cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topoisomerase IIβ Deficiency Enhances Camptothecin-induced Apoptosis

Camptothecin (CPT), a topoisomerase (Top) I-targeting drug that stabilizes Top1-DNA covalent adducts, can induce S-phase-specific cytotoxicity due to the arrest of progressing replication forks. However, CPT-induced non-S-phase cytotoxicity is less well characterized. In this study, we have identified topoisomerase IIβ (Top2β) as a specific determinant for CPT sensitivity, but not for many other cytotoxic agents, in non-S-phase cells. First, quiescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Top2β were shown to be hypersensitive to CPT with prominent induction of apoptosis. Second, ICRF-187, a Top2 catalytic inhibitor known to deplete Top2β, specifically sensitized MEFs to CPT. To explore the molecular basis for CPT hypersensitivity in Top2β-deficient cells, we found that upon CPT exposure, the RNA polymerase II large subunit (RNAP LS) became progressively depleted, followed by recovery to nearly the original level in wild-type MEFs, whereas RNAP LS remained depleted without recovery in Top2β-deficient cells. Concomitant with the reduction of the RNAP LS level, the p53 protein level was greatly induced. Interestingly, RNAP LS depletion has been well documented to lead to p53-dependent apoptosis. Altogether, our findings support a model in which Top2β deficiency promotes CPT-induced apoptosis in quiescent non-S-phase cells, possibly due to RNAP LS depletion and p53 accumulation.
NeuroVis: combining dimensional stacking and pixelization to visually explore, analyze, and mine multidimensional multivariate data

The combination of pixelization and dimensional stacking uniquely facilitates the visualization and analysis of large, multidimensional databases. Pixelization is the mapping of each data point in some set to a pixel in a 2D image. Dimensional stacking is a layout method where N dimensions are projected onto the axes of an information display. We have combined and expanded upon both methods in an application named NeuroVis that supports interactive, visual data mining. Users can spontaneously perform ad hoc queries, cluster the results through dimension reordering, and execute analyses on selected pixels. While NeuroVis is not intrinsically restricted to any particular database, it is named after its original function: the examination of a vast neuroscience database. Images produced from its approaches have now appeared in the Journal of Neurophysiology and NeuroVis itself is being used for educational purposes in neuroscience classes at Emory University. In this paper we detail the theoretical foundations of NeuroVis, the interaction techniques it supports, an informal evaluation of how it has been used in neuroscience investigations, and a generalization of its utility and limitations in other domains.
Alterations in nitric oxide synthase activity, superoxide anion generation, and platelet aggregation in systemic hypertension, and effects of celiprolol.

Abstract A decrease in endothelium-derived relaxing factor or nitric oxide has been proposed as a potential mechanism of increased vascular resistance in hypertension. An increase in the generation of superoxide anions, which degrade nitric oxide and induce platelet aggregation, may also compromise regional blood flow in hypertension. Recent studies show that human neutrophils generate nitric oxide, which has a similar biologic profile to the endothelium-derived relaxing factor. This study measured nitric oxide synthase activity and superoxide generation in human neutrophils and platelet aggregation in patients with essential hypertension. Nitric oxide synthase activity, measured as conversion of 3 H-L-arginine to 3 H-L-citrulline, in peripheral blood neutrophils was decreased in hypertensive subjects (percent conversion of 3 H-L-arginine: 4.2 ± 0.5 vs 9.0 ± 3.0 in control subjects; p 6 cells/10 minutes in control subjects; p 6 cells/10 minutes; p
Development of Small Designer Aldolase Enzymes: Catalytic Activity, Folding, and Substrate Specificity†

Small (24-35 amino acid residues) peptides that catalyze carbon-carbon bond transformations including aldol, retro-aldol, and Michael reactions in aqueous buffer via an enamine mechanism have been developed. Peptide phage libraries were created by appending six randomized amino acid residues to the C-terminus or to the N-terminus of an 18-mer alpha-helix peptide containing lysine residues. Reaction-based selection with 1,3-diketones was performed to trap the amino groups of reactive lysine residues that were necessary for the catalysis via an enamine mechanism by formation of stable enaminones. The selected 24-mer peptides catalyzed the reactions with improved activities. The improved activities were correlated with improved folded states of the peptides. The catalyst was then improved with respect to substrate specificity by appending a phage display-derived substrate-binding module. The resulting 35-mer peptide functioned with a significant proportion of the catalytic proficiency of larger protein catalysts. These results indicate that small designer enzymes with good rate acceleration and excellent substrate specificity can be created by combination of design and reaction-based selection from libraries.
On the Erdős distinct distances problem in the plane

In this paper, we prove that a set of N points in R 2 has at least c N log N distinct distances, thus obtaining the sharp exponent in a problem of Erd} os. We follow the setup of Elekes and Sharir which, in the spirit of the Erlangen program, allows us to study the problem in the group of rigid motions of the plane. This converts the problem to one of point-line incidences in space. We introduce two new ideas in our proof. In order to control points where many lines are incident, we create a cell decomposition using the polynomial ham sandwich theorem. This creates a dichotomy: either most of the points are in the interiors of the cells, in which case we immediately get sharp results or, alternatively, the points lie on the walls of the cells, in which case they are in the zero-set of a polynomial of suprisingly low degree, and we may apply the algebraic method. In order to control points incident to only two lines, we use the ecnode polynomial of the Rev. George Salmon to conclude that most of the lines lie on a ruled surface. Then we use the geometry of ruled surfaces to complete the proof.
A Framework for Meta-Analysis of Veterinary Drug Pharmacokinetic Data Using Mixed Effect Modeling

Combining data from available studies is a useful approach to interpret the overwhelming amount of data generated in medical research from multiple studies. Paradoxically, in veterinary medicine, lack of data requires integrating available data to make meaningful population inferences. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling is a useful tool to apply meta-analysis to diverse pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of veterinary drugs. This review provides a summary of the characteristics of PK data of veterinary drugs and how integration of these data may differ from human PK studies. The limits of meta-analysis include the sophistication of data mining, and generation of misleading results caused by biased or poor quality data. The overriding strength of meta-analysis applied to this field is that robust statistical analysis of the diverse sparse data sets inherent to veterinary medicine applications can be accomplished, thereby allowing population inferences to be made.
Codes from Riemann-Roch spaces for y 2 = x p - x over GF(p)

Let Χ denote the hyperelliptic curve y 2 = x p - x over a field F of characteristic p. The automorphism group of Χ is G = PSL(2, p). Let D be a G-invariant divisor on Χ(F). We compute explicit F-bases for the Riemann-Roch space of D in many cases as well as G-module decompositions. AG codes with good parameters and large automorphism group are constructed as a result. Numerical examples using GAP and SAGE are also given.
Older Women’s Response to Residential Relocation: Description of Transition Styles:

Older women relocating to institutional facilities are at risk for negative outcomes such as poorer health, decreased self-esteem, increased sense of social isolation and loneliness, loss of social support, and depression. However, little is known about relocation to congregate living facilities (CLF), the relocation transition process, or factors that contribute to outcomes. The perspectives of 31 women on their relocation experiences to CLF were elicited using a naturalistic approach. The Schumacher & Meleis nursing model of transitions was used to focus the study. Three distinct relocation transition styles emerged: Full Integration (45%), Partial Integration (42%), and Minimal Integration (13%). By understanding the characteristics and risk factors of relocation, unhealthy outcomes can be minimized and healthy outcomes promoted.
The MIT Vision Chip Project: analog VLSI systems for fast image acquisition and early vision processing

The goal of the MIT Vision Chip Project is to design and build prototype analog early vision systems that are remarkably low-power, small, and fast. The typical system will perform one or more computation-intensive image-processing tasks at hundreds to thousands of frames per second using only tens to hundreds of milliwatts. The entire system with lens, imager, power supply and support circuitry can fit inside a cigar box. The authors briefly outline the overall project and describe two tested chips in some detail. Particular attention is given to a fast imager and processor chip for object position and orientation, and to an integrated ccd (charge-coupled device) imager and processors for edge detection. >
Dynamics of Left Ventricular Diastolic Filling During Exercise: A Doppler Echocardiographic Study of Boys 10 to 14 Years Old

Study objective Factors influencing diastolic fillingof the left ventricle may serve as critical determinants of bothmaximal cardiac output and oxygen uptake. This study was conducted toassess diastolic filling dynamics of the left ventricle duringprogressive upright cycle exercise in children. Methods Twelve boys aged 10 to 14 years underwent cycletesting with determination of transmitral flow velocities and pressuregradients as well as cardiac stroke volume using Dopplerechocardiography. Results Estimated diastolic fillingperiod shortened from 0.479 ± 0.043 s at rest to 0.138 ± 0.015 sat peak exercise. The peak and mean transmitral pressure gradient rosefourfold from rest to peak exercise. Mitral flow volume per beat roseby only 40% and remained stable beyond mild-to-moderate intensitywork. Conclusions Increases in transmitral pressuregradient with exercise may serve principally to augment velocity ofventricular filling with the progressively shortening diastolic timeperiod.
A Path Model for Evaluating Dosing Parameters for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Dosing of pediatric rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy (CP) has been identified as a national priority. Establishing dosing parameters for pediatric physical therapy interventions is critical for informing clinical decision making, health policy, and guidelines for reimbursement. The purpose of this perspective article is to describe a path model for evaluating dosing parameters of interventions for children with CP. The model is intended for dose-related and effectiveness studies of pediatric physical therapy interventions. The premise of the model is: Intervention type (focus on body structures, activity, or the environment) acts on a child first through the family, then through the dose (frequency, intensity, time), to yield structural and behavioral changes. As a result, these changes are linked to improvements in functional independence. Community factors affect dose as well as functional independence (performance and capacity), influencing the relationships between type of intervention and intervention responses. The constructs of family characteristics; child characteristics (eg, age, level of severity, comorbidities, readiness to change, preferences); plastic changes in bone, muscle, and brain; motor skill acquisition; and community access warrant consideration from researchers who are designing intervention studies. Multiple knowledge gaps are identified, and a framework is provided for conceptualizing dosing parameters for children with CP.
Quantification of co-occurring reaction rates in deep subseafloor sediments

Net rates of biogeochemical reactions in subseafloor sediments can be quantified from concentration profiles of dissolved reactants or products and physical properties of the sediment. To study net rates of microbial activities in deep sediments, we developed a robust approach that is well suited to use over a broad range of sediment depths. Our approach is based on a finite-difference solution to a continuity equation that considers molecular diffusion, sediment burial, fluid advection, and reaction under the assumption of steady state. Numerical procedures are adopted to identify the maximum number of depth intervals with statistically different reaction rates. The approach explicitly considers downcore variation in physical properties and sample spacing. Uncertainties in the rate estimates are quantified using a Monte Carlo technique. We tested our approach using synthetic concentration profiles generated from analytical solutions to the continuity equation. We then applied the approach to concentration profiles of dissolved sulfate, sulfide, methane, and manganese in the 420-m thick sediment column of eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean Drilling Program Site 1226. Our results indicate that (i) sulfate reduction and iron reduction occur at most sediment depths, (ii) net methane production occurs in discrete depth intervals and (iii) manganese reduction occurs near the seafloor and deep in the sediments. These results provide quantitative evidence that multiple respiration pathways co-exist in the same depth intervals of these deep subseafloor sediments.
Impact of The High-Energy Product Materials on Magnetic Circuit Design

Many devices that employ magnetic fields are encumbered by massive solenoids with their equally bulky power supplies or by inefficient permanent-magnet structures designed for use with obsolescent magnet materials. This paper describes how the high-energy product materials are employed in several structures to afford mass and bulk reductions of an order of magnitude or more. Also discussed are novel designs that are not attainable with the older materials such as the alnicos. Substitution of solenoids with permanent magnets also eliminates considerable energy consumption and the attendant problems arising from generation of heat. In many cases, all this is accomplished within leakage-free systems. Among the designs described are: nuclear magnetic resonance imagers; cylindrical solenoidal field structures for klystrons and nonperiodic field TWT’s; cylindrical field structures with arbitrary axial gradients for advanced gyrating beam sources; annular field sources for high harmonic gyrotrons; helical transverse field sources for circularly polarized radiation sources; miniature periodic permanent-magnet configurations; and clad permanent-magnet circuits for biasing fields in millimeter-wave filters. Where alternate designs exist, they are compared with regard to performance, bulk, and economy. All of the structures are in various stages of design and construction, and, for completed structures, comparisons are made between theoretical projections and actual performance.
Toward a theory of robust compensation for systems with unknown parasitics

The problem of designing a robust compensator based on a plant model with order uncertainty is considered. The uncertainty is characterized mathematically as a class of generalized singular perturbations of the plant. The case of static compensation is examined. A necessary and sufficient condition is established under which actual closed-loop behavior is close to that predicted by the plant model under sufficiently small singular perturbations. The condition is shown to be generic. >
Paradox Lost? Firm-Level Evidence on the Returns to Information Systems Spending

The "productivity paradox" of information systems IS is that, despite enormous improvements in the underlying technology, the benefits of IS spending have not been found in aggregate output statistics. One explanation is that IS spending may lead to increases in product quality or variety which tend to be overlooked in the aggregate statistics, even if they increase output at the firm-level. Furthermore, the restructuring and cost-cutting that are often necessary to realize the potential benefits of IS have only recently been undertaken in many firms. Our study uses new firm-level data on several components of IS spending for 1987-1991. The dataset includes 367 large firms which generated approximately 1.8 trillion dollars in output in 1991. We supplemented the IS data with data on other inputs, output, and price deflators from other sources. As a result, we could assess several econometric models of the contribution of IS to firm-level productivity. Our results indicate that IS spending has made a substantial and statistically significant contribution to firm output. We find that the gross marginal product MP for computer capital averaged 81% for the firms in our sample. We find that the MP for computer capital is at least as large as the marginal product of other types of capital investment and that, dollar for dollar, IS labor spending generates at least as much output as spending on non-IS labor and expenses. Because the models we applied were similar to those that have been previously used to assess the contribution of IS and other factors of production, we attribute the different results to the fact that our data set is more current and larger than others explored. We conclude that the productivity paradox disappeared by 1991, at least in our sample of firms.
Incorporating the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall and basin geomorphology into nonlinear analyses of streamflow dynamics

Abstract Many recent studies have been devoted to the investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of rainfall or streamflow series based on methods of dynamical systems theory. Although finding evidence for the existence of a low-dimensional deterministic component in rainfall or streamflow is of much interest, not much attention has been given to the nonlinear dependencies of the two and especially on how the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall affects the nonlinear dynamics of streamflow at flood time scales. In this paper, a methodology is presented which simultaneously considers streamflow series, spatio-temporal structure of precipitation and catchment geomorphology into a nonlinear analysis of streamflow dynamics. The proposed framework is based on “hydrologically-relevant” rainfall-runoff phase-space reconstruction acknowledging the fact that rainfall-runoff is a stochastic spatially extended system rather than a deterministic multivariate one. The methodology is applied to two basins in Central North America using 6-hour streamflow data and radar images for a period of 5 years. The proposed methodology is used to: (a) quantify the nonlinear dependencies between streamflow dynamics and the spatio-temporal dynamics of precipitation; (b) study how streamflow predictability is affected by the trade-offs between the level of detail necessary to explain the spatial variability of rainfall and the reduction of complexity due to the smoothing effect of the basin; and (c) explore the possibility of incorporating process-specific information (in terms of catchment geomorphology and an a priori chosen uncertainty model) into nonlinear prediction. Preliminary results are encouraging and indicate the potential of using the proposed methodology to understand via nonlinear analysis of observations (i.e., not based on a particular rainfall-runoff model) streamflow predictability and limits to prediction as a function of the complexity of spatio-temporal forcing relative to basin geomorphology.
Power-supply-variation-aware timing analysis of synchronous systems

With state of the art technology scaling, the problem of delay variability due to power supply variations is becoming more and more critical. This paper addresses the problem of analyzing the speed degradation in synchronous systems caused by power supply IR-drop in deep submicron CMOS devices. Considering the impact of power supply variation on the clock skew value, violations of the timing constraints equations are presented. To satisfy the timing constraints over a range of 20% of VDD variation, a 42% increase in the operational clock period has to be met with circuits operating at 2 GHz and implemented on 65 nm CMOS technology.
Stable quasiperiodic icosahedral states

Abstract The discovery of icosahedral quasicrystals five years ago, has challenged the validity of the well-known conjecture that the ground state of a system of particles interacting via short-range forces is always crystalline at absolute zero. We have calculated the classical cohesive energies and pair distribution functions of a large class of monatomic icosahedral structures, interacting via the Lennard-Jones (LJ) and the Square-Well (SW) potentials. For the SW potential, we have found an icosahedral phase, with lower enthalpy than the BCC, FCC and HCP phases. The phase is robust with respect to small changes in the potential, pressure and even structure, and transforms to the BCC phase above a critical pressure. Our results suggest that icosahedral ground states may indeed be possible for a class of potentials with Friedel-like oscillations, whose extremal positions satisfy geometric constraints favoring icosahedral order.
Engineering tethered payloads for magnetic and plasma observations in low orbit

The physical processes operating in the region between 90 and 400 km are of crucial importance in understanding the Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere. Our current knowledge of this region is based on a modest data base of sounding rocket, maneuverable satellite, and remote sensing observations. Tethered satellites will allow much more extensive observations of two of the major components of this environment: the geomagnetic field and the magnetospheric/ionospheric plasma. However, the use of a tethered observing platform places unconventional requirements on such system design factors as attitude knowledge and dynamic isolation. This reorientation in engineering design philosophy to a recognition of the lack of dynamic independence is the most crucial factor in the systems engineering of tethered payloads for science observations.
Detecting Arbitrary Stable Properties Using Efficient Snapshots

A stable properly continues to hold in an execution once it becomes true. Detecting arbitrary stable properties efficiently in distributed executions is still an open problem. The known algorithms for detecting arbitrary stable properties and snapshot algorithms used to detect such stable properties suffer from drawbacks such as the following: They incur the overhead of a large number of messages per global snapshot, or alter application message headers, or use inhibition, or use the execution history, or assume a strong property such as causal delivery of messages in the system. We solve the problem of detecting an arbitrary stable property efficiently under the following assumptions: P1) the application messages should not be modified, not even by timestamps or message coloring. P2) no inhibition is allowed. P3) the algorithm should not use the message history. P4) any process can initiate the algorithm. This paper proposes a family of nonintrusive algorithms requiring 6(n - 1) control messages, where n is the number of processes. A three-phase strategy of uncoordinated observation of local states is used to give a consistent snapshot from which any stable property can be detected. A key feature of our algorithms is that they do not rely on the processes continually and pessimistically reporting their activity. Only the relevant activity that occurs in the thin slice during the algorithm execution needs to be examined.
Dose and microdose measurement based on threshold shifts in MOSFET arrays in commercial SRAMs

A new dosimetry method using an array of MOS transistors is described for a measuring dose absorbed from ionizing radiation. The method uses direct measurement of the number of cells that change state as a function of applied-operating bias to a SRAM as a function of absorbed dose. Because the input and output of a SRAM are digital, the measurement of dose is easily accessible by a remote processing system. The devices show minimal response to total ionizing dose, but individual SRAM cells show strong microdose effects.
Metropolitan Reform in Allegheny County: The Local Failure of National Urban Reform Advocacy, 1920-1929:

During the 1920-1929 period, the Civic Club of Allegheny County supported political consolidation of the county's municipalities and townships. Civic Club leaders sought boundary reform to tackle perceived social problems and political inefficiencies in the Pittsburgh region. This policy was aligned with a national network of Progressive urban reformers, some of whom guided the Civic Club's plans. These reform efforts culminated in the 1929 Metropolitan Charter, which was rejected by Allegheny County voters. Traditional explanations of this failed vote emphasize the high threshold for success of the charter. However, such accounts ignore the apparent disjunction between the national perception of regional problems and the local reception of recommended solutions. Reform advocates were unable to adapt national Progressive theories to the local context of Allegheny County. This article first describes the national network of Progressive Era research that prescribed metropolitan solutions for urban problems in cities such as Pittsburgh. The article then examines attempts by the Civic Club of Allegheny County to introduce these theories to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The failure of the 1929 Metropolitan Charter is reevaluated, and the implications of these events for current proponents of metropolitanism and political reform are discussed.
The CLEO-II detector

Abstract The new detector for data recording by the CLEO collaboration at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring is described. This detector has been designed to optimize studying e+ e− annihilation into hadronic matter at a total energy of 10 GeV. It consists of high precesion charged particle tracking chambers and an electromagnetic calorimeter together with systems for particle identification. The design of the detector and its performance over the first year and a half of operation are presented.
Neurodegenerative causes of death among retired National Football League players

Objective:Toanalyzeneurodegenerativecausesofdeath,specificallyAlzheimerdisease(AD),Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), among a cohort of professional football players. Methods:This was a cohort mortality study of 3,439 National Football League players with at least 5 pension-credited playing seasons from 1959 to 1988. Vital status was ascertained through 2007. For analysis purposes, players were placed into 2 strata based on characteristics of position played: nonspeed players (linemen) and speed players (all other positions except punter/kicker). External comparisons with the US population used standardized mortality ratios (SMRs); internal comparisons between speed and nonspeed player positions used standardized rate ratios (SRRs). Results:Overall player mortality compared with that of the US population was reduced (SMR 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48!0.59). Neurodegenerative mortality was increased using both underlying cause of death rate files (SMR 2.83, 95% CI 1.36!5.21) and multiple cause of death (MCOD) rate files (SMR 3.26, 95% CI 1.90!5.22). Of the neurodegenerative causes, results were elevated (using MCOD rates) for both ALS (SMR 4.31, 95% CI 1.73!8.87) and AD (SMR 3.86, 95% CI 1.55!7.95). In internal analysis (using MCOD rates), higher neurodegenerative mortality was observed among players in speed positions compared with players in nonspeed positions (SRR 3.29, 95% CI 0.92!11.7). Conclusions:The neurodegenerative mortality of this cohort is 3 times higher than that of the general US population; that for 2 of the major neurodegenerative subcategories, AD and ALS, is 4 times higher. These results are consistent with recent studies that suggest an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease among football players.Neurology ® 2012;79:1‐1
Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of Sharpshooter Leafhoppers in Alabama Orchards and Vineyards

Although the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) has been confirmed to cause economic losses to numerous fruit crop species in the southeastern U.S. since 1933, no science-based information is available on the occurrence of infection in economic fruit crops grown in Alabama, as well as the presence of effective Xf vectors in the state. An investigation to identify the sharpshooter (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) fauna and to determine their occurrence in selected orchards and vineyards was conducted in Alabama during 2008–2009. Leafhoppers were trapped in three different geographic locations: in the Gulf Coast, Central, and North Alabama. Seven species of sharpshooters were identified, including: Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), H. insolita (Walker), Oncometopia orbona (Fabricius), Paraulacizes irrorata (Fabricius), Graphocephala coccinea (Forster), Graphocephala versuta (Say), and Draeculacephala spp. H. vitripennis and G. versuta were the most prevalent species in Alabama orchards and vineyards; however, their...
PPM1D dephosphorylates Chk1 and p53 and abrogates cell cycle checkpoints

The ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) and ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related) kinases respond to DNA damage by phosphorylating cellular target proteins that activate DNA repair pathways and cell cycle checkpoints in order to maintain genomic integrity. Here we show that the oncogenic p53-induced serine/threonine phosphatase, PPM1D (or Wip1), dephosphorylates two ATM/ATR targets, Chk1 and p53. PPM1D binds Chk1 and dephosphorylates the ATR-targeted phospho-Ser 345, leading to decreased Chk1 kinase activity. PPM1D also dephosphorylates p53 at phospho-Ser 15. PPM1D dephosphorylations are correlated with reduced cellular intra-S and G2/M checkpoint activity in response to DNA damage induced by ultraviolet and ionizing radiation. Thus, a primary function of PPM1D may be to reverse the p53 and Chk1-induced DNA damage and cell cycle checkpoint responses and return the cell to a homeostatic state following completion of DNA repair. These homeostatic functions may be partially responsible for the oncogenic effects of PPM1D when it is amplified and overexpressed in human tumors.
Reducing Processing Latency with a Heterogeneous FPGA-Processor Framework

Both Xilinx and Altera have released SoCs that tightly couple programmable logic with a dual core Cortex A9 ARM processor. These SoCs show promise in accelerating applications that exploit both the FPGA's parallel processing architecture and the CPU's sequential processing. %Spectrum sensing in cognitive radios is one such application. For example, before accessing a wireless channel, a cognitive radio does spectrum sensing to detect channel occupancy and then makes a decision based on spectrum policies. Spectrum sensing maps well to FPGA fabric, while spectrum decision can be implemented with a CPU. Both algorithms are highly sensitive to latency as a faster decision improves spectrum utilization. This paper introduces CRASH: Cognitive Radio Accelerated with Software and Hardware -- a new software and programmable logic framework for Xilinx's Zynq SoC targeting cognitive radio. We implement spectrum sensing and the spectrum decision in three configurations: both algorithms in the FPGA, both in software only, and spectrum sensing on the FPGA and spectrum decision on the CPU. We measure the end-to-end latency to detect and acquire unoccupied spectrum for these configurations. Results show that CRASH can successfully partition algorithms between FPGA and CPU and reduce processing latency.
Proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein results from oxidized lipid mediators in the pathogenesis of both idiopathic and associated types of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by abnormal elaboration of vasoactive peptides, endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and inflammation, which collectively contribute to its pathogenesis. We investigated the potential for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunction (i.e., proinflammatory effects) and abnormal plasma eicosanoid levels to contribute to the pathobiology of PAH and assessed ex vivo the effect of treatment with apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide 4F on the observed HDL dysfunction. We determined the “inflammatory indices” HII and LII for HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively, in subjects with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and associated PAH (APAH) by an in vitro monocyte chemotaxis assay. The 4F was added ex vivo, and repeat LII and HII values were obtained versus a sham treatment. We further determined eicosanoid levels in plasma and HDL fractions from patients with IPAH and APAH relative to controls. The LIIs were significantly higher for IPAH and APAH patients than for controls. Incubation of plasma with 4F before isolation of LDL and HDL significantly reduced the LII values, compared with sham-treated LDL, for IPAH and APAH. The increased LII values reflected increased states of LDL oxidation and thereby increased proinflammatory effects in both cohorts. The HIIs for both PAH cohorts reflected a “dysfunctional HDL phenotype,” that is, proinflammatory HDL effects. In contrast to “normal HDL function,” the determined HIIs were significantly increased for the IPAH and APAH cohorts. Ex vivo 4F treatment significantly improved the HDL function versus the sham treatment. Although there was a significant “salutary effect” of 4F treatment, this did not entirely normalize the HII. Significantly increased levels for both IPAH and APAH versus controls were evident for the eicosanoids 9-HODE, 13-HODE, 5-HETE, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE, while no statistical differences were evident for comparisons of IPAH and APAH for the determined plasma eicosanoid levels in the HDL fractions. Our study has further implicated the putative role of “oxidant stress” and inflammation in the pathobiology of PAH. Our data suggest the influences on the “dysfunctional HDL phenotype” of increased oxidized fatty acids, which are paradoxically proinflammatory. We speculate that therapies that target either the “inflammatory milieu” or the “dysfunctional HDL phenotype,” such as apoA-I mimetic peptides, may be valuable avenues of further research in pulmonary vascular diseases.
Leadership Journey: Organization to Communication

Leadership development has been a high priority for the Information Technology Services (ITS) unit at Winona State University. Each year the Chief Information Officer (CIO) works with the leadership team collaboratively on yearly themes in which the members of the ITS leadership team conducted a deep dive into an issue and work to enhance the employees' impact on the University. Over the years the following themes have been selected: 2008 -- 2009 Organization of ITS - Educational Lean2009 -- 2010 Project Management - Long Range Planning2010 -- 2011 Building a Culture of Assessment2011 -- 2012 Professional Development Planning and Core Competencies2012 -- 2013 Connecting the Strategic with the Tactical2013 -- 2014 Workplace Civility (Code of Conduct)2014 -- 2015 Communications (Internal and External)This paper highlights lessons learned on the leadership journey. Some themes have had more impact than others over the years but in many ways the ITS leadership team is continuing to build on a solid foundation. Each theme builds on work of a prior theme.
Nanostructuring of biosensing electrodes with nanodiamonds for antibody immobilization.

While chemical vapor deposition of diamond films is currently cost prohibitive for biosensor construction, in this paper, we show that sonication-assisted nanostructuring of biosensing electrodes with nanodiamonds (NDs) allows harnessing the hydrolytic stability of the diamond biofunctionalization chemistry for real-time continuous sensing, while improving the detector sensitivity and stability. We find that the higher surface coverages were important for improved bacterial capture and can be achieved through proper choice of solvent, ND concentration, and seeding time. A mixture of methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide provides the highest surface coverage (33.6 ± 3.4%) for the NDs with positive zeta-potential, compared to dilutions of dimethyl sulfoxide with acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or water. Through impedance spectroscopy of ND-seeded interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), we found that the ND seeds serve as electrically conductive islands only a few nanometers apart. Also we show that the seeded NDs ...
Needle sharing in the Haight: some social and psychological functions.

(1971). Needle Sharing in the Haight: Some Social and Psychological Functions. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 4, The Contemporary Heroin Scene, Part I: The Problem, pp. 71-80.
Progress in simulation education: developing an anesthesia curriculum.

Purpose of review Simulation's role in anesthesia education is expanding to include more advanced skills and training for subspecialty practice. This review will provide an overview of many recent studies that expand the simulation curriculum for anesthesia education. Recent findings Recent studies describe a curriculum that uses a range of simulation modalities, including part-task trainers, mannequin-based simulation, virtual reality, in-situ techniques, screen-based simulations as well as encounters with 'standardized' patients, nurses or physician colleagues. A variety of studies describe the use of task-training devises to more effectively acquire skills, such as fibre-optic intubation, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and transthoracic echocardiography as well as expand on a variety of teamwork skills particularly in subspecialty anesthesia practice. Summary A curriculum is emerging that utilizes a variety of simulation modalities as part of a more comprehensive educational strategy for anesthesia specialty training.
Long-term survival of patients with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation-more than just a myth.

Long-term survival of patients with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation—more than just a myth
Contracts Involving Illiterate Parties

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are following market-led development approaches that are driven by robust interaction in a market where rules of the game are well defined. Defining the rules for markets in societies where there is a large number of illiterates interacting with literates may engender “information asymmetry” in contracting, that is, a situation where one of the parties to a contract, the literate party, has more information that is not available to the illiterate party. Information asymmetries lead to adverse selection and moral hazard. Contracts that are burdened with these problems cannot be value-maximizing, and courts step in to fill the gaps. Countries have enacted Illiterate Protection Laws intended to protect illiterates in their interaction with literate parties in the marketplace. These laws foster a “meeting of the minds” of parties so that contractual outcomes will be value-maximizing.
The Journal of Management Accounting Research: A Content and Citation Analysis of the First 25 Years

ABSTRACT: This article provides a descriptive content analysis and citation analysis for the Journal of Management Accounting Research (JMAR) between 1989 and 2013. Adopting the Shields (1997) taxo...
Effects of membrane structure and operational variables on membrane distillation performance

US Bureau of Reclamation [R10AC32089]; Water, Environmental, and Energy Solutions Program (University of Arizona); Salt River Project
Computational design of a homotrimeric metalloprotein with a trisbipyridyl core.

Metal-chelating heteroaryl small molecules have found widespread use as building blocks for coordination-driven, self-assembling nanostructures. The metal-chelating noncanonical amino acid (2,2'-bipyridin-5yl)alanine (Bpy-ala) could, in principle, be used to nucleate specific metalloprotein assemblies if introduced into proteins such that one assembly had much lower free energy than all alternatives. Here we describe the use of the Rosetta computational methodology to design a self-assembling homotrimeric protein with [Fe(Bpy-ala)3]2+ complexes at the interface between monomers. X-ray crystallographic analysis of the homotrimer showed that the design process had near-atomic-level accuracy: The all-atom rmsd between the design model and crystal structure for the residues at the protein interface is ∼1.4 A. These results demonstrate that computational protein design together with genetically encoded noncanonical amino acids can be used to drive formation of precisely specified metal-mediated protein assemblies that could find use in a wide range of photophysical applications.
The Diet as a Cause of Human Prostate Cancer

Asymptomatic prostate inflammation and prostate cancer have reached epidemic proportions among men in the developed world. Animal model studies implicate dietary carcinogens, such as the heterocyclic amines from over-cooked meats and sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogens, as candidate etiologies for prostate cancer. Each acts by causing epithelial cell damage, triggering an inflammatory response that can evolve into a chronic or recurrent condition. This milieu appears to spawn proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) lesions, a type of focal atrophy that represents the earliest of prostate cancer precursor lesions. Rare PIA lesions contain cells which exhibit high c-Myc expression, shortened telomere segments, and epigenetic silencing of genes such as GSTP1, encoding the π-class glutathione S-transferase, all characteristic of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer. Subsequent genetic changes, such as the gene translocations/deletions that generate fusion transcripts between androgen-regulated genes (such as TMPRSS2) and genes encoding ETS family transcription factors (such as ERG1), arise in PIN lesions and may promote invasiveness characteristic of prostatic adenocarcinoma cells. Lethal prostate cancers contain markedly corrupted genomes and epigenomes. Epigenetic silencing, which seems to arise in response to the inflamed microenvironment generated by dietary carcinogens and/or estrogens as part of an epigenetic “catastrophe” affecting hundreds of genes, persists to drive clonal evolution through metastatic dissemination. The cause of the initial epigenetic “catastrophe” has not been determined but likely involves defective chromatin structure maintenance by over-exuberant DNA methylation or histone modification. With dietary carcinogens and estrogens driving pro-carcinogenic inflammation in the developed world, it is tempting to speculate that dietary components associated with decreased prostate cancer risk, such as intake of fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes and crucifers, might act to attenuate the ravages of the chronic or recurrent inflammatory processes. Specifically, nutritional agents might prevent PIA lesions or reduce the propensity of PIA lesions to suffer “catastrophic” epigenome corruption.
A Program for Promoting Clinical Scholarship in General Surgery.

Objective The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandates resident physician training in the principles and applications of research. To provide a robust early foundation for effective engagement in scholarship, we designed a novel clinical scholarship program (CSP) for PGY1 general surgery residents. Setting, Design and Outcomes In a general surgery residency training program, we assessed resident academic productivity (i.e., presentations, publications, and sustained engagement in clinical research) and self-efficacy to conduct clinical research, as well as the overall satisfaction of both residents and faculty mentors. The clinical research appraisal inventory was administered both before and after completion of the CSP rotation. Results Totally, 44 categorical general surgery trainees and 23 faculty research mentors participated in the CSP from 2011 to 2016; 26 residents (59%) presented at regional or national meetings. Of the 35 residents who were 24 or more months beyond their PGY1 training period, 16 (46%) have published their CSP project, 5 (14%) report continued commitment towards publication, and 22 (63%) have ≥1 clinical research publications beyond their CSP participation during residency, excluding publications arising from subsequent formal research fellowships. Clinical research appraisal inventory responses indicate significant improvement (p Conclusions A structured CSP increases the confidence of trainees to perform clinical research and leads to significant contributions directed at addressing clinically meaningful problems in surgery. Faculty-guided resident research at a very early stage of clinical training supplements other mentorship experiences and encourages the development of surgeons who will engage in life-long clinical problem solving.
Performance of State Estimation and Fusion with Elliptical Motion Constraints

We consider tracking of a target with known elliptical nonlinear constraints on its motion dynamics. The state estimates are generated by sensors and sent over long-haul links to a remote fusion center for fusion. We show that the constraints can be projected onto the ellipse and hence incorporated into the estimation and fusion process. In particular, two methods based on (i) direct connection to the center, and (ii) shortest distance to the ellipse are discussed. A tracking example is used to illustrate the tracking performance using projection-based methods with various fusers in a lossy long-haul tracking environment.
Conformation of Polynucleosomes in Low Ionic Strength Solution

Chromatin is a nucleohistone complex which exhibits alternating nuclease accessible and resistant regions.1–12 The repeat unit, or nucleosome, consists of approximately 200 base pairs of DNA and two each of the histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. The nuclease resistant region is composed of approximately 140 base pairs of DNA wrapped around the eight-histone aggregate to form a “core particle”.8,9 The remaining 60 base pairs of DNA in the nucleosome unit serve to link core particles, and hence are called “spacer DNA” or “linker DNA”. Neutron scattering studies on isolated core particles have verified the placement of DNA exterior to the protein13 and provided a structural model14–16 for the intact core particle8,9 which is in good agreement with electron microscopy studies of unstained, unfixed samples of H1 depleted core particles.17
Mechanical and durability performance evaluation of crumb rubber-modified epoxy polymer concrete overlays

Abstract The epoxy-based polymer concrete has been widely used for concrete repairing and overlays due to good mechanical properties and durability. To reduce environmental landfill problems with the accumulation of tire rubbers, scrap tire rubbers were added to epoxy polymer concrete in this investigation. The crumb rubber (with mesh size #50, 0.279 mm) were introduced into epoxy concrete with two different contents of 5% and 10% based on the epoxy monomer weight. The mechanical properties including direct tensile strength, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and interface bond strength. Thermal- and moisture-related durability performance of rubberized epoxy concrete were measured and compared with the control samples. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were improved with the added 5% solid rubbers, and slightly reduced with 10% content. With a specially-designed testing method, the interface tensile bonding strength between the epoxy concrete overlay and concrete slab were measured as higher than 250 psi for both control and rubberized samples. The thermal conductivity of polymer concrete was reduced with the increase of rubber contents. In addition, very low water absorption rates (