cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-inducible Protein Binding to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA and Its Modulation by the von Hippel-Lindau Protein

Hypoxia induces an increase in the stability of the mRNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We have previously demonstrated that a 500-base region of the 3′-untranslated region of VEGF mRNA that is critical for stabilization of VEGF mRNA in an in vitro degradation assay forms a RNA-protein complex in a hypoxia-inducible fashion. We report here the identification of three adenylate-uridylate-rich RNA elements within this region that form an identical or closely related hypoxia-inducible RNA-protein complex. This complex is constitutively elevated in a tumor cell line lacking the wild type von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene and in which VEGF mRNA is constitutively stabilized. Furthermore, the glucose transporter-1 mRNA, which is also stabilized by hypoxia, forms a hypoxia-inducible RNA-protein complex with similar sequence and protein binding characteristics to that described for VEGF mRNA. Finally, RNA affinity purification and UV cross-linking were used to identify three proteins of 32, 28, and 17 kDa that are derived from this hypoxia-inducible RNA-protein complex.
Examination of comparative rare earth element complexation behavior using linear free-energy relationships

The comparative behavior of rare earth formation constants, Lβn(M), where M a trivalent rare earth element (REE), has been assessed using compilations of rare earth-organic ligand stability constants. Linear free-energy relationships of the form log Lβn(M) = In(M) + Sn(M) log Lβn(Gd), where In(M) and Sn(M) are constants, are used to quantitatively describe the relative magnitudes of Lβn(M) for rare earth complexation by a given ligand L. Our characterizations provide a means of estimating formation constants for the entire suite of rare earths when formation constants Lβn(M) = MLnM3+−1 [L]−n) have been determined experimentally for at least one element. We have used the results of our analyses to calculate rare earth phosphate stability constants for the entire suite of rare earths. Estimated stability constants for each rare earth have been used to assess the relative importance of phosphate complexes, carbonate complexes, and hydrolyzed rare earths in groundwaters. Speciation calculations for representative groundwater environments indicate a strong dependence of Speciation on REE atomic number and pH. Between pH 7 and 9, heavy REE complexes, MPO40, can be important compared toMCO3+ andM(CO3)2−. ThecomplexesM(PO4)23− become significant at higher phosphate concentrations than those considered in our model groundwater. For the light REEs at pH ≤9, the concentrations ofMCO3+ complexes can exceed the concentrations of MPO40 complexes. For pH ≤ 6, M3+ concentrations exceed the concentrations of complex ions. Phosphate complexes exhibit an insignificant role in REE Speciation in seawater. Using3 ×103 as a carbonate/phosphate ion concentration ratio representative of seawater ([CO32−[PO43−] ≈3103) calculations indicate that, for all rare earths, [MCO3+][MPO40] 100, and [CeCO3+[CePO40] ≈ 450.
Microcephaly, lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia: a distinct syndrome?

We report on 2 unrelated patients with microcephaly, lymphedema, and chrorioretinal changes. They are compared with previously reported patients with microcephaly and lymphedema and microcephaly with chorioretinal changes. The question is raised whether all of these patients represent one entity or are separate syndromes. Until more data are available we propose that our patients represent a single entity. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dispersion of surface plasmons in multiple metal and dielectric layers on concave diffraction gratings

Anomalous polarization peaks in the first-order on-blaze diffraction spectra from concave reflecting gratings have been analysed in terms of a surface plasmon resonance in the grating surface for various metal and dielectric layers on the metal substrate. Non-radiative surface plasmon dispersion curves have been constructed from the experimental data and compared with classical dispersion curves based on the propagation of surface plasma waves. The cases considered were diffusion pump oil and aluminum oxide layers on an aluminum substrate and a multilayer of the type vacuum–dielectric–metal–dielectric–metal where the dielectric is aluminum oxide and the metal is aluminum. The wavelength region investigated was from the visible through the vacuum ultraviolet (7000 to 500 A). Shifts to longer wavelengths of the anomalous polarization peaks were found for both the double dielectric layer and the multilayer that were in good agreement with the appropriate theoretical non-radiative surface plasma wave modes. Anomale Polarisationsmaxima im Blaze-Beugungsspektrum erster Ordnung von konkaven reflektierenden Gittern wurden mit Oberflachenplasmonenresonanz in der Gitteroberflache fur verschiedene Metalle und dielektrische Schichten auf Metallsubstraten analysiert. Dispersionskurven nichtstrahlender Oberflachenplasmonen wurden aus den experimentellen Werten konstruiert und mit klassischen Dispersionskurven, die auf der Ausbreitung von Oberflachenplasmawellen basierten, verglichen. Die betrachteten Falle sind Diffusionspumpenol und Aluminiumoxydschichten auf Aluminiumsubstraten und eine Mehrfachschicht vom Typ Vakuum–Dielektrikum–Metall–Dielektrikum–Metall, wobei das Dielektrikum Aluminiumoxyd und das Metall Aluminium ist. Der untersuchte Wellenlangenbereich erstreckte sich vom sichtbaren bis zum Vakuum-UV-Bereich (7000 bis 500 A). Verschiebungen der anomalen Polarisationsmaxima zu langeren Wellenlangen, die in guter Ubereinstimmung mit geeigneten theoretischen, nichtstrahlenden Oberflachenplasmawellenmoden sind, wurden sowohl fur die dielektrische Doppelschicht als auch fur die Mehrfachschicht gefunden.
An outcomes model of medical decision making

In the traditional ‘fix-it’ model of medical decision making, the identified problem is typically characterized by a diagnosis that indicates a deviation from normalcy. When a medical problem is multifaceted and the available interventions are only partially effective, a broader vision of the health care endeavor is needed. What matters to the patient, and what should matter to the practitioner, is the patient's future possibilities. More specifically, what is important is the character of the alternative futures that the patient could have and choosing among them so as to achieve the best future possible, with the ranking of outcomes determined by the patient's preferences. This paper describes the fix-it model, presents and defends the outcomes-based model, and demonstrates that the latter is useful in developing normative conceptions of informed consent and decision making and in establishing a basis for societal involvement in the decision making process. Finally, several shortcomings of the model will be acknowledged.
A metric characterization of the irrationals via a group operation

Abstract Let S be a separable metric space with a compatible metric d that satisfies: For each point x ϵ S and each nonnegative real number r there exists a unique point y ϵ S such that d ( x , y ) = r . In this paper spaces that meet the above criterion are investigated. It is shown that, under the assumption of completeness, this metric property characterizes the space of irrationals.
Paradigms and paradoxes: O- and N-protonated amides, stabilization energy, and resonance energy

Protonation of amides most often occurs on oxygen, unless the amide bond is twisted out of planarity allowing the more favored nitrogen protonation to occur. Protonation of oxygen is believed to take place over that of nitrogen due to increased resonance stabilization of the O-protonated species. Resonance energies for O- and N-protonated dimethylacetamide are quantitated using quantum chemically calculated proton affinities for the two sites.
Empirical Tests of the Proxy Hypothesis

The proxy hypothesis states that the negative relationship between inflation and stock returns is spurious and really only proxies for the positive relationship between stock returns and real variables. Previous testes of the proxy hypothesis have used actual values instead of forecasted values for the real activity variable. Using only forecasted variables, our results do not support the proxy hypothesis.
Use of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography to monitor therapeutic response by rhabdomyosarcoma in children: report of a retrospective case study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the use of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (F-18 FDG PET) for monitoring therapeutic response by rhabdomyosarcoma (RMSA) in children. Patients and Methods: A retrospective case study was performed by searching a computer database for the patients with RMSA in whom F-18 FDG PET studies were performed pre- and posttreatment. The data of the PET studies from these patients were analyzed in conjunction with clinical treatment and other imaging studies to determine whether interval changes of F-18 FDG uptake by the RMSA reflect response of RMSA to treatment. Results: Four patients with RMSA who received both pretreatment and posttreatment F-18 FDG PET studies were identified from the database and included in this study. A dramatic decrease of F-18 FDG uptake by the tumor was evident in the patients who had a favorable response to the therapy and prolonged remission of the disease. In contrast, persistent abnormal FDG uptake in one patient was associated with early relapse of the RMSA. Conclusions: F-18 FDG PET may be useful for monitoring therapeutic response by RMSA in children, which needs to be verified with a prospective study in a larger patient population.
Air-cleaning System Effectiveness for Control of Airborne Microbes in a Meat-processing Plant

The effectiveness of duct-mounted and console wall-mounted germicidal air cleaning units on the reduc- tion of airborne microbes was determined. Preliminary air samples were collected and airborne bacteria and molds were monitored over time in the retail sales room, processing room, aging cooler and chill cooler of the Auburn Univ. Meat Laboratory. Log 10 cfu/m 3 bacteria and molds were not reduced by filtration of fresh air in the air duct of the sales room (P > 0.05). After at least 18 h of filtration, 3 or 4 console filtration units operated simultaneously were effective (P 0.05) at reducing airborne bacteria and molds under controlled conditions in the processing room, aging cooler, and chill cooler. Three console filtration units reduced (P 0.05) airborne molds under production conditions in the processing room. These data suggest that an electrostatically polarized filter medium combined with scanning UV light is effective in reducing airborne microorganisms in a small processing plant.
Cytochrome c oxidase catalysis of the reduction of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide.

Reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N2O) is catalyzed by bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in anaerobic solutions at pH 7.2 and 20°C. Cyanide inhibits and forms Fe3+a3CN. The mononitrosyl (Fe2+a3NO), but not the dinitrosyl (Fe2+a3NO; Cu+BNO), is a likely intermediate in N2O formation. One-electron reduction of NO at Fe2+a3 could yield N2O via HNO. However, a two-electron reduction of the NO ligand to give an intermediate that reacts with a second NO to give N2O and H2O appears more likely. Conversion of NO to N2O is favored by low levels of both NO and O2; higher NO levels can inhibit both cytochrome c oxidase and NO reductase activities. Raising the O2 level will favor catalysis of NO oxidation to NO2 by CcO. The reactions of NO and the specific CcO activity that occur in tissue will be critically dependent on NO, O2, and CcO levels.
SEMI-ACTIVE CONTROL OF FRICTION DAMPERS

Semi-active control of friction dampers has been proposed to improve the energy dissipation characteristics of passive friction dampers and to broaden the areas of application in which they can successfully be used. In this paper, we propose control laws for friction dampers which maximize energy dissipation in an instantaneous sense by modulating the normal force at the friction interface. In particular, we consider the effect of displacement- and velocity-induced friction dynamics on the design of the control law. A dynamic controller is proposed that prevents stored frictional energy from being returned to the system. Using both simulation and experimental results, we demonstrate under what operating conditions friction dynamics are vital to the control problem and, for these conditions, demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller. Furthermore, the experiments reveal that control strategies which, unlike instantaneous optimization, take system dynamics into account could lead to significant additional improvements in energy dissipation.
Generalized negative-flash method for multiphase multicomponent systems

We describe a generalization of the negative-flash method for computing the equilibrium compositions of systems that can form more than two fluid phases. We show the solution existence and uniqueness of the general Rachford–Rice problem for systems with any number of phases. A bisection based strategy is proposed either as a solution procedure to guarantee convergence, or as a preconditioning step of Newton based methods. A multi-stage negative-flash procedure is developed to identify the state of a multicomponent mixture where the maximum number of phases is arbitrary. The approach should be used in combination with a tie-simplex based modeling framework to provide a general method for phase behavior computations. Challenging numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the negative-flash approach.
Effect of Bilateral Transfer on Coincidence/Anticipation Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral transfer on coincidence/anticipation performance. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a transfer or a control group. All subjects performed five right-footed initial and five final coincidence/anticipation trials that required the estimation of the moment of interception between a moving ball and a stationary target. Between the initial and final trials the experimental group performed 25 left-footed trials, while the control group read unrelated material. The results provided no indication that supplementary practice resulted in bilateral transfer. Subjects' performance was found to become more accurate and precise with practice.
The psychopharmacologic treatment of depression in elders

Abstract Elders are at risk for depression from a variety of causes. Declining physical health or medical condition, loss of friends and family, adjustment to retirement, medication interactions or side effects, or a major depressive episode are possible causes of depression. The antidepressants available include TCAs, MAOIs, SSRIs, and the newer atypical medications. The selection of the appropriate drug for the particular person should be based on prior successful treatment with the medication, family history, medical conditions, and other medications. Side effects may be dose-related and must be closely monitored; they can be unpleasant and dangerous. “Start low and go slow” is the best practice for dosing antidepressants in elders. Nursing concerns include assessing and monitoring physical, emotional, and social changes, and patient and family education.
Demonstration and preliminary characterization of α-amylase in the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Aleyrodidae: Homoptera)

Abstract An α-amylase that hydrolyzes unmodified starch or amylopectin azure was demonstrated in crude and partially purified extracts prepared from whole carcasses of sweetpotato whiteflies (SPW) ( Bemisia tabaci Genn.). All nymphal instars and adult SPW, including newly eclosed crawlers that had not yet fed on plant materials, were found to have active α-amylase. α-Amylase activity per mg protein was greatest in 1st instars and decreased with age up to the “pupal” stage, with a very slight increase in activity in adults. However, activity per individual did not differ substantially as a function of age. The α-amylase had an apparent molecular weight of about 70 kDa, an isoelectric point of 6.32 and eluted with about 250 mM NaCl from a strongly basic anion-exchange column. The enzyme activity was inhibited by EDTA and not activated by either NaCl or KNO 3 . CaCl 2 strongly enhanced activity. α-Amylase activity was greatest at pH 7.0, but there was considerable activity at pHs above 7.0. The K m of the α-amylase was 1.47 Mm with p -nitrophenyl α- d -malto-heptaoside as substrate. The presence of an amylolytic enzyme in a phloem-feeding insect is unexpected and raises questions about current assumptions of feeding behavior of this species.
Serum amyloid A gene expression under acute-phase conditions involves participation of inducible C/EBP-beta and C/EBP-delta and their activation by phosphorylation.

Abstract Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a plasma protein whose synthesis is markedly increased in the liver during the inflammatory process. Previous analysis of SAA promoter function implicated the involvement of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) in controlling this process. In this study, using antibodies against three C/EBP isoforms in DNA-binding and Western blot (immunoblot) assays, we found that in response to inflammatory signals, both C/EBP-delta and C/EBP-beta are induced and that their interactions with the SAA promoter element are necessary for the increased SAA gene expression. Cotransfections of liver cells with an SAA promoter-linked reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene and murine sarcoma virus-expressed C/EBP-delta or C/EBP-beta confirm such phenomena. The increased transactivating ability in the presence of the cellular phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and sodium orthovanadate, coupled with the observation that dephosphorylation severely inhibits the DNA-binding ability in vitro, implicates a role of phosphorylation in the regulation of the activities of the C/EBP-delta isoform. Consistent with these findings, we have detected higher levels of DNA-binding activity of C/EBP-delta prepared from cells treated with phosphatase inhibitors. We also present evidence that C/EBP-delta is a phosphoprotein. These results suggest that C/EBP-delta is regulated by phosphorylation and, in conjunction with C/EBP-beta, is one of the major proteins responsible for the increased transcription of the SAA gene in response to inflammatory stimuli.
Wave propagation in long compound acoustic transmission line: numerical simulation and measurement

This paper describes the FEM-BEM simulation of and measurements on an acoustic transmission line consisting of three connected components; a long thin tube, a narrow solid cylinder, and a long narrow column of water. The total path length corresponded to about 8500 wavelengths at the highest frequency used, 5 MHz. Applications for this topic are in the field of high resolution ranging and is particularly important in leadscrew position measurement, where high precision over long travel lengths are required. The new aspects of this study lie firstly, in the development of special hybrid FEM-BEM simulation techniques to handle the extremely long lengths, secondly in the optimum choice of waveguide modes, and thirdly in the details of the experimental measurements, especially, when applied to industrial leadscrew position detection. Current techniques for measuring leadscrew positions are based on electromagnetic sensors and give a range resolution of only about 10 mm. The ultrasonic range detection provided a precision of 1 mm.
Complement and antibody in neutrophil-mediated killing of type V group B streptococcus.

Serious infections caused by type V group B streptococci (GBS) are increasing. The requirements for antibody, complement, and neutrophil receptors in the killing of 12 clinical type V GBS isolates were investigated. When tested at concentrations of 33%, 5% and 1%, a human serum pool promoted neutrophil-mediated killing of the 12 isolates at a mean of 83% +/- 9%, 77% +/- 17%, and 14% +/- 28%, respectively. Addition of heated immune rabbit serum to the 5% or 1% pool increased killing significantly (97% +/- 2% or 80% +/- 15%, respectively, P < .01). With hypogammaglobulinemic serum, complement-mediated killing ranged from 74% +/- 2% for a strain designated resistant to 98% +/- 1% for a strain designated sensitive. Neutrophil-mediated killing was not altered by use of human sera deficient in C4 or C7 but was reduced significantly with C3-deficient serum (P < .05). Maximal inhibition of neutrophil-mediated killing was observed by monoclonal antibody blockade of complement receptor (CR) 3 alone or in combination with CR1 or Fc receptor III. Thus, C3 is required and specific antibody promotes neutrophil-mediated killing of type V GBS. Neutrophil CR3 and either CR1 or Fc receptor III optimize phagocytosis. A number of host responses function in concert to effect optimal neutrophil-mediated killing of clinical isolates of type V GBS.
Force Constants for the Lattice Vibrations of Strontium Halide Hexahydrate Crystals

In spite of the great interest in metal ion hydration, little of a quantitative nature is known about the strengths of ion-water interactions (e.g., force constants) for other than transition metal species. It seemed to us that the lattice vibrations of hydrated crystals should contain this kind of information, and the present work was undertaken to that end.
Ripplet-II transform for feature extraction

Current image representation schemes have limited capability of representing 2D singularities (e.g., edges in an image). Wavelet transform has better performance in representing 1D singularities than Fourier transform. Recently invented ridgelet and curvelet transform achieve better performance in resolving 2D singularities than wavelet transform. To further improve the capability of representing 2D singularities, this paper proposes a new transform called ripplet transform Type II (ripplet-II). The new transform is able to capture 2D singularities along a family of curves in images. In fact, ridgelet transform is a special case of ripplet-II transform with degree 1. Ripplet-II transform can be used for feature extraction due to its efficiency in representing edges and textures. Experiments in texture classification and image retrieval demonstrate that the ripplet-II transform based scheme outperforms wavelet and ridgelet transform based approaches.
Effect of magnetic annealing on plated permalloy and domain configurations in thin-film inductive head

The magnetic annealing behavior of electroplated, 2.00- mu m-thick, NiFe films containing nominally 82% Ni, in the temperature range from 100 to 500 degrees C, was investigated through characterization of the structural properties of full films and the domain configurations of films shaped like an inductive-head yoke. A transition in the magnetic properties of the films was observed in the temperature regime of 350-450 degrees C. Concomitant changes in film stress from 0.2 to 1.4 GPa and in magnetostriction from -2.2 to -3.5*10/sup -6/ were measured across the transition. Transmission electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that recrystallization with
Detection of specific t(14;18) chromosomal translocations in fixed tissues

The present study was undertaken to establish the incidence of t(14;18) (q32:q21) chromosomal translocations detectable by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on fixed lymphoma biopsies. DNA samples from 113 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies (non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, 96 cases; Hodgkin's disease, six cases; reactive, 11 cases) were amplified by the PCR. Of the 96 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases, 56 had a follicular pattern and 40 had a diffuse pattern. Polymerase chain reaction-amplifiable t(14;18) chromosomal translocations were detected in 23 of 43 follicular low-grade lymphomas, one of eight follicular intermediate grade lymphomas, one of five follicular high-grade lymphomas, and one of 10 diffuse large-cell lymphomas. The remaining 30 diffuse lymphomas represented the spectrum of the Working Formulation classification. There were six biopsy specimens of Hodgkin's disease and 11 biopsy specimens of follicular hyperplasia; all were negative. The translocation was not detected in 16 biopsies (non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, seven cases; follicular hyperplasia, nine cases) from patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Since this procedure uses the widely available fixed paraffin-embedded material, correlative studies between histology and genetic aberrations can be readily undertaken.
Narcissism and Self-Esteem Reactivity: The Role of Negative Achievement Events

To examine the reactivity of narcissists to achievement and social events in their daily lives, 161 participants completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Raskin & Hall, 1979) and daily diary measures of state self-esteem and daily experiences (i.e., positive achievement events, negative achievement events, positive social events, and negative social events). Multilevel random coefficient models found that narcissists reported greater decreases in their state self-esteem on days with more negative achievement events than was observed for non-narcissists. Narcissism did not moderate the associations observed for state self-esteem and the other daily events. These results suggest that narcissists may be especially reactive to mundane achievement failure experiences. The discussion will focus on the asymmetry in the reactivity of narcissists to daily events.
Characterization of Rice Blast Resistance Gene Pi61(t) in Rice Germplasm

Abstract Identification of resistance (R) genes to races of Magnaporthe oryzae in rice (Oryza sativa) germplasm is essential for the development of rice cultivars with long-lasting blast resistance. In the present study, one major quantitative trait locus, qPi93-3, was fine mapped using a recombinant inbred line (RIL), F8 RIL171, derived from the cross between ‘Nipponbare’ and ‘93-11’. RIL171 contained a heterozygous qPi93-3 allele which was found to be resistant against nine U.S. common races—ID1, IA1, IB49, IE1, IA45, IB1, IC17, IB45, and IH1—of M. oryzae. An F2 mapping population consisting of 2,381 individuals derived from RIL171 was evaluated with a field isolate (race) ARB82 (IA1) of M. oryzae under greenhouse conditions. Disease reaction of a resistant/susceptible ratio of 3:1 was identified with F2:F3 families. In total, 12 simple sequence repeat markers spanning qPi93-3 were used for fine mapping. Consequently, qPi93-3 was delimited to 4.2 Mb between RM3246 and RM7102. Three insertion-deletion (I...
Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Phosphosilicate Mediated Drug Delivery and Imaging

Nanotechnology-based imaging, drug and gene delivery systems can be used to improve current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Calcium phosphate (CP) and calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) based nanoparticulate systems are becoming increasingly popular as delivery vehicles for therapeutic and imaging agents due to biocompatible and biodegradable properties of the material. In this chapter, we emphasize properties of the various calcium phosphates that make these materials promising nanocarriers and we provide an overview of the architectures of different calcium phosphate systems including the nanocomposite calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles, hybrid CP-liposome and CP-polymeric systems. The versatility of calcium phosphate based delivery systems for therapeutic and imaging applications is emphasized.
Multi-professional training for obstetric emergencies in a U.S. hospital over a 7-year interval: an observational study.

Multi-professional training for obstetric emergencies in a US hospital over a 7-year interval: an observational study
Scalable byzantine agreement with a random beacon

We present two Monte Carlo algorithms for efficiently computing Byzantine agreement in the partially synchronous communication model. The algorithms assume the existence of a Random Beacon, which is a stream of random bits, known to all the processors. Both algorithms terminate in O(1) expected time. The first algorithm sends O(M+nlog2n) messages in total, where M is the maximum number of messages sent by the bad processors in any round and n is the number of processors. It ensures all processors reach agreement. The second algorithm sends $\tilde{O}(1)$ messages per processor, and is thus load-balanced, and ensures all but a o(1) fraction of the processors reach agreement. Both algorithms succeed with probability 1−O(1/nk), even against an adaptive adversary that takes over up to a 1/3−e fraction of the processors for any e>0. We prove the correctness of both algorithms and provide empirical evidence that they require significantly less bandwidth than previous algorithms for networks of size greater than 4,000 processors. Our algorithms work in the full-information model and thus make no cryptographic assumptions.
Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is dominant and very dangerous disease in the world. Coronary heart disease causes mortality in the world. CHD is very complicated because of many factors that affect this disease. The main factors effects on coronary heart disease are Cholesterol, Diabetes, Depression, and Hypertension. I believe four factors above have tremendous and direct effects on this disease. The rate of death is different according to country, age, and gender. The lack of physical activity is the same in men and women so the rate of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity more common. The main and dangerous point in coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary artery get atherosclerosis. As a result, the fat particles constrict the coronary artery so the blood, oxygen, and sufficient material don't flow to the heart completely. The main purpose of this model is to minimize the risk factors of coronary heart disease. As a result, I believe we can minimize and control this disease by doing more exercise, getting enough sleep, staying away from smoking and drinking, eating low animal products, and more eating fruit and vegetables. This paper goals to review the coronary heart disease and inquire its connections among different factors that must be taken into consideration throughout the process and how to prevent ourselves from risk factors.
How Positive Communication Improves Team Performance and Negative Communication Takes a Toll

In this study we examined the influence of positive and negative team communications on team outcomes, including average team members’ decision making performance and team members’ disagreements. 4...
Vowel-dependent variation in Cantonese /s/ from an individual-difference perspective

Individual variation is ubiquitous in the acoustic realization of human speech; however, little is known about the nature of individual differences in coarticulation. Through an in-depth case study of the temporal dynamics of vocalic influences on the acoustic realization of Cantonese /s/, this study demonstrates that coarticulatory effects may vary by the sex and self-reported autistic-like traits of the individual. These findings have significant implications for research in phonetics, phonology, and sound change.
Tuning Heterogeneous Computing Platforms for Large-Scale Hydrology Data Management

HydroTerre is a research prototype platform developed at Penn State for the hydrology community. It provides access to aggregated scientific data sets that are useful for hydrological modeling and research. HydroTerre’s frontend is a web service, and a user query can request creation of a data bundle whose size can vary from a few megabytes to 100’s of gigabytes. In this article, we present software tuning and optimization strategies for various hardware configurations of the HydroTerre platform. Our goal is to minimize access time to a wide range of data bundle creation queries from users. We use automated schemes to estimate the computational work required for various queries, and identify the best-performing hardware/software configuration. We hope this study is instructive for researchers developing similar data management cyberinfrastructure in other science and engineering fields.
A phase I/II study of sequential interleukin-3 and granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor in myelodysplastic syndromes

In this phase I/II study, 9 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were treated with interleukin-3 (IL-3) followed by granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Each treatment cycle was 28 days long and administered as follows: 1 microgram/kg/d IL-3 on days 1 through 7 and 3 micrograms/kg/d GM-CSF for days 8 through 21, followed by a 7-day rest period. IL-3 dose escalations were planned, but the dose of GM-CSF was fixed. Three patients had refractory anemia, 4 had refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, and 2 had refractory anemia with excess blasts. Six patients were dependent on red blood cell transfusions, 1 on platelet transfusions, and 2 on both. The absolute neutrophil count improved in 7 (77%) patients and the platelet count improved in 3 (33%) patients during therapy. Hemoglobin levels were unchanged. A clinically relevant response was seen in only 1 patient with thrombocytopenia, and he received five cycles of therapy. The neutrophil count decreased in 2 patients and the platelet count decreased in 4 patients during treatment. The toxicity of the treatment was significant. In the first cohort of 3 patients, 1 patient developed supraventricular tachycardia and congestive heart failure. In the second group, 1 patient developed progressive granulocytopenia and died of gram-negative septicemia. Because of the disparate toxicity, 3 more patients were treated at the same dose level. One of these experienced a high fever and bone pain requiring hospitalization. Because of these adverse effects, the IL-3 dose was not escalated and all patients received 1 microgram/kg/d for 7 days. We believe that sequential therapy with IL-3 and GM-CSF at these dose levels causes unacceptable toxicity in patients with MDS. The major toxic events occurred during weeks 4 and 5 after starting treatment and may have been primarily caused by GM-CSF therapy. Although neutrophil counts improve in most patients, the effect on red blood cells and platelets is minimal. At present, this form of therapy remains problematic and appears to have a limited potential in the management of MDS.
The Proposed Amendment to the IEEE Constitution and Its Potential Impact [President's Message]

Discusses the proposed amendment to the IEEE Constitution and analyzes its potential impact to the organization and its members.
WITHDRAWN: Comment on joint statement on metabolic surgeries by international diabetes organizations: The emperor has clothes, but the people were blind

Available online This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .
Chronic odorant exposure upregulates acquisition of functional properties in cultured embryonic chick olfactory sensory neurons.

Neuronal development and differentiation is modulated by activity-dependent mechanisms that stimulate endogenous neurogenesis and differentiation to promote adaptive survival of the organism. Studies on bird odor imprinting have shown how sensory stimuli or environmental influences can affect neonatal behavior, presumably by remodeling the developing nervous system. It is unclear whether these changes originate from the sensory neurons themselves or from the brain. Thus, we attempted to address this by using an in vitro system to separate the peripheral neurons from their central connections. Olfactory neurons from embryonic day 17 Gallus domesticus chicks were isolated, cultured, and exposed to 100 µM amyl acetate or phenethyl alcohol in 12-hr bouts, alternated with periods of no-odor exposure. On days 4 and 5 in vitro, cells were immunostained for olfactory marker protein, neuron-specific tubulin, and olfactory GTP-binding protein, and tested for odorant sensitivity using calcium imaging. While odorant exposure did not result in a significant increase in the overall number of neurons, it promoted neuron differentiation: a larger proportion of odorant-exposed cells expressed olfactory marker protein and the olfactory GTP-binding protein. When cell responsiveness was tested using calcium imaging, a greater proportion of odorant-exposed cells responded to stimulation with 100 µM amyl acetate or phenethyl alcohol. Thus, odorant exposure during development modulated the developmental trajectories of individual neurons, resulting in changes in protein expression associated with odorant signaling. This suggests that the neuronal changes in the periphery have an important contribution to the overall long-term functional changes associated with odor imprinting. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Address margins of 512 x 512 independent sustain and address AC plasma displays

The authors consider ISA (independent sustain and address) as an alternative to standard XY AC plasma displays. It requires no manufacturing process changes and inherently provides for a reduction by a factor of two in the number of required address drivers. The remaining address drivers can themselves be open-drain-type output devices of much smaller size than the normal address drivers since they do not have to supply the high sustain currents. It is shown that the address margins achieved by using the ISA addressing mechanism are very wide. Current address margins of 33-50% of the address amplitude indicate that the ISA technology is already very practical. These margins will relax the tolerances required on the electronics used for standard XY panels and make the panel-to-panel variations in the operational space much less of a concern. >
Computer-Assisted, Tissue-Preserving THA With Early Mobilization: Impact on Length of Stay, Disposition, and Complications

Introduction The current study reports on the impact of immediate mobilization of patients treated by tissue-preserving, computer-assisted total hip arthroplasty on length of stay, disposition, and complications. Methods From March, 2010 to April, 2011, a total of 231 consecutive primary THA were performed. Of these, 218 hips met the inclusion criteria of treatment using the superior capsulotomy surgical technique 1 (Fig. 1), navigation of acetabular component implantation using a patient-specific mechanical navigation device (HipSextant™ navigation System, Surgical Planning Associates, Inc., Boston, MA) 2 , and patient age less than 80 years. Mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range 23.5–79.9 years). The superior capsulotomy approach 1 was used in all cases. This technique allows for both the femoral and the acetabular components to be placed with the patient in a lateral position through an incision in the superior capsule, posterior to the abductors and anterior to the short external rotators. The hip is not dislocated during surgery. Rather, the femur is prepared in situ through the top of the femoral neck, the neck is then transected, and the femoral head is excised en bloc. The acetabulum is prepared under direct vision using angled reamers, and the socket is placed with an offset inserter. The final construct is then reduced in situ. The protocol also involved the use of pre-emptive oral analgesia, pre-emptive autologous blood transfusion, and immediate mobilization 3 . Length of stay and disposition in this study group were compared to a cohort of 698 total hip arthroplasty performed at the same institution by all other techniques. Results In the 218 hips in this study, the mean length of stay was 1.65 days with 97% of patients discharged directly home. Comparatively, the control group of 698 primary hips had an average length of stay of 3.2 days with 68% of patients discharged directly home. Of the 3 patients transferred to rehabilitation, one had cerebral palsy and another had end stage renal disease, a mechanical heart valve, and a longstanding complete sciatic palsy on the contralateral side. One patient, discharged on post op day 3, was readmitted 3 weeks postop for a GI bleed in association with prolonged anti-inflammatory use prior to surgery. Otherwise, there were no readmissions, reoperations, dislocations, nerve injuries, or post-discharge blood transfusions. Conclusions The current study demonstrates that performing THA with combined tissue preservation and mechanical navigation techniques together with immediate mobilization can be safe and effective and have the potential of greatly reducing healthcare costs and dependence upon prolonged institutionalization following surgery.
Variant call concordance between two laboratory-developed, solid tumor targeted genomic profiling assays using distinct workflows and sequencing instruments

Targeted genomic profiling (TGP) using massively parallel DNA sequencing is becoming the standard methodology in clinical laboratories for detecting somatic variants in solid tumors. The variety of methodologies and sequencing platforms in the marketplace for TGP has resulted in a variety of clinical TGP laboratory developed tests (LDT). The variability of LDTs is a challenge for test-to-test and laboratory-to-laboratory reliability. At the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), we validated a TGP assay for solid tumors which utilizes DNA hybridization capture and complete exon and selected intron sequencing of 29 clinically actionable genes. The validation samples were run on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Clinical specificity and sensitivity were evaluated by testing samples harboring genomic variants previously identified in CLIA-approved, CAP accredited laboratories with clinically validated molecular assays. The Molecular Laboratory at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) provided 11 FFPE specimens that had been analyzed on AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel version 2 (CHPv2) and run on the Ion Torrent PGM. A Venn diagram of the gene lists from the two institutions is shown. This provided an excellent opportunity to compare the inter-laboratory reliability using two different target sequencing methods and sequencing platforms. Our data demonstrated an exceptionally high level of concordance with respect to the sensitivity and specificity of the analyses. All clinically-actionable SNV and InDel variant calls in genes covered by both panels (n=17) were identified by both laboratories. This data supports the proposal that distinct gene panel designs and sequencing workflows are capable of making consistent variant calls in solid tumor FFPE-derived samples.
Quantum-dot lasers with asymmetric barrier layers: a path to ideal performance (Conference Presentation)

To overcome the limitations placed on the operating characteristics of diode lasers by recombination outside their active region, two novel designs were proposed for them: one using double tunneling-injection (injection of both electrons and holes) into the active region, and the other using two asymmetric barrier layers (ABLs) flanking the active region. The barrier layers are asymmetric in that they have considerably different heights for the carriers of opposite signs. The ABL located on the electron- (hole-) injecting side of the structure provides a low barrier (ideally no barrier) for electrons (holes) [so that it does not prevent electrons (holes) from easily approaching the active region] and a high barrier for holes (electrons) [so that holes (electrons) injected from the opposite side of the structure do not overcome it]. The use of ABLs should thus ideally prevent the simultaneous existence of electrons and holes (and hence parasitic electron-hole recombination) outside the active region. In this work, we calculate the threshold and power characteristics of quantum dot lasers with ABLs. We show that quantum dot lasers with ABLs offer close-to-ideal performance: low threshold current density, very high characteristic temperature (virtually temperature-independent operation), close-to-unity internal differential quantum efficiency, and linear light-current characteristic.
Impact of body mass index on robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion

Objectives To determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on peri-operative and oncological outcomes following robotic radical cystectomy (RRC) with intra-corporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). Subjects and Methods A total of 216 patients undergoing RRC, extended lymphadenectomy and ICUD (07/2010-12/2015) were categorized into four BMI groups according to the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) obesity classification: <25 kg/m2 (normal), 25-29.9 kg/m2 (pre-obese), 30-34.9 kg/m2 (obese class I), ≥35 kg/m2 (obese class II). Pre-, intra- and post-operative parameters, oncologic outcomes, and 90-day complications were compared using SAS statistical software. Results All 216 patients underwent ICUD, with 68 (32%) undergoing orthotopic neobladder. Demographics were similar between BMI groups with regards to median age (71.8; 35-95); gender (80.6% male); CCI (66.2% 0-1); pathological stage (Cis-T2: 55.1%, T3-T4/N0: 18.5%, Tx/N+: 26.4%); median node count: 41 (IQR: 28, 53); and positive soft tissue margin rate (4.2%). Obese patients had higher blood loss and operative time (p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). There were no significant differences in length of stay, transfusion rates, readmission, or 90-day overall and high-grade complication rates (p=0.16, p=0.96, p=0.89, p=0.22, p=0.51, respectively). At median follow-up of 13 months (15 days- 4.8 years), recurrence-free survival (p=0.92) and overall survival (p=0.68) were similar between groups. Conclusion RRC with intra-corporeal diversion is safe and feasible in obese patients with bladder cancer. BMI is not associated with significant differences in perioperative, pathological, or early oncological outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Communication Programming with “Remocon” Packets

For its robotics systems, ROBOTIS had devised two types of communication packets: 1. “Remocon” packets were first devised for the RC-100 controller, but they could be used for general user-programmable messages between various CM and OpenCM controllers, along with the PC or Smart Phone. This Chap. 8 described applications of these “Remocon” packets using ZigBee communications hardware which could be extended to NIR and BlueTooth hardware. 2. “Dynamixel” packets were designed to communicate with and to control ROBOTIS actuators, sensors, hardware controllers and external devices such as Smart Phones, thus these “Dynamixel” packets had a more complex structure than the “Remocon” packets. These “Dynamixel” packets were further classified as: (a) DXL 1.0 for Firmware 1.0 systems (for example, AX-12, AX-S1 and CM-5/510/530/700). (b) DXL 2.0 for Firmware 2.0 systems (for example, XM-430, XL-320, Dynamixel-Pro, CM-50, OpenCM-9.04/7.00 and OLLOBOT).
Dimensional reduction in manifoldlike causal sets

We investigate the behavior of small subsets of causal sets that approximate Minkowski space in three, four, and five dimensions, and show that their effective dimension decreases smoothly at small distances. The details of the short distance behavior depend on a choice of dimensional estimator, but for a reasonable version of the Myrheim-Meyer dimension, the minimum dimension is d≈2, reproducing results that have been seen in other approaches to quantum gravity.