cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A schedulable utilization bound for the multiprocessor EPDF Pfair algorithm

The earliest-pseudo-deadline-first (EPDF) Pfair scheduling algorithm is less expensive than some other known Pfair algorithms, but is not optimal for scheduling recurrent real-time tasks on more than two processors. In prior work, sufficient per-task weight (i.e., utilization) restrictions were established for ensuring that tasks either do not miss their deadlines or have bounded tardiness when scheduled under EPDF. Implicit in these restrictions is the assumption that the total system utilization may equal the total available processing capacity (i.e., the total number of processors). This paper considers an orthogonal issue, namely, determining a sufficient restriction on the total utilization of a task set for it to be schedulable (i.e., a schedulable utilization bound) under EPDF, assuming that there are no per-task weight restrictions. We prove that a task set with total utilization at most 3M+1/4 is correctly scheduled under EPDF on M processors, regardless of how large each task's weight is. At present, we do not know whether this value represents the worst-case for EPDF, but we do provide a counterexample that shows that it cannot be improved to exceed 86% of the total processing capacity. The schedulable utilization bound we derive is expressed in terms of the maximum weight of any task, and hence, if this value is known, may be used to schedule task sets with total utilization greater than 3M+1/4.
An Optimization Framework for Cloud-Sensor Systems

Imminent massive-scale IoT deployments require a Cloud-Sensor architecture to facilitate an ecosystem of friction-free integration and programmability. In addition to these two functional requirements, challenging performance and scalability requirements must be addressed by any such architecture. We have introduced the Cloud-Edge-Beneath (CEB) architecture which addresses scalability and performance through a built-in distributed optimization framework. In this paper, we focus on CEB's optimization framework which follows a bi-directional waterfall model in which not only sensor data can move upward to applications, but applications (fragments) can move downward to lower layers of CEB closer to data sources. The framework enables many optimization ideas and opportunities, including our own. We present the bi-directional waterfall framework along with a sketch of several of our optimization algorithms enabled by the framework. We also present an example of an experimental study to determine dominant resources in the cloud -- a variable which as will be seen greatly affects the logic of some of the optimization algorithms.
Prone Partial Breast Coronal Arc Irradiation: Combining Intensity Modulated Delivery With Dynamic Motion of the Couch

radiotherapy (EBRT) provides a noninvasive alternative to brachytherapy. However, EBRT APBI techniques are currently limited in achieving dose conformity as quantified by the normal tissue V50% and V100%, and have been consequently correlated with reported cases of unacceptable toxicity and cosmesis. [1,2]. Prone Partial Breast Coronal Arc Irradiation: Combining Intensity Modulated Delivery with Dynamic Motion of the Couch Benjamin P. Fahimian, PhD, Victoria Yu, BS, Lei Xing, PhD, Kathleen Horst, MD, Dimtre Hristov, PhD* Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA *dimitre.hristov@stanford.edu
Book Ramsey Numbers and Quasi-Randomness

A set of n triangles sharing a common edge is called a book with n pages and is denoted by $B_{n}$. It is known that the Ramsey number $r ( B_{n} ) $ satisfies $r ( B_{n} ) = ( 4+o ( 1 ) ) n.$ We show that every red–blue edge colouring of $K_{ \lfloor ( 4-\varepsilon ) n \rfloor }$ with no monochromatic $B_{n}$ exhibits quasi-random properties when $\varepsilon$ tends to 0. This implies that there is a constant $c>0$ such that for every red–blue edge colouring of $K_{r ( B_{n} ) }$ there is a monochromatic $B_{n}$ whose vertices span at least $ \lfloor cn^{2} \rfloor $ edges of the same colour as the book.As an application we find the Ramsey number for a class of graphs.
Provisions for the Gifted Child of Third World Populations: Attitudes and Adjustments-A Report of an Exploratory Study, Part I:

Initial data was collected on the attitudes, practices, knowledge of, and future planning of non-western or developing countries in the area of education of the gifted. The data from the survey instrument developed for this study (Baldwin, 1983) indicate a positive though tentative attitude toward education of the gifted as a concept. Provisioning for these children considered highly able varied from country to country and was dependent upon the economic and political conditions at any point in time. Science and technology appeared as the highest priority in providing advanced training to students.
Holistic Self-Care Model for Permanent Weight Control

Nearly one fourth of adult women in the United States are currently overweight, despite numerous approaches to weight control. Nurses are confused about appropriate interventions for overweight women who weight cycle--that is, experience repeated periods of weight loss followed by weight regain. Women continue to suffer the negative physical, psychological, and financial consequences of weight cycling, which is related to increased adiposity, an additional important health risk. Moderately successful, long-term weight control treatments are programs that have a combined intervention prescribing both controlled amounts of health food intake and aerobic exercise. Although such a physical program can promote weight loss, the psychological components often are not considered and are the reasons why so many diet/exercise programs fail. The Holistic Self-Care Model combines the successful physical, cognitive, and psychological essentials of healthy approaches for weight reduction as a means of stopping weight cycling and promoting weight control.
Clinical Application of WHF-MOGE(S) Classification for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Recently, a new MOGE(S) (Morphofunctional, Organ involvement, Genetics, Etiology of details of the genetic disease or underlying cause, and functional Status) genotype to phenotype nosology system for classification of cardiomyopathies was proposed, but its clinical use has not been described. Objectives This study presents the comprehensive geno-phenotypic evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients by employing the newly proposed World Heart Federation classification of cardiomyopathies – the MOGE(S) classification. Methods From January 2011 to March 2014, 254 patients were evaluated (190 probands and 64 family members). Of those, 181 were HCM phenotype-positive probands, and 54.7% were male patients. Mean maximal left ventricular thickness was 2.2 ± 0.6 cm, with >2.5 cm thickness seen in 21.5% of patients. Obstructive HCM was present in 66.3% of patients, with an average peak gradient of 57.1 ± 47.2. Detailed clinical, imaging, and follow-up data were analyzed. Gene testing was performed in 129 patients (67.9%), and they were categorized into gene-positive (M H O H G AD E G+ ) and gene-negative (M H O H G AD E G− ) groups based on the MOGE(S) classification. Results M H O H G AD E G+ patients were younger at time of diagnosis, more likely to be female, more likely to have ventricular tachycardia and a family history of HCM or sudden death, had lower peak gradients, and were more likely to have sudden death risk factors. Conclusions In addition to employing genotype-to-phenotype nosology to describe HCM, we propose a modification to the current MOGE(S) classification for HCM based on the presence or absence of obstruction and location of hypertrophy within the morphology.
Inflammation and Cellular Immune Responses in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Expansion and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) result in high morbidity and mortality rates. Like stenotic atherosclerotic lesions, AAA accumulate inflammatory cells, but usually exhibit...
Serial rote-learning: Incremental or all-or-none?

Abstract If the associative connections in a serial list are acquired in an all-or-none fashion, rather than gradually with every trial adding an increment of associative strength, then changing the serial order of the middle items in the list during the course of practice should have no effect on the rate of learning the list as a whole or even of the particular items that have been interchanged. Thirty subjects learned a serial list by the anticipation method. The middle items of the list were reversed in serial order approximately half-way through the number of trials required for mastery. The subjects took no longer to learn the list and made no more errors than did 30 control subjects for whom there was no change in serial order. The serial-position curves of the two groups were almost identical. It was also shown that the learning “curves” of single items in the series, when plotted for individual subjects do not reveal a gradually increasing probability of the correct response, but show instead a s...
The Competencies Needed By Persons Responsible for Classifying Children With Learning Disabilities

Placement decisions regarding children with learning disabilities rest heavily on the assessment data generated by school psychologists and related psychological personnel. Critics contend that current tests do not accurately measure or predict learning and that large numbers of children continue to be incorrectly classified. This article delineates the training and competencies individuals should possess if they have primary responsibility for classification and placement decisions.
GPS time synchronization in school-network cosmic ray detectors

The QuarkNet DAQ card for school-network cosmic ray detectors provides a low-cost alternative to using standard particle and nuclear physics fast pulse electronics modules. The board, which can be produced at a cost of less than $500.00 (USD), produces trigger time and pulse edge time data for 2- to 4-fold coincidence levels via a universal RS232 serial port interface, usable with any PC. Individual detector stations, each consisting of four scintillation counter modules, front-end electronics, and a GPS receiver, produce a stream of data in form of ASCII text strings in identifiable set of formats for different functions. The card includes a low-cost GPS receiver module, which permits time-stamping event triggers to about 50 nanosecond accuracy in UTC between widely separated sites. The technique used for obtaining precise GPS time employs the 1PPS signal, which is not normally available to users of the commercial GPS module. We had the stock model slightly custom-modified to access this signal. The method for deriving time values was adapted from methods developed for the K2K long-baseline neutrino experiment. Performance of the low-cost GPS module used is compared to that of a more expensive unit with known quality.
Creating Smoke-Free Places Through the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities

In some high-, middle-, and low-income countries, law has been employed to limit individuals’ secondhand smoke exposure. Innovative legal tools are still needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries where smoking prevalence continues to rise.For some persons with severe respiratory conditions, the presence of secondhand smoke is intolerable and prevents their entrance into restaurants and other venues. With its adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, the United Nations gave countries a new way to promote the rights of disabled individuals and simultaneously address secondhand smoke exposure.We analyze the CRPD’s potential to advance tobacco control goals and offer recommendations for advocates, policymakers, and others seeking to apply this approach.
Low density parity check codes for the relay channel

We propose Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code designs for the half-duplex relay channel. Our designs are based on the information theoretic random coding scheme for decode-and-forward relaying. The source transmission is decoded with the help of side information in the form of additional parity bits from the relay. We derive the exact relationships that the component LDPC code profiles in the relay coding scheme must satisfy. These relationships act as constraints for the density evolution algorithm which is used to search for good relay code profiles. To speed up optimization, we outline a Gaussian approximation of density evolution for the relay channel. The asymptotic noise thresholds of the discovered relay code profiles are a fraction of a decibel away from the achievable lower bound for decode-and-forward relaying. With random component LDPC codes, the overall relay coding scheme performs within 1.2 dB of the theoretical limit.
Coupling between density structures, electromagnetic waves and ionospheric feedback in the auroral zone

This paper presents results from a numerical study of nonlinear interactions between ultra-low-frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves and the magnetospheric-ionospheric plasma at high latitudes. The study is motivated by observations of density cavities in the ionosphere in regions of downward field-aligned current adjacent to auroral arcs. The role of active ionospheric feedback in the development of intense, small-scale electromagnetic waves with frequencies of 0.1-1 Hz is considered, together with the effects of the waves on the ion dynamics. The numerical results are based on a reduced two-fluid MHD model that self-consistently describes shear Alfven waves, ion parallel dynamics, and effects of ionospheric E-region activity and magnetosphere-ionosphere feedback instability. Numerical simulations performed in dipole magnetic field geometry with realistic parameters of the ambient plasma show that, under some conditions, ionospheric feedback gives rise to intense ULF electromagnetic waves, which, via the ponderomotive force, produce density cavities in the bottomside ionosphere (between the E- and F-region peaks) and an associated upwelling of the topside ionosphere. The simulated magnitude and spatial and temporal scales of the cavities match the corresponding parameters of cavities observed with ground-based radars.
The role of avoidance-based coping in the psychosocial functioning of weight loss treatment-seeking adults.

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to determine the role of avoidance-based coping in the psychosocial functioning of weight loss treatment-seeking persons with obesity who report high internal disinhibition. Methods Participants were 162 overweight or obese adults entering a behavioural weight loss intervention programme who reported high internal disinhibition at screening. We conducted multivariate regression analyses by using mental and physical quality of life and satisfaction with relationships as dependent variables and examining the association of demographic variables, experiential avoidance (avoidance-based coping) and symptoms of depression. We hypothesized that higher levels of experiential avoidance and symptoms of depression would be associated with poorer mental and physical quality of life and relationship satisfaction. Post-hoc analyses examined results relative to non-obese norms. Results Both experiential avoidance and depression were significantly and independently associated with each of the three psychosocial outcome measures. Individuals who were high on both experiential avoidance and depression scored significantly below the population mean for non-clinical samples on mental and physical quality of life and relationship satisfaction. Conclusion In a sample of weight loss treatment-seeking adults with high internal disinhibition, elevated levels of experiential avoidance and psychological symptoms are prevalent. Adding intervention components specifically designed to address unhealthy coping could results in improvements in overall psychosocial functioning and possibly weight loss.
Efficient recursive algorithms for detection of abrupt changes in signals and control systems

This paper addresses a number of open problems concerning the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) rules for online detection of faults and parameter changes in control systems. It is shown that with an appropriate choice of the threshold and window size, these GLR rules are asymptotically optimal. The rules are also extended to non-likelihood statistics that are widely used in monitoring adaptive algorithms for system identification and control by establishing Gaussian approximations to these statistics when the window size is chosen suitably. Recursive algorithms are developed for practical implementation of the procedure, and importance sampling techniques are introduced for determining the threshold of the rule to satisfy prescribed bounds on the false alarm rate.
Superinfection exclusion is absent during acute Junin virus infection of Vero and A549 cells

Many viruses have evolved strategies of so-called “superinfection exclusion” to prevent re-infection of a cell that the same virus has already infected. Although Old World arenavirus infection results in down-regulation of its viral receptor and thus superinfection exclusion, whether New World arenaviruses have evolved such a mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that acute infection by the New World Junin virus (JUNV) failed to down-regulate the transferrin receptor and did not induce superinfection exclusion. We observed that Vero cells infected by a first round of JUNV (Candid1 strain) preserve an ability to internalize new incoming JUNV particles that is comparable to that of non-infected cells. Moreover, we developed a dual infection assay with the wild-type Candid1 JUNV and a recombinant JUNV-GFP virus to discriminate between first and second infections at the transcriptional and translational levels. We found that Vero and A549 cells already infected by JUNV were fully competent to transcribe viral RNA from a second round of infection. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis of viral protein expression indicated that viral translation was normal, regardless of whether cells were previously infected or not. We conclude that in acutely infected cells, Junin virus lacks a superinfection exclusion mechanism. Arenaviruses are enveloped viruses with two segments of an ambisense single-stranded RNA genome. Some of these viruses cause hemorrhagic fever with poor prognoses in humans, including the New World (NW) arenavirus (clade B) Junin virus (JUNV), which is responsible for Argentine hemorrhagic
Can Play Increase Standing Tolerance? A Pilot-Study

Objectives. This pilot-study investigated whether game-playing could be used with a geriatric population to improve standing tolerance.Method. Ten subjects, aged 66 to 85, who were unable to maintain a functional standing position, which interfered with activities of daily living (ADL) and other purposeful activity, were timed during trials of static standing at a raised table. Trials involving play with a tabletop game were alternated with trials involving non-playful activities, such as reading, conversing, or folding towels.Results. A Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for relative magnitudes of differences of performance indicated that subjects' standing tolerance was significantly greater while playing than while involved in other activities. The hypothesis that game-playing is ineffective was rejected at a level of significance of 0.01.Conclusion. Play is a purposeful activity that can be used to improve standing tolerance in geriatric populations. Further study to explore the issues of this pilot-study is ...
Microbial Characteristics of Flaked and Color‐Modified Turkey Thigh Meat

Effects of flaking and color modifying (treatment with pH 5.8, 7.4 and 8.0 phosphate buffers) boneless, skinless turkey thighs on microbial numbers were determined. Aerobic, psychotrophic, and coliform analyses were conducted on intact thigh (IT) before processing and on flaked turkey (FT) and color-modified turkey (CMT) held up to 5 days at 3 degrees C and for 30 days at -20 degrees C. Aerobic and psychrotrophic counts were not different (p > 0.05) between IT and 1-day FT or between FT and CMT at any sampling interval. Mean coliform levels in FT did not differ (p > 0.05) from those in CMT after 1 day at 3 degrees C. Properly performed flaking and color modification do not compromise the microbial quality of turkey.
Functional Connectivity of the Inferior Frontal Cortex Changes with Age in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A fcMRI Study of Response Inhibition

Unmasking the neural basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), requires studying functional connectivity during childhood when cognitive skills develop. A functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) analysis was performed on data collected during Go/NoGo task performance from 24 children ages 8–12 years (12 with ASD; 12 controls matched on age and intellectual functioning). We investigated the connectivity of the left and right inferior frontal cortex (IFC; BA 47), key regions for response inhibition, with other active regions in frontal, striatal, and parietal cortex. Groups did not differ on behavioral measures or functional connectivity of either IFC region. A trend for reduced connectivity in the right IFC for the ASD group was revealed when controlling for age. In the ASD group, there was a significant negative correlation between age and 2 right IFC correlation pairs: right IFC–bilateral presupplementary motor area (BA 6) and right IFC–right caudate. Compared with typical controls, children with ASD may not have gross differences in IFC functional connectivity during response inhibition, which contrasts with an adult study of ASD that reported reduced functional connectivity. This discrepancy suggests an atypical developmental trajectory in ASD for right IFC connectivity with other neural regions supporting response inhibition.
Conservation Biology and Western Religious Teachings

At-ye Levine reported that he was strolling with Clhief Rabbi Kook in Jaffe. They were walking in the fields. Levine records the experience this way: "As we were walking, I pltucked some flower or plant. Rabbi Kook trembled aind told me that he took great carc not to pluck ainything unless it was for a benefit. Anytliing that couild grow . .. there was no planit below that did not lhave a guardian above. Eve-rything that grew said somethinig, evelry stonie whispered some secret, all creationi sang. Raskas (1990)
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis of Recombination Signal Sequence Configuration in the RAG1/2 Synaptic Complex

A critical step in V(D)J recombination is the synapsis of complementary (12/23) recombination signal sequences (RSSs) by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins to generate the paired complex (PC). Using a facilitated ligation assay and substrates that vary the helical phasing of the RSSs, we provide evidence that one particular geometric configuration of the RSSs is favored in the PC. To investigate this configuration further, we used fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) to detect the synapsis of fluorescently labeled RSS oligonucleotides. FRET requires an appropriate 12/23 RSS pair, a divalent metal ion, and high-mobility-group protein HMGB1 or HMGB2. Energy transfer between the RSSs was detected with all 12/23 RSS end positions of the fluorescent probes but was not detected when probes were placed on the two ends of the same RSS. Energy transfer was confirmed to originate from the PC by using an in-gel FRET assay. The results argue against a unique planar configuration of the RSSs in the PC and are most easily accommodated by models in which synapsed 12- and 23-RSSs are bent and cross one another, with implications for the organization of the RAG proteins and the DNA substrates at the time of cleavage.
Energetic stability, oxidation states, and electronic structure of Bi-doped NaTaO3: a first-principles hybrid functional study.

We studied the defect formation energies, oxidation states of the dopants, and electronic structures of Bi-doped NaTaO3 using first-principles hybrid density functional theory calculations. Three possible structural models, including Bi-doped NaTaO3 with Bi at the Na site (Bi@Na), with Bi at the Ta site (Bi@Ta), and with Bi at both Na and Ta sites [Bi@(Na,Ta)], are constructed. Our results show that the preferred doping sites of Bi are strongly related to the preparation conditions of NaTaO3. It is energetically more favorable to form a Bi@Na structure under Na-poor conditions, to form a Bi@Ta structure under Na-rich conditions, and to form a Bi@(Na,Ta) structure under mildly Na-rich conditions. The Bi@Na doped model shows an n-type conducting character along with an expected blueshift of the optical absorption edge, in which the Bi atoms exist as Bi3+ (6s26p0). The Bi@Ta doped model has empty gap states consisting of Bi 6s states in its band gap, which can lead to visible-light absorption via the electron transition among the valence band, the conduction band, and the gap states. The Bi dopant is present as a Bi5+ ion in this model, consistent with the experimental results. In contrast, the Bi@(Na,Ta) doped model has occupied gap states consisting of Bi 6s states in its band gap, and thus visible-light absorption is also expected in this system due to electron excitation from these occupied states to the conduction band, in which the Bi dopants exist as Bi3+ ions. Our first-principles electronic structure calculations revealed the relationship between the Bi doping sites and the material preparation conditions, and clarified the oxidation states of Bi dopants in NaTaO3 as well as the origin of different visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution behaviors in Bi@Ta and Bi@(Na,Ta) doped NaTaO3. This work can provide a useful reference for preparing a Bi-doped NaTaO3 photocatalyst with desired doping sites.
Identification of putative ligand-binding sites of the integrin α4β1 (VLA-4, CD49d/CD29)

Integrin alpha 4 beta 1 recognizes both fibronectin (CS-1 sequence) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). To localize the ligand-binding sites of alpha 4, we located the epitopes for function-blocking anti-alpha 4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including those that recognize previously described (but not yet physically localized) functional epitopes (A, B1, B2 and C) using interspecies alpha 4 chimeras expressed in mammalian cells. Epitopes B1 and B2 were associated with ligand binding, and epitopes A and B2 with homotypic cellular aggregation. mAbs P4C2 (epitope B2), 20E4 and PS/2 were mapped within residues 108-182; mAbs HP2/1 (epitope B1), SG/73 and R1-2 within residues 195-268; mAbs HP1/3 (epitope A) and P4G9 within residues 1-52; and B5G10 (epitope C) within residues 269-548. The data suggest that residues 108-268, which do not include bivalent-cation-binding motifs, are related to VCAM-1 and CS-1 binding, and more N-terminal portions of alpha 4 (residues 1 and 52 and 108-182) to homotypic aggregation. Since mAbs PS/2 and HP2/1 block alpha 4 beta 7 binding to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), the MAdCAM-1-binding site is close to, or overlapping with, VCAM-1- and CS-1-binding sites. The role of Asp-130 of beta 1 in the binding to VCAM-1 and CS-1 peptide was examined. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing beta 1 (D130A) (Asp-130 to Ala mutant of beta 1) and alpha 4 showed much less binding to both ligands than CHO cells expressing wild-type beta 1 and alpha 4 [a dominant negative effects of beta 1 (D130A)], suggesting that Asp-130 of beta 1 is critical for binding to both ligands and that the two ligand share common binding mechanisms [corrected].
Moving Forward towards Standardized Analytical Methods for Extractables and Leachables Profiling Studies

This commentary considers the standardization of analytical methods used in extractables and leachables screening and proposes that method standardization is not the end goal but rather the necessary first step for enabling efficient, effective, robust, and consistent extractables and leachables profiling. Standardized methods are the platform upon which a knowledge set and a knowledge management process can be built, and it is the combination of the methods, the set, and the process that facilitates extractables and leachables profiling.
Is “Arming the Future” with Geoengineering Really the Lesser Evil? Some Doubts about the Ethics of Intentionally Manipulating the Climate System

The term geoengineering lacks a precise definition, but is widely held to imply the intentional manipulation of the environment on a global scale. Proposals to geoengineer our way out of the climate crisis have not achieved much traction in the last twenty years. But in 2006 the climate scientist Paul Crutzen, a Nobel Laureate, reignited the debate by arguing that so far our response to climate change has been so dismal that we should start preparing for the nightmare scenario where we are forced to choose between attempting geoengineering and allowing a catastrophe to occur. In such a scenario, Crutzen claims, geoengineering should be chosen as “the lesser evil.” Given this, he argues, we should start doing serious research now on how best to geoengineer, so that we can “arm the future” with the right technology. My main aim in this paper is to outline some of the ethical issues which complicate this argument for geoengineering. As a secondary matter, I argue for three more specific conclusions. First, the Arm the Future Argument assumes much that is contentious, and is overly narrow in its conclusions. Second, the Argument obscures much of what is at stake in the ethics of geoengineering, including what it means to call something an “evil,” and whether doing evil has further moral implications. Third, the Argument arises in a troubling context: climate change is a perfect moral storm. This implies that its role in the current debate should be viewed with suspicion.
A survey of network function placement

Ranging from web caches to firewalls, network functions play a critical role in modern networks. The emerging of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has recently gained wide attention from both industry and academia, also making the study of their placement a popular research topic. This paper surveys recent network function orchestration frameworks, and particularly the network function placement strategies. We identify their design considerations as well as the companion advantages and disadvantages for different placing strategies in this paper.
Physical relationship between canine factor VIII coagulant activity and factor VIII-related antigen

SummaryTwo of three insolubilized anti-canine FVIII systems removed similar amounts of VIII-C and VIII-RA from canine plasma. These data suggest that VIII-C and VIII-RA form part of one circulating complex.The authors thank Dr. W. P. Webster, Chapel Hill, N.C., for providing the canine hemophilia A plasma and Joanne E. Kull for her assistance in collecting canine plasma samples and immunizing the rabbits.
High-energy phosphate responses to tachycardia and inotropic stimulation in left ventricular hypertrophy

Spatially localized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to examine the effect of tachycardia and inotropic stimulation on myocardial ATP, creatine phosphate (CrP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in animals with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Studies were performed in eight normal dogs and seven dogs with moderate LVH produced by banding the ascending aorta. 31P-NMR spectra were obtained from five layers across the LV wall, while blood flow (BF) was measured with microspheres during control conditions, pacing at 200 and 240 beats/min, and during dobutamine infusion (Dob). Myocardial ATP and CrP levels were normal in the LVH hearts during control conditions. Pacing did not alter the transmural distribution of perfusion or the levels of CrP, ATP, and Pi in normal hearts. In contrast, in four of seven LVH hearts, pacing decreased the subendocardial/subepicardial (ENDO/EPI) BF ratio and caused depletion of CrP and appearance of Pi characteristic of ischemia in the subendocardium. Dob produced greater increases in the heart rate x LV systolic pressure product (RPP) and greater increases of Pi and decreases of CrP in LVH than in normal hearts; however, at comparable elevations of RPP the alterations of Pi and CrP were similar in both groups. Although Dob decreased the ENDO/EPI in LVH hearts, Dob-induced alterations in CrP and Pi were uniform across the LV wall. Increasing myocardial BF with adenosine or carbochromen did not reverse the alterations in Pi or CrP produced by Dob. We conclude that 1) ENDO perfusion abnormalities during tachycardia in LVH do produce ENDO subendocardial ischemia; 2) when the degree of augmentation of mechanical performance is considered, the metabolic changes induced by Dob were similar in normal and LVH hearts; 3) Dob-induced alterations in Pi and CrP were not related to inadequate perfusion, since increasing coronary BF did not reverse these changes; and 4) alterations of Pi and CrP during Dob infusion were not more prominent in the ENDO, indicating that the decreased ENDO/EPI flow did not cause ENDO ischemia but may reflect relatively lower O2 demands in this region during inotropic stimulation.
Electrothermal supercharging of proteins in native MS: effects of protein isoelectric point, buffer, and nanoESI-emitter tip size

The extent of charging resulting from electrothermal supercharging for protein ions formed from various buffered aqueous solutions using nanoESI emitters with tip diameters between ∼1.5 μm and ∼310 nm is compared. Charging increases with decreasing tip size for proteins that are positively charged in solution but not for proteins that are negatively charged in solution. These results suggest that Coulombic attraction between positively charged protein molecules and the negatively charged glass surfaces in the tips of the emitters causes destabilization and even unfolding of proteins prior to nanoESI. Coulombic attraction to the negatively charged glass surfaces does not occur for negatively charged proteins and the extent of charging with electrothermal supercharging decreases with decreasing tip size. Smaller droplets are formed with smaller tips, and these droplets have shorter lifetimes for protein unfolding with electrothermal supercharging to occur prior to gaseous ion formation. Results from this study demonstrate simple principles to consider in order to optimize the extent of charging obtained with electrothermal supercharging, which should be useful for obtaining more structural information in tandem mass spectrometry.
Perceptions of information security and privacy risks

Psychometric models have been developed and refined for measuring perception of risk of new technologies, these models, or a variation of them, have not been applied to understand the perceptions of information security and privacy risks. This work explores a research model for investigating information security and privacy security risks.
Alpha-Actinin Promotes Surface Localization and Ion Conducting Activity of the L-Type Ca2+ Channel by Binding to the IQ Region of CaV1.2

The voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.2 is crucial for initiating heart beat and control of a number of neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and long-term potentiation. Mutations of CaV1.2 subunits result in serious health problems including arrhythmia, autism, immunodeficiency, and hypoglycemia. Thus precise control of CaV1.2 surface expression and localization is essential. We previously reported that α-actinin associates and colocalizes with neuronal CaV1.2 channels and that shRNA-mediated depletion of α-actinin significantly reduced localization of endogenous CaV1.2 in dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons. Here we investigated the hypothesis that α-actinin interacts with CaV1.2 to support its surface expression. Using two-hybrid screens and pull down assays we identified three point mutations (K1647A, Y1649A, and I1654A) in the central, pore-forming subunit α11.2, which individually impaired α-actinin binding. CaV1.2 channels composed of corresponding α-actinin-binding-deficient mutants exhibited a reduction of 60-75% in current density. To determine whether these mutations also influenced the deposition of the channel to the plasma membrane, we employed surface biotinylation and flow cytometry. Whereas all three mutations did reduce surface expression, this reduction was much smaller (∼40%) than the reduction in current density. Taken together our work indicates that α-actinin not only stabilizes surface localization of CaV1.2 but also augments its ion conducting activity.
Extracellular Mitochondria and Mitochondrial Components Act as Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules in the Mouse Brain

Mitochondria and mitochondrial debris are found in the brain’s extracellular space, and extracellular mitochondrial components can act as damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules. To characterize the effects of potential mitochondrial DAMP molecules on neuroinflammation, we injected either isolated mitochondria or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into hippocampi of C57BL/6 mice and seven days later measured markers of inflammation. Brains injected with whole mitochondria showed increased Tnfα and decreased Trem2 mRNA, increased GFAP protein, and increased NFκB phosphorylation. Some of these effects were also observed in brains injected with mtDNA (decreased Trem2 mRNA, increased GFAP protein, and increased NFκB phosphorylation), and mtDNA injection also caused several unique changes including increased CSF1R protein and AKT phosphorylation. To further establish the potential relevance of this response to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a brain disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation we also measured App mRNA, APP protein, and Aβ1–42 levels. We found mitochondria (but not mtDNA) injections increased these parameters. Our data show that in the mouse brain extracellular mitochondria and its components can induce neuroinflammation, extracellular mtDNA or mtDNA-associated proteins can contribute to this effect, and mitochondria derived-DAMP molecules can influence AD-associated biomarkers.
Development of an O-Vinylation-Ring-Closing Metathesis Strategy to Access 3,3'-3,4-Dihydropyrans

Dihydropyrans are common structural motifs that appear in both natural products and pharmaceuticals and are intermediates for the synthesis of tetrahydropyrans. Currently, no reports exist in the literature for the synthesis of 3,3′-differentially disubstituted-3,4-dihydro-2-pyrans. We describe an approach employing abundant esters as starting materials that allows access to these heterocyclic scaffolds through a unique O-vinylation–RCM sequence.
Correlates and prognosis of early recurrence after catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia due to structural heart disease.

Background— Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) from structural heart disease has a significant risk of recurrence, but the optimal duration for in-hospital monitoring is not defined. This study assesses the timing, correlates, and prognostic significance of early VT recurrence after ablation. Methods and Results— Of 370 patients (313 men; aged 63.0±13.2 years) who underwent a first radiofrequency ablation for sustained monomorphic VT associated with structural heart disease from 2008 to 2012, sustained VT recurred in 81 patients (22%) within 7 days. In multivariable analysis, early recurrence was associated with New York Heart Association classification ≥III (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.48; P =0.04), dilated cardiomyopathy (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.03–3.57; P =0.04), prevalence of VT storm before the procedure (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.48–4.65; P =0.001), a greater number of induced VTs (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.45; P =0.006), and acute failure or no final induction test (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.40; P =0.04). During a median of 2.5 (1.2, 4.0) years of follow-up, early VT recurrence was an independent correlates of mortality (hazard ratio 2.59, 95% CI 1.52–4.34; P =0.0005). Conclusions— Patients who have early recurrences of VT after ablation are a high risk group who may be identifiable from their clinical profile. Further study is warranted to define the optimal treatment strategies for this patient group.
AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STATE PLAN1

The reasons for the Occupational Safety and Health Act are reviewed, including a brief summary of the Congressional action incident to passage of the Act. The declared purpose of Congress is delineated in the 13 ways proposed to achieve its purpose to assure, so far as possible, safe and healthful working conditions for every employee in America and to preserve this country's human resources. Coverage of the Act and some aspects of its implementation are considered. The basic consideration of developing and implementing a State Plan are outlined including some of the disconcerting problems involved.
Protein Footprinting Coupled with Mass Spectrometry for in vivo Protein Structural Analysis in C. elegans

In recent years the coupling of mass spectrometry with protein footprinting methods has provided a wealth of information on protein conformation as well as protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. Footprinting methods modify proteins with a label that does not alter protein structure. The labeling pattern, which is quantified by mass spectrometry, provides structural information on the protein. One such footprinting method, fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP) utilizes hydroxyl radicals to oxidatively modify solvent accessible sites in proteins. Recently, our lab demonstrated that FPOP can be performed in cells to directly report on proteins in their native cellular environment. We have further extended the use of FPOP for in vivo studies in C. elegans. C. elegans are nematodes that share similar genetics to humans owing to a common ancestor and can be used to study some mechanisms that occur in humans. We have optimized FPOP modification conditions to successfully oxidatively modify proteins within C. elegans. Because c. elegans are used as a model system for diseases such as a cancer, aging, and diabetes amongst others, this in vivo footprinting method could be valuable in studying the conformation of proteins and their interactions in disease states. Since mass spectrometry is used to detect and quantitate oxidation, information can be gathered on hundreds of proteins simultaneously further increasing the utility of the method.
CRT-800.03 Triple Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is Associated With Higher Mortality Rate

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) prescribing patterns for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients vary following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, there are limited data on the ideal antithrombotic treatment strategy and outcomes in the U.S. We evaluated AF patients on OAC who underwent
Response to Letter to the Editor of JBMR: Treatment Sequence Matters.

We thank Drs. Grey, Bolland and Cundy for their interest in our perspective entitled “Treatment Sequence matters: anabolic and antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis”(1) in which we support the concept that anabolic treatment should be considered first line for patients at high risk for fracture. Drs. Grey and colleagues argue that there is insufficient evidence to justify this recommendation. While we agree that randomized trials to confirm that anabolic therapies reduce hip fracture risk would be valuable, it is likely that we will never have such evidence; absence of this evidence does not mean that the medications are not effective. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Sensing NADH conformation using phasor analysis on fluorescence spectra

Phasor analysis on fluorescence signals is a sensitive approach for analyzing multicomponent systems. Initially developed for time-resolved measurements, a spectral version has been used for the rapid identification of regions during the spectral imaging of biological systems. Here we show that quantitative information regarding conformation can be obtained from phasor analysis of fluorescence spectrum shape. Methanol denaturation of NADH and NADH binding to various dehydrogenase proteins are used as model reactions. Thermodynamic constants are calculated and compared with previous studies based on more direct measures of conformation. Next, the quantitative monitoring of UV-excited autofluorescence spectrum shape during chemically-induced metabolic transitions is presented and discussed in terms of NADH-utilizing pathways. Results show how phasor analysis is useful in assessing two-state behavior, and in interpreting autofluorescence as emission from an ensemble of cellular NADH forms.
Perceived Social Support, Career Aspiration and School Engagement of First Generation Learners and Second Generation Learners

The term ‘first generation learners’ refers to students who are first ones in their entire family to go to school and receive an education. The present study is quantitative study which adopts a factorial design in which first-and second generation learners and gender are treated as the Independent Variables, and perceived social support and its dimensions, career aspirations and its dimensions and student school engagement and its dimensions are considered as Dependent Variables. The present study also adopts a correlational design to determine whether perceived social support and career aspirations predict student school engagement in first and second generation learners (girls and boys). Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 150 first generation learners and 150 second generation learners from Hyderabad. Results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups with respect to career aspirations, educational aspirations and leadership aspirations. Significant gender differences were observed with respect to belonging support and educational aspirations. Stepwise regression analyses showed that perceived social support and career aspirations and their dimensions are predictors of student school engagement and its dimensions in both first and second generation learners. Such results highlight the importance of formulating policies to improve the status of first generation learners, taking into consideration their economic status and other cultural and psychological aspects. Workshops for educationalists and school counsellors who may work closely with first-generation students should address issues that may be particularly relevant to this group.