cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2767: Genetic variation in obesity-related genes ADBR2, ADBR3, GHRL, HSD11B1, and SHC1 and risk of prostate cancer: A VA case-control study

INTRODUCTION: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are single nucleotide variations that occur within alleles among individuals. It is believed that SNPs may predispose a person to diseases such as obesity or cancer. One study showed that SNPs within genes linked with obesity were also associated with breast cancer risk. As prostate cancer (PC) mortality is linked with obesity, we determined if SNPs within 5 obesity-related genes were also linked to PC risk in a similar manner to the breast cancer study. METHODS: A total of 53 SNPs were tagged in the genes ADBR2, ADBR3, GHRL, HSD11B1, and SHC1 using the program HAPMAP. DNA collected from 216 subjects (108 incident cases, 108 “healthy” controls) from the Durham VA Hospital were then genotyped for these SNPs. Cases and controls were frequency matched on age and BMI. Logistic regression models were used to determine the risk of obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) and PC (and high-grade defined as Gleason >7 vs. low-grade/control) for each SNP, adjusting for age and race. RESULTS: In our study population, 83 men were Caucasian and 133 African American. There was no significant differences in age (p=0.18), race (p=0.96), and BMI (p=0.12) for cases and controls. Among the 53 SNPs genotyped, 5 SNPs in ADRB2, ADRB3, and SHC1 were associated with an increased risk of PC (OR 1.88-2.21; p=0.01-0.04), particularly high-grade disease (OR 2.50-3.26; p=0.0004-0.05). Another 4 SNPs in ADRB2 and HSD11B1 were associated with a decreased risk of PC (p=0.01-0.05). A total of 7 SNPs were associated with an increased risk of obesity (p=0.004-0.02). CONCLUSION: In this small pilot study, we found 14 of the 53 analyzed single SNPs in genes previously linked with obesity that were associated with PC risk, both positively and negatively at an alpha of Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2767. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2767
Electrocardiographic inverse solution for ectopic origin of excitation in two-dimensional propagation model.

Inverse calculations were examined that sought the origin of a cardiac ectopic excitation sequence. Cardiac anatomy and its geometric relationships to sites on the body surface were adapted from human cross-sectional images to form a two-dimensional model, which included ventricular muscle and a primitive conduction system. The surrounding volume conductor was modelled in a simplified way as unbounded, homogeneous and isotropic. In a series of tests, one ectopic origin was designated the ‘true’ origin. The ECG for this true origin was compared to ECGs for 197 ectopic ‘trial’ origins, and differences between the wave forms for true versus trial origins were determined. Core issues were the magnitudes of changes in ECG wave forms as a function of the site of origin, whether these changes were sufficient to imply uniqueness, and what spatial resolution might be expected, in the presence of realistic noise levels. For a noise level of 10 μV RMS, the origin of excitation was localised to a single region of the muscle using one wave form from the body surface, with a resolution of 10 mm. The resolution was not improved significantly with a second electrode on the body surface, but was substantially improved with an endocardial electrode.
A Biocompatible Alkene Hydrogenation Merges Organic Synthesis with Microbial Metabolism

Organic chemists and metabolic engineers use orthogonal technologies to construct essential small molecules such as pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals. While chemists have leveraged the unique capabilities of biological catalysts for small-molecule production, metabolic engineers have not likewise integrated reactions from organic synthesis with the metabolism of living organisms. Reported herein is a method for alkene hydrogenation which utilizes a palladium catalyst and hydrogen gas generated directly by a living microorganism. This biocompatible transformation, which requires both catalyst and microbe, and can be used on a preparative scale, represents a new strategy for chemical synthesis that combines organic chemistry and metabolic engineering.
Novel stretchable electrically conductive composites for tunable RF devices

Stretchable, flexible and tunable RF devices that are fabricated with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Electrically Conductive Composites (ECC) are presented. Using this composite material allows mechanical modulation of the device dimensions resulting in tuning of its frequency response. A planar loop antenna and a 5th order stepped impedance low pass filter operating around 1.5 GHz with tunability greater than 15% are shown. The ECC can reach an electrical resistivity as low as 10−4 Ω. cm, which is close to a metal resistivity. The materials are also ultra-low cost for massive fabrication. This technology opens the door for tunable RF devices on flexible and curvilinear packages.
Distributed estimation and control of swarm formation statistics

We describe distributed estimation algorithms that allow robots in a communication network to maintain estimates of summary statistics describing the shape of the swarm. We show that these estimators, combined with motion controllers implemented on each robot, result in the swarm formation statistics being driven to desired values in the presence of a changing network topology and the addition and deletion of robots.
Racing sub-femtosecond pulse and relativistic particle in a spark chamber as a new detection tool

Summary form only given. Very recent predictions of near-femtosecond and sub-femtosecond pulses (SFP) brings us close to the experimental observation of these pulses in the near future. SFP are expected to be sub-cycle (e.g. half-cycle) pulses. One of the major issues in this endeavour is how one measures SFPs duration and temporal structure. While one can conceivably think of auto-correlation, "FROG" technique, or across-the-spectrum heterodyne detection, no existing technique was able so far to handle it. We discuss here a radically new approach to the problem. In the proposed arrangement, SFP and a single relativistic particle (e.g. electron or proton) co-propagate or "race" in an spark-like chamber filled with diluted gas and reminiscent, to the extent, to the spark or streamer chambers used in high-energy particles physics.
Online multimedia museum exhibits: a case study in technology and collaboration

Eight partners including three university libraries and five regional museums worked together to create the Voices of the Colorado Plateau online exhibit. This site features multimedia exhibits that combine oral history recordings and historic photographs to create a new and engaging online museum experience. Computer and telecommunication technologies were vital in the collaboration, creation and dissemination processes. Collaborative projects among libraries and museums can capitalize on both similarities and differences between these culture heritage institutions. Working in consortia can produce results that cannot be achieved alone. Both number and geographical separation of the partners in this project represent a unique level of cooperation and integration. The extensive use of oral history in a multimedia museum exhibit is also unique to this project.
Albumin is a better predictor of outcomes than body mass index following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective Body mass index (BMI) influences risk in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients, but albumin level is not collected by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. We postulate that preoperative albumin is a better predictor of mortality than BMI following CABG. Methods BMI from patients with serum albumin level within 6 months of isolated CABG during 1995–2010 from our institutional databases were identified. Patients were stratified by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) BMI class, and by preoperative albumin. Regression models were used to assess predictors of morbidity and mortality. Results We analyzed 2,794 isolated CABG patients at our institution. Unadjusted mortality was highest with lowest BMI (P ≤ .05), and in patients with 2–3 g/dL albumin (P = .02). Ejection fraction (EF) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use were similar despite BMI; however, EF was lowest and IABP use highest in the 2–3 g/dL albumin group (P Conclusion Albumin, more than body mass index, is associated with mortality and morbidity in isolated CABG recipients and may be a better indicator for outcomes.
Patterns and mechanisms of genetic and phenotypic differentiation in marine microbes

Microbes in the ocean dominate biogeochemical processes and are far more diverse than anticipated. Thus, in order to understand the ocean system, we need to delineate microbial populations with predictable ecological functions. Recent observations suggest that ocean communities comprise diverse groups of bacteria organized into genotypic (and phenotypic) clusters of closely related organisms. Although such patterns are similar to metazoan communities, the underlying mechanisms for microbial communities may differ substantially. Indeed, the potential among ocean microbes for vast population sizes, extensive migration and both homologous and illegitimate genetic recombinations, which are uncoupled from reproduction, challenges classical population models primarily developed for sexually reproducing animals. We examine possible mechanisms leading to the formation of genotypic clusters and consider alternative population genetic models for differentiation at individual loci as well as gene content at the level of whole genomes. We further suggest that ocean bacteria follow at least two different adaptive strategies, which constrain rates and bounds of evolutionary processes: the ‘opportuni-troph’, exploiting spatially and temporally variable resources; and the passive oligotroph, efficiently using low nutrient concentrations. These ecological lifestyle differences may represent a fundamental divide with major consequences for growth and predation rates, genome evolution and population diversity, as emergent properties driving the division of labour within microbial communities.
My approach to pancreatic fine needle aspiration

Pancreatic fine needle aspiration cytopathology has earned a reputation as a rapid, safe, accurate and cost-beneficial modality of investigation of pancreatic mass lesion. Optimal results can be expected only if these procedures are undertaken regularly in gastroenterology departments processing large numbers of patients; occasional aspirators cannot exploit the technique to full potential. Professional teams following a dedicated approach to patient selection and management develop requisite expertise over time. Cytodiagnosis rests as much on morphological examination as on the milieu in which is it practised, and as much on sample quality as on cellular criteria. This article focuses attention on specimen handling, with particular reference to rapid on-site evaluation. The significance of particular cytodiagnoses in patient care is evaluated, and tumour types that may be encountered are enumerated and illustrated.
Delphinidin inhibits IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB by modulating the phosphorylation of IRAK-1Ser376 in human articular chondrocytes

Objective. In OA, there is enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β in the affected joint. Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin found in pigmented fruits and vegetables, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the present study we determined whether delphinidin would inhibit the IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB in human chondrocytes and determined the mechanism of its action. Methods. PGE2 levels and activation of NF-κB p65 in human OA chondrocytes were determined by ELISA-based assays. Protein expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and phosphorylation of kinases was determined by western immunoblotting. Expression level of mRNAs was determined by TaqMan assays. Results. Delphinidin inhibited IL-1β-induced expression of COX-2 and production of PGE2 in human chondrocytes. Delphinidin also inhibited IL-1β-mediated phosphorylation of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1Ser376, phosphorylation of IKKα/β, expression of IKKβ, degradation of IκBα, and activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65. Phosphorylation of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 was not observed but NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) was phosphorylated and phosphorylation of NIK was blocked by delphinidin in IL-1β-treated human chondrocytes. Conclusion. These data identify delphinidin as a novel inhibitor of IL-1β-induced production of cartilage-degrading molecule PGE2 via inhibition of COX-2 expression and provide new insight into the mechanism of its action. Our results also identify inhibition of IRAK1Ser376 phosphorylation by delphinidin in IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB in human chondrocytes. Given the important role played by IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation, COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in OA, our results may have important implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention/treatment of OA.
Azimuth homing in a planar uniform wind

The planar trajectory of an azimuth homing gliding system maneuvering through a uniform wind field is presented. The kinematics of the motion is discussed generating two first-order differential equations which are separated producing an expression involving only position coordinates. A change of variables is introduced and exact solutions obtained by direct integration. The resulting trajectories fall into two categories classified according to their target-seeking or orbital characteristics. Flight paths in the target-seeking domain are shown to be convergent when the system has a wind penetration capability. The family of target-orbiti ng solutions are shown to produce trajectories which are captured about the target in elliptic spirals. Launch criteria are established from the time solution which takes the form of an ellipse for all categories of azimuth homing. The definition of a release path as the locus of points from which the flight time necessary to reach the target is constant, follows from this result. Nomenclature LID — lift to drag ratio t = time U = horizontal component of total airspeed vector u = \U\, horizontal airspeed V = system total airspeed vector a = radial offset angle W = wind or field velocity w = I W I, wind or field speed x = horizontal space coordinate fixed to earth y = horizontal space coordinate perpendicular to x and fixed to earth z = vertical space coordinate perpendicular to the x-y plane r = magnitude of the radius vector in polar coordinates 6 — angular position in polar coordinates X = u/w wind penetration parameter Subscript
5-Year Outcomes of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Purpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is increasingly a definitive therapeutic option in patients with a small renal mass. Intermediate term oncological outcomes after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are excellent up to a mean followup of 3 years. We present outcomes in 56 patients, each of whom has now completed a minimum of 5 years of followup after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Of the 557 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed at our institution 58 patients with a localized tumor have completed more than 5 years since surgery. Clinical and renal functional data on 56 patients (97%) were obtained from medical records, radiographic reports and patient contact via telephone.Results: Average patient age was 64 years and 9% were symptomatic at presentation. Average tumor size was 2.9 cm. On histopathology renal cell carcinoma was confirmed in 37 cases (66%) and pathological tumor stage was pT1a in 32 (86%). Final surgical margin was positive for cancer in 1 patient. Medi...
The world wide computer: prospects for parallel and distributed computing an the web

1 This work is supported in part by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA contract number F30602-00-2-0586) Abstract Researchers have long focused on dramatically increasing the size of problems that can be solved by exploiting massive parallelism. Considerable work was done on special purpose hardware for building concurrent computers and parallelizing conventional sequential programs. On the other hand, models such as Actors were inspired by the idea that using diversity and parallelism, a community of agents could collectively solve much larger problems than sequential programs. Early work on the Actor model studied the semantics of concurrency and distribution. Later work provided novel ways of implementing actors for efficiently executing and migrating them [1].
Time evolution of non-photochemical hole burning linewidths: observation of spectral diffusion at long times

Abstract Time-dependent non-photochemical hole burning linewidths for cresyl violet in ethanol glass are reported from 100 ms to 3000 s at 1.3 K. The linewidth increases by nearly a factor of two in this region, changing most rapidly in the range around 20 s. The increase in linewidth is directly related to the broad rate distribution of dynamic processes in the glass. Using the results of a theoretical analysis based on the four-point correlation function description of optical dephasing experiments, the fluctuation rate distribution is calculated. In the experimental time range, the distribution is characterized by a Gaussian function on a ln R scale centered at R 0 = 0.4 s −1 .
Interactions of 1.0-, 2.0-, and 3-GeV Protons with Ag and Br in Nuclear Emulsion. II

Stars produced in insensitive nuclear emulsions by 1.0-3.0 Bev protons have been classified into different groups depending on whether light fragments and/or fission fragments are emitted. Alpha particle spectra and angular distributions are presented for each of the various groups. The probability for light-fragment emission increases rapidly with increasing beam energy up to 2.0 Bev. The angular distribution of the light fragments is peaked forward but also shows a preference for emission at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the beam. Fission events increase from \ensuremath{\sim}3% of the interactions with Ag and Br at 1.0 Bev to \ensuremath{\sim}11% at 3.0 Bev. Ranges and angular distributions are also given for the recoil and fission fragments.
Governmental Litigants, Underdogs, and Civil Liberties in the Supreme Court: 1903-1968 Terms

From an assortment of partial theories found in the literature, it was hypothesized that governmental litigants were more likely than nongovernmental litigants to be favored in cases decided by the United States Supreme Court. This proposition was tested for state and federal governments in civil liberty cases involving "underdogs" in the Court's 1903-1968 terms. The hypothesis was not supported for state and federal governments separately or for state, local, and federal governments collectively. A significant trend toward less support for governmental litigants between 1903 and 1968 was noted. The negative slope of the trend for state government was significantly more pronounced than the negative slope for federal government.
Semiautomatic segmentation of longitudinal computed tomography images in a rat model of lung injury by surfactant depletion

Quantitative analysis of computed tomography (CT) is essential to the study of acute lung injury. However, quantitative CT is made difficult by poor lung aeration, which complicates the critical st...
E-Government Versus E-Business: A Comparison of Online Recruitment in the Public and Private Sectors

In this study, the authors assessed the usability of e-recruitment websites in the 50 states and the 50 largest American businesses. It is found that states were much less likely than businesses to accept online job applications. For example, it is impossible to apply online for a state government position in the three largest states. When it was possible to apply online for a state government job, the websites tended to be less user-friendly and informative than their private-sector counterparts. The major exception to this pattern was that the state government websites tended to be less secretive about pay rates. Because of the digital divide, state governments cannot rely exclusively on online applications. However, state governments should be able to offer a more advanced online job application process. The authors conclude by discussing implications for e-democracy, offering suggestions for research and practice, and identifying the two states with the least advanced recruitment practices.
Youth Education for Social Responsibility

Social responsibility requires youth education that promotes it. This article addresses the problem of irresponsible, unjust social behavior from the perspective of its origins in the prevailing Prussian model of public education. It proposes an alternative partnership model that teaches collaborative, socially responsible behavior. We define socially responsible behavior in terms of five central issues of social justice. We also assert, with others, that transformative remedies must arise from collaboration between the victims of injustice and those who have the means to alter the educational models. We adduce several key insights from anthropology and the philosophy of value and meaning to support this objective. We conclude with several ideas concerning educational experiments that could help in the transformation of youth education models, including Venezuela's El Sistema, which uses orchestral music to teach collaborative life skills. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast actin-binding proteins: evidence for a role in morphogenesis

Three yeast actin-binding proteins were identified using yeast actin filaments as an affinity matrix. One protein appears to be a yeast myosin heavy chain; it is dissociated from actin filaments by ATP, it is similar in size (200 kD) to other myosins, and antibodies directed against Dictyostelium myosin heavy chain bind to it. Immunofluorescence experiments show that a second actin-binding protein (67 kD) colocalizes in vivo with both cytoplasmic actin cables and cortical actin patches, the only identifiable actin structures in yeast. The cortical actin patches are concentrated at growing surfaces of the yeast cell where they might play a role in membrane and cell wall insertion, and the third actin-binding protein (85 kD) is only detected in association with these structures. This 85-kD protein is therefore a candidate for a determinant of growth sites. The in vivo role of this protein was tested by overproduction; this overproduction causes a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton which in turn dramatically affects the budding pattern and spatial growth organization of the yeast cell.
Method for the preparation of a herpesvirus hominis fluorescent conjugate for direct immunofluorescence.

A detailed method for the preparation, standardization and interpretation of a direct immunofluorescentherpesvirus hominis conjugate is presented.
Learning grasp strategies with partial shape information

We consider the problem of grasping novel objects in cluttered environments. If a full 3-d model of the scene were available, one could use the model to estimate the stability and robustness of different grasps (formalized as form/force-closure, etc); in practice, however, a robot facing a novel object will usually be able to perceive only the front (visible) faces of the object. In this paper, we propose an approach to grasping that estimates the stability of different grasps, given only noisy estimates of the shape of visible portions of an object, such as that obtained from a depth sensor. By combining this with a kinematic description of a robot arm and hand, our algorithm is able to compute a specific positioning of the robot's fingers so as to grasp an object. We test our algorithm on two robots (with very different arms/manipulators, including one with a multifingered hand). We report results on the task of grasping objects of significantly different shapes and appearances than ones in the training set, both in highly cluttered and in uncluttered environments. We also apply our algorithm to the problem of unloading items from a dishwasher.
Temporal shift in diet in a population of American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Resumen---Redescubrimos al hilido end6mico de Oaxaca, Hyla cembra, el cual era previamente conocido finicamente del holotipo, y por su descripci6n, no se tenian registros adicionales. Esta especie es conocida de dos localidades, una al sur del estado y la otra al noroeste de Oaxaca en la Sierra de Yucuyacua (Mixteca Alta). Se pensaba que Hyla cembra podia ser sin6nimo de Hyla mykter, sin embargo con la examinaci6n del holotipo y del nuevo ejemplar, concluimos que estas son especies distintas.
Thermal Desorption of Deuterium from GaN(0001)

The recombinative desorption of deuterium from GaN(0001) has been investigated using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) with variable heating rates. With a heating rate of 1 °C/s, molecular deuterium desorption peaks at 410 °C in agreement with related previous work. However, the shape of the curve indicates a secondary peak at around 280 °C which is merged into the lower temperature shoulder of the dominant peak. By changing linear heating rate from 0.05 °C/s to 8 °C/s desorption peak temperatures from 380°C to 570°C were observed. Fitting to a pseudo-first-order desorption model results in a hydrogen desorption barrier, Ed, from surface of 1.1eV and a pre exponential factor, v, of 2 × 106 s−1. Both are below expected values and are assumed to be due to a variation of desorption barrier heights. If a typical pre-exponential factor of 1 × 1013 s−1 is assumed, reanalysis of the desorption data produce a desorption barrier of 2.0 eV, in agreement with the existence of the surface adsorption barrier at room temperature.
Prognostic relevance of dopamine beta-hydroxylase levels on disulfiram treatment at higher doses of cocaine dependence in methadone-stabilized patients: A secondary analysis

and gender, a multiple regression analysis revealed that ACOA status significantly predicted alcohol-related problems (p< .01, R2 = .425). Further, ACOA status moderated the effect between affect lability and problems, B=626, p< .01. Conclusions: Higher affect lability predicted more alcoholrelated problems and this effect was strengthened for those classified as an ACOA, making them more vulnerable to alcoholrelated problems. These results have practical implications on the prevention of risky alcohol use among young adults. Further research is needed to determine the causal mechanisms involved. Financial support: This work was supported by a fellowship from the Society of Public Health Education.
247 A COMPARISON OF QUANTITATIVE MEASURES OF MITRAL REGURGITATION SEVERITY WITH QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT BY AN EXPERT ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC READER

Purpose The clinically important distinction between moderate and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) may be improved by quantitative echocardiographic (echo) measures as suggested by a recent American Society of Echo (ASE) consensus statement. The primary aim of this study is to determine the relative accuracy of 4 quantitative echo measures compared with an expert reader9s qualitative assessment of MR severity. Methods Transthoracic echo9s of 62 prospectively enrolled patients (mean age = 61 ± 16 yrs) with MR were graded by expert qualitative assessment as mild (n=25), moderate (n=21) or severe (n=16). Quantitative measures of MR severity including regurgitant fraction (RF), regurgitant volume, vena contracta width and effective regurgitant orifice area were determined by an experienced echo reader blinded to the qualitative assessment. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were calculated for each quantitative measure to distinguish moderate from severe MR. Data for patients with moderate and severe MR only are described. Results The causes of MR included myxomatous degeneration (n=13), ischemic cardiomyopathy (n=8), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=7), previous endocarditis (n=2) and other or uncertain (n=7). Sensitivity, specificity and AUC for the quantitative measures using ASE recommended cut points to distinguish moderate from severe MR are shown in the table Conclusions A RF ≥40% is the most accurate single quantitative measure to distinguish moderate from severe MR as assessed by an expert reader. Measurement of RF in addition to qualitative assessment of MR severity should be considered during management decisions for patients with significant MR.
K-medoids clustering algorithm based on improved Artificial Bee Colony

Due to the disadvantages such as sensitivity to the initial selection of the center, low clustering efficiency and accuracy and the poor global search ability in traditional K-medoids clustering algorithm, and the random selection of initial swarm and search step in traditional colony algorithm and so on, this paper proposes a new Artificial Bee Colony algorithm in which the initialization of bee colony is based on granules and maximum minimum distance method and the adjustment of search step is dynamic with iteration number increasing. This paper will further optimize K-medoids to improve the performance of the clustering algorithm. The results of experiments show that this algorithm can reduce the sensitive degree of the noise, has high accuracy and efficiency, strong stability.
Analysis of Incidence Trend And The Correlation Factors of Colorectal Cancer In

Purpose To inverstigate the epidemiology of colorectal cancer characteristics,trends and related factors in Xiaoshan district,Hangzhou from 1990 to 2004.MethodThe d-ata of colorectal cases were collected from the tumor register system from 1990 to 2004.The epidemiological features and change in colorectal cancer were analysed.And analyze the re-sidents with the same period the per capita food consumption for Ecological correlation ana-lysis in Xiaoshan District.ResultsThe average incidence of colorectal cancer was 16.9/105;accounting for 9.25%of the total tumors,and ranked the fourth in all.The incidence of col-orectal cancer in both sexes were increased with ages,especially in group over 45years old.The incidence of colorectal cancer in male was higher than that in female.The rectal cancer incidence rates higher than colon cancer,but faster than the trend growth of colon cancer.Colorectal cancer incidence rate in rural areas is higher than urban areas,However,the incidence of colorectal cancer in 2000 compared to 10 in rural areas,a clear upward trend has slowed.And the incidence of colorectal cancer in Xiaoshan to vegetable oil,poultry,pork,etc.There was a significant positive correlation between per capita consumption.Conclusion The upward trend in the incidence of colorectal cancer,dietary factors may play a greater role in the pathogenesis of features and must be addressed to the broad factors,to take effective preventive measures.
Migrationen in Versicherungsunternehmen - Systeme erneuern, Portfolios qualifizieren, Bestände migrieren.

In den Fachdiskussion ist haufig eine strikte Trennung zwischen den vermeintlich rein technik-basierten Migrationen (Software-, Plattformund Infrastruktur) und dem eher fachlich getriebenen Umgang mit Daten und Funktionen (datenbzw. migrationsbedingte Funktionalitaten, Zusammenfuhrung von Bestanden, Tarifkonsolidierung etc.) erkennbar. Hier mussen wir zu einem Umdenken kommen: Migrationen haben zwar implizit immer mit der Stratigrafie von Anwendungslandschaften zu tun, die eigentlichen Impulsgeber aber sind das geschaftsmasige Interesse und die Zukunftssicherung des jeweiligen Unternehmens. Aus dieser Perspektive heraus ist jedwede Klassifizierung in rein technisch oder rein fachlich musig. Der Gesamtkontext bestimmt die Migrationsstrategie, die Konzeptionen und Losungen mussen die unternehmerischen Ziele unterstutzen.
Endothelial cells are a replicative niche for entry of Toxoplasma gondii to the central nervous system.

An important function of the blood–brain barrier is to exclude pathogens from the central nervous system, but some microorganisms benefit from the ability to enter this site. It has been proposed that Toxoplasma gondii can cross biological barriers as a motile extracellular form that uses transcellular or paracellular migration, or by infecting a host cell that then crosses the blood–brain barrier. Unexpectedly, analysis of acutely infected mice revealed significant numbers of free parasites in the blood and the presence of infected endothelial cells in the brain vasculature. The use of diverse transgenic parasites combined with reporter mice and intravital imaging demonstrated that replication in and lysis of endothelial cells precedes invasion of the central nervous system, and highlight a novel mechanism for parasite entry to the central nervous system. T. gondii crosses biological barriers using transcellular migration or within an infected migrating cell. Here, infection and lysis of endothelial cells in the brain vasculature is identified as a new route of access to the central nervous system.
The Hofstadter hypothesis revisited: The nature of evidence in politically “paranoid” discourse

This study explores the evidentiary character of politically “paranoid” and “non‐paranoid” discourse. The data suggest that the two types differ with regard to the types of references they make, but do not differ significantly in terms of accuracy or distortion. The results affirm the existence of an evidence‐inference dichotomy and suggest that political “paranoids” are able to construct their unique arguments without distorting evidence about their environment.
A patient with lissencephaly, developmental delay, and infantile spasms, due to de novo heterozygous mutation of KIF2A.

Background Microtubules are dynamic polymers of α/β tubulin heterodimers that play a critical role in cerebral cortical development, by regulating neuronal migration, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Mutations in genes that encode either α- or β-tubulin or a spectrum of proteins involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics lead to clinically devastating malformations of cortical development, including lissencephaly. Methods This is a single case report or a patient with lissencephaly, developmental delay, nystagmus, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, and infantile spasms, and undertook a neurogenetic workup. We include studies of mutant function in Escherichia coli and HeLa cells. Results The patient was found to have a novel de novo mutation in kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A). This mutation results in a substitution of isoleucine at a highly conserved threonine residue within the ATP-binding domain. The KIF2A p.Thr320Ile mutant protein exhibited abnormal solubility, and KIF2A p.Thr320Ile overexpression in cultured cells led to the formation of aberrant microtubule networks. Conclusion Findings support the pathogenic link between KIF2A mutation and lissencephaly, and expand the range of presentation to include infantile spasms and congenital anomalies.
Pulmonary fibrosis in the era of stratified medicine

Both common and rare variants contribute to the genetic architecture of pulmonary fibrosis. Genome-wide association studies have identified common variants, or those with a minor allele frequency of >5%, that are linked to pulmonary fibrosis. The most widely replicated variant (rs35705950) is located in the promoter region of the MUC5B gene and has been strongly associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP) across multiple different cohorts. However, many more common variants have been identified with disease risk and in aggregate account for approximately one-third of the risk of IPF. Moreover, several of these common variants appear to have prognostic potential. Next generation sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of rare variants. Recent whole exome sequencing studies have linked pathogenic rare variants in multiple new genes to FIP. Compared with common variants, rare variants have lower population allele frequencies and higher effect sizes. Pulmonary fibrosis rare variants genes can be subdivided into two pathways: telomere maintenance and surfactant metabolism. Heterozygous rare variants in telomere-related genes co-segregate with adult-onset pulmonary fibrosis with incomplete penetrance, lead to reduced protein function, and are associated with short telomere lengths. Despite poor genotype-phenotype correlations, lung fibrosis associated with pathogenic rare variants in different telomere genes is progressive and displays similar survival characteristics. In contrast, many of the heterozygous rare variants in the surfactant genes predict a gain of toxic function from protein misfolding and increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Evidence of both telomere shortening and increased ER stress have been found in sporadic IPF patients, suggesting that the mechanisms identified from rare variant genetic studies in unique individuals and families are applicable to a wider spectrum of patients. The ability to sequence large cohorts of individuals rapidly has the potential to further our understanding of the relative contributions of common and rare variants in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The UK 100,000 Genomes Project will provide opportunities to interrogate both common and rare variants and to investigate how these biological signals provide diagnostic and prognostic information in the era of stratified medicine.
Optimal Switching of DC–DC Power Converters Using Approximate Dynamic Programming

Optimal switching between different topologies in step-down dc–dc voltage converters, with nonideal inductors and capacitors, is investigated in this paper. Challenges including constraint on the inductor current and voltage leakages across the capacitor (due to switching) are incorporated. The objective is generating the desired voltage with low ripples and high robustness toward line and load disturbances. A previously developed tool, which is based on approximate dynamic programming, is adapted for this application. The scheme leads to tuning a parametric function approximator to provide optimal switching in a feedback form. No fixed cycle time is assumed, as the cycle time and the duty ratio will be adjusted on the fly in an optimal fashion. The controller demonstrates good capabilities in controlling the system even under parameter uncertainties. Finally, some modifications on the scheme are conducted to handle optimal switching problems with state jumps at the switching times.
Flow regime identification in spouted beds using gamma-ray densitometry

Abstract The mixing characteristics, flow patterns and hydrodynamics of gas-solid spouted beds depend on the type of operating flow regime. In the present work, Gamma-Ray Densitometry (GRD) technique has been developed and implemented for the first time to identify different flow regimes and their transition velocities in gas-solid spouted beds. Two spouted beds (0.152 m and 0.076 m diameter) have been used to identify various flow regimes. Three statistical parameters (mean, variance and flow regime indicator (I)) have been applied to analyze the photon counts from GRD. It was found that the implementation of such non-invasive radioisotope based technique, GRD, was successfully able to identify different flow regimes and their transition velocities in gas-solid spouted beds. Flow regimes of packed bed, stable spouting and unstable spouting have been identified in the two studied spouted beds. Furthermore, the stable spouting regime achieved at larger magnitudes of the range of the superficial gas velocity in a larger diameter bed as compared to those in a smaller diameter bed.
Spin-Exchange Cross Section for Rb 85 - Rb 87 Collisions

The spin-exchange cross section for ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{85}$-${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ collisions has been measured to be (1.70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.21)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ using the techniques of optical pumping and an interferometric method for measuring the Rb vapor density. The ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ constituent in a vapor of natural Rb was polarized through absorption of circularly polarized resonance radiation, and the ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ polarization was partially transferred to the ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{85}$ constituent through spin-exchange collisions. A phenomenological theory of the optical pumping plus the exchange polarization process which neglects nuclear spin was used to relate the cross section to the ratio of the signal strengths for the ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ and ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{85}$ Zeeman resonances, the relaxation time, and the ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ vapor density. The density was measured by comparing spectral profiles of the resonance radiation transmitted through the optical pumping cell at room temperature with the resonance radiation transmitted at the temperature at which the signal strengths were measured. These spectral profiles were obtained through use of a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer.
Principles of Damage Control for Pediatric Trauma

Pediatric general surgery has embraced the concept of “damage control” operations as the standard of care for decades, though not necessarily by name. Temporary abdominal wall closure has been utilized by pediatric surgeons in the management of congenital abdominal wall defects since first described by Schuster in 1967 [1]. The use of prosthetic material for coverage of abdominal contents allowed for second-look procedures, avoidance of abdominal compartment syndrome, and delayed closure after resuscitation and stabilization. The effect of this strategy was to improve survival and decrease morbidity in critically ill neonates with a range of pathology (gastroschisis, necrotizing enterocolitis, midgut volvulus, etc.). The use of damage control principles for the management of trauma followed later as this practice increased in popularity for the management of injured adults.
Failure Avoidance in Configurable Systems through Feature Locality

Despite the best efforts of software engineers, faults still escape into deployed software. Developers need time to prepare and distribute fixes, and in the interim, deployments must either avoid failures or endure their consequences. Self-adaptive systems–systems that adapt to changes internally, in requirements, and in a dynamic environment– can often handle these challenges automatically, depending on the nature of the failures.
Prediction of morbidity following cytoreductive surgery for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour in patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

BACKGROUND Although cytoreductive surgery has been shown to be beneficial in carefully selected patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), factors predictive of postoperative morbidity have not been investigated previously. METHODS A surgical complexity score for GIST metastasectomy (GM-SCS) composed of patient-related and surgical factors was assigned retrospectively to patients with metastatic GIST treated with TKI therapy and surgery at two institutions between 2002 and 2014. The ability of clinicopathological factors and GM-SCS to predict postoperative morbidity was assessed by means of a multivariable logistic regression model. Postoperative complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS Some 400 operations on 323 patients with metastatic GIST on TKIs were included. Complications were observed following 110 operations (27·5 per cent) including 70 major complications (grade III-V) (17·5 per cent of 400 operations). Patients were divided into low (5 points or less; 100 patients, 25·0 per cent), intermediate (6-9 points; 191, 47·8 per cent) and high (at least 10 points; 109, 27·3 per cent) complexity scoring groups based on the GM-SCS. An intermediate (odds ratio (OR) 2·88; P = 0·008) and high (OR 5·40; P < 0·001) GM-SCS were independent predictors of overall complications, whereas only a high GM-SCS was independently predictive of a major complication (OR 3·65; P = 0·018). Metastatic mitotic index was also an independent predictor of overall complications (OR 2·55; P = 0·047). GM-SCS did not predict progression-free or overall survival. CONCLUSION A gastrointestinal stromal tumour metastastectomy surgical complexity score can predict morbidity, which may help in preoperative risk stratification and optimal treatment planning.
Microwave kinetic inductance detectors for visible to near infrared astronomy (Conference Presentation)

Mazin Lab at UCSB is developing MKID instrument for astronomy at near infrared, optical and ultraviolet wavelength. We use MIKDs as single photon detectors by measuring the arrival time of incoming photons with an accuracy of a few microseconds and with a relatively high energy resolution (R~10 at 1um). We fabricate kilopixels array of MKIDs and we incorporate them in our own instruments for UVOIR astronomy with the main application being exoplanets direct imaging. We present the work being made in our lab in the development and fabrication of 10 to 20k pixels arrays for the DARKNESS (Dark-speckle Near-IR Energy-resolved Superconducting Spectrophotometer) and MEC (MKID Exoplanet Camera) instruments, respectively. The 6-step fabrication process has been upgraded over the last months in order to improve the sensitivity of the arrays. The detectors are made of platinum silicide (PtSi) since MKIDs with very high internal quality factor have been successfully fabricated from this material. Furthermore, PtSi with very uniform superconducting properties over 4inch substrate are much more easier to deposit than the regular TiN used in most existing MKIDs technology. Among various upgrades, we coated the PtSi sensitive area with a SiO2/Ta2O5 bi-layer in order to reduce the reflection of optical photons hitting the detectors. The light absorption is increased by a factor of 2 in the instruments bandwidth. The DARKNESS instrument has been successfully commissioned last summer and MEC, the world largest superconducting camera, is installed at the Subaru telescope since the beginning of the year. Our effort leads to the fabrication of arrays of detectors with a median internal quality factor of 100 000 with an energy resolution of 10 at 1um and a pixel yield approaching 95%. In addition, we will present new MKID design in which the conventional meander inductor and interdigitated capacitor are replaced by a square inductor and a large parallel plate capacitor made of two metal plates separated by a ~10-nm thick dielectric layer. This parallel plate design allows us to drive the MKIDs at a higher power, which in turns should increase the sensitivity of the detectors. Following promising results from our first design, second generation of parallel plate MKID devices have been made from Hf/HfO2/Nb tri-layers deposited in-sit. We obtained high quality factor from the parallel plate MKIDs and we were able to detect photons with this new MKIDs design. Another way to improve the sensitivity of MKIDs is to use a low Tc material, compared to Tc ~ 1K usually used. We fabricated MKIDs arrays with superconducting Hafnium, Tc = 450mK, and we demonstrated that resonators with very high internal quality factors Qi~300 000 and an energy resolution of 9 at 808nm can be achieved.