cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highlighting Specific Patient Education Needs in an Aging Cardiac Population

Given the utility of a multifactoral approach to cardiac rehabilitation and the importance of tailoring such an approach to the needs of the specific cardiac population being treated, early assessment of targeted risk factors and health-related practices is becoming increasingly indicated. The present article describes how, by using a paper-and-pencil multiple-risk-factor assessment instrument referred to as the Heart Health Assessment Questionnaire, the specific educational needs of an aging veteran population were more clearly identified. Among the health areas found in need of particular attention were patient smoking behavior, medication education, and reported tension and worry over health problems. In addition, given the large unemployment rate within this population, the need for the adoption of activities such as physical exercise and hobbies that could have a positive impact on self-esteem and quality of life was strongly indicated. These and other findings are discussed in relation to the pivotal role of the health education professional for older cardiac populations.
Simulation using code-perturbation: black- and white-box approach

This paper presents a new approach in simulation-based hardware verification, which uses application programs as the test inputs. The approach perturbs the program-control-flow during the simulation to exhaust all branching possibilities in a verification program. It keeps the structure of the verification program at code-segment level and takes significantly less time than the straightforward simulation approach does. This approach can be further classified into two categories: the black-box approach and the white-box approach. The black-box approach can be applied to a wide range of programs. It is a cost-efficient method for verifying the integrated model of the hardware/software systems. On the other hand, the white-box approach can be used to retain the correct software state (the hardware state seen by the software) during a simulation.
Using Opportunistic CSMA/CA to Achieve Multi-User Diversity in Wireless LAN

The throughput of an IEEE 802.11 network decreases as the number of users increases because of the increased collision probability. To improve the throughput with a large population, this paper presents an opportunistic CSMA/CA scheme that exploits multi-user diversity, while maintaining backward compatibility with the IEEE 802.11 medium access control. This method prioritizes those users having high signal-to-noise-ratio by granting earlier access to these users. A simple randomization is proposed to prevent the repeated collisions of same users caused by this prioritization. The simulation results show that the proposed method improves the throughput by as much as 100% with a large population.
Globally optimized robust systems to overcome scaled CMOS reliability challenges

Future system design methodologies must accept the fact that the underlying hardware will be imperfect, and enable design of robust systems that are resilient to hardware imperfections. Three techniques that can enable a sea change in robust system design are: 1. built-in soft error resilience (BISER), 2. circuit failure prediction, and 3. concurrent autonomous self-test using stored patterns (CASP). Global optimization across multiple abstraction layers is essential for cost-effective robust system design using these techniques.
A REVIEW OF INTERLANGUAGE SYNTAX: LANGUAGE TRANSFER AND LANGUAGE UNIVERSALS

In attempting to come to an understanding of the processes involved in acquiring the syntax of a second language, it has become evident that we must consider generalizations and approximations of target language (TL) structures.1 However, it is also clear that an explanatory account of L2 acquisition cannot be given on the basis of the TL alone. There are additional factors that shape the progress of development. Two major ones have been suggested: language transfer and language universals. The former has a long history and tradition (cf. Gass and Selinker 1983 for a discussion), while the second has only recently begun to attract attention. In this paper I will review the separate literature of each of these areas and show that both are important not only as single shaping factors, but also as interacting ones.
International Travel with Infants and Children

1. Timothy Cornell, MD 1. Moses Cone Health System Greensboro, NC Traveling with Infants and Young Children. Part I: Anticipatory Guidance: Travel Preparation and Preventive Health Advice. Stauffer WM, Konop RJ, Kamat DJ. Travel Med. 2001;8 :254– 259[OpenUrl][1] Traveling with Infants and Young Children. Part II: Immunizations. Stauffer WM, Kamat D. Travel Med. 2002;9 :82– 90[OpenUrl][2] Traveling with Infants and Young Children. Part III: Travelers’ Diarrhea. Stauffer WM, Konop RJ, Kamat DJ. Travel Med. 2002;9 :141– 150 Health care practitioners need to discuss issues regarding trip preparations as well as measures to prevent illnesses when families are planning international travel with infants and children. Families should allow ample time to secure appropriate travel documents, to contact health insurance plans regarding coverage while traveling (including where to go for health care if needed), and to compile a list of important contacts and phone numbers (eg, American consulate or embassy) for each country of travel. Older children should be involved in the planning stages of the trip and may understand the cultural differences better if exposed to books, music, or videos about the places where they will be going. Younger children also can benefit from this preparation and may need familiar objects to decrease the stress of traveling. Finally, parents should be advised to expect changes in daily routines and eating habits. With appropriate planning, families will have a … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DTravel%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D8%26rft.spage%253D254%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DTravel%2BMed.%26rft.volume%253D9%26rft.spage%253D82%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Role of Na-K-ATPase in the assembly of tight junctions

Na-K-ATPase, also known as the sodium pump, is a crucial enzyme that regulates intracellular sodium homeostasis in mammalian cells. In epithelial cells Na-K-ATPase function is also involved in the formation of tight junctions through RhoA GTPase and stress fibers. In this review, a new two-step model for the assembly of tight junctions is proposed: step 1, an E-cadherin-dependent formation of partial tight junction strands and of the circumferential actin ring; and step 2, active actin polymerization-dependent tethering of tight junction strands to form functional tight junctions, an event requiring normal function of Na-K-ATPase in epithelial cells. A new role for stress fibers in the assembly of tight junctions is proposed. Also, implications of Na-K-ATPase function on tight junction assembly in diseases such as cancer, ischemia, hypomagnesemia, and polycystic kidney disease are discussed.
Bayesian dynamic modeling of latent trait distributions

SUMMARY Studies of latent traits often collect data for multiple items measuring different aspects of the trait. For such data, it is common to consider models in which the different items are manifestations of a normal latent variable, which depends on covariates through a linear regression model. This article proposes a flexible Bayesian alternative in which the unknown latent variable density can change dynamically in location and shape across levels of a predictor. Scale mixtures of underlying normals are used in order to model flexibly the measurement errors and allow mixed categorical and continuous scales. A dynamic mixture of Dirichlet processes is used to characterize the latent response distributions. Posterior computation proceeds via a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, with predictive densities used as a basis for inferences and evaluation of model fit. The methods are illustrated using data from a study of DNA damage in response to oxidative stress.
Gene network reconstruction from transcriptional dynamics under kinetic model uncertainty

Motivation: Measurements of gene expression over time enable the reconstruction of transcriptional networks. However, Bayesian networks and many other current reconstruction methods rely on assumptions that conflict with the differential equations that describe transcriptional kinetics. Practical approximations of kinetic models would enable inferring causal relationships between genes from expression data of microarray, tag-based and conventional platforms, but conclusions are sensitive to the assumptions made. Results: The representation of a sufficiently large portion of genome enables computation of an upper bound on how much confidence one may place in influences between genes on the basis of expression data. Information about which genes encode transcription factors is not necessary but may be incorporated if available. The methodology is generalized to cover cases in which expression measurements are missing for many of the genes that might control the transcription of the genes of interest. The assumption that the gene expression level is roughly proportional to the rate of translation led to better empirical performance than did either the assumption that the gene expression level is roughly proportional to the protein level or the Bayesian model average of both assumptions. Availability: http://www.oisb.ca points to R code implementing the methods (R Development Core Team 2004). Contact: dbickel@uottawa.ca Supplementary information: http://www.davidbickel.com
The effects of shear and normal deformations in circular cylindrical containers loaded axis-symmetrically

Abstract The effects of shear and normal deformations on an axis-symmetrically-loaded circular container are investigated using the mathematical exact theory developed by Zerna. A container which is built-in at both ends and subjected to uniform pressure is analyzed by the mathematical exact theory and the classical shell theory. The magnitudes of the moments at the built-in ends are compared for the cases t R = 1 5 , 1 30 .
Cross-platform testing and maintenance of web and mobile applications

Modern software applications are expected to run on a variety of web and mobile platforms with diverse software and hardware level features. Thus, developers of such software need to duplicate the testing and maintenance effort on a wide range of platforms. Often developers are not able to cope with this increasing demand. Thus, they release software that is broken on certain platforms affecting a class of customers using such platforms. The goal of my work is to improve the testing and maintenance of cross-platform applications by developing automated techniques for matching such applications across the different platforms.
Priming effect of antismoking PSAs on smoking behaviour: a pilot study

Objective Social marketing is commonly proposed to counteract advertising and other messages that promote unhealthy products. However, public service campaigns can also ‘boomerang’ or ironically increase the unhealthy behaviours they are designed to discourage. The present study examined whether antismoking public service announcements (PSAs) could increase smoking behaviour immediately following exposure. Methods In an experimental study, 56 smokers were randomly assigned to watch a short television segment with a commercial break that included either (1) a Philip Morris ‘QuitAssist’ PSA; (2) a Legacy ‘truth’ antismoking PSA; or (3) a control PSA. Smoking behaviour was assessed during a short break immediately following television viewing. Results Participants who saw the Philip Morris antismoking PSA were significantly more likely to smoke during a break (42%) compared with participants in the control condition (11%), and participants in the ‘truth’ condition were marginally more likely to smoke (33%). These differences could not be explained by factors such as mood or level of addiction, and effects occurred outside of participants’ conscious awareness. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence that antismoking campaigns could ironically increase immediate smoking behaviours among smokers. The long-term benefits of proven public health campaigns, including ‘truth,’ are likely to outweigh any short-term boomerang effects. However, industrysponsored messages in which companies have an economic incentive to increase consumption behaviours should be treated with scepticism and evaluated independently.
Modulation of Intestinal Barrier and Bacterial Endotoxin Production Contributes to the Beneficial Effect of Nicotinic Acid on Alcohol-Induced Endotoxemia and Hepatic Inflammation in Rats

Alcohol consumption causes nicotinic acid deficiency. The present study was undertaken to determine whether dietary nicotinic acid supplementation provides beneficial effects on alcohol-induced endotoxin signaling and the possible mechanisms at the gut-liver axis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing ethanol or isocaloric maltose dextrin for eight weeks, with or without dietary supplementation with 750 mg/liter nicotinic acid. Chronic alcohol feeding elevated the plasma endotoxin level and activated hepatic endotoxin signaling cascade, which were attenuated by nicotinic acid supplementation. Alcohol consumption remarkably decreased the mRNA levels of claudin-1, claudin-5, and ZO-1 in the distal intestine, whereas nicotinic acid significantly up-regulated these genes. The concentrations of endotoxin, ethanol, and acetaldehyde in the intestinal contents were increased by alcohol exposure, and niacin supplementation reduced the intestinal endotoxin and acetaldehyde levels. Nicotinic acid supplementation upregulated the intestinal genes involved in aldehyde detoxification via transcriptional regulation. These results demonstrate that modulation of the intestinal barrier function and bacterial endotoxin production accounts for the inhibitory effects of nicotinic acid on alcohol-induced endotoxemia and hepatic inflammation.
A comparison of procrystal and ab initio model representations of the electron-density distributions of minerals

The procrystal calculation of the electron density is a very rapid procedure that offers a quick way to analyze various bonding properties of a crystal. This study explores the extent to which the positions, number, and properties of bond-critical points determined from the procrystal representations of the electron density for minerals are similar to those of first-principles ab initio model distributions. The purpose of the study is to determine the limits imposed upon interpretation of the procrystal electron density. Procrystal calculations of the electron density for more than 300 MO bonds in crystals were compared with those previously calculated using CRYSTAL98 and TOPOND software. For every bond-critical point found in the ab initio calculations, an equivalent one was also found in the procrystal model, with similar magnitudes of electron density, and at similar positions along the bonds. The curvatures of the electron densities obtained from the ab initio and the procrystal distributions are highly correlated. It is concluded that the procrystal distributions are capable of providing good estimates of the bonded radii of the atoms and the properties of the electron-density distributions at the bond-critical points. Because the procrystal model is so fast to compute, it is especially useful in addressing the question as to whether a pair of atoms is bonded or not. If the Bader criteria for bonding are accepted, then the successful generation of the bond-critical points by the procrystal model demonstrates that bonding is an atomic feature. The main difference between the critical-point properties of the procrystal and the ab initio model is that the curvature in the electron density perpendicular to the bond path of the ab initio model is sharper than for the procrystal model. This is interpreted as indicating that the electrons that migrate into a bond originate from its sides, and not from the regions closer to the nuclei. This observation also suggests that ab initio optimization routines could see an improvement in speed if the parameters relating to the angular components of atomic wave functions were to vary before the radial components.
Efficiency in the Market for REITs: Further Evidence

Executive Summary. This paper tests the efficiency of the market for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) from 1972 to the present. The data is segmented chronologically to take into account the effect of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the effect of the explosive growth in market capitalization that began in the early 1990s. The findings indicate that efficiency increases over time for Equity REITs and the Russell 2000 Index of small capitalization stocks. Some predictability, but not necessarily inefficiency, persists for Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs.
Controversies in the management of craniosynostosis at an advanced age

In this study, we describe a cohort of patients with a delayed presentation of non-syndromic craniosynostosis.
Archival Training in the Land of Muller, Feith, and Fruin: The Dutch National Archives School

Historique de l'archivistique neerlandaise et de la profession d'archiviste aux Pays-Bas. Presentation de l'Ecole nationale d'archives, de son cursus et des stages en entreprise. Description de l'inventoriage realise par l'auteur a la branche provinciale d'Utrecht des Archives Nationales. Synthese de reflexions sur la theorie archivistique
Thyroid hormone-induced stimulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase gene is inhibited by LIF and IL-6

We investigated the effects of the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on 3,3′, 5-triiodo-l-thyronine, or thyroid hormone (T3)-stimulated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SE...
Global Land Surface Extremes of Precipitation: Data Limitations and Trends

The lack of ready availability of daily precipitation data is a barrier to global analyses of long-term trends in extreme precipitation over land areas. Good availability of station data in the readily accessible Global Historical Climatological Network dataset is concentrated in Northern Hemisphere (NH) mid and high latitudes. The NH subtropics, the tropics, and Southern Hemisphere land areas are not well represented in this dataset. Our analysis of global trends for 1951–2014 spans a transition from slowly increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the 1950s to accelerating increases after the 1960s. We have examined common metrics as well as ones that are more extreme than what is typically studied and thus are more relevant to engineering applications. The area of increasing trends is approximately 1.5–2 times the area of decreasing trends for all of the metrics. These results show an increase at mid and high latitudes with a high level of confidence. Some areas with predominantly downward trends include western North America, the east and west coasts of Australia, and the Mediterranean Sea region. Recent studies on extreme precipitation have added to our knowledge of historical trends for selected regions. A number of studies for regions in China indicate a mix of upward and downward trends, but dominated by upward trends. Trends for India are not consistent among studies and thus no clear statement can be made. Studies for Africa are of limited use because the periods of analysis are shorter (due to lack of data availability) and thus cannot be directly compared with other regions. Overall, these recent regional studies do not cover sufficient area to make any general statements for zonal belts outside the NH mid and high latitudes.
Locomotor rating of young men investigated in a clinical kinesiologic screening.

Diminished capacity for physical activity results from the reduction of the locomotor activity of our population, and young people in particular. On the basis of a mass screening study of their clinico-kinesiologic status using an author's method, functional assessment of this status was made employing an author's own constellation, and the term locomotor insufficiency was put forward. In the present article 469 young people aged 17-26 were rated according to the results of the study of 57 objective and subjective clinico-kinesiologic parameters summarized in indices used in the assessment of the locomotor insufficiency. The study revealed a disturbing tendency towards deterioration of the general clinico-kinesiologic condition and muscle imbalance in the investigated young people. Some of categories, such as profession, level of disability, or engagement in sports, demonstrated relation to the parameters which make up the system for assessment of the locomotor insufficiency linked globally and segmentarily with the other systems of the body. Language: en
Otolith biochronologies reveal latitudinal differences in growth of Bering Sea yellowfin sole Limanda aspera

Annual growth patterns in the hard parts of marine organisms are often related to factors in the physical environment; investigators are increasingly borrowing methods from the field of dendrochronology (tree-ring science) to explore these relationships. When applied to otoliths of yellowfin sole Limanda aspera, an abundant and commercially important flatfish, this approach has demonstrated a strong positive correlation between otolith growth and bottom temperature in the southeastern Bering Sea. In the present study, we assess whether the biochronology–growth relationship extends to yellowfin sole collected at higher latitudes. Two new northern Bering Sea biochronologies, one from the Bering Strait region and one near St. Matthew Island, were developed and compared with the southeastern Bering Sea biochronology using mixed effects modeling. Despite large distances (up to 600 km), a high degree of synchrony was observed among all three chronologies. However, subtle differences in growth among the three regions were revealed upon closer examination. The relative amplitude of otolith growth differed among the three chronologies, with stronger negative anomalies in the south and stronger positive anomalies in the north. Differences in average length at age were also detected, with fish growing slower to greater lengths at higher latitudes. Lastly, the Bering Strait biochronology had the weakest and most localized relationships with climate variables, suggesting effects of climate may not be felt uniformly across the regions examined. Biochronologies may thus provide a useful tool in evaluating potential biological responses to projected climate change across a species’ range.
A Commutator Formula for a Pair of Subgroups and A Theorem of Blackburn

Let be the lower central series of a group G, where K2(G) = [G, G] and inductively Kn+1(G) = [Kn (G), G]. A theorem of Blackburn ([1], Hilfssatz) states that Theorem 1. The exponent of Kn+1 (G)/Kn+2 (G) divides the exponent of Kn (G)/Kn+1 (G).
Elucidating the Nanoscale Structure of Dinosaur Bone

Bone is an important material in many scientific disciplines because of its unique structure-property relationships, which are intrinsically dependent on its nanoscale components, bioapatite and collagen. As a living tissue, bone has evolved over hundreds of millions of years, and most vertebrates are now extinct. However, the vast majority of the relevant literature has engaged only modern bone tissues, neglecting the deep time perspective. Why?
The integrity of mammary alveolar cells in two consecutive lactations.

SummaryDirect evidence is provided of alveolar cell carry-over from day 3 of the first lactation to days 4 and 41 of second lactation in rats which were pregnant during the first lactation. Rats with a nonlactating period prior to the second parturition had fewer alveolar cells carried-over to the second lactation but had a greater proliferation of alveolar cells following the second parturition than did rats without a nonlactating period.
Myotrophic activity of 19-nortestosterone and other steroids determined by modified levator ani muscle method.

SummaryAn 8-day rat levator ani muscle assay for myotrophic activity is presented. Preliminary steroid screening results indicate that 19-nortestosterone and other 19-nor analogs of androgens promise to be effective protein-anabolic, and relatively weak androgenic agents. Using the same dose levels of 19-nortestosterone and testosterone, equal myotrophic responses were produced, yet 19-nortestosterone showed only weak androgenic activity and testosterone exhibited strong androgenic activity. Androsterone possesses relatively strong androgenic and only weak myotrophic activity.
THE RISE, FALL, AND POSSIBLE TRANSFIGURATION OF TRIANGLE GEOMETRY: A MINI-HISTORY

(1995). The Rise, Fall, and Possible Transfiguration of Triangle Geometry: A Mini-history. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 102, No. 3, pp. 204-214.
Optimal dynamics uncertainty reduction in gene networks in the presence of experimental error

We present an experimental design method for choosing optimal experiments to reduce dynamics uncertainty in dynamical gene networks. The method, takes into account both the modeling objective and the experimental error.
Toward Forgiveness: Arendt’s Banality of Evil

This essay employs Hannah Arendt’s idea of banal evil from Eichmann in Jerusalem (1963) as a possible route to understanding or forgiving violent crimes. Through the mechanism of empathy, Arendt’s concept of the banality of evil may facilitate conceptions of forgiveness, despite Arendt’s resistance to forgiveness of serious offenses. If we can see perpetrators as unthinking, rather than as demonically or maniacally evil, we might be able make space for forgiveness by attempting to understand their motivations for complying with the violent order and committing their crimes. Arendt is in a way writing a warning to humankind: Eichmann’s banality of evil could potentially manifest itself in any human who ceases to think; anyone could be evil. Perhaps if victims understood or empathized with the human process by which one is transformed from a human to an inhuman killing machine as a bureaucratic and banal process that could happen to anyone, they would more readily consider forgiveness. Here, the opening banality gives to forgiveness can facilitate a reconsideration of Arendt’s restriction of forgiveness to minor offenses only, especially in light of recent atrocities.
Periplasmic Cytophaga hutchinsonii Endoglucanases Are Required for Use of Crystalline Cellulose as the Sole Source of Carbon and Energy.

ABSTRACT The soil bacterium Cytophaga hutchinsonii actively digests crystalline cellulose by a poorly understood mechanism. Genome analyses identified nine genes predicted to encode endoglucanases with roles in this process. No predicted cellobiohydrolases, which are usually involved in the utilization of crystalline cellulose, were identified. Chromosomal deletions were performed in eight of the endoglucanase-encoding genes: cel5A, cel5B, cel5C, cel9A, cel9B, cel9C, cel9E, and cel9F. Each mutant retained the ability to digest crystalline cellulose, although the deletion of cel9C caused a modest decrease in cellulose utilization. Strains with multiple deletions were constructed to identify the critical cellulases. Cells of a mutant lacking both cel5B and cel9C were completely deficient in growth on cellulose. Cell fractionation and biochemical analyses indicate that Cel5B and Cel9C are periplasmic nonprocessive endoglucanases. The requirement of periplasmic endoglucanases for cellulose utilization suggests that cellodextrins are transported across the outer membrane during this process. Bioinformatic analyses predict that Cel5A, Cel9A, Cel9B, Cel9D, and Cel9E are secreted across the outer membrane by the type IX secretion system, which has been linked to cellulose utilization. These secreted endoglucanases may perform the initial digestion within amorphous regions on the cellulose fibers, releasing oligomers that are transported into the periplasm for further digestion by Cel5B and Cel9C. The results suggest that both cell surface and periplasmic endoglucanases are required for the growth of C. hutchinsonii on cellulose and that novel cell surface proteins may solubilize and transport cellodextrins across the outer membrane. IMPORTANCE The bacterium Cytophaga hutchinsonii digests crystalline cellulose by an unknown mechanism. It lacks processive cellobiohydrolases that are often involved in cellulose digestion. Critical cellulolytic enzymes were identified by genetic analyses. Intracellular (periplasmic) nonprocessive endoglucanases performed an important role in cellulose utilization. The results suggest a model involving partial digestion at the cell surface, solubilization and uptake of cellodextrins across the outer membrane by an unknown mechanism, and further digestion within the periplasm. The ability to sequester cellodextrins and digest them intracellularly may limit losses of soluble cellobiose to other organisms. C. hutchinsonii uses an unusual approach to digest cellulose and is a potential source of novel proteins to increase the efficiency of conversion of cellulose into soluble sugars and biofuels.
The Nationalist-Communist Resistance

The Viet Minh, which led the successful anticolonial movement, came from a tradition of anticolonial activism which was continuous throughout the period of French rule. Although it did not gain a forceful cohesiveness until after 1930, the anticolonial movement ceaselessly carried on the Vietnamese tradition of nationalistic action against foreign domination. The early resistance of the peasants took the form of revolts against high taxes and lack of food and non-participation in French governing institutions at the village level. The most long-lasting violent resistance to French takeover was on the part of a peasant insurrection movement in the northern part of Vietnam which was led by De Tham. This movement actually held out until 1916, nineteen years after the scholar-gentry’s resistance to the imposition of colonialism had been destroyed.1
OFDM over mm-Wave OAM Channels in a Multipath Environment with Intersymbol Interference

This paper reports an experimental investigation of using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on orbital-angular momentum (OAM) channels when there is intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by multipath effects. The impulse response measurement indicates that due to the divergence of OAM beams, channels of larger OAM number are more affected by the ISI caused the reflections from surrounding objects. Channel performance of three different OAM numbers l = 0, +1 and +3 are studied. When a single QPSK channel is used, the more channel performance degradation in term of BER and EVM is observed for higher OAM channels. OFDM with 4 sub-carriers is used on the OAM channels to help reduce the ISI and improve the channel performance to some extent.
An NPPB Promoter Polymorphism Associated With Elevated N-Terminal pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Lower Blood Pressure, Hypertension, and Mortality.

BackgroundElevated B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are associated with heart failure and increased mortality in the general population. We investigated rs198389, a functional variant in the...
Presentation and Outcomes of Localized Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis: The Mayo Clinic Experience

Abstract Objective To describe treatment types, outcomes, and relapse patterns in patients with localized immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL L ). Patients and Methods We included all patients with AL L seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1, 1968, through June 30, 2014. The diagnosis of AL L was predicated on the presence of a Congo red–positive biopsy specimen and negative serum and urine immunofixation. Treatment response categories were response, stability, and progression. Localized and systemic progressions were defined as progression of disease at the site of origin or appearance of clonal plasma cells in a bone marrow biopsy sample, respectively. Results Of 5551 patients with AL, 413 (7%) had AL L . The most common site involved was urothelial tissue (n=85, 21%), followed by the larynx (n=57, 14%). Coexisting autoimmune diseases were reported in 7% of patients (n=28). The most common first-line treatment was excision of the amyloid deposits (61%), followed by observation or supportive care (28%). When considering symptomatic patients only (n=284), 205 (72%) improved, 23 (8%) had stable disease, and 55 (19%) could not be evaluated for response. Ten-year survival was 78% and was not different from that of the general population. There were no systemic progressions, but 17% of patients (n=72) had localized progression. Conclusion Localized AL is associated with a relatively distinct pattern of organ involvement. The initial laboratory evaluation to exclude systemic disease could be limited to serum and urine immunofixation in most patients. Recurrence after first-line therapy is common, but long-term outcomes are excellent.
Le paysage de la décolonisation de la métropole Hong Kong-Macao

Les facteurs apolitiques qui dirigent la mondialisation de l'economie sont en train de brutalement detruire l'architecture vernaculaire chinoise ainsi que le riche symbolisme lie a l'amenagement traditionnel du paysage. Le but de cet article est plus precisement de proposer une description des effets sur l'environnement du retour a la Chine des dernieres colonies europeennes en Asie orientale.
Design Forms and Pupil Mangement for a High Resolution, Long Working Distance Zooming Microscope

A high resolution, long working distance zooming microscope of two design forms is compared: 1. a zoomed afocal system is paired with a fixed focal length objective and a fixed focal length tube lens and 2. an objective is zoomed and paired with a fixed focal length tube lens.
Towards Answer Set Programming with Sorts

Existing ASP languages lack support for conveniently specifying objects, their sorts and the sorts of the parameters of relations in an application domain. However, such support may allow a programmer to better structure the program, to automatically determine some syntax and semantic errors and to avoid thinking about safety of ASP rules -- non-declarative conditions on rules required by existing ASP systems. In this paper, we define the syntax and semantics of a knowledge representation language $\mathcal{SPARC}$ which offers explicit constructs to specify objects, relations, and their sorts. The language expands CR-Prolog -- an extension of ASP by consistency restoring rules. We introduce an implementation of $\mathcal{SPARC}$ based on its translation to DLV with weak constraints. A syntax checking algorithm helps to avoid errors related to misspellings as well as simple type errors. Another type checking algorithm flags program rules which, due to type conflicts, have no ground instantiations.
Educational Psychology: The Master Science 1

This chapter suggests that in agreement with several contemporary educational psychologists, how educational psychology can be reestablished as a master science and, thus, can be assured a future as promising as anticipated by its pioneers. The discipline of educational psychology is indebted to Locke for establishing "empiricism" as a criterion for testing the validity of knowledge, and thereby, for providing a conceptual framework for the later development of experimental methodology in the natural and social sciences. During the past century events indicate that when educational psychology emerged eventually as a relatively independent discipline, its nineteenth-century founders abandoned the modus operandi that "got them there" in favor of professional responses that have brought the discipline to the brink of disintegration. The chapter describes three distinct consequences—withdrawal, fractionation, and cries of irrelevance—that arose from the narrow, restrictive perspective toward both substance and methodology that many members of the profession adopted during twentieth century.
Validation of the English Version of the Multimodal Assessment of Capacities in Severe Dementia (MAC-SD): A Cognitive and Functional Scale for Use in Severe Dementia.

Background Most existing screening instruments that assess cognition and functioning in dementia suffer from floor effects, limiting their utility in severely demented patients. In 2015, the first author devised a new instrument, The Multimodal Assessment of Capacities in Severe Dementia (MAC-SD), to address this need. The MAC-SD Spanish version proved reliable, valid, and useful for evaluating patients with severe dementia. Objective This report presents the results of a field trial of the English version of the MAC-SD in a U.S. population. Methods The MAC-SD was administered to 40 participants with severe dementia along with gold standard measures of cognition and functioning in dementia (the Severe Mini-Mental State Exam, the Severe Impairment Battery, the Global Deterioration Scale, and the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living). Data analysis was performed to determine floor effects, reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, and clinical usefulness. Results The MAC-SD showed no significant floor effects, acceptable reliability, convergent validity with control measures, internal validity, and known groups validity. Of participants who scored the lowest possible on control measures, MAC-SD scores ranged widely. The MAC-SD was highly sensitive to change, and was able to detect changes not seen on control measures. Conclusions The MAC-SD English version is reliable and valid for use in the cognitive and functional assessment of patients with severe dementia. It gives more detailed information than control instruments about the cognitive and functional abilities of patients with the most severe dementia, and is able to detect changes in these patients not shown by control measures.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Salicylic Acid and Copper Salicylate in Rats

The objective of this study was to provide a basic understanding of the effect of complexation with copper on the pharmacokinetics of salicylic acid (SA). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250–300 gms) received an I.V. dose of either SA or copper-salicylate complex, (Cu-SA) (10 mg/kg of SA) in a randomized balanced crossover fashion. Based on free copper ion measurements, the amount of intact complex in the vehicle used to prepare the drug solution for injection ranged between 68.4 and 76.6%. Serial blood samples (100 ul) were drawn for 12 hours post administration. Plasma samples were analyzed for SA by reversed phase HPLC on a C-18 column with U.V. detection at 237 nm. The SA concentration-time profiles were similar up to the first 90 minutes for both treatments. For the remainder of the sampling period, SA concentrations were consistently lower where the animals had received Cu-SA. In rats (n=5) injected with Cu-SA, SA declined monoexponentially with an elimination rate constant (mean ± SD) of 0.0108 ± 0.00146 min-1, a plasma clearance of 2.15 ± 0.621 ml/(min kg) and a Vd of 188.2 ± 38.67 ml/kg. In contrast, rats injected with SA showed a biexponential decline of the drug with a 3 of 0.00475 ± 0.00144 min-1, plasma clearance of 1.08 ± 0.153 ml/(min-kg) and Vd(3) of 243.4 ± 44.96 ml/kg. Non-com-partmental analysis of SA concentration-time data following Cu-SA administration gave Vd(SS) and MRT values of 190.5 ± 31.81 ml/kg and 92.29 ± 9.279 min, respectively. The corresponding values after SA administration were 232.9 ± 40.17 ml/kg and 211.7 ± 73.88 min. Differences in the terminal rate constants, volumes of distribution (Vd(β)), clearances and MRT between the two treatments were significant (p<0.05).
Spin relaxation and proximity effect in WS2/graphene/fluorographene non-local spin valves

Abstract The mechanisms leading to spin relaxation in graphene and its heterostructures continue to be debated. Control of the spin relaxation in graphene-based structures is necessary to achieve the envisioned utility of graphene in future spintronic devices beyond Moore's law. Proximity induced spin relaxation caused by contact to a high spin-orbit material, such as WS2, offers a promising avenue to manipulate the spin lifetime. We demonstrate the operation of WS2/graphene/fluorographene non-local spin valves and extract the spin lifetimes for a range of carrier concentrations by Hanle effect measurements. Four-terminal charge transport measurements allow us to calculate the momentum relaxation time as a function of carrier concentration and compare it to the spin lifetime. These data show that the D'yakonov-Perel’ mechanism is the dominant spin relaxation mechanism for WS2/graphene/fluorographene devices, while, for reference graphene/fluorographene devices, linear scaling between the spin and momentum lifetimes points to spin-flip scattering during strong elastic scattering events where the scattering event is strongly coupled to the electron spin. We attribute the change in spin relaxation type in part with the inclusion of WS2 as a substrate to proximity induced spin-orbit coupling due to the adjacent WS2 layer, and we compare our data to the literature.
Identification of risk factors for failure in patients with skin and soft tissue infections.

Abstract Purpose The purpose was to determine significant predictors of treatment failure of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients treated between January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2016 with ICD-9 or ICD-10 code of cellulitis or abscess. The primary outcome was failure defined as an additional prescription or subsequent hospital admission within 30 days of treatment. Risk factors for failure were identified through multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 541 patients were included. Seventeen percent failed treatment. In the outpatient group, 24% failed treatment compared to 9% for inpatients. Overweight/obesity (body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2) was identified in 80%, with 15% having a BMI >40 kg/m2. BMI, heart failure, and outpatient treatment were determined to be significant predictors of failure. The unit odds ratio for failure with BMI was 1.04 (95% [Cl] = 1.01 to 1.1, p = 0.0042). Heart failure increased odds by 2.48 (95% [Cl] = 1.3 to 4.7, p = 0.0056). Outpatients were more likely to fail with an odds ratio of 3.36. Conclusion Patients with an elevated BMI and heart failure were found to have increased odds of failure with treatment for SSTIs. However, inpatients had considerably less risk of failure than outpatients. These risk factors are important to note when making the decision whether to admit a patient who presents with SSTI in the emergency department. Thoughtful strategies are needed with this at-risk population to prevent subsequent admission.
Preferred Clinician Communication About Stopping Cancer Screening Among Older US Adults: Results From a National Survey.

This cross-sectional survey study investigates how older US adults want their health care clinicians to frame discussions about stopping routine cancer screening.
Simultaneous single-item auctions

In a combinatorial auction (CA) with item bidding, several goods are sold simultaneously via single-item auctions. We study how the equilibrium performance of such an auction depends on the choice of the underlying single-item auction. We provide a thorough understanding of the price of anarchy, as a function of the single-item auction payment rule. When the payment rule depends on the winner's bid, as in a first-price auction, we characterize the worst-case price of anarchy in the corresponding CAs with item bidding in terms of a sensitivity measure of the payment rule. As a corollary, we show that equilibrium existence guarantees broader than that of the first-price rule can only be achieved by sacrificing its property of having only fully efficient (pure) Nash equilibria. For payment rules that are independent of the winner's bid, we prove a strong optimality result for the canonical second-price auction. First, its set of pure Nash equilibria is always a superset of that of every other payment rule. Despite this, its worst-case POA is no worse than that of any other payment rule that is independent of the winner's bid.
Issues and Strategies for Hyperbolic Problems with Stiff Source Terms

Fluid flow becomes much more complicated when the physical, thermodynamic, or chemical state of the fluid is influenced by events in the flow. Typically, there is an equilibrium state toward which the fluid tends, and the governing equations have the form $${{u}_{t}} + {{F}_{x}} = Q(u)/\tau ,$$ (1) where u is an extended set of variables incorporating additional degrees of freedom, F(u)is a flux function, Q(u) is a source term that vanishes in the equilibrium state, and τ is a relaxation time. In practice, there may be several such times and these could be of similar or disparate magnitudes. It is relatively straightforward to incorporate the source term(s) into standard methods for solving the homogeneous problem, unless τ happens to be much smaller than the residence time △x/u of a particle in a computational cell. The relaxation is then too fast to be followed accurately on the time scale of the flow calculation, and the problem is said to be under-resolved or stiff. Stiff problems frequently arise in Computational Fluid Dynamics when attempting to model rapid chemical reactions or strong departure from thermodynamic equilibrium, but as yet there has been little by way of systematic method development directed toward them.
Characterization of Prostaglandin H Synthase 2 Deficient Mice and Implications for Mechanisms of NSAID Action

The prostaglandins (PGs) are a diverse group of autocrine and paracrine hormones that mediate many cellular and physiologic processes. Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) is an obligate intermediate in the formation of all prostaglandins (Vane and Robertson, 1974). Prostaglandin synthase, an enzyme with two known isoforms, catalyzes formation of PGH2 from arachidonic acid (AA). The two prostaglandin H synthase isoforms are cyclooxy-genase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); the respective genes in the mouse are Ptgs1 and Ptgs2. These prostaglandin H synthases are thought to be the primary enzymatic targets for NSAIDs (Flower and Vane, 1972; Flower et al., 1972; DeWitt et al., 1993), and since PGH2 is the major precursor for further PG synthesis, inhibition of cyclooxygenase by NSAIDs leads to a corresponding reduction in the production of PGs. In addition to their shared enzymatic function, COX-1 and COX-2 have similar amino acid sequences (O’Banion et al., 1992; Ryseck et al., 1992; Fletcher et al., 1992; Hsi et al., 1994). However, their physiologic functions are thought to be quite different (Smith et al., 1994).