cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assembly of the Human Origin Recognition Complex

The six-subunit origin recognition complex (ORC) was originally identified in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast ORC binds specifically to origins of replication and serves as a platform for the assembly of additional initiation factors, such as Cdc6 and the Mcm proteins. Human homologues of all six ORC subunits have been identified by sequence similarity to their yeast counterparts, but little is known about the biochemical characteristics of human ORC (HsORC). We have extracted HsORC from HeLa cell chromatin and probed its subunit composition using specific antibodies. The endogenous HsORC, identified in these experiments, contained homologues of Orc1-Orc5 but lacked a putative homologue of Orc6. By expressing HsORC subunits in insect cells using the baculovirus system, we were able to identify a complex containing all six subunits. To explore the subunit-subunit interactions that are required for the assembly of HsORC, we carried out extensive co-immunoprecipitation experiments with recombinant ORC subunits expressed in different combinations. These studies revealed the following binary interactions: HsOrc2-HsOrc3, HsOrc2-HsOrc4, HsOrc3-HsOrc4, HsOrc2-HsOrc6, and HsOrc3-HsOrc6. HsOrc5 did not form stable binary complexes with any other HsORC subunit but interacted with sub-complexes containing any two of subunits HsOrc2, HsOrc3, or HsOrc4. Complex formation by HsOrc1 required the presence of HsOrc2, HsOrc3, HsOrc4, and HsOrc5 subunits. These results suggest that the subunits HsOrc2, HsOrc3, and HsOrc4 form a core upon which the ordered assembly of HsOrc5 and HsOrc1 takes place. The characterization of HsORC should facilitate the identification of human origins of DNA replication.
Investigation of the Role of Cholesterol Superlattice in Release Kinetics of Drugs from Stealth Liposomes

The development of liposomal drug formulations to combat diseases such as cancer is a growing field of study, with over twenty liposomal chemotherapy drugs currently on the market or undergoing clinical trials. We have previously demonstrated that cholesterol, often employed as a membrane stabilizing agent in liposomal drugs, plays a delicate and critical role in the release kinetics of the chemotherapy drug combretastatin A4 disodium phosphate (CA4P) in accordance with the principles of sterol superlattice. Here, we investigate the impact of membrane cholesterol content on the release of the same drug from “stealth” liposomes, which possess a polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating that renders them nearly invisible to the immune system and allows more efficient targeted drug delivery. Samples of stealth liposome-encapsulated CA4P were prepared in which the cholesterol content differed little (0.4 mole%) between tubes in order to assess the effect of cholesterol content on a fine scale. First, we used a fluorescence assay which exploits the intrinsic fluorescence of CA4P to determine its release kinetics from liposomes in aqueous solution. Next, a cytotoxicity assay was employed to determine the effect of the various liposomal drug formulations on cancer cells in vitro. Finally, the data were correlated with the predictions of the theory of sterol superlattice and compared to previous experimental results.
Statistical entailments and the Galois lattice

Abstract Statistical entailment analysis (White, 1984; White and McCann, 1988 Social Structures: Form and Behaviour in Social Life) (Cambridge University Press) pp. 380–404) aims first at a rigorous evaluation of null hypotheses of statistical independence as a potential source of binary data structure, and second at constructing a discrete structure (Boolean) model of those statistical interactions that remain when the null hypothesis is rejected for particular subsets of variables. Signal detection theory, rather than a conventional significance level, is used to specify optimal cutoffs given an ordering of ratios of actual to expected across levels of exception and relevance. Bivariate entailment analysis is generalized here to improve its utility for use in lattice approximation. Generalized statistical entailment analysis describes Boolean patterns in a set of data in terms of those that occur with greater frequency than expected by chance according to a model of complete statistical independence (the specific model of independence derives from a distribution of randomly permuted entries in the columns of the data matrix marginals, i.e. keeping univariate marginals fixed). This expands on the initial design of entailment analysis (White, 1984) to deal with partial orders of quasi-implication in pairs or chains of dichotomous variables, supported by statistical evidence of departure from bivariate independence and conformity to the rules of transitivity. Statistical approximations simplify a lattice representation of discrete structure by forcing quasi-implications (ignoring exceptions), for example, but they also provide information about those implications in the lattice that represent statistically significant tendencies. Given a lattice representing the discrete structure of a raw data matrix, the findings of entailment analysis describe additional structural regularities (tendencies towards further statistical constraints on Boolean patterns that occur in the data) that can be used to simplify (by approximation) the lattice of empirical patterns. As demonstrated with studies of dual orderings of material possessions (possessions stratify people; people possessions), the statistical interpretability of discrete structure lattices is enhanced by using the results of entailment analysis for consensus-simplification of statistically strong or significant implicational relations.
Unsupported Conclusions on the Bacillus anthracis Spores

Douglas J. Beecher reported on the methodology that a U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory used to identify an intentionally anthrax-contaminated letter(s) among mail collected from a Congressional building or postal facility that serves the U.S. Congress after the incident of contamination that occurred on 15 October 2001 (1). The described sampling strategy and initial screening and analysis methodology using direct plating were reported to be efficient and safe. However, the data supplied in the paper could not be used as evidence for judging the quality of the spores or to support or dismiss conceptions about the presence or absence of spore additives or about the production engineering used to prepare the spores. Furthermore, the type of sampling and analysis data presented in the paper could not be used for extrapolation of ideas concerning spore quality or the method of production. It is possible that Dr. Beecher's laboratory has performed additional analysis and obtained data that might support such conclusions but that were not included in the paper; if that is the case, it would be more scientifically appropriate to add “unpublished data” in parentheses next to the conclusions he offered concerning the apparent lack of additives, spore quality as reflected in particle size distribution, and the production engineering. In a meeting I attended in September 2006, a presentation was made by a scientist who had worked on samples of anthrax collected from letters involved in the same incident in October 2001; that scientist described the anthrax spore as uncoated but said that it contained an additive that affected the spore's electrical charges (D. Small, CBRN Counter-Proliferation and Response, Paris, France, 18-20 September 2006; organized by SMi [www.smi-online.co.uk]). It would be of importance for Dr. Beecher to submit data in support of his conclusions in another paper to establish a sound scientific basis for his arguments.
General optimization algorithm useful in spatial filter design

The author's formulation of spatial filter design involves the optimization of the filter's signal-to-clutter ratio, a very nonlinear, nondifferentiable function with tens of thousands of free parameters. Statements have appeared in what purport to be refereed papers which claim that only random search methods can be used to solve the required optimization. These statements are false. This paper gives an outline of an iterative technique and algorithm, supported by reasoning of a very general though embarrassingly elementary character, by which the optimization can be efficiently carried out. This iterative technique essentially involves the solution of a specialized quadratic programming problem at each iterative step.
Chemistry of C-Trimethylsilyl-Substituted Heterocarboranes. 23. Synthetic, Spectroscopic, and Structural Investigation on Half- and Full-Sandwich Magnesacarboranes of 2,3- and 2,4-C2B4 Carborane Ligands

The reaction of nido-1-Na(L)n-2-(SiMe3)-3-(R)-2,3-C2B4H5 (n = 2, L = THF, R = SiMe3; n = 1, L = TMEDA, R = SiMe3 or Me) or closo-exo-5,6-[(μ-H)2Li(L)n]-1-Li(L)n-2,4-(SiMe3)2-2,4-C2B4H4 (n = 2, L = ...
Submandibular and lacrimal gland immunoglobulin in the C3H.MRL-Faslpr autoimmune mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome

Objective: To distinguish potential autoimmune and nonautoimmune mechanisms underlying the salivary gland inflammation seen in Sjogren's syndrome and normal aging. Study Design: Immunohistochemical studies were conducted on the lacrimal and salivary glands of 2- and 5-month-old C3H.MRL-Faslpr autoimmune strain mice and age-matched C3H/HeJ nonautoimmune controls. Methods: Glandular inflammatory foci, interstitial areas, and vasculature were stained for immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and complement to determine differences in their local immune parameter. Differences between the two strains were compared for immune changes attributable to autoimmune disease and between the two normal groups for normal aging changes. Results: Greater staining of IgG, IgA, and complement occurred in the inflammatory foci and interstitial areas of 5-month-old C3H.MRL-Faslpr lacrimal and submandibular glands compared with 5-month-old controls. Normal mice showed some increased immunoglobulin staining with aging, but little or no complement in any glands. Conclusions: These differential findings suggest that the systemic autoimmune disease plays a more direct role in focal glandular inflammation in Sjogren's syndrome, whereas less severe immune mechanisms are involved in the inflammation of normal glands. Laryngoscope, 108:1729–1732, 1998
The bias of estimators of causal spatial autoregressive processes

SUMMARY We study the asymptotic distribution of Yule-Walker and least squares estimators for twodimensional causal autoregressive processes observed on a rectangular part of a lattice. An explicit expression for the asymptotic bias of Yule-Walker estimators is obtained. It is shown that this bias disappears if we use the so-called unbiased sample autocovariance function or least squares estimators.
RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THORACIC RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN METASTATIC CANINE HEMANGIOSARCOMA

Twenty-one dogs with histopathologically confirmed hemangiosarcoma were evaluated by thoracic radiography for metastatic disease. All dogs had histopathologic examinations of the lungs within two weeks of thoracic radiography. Fourteen dogs had histopathologic evidence of pulmonary hemangiosarcoma; metastatic disease was detected radiographically in eleven of these dogs. The most common radiographic pattern was that of poorly defined small coalescing nodules (8 dogs); other radiographic patterns included well-circumscribed nodules (3 dogs) and alveolar infiltrates secondary to hemorrhage (2 dogs). Differential diagnoses for diffuse, poorly defined, coalescing pulmonary opacities should include hemangiosarcoma in addition to edema, lymphoma, systemic mycoses, fibrosis, allergy, toxicosis, and carcinomas.
The Visualization Toolkit (VTK): Rewriting the rendering code for modern graphics cards

The Visualization Toolkit (VTK) is an open source, permissively licensed, cross-platform toolkit for scientific data processing, visualization, and data analysis. It is over two decades old, originally developed for a very different graphics card architecture. Modern graphics cards feature fully programmable, highly parallelized architectures with large core counts. VTK’s rendering code was rewritten to take advantage of modern graphics cards, maintaining most of the toolkit’s programming interfaces. This offers the opportunity to compare the performance of old and new rendering code on the same systems/cards. Significant improvements in rendering speeds and memory footprints mean that scientific data can be visualized in greater detail than ever before. The widespread use of VTK means that these improvements will reap significant benefits.
Three-dimensional computerized display of physiologic models and data.

Abstract Three-dimensional images of physiologic data or models of data can be projected on a conventional oscilloscope by a computerized technique. The computer directs the X and Y deflections of the electron beam to a designated location on the oscilloscope face and modulates the beam intensity at that position to create a half-tone dot. By moving the beam in a programmed, incremental fashion, with appropriate changes of intensity, known patterns with varying shades of gray can be used to create a three-dimensional impression. We have used this method and data from orthogonal roentgen videoangiograms to generate simulated three-dimensional images of the left-ventricular chamber at end-systole and end-diastole, and to display scintigraphic patterns of pulmonary blood flow obtained from experimental animals after injections of radioactive microspheres into the circulation during exposure to normal and increased gravitational-inertial force.
Assessment of bio-fuel options for solid oxide fuel cell-based auxiliary power units

It is now illegal in many states to idle heavy-duty trucks to supply the cabin electrical needs of the driver. An alternative approach is the solid oxide fuel cell-based auxiliary power unit (APU), which can produce electrical power with much higher efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The “standard” APU system includes a fuel reformer, which converts on-board diesel fuel into a hydrogen-rich effluent that is delivered to the anode side of the fuel cell stack. As renewable bio-fuels begin to realize greater market penetration, there is a need to determine which bio-fuel option provides the optimal pathway to economic value and emissions reduction when converted for use in a fuel cell APU system. The results of this study indicate that biodiesel from waste cooking oil may be the optimal bio-fuel option because of its relatively low energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as chemical and physical properties that are similar to those of petroleum-based diesel fuel.
Purification of a 24 kD parasitism-specific hemolymph protein from pharate pupae of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa.

A parasitism-specific protein was originally identified in the hemolymph of the Caribbean fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa parasitized by the braconid wasp Diachasmimorpha (Biosteres) longicaudata using single-dimensional (1-D) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) PAGE. We now show that the protein is comprised of two closely migrating species both of which are glycoproteins of ≈ 24,000 Daltons (24 kD). The proteins were poorly resolved from whole hemolymph by 1-D SDS PAGE, but were well resolved by two-dimensional (2-D) PAGE and isoelectric focusing. They have pl's of ≈ 6.3 and 6.7 and contain Man residues, based on their affinity for concanavalin A (Con A). The presence of GlcNAc, NeuAc, and GalNAc residues in both proteins was implicated by their binding to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The proteins bound WGA more intensely following mannosidase treatment which eliminated their affinity to Con A and further implicated the presence of internal GlcNAc residues. However, binding of the proteins to WGA in the presence of competing GlcNAc (1 M) was reduced but not eliminated and suggested that in addition to GlcNAc, other WGA-binding sugar moieties, possibly NeuAc, a Sia, were present. To evaluate the presence of NeuAc, we treated the hemolymph with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase which specifically cleaves terminal Sia. Samples of the neuraminidase-digested proteins were evaluated by WGA binding and Western blotting with the use of an anti-24 kD rabbit polyclonal serum to determine whether desialation eliminated the proteins' affinity to WGA or their immunoreactivity. Our results show that partial digestion of the 24 kD proteins with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase resulted in two immunoreactive bands in Western blots of 1-D gels but only one of these, the upper undigested 24 kD band, bound WGA. This confirmed the presence of Sia residues in the proteins and demonstrated that desialation increased their relative electrophoretic mobilities. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recent CI methods for the calculation of pair correlations and more-electron clusters in ground-state atoms

The equations and approximations of (1) ground-state “Many-Electron Theory of Atoms and Molecules” (MET) of Sinanoǧlu (2) a 1955 atomic theory of Yilmaz, and (3) the equations and approximations of Brueckner theory and the Bethe-Goldstone equations for nuclei in which all correlations are coupled into a superdouble self-consistency and its atomic form by Nesbet are compared. It is shown that as noted recently by Condon and others, recent atomic calculations by the partial CI procedures of MET are in agreement with MET approximations, while calculations with Brueckner theory and the Bethe-Goldstone equations, though essential for nuclei, have so far not been performed for atoms.
Toll-like receptors in health and disease in the brain: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

The discovery of mammalian TLRs (Toll-like receptors), first identified in 1997 based on their homology with Drosophila Toll, greatly altered our understanding of how the innate immune system recognizes and responds to diverse microbial pathogens. TLRs are evolutionarily conserved type I transmembrane proteins expressed in both immune and non-immune cells, and are typified by N-terminal leucine-rich repeats and a highly conserved C-terminal domain termed the TIR [Toll/interleukin (IL)-1 receptor] domain. Upon stimulation with their cognate ligands, TLR signalling elicits the production of cytokines, enzymes and other inflammatory mediators that can have an impact on several aspects of CNS (central nervous system) homoeostasis and pathology. For example, TLR signalling plays a crucial role in initiating host defence responses during CNS microbial infection. Furthermore, TLRs are targets for many adjuvants which help shape pathogen-specific adaptive immune responses in addition to triggering innate immunity. Our knowledge of TLR expression and function in the CNS has greatly expanded over the last decade, with new data revealing that TLRs also have an impact on non-infectious CNS diseases/injury. In particular, TLRs recognize a number of endogenous molecules liberated from damaged tissues and, as such, influence inflammatory responses during tissue injury and autoimmunity. In addition, recent studies have implicated TLR involvement during neurogenesis, and learning and memory in the absence of any underlying infectious aetiology. Owing to their presence and immune-regulatory role within the brain, TLRs represent an attractive therapeutic target for numerous CNS disorders and infectious diseases. However, it is clear that TLRs can exert either beneficial or detrimental effects in the CNS, which probably depend on the context of tissue homoeostasis or pathology. Therefore any potential therapeutic manipulation of TLRs will require an understanding of the signals governing specific CNS disorders to achieve tailored therapy.
Low frequency acoustic test cell for the evaluation of circumaural headsets and hearing protection

Active noise reduction (ANR) technology, based on feedback signal processing, is being applied in commercial communication headsets and provides noise reductions up to 10-20 dB between 50 Hz and 400 Hz. There are, however, many acoustical designs and computational difficulties associated with feedback designs which limit their performance. Current research in feedforward design offers the opportunity for significant improvement in ANR performance. To support this current research in ANR feedforward algorithm development and evaluation, a low frequency acoustic test cell (LFATC) has been designed to provide a uniform and precisely controlled low frequency acoustic measurement environment. The LFATC design is based on the original work of E.A.G. Shaw and G.J. Theisson at the National Research Council of Canada and a prototype LFATC developed by J.G. Ryan, E.A.G. Shaw, A. J. Brammer, and T.G. Zang. The design analysis of the LFATC is based both on a lumped parameter model and a one-dimensional standing wave model. The acoustic performance of this test cell, including a simple floor vibration isolation system, is evaluated experimentally over a wide range of sound pressure levels. A representative set of measurements with a prototype ANR headset illustrates the application of the LFATC.
Language evolution: neural homologies and neuroinformatics

This paper contributes to neurolinguistics by grounding an evolutionary account of the readiness of the human brain for language in the search for homologies between different cortical areas in macaque and human. We consider two hypotheses for this grounding, that of Aboitiz and Garcia [Brain Res. Rev. 25 (1997) 381] and the Mirror System Hypothesis of Rizzolatti and Arbib [Trends Neurosci. 21 (1998) 188] and note the promise of computational modeling of neural circuitry of the macaque and its linkage to analysis of human brain imaging data. In addition to the functional differences between the two hypotheses, problems arise because they are grounded in different cortical maps of the macaque brain. In order to address these divergences, we have developed several neuroinformatics tools included in an on-line knowledge management system, the NeuroHomology Database, which is equipped with inference engines both to relate and translate information across equivalent cortical maps and to evaluate degrees of homology for brain regions of interest in different species.
Crystal structure of the λ repressor and a model for pairwise cooperative operator binding

A crystal structure of the intact, dimeric phage λ cI repressor bound to a DNA operator site reveals an unusual architecture allowing the repressor to adopt a conformation that facilitates cooperative binding to adjacent operator sites. Bacteriophage λ has for many years been a model system for understanding mechanisms of gene regulation1. A ‘genetic switch’ enables the phage to transition from lysogenic growth to lytic development when triggered by specific environmental conditions. The key component of the switch is the cI repressor, which binds to two sets of three operator sites on the λ chromosome that are separated by about 2,400 base pairs (bp)2,3. A hallmark of the λ system is the pairwise cooperativity of repressor binding4. In the absence of detailed structural information, it has been difficult to understand fully how repressor molecules establish the cooperativity complex. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of the intact λ cI repressor dimer bound to a DNA operator site. The structure of the repressor, determined by multiple isomorphous replacement methods, reveals an unusual overall architecture that allows it to adopt a conformation that appears to facilitate pairwise cooperative binding to adjacent operator sites.
Methodology to Evaluate Sea Ice Loads for Seasonal Operations

Offshore structures designed for operation in regions where sea ice is present will include a sea ice load component in their environmental loading assessment. Typically ice loads of interest are for 10−2, 10−3 or 10−4 annual probability of exceedance (APE) levels, with appropriate factoring to the required safety level.The ISO 19906 standard recommends methods to determine global sea ice loads on vertical structures, where crushing is the predominant failure mode. Fitted coefficients are proposed for both Arctic and Sub-Arctic (e.g. Baltic) conditions. With the extreme ice thickness expected at the site of interest, an annual global sea ice load can be derived deterministically. Although the simplicity of the proposed relation provides quick design load estimates, it lacks accuracy because the only dependencies are structure width, ice thickness and provided coefficients; no consideration is given to site-specific sea ice conditions and the corresponding exposure. Additionally, no term is provided for including ice management in the design load basis.This paper presents a probabilistic methodology to modify the deterministic ISO 19906 relations for determining global and local first-year sea ice loads on vertical structures. The presented methodology is based on the same ice pressure data as presented in ISO 19906, but accounts better for the influence of ice exposure, ice management and site-specific sea ice data. This is especially beneficial for ice load analyses of seasonal operations where exposure to sea ice is limited, and only thinner ice is encountered. Sea ice chart data can provide site-specific model inputs such as ice thickness estimates and partial concentrations, from which corresponding global load exceedance curves are generated. Example scenarios show dependencies of design loads on season length, structural geometry and sea ice conditions. Example results are also provided, showing dependency of design loads on the number of operation days after freeze-up, providing useful information for extending the drilling season of MODUs after freeze-up occurs.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Determination of the Oligomeric State of SecYEG Protein Secretion Channel Complex Using in Vivo Photo- and Disulfide Cross-linking

SecYEG protein of bacteria or Sec61αβγ of eukaryotes is a universally conserved heterotrimeric protein channel complex that accommodates the partitioning of membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer as well as the secretion of proteins to the trans side of the plasma or endoplasmic reticular membrane, respectively. SecYEG function is facilitated by cytosolic partners, mainly a nascent chain-ribosome complex or the SecA ATPase motor protein. Extensive efforts utilizing both biochemical and biophysical approaches have been made to determine whether SecYEG functions as a monomer or a dimer, but such approaches have often generated conflicting results. Here we have employed site-specific in vivo photo-cross-linking or cysteine cross-linking, along with co-immunoprecipitation or SecA footprinting techniques to readdress this issue. Our findings show that the SecY dimer to monomer ratio is relatively constant regardless of whether translocons are actively engaged with protein substrate or not. Under the former conditions the SecY dimer can be captured associated with a translocon-jammed substrate, indicative of SecY dimer function. Furthermore, SecA ATPase can be cross-linked to two copies of SecY when the complex contains a translocation intermediate. Collectively, our results suggest that SecYEG dimers are functional units of the translocon.
A Graph-Based Method for Analyzing Electronic Medical Records

The recent years have seen a surge in the implementation of electronic health care records. These patient records contain valuable medical information including patient information, diagnosis, treatment methods, and eventual patient outcomes. It is important to analyze patterns within these records in order to more efficiently treat individuals. In this paper, we present a method for automatically discovering underlying themes and patterns within patient data. Our methodology includes the creation of the main themes or patterns in the data and linking the themes back to the corpus from which they were generated. In our research, we partitioned graphs from terms gathered from electronic health records. Modularity was used as the quality function, which strives to measure how well a given partition of a network compartmentalizes its communities. We have compared our method with probabilistic topic modeling algorithms, specifically LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation). Finally, recall and precision measures were used to evaluate the validity of our final results.
Adaptive Nullforming to Mitigate Ground Clutter on the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar

With the decreasing cost of phased array antennas, their use for weather surveillance is becoming more practical. A significant advantage of phased arrays that can be applied to weather surveillance is spatial filtering. Using adaptive nullforming to spatially filter clutter is a novel approach to clutter mitigation, which is not possible with conventional parabolic reflector antennas. Moreover, spatial filtering is also applicable to phased-array-specific techniques such as beam multiplexing and adaptive scanning when only a few pulses are available for processing; this situation is particularly challenging for conventional ground clutter filters. The National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar (NWRT PAR) provides an opportunity to test some of these new capabilities. In this paper, a linearly constrained minimum power algorithm with an additional quadratic constraint is applied to weather data collected using the NWRT PAR and its multichannel receiver. Both the original algorithm and a recursive least squares version are utilized to show reflectivity and velocity data where both weather and ground clutter are present. Doppler spectra from selected range gates are examined to illustrate the performance of adaptive nullforming. Issues such as the number of samples needed to estimate the covariance matrix are explored. As far as we know, this is the first time that these types of techniques have been used to mitigate ground clutter contamination on a weather surveillance radar.
Integration time window for pulse width modulation readout of silicon photomultipliers for 0.5 mm resolution 3-D position sensitive PET scintillation detectors

In our previous works, we had investigated a pulse width modulation (PWM) based multiplexing readout for a detector that is built from dense stacks of LYSO scintillation crystal elements coupled to position sensitive solid state photomultipliers (PS-SSPMs). In our readout system, each of the PS-SSPM position channel signals are integrated for a set time to obtain event energy and position. In this work, we investigated the integration time's effect on the detector position and energy resolutions. We discovered that the best energy resolution, which is measured at an integration time of 196 ns, is 17.12%, but the energy resolutions measured at 72 ns and 116 ns of integration time show similar values. In terms of crystal count, integration time of 72 ns shows the largest number of crystals that can be seen.
"The balloon plug concept" for tricuspid valve repair: Ex vivo proof of concept

ObjectiveFunctional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiothoracic surgery. We hypothesized that a variably expandable, transvalvular...
Effects of high ambient temperature on judgments of air quality.

Such factors as sky color, sun angle, and amount of foreground in the visual field influence judgments of air quality even though physical quantities of pollutants in the air remain constant ( 1 ) . The present study sought to determine whether high ambient temperature would also influence judgments of air quality in urban landscspes. Subjects were 31 male and 33 female students in introductory psychology who participated to satisfy a course requirement. In a 9-ft. (2.74-m) x 12-ft. (3.66-m) room, they viewed 40 randomly ordered slides of urban scenes differing in levels of pollution and rated each slide on an air quality scale of very good ( 1 ) to very poor (21 ) . Half the subjects viewed the slides in a cool (73"F, 23°C) setting and half in a hot (95"F, 35°C) setting (with 43% humidity in both cases). Analyses of variance ( p < .01) performed on the ratings for each of the 40 slides, with temperature and sex of subject as independent variables, indicated no sex differences and no interactions, and only one slide showed a significant temperature effect. At a less conservative p < .05, four additional main effects for temperature were present. For each of these cases, subjects seated in the cool temperature rated the slide as having poorer air quality than did subjects in the hot temperature. Especially given the likelihood of Type I errors, the tesults suggest that ratings of air quality mere largely independent of discomfort associated with conditions of high ambient temperature. Past studies showing bias in judgments of air qualicy have examined factors in the composition of a landscape, such as sky coloration and amount of foreground in the photograph ( 1 ) . Especially in a laboratory where there is no reason to believe that the lab temperature is the same as that in the scene being evaluated, s u b jecrs appear to base air quality judgments on components of the scene, independently of ambient temperature.
How can we best prevent or treat postoperative nausea and vomiting

In pursuit of preventing or rapidly rescuing patients from postoperative nausea and vomiting, new clinical studies provide revised postoperative nausea and vomiting risk prediction tools, risk stratification formulae, comparative trials to identify the most appropriate cost-effective anti-emetics, and several trials recommending the addition of steroids in anti-emetic prophylactic multimodal approaches. Common variables that identify high-risk postoperative nausea and vomiting patients include female sex, a history of postoperative nausea and vomiting or motion sickness, young age, volatile anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide, and the administration of opioids. The most successful approach to the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting is multimodal, with combination anti-emetics, dexamethasone, aggressive hydration, the avoidance of opioids, and aggressive pain control.
Analysis and survey of plague in Gan-Ning loess plateau plague natural foci of Spermophilus dauricus alashanicus,2013

Objective To understand and master epidemic situation of plague in Gan-Ning loess plateau plague natural foci of Spermophilus dauricus alashanicus in 2013,to provide reference for the future prevention and control.Methods Stratified sampling of 0.5% proportion was carried out according to different habitats.In April and July,density of principal host were surveyed,and 5 meters trap-linear method was taken to monitor the density of small rodents during April to September,meanwhile,the density of house mouse was surveyed by small splint.Blood of the captured hosts was collected for indirect hemagglutination test.By etherization,the hosts were collected fleas to be identified and carried out bacteriological test.Results The principal host was Spermophilus dauricus alashanicus,with average density of 0.27 ind./hm2 annually.Main vector was Citellophilus tesquorum mongolicus.Index in the foci was 1.00 for body flea of the hosts,0.14 for fleas in burrow,and 3.33 for burrow nest flea.Bacteriological and serological test were all negative.Conclusions Epidemic of plague in Gan-Ning loess plateau plague natural foci of Spermophilus dauricus alashanicus is under temporary resting state.Surveillance of plague is still be reinforced.
Effects of Long-term Right Ventricular Apical Pacing on Left Ventricular Remodeling and Cardiac Function

Objective To investigate the impacts of long-term right ventricular apical pacing on the ventricular remodeling and cardiac functions of patients with high-grade and third-degree atrioventricular blockage with normal heart structures and cardiac functions.In addition,we provide many evidences for choosing an optimal electrode implantation site.Methods Study participants included patients who were admitted for pacemaker replacements and revisited for examinations of implanted pacemakers at outpatient.Pacemakers were implanted to treat high-grade and third-degree atrioventricular blockage.At the time of pacemaker implantation,patients had normal cardiac functions and showed no serious heart diseases or cardiac dilatation.The durations from the implantation to follow-up were more than 5 years.The pacing rate was higher than 80%.Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) 50% and a left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD) 55 mm were excluded.Ventricular remodeling was defined as follows:increase of LVEDD by 10% and a reduction of LVEF by 25% for five years after implantation.Cardiac functions were evaluated according to New York Heart Association(NYHA) classification.Results A total of 82 patients with a mean age of(66.97±13.19) years(range,12 to 91 years old),among which 39 male and 43 female were enrolled in this study.The average duration between two assessments was 8.7 years(104.4 months).Before pacemaker implantation,the average left atrial diameter(LA),LVEDD and LVEF were 37.0 mm,50.23 mm and 64.87%,respectively.After the implantation,these values were 39.39 mm(P=0.000163),50.82 mm(P=0.177842) and 60.50%(P=0.000104),respectively.Four patients(4.87%) had ventricular remodeling with deteriorations of cardiac function,three of which had anterior wall myocardial infarction after implantation and one had type II diabetes.Clinical symptoms of heart failure were not found among the patients who did not exhibit ventricular remodeling.Conclusion Through a long-period follow-up study,we found that long-term right ventricular apical pacing in patients with normal heart structure and cardiac function would not generally cause ventricular remodeling and clinical deteriorations of cardiac function.Right ventricular apical is a safe and effective site for pacing electrode wire implantation.
Revision of subgenera of Stenichnus Thomson, with review of Australo-Pacific species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Subgenera of the speciose ant-like stone beetle genus Stenichnus Thomson are revised. The genus is re-classified and only two subgenera are retained: Stenichnus s. str. and Scydmaenichnus Reitter. Two remaining subgenera, Austrostenichnus Franz and Scydmaenilla King, are elevated to the genus rank (the status of Scydmaenilla , originally described as a genus and later reduced to a subgenus of Stenichnus , is restored). Two species occurring in New Zealand, Stenichnus insignis (Broun) and Stenichnus kuschelianus Franz, previously classified in Stenichnus ( Austrostenichnus ), are placed in a separate genus Zeanichnus gen. nov. (with Scydmaenus insignis Broun as a type species). Scydmaenilla is divided into two subgenera: Scydmaenilla s. str. and Scydmaenillunia subg. nov. (with Scydmaenilla adelaidensis Franz as a type species). Lectotypes are designated for Stenichnus ( Scydmaenichnus ) fossifrons Reitter, Scydmaenilla pusilla King and Scydmaenilla constricta Lea. All Australo-Pacific species, previously placed in Stenichnus , are redescribed: Austrostenichnus caledonicus Franz (New Caledonia), Zeanichnus insignis (Broun) comb. nov. (New Zealand), Zeanichnus kuschelianus (Franz) comb. nov. (New Zealand), Scydmaenilla (s. str.) pusilla King, stat. rest. (Australia), S. (s. str.) constricta Lea, stat. rest. (Tasmania), S. (s. str.) queenslandica Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) thompsoniana Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) brisbanensis Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) sydneyana Franz (Australia), and S. ( Scydmaenillunia ) adelaidensis Franz (Australia). A possible synonymy of Scydmaenilla queenslandica and S. thompsoniana is discussed, not possible to verify on the basis of the available material.
Modulation of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer through Molybdenum–Quinonoid Interactions

An expanded series of π-bound molybdenum–quinonoid complexes supported by pendant phosphines has been synthesized. These compounds formally span three protonation–oxidation states of the quinonoid fragment (catechol, semiquinone, quinone) and two different oxidation states of the metal (Mo0, MoII), notably demonstrating a total of two protons and four electrons accessible in the system. Previously, the reduced Mo0–catechol complex 1 and its reaction with dioxygen to yield the two-proton/two-electron oxidized Mo0–quinone compound 4 was explored, while, herein, the expansion of the series to include the two-electron oxidized MoII–catechol complex 2, the one-proton/two-electron oxidized Mo–semiquinone complex 3, and the two-proton/four-electron oxidized MoII–quinone complexes 5 and 6 is reported. Transfer of multiple equivalents of protons and electrons from the Mo0 and MoII catechol complexes, 1 and 2, to H atom acceptor TEMPO suggests the presence of weak O–H bonds. Although thermochemical analyses are hin...
Hypothermia increases calcium content of hypoxic myocytes

To test the hypothesis that hypothermia prevents myocardial Ca2+ loading during reoxygenation, we examined the effects of 2 h of hypoxia with and without hypothermia on the Ca2+ content of cultured chick embryo ventricular cells. When compared with hypoxic cells at 37 degrees C, hypoxia at 11 degrees C (hypothermia) augmented the 45Ca content of cardiocytes after 30 min of normothermic reoxygenation from 3.85 +/- 0.2 to 4.7 +/- 0.1 nmol/mg protein (P less than 0.001). The Na+ content of hypoxic myocytes was also increased at the end of 2 h of hypoxia from 648 +/- 59 to 1,026 +/- 68 nmol/mg protein in cells exposed to hypoxia at 11 degrees C (P less than 0.001). Hypothermia ameliorated hypoxia-induced depression of cellular ATP content and did not result in significant membrane injury as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. These data indicate that hypothermia augments rather than decreases the Ca2+ content of hypoxic myocytes during reoxygenation after hypoxia. Ca2+ loading appears to be secondary to an increase in Na+ content, creating a favorable gradient for Ca2+ influx through Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange or an unfavorable gradient for Ca2+ extrusion.
Cotton Fabrics Produced with Twistless Wrap Spun Yarns

Properties of fabrics woven with wrap spun yarns and equivalent ring spun yarns of Upland cotton have been investigated. Experimental wrap spun yarns were made on a modern, special machine, which produces so-called twistless yarns from staple fibers that are held together by a fine multifilament wrap yarn. The filament wrap used for the experimental yarns was water soluble polyvinyl alcohol. Ring spun yarns were produced conventionally. Each kind of yarn was woven separately as both warp and filling into plain, twill, and sateen fabrics. The water soluble wrap of the wrap spun fabrics was removed during normal wet processing, yielding completely twistless cotton fabrics. The various fabrics were evaluated for their important mechanical properties. Results show that, compared to the ring spun equivalents, the tighter, plain-woven, twistless fabric (of typical average density) fared reasonably well in tensile breaking strength but was slightly weaker in tearing strength; the relatively looser twill and sate...
A deletion in the proximal untranslated pX region of human T-cell leukemia virus type II decreases viral replication but not infectivity in vivo.

The function of untranslated (UT) nucleotide sequences in the proximal portion of the pX region of the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) family of retroviruses remains enigmatic. Previous studies have shown that these sequences are not necessary for the expression of viral proteins or for the induction, transmission, or maintenance of the transformed cell type in vitro. To determine the effect of the UT region in vivo, separate groups of rabbits were inoculated with lethally irradiated, stable clones of the human B-lymphoblastoid cell line, 729, transfected with either a full-length wild-type HTLV-II clone (pH6neo) or a mutant clone containing a 324-bp deletion in the proximal UT portion of pX (pH6neo delta UT[6661–6984]), or nontransfected 729 cells. All rabbits inoculated with either wild-type or pX-deleted HTLV-II developed a similar profile and titer of serum antibodies against HTLV-II antigens, as determined by Western immunoblots, by 4 weeks postinoculation (PI). Antibody titers, as determined by enzyme immunoassay, were similar between the two groups of rabbits and increased over the 18-week period of study. All rabbits were killed at 18 weeks PI, and spleen, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMC), bone marrow, and mesenteric lymph node were assayed for HTLV-II tax/rex sequences by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Virus was detected in all tissues tested from all rabbits inoculated with 729pH6neo cells containing wild-type HTLV-II, which contained between 1.4 and 0.3 mean copies of provirus per cell. In contrast, the distribution and number of provirus copies were more limited in rabbits inoculated with 729pH6neo delta UT(6661–6984) cells containing UT- deleted HTLV-II; in most tissues, there was a fivefold to sevenfold reduction in mean provirus copies per cell as compared with rabbits inoculated with wild-type HTLV-II. All rabbits inoculated with control 729 cells remained negative for HTLV-II infection, as determined by the same techniques. It was concluded that UT sequences in the proximal portion of HTLV-II are not necessary for infection but confer increased replicative capacity in vivo.
Commentary on "Humanization of an Anti-VEGF Monoclonal Antibody for the Therapy of Solid Tumors and Other Disorders".

See related article by Presta et al., [Cancer Res 1997;57:4593–99][1] . Visit the Cancer Research 75th Anniversary [timeline][2]. The highlighted article describes the engineering of a molecule that for the first time allowed testing the hypothesis that blocking VEGF-mediated angiogenesis may
Tubal-cervical twin pregnancy.

A 34-year-old woman with a history of a prior left-sided ectopic pregnancy treated with methotrexate presented at 7 weeks of gestation with another left-sided ectopic pregnancy. An uncomplicated laparoscopic procedure with removal of the affected fallopian tube was performed on the same day as admittance. Three weeks after surgery, the patient was readmitted to the clinic because of lower abdominal pain and continuous vaginal bleeding. A new vaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed a 4 × 3 cm complex structure close to the internal os of the cervix (left). The transvaginal ultrasound showed an hourglass appearance and an empty uterine cavity with atypical excessive blood flow in the structure in the cervix. A hysteroscopy was performed to better determine the nature of the intracervical mass (right). An ectopic cervical pregnancy was visualized and almost completely removed by careful hysteroscopic resection. At the same time, a normal uterine cavity was observed. Toward the end of the case, due to heavy bleeding and concerns for the resection going laterally into the cervical descending branches of the uterus, a Foley balloon was inflated and compression was maintained for 4 hours postoperatively. Histologic examination of the removed tissue from the cervix showed degenerated pregnancy tissue. A final hysteroscopic resection of remaining tissue in the cervix was performed 3 weeks later and then there were only small areas of pregnancy tissue left. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was normalized within 6 weeks. The patient recovered uneventfully.
DNA nanotechnology — Nanophotonic device & medical applications

Summary form only given. DNA nanotechnology is a versatile self-assembly process whereby a variety of complex nanostructures can be fabricated with sub-lithographic features [1]. Adopting this technology, 1012 identical devices having hundreds of components with nanometer resolution can be synthesized simultaneously. Example nanostructures include DNA motifs [2], two-dimensional DNA crystals [3], and DNA origami [4]. Currently, DNA nanotechnology is being adopted towards excitonic and plasmonic devices [5] and medical applications[6]. This presentation will examine examples of both and discuss several the approaches being used at Boise State University.