cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Microtwinning of Mn_3O_4 in La_(1-x)Sr_xMnO_3 Compounds

La 1-x Sr x MnO 3( LSMO) manganite has been widely focused on due to its significant colossal magnetoresistance( CMR) effect,but a trace of impurity Mn 3 O 4 suppresses the CMR effect. The microtw inning in Mn 3 O 4 phase w as characterized and its formation mechanism w as analyzed systematically by means of transmission electron microscopy and the relative analytical methods. It w as found that tw in plane is defined as( 112) and a small amount of Sr atoms are observed near the tw in plane in Mn 3 O 4 w ith anatase structure. Based on the relationships betw een the probability of microtw inning and the number of Sr atoms,it can be verified that the formation of microtw inning may be attributed to the decrease in the formation energy of tw in boundary induced by the introduction of Sr atoms,w hich contributes to deduce the general rule on the structural evolution from anatase to perovskite.
Diversity in plant hydraulic traits explains seasonal and inter-annual variations of vegetation dynamics in seasonally dry tropical forests

We assessed whether diversity in plant hydraulic traits can explain the observed diversity in plant responses to water stress in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs). The Ecosystem Demography model 2 (ED2) was updated with a trait-driven mechanistic plant hydraulic module, as well as novel drought-phenology and plant water stress schemes. Four plant functional types were parameterized on the basis of meta-analysis of plant hydraulic traits. Simulations from both the original and the updated ED2 were evaluated against 5 yr of field data from a Costa Rican SDTF site and remote-sensing data over Central America. The updated model generated realistic plant hydraulic dynamics, such as leaf water potential and stem sap flow. Compared with the original ED2, predictions from our novel trait-driven model matched better with observed growth, phenology and their variations among functional groups. Most notably, the original ED2 produced unrealistically small leaf area index (LAI) and underestimated cumulative leaf litter. Both of these biases were corrected by the updated model. The updated model was also better able to simulate spatial patterns of LAI dynamics in Central America. Plant hydraulic traits are intercorrelated in SDTFs. Mechanistic incorporation of plant hydraulic traits is necessary for the simulation of spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation dynamics in SDTFs in vegetation models.
The intersection between asthma and acute chest syndrome in children with sickle-cell anaemia

Acute chest syndrome is a frequent cause of acute lung disease in children with sickle-cell disease. Asthma is common in children with sickle-cell disease and is associated with increased incidence of vaso-occlusive pain events, acute chest syndrome episodes, and earlier death. Risk factors for asthma exacerbation and an acute chest syndrome episode are similar, and both can present with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and wheezing. Despite overlapping risk factors and symptoms, an acute exacerbation of asthma or an episode of acute chest syndrome are two distinct entities that need disease-specific management strategies. Although understanding has increased about asthma as a comorbidity in sickle-cell disease and its effects on morbidity, substantial gaps remain in knowledge about best management.
The Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are among the most difficult and expensive of scientific studies. A typical multiclinic study sponsored by a pharmaceutical firm will recruit 200 to 300 patients and cost $1 million to 3 million. A typical multiclinic study sponsored by government agencies like the National Institutes of Health in the United States or the Medical Research Council in the United Kingdom will recruit thousands of patients and cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. A study designed to follow patients for 6 months to a year will take 3 to 4 years to recruit enough patients and several more years to analyze the data after the last patient has completed. Not only do RCTs use up large amounts of research money and resources, they also have their costs in the most precious of commodities, human suffering.
Three-Dimensional Flow

This chapter, briefly introduce three-dimensional solutions to two flow features: a partially penetrating well and a three-dimensional version of the sink disc, which are both implemented in program GFLOW. These three dimensional functions are significantly more complicated than their two-dimensional counterparts. A particularly complicating factor is the need to satisfy the no-flow conditions at the aquifer bottom and the aquifer top. For confined flow conditions, this implies satisfying no-flow conditions along two parallel horizontal planes. For unconfined flow conditions, the upper aquifer boundary is the a priori unknown phreatic surface, adding yet another complexity. A complete derivation of the three-dimensional potential functions for a partially penetrating well and sink disc requires a thorough treatment. It limits three-dimensional flow descriptions to those areas where they are relevant: near the three-dimensional flow features themselves of three-dimensional potential theory.
Why Write This Book

If I may be permitted the luxury of beginning a book by sharing its purpose and contents with the reader, I take that luxury gladly. My topic, strabismus, has fascinated and perplexed me (among many others) for over a quarter of a century. Often in despair of ever understanding anything about the topic, I have put aside inquiry into the many questions patients present when I examine them and have resorted to a mechanical way of thinking about the condition that persists in its worst form as the sterile dogmatism—“if the eyes are in turn them out, and if they are out turn them in.” But my demon will not go away. And so it is that I come to write this book.
Education, training and practice of clinical neuropsychologists in the United States of America

AbstractObjective: This invited paper is intended to give an overview regarding the education and training pathways for the practice of neuropsychology in the United States. It is also meant to describe the types of activities engaged in by neuropsychologists, a description of their work settings and the amounts/ways in which they are compensated for their work. Method: The authors reviewed the literature and relied on their professional and organizational experiences to collect the necessary data. Results: The United States has well-defined pathways for one to follow to gain the experiences and knowledge necessary to practice clinical neuropsychology in a competent way. Compensation varies widely among workplace settings but overall neuropsychologists appear to be well-paid. Challenges now and in the foreseeable future include a need to develop tests that have better ecological validity and that better reflect the demographics of a changing population, and an increasing need for neuropsychologists to ide...
Evaluation of physical structural features on influencing enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of micronized wood

Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is highly dependent on the changes in structural features after pretreatment. Mechanical milling pretreatment is an effective approach to alter the physical structure of biomass and thus improve enzymatic hydrolysis. This study examined the influence of structural characteristics on the enzymatic hydrolysis of micronized wood particles from mechanical milling pretreatment. We have also evaluated the energy efficiency of this processing method. Results indicate that the influence of processing variables on enzymatic hydrolysis of micronized wood relate mainly to the structural properties of particles. Reducing particle size down to ca. 30 μm disintegrates fibers and fiber bundles, while improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of the milled wood to around 40% of theoretical yield. Mechanically disintegrating the fiber cell wall into micronized fragments smaller than 30 μm further increases surface area and disrupts crystalline structure of cellulose, facilitating significant carbohydrate conversion (over 70% of theoretical yield). Empirical prediction of carbohydrate conversion with structural characteristics using a multiple linear regression model indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis of micronized wood improved as collectively increasing surface area (i.e., reducing particle size and aspect ratio) and decreasing crystallinity during mechanical milling pretreatment. Energy efficiency results demonstrate that using a low-moisture content of the starting material and a multi-step milling process decreases the energy required when producing simple sugars with a mechanical pretreatment. Findings from this study provide new insights for mechanically overcoming biomass recalcitrance and developing cost-effective milling technologies for industrial scale applications in biorefinery.
Non-Oxide Ceramics in Arthroplasty: The Case for Silicon Nitride as a Novel Biomaterial

Oxide ceramics, such as alumina and zirconia have been used extensively in arthroplasty bearings to address bearing wear and mitigate its delayed, undesirable consequences. In contrast to oxide ceramics that are well-known to orthopaedic surgeons, silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) is a non-oxide ceramic that has been investigated extensively in very demanding industrial applications, such as precision bearings, cutting tools, turbo-machinery, and electronics. For the past four years, Si 3 N 4 has also been used as a biomaterial in the human body; specifically in spinal fusion surgery. As a implantable biomaterial, Si 3 N 4 has unique properties, such as high strength and fracture toughness, inherent chemical and phase stability, low wear, proven biocompatibility, excellent radiographic imaging, antibacterial advantages, and superior osteointegration. This property combination has proven beneficial and desirable in orthopaedic implants made for spinal fusion, spinal disc reconstruction, hip and knee arthroplasty, and other total joints (Fig. 1). The physical properties, shapes, sizes and surface features of Si 3 N 4 can be engineered for each application – ranging from dense, finely polished articulation components, to highly porous scaffolds that promote osteointegration. Both porous and polished surfaces can be incorporated in the same implant, opening a number of opportunities for arthroplasty implant design. Crack propagation modes for in situ toughened Si 3 N 4 differ favorably from those of conventional ceramics, rendering Si 3 N 4 extremely resistant to catastrophic failure in vivo (Fig. 2). Most significantly, our recent work has shown that Si 3 N 4 is resistant to bacterial biofilm formation, colonization and growth, when compared to medical-grade PEEK and titanium. These anti-infective characteristics are particularly valuable for in vivo implantation. We will present the unique properties and characteristics of Si 3 N 4 , and compare these to other ceramic and non-ceramic biomaterials. Si 3 N 4 was once used only in industrial applications, but early data show that this novel biomaterial is positively impacting orthopaedic care and will continue to do so into the future.
Aortic valve replacement: Could it be a treatment for complete heart block?

Abstract In a case of calcific aortic stenosis with complete heart block, normal sinus rhythm returned following aortic valve replacement. A fifty nine years old with calcific aortic stenosis and complete heart block was completely cured by AVR only. From that we suggested that complete heart block in association with calcific aortic stenosis may be reversible and should be considered as early indication for aortic valve surgery.
Visual orchestration and autonomous execution of distributed and heterogeneous computational biology pipelines

Data integration continues to baffle researchers even though substantial progress has been made. Although the emergence of technologies such as XML, web services, semantic web and cloud computing have helped, a system in which biologists are comfortable articulating new applications and developing them without technical assistance from a computing expert is yet to be realized. The distance between a friendly graphical interface that does little, and a “traditional” system though clunky yet powerful, is deemed too great more often than not. The question that remains unanswered is, if a user can state her query involving a set of complex, heterogeneous and distributed life sciences resources in an easy to use language and execute it without further help from a computer savvy programmer. In this paper, we present a declarative meta-language, called VisFlow, for requirement specification, and a translator for mapping requirements into executable queries in a variant of SQL augmented with integration artifacts.
Automated Planning for Robotic Cleaning Using Multiple Setups and Oscillatory Tool Motions

This paper presents planning algorithms for robotic cleaning of stains on nonplanar surfaces. Access to different portions of the stain may require frequent repositioning and reorienting of the object. Some portions with prominent stain may require multiple passes to remove the stain completely. Two robotic arms have been used in the experiments. The object is immobilized with one arm and the cleaning tool is manipulated with the other. The algorithm generates a sequence of reorientation and repositioning moves required to clean the part after analyzing the stain. The plan is generated by accounting for the kinematic constraints of the robot. Our algorithm uses a depth-first branch-and-bound search to generate setup plans. Cleaning trajectories are generated and optimal cleaning parameters are selected by the algorithm. We have validated our approach through numerical simulations and robotic cleaning experiments with two KUKA robots. Note to Practitioners —We encounter nonrepetitive cleaning tasks everyday in both industrial and household environments. Variations in stain pattern, geometry, and material of the object make it difficult to manually program robots for such tasks. In this paper, we present planning algorithms to automate the cleaning task using robots. The practical impact of our approach is evidenced by the actual robot results involving realistic examples like cleaning of hard paint stains on curved surfaces and rust on metal surfaces. Practitioners from industry can use the methods presented in this paper to develop automated robotic systems for nonrepetitive tasks like cleaning and polishing. Our approach caters to the primary requirements of these applications like multiple setups, multiple passes within each setup, and determination of optimal motion parameters like velocity, force, and oscillation frequency of the cleaning tool.
Gubernatorial Administration: Appendices

These three appendices document state authorities described in Gubernatorial Administration, 131 Harv. L. Rev 483 (2017) (SSRN link: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2927234.)
Acceptability and Preliminary Efficacy of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender-Affirmative Mental Health Practice Training in a Highly Stigmatizing National Context.

Abstract Purpose: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Romania encounter pervasive stigma and discrimination and there is a high need for LGBT-competent mental health profe...
Short-term International Experience (STIE) and Students’ Understanding of Quality Early Childhood Service Provision

Exposing pre-service teachers to international professional experiences through a short-term visiting programme serves to challenge their understandings of good quality practice through disturbing assumptions and expectations previously formed through experiences in their own country/culture. Much of the research in international study focuses on pre-service teachers preparing to teach in primary, secondary or language classes. In this study we present the perceptions of pre-service early childhood students who underwent a short-term international experience. In particular we explore the ways in which their experiences impacted on their understandings of quality early childhood service provision. In the increasingly neoliberal Australian early childhood sector externally imposed standards define quality and this is enacted in relatively homogenous ways in practice, opportunities to observe practice arising from different understandings serves to challenge thinking, potentially leading to different world views (Piaget’s accommodation).
True amplitude recovery in reverse-time extrapolation of plane and spherical waves

ABSTRACTA challenging outstanding problem in reverse time extrapolation is recovering accurate amplitudes at reflectors from the receiver wavefield. Various migrations have been developed to produc...
Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide in Haploidentical Transplantation

HLA-matched sibling donors are available for only a minority of patients. Partially HLA-mismatched related (HLA-haploidentical) donors can be identified for the vast majority of patients, but transplants from these donors have historically been limited by excessive graft-versus-host disease, nonrelapse mortality, and poor overall survival. When given on days 3 and 4 after HLA-haploidentical T-cell replete blood or marrow transplantation, high-dose cyclophosphamide depletes dividing alloreactive T-cells, resulting in low rates of acute graft-versus-host disease, comparable to HLA-matched transplantation, and chronic graft-versus-host disease incidence below that seen with T-cell replete HLA-matched transplantation. Importantly, cyclophosphamide spares non-alloreactive T-cells, preserving immunity and leading to a low incidence of nonrelapse mortality after HLA-haploidentical transplantation. HLA-haploidentical transplantation utilizing post-transplant cyclophosphamide achieves comparable survival to HLA-matched transplantation and has thereby expanded the option of allogeneic transplantation to the vast majority of eligble recipients.
A flow cytometric approach to engineering Escherichia coli for improved eukaryotic protein glycosylation.

Abstract A synthetic pathway for production of the eukaryotic trimannosyl chitobiose glycan (mannose3-N-acetylglucosamine2, Man3GlcNAc2) and its transfer to specific asparagine residues in target proteins was previously engineered in Escherichia coli, providing this simple microbe with the ability to perform a complex post-translational protein modification. Here, we leveraged a flow cytometric fluorescence-based assay to improve Man3GlcNAc2 glycan biosynthesis in E. coli cells. Specifically, pathway improvements were identified, including reducing pathway enzyme expression levels and overexpressing nucleotide sugar biosynthesis genes, which enhanced production of lipid-linked Man3GlcNAc2 by nearly 50-fold to 13.9 μg/L. In turn, cells producing higher levels of the Man3GlcNAc2 substrate yielded up to 10 times more glycosylated acceptor protein (to ~ 14 mg/L) than their non-optimized counterparts. These results demonstrate the use of flow cytometry screening as a powerful tool for interrogating the surfaces of glyco-engineered bacteria and identifying meaningful improvements in glycan biosynthesis. We anticipate this approach will enable further optimization of bacterial glycan biosynthesis pathways using new strain engineering tools from metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
Choral Configuration: An Overview of Research and Implications for the Choral Music Educator:

Choral configuration, an umbrella term that refers to acoustical placement, formation, or spacing among singers, may cause noticeable transformations to the sound of a choir and the vocal productio...
Werbung – Persuasion unter erschwerten Bedingungen

Werbung ist ein lehrreicher Sonderfall persuasiver Kommunikation. Sie hat es namlich oft besonders schwer, Menschen zu uberzeugen. Deshalb wollen wir in diesem Kapitel davon profitieren, auf welche Ideen speziell die Werbeforschung gekommen ist, um dennoch etwas zu erreichen.
Goals and Interests: American and Soviet

In the preceding chapter an attempt has been made to show the role and significance of the Danube in history. We have seen the conditioning factors and manifestations of its importance and of the interest that individuals, groups, nations and international organizations have taken in this great river. We have seen the great part that international politics has played in the organization, composition, powers and functions of the various international bodies.1 We have seen that the actual and potential benefits accruing from the control and utilization of the Danube were considered greater than the actual or potential deprivations which the river might have presented to its masters. Otherwise, assuming rational actions, there would have been no struggle for its control.
Zinc (Zn) Absorption in Premature Infants

Traditional balance techniques have given variable data on Zn absorption by the premature infant. However, in the majority of studies undertaken prior to 36 weeks post-conception, Zn absorption has not been sufficiently positive to meet calculated requirements for growth. Use of stable isotopes can help to avert some of the potential sources of error with traditional balance studies and allows measurement of true absorption. This was a pilot study of 70 Zn absorption in premature infants, in which isotopically enriched zinc was fed and Zn stable isotope ratios in fecal samples were measured by a Fast Atom Bombardment/Mass Spectrometry (FAB/MS) technique (1).
Concerning the Rationale of Diagnostic Testing

Early in the history of clinical psychology, the use of tests for the purposes of diagnosis and classification was self-evident. It was readily understood that the diagnostic enterprise was an indispensable part of the functioning of the clinical psychologist. In more recent years, the diagnostic function in general and that of testing in particular is no longer self-evident. Consequently, it has become necessary to review the reasons for the diagnostic activity and to present a convincing rationale for it.
Electrical and chemical characterizations of hafnium (IV) oxide films for biological lab-on-a-chip devices

Abstract Many biological lab-on-a-chip applications require electrical and optical manipulation as well as detection of cells and biomolecules. This provides an intriguing challenge to design robust microdevices that resist adverse electrochemical side reactions yet achieve optical transparency. Physical isolation of biological samples from microelectrodes can prevent contamination, electrode fouling, and electrochemical byproducts; thus this manuscript explores hafnium oxide (HfO2) films - originating from traditional transistor applications – for suitability in electrokinetic microfluidic devices for biological applications. HfO2 films with deposition times of 6.5, 13, and 20 min were sputter deposited onto silicon and glass substrates. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of the HfO2 films were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and capacitance voltage. Electric potential simulations of the HfO2 films and a biocompatibility study provided additional insights. Film grain size after corrosive Piranha treatment was observed via AFM. The crystalline structure investigated via X-ray diffraction revealed all films exhibited the (111) characteristic peak with thicker films exhibiting multiple peaks indicative of anisotropic structures. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy via field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy both corroborated the atomic ratio of the films as HfO2. Ellipsometry data from Si yielded thicknesses of 58, 127, and 239 nm and confirmed refractive index and extinction coefficients within the normal range for HfO2; glass data yielded unreliable thickness verifications due to film and substrate transparency. Capacitance-voltage results produced an average dielectric constant of 20.32, and the simulations showed that HfO2 dielectric characteristics were sufficient to electrically passivate planar microelectrodes. HfO2 biocompatibility was determined with human red blood cells by quantifying the hemolytic potential of the HfO2 films. Overall results support hafnium oxide as a viable passivation material for biological lab-on-a-chip applications.
Early Onset of Depression During Childhood and Adolescence

Identifying, preventing, and treating the early onset of depression during childhood and adolescence presents unique challenges for mental health professionals. The rates of depression are relatively low in childhood but increase dramatically in mid-to-late adolescence. Young people with depression are at an increased risk for academic and social impairment and the development of later substance abuse, suicide, and the persistence or reoccurrence of depression into adulthood. This highlights the importance of identifying and treating depression early during these ages. The presentation of depression in youth resembles that of adults; however, it can be difficult to differentiate features of the disorder from the typical patterns of sadness and irritability during these transitional years. Clinicians must also be adept at differentiating depression from other related disorders. Once identified, there are several empirically supported intervention options. These include psychotherapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy) that are effective at reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning. Clinicians may also consider medication-based treatments, especially in cases of severe depression, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, particularly fluoxetine, demonstrating the greatest efficacy. Studies have also supported the combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and fluoxetine as effective. Finally, there are several alternative treatment options, such as exercise, behavioral activation, family therapy, and non-approved medications. It is essential for clinicians and families to weigh the costs and benefits of each treatment approach, taking differences such as age, depression severity, and the presence of suicidal ideation into consideration.
Precision in pediatric epilepsy

Epilepsy in infants and children is one of the most common and devastating neurological disorders. In the past, we had a limited understanding of the causes of epilepsy in pediatric patients, so we treated pediatric epilepsy according to seizure type. Now with new tools and tests, we are entering the age of precision medicine in pediatric epilepsy. In this review, we use the new etiological classification system proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy to review the advances in the diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, describe new tools to identify seizure foci for epilepsy surgery, and define treatable epilepsy syndromes.
Modeling of Glass Transition Temperatures for Polymeric Coating Materials: Application of QSPR Mixture-based Approach

Cross-linked block copolymers are structurally complex, and utilization of traditional methods of molecular representation in chemoinformatics is only of limited applicability. Therefore, we introduced new techniques of structural representation for block copolymers. We developed additive and combinatorial approaches that treat a copolymer as a mixture system. In this approach, DRAGON descriptors are concentration-weighted for all chemicals in the reaction mixture. As a proof of concept, we have studied glass transition temperatures of block copolymers of hydroxyalkyl- and dihydroxyalkyl carbamate terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) oligomers with poly(-caprolactone) and developed four quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) models. The correlation coefficient (R2 ) for mentioned QSPR models ranges from 0.851 to 0.911 for the training set. In addition to the newly introduced technique we found that the octanol-water partition coefficient and 3D-MoRSE unweighted descriptors were the most important descriptors for the studied property. The results of the study demonstrated that all chemicals in reaction mixture influenced the glass transition temperatures.
Audible Panorama: Automatic Spatial Audio Generation for Panorama Imagery

As 360 deg cameras and virtual reality headsets become more popular, panorama images have become increasingly ubiquitous. While sounds are essential in delivering immersive and interactive user experiences, most panorama images, however, do not come with native audio. In this paper, we propose an automatic algorithm to augment static panorama images through realistic audio assignment. We accomplish this goal through object detection, scene classification, object depth estimation, and audio source placement. We built an audio file database composed of over $500$ audio files to facilitate this process. We designed and conducted a user study to verify the efficacy of various components in our pipeline. We run our method on a large variety of panorama images of indoor and outdoor scenes. By analyzing the statistics, we learned the relative importance of these components, which can be used in prioritizing for power-sensitive time-critical tasks like mobile augmented reality (AR) applications.
Technopsyence and Afro-Surrealism's Cripistemologies

This article critiques today’s digital mental health research and treatment paradigms through a crip theoretical approach. I argue that, implemented in a neoliberal risk culture and austerity logics that implement big data to capacitate and debilitate, psychiatric technoscientific endeavors (what I call “technopsyience”) reproduce racial capitalism in their aim of governing mentalities.Yet mobile devices are also the means by which crip bodyminds creatively interrogate and resist racial capitalism and the psy discourses that support it. I explore a recent work of Afro-Surrealism that presents scenes of extractive racial capitalism, fantasies of digital futures, mental distress, and care, and that, I argue, opens up avenues for thinking bodyminds and the digital otherwise.
Experimentally validated models for falling-film absorption around microchannel tube banks: Heat and mass transfer

Abstract A heat and mass transfer model for falling-film ammonia-water absorption over microchannel tube banks is presented. Three regions in the absorber were considered for absorption of vapor: solution pool, evolving droplets, and falling film. Flow of solution around the tube banks was modeled using a previously developed hydrodynamic model. Absorption in the solution pool and the droplet was assumed to be adiabatic, while the heat of absorption in the film was removed by circulating coupling fluid. This model was applied to measurements from a previous experimental study on a microchannel absorber. Most of the absorption was found to occur in the film region, while up to ∼7% of the absorption was found to occur in the droplets. Heat transfer coefficients were estimated in the film region, and an empirical correlation for the film Nusselt number was developed. These models can be used to design ammonia-water falling-film absorbers.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and tubular sodium handling in young patients with incipient chronic kidney disease

Background Experimental studies have shown fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-mediated upregulation of the distal tubule sodium/chloride (Na+Cl-) co-transporter leading to increased Na reabsorption, volume expansion and hypertension. However, data on the associations of FGF23 with renal Na regulation and blood pressure (BP) are lacking in young CKD patients. Methods FGF23 and other determinants of mineral metabolism, plasma renin activity (PRA), fractional excretion of Na (FENa) and BP, were analyzed at a single center in 60 patients aged 5-22 years with CKD Stages 1 (n = 33) and Stages 2-3 (n = 27) defined by cystatin C- and creatinine-based estimating equations (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR). Associations between FGF23 and renal Na handling were explored by regression analysis. Results Median FGF23 levels were higher in CKD Stages 2-3 versus CKD 1 (119 versus 79 RU/mL; P 69 pg/mL] in only few subjects with CKD Stages 2-3. Median FENa was comparable in both subgroups, but with proportionally more values above the reference mean (0.55%) in CKD Stages 2-3 and 3-fold higher (1.6%) in CKD Stage 3. PRA was higher in CKD Stages 2-3 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile in CKD Stage 1, FGF23 did not associate with FENa, and in CKD Stages 2-3 FGF23 associated positively with FENa (r = 0.4; P < 0.05) and PTH (r = 0.45; P < 0.05), and FENa associated with FE of phosphate (r = 0.6; P < 0.005). Neither FGF23 nor FENa was associated with systolic or diastolic BP in either subgroup. The negative association of eGFR by cystatin with FENa remained the strongest predictor of FENa by multivariable linear regression in CKD Stages 2-3. Conclusions The elevated FGF23, FENa and PRA and the positive association of FGF23 with FENa do not suggest FGF23-mediated increased tubular Na reabsorption and volume expansion as causing hypertension in young patients with incipient CKD.
Massive stars: From Pop III and GRBs to the Milky Way: Optically observable zero-age main-sequence O stars

A list of fifty optically observable O stars that are likely on or very near the ZAMS is presented. They have been selected on the basis of five distinct criteria, although some of them exhibit more than one. Three of the criteria are spectroscopic (He II 4686 absorption stronger than in normal luminosity class V spectra, abnormally broad or strong Balmer lines, weak UV wind profiles for their spectral types), one is environmental (association with dense, dusty nebular knots), and one is photometric (derived absolute magnitudes fainter than class V). Very few of these stars have been physically analyzed, and they have not been considered in the current framework of early massive stellar evolution. In particular, they may indicate that the earliest, embedded phases are not as large a fraction of the main-sequence lifetimes as is currently believed. Detailed analyses of these objects will likely prove essential to a complete understanding of the early evolution of massive stars.
Multisite Medical Student–Led Community Culinary Medicine Classes Improve Patients’ Diets: Machine Learning–Augmented Propensity Score–Adjusted Fixed Effects Cohort Analysis of 1381 Subjects:

Background. Healthy diet represents one of the largest single modifiable risk factors proven to decrease rates of obesity and associated chronic disease, but practical approaches to improving dieta...
Preparing Capable Youth Workers: The Project Youth Extension Service Approach

The Project Youth Extension Service (YES!) college student internship integrates pre-service training on youth worker competencies with a year or more of practice experience in leading positive youth development programs for military youth impacted by the military deployment process. For nearly a decade, interns have reported significant improvement in 37 behavioral competencies, with 24 indicators improving .50 or more on a 5-point scale. Areas of greatest growth include practices critical to youth worker effectiveness and program quality: self-regulation, interaction, and adaptation in high-intensity settings. Qualitative comments indicate growth in personal maturity (e.g., composure, flexibility, openness to feedback) as well as professional growth (e.g., listening, organization, presentation, teamwork), and empathy for youth and families under stress. Intern growth was also observed by trainers and mentors. Program feedback from youth and event coordinators was consistently positive. Interns also benefited from working with a career mentor. Blended online and on-site training, episodic scheduling, and scaffolded leadership offer effective and efficient methods for programming and professional development. Findings point to the value of intensive and extended training focused on experiential learning, critical reflection, and mentoring, together with background knowledge on military culture, military family life, and youth development. The program model, full results, conclusions, recommendations for practice, and opportunities for improvement are discussed.
Crime witness accounts

Contrary to the social expectation that good citizens should help others in need, persons who witness crime do not always intervene to help, or see it as their responsibility to do so. This study e...
Tuning small molecule release from polymer micelles: Varying H2S release through cross linking in the micelle core.

Abstract Polymer micelles, used extensively as vehicles in the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, represent a versatile polymer architecture in drug delivery systems. We hypothesized that degree of crosslinking in the hydrophobic core of amphiphilic block copolymer micelles could be used to tune the rate of release of the biological signaling gas (gasotransmitter) hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a potential therapeutic. To test this hypothesis, we first synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers of the structure PEG-b-P(FBEA) (PEG = poly(ethylene glycol), FBEA = 2-(4-formylbenzoyloxy)ethyl acrylate). Using a modified arm-first approach, we then varied the crosslinking percentage in the core-forming block via addition of an O,O'-alkanediyl bis(hydroxylamine) crosslinking agent. We followed incorporation of the crosslinker by 1H NMR spectroscopy, monitoring the appearance of the oxime signal resulting from reaction of pendant aryl aldehydes on the block copolymer with hydroxylamines on the crosslinker, which revealed crosslinking percentages of 5, 10, and 15%. We then installed H2S-releasing S-aroylthiooxime (SATO) groups on the crosslinked polymers, yielding micelles with SATO units in their hydrophobic cores after self-assembly in water. H2S release studies in water, using cysteine (Cys) as a trigger to induce H2S release from the SATO groups in the micelle core, revealed increasing half-lives of H2S release, from 117 ± 6 min to 210 ± 30 min, with increasing crosslinking density in the micelle core. This result was consistent with our hypothesis, and we speculate that core crosslinking limits the rate of Cys diffusion into the micelle core, decreasing the release rate. This method for tuning the release of covalently linked small molecules through modulation of micelle core crosslinking density may extend beyond H2S to other drug delivery systems where precise control of release rate is needed.
Fluid Overload and Kidney Injury Score

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome, characterized by renal dysfunction triggered by various etiologies, including ischemic insults, sepsis, toxin, or drug induced. The current consensus definition and staging utilize a pragmatic approach with a combination of oliguria and changes in the filtration marker serum creatinine. However, the comparative nature of the serum creatinine definiton, where a fold-increase from baseline creatinine is required to quantify appropriate staging, can lead to subtle changes occuring over time to be missed. Similarly, lack of accurate quantification of urine output in real time might lead to missed diagnoses. Perhaps more importantly, oliguric AKI is likely a higher degree of severity that isolated creatinine elevations. In this chapter, we provide an overview of newer tools of AKI risk stratification and trajectory determination, highlighting derivation and proposed application of electronic medical record integrated tool - Fluid Overload and Kidney Injury Score.
Programmable Virtual Reality Environments

We present a programmable virtual environment that allows users to create and manipulate 3D objects via code while inside virtual reality. Our environment supports the control of 3D transforms, physical, and visual properties. Programming is done by means of a custom visual block-language that is translated into Lua language scripts. We believed that the direction of this project will benefit computer science education in helping students to learn programming and spatial thinking more efficiently.
Fuel price elasticities in the U.S. combination trucking sector

Abstract This paper estimates fuel price elasticities of combination trucking operations in the United States between 1970 and 2012. We evaluate trucking operations in terms of vehicle miles traveled and fuel consumption for combination trucks. Our explanatory variables include measures of economic activity, energy prices, and indicator variables that account for important regulatory shifts and changes in data collection and reporting in national transportation datasets. Our results suggest that fuel price elasticities in the United States’ trucking sector have shifted from an elastic environment in the 1970s to a relatively inelastic environment today. We discuss the importance of these results for policymakers in light of new policies that aim to limit energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
An Experimental Realization of Bohm’s Spin-1/2 Particle EPR Gedanken Experiment

The Hg isotope 199Hg (nuclear spin I=1/2) is suited for an experimental realization of Bohm’s spin-1/2 particle EPR gedanken experiment. The experiment is based on the photo dissociation of a 199Hg dimer followed by the analysis of the nuclear spin components of the resulting fragments. Dissociation and analysis of spin components are carried out by pulsed lasers. The experiment would close both loopholes, which were left open by previous experiments testing Bell inequalities.
Gases as Chemical Messengers in the Carotid Body

Until recently, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) were thought to be environmental pollutants that are harmful to the body. It is now well established that mammalian cells not only synthesize NO and CO, but also use them as chemical messengers in various physiological systems (9). Recent studies (7,8,12,13) suggest that NO and CO are produced within the carotid body and they may have important roles in oxygen chemoreception. The purpose of this article is to review briefly the significance of NO and CO as chemical messengers in the carotid body.
Comparing Quarterly Use Study Results for Marginal Serials at Oregon State University

The use of 145 preselected probable low-use serial titles was measured in Ken Library at Oregon State University for three separate quarters. Student reshelvers recorded each use of bound volumes and unbound issues as the items were reshelved. Internal checks suggested that reshelved items were recorded accurately, but that approximately one third of the uses were not recorded. Reshelving by users could explain the discrepancy. Recorded use for individual titles varied considerably among quarters, with the ratio of standard deviation to average use per quarter decreasing erratically from an average greater than one at very low use values to an average of much less than one at higher use. The need for a continuous survey period of at least one year was demonstrated.
Stability of Non-Linear Systems

Simple model is used to illustrate effects of modes of initial imperfections on stability of elastic and inelastic systems; in case of linear elastic systems, modes of imperfections have distinct effects on load-deformation relationships, but not on buckling loads and final modes of buckling; however, because most actual systems are geometrically or physically nonlinear, modes, as well as amplitudes, of imperfections have pronounced effects on buckling loads, modes of buckling, and load-deformation relationships.
Abstract 445: A Pro-Fibrotic Role of Interleukin-4 in Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction

Elevated interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels are positively related to cardiac fibrosis in heart failure and hypertension. Using Balb/c exhibiting high circulating IL-4, Balb/c- Il4tm2Nnt (IL-4 knockout with Balb/c background, IL-4-/-) and C57BL/6 mice, as well as cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), we hypothesized that 1) high levels of IL-4 result in cardiac fibrosis, making the heart susceptible to angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced damage, and 2) IL-4 potently stimulates collagen production by CFs. Each strain (9- to 12-week old male) received vehicle or Ang II (1.4 mg/kg/day, s.c. via osmotic mini-pump) for 8 weeks. Cardiac fibrosis and function were determined by histology and echocardiography, respectively. Compared to C57BL/6, Balb/c mice had doubled interstitial collagen in the heart, enlarged left ventricle and decreased cardiac function along with elevated cardiac IL-4 protein (1.00±0.08 in C57BL/6 vs 2.61±0.46 in Balb/c, p <0.05); all those changes were significantly attenuated in IL-4-/- (Table 1). Ang II further deteriorated cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in Balb/c; these detrimental effects were attenuated in IL-4-/-, although the three strains had a similar level of hypertension. In vitro study revealed that IL-4Rα was constitutively expressed in CFs (Western blot), and IL-4 potently stimulated collagen production by CFs (hydroxproline assay, from 18.89±0.85 to 38.81±3.61 μg/mg at 10 ng/ml, p <0.01). Our study demonstrates for the first time that IL-4, as a potent pro-fibrotic cytokine in the heart, contributes to cardiac fibrotic remodeling and dysfunction. Thus IL-4 may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Application-specific fault tolerance via data access characterization

Recent trends in semiconductor technology and supercomputer design predict an increasing probability of faults during an application's execution. Designing an application that is resilient to system failures requires careful evaluation of the impact of various approaches on preserving key application state. In this paper, we present our experiences in an ongoing effort to make a large computational chemistry application fault tolerant. We construct the data access signatures of key application modules to evaluate alternative fault tolerance approaches. We present the instrumentation methodology, characterization of the application modules, and evaluation of fault tolerance techniques using the information collected. The application signatures developed capture application characteristics not traditionally revealed by performance tools. We believe these can be used in the design and evaluation of runtimes beyond fault tolerance.
Syntactic clause boundaries, speech timing, and stuttering frequency in adult stutterers.

Nine adult male stutterers read aloud sentences designed to test influences of major syntactic boundary locations on stuttering frequency and on aspects of speech timing. The stutterers were found ...
Lie Bracket Extensions and Averaging: The Single-Bracket Case

We explain a general approximation technique for nonholonomic systems by discussing in detail a special example, chosen so as to illustrate some of the technical aspects of the general construction. The example considered is that of an extension of a two-input system obtained by adding a single bracket of degree five. This bracket is sufficiently complicated to exhibit some phenomena, such as multiplicity, that do not occur for brackets of lower degree.