cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Modeling of Reinforced Epoxy Resins by Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

Nanocomposites are of increasing interest due to their unique structural, electronic, and thermal properties. Simultaneously, multiscale molecular modeling is becoming more robust. Therefore computational models are able to be examined with increased accuracy, complexity, and dimension. Graphene based molecules are lauded for their conductive properties as well as their architecture-like geometry which may allow bottom up nanoscale fabrication of nanoscopic structures. Furthermore, these macrocycled molecules allow high interactivity with other molecules including highly tensiled polymers that yield other novel supramolecular structures when interacted. These supramolecular structures are being investigated in lieu of a variety of potential applications. Nanocomposites of cured epoxy resin reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes exhibit a plethora of interesting behavior at the molecular level. A fundamental issue is how the self-organized dynamic structure of functional molecular systems affects the interactions of the nano-reinforced composites. A combination of force-field based molecular dynamics and local density-functional calculations shows that the stacking between the aromatic macrocycle and the surface of the SWNTs manifests itself via increased interfacial binding. First-principles calculations on the electronic structures further reveal that there exists distinct level hybridization behavior for metallic and semiconducting nanotubes. In addition there is a monatomic increase in binding energy with an increase in the nanotube diameter. The simulation studies suggest that graphene nanoplatelets are potentially the best fillers of epoxy matrices. The implications of these results for understanding dispersion mechanism and future nanocomposite developments are discussed.
Consumer‐resource stoichiometry in detritus‐based streams

Stoichiometric relationships between consumers and resources in detritus-based ecosystems have received little attention, despite the importance of detritus in most food webs. We analysed carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) content of invertebrate consumers, and basal food resources in two forested headwater streams (one reference and the other nutrient-enriched). We found large elemental imbalances between consumers and food resources compared with living plant-based systems, particularly in regard to P content, which were reduced with enrichment. Enrichment significantly increased nutrient content of food resources (consistent with uptake of N and P by detritus-associated microbes). P content of some invertebrates also increased in the enriched vs. reference stream, suggesting deviation from strict homeostasis. Nutrient content varied significantly among invertebrate functional feeding groups, orders and, to some extent, size classes. Future application of stoichiometric theory to detritus-based systems should consider the potential for relatively large consumer-resource elemental imbalances and P storage by insect consumers.
PC program for determining the dose necessary to produce a given amount of change

Abstract Given a simple linear regression equation of the form D = α + β Z it is well-known how to predict, and construct confidence intervals for, the value of D corresponding to a given Z . In this paper we describe, illustrate and make available a menu-driven PC program which can be used to solve the inverse problem, namely, to estimate and construct confidence intervals for the value of Z corresponding to a given value of D . We describe the procedure in the context of a dose-response relationship, where it is desired to estimate the dose ( Z ) to effect a given amount of change ( D ), but the method is more general than this. In particular, it may be usefully applied in calibration problems where one may wish to estimate the true value of a measurement given the value as read from a measuring device.
Specific binding of nuclear proteins to a bifunctional promoter element upstream of the H1/AC box of the testis-specific histone H1t gene.

Abstract The testis-specific histone H1t gene is transcribed exclusively in primary spermatocytes during spermatogenesis. Studies with transgenic mice show that 141 base pairs (bp) of the H1t proximal promoter accompanied with 800 bp of downstream sequence are sufficient for tissue-specific transcription. Nuclear proteins from testis and pachytene spermatocytes produce footprints spanning the region covering the repressor element (RE) from 100 to 125 nucleotides upstream of the H1t transcriptional initiation site. Only testis nuclear proteins bind to the 5′-end of the element and produce a unique, low-mobility complex in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. This testis complex is distinct from the complex formed by a repressor protein derived from several cell lines that binds to the 3′-end of the element. The testis complex band is formed when using nuclear proteins from primary spermatocytes, where the H1t gene is transcribed, and band intensity drops 70%–80% when using nuclear proteins from early spe...
Macrophage turnover, division and activation within developing, peak and “healed” tuberculous lesions produced in rabbits by BCG

This review is a synthesis and analysis of our nine experimental pathology papers on macrophage kinetics in dermal tuberculous lesions produced in rabbits by BCG. It is presented at this time to summarize the macrophage kinetics in both active and essentially healed tuberculous lesions and to suggest that the bacilli frequently multiply and are destroyed in the viable granulation tissue of many small arrested tuberculous lesions. The turnover of mononuclear cells (MN)-which were mostly macrophages with some medium and large lymphocytes-was most rapid in BCG lesions at 2-3 weeks (when tuberculin sensitivity and acquired cellular resistance were at their peaks). At this time, more macrophages entered, more died or left, more remained at the site, and more became activated than before or afterwards. Before this time, the host had no delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI), so that no antigen-specific enhancement of the inflammatory response occurred. After this time, the bacilli and their antigenic products had decreased, so that the stimuli for cell infiltration and activation were reduced. In "healed" lesions, the MN turnover still occurred, but was decreased. The continuous entry of live non-activated macrophages into the viable parts of tuberculous lesions provides fresh intracellular sites where tubercle bacilli may multiply before they are again inhibited by the DTH and CMI of the host. In tuberculosis, bacillary dormancy of long duration may only be present in caseous necrotic tissue where no live host cells exist.
Effects of Serum From Preeclamptic Women on Prostacyclin Production by Human Endothelial Cells

There is growing evidence that proteinuric hypertension of pregnancy (preeclampsia) is associated with endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of serum from preeclamptic patients on basal and agonist-stimulated prostacyclin production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in culture and to compare these to the effects of serum from normal pregnant and nonpregnant women. During a 24 h incubation of HUVEC with 20% preeclampsia serum, baseline prostacyclin output was significantly (P < 0.01) increased over the control groups. However, this response was attenuated by extending the exposure to 72 h. Histamine, thrombin and the calcium ionophore, A23187, all acutely increased prostacyclin production, but the increase relative to baseline levels was greatest in HUVEC preincubated for 24 h in normal serum and was smallest when cells were preincubated in preeclampsia serum. We conclude that 1) preeclampsia serum transiently promotes prostacyclin production in HUVEC de...
Future scientific digital documents with MathML, XML, and SVG

The Oregon State University Physics Department has recently initiated an undergraduate degree program in computational physics. associated with that program is a National Science Foundation-funded project to develop curricula materials for introductory and advanced computational science classes. While we plan to publish traditional paper texts for these courses, we also are exploring ways to publish digital versions of these materials containing features that exploit new technologies. Specifically, we wish to advance digital books using multimodal and interactive elements to increase the access and understanding of mathematics and science. This installment of the education department describes the motivation behind, and the technologies needed for, the features we envision in future scientific documents.
Hierarchical Cross-Entropy Optimization for Fast On-Chip Decap Budgeting

Decoupling capacitor (decap) has been widely used to effectively reduce dynamic power supply noise. Traditional decap budgeting algorithms usually explore the sensitivity-based nonlinear optimizations or conjugate gradient (CG) methods, which can be prohibitively expensive for large-scale decap budgeting problems and cannot be easily parallelized. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical cross-entropy based optimization technique which is more efficient and parallel-friendly. Cross-entropy (CE) is an advanced optimization framework which explores the power of rare event probability theory and importance sampling. To achieve the high efficiency, a sensitivity-guided cross-entropy (SCE) algorithm is introduced which integrates CE with a partitioning-based sampling strategy to effectively reduce the solution space in solving the large-scale decap budgeting problems. Compared to improved CG method and conventional CE method, SCE with Latin hypercube sampling method (SCE-LHS) can provide 2× speedups, while achieving up to 25% improvement on power supply noise. To further improve decap optimization solution quality, SCE with sequential importance sampling (SCE-SIS) method is also studied and implemented. Compared to SCE-LHS, in similar runtime, SCE-SIS can lead to 16.8% further reduction on the total power supply noise.
Energy Transport in a High-Solids Aerobic Degradation Process: Mathematical Modeling and Analysis

An energy transport model has been developed to capture the temporal and spatial changes in temperature observed within a high-solids degradation process employing forced aeration. The model components include terms for energy removed through the bulk flow of air, heat generated from microbial activity, and energy accumulated in the matrix. The heat generation component was expressed as an empirical equation developed from pilot-scale experimental oxygen depletion rate and temperature data. The model was simplified to permit a semianalytical solution using the method of characteristics. The model was validated by comparing temperature profiles simulated by the model to pilot-scale experimental profiles. The time-dependent solution of the characteristic equation was found to follow the experimental profiles well. Using the time-dependent solution, a regression analysis was performed on pilot-scale data to determine a heat generation yield of 9500 kJ/kg of O 2 consumed. The spatial-dependent solution of the characteristic equation was found to follow the experimental profiles well during the early stages of the process. Deviations were observed as temperature and time increased. These deviations were concluded to be a result of the empirical heat generation component of the model.
An ex vivo model of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization

BackgroundMobilization of hematopoietic stem cells to the circulation facilitates their collection, thereby providing a non-marrow source of these cells for transplantation. Hematopoietic cytokine administration induces mobilization for most, but not all, donors. Because the underlying biology of mobilization is not well understood, improving the process on a rational basis is difficult. The design of an in vitro mobilization model was pursued to facilitate investigations of the process.MethodsMS5 murine stromal cell line cells were grown to confluence on microporous transwell membranes. Murine femoral marrow plugs were placed on top of the prepared transwell membranes. The transwells were then seated in wells containing media and hematopoietic growth factors. Cells that were released from the marrow plugs over time and migrated through the stromal layer into the wells were assayed for stem cell/progenitor cell characteristics.ResultsFew or no GM-CSF (progenitors) were found in wells containing media alon...
An immunotoxicological evaluation of γ-chlordane☆☆☆

Abstract Various toxicological and immunological parameters were assessed after exposure of female B6C3F1 mice to 0.1, 1.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/kg γ-chlordane for 14 days via oral gavage. Variables evaluated included periodic body weights, terminal organ weights, hematology including leukocyte differentials, antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC), lymphoproliferative responses to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and allogeneic cells, and the delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR) to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). When compared to the corn oil (vehicle) controls, chlordane produced a significant, dose-related increase in liver weight. Total leukocytes were significantly increased in chlordane-treated groups and seemed to be due to a significant increase in the lymphocyte population. Humoral immunity (HI), as assessed by enumeration of SRBC-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody forming cells (AFC) and proliferation of LPS-stimulated spleen cells, was not significantly altered in mice exposed to chlordance. In vitro evaluation of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), as measured by proliferation of Con A and PHA-stimulated spleen cells from chlordane-treated animals, indicated a significant and dose-related increase. The response to allogeneic cells was also enhanced. Results from an in vivo indicator of cell-mediated immune status, the delayed hypersensitivity response to KLH, did not support chlordane-enhanced T cell function suggested by mitogen and mixed lymphocyte responses. Therefore, a potent cyclodiene insecticide of environmental concern produced an enhancement of certain indicators of CMI. The expression of a DHR in vivo and the antibody response to SRBC was unaltered in mice exposed to the chemical. These results suggest that γ-chlordane, at the concentrations utilized, does not produce a biologically significant alteration of the immunocompetence of intact animals.
Time dependant materials issues in the electromigration of solder bumps

The relentless progress of semiconductor integration is reducing the area required for circuits. As die size shrinks the area available for power and ground bumps on WLCSPs also shrinks. With fewer power bumps, the bump current density is now approaching levels where electromigration is a significant reliability concern. Package designers need guidelines on the minimum number of power and ground bumps for a given application and reliability requirement. The failure rate due to electromigration depends on many factors such as alloy composition, operating temperature, and current density. Some of these have time-dependent components including grain structure, current distribution, grain boundary width, and alloy component distribution. It has been found that these, in turn, are also dependent on other factors such as thermomigration and strain-induced coarsening. This paper attempts to put these factors in perspective by reviewing recent literature on the subject and offering some strategies for mitigation.
Trends in Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in the United States A Retrospective Review of a Large Private-Payer Database From 2007 to 2011

Background:Overuse injuries to the elbow in the throwing athlete are common. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR), commonly known as Tommy John surgery, is performed on both recreational and high-level athletes. There is no current literature regarding the incidence and demographic distribution of this surgical procedure in relation to patient age, location within the Unites States, and sex.Purpose:To determine the current demographic distribution of UCLR within the US population included in the PearlDiver database.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver supercomputer database, a private-payer database, was performed to identify UCLR procedures performed between 2007 and 2011. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 24346 (reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow with the use of a tendinous graft) was used.Results:Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 790 patients underwent UCLR. The average (±SD) annual incidence was ...
Found in translation: : Combining discourse analysis with computer assisted content analysis

Scholars have become increasingly aware of the benefits of multi-method research, through which the strengths of one method can offset the limits of another. Yet epistemological differences between interpretivists and researchers interested in quantitative methods and causal explanation have inhibited a potentially fruitful multi-method approach: combining discourse analysis and computer-assisted content analysis. The growing availability of digital text is creating new opportunities for combining these methods, so if scholars treat their epistemological assumptions as reconcilable and translatable epistemic wagers rather than incompatible commitments, there is much to be gained. Computer-assisted searches can quickly identify patterns in vast amounts of text and provide clues on which particular texts (and silences) merit a close reading and interpretation in context, and scholars versed in discourse analysis are adept at making such interpretations. Researchers from these two communities, who at present rarely cite one another’s work, have much to learn from each other, and much to gain by working together.
Large Duration Asymptotics in Bivariate Survival Models with Unobserved Heterogeneity

In some survival analysis, characterizing tail properties is of vital importance because of the huge economic cost associated with the large duration samples. In this paper, I study asymptotic properties in bivariate survival models with bivariate heterogeneity (frailty).I derive the appropriate conditions under which the bivariate survival variable admits tractable asymptptic properties, among large duration survivors. I discuss the possibility of identifying and estimating different asymptotic parameters from the observation of large duration survivors only, under different observability assumptions. Proof of asymptotic consistency is also proved.Under the same conditions, I also show that the heterogeneity distribution among large duration survivors converge to a limit distribution. This new family of distributions is new to the literature; it is easy to estimate and flexible, thus this paper also introduces a serious competitor to the current non-parametric or parametric heterogeneity specifications in multivariate survival models.
Back to the Future? The Emergence of a Geneticized Conceptualization of Race in Sociology:

Discoveries in human molecular genetics have reanimated unresolved debates over the nature of human difference. In this context, the idea that race has a discrete and measurable genetic basis is currently enjoying a resurgence. The return of a biologized construction of race is somewhat surprising because one of the primary pronouncements to come out of the Human Genome Project was one of human genetic similarity (i.e., humans are over 99.9 percent similar at the molecular level). Perhaps even more surprising is that genetically based notions of race have not been restricted to the biomedical sciences but have recently emerged within the social sciences, specifically sociology, to explicitly challenge a socially constructed understanding of race. Drawing on existing critiques, this article describes problems in recent sociological scholarship and the potential role of social scientists in future work occurring at the intersection of race and genetics. I argue that recent scholarly work meant to challenge ...
The Measurement of Cognitive Dissonance: Some Experimental Findings:

Asking consumers how dissonant they were may measure their levels of anxiety and may produce invalid indices of cognitive dissonance. Subjects with high anxiety are likely to answer in such a way a...
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Ladder Polymers and Their Model Compound

The third order nonlinear optical properties of thin films of polybenzimidazobenzophenanthroline ladder (BBL) and semi–ladder (BBB) polymers and their model compound cis–BBB were investigated by picosecond, third harmonic generation. The χ (3) (−3ω, ω ω, ω) spectrum of BBL, BBB, and cis-BBB was obtained in the wavelength range 1.0–2.4µm and shown to exhibit a three–photon peak at respectively 1.695, 1.695, and 1.50 µm. The magnitude of the three–photon enhanced χ (3) was 6.40×10 −11 , 3.15×10 −11 , and 0.77×10 −11 esu, respectively, for BBL, BBB, and cis–BBB. The results show that the χ (3) of BBL and BBB is enhanced by a factor of 50 and 17, respectively, relative to the model compound cis–BBB at 1.05µm.
Molecular Scale Imaging With a Mutlilayer Superlens

Recent theory [1] suggested a thin negative index film should function as a “superlens”, providing image detail with resolution beyond the diffraction limit—a limitation to which all positive index optics are subject. The superlens allows the recovery of evanescent waves in the image via the excitation of surface plasmons. It has been demonstrated experimentally [2] that a silver superlens allows to resolve features well below the working wavelength. Resolution as high as 60 nanometer (λ/6) half-pitch has been achieved. This unique class of superlens will enable parallel imaging and nanofabrication in a single snapshot, a feat that are not yet available with other nanoscale imaging techniques such as atomic force microscope or scanning electron microscope. In this paper, we explore the possibility of further refining the image resolution using a multilayer superlens [3]. Using a stable transfer matrix scheme, our numerical calculations show an ultimate imaging resolution of λ/24. This is made possible using alternating stacks of alumina (Al2 O3 ) and silver (Ag) layers to enhance a broad spectrum of evanescent waves via surface plasmon modes. Furthermore, we present the effect of alterations in number of layers and thickness to the image transfer function. With optimized design of multilayer superlens (working wavelength of 387.5nm), our study indicates the feasibility of resolving features of 16nm and below. Moreover, our tolerance analysis indicates that a 380 nm commercial light source would degrade slightly the imaging resolution to about 20nm. Preliminary experiments are ongoing to demonstrate the molecular scale imaging resolution. The development of potential low-loss and high resolution superlens opens the door to exciting applications in nanoscale optical metrology and nanomanufacturing.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
EMI shielding with electrically conductive pressure sensitive tapes

The increase in importance of effective EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding is obvious from the ever increasing space devoted to this problem in technical journals. The required attention to the shielding aspects of design, of components and equipments, has become a significant part of manufacturing costs. This paper describes a new tool or tools to assist the design engineer in overcoming the problem of RF leakage. Pressure sensitive tapes with metal for backing have been available for some years and these do provide a limited degree of shielding. More recently metal foil tapes that are electrically conductive through, rather than just along the tape, have become available. These increase the utility of the metal foil backing in shielding applications by a factor of 100 +, because they now provide a mechanism for direct conductivity from a metal surface to the tape backing.
Effects of battery direct power supply on driving performance of electric vehicles

In order to optimize the parameter matching design of electric vehicles(EV) drive system and the performance of motor controller,the effects on the performance for EV were studied,by analyzing the driving characteristics of battery direct-powered motor.Based on a simplified battery model,the discharge characteristics were studied from the load point.Taking a 48V battery pack powered pure EV converted from an alto car as an example,the simulated and tested results of the battery discharge characteristics were carried out under a special operating condition.Then,according to the mechanical characteristic of asynchronous motor and the analysis on an example of motor drive characteristics,the effects of battery direct power supply on EV driving performance were discussed in-depth.The results show that,as the complicated and changeable operating conditions of EV,there are problems with frequent voltage fluctuations of motor controller,voltagesags and insufficient battery power in the battery direct power supply when high power is required.These problems lead to deterioration in the maximum torque output and efficiency of motor drive system,and reduction in the maximum speed,climbing and acceleration ability of EV.
Race, Exclusionary Discipline, and Connectedness to Adults in Secondary Schools.

This study examines racial differences in students' connectedness to school adults and considers the possibility that disparities in exclusionary discipline practices may reduce all students' sense of connection to educators, not just those who have been disciplined or are from racial groups overrepresented in out-of-school suspensions. Data sources include a self-report survey of secondary school students (n = 29,148) linked to administrative data (n = 107 schools) from a large urban district. Multilevel modeling techniques were used to estimate the relationships between students' racial background, youths' connection to school adults, and school-level racial discipline gaps. Controlling for school racial composition, gender, grade level and other covariates, students of color were significantly less likely to feel connected to school adults than their White peers. Additionally, the racial discipline gap was significantly and negatively associated with connectedness for all students. Results indicate that strategies to improve educational outcomes for youth of color need to attend to relational dynamics between students and school adults. Research findings also suggest that efforts to reduce discipline disparities may improve all students' connectedness.
The power of cultural factors in Spanish-language advertising

ABSTRACT This study examined advertisers that target Spanish and other non-English-speaking U.S. audiences across multiple media platforms. The goal: to identify which audience and market factors are valued most by advertisers and, thus, to be able to predict the likelihood of investment in ethnically focused advertising. Advertisers9 valuation of audiences9 distinct cultural traits and preferences was the most common predictor of investment in Spanish-language audiences across all media platforms tested—more so than valuation of language dependency, household income, or other factors. The choice of a media platform appeared to influence advertisers9 likelihood to invest their media dollars to reach Spanish-speaking audiences.
The Ethnic Chinese in Korea and in the Philippines: An Exploratory Study (韓國及菲律賓華人:探索性比較研究)

The paper compares the impact of the social and historical experiences of the Chinese in the Philippines with those of the Chinese in Korea. Both went through periods of social, political, and economic discrimination. It explores possible explanation on why the Chinese-Filipino community has prominent business magnates among them not found among Chinese Koreans. The parallels in their historical narratives had disparate impact: the Chinese in Korea lived an isolated life apart from the mainstream Korean society while the Chinese in the Philippines became well integrated into Philippine society. While there are other important factors that helped spawn economic success of Chinese Filipinos, the paper posits that the successful integration of the Chinese Filipinos into mainstream society is the most significant factor. In contrast, the lack of opportunities for socio-cultural interaction, the isolation and lack of integration hindered the economic success of the Chinese Koreans. (This article is in English.) 本篇論文對菲律賓華人及韓國華人的社會及歷史經驗所受到的衝擊進行比較。兩者都經歷了被社會、政治及經濟歧視的時代。本篇論文也探索了為何菲律賓華人社區出現許多著名商業巨賈，但韓國華人卻沒有。雖然兩國的歷史極其相似，但有著截然不同的影響：在韓國的華人，遠離韓國主流社會，過著孤立的生活，而菲律賓華人非常順利地融入菲律賓社會。 雖然菲律賓華人取得經濟上的成功，還有其他重要因素，本篇論文斷定，菲律賓華人成功融入主流社會，是最主要的關鍵。相反的，缺乏社會文化交流，孤立及未能融入社會，給韓國華人的經濟成功帶來阻礙。
Review: rofecoxib increases renal events and arrhythmia, but a COX-2-inhibitor class effect does not exist.

Source Citation Zhang J, Ding EL, Song Y. Adverse effects of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors on renal and arrhythmia events: meta-analysis of randomized trials. JAMA. 2006;296:1619-32. 16968832
MO-E-BRC-01: Online Adaptive MR-Guided RT: Workflow and Clinical Implementation

Online adaptive radiation therapy has the potential to ensure delivery of optimal treatment to the patient by accounting for anatomical and potentially functional changes that occur from one fraction to the next and over the course of treatment. While on-line adaptive RT (ART) has been a topic of many publications, discussions, and research, it has until very recently remained largely a concept and not a practical implementation. However, recent advances in on-table imaging, use of deformable image registration for contour generation and dose tracking, faster and more efficient plan optimization, as well as fast quality assurance method has enabled the implementation of ART in the clinic in the past couple of years. The introduction of these tools into routine clinical use requires many considerations and progressive knowledge to understand how processes that have historically taken hours/days to complete can now be done in less than 30 minutes. This session will discuss considerations to perform real time contouring, planning and patient specific QA, as well as a practical workflow and the required resources. Learning Objectives: 1.To understand the difficulties, challenges and available technologies for online adaptive RT. 2.To understand how to implement online adaptive therapy in a clinical environment and to understand the workflow and resources required. 3.To understand the limitations and sources of uncertainty in the online adaptive process I have research funding from ViewRay Inc. and Philips Medical Systems.; R. Kashani, I have research funding from ViewRay Inc. and Philips Medical Systems.; X. Li, Research supported by Elekta Inc.
Pulse Width Affects Scalp Sensation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Abstract Background Scalp sensation and pain comprise the most common side effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can reduce tolerability and complicate experimental blinding. Objective We explored whether changing the width of single TMS pulses affects the quality and tolerability of the resultant somatic sensation. Methods Using a controllable pulse parameter TMS device with a figure-8 coil, single monophasic magnetic pulses inducing electric field with initial phase width of 30, 60, and 120 µs were delivered in 23 healthy volunteers. Resting motor threshold of the right first dorsal interosseus was determined for each pulse width, as reported previously. Subsequently, pulses were delivered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at each of the three pulse widths at two amplitudes (100% and 120% of the pulse-width-specific motor threshold), with 20 repetitions per condition delivered in random order. After each pulse, subjects rated 0-to-10 visual analog scales for Discomfort, Sharpness, and Strength of the sensation. Results Briefer TMS pulses with amplitude normalized to the motor threshold were perceived as slightly more uncomfortable than longer pulses (with an average 0.89 point increase on the Discomfort scale for pulse width of 30 µs compared to 120 µs). The sensation of the briefer pulses was felt to be substantially sharper (2.95 points increase for 30 µs compared to 120 µs pulse width), but not stronger than longer pulses. As expected, higher amplitude pulses increased the perceived discomfort and strength, and, to a lesser degree the perceived sharpness. Conclusions Our findings contradict a previously published hypothesis that briefer TMS pulses are more tolerable. We discovered that the opposite is true, which merits further study as a means of enhancing tolerability in the context of repetitive TMS.
Predicting Human Hepatic Clearance Using Hypernet Neural Networks.

Accurate prediction of human hepatic clearance of drugs plays a key role the development of new drugs. Doing so is challenging due to the complex nature of the human liver. Numerous hepatic mechanisms are involved in clearing drugs and toxins from bloodstream, some of which are not well understood. In this paper, we propose a simple learning algorithm based on Hypernet neural networks to predict in vivo human hepatic clearance of drugs. The algorithm uses a quadratic discriminant function. A set of 85 compounds was assembled from various sources. The feature space consists of 20 publicly available physicochemical properties calculated from compound molecular structures. In addition, in vitro and in vivo rat, and in vitro human clearance data were used as features. Prediction performance was poor when all 85 compounds were used. However, dividing the dataset into smaller normalized sets significantly improved the success rate. In particular, approximately 80% of the predicted values were successful when data from [13] was used (2-fold error = 20%, r = 0.775).
Case Studies of Innovation: Ordinary Thinking, Extraordinary Outcomes

Abstract: Researchers studying the creative process have been faced with the issue of how to study the thought processes of individuals at the highest levels of accomplishment. Much research in this area uses qualitative case studies. The present chapter uses what can be called quasi-experimental quantitative methods to examine case studies, which make possible rigorous testing of hypotheses concerning the creative process. Examples discussed include Picasso's development of his painting Guernica and Edison's electric light. Results from the case studies serve as the basis for conclusions concerning the thought processes underlying innovation at the highest levels.
Generation and Characterization of Transgenic Mice Expressing MplW515L.

Abstract 3901 Poster Board III-837 Myeloproliferative neoplasias (MPNs) are a group of conditions characterized by chronic increases in some or all of the blood cells (platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells). JAK2V617F, a gain-of-function mutation of tyrosine kinase JAK2, is found in over 90% of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and about 50% of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Attempt to identify other signaling components involving the JAK2 signaling pathways has led to discovery of acquired mutations of Mpl, the receptor of thrombopoietin, in 5-10% patients with PMF and ET. To prove the pathogenesis of Mpl mutants, we have generated transgenic mice expressing the most frequently occurred Mpl mutant designated MplW515L by using the vav gene promoter which drives expression of transgenes in the hematopoietic system. We obtained three lines of MplW515L transgenic mice which all displayed similar hematological abnormalities. As expected, the mice developed ET- and PMF-like phenotypes with much elevated platelet counts, severe splenomegaly/hepatomegaly, and bone marrow/spleen myelofibrosis. Interestingly, these mice also had markedly increased white blood cells in the peripheral blood, majority of which are IgD-positive mature B-cells. Histochemical staining and flow cytometric analyses revealed infiltrations of megkaryocytes and B cells into the spleen, the presence of megkaryocytes and erythroid blast cells in the liver, and infiltrations of the bone marrow with B-cells. Reticulin staining revealed that MplW515L transgenic mice developed profound myelofibrosis in the bone marrow and spleen. In vitro hematopoietic colony assays demonstrated increased numbers of hematopoietic progenitor cells including BFU-E, CFU-GM, CFU-Mk, and CFU-Pre-B in the bone marrow, mobilization of these stem/progenitor cells to peripheral blood and spleen, and their autonomous growth in the absence of growth factors and cytokines. Finally, transplantation of bone marrow cells from MplW515L mice into irradiated normal mice installed the aforementioned phenotypes into the recipient mice, indicating that expression of MplW515L altered the activity of hematopoietic stem cells. Together, our data demonstrated that transgenic expression of MplW515L not only causes PMF- and ET-like phenotypes but also lymphoproliferative disorders. Considering that Mpl is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and that oncogenic gene mutations are often associated with alteration of gene expression, we believe that MplW515L may be involved in a wider spectrum of human hematological diseases than MPNs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Friction on the ski slopes

In his review of The Physics of Skiing by David Lind and Scott Sanders, Steve Haake describes "some things you probably did not know about skiing" (December pp40–41). In one instance he states that there is a layer of water between the skis and the snow, which forms because the frictional forces between the two create enough heat to melt the top layer of snow. That statement is not quite correct. The coefficient of friction between any two dry surfaces rubbing together in relative motion is fairly constant as the frictional work warms them.
Beyond the Kale: urban agriculture and social justice activism in New York City

As the critical part of a larger research project examining urban agriculture’s impact upon New York City, Beyond the Kale has multiple meanings for the authors. The idea behind the title is multi-...
Evaluation of a low risk mild traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage emergency department observation protocol

OBJECTIVES Among emergency physicians, there is wide variation in admitting practices for patients who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) with an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementing a protocol in the emergency department (ED) observation unit for patients with mild TBI and ICH. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was approved by the institutional review board. Study subjects were patients ≥ 18 years of age with an International Classification of Diseases code corresponding to a traumatic ICH and admitted to an ED observation unit (EDOU) of an urban, academic Level I trauma center between February 1, 2015, and January 31, 2017. Patient data and discharge disposition were abstracted from the electronic health record, and imaging data, from the final neuroradiologist report. To measure kappa, two abstractors independently collected data for presence of neuro deficit from a 10% random sample of the medical charts. Using a multivariable logistic regression model with a propensity score of the probability of placement in the EDOU before and after protocol implementation as a covariate, we sought to determine the pre-post effects of implementing a protocol on the composite outcome of admission to the floor, intensive care unit, or operating room from the EDOU and the proportion of patients with worsening findings on repeat computed tomography (CT) head scan in the EDOU. RESULTS A total of 379 patients were identified during the study period; 83 were excluded as they were found to have no ICH on chart review. Inter-rater reliability kappa statistic was 0.63 for 30 charts. Among the 296 patients who remained eligible and comprised the study population, 143 were in the preprotocol period and 153 after protocol implementation. The EDOU protocol was associated with an independently statistically significant decreased odds ratio (OR) for admission or worsening ICH on repeat CT scan (OR = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25-0.82, p = 0.009) in the observation unit. After a stay in the EDOU, 26% (37/143) of patients required an inpatient admission before implementation of the protocol and 13% (20/153) of patients required an inpatient admission after protocol implementation. There was no statistically significant difference in log transformed EDOU length of stay (LOS) between the groups after adjusting for propensity score (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS While there was no difference in EDOU LOS, implementing a low-risk mild TBI and ICH protocol in the EDOU may decrease the rate of inpatient admissions from the EDOU. A protocol-driven observation unit may help physicians by standardizing eligibility criteria and by providing guidance on management. As the propensity score method limits our ability to create a straightforward predictive model, a future larger study should validate the results.
S5D:4 Low vitamin d is associated with thrombosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background/purpose Low vitamin D is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is also found in antiphospholipid syndrome. Vitamin D has effects on tissue factor, PAI-1, thrombomodulin and platelet aggregation that suggest it has an anti-thrombotic role. We asked whether low vitamin D was associated with thrombosis in SLE, adjusting for lupus anticoagulant. Methods A total of 1,392 SLE patients were included in the analysis. At the first visit when vitamin D was measured, 76.7% had levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D Results Vitamin D, measured either as a continuous variable or as ‘low’ ( We next looked prospectively: this analysis excluded thrombotic events before the first vitamin D measurement. It allowed for vitamin D to be a time-varying variable, as replacement therapy was given if it was low. After adjustment for race, age and sex, the adjusted hazard ratio remained significant for any thrombosis: 1.75 (1.04,2.92). Conclusion Low vitamin D was significantly associated with any thrombosis and with DVT (even after adjustment for lupus anticoagulant). In prospective models it remained significantly associated with any thrombosis. As supplementation with vitamin D was proven to reduce thrombosis in an oncology randomised clinical trial, vitamin D replacement should become routine in SLE patients at risk for thrombosis.
A community based consultative survivorship program for breast cancer survivors.

47Background: Many organizations have recognized the importance of longitudinal care for Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) as they remained at risk for treatment related side effects (TRSE) that can gr...
The Development and Differentiation of Social Subtypes in Autism

Over 40 years of research on the behavioral syndrome of autism have yielded significant advances in our understanding of this perplexing disorder. As with most disciplines, the conceptualization of autism has been characterized by a series of reorganizations with adaptation (accommodation) to changes as new developments occur. For example, Kanner’s (1943) assertion of good cognitive potential in autistic persons was refuted by studies suggesting that as many as 70% to 80% were mentally retarded, with most of these individuals scoring in the moderate to severe ranges of intelligence (e. g., DeMyer et al., 1974; Wing & Gould, 1978). Accordingly, the American Psychiatric Association now includes Mental Retardation among its associated diagnostic features (DSM-II.1980). In fact, cognitive deficiency is now viewed by some as central to the pathogenesis of autistic disturbance (Rutter, 1983).
Asymptotic Properties of Linear Predictors

Suppose we observe a Gaussian random field Z with mean function m and covariance function K at some set of locations. Call the pair (m, K) the second-order structure of the random field. If (m, K) is known, then as noted in 1.2, the prediction of Z at unobserved locations is just a matter of calculation. To review, the conditional distribution of Z at an unobserved location is normal with conditional mean that is a linear function of the observations and constant conditional variance. In practice, (m, K) is at least partially unknown and it is usually necessary to estimate (m, K) from the same data we use to do the prediction. Thus, it might be natural to proceed immediately to methods for estimating second-order structures of Gaussian random fields. However, until we know something about the relationship between the second-order structure and linear predictors, it will be difficult to judge what is meant by a good estimate of the second-order structure. In particular, it will turn out that it is possible to get (m, K) nonnegligibly wrong and yet still get nearly optimal linear predictors. More specifically, for a random field possessing an autocovariance function, if the observations are tightly packed in a region in which we wish to predict the random field, then the low frequency behavior of the spectrum has little impact on the behavior of the optimal linear predictions.
Perioperative hypoxia. The clinical spectrum and current oxygen monitoring methodology.

This article reviews the clinical manifestations of hypoxia and the important oxygen monitoring considerations for anesthetized patients. The article is divided into two parts: Part 1 reviews the pathophysiology and physiologic compensations to systemic hypoxia, and explores the problem of early diagnosis of hypoxia and available treatment options; Part 2 examines oxygen monitoring modalities, including evaluation (skin and tissue appearance), systemic blood gas monitoring (gold standard for determining blood oxygenation), and pulse oximetry (noninvasive, but a delayed indicator of oxygenation problems when patients are administered a high FIo2). Additionally, available organ-specific monitoring modalities are reviewed. The considerations outlined in this article are of utmost importance to all anesthesiologists striving to provide top quality care to anesthetized patients.
Die Rolle des Aktivators beim Abbau menschlicher Fibringerinnsel

Es wird ein Standardgerinnsel aus menschlichem Plasma beschrieben, an dem Ablesungen des fibrinolytischen Abbaues jederzeit vorgenommen werden konnen. Das Areal der angegriffenen Gerinnseloberflache bleibt wahrend der ganzen Versuchszeit konstant; Verdunnung der Testlosung durch Flussigkeit, welche aus dem abgebauten Gerinnsel frei wird, ist auf ein Minimum reduziert. Menschlicher Aktivator (Urokinase) allein genugt, um den fibrinolytischen Abbau des Gerinnsels in Gang zu bringen, der dann auch nach Entfernung des Aktivators noch weiter fortschreitet. Vorschlage fur weiteres Vorgehen, wie sie sich aus diesen Befunden ableiten, werden diskutiert.
Parallel multi-objective calibration of a component-based river temperature model

Abstract Many recent modeling efforts have employed component-based modeling frameworks to take advantage of the flexibility they provide in representing systems more holistically. Despite the benefits that are driving this adoption, conducting model parameter estimation, uncertainty analysis, sensitivity assessment, and other simulations of this nature within component-based modeling frameworks has remained unexplored. Using a multi-objective calibration of a component-based river temperature model, we illustrate how the component cloning and parallel model execution interfaces we have implemented in the HydroCouple framework support such simulations. The river temperature model calibration application we present involves a heavily human mediated 13.6 km section of the Logan River in Utah, USA with limited information regarding variable inflows. Due to the flexibility in the modeling and calibration framework, results from the calibration effort were successful with root mean square errors of 0.4–0.7 °C and provided insights on mechanisms controlling river temperatures.