Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction of high density lipoprotein particles with membranes containing cholesterol Published, JLR Papers in Press, May 7, 2007.

In this study, free cholesterol (FC) efflux mediated by human HDL was investigated using fluorescence methodologies. The accessibility of FC to HDL may depend on whether it is located in regions rich in unsaturated phospholipids or in domains containing high levels of FC and sphingomyelin, known as “lipid rafts. ” Laurdan generalized polarization and two-photon microscopy were used to quantify FC removal from different pools in the bilayer of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). GUVs made of POPC and FC were observed after incubation with reconstituted particles containing apolipoprotein A-I and POPC [78Å diameter reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL)]. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy data show an increase in rHDL size during the incubation period. GUVs made of two “raft-like” mixtures [DOPC/DPPC/FC (1:1:1) and POPC/SPM/FC (6:1:1)] were used to model liquid-ordered/liquid-disordered phase coexistence. Through these experiments, we conclude that rHDL preferentially removes cholesterol from the more fluid phases. These data, and their extrapolation to in vivo systems, show the significant role that phase separation plays in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis.
Unraveling the High- and Low-Sensitivity Agonist Responses of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

The neuronal α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors exist as two distinct subtypes, (α4)2(β2)3 and (α4)3(β2)2, and biphasic responses to acetylcholine and other agonists have been ascribed previously to coexistence of these two receptor subtypes. We offer a novel and radical explanation for the observation of two distinct agonist sensitivities. Using different expression ratios of mammalian α4 and β2 subunits and concatenated constructs, we demonstrate that a biphasic response is an intrinsic functional property of the (α4)3(β2)2 receptor. In addition to two high-sensitivity sites at α4β2 interfaces, the (α4)3(β2)2 receptor contains a third low-sensitivity agonist binding site in the α4α4 interface. Occupation of this site is required for full activation and is responsible for the widened dynamic response range of this receptor subtype. By site-directed mutagenesis, we show that three residues, which differ between the α4β2 and α4α4 sites, control agonist sensitivity. The results presented here provide a basic insight into the function of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, which enables modulation of the receptors with hitherto unseen precision; it becomes possible to rationally design therapeutics targeting subpopulations of specific receptor subtypes.
Schedule optimization for data processing flows on the cloud

Scheduling data processing workflows (dataflows) on the cloud is a very complex and challenging task. It is essentially an optimization problem, very similar to query optimization, that is characteristically different from traditional problems in two aspects: Its space of alternative schedules is very rich, due to various optimization opportunities that cloud computing offers; its optimization criterion is at least two-dimensional, with monetary cost of using the cloud being at least as important as query completion time. In this paper, we study scheduling of dataflows that involve arbitrary data processing operators in the context of three different problems: 1) minimize completion time given a fixed budget, 2) minimize monetary cost given a deadline, and 3) find trade-offs between completion time and monetary cost without any a-priori constraints. We formulate these problems and present an approximate optimization framework to address them that uses resource elasticity in the cloud. To investigate the effectiveness of our approach, we incorporate the devised framework into a prototype system for dataflow evaluation and instantiate it with several greedy, probabilistic, and exhaustive search algorithms. Finally, through several experiments that we have conducted with the prototype elastic optimizer on numerous scientific and synthetic dataflows, we identify several interesting general characteristics of the space of alternative schedules as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the various search algorithms. The overall results are quite promising and indicate the effectiveness of our approach.
General theory of natural equivalences

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. Introduction. The subject matter of this paper is best explained by an example, such as that of the relation between a vector space L and its "dual"
Changing contexts? The effects of a primary prevention program on classroom levels of peer relational and physical victimization

Whereas school-based prevention programs often target deficits in individual children's social skills in order to limit their aggression or exposure to peer victimization, there is increasing evidence that school-wide and classroom-level factors can also affect the success of these programs. This short-term longitudinal study involved 432 elementary school students from 44 classrooms in 17 urban schools. We investigated whether classroom characteristics (average levels of social competence, emotional problems, and behavioral problems) and school-wide characteristics (proportion of children on income assistance and implementation of a peer victimization prevention program—the Walk away, Ignore, Talk, and Seek help [W.I.T.S.] program) experienced in Grade 1 influences changes in children's reports of relational and physical victimization at the end of Grade 2. Findings showed that classroom levels of emotional problems predicted increases in relational victimization (beyond individual differences in emotional and behavioral problems). Classroom levels of behavioral problems predicted reports of increases in physical victimization (beyond individual differences). Classroom levels of social competence also interacted with individual levels of emotional problems such that children with higher levels of emotional problems in classes with more socially competent children reported more relational and physical victimization. Higher school levels of poverty and lack of program involvement also predicted higher levels of physical victimization, beyond individual and classroom effects. The capacity of the W.I. T.S. program to influence classroom level characteristics and the moderating effects of school poverty on victimization were also assessed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 31: 397–418, 2003.
Increasing prevalence of thalassemia in America: Implications for primary care

Abstract Thalassemia, once a rarity in the United States, is increasingly encountered in clinical practice due to shifts in immigration. Early carrier screening in at-risk populations can help clinicians implement genetic counseling and prevent new cases. Chronic transfusions are the mainstay of therapy for patients with severe thalassemia (beta thalassemia major), and are used intermittently in individuals with milder forms of thalassemia (Hb H/H Constant Spring disease and beta thalassemia intermedia). Iron overload is a major source of morbidity and mortality in individuals with transfusion and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, necessitating iron chelation therapy. Iron overload contributes to increased risk of cirrhosis, heart failure, and endocrinopathies, while ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis contribute to multiple complications, including splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, pulmonary hypertension, and thrombosis. An understanding of the importance of carrier screening, complications, monitoring, and management strategies, coupled with collaboration with a hematologist with thalassemia expertise, is essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassemia. Key Messages Thalassemia is becoming more prevalent in the United States due to immigration of people from affected regions, with an approximately 7.5% increase over the last five decades. Newborn screening, antenatal screening, prenatal diagnosis, and counseling are key to early diagnosis and prevention of thalassemia. Chronic transfusions are the mainstay of therapy for patients with severe thalassemia and milder forms of thalassemia in some cases, but can lead to iron overload, which has numerous clinical consequences. Iron overload can be effectively monitored by blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging, and be managed with iron chelation to reduce adverse effects on target organs and improve survival.
Position of laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy in clinical practice and comparison (matched case-control study) with standard laparoscopic nephrectomy

Introduction One way how to reduce morbidity and improve cosmesic of kidney surgery is single site laparoscopy. Relatively well described concept but without defined position in clincal practise. Aim To report of institutional experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) nephrectomy (NE) and compare (matched case-control study) it with that of standard laparoscopic NE (LNE). Material and methods In the period 8/2011 to 10/2013, we performed 183 mini-invasive NE (132 tumours, 51 benign aetiology); 45 of them (24.6%) were LESS, the rest LNE. The main but not absolute indications for LESS were: non-obese men, and less advanced tumours. In 13 patients undergoing LESS-NEs (28.9%) there was a transumbilical approach. For the rest, a pararectal incision was performed and an accessory port was added in 31.1% (14) – 2/22 (9.1%) left sided, 12/23 (52.2%) right sided. Twenty-four LESS-NE were performed by a more experienced surgeon (mean operation time (MOT) 73.1 min), 21 LESS-NE by 4 other surgeons (MOT 132.8 min). These 24 were compared with 43 LNE done by the same surgeon before the period of LESS (1/2007–8/2011) and with similar characteristics of cases (body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2, less advanced tumour). Results We found no statistically significant differences in any of the parameters studied. The MOT 73.1 min vs. 75.0 min (p = 0.78), BMI 27.4 kg/m2 vs. 29.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.08), blood loss 54.7 vs. 39.2 (p = 0.47). Complications (4.2% vs. 11.6%) were only of internal character in origin. No conversion in either group. In LESS-NE, staplers were used more frequently (more expensive than clips) for division of renal hilar vessels (70.8% vs. 51.2%). The mean price of LESS-NE was €367 higher. Conclusions The LESS NE performed by an experienced surgeon is a safe and efficient method for the surgical treatment of both malignant and benign renal conditions in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 and with low-stage tumours. The LESS NE is more expensive compared to LNE.
The Attribution and Discounting of Perceptual Fluency: Preliminary Tests of a Perceptual Fluency/Attributional Model of the Mere Exposure Effect

Bornstein and D'Agostino (1990, 1992) hypothesized that the mere exposure effect results from a combination of two processes. First, an increase in perceptual fluency is induced by repeated exposure to a stimulus. Second, subjects attribute perceptual fluency effects to liking for a stimulus based on contextual cues provided by the experimenter. This paper describes two experiments that test predictions derived from the perceptual fluency/attributional model. In Experiment 1, the availability of information that allowed subjects to attribute perceptual fluency effects to the stimulus familarization procedure resulted in lower evaluative ratings of stimuli in a typical subliminal mere exposure effect experiment. In Experiment 2, the introduction of information that discouraged subjects from attributing perceptual fluency effects to the stimulus familiarization procedure resulted in more positive evaluative ratings of stimuli in a supraliminal mere exposure effect experiment. The theoretical implications of.
Culturally Competent HIV/AIDS Prevention: Understanding Program Effects on Adolescent Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Corazón de Aztlan is a comprehensive and culturally competent adolescent development program for Mexican American and other Hispanic youth intended to prevent risky sexual behavior. Perceptions of Corazón de Aztlan participants on condom use and their implications are presented. Evaluation of HIV/AIDS prevention program effects indicated the program increased accurate knowledge of safer sexual behavior, understanding of peer pressure, negotiation skills involved in having safer sex, sense of vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, and abstinence from sexual activity, but not safer sex among those already sexually active. Contrasting rational decision-making and judgment theoretical models for understanding adolescent high-risk sexual behavior demonstrates the necessity of developing stronger partnerships between families, schools, and the larger community that could be instrumental in the creation of environments that would be more protective of youth. The potential benefits of using peer educator models and culturally competent sex education methods are discussed.
Wide-area SCADA system with distributed security framework

With the smart grid coming near, wide-area supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) becomes more and more important. However, traditional SCADA systems are not suitable for the openness and distribution requirements of smart grid. Distributed SCADA services should be openly composable and secure. Event-driven methodology makes service collaborations more realtime and flexible because of the space, time and control decoupling of event producer and consumer, which gives us an appropriate foundation. Our SCADA services are constructed and integrated based on distributed events in this paper. Unfortunately, an event-driven SCADA service does not know who consumes its events, and consumers do not know who produces the events either. In this environment, a SCADA service cannot directly control access because of anonymous and multicast interactions. In this paper, a distributed security framework is proposed to protect not only service operations but also data contents in smart grid environments. Finally, a security implementation scheme is given for SCADA services.
Emotional collectives: How groups shape emotions and emotions shape groups

Group settings are epicentres of emotional activity. Yet, the role of emotions in groups is poorly understood. How do group-level phenomena shape group members’ emotional experience and expression? How are emotional expressions recognised, interpreted and shared in group settings? And how do such expressions influence the emotions, cognitions and behaviours of fellow group members and outside observers? To answer these and other questions, we draw on relevant theoretical perspectives (e.g., intergroup emotions theory, social appraisal theory and emotions as social information theory) and recent empirical findings regarding the role of emotions in groups. We organise our review according to two overarching themes: how groups shape emotions and how emotions shape groups. We show how novel empirical approaches break important new ground in uncovering the role of emotions in groups. Research on emotional collectives is thriving and constitutes a key to understanding the social nature of emotions.
Prognostic value of microRNAs in gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Previous articles have reported that expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with survival time of patients with gastric cancer (GC). A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to study the outcome of it. DESIGN Meta-analysis. METHODS English studies estimating expression levels of miRNAs with any of survival curves in GC were identified up till March 19, 2017 through performing online searches in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by two authors independently. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the correlation between miRNA expression and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Sixty-nine relevant articles about 26 miRNAs with 6148 patients were ultimately included. GC patients with high expression of miR-20b (HR=2.38, 95%CI=1.16-4.87), 21 (HR=1.77, 95%CI=1.01-3.08), 106b (HR=1.84, 95%CI=1.15-2.94), 196a (HR=2.66, 95%CI=1.94-3.63), 196b (HR=1.67, 95%CI=1.38-2.02), 214 (HR=1.84, 95%CI=1.27-2.67) or low expression of miR-125a (HR=2.06, 95%CI=1.26-3.37), 137 (HR=3.21, 95%CI=1.68-6.13), 141 (HR=2.47, 95%CI=1.34-4.56), 145 (HR=1.62, 95%CI=1.07-2.46), 146a (HR=2.60, 95%CI=1.63-4.13), 206 (HR=2.85, 95%CI=1.73-4.70), 218 (HR=2.61, 95%CI=1.74-3.92), 451 (HR=1.73, 95%CI=1.19-2.52), 486-5p (HR=2.45, 95%CI=1.65-3.65), 506 (HR=2.07, 95%CI=1.33-3.23) have significantly poor OS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In summary, miR-20b, 21, 106b, 125a, 137, 141, 145, 146a, 196a, 196b, 206, 214, 218, 451, 486-5p and 506 demonstrate significantly prognostic value. Among them, miR-20b, 125a, 137, 141, 146a, 196a, 206, 218, 486-5p and 506 are strong biomarkers of prognosis in GC.
Analysis of approximate message passing algorithm

Finding fast recovery algorithms is a problem of significant interest in compressed sensing. In many applications, extremely large problem sizes are envisioned, with at least tens of thousands of equations and hundreds of thousands of unknowns. The interior point methods for solving the best studied algorithm -ℓ1 minimization- are very slow and hence they are ineffective for such problem sizes. Faster methods such as LARS or homotopy [1] have been proposed for solving ℓ1 minimization but there is still a need for algorithms with less computational complexity. Therefore there is a fast growing literature on greedy methods and iterative thresholding for finding the sparsest solution. It was shown by [2] that most of these algorithms perform worse than `1 when it comes to the sparsity-measurement tradeoff [2]. In a recent paper the authors introduced a new algorithm called AMP which is as fast as iterative soft thresholding algorithms proposed before and performs exactly the same as ℓ1 minimization[3]. This algorithm is inspired from the message passing algorithms on bipartite graphs. The statistical properties of AMP let the authors propose a theoretical framework to analyze the asymptotic performance of the algorithm. This results in very sharp predictions of different observables in the algorithm. In this paper we address several questions regarding the thresholding policy. We consider a very general thresholding policy λ(σ) for the algorithm and will use the maxmin framework to tune it optimally. It is shown that when formulated in this general form, the maxmin thresholding policy is not unique and many different thresholding policies may lead to the same phase transition. We will then propose two very simple thresholding policies that can be implemented easily in practice and prove that they are both maxmin. This analysis will also shed some light on several other aspects of the algorithm, such as the least favorable distribution and similarity of all maxmin optimal thresholding policies. We will also show how one can derive the AMP algorithm from the full message passing algorithm.
The Validity of the Clinical Diagnosis of Vestibular Dysfunction

Evaluation of depressed or impaired prone extension, equilibrium, muscle tone, cocontraction, gravitational security, and tolerance to movement are frequently used as clinical signs of vestibular dysfunction. This study sought to determine if controlled laboratory tests of visual-vestibular function would discriminate between normal subjects and a group of adult subjects with a majority of the clinical signs identified above. Vestibular nystagmus, elicited under dark conditions using a computerized rotary chair, was recorded using electronystagmography. The adults with suspected vestibular dysfunction were found to have depressed Scores, indicative of deficits in tonic processing of vestibular inputs within the brainstem. The score found to be the best discriminator between normal subjects and those with suspected impairment was the duration of postrotary nystagmus. Results were interpreted as supportive of a relationship between vestibular processing and learning/motor coordination deficits, and provided support for the validity of symptoms identified through clinical assessment.
Antagonism of experimental cyanide toxicity in relation to the in vivo acitivity of cytochrome oxidase.

The inhibition and recovery of liver cytochrome oxidase in mice, rats and gerbils were measured after the i.p. administration of potassium cyanide. The inhibition of cytochrome oxidase reached a maximum 5 to 10 min after cyanide administration, and in the mouse returned to normal activity 5 to 20 mm later, depending on dose. However, in the rat and gerbil, recovery of the enzyme after maximal inhibition was more prolonged, and, depending on dose and strain of animal, required up to 1 hr or more. Also studied were the effects of varying doses of sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite, given prior to or after cyanide administration, in modifying the syndrome of cyanide poisoning and accelerating the reactivation in vivo of cytochrome oxidase. Thiosulfate and nitrite were within minutes able to reactivate in vivo cyanide-induced inhibition of cytochrome oxidase when administered before or after cyanide. These drugs prevented the symptoms or lethality of cyanide when given even 1 or 2 hr prior to cyanide administration, depending on the species treated. The inhibition in spleen cytochrome oxidase by cyanide and its reversal by thiosulfate are similar to those of the liver except that the effects are somewhat slower. The ability of animals to survive divided doses of cyanide depended on the time between doses. If the second dose was administered at a time when the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase was at or near a maximum, the animals died even though the total dose when given at one time was sublethal. It appears that thiosulfate acts by penetrating the mitochondria where it furnishes sulfur to rhodanese, whereas nitrite acts extramitochondrially. The prophylactic and therapeutic actions of thiosulfate appear more effective than heretofore considered, especially relative to nitrite. This observation has important implications for treatment of cyanide poisoning in humans.
School-Based Interventions to Enhance the Self-Concept of Students with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

In this meta-analytic review we examined self-concept outcomes of school-based interventions for students with learning disabilities (LD). A comprehensive search of the literature from 1975 to 1997 yielded 64 intervention studies that used a control group of students with LD and measured the effect of the intervention on students' self-concept. Across 82 samples of students with LD, the mean weighted effect size was 0.19. Overall, middle school students benefited more from interventions than did elementary or high school students. The type of intervention that was most effective differed for students at different grade levels. Whereas counseling interventions were more effective than other types of interventions for middle and high school students with LD, the most effective interventions for elementary students with LD were those that focused on improving students' academic skills. Interventions had more of an effect on students' academic self-concept than on other dimensions of self-concept. The findings are discussed in terms of both the conceptual issues surrounding self-concept and the practical implications for school-based interventions.