cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A systematic and quantitative analysis of the bulk and interfacial properties of the AlSiO dielectric on N-polar GaN using capacitance–voltage methods

The bulk and interfacial properties of aluminum silicon oxide (AlSiO) on N-polar GaN were investigated systematically employing capacitance–voltage (C–V) methods on metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors using a thickness series of the AlSiO dielectric. The fixed charge density, electron slow trap density, and electron fast trap density located near the interface were extracted to be –1.5 × 1012 cm−2, 3.7 × 1011 cm−2, and 1.9 × 1011 cm−2, respectively. Using ultraviolet (UV) assisted C–V methods, an average interface state density of ∼4.4 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 and a hole trap concentration in bulk AlSiO of ∼8.4 × 1018 cm−3 were measured. The negative fixed interface charge makes it favorable to achieve a normally off GaN transistor. The analysis presented in this paper provides a systematic and quantitative model to study the properties of oxide dielectrics on wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, which can promote the development of metal–oxide–semiconductor-based WBG semiconductor devices.
On ice or on air?: how an egregious glowing hockey puck crossed the line into augmented reality

Our article provides a media genealogy of FoxTrax—or the ‘glowing hockey puck.’ Focusing on its role in the digitization of sports media and augmented reality, we frame FoxTrax as a story of ‘becom...
Zoonotic sporotrichosis in renal transplant recipients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sporotrichosis is the main subcutaneous mycosis in the world. In the last two decades, zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by cats has become hyperendemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Renal transplant recipients are subject to invasive fungal infection because of the effects of immunosuppressive therapy, but sporotrichosis is rarely reported. The authors conducted a retrospective study describing epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data related to adult renal-transplant-recipient patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis. The molecular identification of fungal isolates was performed. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITZ), posaconazole (POS), isavuconazole, and terbinafine (TRB) against the strains was determined using the protocol described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Six cases were identified from a cohort with 2429 sporotrichosis patients. They were five men and one woman, with a mean age of 44.2 years (range: 34-54 years). Four of them had cutaneous limited forms, and two patients had disseminated forms. The mean time between transplant and the onset of sporotrichosis symptoms was 25.5 (range: 6-36) months. Sporothrix brasiliensis was identified as the causative agent. The isolates were classified as wild type for all antifungal drugs tested. Treatment schemes included AMB (deoxycholate and liposomal), ITZ, and TRB. Five patients evolved to cure, and one died as a result of disseminated disease. Renal transplant recipients may be a vulnerable group for sporotrichosis in endemic countries. The authors highlight the importance of sporotrichosis prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment to prevent disseminated disease and poor prognosis.
George W Bush Administration Propaganda for an Invasion of Iraq: The Absence of Evidence

Hartenian’s history of George W Bush propaganda for an invasion of Iraq returns the administration’s approach to its conceptual origins. Hartenian places "evidence" in the center of his analysis, showing that Rumsfeld’s "the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence" meant that no evidence was necessary to justify an invasion. The 9/11 attacks, indeed, "changed everything" for the Bush administration and in its aftermath the time for regime change in Iraq had simply come. With no good evidence to support its fears, the administration was certain of a post-9/11-conceived Iraq–al Qaeda "nexus," just as with no evidence except the "absence of evidence" it was certain of Iraqi mastery of "denial and deception" that hid "Saddam’s" "evil" activities. Resting on Cheney’s "one percent doctrine," administration "certainty" of the threat from Iraq required a US invasion. The policy offices of Douglas Feith at the Pentagon, with the help of George Tenet at CIA, would generate a case of such fright and enormity—the "mushroom cloud"—that required administration action. Manipulating intelligence and ignoring the growing body of evidence undermining its case, the Bush administration invaded Iraq to bring about "regime change."
Policing the State: International Human Rights Law and Citizen Coordination

This paper examines the question of whether international human rights law can aid citizens' efforts to respond to, and prevent, government abuse. I argue that where human rights treaties contribute to the legalization of domestic institutions designed to protect individual rights they can serve as coordination devices that create widespread agreement about the limits of government authority, thus facilitating concerted opposition to repressive government behavior. Implications of the argument are tested using cross-national data on domestic and international laws protecting personal integrity, and a fully Bayesian hierarchical linear model.
Real-time drug testing using patient-derived organoids from resected breast cancer brain metastases.

e14003Background: Brain metastases (BrMet) remain a clinically challenge. There is an increase interest in evaluating the efficiacy of systemic therapy for BrMet. Patient-derived organoids (PDO) an...
Food and alcohol disturbance among US college students: a mixed methods scoping review.

Objective Conduct a scoping review of food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) in US college students to overview the literature within this population and identify research opportunities. Methods Studies (n = 39) were selected using systematic searches of databases and references. Search terms included: drunkorexia, "food and alcohol disturbance," and "compensatory behavior" AND alcohol AND eating. Results Issues with methodological quality were noted. Most studies used quantitative methods and cross-sectional designs with small, biased samples. Terminologies, conceptualizations, and measures varied; however, 30% of studies neglected enhanced intoxication effects. Prevalence ranged from approximately 10-55%, with greater risk for women. Alcohol use and disordered eating were primary predictors. Personality, affective, and social factors are potential correlates. Alcohol-related consequences were higher for those with FAD. Conclusions While the literature is inconsistent and unclear, FAD appears to be common among college students and associated with negative consequences. Suggestions and considerations for future research are provided.
Microgrid Operation and Control: Challenges and expected functionalities

This article considers several functionalities expected from the emerging microgrids and systems of microgrids. These performance objectives are then related to several modeling- and controlrelated challenges and open RaD questions that must be studied. The challenges are illustrated on Sheriff and Banshee microgrids, which are IEEE standards for testing microgrid control. I suggest that an extended ac optimal power flow (AC OPF) can be used to increase ranges of intermittent resources and responsive demand that can be used in a reliable way and without requiring excessive load shedding. The emphasis is on optimizing voltage-controlled equipment available at the inverter-controlled diverse distributed energy resources (DERs), including electric vehicle (EV) control of small residential end users, and the grid itself. The second question concerns enabling stability of microgrids over broad ranges of system inputs, and I briefly present a novel multilayered interactive modeling in transformed energy state space for stable control design. The article closes by revealing the importance of operating and control paradigm change from today's hierarchical control to interactive dynamic multilayered protocols, which also would provide financial incentives for reliance on control.
Probing the effect of surface parameters and particle size in the diffusion-induced stress of electrodes during lithium insertion

Abstract Experimental studies have shown that the active particles of electrodes undergo phase transformations during ion-insertion, which are accompanied by diffusion induced stresses that result in fracture at the particle surface. Only a few studies have considered the effect that the surface stress has on the diffusion-induced stress that occurs in electrode materials that undergo elastic deformations during ion-insertion, while no studies have accounted for the effect of surface stresses in the case when plastic deformation is also present. In addition, there are only few comprehensive studies on the competing effect between the surface stress and the strain gradient during ion diffusion. The present work sheds light on the effect that the particle size has on the stresses generated due to the phase transformations that take place during ion-insertion by accounting for the surface residual stress with strain gradient elasticity or strain gradient plasticity. Due to the presence of surface stresses, the stress on the particle outer surface can be significantly reduced. In particular, when the residual surface stress and the surface elastic modulus are both positive, the hoop stress at the outer surface remains compressive, whereas tensile stresses are required for crack formation. This work, therefore, indicates that surface modification could be an effective approach for improving the structural integrity of electrodes during the lithiation process. The additional consideration of strain gradients further reduces the value of the equivalent plastic strain for elasto-plastic electrodes. These findings render prospective insights for designing next-generation mechanically stable phase transforming electrode materials.
Sand patties provide evidence for the presence of Deepwater Horizon oil on the beaches of the West Florida Shelf

Abstract The ecological consequences of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill are both long-term and pervasive. The distribution of toxicity and mutagenicity in the Gulf of Mexico suggests oil from the DWH spill could have contaminated the West Florida Shelf (WFS). We utilized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis to determine presence and potential origin of oil contaminants in beach sand patty samples. PAH profiles from WFS beaches were statistically significantly similar to DWH contaminated samples from the Northeast Gulf of Mexico (Gulf Shores, AL; Ft. Pickens, FL). Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), a major component of Corexit 9500 dispersant was also detected in the sediments. DOSS concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 5.5 ng g −1 dry weight. Additionally, two samples from DWH oil contaminated beaches were acutely toxic and one WFS beach sediment sample was mutagenic. These observations provide support for the theory that DWH oil made its way onto beaches of the WFS.
A nonlinear finite difference scheme for solving the nonlinear parabolic two-step model

A nonlinear finite difference scheme is developed by obtaining an energy estimate for solving the parabolic two-step model with temperature-dependent thermal properties in a double-layered micro thin film irradiated by ultrashort-pulsed lasers. The method is applied to investigating the heat transfer in a gold layer on a chromium layer.
Screening of infants for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

Description Recommendation on screening newborn infants, based on a recent supplemental review of a 2003 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence report on the effectiveness of various screening strategies for preventing the development of chronic bilirubin encephalopathy, performed at the request of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This topic has not been previously considered by the USPSTF. Methods The USPSTF reviewed experimental and observational studies that included comparison groups. For harms associated with phototherapy, case reports or case series were also included. Conclusion The evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy (I statement).
Scotland and the Rise of Civic Culture, 1550–1650

Scottish people during this period did not seek to discover their “identity,” which we, as post-Romantics in a period of reaction, instinctively would expect today. Instead, many of them developed highly articulated notions of civic society and sought to realize them in a new and radical Britain. This projected Britain would provide a model for world renewal. Further, civic society was imagined as intensely anti-imperial. It constituted the direct opposite of the Hapsburg-papal universal monarchy. At the same time it was not an order to be imposed on some putatively inferior “other,” but a universal (and soteriological) transformation involving everyone.
Human Rights and Privatization of Water in the European Union and Beyond

Poisoned Spring: The EU and Water Privatisation. By Kartika Liotard, Steven P. McGiffen London: Pluto Press, 2009. 176 pp., $28.95 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-74532-788-4). Viewed as an alternative to traditional state control which was seen as overly centralized, wasteful, and inflexible, many developing countries privatized their water management beginning in the 1990s to attract foreign investment and adhere to new multilateral development bank policies. Growing dissatisfaction with many neo-liberal reforms in the water sector in recent years, especially privatization, has fueled an explosion of popular protests that advance the claim of water as a human right (Bakker 2007, 2010; Conca 2008; Veiga da Cunha 2009; Khadka 2010). In 2010, the human right to water captured the international stage when both the UN Human Rights Council and the General Assembly affirmed the right to water and sanitation as a basic human right. Increasingly, human rights and equity issues are permeating discussions around development and the role of the private sector in the provision of water. A powerful indictment of EU water policy, Poisoned Spring: The EU and Water Privatisation, explores the growth of water privatization in one region in the past three decades and the negative consequences it produces both within the European Union and in the developing world. It is not a review of EU water policy alone but rather a broader critique of the EU Commission and international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization (WTO), and World Bank and the role they play in promoting privatization across the globe. In demonstrating how corporations have come to …
Predicting Children's Recall of a Dental Procedure: Contributions of Stress, Preparation, and Dental History

Summary We examined the extent to which three predictors of children's recall, selected on the basis of their theoretical significance, contributed to the prediction of children's recall for the details of dental operative procedures in a diverse sample of 28 children (54–140 months of age). Parents provided information regarding their children's dental histories and preparation for the dental visit. We obtained behavioral indices of stress from video recordings of the procedures and interviewed the children shortly after treatment to assess their memory. In a significant model predicting open-ended recall, measures of prior dental experience and parent discussion emerged as unique predictors, although stress did not add to the prediction. The results attest to the importance of incorporating measures of individual differences in investigations of children's reports of their personal experiences. We discuss the importance of children's interpretations in understanding memory for stressful events.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promotion and poisoning of the reaction of methanol on clean and modified platinum (100)

The reactivity of Pt(100) towards methanol depends on surface structure and the nature and amount of coadsorbed reaction modifiers. We studied the adsorption and reaction of CH3OH in ultrahigh vacuum on the clean hex and (1 × 1) surfaces of Pt(100) and with coadsorbed O, Bi, and CO with thermal desorption spectroscopy and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. Methanol adsorbs molecularly on Pt(100) at 100 K and decomposes to adsorbed H and CO in the temperature range of 170–220 K. The vibrational spectra show evidence for surface interactions involving both the hydroxyl (O-H … Pt) and methyl (C-H … Pt) hydrogens of molecular methanol. Under static conditions (no desorption of reaction products) as much as 0.085 ± 0.01 monolayers of methanol react on the clean hex surface. Chemical saturation of the surface, which occurs when the total coverage of surface reaction products reaches about one-half of a monolayer, limits the maximum extent of reaction on the hex, (1 × 1), and O-covered surfaces. The (1 × 1) surface enhances methanol reaction by factors of 1–3.4 compared to reaction following the same exposure on the hex surface. Reaction with preadsorbed oxygen leads to a methoxy intermediate (CH3O) and enhancement factors of 1–2.5 for oxygen coverages below 0.15 and above 0.3 monolayers. Coadsorbed oxygen enhances methanol reaction stoichiometrically, by scavenging H atoms to form OH and H2O, and nonstoichiometrically, most likely by local lifting of the hex reconstruction. Oxygen coverages between 0.15 and 0.3 monolayers inhibit the reaction by factors of 1—0.85 through blocking of reactive sites. Both Bi and CO inhibit the reaction by factors of 1—0.05 through a combination of ensemble and site blocking effects. Methanol decomposition requires an ensemble of 5 adsorption sites, as determined by Bi coadsorption experiments. The adsorbate/substrate combinations in this study represent model electrochemical situations, and we briefly discuss the implications of these findings toward methanol electrocatalysis.
Simultaneous behavior of skipjack ( Katsuwonus pelamis ), bigeye ( Thunnus obsesus ), and yellowfin ( T. albacares ) tunas, within large multi-species aggregations associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean

Ten separate experiments monitoring the simultaneous behaviors of 26 skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), 26 bigeye (Thunnus obesus), and 33 yellowfin (T. albacares) tunas within large multi-species aggregations associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) were investigated using ultrasonic telemetry in the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean. Experiments were conducted during a research cruise aboard a chartered purse seine vessel. Purse seine sets were made on the tuna aggregations associated with FADs at the termination of six of the ten experiments. Seventeen of the 44 tagged tunas were not recaptured indicating the transient nature of the associative behavior of tunas with FADs. Although there was considerable overlap in the depths of the three species, by day and night, there were some species-specific differences and diel differences within species. While we documented spatial and temporal differences in the schooling behavior of the three tuna species, the differences do not appear sufficient such that modifications in purse seine fishing practices could effectively avoid the capture of small bigeye and yellowfin tunas, while optimizing the capture of skipjack tuna in purse seine sets on FADs.
Ontogeny of feline temporal lobe epilepsy, II: Stability of spontaneous sleep epilepsy in amygdala-kindled kittens.

Summary: We previously described a model of spontaneous “sleep epilepsy” in kindled kittens with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We now describe the postkindling course of this model from preadolescence to maturity and suggest pathophysiologic mechanisms. Spontaneous epilepsy, particularly generalized tonic-clonic convulsions (GTCs), developed 1h to 4 months after amygdala kindling and persisted to adulthood. At first, GTCs were detected only in sleep; later, convulsions also occurred during wakefulness. Two factors were consistently associated with the sequential onset of sleep and waking GTCs: seizure clusters and anatomic seizure localization. (1) Seizure clusters. Cats with infrequent or unclustered GTCs continued to exhibit “sleep epilepsy,” defined by convulsions occurring exclusively during sleep. In contrast, cats with frequent seizure clusters developed recurrent or terminal convulsive status in conjunction with GTCs during waking and sleep. Severe seizure manifestations therefore appeared to contribute to the dissociation of convulsions from the sleep-wake cycle. (2) Anatomical seizure localization. Focal seizure origin appeared to differentiate sleep from waking GTCs. Onset during sleep was first recorded in the kindled amygdala, whereas onset during waking was initially detected outside the temporal lobe. Findings thus suggest secondary “kindling” of multifocal epilepsy. Secondary epileptogenesis is consistent with “transsynaptic” kindling effects. This phenomenon is defined in mature animals by rapid secondary site kindling (transfer) and subtle morphologic changes distal to the stimulating electrode. Transfer may be accentuated by youth, because kittens developed spontaneous seizure foci in previously unstimulated tissue. Moreover, multifocal interactions and diffuse cell loss were implicated as possible mechanisms. Collectively, the findings indicate complications with early onset TLE in kindled cats. Onset during youth can have an unfavorable prognosis, reflected by recurrent status epilepticus and multifocal epilepsy with convulsions distributed throughout the sleep-wake cycle.
Novel Nanoscale Ceria–Platinum Composite Electrodes for Direct Alcohol Electro-Oxidation

A nanocrystalline Pt/CeO2 composite electrode is fabricated to study the electrochemical oxidation of methanol and ethanol. Three different methods have been developed for the preparation of the composite electrode and are compared in terms of their oxidation efficiencies. In general, all the electrode preparation methodologies show a great enhancement of the oxidation current for the alcohol. However, methods based on the electrodeposition of a ceria rich Pt matrix show the greatest effectiveness of alcohol oxidation. The enhancement of the anodic current is dependent on the particle loading and size distribution in the composite matrix. In general, ceria appears to be an effective alternative to ruthenium in direct alcohol fuel cells.
The insulin-like growth factor system in chronic kidney disease: Pathophysiology and therapeutic opportunities.

The growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor–insulin-like growth factor binding protein (GH–IGF–IGFBP) axis plays a critical role in the maintenance of normal renal function and the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum IGF-I and IGFBPs are altered with different stages of CKD, the speed of onset, the amount of proteinuria, and the potential of remission. Recent studies demonstrate that growth failure in children with CKD is due to a relative GH insensitivity and functional IGF deficiency. The functional IGF deficiency in CKD results from either IGF resistance due to increased circulating levels of IGFBPs or IGF deficiency due to increased urinary excretion of serum IGF–IGFBP complexes. In addition, not only GH and IGFs in circulation, but locally produced IGFs, the high-affinity IGFBPs, and low-affinity insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related proteins (IGFBP-rPs) may also affect the kidney. With respect to diabetic kidney disease, there is growing evidence suggesting that GH, IGF-I, and IGFBPs are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Thus, prevention of GH action by blockade either at the receptor level or along its signal transduction pathway offers the potential for effective therapeutic opportunities. Similarly, interrupting IGF-I and IGFBP actions also may offer a way to inhibit the development or progression of DN. Furthermore, it is well accepted that the systemic inflammatory response is a key player for progression of CKD, and how to prevent and treat this response is currently of great interest. Recent studies demonstrate existence of IGF-independent actions of high-affinity and low-affinity-IGFBPs, in particular, antiinflammatory action of IGFBP-3 and profibrotic action of IGFBP-rP2/CTGF. These findings reinforce the concept in support of the clinical significance of the IGF-independent action of IGFBPs in the assessment of pathophysiology of kidney disease and its therapeutic potential for CKD. Further understanding of GH–IGF–IGFBP etiopathophysiology in CKD may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease. It would hold promise to use of GH, somatostatin analogs, IGFs, IGF agonists, GHR and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) antagonists, IGFBP displacer, and IGFBP antagonists as well as a combination treatment as therapeutic agents for CKD.
Experimental Helicobacter marmotae infection in A/J mice causes enterohepatic disease

Helicobacter marmotae has been identified in the inflamed livers of Eastern woodchucks (Marmota monax) infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), as well as from the livers of WHV-negative woodchucks. Because the majority of WHV-positive woodchucks with hepatic tumours were culture or PCR positive for this helicobacter, and WHV-negative woodchucks with H. marmotae had hepatitis, the bacterium may have a role in tumour promotion related to chronic inflammation. In this study, the type strain of H. marmotae was inoculated intraperitoneally into 48 male and female A/J mice, a strain noted to be susceptible to Helicobacter hepaticus-induced liver tumours. Sixteen mice served as mock-dosed controls. At 6, 12 and 18 months post-inoculation (p.i.), there were statistically significant (P<0.05) differences in mean inflammation scores for the caecum and proximal colon between experimentally infected and control mice. Differences in hepatic inflammation were significant (P<0.05) at 6 and 12 months p.i. between the two groups but not at the 18 month time point. Two infected male mice had livers with severe hepatitis, and the liver samples were culture positive for H. marmotae. Serum IgG levels in the mice dosed with H. marmotae were elevated for the duration of the study. These results demonstrate that the woodchuck helicobacter can successfully colonize mice and cause enterohepatic disease. In the future, a mouse-adapted strain of H. marmotae could be selected to maximize colonization and lesion development. Such a woodchuck helicobacter-infected mouse model could be used to dissect potential mechanisms of microbial co-carcinogenesis involved in tumour development in woodchucks with WHV and in humans with hepatitis B virus.
Crystallization behavior of blends of cocoa butter and milk fat or melk fat fractions

Mixtures of milk fat or milk fat fractions, produced by melt crystallization, and cocoa butter were studied using isothermal calorimetry. Crystallization of cocoa butter (at 15, 20 and 25‡C) was observed, and induction time for nucleation, peak time and amount of heat produced were recorded. Melting profiles and X-ray spectra were also obtained, yielding information about extent of crystallization and type of polymorph obtained. Induction time for nucleation generally increased with increasing temperature. Peak time increased at 15‡C, but decreased at 20‡C. Amount of crystallized fat decreased with increasing level of milk fat.
Colorado potato beetle resistant somatic hybrid potato plants produced via protoplast electrofusion

Leptines are natural glycoalkaloids found only in certain selections of the wild potato speciesSolanum chacoense. These rare glycoalkaloids have been identified to be phytochemical defensive agents against insect herbivores such as the Colorado potato beetle (CPB). In an attempt to introduce this CPB resistance into the cultivated potatoS. tuberosum, interspecific somatic hybrid plants were developed between a dihaploid ofS. tuberosum and a high leptine-producing germplasm selection ofS. chacoense. The somatic hybrid was fused using protoplast electrofusion and regeneration techniques. Selection of interspecies fusion cell lines was based on hybrid vigor in protoplast-callus (p-callus) growth, on shoot regeneration from p-calli, and on characteristic appearance of anthocyanin pigment. This selection system was highly efficient and 12 of 13 fully regenerated plants were identified as somatic interspecies hybrids, as determined by the analyses of morphologic biochemical, and isozyme markers. In vitro insect bioassays demonstrated that the hybrids averaged a threefold reduction in leaf consumption by the CPB when compared to cultivated potatoes.
Phases in the TaGa binary system

Abstract The phase relationships in the TaGa binary system were examined. X-ray analyses were carried out on powdered specimens whose compositions ranged fron 0 to 90 at.% Ga. Only two intermetallic phases Ta 5 Ga 3 and TaGa 2 were observed. The previously reported phases Ta 2 Ga, Ta 3 Ga 2 and TaGa 3 were not detected. The existence of an oxygen-stabilized phase Ta 5 Ga 3 O x , analogous to Nb 5 Ga 3 O x , was observed.
Doppler evaluation of renal blood flow velocity as a predictive index of acute renal failure in perinatal asphyxia

Aim of our study was to evaluate Doppler renal blood flow velocity in asphyxiated neonates and to correlate renal function to Doppler findings. Doppler renal blood flow velocity was evaluated in 23 severely asphyxiated neonates born at a gestational age >32 weeks and compared to our standard Doppler data obtained in 25 healthy neonates comparable for gestational age and birth weight. Renal Doppler ultrasound was performed on the 1st and 3rd days of life. Renal function was investigated in the first 2 weeks of life. Asphyxiated neonates showed mean values of systolic velocity and mean velocity significantly reduced (P< 0.001) compared with our standard Doppler values on the 1st day of life. Seven out of the 23 asphyxiated neonates were affected by acute renal failure and 14 showed no renal involvement. Two neonates were oliguric but did not develop acute renal failure. On the 1st day of life, neonates with acute renal failure had significantly lower mean values of systolic velocity and mean velocity than the asphyxiated neonates without renal involvement (P< 0.01). All 7 neonates affected by acute renal failure showed a systolic velocity more than 2SD below the mean standard value, while only 4 of the 16 asphyxiated neonates (25%) without acute renal failure had low systolic velocity values on the 1st day of life. Doppler velocities in asphyxiated neonates were similar to standard values on the 3rd day of life. Renal failure recovered before the 11th day of life in all cases. Conclusion Our findings indicate that decreased Doppler renal flow systolic velocity observed in asphyxiated neonates on the 1st day of life is a useful predictive index for subsequent development of acute renal failure, with 100% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity.
Peer-mediated instructional package produces variable increases in the frequency of spontaneous and appropriate communication using a speech-generating device in two children with autism during social game routines

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Trottier, N., Kamp, L., & Mirenda, P. (2011). Effects of peer-mediated instruction to teach use of speech-generating devices to students with autism in social game routines. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 27, 26–39. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and no conflicts of interest reported by the original authors of this research report.
Nicotinic α4β2 receptor imaging agents. Part III. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-(2-(S)-azetidinylmethoxy)-5-(3'-18F-fluoropropyl)pyridine (18F-nifzetidine).

Abstract Thalamic and extrathalamic nicotinic α4β2 receptors found in the brain have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, substance abuse and other disorders. We report here the development of 3-(2-( S )-azetidinylmethoxy)-5-(3′-fluoropropyl)pyridine (nifzetidine) as a new putative high-affinity antagonist for nicotinic α4β2 receptors. Nifzetidine in rat brain homogenate assays containing α4β2 sites labeled with 3 H-cytisine exhibited a binding affinity: Ki=0.67 nM. The fluorine-18 analog, 3-(2-( S )-azetidinylmethoxy)-5-(3′- 18 F-fluoropropyl)pyridine ( 18 F-nifzetidine), was synthesized in 20%–40% yield, and apparent specific activity was estimated to be above 2 Ci/μmol. Rat brain slices indicated selective binding of 18 F-nifzetidine to thalamus, subiculum, striata, cortex and other regions consistent with α4β2 receptor distribution. This selective binding was displaced >85% by 150 μM nicotine. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies of 18 F-nifzetidine in anesthetized rhesus monkey showed slow uptake in the various brain regions. Retention of 18 F-nifzetidine was maximal in the thalamus and lateral geniculate followed by regions of the temporal and frontal cortex. Cerebellum showed the least uptake. Thalamus to cerebellum ratio was about 2.3 at 180 min postinjection and continued to rise. 18 F-Nifzetidine shows promise as a new PET imaging agent for α4β2 nAChR. However, the slow kinetics suggests a need for >3-h PET scans for quantitative studies of the α4β2 nAChRs.
Randomized controlled trials in industrial low back pain. Part 3. Subacute/chronic pain interventions

The most significant costs attributed to settlement of workplace back injury claims are related to chronic low back pain (LBP). Unfortunately, our knowledge of this fact has not led to a reduction of the considerable costs paid out annually by employers and insurers to deal with the chronic pain syndrome. This article is the third in a series of reviews on randomized controlled trials found in the English language medical literature between 1975 and 1993. Of more than 4,000 LBP citations, 35 studies met the selection criteria of randomization, reasonable concurrent controls, and work return comparisons. This review focuses on the 12 studies utilizing nonsurgical interventions for subacute and chronic LBP, including multidisciplinary pain clinics, exercise, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and others. A 26-point quality system was again used to compare the methodologic rigor of each study. The majority of prospective studies investigating return to work after chronic LBP have methodological limitations; additional research is clearly needed to more confidently answer the question of what interventions improve work capacity in patients with chronic LBP.
Parentheses Are (Are Not) for References and Clarification (Saving Space)

If you do not understand the title of this article, then join the crowd. I am writing to urge authors, editors, and reviewers to join a movement to stomp out the practice of using parentheses to indicate the opposite of an idea or to intersperse multiple values in a sentence with the idea of saving space. In this electronic age, we have plenty of space. Making a journal article a few words longer for clarity and to avoid confusion is well worth the expense in extra bits of storage.
Effects of Defendant's Sex and Age Status on Severity of Punishment: An Experimental Test

326 subjects were randomly assigned to one of four descriptions of a defendant's statuses: adult male, adult female, juvenile male, and juvenile female. Subjects were asked to select type of punishment deemed appropriate for four episodes: shoplifting, drunkenness, murder, and possession/sale of hard drugs. The results provided support for the hypothesis that juveniles and females are treated more leniently for violations. In particular, female juveniles are treated less harshly than the other sex-age categories.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Manipulation of Helical SiO2 Nanosprings

Amorphous helical SiO2 nanosprings (80 to 140 nm in diameter and up to 8 microns long) were synthesized with a chemical vapor deposition technique, characterized and manipulated by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The helical nanosprings were observed in the middle of a straight nanowire and were formed by a perturbation during the growth of the straight nanowire. Contraction and expansion of the helical nanosprings were observed under in situ electron beam heating during TEM, as well as bending induced by an AFM tip, suggesting that the helical nanosprings are highly flexible and may have potential applications in nanomechanical, nanoelectronmagnetic devices, and composite materials.
Blood oxidative stress biomarkers: influence of sex, exercise training status, and dietary intake.

Background: Sex and lifestyle factors are known to influence the oxidation of protein, lipids, and DNA. Biomarkers such as protein carbonyls (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) have been commonly used in an attempt to characterize the oxidative status of human subjects. Objective: This study compared resting blood oxidative stress biomarkers, in relation to exercise training status and dietary intake, between men and women. Methods: Exercise-trained and sedentary men and women (with normal menstrual cycles; reporting during the early follicular phase) were recruited from the University of Memphis, Tennessee, campus and surrounding community via recruitment flyers and word of mouth. Participants were categorized by sex and current exercise training status (ie, trained or untrained). Each completed a detailed 5-day food record of all food and drink consumed. Diets were analyzed for kilocalories and macro- and micronutrient (vitamins C, E, A) intake. Venous blood samples were obtained at rest and analyzed for PC, MDA, and 8-OHdG. Results: In the 131 participants (89 men, of whom 74 were exercise trained and 15 untrained, and 42 women, of whom 22 were exercise trained and 20 untrained; mean [SD] age, 24 [4] years), PC did not differ significantly between trained men and women or between untrained men and women. However, trained participants had significantly lower plasma PC (measured in nmol · mg protein-1) (mean [SEM] 0.0966 [0.0055]) than did untrained participants (0.1036 [0.0098]) (P < 0.05). MDA levels (measured in μmol · L-1) were significantly lower in trained women (0.4264 [0.0559]) compared with trained men (0.6959 [0.0593]); in trained men and women combined (0.5621 [0.0566]) compared with untrained men and women combined (0.7397 [0.0718]); and in women combined (0.5665 [0.0611]) compared with men combined (0.7338 [0.0789]) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). No significant differences were noted between any groups for 8-OHdG. Neither PC nor 8-OHdG were correlated to any dietary variable, with the exception of PC and percent of protein in untrained men (r = 0.552; P = 0.033). MDA was positively correlated to protein intake and negatively correlated to percent of carbohydrate and vitamin C intake, primarily in trained men (P ≤ 0.03). Conclusions: In this sample of young healthy adults, oxidative stress was lower in women than in men and in trained compared with untrained individuals, particularly regarding MDA. With the exception of MDA primarily in trained men, dietary intake did not appear to be correlated to biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Accommodation of partial actuator faults using output feedback based adaptive robust control

This work considers the problem of partial actuator fault accommodation. The faulty actuators are characterized by a loss in efficiency, which can potentially lead to system instability or degraded system performance. Conventional model reference adaptive control has been used to solve this problem in the literature, which provides a natural setting to solve such problems by virtue of its online learning capabilities. Unfortunately, such techniques can lead to unbounded states when output disturbances and other modeling uncertainties are considered. In the present work, we make the problem more practical by explicitly taking into account these factors. Furthermore, we assume that faults occur at unknown instants of time and only limited state information is available. For solving this problem, we develop an output feedback adaptive robust control (ARC) based technique, which can effectively deal with all the constraints and uncertainties present in the system. The technique combines the output feedback based adaptive backstepping with robust control techniques and uses discontinuous projection to ensure the unknown parameter estimates stay within a known convex set. Comparative simulation studies are performed on a linearized Boeing 747 model to evaluate performance of the proposed scheme versus conventional MRAC based technique.
Limitations to the validity of the Barona Regression Formula and similar demographically-based methods of estimating preinjury intellectual functioning

Neuropsychologists are frequently asked to determine the extent to which an individual displays compromised functioning as a consequence of alleged brain damage. Since IQ testing is commonplace, one method of evaluating consequences involves comparing postinjury IQ with an estimation of premorbid intelligence. Recognition that unaided clinical judgments are of questionable accuracy has prompted the development of actuarial formulae to estimate IQ based upon demographic information. One, the Barona Regression Formula (BRF), developed for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, has received recent endorsement in a widely read journal, which may lead to widespread use. Unfortunately, although the BRF appears to be empirically rigorous, and performs about as well as methods of this type could be expected to, it is insficiently valid to warrant more than extremely cautious employment in the individual case. The procedure shows greater promise with group data, but is less likely to be encountered in that usage. Reasons for viewing this and similar procedures as severely limited are discussed. Language: en
Resilience Moderates the Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Depressive Symptoms Among Women with and At-Risk for HIV.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) places women at risk for HIV infection and once infected, for poor mental health outcomes, including lower quality of life and depressive symptoms. Among HIV-positive and demographically matched HIV-negative women, we investigated whether resilience and HIV status moderated the relationships between CSA and health indices as well as the relationships among CSA, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Participants included 202 women (138 HIV+, 64 HIV−, 87 % African American) from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study Chicago CORE Center site. Results indicated that in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, higher resilience significantly related to lower depressive symptoms and higher HRQOL. CSA related to higher depressive symptoms only for women scoring low in resilience. Interventions to promote resilience, especially in women with a CSA history, might minimize depressive symptoms and poor HRQOL among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.
Fear of falling in age-related macular degeneration

Prior studies have shown age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to be associated with falls. The purpose of this study is to determine if (AMD) and AMD-related vision loss are associated with fear of falling, an important and distinct outcome. Sixty-five persons with AMD with evidence of vision loss in one or both eyes and 60 glaucoma suspects with normal vision completed the University of Illinois at Chicago Fear of Falling questionnaire. Responses were Rasch analyzed. Scores were expressed in logit units, with lower scores demonstrating lesser ability and greater fear of falling. Compared to glaucoma suspect controls, AMD subjects had worse visual acuity (VA) (median better-eye VA = 20/48 vs. 20/24, p < 0.001) and worse contrast sensitivity (CS) (binocular CS = 1.9 vs. 1.5 log units, p < 0.001). AMD subjects were also older, more likely to be Caucasian, and less likely to be employed (p < 0.05 for all), but were similar with regards to other demographic and health measures. In multivariable models controlling for age, gender, body habitus, strength, and comorbid illnesses, AMD subjects reported greater fear of falling as compared to controls (β = -0.77 logits, 95% CI = -1.5 to -0.002, p = 0.045). In separate multivariable models, fear of falling increased with worse VA (β = -0.15 logits/1 line decrement, 95% CI = -0.28 to -0.03, p = 0.02) and CS (β = -0.20 logits/0.1 log unit decrement, 95% CI = -0.31 to -0.09, p = 0.001). Greater fear of falling was also associated with higher BMI, weaker grip, and more comorbid illnesses (p < 0.05 for all). AMD and AMD-related vision loss are associated with greater fear of falling in the elderly. Development, validation, and implementation of methods to address falls and fear of falling for individuals with vision loss from AMD are important goals for future work.
Infections associated with religious rituals

Summary This review evaluates the medical literature for religious rituals or ceremonies that have been reported to cause infection. These include an ultra-orthodox Jewish circumcision practice known as metzitzah b'peh, the Christian common communion chalice, Islamic ritual ablution, and the Hindu ‘side-roll'. Infections associated with participation in the Islamic Hajj have been extensively reviewed and will not be discussed.
The role of advanced practice nurses in transplant center staffing.

Context—Despite increased rates of solid organ transplantation and frequent use of advanced practice nurses (APNs) to manage patients, no established staffing model including APNs and their roles exists.Objective—To characterize the role and integration of APNs in the staffing models of existing transplant centers.Design—Descriptive research using a researcher-designed survey of transplant APN professionals.Participants—53 attendees of a national APN transplant clinical management symposium.Main Outcome Measure—Investigator-designed survey tool consisting of 21 questions delivered in a paper format with 1 open-ended question about adequacy of current staffing and ideas for improvement.Results—53 responses from staff members of 21 different transplant centers were collected. In addition to APNs, members of existing transplant staffing models were identified as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, social workers, administrative assistants, and data managers. The primary responsibilities of APNs wer...
Nuclear magnetic resonance study of the interaction of sodium dodecyl sulfate with phycocyanin.

Abstract The interaction of sodium dodecyl sulfate with the protein C-phycocyanin was investigated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fully deuterated phycocyanin is used to make observation of the surfactant resonance possible without intererence by resonance peaks of methyl and methylene groups on the protein. At low ratios of surfactant to deuterio-phycocyanin, the resonance peaks of the surfactant are greatly broadened, indicating a tightening of the protein structure as a result of the interaction. At higher ratios of surfactant to protein, all the resonance peaks of the surfactant are shifted upfield and moderately broadened, indicating that the entire hydrocarbon chain of the surfactant interacts with the protein, and that the surfactant is in a generally more hydrophobic environment when bound to the protein. Whereas interaction of small amounts of surfactant tighten the structure of the protein, high concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate appear to loosen the protein structure. The PMR spectra can be correlated with changes in the visible and ultraviolet spectra of deuterio-phycocyanin.
Tests for planar events in e+e− annihilation

Abstract We present a new class of observables which distinguish events containing two or three hadron jets from those containing a larger number. These observables, which essentially measure the coplanary of events, are calculable in QCD perturbation theory. Their use should allow the mechanism of decay to be determined.