cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating explanations of decision models based on an augmented representation of uncertainty

Many real world models can be characterized as weak, meaning that there is significant uncertainty in both the data input and inferences. This lack of determinism makes it especially difficult for users of computer decision aids to understand and have confidence in the models. This paper presents a representation for uncertainty and utilities that serves as a framework for graphical summary and computer-generated explanation of decision models. The application described that tests the methodology is a computer decision aid designed to enhance the clinician-patient consultation process for patients with angina (chest pain due to lack of blood flow to the heart muscle). The angina model is represented as a Bayesian decision network. Additionally, the probabilities and utilities are treated as random variables with probability distributions on their range of possible values. The initial distributions represent information on all patients with anginal symptoms, and the approach allows for rapid tailoring to more patient-specific distributions. This framework provides a metric for judging the importance of each variable in the model dynamically.
Regulation of proximal tubule sodium/hydrogen antiporter with chronic volume contraction

We developed a model of volume contraction in rabbits by using a furosemide/low-salt diet to follow changes, if any, in proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) mRNA and brush-border protein. The ...
With or without Effect

This is the longest chapter in the treatise. Nāgārjuna examines here the relationship between cause and effect to show that causal relation cannot be explained rationally. If there is a causal relation, is cause with effect and then produces it? Or is the cause first without the effect and then produces it? Nāgārjuna argues that neither case can be established. The issue is also whether an effect is already real in a cause or at the outset unreal in a cause, and whether an effect pre-exists in a cause or not. Nāgārjuna tries to point out that causal production is impossible by showing that causal relation cannot be established.
Turning the Question Around: Do Colleges Fail to Meet Students' Expectations?.

Research often focuses on how students fail to meet college expectations, but it rarely asks how colleges fail to meet students’ expectations. This study examines students’ expectations of college and their institutional confidence—their level of certainty that college will meet their expectations. Drawing on 65 pilot interviews and a survey of 757 students in eight community colleges and two private occupational colleges, we find that students have three expectations about college. However, students do not express confidence that college will meet these expectations. Students expect college to provide: (1) dependable progress to credentials, (2) relevant courses, and (3) job contacts. Factor analyses confirm that ten survey items load onto the three components of institutional confidence expressed in the interviews. Using structural equation modeling, we investigate how institutional confidence varies by college program and its relationship to students’ overall college evaluations. Within 2-year colleges, we find that students in two occupational programs express more confidence that college provides relevant courses and employer contacts than students in BA transfer programs. Further, we find that students’ institutional confidence that college provides relevant courses mediates much of the relationship between college program and students’ overall college evaluation. We speculate about ways college programs may improve students’ institutional confidence and their evaluation of college.
Global Warming and Climate Change in Tuticorin District

This research examines possible effects of climatic change focusing on global warming and its impacts on three villages from Tuticorin District and suggests measures to mitigate climate change. The general objective of this research is to expand understanding of three villages from Tuticorin District viz, Therespuram, Ettayapuram and Puthukkottai peoples’ experience of climate variability and responses made to overcome impacts of climate change. Specific objectives of the present study are 1. To collect data on the socio-economic structure and activities of the respondents in three villages from Tuticorin District viz, Therespuram, Ettayapuram and Puthukkottai. TS 2. To understand the local peoples’ awareness towards climate variability. 3. To find out the major impacts of changing climate in local peoples’ view. The study was conducted in Tuticorin District of Tamilnadu. This study is compiled with the help of the primary data covered only three months period (2010). The primary data was collected with the help of specially prepared interview schedule. In this research, total of 364 interviewees were selected in three villages from Tuticorin District. This is purely a descriptive study. A list of simple questions was prepared prior to the actual fieldwork. In-depth Interviews was conducted by making transect walk to gather the household information, attitude of local peoples‘ toward climate change, their knowledge and experiences regarding climate variability, impacts and adapting activities. The data has been presented in the form of tables for easy understanding and analysis. Secondary data was collected through journals, articles, thesis, reports, publications, web sites. Commensurate with the set objectives various analytical tools were employed for the analysis and interpretation of the data.
RNAseq Identifies Novel Potential Right Ventricular Biomarkers in Human Heart Failure

s S233 Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; 2Advanced Heart Failure Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; 3UCLA Immunogenetics Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; 4Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; 5Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA Immunogenetics Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA,
DSM-5: Do Psychologists Really Want an Alternative?:

Only two published studies, both from the early 1980s, have specifically examined psychologist attitudes toward the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The current article ...
Head and Neck Cancer Adherence to Dietary Recommendations using Theory-Based Tools: Future Research Directions.

Head and Neck Cancer Adherence to Dietary Recommendations using Theory-Based Tools: Future Research Directions The possibility of applying social cognitive theory (SCT) as a potential framework in improving head and neck cancer (HNCa) patient adherence to dietary interventions as reported by Rogers et al. is very interesting. The very high internal reliability of the SCT scales related to diet adherence was impressive.This is the first study to examine predictors or correlates of diet adherence in HNCa patients based on a behavioral change theory. Further, this study supports the need and legitimacy of the use of SCT in assessing dietary adherence to recommendations by HNCa patients.
How Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Specialists Influence Curricula for Students With Severe Disabilities

According to decades of research on secondary transition for individuals with disabilities, cross-agency collaboration with adult service providers is an integral element of positive post-school ou...
F. P. Ramsey's 1922 Cambridge Magazine Review of J M Keynes's A Treatise on Probability (1921): An Intellectual Quagmire

Ramsey’s 1922 “review” of J M Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability (1921) is an intellectual mess. Ramsey fails to score even one point against Keynes. It was most likely published because of Ramsey’s alleged reputation as the “boy genius”. There are myriad errors in the review. For just one instance, consider the claim that Part III of the A Treatise on Probability relies only on Mills’ Method of Agreement. This would mean that Keynes only considered a concept of similarity, a concept that Ramsey had no clue about. In fact, Keynes’s analysis is based on degrees of similarity and dissimilarity. It is quite impossible to understand Part III if the reader has not mastered the Boolean framework erected by Keynes in Part II. Ramsey did not have the slightest clue about the interval estimate approach used by Keynes in Part II of the TP. Ramsey had no idea that Keynes rejected the axiom of additivity except in the special case where the weight of the evidence, w, equaled one and the decision maker had linear probability preferences.
Menstrual Disorders in the Adolescent Age Group

SUMMARY Menstrual problems of adolescence are routinely encountered by physicians caring for teenagers. The spectrum of menstrual and associated reproductive problems ranges from minor disorders to serious life-threatening diseases. Many diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are available; however, a sound knowledge of the physiology of maturational events in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is necessary for correct diagnosis and management. The physician must always consider the patient’s sensitivity and vulnerability in evaluating and treating various abnormalities of menstruation.
Detection of cell-level fault conditions within a photovoltaic array system

Characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules are quite different from traditional power generation sources. For traditional generation sources, such as the fossil fuel generators, the current magnitude increases drastically when short circuited. This drastic current magnitude increase is not the case with PV modules. The short circuit current of the PV module could be as low as 105 to 110% of its maximum power point current. Furthermore, most PV systems have a blocking diode which prevents the back-feed of current from the power grid to the PV array system. Therefore, if a fault occurs within the PV array, the series fuse, a common protective device in the PV industry, may not operate. The fuse may not operate because the current through the fuse is limited by the blocking diode. This low current magnitude makes the identification of fault conditions in the PV array even more challenging. To further complicate the challenge, the current generated by the PV array is solar irradiance dependent. Therefore, on a very cloudy day, the fault current magnitude will be a lot less compared to a non-cloudy day, with all other conditions being the same. Also, it is possible that the current magnitude at one operating condition be the same magnitude as a short circuit condition at another operating condition. In this paper, a dynamic state estimation-based algorithm for detecting various fault conditions within the PV array is presented. It is demonstrated that various fault conditions within the PV array system are reliably identified using the proposed algorithm.
CHAPTER 5 – Small Arms Exterior Ballistics Model

This chapter describes the small arms exterior ballistics model. Exterior ballistics is the study of the motion of a projectile fired from a gun. Physical forces that act on the projectile have been under study for more than a century. Trajectories, the curved paths of projectiles, have been described by differential equations. Solution by integration has yielded further information about these physical forces. Researchers have concentrated their studies of exterior ballistics mainly in the area of military applications. To initiate systems analysis, ballistics data were sought from the test laboratories of two manufacturers, Remington and Winchester. Both, as a matter of policy, refused the request on the grounds of confidentiality and suggested that some data were already available in published form. However, despite the refusal to provide test data, systems modeling becomes an even more attractive approach in that knowledge items provide a suitable substitute for data in building a small arms exterior ballistics model.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Solutions

Three dimensional numerical solutions based on surface singularity distributions are similar, in principle, to methods presented for the two-dimensional case. From the theoretical aspect, only the wake and the trailing-edge conditions (three-dimensional Kutta condition) will require some additional attention. The most difficult aspect in three dimensions, though, is the modeling of the geometry, especially when arbitrary geometry capability is sought. In the first part of this chapter the geometry (of the wing) is kept relatively simple and the aerodynamics of a thin lifting surface is modeled. In principle, this simple method has all the elements of the more complex panel methods and is capable of modeling the effect of wing planform shape on the fluid dynamic loads. In addition, the examples that are being presented require only limited programming effort and, therefore, are suitable for classroom instruction. Furthermore, the introduction in class of the numerical lifting-line model (Section 12.1), next to Prandtl's lifting-line model of Section 8.1, provides additional insight and a clear explanation of the spanwise integral equation. In the second part of this chapter the principles of panel codes capable of solving the flow over bodies with arbitrary three-dimensional geometry will be presented. Over the years many such methods were developed and improved, but recent trends indicate an increased use of the approach that is based on the combination of surface source and doublet distributions with the inner potential boundary condition (for closed bodies).
The status of Serena and the Stilicho diptych

One of the best known (and best preserved) of late-antique ivories is what is generally known as the Stilicho diptych, kept in the tesoro of the cathedral at Monza. It represents a military man with a spear and shield on one panel, and, on the other, a high-ranking woman holding a flower above the head of a small boy, not more than 10 years old; he stands between them wearing a chlamys and holding the codicils of office in his left hand (fig. 1). Ever since the basic article by C. Jullian more than 130 years ago, it has been generally accepted that the only candidates who fit this description are the western magister utriusque militiae Stilicho (d. 408), his wife Serena, the niece and (according to Claudian) adoptive daughter of Theodosius I, and their son Eucherius, appointed to the office of tribunus et notarius in (probably) 395/6.
An exploration of optimization algorithms for high performance tensor completion

Tensor completion is a powerful tool used to estimate or recover missing values in multi-way data. It has seen great success in domains such as product recommendation and healthcare. Tensor completion is most often accomplished via low-rank sparse tensor factorization, a computationally expensive non-convex optimization problem which has only recently been studied in the context of parallel computing. In this work, we study three optimization algorithms that have been successfully applied to tensor completion: alternating least squares (ALS), stochastic gradient descent (SGD), and coordinate descent (CCD++). We explore opportunities for parallelism on shared- and distributed-memory systems and address challenges such as memory- and operation-efficiency, load balance, cache locality, and communication. Among our advancements are an SGD algorithm which combines stratification with asynchronous communication, an ALS algorithm rich in level-3 BLAS routines, and a communication-efficient CCD++ algorithm. We evaluate our optimizations on a variety of real datasets using a modern supercomputer and demonstrate speedups through 1024 cores. These improvements effectively reduce time-to-solution from hours to seconds on real-world datasets. We show that after our optimizations, ALS is advantageous on parallel systems of small-to-moderate scale, while both ALS and CCD++ will provide the lowest time-to-solution on large-scale distributed systems.
Community-Based Localized Disaster Response through Temporary Social Overlay Networks

Disaster management is a critical component to secure citizen’s safety. From experiences with recent disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and hurricanes, we can easily find evidence that shows an urgent need for effective disaster management systems. Most of existing disaster-responsive systems have focused on long-term needs that require comprehensive data analysis and continuous disaster recovery in a centralized manner. For more effective responses, however, a disaster response system must address not only long-term needs but also short-term needs that require instant data sharing and cooperation between people and smart devices nearby. Towards this goal, in this paper, we propose the Hybrid Disaster Response System (HyDRS) that consists of localized communities dealing with short-term needs and a centralized disaster management system addressing long-term needs. By using the HyDRS, distressed people are able to immediately obtain vital information from people and sensors nearby and cooperate with each other within localized communities even when a centralized system is unavailable.
Investigation of multiphase fluid imbibition in shale through synchrotron-based dynamic micro-CT imaging

While substantial advances were made in pore system characterization in shale in the past decade, understanding of fundamentals of multiphase fluid flow in shale remains limited. The complexity of multiphase fluid flow in shale is related to many factors including nanoscale to submicron-scale pore systems, differences in mineralogy and associated surface wettability, heterogeneity of these properties at different scales, and possible existence of microfractures. Previous work related to fluid flow, such as permeability measurement, spontaneous imbibition, and wettability analysis, includes many simplified assumptions/hypotheses with limited consideration of small-scale details. In addition, these studies were mostly focused on single-phase phenomena. Direct observation of multiphase fluid flow in shale showing small-scale details is highly desired. In this study, dynamic imaging using synchrotron-based micro-CT (computed microtomography) was conducted on two shale samples to investigate multiphase (oil and water) spontaneous imbibition. The results revealed many details of multiphase flow in shale, including pore connectivity, porosity and permeability layered distribution, and wettability of microfractures and pores. At the same time, results illustrate the complexity of multiphase flow in shale and gaps in understanding that need further investigation.
Sheddable armour: identification of osteoderms in the integument of Geckolepis maculata (Gekkota)

AbstractOsteoderms are bony deposits that form within the dermal layer of skin in vertebrates. Within geckos, osteoderms are uncommon, only described in Gekko gecko and the genus Tarentola. A previous report of osteoderms in the Afro-Malagasy gekkonid genus Geckolepis has been questioned due to the extreme skin fragility and regional integumentary loss within the group. We re-evaluated the integument anatomy of Geckolepis maculata using µCT scanning, histology, and clearing and staining to verify the presence or absence of osteoderms and, if present, to characterise and compare their morphology to the osteoderms of Gekko gecko and Tarentola, as well as osteoderm diversity within squamates. Osteoderms were confirmed present in Geckolepis maculata; however, these osteoderms are compound, imbricating, squamous elements that are morphologically similar to the dermal ossifications observed in scincids and gerrhosaurids, while G. gecko and Tarentola possess plate-like and granular osteoderms. Our results sugges...
Reproductive Health Concerns among Substance-Using Women in Community Corrections in New York City: Understanding the Role of Environmental Influences

Women living in urban settings who are engaged in the criminal justice system are disproportionately affected by HIV and also contend with poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH). While studies have examined environmental influences of HIV, few have examined how these influences relate to poor SRH among this population. We used baseline data from an HIV-risk reduction study among substance-using women with a pregnancy history in community corrections in New York City (N = 299). We examined risk environment factors typically associated with HIV, and SRH outcomes of abortion, and miscarriage. We used logistic regression models to examine associations between risk environment factors with SRH outcomes. Most women identified as black and ranged in age from 18 to 62. Approximately half had miscarriages and/or abortions in their lifetime. Few women used birth control despite not wanting children in the future. While most women faced high rates of environmental influences of HIV risk, only intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with SRH outcomes. Women experiencing IPV were significantly more likely to report both miscarriage and abortion. Community corrections present a unique opportunity for intervention around HIV risk reduction and SRH outcomes, given that effective programming for each often requires multiple and formal contacts with health providers.
Between Situations: Anticipation, Rhythms, and the Theory of Interaction:

This article pushes interactionist sociology forward. It does so by drawing out the implications of a simple idea, that to understand the situation—the mise en scene of interactionist theory—we mus...
Proton Transfer Reactions of Anions

Proton transfer reactions are, obviously, among the most important in all of chemistry, and they play a key role in the chemistry of gas phase anions. Their primary importance is in their use in the formation of anions when a strong base, e.g. HO−, reacts with an acid. Endothermic proton transfers are also extremely important in gas phase anion chemistry, especially that of carbanions, for these can lead to hydrogen-deuterium exchange reactions and these reactions can, in turn, give vital information about ion structure and reaction mechanism. Simple and complex H/D exchange is discussed in terms of mechanism and energetics, and examples are given of its use in deducing ion structure.
Plant growth response to salt stress

Plant response to salinity and various constituent ions in the soil solution and irrigation waters varies widely among plant species. Salt tolerance data may be used to select crops with the highest potential for agronomic production with highly saline waters. Soil, water, and climatic factors affect the plant’s capability to tolerate soluble salts in the root medium. Plant response to salt stress also changes during growth and development. Recent results show that cereal crops are especially sensitive to salt stress during the vegetative and early reproductive stages. Growth responses of several crops during sensitive stages of growth and the specific yield components that are affected by salt stress are being quantified.
Corynebacteria (including diphtheria)

Originally created to describe Corynebacterium diphtheriae and related bacteria, Corynebacterium is a diverse group of Gram-positive, GC-rich organisms. The genus includes nonpathogens such as C. glutamicum, animal pathogens such as C. pseudotuberculosis, as well as opportunistic and strict human pathogens such as C. jeikeium and C. diphtheriae. The most extensively studied species in the genus, C. diphtheriae, causes the severe respiratory disease diphtheria and secretes a potent exotoxin, diphtheria toxin (DT). DT is encoded in the genome of temperate phage in C. diphtheriae lysogens and its expression is regulated by the chromosomally encoded diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). The identification of siderophore molecules and more recently of pili suggests that the pathogenesis of C. diphtheriae is a complex process that requires several factors, in addition to DT. The phenotypic diversity of the genus is exemplified by comparing C. diphtheriae to the only other extensively characterized species, C. glutamicum. C. glutamicum is a nonpathogenic soil-dwelling species that is valuable in biotechnology settings as an overproducer of amino acids. Investigations of the other organisms in this understudied genus are identifying links between corynebacteria and infections in immunocompromised hosts. Further research will be required to fully characterize the pathogenic and industrial potential of corynebacteria.
Comparing different classifiers and feature selection techniques for emotion classification

In this study, we have explored the potentiality of six different supervised machine learning approaches and feature selection filters to recognize four basic emotions (anger, happy, sadness and surprise) using three different heterogeneous emotion-annotated dataset which combines sentences from news headlines, fairy tales and blogs. For classification purpose, we have chosen the feature set to include the bag-of-words. Our study reveals the fact that the use of the resampling filter and the feature selection filters together contribute towards boosting the prediction accuracies of the classifiers. However, the boosting capabilities are more profound in the resampling filter in comparison to the use of the different feature selection filters.
Anti-TNF biologic therapy does not increase postoperative morbidity in pediatric Crohn's patients.

Abstract Introduction Limited knowledge exists as to what impact preoperative biologic therapy has on postoperative complications in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery for Crohn's disease (CD). Therefore, we sought to determine the 30-day postoperative infectious complication rate among pediatric CD patients who received biologic therapy within 12 weeks of an abdominal operation. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric ( Results A total of 69 pediatric CD patients met inclusion criteria (n = 54 anti-TNF therapy, n = 15 received no biologic therapy). There were no differences between the anti-TNF and no biologic cohorts with respect to demographics or CD characteristics. No significant differences in overall 30-day postoperative infectious complications existed between patients exposed to anti-TNF agents and those with no preoperative exposure, or in its subcategories of surgical infectious complications and nonsurgical infectious complications. There was also no difference in the rate of ileus, readmission, or ROR. Conclusions Preoperative exposure to anti-TNF biologic therapy does not add to overall or infectious 30-day postoperative morbidity in pediatric CD patients. Level of evidence III. Type of study Retrospective review.
Effect of class III and class IV obesity on oocyte retrieval complications and outcomes.

Objective To assess the effect of class III (body mass index [BMI] 40–49.9 kg/m2) and class IV obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) on oocyte retrieval complications and outcomes. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic center. Patient(s) Women who underwent an oocyte retrieval from January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2017. Women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (n = 144) were age-matched to women with BMI Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Anesthetic and procedural outcomes during oocyte retrieval. Result(s) Overall, 1,924 of 1,947 oocyte retrievals (98.8%) were performed under total intravenous anesthesia. No patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 required intraoperative conversion to endotracheal intubation or hospital admission. Two patients (0.8%) with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 required a laryngeal mask airway intraoperatively owing to oxygen desaturation. An oral/nasal airway was used to resolve oxygen desaturation in 16 patients (6.25%) with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, compared with in 17 patients (1.0%) with BMI Conclusion(s) Serious intraoperative and postoperative complications were uncommon across all BMI groups, though minor complications were more common with class III and class IV obesity. These patients were also more likely to require higher doses of propofol and fentanyl, have longer oocyte retrievals, and require a transabdominal retrieval. Overall, oocyte retrieval can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure in women with class III and class IV obesity.
Mitochondria export iron-sulfur and sulfur intermediates to the cytoplasm for iron-sulfur cluster assembly and tRNA thiolation in yeast.

Iron–sulfur clusters are essential cofactors of proteins. In eukaryotes, iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis requires a mitochondrial iron–sulfur cluster machinery (ISC) and a cytoplasmic iron–sulfur protein assembly machinery (CIA). Here we used mitochondria and cytoplasm isolated from yeast cells, and [35S]cysteine to detect cytoplasmic Fe–35S cluster assembly on a purified apoprotein substrate. We showed that mitochondria generate an intermediate, called (Fe–S)int, needed for cytoplasmic iron–sulfur cluster assembly. The mitochondrial biosynthesis of (Fe–S)int required ISC components such as Nfs1 cysteine desulfurase, Isu1/2 scaffold, and Ssq1 chaperone. Mitochondria then exported (Fe–S)int via the Atm1 transporter in the inner membrane, and we detected (Fe–S)int in active form. When (Fe–S)int was added to cytoplasm, CIA utilized it for iron–sulfur cluster assembly without any further help from the mitochondria. We found that both iron and sulfur for cytoplasmic iron–sulfur cluster assembly originate from the mitochondria, revealing a surprising and novel mitochondrial role. Mitochondrial (Fe–S)int export was most efficient in the presence of cytoplasm containing an apoprotein substrate, suggesting that mitochondria respond to the cytoplasmic demand for iron–sulfur cluster synthesis. Of note, the (Fe–S)int is distinct from the sulfur intermediate called Sint, which is also made and exported by mitochondria but is instead used for cytoplasmic tRNA thiolation. In summary, our findings establish a direct and vital role of mitochondria in cytoplasmic iron–sulfur cluster assembly in yeast cells.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria induce changes in Arabidopsis thaliana gene expression of nitrate and ammonium uptake genes

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance plant growth under the influence of multigenic processes, including nitrate () and ammonium () uptake genes, which could potentially explain the improvement in plant nutrition and plant growth promotion. Studies on the effects of PGPR inoculation on regulation of and plant uptake genes and nutrient accumulation using soil or soil-like substrates are limited. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the application of PGPR Bacillus mixtures increases overall plant growth, nutrient uptake and the transcript levels of nitrate and ammonium uptake genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. All three PGPR mixtures tested in this study significantly increased plant shoot fresh weight, root fresh, chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake and plant diameter. The transcript levels of five nitrate and four ammonium uptake genes were significantly higher in PGPR-treated plants compared to untreated plants. These results demonstrate that plant growth promotion and enhanced nutrient uptake by select PGPR mixtures.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in a Nationally Representative Sample of Preadolescent Children in Great Britain

This cross-sectional study examines data from the 1999 and 2004 surveys of Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain to assess the prevalence of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in a nationally representative sample of preadolescent individuals.
The Advancing American Kidney Health (AAKH) Executive Order: Promise and Caveats for Expanding Access to Kidney Transplantation

More than 700,000 persons in the United States suffer with kidney failure but the vast majority will not have an opportunity to receive a kidney transplant, even though transplantation provides superior quality of life and survival compared with chronic dialysis. In 2019, there were 16,534 deceased donor and 6867 living donor kidney transplants, whereas nearly 95,000 patients remain on the kidney transplant waiting list. Remarkably, two important transplant strategies, compatible living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) and transplantation with high-quality deceased donor organs, not only provide clinical benefit but are also cost saving to the health care system (1). Higher-risk kidney transplant options ( i.e ., with lower-quality deceased donor organs or blood type-incompatible LDKT) are more expensive but remain cost-effective, providing superior cost per quality-adjusted life year ratios than dialysis (1). Although a minority of patients with kidney failure have comorbidities that preclude safe transplantation, many others that are not currently wait-listed would likely pursue and benefit from transplantation if it were more accessible, without the prolonged waiting that often correlates with health deterioration on dialysis and may render a patient “too sick for transplant.” The federal government is deeply invested in the care of patients with kidney disease, and the establishment of disease-specific Medicare entitlement in 1972 expanded dialysis access across age groups and comorbidity profiles to an extent not possible in some other countries. In concert, Medicare spending for kidney failure care has grown exponentially, to approximately $91,000 annually for the care of each hemodialysis patient and $76,000 for the care of each peritoneal dialysis patient, resulting in total spending of $36 billion in 2016 (2). By comparison, average annual spending for transplant recipients is approximately $38,000 (2). Moreover, current overall adjusted mortality per 1000 patient-years rates is 166 for hemodialysis patients and 154 for peritoneal dialysis patients, compared …
Chapter 13 – Breeder Reactors

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the relationship between the reproduction factor and breeding. It describes the physical features of the liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR), and looks into the compatibility of uranium fuel resources and requirements. If the value of the neutron reproduction factor ŋ is larger than two and losses of neutrons are minimized, breeding can be achieved, with more fuel produced than is consumed. The conversion ratio (CR) measures the ability of a reactor system to transform a fertile isotope (e.g., U-238) into a fissile isotope (e.g., Pu-239). Complete conversion requires a value of CR of nearly one. Fast breeder reactors that use liquid sodium with BRs greater than one have been built and operated, but several development programs have been canceled. One large-scale breeder continues to operate in Russia. There is a great disparity between uranium resources and uranium use among the countries of the world. Application of the breeder could stretch the fission power option from a few decades to centuries.
d>2 stress-tensor operator product expansion near a line

We study the operator product expansion of stress tensors ($TT$ OPE) in $dg2$ conformal field theories whose bulk dual is Einstein gravity. Directly from the $TT$ OPE, we obtain, in a certain null-like limit, an algebraic structure consistent with the Jacobi identity: $[{\mathcal{L}}_{m},{\mathcal{L}}_{n}]=(m\ensuremath{-}n){\mathcal{L}}_{m+n}+Cm({m}^{2}\ensuremath{-}1){\ensuremath{\delta}}_{m+n,0}$. The dimensionless constant $C$ is proportional to the central charge ${C}_{T}$. Transverse integrals in the definition of ${\mathcal{L}}_{m}$ play a crucial role. We comment on the corresponding limiting procedure and point out a curiosity related to the central term. A connection between the $dg2$ near-lightcone stress-tensor conformal block and the $d=2$ $\mathcal{W}$ algebra is observed. This note is motivated by the search for a field-theoretic derivation of $dg2$ correlators in strong coupling critical phenomena.
Assessment of the Cytoprotective Effects of High-Dose Valproic Acid Compared to a Clinically Used Lower Dose

ABSTRACT Objective Valproic acid (VPA) treatment improves survival in animal models of injuries on doses higher than those allowed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We investigated the proteomic alterations induced by a single high-dose (140mg/kg) of VPA (VPA140) compared to the FDA-approved dose of 30mg/kg (VPA30) in healthy humans. We also describe the proteomic and transcriptomic changes induced by VPA140 in an injured patient. We hypothesized that VPA140 would induce cytoprotective changes in the study participants. Methods Serum samples were obtained from healthy subjects randomized to two groups; VPA140 and VPA30 at 3 timepoints: 0h(baseline), 2h, and 24h following infusion(n = 3/group). Samples were also obtained from an injured patient that received VPA140 at 0h, 6h and 24h following infusion. Proteomic analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and transcriptomic analysis was performed using RNA-sequencing. Differentially expressed (DE) proteins and genes were identified for functional annotation and pathway analysis using iPathwayGuide and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), respectively. Results For healthy individuals, a dose comparison was performed between VPA140 and VPA30 groups at 2 and 24 h. Functional annotation showed that top biological processes in VPA140 versus VPA30 analysis at 2 h included regulation of fatty acid (P = 0.002) and ATP biosynthesis (P = 0.007), response to hypoxia (P = 0.017), cell polarity regulation (P = 0.031), and sequestration of calcium ions (P = 0.031). Top processes at 24 h in VPA140 versus VPA30 analysis included amino acid metabolism (P = 0.023), collagen catabolism (P = 0.023), and regulation of protein breakdown (P = 0.023). In the injured patient, annotation of the DE proteins in the serum showed that top biological processes at 2 h included neutrophil chemotaxis (P = 0.002), regulation of cellular response to heat (P = 0.008), regulation of oxidative stress (P = 0.008) and regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway (P = 0.008). Top biological processes in the injured patient at 24 h included autophagy (P = 0.01), glycolysis (P = 0.01), regulation of apoptosis (P = 0.01) and neuron apoptotic processes (P = 0.02). Conclusions VPA140 induces cytoprotective changes in human proteome not observed in VPA30. These changes may be responsible for its protective effects in response to injuries.
Die Feststellung der energiepolitischen und energiewirtschaftlichen Notwendigkeit des Tagebaus Garzweiler II nach 48 Kohleverstromungsbeendigungsgesetz (KVBG) – rechtspolitisch verfehlt und verfassungswidrig?

48 KVBG stellt den energiewirtschaftlichen und -politischen Bedarf fur den Braunkohletagebau Garzweiler II in den Grenzen der Leitentscheidung der Landesregierung Nordrhein-Westfalen von 2016 fest. Unter Einbeziehung mehrerer Gutachten wird dargelegt, dass der anzuerkennende weite Spielraum fur gesetzliche Bedarfsfeststellungen in evident unsachlicher Weise ausgefullt wurde. Die Bedarfsfeststellung geht von unzutreffenden Annahmen aus, sie ist nur schwer mit bestehenden und kunftigen Klimazielen vereinbar, und sie beruht auf einer Fehlgewichtung der Anwohnerbelange. Die Landesregierung ist daher durch 48 KVBG nicht im Hinblick auf kunftige Planungen und Zulassungen gebunden, sondern muss u.a. in der anstehenden neuen Leitentscheidung eine eigenstandige planerische Entscheidung treffen.
Continuous Flow Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

The use of ESWL in the management of large, branched (partial or complete) staghorn calculi has increased as familiarity with technique becomes commonplace. These stones are often accompanied by complications in treatment such as the need for multiple treatments, formation of steinstrasse, or the inability to fragment the stone.
The effect of ultrasonic mixing of fuel and air on the performance of an internal combustion engine

A carburetor for a 1968 six-cylinder Ford engine was modified to meter gasoline into the engine through an ultrasonic horn. The engine, mounted on a test stand, was loaded by a water dynamometer. The tests were performed with the horn alternately activated and deactivated for two different tip configurations. Engine operating data were taken at five throttle positions and thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption were determined for each of these positions. Marked improvement (5-10%) in these parameters was obtained at an ultrasonic power input of 20 watts.
Multimodality assessment and treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

*University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; eugene_storozynsky@urmc.rochester.edu
Mutual Interference in the Microchemical Determination of Ore Minerals

The use of microchemical methods is spreading rapidly, both for the qualitative and quantitative determination of elements. Microchemistry offers a decided advantage over "bulk" methods, not only because of the greater speed with which the determinations can be carried out, but also because of the very small amounts of material required for a test. Microchemical methods are particularly valuable in determining the composition of the small inclusions in ores and metallurgical products. Most of the reagents used are sufficiently sensitive to show the presence of 0.005 per cent or less of the desired element. Needless to say, if such minute quantities of an element are to be identified, it is essential that the procedure of the test be carefully followed and the utmost caution taken that there is no pollution of the reagent or the test drop. Despite such care, it frequently happens that the test obtained is not wholly satisfactory. Either the color of the precipitate is unusual, the form is changed or entirely different, or sometimes no test is obtained when previous observations have indicated that the element should be present. When such changes occur-and they occur frequently, even in the hands of skilled technicians-the observer is never certain whether they are due to variations in the PH of the solution, concentration of reagent or solution, or to the presence of some interfering anion or cation. The first two variables can be controlled by proper attention to the procedure of the test; in many cases the last variable-presence of an interfering anion or cation-is beyond control. Often, much time could be saved by recognizing that a given variation in the precipitate is caused by the presence of another element. In fact, some of the interferences are as characteristic of the interfering element as any other known test. The presence of a variety of elements in the test drop is due either to a poor sample or to a complex mineral. A poor sample is obtained if the original area of the mineral or inclusion is too small. In this case, allowance can usually be made for the presence in the solution of elements of the host mineral, although their presence may cause notable interferences. Where the mineral varies in composition there may be no hint of the presence of elements, other than those expected in the mineral, until trouble is encountered in the testing.
Deliberations and Evaluations of Approaches, Endpoints and Paradigms for Determining Zinc Dietary Recommendations

The work group considered past and future Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc. Past RDAs were based in large part on metabolic balance data. Balance measurements are technically difficult and it is uncertain that they reflect true requirements. Therefore other methods should be used to determine requirements and the RDA. The best approach at this time is the factorial method. In the future, data from measurements of zinc kinetics, in relation to diet and physiological functions will provide useful insights. Future RDAs should provide for at least three levels of bioavailabilty : low, moderate and high. Whether adjustments should be made in the RDA to account for life style factors is a matter of philosophy. The importance of the differences (gaps) between the RDA and usual intakes of zinc by persons who are apparently in good health, or between the RDA and other dietary guidelines, is an issue for consideration.
VARGULA ANNECOHENAE, A NEW SPECIES OF BIOLUMINESCENT OSTRACODE (MYODOCOPIDA: CYPRIDINIDAE) FROM BELIZE

Abstract A new species of bioluminescent ostracode, Vargula annecohenae, from Belize is described on the basis of morphology and mating displays. At night, male V. annecohenae ostracodes produce an elaborate species-specific display in order to attract females. These displays occur as a series of rapid flashes in an upward direction, above shallow grassbeds.
Bacterial adhesion to orthopedic implant polymers

The degradable polymers poly(orthoester) (POE), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), and the nondegradable polymers polysulfone (PSF), polyethylene (PE), and poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) were exposed to cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Escherichia coli. Bacteria washed and resuspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) adhered to polymers in amounts nearly twice those of bacteria that were left in their growth medium, tryptic soy broth (TSB). In TSB, there was variation in adhesion from species to species, but no significant variation from polymer to polymer within one species. In PBS there were significant differences in the amounts of bacteria adhering to the various polymers with the exception of S. epidermidis, which had similar adhesion to all polymers. As a whole, P. aeruginosa was the most adherent while S. epidermidis was the least adherent. The estimated values of the free energy of adhesion (ΔFadh) correlated with the amount of adherent P. aeruginosa. When POE, PLA, and PSF were exposed to hyaluronic acid (HA) before exposure to the bacteria, there was 50% more adhesion of E. coli and P. aeruginosa on POE and PLA. With respect to bacterial adhesion, the biodegradable polymers (POE and PLA) in general were not significantly different from the nondegradable polymers. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of blood-brain barrier permeability and the effect of interferon in mouse glioma model

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether interferon [IFN] can affect intracerebrally grown glioma and how alteration of the blood-brain barrier [BBB] may influence this effect. An intracerebrally implanted glioma G-26 (G-26) mouse brain-tumor model was developed and used in these studies. Histological characterization of this intracerebrally grown tumor revealed its anaplastic character. The astrocytic origin of G-26 was evidenced by glial fibrillary acidic protein staining and electron microscopic visualization of glial filaments. A study of tumor progression and animal survival showed development of a well defined tumor nodule within approximately seven days after the implantation. The median animal survival time was 27 ±3.8 days. The integrity of the blood-brain barrier [BBB] within the tumor was evaluated by the intravenous injection of horseradish peroxidase at days 3, 7,10 and 20 after brain tumor implant and compared to ‘sham’ controls. The tumor-induced BBB alteration was progressive from day 3 to day 20.
Primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects for methoxy dehydrogenation and Cu(110) : absence of tunnelling corrections

Abstract The primary, secondary and total kinetic isotope effects for dehydrogenation of methoxy adsorbed on Cu(110) has been determined. Heating rate variation plots reveal all kinetic isotope effects clearly. The value of the primary isotope effect at 300 K is 5.5, and its value is governed by zero point energy differences. The secondary isotope effect is unity within experimental error, and the total effect is entirely accounted for by elementary transition state theory without any tunnelling corrections.