cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of atrial fibrillation in chronic kidney disease: Double trouble

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a very well-established link with cardiovascular disease. Below stage 3 CKD (glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min), there is a progressive increase in both total mortality and cardiovascular-specific mortality as kidney function declines; indeed, it is more likely for a patient with CKD stage 3 to die of cardiovascular disease than to progress to CKD stage 4 and beyond. Arrhythmia is particularly common in patients with CKD. Depending on the study and measurement used, the prevalence of patients with CKD with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is quoted at 7% to 18%, rising to 12% to 25% for those older than 70 years. These rates are up to 2 to 3 times higher than in the general population. Of all patients with AF, 10% to 15% will have CKD. However, not all standard rate and rhythm methods are suitable for this population and those that are tend to be less effective. Meanwhile, anticoagulation has long been a thorny subject, with much conflicting evidence around the balance between bleeding and stroke risk. To help clarify this, we first highlight the challenges of performing evidence-based medicine in the patient with renal disease, and then review recent and emerging research to suggest an approach to the management of patients with renal disease who have AF. We also review the potential role of the different new oral anticoagulant drugs in CKD.
Pd model catalysts: Effect of aging environment and lean redispersion

Abstract The performance of automotive three-way catalysts (TWC) deteriorates with time, temperature and aging environment. Engine control methods are needed to minimize the extent of catalyst deactivation and provide an environment capable of partially redispersing noble metal catalyst particles. In this study, palladium-based model powder catalysts on ceria-zirconia or alumina supports were exposed to three different exhaust compositions, lean-only, rich-only and redox, each at 700 °C for 16 h. Catalyst activity was determined by CO oxidation with the water gas shift (WGS) reaction and oxygen storage capacity (OSC) measurements to probe the contact between the noble metal and support at a given state of catalyst deterioration. Lean catalyst treatments at 550 °C and 700 °C were applied to determine the effect on measured Pd size and catalyst activity. The lean-only gas environment was above the PdO decomposition condition, yet showed slightly deteriorated catalyst activity from the fresh state. The rich-only and redox gas environments significantly deteriorated catalytic activity through a combination of metal oxidation state effects and support/additive interactions, both with various degrees of reversibility depending on lean treatment time and temperature. The insight gained from this work could be used to develop engine control and after treatment design strategies to track (or infer) the aging process on the vehicle, avoid severe aging modes and actively intervene at various points to regenerate the catalyst.
Model of ammonium and bicarbonate transport along LDL: implications for alkalinization of luminal fluid

Luminal fluid exiting the proximal convoluted tubule of a juxtamedullary nephron is alkalinized as it passes through the long-loop thin descending limb of Henle (LDL). Three potential mechanisms of alkalinization are: 1) concentration of bicarbonate by water abstraction, 2) direct bicarbonate entry, and 3) NH3 entry. We have used a mathematical model of the LDL to investigate these mechanisms. With permeabilities of HCO3-, NH3, and NH4+ measured for subsegments of the chinchilla LDL [M. F. Flessner, R. Mejia, and M. A. Knepper. Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 33):F388-F396, 1993], the osmotic water permeability of each segment [C.-L. Chou and M. A. Knepper. Am. J. Physiol. 263 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 32):F417-F426, 1992], and appropriate parameters from the literature, we have used the model to calculate hypothetical pH, HCO3- concentration, and NH3 concentration of the luminal fluid as it descends the LDL within an assumed interstitium. After eliminating each mechanism in turn by setting the appropriate permeability to zero, we recalculated the axial profiles. Our results suggest that, although all three mechanisms individually contribute to LDL alkalinization, NH3 entry likely plays the dominant role.
Warren E. Buffett, 2005

On May 24, 2005, Warren Buffett, the chair and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., announced that MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, would acquire the electric utility PacifiCorp. In Buffetts largest deal since 1998, and the second largest of his entire career, MidAmerican would purchase PacifiCorp from its parent, Scottish Power plc, for $5.1 billion in cash and $4.3 billion in liabilities and preferred stock. The acquisition of PacifiCorp renewed public interest in its sponsor, Warren Buffett. In many ways, he was an anomaly. What were the key principles that guided Buffett? Could these be broadly applied in the 21st century, or were they unique to Buffett and his time? From an understanding of these principles, analysts hoped to illuminate the acquisition of PacifiCorp. What were Buffetts probable motives in the acquisition? What did Buffetts offer say about his valuation of PacifiCorp, and how would it compare with valuations for other regulated utilities? Would Berkshires acquisition of PacifiCorp prove to be a success? How would Buffett define success?
Rooting the Literacies of Citizenship: Ideas That Integrate Social Studies and Language Arts in the Cultivation of a New Global Mindset

The marriage between Social Studies and Language Arts is a natural one. Sadly, the compartmentalization of subject areas within elementary classrooms contributes to the lack of critical connection-building in young children. In many elementary settings, Social Studies is a casualty of daily schedules dictated by the pressures of standardized testing. The authors contend there is an urgent need to rethink current elementary teacher education programs to empower the next generation of teachers to create learning experiences that seamlessly integrate knowledge, thinking, and action in the Social Studies.
Commentary: Paleoecology of graphoglyptids

Nearly a century of descriptive work on graphoglyptids has yielded little information on the biologic affinity of tracemakers or the ecologie significance of these peculiar spiral, meander, and network trace fossils. Most graphoglyptids were constructed by shallow‐burrowing invertebrates that belonged to stable, diverse, deepsea ecosystems; however, the functional role(s) of the tracemakers, in both ancient and modern ecosystems, is virtually unknown. Do the organisms producing graphoglyptids trap meiobenthos or cultivate bacteria/fungi; or, could the varied burrow morphologies indicate many different functional roles, perhaps including caching of seasonally abundant food, utilization of dissolved carbon, chemosymbiosis, or maintenance of multifunctional nests? In terms of the Phanerozoic development of deepsea trace fossil assemblages, was the apparent enrichment of ichnotaxa (including graphoglyptids) in the late Mesozoic linked to the appearance and proliferation of angiosperms; or, did changes in ocea...
Optical Reflectance Studies of Stage 1–4 Graphite-SbCℓ5 Intercalation Compounds in the Range 0.2–10 eV

We report optical reflectance measurements on stage 1–4 graphite-SbCl5 intercalation compounds in the energy range 0.2 to 10 eV. The data are analyzed using a Kramers-Kronig relation to determine the parameters describing the intraband and interband contributions to the dielectric functions e1(ω) and e2(ω). Structure in these functions are compared with recent band calculations by Blinowski et al.
Distributed Data Exchange Method in Condition Monitoring System for Power Transmission and Transformation Equipment

The condition monitoring data exchange between the condition acquisition controller(CAC) and condition acquisition gateway(CAG)is the basis of vertical interconnection of condition information in the condition monitoring system with hierarchical and distributed structure for power transmission and transformation equipment.Based on an analysis of the remote communication protocol for power systems and distributed component technology,the implementation method based on the simple object access protocol(SOAP) of distributed data exchange,the modeling method and process based on Web services descriptive language(WSDL) of data exchange services for condition monitoring are given.A testing system for condition monitoring data exchange based on the above method and model has been developed,and put through performance and load test with the cycle upload service of condition monitoring data for CAC of power transformation equipment as an example.The validity and feasibility of the proposed models and methods have been proved.
It's Time for Companies to Lead the Fight Against Tax Dodging

This brief article examines the links between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the current corporate income tax system.
On consistency and rate of convergence of Flux Reconstruction for time-dependent problems

This study is directed at a rigorous characterization of the consistency and convergence of discontinuous finite element schemes formulated using Flux Reconstruction (FR). We show that the FR formulation is consistent for linear advection and converges to the exact solution for any scheme that is stable in the von Neumann sense. The numerical solution for a scheme of polynomial order P is composed of P+1P+1 eigenmodes, of which, one and exactly one is ‘physical’ such that it exhibits the analytical dispersion behavior in the limit of asymptotic grid resolution. The remaining P modes are ‘spurious’ such that the fraction of energy received by them from the initial condition vanishes in the asymptotic limit. On grid refinement, the rate of convergence of the numerical solution is a function of time, starting from a short-time rate at t=0+t=0+, associated with interpolation, and asymptotically approaching a long-time rate as t→∞t→∞, associated with numerical differentiation. Both these rates can be inferred directly from the eigensystem of the numerical derivative operator. We verify these analytical expectations using simple experiments in 1-D and 2-D.
Engineering micromyocardium to delineate cellular and extracellular regulation of myocardial tissue contractility

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death, in part due to limitations of existing models of the myocardium. Myocardium consists of aligned, contractile cardiac myocytes interspersed with fibroblasts that synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM). The cellular demographics and biochemical and mechanical properties of the ECM remodel in many different cardiac diseases. However, the impact of diverse cellular and extracellular remodeling on the contractile output of the myocardium are poorly understood. To address this, we micropatterned 13 kPa and 90 kPa polyacrylamide gels with aligned squares of fibronectin (FN) or laminin (LN). We seeded gels with two concentrations of primary neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, which naturally contain fibroblasts. Cells assembled into aligned “μMyocardia” with fibroblast : myocyte ratios dependent on initial seeding concentration. Using traction force microscopy (TFM), we found that the peak systolic longitudinal cross-sectional force was similar across conditions, but the peak systolic work was significantly lower on 90 kPa gels. This indicates that ECM elasticity dominates over ECM ligand and cell demographics in regulating contractile output. Because our platform provides independent control over cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, it has many applications for cardiac disease modeling.
Children and the politics of sexuality: the sexualization of children debate revisited

In Children and the politics of sexuality Liza Tsaliki invites readers to recognize that the aversion to exposing children to any form of sexuality is not natural and necessary but is in fact cultu...
Undoped and ytterbium-doped titanium aluminum nitride coatings for improved oxidation behavior of nuclear fuel cladding

Abstract In an effort to develop coatings to increase the oxidation resistance of nuclear fuel cladding during a loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA), undoped and ytterbium-doped titanium aluminum nitride (TixAl1-xN) coatings were deposited onto ZIRLO® and grade-5 titanium substrates using a hybrid coating technique incorporating both resistance evaporation and cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (CA-PVD). The coating systems consisted of a titanium bond layer, an undoped TiAlN layer, and an outer TiAlN layer doped with varying levels of ytterbium (0.44 to 33.24 at.%). The coated materials were subjected to high temperature atmospheric oxidation testing and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the effect of different Yb dopant concentrations on the TixAl1-xN coating oxidation resistance. The results showed that the coatings evaluated in this study protected the tubular ZIRLO® cladding material from oxidation when exposed to air at temperatures up to 1200 °C. DSC data showed that the corrosion resistance of coatings with Yb dopant concentrations of 0.44 and 0.64 at.% was better than that of undoped TixAl1-xN coatings and of TixAl1-xN coatings with Yb concentrations ≥ 4.78 at.%. Yb doping and the 0.44 and 0.64 at.% level also resulted in a lower rate of oxide scale growth and improved scale adherence, which further slowed oxidation kinetics. Peak oxidation resistance was observed in the TiAlN coating with a 0.44 at.% ytterbium dopant concentration. Ytterbium concentrations of 4.78 at.% and greater led to accelerated oxidation rates for the testing conditions studied compared to undoped TiAlN. These results show that ytterbium doped coatings are possible candidates for high temperature resistance of accident tolerant fuel coatings.
Bike-sharing systems and congestion: Evidence from US cities

Abstract In the past decades, there has been a resurgence of public bike-sharing systems (BSSs). While it is claimed that social and environmental benefits are associated with the implementation of BSSs, few empirical studies have investigated the actual congestion reduction effect of BSSs on cities. To fill such gap, this paper aims to examine whether the launch of BSSs can reduce citywide congestion. With a panel dataset of 96 urban areas in the US from 2005 to 2014, we employed a difference-in-differences model with two-way fixed-effects panel regression. The results suggested that the introduction of BSSs shows a significant mixed impact on congestion in general: Larger cities get better off but richer cities get worse off. Such results are consistent with both subsample regression with propensity score matching and different congestion measures. Post-hoc analysis reveals that BSSs have a significant positive effect on reducing rush-hour congestion. Finally, implications, limitations, and future work directions are offered
A Bio-Inspired, Self-Healing, Resilient Architecture for Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems and Embedded Devices

One of the essential concepts being postulated for next generation nuclear power plants (NPPs) that could include Gen IV reactors—small modular reactors—is the notion of resilient and survivable in...
Protein Synthesis in the Nervous System

Within the past few years concepts of the nature and regulation of processes involved in the synthesis of proteins in the nervous system have undergone revolutionary alterations. To some extent these changes reflect expanding knowledge of the intimate details of the diverse amino acid-incorporating systems present in most cells. However, the discovery of specialized and, possibly, unique mechanisms in neural elements has been of equal significance for an understanding of these processes. The functional concomitants of the various facets of protein synthesis in the nervous system pose one of the most fascinating problems of modern biological research.
On the Relationship Between Knowing and Doing in Procedural Learning

The relationship between learners' knowledge of concepts and their ability to execute procedural skills is an important issue that has been explored in several different fields in cognitive science. A review of some of the existing literature within the domain of mathematics learning indicates that little useful theory has been developed to explain how conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge are related. A primary reason for this deficiency is that knowledge of concepts is treated as a multi-faceted and rich construct, while procedural knowledge is very narrowly defined and operationalized. Philosophical and historical foundations for this differential treatment are discussed. It is suggested that distinguishing between knowledge type and depth of knowledge illuminates alternative ways in which procedural knowledge can be known and understood. A re-conceptual ization of procedural knowledge is presented and implications for future research are discussed.
Recurrent Appendicitis Caused by a Retained Appendiceal Tip: A Case Report

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies, and it is treated definitively with appendectomy. Recurrent appendicitis is a rare entity, being reported after approximately 1 in 50,000 appendectomies. It is typically caused by inflammation of the appendiceal stump. Inflammation of a retained appendiceal tip is a unique entity that can also cause recurrent appendicitis and presents similarly to primary appendicitis. Case Report We present a case of a 50-year-old man who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy 1 year earlier and who subsequently presented with a chief complaint of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The diagnosis of recurrent appendicitis caused by a retained appendiceal tip was made after a computed tomography scan. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic removal of the retained appendiceal fragment. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? The etiology of recurrent appendicitis is separate from the stump appendicitis that has been well described in the literature. Retained tip appendicitis poses a diagnostic dilemma because it is uncommon and, if missed, can lead to complications, such as perforation and severe sepsis. Recurrent appendicitis must be in the differential diagnosis for patients who are post-appendectomy and who present with right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
I can’t. I have dance: dance competition culture as serious leisure and pre-professional training

This article provides an introductory contextualization to dance competition culture’s evolution since the early 1980s in relationship to serious leisure. Dance competition culture (which includes ...
Stable Measurement of Near/Far Field Profiles of Coupled Multi-Core Fiber

A low-coherence method is presented for measuring stable near-field and far-field profiles of coupled multi-core fibers. Stability is achieved by averaging output intensity over wavelength to eliminate time-varying intensity fluctuations caused by coupling and interference.
Nanoparticles for Manipulation of the Developmental Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch Signaling Pathways in Cancer

The Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways play a crucial role in early development and the maintenance of adult tissues. When dysregulated, these developmental signaling pathways can drive the formation and progression of cancer by facilitating cell survival, proliferation, and stem-like behavior. While this makes these pathways promising targets for therapeutic intervention, their pharmacological inhibition has been challenging due to the substantial complexity that exists within each pathway and the complicated crosstalk that occurs between the pathways. Recently, several small molecule inhibitors, ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules, and antagonistic antibodies have been developed that can suppress these signaling pathways in vitro, but many of them face systemic delivery challenges. Nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles can overcome these challenges to enhance the performance and anti-cancer effects of these therapeutic molecules. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which the Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways contribute to cancer growth, and discusses various nanoparticle formulations that have been developed to deliver small molecules, RNAs, and antibodies to cancer cells to inhibit these signaling pathways and halt tumor progression. This review also outlines some of the challenges that these nanocarriers must overcome to achieve therapeutic efficacy and clinical translation.
Role of sand size on bacterial retention in biochar-amended sand filters

The addition of biochar to sand columns can enhance the retention of bacteria and thus may provide a management strategy for removing bacteria from tile-drainage waters. In this study, the role of sand size as a factor in controlling microbial retention in biochar-amended sand columns was investigated. Laboratory column experiments were conducted to quantify the removal of two bacterial isolates (E. coli and Salmonella) and polystyrene microspheres in 10-cm-long columns packed with clean sand of three different sizes (0.25, 0.71, and 1.19 mm) at four biochar concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Sorption studies were also performed to help identify the relative roles of sorption and physical straining on the removal of bacteria and microspheres within the columns. For the large sand, the log10 removal values (LRV) for E. coli increased from 0.22 to 0.49 for the 0% and 15% biochar concentrations, respectively, while LRV for Salmonella increased from 0.19 to 0.68. For the small sand, increasing biochar concentration from 0% to 15% increased LRV from 0.11 to 1.9 for E. coli and from 0.20 to 4.6 for Salmonella. In comparison, LRV for microspheres in the 15% biochar columns was only minimally higher than the unamended columns for all three sand sizes. Results from the sorption studies show that high sorption coefficients generally correlated with high LRV indicating that sorption rather than physical straining was the primary mechanism of retention in the columns. Results from this study further our understanding of bacterial retention in biochar-amended porous media.
Stress and coping strategies in pediatric dental residents.

Purpose/objectives This study examines the amount and sources of stress, as well as coping strategies, exercise, and alcohol use, among pediatric dental residents in the United States. Methods One hundred fifty pediatric dental residents (n = 76 postgraduate year [PGY] 1; n = 74 PGY2) in 2-year residency programs responded to an anonymous survey that included demographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Graduate Dental Environment Stress Scale (GDES), Tactics For Coping With Stress Inventory, and questions about alcohol consumption and exercise. Results Stress scores were moderate (mean PSS = 16.7 ± 7.1; GDES = 61.7 ± 16.0). The largest sources of stress were research requirements, program/clinic issues, and finances. There were no significant differences in amount and sources of stress between PGY1 and PGY2 residents (P ≥ 0.10). Residents from western programs (based on AAPD districts) reported less stress than those in other areas (PSS, P = 0.04; GDES, P = 0.09). Number of negative coping tactics used was positively correlated (PPS, P 150 min/wk had lower PSS (P = 0.03) and GDES (P = 0.09) scores. Alcohol consumption was unrelated to stress scores. Conclusion(s) Amount and sources of stress do not differ by residency year. Residents utilizing positive coping strategies and exercising had lower stress than those using negative coping strategies. Pediatric dental residency programs should educate and encourage residents to use positive coping strategies and exercise.
Use of Anti-Interleukin-6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody in Drug-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a disorder that involves the activation of alveolar macrophages triggering the innate immune system. The parenchymal lung injury seen in ARDS is a result of many proinflammatory elevations including interleukin-6. There remains no effective standard of care of ARDS, and current treatments at this time currently do not target the immunological mechanisms or pathways involved. Treatments involving this pathway should be further investigated as targeted treatment. We discuss a case of a patient with multiple myeloma who was hospitalized with drug-induced ARDS who had a rapid response to an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody.
Fresh Caching for Dynamic Content

We introduce a framework and provably-efficient schemes for ‘fresh’ caching at the (front-end) local cache of content that is subject to ‘dynamic’ updates at the (back-end) database. We start by formulating the hard-cache-constrained problem for this setting, which quickly becomes intractable due to the limited cache. To bypass this challenge, we first propose a flexible time-based-eviction model to derive the average system cost function that measures the system’s cost due to the service of aging content in addition to the regular cache miss cost. Next, we solve the cache-unconstrained case, which reveals how the refresh dynamics and popularity of content affect the optimal caching. Then, we extend our approach to a soft-cache-constrained version, where we can guarantee that the cache use is limited with arbitrarily high probability. The corresponding solution reveals the interesting insight that ‘whether to cache an item or not in the local cache?’ depends primarily on its popularity level, whereas ‘how long the cached item should be held in the cache before eviction?’ depends primarily on its refresh rate. Moreover, we investigate the cost-cache saving tradeoffs and prove that substantial cache gains can be obtained while also asymptotically achieving the minimum cost as the database size grows.
Novel Case of Isolated Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Metastatic Prostate Cancer Carrying a Pathogenic BRCA Mutation Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

We present the first case of isolated peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from prostate cancer carrying a previously unreported pathogenic BRCA2 mutation without other organ involvement. CT showed PC with no extra-peritoneal metastases. Treatment included neoadjuvant chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), and adjuvant chemotherapy. Patient is disease-free after 30-months. Germline genetic testing showed BRCA2 c.1813dupA (p.I605Nfs*11) mutation, reported in breast and ovarian cancers. Tumor genomic testing also revealed TMPRSS2, TBX3, and TP53 mutations. Given the comparable presentation and BRCA-mutation profile to ovarian cancer, BRCA2 mutations may contribute to disease phenotypes. CRS/HIPEC may provide long-term outcomes for this unique metastatic pattern.
A comparative evaluation of police suicide rate validity

The authors assessed sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of official police suicide rates and compared them to municipal workers. Deaths officially classified as suicide, accidental, and undetermined were submitted to a panel of medical examiners for validation. Six cases originally in the accident and undetermined rubric were reclassified as suicide. Official police suicide rates had less sensitivity (83.3% compared to 92.3%) of actual suicides than municipal worker rates. Police suicide rates also showed a lower negative proportion than municipal worker rates (86.2% compared to 98.7%). A generalizable sensitivity proportion equation for assessing suicide rates in other police groups is presented.
The case for more digital logic in Computer Architecture

New topics, most notably the World Wide Web, have put considerable pressure on the Computer Science curriculum. Computing Curricula 2001 represents a consensus that topics in the core must be reduced to accommodate new topics as they emerge. Unfortunately, digital logic has been reduced to 1/3 its original coverage. We argue that more core coverage should be given to digital logic, and that it should be included in Computer Architecture, not Discrete Systems. Digital logic is fundamental theory necessary for all Computer Science graduates; it provides an indispensable link between theory and practice; and it demonstrates recurring concepts, most notably "levels of abstraction." We propose a Computer Architecture course model that includes a hands-on lab to support the core hours of digital logic we consider appropriate.
α‐Phthalimido‐o‐toluic Acid

α-Phthalimido-o-toluic acid product: α-phthalimido-o-toluic acid Keywords: alkylation, N-alkylation; phthalide; potassium phthalimide, preparation of; addition funnels, electrically heated
Family Caregivers: Drug Rehabilitation

Substance abuse creates a host of psychological and social problems for the family members and friends of individuals with alcohol and drug problems. To further complicate the issue, substance-abusing individuals are notoriously resistant to seeking treatment. The concerned significant others (CSOs) of these individuals have not had many resources to address their concerns over the years. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a research-based behavioral program that works through the CSOs of treatment-refusing substance abusers to get those individuals to enter treatment. CRAFT also helps CSOs improve their own functioning. This entry provides an overview of the CRAFT program and presents its solid scientific support. Keywords: addiction; alcoholism; drugs; family; therapy
Interactions between the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, El Niño/La Niña, and the PNA in winter Mississippi Valley stream flow

[1] Winter streamgage data at 554 locations in the U.S. Geological Survey's Hydro-Climatic Data Network are used to evaluate interactions between the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), the Pacific/North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern, and warm and cold equatorial Pacific Nino 3.4 events in producing Mississippi River basin discharge variations. The AMO is linked to statistically significant stream flow differences over the upper Mississippi Valley, as well as low (high) winter stream flow from 1930–1959 (1965–1994). Its influence in the lower Mississippi Valley is however not as apparent because of 4 consecutive wet winters, 1949–1952, that disrupt the AMO warm/dry period. Persistent PNA zonal flow, and a La Nina event, occur during these winters and they are closely linked to high Tennessee and Ohio River valley stream levels. PNA-influenced stream flow on these rivers has a greater long-term winter impact on the lower Mississippi basin than does flow from the upper Mississippi.
How oxygen damages microbes: oxygen tolerance and obligate anaerobiosis

The orbital structure of molecular oxygen constrains it to accept electrons one at a time, and its unfavourable univalent reduction potential ensures that it can do so only with low-potential redox partners. In E. coli, this restriction prevents oxygen from oxidizing structural molecules. Instead, it primarily oxidizes reduced flavins, a reaction that is harmful only in that it generates superoxide and hydrogen peroxide as products. These species are stronger oxidants than is oxygen itself. They can oxidize dehydratase iron-sulphur clusters and sulphydryls, respectively, and thereby inactivate enzymes that are dependent upon these functional groups. Hydrogen peroxide also oxidizes free iron, generating hydroxyl radicals. Because hydroxyl radicals react with virtually any biomolecules they encounter, their reactivity is broadly dissipated, and only their reactions with DNA are known to have an important physiological impact. E. coli elaborates scavenging and repair systems to minimize the impact of this adventitious chemistry; mutants that lack these defences grow poorly in aerobic habitats. Some of the growth deficits of these mutants cannot be easily ascribed to sulphydryl, cluster, or DNA damage, indicating that important aspects of oxidative stress still lack a biochemical explanation. Obligate anaerobes cannot tolerate oxygen because they utilize metabolic schemes built around enzymes that react with oxidants. The reliance upon low-potential flavoproteins for anaerobic respiration probably causes substantial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide to be produced when anaerobes are exposed to air. These species then generate damage of the same type that they produce in aerotolerant bacteria. However, obligate anaerobes also utilize several classes of dioxygen-sensitive enzymes that are not needed by aerobes. These enzymes are used for processes that help maintain the redox balance during anaerobic fermentations. They catalyse reactions that are chemically difficult, and the reaction mechanisms require the solvent exposure of radicals or low-potential metal clusters that can react rapidly with oxygen. Recent work has uncovered adaptive strategies by which obligate anaerobes seek to minimize the damage done by superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Their failure to divest themselves of enzymes that can be directly damaged by molecular oxygen suggests that evolution has not yet provided economical options to them.
The Numerically Simple Universe

Great simplicity is shown in numerical relationships among five primary physical dimensionless ratios. This simplicity is such that these dimensionless values and nine independent dimensional physical constant values can be specified to very high accuracy using two simple and well defined operations involving specific units of measure and only the integers two and three as both coefficient bases and exponents.
Conventional And On-line Arithmetic Designs For High-speed Recursive Digital Filters

Designs using conventional and on-line arithmetic for performing the recursive computations of Second-Order Direct-Form IIR filters are implemented in a 0.7μ HCMOS gate array technology. The new conventional (bit-parallel) design using two levels of scattered lookahead achieves a rate of 104 Msamples/second. The design eliminates carry propagate addition from the recursive loop and uses radix-4 recoding to reduce the number of partial products. The on-line design is an improved radix-4 multiply-add (MA) module. Two arrays based on the on-line MA module are developed to achieve rates of 128 Msamples/second with two levels of scattered lookahead. Performance and cost comparisons of the designs provide insights into the most appropriate designs to be used for a given word length.
Imaging short-range magnetic order by spin-polarized photoelectron holography.

We extend spin-polarized photoelectron diffraction to the direct imaging of magnetic spin configurations by using holographic-inversion methods. Theoretical calculations for ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ions in linear chains show that it is possible via two different spin-selective image functions to determine both the positions and orientations of magnetic scatterers relative to a given type of emitter. Such holographic images thus should provide direct information on short-range magnetic spin configurations near surfaces.
ACRITH: High-Accuracy Arithmetic an advanced tool for numerical computation

The High-Accuracy Arithmetic Subroutine Library (ACRITH) is a program product for engineering / scientific application — It consists of a subroutine library for solving problems in numerical computation. All results obtained have algorithmically verified accuracy.
Trajectories of change in self-esteem in older adults: Exercise intervention effects

This 12-month, 2 arm, single blind randomized controlled exercise trial examined relationships among changes in multidimensional self-esteem as a function of intervention mode (i.e., walking vs. flexibility-toning-balance). Data were collected on three equidistant occasions (baseline, 6 and 12 months). One-hundred seventy-nine older adults (M(age) = 66.38) began the study and 145 completed assessments at all time points. Participants completed measures of physical and global self-esteem as well as demographic information. There were no significant group differences at baseline on these demographic indicators or esteem variables. Data were analyzed using linear and parallel process growth modeling procedures. Results supported the position that across both groups, domain-level (i.e., physical self-worth) was dependent upon sub-domain-level (i.e., perceived attractiveness, strength, and condition) esteem change. Furthermore, greater improvements were observed in the flexibility-toning-balance group, in terms of perceived strength and attractiveness esteem, compared to the walking group. Our findings support theoretically-based predictions and extend the literature showing unique psychological responses conditional on specific types of physical activities.
Safety and Efficacy of Sildenafil Citrate for the Treatment of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in spontaneously or surgically postmenopausal women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).Materials and Methods: Sildenafil (a 50 mg dose adjustable to 100 or 25 mg) was evaluated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study in 202 postmenopausal women with FSAD who had protocol specified estradiol and free testosterone concentrations, and/or were receiving estrogen and/or androgen replacement therapy. Patients were excluded if emotional, relationship or historical abuse issues contributed significantly to sexual dysfunction. Primary end points were questions 2 (increased genital sensation during intercourse or stimulation) and 4 (increased satisfaction with intercourse and/or foreplay) from the Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI). Secondary end points were the remaining questions from this index, the Sexual Function Questionnaire and sexual activity event log questions.Results: Significant improvements in FIEI ...
Fetal cell counting as a guide to prevention of Rh sensitization.

Administration of a standard dose of Rh immune globulin in the immediate postpartum period is adequate to protect 93 per cent of the Rh negative mothers that would otherwise become sensitized. It is now possible by utilizing fetal cell counts to identify those patients in which the standard dose of immune globulin is inadequate for protection. A method for easy and accurate identification of potential failures is described.
Chromium(VI) induces p53-dependent apoptosis in diploid human lung and mouse dermal fibroblasts.

Some forms of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] are known to cause damage to respiratory-tract tissue and DNA and are thought to be human lung carcinogens. In general, Cr(VI) is mutagenic and carcinogenic at doses that also evoke some cell death, and we previously showed that the predominant mode of death is apoptosis. Because p53 has been shown to initiate apoptosis after genotoxic insults, the objective of these experiments was to determine whether p53 is activated in and necessary for apoptosis of normal diploid human lung fibroblasts (HLF cells) after chromium exposure. By using annexin(V) staining and fluorescent microscopy, we found that Cr(VI) caused up to 14% of HLF cells to undergo apoptosis within 24 h after exposure. In addition, by using western blotting, we found that p53 protein levels increased fourfold to sixfold after exposure to sodium chromate. Because the major function of p53 is as a transcription factor, it must be translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after chromate exposure to be active. Immunofluorescence studies using an antibody against p53 showed that, after chromate exposure, p53 was located in the nucleus of the treated HLF cells. The necessity of p53 for chromium-induced apoptosis was examined in two ways. One approach used dermal fibroblasts from p53 wild-type, heterozygous, and null mice, and the other approach used HLF cells that were transiently transfected with the human papilloma virus E6 gene, which targets p53 for degradation and creates a functional p53-null cell. These studies showed that chromium-induced apoptosis was p53 dependent. Mol. Carcinog. 28:111-118, 2000.
Symptoms of schizophrenia in Hispanic and Anglo veterans.

This study explores cultural influences on symptoms and course of schizophrenic disorder. Hispanic veterans with schizophrenia are compared to a similar group of White non-Hispanic (Anglo) veterans. Symptoms were elicited with a structured diagnostic interview and a battery of rating instruments. Primary symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, functional deterioration) were very similar for both groups. However, Hispanic patients reported a later age of onset, exhibited more somatization, and spent less time in the hospital than Anglo patients.
Three-fold improvement in the performance of all-polymer photovoltaic devices with graphene

Abstract Solar cells fabricated from a blend of the conjugated polymers poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) demonstrate a substantial improvement in power conversion efficiency ( η ) upon the addition of pristine graphene to the active layer. Cells display complex dependence on graphene concentration, and a maximum of three-fold enhancement in performance. This increase is entirely due to the higher short circuit current ( J sc ), since the open circuit voltage and fill factor are not affected. Cells also show greater bimolecular recombination with increasing graphene concentration. Device efficiency is demonstrated to be not only related to graphene content, but also to active layer thickness.
Use of Numerical Groundwater Modeling to Evaluate Uncertainty in Conceptual Models of Recharge and Hydrostratigraphy

The uncertainty associated with multiple conceptual models of groundwater recharge and subsurface hydrostratigraphy and the impacts of this uncertainty on predictions made by a regional groundwater flow model is quantitatively evaluated. The composite prediction formally incorporates the uncertainty in the alternative input models using maximum likelihood Bayesian model averaging. The alternative models are weighted by model probability, which is the degree of belief that a model is more plausible given available prior information and site measurements. Flow predictions are found to be more sensitive to hydrostratigraphy than to recharge. Furthermore, posterior model uncertainty is dominated by inter-model variance as opposed to intra-model variance, indicating that conceptual model uncertainty has greater impact on the results than parametric uncertainty. Without consideration of conceptual model uncertainty, uncertainty in the flow predictions would be significantly underestimated.
Near field and magnetic field generator for thermal assisted magnetic recording

Abstract We fabricated a generator that produces optical near field and magnetic filed in a nanometer area for achievement of thermally assisted magnetic recording. The generator consists of an embedded wire with a bottleneck structure on a SiO2 substrate. The magnetic field is mainly generated around the bottleneck structure by feeding current through the wire. The near field is produced on an edge of the narrow wire by focusing a laser beam on the bottleneck structure through the backside of the substrate. The generator is anticipated as application to control ordering, chirality, and phase transition of diamagnetic materials in a nano-area. We confirmed the three-dimentional localization of near field in the nanometer size around the bottleneck structure by means of a near field scanning optical microscope.
Survey of a quark model

We present a survey of a finite-dimensional quark model. We begin with a discussion of measurements on a quantum logic. After making the fundamental assumption that there are three basic colors, the measurement theory provides a natural embedding of the quantum logic into a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. This Hilbert space represents the space of pure quark states. Finite-dimensional quantum mechanics is discussed and the color, and flavor observables are derived. Quark and baryon Hamiltonians are proposed, and a brief description of quark field theory is given.
A Program of Research Evaluating the Effects of a Collaborative Research Utilization Model.

(1) Advances in research are meaningless unless they reach clinicians at the point of care. This article describes a program of research in which a collaborative research utilization (CRU) model was developed and tested in four clinical studies in the context of pain management. The overall aim of the research program was to decrease the long lag time from when research innovations are developed to when they appear in clinicians' day-to-day caregiving activities. In the model, partnerships are formed between researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and clinicians in academic and practice settings. The developmental process, structure, and steps of the model are described as well as outcomes that have been achieved in the student, scientist, clinician, nursing practice, and most importantly, the patient.
Gold nanocrystal arrays as a macroscopic platform for molecular junction thermoelectrics

Efficiencies of bulk thermoelectric systems have been limited because the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity are typically inversely correlated in traditional materials. Decoupling of these properties has been demonstrated in molecular junctions by capitalizing on the unique electronic transport at organic–inorganic interfaces. In this work, the thermoelectric properties of gold nanocrystal arrays with varying thiol-terminated ligands are compared to molecular junction experiments. The experimental results and supporting theory demonstrate that gold nanocrystal arrays are a valuable model system for mapping the applicability of molecular junction design rules to the design of macroscale organic–inorganic hybrid thermoelectric materials.
Beyond Math Skills: Measuring Quantitative Reasoning in Context.

This chapter describes recent attempts to measure context-rich application of quantitative reasoning. Initial evidence suggests that teaching to explicitly stated learning goals—whether in the context of a limited cluster of courses or in offerings across the curriculum—can shape student aptitude.
Oral findings in the Morquio syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IV)

The Morquio syndrome is characterized by a specific pattern of platyspondylia, corneal opacities, keratosulfate excretion in the urine, and dental abnormalities. Oral examinations were performed on twelve patients with the condition. The maxillary anterior teeth were widely spaced and flared. The posterior teeth were tapered and had pointed cusp tips. The enamel was of normal hardness, and in some patients the surface was pitted. In roentgenograms, the enamel was less than one fourth its normal thickness but was of normal radiodensity. The prevalence of caries may have been reduced. The hard palates were broad and flat. The dental abnormalities in the Morquio syndrome are of a type that is unique among the group of genetic mucopolysaccharidoses. Our findings therefore support the conjecture that the biochemical defect in this condition is different from that which occurs in the other mucopolysaccharidoses.
Lupus nephritis mimicking pyelonephritis in pregnancy.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder that presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations including renal involvement. Routine prenatal care includes assessment of renal function. Case: A 29-year-old nullipara presented at 17 weeks with fever, vomiting, and costovertebral angle tenderness 1 week after being treated for a presumed urinary tract infection. On presentation, new-onset hypertension was noted. Inpatient evaluation established a diagnosis of SLE with lupus nephritis. The pregnancy ended with intrauterine fetal demise. Conclusion: SLE is a disease with complex and protean clinical manifestations. It should appear on the differential when more common disease processes are ruled out. Routine prenatal care can detect otherwise silent and undiagnosed renal disease, and with early intervention improve prognosis.