cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intelligence for Embedded Systems: A Methodological Approach [Book Review]

It is felt that as intelligence plays a key role in future embedded systems, this book will have broader impacts and far-reaching applications. The presented methods are technology independent and can be suitably adapted to software and or hardware implementations, depending on the application constraints. The book will also be an important resource for practitioners working on embedded systems and applications. The book is multidisciplinary and crosses several disciplines, from measurements and metrology to machine learning, from computer science to probability and system identification. The book forms a suitable reference text for a course on "advanced embedded systems" at the Master and Ph.D. level as well presenting concepts that could complement any course in the disciplines of electronics and computer science. To conclude, this book presents a breakthrough in research and opens new directions for investigation of intelligent embedded systems, where computational intelligence techniques can be used to enhance intelligence in the next generation of embedded systems.
The X-ray crystal structure of DL-(1,3,5/2,4)-1,2,3,4-tetraacetoxy-5-(acetoxymethyl)cyclohexane.

Abstract The crystal and molecular structure of thepseudo-sugar dl -(1,3,5/2,4)-1.2.3.4-tetraacetoxy-5-(acetoxymethyl)cyclohexane (“pseudo-β- dl -glucopyranose pentaacetate”) has been determined by X-ray diffraction and statistical-phasing procedures. The data were refined to R = 0.049 and R w = 0.054 over 1543 reflections with I greater than 3σ(I). The racemic crystals are monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / c, a = 11.580(2), b = 8.276(1), c = 22.031(2) A, β = 104.33(1)°, D c = 1.26g/cm 3 , with four molecules in the unit cell. The ring has a 4 C 1 ( d ), 1 C f ( l ) conformation, with puckering amplitude of 0.582(4) A, a pseudorotation angle of −168.35°, and a gg orientation about the C-5C-6 bond.
Effects of inositol trisphosphate on calcium mobilization in bone cells.

The effect of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) on calcium mobilization was studied in human osteosarcoma lines, Saos-2 and G292, as well as isolated rat osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells. Cells were permeabilized with saponin and calcium mobilization was studied with the fluorescent dye, fura-2 in a recording spectrofluorometer. IP3 (10 μM) increased calcium release in all cell types studied. The effect was dependent on ATP and occurred in the presence of mitochondrial inhibitors. The effect was not seen with inositol 1-phosphate (IP) or inositol 1,4-diphosphate (IP2). Inositol 1,3,4,5 tetrakisphosphate (IP4) appeared to elicit a decrease in the calcium released. Depletion of the intracellular pool with the calcium ionophore, ionomycin, as well as incubation with the inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, TMB-8, obliterated the IP3 effect. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that increases in IP3 can cause a rapid elevation of bone cell cytosolic calcium.
Radiation exposure during coronary angiography via transradial or transfemoral approaches when performed by experienced operators

Background Studies demonstrate an increase in radiation exposure with transradial approach (TRA) when compared with transfemoral approach (TFA) for coronary angiography. Given the learning curve associated with TRA, it is not known if this increased radiation exposure to patients is seen when procedures are performed by experienced operators. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1,696 patients who underwent coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by experienced operators at a tertiary center from October 2010 to June 2011. Experienced operators were defined as those that perform >75 PCIs/year with >95% of cases performed using the TRA or TFA approach for ≥5 years. The outcomes of interest were dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time (FT). Results Of the 1,696 patients, 1,382 (81.5%) were performed by experienced femoral operators using TFA and 314 (18.5%) were performed by experienced radial operators using TRA. Most of these cases (65.4%) were diagnostic only (870 TFA and 240 TRA) with both DAP (6040 [3210-8786] vs 5019 [3377-6869] μGy·m 2 , P = .003] and FT [6.2 [4.0-10.3] vs 3.3 [2.6-5.0] minutes, P 2 , P = .02 and 22.1 [13.3-31.0] vs. 13.8 [9.8-20.3] minutes, P Conclusions In a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography by experienced operators, TRA was associated with higher radiation exposure when compared with TFA.
DNA-dependent Protein Kinase Is a Target for a CPP32-like Apoptotic Protease

We demonstrate that the catalytic subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) is specifically, proteolytically cleaved in HL-60 cells treated with staurosporine (STS), a potent inducer of apoptosis. The proteolysis of DNA-PKcs correlated with or preceded apoptotic chromosomal DNA degradation. Cell-free extracts prepared from STS-treated HL-60 cells recapitulated the proteolysis of DNA-PKcs in an in vitro assay using purified DNA-PK as the substrate. Western blot analyses of the apoptotic cell extract showed that the 32-kDa precursor of CPP32 is expressed in HL-60 cells and processed following STS treatment. In addition, whereas the DNA-PKcs protease activity was not inhibitable by many conventional protease inhibitors, it was inhibitable by a highly selective peptide-derived inhibitor of CPP32. These data strongly suggest that CPP32, or a CPP32-like protease, is responsible for DNA-PKcs proteolysis. Finally, our results demonstrated that the cleavage of DNA-PKcs in vitro proceeded in the presence of Bcl-2, indicating that the function provided by Bcl-2 lies upstream the proteolysis of DNA-PKcs.
“Plastic Makes Perfect”: My Beautiful Mommy, Cosmetic Surgery, and the Medicalization of Motherhood

Perhaps more than any other genre of children’s literature, picture books have been in the spotlight of late. Intended for the youngest and thus seemingly most innocent of child readers, they have also historically been associated with the most innocent of subject matters. In stark contrast to narratives for young adults that have become famous for their engagement with mature issues like drugs, divorce, and sexuality; picture books have commonly been connected with more lighthearted subject matter. In classic titles like The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Goodnight Moon (1947), and The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969), the gravest adventures involve mischievously nibbling on some carrots in a forbidden garden, not wanting to go to bed, and being preoccupied by an array of different delicious foods. During the final few decades of the twentieth century, the traditionally innocuous subject matter of picture books begun to change. In the wake of growing societal beliefs that adults ought to be more honest and open with children, new narratives appeared that discussed topics which had previously been overlooked, ignored, or even forbidden. From the serious subject of same-sex parenting in Heather Has Two Mommies (1989) and Daddy’s Roommate (1991) to the humorous issue of bodily functions inEveryone Poops (1993, English language version) and Walter, the Farting Dog (2001), these books pushed the boundaries of the genre in new and even daring directions. In the years since, the range and variety of picture books meant to address formerly off-limits subject matter has only increased. In 2005, for example, Anne-Marie Gillet and Isabelle
Tunable vertical-cavity SOAs : a unique combination of tunable filtering and optical gain

In this paper the design and performance of novel micromechanically-tunable vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs) are presented. Theoretical design issues include overviews of the signal gain, wavelength tuning characteristics, saturation properties, and noise figure of these unique devices. Using general Fabry-Perot relationships it is possible to model both the wavelength tuning characteristics and the peak signal gain of tunable VCSOAs, while amplifier rate equations are used to describe the saturation and noise properties. It is found that these devices follow many of the same design trends as fixed-wavelength VCSOAs. However, with tunable devices, the tuning mechanism is found to result in varying amplifier properties over the wavelength span of the device. Experimental results for three generations of devices are given. The culmination of this work is a new bottom-emitting design in which the optical cavity is inverted and the MEMS-tuning structure serves as the high-reflectivity back mirror. By suppressing the variation in mirror reflectance with tuning, this configuration exhibits a two-fold increase in the effective tuning range as compared with our initial devices-with a minimum of 5 dB fiber-to-fiber gain (12 dB on-chip gain) over a wavelength span of roughly 21 nm, from 1557.36 nm to 1536.43 nm. Furthermore, these devices exhibit saturation, bandwidth and noise properties similar to state-of-the-art fixed-wavelength VCSOAs, including a fiber-coupled saturation output power of -1.36 dBm and an average gain bandwidth and noise figure of 65.2 GHz and 7.48 dB.
Drug and gene delivery and enhancement of thrombolysis using ultrasound and microbubbles

This article reviews some important characteristics of microbubbles that give them therapeutic properties. It discusses the use of microbubbles and ultrasound for targeted delivery of adenovirus and nonviral vectors to myocytes and endothelial cells and for the dissolution of thrombus or potentiation of fibrinolytic agents for acutely thrombosed vessels. Potential applications, such as induction of angiogenesis, inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia, and in the setting of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke,are discussed briefly.
Quantitative Proteomics Reveal ATM Kinase-dependent Exchange in DNA Damage Response Complexes

ATM is a protein kinase that initiates a well-characterized signaling cascade in cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). However, the role for ATM in coordinating critical protein interactions and subsequent exchanges within DNA damage response (DDR) complexes is unknown. We combined SILAC-based tandem mass spectrometry and a subcellular fractionation protocol to interrogate the proteome of irradiated cells treated with or without the ATM kinase inhibitor KU55933. We developed an integrative network analysis to identify and prioritize proteins that were responsive to KU55933, specifically in chromatin, and that were also enriched for physical interactions with known DNA repair proteins. This analysis identified 53BP1 and annexin A1 (ANXA1) as strong candidates. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we found that the exchange of GFP-53BP1 in DDR complexes decreased with KU55933. Further, we found that ANXA1 knockdown sensitized cells to IR via a mechanism that was not potentiated by KU55933. Our study reveals a role for ATM kinase activity in the dynamic exchange of proteins in DDR complexes and identifies a role for ANXA1 in cellular radioprotection.
Human cytomegalovirus UL97 kinase prevents the deposition of mutant protein aggregates in cellular models of Huntington's disease and Ataxia

The presence of aggregates of abnormally expanded polyglutamine (polyQ)-containing proteins are a pathological hallmark of a number of neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia-3 (SCA3). Previous studies in cellular, Drosophila, and mouse models of HD and SCA have shown that neurodegeneration can be prevented by manipulations that inhibit polyQ aggregation. We have shown that the UL97 kinase of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) prevents aggregation of the pp71 and pp65 viral tegument proteins. To explore whether UL97 may act as a general antiaggregation factor, we examined whether UL97 prevents aggregation of cellular non-polyQ and polyQ proteins. We report that UL97 prevents the deposition of aggregates of two non-polyQ proteins: a protein chimera (GFP170*) composed of the green fluorescent protein and a fragment of the Golgi Complex protein (GCP-170) and a chimera composed of the red fluorescent protein (RFP) fused to the Werner syndrome protein (WRN), a RecQ helicase and exonuclease involved in DNA repair. Furthermore, we show that UL97 inhibits aggregate deposition in cellular models of HD and SCA3. UL97 prevents the deposition of aggregates of the mutant huntingtin exon 1 containing 82 glutamine repeats (HttExon1-Q82) or full length ataxin-3 containing a 72 polyQ track (AT3-72Q). The kinase activity of UL97 appears critical, as the kinase-dead UL97 mutant (K335M) fails to prevent aggregate formation. We further show that UL97 disrupts nuclear PML bodies and decreases p53-mediated transcription. The universality of the antiaggregation effect of UL97 suggests that UL97 targets a key cellular factor that regulates cellular aggregation mechanisms. Our results identify UL97 as a novel means to modulate polyQ aggregation and suggest that UL97 can serve as a novel tool to probe the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of aggregates in polyglutamine disorders.
Complementarity properties of Peirce-diagonalizable linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras†

Peirce-diagonalizable linear transformations on a Euclidean Jordan algebra are of the form L x = A · x :=∑ a ij x ij , where A =[ a ij ] is a real symmetric matrix and ∑ x ij is the Peirce decomposition of an element x in the algebra with respect to a Jordan frame. Examples of such transformations include Lyapunov transformations and quadratic representations on Euclidean Jordan algebras. Schur or Hadamard product of symmetric matrices provides another example. Motivated by a recent generalization of the Schur product theorem, we study general and complementarity properties of such transformations.
Coincidence detection at the level of phospholipase C activation mediated by the m4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Abstract Background: One of the principal mechanisms by which G-protein-coupled receptors evoke cellular responses is through the activation of phospholipase C (PLC) and the subsequent release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores. Receptors that couple to pertussis toxin (PTX)-insensitive G proteins typically evoke large increases in PLC activity and intracellular Ca 2+ release. In contrast, receptors that use only PTX-sensitive G proteins usually generate weak PLC-dependent responses, but efficiently regulate a second effector enzyme, adenylyl cyclase. For example, in many cell types, agonist binding by the m4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (m4 receptor) results in a strong inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and very little stimulation of PLC activity or release of intracellular Ca 2+ . We have investigated whether the weak, PTX-sensitive stimulation of PLC activity by the m4 receptor can play a significant role in the generation of cellular responses. Results We report here that PTX-sensitive Ca 2+ release mediated by the m4 receptor in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells is greatly enhanced when endogenous purinergic receptors simultaneously activate a PTX-insensitive signaling pathway. Furthermore, m4-receptor-induced transcription of the c-fos gene (a Ca 2+ -sensitive response) is similarly potentiated when purinergic receptors are coactivated. These enhanced m4-receptor-dependent Ca 2+ responses do not require an influx of external Ca 2+ , and occur in the absence of detectable purinergic-receptor-stimulated Ca 2+ release; they apparently require the activation of both PTX-sensitive and PTX-insensitive G-protein pathways. Measurements of phosphoinositide hydrolysis indicate that the enhancement of m4-receptor-mediated Ca 2+ signaling by purinergic receptors is due to a synergistic increase in agonist-stimulated PLC activity. Conclusion These studies demonstrate that the potency of m4-receptor-mediated PLC signaling is highly dependent upon the presence or absence of other PLC-activating agonists. The ability of the m4 receptor to evoke a strong, but conditional, activation of PLC may allow this type of receptor to participate in a coincidence-detection system that amplifies simultaneous PLC-activating signals through a mechanism involving crosstalk between PTX-sensitive and PTX-insensitive G-protein pathways.
The in vitro senescence of human T lymphocytes: failure to divide is not associated with a loss of cytolytic activity or memory T cell phenotype.

Abstract Normal human T lymphocytes, activated in vitro and cultured in the continuous presence of the growth factor interleukin 2 (IL2), have a limited proliferative potential. Senescent T cell cultures will not proliferate, even if restimulated by the original allogeneic stimulator cells. However, we have now observed that such restimulation induces an increase in the percentage of cells expressing the 55 kDa chain of the IL2 receptor (IL2Rα, CD25) without any associated increase in cell number. A younger culture, which showed a comparable increase in CD25, underwent two population doublings in the same time period after restimulation. The senescent cultures, (primarily of the CD8+, cytotoxic/suppressor, phenotype), were also found to be highly potent and specific effector cells in a 51 chromium release assay for cytolytic activity. Furthermore, senescent cultures maintain the surface phenotype of memory T cells. These findings demonstrate that while senescent T cells are unable to proliferate in response to restimulation or to IL2, they are able to recognize the foreign stimulator cells and to initiate an otherwise normal T cell response. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that in vitro senescence is not associated with a generalized decline in functional activity in a differentiated cell type, but with a specific event which limits cell division. Thus, the long term T lymphocyte culture system will be useful for studying the mechanism by which proliferation is blocked in these, apparently, post-mitotic cells.
Treating the immunocompetent patient who presents with an upper respiratory infection: pharyngitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

Infections of the upper respiratory tract are among the most common conditions seen in primary care [1]. The upper respiratory tract consists of the oropharynx, nares, and nasopharynx, which are lined by stratified squamous epithelium; and the sinuses, larynx, and trachea, areas generally lined by columnar, goblet, and gland cells. There are normal flora occupying the former, and the evaluation of infections is complicated by the presence of colonizing species, which may have no role in infection. The latter group is generally sterile, and requires invasive measures to access and obtain material for culture [2]. Physiological mucous production may be altered here by nonspecific and noninfectious causes, further complicating diagnosis. Because the specific etiological agent of an upper respiratory infection (URI) is often not identified, clinical judgment is required in the approach to their diagnosis and treatment. The causative agent of these infections is typically a virus, yet studies have reported rates for antibiotic prescriptions of 46% for pediatric patients [3] and of 52% for adults [4]. In this article, the author reviews the evidence-based approach to treatment of the immunocompetent patient who has URI, with a focus on the rational use of antibiotics in treating pharyngitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
Effect of a Learning Trial on Self-selected Resistance Training Load

Previous research has shown that individuals self-select loads for resistance training that falls below the accepted threshold for overload and do not lift to volitional fatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a resistance training learning trial on self-selected resistance training load. A control group (5 women, 3 men) and a learning group of (4 women, 4 men) novice lifters were recruited. The control group (CG) received an orientation to selected strength machines (seated bench, leg extension, back row, biceps curl, triceps extension, shoulder press). On a subsequent training day, CG self-selected a training load, while blinded to the actual loads. The learning group (LG) received an initial orientation and also was tested for estimated 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the seated bench press. On a subsequent day, the LG completed 2 sets of the seated bench press at 75% of estimated 1RM and were encouraged to lift until failure. On a third day, LG subjects completed a self-selected trial identical to that of the CG. Both groups were assessed for estimated 1RM for each exercise on a separate day following all trials. Comparisons between CG and LG were made using independent-means t tests and adjusted using Bonferroni's equation (p < 0.01). While subjects selected a bench press load that was 21% greater for LG (63.4 +/- 6.4% 1RM) compared to the CG (50.3 +/- 12.0%), there was no statistical significance. There were no significant differences in self-selected load for any of the other exercises. There were also no significant differences for number of repetitions or rate of perceived exertion between groups. We conclude that a learning trial of the bench press exercise to increase self-selected workload is not enough to change load self-selection.
Lipid: The Unidentified Factor for Alleviating Fatty Liver Syndrome

Laying hens were fed diets based on either corn-soybean meal (CS) or wheat-soybean meal (WS). The WS diets were formulated to be isocaloric to the CS diet by supplementing with either corn oil, corn starch, or wheat starch. Hens fed the WS diets with either of the starches had significantly (P less than or equal to .01) higher percentages of hepatic lipid than those fed WS diets with corn oil. Values for hepatic lipid of hens fed the CS diets were intermediate to those of the wheat-based diets. The supplementation of fish meal or a selenium salt to supply .4 mg Se per kilogram of diet did not prevent or alleviate the problem of fatty livers caused by feeding diets composed mostly of wheat-soy and starch. The data revealed that wheat does not have an unidentified factor preventing FLS. The indication is that lipid at proper amounts in the diet acts through feed-back mechanisms to prevent excessive hepatic lipid accumulation that starches enhance.
Effect of electrolyte composition on initial cycling and impedance characteristics of lithium-ion cells

Hybrid-electric vehicles require lithium-battery electrolytes that form stable, low impedance passivation layers to protect the electrodes, while allowing rapid lithium-ion transport under high current charge/discharge pulses. In this article, we describe data acquired on cells containing LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.15}Al{sub 0.05}O{sub 2}-based positive electrodes, graphite-based negative electrodes, and electrolytes with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF{sub 6}), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF{sub 4}), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) and lithium difluoro(oxalato) borate (LiF{sub 2}OB) salts. The impedance data were collected in cells containing a Li-Sn reference electrode to determine effect of electrolyte composition and testing temperature on individual electrode impedance. The full cell impedance data showed the following trend: LiBOB > LiBF{sub 4} > LiF{sub 2}OB > LiPF{sub 6}. The negative electrode impedance showed a trend similar to that of the full cell; this electrode was the main contributor to impedance in the LiBOB and LiBF{sub 4} cells. The positive electrode impedance values for the LiBF{sub 4}, LiF{sub 2}OB, and LiPF{sub 6} cells were comparable; the values were somewhat higher for the LiBOB cell. Cycling and impedance data were also obtained for cells containing additions of LiBF{sub 4}, LiBOB, LiF{sub 2}OB, and vinylene carbonate (VC) to the EC:EMC (3:7 by wt.) + 1.2 M LiPF{sub 6} electrolyte. Ourmore » data indicate that the composition and morphology of the graphite SEI formed during the first lithiation cycle is an important determinant of the negative electrode impedance, and hence full cell impedance.« less
Structural insights into DNA polymerase β fidelity: hold tight if you want it right

Abstract DNA polymerases must select and incorporate the correct deoxynucleoside 5′-triphosphate from a pool of structurally similar molecules. The structural and kinetic characterization of DNA polymerase β indicates that this polymerase must stabilize the templating base to achieve efficient polymerization with high fidelity.
Novel chemiluminescent detection of chemical warfare simulant

A glow assay technology for the detection of a chemical warfare simulant is presented, which is based on modulating the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence pathway by way of utilising an oximate super nucleophile that gives an “off–on” glow response.
An experimental investigation of control surface effectiveness and real-gas simulation for biconics

Aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distributions, and oil-flow patterns measured on spherically blunted, 13 degrees/7 degrees on-axis and bent biconics at Mach 6 and 10 in air are compared. Angle of attack, referenced to the axis of the aft cone, was varied from zero to 40 degrees. The effect of deflection of base-mounted flaps on aerodynamic characteristics was examined at Mach 10. Real-gas effects on aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distributions and shock detachment distance were simulated by testing the biconic models in Mach 6 air and Mach 6 CF4 flows. (Density ratio equal to 5.3 for air and 12 for CF4.) The on-axis biconic is stable but cannot be trimmed at angles of attack above zero with the assumed center of gravity and flap configuration. Flaps on the bent biconic produced a stable and trim configuration for angles of attack from zero to 23 degrees. A significant effect of density ratio on aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distribution, and shock detachment distance was observed.
Binder chemistry, adhesion and structure of interfaces in thick-film metallized aluminium nitride substrates

Aluminium nitride substrates from three different sources were metallized by standard thick film processing using gold conductor pastes, Pd-Ag paste, and a ruthenium oxide resistor paste. Screen printed pastes were fired in a typical three-zone furnace to obtain metallized AIN substrates. Interfacial reaction zones were studied by microscopic (optical and scanning electron microscopy) and electron beam microprobe analysis techniques. The elements in the binder materials in thick film pastes form amorphous phases at the interface which influence the adhesion of thick films to the AIN substrate. The lack of certain elements (Cd, Zn, Ca) in the binder of the gold thick-film paste led to weaker adhesion and severe degradation of the thick-film adhesion during thermal cycling.
Photoionization of (p-Alkylphenyl)triphenylporphyrins in Neutral and Positively and Negatively Charged Vesicles: Effects of Alkyl Chain Length and Addition of Chloroalkanes

The photoionization of (p-alkylphenyl)triphenylporphyrins (CnPtPP) in cationic dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), neutral dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and anionic dihexadecyl p...
Coping with Nonstationarity in Categorical Time Series

Categorical time series are time-sequenced data in which the values at each time point are categories rather than measurements. A categorical time series is considered stationary if the marginal distribution of the data is constant over the time period for which it was gathered and the correlation between successive values is a function only of their distance from each other and not of their position in the series. However, there are many examples of categorical series which do not fit this rather strong definition of stationarity. Such data show various nonstationary behavior, such as a change in the probability of the occurrence of one or more categories. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm which corrects for nonstationarity in categorical time series. The algorithm produces series which are not stationary in the traditional sense often used for stationary categorical time series. The form of stationarity is weaker but still useful for parameter estimation. Simulation results show that this simple algorithm applied to a DAR(1) model can dramatically improve the parameter estimates.
Multiple Thrombosis With Aortic Occlusion After Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Demonstrated by Multislice Computed Tomography

A 41-year-old woman with restrictive cardiomyopathy due to amyloidosis underwent insertion of an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Unfractionated heparin was given as an anticoagulation agent. Sixteen days after the procedure, the patient had abdominal and leg pain, development of paresis of the lower extremities, and both urinal and fecal incontinence. A subsequently performed contrast-enhanced multislice CT demonstrated thrombi in both the left and right atrial appendage and at different levels of the thoracic and abdominal aorta extending into both …
The impact of retroactivity on the input/output static characteristics of a signaling component

In prior work, we have shown that just as in many engineering systems, impedance-like effects appear at the interconnection of biomolecular systems. These effects are called retroactivity, to extend the notion of impedance to biological systems. Signaling components, such as covalent modification cycles, play a central role in the transmission of signals within a cell and from outside the cell. They are typically found in highly interconnected architectures in which a component has several downstream clients. In this paper, we show that retroactivity from downstream targets decreases the sensitivity of response to an input stimulus.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Wet plume rise from cooling towers in strong winds

A mathematical model is presented that predicts, as a function of distance downwind, the height of the center line of a single visible plume from a wet natural-draft cooling tower in moderate to strong winds. The analytic method is quasi-Lagrangian; that is, the behavior of a small section or parcel of the plume is analyzed as a function of time. Eight first-order differential equations describe the parcel in terms of change in mass, vertical velocity, vertical displacement, length of side, temperature, mass of liquid water, horizontal velocity, and horizontal displacement. The equations are tractable for solution by well-known computer integration techniques. The model was tested on plumes from four cooling towers at an electric generating plant, and its predicted plume path was compared with data interpreted from time-lapse photographs of the plumes. Best results were obtained by applying dry plume entrainment rates in the early stages and cloud entrainment rates in the later stages. The computed prediction, employing reasonable estimates where necessary, closely approximated the photographic data for a distance of 1500 m downwind on a day with high relative humidity. The model can also be used to analyze the nature of wet plume behavior.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR ESTIMATING QUARTERLY LOCAL‐AREA PERSONAL INCOME*

A single-equation econometric approach is developed for estimating personal income on a quarterly basis for counties and county aggregates (e.g., metropolitan areas). An experiment is conducted on state data to test the accuracy of the estimates. The experiment indicates that they would be highly accurate for large local areas; for local areas comprising at least 20 percent of their state's total personal income, the estimates would fall within 2 percent of BEA-type estimates 95 percent of the time. An aggregate estimation approach is shown to be preferable to a component approach. Using data on local department store sales, the quarterly personal income estimates are shown to forecast better than the currently available annual estimates.
RFLP tagging of a gene for aroma in rice

We report here the identification of a DNA marker closely linked to a gene for aroma in rice. The DNA marker was identified by testing 126 mapped rice genomic, cDNA, and oat cDNA, clones as hybridization probes against Southern blots, consisting of DNA from a pair of nearly isogenic lines (NILs) with or without the aroma gene. Chromosomal segments introgressed from the donor genome were distinguished by RFLPs between the NILs. Linkage association of the clone with the gene was verified using an F3 segregating for aroma. Cosegregation of the scented phenotype and donor-derived allele indicated the presence of linkage between the DNA marker and the gene. RFLP analysis showed that the gene is linked to a single-copy DNA clone, RG28, on chromosome 8, at a distance of 4.5 cM. The availability of a linked DNA marker may facilitate early selection for the aroma gene in rice breeding programs.
Characterizing Fatigue of Asphalt Binders with Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Mechanics

Fatigue cracking, either top-down or bottom-up, is one of the major distresses for asphalt pavements. As the binding agent, asphalt binder plays a critical role in the fatigue resistance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA). Accurate characterization and proper selection of fatigue-resistant asphalt binders could prolong the fatigue life of asphalt pavement. The fatigue indicator currently used in the Superpave® binder specification is based on the fatigue behaviors of asphalt binders within the undamaged, linear viscoelastic range. There have been some controversies on the validity of this parameter. In reality, HMA and asphalt binders develop cracks under repeated traffic loads. Therefore, a more fundamental approach is needed to characterize the fatigue behaviors at a stage of damage to understand the true fatigue mechanism of the asphalt binder. This paper presents the study of the application of viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) mechanics, which has been successfully applied to HMA, to test results of asphalt...
Characterization of the plasmids of Bacillus megaterium: Restriction endonuclease digestions, Southern blotting analysis, and partial denaturation mapping

Abstract Three plasmids of the complex plasmid system of Bacillus megaterium strain 216 have been physically characterized by restriction endonuclease digestions, DNA-DNA hybridizations by the Southern blotting technique, and partial denaturation mapping by electron microscopy. The results show that each plasmid size class produces a unique pattern of restriction endonuclease digestion fragments and anneals only to molecules of the same plasmid size. Partial denaturation reveals unique and consistent differential melting patterns for each plasmid. It is concluded that each of these three plasmid species, and probably the larger ones as well, represents a molecular entity of unique and distinct nucleotide sequence, unrelated to each other or to the chromosome of the bacterium.
Risk Factors for DVT/PE in Patients with Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage

Objective: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) are serious problems for patients admitted to the hospital with stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). The purpose of this paper is to further understand the factors that place certain patients at increased risk of DVT/PE. Methods: At a 600 bed hospital, a retrospective analysis of data from 2613 patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke, SAH, ICH or TIA in the time range 1/2008 through 3/2012 was carried out. The data was taken from the hospital's Get with the Guidelines database and included 28 variables. These included initial NIH stroke scale, length of stay, heart failure, ambulatory by day 2 after admission, altered mental status,and renal failure among others. Multiple analyses were carried out to determine whether there were univariable or multivariable effects of any of the factors on the risk for DVT/PE. Results: The risk of DVT/PE was highest in patients with SAH and ICH and smallest with TIA. Multivariable analyses were performed and revealed only altered level of consciousness or heart failure as significant risks for DVT/PE. With the limited available data, administration of subcutaneous heparin or other chemoprophylaxis did not reduce the risk of DVT/PE. Conclusion: Although many of the variables used to describe the stroke patient are correlated, in multivariable analyses only heart failure and altered level of consciousness were important risk factors for DVT/PE. The risk of DVT/PE was 7 fold greater in patients in patients with both of these risk factors.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Spectral Reflectance and Color of Concentrated Oil-in-Water Emulsions.

Abstract The influence of droplet and dye concentration on the optical properties of oil-in-water emulsions has been investigated. The spectral reflectance and tristimulus color coordinates ( L , a , b ) of a series of n -hexadecane oil-in-water emulsions with the same median droplet diameters (∼0.3 μm), but different droplet concentrations (0.25 to 38.3 wt%) and red dye concentrations (0 to 0.2 wt%), were measured. Spectral reflectances decreased with increasing dye concentration and decreasing droplet concentration and had troughs at the same wavelengths as the peaks in the absorption spectra of the dyes. Emulsion L -values (“lightness”) decreased and a - and b -values (“chromacity measures”) increased as the dye concentration increased or the droplet concentration decreased. There was good qualitative agreement between the measured spectral reflectance of the emulsions and that predicted by the Kubelka–Munk theory of diffuse reflectance. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment could be obtained using an empirically determined correction-factor that accounts for cuvette effects.
Can genome engineering be used to target cancer-associated enhancers?

Transcriptional misregulation is involved in the development of many diseases, especially neoplastic transformation. Distal regulatory elements, such as enhancers, play a major role in specifying cell-specific transcription patterns in both normal and diseased tissues, suggesting that enhancers may be prime targets for therapeutic intervention. By focusing on modulating gene regulation mediated by cell type-specific enhancers, there is hope that normal epigenetic patterning in an affected tissue could be restored with fewer side effects than observed with treatments employing relatively nonspecific inhibitors such as epigenetic drugs. New methods employing genomic nucleases and site-specific epigenetic regulators targeted to specific genomic regions, using either artificial DNA-binding proteins or RNA–DNA interactions, may allow precise genome engineering at enhancers. However, this field is still in its infancy and further refinements that increase specificity and efficiency are clearly required.
Specificity, duplex degradation and subcellular localization of antagomirs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of 20-23-nt long regulators of gene expression. The study of miRNA function in mice and potential therapeutic approaches largely depend on modified oligonucleotides. We recently demonstrated silencing miRNA function in mice using chemically modified and cholesterol-conjugated RNAs termed 'antagomirs'. Here, we further characterize the properties and function of antagomirs in mice. We demonstrate that antagomirs harbor optimized phosphorothioate modifications, require >19-nt length for highest efficiency and can discriminate between single nucleotide mismatches of the targeted miRNA. Degradation of different chemically protected miRNA/antagomir duplexes in mouse livers and localization of antagomirs in a cytosolic compartment that is distinct from processing (P)-bodies indicates a degradation mechanism independent of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Finally, we show that antagomirs, although incapable of silencing miRNAs in the central nervous system (CNS) when injected systemically, efficiently target miRNAs when injected locally into the mouse cortex. Our data further validate the effectiveness of antagomirs in vivo and should facilitate future studies to silence miRNAs for functional analysis and in clinically relevant settings.
Soviet Computer Technologyߞ1959

The paper presents a factual account of the trip of the 1959 U. S. technical delegation in computers to the Soviet Union. It includes the itinerary, descriptions of specific Soviet computers, descriptions of certain computing centers, a discussion of Soviet computer-oriented education, and a description of current circuit and component development. In appendices are given the instruction repertoire of the URAL-I and the URAL-II machines, and an analysis of some magnetic cores. The paper is extensively illustrated and contains a bibliography of relevant Soviet documents.
BK channels in cardiovascular disease: a complex story of channel dysregulation.

the high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel, also designated as the “Big K” (BK) channel in recognition of its large single-channel conductance, is ubiquitously expressed in the plasma membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and other cell types ([18][1]). The channel complex is a
Quantitative assessment of image quality enhancement due to unsharp-mask processing in x-ray fluoroscopy.

Spatial unsharp-mask processing and its variants are commonly used in x-ray radiography to enhance image contrast. We investigated the effect of three unsharp-masking filter kernels of different sizes on the detection of an advanced guidewire tip in simulated x-ray fluoroscopy image sequences. To isolate the effect of visual temporal processing, we repeated the experiments on single images. Filter gains were selected so that all three kernels increased the contrast of a 0.018-in. (0.457-mm) guidewire by a factor of 2 but had different effects on image noise and signal profiles. There was no statistically significant effect of unsharp masking on human-observer performance in single images. However, all three kernels significantly improved average performance in image sequences, and the guidewire contrast required for detection was reduced by 32%–40%. A prewhitening channelized observer model predicted the disparity between sequences and single images and fitted measurements at different kernel sizes well. A nonprewhitening observer model did not. We conclude that unsharp masking is a simple and effective method of improving guidewire visualization in fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures and that quantitative image quality studies are essential for evaluation of image-processing techniques in sequences such as x-ray fluoroscopy.
Quantitative validation of the Boltzmann transport equation phonon thermal conductivity model under the single-mode relaxation time approximation

The phonon thermal conductivity of the Lennard-Jones argon face-centered cubic crystal is predicted between temperatures of 20 K and 80 K using the Boltzmann transport equation under the single-mode relaxation time approximation. The temperature and frequency dependencies of the phonon dispersion and phonon relaxation times are obtained from lattice-dynamics calculations based on the results of molecular-dynamics simulations. No fitting parameters are required. The predicted thermal conductivities are in reasonable agreement with independent predictions made from the simulations using the Green-Kubo method. The assumption of an isotropic medium, as used in the Boltzmann transport equation formulation, leads to an overprediction of the Green-Kubo results at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, where anharmonic effects become increasingly important, the harmonic nature of the relaxation time calculation method leads to an underprediction of the Green-Kubo results. Assuming that the low-frequency behavior of the relaxation times can be extended over the entire frequency range, that there is no dispersion, or that the dispersion is independent of temperature, leads to significant errors in the predictions. This finding indicates that in analytical calculations, where such assumptions are often made, these errors are offset by the use of fitting parameters.
Development of a criteria set and a structured interview for disorders of extreme stress (SIDES)

Data regarding the development of a structured interview measuring alterations that may accompany extreme stress are presented. A list of 27 criteria often seen in response to extreme trauma and not addressed by DSM-IV criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were generated based on a systematic review of the literature and a survey of 50 experts. A structured interview for disorders of extreme stress (SIDES) measuring the presence of these criteria was administered to 520 subjects as part of the DSM-IV PTSD field trials. Inter-rater reliability as measured by Kappa coefficients for lifetime Disorders of Extreme Stress was .81. Internal consistency using coefficient alpha ranged from .53 to .96. Results indicate that the SIDES is a useful tool for investigation of response to extremes stress.
Mouse Eosinophils Possess Potent Antibacterial Properties In Vivo

Eosinophils are best known as the predominant cellular infiltrate associated with asthma and parasitic infections. Recently, numerous studies have documented the presence of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on the surfaces of eosinophils, suggesting that these leukocytes may participate in the recognition and killing of viruses and bacteria. However, the significance of this role in the innate immune response to bacterial infection is largely unknown. Here we report a novel role for eosinophils as antibacterial defenders in the host response. Isolated mouse eosinophils possessed antipseudomonal properties in vitro. In vivo, interleukin-5 transgenic mice, which have profound eosinophilia, demonstrated improved clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa introduced into the peritoneal cavity. The findings of improved bacterial clearance following adoptive transfer of eosinophils, and impaired bacterial clearance in mice with a congenital eosinophil deficiency, established that this effect was eosinophil specific. The data presented also demonstrate that eosinophils mediate this antibacterial effect in part through the release of cationic secondary granule proteins. Specifically, isolated eosinophil granules had antibacterial properties in vitro, and administration of eosinophil granule extracts significantly improved bacterial clearance in vivo. These data suggest a potent yet underappreciated antibacterial role for eosinophils in vivo, specifically for eosinophil granules. Moreover, the data suggest that the administration of eosinophil-derived products may represent a viable adjuvant therapy for septic or bacteremic patients in the intensive care unit.
A 3D resolution measure for optical microscopy

An information-theoretic three-dimensional (3D) resolution measure for the optical microscope is introduced. Based on the Cramer-Rao inequality, this resolution measure specifies a lower bound on the accuracy with which a given distance separating two objects in 3D space can be estimated from the acquired image. Useful in many applications, accurate determination of the distance of separation can, for example, help to characterize the interaction that occurs between two closely spaced biomolecules in a biological cell. In addition to presenting the underlying theory, we show that the resolution measure predicts that, by detecting a sufficient number of photons from an object pair, arbitrarily small distances of separation can be estimated with prespecified accuracy. Furthermore, we illustrate its dependence on properties such as the object pair's 3D spatial orientation. With estimations on simulated images, we show that the maximum likelihood estimator is capable of attaining the accuracy predicted by the resolution measure.