cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The House Is Crashing down on Me: Integrating Mindfulness, Breath Training, and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for an Anxiety Disorder in a 71-Year-Old Caregiver

Caregiver stress is a growing problem with an aging population, and many spouses are cast in the caregiver role for extended periods. Preexisting anxiety disorders commonly recur in the face of caregiver stress. This article narrates the case of a 71-year-old retired professional woman serving as caregiver for a husband with dementia. The stress of the caregiver role served to trigger a recurrence of a previously treated anxiety disorder. The case narrative illustrates the value of mindfulness, breath training, and heart rate variability biofeedback for the anxiety disorder, as well as an effort to instill sustainable self-regulation skills and lifestyle changes for greater resilience in this long-term situation. Some of the lifestyle-oriented interventions are summarized only briefly in this article.
Innate immune responses in the ageing lung

The world is undergoing an unprecedented shift in demographics, with the number of individuals over the age of 60 years projected to reach 2 billion or more by 2050, representing 22% of the global population. Elderly people are at a higher risk for chronic disease and more susceptible to infection, due in part to age-related dysfunction of the immune system resulting from low-grade chronic inflammation known as 'inflamm-ageing'. The innate immune system of older individuals exhibits a diminished ability to respond to microbial threats and clear infections, resulting in a greater occurrence of many infectious diseases in elderly people. In particular, the incidence of and mortality from lung infections increase sharply with age, with such infections often leading to worse outcomes, prolonged hospital stays and life-threatening complications, such as sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this review, we highlight research on bacterial pneumonias and pulmonary viral infections and discuss age-related changes in innate immunity that contribute to the higher rate of these infections in older populations. By understanding more clearly the innate immune defects in elderly individuals, we can design age-specific therapies to address lung infections in such a vulnerable population.
Acceleration of high charge-state target ions in high-intensity laser interactions with sub-micron targets

We have studied laser acceleration of ions from Si3N4 and Al foils ranging in thickness from 1800 to 8 nm with particular interest in acceleration of ions from the bulk of the target. The study includes results of experiments conducted with the HERCULES laser with pulse duration 40 fs and intensity 3 × 1020 W cm−2 and corresponding two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. When the target thickness was reduced the distribution of ion species heavier than protons transitioned from being dominated by carbon contaminant ions of low ionization states to being dominated by high ionization states of bulk ions (such as Si12+) and carbon. Targets in the range 50–150 nm yielded dramatically greater particle number and higher ion maximum energy for these high ionization states compared to thicker targets typifying the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) regime. The high charge states persisted for the thinnest targets, but the accelerated particle numbers decreased for targets 35 nm and thinner. This transition to an enhanced ion TNSA regime, which more efficiently generates ion beams from the bulk target material, is also seen in the simulations.
What Do We Know About Nonprofit Entrepreneurs?: Results from a Large-Scale Survey

While the academic fields of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship have grown rapidly, nonprofit entrepreneurship has remained a minor field of inquiry, even though 50,000 nonprofits are started each year. Using a survey of 7,000 nonprofit founders, we provide baseline data on key dimensions of nonprofit entrepreneurship. We find that typical nonprofit entrepreneurs are distinct from for-profit entrepreneurs in several ways; they have bigger founding teams, are wealthier, older, more educated, and are less driven by self-employment. These differences inform a research agenda for the field. This study represents the first large-scale empirical analysis of entrepreneurship in the nonprofit sector.
Dating the Houma Covenant Texts: The Significance of Recent Findings from the Wenxian Covenant Texts

This paper reconsiders the dating of the Houma covenant texts in light of new findings from the Wenxian covenant texts. Dating of the Houma covenants has focused on matching certain names found in the Houma covenants to names and events in historical texts. These include the name of the sanctioning spirit invoked in the covenants, and that of the covenant lord overseeing the covenants. I argue that the sanctioning spirit is not, as is often proposed, a former lord of Jin, but a mountain spirit called Lord Yue, and, as such, has no bearing on the dating of the texts. I further argue that the use of the personal name of a Han lineage leader in the Wenxian covenants strongly supports the identification of the figure referred to as jia 嘉 in the Houma texts as the historical Zhao Jia (Zhao Huan Zi). I suggest that the mention of Zhao Jia in the recently published Chu-slips Xinian implies that Zhao Jia came to the leadership of the Zhao lineage around 442 B.C.E., well before 424 B.C.E., the date of his single-year reign reported in the Shi ji. I conclude that the Houma covenants include materials that may be linked to the Zhao Wu incident of the early fifth-century B.C.E., but that those materials in which Zhao Jia is named as the covenant lord probably date to sometime between 442 and 424 B.C.E.
Integration of patients into first-year neuroscience medical curriculum

Abstract Background A medical neuroscience curriculum that integrates broad categorization of neurological diseases in the first year of medical education has a functional utility to strengthen the foundation of medical students in clinical neuroscience. Students–patients interactive activities could provide an understanding of core curricula for basic neuroscience and clinical neurology. Methods Twelve neurological patients, with varying neurological diseases, volunteered to share their medical experiences with small groups of students in a 30-minute session. A debriefing segment with clinical and biomedical science faculty and students followed these sessions. Two structured student surveys – a pre and posttests were administered. Results 98.5% of students agreed (85.5% of these students strongly agreed) that patient integration into the first-year neuroscience module provided real-life experiences that were helpful in their understanding of clinical neuroscience. 95.6% of students agreed that their ability to interact with a diverse group of neurological patients was improved. Prior to the students–patients interactive session, only 91.1% of students agreed (52.6% of these students strongly agreed) that patient integration would be beneficial in their understanding of clinical neuroscience. Discussion The integration of patients into the neuroscience module provides better understanding of clinical concepts in neuroscience. It facilitates a meaningful discussions, stimulated critical thinking in neuroscience, and increased students׳ insights into patient–physician relationships, even at year one in the medical school, with significant real-life experiences.
On the nesting of a contour dataset and its use in repair

ABSTRACTA contour dataset is a common source of data in biomedical imaging and GIS. In practice, many contour datasets violate key assumptions: contours self-intersect or intersect other contours, which can disrupt the performance of algorithms. We call such data dirty. Avoiding this issue, algorithms in the literature assume clean data. This paper considers the issue of dirty datasets, in the context of nesting.Contours are often nested inside other contours, and the nesting level of a contour is important, as it affects the position of the inside of the shape. This paper analyzes the nesting of a dirty dataset, then shows how to use this nesting analysis to repair the data. A theme is the power of image space algorithms in the presence of noise. Image space algorithms for polygon area and Boolean operations of polygons are provided.
In silico environmental chemical science: properties and processes from statistical and computational modelling

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) have long been used in the environmental sciences. More recently, molecular modeling and chemoinformatic methods have become widespread. These methods have the potential to expand and accelerate advances in environmental chemistry because they complement observational and experimental data with "in silico" results and analysis. The opportunities and challenges that arise at the intersection between statistical and theoretical in silico methods are most apparent in the context of properties that determine the environmental fate and effects of chemical contaminants (degradation rate constants, partition coefficients, toxicities, etc.). The main example of this is the calibration of QSARs using descriptor variable data calculated from molecular modeling, which can make QSARs more useful for predicting property data that are unavailable, but also can make them more powerful tools for diagnosis of fate determining pathways and mechanisms. Emerging opportunities for "in silico environmental chemical science" are to move beyond the calculation of specific chemical properties using statistical models and toward more fully in silico models, prediction of transformation pathways and products, incorporation of environmental factors into model predictions, integration of databases and predictive models into more comprehensive and efficient tools for exposure assessment, and extending the applicability of all the above from chemicals to biologicals and materials.
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and antihypertensive effects of the neprilysin inhibitor LCZ-696: sacubitril/valsartan

LCZ-696, sacubitril/valsartan, is a dual-acting molecule consisting of the angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blocker valsartan and the neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase) inhibitor AHU-377 with significant beneficial effects in patients with hypertension and heart failure (HF). Several recent studies have demonstrated a higher effectiveness of LCZ-696 compared to valsartan in the treatment of hypertension and HF. The rationale for the development and the Food and Drug Administration approval of LCZ-696 was based on the concept of an additive effect of the Ang II receptor blocker valsartan and the neutral endopeptidase (neprilysin) inhibitor AHU-377 for the treatment of hypertension and HF. The synergism from these drugs arises from the vasodilating effects of valsartan through its blockade of Ang II type 1 receptor and the action of natriuretic peptides atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) by preventing their catabolism with neprilysin resulting in increase of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. This action of neprilysin is associated with increased natriuresis, diuresis, and systemic vasodilation, since these peptides have been shown to have potent diuretic, natriuretic, and vasodilating effects. In addition, it reduces the levels of N terminal pro-BNP. Therefore, administration of LCZ-696 results in significant reduction of wall stress from pressure and volume overload of the left ventricle as demonstrated by the reduction of N terminal pro-BNP, both significant constituents of hypertension and HF, and it is safe, well tolerated and is almost free of cough and angioedema.
Recognizing Activities of Daily Living to Improve Well-Being

The Internet of Things offers a seamlessly integrated world in which mobile devices such as smartphones play an important role. This article presents a novel, single-point service deployment system for collecting and analyzing mobile data pertaining to human users' activities of daily living (ADL), aimed at improving their well-being.
Patient engagement: qualitative narratives illustrate patient engagement behaviors

ABSTRACTPatient engagement in treatment decisions is endorsed by countless studies and lived experiences. Patient partnership is a widely studied concept because data show that involved patients are more knowledgeable, satisfied, and compliant. After interviewing 57 voluntary cancer patient participants of various ages, sexes, races, and cancer types, the recordings were transcribed and analyzed using the framework method. The researchers opted to use research-based categories in an effort to illustrate patient engagement communication, behavior, and narrative. Patients professed engagement by asking questions, stating their health preferences, expressing concern, and increasing their knowledge base. Healthcare providers stimulated patient engagement by sharing information, extending support and building trust, and creating a culture where patient participation and treatment deliberation was valued. On the whole, patient narratives indicate that practitioners do not consistently present sufficient patient...
Application of fatigue management systems: small mines and low technology solutions

The impact of fatigue is seen not only in its effect on job performance of haul truck operators but also on the health of the operator and the productivity at the mine site. Its impact can even extend outside of the mine site to the health and well-being of the surrounding community (Fourie et al., 2010). In this paper, a case study of a small surface mining organization is presented. The goal is to highlight the fatigue risk management system implemented at the studied mine site. Mine safety personnel who were interviewed discuss the changes made to the infrastructure of the mine, to administrative areas such as the number of shifts and the use of vacation time, as well as the implementation of new technology into haulage vehicles. This paper reviews how these changes are supported in the research literature.
District Practices Associated With Successful SWPBIS Implementation

Schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is a widely implemented model for systematically supporting the social and behavioral development of students with and without disab...
Practical Experience Using a Computational Model for the Design of Heterogeneous Distributed Software.

Heterogeneous cluster environments are becoming an increasing popular platform for executing parallel applications. Efficient heterogeneous programs must account for the differences inherent in such an environment. We propose the HBSP model of computation as a framework for developing applications for heterogeneous clusters of workstations. The utility of the model is demonstrated through the design and analysis of the scatter and one-to-all broadcast algorithms. Extensive experimentation illustrates the benefits of using the model for heterogeneous program development. By hiding the non-uniformity of the underlying system, the HBSP model provides a framework that embraces the heterogeneity of the underlying system.
The Standardized Experimental Situation in Expectation States Research: Notes on History, Uses, and Special Features

The standardized experimental situation of expectation states research has played an important role in the growth of expectation states theory. In this chapter, I briefly describe the construction of this experimental situation, its use in the testing of theories, its role in developing a body of comparable empirical data, and its role in the application of expectation states theories. I also consider some of the many substantive problems that have been studied in this situation and suggest that there is now the opportunity to develop more elaborated standardized situations given our current knowledge of status processes.
Acquisition and Generalization Responses in Aphasia Naming Treatment: A Meta-Analysis of Semantic Feature Analysis Outcomes

Purpose This meta-analysis synthesizes results from published studies that used semantic feature analysis (SFA) treatment to improve naming for people with aphasia. It examines how both person- and treatment-related variables affected the likelihood of correct naming responses in individual probe sessions for both acquisition (treated) and generalization (untreated) stimuli. Method The meta-analysis compiled data from 12 studies analyzing a total of 35 participants with aphasia. It used mixed-effects models as a novel statistical tool to examine the effects of 2 sets of variables on naming performance: treatment-related variables, including treatment phase (baseline vs. treatment), dosage (number of treatment sessions), and stimulus type (treated vs. untreated, semantically related vs. unrelated items), and person-specific variables, including degree of language impairment and demographic variables (age, time poststroke). Results Results of the meta-analysis revealed that SFA intervention promoted increased naming accuracy during naming probes when comparing baseline and treatment phases. In addition, increased dosages of SFA were associated with increased naming accuracy, and treatment-related gains were larger for acquisition (treated) than generalization (untreated) stimuli, likewise for related versus unrelated generalization stimuli. Furthermore, a subset of person-specific variables was predictive of SFA-related gains: Language impairment variables were related to treatment-related changes in naming performance, but demographic variables were not. Conclusion These results provide group-level evidence for the efficacy of SFA as well as preliminary estimates of how much naming performance benefit is engendered by varying dosages of SFA. The results also provide promising and previously unobserved evidence of potential person-level predictors of SFA treatment response.
Recurrent DNA damage is associated with persistent injury in progressive radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Purpose: Radiation-induced lung injuries (RILI), namely radiation pneumonitis and/or fibrosis, are dose-limiting outcomes following treatment for thoracic cancers. As part of a search for mitigatio...
The University of Iowa residency training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology and impact of recent state abortion legislation

Impact of state legislation on the University of Iowa residency progam in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Five ideas in chemical education that must die

The article concerns five traditionally difficult issues that chemical educators encounter and how they should be resolved. In some cases I propose the examination of necessary and sufficient conditions in order to cast light on the relationships under discussion. The five educational issues are, the notion that a pH value of seven implies a neutral solution of water and vice versa, the use of Le Châtelier’s Principle, the relative occupation and ionization of 4s and 3d orbitals, the explanation of anomalous electronic configurations and the elements that make up group 3 of the periodic table.
Light Element Group 13-14 Clathrate Phases

There has been a renewed interest in clathrate compounds composed of light elements as promising thermoelectric materials due to their potential for chemical tuning. Clathrate structures are ideal frameworks for investigating the phonon glass electron crystal (PGEC) model for efficient band engineering. In this model, the guest atom provides for phonon scattering (phonon glass) to reduce thermal conductivity while tuning the chemical composition of the framework allows for control over electronic transport (electron crystal). This chapter provides an overview of the synthesis, structure, and properties of light element group 13-Si compounds with the clathrate structure. The primary focus will be on alkali and alkaline earth metal containing clathrates, A8ExSi46−x (A = Sr, Ba, Eu, Na, K; E = B, Al, Ga). Additionally, hydrogen capacity in Si clathrate structures will be presented. By reviewing the current status of the field, we will demonstrate the potential of these materials for electronic and thermoelectric applications and new avenues for research.
Ultrafast photoinduced energy and charge transfer: concluding remarks

The ability to characterize and control the energy and charge transfer events triggered by the photoexcitation of molecules and materials is of fundamental importance to many fields, including the sustainable capture and conversion of solar energy. This article summarizes the papers that were presented and discussed at the recent Faraday discussion meeting on ultrafast photoinduced energy and charge transfer. Ultrafast laser spectroscopy and theory were at the center of discussions on photoinduced phenomena in biological and nanoscale systems of interacting absorbers. Many of the questions that motivate this field of science have occupied scientists for many decades, as a look back to a Faraday discussion meeting that took place 60 years earlier reveals.
Antisense therapies for movement disorders

Currently, few disease-modifying therapies exist for degenerative movement disorders. Antisense oligonucleotides are small DNA oligonucleotides, usually encompassing ∼20 base pairs, that can potentially target any messenger RNA of interest. Antisense oligonucleotides often contain modifications to the phosphate backbone, the sugar moiety, and the nucleotide base. The development of antisense oligonucleotide therapies spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy suggest potentially wide-ranging therapeutic applications for antisense oligonucleotides in neurology. Successes with these two diseases have heightened interest in academia and the pharmaceutical industry to develop antisense oligonucleotides for several movement disorders, including, spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Compared to small molecules, antisense oligonucleotide-based therapies have an advantage because the target disease gene sequence is the immediate path to identifying the therapeutically effective complementary antisense oligonucleotide. In this review we describe the different types of antisense oligonucleotide chemistries and their potential use for the treatment of human movement disorders. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Introduction to Game-Theoretical Semantics

This introductory part presents enough of the basic ideas of game-theoretical semantics (GTS) to serve as a basis for a new theory of anaphoric pronouns to be presented in Part III, below. Not all of the details will actually be needed for the account we are going to offer of the semantics of anaphoric pronouns, but since the attractiveness of our account is partly due to its being an aspect of a more comprehensive systematic theory, it is in order to sketch the basic ideas of game-theoretical semantics in general.
Imaging surveillance of gastrointestinal stromal tumour: current recommendation by National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society of Medical Oncology-European Reference Network for rare adult solid cancers

Imaging plays an active role in the surveillance of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Risk stratification schemes, based on size, mitotic count, and anatomical site of origin of the GIST, help in planning preoperative and postoperative imaging strategies especially in determining the frequency and duration of surveillance; however, there is no clear consensus on the optimal imaging strategies in patients with GISTs who are completely cured by surgery and patients who are at risk of recurrence. In addition, current surveillance protocols depend on the resectability of the primary tumour and presence of metastatic disease. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the role of the different imaging methods for surveillance of GISTs, focusing on the guidelines recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society of Medical Oncology - European Network for Rare adult solid Cancers, and to propose practical guidelines for surveillance of GISTs for various risk categories.
Comparison of qPCR and amplicon sequencing based methods for fecal source tracking in a mixed land use estuarine watershed

Fecal indicator bacteria are commonly used to evaluate water quality and make decisions on designating and restricting use. A drawback of this method is that it does not differentiate fecal sources for management purposes. Here, qPCR for human and horse fecal markers and amplicon sequencing were performed in parallel with cultivation of fecal coliform in the Navesink River, a mixed land use estuarine watershed in New Jersey. A fecal library was created by mixing water from the Navesink River with municipal wastewater and/or horse manure, dog feces, or goose feces. Then, river water samples were collected during wet and dry weather from various locations with differing primary land use. Three methods for interpretation of the amplicon sequencing data for source tracking were considered: ordination-based statistics, identification of biomarkers with linear discriminant analysis, and application of the Bayesian statistics based SourceTracker program using a previously published Australian fecal library. Among these, biomarkers performed well for dog feces and SourceTracker performed well for assigning goose feces to avian sources and horse manure to horse sources and moderately well for human/sewage fecal assignments in the Navesink library. Based upon these results, fecal assignments were made using the sequencing data for the Navesink River samples with elevated fecal coliform and these results were compared to qPCR, historical source tracking reports for the watershed, and land use data. Horse, human feces/sewage, and avian feces were implicated as potential fecal sources in the polluted waters. Recommendations for future source tracking studies with amplicon sequencing are provided.
Outcomes and savings associated with the Quality Parenting Initiative

Though several training and support programs for foster carers improve child behaviors, few have been shown to have a large impact on child welfare outcomes such as permanency. Additionally, most training and support programs are expensive. The Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) aims to improve outcomes at low cost by empowering foster carers as well as caseworkers. This paper uses administrative data to show that the earliest implementation of QPI shortened stays in care for children who were reunified. Savings from shorter stays in care are estimated to be more than three times greater than expenditures.
Prebiotic Alternatives to Proteins: Structure and Function of Hyperbranched Polyesters

Proteins are responsible multiple biological functions, such as ligand binding, catalysis, and ion channeling. This functionality is enabled by proteins’ three-dimensional structures that require long polypeptides. Since plausibly prebiotic synthesis of functional polypeptides has proven challenging in the laboratory, we propose that these functions may have been initially performed by alternative macromolecular constructs, namely hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), during early stages of chemical evolution. HBPs can be straightforwardly synthesized in one-pot processes, possess globular structures determined by their architecture as opposed to folding in proteins, and have documented ligand binding and catalytic properties. Our initial study focuses on glycerol-citric acid HBPs synthesized via moderate heating in the dry state. The polymerization products consisted of a mixture of isomeric structures of varying molar mass as evidenced by NMR, mass spectrometry and size-exclusion chromatography. Addition of divalent cations during polymerization resulted in increased incorporation of citric acid into the HBPs and the possible formation of cation-oligomer complexes. The chelating properties of citric acid govern the makeup of the resulting polymer, turning the polymerization system into a rudimentary smart material.
Emotion Regulation Therapy and Its Potential Role in the Treatment of Chronic Stress-Related Pathology Across Disorders:

Although stress is an inevitable part of everyday life, its chronicity, severity, and perceived burden can result in enduring distress, which may manifest as heightened emotionality, contributing t...
High-power light-emitting diode array design and assembly for practical photodynamic therapy research.

Significance: Commercial lasers, lamps, and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources have stimulated the clinical translation of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Yet, the continued exploration of new photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT often requires separate activation wavelengths for each agent being investigated. Customized light sources for such research frequently come at significant financial or technical cost, especially when compounded over many agents and wavelengths. Aim: LEDs offer potential as a cost-effective tool for new PS and multi-PS photodynamic research. A low-cost-per-wavelength tool leveraging high-power LEDs to facilitate efficient and versatile research is needed to further accelerate research in the field. Approach: We developed and validated a high-power LED array system for benchtop PDT with a modular design for efficient switching between wavelengths that overcome many challenges in light source design. We describe the assembly of a low-cost LED module plus the supporting infrastructure, software, and protocols to streamline typical in vitro PDT experimentation. Results: The LED array system is stable at intensities in excess of 100 mW / cm2 with 2.3% variation across the illumination field, competitive with other custom and commercial devices. To demonstrate efficacy and versatility, a primary ovarian cancer cell line was treated with two widely used PSs, aminolevulinic acid and verteporfin, using the LED modules at a clinically relevant 50 J / cm2 light dose that induced over 90% cell death for each treatment. Conclusions: Our work provides the community with a tool for new PS and multi-PS benchtop photodynamic research that, unlike most commercial light sources, affords the user a low barrier to entry and low-cost-per-wavelength with the goal of illuminating new insights at the forefront of PDT.
Detection and classification characteristics of arrays of carbon black/organic polymer composite chemiresistive vapor detectors for the nerve agent simulants Dimethylmethylphosphonate and Diisopropy

Arrays of conducting polymer composite vapor detectors have been evaluated for performance in the presence of the nerve agent simulants dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) and diisopropylmethylphosponate (DIMP). Limits of detection for DMMP on unoptimized carbon black-organic polymer composite vapor detectors in laboratory air were estimated to be 0.047-0.24 mg m-3. These values are lower than the EC50 value for the nerve agents sarin (methylphosphonofluoridic acid, (1-methylethyl) ester) and soman, which have been established as equals 0.8 mg m-3. Arrays of these vapor detectors were easily able to resolve signatures due to exposures to DMMP from those due to DIMP or due to a variety of other test analytes in a laboratory air background. In addition, DMMP at 27 mg m-3 could be detected and differentiated from the signatures of the other test analytes in the presence of backgrounds of potential interferents in the background ambient, including water, methanol, benzene, toluene, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, vinegar and tetrahydrofuran, even when these interferents were present in much higher concentrations than that of the DMMP or DIMP being detected.
Potentiation of the Action of Nephrotoxic Agents by Environmental Contaminants

The mammalian kidney, because of its high rate of perfusion, active transport capabilities, and concentrating functions, often is exposed to much higher concentrations of chemicals than are other organs. This ability of the kidney to concentrate foreign chemicals or xenobiotics usually serves to expedite the renal excretion of these compounds; however, high concentrations of xenobiotics may also predispose renal tissue to damage (Hook, 1980). Some of these chemicals may thus subsequently produce direct renal cytotoxicity. The therapeutic agent acetaminophen and widely used chemicals such as chloroform (CHC13), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), trichloroethylene, and 1,1,2-trichloroethane are examples of xenobiotics that produce direct tissue damage. These chemicals produce identifiable lesions that may be life-threatening; however, their effects are predictable and dose-related. Other chemicals cause much more subtle perturbations. The polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are such chemicals. These environmental pollutants produce biochemical changes in the kidney that alone appear to have no functional correlation (that is, no functional nephropathy can be measured), yet they alter the response of the kidney to other chemical agents. Thus, although they produce no functional lesion, the insidiousness of their effect may present more of a hazard to man than the more predictable direct-acting nephrotoxicants (Kluwe and Hook, 1980b).
Heart Failure Risk Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Chronic Inflammation.

Background Inflammation may contribute to incident heart failure (HF). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prototypic inflammatory condition, may serve as a model for understanding inflammation‐related HF...
Knockout of Trpa1 Exacerbates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury With Classical Activation of Macrophages

Background Classically activated macrophages contribute to the development of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study aimed to investigate the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (Trpa1), a regulator of macrophage activation, in IRI-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) by using the Trpa1 gene knockout (Trpa1-/-) mouse model. Methods Male 8-week-old Trpa1-/- mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to renal ischemia for 35 minutes by clamping bilateral renal pedicles under isoflurane anesthesia, and blood and tissue samples were collected 24 hours after reperfusion and analyzed with histological and molecular measurements. Results Following IRI, Trpa1-/- mice developed more deteriorated biochemical and morphological signs of AKI when comparing with WT mice. More classically activated M1 macrophages were found in the kidneys of Trpa1-/- mice comparing with WT mice after IRI, while the counts of alternatively activated M2 macrophages in the kidney were similar between the 2 strains after IRI. Furthermore, significantly higher expression levels of proinflammatory markers including interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha were detected in the kidney of Trpa1-/- mice compared with WT mice after IRI. The levels of TRPA1 protein in the kidney of WT mice were also decreased after IRI. Conclusions Our results show that ablation of Trpa1 exacerbates infiltration of classically activated macrophages, renal inflammation, and renal injury in mice after IRI. These findings suggest that activation of TRPA1 may protect against IRI-induced AKI via regulation of macrophage-mediated inflammatory pathway.
La Bundle Theory y el desafío del carácter denso

The challenge of thick character consists in explaining the apparent fact that one object can be charactered in many ways. If we assume a trope bundle theory, we ought to answer in turn the two following questions: (P1) What are the requirements on a trope bundle theory if it is to adequately account for thick-character?; (P2) Is a trope bundle theory that meets those requirements preferable to rival theories? In order to address the above questions, the paper proceeds as follows. In the first section I cover two preliminary matters: I introduce the concept of thick-character and distinguish it from other related concepts. Then, I sketch several leading accounts of character and situate bundle theory among them. Also, I pick up (Q1) and argue that there are three requirements on a trope bundle theory if it is to adequately account for thick-character. Lastly, in the third section I pick up (Q2) and argue that the requirements spell trouble for trope bundle theory. This trouble, I argue, indicates that trope bundle theory—and hence bundle theory simpliciter —fails to better its chief rival, substance-attribute theory.
Association of anaemia and all-cause mortality in patients with ischaemic heart failure varies by renal function status

AIMS The aims of the current study were to evaluate the association between anaemia and all-cause mortality according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) status and to explore at what level of haemoglobin concentration would the all-cause mortality risk increase prominently among CKD and non-CKD patients, respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a prospective cohort study, and 1559 patients with ischaemic heart failure (IHF) were included (mean age of 63.5 ± 11.0 years, 85.8% men) from December 2015 to June 2019. Patients were divided into the CKD (n = 481) and non-CKD (n = 1078) groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . In the CKD group, the incidence rate of all-cause mortality in anaemic and non-anaemic patients was 15.4 per 100 person-years and 10.8 per 100 person-years, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.00-2.02; P-value = 0.05). In the non-CKD group, the incidence rate of all-cause mortality in anaemic and non-anaemic patients was 9.8 per 100 person-years and 5.5 per 100 person-years, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.59; P-value = 0.005). After a median follow-up of 2.1 years, the cumulative incidence rate of all-cause mortality in anaemic and non-anaemic patients was 41.5% and 44.1% (P-value = 0.05) in the CKD group, and 30.9% and 18.1% (P-value < 0.0001) in the non-CKD group. In the CKD group, cumulative incidence rate of all-cause mortality increased prominently when haemoglobin concentration was below 100 g/L, which was not observed in the non-CKD group. CONCLUSIONS Results of the current study indicated that among IHF patients, the association between anaemia and all-cause mortality differed by the renal function status. These findings underline the importance to assess mortality risk and manage anaemia among IHF patients according to the renal function status.
Abstract 13131: Cardiovascular Manifestations and Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Cleveland Clinic Contemporary Experience

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting multiple organs including the heart, which when affected portends poor prognosis. Given the advan...
Physics-Based Causal Lifting Linearization of Nonlinear Control Systems Underpinned by the Koopman Operator.

Methods for constructing causal linear models from nonlinear dynamical systems through lifting linearization underpinned by Koopman operator and physical system modeling theory are presented. Outputs of a nonlinear control system, called observables, may be functions of state and input, $\phi(x,u)$. These input-dependent observables cannot be used for lifting the system because the state equations in the augmented space contain the time derivatives of input and are therefore anticausal. Here, the mechanism of creating anticausal observables is examined, and two methods for solving the causality problem in lifting linearization are presented. The first method is to replace anticausal observables by their integral variables $\phi^*$, and lift the dynamics with $\phi^*$, so that the time derivative of $\phi^*$ does not include the time derivative of input. The other method is to alter the original physical model by adding a small inertial element, or a small capacitive element, so that the system's causal relationship changes. These augmented dynamics alter the signal path from the input to the anticausal observable so that the observables are not dependent on inputs. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the methods.
What inferences can and cannot be made on the basis of meta-analysis?

Abstract Meta-analysis involves inferences about the mean, the variability and the substantive reasons for variability in effect sizes. The risks inherent in each of these inferences are reviewed, and a Bayesian approach to using meta-analysis to determine whether effects vary in important ways is suggested.
Two‐dimensional beam steering array using planar eight‐element composite right/left‐handed leaky‐wave antennas

[1] A two-dimensional beam steering array composed of an eight-element antenna array using composite right/left-handed leaky-wave antennas fed by an 8 × 8 Butler matrix network is designed at X-band. An eight-way beam switching in one direction by input port switching and a continuous beam steering in the other direction by frequency sweep are achieved. A wide range beam steering operation covering from −55 to +53 degrees by port switching and from −37 to +27 degrees by frequency sweep is demonstrated with the maximum gain of 9.2 dBi.
A spatially distributed model for the assessment of land use impacts on stream temperature in small urban watersheds

Stream temperatures in urban watersheds are influenced to a high degree by changes in landscape and climate, which can occur at small temporal and spatial scales. Here, we describe a modelling system that integrates the distributed hydrologic soil vegetation model with the semi-Lagrangian stream temperature model RBM. It has the capability to simulate spatially distributed hydrology and water temperature over the entire network at high time and space resolutions, as well as to represent riparian shading effects on stream temperatures. We demonstrate the modelling system through application to the Mercer Creek watershed, a small urban catchment near Bellevue, Washington. The results suggest that the model was able to produce realistic streamflow and water temperature predictions that are consistent with observations. We use the modelling construct to characterize impacts of land use change and near-stream vegetation change on stream temperatures and explore the sensitivity of stream temperature to changes in land use and riparian vegetation. The results suggest that, notwithstanding general warming as a result of climate change over the last century, there have been concurrent increases in low flows as a result of urbanization and deforestation, which more or less offset the effects of a warmer climate on stream temperatures. On the other hand, loss of riparian vegetation plays a more important role in modulating water temperatures, in particular, on annual maximum temperature (around 4 °C), which could be mostly reversed by restoring riparian vegetation in a fairly narrow corridor – a finding that has important implications for management of the riparian corridor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potassium channel Kv1.3 is highly expressed by microglia in human Alzheimer's disease.

Recent genetic studies suggest a central role for innate immunity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, wherein microglia orchestrate neuroinflammation. Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium channel of therapeutic relevance in autoimmunity, is upregulated by activated microglia and mediates amyloid-mediated microglial priming and reactive oxygen species production in vitro. We hypothesized that Kv1.3 channel expression is increased in human AD brain tissue. In a blinded postmortem immunohistochemical semi-quantitative analysis performed on ten AD patients and ten non-disease controls, we observed a significantly higher Kv1.3 staining intensity (p = 0.03) and Kv1.3-positive cell density (p = 0.03) in the frontal cortex of AD brains, compared to controls. This paralleled an increased number of Iba1-positive microglia in AD brains. Kv1.3-positive cells had microglial morphology and were associated with amyloid-β plaques. In immunofluorescence studies, Kv1.3 channels co-localized primarily with Iba1 but not with astrocyte marker GFAP, confirming that elevated Kv1.3 expression is limited to microglia. Higher Kv1.3 expression in AD brains was also confirmed by western blot analysis. Our findings support that Kv1.3 channels are biologically relevant and microglia-specific targets in human AD.
A Fast Algorithm for Detecting Second Paths in Database Inference Analysis

This paper presents an approach for detecting potential second-path inference problems in a way that is significantly faster than previous approaches. The algorithm uses a relational database schema and functional dependencies to detect the potential for second-path inferences. The second-path inference problem involves the ability to infer higher classified data from lower classified data within a relational database system using joins. In previous research, this type of inference vulnerability was detected by actually finding a path. The approach presented in this paper does not find the path, but detects the existence of a path by adapting a well known algorithm used in database design to test a relational decomposition for the lossless join property. The original lossless join algorithm has been extended to include subtypes. The paper compares the performance of the new algorithm with that of a conventional path-finding algorithm and shows that the new algorithm is 10 to 14 times faster than the path-finding approach using schemas that range from 33 to 48 relations. The final contribution of the paper is the presentation of an algorithm for automatically classifying the discovered paths into various groups, based on their potential for indicating a significant potential security vulnerability.
School psychology: a public health framework: III. Managing disruptive behavior in schools: the value of a public health and evidence-based perspective

Abstract Schools typically adopt individualistic approaches to address disruptive behavior and meet the needs of students with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) [i.e., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD)]. These approaches are often not the most effective and have a limited impact on overall school climate. This article emphasizes the value of an evidence-based and public health perspective in managing disruptive behavior. Information about comprehensive school-based programs and classroom management techniques for disruptive behavior disorders is presented and the important role school psychologists can play in implementing these programs discussed.
Best-fit ellipsoids of atom-probe tomographic data to study coalescence of γ′ (L12) precipitates in Ni–Al–Cr

An algorithm is presented to fit precipitates in atom-probe tomographic data sets as equivalent ellipsoids. Unlike previous techniques, which measure only the radius of gyration, these ellipsoids retain the moments of inertia and principle axes of the original precipitate, preserving crystallographic orientational information. The algorithm is applied to study interconnected γ′-precipitates (L1 2 ) in the γ-matrix (face-centered cubic) of a Ni–Al–Cr alloy. The precipitates are found to coagulate along 〈1 1 0〉-type directions.
Consciousness as Intransitive Self-Consciousness: Two Views and an Argument

The word ‘consciousness’ is notoriously ambiguous. This is mainly because it is not a term of art, but a mundane word we all use quite frequently, for different purposes and in different everyday contexts. In this paper, I am going to discuss consciousness in one specific sense of the word. To avoid the ambiguities of the word ‘consciousness,’ I will introduce a term of art: intransitive self-consciousness. As the term suggests, the phenomenon I have in mind is a kind of self-consciousness, or self-awareness.