cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus NS5A mediated STAT3 activation requires co-operation of Jak1 kinase

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major etiologic agent for chronic hepatitis worldwide and often leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism for development of chronic hepatitis or hepatocarcinogenesis by HCV remains unclear. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) family proteins function as the downstream effectors of cytokine signaling and play a critical role in cell growth regulation. In many cancers including liver, STAT3 is often constitutively activated, although the mechanism of persistent activation of STAT3 is unknown. The nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) encoded from the HCV genome has shown cell growth regulatory properties. In this study, we have observed that HCV NS5A activates STAT3 phosphorylation, which in turn translocates into the nucleus. In vivo activation of STAT3 was also observed in the liver of transgenic mice expressing HCV NS5A. Introduction of NS5A in hepatoma cells modulated STAT3 downstream molecules Bcl-xL and p21 expression. To determine if STAT3 activation by NS5A could induce STAT3 mediated gene expression, a luciferase reporter construct based on a synthetic promoter was used to transfect hepatoma cells. Activation of endogenous cellular STAT3 by HCV NS5A induced luciferase gene expression through STAT3 specific binding elements. Our subsequent studies suggested that NS5A forms a complex with Jak1 and recruits STAT3 for activation. Taken together, our results suggested that NS5A activates STAT3 through co-operation of Jak1 kinase and activated STAT3 may contribute to HCV-mediated pathogenesis.
A perspective on four new porphyrin-based functional materials and devices

The tremendous potential for the manifold applications of porphyrins, porphyrazines, and phthalocyanines derives from their photophysical and electrochemical properties, their remarkable stability, and their predictable and rigid structure. These applications include nonlinear optics, catalysts, sensors, actuators, molecular sieves, and therapeutics. All of these properties are modulated by appending various chemical moieties onto the macrocycles, by choice of metallo derivative, and by the choice of environment. In multichromophoric systems, furthermore, the relative orientation of the chromophores, the nature of the linker, and the size of the system also dictate the properties. The synthesis of multichromophoric systems – both via covalent and noncovalent linkers – is driven by the desire to make new materials and to understand biological processes such as the various aspects of photosynthesis. Though electron and energy transfer processes continue to drive the synthesis of ever more complex systems, m...
On Efficient Query Processing of Stream Counts on the Cell Processor

In recent years, the sketch-based technique has been presented as an effective method for counting stream items on processors with limited storage and processing capabilities, such as the network processors. In this paper, we examine the implementation of a sketch-based counting algorithm on the heterogeneous multi-core Cell processor. Like the network processors, the Cell also contains on-chip special processors with limited local memories. These special processors enable parallel processing of stream items using short-vector data-parallel (SIMD) operations. We demonstrate that the inaccuracies of the estimates computed by straightforward adaptations of current sketch-based counting approaches are exacerbated by increased inaccuracies in approximating counts of low frequency items, and by the inherent space limitations of the Cell processor. To address these concerns, we implement a sketch-based counting algorithm, FCM, that is specifically adapted for the Cell processor architecture. FCM incorporates novel capabilities for improving estimation accuracy using limited space by dynamically identifying low- and high-frequency stream items, and using a variable number of hash functions per item as determined by an item's current frequency phase. We experimentally demonstrate that with similar space consumption, FCM computes better frequency estimates of both the low- and high-frequency items than a naive parallelization of an existing stream counting algorithm. Using FCM as the kernel, our parallel algorithm is able to scale the over all performance linearly as well as improve the estimate accuracy as the number of processors is increased. Thus, this work demonstrates the importance of adapting the algorithm to the specifics of the underlying architecture.
ARTISANS, CONSUMERS AND CORPOREALITY IN SIGNAC'S PARISIAN INTERIORS

This article discusses three paintings by Paul Signac which represent, it is argued, uncomfortably and with a critical edge informed by the artist's anarchist politics, the production of fashionable commodities by working-class Parisian women, and the fetishizing of those commodities by the (sub)urban middle class. Finisher and Trimmer (Fashion), rue du Caire (also called Milliners) (1885–86) pictures two milliners whose bodies at work acknowledge the pressures placed upon them by the factories and department stores with which they were forced to compete. Dining Room (1886–87) and A Parisian Sunday (1888–90) picture well-to-do Parisians at home, surrounded by stylish commodities that compete for attention with their bored or estranged owners. All three paintings recall the ideas of the anarchist writer Pierre Kropotkin, in particular his objection to ‘the spending of useless toil on objects … to satisfy the dull vanity of the rich’.
3-D maximum a posteriori estimation for single photon emission computed tomography on massively-parallel computers

A fully three-dimensional (3-D) implementation of the maximum a posteriori (MAP) method for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is demonstrated. The 3-D reconstruction exhibits a major increase in resolution when compared to the generation of the series of separate 2-D slice reconstructions. As has been noted, the iterative EM algorithm for 2-D reconstruction is highly computational; the 3-D algorithm is far worse. To accommodate the computational complexity, previous work in the 2-D arena is extended, and an implementation on the class of massively parallel processors of the 3-D algorithm is demonstrated. Using a 16000- (4000-) processor MasPar/DECmpp-Sx machine, the algorithm is demonstrated to execute at 2.5
Type-based parametric analysis of program families

Previous research on static analysis for program families has focused on lifting analyses for single, plain programs to program families by employing idiosyncratic representations. The lifting effort typically involves a significant amount of work for proving the correctness of the lifted algorithm and demonstrating its scalability. In this paper, we propose a parameterized static analysis framework for program families that can automatically lift a class of type-based static analyses for plain programs to program families. The framework consists of a parametric logical specification and a parametric variational constraint solver. We prove that a lifted algorithm is correct provided that the underlying analysis algorithm is correct. An evaluation of our framework has revealed an error in a previous manually lifted analysis. Moreover, performance tests indicate that the overhead incurred by the general framework is bounded by a factor of 2.
An integrated approach to state assignment and sequential element selection for FSM synthesis

The state encodings and the type of sequential elements have a significant impact on the combinational logic area of a synthesized FSM. Unlike most of the existing approaches, the algorithm presented in this paper does both state assignment and sequential element selection (D and T type flipflops) so as to realize area efficient FSMs. The synthesis problem modeled as an optimization problem has been solved using a stochastic evolution based algorithm. A cost function having a good correlation with the synthesized area has been developed. The paper presents a D-domain transformation technique that enables this cost function to evaluate FSMs using non D type flipflops. The results over 17 MCNC FSM benchmarks show that the integrated approach using D and T type flipflops consistently gives lesser area than one or more of the existing state assignment schemes. >
The molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in New York City: The importance of nosocomial transmission and laboratory error

Abstract Setting: During the 1980s, New York City experienced a rapid increase of tuberculosis cases, more than 40% of which were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated. Objective: To better define the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in New York City. Design: We collected an isolate from every patient in New York City with a positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis , including both incident and prevalent cases, in April 1991. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using IS 6110 was performed and the clinical, demographic, epidemiologic, and drug susceptibility patterns of patients were correlated with RFLP results. Results: Of 441 patients, 12 (3%) had laboratory, clinical, and RFLP evidence of falsely positive cultures. The remaining 429 patients had 252 distinct RFLP patterns. Patients with clustered 1–3 band isolates did not share demographic or drug susceptibility patterns. Eliminating these patients from the analysis, 344 patients remained, of whom 126 (37%) belonged to one of 31 clusters ranging in size from 2–17 patients (median cluster size=3). Clustering was more common among patients with multidrug-resistant isolates (53%), African Americans (44%), and the homeless (49%), but was not associated with HIV infection or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Multidrug-resistance, being African American, and homelessness remained independently associated with clustering in multivariate analysis. Of 79 patients in clusters of ≥4 patients, 25 (32%) had identifiable epidemiologic linkages; 17 (74%) of these patients, and 6% of all cases, were documented to have been nosocomially associated. Conclusion: A small but non-negligible proportion (3%) of New York City patients had falsely positive cultures for M. tuberculosis as a result of laboratory error. More than one third of all patients and most patients with multidrug-resistance in April 1991 had clustered RFLP patterns, suggesting recent transmission of M. tuberculosis . Homelessness, multidrug-resistance, and being African American independently increased the risk of clustering. Most of the identified epidemiologic linkages and 6% of all cases resulted from transmission in hospitals.
Control of autonomous cars for intelligent transportation system

This work concentrates on establishing a technology to develop a unique approach for the integration of intelligent system control into transportation systems. We have implemented an algorithm [1] that controls a car to track a predefined track which integrates a human driver with computer control to increase human performance while reducing reliance on detailed driver attention. Knowledge obtained from the optical tracking system about vehicle position and orientation provides the automatic decision making intelligence needed to follow a virtual vehicle moving on track. The result shows good performance of this model independent algorithm with fairly cheap RC cars.
The production of chromosome aberrations in various mammalian cells by triethylenemelamine.

The cytogenetic effects of triethylenemelamine (TEM) were studied using five different mammalian tissues. Treatments of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg TEM on differentiating mouse spermatogonia and bone marrow cells showed no significant differences in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations produced in these two tissues. At higher doses, however, the sensitivities of the two tissues appear to be different. The frequency of aberrations varies with time after treatment, with the greatest amount occurring at the later fixation times. Results of an experiment on primary spermatocytes indicated a correlation between the frequency of chromosome aberrations and DNA replication. Human peripheral leukocytes were utilized in an attempt to clarify the cellstage specificity of TEM-induced chromosome aberrations. Cultures were treated with TEM prior to PHA stimulation (G0), as well as various time intervals after stimulation (late G,1 S, and G2). The most sensitive stages of the cell cycle to aberration induction were later G1 and S, with chromatid aberrations the predominant type. A very low yield of chromosome damage was observed with the G0 and G1 treated stages. The experiments described tend to support the view that TEM is most effective at inducing aberrations when an intervening round of DNA replication has occurred.
NKG2D receptor and its ligands in host defense

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8(+) T cells, and subsets of CD4(+) T cells, invariant NKT cells (iNKT), and γδ T cells. In humans, NKG2D transmits signals by its association with the DAP10 adapter subunit, and in mice alternatively spliced isoforms transmit signals either using DAP10 or DAP12 adapter subunits. Although NKG2D is encoded by a highly conserved gene (KLRK1) with limited polymorphism, the receptor recognizes an extensive repertoire of ligands, encoded by at least eight genes in humans (MICA, MICB, RAET1E, RAET1G, RAET1H, RAET1I, RAET1L, and RAET1N), some with extensive allelic polymorphism. Expression of the NKG2D ligands is tightly regulated at the level of transcription, translation, and posttranslation. In general, healthy adult tissues do not express NKG2D glycoproteins on the cell surface, but these ligands can be induced by hyperproliferation and transformation, as well as when cells are infected by pathogens. Thus, the NKG2D pathway serves as a mechanism for the immune system to detect and eliminate cells that have undergone "stress." Viruses and tumor cells have devised numerous strategies to evade detection by the NKG2D surveillance system, and diversification of the NKG2D ligand genes likely has been driven by selective pressures imposed by pathogens. NKG2D provides an attractive target for therapeutics in the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
User-independent paging scheme based on mobility rate for mobile IP

Multi-step paging has been widely proposed to reduce signaling overheads. This paper introduces a user-independent paging scheme for mobile IP where the paging criterion is not based on individual user information. The goal of user-independent paging is to provide satisfactory overall performance of the whole system, when personalized optimal performance for each user is hard to obtain. The paging criterion adopted is the mobility rate of each subnet determined by the aggregated movements of all mobile users. In order to implement the proposed scheme, a concept of "semi-idle state" is introduced and the detailed solution for obtaining the mobility rate is presented. Analytical results show that when paging one user at a time, the performance of the proposed scheme is comparable to that of the user-dependent paging schemes. When paging multiple users simultaneously, the proposed scheme has remarkable advantages.
Isoflurane versus sodium nitroprusside for the control of proximal hypertension during thoracic aortic cross-clamping: Effects on spinal cord ischemia

Objective: This study was designed to compare the effects of isoflurane and nitroprusside on spinal cord ischemia when they are used to control proximal hypertension during thoracic aortic cross-clamping (TACC). Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded experimental study. Setting: Laboratory and animal research facility. Participants: Adult mongrel dogs. Interventions: Two groups of eight dogs had TACC for 45 minutes. Proximal aortic, distal aortic, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures were monitored. Spinal cord perfusion pressure was calculated as the distal mean pressure minus the CSF pressure. Group 1 received nitroprusside and group 2 received isoflurane to control proximal hypertension during cross-clamping. The dogs were neurologically evaluated 24 and 48 hours later by an observer blinded as to the study group. Spinal cord segments were obtained for histopathologic examination. Measurements and Main Results: Distal perfusion pressure and spinal cord perfusion pressure were significantly higher in the isoflurane group (p Conclusions: Isoflurane, when used to control proximal hypertension during TACC, produces a higher spinal cord perfusion pressure and is associated with a lower incidence of neurologic injury than nitroprusside in this canine model.
Role of estrogen and androgen in pubertal skeletal physiology.

Since both estrogen and androgen are present in each sex, it has been difficult to discern the exact role that each sex steroid plays in skeletal physiology. However, studying clinical syndromes in which there is either only estrogen or androgen action has allowed us to gain insight into the unique role that each sex steroid plays in the growing skeleton. In complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) the only functional sex steroid receptor is that for estrogen. Effected XY females have a pubertal growth spurt that is typical of normal females, both in magnitude and timing. Individuals with AIS have a mild reduction in bone density but it is difficult to distinguish whether this is the result of androgen resistance or estrogen deficiency. These observations suggest that estrogen action only is sufficient to induce a normal pubertal growth spurt, epiphyseal maturation, and near normal bone mineral accretion in women. Until recently, the skeletal effects of estrogen were not thought to be of importance in the male. Conventional wisdom dictated that, in the male, testosterone mediated these skeletal changes. The notion that estrogen is of little importance in the male has been challenged by the recent discovery of two human syndromes in which estrogen action is lacking. In males with either estrogen resistance (inability to respond to circulating estrogen) or aromatase deficiency (inability to synthesize estradiol), as a result of the lack of estrogen action, a pubertal growth spurt does not appear to occur. Furthermore, complete epiphyseal maturation does not take place allowing for continued growth in adulthood and resultant tall stature. Finally normal bone mineral accretion does not take place resulting in severe osteoporosis. These findings indicate that estrogen plays a critical role in skeletal physiology of males as well as females.
Nuclear Deterrence and the Strategy of Limited Retaliation.

Recent formal work in nuclear deterrence theory has focused on brinkmanship crises in which states exert coercive pressure by manipulating the risk of an unlimited nuclear exchange. This essay extends the formal analysis of deterrence theory to the strategy of limited retaliation in which states exert coercive pressure by inflicting limited amounts of damage in order to make the threat of future punishment more credible. This strategy is modeled as a game of sequential bargaining with incomplete information. The equilibria suggest that states prefer relatively smaller, less-destructive limited options; that counterforce options are desirable even if they cannot limit the total amount of damage an adversary can inflict; that smaller, less-destructive limited nuclear options may make a nuclear exchange more likely; and that uncertainty and incomplete information may significantly enhance deterrence.
Non-Spontaneous Evolution of Private Legal Systems

Scholarship on private legal systems (PLS) explains the evolution of norms created and enforced by PLSs, but rarely addresses the evolution of institutions that form PLSs. Such institutions are assumed to form spontaneously (unless suppressed by law) when law is either unresponsive or incapable of directing behavior in welfare-maximizing manners. But, as this paper demonstrates, PLSs typically cannot form spontaneously. Newly formed PLSs cannot enforce cooperation since the effectiveness of mechanisms used to secure this cooperation (e.g., the threat of exclusion) depends on the PLS's ability to confer benefits to its members, and newly formed PLSs do not yet confer such benefits. Successful PLSs bypass this barrier by building on extant foundations - preexisting institutions that already benefit members, typically through functions requiring less costly enforcement. The threat of losing preexisting benefits disciplines members to abide by the PLSs' rules, which in turn allows the PLSs to regulate behavior. This pattern indicates that rather than developing spontaneously, PLSs develop in phases, initially facilitating activities that are unrelated to regulating behavior and incur lower enforcement costs, the provision of which enables the PLS to regulate behavior in the second stage.
Degrees of Freedom Region of Wireless X Networks Based on Real Interference Alignment

We first consider a single hop wireless X network with $K$ transmitters and $J$ receivers, all with a single antenna. Each transmitter conveys an independent message for each receiver. The channel is assumed to have constant coefficients. We develop an interference alignment scheme for this setup and derive an achievable degrees of freedom (DoF) region. We show that in some cases, the derived region meets a previous outer bound, and hence, is the (exact) DoF region. For our achievability schemes, we divide each message into streams and use real interference alignment on the streams. Several previous results on the DoF region and total DoF for several special cases can be recovered from our result. Next, we consider a network model, such that each transmitter emits an arbitrary number of messages and each receiver can request an arbitrary subset of all emitted messages. We term this network the X network with multicast. We derive an achievability result for the DoF region of such networks, as well as an outer bound. Our achievability scheme is based on a novel extension of real interference alignment that enables us to achieve more points of the DoF region. This approach allows multiple messages from a single user to be aligned with other users’ messages. Finally, we discuss some points on the outer bounds that are not achievable with any of the alignment schemes that we present.
Leaders in Cell Adhesion: An Interview with Richard Hynes, Pioneer of Cell–Matrix Interactions

AbstractOn a recent visit Richard O Hynes, FRS, HHMI, Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, graciously agreed to be interviewed in person for the first in Cell Communication and Adhesion's series on “Leaders in Cell Adhesion”. In this interview we discussed three things: 1) the early role of family, mentors, and luck on his career path; 2) his major discoveries of fibronectin, integrins and the evolution of extracellular matrix proteins; and 3) his role in, and thoughts on, current science policy. This interview reveals his characteristic calmness and infectious optimism, his spontaneous and down to earth sense of humor, and his great ability to place scientific questions in perspective. The interview, carried out on April 30th 2013 is reported here verbatim with only minor editing for clarity.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage From Congenital Aneurysm of the Circle of Willis

Aneurysm of the circle of Willis is the most important cause of hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space and should be the primary diagnostic consideration in every case. Angiograms should be made promptly, but the neurosurgeon should see the patient first. Treatment is surgical if the lesion is accessible. The goal is to exclude it from the circulation, leaving the parent vessel intact. If this goal is unattainable, it may be necessary to accept a result which is less than ideal. Expedient compromises are discussed.
Outline on the Route and Efficacy of Cultural Development

Under the globalization era,deep thinking about our culture and social development is the basis of planning,promoting cultural development and requirements,focusing on " little things" for the whole society,the planning and design of the cultural development is to get effective and satisfy the national cultural development. Cultural development and scientific development,as people 's comprehensive and free development,it is the absolute principle and premise,optimization to lift the people quality and also it is the most important task for a long time. Culture,people and culture of training people have been realized as the aim and meaning of cultural development for the modernization of the people and for social harmony,well-being.
Obtaining and handling echinoderm oocytes.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the basic procedures for handling echinoderm oocytes, with particular emphasis on sea urchin oocytes. Other echinoderm oocytes, especially starfish, have received a great deal of attention and such references will be provided along with a brief description of handling procedures. Oocytes are far more vulnerable to mechanical, chemical, and bacterial demise than the resultant eggs or embryos. Sea urchin oocytes removed from their ovarian environment are viable in vitro and can be cultured for up to several days. These cells are fragile and are best used for experiments right away, with the least handling possible. The most important consideration for culture of sea urchin oocytes is a sterile environment. Oocytes are not equipped to counter microbial invaders and are easily overtaken by bacteria and other microorganisms in the seawater. To prevent contamination of the oocyte culture, it is essential to use filter-sterilized artificial sea water (ASW), supplemented with 100 ug/mL ampicillin. For prolonged culture, it is critical to change the oocyte incubation medium once every 12 h. The best containers for in vitro culture are either silicon-coated glass Pyrex multiwell spot plates, or Falcon plastic 96-well microtiter plates. These containers need to be stored in a humid chamber to prevent excessive evaporation of seawater.
Milk Production Costs

The extreme rise in prices during the Civil War period was due chiefly to the fact that they were calculated in inflated paper currency. Similarly, the high prices now are due chiefly to an increased supply of money. Prices of dairy products are high primarily because money is relatively more plentiful than before the war, and not primarily because dairymen or dealers have over-organized, or have become less efficient, or have profiteered; as many persons who use milk and butter are unfortunately led to believe. Feed, labor and cows are high-priced for the same reason. Index figures show that these things, which are the major costs in the dairy business, have increased as much as the prices paid producers for milk and butter. There is no reason for consumers to fear that lately the farmer has been receiving double the former price for milk produced at costs as low as heretofore. Of course, much of the labor in producing milk is by the farmer and his family. But, to be as well-off as before the war they should now receive twice as much per hour as formerly, because money is worth only half as much.
Eco-Product Choice Cuts Both Ways: How Proenvironmental Licensing versus Reinforcement is Contingent on Environmental Consciousness:

AbstractThis research identifies how choice of an eco-product (e.g., low-energy LED light bulbs, biodegradable paper towels) influences downstream, environmentally responsible behavior. Eco-product choice either reinforces or undermines subsequent environmentally responsible behavior, and this effect is contingent on individual consumers’ preexisting environmental consciousness: among less environmentally conscious consumers, proenvironmental behavior is undermined; in contrast, highly environmentally conscious consumers display reinforcement of proenvironmental behavior. The authors reveal that these differential effects are driven by two discrete processes working in opposition: goal satiation drives licensing in the case of less environmentally conscious consumers, and prosocial self-perceptions drive reinforcement among highly conscious consumers. In addition, the authors identify a point-of-purchase intervention that mitigates the detrimental effects among less environmentally conscious consumers. To...
The Influence of Inspection Focus on Auditor Judgments in Audits of Complex Estimates

I conduct an experiment with professional auditors on how an inspection’s focus on procedures performed versus judgment quality influences an auditor’s mindset, and in turn, how that mindset affects auditor judgments and decisions. I study mindset effects on an auditor’s evaluation of a complex estimate when the estimate is aggressively biased versus unbiased. I predict and find a conditional indirect effect of inspection focus on auditor judgment through mindset. I find judgment- (procedure-) focused deficiencies lead to a (an) deliberative (implemental) mindset, concerned with making a decision (planning how to achieve a goal). I find deliberative auditors assess a biased estimate as less reasonable than implemental auditors. I do not find evidence that deliberative auditors are conservative in their judgments over an unbiased estimate, nor overly cautious in their decision-making. This study contributes to literature examining how regulators can influence auditor judgments through the inspection process and the effects of mindset on auditor judgments and decisions.
Improved Accuracy and Quality of Information During Emergency Department Care Transitions.

Introduction: Suboptimal communication during Emergency Department care transitions has been shown to contribute to medical errors, sometimes resulting in patient injury and litigation. The study objective was to determine whether a standardized checkout process would decrease the number of relevant missed clinical items (MCI). Methods: In this prospective pre- and post-intervention study conducted in an urban academic ED, data on omitted or inaccurately conveyed medical information was collected before and after the initiation of a standardized checkout process. The intervention included group checkout in an optimal location, review of electronic medical records, case discussion and assigned roles. MCI were considered relevant if they resulted in a delay or alteration in disposition or treatment plan. The primary outcome was the change in the number of MCI. Secondary outcomes were duration of checkout and physician satisfaction with the intervention. Results: Pre-intervention, there were 94 relevant MCI during 164 care transitions. Post-intervention, there were 36 MCI in 157 transitions. The mean MCI per transition decreased by 58% from 0.57 (95% CI 0.41, 0.73) to 0.23 (95% CI 0.11, 0.35). Instituting the intervention did not lengthen checkout duration, which was 15 minutes (95% CI 13.81, 16.19) pre-intervention and 14 minutes (95% CI 12.99, 15.01) post-intervention. The majority of participants (73.4%) felt that the process decreased MCI, and 89.5% reported that the new process had a positive or neutral effect on their satisfaction with care transitions. Conclusion: The adoption of a standardized care transition process markedly decreased clinically relevant communication errors without lengthening checkout duration.
Implementing a Multidisciplinary Approach to Enhance Compliance With Guideline-Recommended Prechemotherapy Pneumococcal Vaccination in a Military-Based Medical Oncology Practice.

Purpose:Patients with cancer are at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease, including community-acquired pneumonia. Current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and National Cancer Comprehensive Network guidelines recommend pneumococcal vaccination for immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer.Methods:We conducted a quality improvement (QI) project to enhance compliance with pneumococcal vaccination in patients before their chemotherapy. Baseline pneumococcal vaccination rates were gathered from July 2013 to June 2014. We reviewed the current guidelines for pneumococcal vaccinations in patients with cancer with physicians and encouraged them to prescribe the pneumococcal vaccination to patients before therapy. We also recruited our clinic nurse practitioner, who meets all patients for chemotherapy teaching, to prescribe the vaccine to patients younger than 65 years of age.Results:During the baseline period, of the 110 patients younger than 65 years who received chemother...
Steady-State Ablation Model Coupling with Hypersonic Flow

A steady-state, one-dimensional ablative surface model has been developed for coupling with hypersonic CFD applications in two- and three-dimensions. Details and assumptions of the steady-state model are presented along with the CFD boundary condition implementation and associated loose-coupling methodology. A preliminary sensitivity analysis for coecients present within the ablation model kinetics and flow transport properties is also presented for one of the primary quantities of interest in ablation modeling, the recession rate. Finally, the coupled approach is applied to a sphere-cone graphite model, corresponding to an arcjet stream experimental configuration performed at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
Manipulating the aggregation activity of human prion-like proteins.

ABSTRACTConsiderable advances in understanding the protein features favoring prion formation in yeast have facilitated the development of effective yeast prion prediction algorithms. Here we discuss a recent study in which we systematically explored the utility of the yeast prion prediction algorithm PAPA for designing mutations to modulate the aggregation activity of the human prion-like protein hnRNPA2B1. Mutations in hnRNPA2B1 cause multisystem proteinopathy in humans, and accelerate aggregation of the protein in vitro. Additionally, mutant hnRNPA2B1 forms cytoplasmic inclusions when expressed in Drosophila, and the mutant prion-like domain can substitute for a portion of a yeast prion domain in supporting prion activity in yeast. PAPA was quite successful at predicting the effects of PrLD mutations on prion activity in yeast and on in vitro aggregation propensity. Additionally, PAPA successfully predicted the effects of most, but not all, mutations in the PrLD of the hnRNPA2B1 protein when expressed i...
Sexual function in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, with supporting evidence, the impact of cancer and its treatment on the sexual function of adolescents and young adults. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO articles were searched for relevant studies published in English. Fifteen studies, 13 quantitative and two qualitative, were included in this review. Results indicated that cancer during the adolescent and young adult period has a significant negative impact on certain domains of sexual function in both men and women. Among adolescent and young adult males, there is evidence that cancer has detrimental effects on erection, ejaculation, and orgasm. Among adolescent and young adult females, cancer is associated with decreased desire, but there appear to be mixed findings with respect to arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. Directions for future research are discussed. A better understanding of the effects of cancer and its treatment during adolescence and young adulthood on sexual function could increase attention paid to sexual health in oncology settings and lead to improved psychosexual services for this population.
Function-Based Treatments for Escape-Maintained Problem Behavior: A Treatment-Selection Model for Practicing Behavior Analysts

Escape from instructional activities is a common maintaining variable for problem behavior and a number of effective treatments have been developed for this function. Each of these treatments has characteristics that make them optimal for certain environments and clients, but less optimal for others. We summarize the most commonly researched function-based treatments for escape-maintained behavior, describe the contexts for which they are most appropriate, and provide a clinical model for selecting treatments based on client characteristics and the constraints of the therapeutic environment.
HUMAN β-LIPOTROPIN

Human β-lipotropin (β h -LPH) consists of 89 amino acids with glutamic acid as the NH 2 - and COOH-terminal residue and its primary structure has been proposed. In order to securely establish the primary structure of β h -LPH, the hormone has been synthesized by the new segment-coupling method in aqueous solution. The synthetic product was shown to be identical to native β h -LPH by paper electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, high performance liquid chromatography, lipolytic activity in isolated rabbit fat cells and radio-immunoassay. Since β-lipotropin is the prohormone for β-endorphin, some recent studies on β-endorphin are discussed.
TMEM2: A missing link in hyaluronan catabolism identified?

Abstract Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N -acetylglucosamine. HA is an extremely long, unbranched polymer, which often exceeds 10 6 Da and sometimes reaches 10 7 Da. A feature that epitomizes HA is its rapid turnover; one-third of the total body HA is turned over daily. The current model of HA catabolism postulates that high-molecular weight HA in the extracellular space is first cleaved into smaller fragments by a hyaluronidase(s) that resides at the cell surface, followed by internalization of fragments and their degradation into monosaccharides in lysosomes. Over the last decade, considerable research has shown that the HYAL family of hyaluronidases plays significant roles in HA catabolism. Nonetheless, the identity of a hyaluronidase responsible for the initial step of HA cleavage on the cell surface remains elusive, as biochemical and enzymological properties of HYAL proteins are not entirely consistent with those expected of cell surface hyaluronidases. Recent identification of transmembrane 2 (TMEM2) as a cell surface protein that possesses potent hyaluronidase activity suggests that it may be the “missing” cell surface hyaluronidase, and that novel models of HA catabolism should include this protein.
Embedded controlled gardening: An academically based service course

A course intended to integrate concepts of basic physics, biology, electronics, and systems engineering for the benefit of University of Pennsylvania engineering students, plus teachers and students from three community public schools located in Philadelphia. The course engaged participants in the design and the implementation of an indoor cultivating system using photo-voltaic technology to energize Light Emitting Diodes emulating the needed solar radiation for plant growth, a liquid nutrient distribution system, sensors / actuators capable of selecting the harvestable plants and keeping track of overall system parameters.
Key Components of Pain Management for Children and Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease pain manifests as severe acute pain episodes and a debilitating chronic pain syndrome. Acute pain episodes are the most common reason for health care use; however, acute pain episodes are also frequently managed at home. Chronic pain syndrome develops in 30% to 40% of individuals with sickle cell disease, with an increasing incidence and severity with age. We review the critical aspects of pain management that are integral to the comprehensive approach to sickle cell disease pain and are rooted in the biopsychosocial model. The review focuses on opioid pharmacology and psychosocial comorbidities.
Current Topics in Kinetic Electron Emission From Solids

This is a report of some of the current problems in heavy-particle-induced electron emission from solids; the choice of topics, one of many possible, represents the particular view of the author. For lack of space, I will not review here the literature on kinetic electron emission (KEE) from solids, but refer the reader to recent review articles [1–6], from which previous papers can be traced. In the following, I will start by describing the difference between potential electron emission (PEE) and KEE. I will then make a brief description of the basic physics in sect.2 and proceed with the discussion of some recent ideas and “hot” topics: estimates of yields and surface effects, sect.3, convoy electrons from foils, sect.4, emission at glancing incidence, sect.5, heavy-ion-induced Auger electron emission, sect.6, thresholds, sect.7, and the emission of high-energy electrons from slow collisions, sect.8. I will end in sect.9 by mentioning some of the other topics of current interest in the field, with references to the literature.
Visual and Inertial Odometry for a Disaster Recovery Humanoid

Disaster recovery robots must operate in unstructured environments where wheeled or tracked motion may not be feasible or where it may be subject to extreme slip. Many industrial disaster scenarios also preclude reliance on gnss or other external signals as robots are deployed indoors or underground. Two of the candidates for precise positioning in these scenarios are visual odometry and inertial navigation. This paper presents some practical experience in the design and analysis of a combined visual and inertial odometry system for the Carnegie Mellon University Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform (CHIMP); a humanoid robot competing in the darpa Robotics Challenge.
Intracellular and Extracellular Keratins of Human Mammary Epithelial Cells

Intermediate filaments are a major component of the cytoskeleton in many types of cells. Monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filament proteins have proven to be very useful reagents in the specific identification of various types of cells, and consequently, have found major use in the histochemical characterization of tumors (1,2,3). Epithelial cells, such as those in the mammary gland, contain intermediate filaments composed of keratin. These proteins, which are found in both normal and neoplastic mammary cells, have been the subject of intense research during the past several years (4,5).
Toxic effect and physiological disruption of sodium phosphate to the quagga mussel ( Dreissena bugensis )

Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for all forms of life; however, the question of toxicity to aquatic species remains largely unanswered, despite many systems that exceed natural phosphorus loads. This study determined the ecotoxicological threshold concentration of phosphorus to the freshwater bivalve Dreissena bugensis using a 96-h bioassay. Sublethal, medial lethal, and lethal levels of sodium phosphate to D. bugensis were found to be 125, 260, and 476 ppm. Physiological biomarkers such as the oxygen consumption and filtration rate were estimated by exposing D. bugensis to five different sublethal concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 ppm) of sodium phosphate for 96 h. Both oxygen consumption and filtration rate gradually declined with increasing exposure concentrations and durations, which was significant (α < 0.05) for 75, 100, and 125 ppm of sodium phosphate concentrations. Based on the feeding rate and oxygen consumption endpoints, the no-observed effect concentration and the low observed effect concentration were 25 and 75 ppm, respectively. Maximum acceptable toxicant concentration of sodium phosphate was 43.3 ppm. Measured environmental concentration (MEC) of total phosphorus (0.015 ppm; n = 6) was obtained from seasonal field assessments in Saginaw Bay during the years 2008 to 2010. An assessment factor of 1000 was used for calculating the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) of 0.025 ppm. Risk quotient (RQ) of “0.6” was therefore established using MEC/PNEC (real risk) ratio. Binary ecological classification (RQ < 1) suggested that there is no appreciable risk of phosphorus to D. bungensis in the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron of Laurentian Great Lakes.
A Data Specific Comparative Study for Choosing Best Cryptographic Technique

Data security has gauged much attention for over a past few decades. Cryptography is one of the most serious domains as far as security is concerned. This article evaluates and compares among few of the well-known state of art cryptographic algorithm like AES, DES and Serpent depending on the nature of data by different authors in different years. Benchmark techniques (True Positive rate, False Positive rate, ROC curves etc) are used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity for the respective algorithms. Paper is concluded with the best possible algorithm that suits a respective dataset.
Search and classification of reaction mechanisms in multiparticle data

The application of pattern-recognition techniques to the problem of separating reaction mechanisms in high-multiplicity collisions is explored. The ''distance analysis,'' which we motivate and explain here, is an algorithm for finding the most densely populated regions of the multidimensional phase space. It provides a sensitive and model-independent means of identifying the individual events which make up each of the regions. It is then possible to use other techniques to interpret these. This procedure could also be useful outside particle physics. It is very simple and fast, and a detailed account of its implementation is given. As examples, we analyze the reactions K/sup -/p ..-->.. K/sup -/..pi../sup +/..pi../sup -/p and K/sup -/p-..-->..K/sup -/..pi../sup +/..pi../sup -/p..pi../sup 0/ at 12.6 GeV/c.
Oculoplastic Considerations in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

It has been a mere 30 years since the pioneering work of Paul Tessier of Paris opened the door to a vast new arena in the treatment of deformities of the upper facial skeleton.1–3 Working first in the anatomic laboratory and then cautiously in patients with severe cranio-orbital deformities, Tessier first presented his dramatic results in 1967. Prior to that time, limited access approaches to the orbit and peri-orbital structures put restrictions on the results that could be obtained in the treatment of disorders in this area.4 By extensive exposure through transcoronal and periorbital incisions, Tessier established 3 basic principles that remain the foundation for cranio-orbital work today: 1. Safe exposure to the orbit can be obtained by a combined extracranial and transcranial route. 2. Bony segments can be osteotomized and completely removed, manipulated, and replaced without extensive secondary resorption or remodeling of bone. 3. Major orbital shifts can be performed without unacceptable risks of ocular or neural injury.
Versatile Colloidal Syntheses of Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles from Elemental Precursors Using Amine-Thiol Chemistry

Colloidal metal chalcogenide nanoparticles have emerged as a promising hydrazine-free route for the fabrication of solution processed electronic devices. While a wide variety of synthetic pathways ...
Reliability and Scalability of p-Bits Implemented With Low Energy Barrier Nanomagnets

Probabilistic bits (p-bits) implemented with low energy barrier nanomagnets (LBMs) have recently gained attention because they can be leveraged to perform some computational tasks very efficiently. Although more error resilient than Boolean computing, p-bit-based computing employing LBMs is, however, not completely immune to defects and device-to-device variations. In some tasks (e.g., binary stochastic neurons for machine learning and p-bits for population coding), extended defects, such as variation of the LBM thickness over a significant fraction of the surface, can impair functionality. We examine if unavoidable geometric device-to-device variations can have a significant effect on one of the most critical requirements for probabilistic computing: the ability to “program” probability with an external agent, such as a spin-polarized current injected into the LBM. We found that the programming ability is fortunately not lost with reasonable device-to-device variations. The little variation in the probability-versus-current characteristic caused by typical device variability can be suppressed further by increasing the spin polarization of the current. This shows that the probabilistic computing with LBMs is resistant against small geometric variations, and hence will be scalable to a large number of p-bits.