cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-cell regulome data analysis by SCRAT

Summary Emerging single-cell technologies (e.g. single-cell ATAC-seq, DNase-seq or ChIP-seq) have made it possible to assay regulome of individual cells. Single-cell regulome data are highly sparse and discrete. Analyzing such data is challenging. User-friendly software tools are still lacking. We present SCRAT, a Single-Cell Regulome Analysis Toolbox with a graphical user interface, for studying cell heterogeneity using single-cell regulome data. SCRAT can be used to conveniently summarize regulatory activities according to different features (e.g. gene sets, transcription factor binding motif sites, etc.). Using these features, users can identify cell subpopulations in a heterogeneous biological sample, infer cell identities of each subpopulation, and discover distinguishing features such as gene sets and transcription factors that show different activities among subpopulations. Availability and implementation SCRAT is freely available at https://zhiji.shinyapps.io/scrat as an online web service and at https://github.com/zji90/SCRAT as an R package. Contact hji@jhu.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
High-risk obstetrics: I. Perinatal outcome in relation to a broadened approach to obstetric care for patients at special risk☆

Abstract A special clinical facility was set up to provide exemplary, individualized care to high-risk obstetric patients and to serve as a model to test the effects of broadening the scope and intensity of obstetric supervision. A method of identifying patients at risk was devised and an intensified screening and diagnostic program was instituted. Even among the disadvantaged groups, gradations of risk and variable demands for intensified and expanded care were demonstrated. Previously undetected, underlying ills were encountered in almost one third of the patients. More than one-quarter required antepartal hospitalization for diagnostic work-up and treatment. The finding of improved perinatal salvage rates based on a comparison with this vulnerable group's past obstetric record would seem to justify extending prenatal investigations and concentrating greater effort on those patients at risk.
The anti-Blackness of global capital:

This paper seeks to offer a new perspective on the interrelated questions of globalized capitalism and anti-Blackness. We engage with current geographical work on the question of Blackness, highlig...
Discovery of biomarkers associated with cancer survival using Outcomes Explorer, a web-based translational research tool for the visualization and analysis of cancer outcomes data.

e22157 Background: The analysis of cancer outcomes data with the genotype and clinical parameters is a challenging task that often requires complex software and the involvement of statisticians for...
Impact of Angiotensin II Signaling Blockade on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Preclinical data demonstrate that activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to mucosal inflammation, and RAS inhibition by angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) improves colitis in animal models. Less is known regarding the effects of RAS inhibition on clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Evaluate the impact of ACEI and ARB on clinical outcomes in IBD. Rates of IBD-related hospitalizations, operations, and corticosteroid use were evaluated retrospectively in two groups. First, 111 IBD patients taking an ACEI or ARB were compared to nonusers matched 1:1 based on sex, age, diagnosis, disease location, and hypertension diagnosis. Second, outcomes in a cohort of 130 IBD patients were compared prior to and during ACEI/ARB exposure. Compared to matched controls, all IBD patients together with ACEI/ARB exposure had fewer hospitalizations (OR 0.26, p < 0.01), operations (OR 0.08, p = 0.02), and corticosteroid prescriptions (OR 0.5, p = 0.01). Comparing outcomes before and during ACEI/ARB use, there were no differences in hospitalizations, operations, or corticosteroid use for all IBD patients together, but patients with UC had increased hospitalizations (0.08 pre- vs. 0.16 during ACEI/ARB exposure, p = 0.03) and decreased corticosteroid use (0.24 pre-ACEI/ARB vs. 0.12 during ACEI/ARB exposure, p < 0.01) during ACEI/ARB use. IBD patients with ACEI/ARB exposure had fewer hospitalizations, operations, and corticosteroid use compared to matched controls. No differences in outcomes were observed in individuals on ACEI/ARB therapy when compared to a period of time prior to medication exposure.
What, If Anything, Should Replace the QM GSE Patch?

In 2017, approximately 400,000 high debt-to-income mortgages met the definition of the Bureau of Consumer Finance Protection’s Qualified Mortgage rule thanks to an exemption that grants QM status to high-DTI loans guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. This exemption, referred to as the “GSE patch” is set to expire on January 10, 2021, or when the GSEs exit conservatorship, whichever comes first. This sets up an urgent need to determine what, if anything should replace the patch. This article offers three options to that end: 1) preserve the patch; 2) make QM determination based on overall riskiness, as measured by spread to a mortgage lending benchmark rate; or 3) drop the patch. The authors examine each option and recommend Option 2 because it strikes a healthier balance between expanding access to credit and limiting defaults to reasonable levels. Option 2 would eliminate both the DTI cap and the GSE patch while placing the private sector on a more equal footing with the GSEs. TOPICS:Legal and regulatory issues for structured finance, legal/regulatory/public policy
A Pedestrian Exposure Model for the California State Highway System

For this study, we developed one of the first statewide pedestrian exposure models, using log-linear regression to estimate annual pedestrian crossing volumes at intersections on the California Sta...
Evaluating frailty in Medicaid Home and Community-based Services clients: a feasibility and comparison study between the SHARE-FI and SPPB.

Frailty assessment most commonly occurs within health care settings by health care providers. Implementing frailty assessment within non-medical settings that provide comprehensive social services for older adults may be an opportunity for population-based frailty screening and care. One such non-medical setting in which older adults receive care is Medicaid Home and Community-based Services (HCBS). Determining the feasibility of frailty screening within this non-medical setting is the first step towards population-based frailty assessment and care. The aims of this study were to (1) determine the feasibility of evaluating frailty using two different approaches (the Survey of Health Among Retired Europeans-Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)) among HCBS clients, (2) determine the agreement between the methods, and (3) explore specific frailty deficits on these measures to provide detailed knowledge on HCBS client impairments. This cross-sectional study occurred in HCBS client homes throughout the Chicagoland area. A research assistant with no health care provider training conducted all frailty assessments. We used the freely available SHARE-FI calculator to generate both a categorical and continuous frailty score. We used the SPPB to capture both a categorical score with frailty categories assigned as 0–6 (frail), 7–9 (pre-frail), and 10–12 (non-frail) and continuous score. We evaluated feasibility via domains of acceptability, implementation, adaptation, and practicality. We used Cohen’s kappa and Spearman’s correlation to determine agreement between frailty tools. We enrolled n = 139 HCBS clients. Frailty assessment was feasibility via both the SHARE-FI and SPPB. The SHARE-FI was more practical given the fewer training needs, shorter administration time, and reduced equipment needs. There was a statically significant fair agreement between SHARE-FI and SPPB categorical scores with stronger agreement between SHARE-FI and SPPB continuous scores (r = − 0.448, p < .005; 95% CI, − 0.571, − 0.305). Among the five frailty criteria on the SHARE-FI, a pattern emerged of the highest frequency of positive responses to each criterion among frail clients followed by pre-frail and then non-frail. Frailty assessment is feasible within HCBS settings conducted by a non-medical provider. Using continuous frailty scores provides stronger agreement between measures compared with categorical scores. Frailty can be feasibly measured in a non-medical setting providing initial evidence for a mechanism for population screening and care for frailty in HCBS.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Exposure Keratopathy Across Different Intensive Care Units.

PURPOSE To determine the prevalence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy (EK) across different intensive care units (ICU) at Columbia University Medical Center, including the Pediatric ICU (PICU), Medical ICU (MICU), and Neurologic ICU (NICU). METHODS In this prospective cohort study, 65 patients were examined daily during their admission in the PICU (27 patients), MICU (15 patients), and NICU (23 patients). Data on eyelid position, conjunctival and corneal changes, Bell's and blink reflexes, medications, Glasgow Coma Scale rating, and ventilation type were collected. RESULTS Overall EK percentages were as follows: PICU 19%, MICU 60%, and NICU 48%. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU (P = 0.013). Factors associated with EK were lagophthalmos (P < 0.001), an absent Bell's reflex (P = 0.003), an absent blink reflex (P < 0.001), conjunctival injection (P < 0.001), a low Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < 0.001), intubation (P < 0.001), surgery before examination (P < 0.001), dialysis (P = 0.002), and administration of opioid (P < 0.001), sedative (P < 0.001), and neuromuscular blocking medications (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to examine the rates and risk factors of EK across different ICU settings. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU, which may partly be explained by the increased number of PICU patients receiving noninvasive ventilation and the absence of conjunctival chemosis.
Misapplied Metaphors in AI Policy

Unlike the Chinese government, the U.S. government does not directly subsidize any technology company outside the military, nor does it compel banks to lend to specific firms at favorable rates, nor will it ever speed the permits of national champions, and, frankly, it usually avoids designating a champion. Outside the activities at the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. government also cannot suspend privacy laws in order to nurture technology development (not legally). To summarize, the U.S. government rarely has intervened directly in technical industries except during wartime, or except when the panic of war seems closer, as with the Cold War. Private funding swamps government funding, and therein lies a crucial feature of the North American setting. The top five U.S. states in the U.S. contained over $2.5 billion of AI VC funding in 2018. Though the data are not public, the private funding for internal projects from Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook surely equal the VC funding. While nobody in the Valley likes to think Wall Street and insurance firms lead the way in AI software, add them too. These firms have always led the development of frontier software.
Epitaxial Co50Fe50(110)/Pt(111) films on MgAl2O4(001) and its enhancement of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in magnetic thin films with low coercivity is desirable for magnetic memory devices. It has been found that a (111)-oriented or textured Pt seed layer can enhance PMA and is, therefore, commonly utilized in spintronic structures. We grow (111)-oriented Pt epitaxial films via off-axis sputtering on various substrates and investigate the optimal substrate and orientation for high quality, epitaxial growth. Our results show that Pt(111) epitaxial films grow remarkably well on MgAl2O4(001) with an exceptionally narrow X-ray diffraction rocking curve. This high-quality seed layer is found to promote epitaxial growth of Pt/Co50Fe50/Pt trilayers with strong PMA comparable to many repeats of the magnetic multilayers reported previously. In addition, the Pt seed layer enhances the maximum thicknesses of Co50Fe50 that can still maintain PMA up to 1.07 nm.Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in magnetic thin films with low coercivity is desirable for magnetic memory devices. It has been found that a (111)-oriented or textured Pt seed layer can enhance PMA and is, therefore, commonly utilized in spintronic structures. We grow (111)-oriented Pt epitaxial films via off-axis sputtering on various substrates and investigate the optimal substrate and orientation for high quality, epitaxial growth. Our results show that Pt(111) epitaxial films grow remarkably well on MgAl2O4(001) with an exceptionally narrow X-ray diffraction rocking curve. This high-quality seed layer is found to promote epitaxial growth of Pt/Co50Fe50/Pt trilayers with strong PMA comparable to many repeats of the magnetic multilayers reported previously. In addition, the Pt seed layer enhances the maximum thicknesses of Co50Fe50 that can still maintain PMA up to 1.07 nm.
Force and Inertia: A Systematic Review of Women’s Leadership in Male-Dominated Organizational Cultures in the United States:

The ascension of women into top leadership roles in male-dominated industries and organizations in the United States remains significantly low despite inroads women have made over the past two deca...
Identification of patients at high risk of recurrent disease development by detection of HER2-positive disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow of patients with HER2-negative tumors.

633 Background: A subpopulation of patients with HER2-negative tumors benefit from HER2 therapy. HER2 expression can be discordant between primary tumors and metastases. We have examined the bone m...
A pliable ERα cistrome evades therapy.

The transcription factor oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) has long been targeted for therapeutic benefit in cancer, but drug resistance can emerge through a multitude of mechanisms. A study now reveals how the ERα cistrome can become reprogrammed to confer resistance to tamoxifen in breast cancer.
Quasi-Monte Carlo and ε-truncation dimension in ANOVA spaces

Abstract We explain the efficiency of quasi-Monte Carlo methods for high dimensional integration by proving that the worst case e -truncation dimension of the error functional on γ -weighted ANOVA spaces is small for modest error demands.
A dual role for H2A.Z.1 in modulating the dynamics of RNA Polymerase II initiation and elongation

Abstract RNAPII pausing immediately downstream of the transcription start site (TSS) is a critical rate limiting step at most metazoan genes that allows fine-tuning of gene expression in response to diverse signals1–5. During pause-release, RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) encounters an H2A.Z.1 nucleosome6–8, yet how this variant contributes to transcription is poorly understood. Here, we use high resolution genomic approaches2,9 (NET-seq and ChIP-nexus) along with live cell super-resolution microscopy (tcPALM)10 to investigate the role of H2A.Z.1 on RNAPII dynamics in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Using a rapid, inducible protein degron system11 combined with transcriptional initiation and elongation inhibitors, our quantitative analysis shows that H2A.Z.1 slows the release of RNAPII, impacting both RNAPII and NELF dynamics at a single molecule level. We also find that H2A.Z.1 loss has a dramatic impact on nascent transcription at stably paused, signal-dependent genes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that H2A.Z.1 inhibits re-assembly and re-initiation of the PIC to reinforce the paused state and acts as a strong additional pause signal at stably paused genes. Together, our study suggests that H2A.Z.1 fine-tunes gene expression by regulating RNAPII kinetics in mammalian cells.
Understanding Sleep Dysfunction after Traumatic Brain Injury

This paper aims to review the prevalence, pathophysiology, outcomes, evaluation, and management of sleep dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent research has focused on the prevalence and effects of sleep disturbance in various age groups after TBI, the correlation of subjective complaints to objective sleep measurement, the use of actigraphy to monitor sleep in those with TBI, updates to our understanding of pathophysiology of sleep dysfunction across the spectrum of severity of TBI, and newly identified associations with sleep and outcomes. Providers should continue to recognize and treat sleep dysfunction after TBI given its influence on recovery and function. We should be aware that subjective and objective measurements of sleep may not correlate and that actigraph-inferred sleep data should be interpreted with caution. Ongoing research will continue to inform our understanding of the evaluation and management of sleep dysfunction after TBI.
Functionalized poly(vinylidene fluoride) for selective proton-conducting membranes

Abstract The present study deals with the fabrication of nanocomposite membrane by incorporation of modified (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane treated silicon oxide (APTES-SiO2) within poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix. Further, this nanocomposite membrane was treated with chlorosulfonic acid in order to incorporate the hydrophilic sulfonated (-SO3H) group within the membrane structure. The successful incorporation of nanoparticles within the host polymer structure as well as the sulfonation of the nanocomposite membranes were confirmed from FTIR, NMR and XPS studies respectively. The enhanced ion exchange capacity (0.6 meq g−1) and proton conductivity (9.4 × 10−2 S cm−1) indicate the potentiality of the membranes in fuel cell applications. Further, the greater conductivities of the membranes at high temperature indicates their suitability for performing at high temperature surroundings. The membranes displayed suppressed methanol crossover (50.21% lower as compared to Nafion) leading to more than one-fold higher membrane selectivity thus signifying a potential alternative to Nafion for fuel cell applications.
Reforming FERC’s RTO/ISO stakeholder governance principles

Abstract The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has not provided detailed guidance on Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and Independent System Operator (ISO) governance since Order 719 in 2008; meanwhile, markets have evolved considerably. This article reviews past FERC orders to identify explicit and implied governance principles and criteria to achieve those principles, then proposes additional principles and criteria based on governance problems in PJM Interconnection (PJM). Specifically, a Fair Representation Principle is developed in response to PJM member sectors failing to reflect member diversity, low member participation rates, and inadequately defined state roles. The Neutrality Principle is proposed to address structural and administrative bias, and lack of public transparency. FERC must also expand all governance principles – including the existing Independence and Responsiveness Principles – to apply to all RTO/ISO members and non-member stakeholders, not just market participants. A methodical review of governance issues in all RTO/ISO should inform future FERC-level action, and FERC should regularly evaluate RTO/ISO governance processes to prevent stale governance rules from frustrating the goals of competitive markets. Governance reforms have the potential to improve the public legitimacy of decisions emanating from RTO/ISO stakeholder processes; however, reform supporters shouldn’t view this as a panacea to all the challenges facing the contemporary RTO/ISO.
Postscript: Hutu at the Crossroads of Knowledge and Information

After the manifold Chinese perspectives are described and documented, the postscript by Louise Sundararajan offers some reflections on the far-reaching implications of the Chinese art of not knowing on knowledge and information in the twenty-first century. Within the theoretical framework of strong (China) and weak ties societies, Sundararajan discusses these hutu strategies from the perspective of two types of silence: hutu as ‘primordial silence’ and as ‘silencing.’ Based on a chronological overview of hutu strategies, she argues that the weak ties rationality has become a superadded layer to the contemporary hutu (not knowing) discourse. This evolution is further discussed at the backdrop of the challenges in a globalised world.
Video Chat at the Front Desk: Providing In-Person Help from a Distance

This column describes an approach to helping patrons in the physical library through a telepresence service, while maintaining a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This video chat service was achieved using the WebEx meeting platform and an iPad, which was later upgraded to a Cisco WebEx DX80 display.
Navigating the past in the digital age

Questions surrounding how and why students should learn history are not new. As a part of the larger curricular field of social studies, teaching and learning the academic discipline of history has...
Spanish Imperialist Censuses

Over time, Spain developed into a strong imperialist state. This chapter explores its use of interventionist censuses to govern Puerto Ricans through regularized enumeration. Everyday understandings of race likely influenced early imperialist censuses; census records used multiple and varied terms related to race. Racial markers also varied (except blanco [White] and negro [Black], which were universally used). The information gathered varied regionally: some areas reported categories only for some groups but not others. Starting in 1860, the state employed more systematic, uniform, and rigid binary and tripartite racial categories. Such a system was not in the interests of most Puerto Ricans. Thus, while binary/tripartite distinctions were widely used, the more fluid system of multiple and varied racial markers still figured prominently in daily life. Thus, the census did not transform everyday categorizations.
Perioperative Outcomes After Combined Esophagectomy and Lung Resection.

ABSTRACT Introduction The impact of concomitant lung resection during esophagectomy on short-term outcomes is not well characterized. This study tests the hypothesis that lung resection at the time of esophagectomy is not associated with increased perioperative morbidity or mortality. Methods Perioperative outcomes for esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy alone (EA) were compared to patients who had concurrent esophagectomy and lung resection (EL) using the NSQIP database between 2006-2017. Predictors of morbidity and mortality, including combined surgery, were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among the 6,225 study patients, 6,068 (97.5%) underwent EA and 157 (2.5%) underwent EL. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Operating time for EL was longer than EA (median 416 versus 371 minutes, P Conclusions Concurrent lung resection during esophagectomy is not associated with increased mortality or overall morbidity, but is associated with higher rates of pneumonia beyond esophagectomy alone. Surgeons considering combined lung resection with esophagectomy should carefully evaluate the patient's risk for pulmonary complications and pursue interventions preoperatively to optimize respiratory function.
Light scattering and viscosity studies on some branched starch polymers

Preliminary studies are reported regarding the molecular weight of amylopectins and limit dextrins from various sources, using the light scattering method. Apparent molecular weights of all samples are in the millions, and centrifugation studies conclusively demonstrate that the high value determined by light scattering is not due to the presence of relatively insignificant percentages of undispersed material of much larger particle weight. One normal KOH was used as solvent. Since the possibility of air-alkaline degradation exists using this solvent, some studies designed to determine the importance of this factor are reported. It was found that if air was excluded the particle weights remained in the millions for as long as 54 days, during which time the samples were degraded to less than one hundredth the original weight if air or pure oxygen were present. Further experiments demonstrated that the dispersions were stable during the time necessary for light scattering runs. Intrinsic viscosity data on the amylopectins and their limit dextrins are reported. The intrinsic viscosity of a given amylopectin and the derived limit dextrin are very similar, and in general it is found that there is a very low positive dependence of intrinsic viscosity upon molecular weight for these materials, a result to be expected on the basis of the extensive branching. Es wird uber einleitende Untersuchungen hinsichtlich des Molekulargewichtes der Amylopektine und der „Grenzdextrine” berichtet. Die Molekulargewichte aller Proben betragen einige Millionen. Messungen mit der Ultrazentrifuge haben eindeutig erwiesen, daf diese hohen Werte, welche durch die Lichtstreuungsmethode erhalten werden, nicht zuruckgefuhrt werden konnen auf die Anwesenheit von verhaltnismasig unbedeutenden Anteilen von Aggregaten mit sehr hohem Teilchengewicht; denn eine 1 n-KOH-Losung wurde als Losungsmittel verwandt. Da in diesem Losungsmittel die Moglichkeit eines luftalkalischen Abbaues besteht, werden einige Studien angegeben, welche ausgefuhrt wurden, um die Wichtigkeit dieses Faktors zu bestimmen. Unter 54-tagigem Luftausschlus blieben die Teilchengewichte praktisch unverandert; in derselben Zeit wurden Proben in Gegenwart von Luft oder reinem Sauerstoff zu weniger als einem Hundertstel des ursprunglichen Gewichtes abgebaut. Weitere Studien ergaben, das die Dispersionen wahrend der Dauer der Lichtstreuungsexperimente bestandig waren. Die Grenzviskositaten der Amylopektine und der „Grenzdextrine” werden gemessen. Die Grenzviskositatsdaten sind einander sehr ahnlich. Eine sehr geringe positive Abhangigkeit der Grenzviskositat vom Molekulargewicht wird allgemein fur diese Substanzen gefunden, ein Ergebnis, welches auf Grund der umfangreichen Verzweigungen erwartet werden kann.
Performance of Amorphous Carbon Coating in Turbocompressor Air Bearings

The U.S. Department of Energy has a program to develop fuel cell technology for automotive applications. For maximum efficiency, a fuel cell system requires a compact, lightweight, and highly efficient air compressor to provide a stream of clean air to the fuel cell stack. Meruit, Inc., is developing a turbocompressor for this application. Journal and thrust air bearings are two critical components of the turbocompressor that require low friction and excellent wear resistance. These components were coated with Argonne's new low-friction amorphous carbon coating and tested in an air bearing test rig. Results to date show that the coating provides the required friction reduction, as indicated by reduction in time to lift-off of the radial journal bearing during cyclic start/stop testing. The coating also prevented wall climbing which can cause bearing instability. In spite of a slight inbalance in the coated test bearing, wear on the coated surface, which occurred by polishing and mild abrasion, was at an acceptable level. Work supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Transportation Technology, under Contract W31-109-Eng-38.
The Role of International Human Rights and the Law of Diplomatic Protection in Resolving Zimbabwe’s Land Crisis

Zimbabwe's most recent land reform program has targeted thousands of commercial farms for compulsory acquisition. This Note analyzes what protections and remedies reside in international human rights law and the law of diplomatic protection for commercial farmers deprived of their property as a result of this program.
The Preparation, Properties, and Reactions of Succinyl Coenzyme A Synthetase and Its Phosphorylated Form

Abstract A succinyl coenzyme A synthetase preparation from Escherichia coli has the following characteristics: apparent chromatographic, sedimentation, and electrophoretic homogeneity; molecular weight of about 141,000; A280 (1 mg per ml) = 0.511; higher specific activity than previous preparations; and identity by several criteria with a phosphorylated protein (E-P) obtained upon exposure to Mg++, inorganic orthophosphate, and succinyl-CoA or to Mg++ and ATP. ATP will phosphorylate up to 1 histidine residue per mole of enzyme, with an apparent -ΔF of 2000 cal, but more than one phosphoryl group per mole is obtained from exposure to Pi and succinyl-CoA. Capacity of different preparations for E-P formation, as compared to catalytic activity, varies in an unexplained manner. Increases in CoA or succinyl-CoA concentration will cause net Pi formation from E-P. CoA is required for an exchange of Pi with E-P, and slightly stimulates exchange between E-P and ATP.
Performance study of iSCSI-based storage subsystems

iISCSI is emerging as an end-to-end protocol for transporting storage I/O block data over IP networks. By exploiting the ubiquitous Internet infrastructure, iSCSI greatly facilitates remote storage, remote backup, and data mirroring. This article evaluates the performance of two typical iSCSI storage subsystems by measuring and analyzing block-level I/O access performance and file-level access performance. In the file-level performance study, we compare file access performance in an NAS scheme with that in an iSCSI-based SAN scheme. Our test results show that Gigabit Ethernet-based iSCSI can reach very high bandwidth, close to that of a direct FC disk access in block I/O access. However, when the iSCSI traverses through longer distance, throughput relies heavily on the available bandwidth between the initiator and the target. On the other hand, the file-level performance shows that iSCSI-based file access (SAN scheme) provides higher performance than using NFS protocol in Linux and SMB protocol in Windows (NAS scheme). However, the advantage of using iSCSI-based file accesses decreases as the file size increases. The obtained experimental results shed some light on the performance of applications based on iSCSI storage.
Computational neuroscience. Think positive to find parts.

What are the 'features' or 'parts' that our brains use to tell one thing from another? Several algorithms exist for learning object parts, and the development of the latest -- known as non-negative matrix factorization -- is now reported. This algorithm seems to decompose sets of faces into 'basis functions' that are different, and more part-like, than those found by conventional algorithms.
BEHAVIORAL STATE AND PLASMA CORTISOL RESPONSE IN THE HUMAN NEWBORN

Four normal human infants were studied on 20 occasions between the first and fifteenth week of their life to assess the relation of four behavioral states (crying, quiet wakefulness, rapid eye movement, and non-rapid eye movement sleep) to plasma cortisol levels. Marked rises in plasma cortisol occurred after 20 minutes of crying. In the other behavioral states, plasma cortisol remained low and relatively constant. The pattern did not change with age, and within the limitations of this study no circadian rhythm was demonstrated. It is suggested that measurement of plasma cortisol can be as useful in psychophysiological investigations in infancy as it has proved to be in the adult.
Detection of archetype and rearranged variants of JC virus in multiple tissues from a pediatric PML patient

JC virus (JCV) establishes persistent infections in its human host, and in some immunocompromised individuals, the virus causes the fatal brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Two forms of the virus, archetype and rearranged, have been isolated, with the latter being derived from the archetype form by deletion and duplication of sequences within the viral transcriptional control region (TCR). We have used the PCR technique to amplify JCV TCR sequences present within multiple tissues of a pediatric PML patient and have cloned and sequenced the PCR products. Archetype JCV was readily detected in kidney tissue; this form of JCV was also identified for the first time in brain and lymph node tissue by employing archetype-specific PCR primers. In addition, several archetype-like variants containing small deletions within their regulatory regions were isolated from cardiac muscle and lung. Different, but related rearranged forms were detected in most of the tissue examined. Each of the rearranged TCRs lacked portions of a 66 base pair (bp) region found within the archetype promoter-enhancer but retained a 23 bp region that is deleted in the prototype (Mad 1) rearranged form of JCV. Although several rearranged forms of JCV were identified in this patient, the TCRs could be assigned to one of two groups based upon the deletion boundaries generated during the adaptation from archetype to rearranged JCV. This study is the first to characterize multiple JCV variants present in different tissues from a patient likely to have succumbed to PML during a primary infection.
Atomistic Simulation of Hydrophobic Matching Effects on Lipid Composition near a Helical Peptide Embedded in Mixed-Lipid Bilayers

The local lipid composition near a transmembrane helical peptide in mixed-lipid bilayers has been studied using a mixed molecular dynamics (MD) and configuration-bias Monte Carlo method that allows the lateral distribution of lipids to equilibrate much more quickly than is possible by diffusive mixing alone. Gramicidin-A peptide was embedded in bilayer mixtures of DMPC with either DDPC (shorter by four carbons per tail) or DSPC (longer by four carbons per tail) at 330 K to investigate the possibility of lipid sorting by tail length. Conventional MD simulations showed local thickening of the bilayer near the peptide in pure DDPC and local thinning of the bilayer in pure DSPC, with comparatively little perturbation to the thickness of pure DMPC bilayers, suggesting that DMPC has the best matched tail length to the peptide of these three. In 1:1 DMPC:DDPC mixtures, the DMPC lipid was weakly enriched (by about 5%) near the peptide, while in DSPC:DMPC mixtures, no consistent trend was observed. The results underscore the weakness of the coupling between membrane deformation and local composition fluctuations in the absence of spontaneous phase separation.
Sequence Data: Magnitude and Implications of Some Ambiguities

Glx and Asx ambiguities introduce errors into evolutionary conclusions drawn from the sequences of incompletely analyzed proteins. These errors are of sufficient magnitude to invalidate some of these conclusions.
Drinking expectancies and motives: a genetic study of young adult women.

BACKGROUND: Constructs such as drinking expectancies (beliefs regarding the effects of alcohol) and motives (drinking alcohol to achieve a valued end) have been shown to be associated with various stages of alcohol use behaviors. However, little is known of the extent to which genetic and environmental influences contribute to individual differences in expectancies and motives. METHODS: Using data from 3,656 young adult same-sex female twins, we examined the association between measures of drinking expectancies and motives and drinking behaviors. Using twin models, we estimated the extent to which genetic, shared and non-shared environmental factors influenced individual differences in expectancies and motives and also tested whether the extent of the genetic and environmental contributions on expectancies varied across abstainers and users of alcohol. RESULTS: Expectancies predicted initiation of alcohol use. Both motives and expectancies were associated with frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption and drinks-to-intoxication. There was no evidence for heritable influences on expectancies and enhancement motives, with familial similarity for these traits being due to shared environment. Heritable influences on social, coping and conformity motives ranged from 11% to 33%. When expectancies were stratified by alcohol use, significant heritable influences (31-39%) were found for cognitive-behavioral impairment and risk-taking/negative self-perception (RT/NSP) in abstainers only, while environmental influences contributed to familial variance for other measures of expectancies in alcohol users. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental influences (both familial and individual-specific) shape alcohol expectancies, while heritable influences may predispose to motives for drinking. Individual differences in expectancies are moderated by alcohol use, suggesting that sources of individual differences in expectancies may vary in drinkers versus abstainers. Language: en
Iron diazoalkane chemistry: N-N bond hydrogenation and intramolecular C-H activation.

Treatment of the intermediate spin ferrous bis(dinitrogen) complex, (iPrPDI)Fe(N2)2 (iPrPDI = 2,6-(2,6-iPr2−C6H3NCMe2)2C6H3N), with 1 equiv of N2CHSiMe3 afforded the corresponding iron diazoalkane compound, (iPrPDI)Fe(N2CHSiMe3). Spectroscopic studies in conjunction with the metrical parameters from the solid-state structure support an intermediate spin ferrous complex with a doubly reduced chelate and a neutral diazoalkane ligand. In solution at 23 °C, (iPrPDI)Fe(N2CHSiMe3) promotes the intramolecular C−H activation of an isopropyl aryl substituent with loss of SiMe4. Exposure of (iPrPDI)Fe(N2CHSiMe3) to 1 atm of H2 resulted in hydrogenative cleavage of the N−N and N−C bonds to yield (iPrPDI)Fe(NH3) and SiMe4. Similar N−N bond cleavage chemistry was observed upon addition of hydrazine to (iPrPDI)Fe(N2)2.
System grounding in industrial plants

Some of the reasons why grounding is important are discussed together with various methods for satisfactory neutral grounding of 3-phase a-c systems in industrial plants.
Traction-Carpet Stratification in Turbidites-Fact or Fiction?

ABSTRACT The "spaced stratification" that characterizes some thick deep-water sandstones consists of a stack of layers 5-10 cm thick that are inversely graded at their base and structureless at their top. These layers have been attributed to deposition from a succession of collapsed inertia layers (traction carpets). Prior to collapse, each layer was believed to have been maintained by shear from the overriding turbidity current. This depositional model is based on the mistaken assumption that the distribution of shear stress in such a traction carpet is indistinguishable from the distribution of shear stress in a grain flow on a steep slope. Instead, shear stress in an externally sheared traction carpet should be approximately constant from the top to the base of the layer, and deposition sho ld be a gradual process, leaving no record of sequentially active inertia layers. Inertia layers that do form under large turbidity currents are probably never as thick as 5-10 cm, based on available data from shear-cell experiments. Instead, inertia layers are probably about 1 cm thick, similar to the thickness of the inversely graded basal part of each layer in field examples of "spaced stratification". The rest of each inversely graded stratum probably forms due to rapid fallout from suspension. The basal, inversely graded 1 cm is believed to record strong shear that may accompany impingement on the bed of large turbulent eddies. Hence, "spaced stratification" may not be a structure produced beneath steady flows, but may record strong y fluctuating hydrodynamic conditions and vigorous burst/sweep cycles in large turbidity currents.
Are risk factors for conversion to NIDDM similar in high and low risk populations

Mexican Americans have an increased risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) relative to non-Hispanic whites which is only partially explained by their excess overall obesity and unfavourable body fat distribution. Non-diabetic Mexican Americans have hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance relative to non-Hispanic whites. We therefore hypothesized that the insulin resistance might be a more important predictor of NIDDM in high-risk populations characterized by obesity and insulin resistance, while compromised insulin secretion might be a more important risk factor for NIDDM in low-risk populations. We assessed the ability of ethnicity (Mexican American vs non-Hispanic white), age, overall adiposity (body mass index [BMI]), unfavourable body fat distribution (as assessed by waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]), glucose tolerance (impaired glucose tolerance vs normal glucose tolerance), fasting insulin and compromised insulin secretion (as assessed by increment in insulin to the increment in glucose over the first 30 min of an oral glucose tolerance test (ΔI30/ΔG30)) to predict future NIDDM. In the 8-year follow-up of the San Antonio Heart Study, NIDDM developed in 11.7 % (107/914) of Mexican Americans and in 5.0 % (18/362) of non-Hispanic whites (p < 0.001). Multivariate predictors of NIDDM by multiple logistic regression analysis included increased age, BMI, WHR, fasting insulin and impaired glucose tolerance and decreased insulin secretion. The strongest independent predictors of NIDDM were high fasting insulin and decreased insulin secretion. These risk factors predicted NIDDM equally well in high and low-risk populations. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: 62–66]
Scanning electron microscopy of the chick embryo

Abstract Internal anatomical features of developing chick embryos can be examined using the scanning electron microscope in embryos that have been sectioned at varying levels. Standard paraffin sectioning techniques are used. After removal of paraffin, embryos are dried by the critical point method and examined. The resulting scanning electron micrographs have proved to be exceptionally useful in teaching anatomy of embryos.
Predissociation of the C2Σu+ state of N2+

Abstract Two mechanisms for the predissociation of the C 2 Σ u + state of N 2 + are discussed - the accidental mechanism and a direct, homogeneous process C → B 2 Σ u + . The matrix elements for the latter channel are dominated by a contribution from the nuclear kinetic energy operator, containing a Franck-Condon integral of form 〈ϵ|∂/∂ R |υ′〉.
Nutrients and Sediments in Surface Runoff Water from Direct-Seeded Rice Fields: Implications for Nutrient Budgets and Water Quality

Nutrient losses from rice fields can have economic and environmental consequences. Little is known about nutrient losses in surface runoff waters from direct-seeded rice systems, which are common in the United States and increasingly more so in Asia. The objectives of this research were to quantify nutrient losses from California rice fields in surface runoff waters and to determine when and under what conditions losses are greatest. Research was conducted in 10 rice fields varying in residue (burned or incorporated) and water management over a 2-yr period. Concentrations of NH-N and NO-N in runoff water across sites, seasons, and management practices averaged <0.1 mg N L. Runoff water PO-P concentration averaged 0.14 mg L and was not affected by season or straw management practices. However, P fluxes were higher in the winter when rice straw was burned (2.59 kg ha) as opposed to incorporated (0.44 kg ha). Average seasonal runoff water K concentrations did not vary with season and straw management, although they were highest at the onset of the winter season. Average total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations did not vary by season but were highest during the winter in the straw-incorporated fields (46 mg L). Rice fields were sinks for K (4.9 kg K ha) during the growing season. Fields were not significant sources of nutrients or TSS during the growing season; however, during the winter fallow they could be sources of NH-N, P, K, and TSS, especially as water fluxes from fields increased.
Mechanochemical actuators of embryonic epithelial contractility

Spatiotemporal regulation of cell contractility coordinates cell shape change to construct tissue architecture and ultimately directs the morphology and function of the organism. Here we show that contractility responses to spatially and temporally controlled chemical stimuli depend much more strongly on intercellular mechanical connections than on biochemical cues in both stimulated tissues and adjacent cells. We investigate how the cell contractility is triggered within an embryonic epithelial sheet by local ligand stimulation and coordinates a long-range contraction response. Our custom microfluidic control system allows spatiotemporally controlled stimulation with extracellular ATP, which results in locally distinct contractility followed by mechanical strain pattern formation. The stimulation–response circuit exposed here provides a better understanding of how morphogenetic processes integrate responses to stimulation and how intercellular responses are transmitted across multiple cells. These findings may enable one to create a biological actuator that actively drives morphogenesis.
Complex glycosphingolipids of the pheochromocytoma cell line PC12: enhanced fucosylglycolipid synthesis following nerve growth factor treatment.

Abstract The effect of nerve growth factor treatment on the expression of neutral glycosphingolipids and gangliosides was examined in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells grown in spinner culture. These studies show that PC12 cells contain an unusual group of fucose containing neutral glycolipids and gangliosides. The fucose containing neutral glycolipids, which appear to be derivatives of globoside, are very minor components. However, nearly all of the gangliosides in PC12 cells contain fucose. Two minor neutral glycolipids were isolated from these cells and were identified as fucosylgloboside and galactosylgloboside. Two major gangliosides were also isolated and identified as fucosyl GM2 and fucosyl GD2. Studies using [ 3 H]fucose to examine the synthesis of fucosylglycolipids indicate that nerve growth factor enhances the incorporation of fucose into glycolipids and gangliosides by as much as 80%. These studies show that all of the gangliosides in PC12 cells appear to increase in concentration when the cells are treated with nerve growth factor in spinner culture. However, only the complex fucose containing neutral glycolipids increase in concentration during this same treatment, while the non-fucosylated precursors do not.
Size-Dependent Changes in Sea Spray Aerosol Composition and Properties with Different Seawater Conditions

A great deal of uncertainty exists regarding the chemical diversity of particles in sea spray aerosol (SSA), as well as the degree of mixing between inorganic and organic species in individual SSA particles. Therefore, in this study, single particle analysis was performed on SSA particles, integrating transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy with near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, with a focus on quantifying the relative fractions of different particle types from 30 nm to 1 μm. SSA particles were produced from seawater in a unique ocean-atmosphere facility equipped with breaking waves. Changes to the SSA composition and properties after the addition of biological (bacteria and phytoplankton) and organic material (ZoBell growth media) were probed. Submicrometer SSA particles could be separated into two distinct populations: one with a characteristic sea salt core composed primarily of NaCl and an organic carbon an...