cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Replication of the murine cytomegalovirus genome: structure and role of the termini in the generation and cleavage of concatenates.

Abstract Following infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), the termini of the linear double-stranded DNA genome fuse to form circular or concatemeric forms which serve as replicative intermediates. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the generation and cleavage of the intracellular concatenates, we have used restriction endonuclease mapping and nucleotide sequence analyses to characterize the structure of the virion DNA termini and intracellular end-to-end fusion fragment. Four each of the cloned Eco Ri X and Eco Ri c terminal fragments were sequenced. All of the Eco RI X clones and three of the Eco RI c clones contained a 30-base-pair (bp) sequence which was directly repeated st the ends of the MCMV genome. The terminal sequence of the fourth Eco RI c clone began directly after the 30-bp direct repeat. The four Eco RI X clones also had minor length heterogeneity, differing in the number of GC bp at the terminus. Five fusion fragments were sequenced. Three of the fusion fragments contained both direct repeats, while two fusion fragments lacked one entire direct repeat. Direct analyses of the virion DNA and intracellular fusion fragments revealed that the clones accurately reflected the naturally occurring populations and that the relative proportion of fusion fragments containing only one direct repeat increased as the infection progressed. The data suggest that fusion of the termini arises by end-to-end ligation. We also show that adjacent to the MCMV termini are sequences highly conserved among the herpesviruses, and we discuss their potential role in the maturation of the viral genome.
The paired label assay for cell surface antigens

0 ~ Z e~ The "paired label" technique for measuring cell surface antigens is so named because it uses a mixture of equal concentrations by weight of immune globulin labeled with 131I and normal globulin labeled with ~2sI (1,2). When this mixture is incubated with test cells, the amount of antibody binding is given by the difference between the amount of immune globulin binding and the amount of normal globulin binding. Since animal serum protein binds nonspecifically to cell surfaces in relatively large amounts, the use of the "paired label" technique permits precise correction for nonspecific absorption to the surface of the cell being tested.
The effects of chemonucleolysis on the mechanical properties of the canine lumbar disc

One hundred and twenty-two lumbar intervertebral discs from 43 mongrel dogs were used to study the effect of chemonucleolysis on the flexion, torsion, and lateral bending flexibilities of the disc. The dogs were killed 2, 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks following injection with 0.1-0.15 ml of either crude collagenase, semipurified collagenase, or chymopapain. Controls consisted of saline-injected and uninjected discs. The bending and torsional properties of each disc were determined by applying incremental moments up to 0.8 Nm and measuring the resultant rotations 60 seconds after each load increment was applied. The discs were then sectioned for morphologic evaluation. Increases in disc flexibilities ranging from 1.4 to 5.8-fold were found 2 weeks after injection with all three enzymes. The largest increase was noted in flexion in discs injected with chymopapain. By 3 months, all lateral bending flexibilities had returned to control values. In general, however, flexion and torsion flexibilities did not return to control values 6 months following chemonucleolysis. The extent of the gross morphologic changes produced by each of the three enzyme preparations did not correlate with the acute increases in disc flexibilities. Chymopapain and semipurified collagenase had similar morphologic and mechanical effects. The temporary increases in flexibility appeared to be due to decreases in the overall compression, tensile and shear stiffness of the annulus caused by the enzymes.
Heterosynaptic structural plasticity on local dendritic segments of hippocampal CA1 neurons

Competition between synapses contributes to activity-dependent refinement of the nervous system during development. Does local competition between neighboring synapses drive circuit remodeling during experience-dependent plasticity in the cerebral cortex? Here, we examined the role of activity-mediated competitive interactions in regulating dendritic spine structure and function on hippocampal CA1 neurons. We found that high-frequency glutamatergic stimulation at individual spines, which leads to input-specific synaptic potentiation, induces shrinkage and weakening of nearby unstimulated synapses. This heterosynaptic plasticity requires potentiation of multiple neighboring spines, suggesting that a local threshold of neural activity exists beyond which inactive synapses are punished. Notably, inhibition of calcineurin, IP3Rs, or group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) blocked heterosynaptic shrinkage without blocking structural potentiation, and inhibition of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blocked structural potentiation without blocking heterosynaptic shrinkage. Our results support a model in which activity-induced shrinkage signal, and not competition for limited structural resources, drives heterosynaptic structural and functional depression during neural circuit refinement.
Profit maximization and supermodular technology

A dataset is a list of observed factor inputs and prices for a technology; profits and production levels are unobserved. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for a dataset to be consistent with profit maximization under a monotone and concave revenue based on the notion of cyclic monotonicity. Our result implies that monotonicity and concavity cannot be tested, and that one cannot decide if a firm is competitive based on factor demands. We also introduce a condition, cyclic supermodularity, which is both necessary and sufficient for data to be consistent with a supermodular technology. Cyclic supermodularity provides a test for complementarity of production factors.
Midterm survival in patients treated for atrial fibrillation: a propensity-matched comparison to patients without a history of atrial fibrillation.

Objective Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with a history of untreated atrial fibrillation have reduced survival compared with similar patients without atrial fibrillation. We sought to compare the midterm survival of patients who received concomitant surgical ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation ablated) with that of matched patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (no atrial fibrillation). Methods We evaluated 3262 consecutive patients (813 [25%] with atrial fibrillation and 2449 [75%] without preoperative atrial fibrillation) undergoing cardiac surgery at a single institution from April 2004 to April 2009. Of patients with atrial fibrillation, 565 (70%) were treated with a concomitant surgical ablation procedure. Propensity scores were calculated on the basis of 37 known preoperative risk factors and yielded 744 patients. Midterm survival was compared between patients with atrial fibrillation ablation (n = 372) and patients without atrial fibrillation (n = 372). Survival was also compared between patients with successful vs unsuccessful ablation, and a matched analysis was performed at 1 year between the 2 groups. Results Mean follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.6 years. Patients without atrial fibrillation and patients with treated atrial fibrillation had similar early 30-day mortality (1.2% vs 0.3%, P = .37) and overall mortality rates (11.6% vs 9.4%, P = .344), respectively. Survival analysis showed no differences at 1, 3, and 5 years between the 2 groups (log-rank P = .22). At last follow-up, 78% of treated patients were free of atrial fibrillation. At 1 year, 68% of patients were free of atrial fibrillation and antiarrhythmic medication. Freedom from atrial fibrillation and antiarrhythmic medication at 1 year predicted improved midterm survival ( P = .03) compared with patients in atrial fibrillation or taking antiarrhythmic medication. Propensity-matched analysis after 1 year demonstrated improved survival for patients who were successfully treated ( P = .016). Conclusions Patients undergoing surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation had survival similar to that of patients without a history of atrial fibrillation. Those with successful sinus restoration had improved survival compared with those who were treated but remained in atrial fibrillation.
The morphology of growth cones of regenerating optic nerve axons

The morphology of growth cones of regenerating optic nerve axons was examined by light and electron microscopy in adult frogs (Rana pipiens), using a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fiber-filling method, during early and later phases of regeneration. Optic nerve regeneration was initiated unilaterally by crushing the optic nerve in mid-orbit. Fiber filling was accomplished by severing the affected nerve closer to the eye 24–48 hrs. prior to sacrifice and applying HRP to the central stump. Regenerating axons and their growth cones were observed in the optic nerves, chiasma, tract, pretectal neuropil, and optic tectum. Growth cones of normal-appearing axons varied in shape and size. Flattened, foliate growth cones similar to those commonly described in vitro were observed in the pretectal neuropil and optic tectum. Other growth cones having vermiform, lanceolate, spatulate, and bulbous forms were observed throughout the optic pathway at all stages examined, although the longer (up to 70 μm) wormlike structures appeared only in the optic tract during the early period of outgrowth. Nearly complete serial-section reconstructions were obtained for two growth cones in the contralateral optic tectum at 8 wks. regeneration time. One was thinly flattened (to 30–50 nm in places) and extended broadly (8 μm in diameter) in contact with a nouronal perikaryon. The other formed a hood over the blind end of a severed, nonregenerating myelinated axon, which was normal-appearing except at its end within the confines of the growth cone. Morphological variation among the growth cones is discussed in relation to other descriptive in vivo studies and views concerning growth cone motility.
Enhanced tumor delivery and antitumor activity in vivo of liposomal doxorubicin modified with MCF-7-specific phage fusion protein

Abstract A novel strategy to improve the therapeutic index of chemotherapy has been developed by the integration of nanotechnology with phage technique. The objective of this study was to combine phage display, identifying tumor-targeting ligands, with a liposomal nanocarrier for targeted delivery of doxorubicin. Following the proof of concept in cell-based experiments, this study focused on in vivo assessment of antitumor activity and potential side-effects of phage fusion protein-modified liposomal doxorubicin. MCF-7-targeted phage-Doxil treatments led to greater tumor remission and faster onset of antitumor activity than the treatments with non-targeted formulations. The enhanced anticancer effect induced by the targeted phage-Doxil correlated with an improved tumor accumulation of doxorubicin. Tumor sections consistently revealed enhanced apoptosis, reduced proliferation activity and extensive necrosis. Phage-Doxil-treated mice did not show any sign of hepatotoxicity and maintained overall health. Therefore, MCF-7-targeted phage-Doxil seems to be an active and tolerable chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment. From the Clinical Editor The authors of this study successfully combined phage display with a liposomal nanocarrier for targeted delivery of doxorubicin using MCF-7-targeted phage-Doxil nanocarriers in a rodent model. The method demonstrated improved efficiency and reduced hepatotoxicity, paving the way to future clinical trials addressing breast cancer.
Mechanisms of resistance and cross-resistance to agrochemicals in the fairy shrimp Thamnocephalus platyurus (Crustacea: Anostraca)

Extensive pesticide usage in the Southern High Plains has led to the development of resistance in many pest species, as well as some non-target organisms. Thamnocephalus platyurus derived from agriculturally impacted watersheds are between two and three times less sensitive to commonly applied agrochemicals than T. platyurus from native grassland watersheds. Biological mechanisms that convey such resistance are currently unknown. This study identified the contribution of metabolic enzymes to T. platyurus pesticide resistance using the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) to inhibit cytochrome P450s or hydrolases, respectively. Inhibition of cytochrome P450s and hydrolases partially restored cyfluthrin and DDT sensitivity in T. platyurus, suggesting other resistance inferring mechanism(s) were also involved. However, inhibition of hydrolases with DEF completely restored methyl parathion sensitivity in pesticide resistant T. platyurus. DDT resistance paralleled cyfluthrin resistance, but did not for methyl parathion resistance. These data suggest that the primary mechanism for the development of resistance to agrochemicals in T. platyurus is due to increased metabolic detoxification.
Characterizing High Temperature Thermoelectric Modules

With the accelerating improvements and interests in high temperature thermoelectric materials and their applications for power generation, there is the emerging need to fully characterize thermoelectric modules. One of critical challenges in testing modules, especially at high temperatures, is being able to accurately control and measure heat rates transferred across a module. Many of the current characterization techniques are limited to solely measuring the electrical response and ignore the heat transfer. The new technique, described within, is able to accurately measure the three key characteristic properties, namely Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistance, and thermal conductance of a thermoelectric module over temperature ranges from 50 to 650°C. To ensure isothermal surfaces and minimize heat rate errors, a primary heater is encased in a guard heater. Rapid pulsed electronic loading allows for rapid voltage-current scans while avoiding thermal drift. The thermal conductivity of a reference material is used to validate the performance of the guard heater assembly and heat monitoring setup.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Effect of pregnancy and pain on cerebrospinal fluid immunoreactive enkephalins and norepinephrine in healthy humans

Endogenous spinal opioid or noradrenergic system activation may increase pain threshold during pregnancy and following a painful stress. Variation in spinal antinociceptive activity is also postulated to explain in part the large variability in postoperative opioid analgesic requirements. In this study, spinal noradrenergic and opioid activity, as reflected by the CSF concentrations of norepinephrine and immunoreactive enkephalins (total enkephalin-containing peptides), was determined in 58 women prior to surgery. The CSF concentration of these substances did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. CSF norepinephrine tended to be greater in pregnant women who had experienced painful labor than in those who had not (1240 ± 300 vs. 570 ± 160 pmol/1; P = 0.056) and these women self-administered less morphine following cesarean section than those without labor pain (64 ± 4 vs. 86 ± 7 mg/24 h; P < 0.01). However, CSF concentration of norepinephrine or immunoreactive enkephalins did not correlate with postoperative morphine use. These results suggest that spinal immunoreactive enkephalin and noradrenergic activity are not increased during pregnancy. However, pain may activate spinal noradrenergic pathways affecting pain sensation.
Circular dichroism of mitochondrial membranes before and after extraction of lipids and surface proteins

Abstract The circular dichroic spectra of submitochondrial vesicles, membrane-associated proteins, protein-depleted vesicles, and lipid-depleted vesicles were determined. It is possible to remove up to 40 % of the protein from the membrane and still retain the trilaminar structure in the residual vesicles. This enables us to assess the secondary structure of the intrinsic membrane proteins and the relative contribution of membrane-associated proteins to the spectrum of the intact membrane. The ellipticity at 222 nm of submitochondrial vesicles was in good agreement with the value calculated from the data on membrane-associated proteins and intrinsic membrane proteins. The spectral data were used to estimate the helical content of submitochondrial vesicles (27 %), intrinsic membrane proteins (26–30 %), and membrane-associated proteins (15 %). The intrinsic membrane proteins of vesicles show remarkable stability in 8 M urea; only 20 % of the helical structure is lost. This is in contrast with most globular proteins, as well as membrane-associated proteins, which are largely denatured in concentrated urea. No appreciable change in secondary structure occurs after removal of a large amount of phospholipid (72 %) from submitochondrial vesicles.
Transport of Heat and Approach to Second Sound in Some Isotopically Pure Alkali-Halide Crystals

The propagation of short thermal pulses has been studied in very pure samples of NaF, ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$F, and NaI in various crystallographic directions. In each of these crystals the flow of heat at high temperatures is by diffusion, and at the lowest temperatures, by the direct flight of phonons from heater to detector. In the ballistic region, the elastic anisotropy gives rise to a channeling of mode energy into certain preferred directions. Over a limited intermediate temperature range, the effect of normal-process scattering on the propagated heat pulse has been observed in NaF and ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$F: In the best NaF crystals the pulse velocity approaches the expected second-sound velocity. The observations can be explained satisfactorily in terms of the hydrodynamics of a weakly interacting phonon gas. Computer solutions generated to fit the observed thermal pulse shapes suggest that in NaF, the mean free path for normal-process scattering can be represented by ${l}_{N}=1.42\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}{T}^{\ensuremath{-}3.71}$ cm in the temperature range 10-20 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Duplex velocity criteria for native celiac/superior mesenteric artery stenosis vs in-stent stenosis

Background Duplex velocity criteria (DVC) to identify in-stent celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis is not well defined. Only one study has been published which concluded that DVC for native SMA stenosis overestimated stenosis in stented SMAs. The purpose of this study was to analyze DVC in detecting CA/SMA in-stent stenosis (ISS). Methods Forty-three patients with 62 stents (32 SMAs and 30 CAs), who had concurrent postoperative duplex ultrasound scan and angiograms for significant ISS by DVC were analyzed. A receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal DVC (peak systolic velocity [PSV], end-diastolic velocity [EDV], and CA or SMA/aortic systolic ratios) for detecting ≥50% and ≥70% ISS. These were compared to duplex velocities obtained from 97 native CAs and 74 native SMAs with ≥50% stenosis done in the same study period. Results The mean stented celiac PSV (cm/s), EDV, and systolic ratio for ≥50% ISS were 447, 136, and 7.1 vs 379, 104, and 5.2 for ≥50% native stenosis (P = .067, .106, and Conclusions There is a tendency toward higher velocities in stented CA/SMAs in comparison to native arteries. Caution must be exercised in using duplex velocity cutoffs for native CA/SMA stenosis for stented CA/SMA. Further prospective validation studies are needed.
Opium alkaloids XI: Biosynthesis of aporphines in papaver somniferum

When specifically labeled (±)-reticuline was administered to opium poppies, it was incorporated into isoboldine to an extent of about 0.08%. No incorporation of reticuline could be observed in magnoflorine. Since reticuline, isoboldine, and magnoflorine are known to exist in the opium poppy, it may be concluded that aporphines with a 1,2,9,10-substitution pattern (isoboldine type) can be biosynthesized by direct phenol coupling (ortho-para), while this may not be the case for aporphines with substituents in positions 1,2,10,11 (corytuberine type). Because of steric factors, these aporphines are more likely to be produced via a dienone intermediate (proaporphine) followed by a dienone-phenol rearrangement.
The Organization of American Historians

The Organization of American Historians met in Philadelphia in April 1987; I attended three labor-related sessions. "The United Packinghouse Workers of America Oral History Project: Methods and Findings" proved to be a tho roughly enjoyable panel, in part because of the information about the history of the militant, left-leaning United Packinghouse Workers (UPW), but also because of the attention to the practice of oral history. Roy Rosenzweig (George Mason) read a paper by James Cavanaugh, who was on the staff of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin when the project was undertaken. The paper, which was both a history of the UPW and an explanation of how the oral history project was conceptualized and funded by the National En dowment for the Humanities in the era of Reagan. The project's chief difficul ty and key strength was the decentralized nature of the UPW, which required oral historians to conduct interviews in local communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Texas, along with the major yards and plants in Chi cago. Most of the interviewees did not go on to become national leaders, but in stead "spent their entire working careers inside packing plants." The union paid varying but serious attention to matters of race and gender, attention that seems to have carried over into the conceptualization of the project itself. Rick Halpern and Roger Horowitz both pointed to the importance of race, local autonomy, and radicalism (particularly that of communists) in the formation and operation of these locals. Halpern's paper, "Race and Radical ism in the Chicago Stockyards," detailed the historical basis for racial mistrust and hostility, and how workers overcame these divisions in the 1930s through militant direct action in the process of unionization. Blacks, who comprised 30 percent of the labor force, were at the very center of the UPW movement of the 1930s. Horowitz's paper, "Official Policy versus Practice in the UPWA," looked at characteristics of the UPW nationally and locally that made it pro gressive?its enlightened race and gender policies (the latter was less admirable than the former) and its internal democracy. Commentators Roy Rosenzweig and Alice Hoffman raised questions about the roots of interracial alliance, the limits of internal union democracy, and issues of oral history methods such as the project's use of detailed abstracts rather than transcripts. The session titled "Samuel Gompers from Three Perspectives: A Reexam ination at Shop Floor, National, and International Range," was refreshing be
Identity by descent in island-mainland populations.

A new model is presented for the genetic structure among a collection of island populations, with fluctuating population sizes and continuous overlapping generations, using a stochastic birth, death and immigration (BDI) process. Immigrants enter each island from a large mainland population, with constant gene frequencies, according to a Poisson process. The average probability of identity by descent (IBD) for two haploid individuals randomly selected from an island population is f0 = (phi f1 + lambda)/(phi + lambda), where f1 is the probability of IBD for two randomly selected immigrants, lambda is the birth-rate for each individual, and phi is the arrival rate of immigrants into each island. The value of f0 is independent of the death process, time and N. The expected level of genetic differentiation among island populations is FST = (1 - 1/n)lambda/(phi + lambda), where n is the total number of islands receiving immigrants. Because f0 and FST are independent of the death process, for a BDI model, the population genetic structure for several general demographic situations may be examined using our equations. These include stochastic exponential, or logistic (regulated by death rate) growth within islands, or a "source-sink" population structure. Because the expected values of both f0 and FST are independent of time, these are achieved immediately, for a BDI model, with no need to assume the island populations are at genetic equilibrium.
On-chip jitter and oscilloscope circuits using an asynchronous sample clock

We demonstrate digital circuits for measuring the jitter histograms of gigahertz clock and data signals. The circuits do not require calibration, and an asynchronous sampling technique alleviates the need for an on-chip sample clock generator with delay control. We combine measurements across swept reference voltages to create statistical clock signal and eye diagram waveforms at 6GHz and 5Gbit/s, respectively. The proposed technique produced RMS jitter measurements of 2.0ps on clock signals and 6.2ps on random data signals.
Use of an Electronic Medical Record to Create the Marshfield Clinic Twin/Multiple Birth Cohort

Population-based genetic analyses, such as the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), have proven powerful for describing the genetic complexities of common disease in epidemiologic research. However, the significant challenges faced by population-based study designs have resulted in revitalization of family-based approaches, including twin studies. Twin studies are unique in their ability to ascertain both heritable and environmental contributions to human disease. Several regional and national twin registries have been constructed using a variety of methods to identify potential twins. A significant challenge in constructing these large twin registries includes the substantial resources required to recruit participants, collect phenotypic data, and update the registries as time progresses. Here we describe the use of the Marshfield Clinic electronic medical record (EMR) to identify a cohort of 19,226 patients enriched for twins or multiples. This cohort defines the Marshfield Clinic Twin/Multiple Birth Cohort (MCTC). An EMR system provides both a mechanism to identify potential twins and a source of detailed phenotypic data in near real time without the need for patient contact outside standard medical care. To demonstrate that the MCTC can be used for genetic-based epidemiologic research, concordance rates for muscular dystrophy (MD) and fragile-X syndrome-two highly heritable diseases-were assessed. Observations indicate that both MD and fragile-X syndrome are highly correlated among affected twins in the MCTC (P ≅ 3.7 × 10(-6) and 1.1 × 10(-4) , respectively). These findings suggest that EMR systems may not only be an effective resource for predicting families of twins, but can also be rapidly applied to epidemiologic research.
Automatic Generation of Instructions to Robustly Test Delay Defects in Processors

We present a technique for generating instruction sequences to test a processor functionally. We target delay defects with this technique using an ATPG engine to generate delay tests locally, a verification engine to map the tests globally, and a feedback mechanism that makes the entire procedure faster. We demonstrate nearly 96% coverage of delay faults with the instruction sequences generated. These instruction sequences can be loaded into the cache to test the processor functionally.
Data gathering in wireless sensor networks with mobile collectors

In this paper, we propose a new data gathering mechanism for large scale wireless sensor networks by introducing mobility into the network. A mobile data collector, or for convenience called M-collector in this paper, could be a mobile robot or a vehicle equipped with a powerful transceiver and battery, works like a mobile base station and gathers data while moving through the field. An M-collector starts the data gathering tour periodically from the static data sink, polls each sensor while traversing the transmission range of the sensor, then collects data directly from the sensor without relay (i.e., in a single hop), finally returns and uploads data to the data sink. Since data packets are gathered directly without relay and collision, the lifetime of sensors is expected to be prolonged, and sensors can be made very simple and inexpensive. We focus on the problem of minimizing the length of each data gathering tour and refer to this problem as the single-hop data gathering problem, or SHDGP for short. We first formalize the SHDGP problem into a mixed integer program and prove its NP-hardness. We then present a heuristic tour-planning algorithm for a single M-collector. For the applications with a strict distance/time constraint for each data gathering tour, we also utilize multiple M-collectors to traverse through several shorter sub-tours concurrently to satisfy the distance/time constraint. Our single-hop data gathering scheme will improve the scalability and solve intrinsic problems of large scale homogeneous networks, and can be used in both connected networks and disconnected networks. The simulation results demonstrate that the new data gathering algorithm can greatly reduce the moving distance of the collectors compared to the covering line approximation algorithm, and is close to the optimal algorithm in small networks. In addition, the proposed data gathering scheme can prolong the network lifetime significantly compared to a network which has only a static data collector, or a network in which the mobile collector can only move along straight lines.
The use of high resolution optical coherence tomography to evaluate robotic radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a unique technology, developed to provide high resolution, cross sectional images of human tissue. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of OCT for the evaluation of positive surgical margins and extra capsular extension in robotic prostatectomy specimens and compare it to histopathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy was performed in 100 patients. Twenty OCT images of each specimen were taken from the base of the seminal vesicles (SV), apical and vesicle margins, peripheral and posterolateral area and any palpable nodule. Predictions were made regarding positive surgical margin, SV involvement, capsular invasion and compared with the final histopathology. RESULTS: A total of 2000 OCT images were taken and analyzed. Out of 100 specimens, 85 had T2 disease, 15 had T3 disease with a median Gleason's score of 7 (range 6 to 9) and 10 had positive surgical margins. We predicted 21 specimens to have positive margins based on OCT images out of which 7 were truly positive and 14 were falsely positive. Based on OCT images, 79 specimens were predicted to have negative margins out of which 76 were truly negative and 3 were falsely negative. We found the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value to be 70%, 84%, 33% and 96% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our initial feasibility study established the template for the visual OCT characteristics of the prostate, SV and cancerous tissue. The negative predictive value of evaluating surgical margins was high.
Wireless Relay Communications using ann Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Herein, we investigate the optimal deployment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a wireless relay communication system. The optimal UAV position is found by maximizing the average data rate, while at the same time keeping the symbol error rate (SER) below a certain threshold. We derive a closed-form expression for the average data rate in a fixed wireless link using adaptive modulation. By using the alternate definite integral form for the Gaussian Q-function, the symbol error rate (SER) of the system in the link level is evaluated. An upper bound on the SER is also derived using the improved exponential bounds for the Q-function. It is shown that the derived SER expression matches the simulation results very well and the derived upper bound is tight for a wide range of SNRs. Simulation results also show that the system data rate matches the derived closed-form expression.
Parameterization of the scatter response function in SPECT imaging using Monte Carlo simulation

The authors have generated SRFs (scatter response functions) using the Monte Carlo simulation method and investigated the characteristics of the scattered radiation by fitting the SRFs with fitting functions. The parameters of the fitting functions were studied as a function of source position in a water-filled cylindrical phantom with circular cross section. The parametrization of the SRF provides insight into the spatial distribution of detected scattered radiation in SPECT (single-photon-emission computed tomography) and is useful in developing a method to compensate for its effects in order to improve both the quality and quantitative accuracy of SPECT images. >
Characterizing multiparty voice communication for multiplayer games

Over the last few years, the number of game players using voice communication to talk to each other while playing games has increased dramatically. In fact, many modern games and game consoles have added voice support instead of expecting third-party companies to provide this technology. Unlike traditional voice-over-IP technology, where most conversations are between two people, voice communication in games often has 5 or more people talking together as they play.We present the first measurement study on the characteristics of multiparty voice communications. Over a 3 month period, we measured over 7,000 sessions on an active multi-party voice communication server to quantify the characteristics of communication generated by game players, including overall server traffic, group sizes, sessions characteristics, and speaking (and silence) durations.
Simulation of Mating Between Nonanalytic Surfaces Using a Mathematical Programing Formulation

In this paper, we describe a new method for simulating mechanical assembly between components that are composed of surfaces that do not have perfect geometric form. Mating between these imperfect form surfaces is formulated as a constrained optimization problem of the form "minimize the distance from perfect fit, subject to noninterference between components." We explore the characteristics of this mating problem and investigate the applicability of several potential solution algorithms. The problem can be solved by converting the constrained optimization formulation into an unconstrained problem using a penalty-function approach. We describe the characteristics of this unconstrained formulation and test the use of two different solution methods: a randomized search technique and a gradient-based method. We test the algorithm by simulating mating between component models that exhibit form errors typically generated in end-milling processes.
Genetic Basis of Metabolome Variation in Yeast

Metabolism, the conversion of nutrients into usable energy and biochemical building blocks, is an essential feature of all cells. The genetic factors responsible for inter-individual metabolic variability remain poorly understood. To investigate genetic causes of metabolome variation, we measured the concentrations of 74 metabolites across 100 segregants from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cross by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We found 52 quantitative trait loci for 34 metabolites. These included linkages due to overt changes in metabolic genes, e.g., linking pyrimidine intermediates to the deletion of ura3. They also included linkages not directly related to metabolic enzymes, such as those for five central carbon metabolites to ira2, a Ras/PKA pathway regulator, and for the metabolites, S-adenosyl-methionine and S-adenosyl-homocysteine to slt2, a MAP kinase involved in cell wall integrity. The variant of ira2 that elevates metabolite levels also increases glucose uptake and ethanol secretion. These results highlight specific examples of genetic variability, including in genes without prior known metabolic regulatory function, that impact yeast metabolism.
The Urban Neighborhood: Its Analytical and Social Contexts.

This introductory paper summarizes three analytical approaches to the study of neighbor hoods : (1) typologies, (2) stages of change, and (3) functions-which include economic, administrative, polit...
Adaptive trajectory control of a two DOF closed-chain robot

A closed-chain robot has several advantages over an open-chain robot. Moving parts can be lighter, which can lead to greater acceleration at the end-effector and higher efficiency. In reality, there is limited information on closed-chain robot system dynamics due to problems associated with unknown link masses and unknown joint frictions. Accurate trajectory control of a closed-chain mechanism is essential in practical use of the robot. This paper presents the development of an adaptive computed-torque control algorithm for trajectory tracking of a 2-DOF closed-chain robot. Simulation results show that the control algorithm accurately tracks a 2-DOF closed-chain robot trajectories.
Quantization and roundoff noises in fixed-point FIR digital filters

The errors in a fixed-point finite impulse response (FIR) filter due to quantization (analog-to-digital conversion) and roundoff are considered. Expressions for the exact moments of the filter output noise are derived. It is well known that, when the input signal satisfies certain conditions, the popular additive white noise model can be valid in describing the quantization noise. The characteristics of multiplicative roundoff noises, however, differ from what this model predicts, even under conditions where the roundoff noises are white. Hence the additive white noise model does not provide accurate results on the characteristics of the output error in an FIR filter. Using the exact formulas for the moments, the author computes the exact power spectrum of the filter output error. These results agree well with those obtained from simulation. >
SIGACT news logic column 13

For this issue, Nick Papanikolaou brings us an introduction to the subject of quantum logic and a survey of the relevant literature, including a discussion of logics for specification and analysis of quantum information systems.
Nanoscale mechanisms of misfit dislocation propagation in undulated Si1−xGex/Si(100) epitaxial thin films

Nanoscale lateral variations in the stress field of undulated Si0.7Ge0.3/Si(100) films have been experimentally studied via in situ transmission electron microscopy annealing and through finite element calculations. When annealed at ∼480 ◦ C, misfit dislocations in a 30 nm film (having surface undulations of ∼70 nm wavelength and ∼3 nm amplitude) propagated at 80 nm s −1 average speed but with periodic variations from 0‐30 nm s −1 at the peaks of the undulations to 160‐240 nm s −1 at the troughs. A 2.0 GPa average film stress with variations from 3.2 to 4.4 GPa at the troughs to 0.7‐1.2 GPa at the peaks is inferred from the observed dislocation velocities. These stress variations are significantly higher than those calculated from a finite element model of Si0.7Ge0.3/Si with the same surface geometry. Using standard models of dislocation kink dynamics, we have calculated how the effect of high stresses at the undulation troughs would be expected to enhance kink nucleation rates, and have found good agreement between our models and the experimentally observed range of dislocation velocities. These observations demonstrate the potential of probing the nanoscale structure in thin films through local variations of dislocation velocities.
CD44 expression in oral rinses: a potential early detection strategy for head and neck cancer

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3506 Introduction: Currently only 50% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients (HNSCC) are cured. Cure rates could improve if the disease is detected at an earlier stage. In this study we investigate whether the purported HNSCC tumor marker, soluble CD44 (solCD44), reliably distinguishes between HNSCC and benign disease. Since promoter hypermethylation suppresses gene expression, we also examine whether promoter hypermethylation is present in HNSCC patients with false negative solCD44 results. Methods: We performed the solCD44 ELISA on oral rinses from 102 patients with HNSCC and 69 control patients with benign diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and history of tobacco or alcohol use to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the test for differentiating HNSCC from benign disease. We also performed the test on oral rinses form 6 patients with various grades of UADT squamous cell dysplasia. Furthermore, we evaluated CD44 promoter hypermethylation using methylation specific PCR on oral rinses from 11 HNSCC subjects with low solCD44 levels and 11 control patients matched for risk factor behavior, demographics and solCD44 level. Results: Mean salivary solCD44 levels were 24.4± 32.0 ng/ml for HNSCC patients (range 0.99-201ng/ml) and 9.9 ±16.1 ng/ml (range 0.73-124 ng/ml) for the patients with benign disease (p<0.0001). After controlling for potential confounders, we found that solCD44 levels were elevated in HNSCC patients regardless of risk behavior or demographic factors. Depending on cut-off point and HNSCC site, sensitivity ranged from 62-70 % and specificity ranged from 75-88%. Fifty percent of patients without invasive disease had elevated solCD44 levels that were either associated with presence of dysplasia or imminent malignant progression. In our pilot study, 9/11 HNSCC patients with low solCD44 levels and 0/11 controls showed CD44 promoter hypermethylation. Conclusions: The solCD44 test can distinguish cancer from benign disease with sensitivity and specificity comparable to other widely used screening tests such as the PSA test for prostate cancer. Our pilot work suggests that in HNSCC patients, when solCD44 levels are low, CD44 hypermethylation is usually present. Since controls did not show CD44 hypermethylation, this marker in combination with the solCD44 test may significantly increase sensitivity without adversely affecting specificity. Further confirmation of our preliminary results regarding CD44 hypermethylation in HNSCC is ongoing. In conclusion, the solCD44 may be a useful test for early detection of HNSCC when used in combination with CD44 hypermethylation.
Structure-Function Assessment of Mannosylated Poly(β-amino esters) upon Targeted Antigen Presenting Cell Gene Delivery.

Antigen presenting cell (APC) gene delivery is a promising avenue for modulating immunological outcomes toward a desired state. Recently, our group developed a delivery methodology to elicit targeted and elevated levels of APC-mediated gene delivery. During these initial studies, we observed APC-specific structure–function relationships with the vectors used during gene delivery that differ from current non-APC cell lines, thus, emphasizing a need to re-evaluate vector-associated parameters in the context of APC gene transfer. Thus, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a second-generation mannosylated poly(β-amino ester) library stratified by molecular weight. To better understand the APC-specific structure–function relationships governing polymeric gene delivery, the library was systematically characterized by (1) polymer molecular weight, (2) relative mannose content, (3) polyplex biophysical properties, and (4) gene delivery efficacy. In this library, polymers with the lowest molecular wei...
Abstract 01: Development of a targeted panel for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Background: AML is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous clonal disorder. Approximately 50% are characterized by recurrent clonal chromosome aberrations which have contributed to the classification of disease and are recognized as important prognostic factors. AML patients who lack these recurrent structural abnormalities have been grouped as “intermediate cytogenetic risk” and are being further subcategorized by the sequence alterations that are being identified. A more complete understanding of the genetic changes that are relevant to the pathogenesis of AML will improve the classification of risk and ultimately better selection of therapy. Our hypothesis is that mutational profiling and analysis of patient outcomes will help better define the risk subgroups of patients and predict prognosis in patients with AML. Methods: Archived DNA from 37 patients with various AML diagnoses were obtained with IRB approval (IRB#201502763). A panel of 30 commonly mutated genes in AML were designed using the Ion Ampliseq Designer (Ion Torrent) and targeted for “hotspot” or complete coding sequence (CDS). Genomic libraries were prepared using Ion AmpliSeq™2.0 (ThermoFisher) technology. Library clonal amplification was performed by emulsion PCR using Ion PGM™ Template OT2 Reagents Kit200. Simultaneous sequencing of clonally amplified DNA targets was performed by Ion-Torrent Personalized Genome Machine (IT-PGM) using 318v2 chip. Genomic variants were identified by variant caller3.4 and further filtered and analysed through a custom-made clinically validated pipeline. Novel mutations were confirmed by either single nucleotide primer extension or Sanger sequencing. Results: The assay successfully identified previously identified point mutations in FLT-3 and CEBPA genes. Additional variants were identified in 81% (30/37) of specimens; no mutations were found in 19% (7/37) specimens. The genes most frequently mutated were DNMT3A (23%), TET2 (17%), IDH2 (14%) and TP53 (14%). U2AF1 (11%) and RUNX1 (8%) were exclusively mutated in specimens with non-recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. The identified variants will be used to risk stratify patients based on clinical outcome. Conclusion: This targeted multi-gene panel successfully identified several variants along with previously known mutations in archived specimens. Citation Format: Anup Tilak, Ramakrishna Sompallae, Aaron Stence, Natalya Guseva, Aaron Bossler. Development of a targeted panel for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using next-generation sequencing (NGS). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Integrating Clinical Genomics and Cancer Therapy; Jun 13-16, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(1_Suppl):Abstract nr 01.
The Reasons for American Financial Crisis and the Implications for China

Since terrorists attacked in September 11,2001,the United States has been implemented the loose monetary policy to stimulate the economy,but this resulting the separation between virtual economy and real economy.At the same time,financial institutions issued a large number of high-risk sub-loans for seeking profits.While in the process of its circulation,credit rating agencies produced unjust rating because its own special status.All of this caused a chain reaction of financial institutions when house prices are falling.So a global financial crisis outbreak and spread as the financial giant's bankruptcy and losses.This is also sound the alarm to personal housing mortgage loan business of China's commercial banks,the domestic excess liquidity and the credit rating agencies which at the initial stage.It should develop the financial system and social system to solve these problems.
Mind of College Students and the Scientific Nature of the Student's Work

Despite a past story, "MA Jia-jue's Case" still reveals that a lot of drawbacks can be found in the content, mechanism, and method of both study and work we are always used to. Some parents have not been trained in a systematic and scientific way. Psychological counseling and psychological education have merely solved some technical problems, but did not give a solution to the kernel problem of "three concepts". We must adjust mind, highlight the psychological environment, strengthen responsibility, and promote scientific nature of the work in order to effectively innovate student' s work.