cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uma teoria de instituições em declínio: reavaliando saída, voz e lealdade de Hirschman para as instituições internacionais

This article is an attempt to adapt Hirschman's theory to International Relations. Proposing a differentiation in preferences from the states inside international institutions, the model points to the dynamics generated when institutional quality declines. While strong states will try to reform the institutions through threats of exit, intermediary and weak states will have few alternatives. Three cases involving the United States are described and analyzed.
Arsenicals produce stable progressive changes in DNA methylation patterns that are linked to malignant transformation of immortalized urothelial cells

Aberrant DNA methylation participates in carcinogenesis and is a molecular hallmark of a tumor cell. Tumor cells generally exhibit a redistribution of DNA methylation resulting in global hypomethylation with regional hypermethylation; however, the speed in which these changes emerge has not been fully elucidated and may depend on the temporal location of the cell in the path from normal, finite lifespan to malignant transformation. We used a model of arsenical-induced malignant transformation of immortalized human urothelial cells and DNA methylation microarrays to examine the extent and temporal nature of changes in DNA methylation that occur during the transition from immortal to malignantly transformed. Our data presented herein suggest that during arsenical-induced malignant transformation, aberrant DNA methylation occurs non-randomly, progresses gradually at hundreds of gene promoters, and alters expression of the associated gene, and these changes are coincident with the acquisition of malignant properties, such as anchorage independent growth and tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. The DNA methylation changes appear stable, since malignantly transformed cells removed from the transforming arsenical exhibited no reversion in DNA methylation levels, associated gene expression, or malignant phenotype. These data suggest that arsenicals act as epimutagens and directly link their ability to induce malignant transformation to their actions on the epigenome.
Variation of the α3 electron density in electron - hole droplets at constant stress

Abstract It has previously been shown that, in an electron-hole drop (EHD) produced in 〈11〉 -stressed Ge, a large population of electrons can be maintained in the strain-split-off (α3) electron valleys. The density and binding energy of these EHD are calculated on the assumption that the drops contain a single phase with a fixed ratio of α3 to α1 electrons. This ratio can be varied experimentally, and the observed densities as a function of α3 electron fraction are in good agreement with theory.
Modulation of the Proteome of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from HIV-1-Infected Patients by Drugs of Abuse

Introduction We used proteomic analyses to assess how drug abuse modulates immunologic responses to infections with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
Pyribenzamine versus specific hyposensitization in the treatment of pollinosis: A comparative study

Abstract 1.1. Pyribenzaminne plus adequate injection therapy gave relief of symptoms in 95 per cent of 242 private patients suffering from ragweed hay fever. 2.2. In clinic patients, pyribenzamine alone relieved hay fever symptoms to about the same degree as did the specific hyposensitization therapy plus symptomatic drugs. 3.3. Increased humidity was not related to an increase in seasonal asthmatic symptoms. 4.4. There was no consistent correlation between temperature, pollen counts. and pollen dosage to the intensity of symptoms. 5.5. The IBM punch cards are an excellent means of studying variables in a survey such as this.
Novel insights into G protein and G protein-coupled receptor signaling in cancer

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a central role in signal transmission, thereby controlling many facets of cellular function. Overwhelming evidence now implicates GPCRs, G proteins and their downstream signaling targets in cancer initiation and progression, where they can influence aberrant cell growth and survival, largely through activation of AKT/mTOR, MAPKs, and Hippo signaling pathways. GPCRs also play critical roles in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells via activation of Rho GTPases and cytoskeletal changes, and angiogenesis to supply the tumor with nutrients and provide routes for metastasis. Lastly, GPCRs contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a permissive tumor microenvironment. Understanding GPCR involvement in cancer malignancy may help identify novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment.
Capacity of MIMO MANETs with cooperation

We introduce a new communication scheme for mobile wireless ad hoc networks (MANETs) utilizing the concept of cooperative many-to-many communication, called opportunistic cooperation1, as opposed to the traditional approach that emphasizes on point-to-point communication. In the new paradigm, the adjacent nodes no longer interfere with each other but rather cooperate. Our analysis is for MANETs when all the nodes in the network are endowed with M antennas. We derive two upper bounds on the ergodic capacity per node in the network. These upper bounds are compared with Monte-Carlo simulation of point-to-point and many-to-many communications. We show that one of our upper bounds is a tight bound. Also, we demonstrate that the capacity of MANETs with multiple antennas is improved significantly using cooperation as compared to non-cooperative schemes, i.e., point-to-point communication.
Early Estimates of the Size of Branch-and-Bound Trees

This paper intends to show that the time needed to solve mixed-integer-programming problems by branch and bound can be roughly predicted early in the solution process. We construct a procedure that can be implemented as part of an MIP solver. It is based on analyzing the partial tree resulting from running the algorithm for a short period of time and predicting the shape of the whole tree. The procedure is tested on instances from the literature. This work was inspired by the practical applicability of such a result.
Care of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Menopausal Woman

More women than ever before are both human immunodeficiency virus infected and menopausal, because of increased survival and more frequent diagnosis in older women. Such a woman has the combined burden of her infection, its treatment, comorbid conditions, and aging. Thus, she is at risk for a variety of problems, such as disorders of bone mineral density and deficiencies in cognitive functioning. In addition to this, she experiences menopause in a unique fashion, with more symptoms and perhaps at an earlier age. The clinician caring for her must take a proactive approach to this multitude of factors that may affect her health and well-being.
Data warehouse tools

Many large Government software projects are designed and implemented as if they were satisfying requirements never seen before. There is a common tendency to start "from a blank sheet of paper". This is often because software engineers view projects in terms of specialized mission-critical applications that appear to have unique requirements. The common result is the constant reinvention of existing software and the rejection of sophisticated tools as not applicable to mission requirements that appear unique. The Oracle data warehouse approach has made a clear break from this expensive, application-oriented approach. In this new analytical environment, there is wide-spread recognition that existing application data is a potential information source for existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) analytical tools whose value has been established by previous successful implementations. Critical legacy data can be accessed and transformed into a data warehouse using COTS development tools, the data COTS warehouse can be accessed by user-friendly analytical tools, and the data warehouse maintained by proven COTS administration tools.
Thermal onset of cellular and endocrine stress responses correspond to ecological limits in brook trout, an iconic cold-water fish

Climate change is predicted to change the distribution and abundance of species, yet underlying physiological mechanisms are complex and methods for detecting populations at risk from rising temperature are poorly developed. There is increasing interest in using physiological mediators of the stress response as indicators of individual and population-level response to environmental stressors. Here, we use laboratory experiments to show that the temperature thresholds in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) for increased gill heat shock protein-70 (20.7°C) and plasma glucose (21.2°C) are similar to their proposed thermal ecological limit of 21.0°C. Field assays demonstrated increased plasma glucose, cortisol and heat shock protein-70 concentrations at field sites where mean daily temperature exceeded 21.0°C. Furthermore, population densities of brook trout were lowest at field sites where temperatures were warm enough to induce a stress response, and a co-occurring species with a higher thermal tolerance showed no evidence of physiological stress at a warm site. The congruence of stress responses and proposed thermal limits supports the use of these thresholds in models of changes in trout distribution under climate change scenarios and suggests that the induction of the stress response by elevated temperature may play a key role in driving the distribution of species.
Algorithm 651: Algorithm HFFT–high-order fast-direct solution of the Helmholtz equation

HFFT is a software package for solving the Helmholtz equation on bounded two- and three-dimensional rectangular domains with Dirichlet, Neumann, or periodic boundary conditions. The software is the result of combining new fourth-order accurate compact finite difference (HODIE) discretizations and a fast-direct solution technique (the Fourier method). In this paper we briefly describe the user interface to HFFT and present an example of its usage and several details of its implementation.
MIMO mode adaptation in femtocellular systems

Hierarchical femtocell architectures have become popular recently because of their potential to provide increased coverage and capacity in cellular systems. However, introduction of femtocells might reduce the overlay macrocell system performance due to increased interference caused to macrocel-lular users. With MIMO precoding, the Least Interference (LI) technique can be employed at the femtocellular base stations (FBSs) to minimize the interference to the macrocellular user. This approach maximizes the macrocellular throughput, but also results in significant reduction in femtocellular throughput. As is well-known, a Precoding Matrix Index (PMI) approach to beamforming can maximize the signal power at a desired receiver, with minimal feedback. In this paper, we apply mode adaptation between LI and PMI at the FBSs in order to increase both the macrocellular and femtocellular throughputs. We show that allowing for mode adaptation at each FBS improves the system performance when compared with using the same mode across the system, and a simple binary choice at each FBS can nearly achieve the optimum mode-adaptation performance. Analysis and simulation results in a multicell environment are presented to illustrate the improvement in system performance with the proposed techniques.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease

Goodpasture's disease is associated with circulating anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease related to platelet clumping and microthrombosis in the circulation. We report an unusual case where both entities coexist in the same patient. The patient was a 43-year-old Caucasian male, with a recent history of inhalational hydrocarbon exposure for ~10 weeks. He initially presented with confusion, persistent fever and acute oliguric renal failure. In addition, he was found to be thrombocytopenic and had concurrent microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. All presenting signs, symptoms and laboratory findings had a temporal relationship within 3 weeks. In addition, he was also found to have active pulmonary hemorrhage and positive anti-GBM antibody. During his stay, the patient underwent treatment with plasmapheresis, and an open lung biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of anti-GBM disease. This case report confirms previously reported findings which were noted in a few sporadic case reports about the possible association between Goodpasture's disease and TTP. In addition, it adds to our current understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases in general and supports the theory of an autoimmune mosaic, which has also been noted in various other autoimmune diseases.
The Rate of the CD8-Dependent Initial Reduction in Tumor Volume Is Not Limited by Contact-Dependent Perforin, Fas Ligand, or TNF-Mediated Cytolysis

Established EG7 tumors expressing OVA and growing at an intradermal site become rapidly reduced in size following adoptive therapy with in vitro-generated type I CD8 T cell (Tc1) effectors generated from naive CD8 T cells from transgenic TCR OVA-specific mice. Tc1 effectors kill EG7 target cells in vitro by a perforin-dependent mechanism. However, we show that there is no quantitative diminution of the initial phase of antitumor activity in vivo, whether the Tc1 effectors are derived from perforin-, Fas ligand-, or TNF-deficient transgenic TCR mice or whether the recipients are perforin deficient. Tumors are also equally well controlled whether the Tc1 effectors come from mice deficient in perforin plus Fas ligand or perforin plus TNF. Control of tumor growth is diminished when Tc1 effectors generated from IFN-gamma-deficient mice are used. We conclude that control of tumor growth is not in any way affected by loss of contact-mediated lytic mechanisms, and conclude that the CD8 effectors must act by recruiting host effector mechanisms to control tumor growth.
The Scalable Heterogeneous Computing (SHOC) benchmark suite

Scalable heterogeneous computing systems, which are composed of a mix of compute devices, such as commodity multicore processors, graphics processors, reconfigurable processors, and others, are gaining attention as one approach to continuing performance improvement while managing the new challenge of energy efficiency. As these systems become more common, it is important to be able to compare and contrast architectural designs and programming systems in a fair and open forum. To this end, we have designed the Scalable HeterOgeneous Computing benchmark suite (SHOC). SHOC's initial focus is on systems containing graphics processing units (GPUs) and multi-core processors, and on the new OpenCL programming standard. SHOC is a spectrum of programs that test the performance and stability of these scalable heterogeneous computing systems. At the lowest level, SHOC uses microbenchmarks to assess architectural features of the system. At higher levels, SHOC uses application kernels to determine system-wide performance including many system features such as intranode and internode communication among devices. SHOC includes benchmark implementations in both OpenCL and CUDA in order to provide a comparison of these programming models.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) formation from γ-aminobutyrate and glutamate

To provide 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) formation from glutamate in Escherichia coli, an acetyl-CoA:4-hydroxybutyrate CoA transferase from Clostridium kluyveri, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha, a gamma-aminobutyrate:2-ketoglutarate transaminase from Escherichia coli, and glutamate decarboxylases from Arabidopsis thaliana or E. coli were cloned and functionality tested by expression of single genes in E. coli to verify enzymatic activity, and uniquely assembled as operons under the control of the lac promoter. These operons were independently transformed into E. coli CT101 harboring the runaway replication vector pJM9238 for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production. Plasmid pJM9238 contains the PHA biosynthetic operon of R. eutropha under tac promoter control. Polyhydroxyalkanoate formation was monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of the chloroform extracted and ethanol precipitated polyesters. Functionality of the biosynthetic pathway for copolymer production was demonstrated through feeding experiments using various carbon sources that supplied different precursors within the 4HB-CoA biosynthetic pathway.
Social Implications of Genetic Testing

This paper examines the social implications of predictive genetic testing and its impact on the insurance industry. Although the Human Genome Project has the potential to improve the health of our nation, it also may serve as a means of highlighting genetic differences among individuals and ethnic groups. Thus, if we are to reach the full promise of the Project, society must address the public’s fears of genetic discrimination in insurance and employment contexts. Following an analysis of state and federal legislation on genetic privacy and discrimination, the paper concludes with a challenge to the insurance industry to work with the medical community and health care advocates to formulate a public policy approach that promotes informed consent and the fair use of genetic information.
Monovalent Streptavidin that Senses Oligonucleotides

We report a straightforward chemical route to monovalent streptavidin, a valuable reagent for imaging. The one-step process is based on a (tris)biotinylated-oligonucleotide blocking three of streptavidin’s four biotin binding sites. Further, the complex is highly sensitive to single-base differences - whereby perfectly matched oligonucleotides trigger dissociation of the biotin-streptavidin interaction at higher rates than single-base mismatches. Unique properties and ease of synthesis open wide opportunities for practical applications in imaging and biosensing.
A Proposed Direction Forward for Gifted Education Based on Psychological Science.

In this monograph, the authors advanced a set of interrelated arguments: The abilities of individuals do matter, particularly their abilities in specific talent domains; different talent domains have different developmental trajectories that vary as to when they start, peak, and end; and opportunities provided by society are crucial at every point in the talent development process. The authors argue that society must strive to promote these opportunities, but that individuals with talent also have some responsibility for their own growth and development. Furthermore, the research knowledge base indicates that psychosocial variables are determining influences in the successful development of talent. Finally, preparing young people for outstanding achievement or eminence ought to be the chief goal of gifted education.
Phylogeography of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America

Abstract Using molecular genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution, we examined levels and partitioning of genetic variation for seven nominal subspecies (11 breeding populations) of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America. Gene trees constructed from mtDNA control region sequence data show that subspecies of Canada Geese do not have distinct mtDNA. Large and small-bodied forms of Canada Geese were highly diverged (0.077 average sequence divergence) and represent monophyletic groups. A majority (65%) of 20 haplotypes resolved were observed in single breeding locales. However, within both large and small-bodied forms certain haplotypes occurred across multiple subspecies. Population trees for both nuclear (microsatellites) and mitochondrial markers were generally concordant and provide resolution of population and subspecific relationships indicating incomplete lineage sorting. All populations and subspecies were genetically diverged, but to varying degrees....
Effects of Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin on insulin-stimulated and basal glucose transport in muscle

There is evidence that an increase in sarcoplasmic Ca2+ stimulates glucose transport in muscle. Recent studies have provided the apparently conflicting finding that a sustained increase in cytosolic Ca2+ has little effect on basal glucose transport but inhibits insulin-stimulated transport. This study was done to try to explain this discrepancy. Continuous exposure of rat epitrochlearis and soleus muscles to the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (2 microM) had no effect on basal 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) transport but blunted, by approximately 40%, stimulation of 2-DG transport by insulin. Decreasing Ca2+ in the medium to a very low level prevented this inhibition. Ionomycin induced a small increase in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP); however, studies with the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor HA-1004 provided evidence that activation of PKA by cAMP does not mediate the inhibition of glucose transport. When muscles were allowed to recover in the absence of ionomycin for 15 min, basal 2-DG transport was significantly increased. Our results agree with previous studies showing that a sustained influx of Ca2+ into the cytoplasm can inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose transport. They further show that stimulation of glucose transport by Ca2+ is also inhibited. A recovery period that allows this inhibition to wear off unmasks the stimulation of glucose transport by an increase in sarcoplasmic Ca2+.
A Tale of Two Citis

This chapter examines the paradox of financial innovations and innovators in the US and abroad over the last two decades. The 1980’s and 1990’s saw a flurry of new financial products and services despite such innovations being costly to develop by pioneers and easy to imitate by rivals. An examination of one particular class of financial innovations, asset-backed securities (ABS’), and one particular financial innovator, Citicorp, suggests that the paradox might be explained by examining cumulative first-mover performance effects across related product and geographic market contexts. Our case study and broader quantitative study of ABS innovations at Citicorp supports this ‘cumulative first-mover effects’ proposition with important implications for future research and practice in international strategic management, finance and banking.
Improved de novo structure prediction in CASP11 by incorporating coevolution information into Rosetta

We describe CASP11 de novo blind structure predictions made using the Rosetta structure prediction methodology with both automatic and human assisted protocols. Model accuracy was generally improved using coevolution derived residue-residue contact information as restraints during Rosetta conformational sampling and refinement, particularly when the number of sequences in the family was more than three times the length of the protein. The highlight was the human assisted prediction of T0806, a large and topologically complex target with no homologs of known structure, which had unprecedented accuracy-<3.0 A root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) from the crystal structure over 223 residues. For this target, we increased the amount of conformational sampling over our fully automated method by employing an iterative hybridization protocol. Our results clearly demonstrate, in a blind prediction scenario, that coevolution derived contacts can considerably increase the accuracy of template-free structure modeling. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):67-75. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Historical and Legal Study of Sovereignty in the Canadian North: Terrestrial Sovereignty, 1870–1939

Gordon Smith devoted much of his life to documenting the background and claims for Canadian sovereignty of its northern lands and waterways. This volume is a testimony to his tireless efforts to pr...
The Jeep Problem: A More General Solution

(1947). The Jeep Problem: A More General Solution. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 54, No. 8, pp. 458-462.
Effect of Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 Complex on the Loss of Weight Produced in Rats by Experimental Hyperthyroidism

Conclusions1. Hyperthyroid rats which had lost weight and were still receiving thyroid gland regained their lost weight when both vitamin B1 and the vitamin B2 complex were administered. 2. A sex difference in response is present.
Image-guided Ultrafast Laser Microsurgery Scalpels

We present the development of ultrafast laser scalpels for microsurgery with a capability to deliver energies in excess of 1μJ per pulse and ablate at clinically relevant high speeds. Nonlinear imaging is combined for guidance. Article not available.
Effects of Tiller Angle on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Rice

To study on the effects of tiller angle on rice dry matter accumulation and yield,larger strains of rice tiller angle in tillering stage(T1)and elongation stage(T2)were used in processing tiller angle to major cultivation variety level(about 23°).Results:Dry matter accumulation followed the sequence of T2T1CK(without controlling tiller angle).The yield followed the sequence of T1(579.96 kg/667m2)CKT2.T1was significantly higher than T2.The panicles of T1and CK were more than T2.
Responses of corn physiology and yield to six agricultural practices over three years in middle Tennessee

Different agricultural practices may have substantial impacts on crop physiology and yield. However, it is still not entirely clear how multiple agricultural practices such as tillage, biochar and different nutrient applications could influence corn physiology and yield. We conducted a three-year field experiment to study the responses of corn physiology, yield, and soil respiration to six different agricultural practices. The six treatments included conventional tillage (CT) or no tillage (NT), in combination with nitrogen type (URAN or chicken litter) and application method, biochar, or denitrification inhibitor. A randomized complete block design was applied with six replications. Leaf photosynthetic rate, transpiration, plant height, leaf area index (LAI), biomass, and yield were measured. Results showed that different agricultural practices had significant effects on plant leaf photosynthesis, transpiration, soil respiration, height, and yield, but not on LAI and biomass. The average corn yield in the NT-URAN was 10.03 ton/ha, 28.9% more than in the CT-URAN. Compared to the NT-URAN, the NT-biochar had lower soil respiration and similar yield. All variables measured showed remarkable variations among the three years. Our results indicated that no tillage treatment substantially increased corn yield, probably due to the preservation of soil moisture during drought periods.
Effects of supplementing growing steers with high levels of partially hydrogenated tallow on feed intake, digestibility, live weight gain, and carcass characteristics.

Effects of supplementing growing steers consuming forage-based diets with high levels of partially hydrogenated tallow on feed intake, digestibility, live weight gain, and carcass characteristics were determined in this study. In Exp. 1, Holstein steer calves were fed bermudagrass hay alone (Control) and with a ground corn-based concentrate at .95% BW (DM basis) plus partially hydrogenated tallow at 0 (Basal), .33 (low fat; LF), or .67% BW (high fat; HF) in a Latin square. Total DMI was increased by concentrate supplementation and was lower for HF than for LF (P the mean of LF and HF; P < .07); the proportion of palmitic acid in total fatty acids was similar among treatments. Fat supplementation did not markedly affect sensory, taste, or tenderness characteristics of longissimus muscle. In conclusion, supplementing grazing beef steers with high levels of partially hydrogenated tallow, with slaughter at approximately 400-kg shrunk BW, tended to increase fat in longissimus muscle without altering the palmitic acid level in fatty acids, although sensory, taste, and tenderness characteristics were not modified.
Zytokinregulierte Expression von Fas-Ligand durch Kolonkarzinomzellen

We studied the proliferative response of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from colorectal carcinomas to rIL-2 as well as their cytotoxic activity which was reduced as compared to autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes. We observed TIL to be polyclonal and asked if Fas-ligand-expressing tumor cells are responsible for the elimination of specific T-cells. Therefore we studied the expression of Fas-ligand by LS174T colon carcinoma cells which we showed to be induced by cytokines.
Shaggy Lame Fox Syndrome in Pribilof Island Arctic Foxes (Alopex lagopus pribilofensis), Alaska.

A previously unrecognized condition is described in wild free-ranging Pribilof arctic foxes ( Alopex lagopus pribilofensis) from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, USA. This condition is called shaggy lame fox syndrome (SLFS) denoting the primary clinical signs first observed. Criteria used to suspect SLFS on gross examination included emaciation, failure to shed winter pelage and moderate to severe polyarthritis. Criteria used to confirm SLFS histologically included polyarthritis (characterized by lymphoplasmacytic synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, periosteal bony proliferation, and periarticular lymphoplasmacytic vasculitis) and systemic leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Other histological lesions often found included renal cortical infarcts, myocarditis with myocardial infarcts, lymphoplasmacytic meningitis, lymphoplasmacytic cuffing of meningeal and a few cerebral vessels, and cavitating infarcts of the brainstem and thalamus. The cause of SLFS is not known at this time; however, the gross and histological lesions suggest that the cause of SLFS may be a bacterial polyarthritis with a secondary immune-mediated vasculitis. These lesions are consistent with changes described with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in domestic dogs; E. rhusiopathiae was identified from the synovial membrane of a swollen stifle joint and the kidney from one fox using real-time polymerase chain reaction and with culture from a fox that had gross and histological lesions of SLFS. Therefore, E. rhusiopathiae is a possible etiological agent for SLFS.
Photon Number Parity: Applications in Quantum Metrology and QIS

In this talk, I review the application of the photon number parity operator to photonic tests of a Bell inequality, quantum optical interferometry, and I propose its application to a quantum random number generating scheme using laser light. Article not available.
Approach to e-classification and e-tradability of complex industrial services

Service procurement is still source of high costs to companies. Enterprise information systems (such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) or procurement systems, etc.) do not adequately support electronic procurement of industrial services. Business processes suffer today from poor quality of underlying master data in supportive information systems. This results in negative effects on transaction and process costs. Observable shortfall lies in effective interoperability between IT products and service descriptions. Information management systems do not take into account the characteristics of service specific administrative processes which has negative effects on process costs. In this paper we argue that e-classification of services results in better, standardized data in service procurement processes, as prerequisite for enhanced spend analysis and outsourcing decisions. In the paper we will have a clear focus on industrial maintenance services.
Single Center Experience of a New Endoscopic Clip in Managing Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background To assess the safety and efficacy of the Instinct clip in the acute endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Materials and methods This is the first large series reporting this clip in achieving hemostasis. A retrospective descriptive chart review was performed on patients presenting with recent overt GI bleeding treated with endoclip therapy at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center between May 2013 and January 2016. Results are expressed in absolute numbers, percentages, and trends. Results In total, 178 consecutive patients with UGIB were included. Source of bleeding was identified as duodenal ulcer (29.2%), gastric ulcer (22.5%), gastro-esophageal junction tear (8.4%), anastomosis (5.6%), erosive gastropathy (5.6%), Dieulafoy (5.1%), gastric polyp (4.5%), postendoscopic procedure (3.9%), angioectasia (3.4%), esophageal ulcer (2.8%), benign duodenal mass (2.8%), peg tube site (2.3%), gastric neoplasm (1.7%), esophagitis (1.1%), and small bowel ulcer (1.1%). Lesions demonstrated active bleeding in 47.5% (11.3% spurting and 36.2% oozing) and nonbleeding lesions in 52.5% (25.0% visible vessel, 11.9% hematin in ulcer base, 10.0% adherent clot, 5.6% flat spot). Initial hemostasis was achieved in 96.6%. Additional methods were used in 24.1% (argon plasma coagulation and epinephrine injection in 21.3%, surgery in 0.6%, and interventional radiology in 2.2%). There were no adverse events. In-hospital rebleeding was 7.3% and 3.9% presented with rebleeding within 30 days. Average procedure duration was 22.9 minutes and average length of hospital stay was 11.3 days. Conclusions The Instinct clip, when used for UGIB, seems to be safe and effective with similar rebleeding rates compared with other modalities.
Imaging Translational and Post-Translational Gene Regulatory Dynamics in Living Cells with Antibody-Based Probes

Antibody derivatives, such as antibody fragments (Fabs) and single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), are now being used to image traditionally hard-to-see protein subpopulations, including nascent polypeptides being translated and post-translationally modified proteins. This has allowed researchers to directly image and quantify, for the first time, translation initiation and elongation kinetics with single-transcript resolution and the temporal ordering and kinetics of post-translational histone and RNA polymerase II modifications. Here, we review these developments and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of live-cell imaging with antibody-based probes. Further development of these probes will increase their versatility and open new avenues of research for dissecting complex gene regulatory dynamics.
Risk Factors for Fecal Urgency Among Individuals With and Without Diarrhea, Based on Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background & Aims Fecal urgency is a common symptom among patients with gastrointestinal disorders, but can also occur in healthy individuals with normal bowel habits. There have been few studies of fecal urgency in the general population. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze the prevalence of and risk factors for this symptom. Methods We analyzed data from 4676 persons who completed the Bowel Health Questionnaire from the NHANES, from 2009 through 2010. The NHANES sampled a nationally representative group of adults in the United States and provides information on demographics, medical comorbidities, and dietary habits of survey participants. The Bowel Health Questionnaire provided additional information about bowel symptoms such as urgency, incontinence, constipation, and diarrhea. We identified individuals with fecal urgency and calculated differences in fecal urgency among subgroups using chi-squared analysis. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with urgency. Results In our study population, the prevalence of fecal urgency was 3.3%; 29.5% of individuals with fecal urgency had diarrhea. The prevalence of fecal urgency was significantly higher in individuals who had diarrhea (14.8%) than in individuals without diarrhea (3.1%). Older age, female sex, poverty, urinary urge incontinence, diarrhea, and increased stool frequency were all associated with fecal urgency on multivariable analysis. Decreased fiber intake and increased carbohydrate intake were associated with urgency among individuals with diarrhea. Conclusions In an analysis of data from 4676 individuals who completed a Bowel Health Questionnaire from the NHANES, we found a significantly higher proportion of individuals with diarrhea to have fecal urgency. However, most individuals with fecal urgency do not have diarrhea. Factors associated with fecal urgency vary among individuals with and without diarrhea.
Surface engineered excipients: II. Simultaneous milling and dry coating for preparation of fine-grade microcrystalline cellulose with enhanced properties.

Abstract A solventless process for simultaneously milling and dry coating microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was investigated for producing fine excipients in five different sizes (∼20, 25, 30, 35, 40 µm) having high bulk density (BD), good flow function coefficient (FFC), and excellent compaction. Avicel PH-102, used as the starting material, was milled and coated with two grades of silicas, hydrophobic and hydrophilic (R972P and A200), using a fluid energy mill (FEM). Through judicious selection of the FEM feed rate, feeding pressure, and grinding pressure, five desired milled sizes were produced. The bulk density of all the milled-coated (1 wt% A200) excipients was significantly better than uncoated-milled MCC, Avicel PH-102, and Prosolv 50 and 90. Whereas the FFC values were greater than uncoated-milled MCC, Avicel PH-102, and Prosolv 50 (latter for ∼30, 35, and 40 µm sizes). The tablet compaction testing was used to evaluate compactibility (tensile strength vs tablet porosity), compressibility (tablet porosity vs compaction pressure), and tabletibility (tensile strength vs compaction pressure). The results indicate that all finer grade milled and A200 coated MCC had lower porosity and higher tablet strengths than Prosolv 50 and 90 at all compaction pressures. Surprisingly, the BD and FFC were better for A200 than for R972P coated-milled MCCs; explained through analyzing inter-particle contact models. Finally, milling did not increase the moisture content but coating with silica led to a slight increase; A200 higher than R972P. It is hoped that these engineered excipients would help formulators with a multitude of options for finer excipients without loss of flow and bulk density.
Neuromuscular Disorders, Overview

The neuromuscular disorders comprise a variety of disease states that affect the lower motor and sensory neurons, the spinal (motor and sensory) roots, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, and muscles. The clinical manifestations associated with disorders affecting these elements of the peripheral nervous system and their underlying causes are described in this article.
The effect of structure on image classification using signatures

Humans recognize transformed images from a very small number of samples. Inspired by this idea, we evaluate a classification method that requires only one sample per class, while providing invariance to image transformations generated by a compact group. This method is based on signatures computed for images. We test and illustrate this theory through simulations that highlight the role of image structure and sampling density, as well as how the signatures are constructed. We extend the existing theory to account for variations in recognition accuracy due to image structure.
Analytical modelling and experimental study of machining of smart materials using submerged abrasive waterjet micromachining process

Smart materials are new generation materials which possess great properties to mend themselves with a change in environment. Manufacturing of these materials is a huge challenge, particularly at micron scale due to their superior mechanical properties such as high hardness, high compressive strength and chemical inertness. This research investigates submerged abrasive waterjet micromachining (SAWJMM) process for machining smart ceramic materials. The research also involves experimental study on micromachining of smart materials using an in-house fabricated SAWJMM setup. The study found that SAWJMM process is capable of successfully machining smart materials including shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials at the micron scale. An analytical predictive model is developed to estimate the MRR during SAWJMM process and the model is found to be capable of accurately predicting the machining results within 10% error. [Submitted 14 January 2018; Accepted 26 May 2018]
Challenges in Conducting Implantable Device Trials

The medical device industry is characterized by a high level of innovation and the development of a continuous stream of devices that promise to enhance the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. With changes in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory policies and increased demand for more rigorous clinical evidence by payors, physicians, and patients alike, there has been more emphasis on randomized trials to evaluate new devices as they move from bench to bedside.
Attendance, engagement and performance in a medical school curriculum: early findings from competency-based progress testing in a new medical school curriculum.

Introduction Medical students often do not value attending in-person large group sessions. It is also not clear from prior research whether attendance at large group sessions impact on performance in medical school. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between voluntary attendance in large group sessions organized as a "flipped classroom" in a new innovative curriculum and students' mastery of clinical applications of basic science knowledge. Methodology Our students' ability to apply basic science knowledge to clinical problems is assessed via progress testing using three methodologies: a locally developed multiple-choice examination, written examination developed through the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Customized Assessment Services Program and post encounter questions included in a clinical skills examination. We analyzed the relationship between voluntary attendance at weekly large group "flipped classroom" sessions and the students' performance on examinations given at four intervals over the initial 24-week module of the medical school curriculum. Results Complete data were available for 167 students. A total of 82 students (49.1%) attended all large group sessions, 65 students (38.9%) missed one or two sessions and 20 students (12.0%) missed three or more sessions. There were no difference between the students in the groups on their medical admission (MCAT) examination scores. The growth in performance from each time point until the next was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in growth between the students who had no absences and those who had one or two absences. Students who missed three or more sessions performed significantly lower than their peers over the 24 week module and were more likely to score one or more standard deviations below the class mean on the assessments. Conclusions We found no relationship between attendance and MCAT scores suggesting the differences in performance on the progress tests was not due to initial differences in knowledge or reasoning skills. While the study was not experimental, it suggests large group sessions using a "flipped classroom" approach to provide reinforcement, feedback and practice may be effective for increasing learning and retention in the application of basic science knowledge among first year medical students.
Machine Learning to Predict Outcomes in Patients with Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review.

Risk stratification of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is recommended, but current risk assessment tools have variable performance. Machine learning (ML) has promise to improve risk assessment. We performed a systematic review to evaluate studies utilizing ML techniques for GIB. Bibliographic databases and conference abstracts were searched for studies with a population of overt GIB that used an ML algorithm with outcomes of mortality, rebleeding, hemostatic intervention, and/or hospital stay. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full-text studies, and extracted data from included studies. Risk of bias was assessed with an adapted Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were the primary assessment of performance with AUC ≥ 0.80 predefined as an acceptable threshold of good performance. Fourteen studies with 30 assessments of ML models met inclusion criteria. No study had low risk of bias. Median AUC reported in validation datasets for predefined outcomes of mortality, intervention, or rebleeding was 0.84 (range 0.40–0.98). AUCs were higher with artificial neural networks (median 0.93, range 0.78–0.98) than other ML models (0.81, range 0.40–0.92). ML performed better than clinical risk scores (Glasgow-Blatchford, Rockall, Child–Pugh, MELD) for mortality in upper GIB. Limitations include heterogeneity of ML models, inconsistent comparisons of ML models with clinical risk scores, and high risk of bias. ML generally provided good–excellent prognostic performance in patients with GIB, and artificial neural networks tended to outperform other ML models. ML was better than clinical risk scores for mortality in upper GIB.
Acute-Phase Reactants in Operatively Treated Upper Extremity Infections: A Retrospective Review.

Background: There are limited data on the use of acute-phase markers in the diagnosis of upper extremity infections. The goal of this study was to determine the percentage of patients with elevated...
EPIGENETIC TARGETING OF TERT-ASSOCIATED GENE EXPRESSION SIGNATURE IN HUMAN NEUROBLASTOMA WITH TERT OVEREXPRESSION

Neuroblastoma is a deadly pediatric solid tumor with infrequent recurrent somatic mutations. Particularly, the pathophysiology of tumors without MYCN amplification remains poorly defined. Utilizing an unbiased approach, we performed gene set enrichment analysis of RNA-sequencing data from 498 patients with neuroblastoma and revealed a differentially overexpressed gene signature in MYCN nonamplified neuroblastomas with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene overexpression and coordinated activation of oncogenic signaling pathways, including E2Fs, Wnt, Myc, and the DNA repair pathway. Promoter rearrangement of the TERT gene juxtaposes the coding sequence to strong enhancer elements, leading to TERT overexpression and poor prognosis in neuroblastoma, but TERT-associated oncogenic signaling remains unclear. ChIP-seq analysis of the human CLB-GA neuroblastoma cells harboring TERT rearrangement uncovered genome-wide chromatin co-occupancy of Brd4 and H3K27Ac and robust enrichment of H3K36me3 in TERT and multiple TERT-associated genes. Brd4 and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) had critical regulatory roles in the expression and chromatin activation of TERT and multiple TERT-associated genes. Epigenetically targeting Brd4 or CDKs with their respective inhibitors suppressed the expression of TERT and multiple TERT-associated genes in neuroblastoma with TERT overexpression or MYCN amplification. ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR provided evidence that the CDK inhibitor directly inhibited Brd4 recruitment to activate chromatin globally. Therefore, inhibiting Brd4 and CDK concurrently with AZD5153 and dinaciclib would be most effective in tumor growth suppression, which we demonstrated in neuroblastoma cell lines, primary human cells, and xenografts. In summary, we describe a unique mechanism in neuroblastoma with TERT overexpression and an epigenetically targeted novel therapeutic strategy. SIGNIFICANCE: Epigenetically cotargeting Brd4 and Cdks suppresses human neuroblastoma with TERT overexpression by inhibiting the TERT-associated gene expression networks.