cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative comparison of polyethylenimine formulations and adenoviral vectors in terms of intracellular gene delivery processes.

An objective of designing molecular vehicles exhibiting virus-like transgene delivery capabilities but with low toxicity and immunogenicity continues to drive synthetic vector development. As no single step within the gene delivery pathway represents the critical limiting barrier for all vector types under all circumstances, improvements in synthetic vehicle design may be aided by quantitative analysis of the contributions of each step to the overall delivery process. To our knowledge, however, synthetic and viral gene delivery methods have not yet been explicitly compared in terms of these delivery pathway steps in a quantitative manner. As a first address of this challenge, we compare here quantitative parameters characterizing intracellular gene delivery steps for an E1/E3-deleted adenoviral vector and three polyethylenimine (PEI)-based vector formulations, as well as the liposomal transfection reagent Lipofectamine and naked DNA; the cargo is a plasmid encoding the β-galactosidase gene under a CMV promoter, and the cell host is the C3A human hepatocellular carcinoma line. The parameters were determined by applying a previously validated mathematical model to transient time-course measurements of plasmid uptake and trafficking (from whole-cell and isolated nuclei lysates, by real-time quantitative PCR), and gene expression levels, enabling discovery of those for which the adenoviral vector manifested superiority. Parameter-sensitivity analysis permitted identification of processes most critically rate-limiting for each vector. We find that the adenoviral vector advantage in delivery appears to reside partially in its import to the nuclear compartment, but that its vast superiority in transgene expression arises predominantly in our situation from postdelivery events: on the basis of per-nuclear plasmid, expression efficiency from adenovirus is superior by orders of magnitude over the PEI vectors. We find that a chemical modification of a PEI-based vector, which substantially improves its performance, appears to do so by enhancing certain trafficking rate parameters, such as binding and uptake, endosomal escape, and binding to nuclear import machinery, but leaves endosomal escape as a barrier over which transgene delivery could be most sensitively increased further for this polymer.
Onyx HD-500 embolization of intracranial aneurysms: modified technique using continuous balloon inflation under conscious sedation.

The conventional technique of intracranial aneurysm embolization using Onyx HD-500 (ev3 Neurovascular, Irvine, CA, USA) involves repetitive balloon inflation-deflation cycles under general anesthesia. By limiting parent artery occlusion to 5 minutes, this cyclic technique is thought to minimize cerebral ischemia. However, intermittent balloon deflation may lengthen procedure time and allow balloon migration, resulting in intimal injury or Onyx leakage. We report our experience using a modified technique of uninterrupted Onyx injection with continuous balloon occlusion under conscious sedation. All Onyx embolization procedures for unruptured aneurysms performed by the senior author (A.J.R.) between September 2008 and April 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and procedural data were recorded. Twenty-four embolization procedures were performed in 21 patients with 23 aneurysms, including four recurrences. Twenty aneurysms (87%) involved the paraclinoid or proximal supraclinoid internal carotid artery. Size ranged from 2.5 to 24 mm and neck diameter from 2 to 8 mm. The modified technique was employed in 19 cases. All but one patient (94.4%) tolerated continuous balloon inflation. Complete occlusion was achieved in 20 aneurysms (83.3%) and subtotal occlusion in three (12.5%). Stable angiographic results were seen in 85%, 94%, 94%, and 100% of patients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. There were no deaths. Permanent non-disabling neurological morbidity occurred in one patient (4.2%). Minor, transient, and/or angiographic complications were seen in three patients (12.5%), none related to the technique itself. Onyx embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms can be safely and effectively performed using continuous balloon inflation under conscious sedation.
Caml-Shcaml: an ocaml library for unix shell programming

Objective Caml is a flexible, expressive programming language, but for manipulating Unix processes, nothing beats the terseness and clarity of Bourne Shell: ls *.docx | wc -lTo achieve the same effect in C requires several more lines of code and, very likely, a glance at the manual page for readdir(). Despite OCaml's excellent Unix module, which provides access to a wide variety of system calls, a task as simple as counting the .docx files in the current directory is hardly easier in OCaml than in C. The code looks largely the same.Caml-Shcaml addresses this problem by bringing high-level abstractions for Unix systems and shell programming to OCaml. In particular, we take advantage of OCaml's type system to offer statically-checked data pipelines. External Unix processes and internal OCaml stream transducers communicate seamlessly within these pipelines. Shcaml brings other essential systems concepts into the world of typed functional programming as well, including high-level interfaces to Unix facilities for I/O redirection, signal handling, program execution, and subprocess reaping.
Designing colloidal suspensions for directed materials assembly

Recent advances in microfluidic and direct-write assembly of colloidal suspensions open new avenues for microscale patterning of functional materials with controlled composition, geometry, and properties. In this article, we describe fundamental aspects of suspension structure, elasticity, and flow behavior for three important systems: (1) dense liquids (and glasses), (2) gels, and (3) biphasic mixtures. We also highlight examples from the current literature of colloidal architectures patterned by these emerging methods.
International Students and Transformative Learning in a Multicultural Formal Educational Context.

Abstract This article reports the results of a qualitative study of 12 graduate international students’ struggles to adapt to new multicultural and academic environments. The focus is on how they dealt with diversity while struggling to succeed academically and how, although experiencing numerous disorienting dilemmas, students did not critically reflect on their meaning-making processes.
The USA geothermal country update

Geothermal energy is used for electric power generation and direct utilization in the United States. The present installed capacity (gross) for electric power generation is about 2020 MWe, with 1902 MWe net delivering power to the grid, producing approximately 16,000 GWh per year for a 96% capacity factor. Geothermal electric power plants are located in California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii. The two largest concentrations of plants are at The Geysers in northern California and the Imperial Valley in southern California. The latest development at The Geysers, due to recent declines in steam output, is the injection of recycled wastewater from two communities into the reservoir, which has at present permitted the recovery of 70 MWe of power generation. The direct utilization of geothermal energy includes the heating of pools and spas, greenhouses and aquaculture facilities, space heating and district heating, snow melting, agricultural drying, industrial applications and ground-source heat pumps. The installed capacity is about 4350 MWt and the annual energy use is 22,250 TJ, or 6181 GWh. The largest application is that of ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps (60% of the energy use), and the largest direct-use is that of aquaculture pond and raceway water heating. Direct utilization is increasing at about 6% per year, whereas electric power plant development is almost static. The energy savings from electric power generation, direct uses and ground-source heat pumps amount to 6.6 million tonnes of equivalent fuel oil per year and represents a reduction in air pollution of 5.8 million tonnes of carbon annually (compared to fuel oil).
Cumulon: optimizing statistical data analysis in the cloud

We present Cumulon, a system designed to help users rapidly develop and intelligently deploy matrix-based big-data analysis programs in the cloud. Cumulon features a flexible execution model and new operators especially suited for such workloads. We show how to implement Cumulon on top of Hadoop/HDFS while avoiding limitations of MapReduce, and demonstrate Cumulon's performance advantages over existing Hadoop-based systems for statistical data analysis. To support intelligent deployment in the cloud according to time/budget constraints, Cumulon goes beyond database-style optimization to make choices automatically on not only physical operators and their parameters, but also hardware provisioning and configuration settings. We apply a suite of benchmarking, simulation, modeling, and search techniques to support effective cost-based optimization over this rich space of deployment plans.
N-Palmitoyl Sphingomyelin Bilayers: Structure and Interactions with Cholesterol and Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine†

The structure and thermotropic properties of N-palmitoyl sphingomyelin (C16:0-SM) and its interaction with cholesterol and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction methods. DSC of hydrated multi-bilayers of C16:0-SM shows reversible chain-melting transitions. On heating, anhydrous C16:0-SM exhibits an endothermic transition at 75 degrees C (delta H = 4.0 kcal/mol). Increasing hydration progressively lowers the transition temperature (TM) and increases the transition enthalpy (delta H), until limiting values (TM = 41 degrees C, delta H = 7.5 kcal/mol) are observed for hydration values > 25 wt % H2O. X-ray diffraction at temperatures below (29 degrees C) TM show a bilayer gel structure (d = 73.5 A, sharp 4.2 A reflection) for C16:0-SM at full hydration; above TM, at 55 degrees C, a bilayer liquid-crystal phase is present (d = 66.6 A, diffuse 4.6 A reflection). Addition of cholesterol to C16:0-SM bilayers results in a progressive decrease in the enthalpy of the transition at 41 degrees C, and no cooperative transition is detected at > 50 mol % cholesterol. X-ray diffraction shows no difference in the bilayer periodicity, position/width of the wide-angle reflections, or electron density profiles at 29 and 55 degrees C when 50 mol % cholesterol is present. Thus, cholesterol inserts into C16:0-SM bilayers progressively removing the chain-melting transition and changing the structural characteristics of the bilayer. DSC and X-ray diffraction data show that DPPC is completely miscible with C16:0-SM bilayers in both the gel and liquid-crystalline phases; however, 30 mol % C16:0-SM removes the pre-transition exhibited by DPPC.
Improper trafficking of melanocyte-specific proteins in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type-5.

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a disorder of lysosome-related organelle biogenesis resulting in melanosome dysfunction and absent platelet dense bodies. HPS patients have oculocutaneous albinism, bruising, and bleeding. HPS-5 results from deficiency of the HPS5 protein, a component of the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-2 (BLOC-2). HPS5 has an unknown function and lacks homology to known proteins. We performed ultrastructural studies of HPS-5 melanocytes revealing predominantly early-stage melanosomes with many small 3,4(OH)2-phenylalanine-positive vesicles throughout the cell body and dendrites. These findings resemble the distinct ultrastructural features of HPS-3 melanocytes; HPS3 is also a BLOC-2 component. Immunofluorescence and immunoEM studies showed decreased TYRP1 labeling in the dendrites of HPS-5 melanocytes, and the overall abundance of TYRP1 was reduced. No substantial differences were observed in the distribution or abundance of Pmel17 in HPS-5 melanocytes. In normal melanocytes, endogenous tyrosinase colocalized with Pmel17 and TYRP1 in the perinuclear area and dendritic tips; this was much reduced in HPS-5 melanocytes, particularly in the tips. We conclude that early stage melanosome formation and Pmel17 trafficking are preserved in HPS5-deficient cells. Tyrosinase and TYRP1 are mistrafficked, however, and fail to be efficiently delivered to melanosomes of HPS-5 melanocytes.
Accuracy analysis of a Bessel spectral function method for the solution of scattering equations

Abstract A Bessel function spectral method for obtaining the quantum-mechanical scattering wave functions, developed previously, was tested for the case that the potentials are complex Gaussian functions since, in this particular case, the required overlap integrals can be evaluated with great accuracy. The dependence of the elastic scattering S-matrix on the size of the space of the Bessel basis, on the choice of the sub-set of the basis functions, and on the choice of the matching radius was examined. The analysis is carried out to an accuracy of eight significant figures.
DISPERSION AND STABILITY STUDIES OF RESORCINARENE-ENCAPSULATED GOLD NANOPARTICLES

Two resorcinarene surfactants with sulfur-functionalized headgroups have been evaluated for their ability to stabilize dispersions of midnanometer (16−87 nm)-sized gold particles in organic solvents. Citrate-stabilized colloidal gold nanoparticles were extracted from aqueous solutions into toluene or chloroform by tetrabenzylthiol resorcinarene 1 or tetraarylthiol resorcinarene 2. The nanoparticle dispersions were subjected to various conditions and monitored for changes in plasmon absorption intensity. The stability of the dispersions was dependent on the chemisorptive properties of the surfactant headgroup, with tetrabenzylthiol 1 being the more effective dispersant. Nanoparticles encapsulated by 1 were also highly robust, demonstrated good resistance to alkanethiol-induced flocculation, and could be redispersed after repeated precipitations in polar solvents. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies confirmed significant differences in the chemisorptive p...
A note on the estimation of the integral of ⨍2(x)

Abstract The estimation of γ=∫ ∞ −∞ ⨍ 2 (x)dx , important in nonparametric inference, is discussed. Methods, based on either density estimators or on the lengths of nonparametric confidence intervals, are compared. We conclude that density type estimators have advantages over the estimators based on confidence intervals.
A simple approximation to estimate the reactor period in critical assemblies

Abstract A simple approximation is proposed to estimate the reactor period in critical assemblies for which the reactivity parameters, such as the fissile material, neutron-energy spectrum, and effective fraction of delayed neutrons, are characterized. This approximation is based on the period-reactivity equation, in combination with the delayed-neutron parameters corresponding to the fissile material and neutron-energy spectrum of the critical assembly, and Monte Carlo computer-code calculations of the criticality factor, prompt-neutron lifetime, and average number of neutrons per fission. The proposed approximation is validated with experimental results for the Lady Godiva fast metal and the Solution-High Energy Burst Assembly (SHEBA) thermal solution critical assemblies that operated at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition, the results of the approximation are also compared with those reported for experiments conducted at the Kyoto University Critical Assembly. The results from this analysis indicate that the proposed approximation can be used to estimate the reactor period in critical assemblies.
Cytochrome c Oxidase Mutations in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

Abstract New mitochondrial DNA mutations were discovered in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene in 8 independent Leber hereditary optic neuropathy probands. A mutation at nucleotide position 9438 was found in 5 probands, changed highly conserved glycine-78 to serine (G78S), and was not found in controls. A mutation at nucleotide position 9804 was found in 3 probands, changed highly conserved alanine-200 to threonine (A200T), and also was not found in controls. The 9438 mutation is readily detected by the loss of a Stu I restriction site and the 9804 mutation is detected by the gain of an Mae III restriction site. These mtDNA mutations may represent the first convincing examples of cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) mutations associated with a human disease.
The Determinants of Racial Disparities in Perceived Job Insecurity: A Test of Three Perspectives

Why do African Americans report higher levels of perceived job insecurity than whites? We analyze data from the 1996 and 1998 General Social Survey to test alternative predictions from the compositional, inclusive-discrimination, and dispositional perspectives concerning the sources of the racial gap in perceived insecurity. Results from ordered probit regressions provide most support for the inclusive-discrimination perspective, which maintains that employment practices associated with “modern racial prejudice” induce perceived insecurity on a widespread and generalized basis among African Americans. Accordingly, compared to whites, African Americans experience perceived insecurity net of human capital credentials and job/labor market characteristics. Additional analyses provide one qualification to these findings: dynamics associated with the inclusive-discrimination perspective are more pronounced in the private sector than the public sector.
Monte Carlo based investigation of berry phase for depth resolved characterization of biomedical scattering samples

The propagation of light in turbid media is an active area of research with relevance to numerous investigational fields, e.g., biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. The statistical random-walk nature of photon propagation through turbid media is ideal for computational based modeling and simulation. Ready access to super computing resources provide a means for attaining brute force solutions to stochastic light-matter interactions entailing scattering by facilitating timely propagation of sufficient (>10 7 ) photons while tracking characteristic parameters based on the incorporated physics of the problem. One such model that works well for isotropic but fails for anisotropic scatter, which is the case for many biomedical sample scattering problems, is the diffusion approximation. In this report, we address this by utilizing Berry phase (BP) evolution as a means for capturing anisotropic scattering characteristics of samples in the preceding depth where the diffusion approximation fails. We extend the polarization sensitive Monte Carlo method of Ramella-Roman, et al ., to include the computationally intensive tracking of photon trajectory in addition to polarization state at every scattering event. To speed-up the computations, which entail the appropriate rotations of reference frames, the code was parallelized using OpenMP. The results presented reveal that BP is strongly correlated to the photon penetration depth, thus potentiating the possibility of polarimetric depth resolved characterization of highly scattering samples, e.g., biological tissues.
Abstract 787: Differences in protein expression patterns in lung adenocarcinomas arising in never versus ever smokers

Background. Approximately 25% of lung cancer cases worldwide, mostly adenocarcinomas, are not attributable to tobacco use. Despite that some striking differences have been identified in the epidemiological, clinical and molecular characteristics of lung cancer arising in never smokers versus smokers, our current knowledge of lung adenocarcinoma in never smokers is still limited. Methods. We examined the immunohistohemical (IHC) expression of 101 proteins in surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma tissue microarray specimens obtained from 52 never smokers and compared the findings with 152 tumors obtained from ever smokers. The markers examined included a wide variety of tumor-related proteins, representing all hallmarks of cancer (Hanahan and Weinberg, Cell 2000). The IHC expression was assessed at cytoplasm [c], membrane [m], and nucleus [n] of malignant cells, and in stromal cells. Univariate and multivariate (adjusting by patients’ sex, and tumor stage and EGFR mutation status) statistical analyses were performed to assess the statistical differences in the expression of markers according to smoking status. The expression of the markers was correlated with patients’ clinical characteristics and tumors’ pathological features and EGFR mutational status. Results. In the multivariate analysis, tumors from smokers showed a relatively high number of markers (n=32) with significant higher expression compared with tumors from never smokers. Interestingly, in the univariate analysis, nine markers showed significantly higher expression in tumors from never smokers compared with ever smokers, including FGFR-1 [n], FGFR-2 [n], ER-alpha [n], CD44 [c], FOLR1 [m], IGFBP3 [n], IL-1alpha [c], NF-kB [n], survivin [n] and RGS17 [n]. In the multivariate analysis, six markers showed significantly higher expression in tumors from never smokers, including FGFR-2 [n] (P=0.018), CD44 [c] (P=0.001), c-Met [c] (P=0.045) and [m] (P=0.017), E-Cadherin [m] (P=0.003), IGFBP3 [n] (P=0.0009) and p-HER3 [m] (P=0.035). Twenty-nine markers showed significant association with EGFR mutations in tumors in the multivariate analysis adjusting by patients’ sex and smoking status, and tumor stage. Additionally, 47 markers showed significant differences in the level of expression comparing patients’ smoking status, including current, former and never smokers. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that there are multiple molecular differences between lung adenocarcinomas arising in never and ever smokers, suggesting that they are different entities. These findings have implications for the selection of molecular targets for developing novel therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma based on their smoking history (Supported by grant VITAL W81XWH-04-1-0142 and UT-Lung SPORE P50CA070907). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 787.
Martian flow features, moraine-like ridges, and gullies: Terrestrial analogs and interrelationships

Ridges that resemble terrestrial moraines are commonly visible at the foot of many mid-latitude crater walls in Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera images. These moraine-like ridges are often associated with hillside gullies, mantling material, and glacier-like flows, and are usually in contact with crater fill, suggesting possible interrelationships. We consider terrestrial glacier systems that may be analogs of martian moraine-like ridges and glacier-like flows and suggest that the formation of some gullies and crater fill is intimately tied to ice deposition, ice flow, and rock-glacier processes. Upper limits on age suggest the possibility that many of these features formed during the last, or last few, high obliquity cycles.
Genetically Complex Cardiovascular Traits: Origins, Problems, and Potential Solutions

Modern molecular genetic analysis tools are making it possible for researchers to investigate, and in many cases actually disclose, mutations and other genetic factors that contribute to disease susceptibility. However, the ease with which these factors can be identified is dictated by not only the number of factors underlying or influencing the trait, but also by the manner in which these factors interact. Traits that are influenced by multiple genetic and nongenetic factors are termed “complex” genetic traits and are receiving a great deal of attention in the current medical literature. Hypertension and blood pressure regulation are considered paradigmatic complex traits. In this paper, the origin, nature, and dilemmas associated with the analysis of complex traits are considered. Basic biochemical and physiological determinants of blood pressure are described in an effort to show how genetic complexity could arise within an individual, and fundamental concepts in population genetics and evolutionary theory are discussed to expose the reasons certain forms of genetic complexity can emerge and be sustained in the population at large. Methods for approaching the genetic dissection of complex traits and diseases are also enumerated, with simple descriptions of the scientific motivation offered for each. Problems plaguing these approaches are also discussed. Finally, areas for future research are outlined with the hope of sparking further debate on the subject.
TU-D-330A-06: A Dynamic Motion Simulation with Heterogeneous Motion Constraints

Purpose: Accurate radiation treatment of moving tumors is important for lung and low abdomen cancer patients. In this work, we have designed a tumor motion simulation system which provides a realistic simulation environment for advanced radiation treatment. The simulation can be used as a test bed for control algorithms of radiation dose delivery, motion prediction algorithms, and mechanical operation algorithms. It also provides us a better understanding of complicated tumor motion with incorporating different statistical analytical results. Method and Materials: We have defined motion rotation and translation in 2D space. The base motion is periodic patterns. Various constraints, such as amplitude fluctuation, velocity variation, frequency change, mechanical limitation, and system errors, have been considered in motion generation. The different variable can be predefined distribution, such as Gaussian distribution, or a probability distributionfunction from statistical analysis of real patient data. Motion prediction will be included in the simulation when only limited data is available. Results: We have designed the simulation based on statistical results of tumor motion from real patients and various constraints. A user friendly GUI interface with interactive control and nice visualization has been implemented. Several simulation algorithms have been implemented with different constraints. Intensive performance evaluation has been tested. The results show that our simulation system have produced simulated motion very similar to real tumor motion. Conclusion: Our simulation system provides a user friendly, interactive GUI interface for tumor respiratory motion simulation. The simulation algorithms considered various constrains in real treatment conditions. The simulation is valuable to understand tumor motion and is a good test bed for improved effectiveness in image guided radiation treatment. We will integrate our simulation in to a 2D phantom design.
Cellular immune status of coronavirus-infected neonatal calves

A preliminary study was conducted to determine the cellular immune status of neonatal, colostrum-deprived calves following inoculation with either attenuated or virulent bovine coronavirus (BCV). Uninfected calves served as controls. To determine the intestinal and systemic cellular immune status, we performed MHC-restricted cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) assay on mesenteric lymphocytes, enumerated T cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and examined histopathological alterations in mesenteric lymph nodes and gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Target cells for the CTL assay were autologous testicular cells and effector cells were mesenteric lymphocytes from calves infected with BCV. No appreciable specific lysis was observed in any group of calves indicating the absence of demonstrable CTL responses. The TC/TS population was severely depressed in the calf inoculated with the virulent virus but not in those inoculated with either the attenuated virus or placebo. The mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches of calves inoculated with the virulent virus showed severe depletion of lymphocytes. These calves developed intestinal antibody responses in the acute phase of infection (1 week after infection) but were immunosuppressed in the later stage of infection.
Sparse target recovery performance of multi-frequency chirp waveforms

Imaging radars employ wideband linear frequency modulation (LFM) waveforms to achieve high resolution while maintaining moderate sampling rates through restricting the target support to a known range interval and using stretch (deramp) processing. In recent work motivated by compressive sensing principles, multi-frequency extensions of the chirp waveforms were proposed to obtain randomized projections of range profiles. This paper considers the sparse target recovery problem with chirp transmit waveforms and their multi-frequency extensions. We derive the sensing matrix for multi-frequency chirp waveforms and study its coherence properties. We show that multi-frequency chirp waveforms result in sensing matrices with lower coherence between the columns resulting in improved target estimation performance compared to the standard LFM waveform.
Autoregulation of the 26S proteasome by in situ ubiquitination

The 26S proteasome degrades ubiquitinated proteins, and proteasomal degradation controls various cellular events. Here we report that the human 26S proteasome is ubiquitinated, by which the ubiquitin receptors Adrm1 and S5a, the ATPase subunit Rpt5, and the deubiquitinating enzyme Uch37 are ubiquitinated in situ by proteasome-associating ubiquitination enzymes. Ubiquitination of these subunits significantly impairs the 26S proteasome's ability to bind, deubiquitinate, and degrade ubiquitinated proteins. Moreover, ubiquitination of the 26S proteasome can be antagonized by proteasome-residing deubiquitinating enzymes, by the binding of polyubiquitin chains, and by certain cellular stress, indicating that proteasome ubiquitination is dynamic and regulated in cells. We propose that in situ ubiquitination of the 26S proteasome regulates its activity, which could function to adjust proteasomal activity in response to the alteration of cellular ubiquitination levels.
Perfluorocarbon supplementation and postischemic cardiac function

Background. During induced ischemia for cardiac surgery inefficient anaerobic energy mechanisms predominate. Sustaining aerobic metabolism with perfluorocarbon-supplemented blood cardioplegia theoretically could lead to improved postischemic recovery. Therefore we studied functional recovery after myocardial ischemia, comparing perflubron (C 8 F 17 Br) supplemented blood cardioplegia to standard blood cardioplegia. Methods. Nineteen dogs underwent 15 minutes of 37°C global ischemia on cardiopulmonary bypass, followed by 90 minutes of cardioplegic arrest by use of blood cardioplegia with or without perflubron and then 30 minutes of 37°C reperfusion. During ischemia myocardial oxygen tension, temperature, and pH were measured. Postischemic left ventricular recovery was assessed by means of preload recruitable stroke work, exponential end-diastolic stress-strain regression, and preservation of adenosine triphosphate and energy charge. Results. The addition of perflubron, a new shorter half-life, lecithin-emulsified perfluorocarbon, provided superior myocardial protection when compared with standard blood cardioplegia. This benefit was evidenced by significantly increased recovery of preload recruitable stroke work slope (71%±8% versus 42%±9%), decreased myocardial edema, and enhanced end ischemic myocardial oxygen and pH levels. Conclusions. The reliable oxygen delivery system and endothelial-preserving properties of the perfluorocarbons may prove to be an invaluable asset in addition to standard blood cardioplegia in the preservation of postischemic ventricular function. These data support the further investigation of perfluorocarbon-enriched blood cardioplegia.
Disorder Predictors Also Predict Backbone Dynamics for a Family of Disordered Proteins

Several algorithms have been developed that use amino acid sequences to predict whether or not a protein or a region of a protein is disordered. These algorithms make accurate predictions for disordered regions that are 30 amino acids or longer, but it is unclear whether the predictions can be directly related to the backbone dynamics of individual amino acid residues. The nuclear Overhauser effect between the amide nitrogen and hydrogen (NHNOE) provides an unambiguous measure of backbone dynamics at single residue resolution and is an excellent tool for characterizing the dynamic behavior of disordered proteins. In this report, we show that the NHNOE values for several members of a family of disordered proteins are highly correlated with the output from three popular algorithms used to predict disordered regions from amino acid sequence. This is the first test between an experimental measure of residue specific backbone dynamics and disorder predictions. The results suggest that some disorder predictors can accurately estimate the backbone dynamics of individual amino acids in a long disordered region.
A simple array processor for binary prefix sums

The task of computing the prefix sums of a binary sequence (BPS, for short) arises frequently in expression evaluation, data and storage compaction, routing, processor assignment, and operating system design. The main goal of this work is to propose an efficient special-purpose architecture for the BPS problem. Our design exploits a novel and elegant idea that allows us to considerably reduce the number of processors of the best-known design. The resulting design is simple and intuitive and scales easily to handle input sequences of various sizes.
Automatic target recognition using a neocognitron

The use of a neocognitron in an automatic target recognition (ATR) system is described. An image is acquired, edge detected, segmented, and centered on a log-spiral grid using subsystems not discussed in the paper. A conformal transformation is used to map the log-spiral grid to a computation plane in which rotations and scalings are transformed to displacements along the vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. Since the neocognitron can recognize shifted objects, the use of log-spiral images by the neocognitron enables the system to recognize scaled, rotated, and translated objects. Two modifications to prior neocognitron implementations are described. A new weight reinforcement method is introduced which solves a significant training problem for the neocognitron. A method of reducing training time is also introduced which specifies the initial layer of weights in the network. All subsequent layers are trained using unsupervised learning. Simulation results using 32*32 and 64*64 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) images are presented. >
Quantifying and Interpreting Group Differences in Interest Profiles

Research on group differences in interests has often focused on structural hypotheses and mean-score differences in Holland’s (1997) theory, with comparatively little research on basic interest mea...
A unified approach to global program optimization

A technique is presented for global analysis of program structure in order to perform compile time optimization of object code generated for expressions. The global expression optimization presented includes constant propagation, common subexpression elimination, elimination of redundant register load operations, and live expression analysis. A general purpose program flow analysis algorithm is developed which depends upon the existence of an "optimizing function." The algorithm is defined formally using a directed graph model of program flow structure, and is shown to be correct. Several optimizing functions are defined which, when used in conjunction with the flow analysis algorithm, provide the various forms of code optimization. The flow analysis algorithm is sufficiently general that additional functions can easily be defined for other forms of global code optimization.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiac Events Among Diabetic Population A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory marker of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in both acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary artery disease. The use of NLR as a predictive tool for MACEs among diabetic patients has not been elucidated. An observational study included 338 diabetic patients followed at our clinic between 2007 and 2011. Patients were arranged into equal tertiles according to the 2007 NLR. The MACEs included acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and mortality. The lowest NLR tertile (NLR 2.36; MACEs were 6 of 113 patients vs 24 of 112 patients, respectively; P < .0001). In a multivariate model, the adjusted hazard ratio of third NLR tertile compared with first NLR tertile was 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.12-6.98, P = .027). The NLR is a significant independent predictor of MACEs in diabetic patients. Further studies with larger numbers are needed.
Bathysiphon (Foraminiferida) at Pacheco Pass, California: A geopetal, paleocurrent, and paleobathymetric indicator in the Franciscan Complex

Abstract We document a new locality for the foraminiferid Bathysiphon at Pacheco Pass, California, a classic blueschist-facies location on the eastern edge of the Franciscan Complex. The nearly featureless, silicified tubes of Bathysiphon cf. aaltoi Miller, 1986 described here are the largest reported from the Franciscan Complex; they are <153 mm long and easily recognized in the field. The rarity of fossils in the Franciscan Subduction Complex has hindered field mapping and, thus, a better understanding of its stratigraphy and structure. Bathysiphon specimens can be used as geopetal indicators, since they occur parallel to bedding at the top of argillaceous layers, as paleocurrent indicators (showing a SSE trend at Pacheco Pass), and as paleobathymetric indicators, suggesting, by their large size, mid-to-lower bathyal depths (2000–4000 m).
α,ω-Dihexylthienoselenophene derivatives: a new class of high-performance semiconductors for organic thin-film transistors

α,ω-Dihexylthienoselenophenes (Se2Thx) are readily prepared oligomeric species that can be used as the semiconducting layer in organic thin film transistors (TFTs). These selenophene-containing oligomers exhibit high hole mobilities (0.023 and 0.16 cm2 V−1 s−1) and good on/off ratio (105–106) that are improved relative to their sulfur-containing counterparts. X-Ray diffraction measurements and atomic force microscopy give insight into the internal structure and surface topography of the materials.
Unix Operating System

The Unix operating system has had more of a fundamental impact on operating system design over the past 30 years than any other operating system in history. It provided the world's first widely distributed multiuser, multitasking operating environment, and it has spawned dozens of versions over the years. It is responsible for generating several significant movements in computer science, not least of which is the Open Source Movement. In this chapter, the history of Unix is detailed to provide a framework for discussing the features of the operating system. Next, the core components of Unix are covered, including the major editors and user shells. Next, the operating system structure is described, including the kernel, the file system, and security. Finally, the Unix Philosophy—what makes Unix Unix—is discussed. Keywords: kernel; multitasking; multiuser; open source movement; operating system; pipe; shell
A virtual MIMO channel representation and applications

A key to maximal exploitation of MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) systems is a fundamental understanding of the interaction between the underlying complex physical scattering environment and the space-time signal space. In time- and frequency-selective MIMO (space-time) channels, this interaction happens in time, frequency and space. We present a four-dimensional Karhunen-Loeve-like virtual representation for spacetime channels that captures such interaction and exposes the intrinsic degrees of freedom in the channel. The virtual representation is a Fourier series dictated by the finite array apertures, signaling duration and bandwidth and corresponds to a uniform, fixed sampling of the angle-delay-Doppler scattering space. It provides a much-needed connection between the two existing (extreme) modeling approaches - idealized statistical models and detailed physical (ray tracing) models. In particular, it yields a simple geometric interpretation of the effects of physical scattering on channel statistics and capacity. We discuss various insights into the structure of space-time channels afforded by the virtual representation as well its application in capacity assessment, spatial multiplexing and space-time code design.
Carbon-nanotube-assisted transmission electron microscopy characterization of aerosol nanoparticles

Aerosol nanoparticles draw great attention due to their unique physico-chemical properties that can be harnessed for innovative applications as well as for their potential impact on public health and the environment. Microscopic characterization of these particles is critically important to understand the unique particle properties and their interaction with biological systems. Here we report on a simple and efficient method for size, morphology, and crystallinity analyses of aerosol nanoparticles through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The method uses carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the particle support on conventional TEM grids. The CNT support significantly improves the quality of high resolution TEM (HRTEM) imaging due to the unique properties of CNTs, the high probability of particles sitting at the edge of CNTs, and the minimization of the interference interaction between the electron beam and the supporting substrate. The improved HRTEM images are useful for detailed characterization of nanoparticles, and particularly suitable for analyzing core-shell nanoparticles.
An implantable I-UWB transceiver architecture with power carrier synchronization

The development of high-data rate, low-power wireless links suitable for implantable systems is necessary for the realization of high complexity neural prostheses. The highest reported data rates have been in the range of 1-2 Mb/s, and recent implementations have been limited by interference from the power carrier. This paper proposes an architecture for an I-UWB based implantable wireless link that takes advantage of the power carrier signal for synchronization. The proposed architecture holds the promise of achieving data rates in the tens of Mb/s with power dissipation on the order of 10 mW.
A Particle-Filtering Approach for Vehicular Tracking Adaptive to Occlusions

In this paper, we propose a new particle-filtering approach for handling partial and total occlusions in vehicular tracking situations. Our proposed method, which is named adaptive particle filter (APF), uses two different operation modes. When the tracked vehicle is not occluded, the APF uses a normal probability density function (pdf) to generate the new set of particles. Otherwise, when the tracked vehicle is under occlusion, the APF generates the new set of particles using a Normal-Rayleigh pdf. Our approach was designed to detect when a total occlusion starts and ends and to resume vehicle tracking after disocclusions. We have tested our APF approach in a number of traffic surveillance video sequences with encouraging results. Our proposed approach tends to be more accurate than comparable methods in the literature, and at the same time, it tends to be more robust to target occlusions.
Successful management of a cervical fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis by a posterior approach

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are at an increased risk of spinal fractures due to the altered spinal biomechanics. Moreover, it is difficult to treat these fractures due to the combination of ankylosis and osteoporosis. We report successful management of a C6-C7 vertebral fracture in a patient with AS. The patient improved in his neurological status and a good fusion was seen at a follow-up of 24 months.
Assessing the Moral Coherence and Moral Robustness of Social Systems: Proof of Concept for a Graphical Models Approach

This paper presents a proof of concept for a graphical models approach to assessing the moral coherence and moral robustness of systems of social interactions. "Moral coherence" refers to the degree to which the rights and duties of agents within a system are effectively respected when agents in the system comply with the rights and duties that are recognized as in force for the relevant context of interaction. "Moral robustness" refers to the degree to which a system of social interaction is configured to ensure that the interests of agents are effectively respected even in the face of noncompliance. Using the case of conscientious objection of pharmacists to filling prescriptions for emergency contraception as an example, we illustrate how a graphical models approach can help stakeholders identify structural weaknesses in systems of social interaction and evaluate the relative merits of alternate organizational structures. By illustrating the merits of a graphical models approach we hope to spur further developments in this area.
Genetics of cycloheximide resistance in Tetrahymena.

Cycloheximide resistance in Tetrahymena is inducible by mutagenesis. Two mutations, isolated independently from genetically different strains, were analyzed. The two mutations, Chx-1 and Chx-2, were found to be alleles at the same locus. A specific analysis is presented which may serve as a model for strategies employing an independent manipulation of the micro- and macro-nuclei of this organism for genetic studies.
The dark side of the Milky Way.

The article discusses astronomical research which indicates that dark matter in the Milky Way galaxy and satellite galaxies including the Magellanic Clouds could explain anomalies such as warping which occurs at the outer rim of the Milky Way and the small number of visible satellite galaxies. Research by the astronomer Martin D. Weinberg indicates that the movement of the Magellanic Clouds through the halo of dark matter which surrounds the Milky Way could cause warping, while the astronomer Kanak Saha argues that the asymmetry of the outer gas disk is caused by asymmetry in the dark matter halo. Research on dark and ultrafaint galaxies near the Milky Way by the astronomers Josh Simon and Marla Geha is also examined. INSET: Lost Sheep of the Galactic Family.
Interfacial transport of evaporating water confined in nanopores

A semianalytical, continuum analysis of evaporation of water confined in a cylindrical nanopore is presented, wherein the combined effect of electrostatic interaction and van der Waals forces is taken into account. The equations governing fluid flow and heat transfer between liquid and vapor phases are partially integrated analytically, to yield a set of ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically to determine the flow characteristics and effect on the resulting shape and rate of evaporation from the liquid–vapor interface. The analysis identifies three important parameters that significantly affect the overall performance of the system, namely, the capillary radius, pore-wall temperature, and the degree of saturation of vapor phase. The extension of meniscus is found to be prominent for smaller nanoscale capillaries, in turn yielding a greater net rate of evaporation per unit pore area. The effects of temperature and ambient vapor pressure on net rate of evaporation are shown to be anal...