Alpha Cygnids: a possible July minor meteor shower

We present a comprehensive study of a possible $\alpha$-Cygnid meteor shower. Based on visual and telescopic observations made by Polish observers we estimate basic parameters of the stream. Activity of $\alpha$-Cygnids lasts from around June 30 to July 31 with clear maximum near July 16-17 (solar longitude $\lambda_\odot=116.5^\circ$). Maximal Zenithal Hourly Rates (ZHRs) are equal to $3.6\pm1.2$. The structure of the radiant analyzed by {\sc radiant} software is most compact for geocentric velocity of the events equal to 41 km/s, and for the drift of the radiant (in units $^\circ$/day) equal to of maximum is $\alpha=302.5^\circ$ $\delta=+46.3^\circ$.We derive population index $r$ equal to $2.55\pm0.14$ from magnitude distribution of 738 possible members of the stream. Comparing the veloctity distributions of 754 possible tests we conclude that both distributions are different with probability very close to 1.0. Telescopic observations strictly confirm the results obtained from visual observations. The smallest values of $\chi^2$ parameter we obtained for the geocentric velocity equal to 40 km/s and for the drift of the radiant (in units $^\circ$/day) equal to $\Delta\alpha=+0.6$ $\Delta\delta=+0.2$. The center of the radiant for moment of maximum is $\alpha=304.9^\circ$ $\delta=+46.2^\circ$. In spite of making many photographic exposures we still have no photographic or video confirmation of the existence of this stream

Electroencephalographic detection of synesthesia

In this paper the research on a person declaring synesthetic abilities will be presented.According to the current state of knowledge synesthesia activates additional cortical fields in the brainwhich can be found in the EEG. The research was conducted using an EGI-EEG system (ElectricalGeodesic Inc., Eugene, Oregon, USA) with the GeoSource software. GeoSource is a tool that implementsthe algorithms LAURA, LORETA and sLORETA. Using these algorithms for EEG analysis wecan determine where in the brain the source of activity is. The authors will try to answer the questionwhether the use of these tools can prove the occurrence of synesthesia

IsoTV: processing and visualizing functional features of translated transcript isoforms

Despite the continuous discovery of new transcript isoforms, fueled by the recent increase in accessibility and accuracy of long-read RNA sequencing data, functional differences between isoforms originating from the same gene often remain obscure. To address this issue and enable researchers to assess potential functional consequences of transcript isoform variation on the proteome, we developed IsoTV. IsoTV is a versatile pipeline to process, predict and visualize the functional features of translated transcript isoforms. Attributes such as gene and isoform expression, transcript composition and functional features are summarized in an easy-to-interpret visualization. IsoTV is able to analyze a variety of data types from all eukaryotic organisms, including short- and long-read RNA-seq data. Using Oxford Nanopore long read data, we demonstrate that IsoTV facilitates the understanding of potential protein isoform function in different cancer cell types

Hybrid implementation of the fastICA algorithm for high-density EEG using the capabilities of the Intel architecture and CUDA programming

High-density electroencephalographic (EEG) systems are utilized in the study of the human brain and its underlying behaviors. However, working with EEG data requires a well-cleaned signal, which is often achieved through the use of independent component analysis (ICA) methods. The calculation time for these types of algorithms is the longer the more data we have. This article presents a hybrid implementation of the fastICA algorithm that uses parallel programming techniques (libraries and extensions of the Intel processors and CUDA programming), which results in a significant acceleration of execution time on selected architectures

Clopidogrel: A Pharmacogenomic Perspective on its Use in Coronary Artery Disease

The thienopyridine antiplatelet agent clopidogrel is an effective drug for the prevention of vascular events. However, data has accumulated over time to suggest it is prone to significant interpatient variability. While there are several factors that contribute to this, one of the most important is variability in forming the active metabolite necessary for clopidogrel function. Several enzymes are involved in formation of this metabolite, and two, CYP2C19 and P-glycoprotein, appear to have alleles that both occur frequently in the population and have a clinically significant impact. Patients carrying these alleles can be identified, but it remains to be determined if this information is necessary or sufficient for risk stratification. Furthermore, if patients with high-risk alleles are identified, it is unclear how treatment should be adjusted

Conserved DNA sequence features underlie pervasive RNA polymerase pausing

Pausing of transcribing RNA polymerase is regulated and creates opportunities to control gene expression. Research in metazoans has so far mainly focused on RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter-proximal pausing leaving the pervasive nature of pausing and its regulatory potential in mammalian cells unclear. Here, we developed a pause detecting algorithm (PDA) for nucleotide-resolution occupancy data and a new native elongating transcript sequencing approach, termed nested NET-seq, that strongly reduces artifactual peaks commonly misinterpreted as pausing sites. Leveraging PDA and nested NET-seq reveal widespread genome-wide Pol II pausing at single-nucleotide resolution in human cells. Notably, the majority of Pol II pauses occur outside of promoter-proximal gene regions primarily along the gene-body of transcribed genes. Sequence analysis combined with machine learning modeling reveals DNA sequence properties underlying widespread transcriptional pausing including a new pause motif. Interestingly, key sequence determinants of RNA polymerase pausing are conserved between human cells and bacteria. These studies indicate pervasive sequence-induced transcriptional pausing in human cells and the knowledge of exact pause locations implies potential functional roles in gene expression

Kaon physics with the KLOE detector

In this paper we discuss the recent finalized analyses by the KLOE experiment at DA$\Phi$NE: the CPT and Lorentz invariance test with entangled $K^0 \bar{K}^0$ pairs, and the precision measurement of the branching fraction of the decay ${ K^+} \rightarrow \pi^+\pi^-\pi^+(\gamma)$. We also present the status of an ongoing analysis aiming to precisely measure the $K^{\pm}$ mass

Towards graphical user interface redefinition without source code access: System design and evaluation

Nowadays several interactive computing systems (ICSs) still have Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) that are inadequate in terms of usability and user experience. Numerous improvements were made in the development of better GUIs however, little has been done to improve existing ones. This might be explained by the fact that most ICSs do not provide source code access. In most cases, this means that only persons with source code access can (easily) enhance the respective GUI. This paper presents a tool using computer vision (CV) algorithms to semi-automatically redefine existing GUIs without accessing their source code. The evaluation of a new GUI obtained from the redefinition of an existing GUI using the tool is described. Results show statistically significant improvements in usability (reduction of interaction mistakes), improved task completion success rate and improved user satisfaction.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Beam profile investigation of the new collimator system for the J-PET detector

Jagiellonian Positron Emission Tomograph (J-PET) is a multi-purpose detector which will be used for search for discrete symmetries violations in the decays of positronium atoms and for investigations with positronium atoms in life-sciences and medical diagnostics. In this article we present three methods for determination of the beam profile of collimated annihilation gamma quanta. Precise monitoring of this profile is essential for time and energy calibration of the J-PET detector and for the determination of the library of model signals used in the hit-time and hit-position reconstruction. We have we have shown that usage of two lead bricks with dimensions of 5x10x20 cm^3 enables to form a beam of annihilation quanta with Gaussian profile characterized by 1 mm FWHM. Determination of this characteristic is essential for designing and construction the collimator system for the 24-module J-PET prototype. Simulations of the beam profile for different collimator dimensions were performed. This allowed us to choose optimal collimation system in terms of the beam profile parameters, dimensions and weight of the collimator taking into account the design of the 24 module J-PET detector.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figure