cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
431: Protein expression and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in the fetal brain in a mouse model of fetal alcohol syndrome

fetuses with enlarged bladder, bilateral hydronephrosis and normal amniotic fluid volume, diagnosed and enrolled between 20-24 weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria included cystic renal parenchyma, other anomalies, multiple gestation, membrane separation, no karyotype, and cervical length of 1.5cm. Ultrasound evaluation of AFV, renal and bladder dimensions were obtained at 24, 28 and 32 weeks. Delivery and neonatal discharge data were collected. Prospective outcome data at 12 and 24 months is currently being collected. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients have enrolled. Mean GA at enrollment was 22.7 weeks. Mean AFV at enrollment was 15.9cm (9.5-20.1). One patient underwent TOP. One patient delivered at 27 weeks with a NND at DOL 24 secondary to complications of prematurity. Eight patients remain undelivered. Mean AFV at 32 weeks was 11.6cm (026.7). Delivery data was available for 18 patients. Mean GA at delivery was 39.1 weeks (26.6-40.4). Mean BW was 2910g (1000-3735). CD was performed primarily for fetal malpresentation or history of prior CD. 43% (6/14) demonstrated a normal neonatal serum Cr, while 57% (8/14) demonstrated abnormal neonatal Cr at the time of discharge. Postnatal diagnosis was available for 16 neonates: PUV 50% (9/18) and TRIAD 38.8% (7/18). 55.5% (10/18) neonates required initial respiratory support, but all were discharged on room air. Spontaneous voiding was documented in 55.5% (10/18) neonates at discharge. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with prenatally diagnosed obstructive uropathy and normal AFV are not at increased risk for preterm delivery as reported in LUTO with oligohydramnios. Respiratory and renal functions appear to be preserved in the majority of affected neonates at time of discharge.
Informative gene network for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Host genetic variability has been implicated in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). A dose-limiting toxicity for chemotherapy agents, CIPN is also a debilitating condition that may progress to chronic neuropathic pain. We utilized a bioinformatics approach, which captures the complexity of intracellular and intercellular interactions, to identify genes for CIPN. Using genes pooled from the literature as a starting point, we used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to generate gene networks for CIPN. We performed IPA core analysis for genes associated with platinum-, taxane- and platinum-taxane–induced neuropathy. We found that IL6, TNF, CXCL8, IL1B and ERK1/2 were the top genes in terms of the number of connections in platinum-induced neuropathy and TP53, MYC, PARP1, P38 MAPK and TNF for combined taxane-platinum–induced neuropathy. Neurotoxicity is common in cancer patients treated with platinum compounds and anti-microtubule agents and CIPN is one of the debilitating sequela. The bioinformatic approach helped identify genes associated with CIPN in cancer patients.
High-radix implementation of IEEE floating-point addition

We are proposing a micro-architecture for high-performance IEEE floating-point addition that is based on a (non-redundant) high-radix representation of the floating-point operands. The main improvement of the proposed IEEE FP addition implementation is achieved by avoiding the computation of full alignment and normalization shifts which impose major delays in conventional implementations of IEEE FP addition. This reduction is achieved at the cost of wider operand interfaces and an increased complexity for IEEE compliant rounding. We present a detailed discussion of an IEEE FP adder implementation using the proposed high-radix format and explain the specific benefits and challenges of the design.
Traditional Versus Simulation Resident Surgical Laparoscopic Salpingectomy Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Study Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of the porcine training model for obstetrics-gynecology (OB/GYN) residents in laparoscopic salpingectomy. Design Randomized, controlled single-blinded trial. Classification Canadian Task Force Classification I. Setting A large community-based teaching hospital. Participants All postgraduate year 1 through year 4 OB/GYN residents were enrolled (n = 22). Intervention All participants underwent a preintervention objective skills assessment test (OSAT), in which the participant performed live human laparoscopic salpingectomy. Residents were randomly assigned (using a computer-generated randomization table, in blocks of 2, stratified by ranked baseline OSAT scores) to the intervention or control group. The intervention group consisted of 1 educational session with presession assigned reading, a 40-min didactic lecture, viewing of a procedural video, and simulation and practice of laparoscopic salpingectomy on a porcine cadaver. The control group received traditional training per routine residency rotations. Measurements and Main Results Laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed on live patients by study participants pre- and postintervention. These procedures were video recorded, and then scored by a single blinded evaluator of the OSATs. Nine pre- and postintervention OSAT indicators, reflecting provider knowledge and skill, were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes were the changes in 10 subjective measures of comfort, assessed by a pre- and postintervention survey. The outcomes were assessed using 5-point Likert scales (for OSATs 1 = lowest score; for the subjective survey 1 = highest score). The control group OSAT scores did not change (pre: 26.6 ± 10.8, post: 26.2 ± 10.1; p = .65). There were significant improvements in 2-handed surgery (pre: 2.8 ± 1.6, post: 3.5 ± 1.3; p = .004) and use of energy (pre: 2.9 ± 1.3, post: 3.6 ± 1.0; p = .01) in the intervention group, contributing to an overall score change (pre: 26.7 ± 10.6, post: 29.9 ± 9.8; p ≤ .001). The control group had no change in comfort levels. The intervention group experienced both increases (anatomy, steps of surgery, 2-handed surgery, and use of energy) and decreases (reading and learning in operating room) in reported comfort levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that simulation can improve surgical technique OSATs. However, of 45 possible points, both groups' average scores were
Characteristic features of water dynamics in restricted geometries investigated with quasi-elastic neutron scattering

Abstract Understanding the molecular behavior of water in spatially restricted environments is key to better understanding its role in many biological, chemical and geological processes. Here we examine the translational diffusion of water confined to a variety of substrates, from flat surfaces to nanoporous media, in the context of a recently proposed universal scaling law (Chiavazzo 2014) [1]. Using over a dozen previous neutron scattering results, we test the validity of this law, evaluating separately the influence of the hydration amount, and the effects of the size and morphology of the confining medium. Additionally, we investigate the effects of changing instrument resolutions and fitting models on the applicability of this law. Finally, we perform quasi-elastic neutron scattering measurements on water confined inside nanoporous silica to further evaluate this predictive law, in the temperature range 250 ⩽ T ⩽ 290 K.
Increased Expression Of Fgf2 Induces Cytokine Hypersensitivity In Leukemia Stem Cells With Translocations Involving The MLL Gene

Leukemias with chromosomal translocation or partial tandem duplications involving the MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) gene have exceptionally poor prognosis (referred to as 11q23-leukemias). At the molecular level, 11q23-leukemias are characterized by increased expression of a set of homeodomain transcription factors in CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and differentiating CD34- myeloid progenitor cells. This transcription factor set includes HoxB3, B4, A7-11 and Meis1. Although many elegant studies have identified the precise molecular mechanisms by which MLL-fusion proteins increase HOX gene transcription, less is known about the downstream effects of increased Hox expression and potential implications for leukemogenesis. In prior studies, we determined that the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor 2 (Fgf2 or basic Fgf) is a HoxA10 target gene, and production of Fgf2 is increased in HoxA10 overexpressing primary bone marrow cells. In the current studies, we determine that FGF2 is also activated by HoxA9; identifying the only common target gene for HoxA9 and HoxA10 where both proteins activate transcription. We also find Mll-Ell (an MLL-fusion protein) increases FGF2 transcription and Fgf2 expression in a HoxA9 and HoxA10 dependent manner. Importantly, autocrine production of Fgf2 by Mll-Ell expressing HSC and myeloid progenitor cells increases cytokine-induced proliferation and enhances cell survival. In additional studies, we determine that these effects of Fgf2 are mediated by phospho inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) dependent stabilization of beta catenin. We find that autocrine production of Fgf2 results in increased expression of key beta catenin target genes in Mll-Ell expressing cells, including c-myc, survivin and cyclinD1. Beta catenin target genes also include the genes encoding CDX4 and HOXA10. Additionally, Cdx4 activates transcription of the HOXA9 and HOXA10 genes, and HoxA10 activates the CDX4 gene. Therefore, increased Fgf2 also establishes a positive feedback loop that enhances transcriptional activation of HOXA9 and HOXA10 by MLL-fusion proteins. 11q23-AML is generally refractory, but the molecular mechanisms for this are unknown. Our studies suggest that increased Fgf2 expression in 11q23-AML contributes to cytokine hypersensitivity and sustained survival of leukemia stem cells. Targeting the effects of Fgf2 might increase chemotherapy sensitivity in this form of leukemia. Small molecule inhibitors of Fgf-receptors are available, but have not yet been tested in this form of AML. We suggest that this would be a rational therapeutic approach to this disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Incremental knowledge acquisition in supervised learning networks

Acquiring new knowledge without interfering with old knowledge is a key issue in designing an incremental-learning system. The success of such a system hinges on an embedded incrementable information structure with improved performance over time. This paper describes an incremental-learning network for pattern recognition that uses a rule-based connectionist technique to represent general domain and case-specific knowledge, uses bounded weight modification to update its connection weights, and also performs structural learning. Specific strategies are developed for preventing overtraining and for incrementally growing and pruning the network. The soundness of this approach is demonstrated by empirical studies in two independent domains.
A mid-twentieth-century Anthropocene makes the Holocene more important than ever

I thank all the authors for their thoughtful responses to my paper. I believe they effectively highlight some of the diverse opinions about the concept of the Anthropocene and underscore the challenges faced by the ICS subcommission.
The synthetic-analytic character of color vision in the pigeon

The pigeon’s visual generalization gradient, as originally measured by Guttman and Kalish, suggests that the pigeon has an analyzing visual mechanism, unlike man’s synthesizing visual mechanism but similar to his analyzing auditory mechanism. An experiment using a compound discriminative stimulus shows the pigeon’s visual apparatus to be both synthesizing and analyzing.
Globalization and Societal Modernization: A Note on Japan and Japanese Religion

During the most crucially formative decades of sociology-namely 1890-1920Durkheim, Simmel and, more ambiguously, Max Weber argued that growing intellectual concern with the economic factor and the rise of economistic doctrines, notably Marxian socialism, were symptomatic of rather than genuinely analytical with respect to the changes sweeping the Western world at that time. Along such lines, I suggest that in registering with excitement the increasing prominence of and interest in religion in many parts of the world modern students of religion should be exceedingly careful about producing "religious readings" of contemporary circumstances, including readings that show that there is an inevitability about the apparent upswing of religion. In my view, far too much attention has been paid by sociologists of religion to issues which center upon the problem as to whether religion is rising or declining. The debate about secularization has clearly been the most visible form of such concern, but many other interests of sociologists of religion have been not much less driven by the question. Far more appropriate, I suggest, is the strategy of exploring the ways in which religion and related phenomena are significantly implicated in historical and sociocultural contexts whose significance can be justified on firmer ground than is involved in the implicit claim that for a student of religion something is of potential interest merely because it seems to fall into the category of religion. The "firmer ground" from which the substantive thrust of the present discussion proceeds consists above all in the increasing salience of the problematic phenomenon of globality in the affairs of individuals, societies and civilizations. The fact and the perception of everincreasing interdependence at the global level, the rising concern about the fate of the world as a whole and of the human species (particularly via the threats of nuclear disaster and AIDS), and the "colonization" of local by global life (not least, via the mass media) facilitate massive processes of relativization of cultures, doctrines, ideologies and cognitive frames of reference and raise profound problems as to the ways in and degrees to which individuals and sociocultural entities of various kinds and sizes can adapt to the world as a whole. As far as the practice of sociology (and a number of other disciplines) is concerned, my main argument in relation to these developments is that the problem of the shift from the mechanical to the organic, the feudal to the capitalist, Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft, status-based society to contract-based society, and so on, has been subsumed in recent decades by the problem of globalization. That is not, however, to say that the problem of globality is simply a direct extension of the problem
The trend of yoghurt progress

The article introduced that various types of yoghurt with high quality and health benefits, with enhanced conve-nience and hobby are development trend of yoghuri market;. pH in line monitor and the coagulation time in line monitor is key forautomation of yogurt production. Making mild taste, smooth, thick and healthy yogurt is development trend of yoghurt starter.
Current epidemiology of comorbidity of psychiatric and addictive disorders.

The prevalence rates for comorbidity of psychiatric and addiction disorders are highly dependent on the methodology employed. The populations studies, retrospective versus prospective assessment, examiner perspective, length of follow-up, and treatment interventions greatly affect the outcomes of epidemiologic data for comorbidity. Although psychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent in addictive disorders, prevalence rates for independent psychiatric disorders are not much greater than those for the general population. Pharmacologic effects of alcohol and drugs and behavioral and subjective symptoms of addictive disorders account for these commonly found discrepancies. In psychiatric disorders, only in schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorders are the prevalence rates for independent addictive disorders considerably greater than those rates for the general population.
Future of Neurosurgery

Stereotactic ablative procedures, including anterior capsulotomy, cingulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, and limbic leucotomy, have provided an important therapeutic option for patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders for over 50 years. Information obtained from the decades of experience with lesion-based therapies led to the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for psychiatric indications at the turn of the millennium. Several clinical trials have already demonstrated the efficacy of DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. Future advancements in this field will hinge upon (1) a better understanding of the neural circuitry underlying human cognition and emotion and the pathological processes contributing to its dysfunction and (2) the development of more precise methods of delivering neuromodulatory signals to the human brain. The first endeavor will involve a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging investigations across a range of species, including rodent, nonhuman primate, and human, each targeted toward the strengths of the particular model. The second will require new collaborative efforts between basic scientists and clinicians to translate delivery methods on the horizon, including optogenetics, closed-loop stimulators, and gene therapy, into viable treatments. These advances will hopefully enable individualization of therapy based on identifiable patient characteristics and biomarkers, thereby potentially increasing efficacy and decreasing side effects. The judicious application of these developing procedures, with appropriate oversight by a multidisciplinary team, will ensure that an expanding cohort of patients with debilitating psychiatric illness will have a viable and safe therapeutic option.
Die Haupteigentümlichkeiten des Trance — Bewußtseins und gewisser Begleitphänomene, insbesondere derer, die den Eindruck der Erleuchtung hervorrufen

Die Worterbucher suchen die Hauptbesonderheit des Trance richtig heraus, wenn sie ihn definieren als einen „Zustand, worin die Seele passiv oder aus dem Korper gewichen scheint; einen Zustand der Unempfindlichkeit gegenuber den Erdendingen“. Es gibt jedoch Grade in der Tiefe der Trancezustande, d. h. in dem Verlust geistiger Aktivitat und in der damit einhergehenden Sonderung der Seele von der Ausenwelt und vom Korper. Nur wenn jedes Bewustsein verschwunden ist, ist der Trance vollstandig.
Bias Stability of zinc-tin-oxide thin film transistors with Al 2 O 3 gate dielectrics

Zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al 2 O 3 gate dielectrics were fabricated and compared to devices with PECVD SiO 2 gate dielectrics. The Al 2 O 3 devices showed acceptable mobility (∼14 cm2/V·s), subthreshold slope (∼0.4 V/dec), and I ON /I OFF (∼107). However, a pronounced positive V T shift was observed during initial gate voltage sweeps, consistent with electron trapping. In an effort to stabilize operation, devices were made with varying Al 2 O 3 deposition temperature, O 2 plasma exposure, and a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) SiO 2 capping layer. It was found that capping of the Al 2 O 3 with a thin (2–3 nm) layer of PECVD SiO 2 altered the trapping behavior and reduced the bias instability significantly, suggesting that the Al 2 O 3 /ZTO interface is the source of the trapping.
Evolution of Experimental Models of the Liver to Predict Human Drug Hepatotoxicity and Efficacy.

In this article, we review the past applications of in vitro models in identifying human hepatotoxins and then focus on the use of multiscale experimental models in drug development, including the use of zebrafish and human cell-based, 3-dimensional, microfluidic systems of liver functions as key components in applying Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP). We have implemented QSP as a platform to improve the rate of success in the process of drug discovery and development of therapeutics.
Beyond the Consensus View: Whole Science

The “consensus view”on the nature of science (NOS) is nowoutmoded. To help frame an enduring alternative, one should attend first to the “why”of NOS education. Functional, or civic, scientific literacy is foundational. Acknowledging a need for consumers and citizens to assess the reliability of scientific claims in personal and public decision making leads to an expansive, open-ended, and inclusive list of contextualized NOS elements—experimental, conceptual, and social—known as Whole Science. Any enduring reform also needs to consider practicalities, such as the challenge of assessment, the inevitable role of epistemic dependence (and lessons about expertise, trust, and science on artists), NOS education beyond the classroom, and the development of concrete lessons based on inquiry learning.
Criteria for Sepsis: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Dysfunction Assessment (QSOFA)

Purpose of Review Various definitions and scoring systems for sepsis were available but none of them was perfect due to the incomplete knowledge of sepsis syndrome pathobiology. Sepsis is a collection of diseases described mainly by systemic host response to infection. An international consensus first defined sepsis in 1991 and was later updated in 2001. Definitions of sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock remained the same for two decades. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria were used widely in hospitals to identify sepsis. The third international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock (sepsis-3) recently revisited the definition. Sepsis and septic shock definitions were revised, while severe sepsis was omitted and considered to be redundant.
HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME WITH INTACT OR RESTRICTIVE ATRIAL SEPTUM:WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURVIVAL?

Background: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with intact or restrictive atrial septum (IRAS) represents a subset of patients with single ventricle cardiac disease (SVCD) associated with higher mortality. In recent years, management strategies have been developed for catheter-based creation of
Impact of climate change on malaria in Africa: a combined modelling and observational study

Abstract Background Africa is the hotspot for malaria transmission where more than 90% of malaria deaths occur every year. The effect of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa has been controversial. Malaria is a major vector-borne parasitic disease transmitted to humans by Anopheles spp mosquitoes. Malaria transmission is an intricate function of climatic factors, which non-linearly affect the development of vectors and parasites. In this study, we aimed to project that the risk of malaria will increase towards the end of the 21st century in east Africa, but decrease in west Africa. Methods We combine a novel malaria transmission simulator, HYDREMATS, that has been developed based on comprehensive multi-year field surveys both in east Africa and west Africa, and the most reliable climate projections through regional dynamical downscaling and rigorous selection of global circulation models from among CMIP5 models. Findings We define a bell-shaped relation between malaria intensity and temperature, centered around a temperature of 28°C. Future risks of malaria are projected for two highly populated regions in Africa: the highlands in east Africa and the fringes of the desert in west Africa. In the highlands in east Africa, temperatures are substantially colder than this optimal temperature; warmer future climate exacerbate malaria conditions. In the Sahel fringes in west Africa, temperatures are around this optimal temperature; warming is not likely to exacerbate and might even reduce malaria burden. Unlike the highlands in east Africa, which receive major amounts of annual rainfall, dry conditions also limit malaria transmission in the Sahel fringes in west Africa. Interpretation The study shows disproportionate future risk of malaria due to climate change between east and west Africa, and should have an effect on guiding strategies for climate adaptation over Africa. Funding Cooperative agreement between US National Science Foundation and Cooperative Agreement between the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute), Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.
Determination of VNIR optical constants of synthetic postassium jarosite using the hapke treatment of r adiative transfer theory

Visible and near infrared optical constants are required to quantitatively determining mineral abundances from remote sensing data. Preliminary optical constants of a synthetic potassium jarosite, an important sulfate mineral on both Earth and Mars, are determined using a new MatLab encoded minimization routine based on Hapke's treatment of radiative transfer theory. The steps for determining these optical constants are delineated theoretically and programmatically in an attempt to assist the expansion of the library of optical data.
Sex-based outcomes of lower extremity bypass surgery in hemodialysis patients.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to compare conduit use and surgical outcomes of hemodialysis-dependent men and women after open lower extremity bypass surgery. Methods Using the United States Renal Data System, we studied all hemodialysis patients in the United States who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011. Univariate methods (χ2, analysis of variance) were employed to compare patient and bypass characteristics between men and women. Kaplan-Meier, univariate and multivariate logistic, and Cox regression analyses were employed to evaluate outcomes that included patency, graft failure, and mortality at 30 days. In addition, we compared limb salvage and patient survival rates between men and women. Results There were 9739 bypasses performed in 5927 (61%) men and 3812 (39%) women who presented most commonly with critical limb ischemia (men, 73%; women, 71%; P = .04). Bypass configurations were femoral-popliteal (48%), femoral-tibial (34%), and popliteal-tibial (18%). The prevalence of autogenous conduits was higher for men (61 vs 55%; P Conclusions We found lower use of autogenous conduits in women than in men. In patients who received prosthetic conduit, acute graft failure was higher for women than for men. The benefits of autogenous conduits over prosthetic grafts underscore the need to improve the selection of appropriately sized autogenous conduits for bypass irrespective of gender.
Early detection of rapid cystic fibrosis disease progression tailored to point of care: A proof-of-principle study

Slowing cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease progression is crucial to survival, but point-of-care technologies aimed at early detection — and possibly prevention — of rapid lung function decline are limited. This proof-of-principle study leverages a rich national patient registry and follow-up data on a local CF cohort to build an algorithm and prototype prognostic tool aimed at early detection of rapid lung function decline. The algorithm was developed using a novel longitudinal analysis of lung function (measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 s of % predicted, FEV1). Covariates included clinical and demographic characteristics selected from the registry based on information criterion. Preliminary assessment of algorithm performance suggested excellent predictive accuracy and earlier detection of rapid decline than standard of care being applied at a local center. Graphical displays were presented and evaluated for clinical utility. Predictions from the algorithms and chosen graphical displays were translated into a prototype web application using RShiny and underwent iterative development based on clinician feedback. This paper suggests that the algorithm and its translation could offer a means for earlier detection and treatment of rapid decline, providing clinicians with a viable point-of-care technology to intervene prior to irreversible lung damage.
Aftercare in Alcoholism Treatment

Successful treatment of a chronic condition, such as alcohol dependence, often involves extended rehabilitation. As such, the goal of rehabilitation is to move the patient back into normalized interpersonal and community life. Alcohol dependence, like other addictive behaviors, poses a special challenge to the treatment community. Treatment programs are successful in helping patients achieve sobriety, but are often less successful in helping patients maintain sobriety. Alcohol dependence has a rate of recidivism second only to schizophrenia (National Institute of Mental Health, 1973) and has a high rate of relapse following treatment (Hunt, Barnett, & Branch, 1971; Litman, Eiser, & Taylor, 1979). This suggests that inpatient treatment may be necessary but not sufficient for full recovery. In fact, Hunt, Barnett, and Branch’s (1971) data indicate that patients are at great risk for relapse in the first month following inpatient discharge.
Quality of Communication and Trust in Patients With Serious Illness: An Exploratory Study of the Relationships of Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Religiosity.

Abstract Context Better understanding of clinicians' skill communicating with their patients and of patients' trust in clinicians is necessary to develop culturally sensitive palliative care interventions. Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religiosity have been documented as factors influencing quality of communication and trust. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore associations of seriously ill patients' race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religiosity with patients' ratings of the quality of clinicians' communication and trust in clinicians. Methods An observational analysis was performed using baseline data from a multicenter cluster-randomized trial of a communication intervention. We enrolled consecutive patients with chronic, life-limiting illnesses (n = 537) cared for by primary and specialty care clinicians (n = 128) between 2014 and 2016 in outpatient clinics in Seattle, Washington. We assessed patient demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, and self-rated health status), Duke University Religion Index, Quality of Communication Scale, and Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale. We used probit and linear regression and path analyses to examine associations. Results Patients providing higher ratings of clinician communication included those belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups (P = 0.001), those with lower income (P = 0.008), and those with high religiosity/spirituality (P = 0.004). Higher trust in clinicians was associated with minority status (P = 0.018), lower education (P = 0.019), and clinician skill in communication (P Conclusion Contrary to prior studies, racial/ethnic minorities and patients with lower income rated communication higher and reported higher trust in their clinicians than white and higher income patients. More research is needed to identify and understand factors associated with quality communication and trust between seriously ill patients and clinicians to guide development of patient-centered palliative care communication interventions.
Midterm Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Function After Midline Unifocalization

Background Patients with an open ventricular septal defect (VSD) after repair of pulmonary atresia (PA), VSD, and major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCAs) are the most vulnerable subgroup. We analyzed the impact of concomitant versus delayed VSD closure on survival and intermediate-term right ventricular (RV) function. Methods Between October 1996 and February 2017, 96 patients underwent a pulmonary flow study–aided repair of PA/VSD/MAPCAs. For patients who underwent either concomitant or delayed intracardiac repair, echocardiographic RV systolic function was retrospectively calculated to assess (1) RV fractional area change (RVFAC) and (2) two-dimensional RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) of the free wall of the right ventricle. QLAB cardiac analysis software version 10.3 (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA) was used for analysis. Results A total of 64 patients underwent concomitant VSD closure at the time of unifocalization, and 16 patients underwent delayed VSD closure at a median of 2.3 years (range: 3 days to 7.4 years). At a median follow-up of 8.1 years (range: 0.1 to 19.5 years) for the concomitant repair group versus 7.4 years (range: 0.01 to 15.3 years) for the delayed repair group, no differences in RVFAC and RVLS were observed (RVFAC: 41.0% ± 6.2% versus 41.2% ± 7.6%, p = 0.91; RVLS: −18.7 ± 4.3 versus −18.9 ± 4.0, p = 0.87). Conclusions Patients (83%) with PA/VSD/MAPCAs underwent complete repair at intermediate-term follow-up with preserved RV function. Delayed VSD closure was accomplished in 50% of the patients initially deemed unsuitable for repair. Delayed VSD closure did not affect survival and did not portend impaired RV systolic function.
Neuronal serine racemase associates with Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 and DISC1 agglomerates: Implications for schizophrenia

D-Serine, an endogenous coagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at the glycine binding site, is synthesized by serine racemase (SR) through conversion of l-Serine. Dysregulation of SR/D-Serine and Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) contributes to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia at converging pathways, as perturbation of SR-DISC1 binding in astrocytes elicits schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice. However, an association of neuronal SR with DISC1 remains elusive. Here we report that SR associates with DISC1 and its agglomerates in cortical neurons, which can be modulated by NMDAR activity. Endogenous SR colocalizes with DISC1 large agglomerates in the soma and with smaller puncta in the nucleus and dendrites of cortical neurons. Co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate SR interaction with DISC1 in cortical neuronal lysates, suggesting the physiological presence of functional SR-DISC1 complexes in neurons. Moreover, exogenous d-Serine application significantly increases the interaction of SR with DISC1, the number of DISC1-SR large agglomerates and the levels of DISC1 agglomerated form along with SR in the triton-insoluble pellet fraction, whereas application of glycine with a glycine transporter inhibitor fails to increase their interactions, abundance of DISC1-SR large agglomerates and levels of DISC1 agglomerated form. This increase by d-Serine application is blocked by 7-chlorokynurenic acid, a specific antagonist at the glycine site of NMDARs, suggesting mediation through NMDARs. Our findings thus demonstrate neuronal SR association with DISC1 and its agglomerates, which can be modulated by d-Serine, thereby validating a novel neuronal SR-DISC1 complex responsive to NMDAR activation and providing a molecular mechanism by which pathways implicated in schizophrenia converge.
Flock-mate familiarity affects note composition of chickadee calls

Recent theory in animal communication predicts that a group’s communicative complexity is connected to its social complexity. Social complexity has typically been measured using group size as an index, with larger groups thought to be more complex than smaller groups. However, group size alone does not account for other social differences that could influence the diversity of interactions within a group that may influence communication. In this study, we asked if other social factors could influence communicative behavior in groups by testing the influence of group composition in the Carolina chickadees, Poecile carolinensis. We recorded the vocal behavior of four wild-caught captive groups of familiar chickadees (birds caught from the same naturally occurring flock) and four wild-caught captive groups of unfamiliar chickadees (birds caught from all different naturally occurring flocks) and then analyzed vocalizations by assessing the note types birds used in their chickadee calls. Flocks of familiar chickadees used fewer introductory notes, more C notes, and fewer hybrid notes in their calls compared to flocks of unfamiliar chickadees. Communicative complexity, measured by zero- and first-order uncertainty, did not differ between conditions. We conclude that note composition of call, but not call complexity, varies with flock-mate familiarity.
Venous Thromboembolism Rates Did Not Decrease in Lower Extremity Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty From 2008 to 2016.

Abstract Background In revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA), venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been reported to be a relatively common and potentially serious complication. To mitigate this risk, strategies such as rapid recovery programs and thromboprophylaxis guidelines have been utilized. This study sought to identify the annual incidence and recent trends of VTE (defined as the presence of deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism [PE] in the same patient), DVT, PE, and mortality in the 30-day period after rTKA and rTHA. Methods We identified 30,406 rTKA and rTHA patients from 2008 to 2016 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Thirty-day incidences for VTE, DVT, PE, and mortality for each year and the overall study period were calculated. Bivariate and multivariate regressions were performed using patient demographics and comorbidities to assess trends in the outcomes of interest. Results The overall incidences of 30-day VTE, DVT, PE, and mortality for rTKA were 1.2%, 0.9%, 0.4%, and 0.5%. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant change over the study period for VTE (P = .137), DVT (P = .406), PE (P = .121; 99% confidence interval 0.112-0.129), and mortality (P = .463). The incidences over the study period of VTE, DVT, PE, and mortality in rTHA were 1.0%, 0.7%, 0.4%, and 0.7%. Bivariate analysis revealed no changes in VTE (P = .393), DVT (P = .376), and PE (P = .602). However, bivariate analysis revealed significant decrease in mortality (P = .010) over the study period. Conclusion Within 30 days of surgery, approximately 1 in 83 rTKA patients and 1 in 100 rTHA patients experienced a VTE. Furthermore, the rates of VTE remained largely unchanged from 2008 to 2016. Further research regarding the optimal individualized prophylaxis algorithm in rTKA and rTHA is warranted to prevent this complication. This study represents the first investigation of thromboembolic events in rTHA and rTKA.
Icy giant planet exploration: Are entry probes essential?

Abstract “Flyby, orbit, land” has been the guiding philosophy of planetary exploration. This systematic approach has been highly successful in addressing the most fundamental questions of the origin, evolution, and habitability of the solar system. For the giant planets, entry probes take the place of “landers”, since the “land” of the gas and icy giant planets, their solid core, lies some tens of thousands of kilometers beneath their cloud tops, hence impractical to reach. On the other hand, during a planet's accretionary heating phase the volatiles trapped in the core material would have been released, forming the atmosphere, together with the most volatile of the gases, hydrogen, helium and neon, that were captured gravitationally when the core became massive enough. Those atmospheric volatiles would thus be accessible by entry probes deployed to relatively shallow depths in the upper troposphere, allowing the determination of the abundances and isotopes of at least the most critical of the “heavy elements” (mass greater than helium). The heavy elements are key constraints to planetary formation and evolution models [1]. Entry probes are essential to retrieve their abundances, which are feasible only in situ at probe depths. That was the rationale behind NASA's 1995 Galileo probe mission at Jupiter and the Saturn Probe mission in NASA's New Frontier 4 candidate list of science themes. Saturn probe proposals to ESA's Cosmic Vision Program are similarly inspired. In 2015, NASA commissioned an Ice Giant Planets Study to recommend a comprehensive set of science goals and objectives, and further to develop potential mission architectures for accomplishing them in the 2023–2033 decade. The most highly rated mission from that study is an orbiter with probe to either Uranus or Neptune [2]. While remote sensing observations from the orbiter will yield the composition, structure and the distribution of neutral and charged particles in the magnetosphere and the upper atmosphere, the entry probe will determine the abundances and isotopic ratios of the noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe), H, C, and possibly N and S. The noble gases, in particular, are key to discriminating among formation models, and their values from the probe entry location would represent global values as they are unaffected by meteorology, dynamics or chemistry. We will elaborate on these issues and then briefly discuss possible scenario/s for a mission to the icy giant planets, with particular focus on entry probes.
The Temperature Dependence of the Tensile Yield Strength of Selected Austenitic Steels

The trend toward the use of higher field superconducting magnets is creating the need for strong, tough structural materials to restrain the high magnetic forces. Austenitic and high-N austenitic stainless steels are considered for such uses because of their high strength and good toughness, combined with high Young’s modulus and low thermal conductivity. Study of the temperature dependence of tensile flow strength leads to better understanding of deformation mechanisms in these face-centered cubic, polycrystalline alloys.
Overview of Fluid Dynamics and Turbulence

The first part of the chapter provides a review for mass, momentum, and energy conservation, as well as turbulence theory and modeling. Then, the historical development and importance of the Reynolds number (Re) is firmly established, leading to guidelines for calculating Re for many useful engineering geometries. Fully developed laminar and turbulent flow is described, as well as insights regarding the turbulent kinematic viscosity. Finally, isotropic turbulence and Taylor eddy theory are introduced, to lay a foundation regarding their merit and practical applications in CFD modeling; this development culminates in Sect. 3.7, where numerous practical drag reduction and heat transfer applications are described in more detail.
Impact of Feed the Future initiative on nutrition in children aged less than 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa: difference-in-differences analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of the US government’s Feed the Future initiative on nutrition outcomes in children younger than 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Design Difference-in-differences quasi-experimental approach. Setting Households in 33 low and lower middle income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Population 883 309 children aged less than 5 years with weight, height, and age recorded in 118 surveys conducted in 33 countries between 2000 and 2017: 388 052 children were from Feed the Future countries and 495 257 were from non-Feed the Future countries. Main outcome measures A difference-in-differences approach was used to compare outcomes among children in intervention countries after implementation of the initiative with children before its introduction and children in non-intervention countries, controlling for relevant covariates, time invariant national differences, and time trends. The primary outcome was stunting (height for age >2 standard deviations below a reference median), a key indicator of undernutrition in children. Secondary outcomes were wasting (low weight for height) and underweight (low weight for age). Results Across all years and countries, 38.3% of children in the study sample were stunted, 8.9% showed wasting, and 21.3% were underweight. In the first six years of Feed the Future’s implementation, children in 12 countries with the initiative exhibited a 3.9 percentage point (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 5.5) greater decline in stunting, a 1.1 percentage point (0.1 to 2.1) greater decline in wasting, and a 2.8 percentage point (1.6 to 4.0) greater decline in underweight levels compared with children in 21 countries without the initiative and compared with trends in undernutrition before Feed the Future was launched. These decreases translate to around two million fewer stunted and underweight children aged less than 5 years and around a half million fewer children with wasting. For context, about 22 million children were stunted, 11 million children were underweight, and four million children were wasted in the Feed the Future countries at baseline. Conclusions Feed the Future’s activities were closely linked to notable improvements in stunting and underweight levels and moderate improvements in wasting in children younger than 5 years. These findings highlight the effectiveness of this large, country tailored initiative focused on agriculture and food security and have important implications for the future of this and other nutrition interventions worldwide.
Comparison of cerebellomedullary and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid analysis in dogs with neurological disease.

BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis aids in categorizing underlying disease processes in patients with neurologic disease. Convention suggests that CSF should be collected caudal to the lesion. However, little evidence exists to justify this assertion. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Evaluate the clinicopathologic differences between CSF collected from the cerebellomedullary (CM) and lumbar cisterns in dogs presented for evaluation of neurologic disease. ANIMALS Fifty-one client-owned dogs undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF collection for investigation of neurologic disease. METHODS Cerebrospinal fluid was prospectively collected from the CM and lumbar cisterns in all patients. The total protein (TP) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, and total nucleated cell count (TNCC) were analyzed within 30 minutes of collection. Results and cytology findings were interpreted by a single pathologist. RESULTS Fifty-one paired samples were collected. The TNCC (P < .001), RBC (P < .001), and TP (P < .001) were different between collection sites. When grouped by neurolocalization, TP (intracranial, P < .001; cervical, P < .001; thoracolumbar, P < .001) and RBC (intracranial, P < .001; cervical, P ≤ .002; thoracolumbar, P = .006) counts were significantly different. The TNCC was significantly different in the cervical (P = .04) and thoracolumbar localizations (P = .004) but not for intracranial (P = .30) localizations. The pathologist's interpretation differed between sites in 66.7% of the cases (34/51). CONCLUSIONS In dogs with lesions that neurolocalized to the brain or cervical spinal cord, there may be clinical benefit in collecting fluid from both the CM and lumbar cisterns. In dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy, CSF collected from the CM cistern may not be representative of the underlying disease process.
Flavin Nitroalkane Oxidase Mimics Compatibility with NOx/TEMPO Catalysis: Aerobic Oxidization of Alcohols, Diols, and Ethers

Biomimetic flavin organocatalysts oxidize nitromethane to formaldehyde and NOx-providing a relatively nontoxic, noncaustic, and inexpensive source for catalytic NO2 for aerobic TEMPO oxidations of alcohols, diols, and ethers. Alcohols were oxidized to aldehydes or ketones, cyclic ethers to esters, and terminal diols to lactones. In situ trapping of NOx and formaldehyde suggest an oxidative Nef process reminiscent of flavoprotein nitroalkane oxidase reactivity, which is achieved by relatively stable 1,10-bridged flavins. The metal-free flavin/NOx/TEMPO catalytic cycles are uniquely compatible, especially compared to other Nef and NOx-generating processes, and reveal selectivity over flavin-catalyzed sulfoxide formation. Aliphatic ethers were oxidized by this method, as demonstrated by the conversion of (-)-ambroxide to (+)-sclareolide.