cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective capacity: a wireless link model for support of quality of service

To facilitate the efficient support of quality of service (QoS) in next-generation wireless networks, it is essential to model a wireless channel in terms of connection-level QoS metrics such as data rate, delay, and delay-violation probability. However, the existing wireless channel models, i.e., physical-layer channel models, do not explicitly characterize a wireless channel in terms of these QoS metrics. In this paper, we propose and develop a link-layer channel model termed effective capacity (EC). In this approach, we first model a wireless link by two EC functions, namely, the probability of nonempty buffer, and the QoS exponent of a connection. Then, we propose a simple and efficient algorithm to estimate these EC functions. The physical-layer analogs of these two link-layer EC functions are the marginal distribution (e.g., Rayleigh-Ricean distribution) and the Doppler spectrum, respectively. The key advantages of the EC link-layer modeling and estimation are: 1) ease of translation into QoS guarantees, such as delay bounds; 2) simplicity of implementation; and 3) accuracy, and hence, efficiency in admission control and resource reservation. We illustrate the advantage of our approach with a set of simulation experiments, which show that the actual QoS metric is closely approximated by the QoS metric predicted by the EC link-layer model, under a wide range of conditions.
No simple dependence between protein evolution rate and the number of protein-protein interactions: only the most prolific interactors tend to evolve slowly

Background: It has been suggested that rates of protein evolution are influenced, to a great extent, by the proportion of amino acid residues that are directly involved in protein function. In agreement with this hypothesis, recent work has shown a negative correlation between evolutionary rates and the number of protein-protein interactions. However, the extent to which the number of protein-protein interactions influences evolutionary rates remains unclear. Here, we address this question at several different levels of evolutionary relatedness. Results: Manually curated data on the number of protein-protein interactions among Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins was examined for possible correlation with evolutionary rates between S. cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe orthologs. Only a very weak negative correlation between the number of interactions and evolutionary rate of a protein was observed. Furthermore, no relationship was found between a more general measure of the evolutionary conservation of S. cerevisiae proteins, based on the taxonomic distribution of their homologs, and the number of protein-protein interactions. However, when the proteins from yeast were assorted into discrete bins according to the number of interactions, it turned out that 6.5% of the proteins with the greatest number of interactions evolved, on average, significantly slower than the rest of the proteins. Comparisons were also performed using protein-protein interaction data obtained with high-throughput analysis of Helicobacter pylori proteins. No convincing relationship between the number of protein-protein interactions and evolutionary rates was detected, either for comparisons of orthologs from two completely sequenced H. pylori strains or for comparisons of H. pylori and Campylobacter jejuni orthologs, even when the proteins were classified into bins by the number of interactions. Conclusion: The currently available comparative-genomic data do not support the hypothesis that the evolutionary rates of the majority of proteins substantially depend on the number of proteinprotein interactions they are involved in. However, a small fraction of yeast proteins with the largest number of interactions (the hubs of the interaction network) tend to evolve slower than the bulk of the proteins.
Issues in the Development of Location Privacy Theory

Issues in the development of location privacy theory are identified and organized based on both technological considerations and more general privacy theories. Three broad categories containing six issues are described: location (including sensing methods and location properties), privacy (including definition and subject identification), and information flows (from location information acquisition through storage, use, and sharing). An influence diagram model is presented which relates these issues in context and may serve as a basis for further theory development, empirical research, and public policy discussion.
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE DISAPPOINTING DOHA ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

. This paper stresses the importance of political as well as economic factors for understanding negotiating outcomes in multilateral trade negotiations such as the Doha Round. In particular, it is argued that economic factors of the type traditionally emphasized by economists in their classrooms are by themselves inadequate for analysing the negotiating process. A variety of political economy factors are discussed as explanations for the disappointing results of the Doha Round.
Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Damage in Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process involving mutation and the subsequent selective clonal expansion of the mutated cell. Chemical and physical agents including those that induce reative oxygen species can induce and/or modulate this multistep process. Several modes of action by which carcinogens induce cancer have been identified, including through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules can arise through overproduction of ROS and faulty antioxidant and/or DNA repair mechanisms. In addition, ROS can stimulate signal transduction pathways and lead to activation of key transcription factors such as Nrf2 and NF-kappaB. The resultant altered gene expression patterns evoked by ROS contribute to the carcinogenesis process. Recent evidence demonstrates an association between a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in oxidative DNA repair genes and antioxidant genes with human cancer susceptibility. These aspects of ROS biology will be discussed in the context of their relationship to carcinogenesis.
Symmetric cellular network embeddings on a torus

Infinite planar cellular networks are embedded on a torus to obtain a symmetric regular finite network sample region for performance analysis. We show that a "hexagonal wrap" toroidal embedding preserves translational and rotational symmetry on all three axes of a hexagonal lattice and is preferable to a "Cartesian wrap" embedding. Hexagonal tilings and embeddings are obtained for all rhombic tile sizes. Certain tilings are shown to provide modular based neighbor addressing schemes that simplify distributed channel assignment algorithms. Hierarchical "hexagons within a hexagon" tilings are illustrated with the large hexagon exhibiting the sample repeat and comprising a multiplicity of channel frequency repeat small hexagonal the clusters. The symmetric hexagonal sample region repeat embeddings are noted to be useful for probabilistic analysis of high utilization channel assignment performance both theoretically and by simulation.
Gp120-mediated cytotoxicity of human brain microvascular endothelial cells is dependent on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier has been shown to contribute to neurological disorders that are prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals, but the mechanisms involved in HIV-1-associated blood-brain barrier dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) that constitute the blood-brain barrier, the authors determined the cytotoxic effects of gp120 on HBMECs. The authors showed that gp120 induced cytotoxicity of HBMECs derived from children, which required cotreatment with interferon (IFN)-γ. IFN-γ treatment exhibited up-regulation of the chemokine receptors CCR3 and CCR5 in children’s HBMECs. In contrast, HBMECs isolated from adults were not responsive to gp120-mediated cytotoxicity. Peptides of gp120 representing binding regions for CD4 and chemokine receptors as well as CD4 antibody inhibited gp120-mediated cytotoxicity of HBMECs. RANTES, as expected, inhibited M-tropic gp120-mediated HBMEC cytotoxicity, whereas stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α failed to inhibit T-tropic gp120-mediated cytotoxicity. Of interest, gp120 peptides representing non-CD4/non-chemokine receptor binding regions inhibited gp120-mediated HBMEC cytotoxicity. In addition, the authors showed that gp120-mediated HBMEC cytotoxicity involved p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Taken together, these findings showed that gp120, in the presence of IFN-γ, can cause dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier endothelium via MAPK pathways involving several gp120-HBMEC interactions.
Sensitivity of Numerical Simulation of Early Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Emily (2005) to Cloud Microphysical and Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterizations

An advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) Model is used to simulate the early rapid intensification of Hurricane Emily (2005) using grids nested to high resolution (3 km). A series of numerical simulations is conducted to examine the sensitivity of the simulation to available cloud microphysical (CM) and planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes. Results indicate that the numerical simulations of the early rapid intensification of Hurricane Emily are very sensitive to the choice of CM and PBL schemes in the ARW model. Specifically, with different CM schemes, the simulated minimum central sea level pressure (MSLP) varies by up to 29 hPa, and the use of various PBL schemes has resulted in differences in the simulated MSLP of up to 19 hPa during the 30-h forecast period. Physical processes associated with the above sensitivities are investigated. It is found that the magnitude of the environmental vertical wind shear is not well correlated with simulated hurricane intensities. In contrast, the eyewall convective heating distributions and the latent heat flux and high equivalent potential temperature (e) feeding from the ocean surface are directly associated with the simulated intensities. Consistent with recognized facts, higher latent heat release in stronger eyewall convection, stronger surface energy, and high e air feeding from the ocean surface into the hurricane eyewall are evident in the more enhanced convection and intense storms. The sensitivity studies in this paper also indicate that the contributions from the CM and PBL processes can only partially explain the slow intensification in the ARW simulations. Simulation at 1-km grid resolution shows a slight improvement in Emily’s intensity forecast, implying that the higher resolution is somewhat helpful, but still not enough to cause the model to reproduce the real intensity of the hurricane.
Validating a network simulation testbed for army UAVs

Auburn University, through the Army's aviation and missile research, development and engineering center (AMRDEC) has been supporting the unmanned systems initiative (USI) program in three research areas related to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A major element in this work is the development of a high fidelity modeling and simulation testbed to support the USI program. This paper describes the testbed and the verification and validation of the testbed.
Foreign Stocks in Behavioral Portfolios

By the rules of mean–variance and the example of the global equity market, foreign stocks should be attractive to U.S. investors, so why are investors so apprehensive about foreign stocks?
A Symbolic Exchange Framework for the Development of Intimate Relationships

It is argued that a synthesis of social exchange theory and symbolic interactionism may provide a useful framework for understanding and predicting the development of intimate relationships. A study was conducted to test a central proposition from this synthetic, “symbolic exchange” framework. Evidence was found to support predictions that couples in progressed relationships will show greater symbolic interdependence and that symbolic inter dependence associates positively with relationship commitment and with relationship satisfaction. Findings from the study provided support for the symbolic exchange framework against competing predictions from filter theories of relationship development and provide justification for a program of research investigating the symbolic exchange model.
IL-17–Dependent, IFN-γ–Independent Tumor Rejection Is Mediated by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Occurs at Extraocular Sites, but Is Excluded from the Eye

Although intraocular tumors reside in an immune-privileged site where immune responses are suppressed, some tumors are rejected. An example of this is the rejection of intraocular adenovirus-induced (adenovirus type 5 early region 1 [Ad5E1]) tumors in C57BL/6 mice. We previously identified an Ad5E1 tumor clone in which the rejection is IFN-γ dependent and culminates in the destruction of both the tumor and the eye. Although Ad5E1 tumors are not rejected when transplanted into the eyes of IFN-γ KO mice, they are rejected after s.c. transplantation. Thus, outside of the eye Ad5E1 tumors elicit a form of tumor immunity that is IFN-γ independent. In this article, we demonstrate that IFN-γ–independent s.c. rejection requires both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Furthermore, s.c. tumor rejection requires IL-17, which is produced by IFN-γ–deficient CD4 + T cells in response to tumor Ags (TAs). Splenocytes from CD4-depleted IFN-γ KO mice produce significantly less IL-17 compared with splenocytes from isotype-treated IFN-γ KO animals in response to TAs. Furthermore, depletion of IL-17 decreases CTL activity against Ad5E1 tumor cells. In this model we propose that, in the absence of IFN-γ, CD4 + T cells produce IL-17 in response to TAs, which increases CTL activity that mediates tumor rejection; however, this does not occur in the eye. IL-6 production within the eye is severely reduced, which is consistent with the failure to induce Th17 cells within the intraocular tumors. In contrast, the s.c. environment is replete with IL-6 and supports the induction of Th17 cells. Therefore, IFN-γ–independent tumor rejection is excluded from the eye and may represent a newly recognized form of ocular immune privilege.
Use of small stents for rehabilitation of hypoplastic pulmonary arteries in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect.

Branch pulmonary artery stenosis frequently occurs in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Balloon dilation alone is often unsuccessful in patients with severely hypoplastic pulmonary arteries with residual stenoses after surgical repair. In an attempt to promote distal pulmonary artery growth, 17 stents were placed in 12 severely stenotic pulmonary artery lesions in 10 patients with PA/VSD. All had prior surgery, including pulmonary artery repair, right ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft, and, in 6 of 10, closure of VSD. Median age at stent placement was 16.8 months (range, 13.2–56). Stents were placed using 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 mm balloons in all but one lesion, in which a 7 mm balloon was used. Following stent placement, there was an increase in the lesion diameter from 1.5 to 3.4 mm (P < 0.05) and an increase in flow to the affected lung from 27% to 34% (P < 0.05). Repeat catheterization 2 to 6 months after stenting in six patients revealed complete occlusion in two of eight lesions. In the other six vessels, there was an increase in distal vessel diameter from 2.96 to 3.94 mm (P < 0.05) even though four had severe restenosis requiring restenting. Two patients underwent surgical pulmonary artery reconstruction and stent removal because of adequate distal vessel growth. Stenting of hypoplastic pulmonary arteries in PA/VSD results in immediate improvement in vessel size and blood flow. Stent restenosis is common although distal vessel growth can be achieved. Stenting of these lesions should be reserved only for those patients unresponsive to other interventions. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:78–82. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Expression of major histocompatibility complex class I proteins and their antigen processing chaperones in mouse embryonic stem cells from fertilized and parthenogenetic embryos

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells with the potential to differentiate into cells or tissues that may be used for transplantation therapy. Parthenogenetic ES cells have been recently derived from both mouse and human oocytes and hold promise as a cell source which is histocompatible to the oocyte donor. Due to the importance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens in mediating tissue rejection or acceptance, we examined levels of mRNA and protein expression of MHC class I proteins, as well as several MHC class I antigen processing and presentation chaperones, in mouse embryonic stem cells derived from both fertilized (fES) and parthenogenetic (pES) embryos. We found that H-2K, Qa-2, TAP1, TAP2 and tapasin mRNAs were all expressed at low levels in undifferentiated and differentiating ES cells, and were significantly upregulated in response to interferon-γ (IFN-γ) treatment following 14 days of differentiation. Likewise, expression of H-2Kb and H-2Kk proteins were upregulated to detectable levels by IFN-γ after 14 days of differentiation, but Qa-2 protein expression remained low or absent. We also found that MHC class I, TAP1, TAP2, and tapasin mRNAs were all expressed at very low levels in ES cells compared to T cells, suggesting transcriptional regulation of these genes in ES cells. Calnexin, a chaperone molecule involved in other pathways than MHC expression, had mRNA levels that were similar in ES cells and T cells, and was not upregulated by IFN-γ in ES cells. Overall, embryonic stem cells derived from fertilized embryos and parthenogenetic embryos displayed remarkably similar patterns of gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels. The similarity between the fES and pES cell lines in regard to expression of MHC class I and antigen processing machinery provides evidence for the potential usefulness of parthenogenetic ES cells in transplantation therapy.
Real-time signal processing techniques in MRI

Due in part to the very high flexibility of image contrast, the applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continue to grow. Advances in data acquisition speed, as facilitated by MRI physics, have provided the motivation for specific real-time techniques. For useful and broad implementation this has required that real-time signal processing methods be used. In this work the principal elements of a real-time MRI system are reviewed, major signal processing techniques presented, and several contemporary applications discussed. Further improvements in computational speed will allow increased sophistication in real-time MRI techniques in the future.
Flow over a Backward-Facing Step Under Controlled- Plasma Actuator-Induced Perturbations

The effectiveness of an airborne laser can be great ly reduced when the laser has to pass through a compressible free shear layer containing vortical structures. Adaptive optics can compensate for aberrations but the time scale assoc iated with the chaotic structures in a free shear layer is too small to allow the adaptive opti cs to be effective. A possible solution is to force the instabilities in the free shear layer to organize in predetermined manner that could be fed forward to the adaptive optics system. A pla sma actuator was proposed for this application in previous work. In this paper we show an improved design using two exposed electrodes at the corner of the step. The actuator was operated at 5kHz AC voltage signal with square wave amplitude modulation to provide a periodic jet. The modulation frequency of the jet was initially set to match the natural f requency of the shear layer instabilities that were determined from power spectral density analysis of hot film data. The actuator was operated at voltages of 10kV, 8kV and 6kV. Particl e Image Velocimetry results showed that the corner actuator was very effective at producing a 45° jet at the corner of the step. This technique for determining the natural instability f requency and forcing oscillations in the shear layer at those frequencies was effective. It could have been because of the technique for finding the oscillation frequency of it may hav e been the way the plasma actuator produced the oscillation.
Effects of hypertension and aging on coronary arteriolar density.

Coronary reserve has been shown repeatedly to be depressed in hypertension and aging. The underlying mechanisms remain elusive, but structural alterations of the coronary vasculature have been implicated. In this study, we measured maximal coronary dilator capacity and structural characteristics relevant to coronary resistance in aging normotensive (Wistar-Kyoto, n = 22) and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strains (n = 25) at 1.5, 4, 11, 16, and 22 months of age. Coronary flow measurements, using radiolabeled microspheres, demonstrated a significant (p 50 microns. In addition, there was an overall 30% decrease (p < 0.01) in the ratio of lumen diameter to wall thickness in hypertensive compared with normotensive rats. These data indicate that both hypertension and aging are accompanied by structural alterations of the coronary resistance vasculature. These structural alterations may contribute to the depression in coronary reserve that complicates hypertension and aging.
Regulation of the sympathetic nerve discharge bursting pattern during heat stress

Frequency-domain analyses were used to determine the effect of heat stress on the relationships between the discharge bursts of sympathetic nerve pairs and sympathetic and phrenic nerve pairs in ch...
To lose one’s home in the world: The injustice of immigrant detention

Forced outside of the system of modern nation-states into a regime of detention and deportation, immigrant detainees suffer an injustice that is not easily or adequately captured by the familiar vocabulary offered by contemporary liberalism. In this article, I propose an alternative strategy for articulating the kinds of injustice that these individuals suffer. I argue that the idea of metaphysical homelessness—a notion that I recover through a reading of the work of Martin Heidegger—offers a useful theoretical lens with which to identify the kinds of harms perpetrated against immigrant detainees. Purged from the polis and shuttled instead into the realm of police, they are deprived of a home in the world. This strategy is deployed as part of what I call a politics of crisis containment, a kind of politics that ensues when states find themselves confronted by troublesome individuals whose presence is deemed a threat to the existence of the community.
The Legal Giants that Propelled North Carolina Banks to National Prominence: Paul J. Polking, Marion A. Cowell, and Jerone C. Herring

Paul J. Polking, Marion A. Cowell, Jr., and Jerone C. Herring served distinguished careers as the general counsel of North Carolina's three largest banking corporations, Bank of America, First Union (now Wachovia), and BB&T. The combined assets of these banks and others located in North Carolina make it the second largest banking state behind New York. The article briefly describes the remarkable careers of these three gentlemen. Each joined their bank in the early 1970s as young lawyers in small legal departments (or in Herring's case, the only lawyer) and helped engineer the expansion of their companies in a way that is hard to imagine being repeated in any industry today. Each bank, in its own way, helped to break down the barriers to interstate banking and branching. Each of these three distinguished lawyers remained at their institutions until their respective retirements, amassing between them ninety-three years of service. Their contributions to banking law in general and to the success of their banks in particular are truly remarkable and worthy of celebration.
Antihypertensive actions of angiotensin-(1-7) in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Observations that angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] may oppose the vasoconstrictor actions of angiotensin II (ANG II) prompted an investigation of the effects of the heptapeptide on the maintenance of ...
A Legal-Writing Carol

Four clarity-minded ghosts persuade attorney Ebenezer Scribe to reconsider his heavy use of legalese.
Control for Camera of a Telerobotic Human Computer Interface

Controlling remote robots is a difficult task for human computer interface (HCI). Control of remote robots enables accomplishment of tasks without the human controller physically present due to safety concerns or the expert cannot be physically present. This paper presents a method for using an Oculus Rift to improve HCI for telerobotic control. Using the Oculus, an operator could become immersed in the robot’s environment and could more naturally control the desired position of a remotely positioned vision system via head movements. To provide the appropriate visual feedback, a three-axis gimbal was implemented as a test platform. Through software implemented motion tracking, the response of the Oculus was compared to that of a mouse which demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed system over comparable HCI.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Song Dynasty's Civil Dispute's Non-lawsuit Solution Mechanism

The Song Dynasty's civil dispute's non-lawsuit solution mechanism was a kind of "human-centered" solution mechanism.The Song Dynasty's judges pay great attention to education and follow the principle of mediation first.Through mediation by the government or common people,the Song Dynasty had also established many lawsuit barriers to limit lawsuit.The value orientation of the Song Dynasty's civil dispute's non-lawsuit solution mechanism's was to reduce lawsuit costs,ease the social contradictions,eliminate lawsuit abuse and maintain social harmony.
Evaluation of Keshan Disease Prevention by Using Sodium Selenite in Sichuan,2007-2009

Objective To increase the hair selenium level among population in the endemic area of sub-acute Keshan disease (KD) and decrease the incidence of KD. Methods Sodium selenite at international standard dosage was used by the populations in Panzhihuat,Xichang,and Mianning from January 2007 to December 2009,and the surveillance of selenium in salt,hair selenium level and Keshan disease was conducted to evaluate the project effects. Results The average dose of sodium selenite in 2 salt plants was 3.96 mg/kg,the average dose used by the people in three areas was 3.62 mg/kg,The average hair selenium level was 0.338μg/g,which was higher than that in 2006 (0.294μg/g). No sub-acute KD case was found,but the detection rate of chronic latent KD was 1.16%,which was lower than that in 2006 (2.46%). Conclusions The project had the effect on the increase of the hair selenium level,control of the incidence of sub-acute KD and the decrease of det4ection rate of chronic latent KD,
A national examination of pharmacy-based immunization statutes and their association with influenza vaccinations and preventive health.

Abstract Background A series of state-level statute changes have allowed pharmacists to provide influenza vaccinations in community pharmacies. The study aim was to estimate the effects of pharmacy-based immunization statutes changes on per capita influenza vaccine prescriptions, adult vaccination rates, and the utilization of other preventive health services. Methods A quasi-experimental study that compares vaccination outcomes over time before and after states allowed pharmacy-based immunization. Measures of per capita pharmacy prescriptions for influenza vaccines in each state came from a proprietary pharmacy prescription database. Data on adult vaccination rates and preventive health utilization were studied using multiple waves of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The primary outcomes were changes in per capita influenza vaccine pharmacy prescriptions, adult vaccination rates, and preventive health interventions following changes. Results Between 2007 and 2013, the number of influenza vaccinations dispensed in community pharmacies increased from 3.2 to 20.9 million. After one year, adopting pharmacist immunization statutes increased per capita influenza vaccine prescriptions by an absolute difference (AD) of 2.6% (95% CI: 1.1–4.2). Adopting statutes did not lead to a significant absolute increase in adult vaccination rates (AD 0.9%, 95% CI: −0.3, 2.2). There also was no observed difference in adult vaccination rates among adults at high-risk of influenza complications (AD 0.8%, 95% CI: −0.2, 1.8) or among standard demographic subgroups. There also was no observed difference in the receipt of preventive health services, including routine physician office visits (AD −1.9%, 95% CI: −4.9, 1.1). Conclusions Pharmacists are providing millions of influenza vaccines as a consequence of immunization statutes, but we do not observe significant differences in adult influenza vaccination rates. The main gains from pharmacy-based immunization may be in providing a more convenient way to obtain an important health service.
DNA TESTING FOR CANCER PREDISPOSITION

Purpose/objectives To describe and review scientific and regulatory aspects of molecular genetic technology in the context of DNA testing for cancer predisposition. Data sources Published professional articles, texts, and proceedings; commercial testing companies; computerized data bases; and the World Wide Web. Data synthesis This article reviews the basic molecular biology (e.g., DNA, genes, chromosomes, DNA mutations) that is the foundation for indirect and direct methods of DNA testing for cancer predisposition. Key issues in DNA testing include who should be tested, provision of testing, and regulatory concerns. Benefits and problems of testing contribute to its current controversial status. Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms of DNA testing for cancer requires knowledge of basic molecular biology. Family history of the cancer in question is a key indicator for predisposition testing. Accessing information regarding research-based testing is challenging. DNA testing for cancer predisposition is not a perfect test, as exemplified by issues related to test regulation and sensitivity. Implications for nursing practice Basic knowledge of DNA testing for cancer predisposition will help nurses to (a) have a better understanding of the indications for and ramifications of testing, (b) provide information about testing to patients and the lay public, (c) counsel patients and families at high risk for inherited cancers more effectively, and (d) interpret DNA test results.
Fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells as a target for in utero retroviral gene transfer

Retroviral-mediated gene transfer into hematopoietic precursors often results in only short-term gene transduction in vivo. Loss of the transduced genetic material over time may be caused by the limited ability of retroviral infection to transduce genes into early, pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. Because fetal liver contains actively proliferating multipotential stem cells that should be more susceptible to retroviral-mediated gene transfer than quiescent cells derived from adult bone marrow, these cells may be an ideal target for gene transduction. Furthermore, physiologic expansion of these cells during development obviates the need for marrow ablation during gene therapy in vivo. We performed in utero gene transfer by injecting high titer replication-defective retrovirus in vivo into the livers of 11, 14, 16, and 18 day gestation rats. After birth, the rats were analyzed for the presence of proviral integration and gene expression. The efficiency of gene transfer into bone marrow cells was greatest in rats infected at day 14 to 16 of gestation. In rats killed at 1 to 26 weeks of age, gene transfer was detected by Southern analysis in 48% and by polymerase chain reaction in 86% of bone marrow samples. The provirus was also detected in white blood cells, the granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming unit, thymus, spleen, liver, and lung. The presence of the transgene in bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues at 26 weeks of age suggests that early hematopoietic precursors present in the fetal liver are susceptible targets for gene transfer and that these cells become resident in the bone marrow of the adult animal. This model is a new technique for gene transduction into proliferating hematopoietic cells in vivo that avoids bone marrow transplantation and has potential application in the correction of genetic defects in utero.
Development of overweight permit fee using mechanistic-empirical pavement design and life-cycle cost analysis

The study aims to determine rational overweight permit fee using Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) pavement design and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). The state-of-art pavement design software, Pavement-ME, was utilized to develop Load Equivalency Factors (LEFs) and estimate pavement service life under various traffic loading conditions. LCCA was conducted to calculate Marginal Pavement Damage Cost (MPDC) in terms of Equivalent Uniform Annual Cost (EUAC) considering variations in maintenance strategies, analysis periods, and discount rates. A methodology framework was established to calculate distance based, weight based, weight and distance based, and flat permit fee for overweight trucks. With the local data obtained in New Jersey (United States), example permit fees were determined for the major and local road network with the thick and thin asphalt pavement structure, respectively. It was found that the truck-induced damage cost varied significantly between thin and thick asphalt pavements considering different failure mechanisms in fatigue cracking and rutting. In general, overweight permit fee may not be fair to overweight trucks at different vehicle classifications if only the total overweight tonnage is regulated in the permit fee structure.
GraQL: A Query Language for High-Performance Attributed Graph Databases

Graph databases are becoming a critical tool for the analysis of graph-structured data in the context of multiplescientific and technical domains, including cybersecurity andcomputational biology. In particular, the storage, analysis andquerying of attributed graphs is a very important capability. Attributed graphs contain properties attached to the verticesand edges of the graph structure. Queries over attributedgraphs do not only include structural pattern matching, butalso conditions over the values of the attributes. In this work, we present GraQL, a query language designed for highperformanceattributed graph databases hosted on a highmemory capacity cluster. GraQL is designed to be the front-endlanguage for the attributed graph data model for the GEMSdatabase system.
Leucosporidium Fell, Statzell, I.L. Hunter & Phaff

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on Leucosporidium genus and its member species. Growth of this genus on solid media is white to cream-colored and often mucoid. Visible carotenoid pigments are not present and both yeast and mycelial phases may occur. Yeast phase cells are ovoidal to elongate and reproduce by budding. The mycelial phase is characterized by true mycelium with or without clamp connections and the formation of terminal and intercalary teliospores. The septal structure is a simple pore and ballistospores and ballistoconidia are not present. Sexual mechanisms, although not completely investigated, include unifactorial (bipolar) and bifactorial (tetrapolar) systems. Uninucleate yeast cells of L. antarcticum and L. scottii produce uninucleate teliospore-bearing hyphae that lack true clamp connections. In contrast, the uninucleate yeast cells of L. fellii are diploid, where reduction division takes place with the formation of dikaryotic teliospore-bearing hyphae with clamp connections. The three member species of this genus include Leucosporidium antarcticum, Leucosporidium fellii, and Leucosporidium scottii. The cells of Leucosporidium antarcticum, after undergoing growth in 5% malt extract for 3 days at 12°C, appear as ovoidal haploid, and heterothallic cells tend to be shorter and wider.
Editorial: Time to Put Managing Endoscopic Complications Into the Curriculum

Proper management of complications is critical to ensure the best outcome for both the patient and the physician. The physician's response to the error or complication, promptly informing the patient and the family, and expressing empathy at the situation, ensuring transparency and excellent post-complication care, is a critical determinant of the patient's understanding of the complication, perception of the physician, and, often, the decision to sue. Articles outlining best practice approach to various legal and risk management issues may aid physicians to acquire useful skills to help their patients.
Temporal Trends in Geographic and Sociodemographic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Among Medicare Patients, 1973-2010.

Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in the United States have steadily declined since the 1980s, but racial and socioeconomic disparities remain. The influence of geographic factors is poorly understood and may be affected by evolving insurance coverage and screening test uptake. We characterized temporal trends in the association between geographic and sociodemographic factors and CRC outcomes. Methods We used the 1973-2010 SEER-Medicare files to identify patients aged ≥65 years with and without CRC. Beneficiary residential ZIP codes were used to extract local-level data. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models for CRC incidence and mortality using geographic and sociodemographic variables in 4 time periods: (1) 1973-1997; (2) 1998-2001; (3) 2002-2006; and (4) 2007-2010. Findings We analyzed 1,093,758 records, including 336,321 CRC cases. Compared to urban residence, small rural residence was strongly associated with increased CRC incidence (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.43-1.57) and mortality (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.26-1.45) in 1973-1997, but the associations diminished by 2007-2010 (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15 for incidence; OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20 for mortality). The disparity between blacks and whites increased over time for both incidence (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.13 in 1973-1997 vs OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27-1.37 in 2007-2010) and mortality (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.16-1.28 in 1973-1997 vs OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.26-1.42 in 2007-2010). High socioeconomic status was associated with greater incidence and mortality in 1973-1997, but it became protective after 1998. Conclusions Although disparities persist among Medicare beneficiaries, the relationship between geographic and sociodemographic factors and CRC incidence and mortality has evolved over time.
10-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of Marathon Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Short-term and intermediate-term wear rates for highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are significantly lower than published rates for traditional polyethylene liners. The aim of this study was to report the longest-to-date follow-up of a specific HCLPE liner. Methods A series of 35 THAs using a specific HCLPE liner were reviewed. Anteroposterior radiographs were reviewed for femoral head penetration, the presence of femoral and/or acetabular osteolysis, long-term survival, total wear, and wear rates in all patients. Results The average patient age at time of surgery was 70 years with an average follow-up of 10 years (118 months; range, 7.2-13.4 years). The mean wear rate in our cohort was 0.07 mm/y. Total wear was 0.71 mm over the study period. No hips showed evidence of osteolysis in any zones. Survivorship at latest follow-up was 100% with all-cause revision as an end point. Conclusion The wear rate of HCLPE liners continues to be lower than published wear rates for traditional polyethylene and continues to reaffirm the acceptably low wear rates using HCLPE acetabular liner in primary THA.
Strategies, Tactics, and Research

(1966). Strategies, Tactics, and Research. Research Management: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 141-159.
Failure to Treat Life-Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Contemporary Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators: Implications for Strategic Programming

Background: In clinical trials, manufacturer-specific, strategic programming of implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICDs), including faster detection rates, reduces unnecessary therapy but permits therapy for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VF). Present consensus recommends a generic rate threshold between 185 and 200 beats per minute, which exceeds the rate tested in clinical trials for some manufacturers. In a case series, we sought to determine the relationship between programmed parameters and failure of modern ICDs to treat VF. Methods and Results: We reviewed cases in which normally functioning ICDs failed to deliver timely therapy for VF from April 2015 to January 2017 at 4 institutions. Of 10 ambulatory patients, 5 died from untreated VF, 4 had cardiac arrests requiring external shocks, and 1 was rescued by a delayed ICD shock. VF did not satisfy programmed detection criteria in 9 patients (90%). Seven of these patients had slowest detection rates that were consistent with generic recommendations but not tested in a peer-reviewed trial for their manufacturer’s ICDs. Manufacturer-specific factors interacted with fast detection rates to withhold therapy, including strict VF episode termination rules, enhancements to minimize T-wave oversensing, and features that restrict therapy to regular rhythms in ventricular tachycardia zones. Untreated VF despite recommended programming accounted for 56% of sudden deaths and 11% of all deaths during the study period. Conclusions: Complex and unanticipated interactions between manufacturer-specific features and generic programming can prevent therapy for VF. More data are needed to assess the risks and benefits of translating evidence-based detection parameters from one manufacturer to another.
Rendering OWL in Description Logic Syntax

As ontology engineering is inherently a multidisciplinary process, it is necessary to utilize multiple vehicles to present an ontology to a user. In order to examine the formal logical content, description logic renderings of the axioms appear to be a very helpful approach for some. This paper introduces a number of changes made to the OWLAPI’s Open image in new window rendering framework in order to improve the readability, concision, and correctness of translated OWL files, as well as increase the number of renderable OWL files.
Do migrant remittances improve the quality of government? Evidence from the Philippines:

Migrant remittances have been linked to improving the quality of government and political accountability in the developing world. The argument is that migrants have the capacity to withhold remitta...
Chemically controlled crystal growth of (CH3NH3)2AgInBr6

We report the successful crystal growth of a previously unknown mixed-metal organic compound (CH3NH3)2AgInBr6. This phase, which is not obtained by direct combination of reactants, is crystallized through the use of Pb2+ (from CH3NH3PbBr3) to modulate the soluble intermediates and force formation of (CH3NH3)2AgInBr6. Our results provide insights into mechanism and design-driven crystal growth and discovery of new halide materials that are chemically related to perovskites with photovoltaic and related applications.
METALLIC CONTAMINATION IN AN OPEN WHEEL IMPLANTER

Alloys of aluminium used in system mechanical constructions contain several tenths per cent of iron and other heavy metals, and therefore, sputtering of aluminium can be the principal source of these undesirable elements. Also, sputtering processes from parts (targets) very close to the wafer are much more significant than sputtering occurring upstream well away from the wafer. This causes metal levels to be location dependent. Metal levels are relatively low in the PI9000 Series Ion Implanters (approximately 100 ppm). Using SIMS analysis techniques, aluminium and iron metal levels are measured at various locations on the front and rear of wafers, and concentrations are found to correlated well with locations of nearby parts. Levels are reduced by use of carbon or silicon coatings as well as other simple modifications to wheel parts.
Effects of seasonal fluctuations of surface heat flux and wind stress on mixing and vertical diffusivity of water column in deep lakes

Abstract Accurate vertical diffusivity estimates at different stratification conditions are essential to correctly model vertical mixing of discharges into lakes. This study presents calculated variations in vertical mixing at different depths in Boulder Basin, Lake Mead, a deep reservoir over a four-year period using hourly weather data and 6-hourly measured temperature, conductivity, and DO profiles. Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) and mixing intensities within Boulder Basin, calculated based on surface heat flux and wind speed were compared to water column stability and diffusivity over the study period. Analysis of surface heat fluxes showed that evaporation and longwave radiation were the main heat loss mechanisms in summer and winter, respectively. The lake showed strong summer stratification with stability numbers N2 > 10−4 s−2, followed by increased water column instability during fall and eventually winter overturn, resulting in gradient Richardson numbers
The Study of Laryngoscopic and Autonomic Patterns in Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

Objectives:(1) Identify laryngeal patterns axiomatic to exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) and (2) investigate the role of autonomic function in EILO.Methods:Twenty-seven athletic adoles...
Please turn it down

Sustained levels of 95 to 100 dBA and beyond are not uncommon in rock and pop music genres, leading to daily noise doses that are 100% or more above the recommendations established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. There are three options of addressing this situation: leaving the environment, using hearing protection, and turning the offending level down. It is the last of these that I will explore. The first two listed have problems with implementation. Using Leq measurements of various ensemble performance situations, the question addressed is whether or not musicians can learn to control the level of their instruments efficiently enough, referencing NIOSH recommended noise exposures, to make a meaningful difference in exposure time without significantly sacrificing the quality of the music.
Altered pharmacokinetics of combined oral contraceptives in obesity - multistudy assessment.

Abstract Objective The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in obese women. Study design We pooled and reanalyzed data from 89 women with different body mass index (BMI) categories from four clinical studies. The LNG and ethinyl estradiol (EE) PKs were analyzed utilizing a zero-order absorption (K0), two-compartment PK model to evaluate key PK parameters in relation to a range of weights, BMI and body surface area (BSA). Results Increasing of body habitus metrics is correlated with decreasing Cmax (p Conclusions The primary effects of obesity on LNG and EE were a modest increase in CL and a marked increase in distribution parameters. We observed no obesity-related differences in trough LNG and EE concentrations. Implications This population PK analysis demonstrated reduced systemic exposure to LNG/EE oral contraceptives in obese subjects (Cmax and AUCτ); these particular differences are unlikely to lower contraceptive effectiveness among obese women who are correctly using LNG-containing contraceptives.