symbols overlaid on these images are used to highlight regions of interest which are then referenced in the caption text or figure citations in the articles. Detecting and recognizing such symbols is valuable for improving biomedical information retrieval. In this research, image processing and computational intelligence methods are integrated for object segmentation and discrimination and applied to the problem of detecting arrows on these images. Evolving Artificial Neural Networks EANNs and Evolving Artificial Neural Network Ensembles EANNEs computational intelligence-based algorithms are developed to recognize overlays, specifically arrows, in medical images. For these discrimination techniques, EANNs use particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm for artificial neural network ANN training, and EANNEs utilize the number of ANNs generated in an ensemble and negative correlation learning for neural network training based on averaging and Linear Vector Quantization LVQ winner-take-all approaches. Experiments performed on medical images from the imageCLEFmed'08 data set, yielded area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and precision/recall results as high as 0.988 and 0.928/0.973, respectively, using the EANNEs method with the winner-take-all approach.
Increasing exfiltration from pervious concrete and temperature monitoring.

Abstract Pervious concrete typically has an infiltration rate far exceeding any expectation of precipitation rate. The limiting factor of a retention based pervious concrete system is often defined by how quickly the underlying soil subgrade will infiltrate the water temporarily stored within the concrete and/or aggregate base. This issue is of particular importance when placing a pervious concrete system on compacted fine textured soils. This research describes the exfiltration from twelve pervious concrete plots constructed on a compacted clay soil in eastern Tennessee, USA. Several types of treatments were applied to the clay soil prior to placement of the stone aggregate base and pervious concrete in an attempt to increase the exfiltration rate, including: 1) control – no treatment; 2) trenched – soil trenched and backfilled with stone aggregate; 3) ripped – soil ripped with a subsoiler; and 4) boreholes – placement of shallow boreholes backfilled with sand. The average exfiltration rates were 0.8 cm d −1 (control), 4.6 cm d −1 (borehole), 10.0 cm d −1 (ripped), and 25.8 cm d −1 (trenched). The trenched treatment exfiltrated fastest, followed by the ripped and then the borehole treatments, although the ripped and borehole treatments were not different from one another at the 5% level of significance. The internal temperature of the pervious concrete and aggregate base was monitored throughout the winter of 2006–2007. Although the temperature of the pervious concrete dropped below freezing 24 times, freezing concrete temperatures never coincided with free water being present in the large pervious concrete pores. The coldest recorded air temperature was −9.9 °C, and the corresponding coldest recorded pervious concrete temperature was −7.1 °C. The temperature of the pervious concrete lagged diurnal air temperature changes and was generally buffered in amplitude, particularly when free water was present since the addition of water increases the thermal capacity of the pervious concrete greatly. The temperature of the aggregate base was further buffered to diurnal changes, and no freezing temperatures were recorded.
Predicting corporate social responsiveness: A model drawn from three perspectives

Most studies of corporate social responsiveness (CSR) focus on the relationship between CSR and profit. Here, we use three perspectives (institutional theory, economic theory and agency theory) to explain CSR. Industry norms, market share and indicators of management reputation predict variance in CSR. The combined perspectives improve understanding of both CSR and the CSR-profit relationship in two ways. First, they suggest that CSR levels and their relationship with profit will vary by industry. Second, they suggest that stock market measures and accounting measures will respond differently to CSR measures. Stock market measures lead, while accounting measures lag, CSR.
Real-time PCR and typing of Clostridium difficile isolates colonizing mare-foal pairs.

Clostridium difficile infection can occur in the dams of sick foals, but it is unknown if mares and foals share the same isolates. In this study, C. difficile isolates from fecal samples of 11 mares paired with 11 foals were genotyped by arbitrarily primed PCR; two mares and three foals in five mare–foal pairs had diarrhea. Fecal immunoassays were utilized to detect C. difficile common antigen and toxin A. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) systems were developed to detect genes for toxins A and B, as well as for binary toxin B. Sequences of all toxins were present in all isolates, although only one horse was positive for toxin A on fecal immunoassay. Identical strains of C. difficile were present in 4/11 (36.4%) mare–foal pairs. Mare–foal pairs can harbor C. difficile subclinically and are potential reservoirs for colonization of each other.
Vulnerability issues of star graphs, alternating group graphs and split-stars: strength and toughness

Abstract Akers et al. (Proceedings of the International Conference on Parallel Processing, 1987, pp. 393–400) proposed an interconnection topology, the star graph, as an alternative to the popular n-cube. Jwo et al. (Networks 23 (1993) 315–326) studied the alternating group graph An. Cheng et al. (Super connectivity of star graphs, alternating group graphs and split-stars, Ars Combin. 59 (2001) 107–116) proposed the split-star as an alternative to the star graph which can be viewed as a companion graph of An. All of these graphs have maximal connectivity. In this paper, we study these interconnection topologies using advanced measures of vulnerability, namely, strength and toughness. Moreover, we show that with respect to toughness, a star graph is no better than an n-cube, whereas the alternating group graph and split-star are tougher than both of these graphs.
Design and control of electric machines utilizing a field reconstruction method

Accurate assessment of the electro-magneto-mechanical energy conversion process usually requires a multi-physics Finite Element (FEA) analysis. Since FE analysis is a time consuming numerical process, lumped parameter models, simplified equivalent magnetic circuits, and separated field analysis are usually used for design and control of electric motor and generator drives. This computational burden is particularly visible in the design of generators for wind energy harvest and motors for propulsion of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles where significant field statistics are often used in the design process. Field Reconstruction Method (FRM) is a technique in which a minimal set of fields analysis are used to establish basis functions for the magnetic flux densities in the machine. Once the basis functions are establish, the performance of the machine is predicted under arbitrary speed and excitation. It has been shown that the FRM can reduce the computational time by two or three orders of magnitude while maintaining the same level of precision that is usually accomplished in a two dimensional FE analysis. Due to its high computational efficiency, FRM has created new opportunity for health monitoring, fault tolerant operation, and multi-physics design of electric machines. Over the past 6 years, this technique has been successfully applied to permanent magnet, induction, and reluctance motor drives. Accurate assessment of the electro-magneto-mechanical energy conversion process usually requires a multi-physics Finite Element (FEA) analysis. Since FE analysis is a time consuming numerical process, lumped parameter models, simplified equivalent magnetic circuits, and separated field analysis are usually used for design and control of electric motor and generator drives. This computational burden is particularly visible in the design of generators for wind energy harvest and motors for propulsion of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles where significant field statistics are often used in the design process. Field Reconstruction Method (FRM) is a technique in which a minimal set of fields analysis are used to establish basis functions for the magnetic flux densities in the machine. Once the basis functions are establish, the performance of the machine is predicted under arbitrary speed and excitation. It has been shown that the FRM can reduce the computational time by two or three orders of magnitude while maintaining the same level of precision that is usually accomplished in a two dimensional FE analysis. Due to its high computational efficiency, FRM has created new opportunity for health monitoring, fault tolerant operation, and multi-physics design of electric machines. Over the past 6 years, this technique has been successfully applied to permanent magnet, induction, and reluctance motor drives.
Optimal Control Of A Make-To-Stock System With Adjustable Service Rate

We consider a multiclass make-to-stock system served by a single server with adjustable capacity (service rate). At any point in time, the decision-maker must determine the capacity level, make a production decision (i.e., whether to produce an item to stock or to satisfy a backorder), and make a rationing decision (i.e., whether to satisfy a new order from stock or place it on backorder). In this article we characterize the structure of optimal capacity adjustment, production, and stock rationing policy for both finite- and infinite-horizon problems. We show that an optimal policy is monotone in current inventory and backorder levels, and we characterize its properties. In a numerical study we compare the optimal policy with heuristic policies and show that the savings from using an optimal policy can be significant.
Recall and Recognition of Static vs. Animated Banner Advertisements

The most common medium for advertising on the World Wide Web (WWW) is through the use of banners. This study investigated recall and recognition of animated and static online banner advertisements....
Redefining Literacy as a Social Practice

Despite multiple and persuasive arguments against the validity of doing so, many basic writers continue to be identified by what Brian V. Street calls the "autonomous model of literacy," a model that research tells us is as artificial and inappropriate as it is ubiquitous. This article describes a curricular response to the political, material, and ideo- logical constraints placed on basic writing via this autonomous model and instead treats literacy as a social practice. After a brief description of the local conditions from which our program emerged, I articulate what I call a "pedagogy of rhetorical dexterity," the new model upon which our curriculum is based. Informed by both the New Literacy Studies and activ- ity theory, rhetorical dexterity teaches writers to effectively read, understand, manipulate, and negotiate the cultural and linguistic codes of a new community of practice based on a relatively accurate assessment of another, more familiar one. The final sections of the article describe the assignments included in a recent version of our curriculum, as well as selected student responses to these assignments and readings. Accepting that a curricular solution to the institutionalized oppression implicit in much literacy learning is necessarily partial and temporary, I argue that fostering students' awareness of the ways in which an autonomous model deconstructs itself when applied to real-life literacy contexts empowers them to work against this system.
Differential Regulation of Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion in Ovariectomized Rats Disclosed by Treatment with a LH-Releasing Hormone Antagonist and Phenobarbital*

Although pulsatile LH release in ovariectomized (OVX) rats appears to be controlled by pulsatile discharges of LHRH, the neuroendocrine regulation of episodic FSH release remains to be explored. The main objective of the present study is to compare and contrast the effects of a potent LHRH antagonist (ALHRH) and a central nervous system depressant, phenobarbital (PhB), on pulsatile LH and FSH release in OVX rats. Three to 4 weeks after ovariectomy, blood samples were obtained at 10-min intervals for 3 h, after which LHRH was injected and sampling continued for an additional hour. In control OVX rats, periodic increases in plasma LH and FSH levels occurred approximately every 30 to 60 min, respectively. Treatment of OVX rats with PhB several hours earlier resulted in a suppression of mean plasma levels and pulse frequencies of both LH and FSH. Interestingly, PhB suppressed the pulse amplitude of LH, but not of FSH. Phenobarbital increased pituitary LH responses to LHRH, but did not alter the FSH responses. When ALHRH was given to OVX rats 24 h before blood sampling, mean plasma LH levels as well as LH pulse frequency and amplitude were severely diminished. In striking contrast, ALHRH did not affect the frequency or amplitude of FSH pulses. However, mean plasma FSH levels were suppressed to 31% of levels measured in control OVX rats. These results demonstrate that in contrast to LH secretion, FSH secretion in OVX rats appears to be regulated by two distinct neuroendocrine mechanisms: an LHRH-dependent mechanism controlling the nonepisodic component of FSH secretion (baseline secretion) and a LHRH-independent mechanism controlling pulsatile FSH release.
Social Media and Campaign 2012: Developments and Trends for Facebook Adoption

Diffusion of innovation theory is used to explain adoption of Facebook in the 2012 campaigns for the U.S. Congress and to identify characteristics that differentiate the small subset of candidates who did not create a Facebook presence from the large majority who did. Models of Facebook adoption for House candidates reveal that there are no differences between Republicans and Democrats. Nonadopters are significantly more likely to be challengers or open-seat candidates, poorly financed candidates, candidates in noncompetitive races, and older. Among nonincumbents, Republicans, and candidates from Republican-oriented districts are more likely to adopt. This study serves as one of the first examinations of social media adoption by congressional candidates in the 2012 elections and discusses relevant developments and trends in adoption since Facebook's introduction in 2006.
Stability and Control of the Money Supply

I. The state variables: balance sheets and information, 279. — II. The model, 284. — III. Numerical illustrations of monetary control, 290. — IV. Conclusions, 301. — Appendix: Derivation of Figure I, 303.
Efficient and reliable low-power backscatter networks

There is a long-standing vision of embedding backscatter nodes like RFIDs into everyday objects to build ultra-low power ubiquitous networks. A major problem that has challenged this vision is that backscatter communication is neither reliable nor efficient. Backscatter nodes cannot sense each other, and hence tend to suffer from colliding transmissions. Further, they are ineffective at adapting the bit rate to channel conditions, and thus miss opportunities to increase throughput, or transmit above capacity causing errors. This paper introduces a new approach to backscatter communication. The key idea is to treat all nodes as if they were a single virtual sender. One can then view collisions as a code across the bits transmitted by the nodes. By ensuring only a few nodes collide at any time, we make collisions act as a sparse code and decode them using a new customized compressive sensing algorithm. Further, we can make these collisions act as a rateless code to automatically adapt the bit rate to channel quality --i.e., nodes can keep colliding until the base station has collected enough collisions to decode. Results from a network of backscatter nodes communicating with a USRP backscatter base station demonstrate that the new design produces a 3.5× throughput gain, and due to its rateless code, reduces message loss rate in challenging scenarios from 50% to zero.
Computational investigation of glycosylation effects on a Family 1 carbohydrate-binding module

Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are ubiquitous components of glycoside hydrolases, which degrade polysaccharides in nature. CBMs target specific polysaccharides, and CBM binding affinity to cellulose is known to be proportional to cellulase activity, such that increasing binding affinity is an important component of performance improvement. To ascertain the impact of protein and glycan engineering on CBM binding, we use molecular simulation to quantify cellulose binding of a natively glycosylated Family 1 CBM. To validate our approach, we first examine aromatic-carbohydrate interactions on binding, and our predictions are consistent with previous experiments, showing that a tyrosine to tryptophan mutation yields a 2-fold improvement in binding affinity. We then demonstrate that enhanced binding of 3–6-fold over a nonglycosylated CBM is achieved by the addition of a single, native mannose or a mannose dimer, respectively, which has not been considered previously. Furthermore, we show that the addition of a single, artificial glycan on the anterior of the CBM, with the native, posterior glycans also present, can have a dramatic impact on binding affinity in our model, increasing it up to 140-fold relative to the nonglycosylated CBM. These results suggest new directions in protein engineering, in that modifying glycosylation patterns via heterologous expression, manipulation of culture conditions, or introduction of artificial glycosylation sites, can alter CBM binding affinity to carbohydrates and may thus be a general strategy to enhance cellulase performance. Our results also suggest that CBM binding studies should consider the effects of glycosylation on binding and function.
Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate regulates epidermal growth factor receptor activation

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2) or PIP(2)] is a direct modulator of a diverse array of proteins in eukaryotic cells. The functional integrity of transmembrane proteins, such as ion channels and transporters, is critically dependent on specific interactions with PIP(2) and other phosphoinositides. Here, we report a novel requirement for PIP(2) in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Down-regulation of PIP(2) levels either via pharmacological inhibition of PI kinase activity, or via manipulation of the levels of the lipid kinase PIP5K1α and the lipid phosphatase synaptojanin, reduced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas up-regulation of PIP(2) levels via overexpression of PIP5K1α had the opposite effect. A cluster of positively charged residues in the juxtamembrane domain (basic JD) of EGFR is likely to mediate binding of EGFR to PIP(2) and PIP(2)-dependent regulation of EGFR activation. A peptide mimicking the EGFR juxtamembrane domain that was assayed by surface plasmon resonance displayed strong binding to PIP(2). Neutralization of positively charged amino acids abolished EGFR/PIP(2) interaction in the context of this peptide and down-regulated epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced EGFR auto-phosphorylation and EGF-induced EGFR signaling to ion channels in the context of the full-length receptor. These results suggest that EGFR activation and downstream signaling depend on interactions of EGFR with PIP(2) and point to the basic JD's critical involvement in these interactions. The addition of this very different class of membrane proteins to ion channels and transporters suggests that PIP(2) may serve as a general modulator of the activity of many diverse eukaryotic transmembrane proteins through their basic JDs.
Reliable clinical monitoring using wireless sensor networks: experiences in a step-down hospital unit

This paper presents the design, deployment, and empirical study of a wireless clinical monitoring system that collects pulse and oxygen saturation readings from patients. The primary contribution of this paper is an in-depth clinical trial that assesses the feasibility of wireless sensor networks for patient monitoring in general hospital units. We present a detailed analysis of the system reliability from a long term hospital deployment over seven months involving 41 patients in a step-down cardiology unit. The network achieved high reliability (median 99.68%, range 95.21% -- 100%). The overall reliability of the system was dominated by sensing reliability of the pulse oximeters (median 80.85%, range 0.46% -- 97.69%). Sensing failures usually occurred in short bursts, although longer periods were also present due to sensor disconnections. We show that the sensing reliability could be significantly improved through oversampling and by implementing a disconnection alarm system that incurs minimal intervention cost. A retrospective data analysis indicated that the system provided sufficient temporal resolution to support the detection of clinical deterioration in three patients who suffered from significant clinical events including transfer to Intensive Care Units. These results indicate the feasibility and promise of using wireless sensor networks for continuous patient monitoring and clinical deterioration detection in general hospital units.
Mastery Motivation and Expressive Language in Young Children With Hearing Loss

We studied the relation between mastery motivation and expressive language in 200 young children with hearing loss. Hearing mothers assessed their children's expressive language (Minnesota Child Development Inventory; Ireton & Thwing, 1974) and several aspects of mastery motivation including mastery pleasure and three components of mastery persistence (gross motor, object oriented, and social/symbolic) using the Dimensions of Mastery Motivation Questionnaire (Morgan et al., 1992). Simple correlations revealed significant relations between expressive language and all mastery motivation scales. When demographic and hearing loss variables were entered into a regression equation, only increased social/ symbolic persistence was significantly related to, and increased object-oriented persistence was marginally related to, increases in expressive language quotients. Expressive language quotients also increased significantly as child age and degree of hearing loss decreased and as mothers' ratings of their child's general competence increased. In addition, decreases in the age at which the child was enrolled in intervention were marginally related to increases in expressive languagequotients (f =.06).
The complexity of deciding strictly non-blocking concentration and generalized-concentration properties with small depth

The practicality of the probabilistic construction of interconnection networks depends on the difficulty of deciding if a random structure satisfies the desired interconnection property, or of identifying a defective one. Polynomial-time computational complexity results are presented for deciding the strictly non-blocking concentration and generalized concentration properties with small depth, by using b-matching techniques. >
Methylation mediated silencing of TMS1/ASC gene in prostate cancer

Transcriptional silencing associated with aberrant promoter methylation has been established as an alternate pathway for the development of cancer by inactivating tumor suppressor genes. TMS1 (Target of Methylation induced Silencing), also known as ASC (Apoptosis Speck like protein containing a CARD) is a tumor suppressor gene which encodes for a CARD (caspase recruitment domain) containing regulatory protein and has been shown to promote apoptosis directly and by activation of downstream caspases. This study describes the methylation induced silencing of TMS1/ASC gene in prostate cancer cell lines. We also examined the prevalence of TMS1/ASC gene methylation in prostate cancer tissue samples in an effort to correlate race and clinico-pathological features with TMS1/ASC gene methylation. Loss of TMS1/ASC gene expression associated with complete methylation of the promoter region was observed in LNCaP cells. Gene expression was restored by a demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine, but not by a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed enrichment of MBD3 (methyl binding domain protein 3) to a higher degree than commonly associated MBDs and MeCP2. We evaluated the methylation pattern in 66 prostate cancer and 34 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue samples. TMS1/ASC gene methylation was more prevalent in prostate cancer cases than controls in White patients (OR 7.6, p 0.002) while no difference between the cases and controls was seen in Black patients (OR 1.1, p 0.91). Our study demonstrates that methylation-mediated silencing of TMS1/ASC is a frequent event in prostate cancer, thus identifying a new potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for the treatment of the disease. Racial differences in TMS1/ASC methylation patterns implicate the probable role of molecular markers in determining in susceptibility to prostate cancer in different ethnic groups.
Metabolome of human gut microbiome is predictive of host dysbiosis

Humans live in constant and vital symbiosis with a closely linked bacterial ecosystem called the microbiome, which influences many aspects of human health. When this microbial ecosystem becomes disrupted, the health of the human host can suffer; a condition called dysbiosis. However, the community compositions of human microbiomes also vary dramatically from individual to individual, and over time, making it difficult to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking the microbiome to human health. We propose that a microbiome’s interaction with its human host is not necessarily dependent upon the presence or absence of particular bacterial species, but instead is dependent on its community metabolome; an emergent property of the microbiome. Using data from a previously published, longitudinal study of microbiome populations of the human gut, we extrapolated information about microbiome community enzyme profiles and metabolome models. Using machine learning techniques, we demonstrated that the aggregate predicted community enzyme function profiles and modeled metabolomes of a microbiome are more predictive of dysbiosis than either observed microbiome community composition or predicted enzyme function profiles. Specific enzyme functions and metabolites predictive of dysbiosis provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of microbiome–host interactions. The ability to use machine learning to predict dysbiosis from microbiome community interaction data provides a potentially powerful tool for understanding the links between the human microbiome and human health, pointing to potential microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Managing software development in globally distributed teams

Surveying the basic elements needed for globally distributed teams to function smoothly and efficiently.
Effects of 2-Hydroxyestradiol-17β, 2-Hydroxyestradiol-17α, and 4-Hydroxyestrone on the Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surge in the Rat: Agonist and Antagonist Actions

Four-day cycling rats equipped with intracardiac catheters were injected with 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β (2OHE2-17β) at 0800, 0900, 1000, and 1200 h on the morning of proestrus. The administration at 0800 and 0900 h resulted in abolition of the afternoon preovulatory LH surge in virtually all animals. Injections given at 1000 and 1200 h were ineffective in this respect. The isomeric catechol estrogen 4-hydroxyestrone effectively inhibited the LH surge when given at 0900 h, but not if injected at 1000 or 1200 h. In contrast, the nonestrogenic 2-hydroxyestradiol-17α was effective in blocking the LH surge when given at 0900 or 1000 h. Rats treated with 2OHE2-17β at 1000 h responded normally to exogenous LHRH adminstration in the afternoon, indicating that the action of 2OHE2-17β is at the hypothalamic level. 2OHE2-17β and 4-hydroxyestrone, which are potent estrogens, may act in this instance first as estrogen agonists, advancing the “time window” when their catechol antagonist properties in blocking the LH surge...
Airborne lidar point cloud-based below-canopy line-of-sight visibility estimator

Point cloud data collected by small-footprint lidar scanning systems have proven effective in modeling the forest canopy for extraction of tree parameters. Although line-of-sight visibility (LOSV) in complex forests may be important for military planning and search-and-rescue operations, the ability to estimate LOSV from lidar scanners is not well developed. A new estimator of below-canopy LOSV (BC-LOSV) by addressing the problem of estimation of lidar under-sampling of the forest understory is created. Airborne and terrestrial lidar scanning data were acquired for two forested sites in order to test a probabilistic model for BC-LOSV estimation solely from airborne lidar data. Individual crowns were segmented, and allometric projections of the probability model into the lower canopy and stem regions allowed the estimation of the likelihood of the presence of vision-blocking elements for any given LOSV vector. Using terrestrial lidar scans as ground truth, we found an approximate average absolute difference of 20% between BC-LOSV estimates from the airborne and terrestrial point clouds, with minimal bias for either over- or underestimates. The model shows the usefulness of a data-driven approach to BC-LOSV estimation that depends only on small-footprint airborne lidar point cloud and physical knowledge of tree phenology.
The Open-Source Neuroimaging Research Enterprise

While brain imaging in the clinical setting is largely a practice of looking at images, research neuroimaging is a quantitative and integrative enterprise. Images are run through complex batteries of processing and analysis routines to generate numeric measures of brain characteristics. Other measures potentially related to brain function – demographics, genetics, behavioral tests, neuropsychological tests – are key components of most research studies. The canonical scanner – PACS – viewing station axis used in clinical practice is therefore inadequate for supporting neuroimaging research. Here, we model the neuroimaging research enterprise as a workflow. The principal components of the workflow include data acquisition, data archiving, data processing and analysis, and data utilization. We also describe a set of open-source applications to support each step of the workflow and the transitions between these steps. These applications include DIGITAL IMAGING AND COMMUNICATIONS IN MEDICINE viewing and storage tools, the EXTENSIBLE NEUROIMAGING ARCHIVE TOOLKIT data archiving and exploration platform, and an engine for running processing/analysis pipelines. The overall picture presented is aimed to motivate open-source developers to identify key integration and communication points for interoperating with complimentary applications.
Biogeochemistry of Glacial Landscape Systems

AbstractGlaciers affect biogeochemistry of landscapes through their sediments. Glacial erosion rates are high and the sediments produced are distinctively fine grained, hence glaciers can be thought of as producers of mineral surface area. Although this mineral surface area is highly reactive, temperature limits chemical weathering fluxes from glaciers and their surroundings. More significant effects may be associated with silt deposited in loess and on continental margins. Thick deposits in both settings contribute to carbon cycling through both silicate weathering and organic carbon burial. The impact of glaciers on biogeochemical cycles will be long-lasting, as the legacy of glacial erosion processes continues as long as sediment yields are elevated.
Nonpharmacological Interventions to Manage Common Symptoms in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation can experience symptoms such as pain, anxiety, agitation, and lack of sleep while in the intensive care unit, all of which can affect healing. Nonpharmacological complementary therapies can be used as adjuncts to sedatives and analgesics. By incorporating appropriate use of complementary therapies in conjunction with mainstream medical therapies, nurses can decrease patients' anxiety, promote sleep, and promote a healing environment to improve outcomes. Minimizing noise and providing access to natural light help promote a healing environment. Methods to promote sleep include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and massage and communication with patients' and their families to determine the patients' normal sleep patterns. Complementary therapies to relieve anxiety and agitation include music intervention, imagery, presence, and animal-assisted therapy.