cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy circuitry for biosensor applications

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy is widely popular in the medical field where it is often referred to as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) used to analyze biological materials as well as characterization of body fluids. It is a complex technique requiring expensive equipment that is also large making it difficult to integrate into small form-factor systems that are hand-held, wearable and intended for use in point-of-care testing. This paper presents a prototype design of a miniaturized and low cost EIS module aimed to render effective point-of-care testing of biomarkers from body fluids. The proposed system is based on an embedded system design to be factored to achieve small valuation time for results along with being compact and portable enough to be used outside laboratory bench setting.
Programmed Alternative Decoding as Programmed Translational Errors

The nomenclature of alternative translational events betrays a prejudice concerning the mechanism by which they occur. We speak of “programmed translational frameshifting,” “programmed translational hopping” and “programmed translational readthrough.” In describing the events in this way, a distinction is drawn between these relatively efficient events and the much more inefficient translational errors of frameshifting and missense decoding. The sites which cause these efficient events are said to “induce” an alteration of reading frame or “induce” alternative decoding of nonsense codons. But this way of describing the events begs the question whether the events are at base different in kind from translational errors or whether they are mechanistically similar despite their very different phenomenology.
Shape Memory Effects and Applications: An Overview

An attempt is made to identify those deformations, microscopic mechanisms and thermal stabilizing and recovery processes which appear to be operative in potentially useful shape memory alloys. The basic physical phenomena controlling these mechanisms are discussed briefly.
Leg weakness and decreased vision.

A 21-year-old woman consulted her physician because of weakness of both legs and decreased vision in the left eye. Magnetic resonance (MR) images are shown below (Figures ​(Figures11–4). Figure 1 Sagittal fast spin-echo inversion recovery MR image of the cervical spine shows an area of abnormal signal intensity (arrow) in the cervical cord. Figure 4 Sagittal FLAIR MR image demonstrates multiple ovoid periventricular lesions (arrows). For diagnosis and discussion, see the following page. DIAGNOSIS: Multiple sclerosis.
Knowledge revision through the lenses of the three-pronged approach

In the present study, we employed the three-pronged approach to determine the actual cognitive processes theorized in knowledge revision. First, the Knowledge Revision Components (KReC) framework was identified as the guiding theory. Second, think-aloud analysis highlighted at which points in refutation texts readers detected discrepancies between their incorrect, commonsense beliefs and the correct beliefs, and the exact processes with which they dealt with these discrepancies-successfully or unsuccessfully, as indicated by posttest scores. Third, corroborating reading-time data and posttest data demonstrated that the structure of the refutation texts facilitated the coactivation and integration of the explanation with the commonsense belief, resulting in knowledge revision. Finally, an analysis directly connected the processes identified during think-aloud to sentence reading times. These findings systematically identify the cognitive processes theorized during knowledge revision and, in doing so, provide evidence for the conditions for revision outlined in the KReC framework.
Strengthening sustainability through data

There is a well-known folk tale about six blind men who go to see an elephant. Each man touches a different part of the animal, so each believes the elephant to be a different type of creature. Rather than pooling their knowledge to create a complete picture, they argue, and, as John Godfrey Saxe puts it, “Though each was partially in the right…all were in the wrong.”* This fable is now a cliche because humans so often get embroiled in ideological disputes, arguing not over facts per se, but over interpretations of facts as shaped by their own values, preferences, and prior beliefs. Science is supposed to settle disputes over the elephant, but for complex socioecological systems like fisheries, we are asking the blind men to describe a whole zoo—or perhaps an aquarium—with its human visitors and caretakers as well, a difficult task even for those who are willing to cross ideological or disciplinary divides. Given the diversity and complexity of fisheries systems, carefully prepared, large-scale databases are useful for piecing together a more complete picture of sustainability (1, 2). In PNAS, Asche et al. (3) analyze one of the more comprehensive large- N fisheries datasets to date. Their Fisheries Performance Indicators (FPIs) measure social as well as economic and ecological variables, which should help to strengthen the three pillars of sustainability in fisheries governance. Large datasets that measure a diverse set of attributes are important for several reasons. First, much of the discussion over fisheries governance is shaped by different values regarding outcomes. We see this in the long-standing debates over rights-based management, particularly the use of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) and other mechanisms … [↵][1]1Email: d.g.webster{at}dartmouth.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
The Theory of Planned Behavior and High School Students Interest in Computer Science

In this paper, the three variables suggested by the theory of planned behavior were examined to find if they can be used as predictors for the high school students' interest in a Computer Science (CS) degree. A survey questionnaire was developed and tested for its validity, and then it was used to collect data from 65 high school students to find if there is any relationship between the students' interests in a CS degree and the three suggested variables. Students' gender was the moderating variable in the data analysis. The results show that two variables can be used as predictors for female students' interest, and only one predictor for male students' interest.
The Loss of Innocence: Emotional Costs to Serving as Gatekeepers to the Counseling Profession

Abstract The practice of gatekeeping within the profession of counseling is well documented in the literature. Counselor educators are charged with the responsibility of serving as gatekeepers for the profession. However, a number of factors inhibit the practice of gatekeeping, including fears of retribution, loss, or damage. At the same time, failure to address student concerns contributes to damaging consequences to the profession and to the clients it serves. This manuscript addresses some experiences faced by counselor educators following their participation in a gatekeeping process and describes one method used by faculty to put words to name and creatively come to terms with their experiences.
The Status of Field Trips Among Secondary Social Studies Teachers in Florida

Social studies teachers have long utilized field trips; yet in the 21 st century, scholars are describing a bleak future for those who attempt to utilize the practice. The common reasons being cited, among others, include a slumping economy, an increase in accountability due to high-stakes testing, and rising fuel costs. While obstacles have always existed, this investigation surveyed 70 secondary social studies teachers from Florida to see if they described any new obstacles or motivations. Furthermore, the investigation sought to determine the percentage of teachers who utilize field trips and establish the average number of field trips they used. The findings reported here are exploratory in nature and focus specifically on identifying the status of field trips among secondary social studies teachers.
Graduate Students’ Use and Perceived Value of Learning Resources in Learning the Content in an Online Course

This study focused on student-content interactions and engagement in an online graduate course. Student descriptions of their experiences and learning processes in relation to digital course resources were examined to understand how and why resources were used. Fourteen students provided detailed explanations of their use and perceived value of resources in gaining content knowledge. Results were mapped by whole group to examine patterns of behavior in use of course e-text, video tutorials, and self-check quizzes. Interactions with course e-text and video tutorials – reported as the primary sources for learning content – were also mapped on an individual level. Student explanations were then examined through the lens of Generative Learning Theory to further describe students process for learning content. Continued study of connections between learning resources and student-content interaction and engagement may inform effective and efficient design of online educational experiences.
Do Exploratory Arm Movements Contribute to Maximum Reach Distance Judgements

Exploratory movements provide information about agents' action capabilities in a given environment. However, little is known about the specifics of these exploratory movements, such as which movements are necessary to perceive a given action capability. This experiment tested whether arm movements contributed to judgements of maximum reach distance. Participants made judgements about their maximum reach distance by walking to the point farthest from an object from which they still perceived the object to be reachable. Over the course of two sets of nine judgements, participants' arms either swung naturally by their sides (Unrestricted Condition) or were held together behind their backs (Restricted Condition). Arm movement restriction increased maximum reach distance judgement error when compared with unrestricted judgements. In addition, judgement error improved over trials only when exploratory arm movements were unrestricted, and the improvements did not carry over to subsequent judgements made when exploratory arm movements were restricted. Arm movement restriction did not increase the variability of judgement error when compared with unrestricted judgements. The results indicate that exploration is necessary to generate affordance information, show that restricted exploration degrades affordance perception, and suggest that maximum reach distance exists at the global array level. In addition, they have practical implications for operational situations in which actors' arm movements are restricted, such as when military personnel wear body armour.
Examining the effectiveness of language-switching practice for reducing cross-language competition in L2 grammatical processing

This study examined the extent to which language-switching practice enhanced L2 learners’ L2 grammatical processing by improving language selection abilities. Thirty-six English-speaking learners of French completed the same language-switching practice of L1 and L2 sentences, but received different types of pre-practice explicit information (EI) designed to address L2 learning difficulties resulting from crosslinguistic influence: one group (n = 17) received EI about English–French differences for viewpoint aspect, and a second group (n = 19) received EI about viewpoint aspect in French only. This design investigated the extent to which pre-practice linguistic knowledge moderated the effectiveness of the language-switching practice. Longitudinal analyses showed that increasing amounts of practice improved language selection abilities (increased accuracy, reduced reaction time costs), but only for learners who received EI about L1-L2 differences. These findings that language-switching was moderated by type of pre-practice EI have important implications for theories of L2 learning and instruction.
Survey results of 3D‐CRT and IMRT quality assurance practice

Purpose To create a snapshot of common practices for 3D-CRT and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA through a large-scale survey and compare to TG-218 recommendations. Methods A survey of 3D-CRT and IMRT QA was constructed at and distributed by the IROC-Houston QA center to all institutions monitored by IROC (n = 2,861). The first part of the survey asked about methods to check dose delivery for 3D-CRT. The bulk of the survey focused on IMRT QA, inquiring about treatment modalities, standard tools used to verify planned dose, how assessment of agreement is calculated and the comparison criteria used, and the strategies taken if QA fails. Results The most common tools for dose verification were a 2D diode array (52.8%), point(s) measurement (39.0%), EPID (27.4%), and 2D ion chamber array (23.9%). When IMRT QA failed, the highest average rank strategy utilized was to remeasure with the same setup, which had an average position ranking of 1.1 with 90.4% of facilities employing this strategy. The second highest average ranked strategy was to move to a new calculation point and remeasure (54.9%); this had an average ranking of 2.1. Conclusion The survey provided a snapshot of the current state of dose verification for IMRT radiotherapy. The results showed variability in approaches and that work is still needed to unify and tighten criteria in the medical physics community, especially in reference to TG-218's recommendations.
Creating a VR Experience of Solitary Confinement

The goal of this project is to create a realistic VR experience of solitary confinement and study its impact on users. Although there have been active debates and studies on this subject, very few people have personal experience of solitary confinement. Our first aim is to create such an experience in VR to raise the awareness of solitary confinement. We also want to conduct user studies to compare the VR solitary confinement experience with other types of media experiences, such as films or personal narrations. Finally, we want to study people’s sense of time in such a VR environment.
TeleTriage at a high-volume specialty cancer center: Aligning patient volume and need with available resource.

2085Background: The Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Urgent Care Center (UCC) functions as the emergency room for MSK. With 23,000+ visits annually, increasing volume and acuity means more days over ...
Human exposure to particles at the air-water interface: Influence of water quality on indoor air quality from use of ultrasonic humidifiers.

Abstract Ultrasonic humidifiers provide indoor relief to symptoms caused by dry air and produce aerosols containing both water and minerals that are present in the water that fills the humidifier. This study investigated the spatial distributions, concentrations, and metal and mineral composition of aerosols emitted when an ultrasonic humidifier was filled with deionized water (DI), low mineral tap water (LL), high total dissolved solids (TDS)/high hardness water (HH), and high TDS/low hardness water (HL). Aerosol/particle sizes and counts were obtained at six horizontal distances in both the plume and near floor for each water quality. Results are that water quality significantly affects particle size distributions which become uniform after 0.9 m from the humidifier outlet, and are independent of vertical distance from the humidifier. The mean count median diameters were 64 nm for DI, 129 nm for LL, 234 nm for HH, and 260 nm for HL; the particle counts and total mineral solids concentrations were 2,194 #/cm3 (16 µg/m3) for DI, 21,070 #/cm3 (113 µg/m3) for LL, 38,353 #/cm3 (438 µg/m3) for HH, and 43,880 #/cm3 (521 µg/m3) for HL. The µg/m3 values for LL, HH, and HL exceeded PM2.5 ambient air standards. Model predictions are that the deposition mass in the human respiratory system from inhaling particles emitted from HH and HL water exceed 135 µg for a 1 to 3-month old child and 600 µg for an adult over an 8-hr period. Mineral water quality significantly affects the distribution and concentration of emitted and inhaled indoor air particles. Consumers may unknowingly be degrading their indoor air quality when using tap water of acceptable drinking water quality as humidifier fill water.
Auctions with Liquidity Subsidies

This paper proposes liquidity subsidies for improving allocative efficiency and price discovery in multi-unit auctions. In the proposed subsidy scheme, the market administrator divides some amount of subsidy revenue between agents proportional to their marginal contribution to the slope of auction aggregate demand at the equilibrium price. These subsidies cause agents to bid more aggressively, increasing the slopes of their submitted bid curves. This decreases bid shading, increases allocative efficiency, and lowers the variance of auction prices.
Finding the positive in triple-negative breast cancer

The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer remains chemotherapy based and lacks targeted drugs. However, immunotherapy combinations have shown promising activity, targeted chemotherapy options via antibody–drug conjugates are in the clinic, and molecular means of identifying targetable subsets are on the horizon. This Clinical Outlook discusses current and future possibilities for treating triple-negative breast cancer.
Neighborhood Racial/Ethnic Composition and Medical Discrimination’s Relation to Mammograms: A Philadelphia Case Study

Late-stage breast cancer diagnosis is common for women of color even though cancer screening rates in this group have increased over time. Perceived medical discrimination from health care providers is a key culprit of this inconsistency, discouraging women of color from seeking out timely preventative care. Non-white neighborhoods offer social support structures that mitigate discrimination. However, it is not clear whether this mitigation applies to the chance women of color get timely mammograms. This study addresses that question, applying Hierarchical Linear Modeling methods onto the Public Health Management Corporation’s 2006 and 2008 survey, as well as the 2005–2009 American Community Survey. Findings indicate that while neighborhood racial/ethnic composition does not directly reduce medical discrimination’s association to screening, factors closely connected to place, like health care access, do have a mitigating influence on this association. Also, neighborhood racial/ethnic composition and social support have a positive direct relation with screening.
Peanut Immunotherapy: Practical Applications

The recent approval of the first commercial peanut oral immunotherapy formulation ushered a new era of clinical food allergy treatment. With different options for peanut immunotherapy available, it is important review the evidence of efficacy, risks, and unique considerations for the individual modalities. Oral immunotherapy (OIT), epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT), and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for peanut allergy have risen as possible treatments for peanut allergy. Numerous studies indicate that OIT effectively desensitizes by increasing the amount of peanut protein than can be consumed without symptoms. While this desensitization is to increased amounts of peanut protein when compared to SLIT or EPIT, OIT appears to have greater risk for anaphylaxis and other adverse events. EPIT has the unique benefit of a single-dose patch without the need for in-clinic visits for dose escalation, and it bypasses the oral route which may be advantageous in certain patients. The impact of peanut immunotherapy on health-related quality of life is not well studied and current data is conflicting, but suggests that improvement in certain domains of QOL, especially for caregivers of children with peanut allergy, may be an important target for immunotherapy. This review focuses on the data for efficacy, safety, and tolerability of OIT, SLIT, and EPIT with the aim of presenting information that will assist allergy practitioners in choosing an immunotherapy modality when indicated.
The Immunoregulatory Role of the Signal Regulatory Protein Family and CD47 Signaling Pathway in Type 1 Diabetes.

Background The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves complex genetic susceptibility that impacts pathways regulating host immunity and the target of autoimmune attack, insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Interactions between risk variants and environmental factors result in significant heterogeneity in clinical presentation among those who develop T1D. Although genetic risk is dominated by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II and insulin (INS) gene loci, nearly 150 additional risk variants are significantly associated with the disease, including polymorphisms in immune checkpoint molecules, such as SIRPG. Scope of review In this review, we summarize the literature related to the T1D-associated risk variants in SIRPG, which include a protein-coding variant (rs6043409, G>A; A263V) and an intronic polymorphism (rs2281808, C>T), and their potential impacts on the immunoregulatory signal regulatory protein (SIRP) family:CD47 signaling axis. We discuss how dysregulated expression or function of SIRPs and CD47 in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and pancreatic β-cells could potentially promote T1D development. Major conclusions We propose a hypothesis, supported by emerging genetic and functional immune studies, which states a loss of proper SIRP:CD47 signaling may result in increased lymphocyte activation and cytotoxicity and enhanced β-cell destruction. Thus, we present several novel therapeutic strategies for modulation of SIRPs and CD47 to intervene in T1D.
Meshfree simulation and experimental validation of extreme thermomechanical conditions in friction stir extrusion

Friction stir extrusion (FSE) is a novel solid-phase processing technique that consolidates and extrudes metal powders, flakes, chips, or billets into high-performance parts by plastic deformation, which has the potential to save substantial processing time and energy. Currently, most studies on FSE are experimental and only a few numerical models have been developed to explain and predict the complex physics of the process. In this work, a meshfree simulation framework based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was developed for FSE. Unlike traditional grid-based methods, SPH is a Lagrangian particle-based method that can handle severe material deformations, capture moving interfaces and surfaces, and monitor the field variable histories explicitly without complicated tracking schemes. These aspects of SPH make it attractive for the FSE process, where in situ evolution of field variables is difficult to observe experimentally. To this end, a 3-D, fully thermomechanically coupled SPH model was developed to simulate the FSE of aluminum wires. The developed model was thoroughly validated by comparing the numerically predicted material flow, strain, temperature history, and extrusion force with experimental results for a certain set of process parameters. The validated SPH model can serve as an effective tool to predict and better understand the extreme thermomechanical conditions during the FSE process.
Free-Flight Air-Drag Measurement Techniques

Using the ballistic pendulum air-drag technique with pendulums of several different lengths, the air-drag coefficient, CD, has been determined for caL .50 spheres in the region of Mach Numbers 1.4 to 5.4. A conventionally suspended pendulum with a period of 3.2 sec. was used to obtain most of the data; the values of CD SO obtained were consistently about 6 per cent low. It was suspected that the time of momentum transfer covered too great a fraction of the pendulum period. For this reason, pendulums having seismographic suspensions with periods from 17.5 to 30 sec. were installed. After correction for end effects, the values of CD then obtained agreed closely with the results of other methods. The influence of baffle-hole size and correction for end effects are discussed.
Stochastic Case Problems for the Secondary Classroom with Reliability Theory

Basic models of reliability theory can provide relevant and motivating problems for secondary students as they develop skill and understanding in probability and algebra. This paper introduces the stochastic measurement of a system’s reliability. It then presents problems which can be used in secondary mathematics classrooms discussing the prerequisite mathematics and the variation in the types of problems which can be posed within the framework of reliability theory. This includes providing an example of an open-ended project with an assessment rubric. Finally, it summarizes the mathematical residue as a rationale for secondary teachers to consider incorporating interesting applied stochastic problems within their curricula.
Abstract P066: Consumption of a Greater Variety of Healthful Foods is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and its Components in U.S. Adults

Introduction: Consuming a wider variety of nutrient-dense foods may promote adherence to more healthful dietary patterns and enhance metabolic health by improving dietary quality. To examine these associations, we developed the U.S. Healthy Food Diversity (HFD) index to measure dietary variety alongside dietary quality and proportionality. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that greater diversity within healthful foods would be protective against metabolic syndrome and its components. Methods: A representative sample of non-pregnant, non-lactating adults ages 20+y with two 24-hour recalls and complete fasting biochemical data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 were selected (n=3,089). Associations between the U.S. HFD, metabolic syndrome, and its components were assessed across U.S. HFD tertiles. The U.S. HFD was generated from dietary recall data and the MyPyramid Equivalent database using a previously validated equation. The index ranges from 0 to nearly 1, with higher scores indicative of more varied diets with a higher proportion healthful food groups. Metabolic syndrome was defined using both the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria based on biochemical parameters, anthropometrics, and self-reported medication. Fasting weights were used to analyze biochemical data and 2-day dietary weights were used in the remaining analyses. Survey-weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression adjusted for demographic factors, smoking, energy, screen time, and leisure activity were used to compute beta coefficients, odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CI). Results: The odds of metabolic syndrome were lowered by nearly 40% in men and women using both the IDF (OR:0.65; 95%CI:0.51-0.83) and ATP III criteria (OR:0.63; 95%CI:0.49-0.80) after multivariable adjustment. Compared to the first tertile, adults in tertile 3 had a lower age- and sex-adjusted odds of impaired fasting glucose (OR:0.79; 95%CI:0.65-0.95) and hypertension (OR:0.81; 95%CI:0.68-0.96). In all models, the odds of reduced HDL and abdominal obesity were 22-33% lower in the highest vs. lowest tertile (p-trend Conclusion: In conclusion, the odds of metabolic syndrome defined using IDF and ATP III criteria were lower across U.S. HFD tertiles and some metabolic parameters improved with greater consumption of a variety of healthful foods. This study provides preliminary evidence that diversity within healthful foods may be protective against metabolic syndrome and highlights the need for future research using longitudinal and experimental study designs.
Relationships between nutrition, alcohol use, and liver disease.

Many alcoholics are malnourished, either because they ingest too little of essential nutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins) or because alcohol and its metabolism prevent the body from properly absorbing, digesting, and using those nutrients. As a result, alcoholics frequently experience deficiencies in proteins and vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which may contribute to liver disease and other serious alcohol-related disorders. Furthermore, alcohol breakdown in the liver, both by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and by an enzyme system called the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS), generates toxic products such as acetaldehyde and highly reactive, and potentially damaging, oxygen-containing molecules. These products can interfere with the normal metabolism of other nutrients, particularly lipids, and contribute to liver cell damage. Nutritional approaches can help prevent or ameliorate alcoholic liver disease. For example, a complete balanced diet can compensate for general malnutrition. Administration of antioxidants (e.g., precursors of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione) can help the body eliminate reactive oxygen molecules and other reactive molecules generated from abnormal lipid breakdown. New agents currently are being studied as promising nutritional supplements for alcoholics with liver disease.
Space and time in computation, topology and discrete physics

A step can be regarded as an elementary ordering of two objects (or operators). A step is a distinction combined with an action that crosses the boundary of that distinction. The elementary step can be seen as a reference, as a division of space or as a tick of a clock. By looking at the structure of a step, we provide a context that unifies specific aspects of special relativity, Laws of Form, topology, discrete physics and logic design. >
Evaluation of the rapid CLEARVIEW Chlamydia test for direct detection of chlamydiae from cervical specimens.

The CLEARVIEW Chlamydia test (Unipath, Mountain View, Calif.), a 30-min immunoassay, was compared to a standard tissue culture technique for the direct detection of chlamydiae from 677 cervical specimens obtained from 667 patients. For data analysis, 15 specimens were eliminated because of toxicity in the culture and 14 were eliminated because of failure of the extracted specimen to migrate in the CLEARVIEW test, one of the latter group being culture positive. Of the remaining 648 specimens, 40 were culture positive, of which 38 were detected by the CLEARVIEW test, and 12 specimens were positive only by the CLEARVIEW test. Therefore, the CLEARVIEW in comparison with culture was easier to perform, more rapid, and in this low prevalence (6.2%) population had a 95.0% sensitivity, 98.0% specificity, and 76.0% positive and 99.7% negative predictive values. Images
Hyponatremia, hypo‐osmolality, and seizures in children early post‐kidney transplant

Post-transplant seizures are uncommon in young kidney transplant recipients but can be harbingers of devastating outcomes such as cerebral edema and death. We reviewed all transplants performed at our institution from January 2013 to January 2014 and compared three patients who seized within 24 h post-transplant (cases) with the remaining 33 transplant recipients (controls). Records were reviewed for hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, BUN clearance, osmolality shifts, and blood pressure control in the first 24 h post-transplant. All cases had more pronounced (p 15 mmol/L to nadir values of 124, 131, and 131 mmol/L, respectively. There were no differences in serum calcium corrected for hypoalbuminemia, serum magnesium, urine output, or blood pressure control between the groups. Our study suggests that mild hyponatremia and an acute decrease in serum osmolality are risk factors for potentially severe postoperative neurologic complications following kidney transplantation. Thus, peri-transplant management should be optimized to anticipate and prevent these abnormalities.
Competition Among Surface Roots in a Selectively-Logged, Semi-Deciduous Forest in Southeastern Mexico — Effects on Seedlings of Two Species of Contrasting Shade Tolerance

Experimental manipulations of root competition on naturally established seedlings were conducted across canopy openness and soil depth gradients in a selectively-logged, semideciduous forest on limestone-derived soils in southeastern Mexico. We studied the relatively shade intolerant mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae) and shade tolerant ramon (Brosimum alicastrum, Moraceae). Both species are ecologically and economically important canopy trees that respond differently to selective logging, hurricanes, and fires on the Yucatan Peninsula. The canopy openness gradient used in the experiment was created by low-intensity selective logging operations. The responses of naturally occurring seedlings of both species growing within 20–30 cm deep circular trenches were examined over a 19-month experimental period. Trenching resulted in increased relative growth in diameter, stem length, and number of leaves of Swietenia compared with controls, but had no effect on Brosimum relative growth or on seedling survival of either species. There was no significant interaction between increased light availability and trenching on Swietenia seedlings, perhaps because of their larger size in gaps. Trenching effects on Swietenia were not greater during the dry season, suggesting that surface trenching affected growth during transitions between seasons. Contrasting responses of Swietenia and Brosimum seedlings to changes in soil and light environments point to the need for diversity in silvicultural practices in seasonally-dry tropical forests such as the community-managed forest examined in this study.
Abstract 331: My Unlimited Health Potential: 6 Month Effect of Participation in a Worksite Lifestyle Intervention Program on Significant Weight Loss and Eligibility Criteria for Bariatric Surgery Among High Risk Individuals

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations support bariatric surgery among the morbidly obese as an option to mitigate future risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. To date, there is little evidence on the effect of extensive lifestyle interventions among those high-risk individuals in reducing the need for such procedures. METHODS: The purpose of the present study is to examine the efficacy of an intensive lifestyle workplace intervention on significant body weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors across the spectrum of obesity. Changes in BMI are being measured from baseline to 6 months follow up, along with corresponding improvements in cardio-metabolic risk. In addition, the decrease in participants meeting criteria for bariatric surgery over the study period is examined. Bariatric surgery criteria were defined as BMI≥40 or BMI between 35 and 40 and at least one of the following co-morbidities: diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. Short term results (at 9-12 weeks follow-up) of this study are being presented at AHA 2014 in March. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 152 individuals (49±10 years, 78% female) with BMI≥27 at baseline and complete data at 6 month follow-up. A total of 71 (47%) participants lost at least 10 % of their body weight. Additionally, 37% dropped an entire BMI category. Of note, 39%(16 of 41) who were classified as BMI>40 were in BMI 35-39 at follow-up, respectively 44%(14 of 32) of individuals in the BMI category 35-39 successfully moved to the BMI category 30-34 at 6 months follow-up. Forty-five participants (35% of total) initially met criteria for bariatric surgery. At 6 months of follow-up 40% (18 of 45, p<0.001) of these candidates no longer needed bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Worksites can be effective for achieving clinically important reductions in body weight and diminish the potential need for procedures among a small proportion of morbidly obese individuals. Many lifestyle interventions succeed in achieving short term reductions but are unable to sustain them over longer periods. Our program shows promising results at 6 months and continued follow up will allow us to determine whether workplace wellness interventions similar to ours are a viable and lasting alternative to bariatric surgery. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Effectiveness of Lay Health Worker Outreach in Reducing Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Vietnamese Americans

Objectives. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled study of a lay health worker (LHW) intervention to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Vietnamese Americans, who typically have lower rates than do non-Hispanic Whites.Methods. We randomized 64 LHWs to 2 arms. Each LHW recruited 10 male or female participants who had never had CRC screening (fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy). Intervention LHWs led 2 educational sessions on CRC screening. Control LHWs led 2 sessions on healthy eating and physical activity. The main outcome was self-reported receipt of any CRC screening at 6 months after the intervention. We conducted the study from 2008 to 2013 in Santa Clara County, California.Results. A greater proportion of intervention participants (56%) than control participants (19%) reported receiving CRC screening (P < .001). When controlling for demographic characteristics, the intervention odds ratio was 5.45 (95% confidence interval = 3.02, 9.82). There was no diffe...
Inhibition of Bacillus megaterium by a Trimethylamine Oxide-Associated Browning Reaction Product

Heated combinations of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) and culture media (tryptone, glucose, yeast extract broth or a defined minimal medium), or heated TMAO and glucose, contained substance(s) that inhibited growth of Bacillus megaterium. Inhibition was expressed primarily as an increase of the lag phase of growth; the logarithmic growth rate was comparable to control cultures. The addition of unheated TMAO to the culture media had no effect on growth. Results suggested that TMAO was decomposed during heating and that dimethylamine, one of the degradation products, reacted with glucose by a Maillard-Amadori reaction to produce the inhibitory substance(s).
A case of minimal change disease in a Fabry patient.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations of the GLA gene and deficiency in α-galactosidase A activity. Glycosphingolipids accumulation causes renal injury that manifests early during childhood as tubular dysfunction and later in adulthood as proteinuria and renal insufficiency. Nephrotic syndrome as the first evidence of Fabry-related kidney damage is rare. We report the case of a teenager with known Fabry disease and normal renal function who developed acute nephrotic syndrome. He was found to have typical glycosphingolipids accumulation with no other findings suggestive of alternative causes of nephrotic syndrome on kidney biopsy. After treatment with enzyme replacement therapy and oral steroids, he went into complete remission from nephrotic syndrome, a response that is atypical for Fabry disease patients who develop heavy proteinuria as a result of longstanding disease and chronic renal injury. The nephrotic syndrome in this patient appears to have developed secondary to minimal change disease. We recommend considering immunotherapy in addition to enzyme replacement therapy in those patients with confirmed Fabry disease and acute nephrotic syndrome with clinical and microscopic findings suggestive of minimal change disease.
Isospin-forbidden β-decay of 28Mg☆

Abstract We have measured the branching ratio for the isospin-forbidden Fermi β-decay of 28 Mg to the 0.972 MeV 0 + , T = 1 level in 28 Al. This decay occurs through an admixture of the 0 + , t = 2 analog state at 5.992 MeV into the anti-analog level at 0.972 MeV. A charge-dependent matrix element of 17.0 −5.8 +4.3 keV is deduced from the observed (0.21 ± 0.12)% branch. Comparisons are made with matrix elements deduced in other nuclei. An analysis based on a simple shell model with fourfold degenerate Orbitals indicates the importance of the two-body Coulomb interaction in isospin mixing in nuclei with more than one valence proton.
Monomer concentration profile in the depletion region

Etude, par simulation de Monte Carlo, du profil de concentration, pres d'une paroi impenetrable mais non repulsive, des monomeres de polymeres lineaires en solution diluee
Rebel music: Appeals to rebellion in zimbabwe

Abstract This paper presents a typology that is used to classify the appeals that are issued by rebel groups to mobilize mass publics to take up arms against the state. This typology is developed by building a bridge between relative deprivation and resource mobilization theory. Secondly, this paper reports the findings of a pilot study that analyzes the Chimurenga songs from Zimbabwe's rebellion.
How Addiction Happens, How Change Happens, and What Social Workers Need to Know to Be Effective Facilitators of Change

During the last two decades, neuroscience research has proliferated examining brain mechanisms that explain why some people are compelled to pursue drugs and alcohol. The findings suggest that addiction is independent of pleasure, and that drug seeking can be triggered outside of conscious awareness (Berridge, Robinson, & Aldridge, 2009; Goldstein et al., 2009; Kalivas, Volkow, & Seamans, 2005). The observations and conclusions from this research can be used to advantage in treating addiction. The use of social psychological principles, in the context of motivational interviewing, offers a platform for taking advantage of these new insights. After a brief sketch of the latest understanding of the physiological forces operating in addiction, the author examines those ways to interact with substance dependent clients that promote change without provoking resistance in this article. Action plans are later described that can supplant automatic, addiction-induced behaviors (Gollwitzer, Fujita, & Oettingen, 2004). Mechanisms such as building coping skills are discussed, that help in maintaining new behaviors. Some of these mechanisms are efficacious because they bolster the brain's self-regulatory capacity (Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007; Littrell, 2010). Thus, for every step in the change process, from resistance to change maintenance, validated guidelines for altering the outcome from addiction will be provided.
The medical home and integrated behavioral health.

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is at the hub of transformative changes to address the triple aim of reducing health care costs, improving the patient experience, and bettering population health. In May 2013, the PCMH research conference, sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Veterans Health Administration, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, brought together representatives of the Society of General Internal Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the Academic Pediatric Association to discuss evidence related to the PCMH and to recommend policies to advance the model. One of 5 expert workgroups at this conference focused on research and policy priorities related to integration of primary care and behavioral health (encompassing both mental health and substance abuse). Members of this workgroup … Address correspondence to Jane M. Foy, MD, FAAP, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157. E-mail: jmfoy{at}wakehealth.edu
Effect of Transverse Shear on Edge Stresses in Rigid Pavements

The classical Westergaard idealization of the rigid pavement system assumes that the slab-on-grade can be modeled as a thin elastic plate on a bed of springs. Implicit in this assumption is the Kirchhoff (or thin) plate theory, which ignores transverse shear stresses. This same assumption has been carried over into the development of a number of two-dimensional finite-element models developed for rigid pavements. In this paper, modern isoparametric two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite-element formulations are employed to show that the Kirchhoff assumptions are not strictly valid for the edge loading case in rigid pavements. For slabs where the span-to-depth ratio is less than 100, classical Kirchhoff assumptions, adopted by Westergaard, lead to errors in predicting edge stresses. The maximum edge stress is, in fact, less than that predicted by Westergaard. Furthermore, the maximum edge stress does not occur at the edge of the slab, but at some finite distance from the edge. For most practical rigid pavement systems, the maximum edge stress will occur at a finite distance away from the edge of the slab and will be approximately 10% less than that predicted by the Westergaard theory.
Functional morphology of female goblin spider genitalia (Arachnida: Araneae: Oonopidae) with notes on fertilization in spiders

Abstract The genital structures of most spiders are poorly investigated in respect of their functional morphology because the traditional taxonomic practice is to inspect slide-mounted genitalia only. The present study describes the female genitalia of three members belonging to the megadiverse haplogyne spider family Oonopidae by means of histological serial sections, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray ultramicroscopy. The female genitalia of Neoxyphinus ogloblini, Dysderina sp., and Heteroonops spinimanus are complex and might have evolved under sexual selection by cryptic female choice. However, there is no direct evidence for cryptic female choice in these species based on the results of the present study. In N. ogloblini and Dysderina sp., spermatozoa and secretion are stored in a large receptaculum. Highly elongated gland cells filled with secretory vesicles extend over the receptaculum of N. ogloblini. In addition, sperm are present in the uterus internus of female N. ogloblini and Dysderina sp. The location of fertilization is still unknown for most spiders. One female of Dysderina sp. had sperm in the uterus and ovary strongly suggesting that fertilization in this species takes place in the ovary. An anterior sclerite with attached muscles should serve females to lock the uterus externus during copulation as suggested for other oonopids. The male palp of N. ogloblini shows a simple embolus whereas the embolus of Dysderina sp. is more complicated and accompanied by a cork-screw-shaped conductor. Females of H. spinimanus have an anterior sclerite in which thread-like gland ducts lead. The chitinized posterior diverticulum shows peculiar papillae in its anterior wall. The exact location of sperm storage in H. spinimanus remains unknown since spermatozoa were not present in the anterior sclerite and the posterior diverticulum. The anterior sclerite might be used to lock the uterus externus similar to N. ogloblini and Dysderina sp. H. spinimanus was previously suggested to be parthenogenetic and a male has only been recently associated with this species. The male was not investigated for this study.
Three-dimensional Nanorod Tracking with Holographic Video Microscopy

We use holographic video microscopy to track the three-dimensional translational and rotational diffusion of copper oxide nanorods suspended in water. Analyzing a video sequence yields measurements of the freely diffusing nanorod’s dynamics.
Analysis of the Thermodynamic Properties of Developing and Nondeveloping Tropical Disturbances Using a Comprehensive Dropsonde Dataset

AbstractA dropsonde dataset is analyzed to quantify the necessary thermodynamic conditions for tropical cyclogenesis by evaluating the properties that distinguish developing tropical disturbances from nondeveloping disturbances, and by describing the temporal evolution of the developing inner core. The dataset consists of 2204 dropsonde observations from 12 developing disturbances and 245 from four nondeveloping disturbances. These disturbances are the cases with the best pregenesis sampling from field programs between 2005 and 2010, and include those investigated by three coincident field programs during 2010: the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) and NCAR/NSF Pre-Depression Investigation of Cloud Systems in the Tropics (PREDICT) experiments, as well as NOAA’s Intensity Forecast Experiment (IFEX). Composite analyses indicate clear differences between developing and nondeveloping disturbances: developing disturbances exhibit greater moisture and a higher humidity at midlevels (above ...