cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labeling of pigeon erythrocyte membrane proteins by low-level reductive methylation.

Abstract The reductive methylation procedure of G.E. Means and R. E. Feeney (1968) Biochemistry 7 , 2192–2201) was adapted for 3 H-labeling of membrane proteins using pigeon erythrocyte membrane. Usably high 3 H incorporation into protein was obtained, e.g., 28 μCi/mg protein with 83 nmol (input) H 2 CO/mg protein, B 3 H 4 − at 10 Ci/mmol, and a B 3 H 4 − /H 2 CO ratio of 0.34. With this low H 2 CO/protein ratio, methylation did not perturb ATP-dependent 45 Ca 2+ uptake, Na + -dependent [ 14 C]glycine uptake, membrane vesicle sealing, or isoelectric focusing patterns of methylated membrane proteins. The labeled membrane proteins were shown to be good tracers for the unlabeled proteins by using two-dimensional isoelectric focusing x sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis.
Leukemia/lymphoma-related factor regulates oligodendrocyte lineage cell differentiation in developing white matter.

Leukemia/lymphoma-related factor (LRF) is a zinc-finger transcription factor that regulates differentiation and oncogenesis in multiple tissues and cell lineages. The potential role for LRF in cells of the CNS has not been examined to date. This study shows prominent nuclear expression of LRF in diverse neuronal populations and in oligodendrocytes. We focused on examining the function of LRF during the transition from oligodendrocyte progenitor (OP) to mature oligodendrocyte that is associated with myelination in the postnatal spinal cord. During spinal cord myelination, LRF is expressed in only a minority of OP cells whereas most mature oligodendrocytes exhibited nuclear LRF immunoreactivity. Mice with floxed alleles of the Zbtb7a gene, which encodes for LRF protein, were used for in vivo analysis of LRF function. Lentiviral driven Cre recombinase inactivation of LRF at postnatal day 7 reduced the proportion of OP cells that differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes by postnatal day 28. Astrocyte populations were not altered by LRF deletion in the same tissues. These results indicate that LRF deletion reduces differentiation within the oligodendrocyte lineage and does not alter OP lineage choice. In vitro analysis confirmed a specific effect of LRF on OP differentiation. In neonatal OP cultures, RNA interference targeting LRF inhibited OP differentiation while LRF transduction was sufficient to induce differentiation into oligodendrocytes. These results support a critical role for LRF in transcriptional control of differentiation in oligodendrocyte lineage cells during developmental myelination in the CNS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunization status as determined by patients' hand-held cards vs medical records

Objective: To determine whether patients' hand-held immunization cards provide accurate assessments of immunization status when compared with their corresponding medical records. Setting: Urban hospital emergency department immunization program. Design: Comparison of 2 criterion standards. Patients: Children aged 4 months to 6 years who presented consecutively with their immunization cards and received routine care in the hospital's pediatric clinic. Selection: Of 673 eligible patients seen in the immunization program from November 1992 to October 1993, 140 were randomly selected for comparison of immunization card and medical record immunization dates; in addition, all 123 eligible patients seen between August and October 1994 were selected. Of the total of 263 children, medical records for 257 (98%) were available for review. The dates of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles-mumps-rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae type b immunization from immunization cards and medical records were recorded, as were patient age, sex, and ethnicity. Immunization card–medical record immunization date pairs were compared. Each immunization card and medical record was categorized as up to date, due for immunization, or delayed 2 months or more for any immunization at the time of the visit. Results: In 218(85%) of 257 cases, the immunization card and medical record immunization dates were identical (McNemar test, P =.63). The immunization card and medical record agreed that patients were due for immunization in 91 cases and agreed that patients were not due for immunization in 138 cases (k=0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85). The immunization card and medical record agreed that patients were delayed for 1 or more immunizations in 51 cases and agreed that patients were not delayed in 187 cases (k=0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.88). Conclusion: The hand-held immunization card is a suitable alternative to the medical record when the need for immunization is assessed or when rates of immunization delay in populations are determined. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996;150:863-866
VISUAL AND STATISTICAL COMPARISON OF CHOROPLETH MAPS

ABSTRACT It may be possible to make the visual similarity of a set of maps conform to the statistical intercorrelations among the variables used to produce the maps. Conceptualizing the intercorrelations as the signal and blackness differences as noise, three sets of maps were produced allowing blackness differences to vary for the first and second'set and holding blackness differences constant for the third set. Subjects viewing the third set of maps made judgments concerning the visual similarity of the maps which conformed more closely to the intercorrelations among the variables. The judgments of the visual similarity of the maps for subjects viewing the other two sets of maps did not conform as well to the intercorrelations of the variables and seemed to be influenced by the blackness differences among these maps.
Rickettsia conorii infection stimulates the expression of ISG15 and ISG15 protease UBP43 in human microvascular endothelial cells

Rickettsia conorii, an obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, preferentially infects microvascular endothelial cells of the mammalian hosts leading to onset of innate immune responses, characterized by the activation of intracellular signaling mechanisms, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and killing of intracellular rickettsiae. Our recent studies have shown that interferon (IFN)-β, a cytokine traditionally considered to be involved in antiviral immunity, plays an important role in the autocrine/paracrine regulation of host defense mechanisms and control of R. conorii growth in the host endothelial cells. Here, we show that R. conorii infection induces the expression of ISG15 (an interferon-stimulated gene coding a protein of 17kD) and UBP43 (an ISG15-specific protease) at the levels of mRNA and protein and report the evidence of ISGylation of as yet unidentified target proteins in cultured human microvascular endothelium. Infection-induced expression of ISG15 and UBP43 requires intracellular replication of rickettsiae and production of IFN-β, because treatment with tetracycline and presence of an antibody capable of neutralizing IFN-β activity resulted in near complete attenuation of both responses. Inhibition of R. conorii-induced ISG15 by RNA interference results in significant increase in the extent of rickettsial replication, whereas UBP43 knockdown yields a reciprocal inhibitory effect. In tandem, these results demonstrate the stimulation of interferon-β-mediated innate immune mechanisms capable of perturbing the growth and replication of pathogenic rickettsiae and provide first evidence for ISG15-mediated post-translational modification of host cellular proteins during infection with an intracellular bacterium.
Exclusion and Inclusion of TCRα Proteins during T Cell Development in TCR-Transgenic and Normal Mice

Allelic exclusion of immune receptor genes (and molecules) is incompletely understood. With regard to TCRαβ lineage T cells, exclusion at the tcr-b , but not tcr-a , locus seems to be strictly controlled at the locus rearrangement level. Consequently, while nearly all developing TCRαβ thymocytes express a single TCRβ protein, many thymocytes rearrange and express two different TCRα chains and, thus, display two αβTCRs on the cell surface. Of interest, the number of such dual TCR-expressing cells is appreciably lower among the mature T cells. To understand the details of TCR chain regulation at various stages of T cell development, we analyzed TCR expression in mice transgenic for two rearranged αβTCR. We discovered that in such TCR double-transgenic (TCRdTg) mice peripheral T cells were functionally monospecific. Molecularly, this monospecificity was due to TCRα exclusion: one transgenic TCRα protein was selectively down-regulated from the thymocyte and T cell surface. In searching for the mechanism(s) governing this selective TCRα down-regulation, we present evidence for the role of protein tyrosine kinase signaling and coreceptor involvement. This mechanism may be operating in normal thymocytes.
Communicator Style and Social Style Testing a Theoretical Interface

The purpose of this empirical study was to examine the interface between two key models of communication style: social style and communicator style. Social style is based on a two-by-two matrix composed of two dimensions of observable patterns of behavior: assertiveness and emotiveness. Communicator style was established in the communication discipline and involves nine factors and one global assessment of communicator image. The current study measured self-assessments of social style and communicator style by 852 individuals to test the theoretical interface of the models. Factor analysis confirmed the social style dimensions and some of the communicator style dimensions. The resulting components were factored, resulting in four dimensions of transactional style: emotive, assertive, relaxed, and accurate. Regression results indicate three of the dimensions are predictive of communicator self-image and explain nearly 36% of the variance.
Knowledge Acquisition and Insider Threat Prediction in Relational Database Systems

This paper investigates the problem of knowledge acquisition by an unauthorized insider using dependencies between objects in relational databases. It defines various types of knowledge. In addition, it introduces the Neural Dependency and Inference Graph (NDIG), which shows dependencies among objects and the amount of knowledge that can be inferred about them using dependency relationships. Moreover, it introduces an algorithm to determine the knowledgebase of an insider and explains how insiders can broaden their knowledge about various relational database objects to which they lack appropriate access privileges. In addition, it demonstrates how NDIGs and knowledge graphs help in assessment of insider threats and what security officers can do to avoid such threats.
Seismic Damage Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Experiences from past strong earthquakes, such as the 1968 Miyakiken-Oki earthquake in Japan and the 1971 San Fernando earthquake in California, have shown the vulnerability of reinforced concrete buildings to strong ground shakings. For economic reasons, however, some level of damage should be expected and permitted in the aseismic design of structures, particularly of low-rise buildings. In spite of this recognition, the potential seismic damage of structures and the associated aseismic provisions are based largely on qualitative engineering judgment. In order to assess the seismic safety of reinforced concrete buildings, the quantitative analysis of structural damage under random earthquake excitations needs to be improved.
Human Papillomavirus Type 31 E5 Protein Supports Cell Cycle Progression and Activates Late Viral Functions upon Epithelial Differentiation

The function of the E5 protein of human papillomaviruses (HPV) is not well characterized, and controversies exist about its role in the viral life cycle. To determine the function of E5 within the life cycle of HPV type 31 (HPV31) we first constructed HPV31 mutant genomes that contained an altered AUG initiation codon or stop codons in E5. Cell lines were established which harbored transfected wild-type or E5 mutant HPV31 genomes. These cell lines all maintained episomal copies of HPV31 and revealed similar phenotypes with respect to growth rate, early gene expression, and viral copy number in undifferentiated monolayer cultures. Following epithelial differentiation, genome amplification and differentiation-dependent late gene expression were observed in mutant cell lines, but at a rate significantly reduced from that observed in cells containing the wild-type genomes. Organotypic raft cultures indicated that E5 does not effect the expression of differentiation markers but does reduce expression of late viral proteins. Western analysis and immunofluorescence staining for cyclins during epithelial differentiation revealed a decreased expression of cyclin A and B in E5 mutant cells compared to HPV wild-type cells. Using a replating assay, a significant reduction in colony-forming ability was detected in the absence of E5 expression when cells containing wild-type or E5 mutant HPV genomes were allowed to proliferate following 24 h in suspension-induced differentiation. This suggests that HPV E5 modifies the differentiation-induced cell cycle exit and supports the ability of HPV31-positive keratinocytes to retain proliferative competence. In these studies, E5 was found to have little effect on the levels of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or on its phosphorylation status. This indicates that EGFR is not a target of E5 action. Our results propose a role for high risk HPV E5 in modulation of late viral functions through activation of proliferative capacity in differentiated cells. We suspect that the primary target of E5 is a membrane protein or receptor that then acts to alter the levels or activities of cell cycle regulators.
An immunoreactive theory of selective male affliction.

Males are selectively afflicted with the neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders of childhood, a broad and virtually ubiquitous phenomenon that has not received proper attention in the biological study of sex differences. The previous literature has alluded to psychosocial differences, genetic factors and elements pertaining to male “complexity” and relative immaturity, but these are not deemed an adequate explanation for selective male affliction. The structure of sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders is hypothesized to contain these elements: (1) Males are more frequently afflicted, females more severely; (2) disorders arising in females are largely mediated by the genotype; in males, by a genotype by environment interaction; (3) complications of pregnancy and delivery occur more frequently with male births; such complications are decisive and influence subsequent development. We hypothesize that there is something about the male fetus that evokes an inhospitable uterine environment. This “evocative principle” is hypothesized to relate to the relative antigenicity of the male fetus, which may induce a state of maternal immunoreactivity, leading either directly or indirectly to fetal damage. The immunoreactive theory (IMRT) thus constructed is borrowed from studies of sex ratios and is the only explanation consistent with negative parity effects in the occurrence of pregnancy complications and certain neurodevelopmental disorders. Although the theory is necessarily speculative, it is heuristic and hypotheses derived from it are proposed; some are confirmed in the existing literature and by the authors' research.
Nonperturbative Chemical Imaging of Organelle Transport in Living Cells with Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy

Nonperturbative monitoring of intracellular organelle transport in unstained living cells was achieved with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. To avoid possible interference with the organelle transport introduced by laser radiation, we first examined different illumination conditions. Using a new photodamage criterion based on morphological changes of the cells, we determined the threshold values of both pulse energy and average power at relevant wavelengths. Under excitation conditions much milder than the threshold levels, we were able to monitor the motions of lipid droplet (LD) organelles in steroidogenic mouse adrenal cortical (Y-1) cells with CARS microscopy in real time without perturbations to the cells. Particle tracking analyses revealed subdiffusion as well as active transport of LDs along microtubules. Interestingly, LD active transport is only present in Y-1 cells that rounded up in culture, a morphological change associated with steroidogenesis, suggesting possible involvements of LD active transport in the latter. Simultaneous imaging of LDs and mitochondria with CARS and two-photon fluorescence microscopy clearly showed that interactions between the two organelles could be facilitated by high LD motility. These observations demonstrate CARS microscopy as a powerful noninvasive imaging tool for studying dynamic processes in living cells.
Characterization of Cu–CeO2 direct hydrocarbon anodes in a solid oxide fuel cell with lanthanum gallate electrolyte

La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ (LSGM)-electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)with Cu–CeO2–LSGM anodes were fabricated, and their performance, while operating on H2 and C4H10, was characterized. The cells demonstrated the ability to directly operate on both hydrogen and butane fuels between 600 and 700 °C. At 700 °C, a cell with a 440-μm thick electrolyte had maximum power densities of 220 and 115 mW/cm2 for H2 and C4H10 fuels, respectively. Impedance study indicates that the Cu–CeO2–LSGM anodes limit cell performance.
Human IGF1 extends lifespan and enhances resistance to Plasmodium falciparum infection in the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

The highly conserved insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling (IIS) pathway regulates metabolism, development, lifespan and immunity across a wide range of organisms. Previous studies have shown that human insulin ingested in the blood meal can activate mosquito IIS, resulting in attenuated lifespan and increased malaria parasite infection. Because human IGF1 is present at higher concentrations in blood than insulin and is functionally linked with lifespan and immune processes, we predicted that human IGF1 ingested in a blood meal would affect lifespan and malaria parasite infection in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi . Here we demonstrate that physiological levels of ingested IGF1, like insulin, can persist intact in the blood-filled midgut for up to 30 h and disseminate into the mosquito body, and that both peptides activate IIS in mosquito cells and midgut. At these same levels, ingested IGF1 alone extended average mosquito lifespan by 23% compared with controls and, more significantly, when ingested in infected blood meals, reduced the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum -infected mosquitoes by >20% and parasite load by 35–50% compared with controls. Thus, the effects of ingested IGF1 on mosquito lifespan and immunity are opposite to those of ingested insulin. These results offer the first evidence that insect cells can functionally discriminate between mammalian insulin and IGF1. Further, in light of previous success in genetically targeting IIS to alter mosquito lifespan and malaria parasite transmission, this study indicates that a more complete understanding of the IIS-activating ligands in blood can be used to optimize transgenic strategies for malaria control. * ASE : Anopheles stephensi embryo-derived BSA : bovine serum albumin IGF1 : insulin-like growth factor 1 IIS : insulin/IGF-like signaling ILP : insulin-like peptide MAPK : mitogen-activated protein kinase MIR : mosquito insulin receptor PB : phosphate buffer PBS : phosphate-buffered saline PI3K : phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase RBC : red blood cell TOR : target of rapamycin
Hybrid huberized support vector machines for microarray classification

The large number of genes and the relatively small number of samples are typical characteristics for microarray data. These characteristics pose challenges for both sample classification and relevant gene selection. The support vector machine (SVM) is a widely used classification technique, and previous studies have demonstrated its superior classification performance in microarray analysis. However, a major limitation is that the SVM can not perform automatic gene selection. To overcome this limitation, we propose the hybrid huberized support vector machine (HHSVM). The HHSVM uses the huberized hinge loss function and the elastic-net penalty. It has two major benefits: 1. automatic gene selection; 2. the grouping effect, where highly correlated genes tend to be selected/removed together. We also develop an efficient algorithm that computes the entire regularized solution path for HHSVM. We have applied our method to real microarray data and achieved promising results.
Characterizing quality of rendered duck fat compared to other fats and oils

The characteristics of rendered duck fat (RDF) were compared to commercial sources of soybean oil, lard, tallow, butter and olive oil. RDF was highly susceptible to lipid oxidation during storage compared to the other fats and oils. However, 0.005% tert-butyl hydroquinone delayed the onset of lipid oxidation to an extent that was comparable to the lag phase observed in the commercial fats and oils. Positive attributes of RDF included a relatively high oleic acid content and low saturated fat content. Undesirable attributes of RDF included a lack of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and intermediate levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) compared to the other lipid sources. Decreasing the time and temperature of rendering decreased the TFA content in RDF. Around one-half of the TFA content in RDF was vaccenic acid which is converted to CLA after ingestion.
The Oceanic Remote Chemical/Optical Analyzer (ORCA)—An Autonomous Moored Profiler

An autonomous, moored profiler [the Oceanic Remote Chemical/Optical Analyzer (ORCA)] was developed to sense a variety of chemical and optical properties in the upper water column. It is presently used to monitor water quality parameters in South Puget Sound—a largely undeveloped area subject to extensive future urbanization. ORCA has three main components: 1) a three-point moored Autonomous Temperature Line Acquisition System (ATLAS) toroidal float; 2) a profiling assembly on the float with computer, winch, cellular system, meteorological sensors (wind, temperature, humidity, irradiance), solar panels, and batteries; and 3) an underwater sensor package consisting of a Seabird CTD profiler, YSI dissolved oxygen electrode, Wetlabs transmissometer, and Wetlabs chlorophyll fluorometer. At regular sampling intervals, ORCA profiles the water column using the winch and pressure information from the CTD. The data are recorded on the computer and transmitted to the lab automatically via cellular communications. Data are presented from a 1-day deployment in May 2000 and from a long-term, 7-month deployment. The dataset reveals the combination of intermittent stratification mixing and strong seasonal forcing in this estuarine system.
Tumour suppressor genes and angiogenesis: the role of TP53 in fibroblasts.

‘Department of Microbiology-Immunology; ‘Department of Pathology; ‘R.H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611; 4Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02 115; and ‘Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, U.S.A.
Supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases in supraomohyoid neck dissection.

Background Some patients undergoing surgical resection of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx also undergo supraomohyoid neck dissection for staging of the negative (N 0 ) neck. Dissection of the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad requires significant traction of the spinal accessory nerve. There are currently no data to indicate the incidence of metastases to this site and thus the necessity of performing dissection of these nodes. Methods A prospective analysis of a consecutive series of 44 patients with newly diagnosed squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx undergoing surgical management of the primary lesion with staging neck dissection was performed. Patients underwent unilateral (41) or bilateral (3) supraomohyoid neck dissection with separate submission of the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad for pathologic evaluation to determine the incidence of nodal metastases. Results A total of 15 patients (32%) had microscopic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma involving the supraomohyoid neck dissection specimen. Only 1 patient had a metastatic deposit involving the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad. This patient also had metastases in additional lymph nodes at level II. There was an equal incidence of metastases for all patients when stratifying by T stage. Conclusion This preliminary report reveals a small incidence of supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases in patients with T + NO squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx. We continue to accrue patients to determine if the incidence of supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases varies with an increased number of patients.
Comparison of subcortical connections of inferior temporal and posterior parietal cortex in monkeys

To investigate the subcortical connections of the object vision and spatial vision cortical processing pathways, we injected the inferior temporal and posterior parietal cortex of six Rhesus monkeys with retrograde or anterograde tracers. The temporal injections included area TE on the lateral surface of the hemisphere and adjacent portions of area TEO. The parietal injections covered the posterior bank of the intraparietal sulcus, including areas VIP and LIP. Our results indicate that several structures project to both the temporal and parietal cortex, including the medial and lateral pulvinar, claustrum, and nucleus basalis. However, the cells in both the pulvinar and claustrum that project to the two systems are mainly located in different parts of those structures, as are the terminals which arise from the temporal and parietal cortex. Likewise, the projections from the temporal and parietal cortex to the caudate nucleus and putamen are largely segregated. Finally, we found projections to the pons and superior colliculus from parietal but not temporal cortex, whereas we found the lateral basal and medial basal nuclei of the amygdala to be reciprocally connected with temporal but not parietal cortex. Thus, the results show that, like the cortical connections of the two visual processing systems, the subcortical connections are remarkably segregated.
LogicPad: a pen-based application for visualization and verification of boolean algebra

We present LogicPad, a pen-based application for boolean algebra visualization that lets users manipulate boolean function representations through handwritten symbol and gesture recognition coupled with a drag-and-drop interface. We discuss LogicPad's user interface and the general algorithm used for verifying the equivalence of three different boolean function representations: boolean expressions, truth tables, and logic gate diagrams. We also conducted a short, informal user study evaluating LogicPad's user interface, visualization techniques, and overall performance. Results show that visualizations were generally well-liked and verification results matched user expectations.
System identification for evaluating soil–structure interaction effects in buildings from strong motion recordings

Parametric system identification is used to evaluate seismic soil–structure interaction effects in buildings. The input–output strong motion data pairs needed for evaluations of flexible- and fixed-base fundamental mode parameters are derived. Recordings of lateral free-field, foundation, and roof motions, as well as foundation rocking, are found to be necessary for direct evaluations of modal parameters for both cases of base fixity. For the common situation of missing free-field or base rocking motions, procedures are developed for estimating the modal parameters that cannot be directly evaluated. The accuracy of these estimation procedures for fundamental mode vibration period and damping is verified for eleven sites with complete instrumentation of the structure, foundation, and free-field. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The lasting qualities of PERT: Preferences and perceptions of R&D project managers

This survey was conducted on the perceived popularity of PERT and PERT-type management systems; whether PERT'S applications were static, increasing, or decreasing, and whether its use was by choice or imposition. The extent of applications of PERT for managing various types of research and development (R&D) was examined with the view to ascertaining its individual popularity when applied to (a) basic research, (b) applied research, or (c) development projects. In addition, an inquiry was made into the estimated expense of PERT systems to plan and control projects as a percentage of the budget. The results of the survey are presented and discussed relative to various sizes of R&D organizations.
CLUSEQ: efficient and effective sequence clustering

Analyzing sequence data has become increasingly important recently in the area of biological sequences, text documents, Web access logs, etc. We investigate the problem of clustering sequences based on their sequential features. As a widely recognized technique, clustering has proven to be very useful in detecting unknown object categories and revealing hidden correlations among objects. One difficulty that prevents clustering from being performed extensively on sequence data (in categorical domain) is the lack of an effective yet efficient similarity measure. Therefore, we propose a novel model (CLUSEQ) for sequence cluster by exploring significant statistical properties possessed by the sequences. The conditional probability distribution (CPD) of the next symbol given a preceding segment is derived and used to characterize sequence behavior and to support the similarity measure. A variation of the suffix tree, namely probabilistic suffix tree, is employed to organize (the significant portion of) the CPD in a concise way. A novel algorithm is devised to efficiently discover clusters with high quality and is able to automatically adjust the number of clusters to its optimal range via a unique combination of successive new cluster generation and cluster consolidation. The performance of CLUSEQ has been demonstrated via extensive experiments on several real and synthetic sequence databases.
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND COSMOLOGY: A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE

The ground for a Buddhist environmental ethic is rooted in one of the earliest formulations of Buddhist teaching, the principle of dependent co-origination. This concept provides an ecological perspective where nothing exists in and of itself but only as a context of relations, a nexus of factors whose peculiar concatenation alone determines the origin, perpetuation, or cessation of that thing. The primacy of dependent co-origination is consistent with the subsequent development of Mahayana Buddhism and its concept of Tathata (wondrous Being), as understood through the complementary doctrines of the Tathagatagarbha (embryonic consciousness) and the Alayavijnana (Absolute Consciousness). Together, these specify the ontological and epistemological framework for understanding wondrous Being as the movement toward its own self-revelation: it comes to recognize itself as the essential nature of all things in and through the human mind, which is grounded on and informed by it. Through such a cosmology, coherent with the classical ideals of a bodhisattva, Buddhism reinvigorates the human in an ethic of mindful awareness of, reflection upon, and care for life in its entirety, as the species that can identify the integrity of the whole in the richness of its diverse particularities.
Carbon Stocks in Urban Forest Remnants: Atlanta and Baltimore as Case Studies

Urban environments influence carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles of forest ecosystems by altering plant biomass, litter mass and chemistry, passive and active pools of C and N, and the occurrence and activity of decomposer organisms. It is difficult to determine the net effect of C storage due to the number of environmental factors exerting stress on urban forests. Using a conceptual model to synthesize results from gradient studies of forest patches in metropolitan areas, we attempt to explain the mechanisms affecting C cycling. We also assess the relative importance of C accumulation in urban remnant forests with respect to other land uses previously disturbed or managed. The cities of Baltimore and Atlanta are used as case studies. The C density of forest above-ground biomass for Baltimore City, 8 kg m−3, and Atlanta, 10.6 kg m−3, is significantly higher for both medium- and high-density residential areas. Baltimore City has a forest-soil C density of 10.6 kg m−3, a below-to-above ground ratio of 1.3. Urban forest remnants in these two cities store a high amount of C on a per-unit basis both above- and below ground relative to other land uses, but total C storage is lower due to the lower acreage of urban forest in these cities relative to other land uses.
Recent advancements in mucoadhesive floating drug delivery systems: A mini-review

Abstract Over the past few decades, extensive research has been carried out to develop a gastroretentive dosage form (GRDF). This type of dosage form can improve the delivery and performance of drugs that are locally active in the stomach because the GRDF allows the drug to remain in the stomach for a sufficient time interval. Different approaches have been used to develop efficient GRDFs such as low density systems, high density systems, swelling and expanding systems, super-porous hydrogels, hydrodynamically balanced systems, gas generating systems, raft forming systems, floating systems, and ion exchange resins. However, these kinds of systems possess both advantages and disadvantages. Intra-individual and inter-individual differences in gastric physiology are obstacles in the development of efficient GRDFs. Examples of these individual differences include gastric pH and gastric motility, which have a significant impact on gastric retention time and drug delivery. Some of these obstacles can be overcome by developing a novel mucoadhesive floating drug delivery system (MFDDS). The MFDDS is characterized by intimate contact of the mucoadhesive dosage form with the mucosal layer, thereby increasing the localized absorption of the drug. The present mini-review provides valuable information and highlights the advancement of the MFDDS.
Production of Hypoprothrombinemia and Hypoeoagulability of the Blood with Salicylates.

Conclusions1. The oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid and sodium salicylate to human beings in daily doses of 20 to 80 grains (1.3 to 5.3 g) consistently produced hypo-prothrombinemia and hypocoagulability of the blood. 2. The administration of vitamin K with the salicylate prevented the development of hypoprothrombinemia and prolongation of the coagulation time. 3. It is theoretically possible that the not unusual hemorrhagic manifestations of acute rheumatic fever may be due in some cases, at least in part, to the large doses of salicylates so commonly administered.
Attitude observability from light curve measurements

The observability of space object attitude from light curve data is analyzed. Light curves, which are the time-varying apparent brightness of sunlight reflected off a space object and measured by an observer, depend on the object position, attitude, surface material, shape, and other parameters. Previous work employing light curve data for shape estimation requires the availability of good attitude estimates. This paper explores the possibility of obtaining attitude information from the brightness measurements themselves. Some types of attitude estimate errors are detectable from individual brightness measurements, but other attitude errors lie in the nullspace of the Fisher information matrix and are not observable in the static case. Analytical expressions for the nullspace vectors are derived. The observability of the light curve model parameters is also briefly addressed.
The Management of Technology: An Opportunity for Research Universities

Technology transfer and industry creation are increasingly identified with university research. Increasing this activity may stimulate initiatives to enhance progress in economic opportunity. A high standard of living is dependent upon a leading position in high technology, engineering and technology-relaled research and development, resulting in high tech jobs. Universities will carry a part of these new responsibilities. Emphasis on higher education will be a focus of opportunity over the next decade. Curricula content will include social, international, economic and environmental issues. The education community will review the pros and cons of the opportunity technology affords. However, in parallel, university research will become increasingly the source of, and universities the partners of continued technological development. It is timely to explain this opportunity and explore the challenges of this new partnership.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Wound Healing Investigation of Proteins, Glycoproteins, and Lipids of Experimental Wound Fluid in the Dog

SummarySurgical implants of stainless steel mesh cylinders were made into subcutaneous tissue of dog's back. These were removed at intervals of 1 to 4 weeks. Wound fluid was aspirated from inside t...
Approximate Symmetry and Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking

In this short chapter we briefly discuss the formalism of approximate symmetry, based on the concept of a metric for a statejspace of a system. We present the concepts of approximate symmetry transformation, approximate symmetry group, goodness of approximation, exact symmetry limit, broken symmetry, and symmetry-breaking factor. We then more substantially discuss spontaneous symmetry breaking, situations where the symmetry principle—that the effect is at least as symmetric as the cause—seems to be invalid. The essence of the matter is the stability of the effect under perturbations of the symmetry of the cause.
Radiographic characterization of the B2 glenoid: the effect of computed tomographic axis orientation.

Background Glenoid retroversion may accelerate glenoid loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty. Accurate measurement of preoperative glenoid deformity is critical for decision-making and prognostication. The purpose of this study was to determine whether glenoid version, inclination, and depth and humeral subluxation measurements on computed tomography (CT) scan slices oriented in the plane of the body differ from those oriented in the scapular plane and those obtained by automated 3-dimensional reconstruction software in the setting of a biconcave B2-type glenoid. Methods Thirty-one preoperative CT scans in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty with Walch B2-type glenoids underwent a standardized measurement protocol by 3 observers. Glenoid version, inclination, and depth and humeral subluxation were measured on 2-dimensional CT images in the plane of the body, on 2-dimensional images in the plane of the scapula, and by a validated, automated 3-dimensional software program. Results Correction of CT slice axis into the plane of the scapula decreased measured retroversion by 2.4° to 4.7° ( P P P P P Conclusion If CT images are not reoriented into the plane of the scapula, version and inclination will be significantly overestimated. In the setting of a retroverted, deformed glenoid, automated software may produce similar inclination measurements to corrected 2-dimensional CT, but it produces significantly altered measurements of version and subluxation.
Misidentification of Bupropion Glucuronide Metabolites and Re-evaluation of Metabolite Pharmacokinetics.

Bupropion is one of the most commonly used treatments for major depressive disorder, and it is also used for smoking cessation. There is concern about the bioequivalence and clinical effectiveness of various brand and generic oral bupropion formulations ([Woodcock et al., 2012][1]). We read with
Predictive set point modulation to mitigate transients in power systems with a multiple-input-multiple-output control system

In recent years, due to high demand for electrical energy both in commercial and residential sectors, power systems often operate close to their operational limits. However, transients caused by load variation, faults and large set point changes can cause an apparatus violates its operational limits and different subsequent attentional problems such as instability and tripping of protective devices. Several strategies are proposed to control an apparatus under different operating conditions. Set point automatic adjustment with correction-enabled (SPAACE) [1], is one of the proposed algorithm to improve the set point tracking of a controllable power system and mitigate transients within the system. SPAACE uses a feedback signal from the output of an apparatus and monitors the trend of the signal and based on that temporarily changes its reference set point. In this paper, a comprehensive study of this algorithm is performed then the performance of SPAACE with a new prediction method and for the multiple-input-multiple-output systems is evaluated.
Clustering with an oracle

Suppose, we are given V = {1, 2, …, n} ≡ [n], a set of n points, that can be clustered into k parts V i , i = 1, …, k; V i ∩ V j = ∅, ∀i ≠ j; the subsets V i ⊂ [n] and k are unknown to us. There is an oracle that can answer any pair-wise queries V × V → {±1}, where a query answer of +1 for (u, v) ∈ V ×V indicates u and v belong to the same cluster, and −1 indicates they do not. How many such queries are necessary and/or sufficient to find the clusters exactly?
Predictive value of ankle-brachial Index to peripheral vascular disease in elderly type 2 diabetic patients

Objective To evaluate the function of peripheral vessels, the change of ankle-brachial Index (ABI) and toe-brachial Index (TBI), and its related risk factors in elderly type 2 diabetic patients were observed. Methods Doppler frequency spectrum was used on lower limb of 128 type 2 diabetic patients and 103 non-diabetic people. ABI and TBI were calculated, other indexes including body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hypersensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipopretein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose(FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlC) were measured. Results ABI and TBI were decreased in T2DM group as compared with control group (P<0.05), and hs-CRP was increased in T2DM group. With multiple stepwise regression, it showed that ABI and TBI was negatively related with age, SBP and T2DM duration, while ABI was positively correlated with HDL. In multiple logistic regression, cigarette, age, high blood pressure(HBP) and T2DM duration were independent risk factors with respective odds ratios of 1.94 (P<0.05), 2.12(P<0.01), 2.74(P<0.05) and 1.59(P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion Older age, T2DM duration, ciga-rette, hyperglycosema, HBP, low HDL and high bs-CRP play important roles in the occurrence and development of peripheral vascular dis-ease (PVD) in elderly type 2 diabetic patients. PVD of type 2 diabetic patients can be found earlier with Doppler diagnostic instrument. Key words: Diabetic anglopathies/DI; Ankle; Humerus; Blood pressure determination
John Locke and Religious Liberty

Alzate analyzes John Locke ’s theory of religious liberty found in A Letter Concerning Toleration to elucidate the individual’s right of religious belief and worship, as well as the origins, extent, and limitations of that right. Although freedom of religion is an individual right, it is necessarily a political issue. By examining this concept in conjunction with his broader political theory of the Second Treatise , Alzate discerns nine criteria that Locke argued were essential to balancing religious liberty against other rights and the political authority of government. The two most important of these criteria are government neutrality and equality under the law . Thus, in protecting the individual freedom of religion, the government must above all remain neutral and treat all citizens and religions equally.
Spirits of Heritage, Specters of Ruins: Partnering with the Jinn in the Preservation of the Past

In her recent study of the heritage project that is contemporary New Orleans, anthropologist Shanon Dawdy has suggested that “[s]ociety presents itself simultaneously as a ruin and as a kind of playland” (2016, 147). This notion that the ruin is both a product of, and a basis for, heritage practice serves as a useful intervention into long-standing treatments of ruins as exotic, romantic, and awaiting the discovery, glorification, and preservation of those that might give them meaning. In the present essay, I further challenge heritage approaches to ruins through an examination of the ways in which they have been associated, in various Muslim cultural contexts, with a set of distinctly sentient, yet non-human actors, the jinn. This pairing between place and spirits has shaped long-standing affective responses and practical engagements between local (human) inhabitants and their archaeologically rich landscapes across the Middle East and North Africa. This essay examines how those engagements often push against contemporary discourses highlighting the sublime aspects of ruins and the quasi-sacred nature of heritage. To that end, the following guiding questions structure my contribution: Can contemporary heritage discourses accommodate practices in which humans share control and ownership of the material past with spectral others? How might we reframe the mandate to preserve such ruins in light of alternative perspectives that mark these sites as sinister, and/or meaningful, precisely because of their ruination? Can universalizing heritage discourses accommodate practices that derive value from the material past without also subscribing to explicit preservationist goals? Such questions offer an opportunity to consider the inclusion of the Unseen, and perhaps others, whose perspectives have gone unrecognized, within professional heritage management and its hermeneutics of the past.
Nanofiber-based Matrimid organogel membranes for battery separator

Abstract Porous organogel membranes (POMs) composed of electrospun nanofibers with a crosslinking modification have demonstrated great potential as battery separators. As a proof of concept, we fabricated such membranes using electrospun Matrimid nanofibers crosslinked through a room temperature solvent immersion technique. The effects of the crosslinking modification on the chemical structure and mechanical properties of electrospun Matrimid mats were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. Stability was tested on the resulting POMs showing that the crosslinking modification on Matrimid drastically improved fiber chemical and sovothermal resistance. A Matrimid organogel membrane with a 3-day crosslinking modification was tested as separator in a Li-ion battery. When soaked in dimethylformamide (DMF), no thermal shrinkage was observed at temperature up to 180 °C. At 190 °C and 200 °C, Matrimid membranes showed shrinkage of 10% and 20% with respect to their original sample area, respectively. The discharge capacity of the battery was over 93% after 20 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency above 98%. The membrane retained physical stability and flexibility after being in contact with the electrolyte LiPF6 in EC-DEC-DMC for three weeks of testing and demonstrated great potential as battery separators in applications involving strong solvents and high temperature.