cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A disheartening story: Aprotinin in cardiac surgery

Results: In propensity-adjusted, multivariable logistic regression (C-index, 0.72), use of aprotinin was associated with a doubling in the risk of renal failure requiring dialysis among patients undergoing complex coronary-artery surgery (odds ratio, 2.59; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.36 to 4.95) or primary surgery (odds ratio, 2.34; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.27 to 4.31). Similarly, use of aprotinin in the latter group was associated with a 55 percent increase in the risk of myocardial infarction or heart failure (P<0.001) and a 181 percent increase in the risk of stroke or encephalopathy (P=0.001). Neither aminocaproic acid nor tranexamic acid was associated with an increased risk of renal, cardiac, or cerebral events. Adjustment according to propensity score for the use of any one of the three agents as compared with no agent yielded nearly identical findings. All the agents reduced blood loss.
Neurogenic hyperalgesia: psychophysical studies of underlying mechanisms.

1. Psychophysical studies were made, in humans, of the sensory characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the hyperalgesia (often termed “secondary hyperalgesia”) that occurs in uninjured skin su...
Computational Thermodynamic of a Turbocharged Direct Injection Diesel Engine

The purpose of this work is to provide a flexible thermodynamic model based on the filling and emptying approach for the performance prediction of turbocharged compression ignition engine. To validate the model, comparisons between the developed a computer program in FORTRAN language and the commercial GT-Power software results operating under different conditions. The comparisons show that there is a good concurrence between the developed program and the commercial GT-Power software. The variation of the speed of the diesel engine chosen extends from 800 RPM to 2100 RPM. In this work, we studied the influence of several engine parameters on the power and efficiency. Moreover, it puts in evidence the existence of two optimal points in the engine, one relative to maximum power and another to maximum efficiency; it was found that if the injection time is advanced, so the maximum levels of pressure and temperature in the cylinder are high, it was found that if the injection time is advanced, so the maximum levels of pressure and temperature in the cylinder are high.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.21.1.8690
Staring at the (clitoral) sun: Arousing abjection in Ann Liv Young's The Bagwell in Me

Ann Liv Young's The Bagwell in Me, which premiered at The Kitchen in NYC, 2008, continues this experimental dance-theater artist's characteristically brutal, anatomizing exposure of the performers’ bodies through both sexual and violent narratives. This analysis examines how Young's construction of a certain type of subject on the stage challenges the subjectivities of her audience members, provoking moments of potential eruption. By setting up the possibility of abjection through the ambivalent dynamic of attraction and repulsion, and bombarding the audience with tropes that engender a push toward Georges Bataille's concept of “radical formlessness,” I argue, Ann Liv Young's performance places notions of the stable subject – composed of a “whole” body that is coherently organized and intelligibly coded in terms of sex, gender, sexuality and race – into question. Not only will this analysis explore how viewing oral sex as choreography speaks to Bataille's discussion of radical formlessness through deconte...
On the evolution of cicada X host-tree associations in Central America

An hypothesis tout court is proposed to account for the association of cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) with large-sized trees of the family Leguminosae in both climax forest formations and forest remnants in Central America. Based upon extensive field studies of these insects in Costa Rica, final-instar nymphal skins of many genera and species of Neotropical cicadas appear to be aggregated annually around individual large legume trees in a broad range of habitats in Costa Rica, and much of the reproductive behavior of the adult insects is also centered around these trees. A series of testable subhypotheses are generated based largely upon the assumption that cicadas, primarily through egg-placement behavior and nymphal feeding behavior, have coevolved with legume trees in climax forest formations of Central America, and perhaps elsewhere in the Neotropical Region. The “root crowns” of such trees, with some exceptions, might be optimal feeding sites for cicada nymphs in tropical forests.
Abiotic degradation of 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) on synthetic birnessite: a calorespirometric method

Abstract Abiotic tranformation of organic pollutants in soil environments can contribute significantly to remediation. As a model for the examination of abiotic remediation, the birnessite-catalyzed degradation of 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and ethyl ether was monitored by calorespirometric methods, and the products were examined by calorespirometry, chromatography and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectral analysis. Birnessite is a common component of many soils. Birnessite (modeled as the oxide mineral δ-MnO 2 ) is an efficient solid-state catalyst of the breakdown of organic pollutants. Our results show that 2,4-D and ethyl ether adsorbed on the surface of birnessite are rapidly oxidized. Both compounds produce CO 2 as a major product, but by somewhat different mechanisms. Analysis of the reaction products by high-performance liquid chromatography shows no accumulation of intermediates. Following reaction with 2,4-D, but not with ethyl ether, ESR analysis detected Mn 2+ extractable into methanol. These experiments show (a) that birnessite catalyzes the breakdown of organochlorine herbicides, such as 2,4-D and organic solvents, such as ethyl ether; (b) that CO 2 is a major product of degradation for both compounds; (c) that the reaction proceeds via the birnessite-catalyzed oxidation of hydrocarbon structures, but the 2,4-D-assisted dissolution of birnessite to produce Mn 2+ is also involved in the degradation of organic solvents; and (d) that solid-state analysis by calorespirometry allows simple, rapid determinations of the reaction kinetics of pollutant breakdown.
Probing the architecture of a simple kinetochore using DNA-protein crosslinking.

In budding yeast, accurate chromosome segregation requires that one and only one kinetochore assemble per chromosome. In this paper, we report the use of DNA–protein crosslinking and nondenaturing gel analysis to study the structure of CBF3, a four-protein complex that binds to the essential CDEIII region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromeres. We find that three subunits of CBF3 are in direct contact with CDEIII over a region of DNA that spans 80 bp. A highly asymmetric core complex containing p58CTF13 p64CEP3 and p110NDC10 in direct contact with DNA forms at the genetically defined center of CDEIII. This core complex spans ∼56 bp of CEN3. An extended complex comprising the core complex and additional DNA-bound p110NDC10 also forms. It spans ∼80 bp of DNA. CBF3 makes sequence-specific and -nonspecific contacts with DNA. Both contribute significantly to the energy of CBF3–DNA interaction. Moreover, important sequence-specific contacts are made with bases that are not conserved among yeast centromeres. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the organization of the CBF3–centromere complex, a structure that appears to initiate the formation of microtubule attachment sites at yeast kinetochores. These results also have implications for understanding centromere-binding proteins in higher cells.
Major histocompatibility complex class I and II expression on macrophages containing a virulent strain of Brucella abortus measured using green fluorescent protein-expressing brucellae and flow cytometry

Immune responses appropriate for control of an intracellular pathogen are generated in mice infected with Brucella abortus, shown by the ability of T cells to adoptively transfer resistance to naive mice. The infection nevertheless persists for months. It was hypothesized that one factor in maintaining the infection despite the presence of immune T cells was suboptimal expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on macrophages containing brucellae. This would allow B. abortus to elude detection by the host's immune system. To test this, B. abortus organisms expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-Brucella) were constructed and three-color flow cytometry used to evaluate MHC expression on macrophages following in vitro or in vivo infection. When infected in vitro, the levels of MHC class I and class II expression on J774 macrophages containing GFP-Brucella were the same or higher than on macrophages without GFP-Brucella in the same cultures. Similarly, the MHC expression was higher on GFP(+) peritoneal exudate cells following infection or phagocytosis of heat-killed GFP-Brucella than it was on uninfected peritoneal exudate cells. Following in vivo infection of mice the level of MHC class I and II expression on GFP(+) cells in their spleens (the main site of infection) also tended to be as high as or higher than that on the GFP-negative cells. The only in vivo GFP(+) cells that showed a decreased MHC expression was a population of splenic Mac1(+) cells recovered from interferon-gamma gene-disrupted mice at the time of their death due to an overwhelming number of bacteria per spleen. Overall, it was concluded that decreased MHC expression is not a general principle associated with brucella infection of macrophages and thus not likely to contribute to maintenance of the chronic infection.
Hard-to-manage preschool boys: Family context and the stability of externalizing behavior

Preschool boys identified by their teachers as active, inattentive, and impulsive (N = 42) were compared with matched classroom controls (N = 43) and with parent-identified problem boys (N = 27) on measures of family functioning often associated with children's problem behaviors, including family history of psychopathology, stressful life events, and family composition. Teacher-identified and parent-identified problem boys did not differ on measures of family adversity, and both groups came from less well functioning families than comparison boys. Mothers of problem boys, regardless of referral source, were more negative and controlling toward their sons when observed in a compliance task. Children's problem behaviors were moderately stable over a one-year follow-up period; initial symptom levels, maternal self-reported depression, and negative maternal control predicted follow-up ratings of externalizing problems.
The mechanism of respiratory variation in splitting of the second heart sound.

This study of 68 normal children has shown that in the supine position and under conditions of normal respiration splitting of the second sound averages .02 second in expiration and .04 second in inspiration. Inspiratory increase in splitting of the second sound is the result not only of a delay in pulmonic valve closure but also of earlier aortic closure. Movement of the aortic component is responsible, on the average, for 35 per cent of the difference in splitting of the second sound in inspiration and expiration.
Developing best practices of emergency care for the alcohol-impaired patient.

Abstract [Vaca F. Developing best practices of emergency care for the alcohol-impaired patient. Ann Emerg Med. June 2002;39:685-686.]
Quantifying diatom aspirations: Mechanical properties of chain-forming species

Diatoms developed a variety of mechanisms to form chain-like colonies, resulting in diverse morphologies and bulk mechanical properties. These properties affect translation, rotation, and deformation of colonies in ambient flows as well as their susceptibility to breakage by flow- and grazer-induced forces. Morphological characteristics of diatom chains have been extensively studied, yet no studies have examined their mechanical properties. We studied the flexibility of four morphologically distinct species (Lithodesmium undulatum, Stephanopyxis turris, Lauderia annulata, and Guinardia delicatula) by measuring their deflections when held across a capillary tip in developing pipe flow and applying simple beam theory and a finite-difference analysis of curvature to calculate flexural stiffness. Flexural stiffness varies greatly, with at least four orders of magnitude difference among the examined species (from 1.7 × 10−13 N m2, the most rigid, to 1.3 × 10−17 N m2, the most flexible), but two other species (Melosira nummuloides and a Thalassiosira sp.) were too flexible to measure with our apparatus. Vulnerability to breakage by flow also varied between species and, for species with heavily silicified joints between cells, was enhanced under nutrient depletion. These results highlight yet another attribute underlying the biodiversity of diatoms and their potential for utilizing highly differentiated ecological niches. Quantitative information from this study can now be used in the design of more mechanically realistic models that capture the dynamic coupling between elastic particles and flow to study diatom–flow interactions and their effects on nutrient acquisition, encounter with grazers, aggregate formation, and settling.
Persistent perioperative hyperglycemia as an independent predictor of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Object The authors of previous studies have shown that admission hyperglycemia or perioperative hyperglycemic events may predispose a patient to poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The results of experimental evidence have suggested that hyperglycemia may exacerbate ischemic central nervous system injury. It remains to be clarified whether a single hyperglycemic event or persistent hyperglycemia is predictive of poor outcome after aneurysmal SAH. Methods Ninety-seven patients undergoing treatment for aneurysmal SAH were observed, and all perioperative variables were entered into a database of prospectively recorded data. Daily serum glucose values were retrospectively added. Patients were examined at hospital discharge (14–21 days after SAH onset), and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were prospectively documented. The GOS score at last follow-up was retrospectively determined. Serum glucose greater than 200 mg/dl for 2 or more consecutive days was defined as persistent hypergly...
Changes in methadone maintenance therapy during and after pregnancy.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to better understand anticipated changes in daily methadone doses as a guide for prescription during pregnancy. Methods This retrospective case series involved a single cohort longitudinal design of 139 consecutively chosen women who began methadone therapy before 26 completed gestational weeks. Changes in the single daily dose were based on a standard opiate withdrawal scale and determined from early pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum. Results As gestation advanced, the methadone dose increased (86%) rather than remained the same (8%) or decreased (7%). This gradual increase in daily dose during pregnancy (mean increase = 24 mg, 95% confidence level=20–28 mg) was statistically significant ( p Conclusions Daily doses of methadone increased until the third trimester, then remained essentially unchanged through the sixth postpartum week.
Crowdsourced earthquake early warning

Earthquake early warning (EEW) can reduce harm to people and infrastructure from earthquakes and tsunamis, but it has not been implemented in most high earthquake-risk regions because of prohibitive cost. Common consumer devices such as smartphones contain low-cost versions of the sensors used in EEW. Although less accurate than scientific-grade instruments, these sensors are globally ubiquitous. Through controlled tests of consumer devices, simulation of an Mw (moment magnitude) 7 earthquake on California’s Hayward fault, and real data from the Mw 9 Tohoku-oki earthquake, we demonstrate that EEW could be achieved via crowdsourcing.
Spontaneous emission of an excited atom in a random absorbing medium

The problem of spontaneous emission of an excited atom inside a random medium formed by randomly distributed dipoles is theoretically discussed by explicitly calculating the decay rate of the atom. After averaging over all the density fluctuations of the medium, we obtain an analytical expression of the decay rate in the low-density limit, which shows that inside a random medium the relaxation of an excited state is enhanced due to the density-fluctuation correlations of the random medium.
Phospholipase C not protein kinase C is required for the activation of TRPC5 channels by cholecystokinin

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the brain where it interacts with two G protein-coupled receptors (CCK1 and CCK2). Both types of CCK receptors are coupled to Gq/11 proteins resulting in increased function of phospholipase C (PLC) pathway. Whereas CCK has been suggested to increase neuronal excitability in the brain via activation of cationic channels, the types of cationic channels have not yet been identified. Here, we co-expressed CCK2 receptors and TRPC5 channels in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and studied the effects of CCK on TRPC5 channels using patch-clamp techniques. Our results demonstrate that activation of CCK2 receptors robustly potentiates the function of TRPC5 channels. CCK-induced activation of TRPC5 channels requires the functions of G-proteins and PLC and depends on extracellular Ca2+. The activation of TRPC5 channels mediated by CCK2 receptors is independent of IP3 receptors and protein kinase C. CCK-induced opening of TRPC5 channels is not store-operated because application of thapsigargin to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores failed to alter CCK-induced TRPC5 channel currents significantly. Bath application of CCK also significantly increased the open probability of TRPC5 single channel currents in cell-attached patches. Because CCK exerts extensive effects in the brain, our results may provide a novel mechanism to explain its roles in modulating neuronal excitability.
The Fontan operation in infants less than 2 years of age

Young age remains a reported risk factor for a successful Fontan operation despite improved survival rates. Since March 1978, the Fontan operation has been performed in 47 patients. To avoid a primary or secondary palliative shunt, an early Fontan procedure (Group 1: mean age 1.5 +/- 0.5 years, range 0.6 to 2) has been performed in 17 children with the outcome similar to that of the remaining 30 older patients (Group 2: mean age 7.5 +/- 5 years, range 2.4 to 23 years). Preoperatively both groups had acceptable hemodynamic status for a successful Fontan result. Operative variables including cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time and core temperature were similar between groups and did not affect mortality. The postoperative mortality rate including early surgical (0% vs. 13%, respectively), late (18% vs. 12%) and total (18% vs. 23%) was similar between Groups 1 and 2 (p greater than 0.05). Immediate postoperative arrhythmias were more frequent in Group 1 (71% vs. 25%, p less than 0.01) with no related mortality, while late arrhythmias occurred with equal frequency (29% vs. 39%, p greater than 0.05). Group 1 infants required a longer hospital stay (22 +/- 9 vs. 14 +/- 5 days, p less than 0.01). Thus, young age is not a risk factor for successful outcome of the Fontan operation in patients with acceptable preoperative hemodynamic status. An early Fontan operation may also avoid prolonged palliative procedures and their potential deleterious effects.
Reeb spaces of piecewise linear mappings

Generalizing the concept of a Reeb graph, the Reeb space of a multivariate continuous mapping identifies points of the domain that belong to a common component of the preimage of a point in the range. We study the local and global structure of this space for generic, piecewise linear mappings on a combinatorial manifold.
Preprandial ghrelin is not affected by macronutrient intake, energy intake or energy expenditure

Background Ghrelin, a peptide secreted by endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract, is a hormone purported to have a significant effect on food intake and energy balance in humans. The influence of factors related to energy balance on ghrelin, such as daily energy expenditure, energy intake, and macronutrient intake, have not been reported. Secondly, the effect of ghrelin on food intake has not been quantified under free-living conditions over a prolonged period of time. To investigate these effects, 12 men were provided with an ad libitum cafeteria-style diet for 16 weeks. The macronutrient composition of the diets were covertly modified with drinks containing 2.1 MJ of predominantly carbohydrate (Hi-CHO), protein (Hi-PRO), or fat (Hi-FAT). Total energy expenditure was measured for seven days on two separate occasions (doubly labeled water and physical activity logs).
Older Siblings' Use of Responsive Interaction Strategies and Effects on Their Younger Siblings with Down Syndrome:

The effects of an intervention designed to facilitate interactions between older typically developing siblings and their younger siblings with Down syndrome were investigated. Older siblings were t...
Towards feasible region calculus: an end-to-end schedulability analysis of real-time multistage execution

Efficient schedulability analysis of aperiodic distributed task systems has received much less attention in real-time computing literature than its periodic counterpart. As systems become larger and more complex and as workloads become less regular, simple aperiodic task analysis techniques are needed to accommodate unpredictability and scale, while erring on the safe side. This paper presents a simple analytic framework for computing the end-to-end feasibility regions of distributed aperiodic task systems under a category of fixed-priority scheduling. It is based on a simple primitive called the generalized stage delay theorem that expresses the maximum fraction of the end-to-end deadline that a task can spend at a resource as a function of the (instantaneous or synthetic) utilization of that resource. For the task to meet its end-to-end deadline, the sum of such fractions must be less than 1. This constraint identifies a volume in a multidimensional space in which each dimension is the utilization of one resource. This volume is a generalization of the notion of utilization bounds for schedulability in single-resource systems. It extends the bound (a uni-dimensional schedulable region) to a multi-dimensional representation for distributed-resource systems. Prior work identified this volume for the special case of an infinite number of concurrent infinitesimal tasks. This paper generalizes the result to arbitrary sets of finite tasks, making it applicable to realistic workloads. We evaluate the performance of admission control based on feasible regions using simulation, showing that it is successful in eliminating deadline misses
Combined inactivation of the Clostridium cellulolyticum lactate and malate dehydrogenase genes substantially increases ethanol yield from cellulose and switchgrass fermentations

Background: The model bacterium Clostridium cellulolyticum efficiently degrades crystalline cellulose and hemicellulose, using cellulosomes to degrade lignocellulosic biomass. Although it imports and ferments both pentose and hexose sugars to produce a mixture of ethanol, acetate, lactate, H2 and CO2, the proportion of ethanol is low, which impedes its use in consolidated bioprocessing for biofuels production. Therefore genetic engineering will likely be required to improve the ethanol yield. Plasmid transformation, random mutagenesis and heterologous expression systems have previously been developed for C. cellulolyticum, but targeted mutagenesis has not been reported for this organism, hindering genetic engineering. Results: The first targeted gene inactivation system was developed for C. cellulolyticum, based on a mobile group II intron originating from the Lactococcus lactis L1.LtrB intron. This markerless mutagenesis system was used to disrupt both the paralogous L-lactate dehydrogenase (Ccel_2485; ldh) and L-malate dehydrogenase (Ccel_0137; mdh) genes, distinguishing the overlapping substrate specificities of these enzymes. Both mutations were then combined in a single strain, resulting in a substantial shift in fermentation toward ethanol production. This double mutant produced 8.5-times more ethanol than wild-type cells growing on crystalline cellulose. Ethanol constituted 93% of the major fermentation products, corresponding to a molar ratio of ethanol to organic acids of 15, versus 0.18 in wild-type cells. During growth on acid-pretreated switchgrass, the double mutant also produced four times as much ethanol as wild-type cells. Detailed metabolomic analyses identified increased flux through the oxidative branch of the mutant’s tricarboxylic acid pathway. Conclusions: The efficient intron-based gene inactivation system produced the first non-random, targeted mutations in C. cellulolyticum. As a key component of the genetic toolbox for this bacterium, markerless targeted mutagenesis enables functional genomic research in C. cellulolyticum and rapid genetic engineering to significantly alter the mixture of fermentation products. The initial application of this system successfully engineered a strain with high ethanol productivity from cellobiose, cellulose and switchgrass.
Compton scattering of x-rays from aluminum

Hartree-Fock self-consistent field wave functions were determined for the aluminum atom and used to calculate the x-ray Compton scattering for aluminum according to the Waller-Hartree theory as extended in a previous paper. The predictions of this theory are compared with experiment and previous theoretical calculations. The theoretical results are in very good agreement with the measurements of Walker but differ from those of Laval at low sin/ lambda . (auth)
Modified Neural Network-based Electrical Stimulation for Human Limb Tracking

Closed-loop control of skeletal muscle is complicated by the nonlinear muscle force to length relationship and the inherent unstructured and time-varying uncertainties in available models. Some pure feedback methods have been developed with some success, but the most promising and popular control methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are neural network-based methods. Neural networks provide a function approximation of the muscle model, however a function reconstruction error limits the steady-state response of typical controllers (i.e., previous controllers are only uniformly ultimately bounded). Motivated by the desire to obtain improved steady-state performance, efforts in this paper focus on the use of a neural network feedforward controller that is augmented with a continuous robust feedback term to yield an asymptotic result. Specifically, a Lyapunov-based controller and stability analysis are provided to demonstrate semi-global asymptotic tracking (i.e., non-isometric contractions) of a desired time-varying trajectory. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the developed controller where NMES is applied through external electrodes attached to the distal-medial and proximal-lateral portion of human quadriceps femoris muscle group.
Influence of UV irradiation and ozone on atmospheric corrosion of bare silver

The corrosion of Ag in an atmosphere of ozone and humidity with or without irradiation by ultraviolet (UV) light was investigated. A modified coulometric reduction technique was used, substituting sulphate solution for chloride solution, to prevent the spontaneous transformation of silver oxide corrosion product to chloride in the reduction solution. The presence of both ozone and UV radiation was required for fast corrosion of Ag to occur. The amount of corrosion product for a given exposure time increased with ozone concentration, whereas the relative humidity had little effect. An incubation time for the corrosion reaction was observed. The presence of both ozone and UV radiation were necessary for rapid corrosion because the photodissociation of ozone generates reactive atomic oxygen, which reacts with Ag rapidly to form Ag2O. The corrosion reaction on bare silver was minimally affected by the relative humidity in the environment, which is contrary to common atmospheric corrosion experience.
Structure and function of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sir3 BAH domain

Previous work has shown that the N terminus of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sir3 protein is crucial for the function of Sir3 in transcriptional silencing. Here, we show that overexpression of N-terminal fragments of Sir3 in strains lacking the full-length protein can lead to some silencing of HML and HMR. Sir3 contains a BAH (bromo-adjacent homology) domain at its N terminus. Overexpression of this domain alone can lead to silencing as long as Sir1 is overexpressed and Sir2 and Sir4 are present. Overexpression of the closely related Orc1 BAH domain can also silence in the absence of any Sir3 protein. A previously characterized hypermorphic sir3 mutation, D205N, greatly improves silencing by the Sir3 BAH domain and allows it to bind to DNA and oligonucleosomes in vitro. A previously uncharacterized region in the Sir1 N terminus is required for silencing by both the Sir3 and Orc1 BAH domains. The structure of the Sir3 BAH domain has been determined. In the crystal, the molecule multimerizes in the form of a left-handed superhelix. This superhelix may be relevant to the function of the BAH domain of Sir3 in silencing.
Prenatal Risk Factors for Childhood CKD

Development of CKD may be programmed prenatally. We sought to determine the association of childhood CKD with prenatal risk factors, including birth weight, maternal diabetes mellitus (DM), and maternal overweight/obesity. We conducted a population-based, case-control study with 1994 patients with childhood CKD (<21 years of age at diagnosis) and 20,032 controls in Washington state. We linked maternal and infant characteristics in birth records from 1987 to 2008 to hospital discharge data and used logistic regression analysis to assess the association of prenatal risk factors with childhood CKD. The prevalence of CKD was 126.7 cases per 100,000 births. High birth weight and maternal pregestational DM associated nominally with CKD, with respective crude odds ratios (ORs) of 1.17 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.03 to 1.34) and 1.97 (95% CI, 1.15 to 3.37); however, adjustment for maternal confounders attenuated these associations to 0.97 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.21) and 1.19 (95% CI, 0.51 to 2.81), respectively. The adjusted ORs for CKD associated with other prenatal factors were 2.88 (95% CI, 2.28 to 3.63) for low birth weight, 1.54 (95% CI, 1.13 to 2.09) for maternal gestational DM, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.48) for maternal overweight, and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.52) for maternal obesity. In subgroup analysis by CKD subtype, low birth weight and maternal pregestational DM associated significantly with increased risk of renal dysplasia/aplasia. Low birth weight, maternal gestational DM, and maternal overweight/obesity associated significantly with obstructive uropathy. These data suggest that prenatal factors may impact the risk of CKD. Future studies should aim to determine if modification of these factors could reduce the risk of childhood CKD.
Standard Deviation of sEMG: Measuring the dynamicity of muscle activity

Certain muscle activities (e.g. static muscle activities for prolonged periods of time) and resultant movement patterns may be associated with the development of cumulative trauma disorders. Curren...
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of oligogalacturonic acids on a cyclomaltoheptaose (β-cyclodextrin) bonded-phase column

Abstract A cyclomaltoheptaose (β-cyclodextrin) bonded-phase HPLC column was used for the first time to separate acidic oligosaccharides. Oligogalacturonic acids up to a degree of polymerization (dp) of 7 were separated with a 50:50 acetonitrile-sodium phosphate-buffered (pH 5) mobile phase and up to dp 17 with an isocratic pH 5.0, sodium phosphate-buffered mobile phase. A sodium acetate gradient elution allowed for improved resolution of all oligogalacturonic acids, up to a dp value of at least 24. Although the stationary phase contained no cationic or readily ionizable groups, these separations appeared to be governed by a classical anion exchange-type mechanism. The β-cyclodextrin-bonded phase, which displayed exceptional stability over one year of use, is a useful alternative to silica gel- or organic polymer-based anion exchangers for HPLC of acidic carbohydrates.
The Smoking-Related Weight and Eating Episodes Test (SWEET): development and preliminary validation.

INTRODUCTION: Many smokers believe that smoking helps them to control their weight, and concerns about weight gain can interfere with smoking cessation. As researchers typically assess general weight concerns, a measure specific to smoking-related weight concerns is needed. METHODS: The Smoking-related Weight and Eating Episodes Test (SWEET) was created by generating items from 4 content domains: Hunger, Craving, Overeating, and Body Image. Female undergraduate smokers (N = 280) rated their postcessation weight gain concern and completed the SWEET, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Brief Smoking Consequences Questionnaire-Adult, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26, Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), and Body Shape Questionnaire. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the initial items suggested a 4-factor solution, suggesting 4 subscales: Smoking to suppress appetite, smoking to prevent overeating, smoking to cope with body dissatisfaction, and withdrawal-related appetite increases. Based on these results, the SWEET subscales were revised and shortened. The resulting 10-item SWEET showed excellent internal consistency (total α = .94; mean α = .86) and evidence of validity by predicting smoking frequency, eating pathology, and body image concerns (ps < .05). Smoking frequency, eating pathology, and body image concerns were significantly predicted by the SWEET while controlling for existing measures of postcessation weight gain concern. CONCLUSIONS: The SWEET appears to be a reliable and valid measure of tendencies to smoke in response to body image concern and nicotine withdrawal and as a way to control appetite and overeating.
Single-Molecule Devices as Scaffolding for Multicomponent Nanostructure Assembly

We report here a method to integrate discrete multicomponent assembly into molecular electronic devices. We first functionalize a molecule wired between the ends of a single-walled carbon nanotube so that it can be derivatized with a probe molecule. This probe then binds to a complementary biomolecule to form a noncovalent complex. Each step of chemical functionalization and biological assembly can be detected electrically at the single event level. Through this combination of programmed chemical reactions and molecular recognition, we are able to create complex multimeric nanostructures incorporating isolated metallic nanoparticles.
The structure of recreation behavior

We present a meta-theoretical analysis of recreation concepts as an argument about organizing and explaining recreation behavior. Recreation activities are behavioral constructions that people build from both prototypic subsystems (those present in virtually all instances of the activity) and design subsystems (optional subsystems that adapt the activity to serve multiple goals). To explain the organizational structure of the behavior, we advocate a systems analysis that focuses on functions, mechanisms, and capacities, examined from biological, psychological and social perspectives. The resulting nine-cell matrix enables us to categorize common concepts in recreation research such as benefits, flow, and constraints in a way that is consistent with Aristotle's fourfold model of causation. A comprehensive explanation of an activity requires information about each of the matrix's cells, so that most of the commonly used concepts in recreation and leisure research provide complimentary rather than competing explanations.
GENETIC VARIATION WITHIN AND AMONG MATS OF THE REINDEER LICHEN,CLADINA SUBTENUIS

Abstract Cladina subtenuis is the most commonly found ‘ reindeer lichen ’ in the southeastern United States. In the present study C. subtenuis was examined for polymorphism in the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) within and among small clumps of podetia, here referred to as mats, from five geographical locations. Polymorphism in the SSU rDNA was not detected among podetia within mats, but polymorphism was detected among mats from a single location. Therefore, mats of C. subtenuis may represent a single genetic individual, although genetically distinct mats may occur in close proximity. Their proximity could encourage sexual reproduction between genetically distinct individuals, which would maintain variation in these populations. The SSU rDNA types represented three different lengths and restriction-site patterns, reflecting the presence of sequence insertions of at least 200 nucleotides in the SSU rDNA coding region. The insertions, differing in position, number and sequence, are group I introns similar to those previously reported in the Cladonia chlorophaea complex. The intron variation among the SSU rDNA types indicates that molecular evolution has occurred within this species, perhaps since its divergence from related taxa and dispersal across the southeastern United States. 1996 The British Lichen Society
Copyright Information Management and the University Library: Staffing, Organizational Placement and Authority

Abstract Copyright plays a central role in numerous activities within higher education, and educating a university community about copyright law should be a priority, if only to protect the institution from lawsuits. But, based upon a literature review, institutions devote a more resources to other intellectual property activities – plagiarism detection, technology transfer and illegal file sharing management – than for general copyright education activities. Utilizing Mintzberg's organizational model and its discussion of organizational placement and legitimacy as a conceptual framework, this study explores the current copyright education structures among the universities that comprise the Consortium on Institutional Cooperation, otherwise known as the CIC or the Big Ten, to determine whether organizational placement, credentials of individuals, and resources devoted to this activity affect the legitimacy of the office and the authority of copyright officers to fulfill their responsibilities. The results of this study suggest that organizational placement, while it plays a role, is not nearly as important as the credentials of the individual in the position in conveying legitimacy.
A global prediction of seafloor sediment porosity using machine learning

Porosity (void ratio) is a critical parameter in models of acoustic propagation, bearing strength and many other seafloor phenomena. However, like many seafloor phenomena, direct measurements are expensive and sparse. We show here how porosity everywhere at the seafloor can be estimated using a machine learning technique (specifically, Random Forests). Such techniques use sparsely acquired direct samples, and dense grids of other parameters to produce a statistically optimal estimate where direct measurements are lacking. Our porosity estimate is both qualitatively more consistent with geologic principles than the results produced by interpolation and quantitatively more accurate than results produced by interpolation or regression methods. We present here a seafloor porosity estimate on a 5 arc-minute, pixel registered grid, produced using widely available, densely sampled grids of other seafloor properties. These techniques represent the only practical means of estimating seafloor properties in inaccessible regions of the seafloor (e.g., the Arctic).
Scaling and chiral ward identities and the axial-vector current anomaly

We combine chiral and "scaling" Ward identities in an analysis of the axial-vector current anomaly. This leads to a proof of the Adler-Bardeen theorem. The "scaling" Ward identities we used may be properly called "response equations"; they are slight generalizations of the Callan-Symanzik equation. Our discussion is given for a class of theories which includes the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model and massive vector-boson theory.
Single-Tube Mutation Scanning of The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Using Multiplex LATE-PCR and Lights-On/Lights-Off Probes.

Background: Numerous mutations in exons 18-21 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene determine the response of many patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) to anti-EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). This paper describes a single closed-tube assay for simultaneous mutational scanning of EGFR exons 18-21 using Linear-After-The-Exponential (LATE)-PCR and Lights-On/Lights-Off probes. Methods: The assay first co-amplifies all four exons as separate single-stranded DNA products using LATEPCR. The amplicons are then interrogated at endpoint along their length using sets of Lights-On/Lights-Off probes of a different color for each exon. The four resulting fluorescent signatures are unique for each underlying DNA sequence. Every mutation in a target potentially alters its unique fluorescent signature thereby revealing the presence of the mutation. Results: The assay readily detects mutations which cause sensitivity or resistance to TKIs and can distinguish these clinically important genetic changes from silent mutations which have no impact on protein function. The assay identifies as little as 5% mutant sequences in mixtures of normal DNA and mutant DNA prepared from cancer cell lines. Proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate mutation identification in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NSCLC biopsies. Conclusion: The LATE-PCR EGFR assay described here represents a new type of highly informative, singletube diagnostic test for mutational scanning of multiple gene coding regions and/or multiple gene targets for personalized cancer therapies.
A CASE OF PRIMARY BACILLUS-PYOCYANEUS ARTHRITIS IN AN INFANT

In this case, the bacillus-pyocyaneus infection developed in an area of first and second degree burn of the leg. Subsequently, the infection involved the soft tissues about the ankle joint, followed by roentgenographic evidence of destruction of the distal tibial epiphysis on the right. Fifteen months after recovery, a pyarthrosis of the same ankle developed, from which a pure culture of bacillus pyocyaneus was obtained. Recovery ensued after incision and drainage of the ankle and autogenous-vaccine therapy.
What's So Damn Special About Religion, Anyway? (Review Essay of Brian Leiter, Why Tolerate Religion?)

It is commonly thought that the moral right to legal protection of religion is "fundamental" in the sense that it does not derive from other more basic rights; legal protection of religion is morally warranted simply in virtue of the nature of religion. Brian Leiter rejects this view in his provocative new book, Why Tolerate Religion. This review essay focuses on the difficulty of providing a plausible account of the nature of religion that would ground a plausible justification for the idea that religion morally warrants legal tolerance in virtue of its nature out of the starting blocks. In particular, I raise objections to various particulars of Leiter’s favored theory in order to show that it does not achieve the requisite level of plausibility to do the necessary work. As it turns out, however, this is not so much a problem for Leiter as it is for the proponent of the view that the legal tolerance of religion is warranted by its nature.
Translation, Post-Translational Processing, and Mitochondrial Translocation of Yeast Iso-1-Cytochrome c

The complete biosynthesis and assembly of mitochondrial cytochrome c involves a number of steps, including the following: translation of the extramitochondrial precursor, apocytochrome c, on cytosolic ribosomes; excision of the amino-terminal methionine residue which is incorporated during initiation of translation of cytochrome c and of all other proteins; amino-terminal acetylation of vertebrate and plant cytochrome c and of certain mutant forms of yeast iso-1-cytochrome c; trimethylation of lysines 72 and 86 in plant cytochrome c and lysine 72 in fungal cytochrome c; binding of apocytochrome c to, presumably, a specific receptor on the outer mitochondrial membrane; the covalent attachment of protoheme to two cysteinyl residues, forming two thioether bonds; and the concomitant translocation across the outer mitochondrial membrane. These steps are schematically outlined in Fig. 1 for yeast iso-1-cytochrome c. We have been investigating all of these processes with mutant forms of yeast iso-1-cytochrome c and with cis-acting mutations that control these processes.
Computational simulations as virtual laboratories for online engineering education: A case study in the field of thermoelectricity

Computational simulations, which are also expert tools, can be used as virtual laboratories for supporting inquiry-based learning in engineering education. However, little is known of what are effective ways to implement them, particularly for online learning. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of computational simulations for student understanding of thermoelectric devices in an advanced online course. Learning gains, instructional support effect, and student perceptions about the course were investigated. Students significantly increased their understanding of thermoelectric devices concepts; however, they did not master the associated learning objectives. The instructional support materials in the form of guided assignments and exam practice did not have an effect on student learning gains. Thus, further research is needed to investigate what are effective ways to support learning of advanced topics with computational tools. On the other hand, student perceptions about the simulations were overall positive. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ.; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21721
Impact and cost-effectiveness of a second tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine dose to prevent pertussis in the United States.

Abstract Introduction The United States experienced a substantial increase in reported pertussis cases over the last decade. Since 2005, persons 11 years and older have been routinely recommended to receive a single dose of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the potential impact and cost-effectiveness of recommending a second dose of Tdap. Methods A static cohort model was used to calculate the epidemiologic and economic impact of adding a second dose of Tdap at age 16 or 21 years. Projected costs and outcomes were examined from a societal perspective over a 20-year period. Quality-adjusted Life Years (QALY) saved were calculated. Results Using baseline pertussis incidence from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, Tdap revaccination at either age 16 or 21 years would reduce outpatient visits by 433 (5%) and 285 (4%), and hospitalization cases by 7 (7%) and 5 (5%), respectively. The costs per QALY saved with a second dose of Tdap were approximately US $19.7 million (16 years) and $26.2 million (21 years). In sensitivity analyses, incidence most influenced the model; as incidence increased, the costs per QALY decreased. To a lesser degree, initial vaccine effectiveness and waning of effectiveness also affected cost outcomes. Multivariate sensitivity analyses showed that under a set of optimistic assumptions, the cost per QALY saved would be approximately $163,361 (16 years) and $204,556 (21 years). Conclusion A second dose of Tdap resulted in a slight decrease in the number of cases and other outcomes, and that trend is more apparent when revaccinating at age 16 years than at age 21 years. Both revaccination strategies had high dollar per QALY saved even under optimistic assumptions in a multivariate sensitivity analysis.