cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decrease in television viewing predicts lower body mass index at 1-year follow-up in adolescents, but not adults.

Abstract Objective To examine associations between television viewing, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, eating out, physical activity, and body weight change over 1 year. Design Secondary data analysis from randomized intervention trial. Setting Households in the community. Participants Adults (n = 153) and adolescents (n = 72) from the same households. Intervention Households were randomized to a home-based obesity prevention intervention or to a no-intervention control group for a 1-year period. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported television viewing (TV) hours, diet, and physical activity. Body mass index (BMI) computed from measured weight and height (primary outcome measure). Analysis Mixed-model regression. Results Among adolescents, a significant prospective association was observed between decreases in television viewing hours and lower BMI z score at 1-year follow-up (decreased TV hours: BMI z score mean=0.65; no change or increase TV hours: BMI z score=0.92; P Conclusions and Implications Reducing television viewing may be an effective strategy to prevent excess weight gain among adolescents.
Density Functional Theory Study of Silica Zeolite Structures: Stabilities and Mechanical Properties of SOD, LTA, CHA, MOR, and MFI

We have investigated various silica zeolites using density functional theory with periodic supercells, plane waves, and pseudopotentials. These zeolitic phases include silica sodalite, chabazite, mordenite, silica LTA, and silicalite. Atom-level geometries, elastic properties, and cohesive energies are presented. Although the zeolites exhibit a wide range of Si−O−Si angles and densities, the cohesive energies remain nearly constant. The elastic properties vary significantly from one phase to another, and in some cases, large elastic anisotropies are observed.
History of Foreign Language Teaching at the United States Military Academy

I HAVE found after having taught French at the United States Military Academy at West Point that the history of teaching foreign languages at that institution seemed from my own knowledge and experience to differ from the national trends. I felt it would be interesting to trace the history of the teaching of foreign languages at the Academy. The history and traditions of West Point are well known, but unfortunately, not so well known are the beginnings of language teaching there. When Major Williams, the grandnephew of Benjamin Franklin, was superintendent at the very beginning of the Academy's life in 1802, there were only 12 cadets, but it is quite clear from the records of the texts used that a thorough knowledge of a modern language (French) was necessary. Some of the earlier texts were Vauban's Trait& de fortifications, and Jomini's Traite de grand tactique.1 Congress on February 28, 1803 authorized one teacher of French for the Academy. Frangois Masson was appointed because the prevalent belief at that time was that a foreign language should be taught by a native speaker. Thus, at a time when many institutions were teaching the classical languages of Latin and Greek, the Ac demy from its very beginning was teaching a mod n language, French, and using French textbooks for a variety of other subjects as well. West Point was destined to be primarily an engineering institution, which would produce engineer officers for our army and as a result there was no need for scholars in Latin and Greek. The value of the knowledge of a foreign language such as French was proven during the revolutionary war and was a vital aid to the defense of our country. France toward the end of the eighteenth century was the foremost military and scientific power. That country had recently been of tremendous aid to the Americans during the above mentioned war. Our army's Corps of Engineers was still composed principally of French officers who had remained in the service of our country. It was natural therefore that our Academy use the very best textbooks in pplied sciences and math. These textbooks were only available in French. The French language was considered a necessity for the study of engineering subjects and was considered in suggested academic programs for West Point as early as 1783, before its actual founding.2 Examples of some early texts used
Demonstration of differential effects on pulmonary and systemic arterial pressure by variation in oxygen content of inspired air in patients with patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension.

Seven cases of patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary hypertension and reversal of the usual direction of flow are described. Breathing of a low oxygen mixture either initiated or increased the reversed shunt, and breathing 100 per cent oxygen produced the reverse effect. Differences in oxygen saturation and dye-dilution curves recorded simultaneously from the radial and femoral arteries have allowed calculation of differences in the proportion of shunted blood flowing in these arteries and demonstrate that retrograde movement of blood in the aortic arch may occur.
Neutrino Mass in the SO(10) Grand Unified Gauge Model

The problem of neutrino mass generation by a large Majorana mass term in the SO(10) grand unified gauge model is discussed. In particular, it is pointed out that the left-hand Majorana mass induced by the radiative corrections does not exceed that obtained by diagonalization of the mass matrix.
Hepatic triglyceride lipase promotes low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated catabolism of very low density lipoproteins in vitro.

We demonstrate here that hepatic triglyceride li- pase (HTGL) enhances VLDL degradation in cultured cells by a LDL receptor-mediated mechanism. VLDL binding at 4 8 C and degradation at 37 8 C by normal fibroblasts was stim- ulated by HTGL in a dose-dependent manner. A maximum increase of up to 7-fold was seen at 10 m g/ml HTGL. Both VLDL binding and degradation were significantly increased (4-fold) when LDL receptors were up-regulated by treat- ment with lovastatin. HTGL also stimulated VLDL degrada- tion by LDL receptor-deficient FH fibroblasts but the level of maximal degradation was 40-fold lower than in lovastatin- treated normal fibroblasts. A prominent role for LDL re- ceptors was confirmed by demonstration of similar HTGL- promoted VLDL degradation by normal and LRP-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts. HTGL enhanced binding and internalization of apoprotein-free triglyceride emul- sions, however, this was LDL receptor-independent. HTGL- stimulated binding and internalization of apoprotein-free emulsions was totally abolished by heparinase indicating that it was mediated by HSPG. In a cell-free assay HTGL competitively inhibited the binding of VLDL to immobi- lized LDL receptors at 4 8 C suggesting that it may directly bind to LDL receptors but may not bind VLDL particles at the same time. We conclude that the ability of HTGL to enhance VLDL degradation is due to its ability to concen- trate lipoprotein particles on HSPG sites on the cell surface leading to LDL receptor-mediated endocytosis and degrada- tion. —Medh, J. D., S. L. Bowen, G. L. Fry, S. Ruben, J. Hill, H. Wong, and D. A. Chappell. Hepatic triglyceride lipase promotes low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated catabo- lism of very low density lipoproteins in vitro. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 1263-1275.
Career Concerns and Optimal Disclosure Policy

When a worker is raided, his initial employer is often better informed about his quality than the raiders. If the worker has career concerns and matching influence productivity, the initial employer can strategically disclose this information to influence incentives and matching efficiency. If the initial employer can use long-term complete contracts, perfect competition in the raider market ensures full disclosure. In contrast, an optimal short-term contract induces full disclosure if i) worker is risk neutral, ii) worker does not face any liquidity constraints, and iii) raider market is perfectly competitive. By relaxing any of the above conditions, one can find situations where full disclosure is no longer optimal.
Identifying the Average Treatment Effect in a Two Threshold Model

Assume individuals are treated if a latent variable, containing a continuous instrument, lies between two thresholds. We place no functional form restrictions on the latent errors. Here unconfoundedness does not hold and identification at infinity is not possible. Yet we still show nonparametric point identification of the average treatment effect. We provide an associated root-n consistent estimator. We apply our model to reinvestigate the inverted-U relationship between competition and innovation, estimating the impact of moderate competitiveness on innovation without the distributional assumptions required by previous analyses. We find no evidence of an inverted-U in US data.
Incorporation of radioactive L-cystine by normal and leukemic leukocytes in vivo.

Methods for studying the in vivo incorporation of radioactive amino acids by leukocytes are described. The incorporation of S35 L-cystine into normal and leukemic leukocytes was studied and compared with the utilization of S35 L-methionine, S35 sodium sulfate, and C14 sodium formate. Radioactive L-cystine is rapidly absorbed and rapidly incorporated into the proteins of leukocytes. There are distinctive differences in rates and levels of utilization of S35 L-cystine by normal leukocytes and by leukocytes of acute and chronic leukemia. The leukocytes of acute leukemia and of chronic myeloid leukemia have a greater avidity for L-cystine than normal leukocytes. This rapid utilization of an amino acid by immature leukocytes is not limited to L-cystine and is probably a manifestations of the rapid metabolic turnover characteristic of immature cells in general. However, in view of the observations on the specificity of L-cysteine and related compounds in modifying the leukotoxic effects of nitrogen mustard, the avidity of immature leukocytes for L-cystine may have greater significance than the utilization of other metabolites. The data indicate that the life span of normal leukocytes is approximately 13 days. The life span of leukocytes in chronic myeloid leukemia is slightly less than that of normal leukocytes whereas the life span of acute leukemic leukocytes is much shorter than that of normal leukocytes. The life span of lymphocytes in chronic lymphatic leukemia appears to be much longer than that of normal leukocytes. Although L-cystine and L-methionine are readily utilized its acute leukemia, there is marked impairment in the utilization of sodium sulfate in vivo. By comparison, normal leukocytes readily utilize sodium sulfate in vivo. This discrepancy may be due to the rapid turnover of sulfur in acute leukemia or to an intrinsic metabolic defect of acute leukemic leukocytes.
A benchmark for microRNA quantification algorithms using the OpenArray platform

Several techniques have been tailored to the quantification of microRNA expression, including hybridization arrays, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and high-throughput sequencing. Each of these has certain strengths and limitations depending both on the technology itself and the algorithm used to convert raw data into expression estimates. Reliable quantification of microRNA expression is challenging in part due to the relatively low abundance and short length of the miRNAs. While substantial research has been devoted to the development of methods to quantify mRNA expression, relatively little effort has been spent on microRNA expression. In this work, we focus on the Life Technologies TaqMan OpenArrayⓇ system, a qPCR-based platform to measure microRNA expression. Several algorithms currently exist to estimate expression from the raw amplification data produced by qPCR-based technologies. To assess and compare the performance of these methods, we performed a set of dilution/mixture experiments to create a benchmark data set. We also developed a suite of statistical assessments that evaluate many different aspects of performance: accuracy, precision, titration response, number of complete features, limit of detection, and data quality. The benchmark data and software are freely available via two R/Bioconductor packages, miRcomp and miRcompData. Finally, we demonstrate use of our software by comparing two widely used algorithms and providing assessments for four other algorithms. Benchmark data sets and software are crucial tools for the assessment and comparison of competing algorithms. We believe that the miRcomp and miRcompData packages will facilitate the development of new methodology for microRNA expression estimation.
Membrane-associated binding sites for estrogen contribute to growth regulation of human breast cancer cells

Membrane-associated binding sites for estrogen may mediate rapid effects of estradiol-17beta that contribute to proliferation of human breast cancers. After controlled homogenization and fractionation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the bulk of specific estradiol binding is found in nuclear fractions. However, a significant portion of specific, high-affinity estradiol-17beta binding-sites are also enriched in plasma membranes. These estradiol binding-sites co-purify with 5'-nucleotidase, a plasma membrane-marker enzyme, and are free from major contamination by cytosol or nuclei. Electrophoresis of membrane fractions allowed detection of a primary 67-kDa protein and a secondary 46-kDa protein recognized by estradiol-17beta and by a monoclonal antibody directed to the ligand-binding domain of the nuclear form of estrogen receptor. Estrogen-induced growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro was blocked by treatment with the antibody to estrogen receptor and correlated closely with acute hormonal activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt kinase signaling. Estrogen-promoted growth of human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice was also significantly reduced by treatment in vivo with the estrogen receptor antibody. Thus, membrane-associated forms of estrogen receptor may play a role in promoting intracellular signaling for hormone-mediated proliferation and survival of breast cancers and offer a new target for antitumor therapy.
Effects of ischemia on the concentration of adenine nucleotides in the kidney of anesthetized dogs.

SummaryIschemia causes a rapid decline in the concentration of ATP in the kidney cortex of anesthetized dogs. Within 8 sec of ischemia distribution of adenine nucleotides is determined by activity of adenylate kinase. Nucleotide metabolism of the cortex of dog is distinguished from that of rat by the observation that concentrations are lower and by the evidence of activity of adenylate kinase. We estimate that blood-flow dependent ATP turnover in the cortex is 27% of that calculated on the basis of renal O2 consumption. The medulla, in contrast to the cortex, maintains its ATP concentration during 60 sec of interruption of blood flow. Studies of nucleotide metabolism in the kidney must include consideration of differences in adenylate kinase activity between cortex and medulla and between different mammalian species.
Human chorionic gonadotropin localization and morphometric characterization of human granulosa-luteal cells obtained during in vitro fertilization cycles*

The area and cytoplasmic-to-nuclear ratio (C/N) of cells aspirated from follicles with mature oocytes was determined using a computerized image analysis system. The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the surface membrane and/or within the cytoplasm of each cell also was determined using a horseradish peroxidase immunocytochemical procedure. Based on morphometric characteristics, follicular cells were classified as granulosa or luteal. Granulosa cells were μ m 2 in area with a C/N of approximately 0.5. Luteal cells were classified as small ( μm 2 , C/N ≈ 1.5), midluteal (76 to 100 μ m 2 , C/N > 1.5) and large luteal (>100 μ m 2 , C/N > 1.5). Compared with aspirates from follicles containing fertilizable oocytes, aspirates from follicles with nonfertilizable oocytes had fewer granulosa cells and more large luteal cells. HCG was localized on the membranes of granulosa and small luteal cells and within the cytoplasm of midluteal cells. Human chorionic gonadotropin was generally not observed on either the membranes or cytoplasm of luteal cells over 120 μ m 2 . These data support the concept that granulosa cells bind hCG to membrane receptors, internalize hCG, and begin to luteinize in response to hCG stimulation. Since the aspirates from follicles containing nonfertilizable oocytes possessed a higher percentage of large luteal cells, it is postulated that the cells from these aspirates began the luteinization process earlier than those from follicles containing fertilizable oocytes.
Challenges in Transition

Modern emerging workloads such as analytics, graph, and deep learning, rapidly appear. These are written by non-Ninja programmers. Modern hardware platforms are becoming complex due to deployments of hardware accelerators such as GPGPU and FPGA. It is not easy for them to fully exploit these capabilities. Our recent challenges are to achieve high performance of these workloads. In this talk, I will review how hardware platform, workload, and software for high performance computation were changing. I will then think about what are better approaches for users to describe their problems with high productivity and performance. I will talk about technical approaches and challenges in these descriptions to exploit hardware capabilities. We need to think what information we should get and what optimizations we can do for future hardware system.
The Color of Giftedness: A Policy Genealogy Implicating Educators Past, Present, and Future.

This article offers a critical rereading of gifted education in the United States using a genealogical framework as defined by postcolonial theory. Using genealogy is appropriate because it sets the education profession within a family research tradition, implies the close connection between past and present, and enables us to systematically trace the evolution of exclusionary practices. The purpose of this article is to (a) demonstrate the utility of using historical research to undergird justice work in education, (b) show how gifted education policies and practices in the United States operate under a global context of whiteness and colonization, and (c) foster dialogue around ways educators can begin to disrupt taken-for-granted assumptions and work toward establishing more equitable schooling processes and outcomes.
Comparative symptomatology of phobic and nonphobic panic attacks.

Following a survey of the general population, the prevalence of panic symptomatology was compared in 12 phobic and 46 non-phobic subjects identified from the sample. Fear of losing control (p = .019) was more characteristic of phobic panic attacks while dyspnea (p less than or equal to .05) and dizziness (p less than or equal to .02) were more prevalent in nonphobic attacks. Within this population, it appears that there are few large differences in symptom frequency between the two groups. However, the differences that do exist may be due to either a difference in pathophysiology or may reflect development of secondary hyperventilation in those with nonphobic attacks.
Dynamic Oligopoly with Incomplete Information

We consider learning and signalling in a dynamic Cournot oligopoly where firms have private information about their production costs and only observe the market price, which is subject to unobservable demand shocks. An equilibrium is Markov if play depends on the history only through the firms’ beliefs about costs and calendar time. We characterize symmetric linear Markov equilibria as solutions to a boundary value problem. In every such equilibrium, given a long enough horizon, play converges to the static complete information outcome for the realized costs, but each firm only learns its competitors’ average cost. The weights assigned to costs and beliefs under the equilibrium strategies are non-monotone over time. We explain this by decomposing incentives into signalling and learning, and discuss implications for prices, quantities, and welfare.
The Wollen-Sollen Equation in Wedekind’s Fruhlings Erwachen

(1982). The Wollen-Sollen Equation in Wedekind’s Fruhlings Erwachen. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 115-122.
The Power of Digital Storytelling to Support Teaching and Learning

Although the term “digital storytelling” may not be familiar to all readers, over the last twenty years, an increasing number of educators and students around the world have incorporated this technology into classroom instruction and educational projects. For more than twelve years, faculty members and graduate students in the Learning, Design and Technology Program at the University of Houston College of Education have been exploring the use of digital storytelling to support both teaching and learning. In 2004, the author established the Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling website (http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu) to serve as a helpful resource for educators and students who were interested in learning how digital storytelling could be integrated into a variety of educational activities. This paper presents an overview of how digital storytelling has and continues to be used in education to support both teaching and learning. In addition, recommendations and guidelines are presented for educators who would like to teach students to use digital storytelling as an educational endeavor.
Adaptive Cancelation of Matched Unknown Sinusoidal Disturbances for LTI Systems by State Derivative Feedback

Solutions already exist for the problem of canceling sinusoidal disturbances by measurement of state or an output for linear and nonlinear systems. In this paper, we design an adaptive controller to cancel matched sinusoidal disturbances forcing a linear time-invariant system by using only measurement of state-derivatives. Our design is based on three steps; 1) parametrization of the sinusoidal disturbance as the output of a known feedback system with an unknown output vector, 2) design of an adaptive disturbance observer and, 3) design of an adaptive controller. We prove that the equilibrium of the closed-loop adaptive system is globally uniformly asymptotically stable and locally exponentially stable. The effectiveness of the controller is illustrated with a simulation example of a second order system.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hybrid Markov Blanket discovery

In a Bayesian Network (BN), a target node is independent of all other nodes given its Markov Blanket (MB). By finding the MB, many problem can be solved directly or indirectly. There exist predominately two different approaches to finding the MB: the score-based and the constraint-based algorithms. We introduce a new Markov Blanket learning algorithm, Hybrid Markov Blanket (HMB) discovery, by combining these two different approaches. Specifically, HMB first employs a score-based method for finding the parents and children (PC) of the target node. HMB then introduces an efficient constraint-based approach to finding target node's spouses without enforcing the symmetry constraint that is required by existing constraint-based methods. In comparison, HMB achieves a better accuracy than the traditional constraint-based approaches and a better efficiency than the existing score-based approaches. In addition, HMB is theoretically proven sound and complete. Empirical results on synthetic and standard MB discovery datasets demonstrate the superior performance of HMB.
The prognostic significance of polyclonal bone marrow plasma cells in patients with relapsing multiple myeloma

Prior studies have revealed that the presence of increasing number of polyclonal plasma cells (pPCs) in the bone marrow (BM) are associated with better outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. This effect has not been studied in patients with MM at the time of disease relapse. We determined the prognostic value of depletion of pPCs in the BM by 7-color multiparameter flow cytometry in a series of 174 relapsing MM patients. The time to next therapy (TTNT) in those with <5% pPCs was 9.4 months versus 13.9 months in those with ≥5% pPCs (P = .0091). The median overall survival (OS) in those with <5% pPCs was 21.4 months, while the median OS was not reached in those patients with ≥5% pPCs (P = .019). Of the 109 patients with standard risk cytogenetics, the median OS of those with <5% pPCs was 28.4 months, while the median OS was not reached in those with ≥5% pPCs (P = .033). As such, <5% pPCs in the BM appears to have prognostic utility in identifying a subset of relapsing MM patients, even with standard-risk cytogenetics, who have a particularly adverse outcome.
Pharmacogenetic evaluation to assess breakthrough psychosis with aripiprazole long-acting injection: a case report.

Given the complex nature of symptom presentation and medication regimens, psychiatric clinics may benefit from additional tools to personalize treatments. Utilizing pharmacogenetic information may be helpful in assessing unique responses to therapy. We report herein a case of wearing-off phenomena during treatment with aripiprazole long-acting injectable (LAI) and a proof of concept strategy of how pharmacogenetic information may be used to assess possible genetic factors and also hypothesize potential mechanisms for further study. A 51-year-old African American male with schizoaffective disorder was referred to a psychiatric clinic for medication management. After unsuccessful trials of multiple antipsychotics, oral aripiprazole was initiated (up to 30 mg/day) and transitioned to aripiprazole LAI with symptom improvement. At a high dose of aripiprazole LAI (400 mg Q3wks), the patient experienced breakthrough symptoms approximately 3 days prior to his next injection. Various considerations were examined to explain his atypical dose requirements, including but not limited to pharmacogenetic influences. Pharmacogenetic testing ruled out genetic influences on drug metabolism but noted a -141C Del variant in the dopamine-D2 receptor (DRD2) gene associated in prior studies of poor-response to antipsychotics. At this time, a new formulation, aripiprazole lauroxil, was explored due to its availability in higher dose options. Transition to the new formulation (882 mg Q4wks) greatly improved and stabilized the patient’s symptoms with no breakthrough psychosis. Comparable daily dose equivalents were achieved with two different formulations due to the Q3wks vs Q4wks dosing strategies, although the two agents have some differences in pharmacokinetic profiles. We report a case of a patient experiencing wearing-off symptoms with aripiprazole LAI who benefited from switching to aripiprazole lauroxil. Pharmacogenetic testing revealed normal activity for relevant metabolism pathways but a DRD2 -141C variant that may influence brain D2 expression and antipsychotic responsiveness. The clinical utility of DRD2 information and what to do with genotyping results has not been previously addressed, despite availability on clinical test panels. Our case report suggests further investigations of altered dosing strategies and receptor genotype sensitivities to pharmacokinetic factors may be helpful in understanding symptom re-emergence observed in some patients taking LAI antipsychotics.
Tokamak two-fluid ignition conditions

This work focuses on modeling the properties needed by a plasma to reach ignition, where ignition is the condition in which fusion power is produced at the steady state without any external input power. We extend the classic work by Lawson giving the ptotτE (product between density, temperature, and energy confinement time) needed for ignition [J. D. Lawson, Proc. Phys. Soc. London, Sect. B 70, 6 (1957)] by improving the original zero-dimensional, single fluid model. The effect of multi-fluid physics is included, by distinguishing ions, electrons, and α particles. The effects of one-dimensional density and temperature profiles are also considered. It is found that the multi-fluid model predicts a larger Lawson product required for ignition than the single-fluid one. A detailed analysis of the energy confinement times for each species and energy equilibration times between species shows that the electron energy confinement time is the parameter more strongly affecting the Lawson product needed for ignition...
Technical Note: Using experimentally determined proton spot scanning timing parameters to accurately model beam delivery time

Purpose To accurately model the beam delivery time (BDT) for a synchrotron-based proton spot scanning system using experimentally determined beam parameters. Methods A model to simulate the proton spot delivery sequences was constructed, and BDT was calculated by summing times for layer switch, spot switch, and spot delivery. Test plans were designed to isolate and quantify the relevant beam parameters in the operation cycle of the proton beam therapy delivery system. These parameters included the layer switch time, magnet preparation and verification time, average beam scanning speeds in x- and y-directions, proton spill rate, and maximum charge and maximum extraction time for each spill. The experimentally determined parameters, as well as the nominal values initially provided by the vendor, served as inputs to the model to predict BDTs for 602 clinical proton beam deliveries. The calculated BDTs (TBDT) were compared with the BDTs recorded in the treatment delivery log files (TLog): ∆t = TLog−TBDT. Results The experimentally determined average layer switch time for all 97 energies was 1.91 s (ranging from 1.9 to 2.0 s for beam energies from 71.3 to 228.8 MeV), average magnet preparation and verification time was 1.93 ms, the average scanning speeds were 5.9 m/s in x-direction and 19.3 m/s in y-direction, the proton spill rate was 8.7 MU/s, and the maximum proton charge available for one acceleration is 2.0 ± 0.4 nC. Some of the measured parameters differed from the nominal values provided by the vendor. The calculated BDTs using experimentally determined parameters matched the recorded BDTs of 602 beam deliveries (∆t = −0.49 ± 1.44 s), which were significantly more accurate than BDTs calculated using nominal timing parameters (∆t = −7.48 ± 6.97 s). Conclusions An accurate model for BDT prediction was achieved by using the experimentally determined proton beam therapy delivery parameters, which may be useful in modeling the interplay effect and patient throughput. The model may provide guidance on how to effectively reduce BDT and may be used to identifying deteriorating machine performance.
A Liquid-Metal Polarization-Pattern-Reconfigurable Dipole Antenna

An electrically actuated reconfigurable liquid-metal dipole antenna is presented. Using electrocapillary actuation, a 5 VDC signal can actuate the liquid metal Galinstan into five discrete states with varying polarizations and null directions. Local surface-energy wells built into the polyimide fixture encasing the fluids enable metastable locking of the Galinstan, eliminating the need for a continuous dc bias voltage to maintain each state.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations of Glucose-6-Phosphate-Deficient Variants Throughout an Activity Distribution.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disorder that may manifest as neonatal jaundice or acute hemolytic anemia. Quantitative assessment of G6PD activity in erythrocytes is required to definitively diagnose a deficiency. Most males and homozygous females have low enzyme activities, whereas heterozygous females may have a range of activities. We sought to examine G6PD genotype–phenotype associations to identify an activity cutoff above which G6PD deficiency is unlikely. Methods: Ninety-five residual samples were randomly selected to represent the various regions of a G6PD activity distribution. DNA was isolated from the leukocyte fraction and sequenced using the Sanger method. ROC curves were used to establish cutoffs. Results: Thirteen variant alleles were identified, including 1 not previously reported. In the very deficient activity range, we found males and homozygous females of both class II and III variants. In the deficient category, we found predominantly class III males and heterozygous females. The presumed deficient category contained class III and IV variants and nonvariants. An activity cutoff of Conclusions: The observed activity groupings were not because of a particular variant class. Cutoffs to identify the presence of a deficiency variant for males and females may be useful when trying to decide whether to recommend genetic analysis.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte volume is a better predictor of neoadjuvant therapy response and overall survival in triple-negative invasive breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has an aggressive behavior, limited therapeutic options, and high mortality rate. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard treatment for TNBC, and patients with pathological complete response (pCR) have a favorable outcome. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of cancer clinicopathological parameters and correlated these parameters with the pCR rate and the overall survival. Fifty-eight patients with TNBC of no special type who underwent breast biopsy, neoadjuvant therapy, and mastectomy in our institution during 2005-2016 were included in this study. Among the 58 TNBC patients, 26 (45%) achieved pCR, and 32 (55%) had residual disease. The study parameters included age, histologic grade, clinical stage, mitotic count, Ki-67 proliferation index, stromal ratio, stromal type, tumor necrosis, stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor intraepithelial lymphocytes, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes volume (TILV). Whereas most factors did not affect pCR, stromal TILs and TILV showed significant correlation with pCR (P = .01 and P = .0008, respectively). In the residual disease group, all factors showed no significant differences before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, except for tumor sizes. Lastly, pCR, TILs, and TILV were all significantly correlated with the overall survival, with P = .028, .029, and .015, respectively. In summary, we proposed a new concept of TILV to precisely evaluate the tumor immunity, and our data showed that TILV had a better predictive value than TILs for the pCR and the overall survival in TNBC.
Internet of everything and everybody: Architecture and service virtualization

Abstract The impact of advanced communication and networking technologies spans all aspects of our life and is visible in the way people interact, shop, do business, etc. This article reflects the view of the author on what is emerging nowadays and future trends. In the next few years the research community is expected to stay focused on communication technologies that support connectivity at the broader level, e.g., developing 5G technology, and in challenging environments where the medium is inhomogeneous or the signal propagation is subject to high scattering and multipath effects. In addition, peer-to-peer networking of small devices and smart sensors will attract even more attention with increased integration of the concept of participator sensing within the Internet of things. In the future more virtualization of networking services is expected where customized and on-the-fly interconnectivity is provisioned to enable the realization of certain applications. Such virtualization will involve dynamic configurability, seamless resource negotiation, autonomous bridging among protocols, etc. New business models will also merge in order to support networking-as-a-service both at the individual level and infrastructure levels, nationally and internationally.
Static and dynamic abstraction solves the problem of chatter in qualitative simulation

One of the major factors hindering the use of qualitative simulation techniques to reason about the behavior of complex dynamical systems is intractable branching due to a phenomenon called chatter. This paper presents two general abstraction techniques that solve the problem of chatter. Eliminating the problem of chatter significantly extends the range of models that can be tractably simulated using qualitative simulation. Chatter occurs when a variable's direction of change is constrained only by continuity within a region of the state space. This results in intractable, potentially infinite branching within the behavioral description due to irrelevant distinctions in the direction of change. While a number of techniques have been proposed to eliminate chatter, none of them provide a general solution that can eliminate all instances of chatter. Chatter box abstraction and dynamic chatter abstraction provide two such solutions to this problem. Both solutions eliminate chatter by abstracting the chattering region of the state space into a single qualitative state with an abstract direction of change. The algorithms differ in the manner in which they identify the chattering region of the state space.
Adipokines, Nutrition, and Obesity

The traditional view of white adipose tissue (WAT) existing solely as an energy reservoir is no longer true. Although predominantly consisting of adipocytes, WAT is also composed of preadipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages located in the stromovascular fraction. As a result, WAT is a complex and highly active secretory organ capable of modulating appetite, energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, endocrine and reproductive systems, bone metabolism, inflammation, and immunity. The release of adipokines and cytokines by WAT is one of the most important ways this tissue influences physiological and pathological processes throughout the body. Adipokines are biologically active mediators released from adipocytes and include proteins such as leptin, adiponectin (APN), resistin, adipsin, and visfatin, as well as factors traditionally considered as cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and others. Obesity is characterized by an increase in fat mass, which is associated with a state of chronic inflammation with macrophage infiltration of WAT and abnormal production of adipokines and cytokines. Leptin, APN, resistin, visfatin, IL-6, and TNF-α help provide a link between obesity and development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) commonly associated with obesity. How specific nutrients affect production and secretion of adipokines and WAT-derived cytokines is currentlycontroversial
DNA-Replikation bei Prokaryonten

Nahezu jede Zelle benutzt zwei verschiedene Synthesewege fur Nukleotide. Die eine Moglichkeit ist die de novo-Synthese. Dabei werden Zucker (Ribose-5′-Phosphat), bestimmte Aminosauren, Kohlendioxid und NH3 in einer Serie von Reaktionen zu Nukleotiden zusammengebaut. Weder freie Purine oder Pyrimidine noch Nukleoside sind Zwischenprodukte dieses Synthesewegs.
Lithium-Ion Battery State Estimation for a Single Particle Model with Intercalation-Induced Stress

This paper develops a nonlinear observer for lithium-ion battery electrode particle stress and state-of-charge (SOC) estimation using the single particle model (SPM) coupled with mechanical stress. Particle fracture due to stress generation is a critical mechanism causing capacity fade, and thus reducing battery life. The stress sub-model captures stress developed during lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation. State estimation based on coupled SPM and mechanical stress model is particularly challenging because the coupled model is given by nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). We address this problem by reducing the coupled model to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and then apply nonlinear observer design methods. The key novelty of this design is a nonlinear internal state estimation algorithm, from which the internal stress can be monitored from current and terminal voltage measurements only. Simulation studies illustrate the performance of the proposed estimation scheme.
Treatment of Genital Psoriasis: A Systematic Review.

Genital psoriasis affects approximately 63% of psoriasis patients at least once in their lifetime. More than any other area on the body, genital lesions significantly impair patients’ psychologic well-being and quality of life. We aimed to systematically review the published evidence on the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of treatments of genital psoriasis and synthesize the available clinical data. A total of 1 randomized controlled trial, 11 open-label studies, and 26 case reports were included in our analysis, representing a total of 458 patients, of which 332 were adults and 126 were children. Topical corticosteroids were commonly used first-line for genital psoriasis and were well tolerated. Nonsteroidal agents, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors or vitamin D analogs, were also efficacious, but were often irritating. One systemic agent, ixekizumab, demonstrated efficacy in reducing genital psoriasis symptoms in a large, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Various systemic and topical medications may improve genital psoriasis lesions, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence to guide clinical decision-making. Specific reporting of efficacy for genital psoriasis in larger controlled studies of psoriasis treatments are necessary to improve the available evidence regarding the optimal treatment regimen for genital psoriasis.
AAA+ Protein-Based Technologies to Counter Neurodegenerative Disease.

Abstract Protein misfolding and overloaded proteostasis networks underlie a range of neurodegenerative diseases. No cures exist for these diseases, but developing effective therapeutic agents targeting the toxic, misfolded protein species in disease is one promising strategy. AAA+ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) protein translocases, which naturally unfold and translocate substrate proteins, could be potent therapeutic agents to disassemble toxic protein conformers in neurodegenerative disease. Here, we discuss repurposing AAA+ protein translocases Hsp104 and proteasome-activating nucleotidase (PAN) to alleviate the toxicity from protein misfolding in neurodegenerative disease. Hsp104 effectively protects various animal models from neurodegeneration underpinned by protein misfolding, and enhanced Hsp104 variants strongly counter neurodegenerative disease-associated protein misfolding toxicity in yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mammalian cells. Similarly, a recently engineered PAN variant (PANet) mitigates photoreceptor degeneration instigated by protein misfolding in a mouse model of retinopathy. Further study and engineering of AAA+ translocases like Hsp104 and PAN will reveal promising agents to combat protein misfolding toxicity in neurodegenerative disease.
from the members: Contribute to “The Alfred Russel Wallace Page” Website

membership corner from the members Contribute to “The Alfred Russel Wallace Page” Website Several years ago, I solicited what I termed “commentaries” for a feature on my “Alfred Russel Wallace Page” website 1 , which includes transcriptions of Wallace publications. Almost all of Wallace’s 1000+ published works can now be found there 2 , and I am hoping that IBS members and other parties might be interested in contributing one or more such “commentaries” to this array. These “commentaries” typically have been 250 to 350 words in length, and would feature your slant on why a particular Wallace article remains of historical and/or current interest. A good example may be found at the end of the page for “The Theory of Glacial Motion” 3 . It is unimportant that you may not consider yourself a “Wallace expert,” and in fact many of those who have contributed in the past are not. If you do not wish to wade through the entire list of Wallace’s publications to choose a subject writing, I can suggest a handful of articles (many quite short) that might be of most interest to you. The upcoming year, 2013 is the one hundredth anniversary of Wallace’s death, and some dozen book projects and conferences are in preparation or planning. If you might be interested in contributing to my site (and in turn to the anniversary celebration), please contact me for more details at the e-mail below. Thanks very much for your time and attention! Charles H. Smith, FLS Western Kentucky University, USA. charles.smith@wku.edu Edited by Matthew Heard 1. http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/index1.html 2. http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/writings.htm 3. http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S184.htm © 2012 the authors; journal compilation © 2012 The International Biogeography Society — frontiers of biogeography 4.1, 2012
On the assessment, implementation, validation, and verification of drag and lift forces in gas–liquid applications for the CFD codes FLUENT and CFX

The understanding of two-phase gas–liquid flows is of utmost importance in a large range of industrial applications, including the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, biochemical, nuclear, and metallurgical industries. At ANSYS, significant effort is being made in assessing the physical force models present in both FLUENT and CFX. This includes the investigation of the interfacial closures (drag, lift, wall lubrication, turbulent dispersion, and virtual mass), heat and mass transfer, cavitation, wall boiling, population balance approaches, bubble breakup and coalescence, and turbulence modeling. This assessment is being done with the objective to conduct an audit/validation of the current models, features, and capabilities, as well as the identification and closing of gaps and differences between CFX and FLUENT. The work presented here is mostly focused on the assessment, implementation, and validation of the drag and lift interfacial closures. The numerical assessment and validation are performed using both analytical and industrial-like test cases for complex bubbly flows (both with wall and bulk void fraction maximums), as well as transitional flow from bubbly to slug regime using the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) experimental facility known as MT-Loop.
Methods for aligning near-continuous railway track inspection data:

Railroads have long used track inspection vehicles that capture data on a defined interval as the vehicle travels longitudinally down the track. These data can be captured on a constant interval, n...
Acute splenic rupture following laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum: A case report.

Abstract Introduction Splenic rupture after laparoscopic surgery is a very rare complication. In this study, we report a case of a splenic laceration that occurred during a laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. The theorized mechanism in this case was acute disruption of a peri-splenic hematoma. Case report A 64-year-old African-American male presented after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries and was admitted to a surgical intensive care unit, where he declined from ICU days 6 through 11. The patient underwent tracheostomy and laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement given his significant neurologic deficits. Intraoperatively, the patient developed hypotension, leading to the discovery of hemoperitoneum and necessitating an emergent open splenectomy. Conclusion Splenic rupture following laparoscopic procedures is a very rare phenomenon. In this case, we believe the splenic rupture was secondary to an acute disruption of a previously hemostatic splenic hematoma involving the abdominal wall during creation of capnoperitoneum.