cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fracture of a textured anisotropic ceramic

The role of crystallographic texture in determining the fracture behavior of a highly anisotropic ceramic, iron titanate, has been examined. By exploiting the anisotropy in its single crystal magnetic susceptibility, crystallographically textured and untextured iron titanate microstructures were formed by gelcasting in the presence and absence of a strong magnetic field, respectively. The magnetic field-assisted processing imparted a fiber-like texture to the processed ceramic material in which the crystallographic b-axes of the grains aligned parallel to the applied field. Triaxial residual stress and lattice parameter measurements showed that both the untextured and textured materials had undergone significant stress–relaxation, presumably due to spontaneous microcracking. Further, ‘aggregates’ of non-textured material were discovered within textured material that led to a population of meso-scale cracks (meso-cracks) in the microstructure oriented normal to the direction of alignment. Both crack populations were examined using a finite element simulation and confirmed by small angle neutron scattering measurements, and for meso-cracks, by X-ray tomography. Bend strength and R-curve behavior were evaluated as a function of texture and orientation in the magnetically processed materials. Strengths remained within 20% of that of the control material, except for one orientation, for which the strength decreased with increasing degree of texture due to favorably oriented meso-cracks. The R-curve behavior was highly anisotropic, with the peak fracture toughness of the magnetically processed material ranging from approximately equal to 2.5 times that of the control material. Additionally, the peak fracture toughness of each orientation increased with the degree of texture. Anisotropic fracture properties were related to interactions between the test crack and the population of meso-cracks.
Changes in the marine-terminating glaciers of central east Greenland, 2000–2010

Abstract. Marine-terminating outlet glaciers of the Greenland Ice Sheet have undergone substantial changes over the past decade. The synchronicity of these changes suggest a regional external forcing, such as changes in coastal ocean heat transport and/or increased surface melt and subglacial runoff. A distinct contrast in rates of ice front retreat has been observed between glaciers north and south of 69° N latitude on along the East Greenland coast. This latitude corresponds with the northward limit of subtropical waters carried by the Irminger Current, suggesting variability in ocean heat transport as the dominant forcing. Glacier surging, however, is yet another mechanism of change in this region. In order to provide further spatial and temporal constraint on glacier change across this important oceanographic transition zone, we construct time series of thinning, retreat and flow speed of 37 marine-terminating glaciers along the central east Greenland coast from 2000 to 2010. We assess this dataset for spatial and temporal patterns that may elucidate the mechanisms of glacier change. We confirm that glacial retreat, dynamical thinning, and acceleration have been more pronounced south of 69° N, with a high degree of variability along the Blosseville Coast and little inter-annual change in Scoresby Sound. Our results support the conclusion that variability in coastal ocean heat transport is the primary driver of regional glacier change, but that local factors, such as surging and/or individual glacier morphology, are overprinted on this regional signal.
Semantic web technologies for aerospace

Abstract : Emerging Semantic Web technology such as the DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML) will support advanced semantic interoperability in the next generation of aerospace architectures. The basic idea of DAML is to mark up artifacts (e.g. documents sensors databases legacy software) so that software agents can interpret and reason with the information DAML will support the representation of ontologies (which include taxonomies of terms and semantic relations) via extensions to XML, XML alone is not sufficient for agents because it provides only syntactic interoperability that depends on implicit semantic agreements DAML is the official starting point for the Web Ontology Language an emerging standard from the World Wide Web Consortium. This paper will cover promising aerospace applications and significant challenges for Semantic Web technologies Potential applications include higher-level information fusion collaboration in both operational and engineering environments and rapid systems integration. The challenges that will be discussed include the complexity of ontology development automation of markup semantic mismatch between current object-oriented models and Semantic Web ontologies scalability issues related to reasoning with large knowledge bases and technology transition issues. The paper will explain ongoing research that is focused on addressing these challenges.
Susceptibility testing of the non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Abstract In vitro susceptibility test criteria have been defined for only a limited number of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) because definitive studies correlating in vivo outcomes with in vitro data are lacking. Another contributing factor is the assigning of a pathogenic role to the isolation of a particular NTM. Currently, clarithromycin susceptibility testing of clinically significant Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) isolates is recommended. However, breakthrough isolates of MAC have been shown to exhibit elevated MICs to other agents the patients were receiving. More data exist with testing isolates of Mycobacterium kansasii , which can be tested in a fashion similar to that for isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis . There are limited recommendations for other species of slowly growing mycobacteria. Testing of rapidly growing species of mycobacteria against antibacterial agents has been shown to have some clinical utility. The methods used to perform this testing also need to be further validated.
Impact of High-Inoculum Staphylococcus aureus on the Activities of Nafcillin, Vancomycin, Linezolid, and Daptomycin, Alone and in Combination with Gentamicin, in an In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Model

We evaluated the impact of high (9.5 log10 CFU/g) and moderate (5.5 log10 CFU/g) inocula of methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA, respectively) on the activities of nafcillin, linezolid, vancomycin, and daptomycin, alone and in combination with gentamicin in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model with simulated endocardial vegetations over 72 h. Human therapeutic dosing regimens for nafcillin, daptomycin, vancomycin, linezolid, and gentamicin were simulated. At a moderate inoculum, nafcillin (MSSA only), vancomycin, and daptomycin demonstrated equivalent and significant (P < 0.01) bactericidal (99.9% kill) activities (decreases of 3.34 +/- 1.1, 3.28 +/- 0.4, and 3.34 +/- 0.8 log10 CFU/g, respectively). Bactericidal activity was demonstrated at 4 h for nafcillin and daptomycin and at 32 h for vancomycin. Linezolid demonstrated bacteriostatic activity over the course of the study period. At a high inoculum, daptomycin exhibited bactericidal activity against both MSSA and MRSA by 24 h (decrease of 5.51 to 6.31 +/- 0.10 log10 CFU/g). Nafcillin (versus MSSA), vancomycin, and linezolid (MSSA and MRSA) did not achieve bactericidal activity throughout the 72-h experiment. The addition of gentamicin increased the rate of 99.9% kill to 8 h for daptomycin (P < 0.01) and 48 h for nafcillin (MSSA only) (P = 0.01). The addition of gentamicin did not improve the activity of vancomycin or linezolid for either isolate for the 72-h period. Overall, high-inoculum Staphylococcus aureus had a significant impact on the activities of nafcillin and vancomycin. In contrast, daptomycin was affected minimally and linezolid was not affected by inoculum.
America's Foreign Wars and the Legitimation of Domestic Violence

Do wars between nations encourage violence on the home front by legitimating violence? A time series regression analysis of U. S. homicide trends from 1947 to 1978 shows that neither war years nor postwar years show significantly higher homicide levels than other years, other things being equal. In the U. S., those postwar years which showed higher violence rates, after the Vietnam War, had higher violence levels only because of higher proportions of the population in the high-violence ages, lower criminal justice system effectiveness in crime control, and other differences which characterized those years. Survey research findings support the conclusion that violent actions of government agents like soldiers and police officers, on the one hand, and violent actions by private citizens, on the other hand, lie in distinct and separate cognitive categories for most Americans. Consequently there is little reason to expect that governmental violence serves to legitimate, or exerts a modelling influence on, violent behavior of private individuals in the U. S.Official killing by the state makes killing respectable. It not merely dulls the sensibilities of people to cruelty and inhumanity but actually stimulates cruelty. Language: en
Psychosocial factors associated with non-smoking adolescents' intentions to smoke

Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Most adult smokers began smoking during adolescence, making youth tobacco prevention an especially important public health goal. Guided by an extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study examined the role of psychosocial factors in accounting for adolescents’ smoking intentions. Participants from three high schools (n 5 785) were surveyed to assess smoking-related characteristics and behaviors as part of a statewide evaluation of tobacco prevention programming. Attitudes, subjective norms (and other normative factors) and perceived behavioral control were all associated with nonsmokers’ intentions to smoke. Having more favorable attitudes toward remaining tobacco free and perceiving that friends would not be supportive of smoking were both associated with decreased likelihood of intending to smoke. Normative influence and peer use were significant factors, such that having more friends who smoke was associated with increased odds of intent to smoke. Lastly, perceived difficulty to quit was related to smoking intentions, with higher confidence to quit significantly associated with intentions to smoke. Findings are consistent with the TPB— attitudes, normative factors and perceived behavioral control each helped account for non-smoking adolescents’ intentions to smoke. Implications for theory and intervention building are discussed.
Isotype Switching Increases Efficacy of Antibody Protection against Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Lethal Shock and Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis in Mice

ABSTRACT Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent toxin that is produced by Staphylococcus aureus strains and is classified as a category B select agent. We have previously shown that monoclonal antibody (MAb) 20B1, a murine anti-SEB IgG1, successfully treats SEB-induced lethal shock (SEBILS) and bacteremia that is caused by SEB-producing S. aureus. In this study, we have generated two isotype switch variants of the original IgG1 MAb 20B1, an IgG2a and IgG2b, both bearing the same variable region sequence, and compared their neutralizing and protective activity in in vitro and in vivo assays, respectively. All 3 isotypes demonstrated comparable affinity to SEB and comparable 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 s) in T cell proliferation assays. In vivo , however, the IgG2a isotype variant of 20B1 exhibited significantly greater protection than IgG1 or IgG2b in murine SEB intoxication and S. aureus sepsis models. Protection was associated with downmodulation of inflammatory host response. Our data demonstrate that changing the isotype of already protective MAbs, without affecting their antigen specificity or sensitivity, can result in an enhancement of their protective ability. Isotype selection, therefore, should be carefully considered in the development of toxin-neutralizing MAbs and the design of antibody therapeutics. IMPORTANCE The purpose of this study was to enhance the protective efficacy of an existing, protective monoclonal antibody against staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Using two in vivo mouse models, our study demonstrates that the protective efficacy of a monoclonal antibody may be improved by inducing an isotype switch at the Fc region of an antibody, without altering the antigen specificity or sensitivity of the antibody. The development of therapeutic MAbs with higher efficacy may allow for the achievement of equal therapeutic benefit with a lower dosage. In turn, the use of lower doses may reduce the cost of these therapies, while reducing the potential for adverse side effects.
Dysgenesis of the middle turbinate: a unique cause of nasal airway obstruction.

Abstract : We present a unique case of nasal airway obstruction resulting from dysgenesis of the middle turbinate that has not been previously described. A 33-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a long history of right nasal airway obstruction refractory to medical management with nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines. She denied both epistaxis and rhinodynia, and had no history of nasal surgery. Additionally, she had never been nasally intubated for any other surgical procedure and had no history of nasal manipulation or trauma to the face. Nasopharyngoscopy demonstrated the absence of a normal middle turbinate (MT) and an obstructing mass in the posterior right nasal cavity that completely occluded the right choana (Fig 1). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses revealed a pedunculated nasal mass occurring at the posterior attachment of the malformed right MT (Fig 2). Clinical biopsy specimens were conclusive for benign respiratory mucosa, and the patient consented to operative removal of the mass. Intraoperatively, the mass was transected at the pedicle and easily delivered through the nasopharynx into the oral cavity for removal. The mass was sectioned and noted to have a firm bony rim, with a fluid-containing mucocele in the center. The patient had complete resolution of her symptoms postoperatively, and three months later she remained asymptomatic and without recurrence. This case report has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Wilford Hall Medical Center (FWH20080139N). Patient consent for publication has been obtained by the authors.
Language evolution and recursive thought

In simplest terms, language is the syntactic combination of concepts (semantics), which are mnemonically addressed with man-made sensory-based representations (word-forms). The evolution of language, therefore, is minimally the evolution of competency for learning the grammar and words of a given language. Apes have an ability to learn symbolconcept associations across several modalities, albeit an impoverished ability. No conclusive demonstration, however, exists for grammatical processing in non-human primates. Grammar, thus, appears to be the more recent and unique innovation. (Speech, also unique, is secondary as it relates to expression and as sign language is equally expressive.) Chomsky and colleagues famously proposed grammatical recursion is “recently evolved and unique to our species” and that it is the minimum characteristic of the faculty of language (Hauser et al., 2002; Chomsky, 2010). In The Recursive Mind, Michael Corballis disputes this, arguing recursion’s incorporation into other cognitive domains antedates its incorporation into language. Further, he argues the language faculty evolved for communication, not cognition:
New Facts Concerning the Circulation in the Lung, Its Control, and Its Interaction with the Systemic Circulation*

An experimental technique developed in my laboratory, permits study of the pulmonary circulation and of pulmonary—systemic interactions, with full control of all variables. Flow-pressure relationships in the pulmonary vascular bed have been studied. Effects of blood temperature, of blood pH, of inspired CO 2 , of positive airway pressure and lung stretch have been found. Asphyxia of the systemic circulation can cause marked contraction of the pulmonary vessels. “Denervation” of the lungs causes changes in the flow-pressure relationships, indicating a nervous contribution to pulmonary vasomotor tonus. The blood volume in the non-perfused lung varies between 3 per cent and 5 per cent of the total blood volume, depending on the left atrial pressure. Pulmonary perfusion when the left atrial pressure is near zero can increase the pulmonary blood content up to about 15 per cent of the total blood volume. Simultaneous increases of lung blood flow and of left atrial pressure can cause substantial sequestration of blood in the lungs (up to about 1/3 of the total blood volume). Increased pressure in the right atrium causes simultaneous pressure changes in pulmonary arteries and veins.
Stackelberg-game analysis of correlated attacks in cyber-physical systems

This paper studies a resilient control problem for discrete-time, linear time-invariant systems subject to state and input constraints. State measurements and control laws are transmitted over a communication network and could be corrupted by human adversaries. In particular, we consider a class of human adversaries, namely correlated jammers, who are modeled as rational decision makers and whose strategies are highly correlated to the control system operator. The coupled decision making process is modeled as a two-level receding-horizon dynamic Stackelberg (leader-follower) game. We propose a receding-horizon Stackelberg control law for the operator, and analyze the resulting performance and closed-loop stability of the system under correlated attacks. We observe that, with full information of his follower, the operator is still able to maintain regional stability of the control system.
Chaos-assisted tunneling in dielectric microcavities

We demonstrate that the lifetimes and emission patterns of the optical modes in generic (asymmetric) microresonators are strongly affected by the phenomenon of chaos-assisted tunneling and develop a theory of the effect.
Investigating concepts for determining complex sensing system trustworthiness

The wide-ranging Layered Sensing concept is critical to providing timely, actionable, trusted, and relevant universal situation awareness (USA) to war fighters in both military and humanitarian operations. The layered sensing concept allows existing and future sensor systems to operate within a largely autonomic, collaborative, yet complex, system of systems (SoS) environment that is robust, agile and adaptable. The authors believe that USA is possible within such a complex sensing system environment, but only where the human systems' operators or product users (and potentially internal components) believe they can trust the information produced by that system. Gaining an attribution of trust by the human (and cyber) user, however, is expected to be a significant challenge. The authors believe that monitoring and reporting the system's security, safety, and reliability status (both current and predicted) can establish an understanding of trustworthiness for layered sensing implementations. Leveraging techniques similar to those employed by traditional reliability engineering, along with other measures, may have potential for enabling the computation of reliability metrics as part of a broader suite of trustworthiness metrics for complex systems. Investigation is necessary to identify measurable attributes of Layered Sensing system components that are both efficiently collectable and effectively relevant to system reliability and trustworthiness. Further, adequate analytical models to transform these collected measures into accurate status representations in realtime must be developed. Finally, a virtual and constructive modeling and simulation (M&S) framework is envisioned for studying how selected system attributes contribute to system reliability metrics that are accurate and accepted by human operators.
Multiple Captures of White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus Leucopus): Evidence for Social Structure?

Multiple captures (34 double, 6 triple) in standard Sherman live traps accounted for 6.3% of 1355 captures of Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mice) in forested habitat in southern Illinois, from Oct. 2004 through Oct. 2005. There was a significant positive relationship between both the number and the proportion of multiple captures and estimated monthly population size. Multiple captures were all intraspecific and occurred significantly more often from Nov. through Mar. when animals were not reproductively active, but this was confounded by seasonal changes in abundance. Age/gender distribution of animals in double captures did not differ from that expected from random pairing. We suggest that sociality and synchronous entry of two white-footed mice into traps were the primary determinants of double captures; sensitivity of traps may have been the primary factor in triple captures.
Alcohol expectancies and drinking behaviors among college students with disordered eating

ABSTRACTObjective: The authors investigated binge drinking, alcohol expectancies, and risky and protective drinking behaviors in relation to disordered eating behaviors in male and female college students. Participants: The full sample consisted of 7,720 undergraduate students, 18 to 22 years of age. Drinking behaviors were analyzed in 4,592 recent drinkers. Methods: Participants anonymously completed a survey as part of a universal alcohol abuse prevention program between September 2007 and April 2008. Results: Co-occurring disordered eating behaviors and binge drinking characterized 17.1% of males and 19.0% of females. Rates of binge drinking were higher in those with disordered eating behaviors. Students with disordered eating behaviors also had more positive and negative alcohol expectancies and engaged in more risky and fewer protective drinking behaviors than their counterparts. Conclusions: Students with disordered eating behaviors have outcome expectancies and behavior patterns associated with pro...
Creating Learning Opportunities for the Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills in BSW Education

The Council on Social Work Education has identified the enhancement of critical thinking skills as a vital component in social work education. Educators are challenged to create learning opportunities for knowledge and skill development as it relates to critical thinking. This article offers a description of a specific project to emphasize improvement in critical thinking skills through a newly created Writing Skills for Social Workers course and increased rigor in a BSW capstone project. The process of obtaining funding for the project and the methods in place to sustain it are also provided. Results indicate 88% of the students involved in the overall project demonstrated the ability to use social work critical thinking skills necessary to examine evidence, provide a clear explanation of reasonable alternatives, and evaluate possible consequences. Recommendations to continue providing learning opportunities to enhance critical thinking skills in BSW education are discussed.
Shifting effects of rock roughness across a benthic food web

Habitat heterogeneity affects the spatial pattern of stream organisms, but it is unclear how broadly heterogeneity affects the distribution of organisms within a food web. Specifically, rougher rocks have greater algal biomass than smoother rocks, and we hypothesized bottom-up food web control of food web structure, in which rougher rocks would also have higher grazer and predator abundance. We surveyed algal biomass and macroinvertebrates on rocks of differing roughness. We also conducted a field experiment to separately examine rock roughness and algal biomass effects by manipulating algal biomass by raking or scrubbing rocks within created rock clusters. Neither the survey nor the experiment strongly supported a bottom-up scenario. Algal biomass increased with rock roughness. Grazing mayfly abundance was distributed evenly among geologic rock types, except for a higher abundance of baetids on rocks with large cavities, where predatory stoneflies were also abundant. In the rock cluster experiment, the moderate raking disturbance produced higher grazer abundance and reduced algal biomass relative to unmanipulated controls. We concluded that fine-scale roughness directly promoted algal biomass, whereas larger-grain roughness (crevices) affected the distribution of the food web components by forming clumped distributions of grazing baetid mayflies and predatory stoneflies.
Electricity In Japan

The future Japanese standard of living will depend largely on that country's industries and their maintenance. In turn, those industries must depend on their mainspring, energy. And finally, since coal, oil, and electricity provide this power and are to a certain extent interchangeable, and since Japan lacks oil and coal, she must depend for energy on electricity developed chiefly from water power.Electricity in Japan attained late but thorough popularization. Today more than 90 per cent of Japanese homes are wired for electric lights, and in 1937, just before the China incident, electric lighting was probably more prevalent in Japan than any place else in the world. Despite these impressive statements, however, most Japanese homes are but dimly lit, due to the use of only a few light bulbs of low wattage. In 1941 the average number of bulbs per family was 4.2.
Factors related to end-of-life (EOL) chemotherapy in solid tumor (ST) patients.

92 Background: Quality performance measures for cancer care, including use of chemotherapy in the last two-weeks of life, will be required for reporting. In this study, we evaluated the use of chemotherapy in ST patients (pts) within 14 days of EOL relative to several factors that may influence this practice. Methods: Adult pts (≥18 years) treated for ST at our institution, deceased December 01, 2010 through May 31, 2012, were retrospectively studied. Data on demographics, chemotherapy (excluded: hormones) within 14 days EOL, comorbidities, and cancer diagnoses were from administrative databases. Logistic regression analysis was performed for association of EOL chemotherapy with age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, cancer types, and metastatic status. Results: 5,607 pts met study criteria: median age 64 years; 48% female; 76% metastatic disease. EOL chemotherapy frequency was 3.9% overall, 4.6% in metastatic disease versus 1.7% in non-metastatic disease (p<0.01). Of 23 patients who received chemotherapy...
The ANGPTL3-4-8 model, a molecular mechanism for triglyceride trafficking

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a rate-limiting enzyme for hydrolysing circulating triglycerides (TG) into free fatty acids that are taken up by peripheral tissues. Postprandial LPL activity rises in white adipose tissue (WAT), but declines in the heart and skeletal muscle, thereby directing circulating TG to WAT for storage; the reverse is true during fasting. However, the mechanism for the tissue-specific regulation of LPL activity during the fed–fast cycle has been elusive. Recent identification of lipasin/angiopoietin-like 8 (Angptl8), a feeding-induced hepatokine, together with Angptl3 and Angptl4, provides intriguing, yet puzzling, insights, because all the three Angptl members are LPL inhibitors, and the deficiency (overexpression) of any one causes hypotriglyceridaemia (hypertriglyceridaemia). Then, why does nature need all of the three? Our recent data that Angptl8 negatively regulates LPL activity specifically in cardiac and skeletal muscles suggest an Angptl3-4-8 model: feeding induces Angptl8, activating the Angptl8–Angptl3 pathway, which inhibits LPL in cardiac and skeletal muscles, thereby making circulating TG available for uptake by WAT, in which LPL activity is elevated owing to diminished Angptl4; the reverse is true during fasting, which suppresses Angptl8 but induces Angptl4, thereby directing TG to muscles. The model suggests a general framework for how TG trafficking is regulated.
Migration of the Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), to and from Estivation Sites

Data from soil sampling indicated that the summer migratory flight of alfalfa weevils, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), to estivation sites was intercepted by trees bordering alfalfa fields, and suggested that the weevil may be somewhat passive in controlling the direction and distance of such flight. Some weevils that moved out of alfalfa harvested during the first 2–3 weeks of adult development apparently remained in adjacent woods for only a few hours or days before leaving again by flight. Estivating weevils were considerably more concentrated in border area locations having natural cover plus straw than in locations having natural cover only. Most adults estivating in woods were on the soil surface under litter, but most found in alfalfa were in the upper ½ or ¾ in of soil. Data from flight traps and periodic soil sampling in alfalfa fields and adjacent border areas showed that the return migration to New York fields began in late September or October. The time of peak return in the fall varied from year to year, and there was evidence that many weevils may not have returned until spring.
Halogenated vapor anesthetics adversely influence edrophonium reversal.

Reversal of the pancuronium induced neuromuscular block by edrophonium was studied in different groups of male surgical patients. All groups received similar premedication and identical induction of anesthesia. Neuromuscular function was monitored by the transduced response of the thumb adductor muscle to different [e.g. 0.2, 2 and 50 counts per second (cps)] supramaximal electrical stimuli applied to the ulnar nerve. When the regimen of anesthesia maintenance included halogenated vapor anesthetics the reversal of neuromuscular block was of lesser degree than in the case of N2O/O2 + fentanyl anesthesia. The reversal of the "fade-type" (e.g. tetanic and "train of four") responses was particularly incomplete with halothane and isoflurane. Compared with edrophonium, pyridostigmine was found to be more effective under halothane anesthesia. Based on these results, edrophonium may not be the first choice in the clinical reversal of deep levels of nondepolarizing neuromuscular block in the presence of vapor anesthetics.
Physical and hydraulic properties of modern sinter deposits: El Tatio, Atacama

Sinters are siliceous, sedimentary deposits that form in geothermal areas. Formation occurs in two steps. Hot water circulates in the subsurface and dissolves silica from the host rock, usually rhyolites. Silica then precipitates after hot water is discharged and cools. Extensive sinter formations are linked to up-flow areas of fluids originating from high temperature (> 175 °C) deep reservoirs. Fluid geochemistry, microbial communities, and environmental conditions of deposition determine the texture of sinter and pore framework. Porosity strongly influences physical and hydraulic properties of rocks. To better understand the properties controlling the transport of fluids, and interpret geophysical observations in geothermal systems, we studied 17 samples of modern geyserite sinter deposits (< 10 ka) from the active El Tatio geothermal field in northern Chile. We measured the physical properties (hydraulic, seismic, and electrical), and internal microstructure (using μX-Ray computed tomography). We find that the pore structure, and thus hydraulic and physical properties, is controlled by the distribution of microbial matter. Based on velocity-porosity relationships, permeability-porosity scaling, and image analysis of the 3D pore structure; we find that the physical and hydraulic properties of sinter more closely resemble those of vesicular volcanic rocks and other material formed by precipitation in geothermal settings (i.e., travertine) than clastic sedimentary rocks.
Utilization of positron emission tomography scans (PET) in the management of NSCLC at a center with limited access to this imaging modality

6140 Background: PET is recommended as an important diagnostic aid in the initial evaluation of patients with lung cancer, according to the NCCN guidelines. The aim of this study is to estimate the...
Antithrombotic Approaches in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Optimizing Benefit vs Bleeding Risks

Abstract It is estimated that in the United States, each year, approximately 620,000 persons will experience an acute coronary syndrome and approximately 70% of these will have non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. Cardiovascular disease still accounts for 1 of every 3 deaths in the United States, and there is an urgent need to improve the prognosis of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Cardiovascular mortality and ischemic complications are common after acute coronary syndrome, and the advent of newer antithrombotic therapies has reduced ischemic complications, but at the expense of greater bleeding. The new antithrombotic agents also raise the challenge of choosing between multiple potential therapeutic combinations to minimize recurrent ischemia without a concomitant increase in bleeding, a decision that often varies according to an individual patient's relative propensity for ischemia versus hemorrhage. In this review, we will synthesize the available information to arm health care providers with the contemporary knowledge on antithrombotic therapy and individualize treatment decisions.
Leflunomide induces NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 enzyme via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in neonatal mice

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been increasingly recognized to play a crucial role in normal physiological homeostasis. Additionally, disrupted AhR signaling leads to several pathological states in the lung and liver. AhR activation transcriptionally induces detoxifying enzymes such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). The toxicity profiles of the classical AhR ligands such as 3-methylcholanthrene and dioxins limit their use as a therapeutic agent in humans. Hence, there is a need to identify nontoxic AhR ligands to develop AhR as a clinically relevant druggable target. Recently, we demonstrated that leflunomide, a FDA approved drug, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in humans, induces CYP1A enzymes in adult mice via the AhR. However, the mechanisms by which this drug induces NQO1 in vivo are unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that leflunomide will induce pulmonary and hepatic NQO1 enzyme in neonatal mice via AhR-dependent mechanism(s). Leflunomide elicited significant induction of pulmonary CYP1A1 and NQO1 expression in neonatal mice. Interestingly, the dose at which leflunomide increased NQO1 was significantly higher than that required to induce CYP1A1 enzyme. Likewise, it also enhanced hepatic CYP1A1, 1A2 and NQO1 expression in WT mice. In contrast, leflunomide failed to induce these enzymes in AhR-null mice. Our results indicate that leflunomide induces pulmonary and hepatic CYP1A and NQO1 enzymes via the AhR in neonatal mice. These findings have important implications to prevent and/or treat disorders such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia in human infants where AhR may play a crucial role in the disease pathogenesis.
Abstract 321: Cardiometabolic Recovery Kinetics Post Apheresis in a Model of Accelerated Atherothrombosis

Background: Atherothrombotic disease is a chronic, smoldering multifaceted process of inflammatory, lipid, and oxidative insult. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) serves as a model of accelerated disease in which these pathways may be better characterized. Methods: Eight FH patients were assessed before and after LDL apheresis at multiple time points for levels of: Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass (PLAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides (TG), insulin, and glucose. Results: Mean pre- and post-apheresis plasma levels were: 2.76 and 1.05 for CRP, 16.64 and 7.11 for insulin, 98.7 and 81.1 for glucose, 156 and 110 for TG, 177 and 97 for PLAC, and 0.5 and 0.72 for NEFA (p < 0.10, all). Plasma glucose, insulin, and TG levels showed concurrent post-prandial peaks at 12 and 36 hours post-apheresis (Fig 1). NEFA peaked during fasting states at 24 and 48 hours post-apheresis (Fig 1). Maximum mean % gain was: 33.7%[(1.98-1.05)/2.76] for CRP from 6 to 12 hours, followed by 24.1%[(0.48-0.35)/0.54] for TBARS and 15.2%[(123.2-96.29)/177.12] for PLAC from 12 to 24 hours. Conclusion: Our data show that LDL apheresis significantly decreases inflammatory, metabolic and oxidative burden in FH patients. Peaks in glucose, insulin and TG were within normal range arguing against post-prandial dysmetabolism in FH patients. NEFA increased with apheresis and fasting, suggestive of hormone-sensitive lipase upregulation. The temporal progression of recovery shows a predominant inflammatory process acutely, followed by high oxidative stress as a result of PLAC preponderance. ![Figure][1] [1]: pending:yes
Senescence in Health and Disease

Many cellular stresses activate senescence, a persistent hyporeplicative state characterized in part by expression of the p16INK4a cell-cycle inhibitor. Senescent cell production occurs throughout life and plays beneficial roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes including embryogenesis, wound healing, host immunity, and tumor suppression. Meanwhile, the steady accumulation of senescent cells with age also has adverse consequences. These non-proliferating cells occupy key cellular niches and elaborate pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to aging-related diseases and morbidity. This model suggests that the abundance of senescent cells in vivo predicts "molecular," as opposed to chronologic, age and that senescent cell clearance may mitigate aging-associated pathology.
Association Between the 7-Day Moving Average for Nutrition and Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Background: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants remain at risk for postnatal growth restriction. Clinicians may have difficulty identifying growth patterns resulting from nutrition interventions, impeding prompt management changes intended to increase growth velocity. This study aimed to quantify the association between growth and nutrition intake through 7-day moving averages (SDMAs). Methods: The first 6 weeks of daily nutrition intake and growth measurements were collected from VLBW infants admitted to a level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (2011–2014). The association between SDMA for energy and macronutrients and subsequent 7-day growth velocities for weight, length, and head circumference were determined using mixed effects linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for fluid intake, infant characteristics, and comorbid conditions. Results: Detailed enteral and parenteral caloric provisions were ascertained for 115 infants (n = 4643 patient-days). Each 10-kcal/kg/d increase over 7 days was independe...
Treatment of co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use: Does order of onset influence outcomes?

Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) represent major public health concerns, particularly among veterans. They are associated with significant distress and impairment, and are highly comorbid. Little is known, however, about what role the temporal order of diagnostic onset may play in severity of presenting symptomatology and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine treatment outcomes by order of onset. Method Participants were 46 U.S. military veterans (91.3% male) enrolled in a larger randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated, exposure-based treatment (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure; COPE). Participants were grouped into 2 categories: (a) primary PTSD (i.e., PTSD developed before the onset of SUD) or (b) primary SUD (i.e., SUD developed before the onset of PTSD). Results No significant associations between order of onset and baseline symptomatology were observed. The findings revealed that participants with primary PTSD were significantly more likely than participants with primary SUD to report higher levels of PTSD symptoms at the end of treatment. However, there was no effect of order of onset on SUD outcomes. Conclusions The findings suggest that individuals with earlier PTSD onset are a particularly high-risk group in terms of their trauma-related symptoms. Implications for treatment of comorbid PTSD/SUD are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Transmission system protection screening for integration of offshore wind power plants

Abstract This paper develops an efficient methodology for protection screening of large-scale transmission systems as part of the planning studies for the integration of offshore wind power plants into the power grid. This methodology avails to determine whether any upgrades are required to the protection system. The uncertainty is considered in form of variability of the power generation by offshore wind power plant. This paper uses the integration of a 1000 MW offshore wind power plant operating in Lake Erie into the FirstEnergy/PJM service territory as a case study. This study uses a realistic model of a 63,000-bus test system that represents the U.S. Eastern Interconnection.
Design and Analysis Progress of US ITER Diagnostic Upper Port #14

ITER is the world’s largest fusion device currently under construction in the South of France with >50 diagnostic systems to be installed inside the port plugs (PPs), the interspace (IS), or the port cell (PC) region of various diagnostic ports. Four tenant diagnostic systems will be integrated into the upper port 14 (U14), the upper wide angle viewing system, the disruption mitigation system, the glow discharge cleaning (GDC) system and the plasma position reflectometry, an ex-vessel tenant installed in the U14 IS region. Multiphysics analyses were performed for an in-vessel and ex-vessel component design integration following the ITER port integration requirements and the ITER guideline for load specification. Electromagnetic (EM), inertial, and heating loads of the main U14 components under various conditions for the diagnostic shield module (DSM) and its internal shielding block attachment design have been summarized. The structural design of in-port components is based on an optimization of the EM load distribution to limit the load impact to the diagnostic first wall and the tenant diagnostics and to mitigate the effect of dynamic amplification from asymmetric plasma vertical displacement event inertial loads. The DSM needs to provide a sufficient stiffness for the protection of onboard diagnostics and structural integrity of the port integration under the design-driving EM and inertial loads. The in-port diagnostics and mounting supports, on the other hand, are designed to meet the remote handling requirement, while taking into account the thermal loads due to temperature gradient from nuclear heating, as well as matching the relative stiffness among the structural components within the port assembly. Progress on an integrated design and analysis is reported including a seismic analysis of the IS/PC region for extracting tenant interface loads. The design-driving loads for tenant systems are presented for the attachment structure design as part of the PP engineering tasks.
Update on gabapentin therapy of neuropathic pain.

Objective To provide current information regarding the efficacy and tolerability of the anticonvulsant gabapentin in the management of neuropathic pain. Data sources A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify pertinent studies, case reports, letters, and reviews in the English language published from 1986 through October 2002. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of these articles. Study selection All studies evaluating any aspect of use of gabapentin as an analgesic. Data synthesis Numerous case reports and series (total N = 750) have suggested efficacy of gabapentin in daily doses of up to 3.6 g. Controlled trials in painful diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis have confirmed the potential utility of this agent in a variety of neuropathic pain syndromes (total N = 511). Central nervous system side effects are of most concern with gabapentin. The absence of significant drug-drug interactions makes this agent a preferred treatment choice, as opposed to anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine or lamotrigine. Conclusion In human pain models using patients with neuropathic pain, gabapentin has been found effective against both spontaneous and evoked pain, and these effects are independent of the pain source. Gabapentin, in doses ranging up to 3.6 g/day, has demonstrated efficacy in a variety of neuropathic pain states, including those refractory to agents such as the tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and other anticonvulsants. A major question today is whether gabapentin should be considered as first-line therapy (i.e., even before a trial of a TCA or carbamazepine) or as second-line therapy for individuals unresponsive to or intolerant of TCAs and/or carbamazepine.
The Senegal DNA haplotype is associated with the amelioration of anemia in African-American sickle cell anemia patients.

We have previously determined that in African sickle cell anemia (SS) patients three different beta-like globin gene cluster haplotypes are associated with different percent G gamma (one of the two types of non- alpha chains comprising hemoglobin F [HbF]), mean percent HbF, and percent dense cells. We report now that in adult New York SS patients, the presence of at least one chromosome with the Senegal haplotype is associated with higher Hb levels (1.2 g/dL higher) than is found for any other non-Senegal haplotype (P less than .004). The percent reticulocytes and the serum bilirubin levels were lower in these patients. When the effect of alpha-gene number was analyzed by examining a sample of SS patients with concomitant alpha-thalassemia, the same results were obtained. Because the HbF level is significantly higher among the Senegal haplotype carriers in this sample, the inhibitory effect on sickling of this Hb variant may be one of the reasons for the haplotype effect. We conclude that the Senegal beta- like globin gene cluster haplotype is associated with an amelioration of the hemolytic anemia that characterizes sickle cell disease.