cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrence analysis for effective array prefetching in Java

SUMMARY Java is an attractive choice for numerical, as well as other, algorithms due to the software engineering benefits of object-oriented programming. Because numerical programs often use large arrays that do not fit in the cache, they to suffer from poor memory performance. To hide memory latency, we describe a new unified compile-time analysis for software prefetching arrays and linked structures in Java. Our previous work uses data-flow analysis to discover linked data structure accesses. We generalize our prior approach to identify loop induction variables as well, which we call recurrence analysis. Our algorithm schedules prefetches for all array references that contain induction variables. We evaluate our technique using a simulator of an out-of-order superscalar processor running a set of array-based Java programs. Across all our programs, prefetching reduces execution time by a geometric mean of 23%, and the largest improvement is 58%. We also evaluate prefetching on a PowerPC processor, and we show that prefetching reduces execution time by a geometric mean of 17%. Because our analysis is much simpler and quicker than previous techniques, it is suitable for including in a just-in-time compiler. Traditional software prefetching algorithms for C and Fortran use locality analysis and sophisticated loop transformations. We further show that the additional loop transformations and careful scheduling of prefetches from previous work are not always necessary for modern architectures and Java programs.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping for Musculoskeletal Injury

Kinesio taping (KT) is used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal injuries. This systematic review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of KT in improving patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury. Materials and Methods: A literature search (October 2011) was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportsDiscus, and Cochrane databases. The literature search employed the keywords "kinesio tap*" or "kinesiotap*" or "athletic tap*" and "performance" or "function" or "strength" or "activity" or "pain" or "muscle" and "athlet*" or "sport*." These searches yielded a total of 727 articles, which were reviewed thoroughly to identify suitable articles. Results: Six studies met our criteria and were included in this systematic review. Two of these studies examined musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremity and reported that the use of KT did not affect outcome measures. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine. Treatment with KT significantly improved pain levels and range of motion in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical spine both immediately and 24 hours after injury; however, the long-term results did not differ between the 2 groups. Subjects with chronic low back pain treated with KT and exercise, KT alone, or exercise alone experienced significant improvement in short-term pain, while the exercise-only group also showed significantly less long-term disability. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries in the shoulder. The first of these found insufficient evidence to indicate that KT decreases pain and disability in young patients with shoulder impingement/ tendinitis, while the second suggested that KT may provide short-term pain relief for patients with shoulder impingement. This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the use of KT following musculoskeletal injury, although a perceived benefit cannot be discounted. There are few high-quality studies examining the use of KT following musculoskeletal injury.
Monitoring Simultaneous Distance and Orientation Changes in Discrete Dimers of DNA Linked Gold Nanoparticles

Important optical properties of discrete pairs of DNA tethered gold nanoparticles, including their scattering cross section and resonance wavelength, depend on both the dimer structure and the refractive index of their immediate environment. We show that far-field polarization microscopy aids the optical identification and interpretation of structural changes including hinge motions and nanoscale distance changes in individual assemblies. Grecco and Martinez have shown in their theoretical work that the interparticle separation dependent polarization anisotropy of discrete nanoparticle dimers enables nanoscale distance measurements (Optics Express 2006, 14, 8716-8721). Here we implement this approach experimentally and evaluate measured polarization anisotropies in the framework of a dipolar coupling model. We use polarization sensitive dark-field microscopy to resolve simultaneous distance and orientation changes during the compaction of discrete pairs of DNA tethered gold nanoparticles by fourth generation polyamidoamino (PAMAM) dendrimers. The relative contributions from interparticle separation and refractive index variations to changes in the light polarization and scattering intensity are quantified and compared.
Testing the Climate for Non-Potable Water Reuse: Opportunities and Challenges in Water-Scarce Urban Growth Corridors

This paper examines the opportunities and constraints of increasing water reuse in arid urban areas experiencing rapid population growth. Limited availability of additional water resources raises the attractiveness of reclaiming wastewater to meet increased demands for water. The need for change in water management can be viewed as an essential part of the trend towards water or natural resource governance with its recognition of the need for broader regional participation in addressing water demand problems. Using an urban case study from southwestern USA Sun Corridor in Arizona, we explore the drivers for increased use of reclaimed water, the relationship between growth and reuse, and seek to understand these unfolding processes from an applied new regionalism perspective. Through semi-structured interviews with water managers and planners, we elicit the current and planned uses of reclaimed water, and through community surveys, we investigate public willingness to increase water reuse. We explore the c...
Ultrasonic Evaluation of Interfacial Properties in Adhesive Joints: Evaluation of Environmental Degradation

It is known that failure of adhesive joints can occur either in the bulk region of an adhesive layer (cohesive mode) or along an interface between the adhesive and an adherent (interfacial or adhesion mode). Properly manufactured adhesive joints fail in the cohesive mode, while after environmental degradation the failure mode becomes predominantly interfacial. Therefore we conclude that humid environments affect mostly the interfacial region of a joint. This indicates the importance of non-destructive assessment of interface properties. While methods of cohesive property evaluation have progressed significantly, much more effort is required to develop interface evaluation methods. A development of this type is undertaken in this work.
Surface Visualization at 3D Endoluminal CT Colonography: Degree of Coverage and Implications for Polyp Detection

Background & Aims: Effective colonoscopic screening for polyps, whether by optical or virtual means, requires adequate visualization of the entire colonic surface. The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the degree of surface coverage at 3-dimensional (3D) endoluminal computed tomography colonography (CTC) after retrograde fly-through, combined retrograde–antegrade fly-through, and review of remaining missed regions. Methods: The study group consisted of 223 asymptomatic adults (mean age, 57.8 ± 7.2 y; 111 men, 112 women) undergoing primary CTC screening. CTC studies were interpreted by experienced readers using a primary 3D approach. The CTC software system that was used continually tracks the percentage of endoluminal surface visualized. The degree of coverage was assessed prospectively after retrograde and combined retrograde–antegrade navigation. The added effect of reviewing missed regions was also assessed prospectively. Results: The mean surface coverage after only retrograde 3D endoluminal fly-through from rectum to cecum was 76.6% ± 4.8% (range, 63%–92%); coverage was 80% or less in 181 (81.2%) patients. Antegrade navigation back to the rectum increased the overall coverage to 94.1% ± 2.3% (range, 84%–99%; P 2 or larger increased coverage to 97.9% ± 1.1% (range, 93%–99%; P Conclusions: Combined bidirectional retrograde and antegrade 3D navigation, supplemented by rapid review of missed regions, effectively covers the entire evaluable surface at CTC. Unidirectional retrograde 3D fly-through typically excludes 20% or more of the endoluminal surface, which may provide insight into potential limitations at optical colonoscopy.
An alternate proof of Huang's stability theorem

In this correspondence a complete proof of Huang's stability theorem for two-dimensional discrete filters is presented. The proof is based on certain properties of algebraic functions. It appears that Huang's original proof is not complete and it is hoped that this proof will fill the gap.
The existential pleasures of technical communication: personal reflections on a profession

The author examines technical communication and technical communicators in much the same way as S.C. Florman (1976) examined engineering and engineers. The conclusion reached is very much the same as the one Florman reached: that there can be great pleasure in working as a professional technical communicator and, despite flaws and criticism, the work of technical communicators has a positive impact on the way we live and work. To realize their true potential as professionals, technical communicators need to reflect on their work, their goals, and their sense of what it means to be a technical communicator in the last quarter (or the last tenth) of this century. >
Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric mucosal TGF-α ectodomain shedding and EGFR transactivation involves Rac1/p38 MAPK-dependent TACE activation

Infection of gastric mucosa by H. pylori triggers a pattern of inflammatory responses characterized by the rise in proinflammatory cytokine production, up-regulation in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, and the induction in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation. In this study, we report on the role of MAPK/p38 and Rac1 in the regulation of H. pylori LPS-induced TGF-α ectodomain shedding and EGFR transactivation. We show that stimulation of gastric mucosal cells with the LPS, reflected in p38 phosphorylation, guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock180 activation and the rise in Rac1-GTP level, is accompanied by the activation of membrane-associated metalloprotease, (TACE) also known as ADAM17, responsible for soluble TGF-α release. Further, we reveal that the LPS-induced TGF-α shedding and EGFR transactivation involves the TACE activation through phosphorylation by p38 that requires Rac1 participation. Moreover, we demonstrate that up-regulation in H. pylori LPS-elicited Rac1-GTP membrane translocation plays a pivotal role in recruitment of the activated p38 to the membrane for TACE activation through phosphorylation on Thr(735). Taken together, our findings provide strong evidence as to the essential function of Rac1 in TACE activation, TGF-α ectodomain shedding, and the EGFR transactivation.
The "Afro Look" and Global Black Consciousness

This essay examines the rise in popularity of “Afro look” fashions in the 1970s. The name Afro look was given by fashion industry insiders on both sides of the Atlantic to describe clothing that featured African and African-inspired prints, textiles, and embroidery techniques. Usually these prints were applied to popular silhouettes such as the miniskirt, bellbottoms, hot pants, and maxidresses. The growing popularity of Afrolook designs stirred a flurry of debate within the fashion world about the origins of these popular designs. I argue that origins mattered. Laying claim to a fashion innovation allowed a nation or region of the world to position itself as the model of modernity and cultural sophistication. Many newly independent African nations were eager to reposition themselves on the world stage, and fashion became one way to do so. In apartheidera South Africa, such politics were particularly important as black South Africans fought for basic human rights. Drum magazine—South Africa’s leading fashion black lifestyle magazine—chronicled the burgeoning Black Consciousness movement along side its coverage of black fashion models and fashion designers. Fashion was political. One’s attire was an important extension of one’s personal and collective politics. Using Drum as a primary source, I demonstrate that many within the continent’s fashion industry were invested in telling an African-centered fashion history. They used fashion to make claims of modernity, attempting to depict the realities of African life and culture, which looked far different from the images of bare-breasted women and men in loincloths that filled the pages of National Geographic . Afro-look fashions, and the models and other socialites who sported them, became a symbol for African opulence, style, and glamour in a time of immense social and political upheaval.
Translation as Subversion: Ludwig Tieck's Don Quixote and the Poetic Logic of Jena Romanticism

This article sets out from a hitherto overlooked connection between literature and philosophy in the Jena Romantic period. In Ludwig Tieck’s translation of Cervantes’ Don Quixote (1799) there is a direct interpolation of a major philosophical concept: the Spanish hazana —describing the undertakings of the hero, meaning “heroic deed” or “exploit”—is translated as Tathandlung , the neologism Fichte had forged in the first Wissenschaftslehre (1794). This gives rise not to an abstract question of poetry’s relation to thought but a complex constellation of responses within the literary politics of Jena Romanticism, from the place of Fichte to the role of translation, as well as the theory of the novel, in which, in the quarrel over Don Quixote , the Romantic “transcendental poesy” becomes subverted. I show that Friedrich Schlegel responds with a strategy in which one of the professed collective and collaborative ideals of Romantic thought—symphilosophy—comes to exclude Tieck’s position, applying the framework of Plato’s Ion . The ironic position Schlegel claims can thus, I argue, be constructed as a response, in Platonic terms, to the un- or even antiphilosophical rhapsode—the ionic position—perceived in the poetic practice of Tieck.
Evolutionary Avoidance of Transmembrane Embedded Arginines is due to Slowed Folding Kinetics

Conserved transmembrane (TM) arginines are essential for the transport function of many membrane proteins, such as voltage-gated ion channels. However, among the lipid-facing residues in TM regions, the statistical propensity of arginines is extremely low. The minimal occurrence of TM arginines is often attributed to the thermodynamic cost of inserting an arginine into a hydrophobic lipid environment. But the energetic cost of TM arginine insertion measured by the Moon-Fleming Hydrophobicity scale is only 3 kcal mol-1, implying that Arg should be allowed in the bilayer. To investigate the discrepancy between this moderate thermodynamic cost and the evolutionary avoidance of TM arginines, we utilized Outer Membrane Phospholipase A (OmpLA) as a host for lipid-facing arginine mutations, at three different depths in the bilayer. We probed the effects of the introduction of TM arginines on the secondary structure and enzymatic activity of OmpLA and found that Arg has a minimal impact on the structure and function of OmpLA. We also determined that a TM Arg does not affect the thermodynamic binding of OmpLA to the periplasmic chaperones, SurA and Skp. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that all TM Args studied form hydrogen bonds with water and phospholipid head groups. Kinetics of folding into large unilamellar vesicles of varying head group compositions reveal that the R-variants exhibit slow folding, even in the presence of the OMP assembly machinery protein, BamA. Slow kinetics are additionally observed for in vivo folding of these R-variants. In addition to a thermodynamic cost for TM arginine insertion our results indicate that a pronounced kinetic barrier may play a role in the evolutionary pressure against TM arginines.
Cd²⁺-induced alteration of the global proteome of human skin fibroblast cells.

Cadmium (Cd2+) is a toxic heavy metal and a well-known human carcinogen. The toxic effects of Cd2+ on biological systems are diverse and thought to be exerted through a complex array of mechanisms. Despite the large number of studies aimed to elucidate the toxic mechanisms of action of Cd2+, few have been targeted toward investigating the ability of Cd2+ to disrupt multiple cellular pathways simultaneously and the overall cellular responses toward Cd2+ exposure. In this study, we employed a quantitative proteomic method, relying on stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and LC–MS/MS, to assess the Cd2+-induced simultaneous alterations of multiple cellular pathways in cultured human skin fibroblast cells. By using this approach, we were able to quantify 2931 proteins, and 400 of them displayed significantly changed expression following Cd2+ exposure. Our results unveiled that Cd2+ treatment led to the marked upregulation of several antioxidant enzymes (e.g., metallothionein-1G, supe...
Shī'ī Islam: Imāmate (Legitimate Leadership)

And (remember) when his Lord tried Ibrāhīm [Abraham] with [His] commands, and he fulfilled them, He said: “Lo! I have appointed you a leader ( imām ) for mankind.” [Ibrāhīm] said: “And of my offspring?” He said: “My covenant does not include wrongdoers.” (Q2:124) And We bestowed upon him Isḥāq (Isaac) and Ya‘qūb (Jacob) as a grandson. Each of them We made righteous. And We made them leaders ( imām s) who guide by Our command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds and the right establishment of worship and the giving of alms, and they were worshippers of Us. (Q21:72–73) Every Shī‘ī group holds that ‘Alī was the legitimate successor to the Prophet based on either a formal or an informal designation. According to the Shī‘a, ‘Alī was not merely the rightful political head of the community but also wielded spiritual authority. He was an Imām as conceived of in the Qur’ānic verses that open this chapter, guaranteeing that the community would not be led astray and providing divinely inspired leadership. As mentioned in Chapter 1, rational divine justice supplies both a knowledge-centered and a politically centered justification for the necessity of the Imāmate. In the postprophetic era (Muḥammad being the last prophet), Imāms are designated by God to guide the Muslim community as both interpreters/preservers of revelation and political leaders. Although the Imām is the singular representative of legitimate authority, the nature of this authority (political versus religious) is contested among the different Shī‘ī communities. This chapter focuses on various aspects of the institution of the Imāmate, arguably the most distinctive element of Shī‘ism. The organization of the chapter is thematic. The first section focuses on the spiritual dimensions of the Imāmate that are common to nearly every major Shī‘ī group. Specifically, it explores the concept of walāya , a notoriously difficult word to translate but one that broadly connotes the charismatic bond between the Shī‘a and the ahl al-bayt (lit. people of the house, but often simply referred to as the family of the Prophet). The second section examines the political dimensions of the Imāmate, such as the qualifications of an Imām and the scope of his authority. These issues are a primary means of differentiating between Shī‘ī groups.
Nutritional Support in a General Urological Service

AbstractA nutritional support team was used in the assessment and management of patients on a general urological service. Indications for nutritional evaluation included history of weight loss, anorexia, significant infection, chronic neoplastic disease, trauma or major surgery. The fat and protein status of the patient was assessed by anthropomorphic and laboratory determinations. The patient then was categorized as having mild, moderate or severe degrees of nutritional depletion. Deficiencies in vitamins, trace elements or essential fatty acids were not noted. Caloric and protein needs were calculated by multiplication of the basal energy expenditure by a metabolic activity factor, which was derived from the degree of illness or stress.Nutritional support was provided by enteral feedings via oral, nasogastric or jejunal feeding tubes and/or intravenous hyperalimentation via peripheral or central venous nutrient lines.During a s-month interval nutritional consultation was requested for 50 patients, who r...
Atrial-Esophageal Fistula Development After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

A 64-year-old man with a history of persistent atrial fibrillation presented 2 weeks after pulmonary vein isolation radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with progressive weakness, altered mental status, and seizures. The patient underwent unsuccessful RFA for atrial fibrillation at an outside facility and
Abstract 3520: Small molecule inhibitors of ring1B-Bmi1 E3 ligase target polycomb repressive complex 1 activity and regulate cell proliferation

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Emerging evidence implicates the role of Ring1B and Bmi1 in the maintenance of embryonic stem cells and regulating adult stem cells self-renewal. Both Ring1B and Bmi1 are part of Poly-comb Repressive Complex 1(PRC1) and execute gene silencing through histone H2A lysine119 ubiquitination (UbH2A K119). In addition, Bmi1 is also required for the self-renewal capacity of leukemic stem cells, suggesting that Poly-comb Group proteins may contribute to oncogenic transformation by regulating stem cell self-renewal. Targeting cancer stem cell self-renewal has been proposed as a therapeutic goal and could be an effective approach to control tumor growth. In this study, we report the development and characterization of small molecule inhibitors against Ring1B-Bmi1 complex which interfere with its E3 ligase function. We developed ligands binding to Ring1B-Bmi1 employing NMR fragment-based screening. We further performed extensive medicinal chemistry optimization and synthesized over 80 analogs of the initial fragment hit and improved its binding affinity to Ring1B-Bmi1 complex by more than 1000-fold. The activity of developed small molecule inhibitors was analyzed by cellular and biochemical studies including in vitro ubiquitination assay and quantitative analysis of p16 expression. Mechanistically, we found that our most potent compounds inhibit E3 ligase activity of Ring1B-Bmi1 at low micromolar concentrations. As expected, treatment of HeLa and leukemic cell lines with these compounds demonstrated reduced UbH2A K119 levels and increased expression of p16. In addition, presence of the lead compounds also reduces leukemic cell proliferation as determined by MTT assays. Furthermore, the comparison between knockdown effects of Ring1B/Bmi1 with small molecule inhibitors revealed on target effect of the lead compounds. To our knowledge, these compounds represent the first small molecule inhibitors that directly bind to Ring1B-Bmi1 and inhibit its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and have a strong potential for further development into potent anticancer agents. Citation Format: Shirish Shukla, Qingjie Zhao, Weijang Ying, Felicia Gray, Kelly Vandenberg, George Lund, Bohdan Boytsov, Shihan He, Jolanta Grembecka, Tomasz Cierpicki. Small molecule inhibitors of ring1B-Bmi1 E3 ligase target polycomb repressive complex 1 activity and regulate cell proliferation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3520. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3520
Exclusion from work and impoverishment in post-communist societies: The case of „Unattached males‚ in Lithuania

This article investigates the emergence of a phenomenon new to post-communist societies – the sociodemographic group of „unattached males.‚ This group constitutes a growing number of young males with poor skills and little education who 1) detach themselves from the labor force even in the presence of jobs, 2) are not marrying, and 3) are increasingly plagued by a variety of social pathologies and health problems. These pathologies include crime, alcoholism, drug abuse and depression that, in turn, contribute to this group’s silent withdrawal from society. A conceptualization of the „unattached male‚ as an adaptive strategy is presented along with a typology. Reintegration of these ‘unattached males’ represents a significant issue for social policy and potential focus for considerable social work practice.
Sex Differences in the Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Cooperative and Prosocial Behavior: Evidence for ‘Flight or Fight’ in Males and ‘Tend and Befriend’ in Females

This study tested the hypothesis that human behavioral responses to psychosocial stress are sexually dimorphic and conform to the ‘flight-or-fight’ response for males and ‘tend-and-befriend’ for females. One hundred and twenty young adults (60 male, 60 female), mostly college students, served as study participants. Participants were randomly assigned to either a stress condition (Trier Social Stress Test, a standardized laboratory procedure used to induce psychosocial stress) or a control condition. Stress induction was confirmed with self-report questionnaires about perceived stress and anxiety. Participants then underwent three social decision making tasks to assess their competitive and cooperative tendencies: an Ultimatum Game, a Prisoner’s Dilemma, and a Prosocial Risk Taking task. We found evidence for interactive effects of stress and sex in all three tests, and all interactions were in the same direction. Relative to controls, stressed males made lower monetary offers to their partners and tended to be less willing to behave prosocially in a hypothetical risky situation, whereas stressed females offered higher monetary amounts in the Ultimatum Game and behaved more cooperatively in the Prisoner’s Dilemma. These results suggest that stress renders males more selfish and competitive, while stressed females become more other-oriented, more generous, and more cooperative. These effects are consistent with the ‘flight or fight’ pattern for males and the ‘tend and befriend’ pattern for females, respectively. The role of risk taking and empathy as possible psychological mediators of the effects of acute psychosocial stress on social decision making in men and women needs to be further investigated, along with sex differences in physiological responsiveness to stress.
Factors Influencing Nursing Student Success After Readmission

Abstract This study investigated factors predicting attrition in students readmitted to an associate degree nursing program. The semester a student is initially dismissed and reason for dismissal influenced attrition. Other influences included readmission grade point average, reason for dismissal, taking coursework to raise grade point average, having a history of misconduct, having poor attendance, and failing skills evaluations. Results can be used as a guide to refine readmission criteria.
Abstract 095: CD74 Deficient Mice are Resistant to Toll-Like Receptor-Induced Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder characterized by vascular endothelial dysfunction and excessive immunity and inflammation. Activation of the dsRNA receptor Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) or the ssRNA receptor TLR7 elicits a pregnancy-dependent PE-like syndrome in mice by inducing a pro-inflammatory immune response. CD74 (MHC Class II invariant chain) acts as a chaperone for MHC Class II surface expression on immune cells during antigen presentation and is cleaved into Class II-Associated Invariant Peptide (CLIP) following polyclonal activation of immune cell TLRs. The presence of CLIP in the groove of MHC Class II prevents T cell-dependent death leading to persistent immune cell activation. We hypothesized that genetic deletion of CD74 and subsequent depletion of CLIP on immune cells prevents TLR-induced immune responses and the development of PE in mice. Pregnant WT and CD74 KO mice were given i.p. injections of normal saline (P), poly I:C (TLR3 agonist; P-PIC), or R837 (TLR7 agonist; P-R837) on gestational days 13, 15, and 17 and euthanized on day 18. P-PIC and P-R837 WT mice had significantly increased splenic levels of pro-inflammatory CD3+/gd T cells and plasma levels of the gd T cell-derived cytokines IFNg, TNFa, and IL-17 compared to P WT mice whereas P-PIC and P-R837 CD74 KO mice had significantly increased anti-inflammatory CD3+/gd T cells and no significant increases in plasma IFNg, TNFa, and IL-17 levels. P-PIC and P-R837 CD74 KO mice did not develop the hypertension (gd17 SBP in mmHg: P WT=102±3, P CD74 KO=100±3, P-PIC WT=147±4*, P-PIC CD74 KO=95±3, P-R837 WT=133±2*, P-R837 CD74 KO=97±1; *p
Power Loading Effects in Precision 1 Ω Resistors

Five manganin alloy Thomas-type 1 Ω resistors serve as primary working standards at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the precision potentiometer direct current comparato...
LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF A RANOLAZINE REFRACTORY ANGINA REGISTRY: 3 YEARS RESULTS

As the population ages, an increasing number of patients (pts) will develop refractory angina (RA) from severe myocardial ischemia not amenable for surgical or percutaneous revascularization (PCI). Despite significant limitations in their quality of life, pts have a relatively low mortality rate (<4
Construct validity, external validity, and reliability for a battery of language-specific attention tasks

ABSTRACTBackground: Multiple language problems have been attributed to attentional impairments in people with aphasia. As a result, a number of investigations have examined the effectiveness of attentional treatments for improving impaired language processing. With few exceptions, all of the studies have used domain-general (nonspecific) attention training with nonlinguistic tasks as the therapeutic modality. Unfortunately, despite the well-documented associations between language and attention, these treatments have not yielded substantial improvements in language outcomes. It may be that the lack of specificity in these approaches for recruiting language-related attentional processes is a contributing factor. To address this issue, a Language-Specific Attention Treatment (L-SAT) (Peach, 2012) was proposed using language tasks that are purported to recruit attention for language processing. Further investigation into the attentional requirements of these tasks is needed.Aims: To establish the construct v...
Can a Modified Bosniak Classification System Risk Stratify Pediatric Cystic Renal Masses

Purpose: We characterize and apply the modified Bosniak classification system to a cohort of children with cystic renal lesions and known surgical pathology.Materials and Methods: We identified all patients at our institution with cystic renal masses who also underwent surgery for these lesions. Patients without available preoperative imaging or pathology were excluded. All radiological imaging was independently reviewed by a pediatric radiologist blinded to pathological findings. Imaging characteristics (size, border, septations, calcifications, solid components, vascularity) were recorded from the most recent preoperative ultrasounds and computerized tomograms. The modified Bosniak classification system was applied to these scans and then correlated with final pathology.Results: A total of 22 patients met study criteria. Median age at surgery was 6.1 years (range 11 months to 16.8 years). Of the patients 12 (54.5%) underwent open nephrectomy, 6 (27.3%) open partial nephrectomy, 2 (9.1%) laparoscopic cys...
Thoughts on a Thirteen-year Editorship of CEH

When I assumed the editorship of CEH in 1991 the discipline of history was changing rapidly. Political, diplomatic, and economic history seemed to be fading after a long run, and even the nation state was being challenged as a central focus of research. Given the increasing interest in gender, race, post-colonialism, and memory, I had to consider “whither goeth” CEH. In part that decision is made for the editor by the manuscripts that are submitted to the journal. My own belief is that excellent history can be written based on a variety of theories, and with the employment of a diverse number of methodologies. I also concluded that weak and unconvincing history could equally be based on very different foundations as well.
Planning Canada: A Case Study Approach, edited by Ren Thomas: (2016). Don Mills, Ontario, Canada: Oxford University Press Canada. 456 pages. $79.95 (paperback).

In Planning Canada: A Case Study Approach, Ren Thomas brings together a lively collection of case studies that both illuminate the general challenges and opportunities of contemporary planning prac...
Models for analyzing zero-inflated and overdispersed count data: an application to cigarette and marijuana use.

Introduction This paper describes different methods for analyzing counts and illustrates their use on cigarette and marijuana smoking data. Methods The Poisson, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), hurdle Poisson (HUP), negative binomial (NB), zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) and hurdle negative binomial (HUNB) regression models are considered. The different approaches are evaluated in terms of the ability to take into account zero-inflation (extra zeroes) and overdispersion (variance larger than expected) in count outcomes, with emphasis placed on model fit, interpretation, and choosing an appropriate model given the nature of the data. The illustrative data example focuses on cigarette and marijuana smoking reports from a study on smoking habits among youth e-cigarette users with gender, age, and e-cigarette use included as predictors. Results Of the 69 subjects available for analysis, 36% and 64% reported smoking no cigarettes and no marijuana, respectively, suggesting both outcomes might be zero-inflated. Both outcomes were also overdispersed with large positive skew. The ZINB and HUNB models fit the cigarette counts best. According to goodness-of-fit statistics, the NB, HUNB, and ZINB models fit the marijuana data well, but the ZINB provided better interpretation. Conclusion In the absence of zero-inflation, the NB model fits smoking data well, which is typically overdispersed. In the presence of zero-inflation, the ZINB or HUNB model is recommended to account for additional heterogeneity. In addition to model fit and interpretability, choosing between a zero-inflated or hurdle model should ultimately depend on the assumptions regarding the zeros, study design, and the research question being asked. Implications Count outcomes are frequent in tobacco research and often have many zeros and exhibit large variance and skew. Analyzing such data based on methods requiring a normally distributed outcome are inappropriate and will likely produce spurious results. This study compares and contrasts appropriate methods for analyzing count data, specifically those with an over-abundance of zeros, and illustrates their use on cigarette and marijuana smoking data. Recommendations are provided.
Case 2: 3-month-old Boy with Micropenis

1. Mustafa Tosur, MD* 2. Lefkothea P. Karaviti, MD, PhD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Section of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX A 3-month-old previously healthy boy was referred to Endocrinology for evaluation of a micropenis. Small phallic size was first noted by a pediatrician at his 2-week-old health maintenance visit. He is feeding well, making good wet and stool diapers. There is no history of any episodes concerning for hypoglycemia. There was no problem during the pregnancy, during delivery, or after birth. The mother denied smoking, consuming alcohol, medication use, or diabetes during pregnancy. He was born at 40 weeks of gestation via vaginal delivery. The birthweight was 3,544 g. He is not taking any medications. His development is appropriate for his age. There is no family history of male infertility, genital ambiguity, or sudden infant death syndrome. Physical examination reveals a weight and height between the 5th and 15th percentile, a high-arched palate, and mild low-set ears. Review of his previous growth charts showed that his weight was at the 65th percentile at birth, the 30th percentile at 2 weeks of age, and the 23rd percentile at 2 months of age and his height was at the 88th percentile at 2 weeks of age and the 68th percentile at …
Predicting the Performance of Shared Multiprocessor Caches

We investigate the performance of shared caches in a shared-memory multiprocessor executing parallel programs, and formulate simple models for estimating the load placed on the bus by such a shared cache. We analyze three parallel program traces to quantify the amount of sharing that takes place during program execution. These results indicate that shared caches can substantially reduce the load placed on a bus by a large number of processors.
FRI0156 An antimicrobial mechanism, netosis, is potentially involved in ankylosing spondylitis pathogenesis

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, of unknown etiology, that mainly affects the axial skeleton and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. Neutrophils are critical actors in innate immunity and their activation has been involved in the progression of AS symptoms. Recently, NETosis has been suggested to play a central role in several pathologic states, including rheumatology diseases. Nevertheless, this process has not been described yet in AS patients Objectives 1) To evaluate and characterise the presence of NETosis in AS patients. 2) To explore the relationship among NETosis markers and clinical characteristics of this disease Methods Thirty patients with AS and 32 healthy donors (HD) were included in the study. Disease activity was determined by BASDAI index and, CRP and ESR levels; in parallel, inflammatory markers were determined in plasma by ELISA kits. Spinal mobility of AS patients was measured by the BASMI index, and structural damage was calculated by the mSASSS index. Ex vivo, spontaneous NETosis generation in purified neutrophils from AS patients and HDs were measured by fluorescence (n=6) and scanning electron (n=3) microscopy after 6 hour of incubation. PMA, known to promote NETosis, was used as positive control. DNA extrusion was analysed by fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetry after SYTOX staining, whereas elastase percentage (NE) was analysed by fluorescence microscopy after staining of neutrophils with NE antibody. In vivo, mieloperoxidase (MPO) and NE protein expression were measured by flow cytometry (FACSCalibur), whereas extracellular DNA was examined in plasma using fluorimetry after SYTOX staining Results Compared to HDs, AS neutrophils showed spontaneous extracellular release of a meshwork of DNA nuclear and granule proteins (NETs), as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, fluorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Indeed, analysis of DNA fibres staining by SYTOX revealed that NETosis rate was above baseline levels after 6 hour of ex vivo AS neutrophil incubation as compared to those from HDs (p Correlation studies showed that plasma DNA levels positively correlated with inflammatory markers (i.e. CRP, ESR and TNFα), and with the spinal mobility index BASMI. In addition, a positive correlation was found between intracellular NE levels and plasma IL-1β concentration Conclusions 1) NETosis is increased in AS patients. 2) Raised NETosis in AS is associated with several markers of inflammation and mobility. Thus, NETosis might act as a key mediator in the etiopathogenesis of AS. Funded by JA PI-0314–2012, SER, ISCIII (RIER RD16/0012/0015) Disclosure of Interest None declared
Drawing up a skincare plan for residents with eczema

Setting up a regime for skincare is essential for residents with eczema, so that everyone who cares for them will know exactly what to do in case of a flare-up and how to minimise skin damage. Jill...
Some Aspects of Hormone and Protein Metabolic Interrelationships

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some aspects of hormone and protein metabolic interrelationships. The protein constitution of the body is in a constant state of change with tissue proteins continuously being broken down and resynthesized. This dynamic state of the body proteins suggests that nitrogen metabolism can be influenced by many factors. Among the controlling agents are the hormones, some themselves being protein in nature that exerts an effect at many body locations. However, it is clear that hormones are not necessarily essential for a reaction but rather serve to stimulate or to inhibit a reaction. Consequently, hormones may be labeled as having a protein anabolic or a protein catabolic action. However, these broad terms must be viewed with caution, as in many cases the metabolic responses to endocrine gland secretions are organ- or tissue-specific. Certain hormones will inhibit protein metabolism in some organs while stimulating metabolism in others. Hormones influence the appetite and the absorption, utilization, and excretion of food. To evaluate the effect of hormones on protein metabolism, many of the measures that permit the examination of the protein efficiency of foods can be used, that is, body weight gain, nitrogen balance, plasma proteins, organ proteins, and the repletion of protein-depleted individuals.
Degradation of the Protective Lung Enzyme Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) by Human Meconium: A Potential Mechanism of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a significant problem in term and near-term neonates. Meconium has been shown to induce apoptotic death of alveolar epithelial cells. It is known that meconium contains pancreatic and intestine brush border enzymes which might be responsible for acute lung damage observed in MAS. Previous studies from our lab showed that ACE-2 is downregulated in experimental lung fibrosis. The main function of ACE-2 is to convert the octapeptide ANG II to the heptapeptide ANG 1-7. ANG II is a …
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence and Gender Asymmetry

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant concern that can be observed on many system levels. Perhaps one of the more evident examples for gender asymmetry represented in the present literature on IPV prevalence and reporting is in the realm of sexual violence. Sexual violence research has focused solely on gender-based violence involving male perpetration and female victimization, often at the expense of other variations. The unfortunate result is that the area of male sexual assault (MSA) victimization, particularly female-perpetrated MSA, has largely been ignored, disregarded, or simply has not kept pace with more mainstream IPSV research and practice. Available literature demonstrates that there are unique, nuanced consequences of MSA and risk factors associated with female perpetration that may not be as common in male perpetration and female victimization. Lastly, there is room for significant improvement in the understanding and implementation of both preventative and responsive multilevel interventions, particularly for groups who may experience elevated risk for IPV.
Re-wiring Guilt: How Advancing Neuroscience Encourages Strategic Interventions Over Retributive Justice.

The increasing visibility of neuroscience employed in legal contexts has rightfully prompted critical discourse regarding the boundaries of its utility. High profile debates include some extreme positions that either undermine the relevance of neuroscience or overstate its role in determining legal responsibility. Here we adopt a conciliatory attitude, reaffirming the current value of neuroscience in jurisprudence and addressing its role in shifting normative attitudes about culpability. Adopting a balanced perspective about the interaction between two dynamic fields (science and law) allows for more fruitful consideration of practical changes likely to improve the way we engage in legal decision-making. Neuroscience provides a useful platform for addressing nuanced and multifaceted deterministic factors promoting antisocial behavior. Ultimately, we suggest that shifting normative attitudes about culpability vis-a-vis advancing neuroscience are not likely to promote major changes in the way we assign legal responsibility. Rather, it helps us to shed our harshest retributivist instincts in favor of more pragmatic strategies for combating the most conspicuous patterns promoting mass incarceration and recidivism.
Chaperones Hsc70 and Hsp70 Bind to the Protein PGK Differently inside Living Cells

Differences in the physical interactions between proteins, such as binding equilibria, can provide clues about the differences in their function. The binding of heat shock proteins to substrate pro...
Does the Halo Effect for Level 1 Trauma Centers Apply to High-Acuity Nonsurgical Admissions?

Context The halo effect describes the improved surgical outcomes at trauma centers for nontrauma conditions. Objective To determine whether level 1 trauma centers have improved inpatient mortality for common but high-acuity nonsurgical diagnoses (eg, acute myocardial infarction [AMI], congestive heart failure [CHF], and pneumonia [PNA]) compared with non--level 1 trauma centers. Methods The authors conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database. Patients who were admitted with AMI, CHF, and PNA between 2006-2011 in Florida and California were included. Level 1 trauma centers were matched to non-level 1 trauma centers using propensity scoring. The primary outcome was risk-adjusted inpatient mortality for each diagnosis (AMI, CHF, or PNA). Results Of the 190,474 patients who were hospitalized for AMI, CHF, or PNA, 94,037 patients (49%) underwent treatment at level 1 trauma centers. The inpatient mortality rates at level 1 trauma centers vs non-level 1 trauma centers for patients with AMI was 8.10% vs 8.40%, respectively (P=.73); for patients with CHF, 2.26% vs 2.71% (P=.90); and for patients with PNA, 2.30% vs 2.70% (P=.25). Conclusion Level 1 trauma center designation was not associated with improved mortality for high-acuity, nonsurgical medical conditions in this study.