cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IgM amyloidosis: Clinical features in therapeutic outcomes

It is not widely recognized that patients with amyloidosis may be associated with an IgM monoclonal protein. We reviewed the characteristics of 22 IgM amyloidosis patients seen at Mayo Clinic from 1989 through 2010 and uniformly treated with stem cell transplantation. IgM patients are older, have a higher prevalence of neuropathy, a lower incidence of cardiac involvement (lower troponin T and NT-proBNP), and a much lower level of the involved immunoglobulin free light chain.
Beyond Bigotry Teaching about Unconscious Prejudice

Researchers have demonstrated that unconscious prejudices around characteristics such as race, gender, and class are common, even among people who avow themselves unbiased. The authors present a method for teaching about implicit racial bias using online Implicit Association Tests. The authors do not claim that their method rids students of biases. Instead, the authors show that this approach helps students recognize that they and many other people may hold implicit biases that can affect perceptions and actions and realize that prejudice is not reducible to overt bigotry. The authors also show that the exercise helped some students recognize that talking about race and challenging unconscious associations are better methods of combating prejudice than simply pretending not to notice race. Qualitative and quantitative data reveal that the approach described here was effective in building students’ understanding of unconscious prejudice.
EXTREME POINT METHODS AND BANACH-STONE THEOREMS

An operator is said to be nice if its conjugate maps extreme points of the dual unit ball to extreme points. The classical Banach-Stone Theorem says that an isometry from a space of continuous functions on a compact Hausdorff space onto another such space is a weighted composition operator. One common proof of this result uses the fact that an isometry is a nice operator. We use extreme point methods and the notion of centralizer to characterize nice operators as operator weighted compositions on subspaces of spaces of continuous functions with values in a Banach space. Previous characterizations of isometries from a subspace M of C0.Q; X/ into C0.K; Y/ require Y to be strictly convex, but we are able to obtain some results without that assumption. Important use is made of a vector-valued version of the Choquet Boundary. We also characterize nice operators from one function module to another.
Using Increased Structural Detail of the Cortex to Improve the Accuracy of Modeling the Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Neocortical Activation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that can alter brain activation by inducing electrical current in neurons using dynamic magnetic fields. Because of its painless nature, clinical usage has expanded to diagnostic purposes and therapeutic treatments. However, several issues and challenges still exist for TMS. A very limited understanding of the interaction between magnetic fields, cortical structure, and consequent brain excitation is currently available. Most previously published models lack key anatomical details that are essential elements in calculating induced electric fields critical to brain activation. In this study, gross human brain and head structures were derived using multiple modality images and a finite-element model was constructed. Furthermore, microstructural detail was incorporated using neocortical columnar structures. Using this detailed model, we investigated the influence of TMS coil position, distance and orientation on induced electric fields, and neocortical activation. Several activation standards and conductivity values were tested for their impact on the distribution of neocortical activation. Optimized activation patterns agreed well with published clinical experiments, under similar coil configurations. A structurally detailed finite-element model capable of accurately predicting neocortical activation for a given coil/magnetic field profile may provide a critical resource for understanding the electrophysiological consequences of TMS and for further refinement of this important technique.
The Contribution of Epidemiology to Pharmacoeconomic Research

Epidemiologic principles provide important guidelines for the conduct of pharmacoeconomic research. Inclusion of economic outcomes in clinical trials often requires longer study periods, nontraditi...
Asymptotic behavior of the Grenander estimator at density flat regions

Over forty years ago, Grenander derived the MLE of a monotone decreasing density f with known mode. Prakasa Rao obtained the asymptotic distribution of this estimator at a fixed point x where f' (x) < 0. Here, we obtain the asymptotic distribution of this estimator at a fixed point x when f is constant and nonzero in some open neighborhood of x. This limiting distribution is expressible as the convolution of a closed-form density and a rescaled standard normal density. Groeneboom (1983) derived the aforementioned closed-form density and we provide an alternative, more direct derivation. II y a plus de quarante ans que Grenander a donne la forme de l'estimateur du maximum de vraisemblance d'une densite f monotone decroissante de mode connu. Prakasa Rao a determine la loi asymptotique de cet estimateur en tout point x tel que f'(x) ≤ 0. Dans cet article, les auteurs font de měme pour les points x dans un voisinage ouvert desquels f est constante et non nulle. La loi limite est ta convoluee d'une loi normale centree et d'une densite que Groeneboom (1983) avait deja explicitee et qui est ici obtenue de maniere plus directe.
The interaction of social influences and task experience on goals, performance, and performance satisfaction☆

Abstract The effects of awareness of a model's task achievement on observers' task goals, performance, and performance satisfaction were studied in a laboratory setting. One hundred seventy-four subjects were exposed to either a high- or low-performing model in the context of viewing a task “training film.” Approximately half of the subjects were allowed to practice the task before observing the film. All subjects then worked on the task, and their goals, performance, and performance satisfaction were assessed. Results showed that observation of the model's achievement level had a significant effect on the goals and performance of subjects without prior experience but had less influence on the goals and performance of subjects who were familiar with the task before being exposed to the model. However, regardless of task familiarity, subjects in all conditions used the model as a standard for evaluating their own performance. The results are discussed in terms of social factors which influence the goals individuals personally set when approaching tasks and the way organizational members seek to reduce uncertainty created by new task environments.
The role of ubiquitous computing and the disappearing computer for CSCW

The next generation of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) systems will be determined by a number of new contexts and challenges. They are rooted in emerging technologies as well as in new application areas asking for new approaches and visions of the future. The article focuses on selected areas and presents an approach that has not yet become a mainstream orientation for guiding the design of current CSCW systems but will certainly be very influential in the near future.
Reducing the Storage Requirements of a Test Sequence by Using One or Two Background Vectors

We describe a storage scheme for functional test sequences where a test sequence T is associated with a primary input vector B called a background vector. T is stored by storing only the differences between its test vectors and B . We describe a procedure for computing a background vector B for a given test sequence T. We also describe a procedure that modifies T so as to reduce its storage requirements with respect to B . We present experimental results demonstrating that the single background vector B, computed based on T, allows T to be modified such that a vast majority of its entries are equal to the corresponding entries of B. Consequently, storage of T reduces to storage of a small number of entries. We also extend the discussion to storage of T based on two background vectors. A second background vector provides more flexibility in storing T as a list of entries where it is different from its background vectors. This contributes to a further reduction in storage requirements for certain circuits.
A Kinetically Defined Na +/H + Antiporter within a Mathematical Model of the Rat Proximal Tubule

The luminal membrane antiporter of the proximal tubule has been represented using the kinetic formulation of E. Heinz (1978. Mechanics and Engergetics of Biological Transport. Springer-Verlag, Berlin) with the assumption of equilibrium binding and 1:1 stoichiometry. Competitive binding and transport of NH+4 is included within this model. Ion affinities and permeation velocities were selected in a least-squares fit to the kinetic parameters determined experimentally in renal membrane vesicles (Aronson, P.S., M.A. Suhm, and J. Nee. 1983. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 258:6767-6771). The modifier role of internal H+ to enhance transport beyond the expected kinetics (Aronson, P.S., J. Nee, and M. A. Suhm. 1982. Nature. 299:161-163) is represented as a velocity effect of H+ binding to a single site. This kinetic formulation of the Na+/H+ antiporter was incorporated within a model of the rat proximal tubule (Weinstein, A. M. 1994. American Journal of Physiology. 267:F237-F248) as a replacement for the representation by linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics (NET). The membrane density of the antiporter was selected to yield agreement with the rate of tubular Na+ reabsorption. Simulation of 0.5 cm of tubule predicts that the activity of the Na+/H+ antiporter is the most important force for active secretion of ammonia. Model calculations of metabolic acid-base disturbances are performed and comparison is made among antiporter representations (kinetic model, kinetic model without internal modifier, and NET formulation). It is found that the ability to sharply turn off Na+/H+ exchange in cellular alkalosis substantially eliminates the cell volume increase associated with high HCO3- conditions. In the tubule model, diminished Na+/H+ exchange in alkalosis blunts the axial decrease in luminal HCO3- and thus diminishes paracellular reabsorption of Cl-. In this way, the kinetics of the Na+/H+ antiporter could act to enhance distal delivery of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- in acute metabolic alkalosis.
Visualizing genomic information across chromosomes with PhenoGram

With the abundance of information and analysis results being collected for genetic loci, user-friendly and flexible data visualization approaches can inform and improve the analysis and dissemination of these data. A chromosomal ideogram is an idealized graphic representation of chromosomes. Ideograms can be combined with overlaid points, lines, and/or shapes, to provide summary information from studies of various kinds, such as genome-wide association studies or phenome-wide association studies, coupled with genomic location information. To facilitate visualizing varied data in multiple ways using ideograms, we have developed a flexible software tool called PhenoGram which exists as a web-based tool and also a command-line program. With PhenoGram researchers can create chomosomal ideograms annotated with lines in color at specific base-pair locations, or colored base-pair to base-pair regions, with or without other annotation. PhenoGram allows for annotation of chromosomal locations and/or regions with shapes in different colors, gene identifiers, or other text. PhenoGram also allows for creation of plots showing expanded chromosomal locations, providing a way to show results for specific chromosomal regions in greater detail. We have now used PhenoGram to produce a variety of different plots, and provide these as examples herein. These plots include visualization of the genomic coverage of SNPs from a genotyping array, highlighting the chromosomal coverage of imputed SNPs, copy-number variation region coverage, as well as plots similar to the NHGRI GWA Catalog of genome-wide association results. PhenoGram is a versatile, user-friendly software tool fostering the exploration and sharing of genomic information. Through visualization of data, researchers can both explore and share complex results, facilitating a greater understanding of these data.
Experimentation in education

About half of all the research studies reported in major educational journals are controlled experiments in which at least one variable (such as two ways of teaching a unit in mathematics) is manipulated.' The basic principles for designing these experiments and for analyzing their resulting data are largely attributable to the pioneering work of Sir Ronald Fisher,2 a mathematician-geneticist who obtained a research position after World War I at an agri-
An O(n 3 (loglogn/logn) 5/4 ) time algorithm for all pairs shortest paths

We present an O(n3 (loglogn/logn)5/4) time algorithm for all pairs shortest paths. This algorithm improves on the best previous result of O(n3/logn) time.
Uterine balloon tamponade as a second line treatment for uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage: A qualitative study exploring lower level provider perceptions of effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability in lower level health facilities in Kenya

Outcomes & Evaluation: The results confirm that the problem of cold chain breaches is a global issue, occurring extensively in developed and developing countries. The severity of the problem relates, in part, to the type of medical product. Research indicates that temperature-damaged medicines can cause disease outbreaks, adverse events and inaccurate diagnoses. Regardless of the type of medical product, improper temperature control contributes to costly waste. Some of the most effective cold chain solutions have been implemented by countries with the most challenging delivery systems. These solutions should be considered for broader adoption globally. Going Forward: One meta-analysis cannot transform the issue of cold chain integrity into a burning priority for public health stakeholders. It is hoped, however, that this study’s findings will increase public health leaders’ awareness and prioritization of cold chain problems and solutions. One fundamental next step would be a global forum in which cold chain innovations and best practices are shared. Funding: No funding provided. The author is a consultant for Temptime Corporation. Abstract #: 01ITIS020
A Product‐Level Approach to Historical Material Flow Analysis

Summary Studies of material cycles, which have a solid history in biogeochemistry, include characterization of technological materials cycles that quantify the way in which materials move through the economy and environment of a region. One of the most important aspects of historical technological materials cycles is determining how much material goes into various uses over time and modeling its lifetime in each use. A material flow analysis methodology is presented by which a historical (i.e., 1975 to 2000) study of tungsten use in the United States was constructed. The approach utilized in this study is twofold: the traditional approach by which material going into end-use sectors is approximated (the “end-use sector model”), and a second approach by which end-use products are specifically addressed (the “finished product model”). By virtue of the latter method, a detailed historical account of a material's end uses was developed. This study shows that (1) both models present a detailed treatment of trade of finished products over time for a variety of highly disaggregated products, (2) the end-use sector model provides a method to combine quantitative and qualitative data about products in various sectors to estimate domestic production for a metal about which little is known in terms of its end uses, and (3) the finished product model produces detailed estimates of domestic production for a large number of highly disaggregated products.
Exploring the Origins of Tables for Information Visualization

This paper considers the deep history of tables as visualization modalities. It covers four kinds of tables that have appeared between 1900 BCE and 1300 CE: Sumerian accounting tables, chronicles, canon tables, and medieval calendars as representations of some of the earliest milestones in information visualization. Analysis of these tables demonstrates as early as 1300 BCE the need to visualize information had driven the invention of representations that transformed the way information has been communicated and used.
Fluid-dynamic flapping of a collapsible channel: sound generation and flow limitation.

Abstract A flattened airway is mathematically modelled by an inviscid, incompressible fluid flowing through an infinite, two-dimensional, flexible channel. The allowed flapping frequencies of stable oscillations are determined for infinitesimal disturbances to a steady flow. Furthermore, the onset of flutter is determined. The occurrence of a type of flow limitation in collapsible conduits is found to be associated with zero-velocity upstream waves and energy fluxes. Conditions of flow limitation and stability are compared with and contrasted to previous steady models of one-dimensional, massless tubes. The vibrations are implicated with the occurrence of wheezing and physiological correlations in the lung are discussed in terms of parameter changes, both normal and pathological, that influence stable and unstable oscillations.
Rule Induction through Integrated Symbolic and Subsymbolic Processing

We describe a neural network, called RuleNet, that learns explicit, symbolic condition-action rules in a formal string manipulation domain. RuleNet discovers functional categories over elements of the domain, and, at various points during learning, extracts rules that operate on these categories. The rules are then injected back into RuleNet and training continues, in a process called iterative projection. By incorporating rules in this way, RuleNet exhibits enhanced learning and generalization performance over alternative neural net approaches. By integrating symbolic rule learning and subsymbolic category learning, RuleNet has capabilities that go beyond a purely symbolic system. We show how this architecture can be applied to the problem of case-role assignment in natural language processing, yielding a novel rule-based solution.
Volumetric late gadolinium-enhanced myocardial imaging with retrospective inversion time selection.

Purpose To develop and validate a novel free-breathing 3D radial late gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging technique (3D LGE-MRI) with isotropic resolution and retrospective inversion time (TI) selection for myocardial viability imaging. Materials and Methods The 3D radial LGE-MRI method featuring an interleaved and bit-reversed radial k-space trajectory was evaluated in 12 subjects that also had clinical breath-hold Cartesian 2D LGE-MRI. The 3D LGE-MRI acquisition requires a predicted TI and a user-controlled data acquisition window that determines the sampling width around the predicted TI. Sliding window reconstructions with update rates of 1× the repetition time (TR) allow for a user selectable TI to obtain the maximum nulling of the myocardium. The retrospective nature of the acquisition allows the user to choose from a range of possible TI times centered on the expected TI. Those projections most corrupted by respiratory motion, as determined by a respiratory bellows signal, were resampled according to the diminishing variance algorithm. The quality of the left ventricular myocardial nulling on the 3D LGE-MRI and 2D LGE-MRI was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale by two experienced radiologists. Comparison of image quality scores for the two methods was performed using generalized estimating equations. Results All 3D LGE-MRI cases produced similar nulling of myocardial signal as the 2D LGE-MRI. The image quality of myocardial nulling was not significantly different between the two acquisitions (mean nulling of 3.4 for 2D vs. 3.1 for 3D, and P = 0.0645). The average absolute deviation from mean scores was also not determined to be statistically significant (1.8 for 2D and 0.4 for 3D and P = 0.1673). Total acquisition time was ∼9 minutes for 3D LGE-MRI with voxel sizes ranging from 1.63 to 2.03 mm3. Conversely, the total imaging time was twice as long for the 2D DCE-MRI (>17 minutes) with an eight times larger voxel size of 1.4 × 2.2 × 7.0 mm. Conclusion The 3D LGE-MRI technique demonstrated in this study is a promising alternative for the assessment of myocardial viability in patients who have difficulty sustaining breath-holds for the clinical standard 2D LGE-MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1276–1282. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term results of the mucosal ablation of Barrett's esophagus: efficacy and recurrence.

Background and study aims: It has been postulated that the endoscopic ablation of Barrett’s esophagus can lead to complete eradication of the disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic eradication therapy for Barrett’s esophagus and the rates of recurrence of intestinal metaplasia. Patients and methods: As part of an initial randomized controlled trial, patients with nondysplastic or low grade dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus underwent mucosal ablation. Following ablation, the patients had annual surveillance endoscopies. Recurrence was defined as the presence of intestinal metaplasia after initial complete eradication had been achieved. Results: A total of 28 patients with Barrett’s esophagus were followed for a mean of 6.4 years after ablation therapy. At baseline, the majority of the patients had nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (79 %). Initial complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia was achieved at a mean of 4.1 months. During long-term follow-up, initial recurrence of intestinal metaplasia was seen in 14 of the 28 of patients (50 %) at a mean of 40 months, and further maintenance ablation therapy was applied. At the final follow-up, 36 % of the patients had complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia, 18 % of the patients had intestinal metaplasia, and 21 % had died of unrelated causes; invasive esophageal adenocarcinoma had developed in 1 patient. Conclusions: The long-term results of this study demonstrate a recurrence rate of 50 % after complete eradication of Barrett’s esophagus with endoscopic eradication therapy. In addition, re-recurrence (in 36 %), even after further maintenance endoscopic eradication therapy, and deaths unrelated to the disease (21 %) occurred. Complete remission of Barrett’s esophagus appears to be a difficult goal to achieve. These results call into question the role of ablation in patients with low risk Barrett’s esophagus.
Learning is for Losers: A Pedagogically-Guided Process

Innovation, learning, creativity, and change are all fueledby a single counterintuitive phenomenon - the necessity of failure. It is onlythrough trial and error that change, and innovation actually occur. Yet, the vast majority of classes, tests, and learning assessments focus only on correct paths and right answers. Moreover, in gaming and simulation, particularemphasis is placed on winning, winning strategies, and competition for“rightness.” We argue that this singular emphasis leaves all the good stuff behind; inordinately rewards the learning of the winner over the processes of all others involved; and creates a tacit bias toward a single right answer to complex problems. This paper advances an analysis of games and simulations commonly utilized in political science and offers a guided process for recovering the knowledge of losers.
Integrin-linked Kinase is Essential for Environmental Enrichment Enhanced Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Memory

Environment enrichment (EE) has a variety of effects on brain structure and function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for EE-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and memory enhancement. However, the intracellular pathway downstream of BDNF to modulate EE effects is poorly understood. Here we show that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) levels are elevated upon EE stimuli in a BDNF-dependent manner. Using ILK-shRNA (siILK) lentivirus, we demonstrate that knockdown of ILK impairs EE-promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and memory by increasing glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) activity. Finally, overexpressing ILK in the hippocampus could rescue the neurogenesis and memory deficits in BDNF+/− mice. These results indicate that ILK is indispensable for BDNF-mediated hippocampal neurogenesis and memory enhancement upon EE stimuli via regulating GSK3β activity. This is a new insight of the precise mechanism in EE-enhanced memory processes and ILK is a potentially important therapeutic target that merits further study.
Genome sequence and analysis of Escherichia coli MRE600, a colicinogenic, nonmotile strain that lacks RNase I and the type I methyltransferase, EcoKI

Escherichia coli strain MRE600 was originally identified for its low RNase I activity and has therefore been widely adopted by the biomedical research community as a preferred source for the expression and purification of transfer RNAs and ribosomes. Despite its widespread use, surprisingly little information about its genome or genetic content exists. Here, we present the first de novo assembly and description of the MRE600 genome and epigenome. To provide context to these studies of MRE600, we include comparative analyses with E. coli K-12 MG1655 (K12). Pacific Biosciences Single Molecule, Real-Time sequencing reads were assembled into one large chromosome (4.83 Mb) and three smaller plasmids (89.1, 56.9, and 7.1 kb). Interestingly, the 7.1-kb plasmid possesses genes encoding a colicin E1 protein and its associated immunity protein. The MRE600 genome has a G + C content of 50.8% and contains a total of 5,181 genes, including 4,913 protein-encoding genes and 268 RNA genes. We identified 41,469 modified DNA bases (0.83% of total) and found that MRE600 lacks the gene for type I methyltransferase, EcoKI. Phylogenetic, taxonomic, and genetic analyses demonstrate that MRE600 is a divergent E. coli strain that displays features of the closely related genus, Shigella. Nevertheless, comparative analyses between MRE600 and E. coli K12 show that these two strains exhibit nearly identical ribosomal proteins, ribosomal RNAs, and highly homologous tRNA species. Substantiating prior suggestions that MRE600 lacks RNase I activity, the RNase I-encoding gene, rna, contains a single premature stop codon early in its open-reading frame.
SPECIATION RATES AND MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERGENCE IN FISHES: TESTS OF GRADUAL VERSUS RECTANGULAR MODES OF EVOLUTIONARY CHANGE.

Eldredge and Gould (1972) advanced an exciting hypothesis to account for the evolutionary diversification of life. They propose that the great majority of organismal divergence accompanies the splitting of lineages (cladogenesis), and that new species once formed represent well-buffered homeostatic systems, resistant to within-lineage change (anagenesis) until the next round of splitting occurs. Classical branching "trees of life," in which organismal divergence is plotted on one axis and time on another, are thus better represented as "rectangular" branching patterns (Stanley, 1975) reflecting evolution through "punctuated equilibria" (Fig. 1). If this view of evolution is correct, then gaps in the fossil record are real, a consequence of the rapid evolutionary change occurring perhaps in geographically localized populations undergoing speciation. In contrast, under models of "phyletic gradualism," these same gaps are interpreted as incomplete fossil transcripts of gradual evolutionary change. Thus, as noted by Eldredge and Gould (1972), "If we doubt phyletic gradualism, we should not seek to 'disprove' it 'in the rocks."' Avise and Ayala (1975) introduced general models which examine the logical consequences of rectangular evolution versus phyletic gradualism for the distributions of genetic distances among living species. The rationale and approach are simple. Under rectangular models, since most change occurs during speciation, extant members of highly speciose phylads
Effects of Support Composition and Pretreatment Conditions on the Structure of Vanadia Dispersed on SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2

Spectroscopic techniques (X-ray absorption, Raman, and UV−visible) were utilized to monitor the effect of adsorbed water, calcination temperature, and reduction in H2 on the structure of dispersed VOx for vanadia supported on SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2 prepared with VOx surface densities ranging from 0.46 VOx/nm2 to 11.1 VOx/nm2. Supported vanadia was found to exist as monovanadate, polyvanadate, or V2O5 species, the distribution among these species depending on the support for a given VOx surface density. Dehydration resulted in the appearance of monovanadate species on all supports, with the extent of these species decreasing in the order HfO2 > Al2O3 > ZrO2 > TiO2 > SiO2. Hydration of the samples caused a decrease in the monovanadate species and a slight increase in polyvanadate species. Oxidation at elevated temperature resulted in an increase in the crystallinity of V2O5 present on SiO2, a conversion of V2O5 into polyvanadate species on Al2O3, and the appearance of mixed-metal oxide phases on ...
Paleobathymetry and sequence stratigraphic interpretations from benthic foraminifera: Insights on New Jersey shelf architecture, IODP Expedition 313

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 313 drilled three holes (Sites M27, M28, and M29; 34–36 m present water depth) across a series of prograding clinothems from the inner continental shelf of the New Jersey (USA) margin, a region that is sensitive to sea-level change. We examined 702 late Eocene to Miocene samples for benthic foraminiferal assemblages and planktonic foraminiferal abundances. We integrate our results with lithofacies to reconstruct paleobathymetry. Biofacies at all three sites indicate a long-term shallowing-upward trend as clinothems built seaward and sediment filled accommodation space. Patterns in biofacies and lithofacies indicate shallowing- and deepening-upward successions within individual sequences, providing the basis to recognize systems tracts, and therefore sequence stratigraphic relationships in early to early-middle Miocene sequences (ca. 23–13 Ma). The clinothem bottomsets and the lower portions of the foresets, which contain the thickest parts of clinothems, yield the deepest water biofacies. Shallower bio facies characterize the sequences in the upper portions of the clinothem foresets and on the topsets. Topsets are characterized by transgressive (TST) and highstand systems tracts (HST). Foresets contain lowstand systems tracts (LST), TSTs, and HSTs. Flooding surfaces mark parasequence boundaries within LSTs, TSTs, and HSTs. Superimposed on the long-term trends, short-term variations in paleowater depth are likely linked to global sea-level changes indicated by global oxygen isotopic variations.
Atomistic modeling of radiation-induced disordering and dissolution at a Ni/Ni3Al interface

L12-ordered γ′ precipitates embedded in a fcc γ matrix impart excellent mechanical properties to nickel-base superalloys. However, these enhanced mechanical properties are lost under irradiation, which causes the γ′ precipitates to disorder and dissolve. We conduct an atomic-level study of radiation-induced disordering and dissolution at a coherent (100) facet of an initially ordered γ′ Ni3Al precipitate neighboring a pure Ni γ matrix. Using molecular dynamics, we simulate collision-induced events by sequentially introducing 10 keV primary knock-on atoms with random positions and directions. In the absence of thermally assisted recovery processes, the ordered Ni3Al layer disorders rapidly within 0.1–0.2 dpa and then gradually dissolves into the adjacent Ni layer at higher doses. Both the disordering efficiency and mixing parameter calculated from the simulations lie within the range of values found by experiments carried out at room temperature, where thermally activated diffusion is insignificant.
Dynamics and Atcmic Strujciure of Martemite-Austenite Interfaces

The structure of the lowest energy interface between an hcp austeidte phase and an foc martensite phase of similar atomic volumes has been simulated by annealing a disordered region between the two perfect lattices until semi-coberent intergrowth occurred. The two structures were oriented so that the closepacked planes were parallel, and closepacked directions were aligned. The dynamics of this interface and the structure which it evolved as it moved was then studied by applying a transformation driving force through the use of an Embedded Atar Method potential. Initially the interface moved in a reconstructive, diffusive manner but eventually it developed a highly mobile, diffusionless form which moved at about one third of the shear sound velocity. The structure of this rapidly moving interface could be analyzed in terms of three different types of Shockley partials arranged in sequence, but passing at slightly different times. This structure agrees with some elements of a model previously proposed by Christian to describe the transformation in pure Co, and agrees with other elements of a proposal of Mcbreer, Lunggren and Franck to explain their observations of the transformation in 4He. Neither fully explain our observations.
Estimating the Increase in Skin Cancer Caused by Increases in Ultraviolet Radiation

There is substantial evidence that ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer. Any impact to the environment that will increase ultraviolet radiation, such as depletion of the stratospheric ozone shield, is expected to produce an increase in skin cancer. The usual method of estimating the increase in skin cancer involves estimating the relation between the occurrence of skin cancer at different localities and the intensity of ultraviolet radiation at the same localities. We study the influence of the difficulties in estimating the relationship: (i) the observations of skin cancer, and also of ultraviolet radiation, are uncertain and incomplete, (ii) the carcinogenesis of skin cancer is unclear and possibly complicated by a complex ultraviolet repair mechanism, (iii) there are other associations that may be interacting.
The effect of cloth characteristics on the cooling performance of external shade cloths for greenhouses

Four shade cloths were examined for their ability to reduce temperatures in a greenhouse: (1) a black flat-weave cloth rated by the manufacturer at 30% shade, (2) a black flat-weave cloth rated at 55% shade, (3) a black knitted cloth rated at 50% shade and (4) a white knitted cloth rated at 40% shade. The cloths were examined both dry and wet. The dry, 40% shade, white knitted cloth reduced the rate of energy gain, air temperature rise and electrical energy consumption by more than the dry black cloths. Leaf temperatures were lower under the heavier black cloths (but not the 30% shade) than under the white. When dry the heavier black cloths performed better than the 30% shade black cloth in all respects, except air temperature rise where there was no difference. When wet, both the 55 and 50% shade, black cloths performed better in all respects than either the 40% shade, white or the 30% shade, black. The knitted 50% shade, black cloth performed marginally better than the flat-weave 55% shade, black cloth in several categories, despite a lower shade rating. This was attributed to differences between the two fabrics in the dependence of shade factor on incidence angle.
Turbulence integral scale corrections to aeroelastic wind tunnel experimental results with large scale model

The aeroelastic model scale of target structure in wind tunnel test should be commonly selected as 1/300-1/800 to match the turbulence integral scale similarity.On the other hand,the practical model scales for complicated structures may be within 1/40-1/100 to reduce the difficulty in model fabrication and to improve the model accuracy.The large values of model scales lead to severe distortion of the turbulence integral scale similarity,and corrections must be made to wind tunnel testing results to compensate the mismatch in turbulence integral scales.Based on random vibration theory,the along-wind buffeting response considering only the fundamental mode of a structure was presented and the formulae for gust loading factors were obtained.With the formulae,the effect of turbulence integral scale on gust loading factors of a high-rise transmission line tower was studied.An appreciable effect is identified and the maximum and average difference in gust loading factors may reach nearly 27% and 14%,respectively,for the 1/40 aeroelastic model of the studied tower.As a first generalization,a set of more general correction factors also applicable to other structures other than the transmission line towers are finally developed for correction purpose,and correction factors decrease with the increase of modal damping ratio,and the ratio of structural frequency to predominant frequency in wind spectrum.
Bacterial infections of the central nervous system in neurosurgery.

This article describes epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bacterial infection of the CNS for three clinical settings involving neurosurgery: following clean cranial and spinal cord procedures, following trauma to the CNS, and following placement of an indwelling foreign body or catheter in the CNS.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

The treatment of achalasia is centered on reducing the resting tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, so that ingested material may pass into the stomach unimpeded.
Switching the curl of polarization vectors by an irrotational electric field

Ferroelectric vortex domains are of significant interest due to their rich physics and potential applications. Here, we propose the crystallographic, strain, and electric conditions for spontaneous vortex domains and study the influence of oxygen octahedral tilt on vortex wall orientations. Using 109\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} domain walls in $\mathrm{BiFe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ films as an example, it is demonstrated that vortex domains result from bound charge-density waves, i.e., from alternating positive and negative bound charges. The vortex domains lead to a net curl of the polarization vectors that can be switched by an irrotational electric field.
Contemporary open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Objective Although endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) is increasingly more prevalent and may yield better results, open repair of rAAAs is still commonly performed. Our goal was to assess the contemporary practice patterns and outcomes of open repair of rAAA. Methods The 2011-2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted open AAA database was queried for all rAAAs. Patient characteristics, presentation, aneurysm details, and operative details were analyzed to identify factors that may affect outcome in this population of patients. Results We identified 404 patients who underwent open repair of rAAA. The average age was 72 ± 9.4 years, and 76.2% were male. There were 230 (56.9%) patients who presented with hypotension. The operative approach was retroperitoneal in 16.3% of cases. The proximal extents of the aneurysms were infrarenal (52.5%), juxtarenal (24.3%), pararenal (4.2%), and suprarenal (8.2%). The distal extents were aortic (38.6%), common iliac artery (34.2%), and external or internal iliac artery (8.9%). Renal, visceral, and lower extremity revascularization was performed in 6.4%, 2.2%, and 7.9% of patients, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 35.6%, and postoperative complications included cardiac (18.3%), pulmonary (42.3%), wound complications (6.7%), acute renal failure (17.3%), and ischemic colitis (9.4%). Postoperative length of stay was 13.1 ± 12.7 days, and 30-day readmission was 4.5%. Predictors of 30-day mortality were transperitoneal approach (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-7.89; P P = .007), and age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09; P = .001). Transperitoneal approach also increased the risk of postoperative cardiac complications (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.01-10.4; P = .047). Postoperative pulmonary complications were predicted by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.07-3.94; P = .03) and hypotension at presentation (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.06-2.96; P = .03). Conclusions The majority of contemporary open rAAA repairs were performed for infrarenal aneurysms. Transperitoneal approach, hypotension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with higher mortality and postoperative complications. Thirty-day mortality after rAAA was lower compared with historical data.
Enhancing radiation tolerance by controlling defect mobility and migration pathways in multicomponent single-phase alloys

A grand challenge in material science is to understand the correlation between intrinsic properties and defect dynamics. Radiation tolerant materials are in great demand for safe operation and advancement of nuclear and aerospace systems. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on microstructural and nanoscale features to mitigate radiation damage, this study demonstrates enhancement of radiation tolerance with the suppression of void formation by two orders magnitude at elevated temperatures in equiatomic single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys, and more importantly, reveals its controlling mechanism through a detailed analysis of the depth distribution of defect clusters and an atomistic computer simulation. The enhanced swelling resistance is attributed to the tailored interstitial defect cluster motion in the alloys from a long-range one-dimensional mode to a short-range three-dimensional mode, which leads to enhanced point defect recombination. The results suggest design criteria for next generation radiation tolerant structural alloys.
Studies of Ectopically Expressed Olfactory Receptor Olfr558/PSGR2: Gene Expression, Function And Novel Molecular Probes

An orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Olfr558 belongs to the class of olfactory receptors. However, in addition to the nasal cavity, it is also expressed in some blood vessels and in the pro...
GROWTH HORMONE AND LITHIUM RATIOS PREDICT SUCCESS OF LITHIUM IN THE SCHIZOPHRENIAS

ABSTRACT The authors previously reported that a subgroup of schizophrenic-like patients respond favorably to lithium (Li) therapy. A high correlation was found between Li response and clinical diagnostic criteria. The present study extends this research to the prediction and identification of those patients who will respond favorably to Li therapy, using biological markers. Growth hormone response to apomorphine administration and the in vitro Li ratio were examined in thirty-eight patients who subsequently received a two week Li trial. Peak growth hormone levels ≥ 20 ng/ml and Li ratios ≥ 0.4 were correlated with a positive response to Li therapy. The authors discuss the use of these two biological markers to predict success of Li therapy in the schizophrenias, as well as, biological abnormalities characteristic of Li responsive schizophrenic patients.
The Use of Cytogenetic Microarrays in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Characterization

Various microarray platforms, including BAC, oligonucleotide, and SNP arrays, have been shown to -provide clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic information for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Clinically useful arrays are designed with specific purposes in mind and with attention to genomic content and probe density. All array types have been shown to detect genomic copy gains and losses, with SNP arrays having the added advantage of detecting copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CNLOH). The finding of CNLOH has led to the identification of certain disease genes implicated in the initiation or progression of myeloid diseases. In addition, SNP karyotyping alone, or in conjunction with routine cytogenetics, can affect the outcome prediction and improve prognostic stratification of patients with MDS. Patients who were reclassified after array testing as having adverse-risk chromosomal findings correlated with poor survival. Results of over 25 published studies support the use of arrays in MDS testing. Because few balanced translocations are found in MDS, this disease is particularly amenable to microarray testing, and studies have shown better disease classification, identification of cryptic changes, and prognostication in this heterogeneous group of disorders. Novel genomic alterations identified by array testing may lead to better targeted therapies for treating patients with MDS.
Comparison of Pre- and Postoperative Sleep Studies in Patients Undergoing Sphincter Pharyngoplasty.

Objective:To determine if sphincter pharyngoplasty changes sleep study parameters on patients undergoing surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).Design:Retrospective chart review on patients...
Student pharmacist perceptions of participation in hands-on naloxone counseling

Abstract Background and purpose Opioid overdose is a leading cause of death across the United States. Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society students at the University of Kentucky initiated a project to provide fellow students a volunteer opportunity to educate at-risk patients about naloxone using a physician-approved protocol. The goal was to improve student counseling skills by allowing them to apply knowledge learned during didactic and simulated training. Educational activity and setting Third and fourth year pharmacy students at the University of Kentucky voluntarily provided opioid overdose and naloxone counseling to patients at the health department and other locations. Students who counseled at the health department were asked to complete an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved, anonymous, electronic survey at the end to gauge their perceptions of the experience. Findings Thirty-five of forty-five participating students responded to the survey, indicating a 78% response rate. The results suggested that student comfort with naloxone counseling increased after real-world counseling, compared with their perceived comfort levels entering the experience. The majority of the respondents (77%, n = 27) reported a change in their personal views on drug addiction and the associated patient population. Ninety-one percent (n = 32) of students plan to pursue certification to dispense naloxone as part of their future pharmacy practice. Most (94%, n = 33) perceived the counseling experience as practical application of their didactic education. Discussion and conclusions As opioid addiction and accidental overdose plagues the nation, pharmacists are prepared to lead the battle against this disease. Pharmacy education and hands-on opportunities provide students with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to have impact on their patients and the opioid epidemic.
First-principles investigation of diffusion and defect properties of Fe and Ni in Cr2O3

Diffusion of Fe and Ni and the energetics of Fe- and Ni-related defects in chromium oxide (α–Cr2O3) are investigated using first-principles Density Functional Theory calculations in combination with the climbing-image nudged elastic band method. The orientations of the spin magnetic moments of the migrating ions are taken into account and their effects on migration barriers are examined. Several possible diffusion pathways were explored through interstitial and vacancy mechanisms, and it was found that the principal mode of ion transport in Cr2O3 is via vacancies. Both interstitial- and vacancy-mediated diffusions are anisotropic, with diffusion being faster in the z-direction. The energetics of defect formation indicates that the Ni-related defects are less stable than the Fe-related ones. This is consistent with Ni-diffusion being faster than Fe-diffusion. The results are compared with previous theoretical and experimental data and possible implications in corrosion control are discussed.