cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MHD Pseudoshock and Qualitative Model in the Performance of Supersonic Generators

A preliminary study, based on an extension of Crocco's pseudoshock model, has been carried out to explain and predict qualitatively the rather gradual pressure rise in a supersonic MHD generator, to account for the influence of wall roughness on the core flow. Numerical experiments are presented, which demonstrate indeed the qualitative link between the theory of MHD pseudoshock and the observed pressure ramp caused by rough walls. B b CP o Nomenclature = cross-sectional area of channel, m2 = cross-sectional area of core region, m2 = cross-sectional area of wall layer, m2 = magnetic field strength, T = width of generator duct, m = specific heat capacity, J/kg K = electric field strength, N/C = specific enthalpy, J/kg = electric current density, C/m2 s = loading factor = Eyw/ucB = Eyc/ucB = Eyw/uwB = Mach number = total mass flow rate through generator, kg/s = unit normal vector on interface = pressure, N/m2 = gas constant, J/kg K = MHD interaction parameter = specific entropy, J/kg K = temperature, K — specific internal energy, J/kg = flow velocity, m/s = specific volume, m3 /kg = Cartesian coordinate along the duct axis, in the flow direction, measured from the entrance, m = ratio of Hall field to Faraday field = EX/Ey = Hall-current parameter = ratio of specific heat capacities = cp/cv = ratio of mass flow rate in wall layer to the total mass flow rate through the generator = ratio of cross-section al area of wall layer to that of entire duct = density, kg/m3 = electric conductivity, Q ~; /m3 = angle of inclination of segments = tan ~! aw, rad
An ITS phylogeny of Balsamorhiza and Wyethia (Asteraceae: Heliantheae)

The relationships among the species of Balsamorhiza and Wyethia (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) were examined using data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The ITS sequences were obtained from nine species of Balsamorhiza and 14 species of Wyethia as well as seven outgroup genera. Five of the outgroup genera were members of the subtribe Engelmanniinae of the tribe Heliantheae, the subtribe that includes Balsamorhiza and Wyethia. The resulting trees show that Balsamorhiza and Wyethia together form a monophyletic group. Balsamorhiza alone is monophyletic, but neither of its two sections is monophyletic. Wyethia is paraphyletic. One group of Wyethia species, including all members of sections Alarconia and Wyethia as well as W. bolanderi from section Agnorhiza, is monophyletic and sister to Balsamorhiza. The other species of Wyethia (all placed in section Agnorhiza) are part of a polytomy along with the clade composed of Balsamorhiza plus the rest of Wyethia.
Functional Analysis of B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator Engagement on CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells

T cell activation can be profoundly altered by coinhibitory and costimulatory molecules. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a recently identified inhibitory Ig superfamily cell surface protein found on lymphocytes and APC. In this study we analyze the effects of an agonistic anti-BTLA mAb, PK18, on TCR-mediated T cell activation. Unlike many other allele-specific anti-BTLA mAb we have generated, PK18 inhibits anti-CD3-mediated CD4+ T cell proliferation. This inhibition is not dependent on regulatory T cells, nor does the Ab induce apoptosis. Inhibition of T cell proliferation correlates with a profound reduction in IL-2 secretion, although this is not the sole cause of the block of cell proliferation. In contrast, PK18 has no effect on induction of the early activation marker CD69. PK18 also significantly inhibits, but does not ablate, IL-2 secretion in the presence of costimulation as well as reduces T cell proliferation under limiting conditions of activation in the presence of costimulation. Similarly, PK18 inhibits Ag-specific T cell responses in culture. Interestingly, PK18 is capable of delivering an inhibitory signal as late as 16 h after the initiation of T cell activation. CD8+ T cells are significantly less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of PK18. Overall, BTLA adds to the growing list of cell surface proteins that are potential targets to down-modulate T cell function.
On the measurement of common-mode rejection ratio

In this brief, several commonly used measurement configurations for common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) are analyzed and compared with the definition; their advantages and limitations are also discussed. Finally, an improved measurement setup is proposed to characterize CMRR more accurately according to its definition over wider frequency range.
Hegel's Critique of Liberal Theories of Rights.

In “Abstract Right,” the first part of the Philosophy of Right, Hegel criticizes the usual content and formulations of liberal theories of rights. In terms of content, Hegel argues that the subject of rights is only a narrow abstraction from the full human being; that he has limited self-determination and limited political freedom; and that, when he acts on his rights, he produces terror and destruction. In terms of formulations, Hegel argues that the pervasiveness of contract relations is inaccurate and undesirable; that the state cannot be derived from the natural man's alienating his right to punish; and that it is inaccurate to conceptualize civil society as only limiting natural man's freedoms. By transforming natural to abstract rights, Hegel retains much of the substance of rights, while concurrently preparing for the later sections of his text which try to overcome the inadequacies of a political theory based only on rights.
Making the global information society good: A social justice perspective on the ethical dimensions of the global information society

This article discusses social justice as a moral norm that can be used to address the ethical challenges facing us in the global Information Society. The global Information Society is seen as a continuation of relationships which have been altered by the use of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). Four interrelated characteristics of the global Information Society also are identified. After a brief overview of the main socioethical issues facing the global Information Society, the article discusses the application of social justice as a moral tool that has universal moral validity and which can be used to address these ethical challenges. It is illustrated that the scope of justice is no longer limited to domestic issues. Three core principles of justice are furthermore distinguished, and based on these three principles, seven categories of justice are introduced. It is illustrated how these categories of justice can be applied to address the main ethical challenges of the Information Society. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is based on a doctoral thesis completed during 2006 by Johannes Britz at the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Pregnancy, sleep disordered breathing and treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Abstract Objective : To investigate the tolerance, compliance and problems associated with usage of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by pregnant women with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Patients and method : Twelve pregnant women diagnosed with SDB received polysomnography (PSG) at entry, CPAP titration, repeat PSG at 6 months gestation (GA) and home monitoring of cardio-respiratory variables at 8 months GA. Compliance was verified by the pressure at the mask. Results from the Epworth sleepiness scale, fatigue scale and visual analogue scales (VAS) for sleepiness, fatigue, and snoring were compared over time. Results : All of the subjects had full term pregnancies and healthy infants. Nightly compliance was at least 4 h initially and 6.5 h at 6 months GA. Nasal CPAP significantly improved all scales compared to entry. VAS scores remained lower at 6 months GA compared to entry. Re-adjustment of CPAP pressure was needed in six subjects at 6 months GA. Conclusion : Nasal CPAP is a safe and effective treatment of SDB during pregnancy.
The Early History of Coccidioidomycosis: 1892–1945

Coccidioidomycosis was first discovered by a medical student in Argentina in 1892, and knowledge about the infection mostly arose from observations of clinicians and scientists in California, primarily at Stanford University Medical Center. Some discoveries came by chance. Many others arose from careful epidemiologic and clinical investigations in the San Joaquin Valley during the 1930s, when people migrated there from the “Dust Bowl” of the Midwest, and during the 1940s, when the events of World War II brought military recruits, prisoners of war, and persons of Japanese descent to camps and other areas of endemicity. Especially impressive were the contributions of Charles E. Smith, who tirelessly studied this disease throughout his professional career.
3-D Printed All-Dielectric Frequency Selective Surface With Large Bandwidth and Field of View

In this paper, an all-dielectric frequency selective surface (ADFSS) was developed using genetic algorithms and fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) to generate random geometries. This device showed a stop-band fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 54% and a field of view of 16°. The optimized FSS was manufactured by three-dimensional (3-D) printing and the frequency response was measured in the laboratory. This device was also tested in the pass band at a high pulsed microwave power of $\bf{45.26}\;\bf{MW}/\bf{m}^{\bf{2}}$ and no damage was observed. This is the first known demonstration of a 3-D printed ADFSS.
Effect of charge density wave fluctuations on the frequencies of optic phonons in 2H-TaSe2 and -NbSe2

The temperature dependence of the frequencies of the Raman active optic phonons between 200 and 250 cm−1 in 2H-TaSe2 and -NbSe2 has been measured for 2 K<T<300 K. The observed shifts are considerably larger than would be expected on the basis of measurements made on the isostructural semiconducting layer compound 2H-MoSe2. The anomalous temperature dependence in the charge density wave (CDW) state. The temperature dependence of the phonon frequencies for temperatures above the CDW phase transition suggests the presence of localized CDW distortions in the normal state.
Synthesis, characterization, and bromine substitution by 4,4'-di(5-nonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine in Cu(II)(4,4'-di(5-nonyl)-2,2'-bipyridine)Br(2).

The crystal structure of a novel compound CuII(dNbpy)Br2 (dNbpy = 4,4‘-di(5-nonyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine), which is used in the reverse atom transfer radical polymerization, is reported. CuII(dNbpy)Br2 crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group with a = 12.5283(11) A, b = 15.0256(14) A, c = 17.7900(16) A, α = 90.350(2)°, β = 99.360(2)°, γ = 107.937(2)°, and Z = 2. The CuII center in the complex has a distorted square planar geometry and is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of a single dNbpy ligand (Cu−N = 2.011(7) and 2.022(7) A) and two bromine atoms (Cu−Br = 2.3621(14) and 2.3567(13) A). The similarity of the absorption spectra in the solid state and in solution suggested that the geometry of the complex remained unchanged upon dissolution. In the presence of dNbpy, CuII(dNbpy)Br2 undergoes Br substitution to form ionic [CuII(dNbpy)2Br]+[Br]-. ΔH° and ΔS° values for this equilibrium were negative and dependent on the polarity of the medium. It was found that, under the typical polymerization conditions (T ≥...
Mitochondrial complex I, aconitase, and succinate dehydrogenase during hypoxia-reoxygenation: modulation of enzyme activities by MnSOD.

Both NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) and aconitase are inactivated partially in vitro by superoxide (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfon...
Estimation of Estuary Phytoplankton using a Web-based Tool for Visualization of Hyper-spectral Images

The development of web-based tools for visualization and processing of hyper-spectral images has been slow. Memory and processing capabilities of personal computers may have precluded the development of web-based tools. However, fast access to remote databases, increasing microprocessors' speed, and grid portals that provide interconnection between remote nodes sharing data and computing resources, make possible remote exploration and analysis of hyper-spectral data cubes. This paper presents a web-based visualization tool for exploring MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data cubes. It provides capabilities for individual pixel's reflectance-spectra visualization, onthe- fly per-pixel calculation and visualization of chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton-carbon concentration values. The web-based interface also generates Normalized Difference Vegetation Index images from the multi-spectral information contained in MODIS datasets. The tool is applied to estimate phytoplankton concentrations in the Saint Louis Bay estuary (Mississippi). Chlorophyll-a estimations produced by the web-based tool compare well with in-situ measurements from a field survey performed during August 2001. Phytoplankton concentrations are calculated using those estimations of chlorophyll-a concentrations generated by the web-based tool. The higher spatial resolution provided by the interface allowed estimating constituents concentrations at geographical locations near the coast.
A multiobjective module-order model for software quality enhancement

The knowledge, prior to system operations, of which program modules are problematic is valuable to a software quality assurance team, especially when there is a constraint on software quality enhancement resources. A cost-effective approach for allocating such resources is to obtain a prediction in the form of a quality-based ranking of program modules. Subsequently, a module-order model (MOM) is used to gauge the performance of the predicted rankings. From a practical software engineering point of view, multiple software quality objectives may be desired by a MOM for the system under consideration: e.g., the desired rankings may be such that 100% of the faults should be detected if the top 50% of modules with highest number of faults are subjected to quality improvements. Moreover, the management team for the same system may also desire that 80% of the faults should be accounted if the top 20% of the modules are targeted for improvement. Existing work related to MOM(s) use a quantitative prediction model to obtain the predicted rankings of program modules, implying that only the fault prediction error measures such as the average, relative, or mean square errors are minimized. Such an approach does not provide a direct insight into the performance behavior of a MOM. For a given percentage of modules enhanced, the performance of a MOM is gauged by how many faults are accounted for by the predicted ranking as compared with the perfect ranking. We propose an approach for calibrating a multiobjective MOM using genetic programming. Other estimation techniques, e.g., multiple linear regression and neural networks cannot achieve multiobjective optimization for MOM(s). The proposed methodology facilitates the simultaneous optimization of multiple performance objectives for a MOM. Case studies of two industrial software systems are presented, the empirical results of which demonstrate a new promise for goal-oriented software quality modeling.
Arsenite suppression of involucrin transcription through AP1 promoter sites in cultured human keratinocytes

While preserving keratinocyte proliferative ability, arsenite suppresses cellular differentiation markers by preventing utilization of AP1 transcriptional response elements. In present experiments, arsenite had a dramatic effect in electrophoretic mobility supershift analysis of proteins binding to an involucrin promoter AP1 response element. Without arsenite treatment, binding of JunB and Fra1 was readily detected in nuclear extracts from preconfluent cultures and was not detected a week after confluence, while c-Fos was detected only after confluence. By contrast, band shift of nuclear extracts from arsenite treated cultures showed only JunB and Fra1 binding in postconfluent as well as preconfluent cultures. Immunoblotting of cell extracts showed that arsenite treatment prevented the loss of Fra1 and the increase in c-Fos proteins that occurred after confluence in untreated cultures. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated substantial reduction of c-Fos and acetylated histone H3 at the proximal and distal AP1 response elements in the involucrin promoter and of coactivator p300 at the proximal element. Alteration of AP1 transcription factors was also examined in response to treatment with four metal containing compounds (chromate, vanadate, hemin, divalent cadmium) that also suppress involucrin transcription. These agents all influenced transcription at AP1 elements in a transcriptional reporter assay, but exhibited less effect than arsenite on binding activity assessed by mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation and displayed variable effects on AP1 protein levels. These findings help trace a mechanism by which transcriptional effects of arsenite become manifest and help rationalize the unique action of arsenite, compared to the other agents, to preserve proliferative ability.
Geographic image retrieval using interest point descriptors

We investigate image retrieval using interest point descriptors. New geographic information systems such as Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth are providing increased access to remote sensed imagery. Content-based access to this data would support a much richer interaction than is currently possible. Interest point descriptors have proven surprisingly effective for a range of computer vision problems. We investigate their application to performing similarity retrieval in a ground-truth dataset manually constructed from 1-m IKONOS satellite imagery. We compare results of using quantized versus full descriptors, Euclidean versus Mahalanobis distance measures, and methods for comparing the sets of descriptors associated with query and target images.
Trans-free margarine from highly saturated soybean oil

Highly saturated (HS) soybean oil (SBO), which contained 23.3% palmitic acid (C16:0) and 20.0% stearic acid (C18:0), was interesterified at 70°C in preparation for the processing of a trans-free margarine. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the triacylglycerides and analysis of the sn-2 fatty acid composition showed no further change after 10 min of interesterification. The interesterified HS SBO had a slip melting point of 34.5°C, compared with 9.5°C in the non-interesterified HS SBO, and increased melting and crystallization temperatures were found using differential scanning calorimetry. Analysis of solid-fat content by nuclear magnetic resonance revealed the presence of only a small amount of solids above 33°C. A 50:50 blend of interesterified HS SBO and SBO with a typical fatty acid composition was used to make the margarine. Compared to commercial soft-tub margarine, the maximal peak force on the texture analyzer of this blended margarine was about 2.3 times greater, the hardness about 2.6 times greater, and adhesiveness about 1.5 times greater. There were small but statistically significant differences (α=0.05) in the sensory properties of spreadability, graininess, and waxiness between the commercial and blended margarines at 4.5°C and, except for graininess, at 11.5°C. These very small differences suggest a potential use for HS SBO in margarine products.
The influence of the amount and type of information on individuals’ perception of legal services

The study examines the impact of different amounts and types of infomation on individuals’ perception of attorneys. Utilizing the concept of perceived risk, an experiment was conducted to test various communication strategies. The results, in part, confirm the “word-of-mouth is best” strategy adhered to by many attorneys. The study also sheds light on the impact of legal service advertising on indivduals.
The effects of a human patient simulator vs. a CD-ROM on performance.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Military health care personnel need to have skills relative to caring for patients on the battlefield. No studies have compared the two teaching strategies of using the human patient simulator (HPS) and a CD-ROM in caring for combat injuries. The objective of this study was to determine if there were statistically significant differences in HPS and CD-ROM educational strategies relative to caring for patients who have trauma. Methods: A pretest/post-test prospective experimental design was used. Anesthesia students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: HPS, CD-ROM, or a control group. A valid and reliable instrument, Combat Performance, was used to evaluate the participant's ability to give care to trauma patients. Results: A repeated analysis of variance and a least significant difference post hoc test were used to analyze the data. The HPS group performed better than the CD-ROM and control groups relative to performance (p = 0.001). There was no difference between the CD-ROM...
A General Approach for Generating Fluorescent Probes to Visualize Piconewton Forces at the Cell Surface

Mechanical forces between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) are mediated by dozens of different receptors. These biophysical interactions play fundamental roles in processes ranging from cellular development to tumor progression. However, mapping the spatial and temporal dynamics of tension among various receptor–ligand pairs remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, we have developed a synthetic strategy to generate modular tension probes combining the native chemical ligation (NCL) reaction with solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). In principle, this approach accommodates virtually any peptide or expressed protein amenable to NCL. We generated a small library of tension probes displaying different ligands, flexible linkers, and fluorescent reporters, enabling the mapping of integrin and cadherin tension, and demonstrating the first example of long-term (∼3 days) molecular tension imaging. This approach provides a toolset to better understand mechanotransduction events fundamental...
Treatment Efficacy of Combined Sertraline and Guanfacine in Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Two Case Studies.

Objective Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is complicated by comorbid psychiatric disorders. Successful treatment of 2 pediatric patients with severe OCD and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is described. Method A report on 2 pediatric clinical cases (Ages 9 and 10) with comorbid OCD and ADHD was used to describe response to medication management through the serotonin transporter inhibitor, sertraline, and the noradrenergic α2A receptor agonist, guanfacine, along with cognitive behavioral therapy. Results Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with titrated doses of the serotonin transporter inhibitor, sertraline, and the noradrenergic α2A receptor agonist, guanfacine resolved OCD symptoms and the underlying ADHD. Conclusion The novel observations support a focused psychological and pharmacological approach to successful treatment of complex symptoms in patients with comorbid OCD and ADHD. Limitations to generalizability are discussed.
Inhibitory effect of tritiated thymidine on regeneration of the liver in the young rat.

SummaryTritiated thymidine, when given to young male rats 20 hours following partial hepatectomy in doses of 1.0 μc g body weight or greater, causes a transient inhibition of regeneration as mirrored in rate of increase of residual liver mass, mitotic rate, and incidence of abnormal mitotic figures. The importance of this effect in tracer studies is obvious.
Hidden danger: aortic aneurysms & dissections.

Often unnoticed or misdiagnosed, these vascular disorders can evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Find out how to identify problems and help your patient survive.
Generation and analysis of entangled two-photon states in spatial-parity space

We demonstrate the generation of two-photon states entangled in the parity of their transverse spatial coordinates. Continuous superpositions of the |Φ+> and |Ψ+> Bell states are synthesized and analyzed with simple linear optical components.
In Situ Measurement of the Complex Refractive Index of Combustion Generated Particulates

An in situ optical technique for measurement of the complex refractive index (m = n-ik) of combustion generated particulates is discussed in this paper. This technique involves measurement of light scattered by the smoke particles in the plane perpendicular to the polarized incident beam of an argon-ion laser operating at 488-nm wavelength. In particular, 90-deg scattering intensities are measured in the plane parallel to (I II ) and perpendicular to (I.L ) the plane of polarization of the incident light beam; for micr'on and submicron sized particles the ratio 11\ II.L is shown to be sensitive to the imaginary part k of the complex refractive index for 0 < k < 0.4. In addition the forward scattering ratio method is used to obtain the mean particle diameter (D 32 ), and transmitted light measurements at two widely separated wavelengths (488 and 633 nm) are used to obtain the corresponding ratio of optical densities ODR/OD B . Using the Mie scattering theory, these three measurements are combined to yield the refractive index n and the absorption index k of the smoke particles. Typical results for flaming and nonflaming combustion are used to illustrate the application of the method in the cases of nonabsorbing, moderately absorbing, and highly absorbing smoke particulates.
Does the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation Get Its Predictability from the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

AbstractThis paper investigates the predictive relation between the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Atlantic meridional overturning circulation across different climate models. Three overturning patterns that are significantly coupled to the AMO on interannual time scales across all climate models are identified using a statistical optimization technique. Including these structures in an autoregressive model extends AMO predictability by 2–9 years, relative to an autoregressive model without these structures.
Evaluating the privacy properties of telephone metadata

Since 2013, a stream of disclosures has prompted reconsideration of surveillance law and policy. One of the most controversial principles, both in the United States and abroad, is that communications metadata receives substantially less protection than communications content. Several nations currently collect telephone metadata in bulk, including on their own citizens. In this paper, we attempt to shed light on the privacy properties of telephone metadata. Using a crowdsourcing methodology, we demonstrate that telephone metadata is densely interconnected, can trivially be reidentified, and can be used to draw sensitive inferences.
Sharing News Through Social Networks

ABSTRACTIn contemporary media management, the sharing of news articles among readers’ family, friends, and social circle is vital to the media outlet’s reaching a wide audience and building engagement. As the use of social media is becoming more integrated into the core strategy of many businesses, the propensity to share news has become a key metric to measure and understand media impact. Although existing literature suggests that increasing the centrality of news sharing has become an important factor in audience engagement, empirical evidence of the influence of news sharing is sparse. The challenges in motivating news readers to share in the media environment call for research on the characteristics that predict the spreading of news. In this regard, we investigate how textual characteristics of news articles influence sharing activities. Using a publicly available secondary dataset of 39,797 records from Mashable, we build a decision tree and conducted regression analysis to identify the factors that...
Suppression of β Relaxation in Vapor-Deposited Ultrastable Glasses.

Glassy materials display numerous important properties which relate to the presence and intensity of the secondary ($\ensuremath{\beta}$) relaxations that dominate the dynamics below the glass transition temperature. However, experimental protocols such as annealing allow little control over the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ relaxation for most glasses. Here we report on the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ relaxation of toluene in highly stable glasses prepared by physical vapor deposition. At conditions that generate the highest kinetic stability, about 70% of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ relaxation intensity is suppressed, indicating the proximity of this state to the long-sought ``ideal glass.'' While preparing such a state via deposition takes less than an hour, it would require $\ensuremath{\sim}3500$ years of annealing an ordinary glass to obtain similarly suppressed dynamics.
Incarnating Spirits, Composing Shrines, and Cooking Divine Power in Vodún

AbstractIn this article I consider the ways in which shrine building, adornment, and the resulting experience of secrecy that emanates from shrines supports the building of new transnational networks and diasporas that are beginning to encourage a conceptual expansion of the African-Atlantic world. To achieve this I focus on how strategic choices in ritual flexibility and experimentation in shrine-building work to support the transnationalization of religions such as Vodun as they move from space to space, and how the religion’s material culture and repertoire re-localize as social and national spaces shift. In so doing, I argue that processes of secrecy, which in Vodun are typically tethered to religious objects such as shrines, encourage – instead of restrict – the global expansion of West African religions.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Sickle Cell Patients with HIV Infection.

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) occurs in 32% of adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and carries a high mortality risk. PHTN is also a complication of HIV infection in non-SCD patients, with a prevalence of 0.5%, which is about 2500 times greater than that of primary PHTN in the general population. Of 201 SCD patients tested at Howard Sickle Cell Center, 15 were HIV positive. The association of PHTN and HIV infection has never been reported in SCD patients. We recently identified two patients with severe PHTN (PAs 90 mm Hg or higher) and HIV infection among the 240 adult SCD patients prospectively screened for pulmonary hypertension. One is a 50-year-old male with HbSS, PHTN, supraventricular tachycardia, leg ulcer, transfusional hemosiderosis, hypertension, and mild renal insufficiency. The patient prior to cardiac catheterization was on chronic blood transfusion program for PHTN and frequent vaso-occlusive episodes. His HIV infection screen prior to cardiac catheterization in July of 2003 was positive. His serology had been negative for HIV infection in 1992. The second patient is a 39-year-old female with HbSC, splenectomy secondary to sequestration/hypersplenism, GERD, and chronic pulmonary disease, who was diagnosed with HIV infection in 2000. She has been on antiretroviral medications. Her echocardiogram in June of 2004 revealed a PAs pressure of 85–90 mm Hg. Both patients had cardiac catheterization and the results are shown in the table. A review of Howard Sickle Cell Center's records identified a third patient: A 35 year-old male with HBSS, and sickle retinopathy with retinal detachment. His HIV infection was diagnosed in 1986, an ECHO in 1993 showed a PAs of 64 mm Hg, and he died suddenly while hospitalized for a painful event in 1994. These observations suggest that HIV infection potentiates the risk for PHTN in patients with SCD. Our published studies have indicated that the risk of PHTN in patients with SCD is associated with high LDH, low hemoglobin and high direct bilirubin levels, and is rare in HbSC disease. The first two SCD patients described above stand in contrast to this risk profile, suggesting that HIV infection may add significant risk for PHTN. We recommend that HIV testing be performed in all patients with SCD diagnosed with PHTN, in order to provide appropriate antiretroviral therapy, which might improve control of PHTN. Clinical data and pulmonary hemodynamics in 2 SCD patients with HIV infection and PHTN, and in 16 sickle patients with PHTN but without HIV infection HIV Pt. 1 HIV Pt. 2 No HIV N=16 Mean +/− SD Hemoglobin concentration (g/dl) 8.2 8.6 8.56+/− 23 PAs (mmHg) 65 66 48.75 +/− 12.41 PAd (mmHg) 35 34 24.13 +/− 6.38 PAm (mm Hg) 46 44 32.19 +/− 6.93 PCWP (mm Hg) 14 10 18.13 +/− 4.47 C.O. (L/min) 6.0 7.9 9.63 +/− 2.46 Lactate dehydrogenase (IU/L) 307 211 456 +/− 213 Total bilirubin (mg/dL) 1.3 0.4 3.3 +/− 3.1 Direct bilirubin (mg/dL) 0.4 0.1 0.9 +/− 1.7 PAs, PAd, and PAm are pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures. PCWP is pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. C.O. is cardiac output.
A cosmic ray detector telescope for use in informal and formal education settings

We have developed an orientable cosmic ray telescope based on scintillating tile and waveshifting optical fiber technology for hands-on laboratory use and for interactive public displays. The device is sensitive to ionizing radiation and is composed of four individual scintillating tiles into which are embedded double-clad optical fibers doped with waveshifter dye. These fibers are coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMT). The telescope is mounted on an adjustable (rotatable) structure to allow the measurement of the cosmic ray rate as a function of angle relative to the zenith. This motion is controlled by the user through a computer-controlled stepper motor. The readout system allows data to be collected and uploaded to the Web enhancing the interactive experience and for follow-up analysis.
Civiliza Non in Crisis: Human Prospects in a Changing World

(1978). Civiliza Non in Crisis: Human Prospects in a Changing World. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 943-945.
Presentation Characteristics, Risk Profiles and Long-Term Outcomes in a Public Health System, Minority Patient Population with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is noted to exhibit male predominance, median age of 65 years at diagnosis and variable survival. Little data exist however regarding the characteristics of CLL in the U.S. minority population. METHODS: Data from 72 patients (pts) with CLL were collected from the primarily minority population served by Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois over a 6 year period, and analyzed for clinical, presentation and prognostic characteristics and long-term survival. Continuous data were analyzed via Student’s T test and categorical data via Fisher’s Exact test. Survival was ascertained via Social Security Death Index query and analyzed using Kaplan Meier life-table analyses. RESULTS: 72 pts [age at diagnosis 58.4 ± 12.1 yrs, range 31–94 yrs, 45 (62.5%) males, 27 (37.5%) females] were identified and analyzed as a retrospective cohort. 16 pts (22.2%) were 5.0 (4%), diffuse involvement of BM (36.4%), ZAP-70 positivity (20%), CD38 positivity (15.7%) and poor cytogenetic profile (del 11q / del 17q, 23.7%). CLL-associated complications included AIHA in 8 (11.1%) pts, (3/8 Coomb’s positive), ITP in 1(1.4%) pt, hypogammaglobinemia in.20/27 (74.1%) tested pts, CLL transformation to DLBCL (Richter) in 1(1.4%) pt, and second malignancies in 6 (8.3%) pts. AA pts, comprising the largest ethnic subgroup, were significantly older than non-AA pts (60.9 ± 12.9 yrs vs 55.3 ± 10.5 yrs, p 1 medical comorbidity than non- AA pts (55.6% vs 25.0%, p=0.014). Both advanced stage at presentation (Rai 3 and 4, AA:42.5% vs non-AA:46.9%, p=0.812) and high-risk profile (AA:67.5% vs non-AA:55.9%, p=0.34) were comparably distributed between AA and non-AA pts. A modest difference was noted between AA and non-AA pts in the likelihood of receiving treatment (52.5% vs 68.8%, p=0.23) however survival at mean follow-up of 26.5 ± 20.7 months was similar (90% vs 87.5%, p=1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The primarily minority-based, public health system patient cohort analyzed in this observational study were somewhat younger than published historical control populations at the time of CLL diagnosis. African American pts while generally older and noted to have more comorbidities, had comparable disease stage and risk profiles at presentation as non-African American pts. The numerical disparity between proportions of AA vs non-AA pts treated did not appear to impact survival in this analysis. Further investigations of diagnostic, prognostic and healthcare disparities in the underserved minority population, are warranted.
Incorporating Perspective Taking in Reflexivity: A Method to Enhance Insider Qualitative Research Processes

A growing literature has discussed multiple complexities of various researcher stances and the place of reflexivity in qualitative research. This article contributes to the literature by illuminati...
Bariatric surgery is associated with renal function improvement.

Weight loss after bariatric surgery improves both blood pressure and glycemic control following surgery. The effect of bariatric surgery on renal function is not well characterized. In this study, we sought to quantify the change in renal function over time following surgery. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between 2012 and 2014 at our institution. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR, mL/min) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and percent weight loss (%WL) were calculated following the surgery. A total of 149 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included in this study: LRYGB (n = 86 and LSG (n = 63). In LRYGB group, baseline BMI (kg/m2, ±SD) and GFR (mL/min, ±SD) were 48.5 ± 6.8 and 94.7 ± 23.8, respectively. In comparison, BMI and GFR were 49.1 ± 11.9 kg/m2 and 93.1 ± 28.0 mL/min in the LSG group, respectively. Over the follow-up period (19.89 ± 10.93 months), the patients who underwent LRGYB lost a larger percentage of weight as compared to those in the LSG group (29.9 ± 11.7% vs 22.3 ± 10.7%; p = 90 mL/min postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between weight loss percentage and GFR improvement (p = 0.8703). Bariatric surgery was associated with improvement in postoperative renal function at almost two years following surgery but was not different for LRYGB versus LSG. The gain in GFR was independent of percentage of weight lost suggesting an alternate mechanism in the improvement of renal function other than weight loss alone.
Quantifying infant physical interactions using sensorized toys in a natural play environment

Infants with developmental delays must be detected early in their development to minimize the progression of motor and neurological impairments. Our objective is to quantify how sensorized toys in a natural play environment can promote infant-toy physical interactions. We created a hanging elephant toy, equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a pressure transducer, and multiple feedback sensors, to be a hand-grasping toy. We used a 3 DoF robotic model with inputs from the IMU to calculate multiple kinematic metrics and an equation to calculate haptic metrics from the pressure transducer. Six typical infants were tested in the gym set-up. Three infants interacted with the toy for more than half the trial time. The youngest infant exhibited the largest toy displacement with ΔD = 27.6 cm, while the oldest infant squeezed the toy with the largest mean pressure of 4.5 kPa. More data on on both typical and atypical infants needs to be collected. After testing atypical infants in the SmarToyGym set-up, we will be able to identify interaction metrics that differentiate atypical and typical infants.
Seismic signal denoising using thresholded variational mode decomposition

Noise reduction is important for signal analysis. In this paper, we propose a hybrid denoising method based on thresholding and data-driven signal decomposition. The principle of this method is to reconstruct the signal with previously thresholded intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) based methods decompose a signal into a sum of oscillatory components, while variational mode decomposition (VMD) generates an ensemble of modes with their respective centre frequencies, which enables VMD to further decrease redundant modes and keep less residual noise in the modes. To illustrate its superiority, we compare VMD with EMD as well as its derivations, such as ensemble EMD (EEMD), complete EEMD (CEEMD), improved CEEMD (ICEEMD) using synthetic signals and field seismic traces. Compared with EMD and its derivations, VMD has a solid mathematical foundation and is less sensitive to noise, while both make it more suitable for non-stationary seismic signal decomposition. The determination of mode number is key for successful denoising. We develop an empirical equation, which is based on the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), to adaptively determine the number of IMFs for signal reconstruction. Then, a scaling exponent obtained by DFA is used as a threshold to distinguish random noise and signal between IMFs and the reconstruction residual. The proposed thresholded VMD denoising method shows excellent performance on both synthetic and field data applications.
Hybrid graphene/semiconductor plasmonic technology for ultra-broadband terahertz communications

In this paper, the state of the art and progress towards building a complete plasmonic front-end for Terahertz communications is described. The discussed system architecture, whose components rely on the properties of graphene and III/V semiconductors, is able to generate, modulate, radiate and, reciprocally, detect and demodulate THz signals with multi-GHz bandwidths, needed for next generation communication systems.
Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment Patterns in Academic Urban Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE Assess racial/ethnic and sex differences in treatment of vitamin D deficiency with high dose ergocalciferol ('vitamin D2') or other forms of vitamin D in a northeastern U.S. ambulatory clinic of an academic urban medical center. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional observational review of electronic medication prescribing records of patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency (25OHD < 20 ng/ml) from 2004-2008. METHODS Using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for patients' demographics, and Elixhauser comorbidity score, we examined the association of sex and race/ethnicity with prescription for at least one dose of vitamin D. RESULTS Among 2,140 patients without renal disease and tested for 25OHD deficiency (25OHD < 20 ng/ml), 66.2% received no vitamin D prescription for vitamin D deficiency. Blacks and Hispanics received vitamin D prescriptions at a higher frequency than whites, 37.8% 38.4% and 30.9%, respectively, p=0.003. The vitamin D prescription rate for women versus men was 26.3% and 7.5%, respectively, p=0.04. In a fully adjusted model, no difference in prescription likelihood for blacks and whites [OR=1.18 95% CI, 0.88-1.58; p=0.29] or Hispanics and whites was noted [OR=1.01 95% CI, 0.70-1.45;p=0.73]. Similarly, fully adjusted model showed no difference in prescription likelihood for females and males [OR=1.23 95% CI, 0.93-1.63; p=0.12]. CONCLUSIONS Among primary care patients with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation was low and white patients were less likely to receive vitamin D treatment than blacks or Hispanics. Interventions to correct the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency should address the markedly low rate of vitamin D prescribing when 25OHD levels are measured.
The Promise of Systems Biology for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has a complex and prolonged pathogenesis involving many cell types in the kidney as well as extrarenal factors. It is clinically silent for many years after the onset of diabetes and usually progresses over decades. Given this complexity, a comprehensive and unbiased molecular approach is best suited to help identify the most critical mechanisms responsible for progression of DKD and those most suited for targeted intervention. Systems biological investigations provide such an approach since they examine the entire network of molecular changes that occur in a disease process in a comprehensive way instead of focusing on a single abnormal molecule or pathway. Systems biological studies can also start with analysis of the disease in humans, not in animal or cell culture models that often poorly reproduce the changes in human DKD. Indeed, in the last decade, systems biological approaches have led to the identification of critical molecular abnormalities in DKD and have directly led to development of new biomarkers and potential treatments for DKD.
Nuclear pore complex in genome organization and gene expression in yeast

The nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large, evolutionarily conserved multiprotein channels embedded in the nuclear envelope of all eukaryotes cells. NPCs mediate macromolecular import and export from the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm by an active signal-dependent process. Recent research indicates that the NPCs play many additional roles in gene function and spatial organization of the genome. This chapter highlights our current understanding of NPC in genome-related functions in budding yeast. In yeast, Nups physically interact with a large number of highly expressed genes and active inducible genes. The repositioning of inducible genes to the NPCs leads to stronger expression and is regulated through multiple regulatory strategies including cell cycle regulated phosphorylation of Nup1. Many inactive or poised genes also interact with Nups. The interaction of recently repressed GAL1 and INO1 with the NPC is necessary for transcriptional memory. Retention at the NPC for these genes lead to an altered chromatin structure that primes them for rapid transcriptional reactivation. Thus, interactions with the NPC influences the spatial organization of the genome and impacts transcription.
Decoupled potential integral equations for electromagnetic scattering

In this paper, an integral equation formulation will be presented in terms of decoupled scalar and vector potentials to model electromagnetic scattering from dielectric objects. The formulation can lead to several sets of integral equations with different properties; one of the sets is a second kind integral equation that doesn't result in low-frequency breakdown or dense mesh breakdown.
Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.), a Naturalized, Potentially Invasive Species in the State of California

Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) is a deciduous tree occurring widely in eastern North America, as far west as Texas. The species is known for producing relatively large, edible fruits that were consumed by Native Americans and by the European colonists who arrived in North America more recently. Because of its fruit production, D. virginiana is broadly planted outside its natural range. Here, I report on five naturalized occurrences of D. virginiana found in the state of California, where the species is not native. In 2016 and 2017, these populations were surveyed and monitored for fruit production. In all populations, mature fruits were found in the autumn, and these fruits were observed to produce viable seeds with filled embryos. Two of the populations have greater than 70 individuals and contain trees at varying levels of maturity. It is not yet known if these populations are the result of asexual reproduction via root sprouting or sexual reproduction via diaspores. However, the production of viable diaspores in all surveyed populations indicates that sexual seed set is occurring. The large size of two stands, one along a creek in Butte County and the other on a river flood plain in Tulare County, suggests that some areas of California might be susceptible to invasion by this species. Future research should try to determine whether recruitment via diaspores is occurring, and whether these seeds are the product of selfing in perfect-flowered plants, or cross fertilization in a population containing both male and female plants, as this would have important implications for the potential invasiveness of this species in the state.