cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effects of CAD Model Attributes on Alteration Time and Procedure

Modern computer-aided design (CAD) systems have significantly contributed to product development efficiency and cycle time reduction. CAD models can undergo several iterations through the development process; the use of CAD tools allows for these models to be quickly altered during these iterations. Altering existing CAD models can also reduce product development cycle-time by allowing for variants of these designs to be created quickly. These benefits require the reuse of CAD models to be quick and intuitive. This work examines the effects of several original and altered model variables (both attributes and derived quantities) and the perception of the original model on the speed with which the models were altered. Models created and altered using the SolidWorks and Pro| Engineer CAD platforms are examined and compared. It is shown that CAD models with fewer, complex features are altered more quickly. Models deemed as properly conveying design intent are also altered more quickly. Models perceived as having an intuitive feature order have a higher percentage of features being retained, but feature retention does not significantly affect alteration time. It is also shown that in the absence of incentives, improper modeling procedures are not corrected and increase during alteration.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Advanced operator interface design with preview/predictive displays for ground-controlled space telerobotic servicing

Recent advances in real-time 3-D graphics and graphical user interface (GUI) technologies enable development of advanced operator interfaces for telerobotic systems. In particular, we have employed preview/predictive displays with calibrated graphics overlay and X/Motif- based GUIs for efficient and reliable ground-controlled space telerobotic servicing under communication time delay. High fidelity preview/predictive displays have been achieved by an operator-interactive camera calibration and object localization technique that enables reliable matching of simulated 3-D graphics models with the remote site task environment. The developed graphical operator interface supporting telerobotic operations with high-fidelity preview/predictive displays have been successfully utilized in demonstrating a ground- simulated ORU (Orbital Replacement Unit) changeout remote servicing task by remotely operating a robot arm at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory under a varying time delay of up to several seconds. The positioning alignment accuracy achieved by this technique with four camera views was about +/- 5 mm for a tool insertion in the servicing task.
On the determination of unspecified tf in a guided missile optimal control law application

The performance of any realistic optimal control law in a missile application is dependent on the estimation of final time, or equivalently, on time-to-go. Typically, an estimate of the range between the target and missile and the rate of change of this range is obtained from radar or other ranging devices; the time-to-go estimate is then calculated. This estimate works quite well as long as the range and range-rate information are accurate. In many instances, however, the data are contaminated by noise either covertly, as in the case of radar jamming devices, or by the processing electronics. This adversely impacts the estimate of time-to-go and the optimal control law; and missile performance suffers. This paper presents a discussion of several aspects of the problem in the context of a realistic application and provides analytic computer algorithms for its solution, as well as a closed-form result. An extension of the work is described in a recent publication [1].
Academic Library Service in the Republic of Burundi

Little has been written about the academic libraries of Burundi yet the prospect of providing library support for higher education in a nation as small and young as this is challenging and, in light of extremely limited resources, successful services are being supplied. Furthermore, new institutional relationships being established will promote continued development. Given the lack of published literature this account relies heavily on the first-hand experiences of the author during exchange visits between the University of Burundi (UB) and Penn State University (PSU). Funding for these five (3 PSU + 2 UB) exchanges was provided by a University Affiliations Program Grant (1988-1991 ) from the United States Information Agency, whose support is gratefully acknowledged.
Mobilization of leaf N in soybean genotypes with varying durations of seedfill

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes differing in seedfill duration were grown in the field for two years to characterize the mobilization of leaf N during fruiting. The duration of seedfill was estimated as the time from growth stage R5 (beginning seedfill) to R7 (physiological maturity) and as the effective filling period (EFP) calculated from seed growth rate and final seed mass estimated from seeds in fruits tagged at the beginning of seedfill. Nitrogen was measured in the last fully expanded leaf on the main stem at weekly intervals during seed development. There were significant genotypic differences in both estimates of the duration of seedfill in both years. The length of the R5 to R7 period ranged from 18 to 48 days in 1983 (7 genotypes) and from 30 to 52 days in 1984 (8 genotypes). The range in EFP across all genotypes was 17–40 days in 1983 and 16–35 days in 1984. Leaf N concentration declined steadily during seedfilling, reaching a minimum level of approximately 2.0–2.5% at R7. The leaf N concentration declined more rapidly in genotypes with shorter durations of seedfill; however, when leaf N concentration was expressed as a function of the stage of seed development the changes in leaf N were constant across genotypes. The data indicate that the long-filling-period characteristics was associated with a slower rate of leaf senescence rather than with a later initiation of senescence.
Cyclic degradation of antagonistic shape memory actuated structures

Antagonistic shape memory actuated structures exploit opposing pairs of one-way shape memory alloy (SMA) linear actuators to create devices capable of a fully reversible response. Unlike many conventional reversible SMA devices they do not require bias force components (springs) to return them to their pre-actuated configuration. However, the repeated use of SMA antagonistic devices results in the accumulation of plastic strain in the actuators which can diminish their actuation stroke. We have investigated this phenomenon and the effect of shape memory alloy pre-strain upon it for near equi-atomic NiTi actuators. We find that the degradation eventually stabilizes during cycling. A thermomechanical treatment has been found to significantly reduce degradation in cyclic response of the actuators.
A novel framework integrating downhole array data and site response analysis to extract dynamic soil behavior

Seismic site response analysis is commonly used to predict ground response due to local soil effects. An increasing number of downhole arrays are deployed to measure motions at the ground surface and within the soil profile and to provide a check on the accuracy of site response analysis models. Site response analysis models, however, cannot be readily calibrated to match field measurements. A novel inverse analysis framework, self-learning simulations (SelfSim), to integrate site response analysis and field measurements is introduced. This framework uses downhole array measurements to extract the underlying soil behavior and develops a neural network-based constitutive model of the soil. The resulting soil model, used in a site response analysis, provides correct ground response. The extracted cyclic soil behavior can be further enhanced using multiple earthquake events. The performance of the algorithm is successfully demonstrated using synthetically generated downhole array recordings.
Liquid chromatographic analysis of all-trans-retinyl palmitate, β-carotene, and vitamin E in fortified foods and the extraction of encapsulated and nonencapsulated retinyl palmitate.

A liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis of natural vitamin E homologues, all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate (encapsulated and nonencapsulated), and β-carotene in ...
Vegetation management by minimal intervention: Working with succession

Abstract Ecosystem management techniques must strive to be non-polluting and low in energy costs. Towards this end, techniques which allow nature's own regulatory processes to work for man may prove important. Such an approach, here called ‘minimal intervention’, is examined through two examples where naturally-occurring successional plant communities could be incorporated into vegetation management programs. The first deals with the re-vegetation of mined lands, which can often be accomplished through natural plant colonization. This process can be enhanced through site preparation based upon ecological understanding of the colonization process. The second looks at suburban lawns, which possess many negative environmental features, and which in some cases could be replaced, with some advantage, by naturally occurring successional communities. Some minimal intervention in this successional process may be required to mold it so that certain vegetation criteria are met.
Abstract 230: Connectivity-map analyses identify FDA-approved drugs targeting breast cancer stem cells.

Recently developed genomics-based tools are allowing repositioning of established drugs as cancer treatments. This approach has not been employed extensively to identify drugs that may target cancer stem cells (CSCs) of solid tumors. CD44+/CD24- cancer cells are the first described CSCs for breast cancer, which are enriched in mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) and mesenchymal-like (ML) subtypes of triple negative (TNBCs) and in anti-estrogen resistant breast cancers. We subjected gene expression array datasets containing list of genes differentially expressed in CD44+/CD24- CSCs compared to non-CSCs as well as in cells enriched for other markers of CSCs including CD271 and GD3S (six datasets in total) to connectivity map (CMAP) to identify drugs that may reverse gene expression patterns unique to CSCs. All trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was negatively connected with gene expression in CD44+/CD24-, CD271+, and GD3S+ CSCs as well as in ML and MSL subtypes of TNBCs. Independently, ATRA was found to modulate the expression of several genes in the recently described CSC-enriched Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) signature. ATRA-inducible genes of the YAP signature were associated with good prognosis, whereas ATRA-repressible genes were associated with poor prognosis, depending on the subtype of breast cancer. ATRA reduced mammosphere forming ability of breast cancer cells including acquired anti-estrogen resistant cells, which correlated with ATRA-mediated reduction of the critical stemness-associated gene SOX2 and induction of SOX21, which functions as a differentiation factor depending on the cell type. CD44+/CD24- breast cancer cell line with K-ras mutation was resistant to ATRA, which was reversed by MAP kinase inhibitors. From these results, we propose ATRA as a potential therapy for specific subtypes of breast cancers enriched for CSCs. A biomarker-driven patient selection may help to identify patients who may benefit from ATRA therapy. Citation Format: Poornima Bhat-Nakshatri, Chirayu Goswami, Sunil Badve, George W. Sledge, Harikrishna Nakshatri. Connectivity-map analyses identify FDA-approved drugs targeting breast cancer stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 230. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-230
Neonatal outcome after indomethacin treatment for preterm labor.

Forty-six infants exposed to indomethacin in utero for treatment for preterm labor were compared with infants from two control groups. In one control group the next consecutive patient treated with a tocolytic agent was used, and the other control group was formed by picking the next consecutive patient matched by gestational age who did not receive any tocolytic agent. There was no significant difference in Apgar scores, birth weight, or gestational age in the three groups. The incidence of neonatal complications including hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis, and neonatal mortality were not significantly different in the three groups. No cases of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus or persistent fetal circulation were seen.
Solute-solvent effects in the acidic dissociation of the ampholyte N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (“tricine”) in 50 mass % methanol-water solvent

The pK values for the two acidic dissociation steps of the ampholyte N-tris-(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (“tricine”) in 50 mass % methanol-water solvent have been determined by emf measurements of cells of the type Pt|H2(g, 1 atm), tricine buffer, Br−, AgBr|Ag over the range 5 to 50°C (pK 1)and 5 to 60°C (pK 2).The standard thermodynamic quantities ΔHo, ΔSo, and ΔC p o for the two dissociation processes have been derived and are compared with the corresponding values for tricine and the parent glycine in water and with those for other acids in 50 mass % methanol-water solvent. Both tricine and protonated tricine become weaker acids when methanol is added to the aqueous solvent. It appears that a strong stabilization of the zwitterion in water is responsible for this behavior. This conclusion is supported by comparing the changes in entropy and heat capacity for the dissociation of tricine with the values of these quantities for the dissociation of “model” acids of simple structure, such as ammonium ion and acetic acid.
Ginseng Supplementation Does Not Enhance Healthy Young Adults’ Peak Aerobic Exercise Performance

Objective: To determine the short term effects (21 days) of 200 mg (7% standardized) Panax ginseng supplementation vs. placebo on peak aerobic exercise performance in healthy young adults, with unrestricted diets.Methods: Twenty men and eight women (age=23.2±3.2 years, height=175.8±8.6 cm; weight=75.2±15.3 kg) were randomly assigned to either a Panax ginseng or placebo group for a period of 3 weeks in a double blind design. Prior to and following treatment the subjects performed a symptom limited graded exercise test on a Schwinn Airdyne ergometer. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance.Results: No significant treatment effect was observed for the dependent variables of VO2, exercise time, workload, plasma lactate and hematocrit at peak levels, or for heart rate and rate of perceived exertion at 150 watts, 200 watts and peak.Conclusions: The results of this study do not support an ergogenic effect on peak aerobic exercise performance following a 3-week supplementation period of 200 mg 7% Pan...
Lack of gender difference in ventilatory chemoresponsiveness and post-hypoxic ventilatory decline.

Abstract Altered chemoresponsiveness has been postulated to explain the gender difference in the incidence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain a gender difference in the effect of hypocapnic hypoxia on ventilation. Hypocapnic hypoxia was induced in stable NREM sleep for 3 min periods. In the first analysis, hypoxic ventilatory response in a steady state (SHVR) was defined as the amount of change in minute ventilation ( V i ) between mean room air (RA) and hypoxia divided by the change in SaO2 between RA and hypoxia (ΔV i /ΔSaO2). The mean group SHVR values were 0.23±0.15 and 0.20±0.10 L/min per %SaO2, for men and women, respectively (P=ns). In the second analysis, we analyzed the decline in ventilatory parameters after the cessation of hypoxia. There was no difference in V i between the genders (men, 5.6±1.7 L/min vs. women, 4.9±1.9 L/min, P=ns). We conclude that the gender difference in SDB is not explained by a difference in the ventilatory response to hypocapnic hypoxia.
Structure of dehaloperoxidase B at 1.58 A resolution and structural characterization of the AB dimer from Amphitrite ornata.

As members of the globin superfamily, dehaloperoxidase (DHP) isoenzymes A and B from the marine annelid Amphitrite ornata possess hemoglobin function, but they also exhibit a biologically relevant peroxidase activity that is capable of converting 2,4,6-trihalophenols to the corresponding 2,6-dihaloquinones in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Here, a comprehensive structural study of recombinant DHP B, both by itself and cocrystallized with isoenzyme A, using X-ray diffraction is presented. The structure of DHP B refined to 1.58 A resolution exhibits the same distal histidine (His55) conformational flexibility as that observed in isoenzyme A, as well as additional changes to the distal and proximal hydrogen-bonding networks. Furthermore, pre­liminary characterization of the DHP AB heterodimer is presented, which exhibits differences in the AB interface that are not observed in the A-only or B-only homodimers. These structural investigations of DHP B provide insights that may relate to the mechanistic details of the H2O2-dependent oxidative dehalogenation reaction catalyzed by dehaloperoxidase, present a clearer description of the function of specific residues in DHP at the molecular level and lead to a better understanding of the paradigms of globin structure–function relationships.
Teaching, Learning, and Using Spectroscopy with Commercial, Off-the-Shelf Technology

The astonishing propagation of sophisticated electronics across the globe has attracted the attention of many for developing disease diagnoses, water purity measurements, and security applications using cellular telephones and the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) cameras with which many are equipped. This Focal Point article builds on the theme of using technology already in the hands of students/consumers to teach spectrophotometry and, by extension, to suggest how one might inexpensively develop an instrumental analysis curriculum at extraordinarily low cost. A grating spectrophotometer using a white light-emitting diode (LED) light source, plastic sample cuvette, holographic transmission grating, and any camera that produces JPG files as output is described. Optical characteristics are explained and a sample working curve provided. The raw data for that curve are available as Supplementary Material on-line. The behavior of the "Cell Phone Spectrometer" is inadequate for routine analysis but outstanding for teaching the workings of optical instrumentation components and systems.
Effect of Three-Dimensional Shear-Layer Structures on Slat Cove Unsteadiness

Numerical simulations are used to investigate the local and global dynamics of large-scale, three-dimensional vorticity structures within the free shear layer originating from the slat cusp of a multielement airfoil configuration. Results indicate that accounting for the local three-dimensionality of flow fluctuations leads to substantially improved agreement between the computed unsteady near-field solution and wind tunnel measurements based on particle image velocimetry. Analysis of simulation data indicates the potential significance of high intensity turbulent fluctuations near the reattachment location along the slat lower surface toward the generation of broadband slat noise. The computed acoustic characteristics, in terms of the frequency spectrum and spatial distribution within short distances from the slat, resemble the previously reported, subscale measurements of slat noise.
Quantifying the effect of bacterial antagonists on the relationship between phyllosphere population sizes of Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens and subsequent bacterial leaf streak severity on wheat seedlings

Abstract The influence of bacterial antagonists on the relationship between leaf-associated population sizes of Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens (Xtt) and subsequent bacterial leaf streak (BLS) severity on wheat seedlings was investigated when antagonists were challenged with the pathogen. Bacterial antagonists (108 CFU/ml) were inoculated individually onto 10-day-old wheat seedlings maintained in a growth chamber. Antagonists were challenged 48 h later with a single inoculum density (107 CFU/ml) or with a range of Xtt inoculum densities (0–108 CFU/ml). Some antagonists significantly decreased both Xtt population sizes and BLS severity compared to a pathogen-only control over a range of pathogen inoculum densities, although statistically significant reduction in pathogen population size was not always coupled with significant disease reduction. There was no consistent effect of pathogen inoculum density on antagonist effectiveness. Specifically, the influence of antagonists on Xtt population size and BLS severity was variable among experiments at the same pathogen inoculum density and among pathogen inoculum densities within the same experiment. In all cases, the relationship between leaf-associated pathogen population size and subsequent BLS severity was not significantly altered by antagonists. Thus, bacterial antagonists studied here influence disease severity primarily by influencing the size of the pathogen population prior to disease onset.
Control of globin synthesis by hemin. An intermediate form of the translational repressor in rabbit reticulocyte lysates.

Abstract The regulation of globin synthesis by hemin in rabbit reticulocytes and reticulocyte lysates appears to be mediated by a translational repressor, which is formed in the post-ribosomal supernatant fraction in the absence of hemin and inhibits polypeptide-chain initiation. This report demonstrates that the repressor is formed in three stages denoted reversible, intermediate, and irreversible. The reversible hemin-controlled repressor is inactivated by hemin, but the latter two forms are not. When added to reticulocyte cell-free systems incubated in the absence of hemin, the reversible and intermediate forms of the repressor only transiently inhibit protein synthesis, whereas the irreversible form exerts progressively more inhibition with time of incubation. The intermediate hemin-controlled repressor functions only transiently, apparently because it becomes inactivated in the course of inhibiting protein synthesis. The intermediate repressor appears to bind hemin, and this suppresses its inhibitory effect at 25°C but not at 34°C. Hemin prevents the conversion of the intermediate to the irreversible form of the repressor at temperatures above 25°C. The intermediate hemin-controlled repressor may play a physiological role in the regulation of protein synthesis in intact cells, since if its formation becomes blocked by hemin after a period of hemin deficiency, protein synthesis can still recover.
Aldolase directly interacts with ARNO and modulates cell morphology and acidic vesicle distribution

Previously, we demonstrated that the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) a2-subunit functions as an endosomal pH sensor that interacts with the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) guanine nucleotide excha...
Human hypervariable sequences in risk assessment: rare Ha-ras alleles in cancer patients.

A variable tandem repeat (VTR) is responsible for the hyperallelism one kilobase 3' to the human c-Ha-ras-1 (Ha-ras) gene. Thirty-two distinct restriction fragments, comprising 3 allelic classes by...
miR-29 Modulates Wnt Signaling in Human Osteoblasts through a Positive Feedback Loop

Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts is controlled by extracellular cues. Canonical Wnt signaling is particularly important for maintenance of bone mass in humans. Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, mediated by microRNAs, plays an essential role in the control of osteoblast differentiation. Here, we find that miR-29a is necessary for human osteoblast differentiation, and miR-29a is increased during differentiation in the mesenchymal precursor cell line hFOB1.19 and in primary cultures of human osteoblasts. Furthermore, the promoter of the expressed sequence tag containing the human miR-29a gene is induced by canonical Wnt signaling. This effect is mediated, at least in part, by two T-cell factor/LEF-binding sites within the proximal promoter. Furthermore, we show that the negative regulators of Wnt signaling, Dikkopf-1 (Dkk1), Kremen2, and secreted frizzled related protein 2 (sFRP2), are direct targets of miR-29a. Endogenous protein levels for these Wnt antagonists are increased in cells transfected with synthetic miR-29a inhibitor. In contrast, transfection with miR-29a mimic decreases expression of these antagonists and potentiates Wnt signaling. Overall, we demonstrate that miR-29 and Wnt signaling are involved in a regulatory circuit that can modulate osteoblast differentiation. Specifically, canonical Wnt signaling induces miR-29a transcription. The subsequent down-regulation of key Wnt signaling antagonists, Dkk1, Kremen2, and sFRP2, by miR-29a potentiates Wnt signaling, contributing to a gene expression program important for osteoblast differentiation. This novel regulatory circuit provides additional insight into how microRNAs interact with signaling molecules during osteoblast differentiation, allowing for fine-tuning of intricate cellular processes.
Stachybotrys–Media Hype or True Hazard?

ABSTRACT Some molds produce metabolites, called mycotoxins, which are toxic to animals and humans in small amounts. One mycotoxin-producing mold species, Stachybotrys chartarum has been associated with severe illness. It is of particular interest to librarians and archivists because cellulose, the main component of paper, is its food source. This article reviews the literature on the health effects of stachybotrys and discusses the implications for libraries. Answers to commonly asked questions about stachybotrys detection and elimination are appended.
The Use of Amorphous Carbon Electrodes in High Voltage A.C. Arc Excitation

Amorphous carbon electrodes offer certain advantages over graphite electrodes for spectrochemical analyses. They burn more evenly, and are poorer conductors of heat and current than graphite electrodes. However, their abrasiveness and brittleness in handling make them much less convenient to machine than graphite electrodes. Mellichamp and Finnegan (1) have shown that an enhancement of spectral lines occurred when a carbon crater was substituted for a graphite crater in d.c. arc excitation, and that the time for complete burning of the sample was considerably reduced with carbon craters. They noted that arc wandering decreased with carbon counter electrodes, and reported that intensity ratios were virtually the same for graphite and carbon counter electrodes.
Pediatric End-Stage Failing Hearts Demonstrate Increased Cardiac Stem Cells.

Background We sought to determine the location, expression, and characterization of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) in children with end-stage heart failure (ESHF). We hypothesized ESHF myocardium would contain an increased number of CSCs relative to age-matched healthy myocardium, and ESHF-derived CSCs would have diminished functional capacity as evidenced by reduced telomere length. Methods Tissue samples were obtained from the explanted hearts of children undergoing heart transplantation with ESHF, defined as New York Heart Association class III or IV and ejection fraction less than 0.20, and from age-matched congenital heart disease patients with normal myocardium. The expression profile of cardiac-specific stem cell markers was determined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Cardiac stem cell growth reserve was assessed with telomere length. Results There were 15 ESHF and 15 age-matched congenital heart disease patients. End-stage heart failure myocardium demonstrated increased expression of c-kit + and islet-1 + CSCs by 2.0- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared with myocardium from congenital heart disease patients. There was no difference in expression of c-kit + CSCs with advancing age from infants to children in ESHF myocardium. The c-kit + CSCs isolated from ESHF patients demonstrated significantly reduced telomere length, suggesting a diminished functional capability in these cells (8.1 ± 0.6 kbp versus 6.3 ± 0.3 kbp; p = 0.015). Conclusions End-stage heart failure myocardium demonstrated an age-independent increase in CSCs relative to healthy myocardium; however, these CSCs from ESHF patients may have diminished proliferative ability and reduced functionality as an autologous cell therapy candidate. Further investigation is necessary to determine the role of ESHF-derived CSCs within the myocardium.
Act with authority: Romantic desire at the nexus of power possessed and power perceived☆

article The social psychological literature and the evolutionary literature on power suggest different routes by which power might inspire romantic desire: the former highlights the appealing actions of the powerful, whereas the latter demonstrates that people desire powerful individuals upon learning of those individuals' powerful status. We predicted that, in an initial face-to-face interaction, both elements must align for the powerful to inspire romantic desire. In a live mixed-sex interaction, participants experienced the most romantic desire for an opposite-sex target who (a) actually possessed power and (b) was perceived by the participant to possess power. This interaction was mediated by observable behavior—the extent to which the target controlled the conversation and was given legitimacy by the group—indicating that the powerful do not behave powerfully around unaccommodating subordinates. Power manipulations implemented in only one person's mind may not approximate how power functions in real social interactions.
Efficient transfection of primary zebrafish fibroblasts by nucleofection

Although various gene delivery techniques are available, their application in zebrafish cell cultures has not been extensively studied. Here, we report that nucleofection of zebrafish primary embryonic fibroblasts results in higher transfection efficiency in comparison to other non-viral gene delivery methods. The transfection was performed using green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene constructs of a different size. Greatest DNA uptake was obtained with 4.9-kb plasmid, resulting in 43% GFP positive cells. Nucleofection with 7.4-kb pH2B-GFP plasmid followed by geneticin (G418) selection was successfully used to establish a cell line expressing nuclear histone 2B-GFP fusion protein. Efficient transfection of zebrafish fibroblasts by nucleofection offers a non-viral technique of plasmid delivery and can be used to overexpress genes of interest in these cells.
Prospects for High Thermoelectric Figures of Merit in 2D Systems

Enhanced ZT has been predicted theoretically and observed experimentally in 2D quantum wells, with good agreement between theory and experiment. Advantages of low dimensional systems for thermoelectric applications are described and prospects for further enhancement of ZT are discussed.
Stable Binding of ATF6 to BiP in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced activation of ATF6, an ER membrane-bound transcription factor, requires a dissociation step from its inhibitory regulator, BiP. It has been generally postulated that dissociation of the BiP-ATF6 complex is a result of the competitive binding of misfolded proteins generated during ER stress. Here we present evidence against this model and for an active regulatory mechanism for dissociation of the complex. Contradictory to the competition model that is based on dynamic binding of BiP to ATF6, our data reveal relatively stable binding. First, the complex was easily isolated, in contrast to many chaperone complexes that require chemical cross-linking. Second, ATF6 bound at similar levels to wild-type BiP and a BiP mutant form that binds substrates stably because of a defect in its ATPase activity. Third, ER stress specifically induced the dissociation of BiP from ER stress transducers while the competition model would predict dissociation from any specific substrate. Fourth, the ATF6-BiP complex was resistant to ATP-induced dissociation in vitro when isolated without detergents, suggesting that cofactors stabilize the complex. In favor of an active dissociation model, one specific region within the ATF6 lumenal domain was identified as a specific ER stress-responsive sequence required for ER stress-triggered BiP release. Together, our results do not support a model in which competitive binding of misfolded proteins causes dissociation of the BiP-ATF6 complex in stressed cells. We propose that stable BiP binding is essential for ATF6 regulation and that ER stress dissociates BiP from ATF6 by actively restarting the BiP ATPase cycle.
Nonfoodborne Vibrio Infections: An Important Cause of Morbidity and Mortality in the United States, 1997–2006

Background. Infections due to Vibrio species cause an estimated 8000 illnesses annually, often through consumption of undercooked seafood. Like foodborne Vibrio infections, nonfoodborne Vibrio infections (NFVI) also result in serious illness, but awareness of these infections is limited. Methods. We analyzed illnesses occuring during the period 1997-2006 that were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance system. The diagnosis of NFVI required isolation of Vibrio species from a patient with contact with seawater. Results. Of 4754 Vibrio infections reported, 1210 (25%) were NFVIs. Vibrio vulnificus infections were the most common (accounting for 35% of NFVIs), with 72% of V. vulnificus infections reported from residents of Gulf Coast states. Infections due to V. vulnificus resulted in fever (72% of cases), cellulitis (85%), amputation (10%), and death (17%). V. vulnificus caused 62 NFVI-associated deaths (78%). Recreational activities accounted for 70% of exposures for patients with NFVIs associated with all species. Patients with liver disease were significantly more likely to die as a result of infection (odds ratio, 7.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.8-21.9). Regardless of pre-existing conditions, patients were more likely to die when hospitalization occurred 12 days after symptom onset (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.8). Conclusion. NFVIs, especially those due to V. vulnificus, demonstrate high morbidity and mortality. Persons with liver disease should be advised of the risks associated with seawater exposure if a wound is already present or is likely to occur. Clinicians should consider Vibrio species as an etiologic agent in infections occurring in persons with recent seawater exposure, even if the individual was only exposed during recreational marine activities. Immediate antibiotic treatment with aggressive monitoring is advised in suspected cases.
Identification of genes involved in the same pathways using a Hidden Markov Model-based approach

Motivation: The sequencing of whole genomes from various species has provided us with a wealth of genetic information. To make use of the vast amounts of data available today it is necessary to devise computer-based analysis techniques. Results: We propose a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based algorithm to detect groups of genes functionally similar to a set of input genes from microarray expression data. A subset of experiments from a microarray is selected based on a set of related input genes. HMMs are trained from the input genes and a group of random gene input sets to provide significance estimates. Every gene in the microarray is scored using all HMMs and significant matches with the input genes are retained. We ran this algorithm on the life cycle of Drosophila microarray data set with KEGG pathways for cell cycle and translation factors as input data sets. Results show high functional similarity in resulting gene sets, increasing our biological insight into gene pathways and KEGG annotations. The algorithm performed very well compared to the Signature Algorithm and a purely correlation-based approach. Availability: Java source codes and data sets are available at http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~xwchen/software.htm Contact: xwchen@ittc.ku.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The sensitivity of annual grassland carbon cycling to the quantity and timing of rainfall

Global climate models predict significant changes to the rainfall regimes of the grassland biome, where C cycling is particularly sensitive to the amount and timing of precipitation. We explored the effects of both natural interannual rainfall variability and experimental rainfall additions on net C storage and loss in annual grasslands. Soil respiration and net primary productivity (NPP) were measured in treatment and control plots over four growing seasons (water years, or WYs) that varied in wet-season length and the quantity of rainfall. In treatment plots, we increased total rainfall by 50% above ambient levels and simulated one early- and one late-season storm. The early- and late-season rain events significantly increased soil respiration for 2‐4 weeks after wetting, while augmentation of wet-season rainfall had no significant effect. Interannual variability in precipitation had large and significant effects on C cycling. We observed a significant positive relationship between annual rainfall and aboveground NPP across the study (P 50.01, r 2 50.69). Changes in the seasonal timing of rainfall significantly affected soil respiration. Abundant rainfall late in the wet season in WY 2004, a year with average total rainfall, led to greater net ecosystem C losses due to a � 50% increase in soil respiration relative to other years. Our results suggest that C cycling in annual grasslands will be less sensitive to changes in rainfall quantity and more affected by altered seasonal timing of rainfall, with a longer or later wet season resulting in significant C losses from annual grasslands. Abbreviations: WY 5 water year Rh 5 heterotrophic respiration Rs 5 soil respiration Rr 5 root respiration NPP 5 net primary productivity NEP 5 net ecosystem production RC 5 root contribution
Publish, not perish: Introducing Experimental Hematology & Oncology.

As a scientific discipline, medicine can only be advanced by experimentation. Experimentation could either validate or refute a hypothesis. Unfortunately, today's publication climate strongly favors publication of positive research findings, especially with clinical trials. Experimental Hematology & Oncology (e HO) is a new open access online journal that emphasizes preclinical, patient-oriented and translational aspects of research. The journal differentiates from others in the field by making a deliberate effort in publishing clinical trials with "negative" results and basic science studies with provocative findings. The focus of the peer-review mechanism for e HO will be on the technical merit of the study and not on demanding a long list of additional experiments that hinders rapid information dissemination.
Value-Aware RoXSum: Effective Message Aggregation for XML-Aware Information Dissemination

Publish/subscribe (or pub/sub) systems perform asynchro- nous message transmission, from publishers to subscribers, without any of the parties having knowledge of the other. The pub/sub infrastructure manages the delivery of the mes- sages, which is guided by user subscriptions that specify the type of information the subscribers are interested in. Since XML prevails as the standard for information ex- change, e-cient XML-aware pub/sub systems become nec- essary. Within that context, we propose VA-RoXSum, a novel message representation scheme that aggregates the content of messages in a space e-cient manner. Coupled with specialized processing algorithms that operate on its aggregated content, the VA-RoXSum enables the batch pro- cessing of groups of messages and considerably improves the performance of the subscription-guided flltering task. Our preliminary experiments show that a pub/sub infrastruc- ture with VA-RoXSum achieves up to two orders of magni- tude faster matching, compared with state-of-the-art alter- natives, which operate on the original messages.
Lipotoxin F of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an AlgU- dependent and alginate-independent outer membrane protein involved in resistance to oxidative stress and adhesion to A549 human lung epithelia

Chronic lung infection with P. aeruginosa and excessive neutrophil-associated inflammation are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Overproduction of an exopolysaccharide known as alginate leads to the formation of mucoid biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics and host defences. Alginate overproduction or mucoidy is controlled by a stress-related ECF sigma factor AlgU/T. Mutation in the anti-sigma factor MucA is a known mechanism for conversion to mucoidy. Recently, we showed that inactivation of a kinase (KinB) in nonmucoid strain PAO1 results in overproduction of alginate. Here, we report the initial characterization of lipotoxin F (LptF, PA3692), an OmpA-like outer membrane protein that exhibited increased expression in the mucoid PAO1kinB mutant. The lipotoxin family of proteins has been previously shown to induce inflammation in lung epithelia, which may play a role in CF disease progression. Expression of LptF was observed to be AlgU-dependent and upregulated in CF isolates. Deletion of lptF from the kinB mutant had no effect on alginate production. Deletion of lptF from PAO1 caused a differential susceptibility to oxidants that can be generated by phagocytes. The lptF and algU mutants were more sensitive to hypochlorite than PAO1. However, the lptF mutant displayed increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide. LptF also contributed to adhesion to A549 human lung epithelial cells. Our data suggest that LptF is an outer membrane protein that may be important for P. aeruginosa survival in harsh environments, including lung colonization in CF.
Mechanisms of deformation and failure in carbon-matrix composites subject to tensile and shear loading

The operative damage mechanisms in a series of C-matrix composites loaded in tension and shear have been investigated. The composites contained either C fibers or Nicalon fibers, both with and without a carbon coating. The matrix consisted primarily of ex-phenolic carbon with a final carbon layer introduced by chemical vapor infiltration. Some composites have a high fiber/matrix sliding stress. In these composites, failure is characterized by localized fiber pullout. Other composites have a low. Failure of these materials is characterized by stochastic fiber failure with a diffuse fracture surface. The operative damage mechanisms have been identified and used in conjunction with available models to rationalize composite performance in terms of constituent properties (fiber, matrix, interface). The properties emphasized include the inelastic strain, as well as the ultimate tensile and shear strengths.
Fluorofluoroxydioxirane and Other CF2O3 Isomers

Seven structural isomers, and relevant transition states, on the lowest-energy spin-singlet potential energy surface of CF2O3 are characterized using correlated ab initio electronic structure methods. On the basis of preliminary comparative calculations, second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation theory with a correlation-consistent polarized valence double-ζ one-electron basis set (MP2/cc-pVDZ) was chosen with which to describe equilibrium structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies of all relevant rotamers. Accurate energy differences were determined using the coupled cluster method, with perturbative inclusion of triple excitations, and a valence triple-ζ basis (CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ). The lowest energy isomer is predicted to be the molozonide of difluorocarbene, whose adiabatic decay is prevented by a sizable barrier. Plausible mechanisms for the isomerization of the titled compound to the low-energy fluoroformyl peroxyhypofluorite and nearly isenergetic carbonyl hypofluorite are suggested. An analogous r...
Computational Efficiency of Full Waveform Inversion Algorithms

For managing computational cost in full waveform inversion (FWI), attention to the details of the underlying nonlinear optimization procedure is essential. Here, we performed experiments with a variety of waveform inversion test problems. A quasi-Newton algorithm provided the best performance in all cases. Nonlinear conjugate gradient methods were less efficient and less robust, requiring occasional restarting to avoid numerical problems. Truncated Newton and Gauss–Newton methods, which can be implemented in a matrix-free manner to avoid assembling the Hessian or Jacobian, are shown to be cost-competitive for time domain waveform inversion—outperforming nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithms, though not yet outperforming quasi-Newton algorithms. Given the possibility of combining newly demonstrated computational efficiency with previously reported robustness, truncated Newton algorithms might one day surpass quasi-Newton algorithms as the method of choice for largescale seismic inversions.
Intratracheal injection of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plasmid/liposomes protects normal lung but not orthotopic tumors from irradiation

To determine whether intratracheal (IT) lung protective manganese superoxide-plasmid/liposomes (MnSOD-PL) complex provided 'bystander' protection of thoracic tumors, mice with orthotopic Lewis lung carcinoma-bacterial beta-galactosidase gene (3LL-LacZ) were studied. There was no significant difference in irradiation survival of 3LL-LacZ cells irradiated, then cocultured with MnSOD-PL-treated compared with control lung cells (D0 2.022 and 2.153, respectively), or when irradiation was delivered 24 h after coculture (D0 0.934 and 0.907, respectively). Tumor-bearing control mice showed 50% survival at 18 days and 10% survival at 21 days. Mice receiving liposomes with no insert or LacZ-PL complex plus 18 Gy had 50% survival at 22 days, and a 20% and 30% survival at day 50, respectively. Mice receiving MnSOD-PL complex followed by 18 Gy showed prolonged survival of 45% at 50 days after irradiation (P < 0.001). Nested RT-PCR assay for the human MnSOD transgene demonstrated expression at 24 h in normal lung, but not in orthotopic tumors. Decreased irradiation induction of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, MIF, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 at 24 h was detected in lungs, but not orthotopic tumors from MnSOD-PL-injected mice (P < 0.001). Thus, pulmonary radioprotective MnSOD-PL therapy does not provide detectable 'bystander' protection to thoracic tumors.
Light labeling with temporal intensity modulations for hyperspectral imaging

We discuss the theoretical framework of a new method of performing spectroscopy: labeling a unique intensity modulation frequency onto the optical frequencies of an incident or illumination power spectrum. In a manner similar to Fourier transform spectroscopy, we rescale the optical angular frequencies of the power spectrum down to readily measured frequencies on a square-law detector enabling rapid spectral update rates on a single element detector.