cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Duplex ultrasound scanning versus computed tomographic angiography for postoperative evaluation of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare duplex ultrasound scanning and computed tomographic (CT) angiography for postoperative imaging and surveillance after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with AAA underwent endovascular (Medtronic AneuRx, stent graft) aneurysm repair and were imaged with both CT angiography and duplex ultrasound scanning at regular intervals after the procedure. Each imaging modality was evaluated for technical adequacy and for documentation of aneurysm size, endoleak, and graft patency. In concurrent scan pairs, accuracy of duplex scanning was compared with CT. Results: A total of 268 CT scans and 214 duplex scans were obtained at intervals of 1 to 30 months after endovascular aneurysm repair (mean follow-up interval, 9 ± 7 months). All CT scans were technically adequate, and 198 (93%) of 214 duplex scans were technically adequate for the determination of aneurysm size, presence of endoleak, and graft patency. Concurrent (within 7 days of each other) scan pairs were obtained in 166 instances in 76 patients (1-6 per patient). The maximal transverse aneurysm sac diameter measured with both methods correlated closely (r = 0.93; P < .001) without a significant difference on paired analysis. In 92% of scans, measurements were within 5 mm of each other. Diagnosis of endoleak on both examinations correlated closely (P < .001), and compared with CT, duplex scanning had a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 94%, and a negative predictive value of 90%. Discordant results occurred in 8% of examinations, and in none of these was the endoleak close to the attachment sites or associated with aneurysm expansion. An endoleak was demonstrated on both tests in all eight patients who had an endoleak judged severe enough to warrant arteriography. Graft patency was documented in each instance, without discrepancy, with both modalities. Conclusions: High-quality duplex ultrasound scanning is comparable to CT angiography for the assessment of aneurysm size, endoleak, and graft patency after endovascular exclusion of AAA. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:1142-8.)
Identification of chromosomal translocation hotspots via scan statistics.

Motivation: The detection of genomic regions unusually rich in a given pattern is an important undertaking in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data. Recent studies of chromosomal translocations in activated B lymphocytes have identified regions that are frequently translocated to c-myc oncogene. A quantitative method for the identification of translocation hotspots was crucial to this study. Here we improve this analysis by using a simple probabilistic model and the framework provided by scan statistics to define the number and location of translocation breakpoint hotspots. A key feature of our method is that it provides a global chromosome-wide nominal control level to clustering, as opposed to previous methods based on local criteria. While being motivated by a specific application, the detection of unusual clusters is a widespread problem in bioinformatics. We expect our method to be useful in the analysis of data from other experimental approaches such as of ChIP-seq and 4C-seq. Results: The analysis of translocations from B lymphocytes with the method described here reveals the presence of longer hotspots when compared with those defined previously. Further, we show that the hotspot size changes substantially in the absence of DNA repair protein 53BP1. When 53BP1 deficiency is combined with overexpression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase, the hotspot length increases even further. These changes are not detected by previous methods that use local significance criteria for clustering. Our method is also able to identify several exclusive translocation hotspots located in genes of known tumor supressors. Availability and implementation: The detection of translocation hotspots is done with hot_scan, a program implemented in R and Perl. Source code and documentation are freely available for download at https://github.com/itojal/hot_scan. Contact: ude.rellefekcor@avlisi Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Distributed System for Parallel Simulations

We presented the technologies and algorithms to build a Web-based visualization and steering system to monitor the dynamics of remote parallel simulations executed on a Linux cluster. The polynomial time based algorithm to optimally utilize distributed computing resources over a network to achieve maximum frame-rate was also proposed. Keeping up with the advancements in modern Web technologies, we have developed an Ajax-based Web frontend which allows users to remotely access and control ongoing computations via a Web browser facilitated by visual feedbacks in real-time. Experimental results are also given from sample runs mapped to distributed computing nodes and initiated by users at different geographical locations. Our preliminary results on frame-rates illustrated that system performance was affected by network conditions of the chosen mapping loop including available network bandwidth and computing capacities. The underlying programming framework of our system supports mixed-programming mode and is flexible to integrate most serial or parallel simulation code written in different programming languages such as Fortran, C and Java.
ScP; A probe of ultralow velocity zones at the base of the mantle

The core-reflected phase ScP is a sensitive probe of the properties of an ultralow velocity zone (ULVZ) at the base of the mantle. In synthetic experiments, a ULVZ with large depressions in P and S velocities results in ScP having two diagnostic precursors and one later arrival, whose timing depends on ULVZ VP, VS, and thickness. Amplitudes of the additional arrivals can be large if ULVZ shear velocity has extreme reductions, such as 30% and greater. Some data examples are presented for southwest Pacific events recorded at short period and broadband arrays in Hawaii, which show evidence for a ULVZ. Resolving all three additional arrivals will help in addressing the strength and ratio of VS and VP reductions in ULVZ, and thus the issue of partial melt.
Hierarchical power management with application to scheduling

This paper presented a hierarchical power management architecture which aims to facilitate power-awareness in an energy-managed computer (EMC) system with multiple components. The proposed architecture divides PM function into two layers: system-level and component-level. The system-level hierarchical PM was formulated as a concurrent service request flow regulation and application scheduling problem. Experimental results showed that a 25% reduction in the total system energy can be achieved compared to the optimal component-level DPM policy.
Chemical inactivation of cdc7 kinase in budding yeast results in a reversible arrest that allows efficient cell synchronization prior to meiotic recombination

Genetic studies in budding yeast have provided many fundamental insights into the specialized cell division of meiosis, including the identification of evolutionarily conserved meiosis-specific genes and an understanding of the molecular basis for recombination. Biochemical studies have lagged behind, however, due to the difficulty in obtaining highly synchronized populations of yeast cells. A chemical genetic approach was used to create a novel conditional allele of the highly conserved protein kinase Cdc7 (cdc7-as3) that enables cells to be synchronized immediately prior to recombination. When Cdc7-as3 is inactivated by addition of inhibitor to sporulation medium, cells undergo a delayed premeiotic S phase, then arrest in prophase before double-strand break (DSB) formation. The arrest is easily reversed by removal of the inhibitor, after which cells rapidly and synchronously proceed through recombination and meiosis I. Using the synchrony resulting from the cdc7-as3 system, DSB-dependent phosphorylation of the meiosis-specific chromosomal core protein, Hop1, was shown to occur after DSBs. The cdc7-as3 mutant therefore provides a valuable tool not only for understanding the role of Cdc7 in meiosis, but also for facilitating biochemical and cytological studies of recombination.
Hierarchically structured unit-simplex transformations for parallel distributed optimization problems

A stable deterministic approach is presented for incorporating unit-simplex constraints based on a hierarchical deformable-template structure. This approach (i) guarantees strict confinement of the search to the unit-simplex constraint set without introducing unwanted constraints; (ii) leads to a hierarchical, rather than a global, network interconnection structure; (iii) allows multiresolution processing; and (iv) allows easy closed-form incorporation of certain other inherently global constraints, such as general recursive symmetries. Selected examples are presented which illustrate and demonstrate large-scale application of the template method. >
The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Citalopram Decreases Human Immunodeficiency Virus Receptor and Coreceptor Expression in Immune Cells.

Abstract Background This study investigated whether the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram downregulates the expression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receptor cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and coreceptors chemokine receptor type 5 and chemokine-related receptor type 4 (CCR5 and CXCR4) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and macrophages ex vivo as a potential mechanism of reducing susceptibility to HIV infection. Methods The sample included 150 participants 18–58 years old (59% women, 65% African American, 61% with depression). Monocyte-depleted PBMCs were treated with phytohemagglutinin for 72 hours and then cultured in the presence of interleukin-2 with vehicle control or the SSRI (10 −6 mol/L) for 2 hours. To generate monocyte-derived macrophages, monocytes were cultured for 7 days, after which either vehicle control or SSRI (10 −6 mol/L) was added for 2 hours. RNA was collected from both cell types, and messenger RNA expression of CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results In PBMCs, SSRI treatment decreased expression of CD4 ( p = .009), CCR5 ( p = .008), and CXCR4 ( p p p = .0003), but not CCR5 ( p = .71). The suppressive effects of the SSRI on receptor expression did not differ as a function of depression diagnosis or depressive symptom severity. Conclusions Treatment with the SSRI at a physiologic dose decreased CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 expression on PBMCs and macrophages ex vivo. These findings suggest that SSRI treatment, independent of depression status, downregulates HIV receptor and coreceptor expression and may reduce susceptibility of immune cells to HIV infection and decrease inflammation. If clinical trials confirm the present findings, ultimately there may be a role for using SSRI treatment adjunctively in HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Mechanical properties of borate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) gels

Boric acid does not introduce crosslinks in poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions, but gelation does occur in the presence of cations. In this experimental study, the dynamic mechanical properties of these gels were determined using test-tube torsion pendulums and an air-bearing torsion pendulum. The modulus at a fixed concentration of polymer and boric acid increases with increasing sodium ion concentration up to the point where the atom ratio of sodium to boron reaches 1. Higher sodium concentrations do not increase the modulus. The log decrement, on the other hand, decreases with increasing sodium concentration continuously without reaching a plateau at the equal atom ratio. Log decrements as low as 0.02 can be measured. The storage modulus depends on the logarithm of borate concentration and on the 4.7 power of poly(vinyl alcohol) concentration. Only a very small portion of the borates in solution take part in effective crosslinks. The activation energy for breaking individual bonds in a function of temperature and the cation to boron ratios. At a fixed cation concentration, this activation energy is more negative with increasing amount of boron ions due to a transformation of monomeric crosslinks into polymeric crosslinks, so that the storage modulus which measures crosslink density decreases as a temperature rises.
Patent foramen ovale and the platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome

The platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare but important condition caused by a variety of clinical entities. Several mechanisms have been postulated to cause platypnea and orthodeoxia. These mechanisms mainly involve intracardiac shunting, pulmonary vascular shunting, and ventilation-perfusion mismatching. Patent foramen ovale is an important type of intracardiac shunt that can produce platypnea-orthodeoxia in select patients. Concomitant pulmonary hypertension must be ruled out, but symptoms can occur without pulmonary hypertension in cases with altered intrathoracic anatomy and physiology. Diagnosis usually entails transthoracic or trans-esophageal echocardiogram, ideally with postural provocation by the tilt-table test. Treatment with surgical or percutaneous closure may result in symptomatic relief. The decision to intervene is based mainly on the severity of symptoms and potential morbidities associated with the defect.
Propriospinal and supraspinal projections to the motor nuclei in the cat spinal cord

Propriospinal and supraspinal projections to the motor nuclei of L3–S1 were examined with light and electron microscopy in cats surviving complete transection of L2 for periods of 1–12 days. Light microscopy revealed maximal Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer degeneration in the motor nuclei of L3–L5 at three days survival. Maximal degeneration in the motor nuclei of L6–S1 did not appear until six days post-operatively. In the three and four day animals, electron microscopy revealed degenerating synaptic knobs, making axo-dendritic and axo-somatic contacts, and many phagocytosed degenerating synaptic knobs, in the motor nuclei of L3–L5; no synaptic degeneration was observed in the motor nuclei of more caudal segments. In the six to eight day animals, degenerating axo-dendritic knobs and many phagocytosed degenerating knobs were found in the motor nuclei of S1; no synaptic degeneration and very few phagocytosed degenerating knobs were present in the motor nuclei of L3–L5 at these survival times. Because of the rapid phagocytosis of degenerating knobs in the motor nuclei of the early and late post-operative animals, it was difficult to attribute the various degenerating knobs to a particular synpatic type. It is suggested that the synaptic degeneration seen in the motor nuclei near the transection of the earlier post-operative animals is of mixed propriospinal and supraspinal origin, whereas the degeneration seen in the caudal motor nuclei of the later post-operative animal represents supraspinal terminations. The contribution of dorsal root and long and short descending projections to the synaptic population about motoneurons is discussed.
Year‐round observations of the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide in a native tallgrass prairie

An Ameriflux site was established in mid 1996 to study the exchange of CO2 in a native tallgrass prairie of north-central Oklahoma, USA. Approximately the first 20 months of measurements (using eddy covariance) are described here. This prairie, dominated by warm season C4 grasses, is typical of the central Kansas/northern Oklahoma region. During the first three weeks of the measurement period (mid-July‐ early August 1996), moisture-stress conditions prevailed. For the remainder of the period (until March 1998), however, soil moisture was nonlimiting. Mid-day net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), under well-watered conditions, reached a maximum magnitude of 1.4 mg CO2 m ‐2 s ‐1 (flux toward the surface is positive) during peak growth (mid-July 1997), with green leaf area index of 2.8. In contrast, under moisturestress conditions in the same growth stage in 1996, mid-day NEE was reduced to nearzero. Average night NEE ranged from near-zero, during winter dormancy, to ‐ 0.50 mg CO2 m ‐2 s ‐1 , during peak growth. Most of the variance in average night NEE was explained by changes in soil temperature (0.1 m depth) and green leaf area. The daytime NEE measurements were examined in terms of a rectangular hyperbolic relationship with incident photosynthetically active radiation. The analysis showed that the quantum yield during peak growth was similar to those measured in other prairies and the y-intercept, so obtained, can be potentially used as an estimate of night-time CO2 emissions when eddy covariance data are unavailable. Daily integrated NEE reached its peak magnitude of 30.8 g CO2 m ‐2 d ‐1 (8.4 g C m ‐2 d ‐1 ) in mid-July when the green LAI was the largest (about 2.8). In general, the seasonal trend of daily NEE (on relatively clear days) followed that of green LAI. Annually integrated carbon exchange, between prescribed burns in 1997 and 1998, was 268 g C m ‐2 y ‐1 . After incorporating carbon loss during the prescribed burn , the net annual carbon exchange in this prairie was near-zero in 1998.
Distribution and variability of iron input to Oregon coastal waters during the upwelling season

generally higher in spring (mean of 2.1 and 33.9 nmol L 1 , respectively) than in summer (means of 1.4 and 15.4 nmol L 1 ). In spring and summer, high iron concentrations in surface waters were associated with both cold and saline, recently upwelled waters, and with fresh, relatively warm water influenced by the Columbia River. Comparison of total dissolvable iron in 0.45 mm filtered and in unfiltered samples indicated a substantial contribution from particulate iron. Iron concentrations in summer were generally lower than in spring throughout the water column, with the exception of the near-bottom, where concentrations were generally higher in summer than spring. Optical backscatter data from moored sensors were used to infer the vertical and cross-shelf transport of iron-bearing particles during the upwelling season over a steep shelf. Cross-correlation analysis showed downslope movement of particles from the deep inner shelf to the deep midshelf. There was also evidence for sinking of biogenic particles at the midshelf and inner shelf, but we found no evidence of upslope transport of benthic particles. Sufficient iron is available in this system to meet the demands of the phytoplankton, which are able to make full use of available nitrate. Citation: Chase, Z., B. Hales, T. J. Cowles, R. Schwartz, and A. van Green (2005), Distribution and variability of iron input to Oregon coastal waters during the upwelling season, J. Geophys. Res., 110, C10S12, doi:10.1029/2004JC002590.
Automatic Determination of Disulfide Bridges in Proteins

Precise determination of disulfide linkages between cysteine (Cys) residues in proteins is essential in the determination of protein structure. Therefore, a reliable automated method for the identification of disulfide bridges can serve as an important tool in the analysis of the tertiary structure of proteins of interest. Here, we describe the current and past methods used to identify disulfide bridges in proteins, with a focus on mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods and a particular emphasis on nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS)-based methods. We also show the development of an easy method based on the separation of disulfide-linked proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing and nonreducing conditions and selective in-gel digestion of proteins using reducing and nonreducing conditions, followed by analysis of the resulting peptide mixture by nanoACQUITY UPLC coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) Micro mass spectrometer (nanoLC-MS/MS). Data-dependent analysis (DDA) nanoLC-MS/MS and information-dependent analysis (IDA) nanoLC-MS/MS were used for random and targeted identification of disulfide-linked peptides. Finally, an example of electrospray-MS (ESI-MS) and ESI-MS/MS-based determination of disulfide-linked peptides is shown.
The production rate of Al 26 from target elements in the Bruderheim chondrite

Comparison of aluminum 26 radioactivities of Bruderheim chondrites, lunar rocks, and achondrites
Phylogenetics of Polygonaceae with an Emphasis on the Evolution of Eriogonoideae

Abstract Polygonaceae has long been recognized as a monophyletic family but the circumscription of groups within it has been in constant flux. Two groups currently recognized are the subfamilies Eriogonoideae and Polygonoideae. An analysis using three chloroplast regions (rbcL, matK, and ndhF) and increased taxon sampling of Eriogonoideae does not support this delimitation. The second intron and portions of the flanking exons of the nuclear gene LEAFY, were used to explore phylogenetic utility in Polygonaceae. The intron showed high levels of variability and was useful at low taxonomic levels, but not alignable outside of Eriogonum and allied genera. Phylogenetic analysis of data from the flanking exons of the second intron of LEAFY generally supports the major groupings found in the chloroplast analysis. A new definition of the subfamilies is proposed. Polygonoideae is restricted to what has been recognized as tribes Persicarieae, Rumiceae, and Polygoneae, with the addition of Muehlenbeckia. Eriogonoidea...
The prefrontal cortex: categories, concepts and cognition

The ability to generalize behaviour-guiding principles and concepts from experience is key to intelligent, goal-directed behaviour. It allows us to deal efficiently with a complex world and to adapt readily to novel situations. We review evidence that the prefrontal cortex-the cortical area that reaches its greatest elaboration in primates-plays a central part in acquiring and representing this information. The prefrontal cortex receives highly processed information from all major forebrain systems, and neurophysiological studies suggest that it synthesizes this into representations of learned task contingencies, concepts and task rules. In short, the prefrontal cortex seems to underlie our internal representations of the 'rules of the game'. This may provide the necessary foundation for the complex behaviour of primates, in whom this structure is most elaborate.
The Fanconi anemia protein FANCF forms a nuclear complex with FANCA, FANCC and FANCG

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a chromosomal instability syndrome associated with a strong predisposition to cancer, particularly acute myeloid leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma. At the cellular level, FA is characterized by spontaneous chromosomal breakage and a unique hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents. Complementation analysis has indicated that at least seven distinct genes are involved in the pathogenesis of FA. Despite the identification of four of these genes (FANCA, FANCC, FANCF and FANCG), the nature of the 'FA pathway' has remained enigmatic, as the FA proteins lack sequence homologies or motifs that could point to a molecular function. To further define this pathway, we studied the subcellular localizations and mutual interactions of the FA proteins, including the recently identified FANCF protein, in human lymphoblasts. FANCF was found predominantly in the nucleus, where it complexes with FANCA, FANCC and FANCG. These interactions were detected in wild-type and FA-D lymphoblasts, but not in lymphoblasts of other FA complementation groups. This implies that each of the FA proteins, except FANCD, is required for these complexes to form. Similarly, we show that the interaction between FANCA and FANCC is restricted to wild-type and FA-D cells. Furthermore, we document the subcellular localization of FANCA and the FANCA/FANCG complex in all FA complementation groups. Our results, along with published data, culminate in a model in which a multi-protein FA complex serves a nuclear function to maintain genomic integrity.
Directions for faculty evaluation in language education

Abstract Approaches, concepts and problems in the evaluation of second and foreign language education are reviewed. The review examines current instruments, methods and procedures of evaluation and identifies five main needs: (1) critical analysis and development of evaluation approaches, (2) preparation for responsible evaluation by teachers and administrators, (3) a clear view of evaluation in the micro and macro contexts, (4) a developmental perspective on evaluation, and (5) improved teacher education. Each of these areas is explored, using the available literature, and fifteen recommendations are presented for the improvement of faculty evaluation.
Beyond the Screen: Uneven Geographies, Digital Labour, and the City of Cognitive-Cultural Capitalism

In this paper, we demonstrate that an examination of the socio-environmental impacts of digital ICTs remains a fruitless enterprise without “materializing” digital labour. We suggest one approach to materializing digital labour: this first includes connecting political economic analyses of digital ICTs to the co-evolution and geography of planetary urbanization and technological change, and second, examining the relationships between immaterial, digital, labour with the material industrial production system. In the context of broad changes in technology, social life, and urbanization, many scholars have theorized a shift towards a third phase of capitalism, beyond mercantilism and industrialism, based in immaterial, digital, and cognitive labour. We introduce the literature on cognitive-cultural capitalism and third-wave urbanization as markers of contemporary capitalism, producing uneven socio-spatial arrangements across the global-urban system. Synthesis of media and communication studies and political economies of urbanization suggests that both capital accumulation and the social lives of (planetary) urban residents are increasingly mediated and structured by online, digital ICT platforms. We show that digital ICTs are sophisticated manipulations of nature that require and illuminate new ways of thinking about digital labour, and more broadly, of immaterial labour. We suggest that the immaterial labour associated with digital ICTs is actually material labour responsible for increasing the velocity of capital circulation, as a moment of production and an appendage of the growing complexity of third-phase capitalist industry and urbanization. The materiality of cognitive, cultural, and symbolic labour reaches beyond the city, invades the lifeworlds of a planet of urban residents, and excretes concrete, silicon, bits, servers, and energy waste producing an urban landscape beyond the city. Through an examination of data centres, we show the necessary relationship between the third-wave urbanization and its planetary reach into rural, pristine Oregon. Data centres in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest, highlight the uneven geography of “clean” digital labour focused in large urban technopoles, the potentially harmful, material, and socio-environmental, impacts of data centres in rural areas, and the necessary and dialectic relationship between the two for cognitive-cultural capitalism. We argue that third-wave urbanization, and the concurrent and co-produced technological advancement in digital ICTs and digital ICT infrastructure, creates the conditions for capital’s subsumption of cognitive and cultural labour.
Real-Time Detection of Covert Channels in Highly Virtualized Environments

Despite extensive research, covert channels are a principal threat to information security. Covert channels employ specially-crafted content or timing characteristics to transmit internal information to external attackers. Most techniques for detecting covert channels model legitimate network traffic. However, such an approach may not be applicable in dynamic virtualized environments because traffic for modeling normal activities may not be available.
Independent Effects of Hyperinsulinemia and Hyperglycemia on Intracellular Sodium in Normal Human Red Cells

To study the contribution of glucose vis-a-vis insulin in the altered sodium homeostasis of diabetes mellitus, we utilized 23Na-NMR spectroscopy to noninvasively measure intracellular sodium (Nai) in red blood cells of non-diabetic, thin, normotensive subjects (n = 9), before and 60, 120, and 180 min after in vitro incubation with elevated glucose (15 mmol/L) and insulin (200 mumol/L) concentrations. Hyperglycemia caused a significant rise in Nai compared to basal values at 60 (9.1 +/- 0.8 to 9.7 +/- 0.8 mEq/L, P < .05), and 120 min (10.0 +/- 0.7 mEq/L, P < .05 v basal). Hyperinsulinemia induced a more pronounced and prolonged elevation of Nai. Significant elevations occurred at 60 (8.0 +/- 0.5 to 10.2 +/- 0.7 mEq/L, P < .05), 120 (10.5 +/- 1.1) mEq/L, P < .05 v basal), and 180 (9.1 +/- 0.5 mEq/L, P < .05 v basal) minutes. Thus, both hyperinsulinemia, and to a lesser extent, hyperglycemia cause intracellular sodium accumulation in normal human red cells. Since glucose transport in red cells is not insulin-dependent, insulin and glucose presumably exert their effects independently. Altogether, we suggest that these insulin- and glucose-mediated effects on cellular sodium, if present in other tissues as well, may underlie the increased total body sodium and the salt-dependent hypertension characteristic of chronic diabetic or hyperinsulinemic syndromes.
Lymphocyte surface markers in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Lymphoblasts from 17 cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia were studied for the presence of lymphocytic surface markers. In one case, lymphoblasts displayed an increase in nonimmune rosette formation. In two cases, an increase in cells manifesting surface immunoglobulins was observed. Lymphoblasts from the other 14 cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia showed fewer cells forming spontaneous rosettes and fewer cells bearing surface immunoglobulins than lymphocytes from the control group. The lack of detectable surface markers on lymphoblasts from the majority of acute lymphocytic leukemia cases may be due to a loss or distortion of cell surface receptors during malignant transformation or a lack of differentiation of uncommitted leukemic cells along normal lines.
Esthetics and vertical tooth position: orthodontic possibilities

Throughout the 1990s, esthetic dentistry has become a prominent part of the treatment protocol of most dentists. Patients have become more conscious of the benefits of a beautiful smile and are willing to invest time and money to improve the appearance of their teeth. Many of these patients can be treated with routine restorative procedures (crowns, composites, laminates) to achieve the desired results. However, some patients have problems with tooth position that create significant discrepancies in gingival levels which can compromise the esthetic result of restorative dentistry. Prerestorative orthodontic therapy can often resolve these tooth position problems and enhance the esthetic restoration. This article describes the indication, methods, and results achieved when orthodontics preceded restorative dentistry in the treatment of various esthetic challenges.
The Turkish deep state: state consolidation, civil–military relations and democracy, by Mehtap Söyler

Anyone spending much time in Turkey is familiar with the “Deep State” (derin devlet) of popular lore. The ubiquitous tales of its existence are disseminated within the culture much like epic legend...
Molecular and supramolecular chemistry of rosette nanotubes

A pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine featuring the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors of both guanine (G) and cytosine (C) in the appropriate geometry undergoes hierarchical self-assembly into nanotubular architectures. Specifically, in solution this heterocycle self-organizes into cyclic hexamers through hydrogen bonding interactions, which then further π–π stack into rosette nanotubes (RNTs). The present work reviews the synthetic strategies used to tune the structure of this class of heterocyclic molecules and ultimately tailor the physical properties of the resulting RNTs for potential applications in nanomedicine, catalysis, and renewable energy.
Valproic Acid and Thrombocytopenia

The association of thrombocytopenia (TCP) with valproic acid (VPA) therapy was evaluated retrospectively in 167 children treated with VPA between 1989 and 1993 at the Department of Pediatrics, Henry Ford Medical Center, Detroit, MI.
Validation of an automated electronic algorithm and “dashboard” to identify and characterize decompensated heart failure admissions across a medical center

Background We aim to validate the diagnostic performance of the first fully automatic, electronic heart failure (HF) identification algorithm and evaluate the implementation of an HF Dashboard system with 2 components: real-time identification of decompensated HF admissions and accurate characterization of disease characteristics and medical therapy. Methods We constructed an HF identification algorithm requiring 3 of 4 identifiers: B-type natriuretic peptide >400 pg/mL; admitting HF diagnosis; history of HF International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision , diagnosis codes; and intravenous diuretic administration. We validated the diagnostic accuracy of the components individually (n = 366) and combined in the HF algorithm (n = 150) compared with a blinded provider panel in 2 separate cohorts. We built an HF Dashboard within the electronic medical record characterizing the disease and medical therapies of HF admissions identified by the HF algorithm. We evaluated the HF Dashboard 's performance over 26 months of clinical use. Results Individually, the algorithm components displayed variable sensitivity and specificity, respectively: B-type natriuretic peptide >400 pg/mL (89% and 87%); diuretic (80% and 92%); and International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision , code (56% and 95%). The HF algorithm achieved a high specificity (95%), positive predictive value (82%), and negative predictive value (85%) but achieved limited sensitivity (56%) secondary to missing provider-generated identification data. The HF Dashboard identified and characterized 3147 HF admissions over 26 months. Conclusions Automated identification and characterization systems can be developed and used with a substantial degree of specificity for the diagnosis of decompensated HF, although sensitivity is limited by clinical data input.
Aragonite-Associated Mollusk Shell Protein Aggregates To Form Mesoscale “Smart” Hydrogels

In the mollusk shell there exists a framework silk fibroin–polysaccharide hydrogel coating around nacre aragonite tablets, and this coating facilitates the synthesis and organization of mineral nanoparticles into mesocrystals. In this report, we identify that a protein component of this coating, n16.3, is a hydrogelator. Due to the presence of intrinsic disorder, aggregation-prone regions, and nearly equal balance of anionic and cationic side chains, this protein assembles to form porous mesoscale hydrogel particles in solution and on mica surfaces. These hydrogel particles change their dimensionality, organization, and internal structure in response to pH and ions, particularly Ca(II), which indicates that these behave as ion-responsive or “smart” hydrogels. Thus, in addition to silk fibroins, the gel phase of the mollusk shell nacre framework layer may actually consist of several framework hydrogelator proteins, such as n16.3, which can promote mineral nanoparticle organization and assembly during the n...
Economic structural changes in China: challenges and opportunities

As economic deceleration in China continues to reverberate across global markets, there are concerns and wonders about China's future growth and what it will mean for the world economy. China's economy is currently undergoing a major structural change and reform towards a new development model focused on achieving better quality growth that is more economically and environmentally sustainable, and achieves better social outcomes for the Chinese people. With a comprehensive approach to reform, it is natural and normal that the economic growth would fluctuate and sometimes fall rapidly post-peak. China's transformation has profound implications for the global economy. The recent stock market plunge could be a reaction to this economic transformation. China's new development model will continue to promote economic growth in China and in the world. As China is fast becoming a consumption-oriented economy with the services industry as the largest sector, the change presents the rest of the world with challenges as well as opportunities.
Impact of African American (AA) race on outcomes with radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

e15503 Background: The impact of race on outcomes with RC is unclear. We examined the impact of race in patients (pts) with UCB undergoing RC at a single institution (UAB [University of Alabama, Birmingham]). Methods: Consecutive patients with UCB who underwent RC with curative intent between 2001 and 2012 with or without perioperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation were reviewed. Patient demographics, risk factors, clinical course, pathological characteristics and long term outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: A total of 215 patients (163 [76%] men and 52 (24%) women) with a mean age at RC 65.2y (range 35-85) were identified. 180 patients (84%) were Caucasian and 28 (13%) were AA. Median follow up after the surgery was 29.6 months (range 0.1 - 162.3). Histology consisted of transitional cell carcinoma (74%), squamous (13%), poorly differentiated (10%) and sarcomatoid subtypes (4%). AJCC stages were as follows: I (19%), II (24%), III (29%) and IV (28%). Lymphovascular i...
The empirical distinction of core self-evaluations and psychological capital and the identification of negative core self-evaluations and negative psychological capital☆

Abstract Core self-evaluations (CSE) and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) each consist of four first-order dimensions, and the two constructs are strong predictors of personal and organizational outcomes. Despite their similarities, much is still unknown regarding the manner in which the two constructs are distinct. Also, while both constructs are described as positive attributes, the most popular CSE and PsyCap scales include items that represent negative attributes. We suggest that these items may represent two alternative constructs – Negative CSE and Negative PsyCap. Through a series of three studies, we address these research questions. We show that, although strongly related, the constructs of CSE and PsyCap represent two distinct factors, even when the scale instructions provide a common temporal stability and/or specificity. We also show that the two most popular CSE and PsyCap scales are best represented by four factors that represent CSE, PsyCap, Negative CSE, and Negative PsyCap. As two separate dimensions emerged for the items describing negative attributes, this finding suggests that the factors representing the negative items are more than artifactors alone. We discuss the implications of these findings in regards to the measurement of CSE and PsyCap as well as the future study of Negative CSE and Negative PsyCap.
Academic honesty and electronic assessment: tools to prevent students from cheating online---tutorial presentation

This tutorial reviews the essential features of the assessment options available in Blackboard [1] and the possible avenues for inappropriate use on the part of students. The tutorial then focuses on the development of test instruments using the Respondus system, the integration of Respondus tests with existing Blackboard courses, and the administration of Blackboard tests using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Surgery and Clinical Trials: The History and Controversies of Surgical Evidence

Surgeons have long worked to produce objective evidence of the efficacy of their operations. In the nineteenth century, they increasingly used quantification and careful controls to analyse the outcomes of case series. In the twentieth century, sceptics demanded that surgeons perform randomized control trials to determine if operations relieved symptoms and improved survival. The history of these trials and the ensuing controversies has not been well studied by historians, even though it presents a valuable opportunity to examine how and why surgical judgement and standards of knowledge changed over time. Histories of surgical trials can broaden our knowledge of surgical practice and point to the limits of evidence-based medicine.
Flexible Eating Behavior Predicts Greater Weight Loss Following a Diet and Exercise Intervention in Older Women

Eating behaviors (cognitive restraint, flexible and rigid restraint, disinhibition, hunger) have been associated with obesity and weight loss success in middle-aged individuals, but little is known...
A Giant Gastroschisis Associated with Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Spinal Anomaly: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Gastroschisis most often occurs as an isolated anomaly and extragastrointestinal associations are rare. Most commonly, the anomalies associated with gastroschisis are cardiac and central nervous system abnormalities. Respiratory insufficiency has sometimes been reported in association with giant abdominal wall defects. Poor outcomes and prolonged ventilator support have been reported in giant gastroschisis and omphalocele, especially if associated with herniation of the majority of the liver. We report a case of a large gastroschisis that was associated with a kyphoscoliosis and pulmonary hypoplasia.
Future interannual variability of Arctic sea ice in coupledclimate models

Abstract. The diminishing Arctic sea ice pack has been widely studied, but mostly focused on time-mean changes in sea ice rather than on short-term variations that also have important physical and societal consequences. In this study we test the hypothesis that future interannual Arctic sea ice area variability will increase by utilizing a set of 40 independent simulations from the Community Earth System Model's Large Ensemble (CESM-LE) for the 1920–2100 period, and augment this with simulations from 12 models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Both CESM-LE and CMIP5 models project that ice area variability will indeed grow substantially, but not monotonically, in all months, and with a strong seasonal dependence in magnitude and timing that is robust among CESM ensemble members. The variability in every month is inversely correlated with the average ice retreat rate before there is an eventual disappearance in both terms as the ice pack becomes seasonal in summer and autumn by late century. The peak in variability correlates best with the total area of ice between 0.2 m and 0.6 m monthly thickness, indicating that substantial future thinning of the ice pack is required before variability maximizes. Within this range, the most favorable thickness for high areal variability depends on the season, primarily due to whether ice growth or ice retreat processes dominate. Thermodynamic processes are found to be more important than dynamical mechanisms, namely ice export and ridging, in controlling ice area variability.
Pathophysiologic mechanisms of fibromyalgia and its related disorders

This article reviews current findings regarding the pathophysiologic abnormalities that contribute to the enhanced pain responses of individuals with fibromyalgia as well as the relationships between fibromyalgia and commonly co-occurring disorders. Risk factors for fibromyalgia or enhanced pain responses include genetic and family influences, environmental triggers, and abnormal neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system function. These risk factors also are associated with several disorders that frequently co-occur with fibromyalgia, such as major depressive disorder, migraine, and irritable bowel syndrome. Indeed, fibromyalgia and these co-occurring conditions may be part of a group of affective spectrum disorders that share important common, and perhaps heritable, causal factors. Recent research strongly suggests that alterations in central processing of sensory input also contribute to the cardinal symptoms of fibromyalgia, persistent widespread pain and enhanced pain sensitivity. Exposure to psychosocial and environmental stressors, as well as altered autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine responses, also may contribute to alterations in pain perception or pain inhibition. Understanding the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and co-occurring disorders may help clinicians provide the most appropriate treatment to their patients.
Mobile Technologies and Its Advantages with Promoting Healthy Habits amongst Children

This paper describes an app suite that consists of mobile games to encourage increased activity and healthier eating by children in fun and motivating ways. The apps include Scavenger Hunt, in which a user can take pictures of objects that match a specific color in a short amount of time; Fish Out of Water, that tracks the number of steps you take to “catch” the fish; Space Rayders, a mobile game similar to tag; and Health Attack, a memory game based off of the food pyramid. The paper describes how the apps help increase awareness of aspects important for living a healthier life for children, highlighting a plan for dissemination through youth clubs and mobile app stores.
Therapy for the Coronary Circulation

The need to maintain or enhance myocardial perfusion is apparent from the many conditions in which coronary vascular reserve is limited or flow is impeded to the extent that ischemia and death can occur. Examples, as described in the preceding chapters of this book, include coronary anomalies, changes associated with aging, coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and coronary vascular dysfunction. The classical treatments are pharmacological or mechanical revascularization therapies. Pharmacological approaches are aimed at reducing O2 demand, increasing its utilization, or enhancing myocardial perfusion by improving vascular reactivity. Surgical or percutaneous mechanical interventions are used to correct coronary anomalies, open occluded channels, or provide vascular bypass for severely occluded arteries. More recently gene and cell therapy have been proposed as ways of increasing vascular capacity to prevent ischemic events. These approaches have great potential. The goal of this chapter is to summarize the effects of pharmacological, gene, protein, and stem cell therapies on myocardial perfusion.
Metabolic Activation of Chemical Carcinogens

Many chemical carcinogens require metabolic activation to biologically reactive intermediates which if not detoxified will react with DNA (covalently) or will lesion DNA through the production of reactive oxygen species. The enzymes involved in bioactivation are often phase I enzymes (i.e., those involved in functionalization), while phase II enzymes are involved in conjugation of the functional groups leading to elimination of the carcinogen. Effective elimination can also depend on the presence/absence of transport systems. It is the balance of these events that often determines the carcinogenicity of a chemical in a target tissue and also explains why certain carcinogens give rise to tumors in different organs based on route of administration. In addition, the phase I and phase II enzymes are highly inducible and these genomic responses can determine whether bioactivation or detoxication predominates. Furthermore, many genes involved in these events are highly polymorphic leading to the concept of poor and rapid metabolizers of a particular carcinogen which in turn may govern individual susceptibility to carcinogen exposure.