cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of Joule heating in graphene nano-ribbon

The excellent electrical and thermal properties of graphene nano-ribbons (GNRs) hold great promise for applications in future integrated-circuit technology. Although many research works demonstrate Joule heating as the main failure mechanism, there are still a lot to be known. Maximum current densit y is t he one bot h of fundament al and practical reason. As it is relevant to determine the type of loads that GNRs could drive in a circuit and Joule heating failure. A rise in temperature negatively affects electronic devices, decreasing performance by lowering carrier mobility and reducing the device lifetime. Both experimental and theoretical studies about Joule heating in GNRs are reviewed here to get a better understanding of it.
A network operating system (NOS) to support real-time distributed Ada applications

An NOS implemented on Texas Instrument's Mission Computer is described. The NOS is targeted to advanced common module architecture, and supports distributed Ada applications by implementing an intermodule messaging scheme. In addition, the NOS contains provisions which support the concept of run-time reconfiguration in order to more easily allow full use of available hardware resources in the event of mission mode changes or degraded mode operation. The NOS has evolved from a VHSIC Phase I IBUS implementation to the VHSIC Phase II PI-Bus target implementation. Improvements were made in this evolution due to redesign based on the first implementation and due to superior PI-Bus hardware support. >
Estimation of Carbon Sequestration by Combining Remote Sensing and Net Ecosystem Exchange Data for Northern Mixed-Grass Prairie and Sagebrush-Steppe Ecosystems

Carbon sequestration was estimated a northern mixed-grass prairie site and a sagebrush–steppe site in southeastern Wyoming using an approach that integrates remote sensing, CO2 flux measurements, and meteorological data. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 was measured using aircraft and ground flux techniques and was linearly related to absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR). The slope of this relationship is the radiation use efficiency (ɛ = 0.51 g C/MJ APAR); there were no significant differences in the regression coefficients between the two sites. Furthermore, ecosystem chamber measurements of total respiration in 1998 and 1999 were used to develop a functional relationship with daily average temperature; the Q10 of the relationship was 2.2. Using the Advanced Very High Resolution radiometer. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and meteorological data, annual gross primary production and respiration were calculated from 1995 to 1999 for the two sites. Overall, the sagebrush–steppe site was a net carbon sink, whereas the northern mixed-grass prairie site was in carbon balance. There was no significant relationship between NEE and APAR for a coniferous forest site, indicating this method for scaling up CO2 flux data may be only applicable to rangeland ecosystems. The combination of remote sensing with data from CO2 flux networks can be used to estimate carbon sequestration regionally in rangeland ecosystems.
Parsing with Compositional Vector Grammars

Natural language parsing has typically been done with small sets of discrete categories such as NP and VP, but this representation does not capture the full syntactic nor semantic richness of linguistic phrases, and attempts to improve on this by lexicalizing phrases or splitting categories only partly address the problem at the cost of huge feature spaces and sparseness. Instead, we introduce a Compositional Vector Grammar (CVG), which combines PCFGs with a syntactically untied recursive neural network that learns syntactico-semantic, compositional vector representations. The CVG improves the PCFG of the Stanford Parser by 3.8% to obtain an F1 score of 90.4%. It is fast to train and implemented approximately as an efficient reranker it is about 20% faster than the current Stanford factored parser. The CVG learns a soft notion of head words and improves performance on the types of ambiguities that require semantic information such as PP attachments.
Molecular genetics of autism spectrum disorders

Autistic disorder belongs to a broad spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders. Autism is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by impairment in a broad range of social interactions, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. Although the exact etiology of the condition is not known, family and twin studies strongly support genetic factors in autism. Genome-wide scans suggest several susceptibility loci that may contain one or more predisposing genes. However, no such genes have been identified so far that predispose patients to autism. The condition is over 90% heritable, but the mode of inheritance is not clear. Moreover, it does not seem to be a single gene disorder. There is no cure for autism. Individualized structured education, family support services, and antipsychotic drugs are recommended. These may alleviate some behavioral problems. The identification of autism genes, an understanding of the neurobiology of the condition, and additional clinical studies may help to develop pharmacological interventions in the future.
Prefrontal Neuropsychological Predictors of Treatment Remission in Late-Life Depression

Recent studies suggest that neuropsychological measures involving the prefrontal cortex are associated with treatment remission in late-life depression. To further explore this issue, we studied the neuropsychological performance of 110 depressed individuals aged 60 years and over who are participating in an ongoing pharmacologic treatment study. Participants were clinically depressed at entry to the study as rated by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS > or = 15), at which time they also completed a neuropsychological assessment that included measures of prefrontal/executive functions. A geriatric psychiatrist treating the participant using a standardized pharmacologic treatment algorithm evaluated the participant at baseline and 3-month follow-up, completing a MADRS at both visits. Using logistic discriminative procedures to predict depression remission at 3 months while controlling for age, gender, education, ethnicity, and baseline MADRS severity, we found that perseverative responses during verbal initiation tasks significantly predicted remission status (MADRS < 7). This finding is consistent with previous single-agent treatment studies suggesting a relationship between prefrontal neuropsychological function and treatment response in late-life depression. The current results, however, appear to differentiate verbal perseveration from verbal initiation as the cognitive process that is most associated with poor treatment response. By extension, we suggest that orbitofrontal prefrontal cortex may play a role in sustaining perseverative processing in geriatric depression.
On Deriving Vertical Air Motions from Cloud Radar Doppler Spectra

Abstract A method for deriving vertical air motions from cloud radar Doppler spectrum measurements is introduced. The method is applicable to cloud volumes containing small particles, in this case liquid droplets, which are assumed to trace vertical air motions because of their limited size. The presence of liquid droplets is confirmed using multiple ground-based remote sensors. Corrections for Doppler spectrum broadening due to turbulence, wind shear, and radar beamwidth are applied. As a result of the turbulence broadening correction, the turbulent dissipation rate can also be estimated. This retrieval is demonstrated using measurements from the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program’s (ARM) site in Barrow, Alaska, during the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (MPACE) of autumn 2004. Comparisons of the retrievals with measurements by research aircraft near Barrow indicate that, on the whole, the retrievals perform well. A small bias in vertical velocity between the retriev...
Glyoxylate cycle enzyme activities in the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans

The enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyase (EC.4.1.3.1) and malate synthase (EC.4.1.3.2), were measured in cell-free extracts from the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans Drouet during photoautotrophic growth in medium aerated with ordinary air (0.03% CO2). Isocitrate lyase had an average specific activity of 112 nmoles·min−1·mg protein−1 whereas malate synthase had an average specific activity of 12.5 nmoles·min−1·mg protein−1. Unpurified isocitrate lyase showed classical Michaelis kinetics with a Km of 8 mM. Isocitrate lyase activity was strongly inhibited by numerous cellular metabolites at 10 mM concentration. The previously reported low specific activity for isocitrate lyase may be due to metabolite inhibition caused by growth in high CO2 concentrations. The activities reported for isocitrate lyase and malate synthase suggest the operation of the glyoxylate cycle in Anacystis nidulans under CO2-limiting growth conditions.
Large 18O and 13C depletions in greenschist facies carbonate rocks, western Arizona

Strongly deformed greenschist facies carbonate rocks in western Arizona exhibit large 18 O and 13 C depletions relative to unmetamorphosed correlative rocks in northeastern Arizona. Unmetamorphosed Permian Kaibab Formation carbonates on the Colorado Plateau yield δ 13 C values of +1‰ to +5‰ and δ 18 O values of +28‰ to +37‰. In contrast, greenschist facies Kaibab Formation in the Little Harquahala and Granite Wash Mountains yields δ 13 C values of −6‰ to +4‰ and δ 18 O values of +9‰ to +24‰. The magnitude of the observed 13 C and 18 O depletions cannot be explained by decarbonation reactions and requires extensive exchange with low δ 13 C and δ 18 O fluids. The 13 C depletions may reflect isotopic exchange with lower δ 13 C carbonate in the underlying Paleozoic section and exchange with CO 2 derived from oxidation of methane via reaction with hematite or sulfate in interbedded rocks. These data demonstrate that large 13 C and 18 O depletions can occur in strongly deformed terranes during very low-grade metamorphism. Depletions in 13 C and 18 O observed in some high-grade metamorphic terranes may be inherited from much lower metamorphic grades.
Comparative Approaches to Studying Strategy: Towards an Evolutionary Account of Primate Decision Making:

How do primates, humans included, deal with novel problems that arise in interactions with other group members? Despite much research regarding how animals and humans solve social problems, few studies have utilized comparable procedures, outcomes, or measures across different species. Thus, it is difficult to piece together the evolution of decision making, including the roots from which human economic decision making emerged. Recently, a comparative body of decision making research has emerged, relying largely on the methodology of experimental economics in order to address these questions in a cross-species fashion. Experimental economics is an ideal method of inquiry for this approach. It is a well-developed method for distilling complex decision making involving multiple conspecifics whose decisions are contingent upon one another into a series of simple decision choices. This allows these decisions to be compared across species and contexts. In particular, our group has used this approach to investigate coordination in New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, and great apes (including humans), using identical methods. We find that in some cases there are remarkable continuities of outcome, as when some pairs in all species solved a coordination game, the Assurance game. On the other hand, we also find that these similarities in outcomes are likely driven by differences in underlying cognitive mechanisms. New World monkeys required exogenous information about their partners' choices in order to solve the task, indicating that they were using a matching strategy. Old World monkeys, on the other hand, solved the task without exogenous cues, leading to investigations into what mechanisms may be underpinning their responses (e.g., reward maximization, strategy formation, etc.). Great apes showed a strong experience effect, with cognitively enriched apes following what appears to be a strategy. Finally, humans were able to solve the task with or without exogenous cues. However, when given the chance to do so, they incorporated an additional mechanism unavailable to the other primates - language - to coordinate outcomes with their partner. We discuss how these results inform not only comparative psychology, but also evolutionary psychology, as they provide an understanding of the evolution of human economic behavior, and the evolution of decision making more broadly.
Prognostic value of cardiac troponin‐I or troponin‐T elevation following nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta‐analysis

Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence and prognostic value regarding mortality of cTnT or cTnI elevations after nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a large number of cohort/registry studies. Background: Routine cardiac troponin measurement after elective PCI has been controversial among interventionalists. Recent studies have provided conflicting data in regard to predictive value of cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) and troponin-I (cTnI) elevation after non-emergent PCI. Methods: Electronic and manual searches were conducted of all published studies reporting on the prognostic impact of cTnT or cTnI elevation after elective PCI. A meta-analysis was performed with all-cause mortality at follow-up as the primary endpoint. Results: We identified 22 studies, involving 22,353 patients, published between 1998 and 2009. Postprocedural cTnT and cTnI were elevated in 25.9% and 34.3% of patients, respectively. Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 67 months (mean: 17.7 ± 14.9 months). The results showed no heterogeneity among the trials (Q-test: 25.39; I2: 17%; P = 0.23). No publication bias was detected (Egger's test: P = 0.16). The long-term all-cause mortality in patients with cTnI or cTnT elevation after PCI (5.8%) was significantly higher when compared to patients without cTnI or cTnT elevation (4.4%); OR 1.45 (95% CI: 1.22–1.72), P < 0.01. In addition, the postprocedural composite adverse clinical events of all-cause mortality or myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with cTnI or cTnT elevation after PCI (9.2%) was significantly higher when compared to patients without cTnI or cTnT elevation (5.3%); OR 1.77 (95% CI: 1.48–2.11), P < 0.01. Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that cTnI or cTnT elevation after nonemergent PCI is indicative of an increase in long-term all-cause mortality as well as the composite adverse events of all-cause mortality and MI. Efforts to routinely monitor periprocedural cTn levels along with more intensive outpatient monitoring/treatment of patients with cTn elevations may help to improve the long-term adverse outcomes in these patients following non-emergent PCI. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Individual Differences in Approach and Avoidance Inclinations Moderate the Effect of Self-Control Depletion on Ad-Lib Drinking.

Background This study sought to examine how exerting self-control to inhibit stereotype use affects alcohol consumption. In addition, we sought to expand previous findings via examination of how individual differences in motivations to approach or avoid alcohol consumption interact with self-control depletion to determine the regulation of ad-lib drinking behavior. Methods Sixty-one social drinkers (31 female) were recruited to participate in a socially relevant self-control depletion task in which they were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 creative writing conditions: (i) the self-control depletion condition with explicit instructions to refrain from using stereotypes, or (ii) the nondepletion condition in which no instructions were given regarding the use of stereotypes. Participants then completed an ad-lib drinking task and self-report questionnaires pertaining to their motivation to consume alcohol. Results As predicted, results indicated a significant 3-way interaction between depletion condition, approach inclinations, and avoidance inclinations. Specifically, self-control depletion predicted greater drinking disinhibition (i.e., mean sip size, total alcohol consumption) only among participants high in both approach and avoidance. Conclusions Taken together, results from this study highlight the importance of both approach and avoidance inclinations in the failure to regulate alcohol consumption following a routine, socially relevant form of self-control depletion. Our results also suggest that the high approach/high avoidance motivational profile may predict the greatest risk among those actively trying to regulate their drinking.
Blackthink'sTM Acting White Stigma in Education and How it Fosters Academic Paralysis in Black Youth

Black students who attend school regularly, participate in the classroom experience — by either participating in class and/or turning in homework, take “AP” classes, and who perform well on tests are, not uncommonly, accused of “acting white.” This happened to me as a child, it has happened to my children and it has happened to black youth I have interviewed throughout the country. This Article explores the practice within the black community of blacks who attack — verbally and sometimes physically — other blacks simply because the latter perform well in school. The Article explores the ironies of this attack given the history of slaves in America who were mutilated and/or murdered for trying to learn how to read and write; the incredibly high drop-out statistics illiteracy rates among black youth in public schools; and the connection between the uneducated and incarceration rates. It calls on civil rights organizations to put education at the front of its civil rights agenda. Otherwise, there soon will be precious few black, brown or poor children to educate. They mostly will be in jail.
A long night in the emergency department during the Baltimore, Maryland (USA) Riots

No one in the emergency department (ED) expected it to be a busy night. In the days prior, Baltimore (Maryland USA) residents protested the death of Freddie Gray while he was in police custody. This day, a Monday, the day of his funeral, we were not expecting violent protests or riots. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The events of the evening left a permanent impression on most of us that would not soon dissipate.... Language: en
Perceived challenge, teacher support, and teacher obstruction as predictors of student engagement

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 109(1) of Journal of Educational Psychology (see record 2016-23265-001). In this article, the sixth sentence of the Relations of Challenge and Support subsection of the Results section should read “Results from a baseline null cross-classified model indicated that 53% of the variance in engagement occurred between cell (cross-classification of student and instructional episode), about 37% occurred between-students, and about 10% was attributed to instructional episode.”] This study explored associations between students’ perceptions of challenge, teacher-provided support and obstruction, and students’ momentary academic engagement in high school science classrooms. Instrumental and emotional dimensions of support and obstruction were examined separately, and analyses tested whether the relationship between challenge and engagement was moderated by teacher support, teacher obstruction, and individual characteristics like gender and grade level. Students’ perceptions of challenge were positively related to their momentary reports of engagement in science learning activities, while teachers’ instrumental support was positively associated with engagement across all levels of perceived challenge. Even though teachers’ provision of emotional support was not predictive of student engagement, teachers’ emotional obstruction was negatively associated with student engagement. Teachers’ instrumental obstruction had less consistent associations with student engagement, and was only associated with declines in engagement during those moments when students perceived greater challenge in class. Both gender and grade level emerged as moderators of the relationship between challenge and engagement. Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research and instructional practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Measurement of Turbulent Flame Propagation Rates of Methane Using a New Facility

This paper presents results from the turbulent flame speed experiments conducted in a recently developed fan-stirred, cylindrical flame bomb. The high-pressure vessel has four fans installed at its central circumference which generate homogeneous and isotropic turbulence with negligible mean flow. Using this arrangement, RMS turbulence intensity of 1.5 m/s with an integral length scale of 27 mm was measured at the lowest fan speed (8300 rpm). Turbulent combustion experiments of stoichiometric methane in air at 1 atm and 298 K were conducted. Schlieren imaging revealed a lamella-like flame surface which increased as the flame grew in size. A global displacement speed of 66 cm/s was measured when the flame diameter was twice the integral length scale. This value yielded a corresponding turbulent burning velocity of 129 cm/s. These turbulent propagation rates agree well with those obtained from the literature.
USING BANDWIDTH KNOWLEDGE OF RESULTS TO ALTER RELATIVE FREQUENCIES DURING MOTOR SKILL ACQUISITION

This investigation examined the predictions of the guidance and specificity hypotheses by manipulating different distributions of relative frequency of knowledge of results (KR) using bandwidth (BW) conditions. Subjects (N = 120) were randomly assigned to either a BWO%, BW10%, Shrinking-BW, or Expanding-BW condition. After 100 acquisition trials were completed, a double transfer design was employed in which the subjects were divided in half and randomly assigned to a no-KR or KR retention condition. Retention tests of 10 min and 48 hr were completed under a no-KR or KR retention condition. Results of the 48-hr retention test under the no-KR retention condition suggested that receiving high relative frequencies of KR at the end of the acquisition phase was as detrimental to motor skill learning as receiving high relative frequencies of KR throughout acquisition. The results are discussed with respect to the guidance and specificity hypotheses.
Rational Design Using Dewar’s Rules for Enhancing the First Hyperpolarizability of Nonlinear Optical Chromophores

A rational material design based on Dewar’s predictions is introduced in this paper. A number of conjugation-bridge-modified phenylpolyene chromophores were proposed as candidates for nonlinear optical chromophores. Hyperpolarizabilities of these candidates were calculated using density functional theory with a two-state model and finite-field methods. Significant enhancement with up to 72% increase in the first hyperpolarizability was observed. Another design mechanism using the bond length alternation analysis was proposed and supported by the study. In addition to the strength of the acceptor and donor, and the positions modifying the electron delocalization pathway, the density of lower lying excited states is shown to play an important role in the molecular hyperpolarizability. Increasing the density of lower lying excited states can be an effective approach in the design of highly nonlinear chromophores.
Numerical Analysis of EFP Forming Multi-fragments Due to Cutting Reseau

In order to analyze the optional/dual-mode warhead,a charge configuration with an ejectable cross-shaped cutting reseau fixed at a proper place before the liners was discussed,and a corresponding FEM model of this configuration was established.Numerical simulation of the process of the liner forming multi-fragments passing through the cutting reseau was carried out with Lagrangian method using LS-DYNA3D.The numerical simulation results coincided well with the experimental data.The study indicates that such a charge structure can form five pieces of fragments which have a definite mass,direction,and a velocity between 1 500 m/s and 1 800 m/s.The fragments can penetrate through the 45# steel targets which is 6 mm thick and 48 m away.Such a warhead can be used in attacking light armored targets such as armed helicopters.
High Power Pulse Magnetic Field Power Supply System

The magnetic field power supply system,control system and experiment results of the power supply of HL-2A device are presented.The total pulse capacity of this power supply is about 250 MVA.The released energy is 1 300 MJ in one discharge pulse.The highest DC output voltage of these power supplies is 3 510 V and the highest current is 45 kA.All these power supplies are operated in pulsed mode.The pulse duration is 5 s,and the period is 10 min.The main circuit of this power supply consists of fly-wheel generator set, thyristor convertor and silicon diode rectifier.Many key technologies such as output balance technology of 2 motor generators with diode rectifiers paralleled directly,current balance technology of paralleled rectifiers,constant-angle phase shift control technology which is adequate for dynamic change in large frequency range,all-turn-off detection of 6-phase rectifier with high current, advanced monitoring system and measurement of pulsed high voltage and high current are adopted in HL-2A power supply system.The experiment results show that the performance of power supplies can satisfied the requirement of experiment very well.
Exploration of Pollution of Microcystin in Health Food

Microcystin(MCYSTs,MCs)is a common algal toxin in eutrophic fresh water body. In this paper, the toxicology,hazard of microcystin, and its concentration in raw materials and finished products of spires health food,and limit standard were reviewed.It was suggested that the limit standard of microcystin in health food should be formulated.
The Classically Liberal Roberts Court

When John Roberts was nominated by President George Bush to be the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after Chief Justice William Rehnquist, it marked a shift in constitutional jurisprudence. With some exceptions, the Roberts Court has produced classically liberal decisions on a whole host of constitutional issues. Classically liberal decisions have been produced in the realms of free speech, campaign finance, gun rights, gay rights, searches and seizures, and religious freedom. The member Justices have produced these decisions consistent with natural law and libertarianism both unanimously and in close decisions, including decisions involving Justices voting against their traditional liberal-conservative blocs. Despite creating a litany of libertarian decisions, no single member of the Roberts Court self-identifies as a libertarian. This has puzzled academics and commentators, leading many to write off the Roberts Court as simply inconsistent. The Justices of the Roberts Court, including new Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, offer differing jurisprudences richer than the popular bimodal right-left paradigm. Both liberal and conservative Justices, despite their vast differences on Constitutional topics like textualism and purposivism, have arrived at classically liberal conclusions in their rulings, advancing individual rights instead of government regulations. The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights were written with natural law and classical liberal principles in the forefront of the Founder’s minds, which means that a Supreme Court charged with upholding the Constitution should produce results consistent with libertarianism. A libertarian impulse grounded in natural law sets the stage for the Roberts Court deciding opinions that are classically liberal. This libertarian instinct model, however, is not perfect and does not explain many decisions because the Court is not intentionally libertarian. Although no single Justice is classically liberal, however, the Roberts Court as a whole is more classically liberal than any of its members.
Leadership and Government

The leader and the governor are among the most important actors in human affairs, and politics cannot be fully understood unless their functions are precisely described. In a formal sense, these functions are variations of the basic relationships of control, influence, power, and authority that have already been analyzed. The present chapter will give an account of leading and governing in terms of control and influence, and thus show the effects of the leader and the governor upon human freedom. The discussion will again be confined to the formal structure of the relationships in question; there will be no con­sideration of the reasons why they occur, persist, and change.
Diazonium salt treated single-walled carbon nanotube thin films with high piezoresistive sensitivity

Abstract Due to a lack of efficient load transfer, the Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) thin film based piezoresisitve sensor typically has a low sensitivity. In this study, a simple method that invovles diazonium salt treament of a pristine SWCNT thin film was developed to enhance the load transfer efficiency of SWCNTs. As compared to the pristine thin film sensor, the gauge factor of the diazonium salt treated SWCNT thin films exhibited a ∼264% increase. Spectroscopy, microscopy, and in particular, the coupled mechanical-stretching and Raman scattering characterizations were performed to understand the diazonium salt treatment induced piezoresistivity enhancement of SWCNT thin films.
Blood Stem Cell Activity Is Arrested by Th1-Mediated Injury Preventing Engraftment following Nonmyeloablative Conditioning

T cells are widely used to promote engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Their role in overcoming barriers to HSC engraftment is thought to be particularly critical when patients receive reduced doses of preparative chemotherapy and/or radiation compared with standard transplantations. In this study, we sought to delineate the effects CD4+ cells on engraftment and blood formation in a model that simulates clinical hematopoietic cell transplantation by transplanting MHC-matched, minor histocompatibility–mismatched grafts composed of purified HSCs, HSCs plus bulk T cells, or HSCs plus T cell subsets into mice conditioned with low-dose irradiation. Grafts containing conventional CD4+ T cells caused marrow inflammation and inhibited HSC engraftment and blood formation. Posttransplantation, the marrows of HSCs plus CD4+ cell recipients contained IL-12–secreting CD11c+ cells and IFN-γ–expressing donor Th1 cells. In this setting, host HSCs arrested at the short-term stem cell stage and remained in the marrow in a quiescent cell cycling state (G0). As a consequence, donor HSCs failed to engraft and hematopoiesis was suppressed. Our data show that Th1 cells included in a hematopoietic allograft can negatively impact HSC activity, blood reconstitution, and engraftment of donor HSCs. This potential negative effect of donor T cells is not considered in clinical transplantation in which bulk T cells are transplanted. Our findings shed new light on the effects of CD4+ T cells on HSC biology and are applicable to other pathogenic states in which immune activation in the bone marrow occurs such as aplastic anemia and certain infectious conditions.
Homologous Artificial Insemination (AIH and IUI)

A discussion of artificial insemination using the husband’s semen logically follows the chapters on the treatment of the male factor and the cervical factor. Husband insemination is one method of treating oligospermia, faulty sperm delivery, the “hostile cervix” that does not respond to hormonal or antibiotic therapy, and an unexplained poor postcoital test.
Computationally-generated nuclear forensic characteristics of early production reactors with an emphasis on sensitivity and uncertainty

Abstract With nuclear technology and analysis advancements, site access restrictions, and ban on nuclear testing, computationally-generated nuclear forensic signatures are becoming more important in gaining knowledge to a reclusive country’s weapon material production capabilities. In particular, graphite-moderated reactors provide an appropriate case study for isotopics relevant in Pu production in a clandestine nuclear program due to the ease of design and low thermal output. We study the production characteristics of the X-10 reactor with a goal to develop statistically-relevant nuclear forensic signatures from early Pu production. In X-10 reactor, a flat flux gradient and low burnup produce exceptionally pure Pu as evident by the 240 Pu/ 239 Pu ratio. However, these design aspects also make determining reactor zone attribution, done with the 242 Pu/ 240 Pu ratio, uncertain. Alternatively, the same ratios produce statistically differentiable results between Manhattan Project and post-Manhattan Project reactor configurations, allowing for attribution conclusions.
Utility of a High-Resolution Superficial Diagnostic Ultrasound System for Assessing Skin Thickness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Compared with other imaging modalities, ultrasound is relatively deeply penetrating and can be used to evaluate deep dermal and subcutaneous structures. Objective Image skin thickness of the face and neck using high-frequency diagnostic ultrasound devices. Materials and methods Skin overlying 20 different predesignated face and neck anatomic sites in 32 individuals was imaged using 2 commercially available high-frequency diagnostic ultrasound devices, a dedicated imaging device and a diagnostic device bundled with a therapeutic device. At each site, the subcutaneous and combined epidermal and dermal layer thicknesses were assessed by blinded expert raters. Results Similar skin thickness measurements were obtained. Notably, subcutaneous fat depth was measured to be 0.2 cm at the forehead; 0.5 cm at the mental eminence; and 0.6 cm at the submental, supraglenoid, and temporal regions. The combined epidermal and dermal thickness was approximately 0.1 cm at the zygomatic process, suborbital area, inferior malar region, gonion, supraglenoid area, and nasolabial-buccal, and nasolabial fold regions. Conclusion This is the first study using high-resolution superficial diagnostic ultrasound to map skin thickness of the face and neck at standard anatomic locations. Ultrasound is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and convenient means to monitor dermatologic conditions and guide their treatment.
Different Paths to Career Advancement: Business vs. Academia

To the casual observer careers in business and academia seem vastly different, yet there are many similarities, as there are in most hierarchies that are based on merit and achievements. The talent requirements for success may be somewhat different in each arena, but there are many common traits that outweigh the differences. In both, the successful career-oriented individual must possess intelligence, courage, perseverance, originality, loyalty to the company or university, and, at least until achieving tenure in a university or a high position in a company, must avoid clashes with peers and superiors. Even after having achieved tenure or a high position, clashes are counterproductive.
Mathematical Modeling and Trichloroethylene

Mathematical modeling has been used extensively to quantify and characterize the disposition, fate, and risk associated with the volatile organic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). Here, we summarize many of these models that have been developed and applied across the exposure-dose-effect continuum, ranging from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models to quantitative structure-activity relationships. We conclude by reviewing some future directions in computational modeling that are increasingly used to inform an understanding of the adverse health effects associated with exposure to TCE, and introduce elements of a first-generation systems biology model of TCE-induced autoimmune disease.
Extreme enhancement of the nonlinear elastic response of elastomer nanoparticulate composites via interphases

Abstract Over the last two decades, it has become increasingly unarguable that the addition of a small amount of nanoparticles to elastomers can lead to a drastic enhancement of their elastic response not only at small deformations but, more importantly, at large deformations. Yet, because of the experimental difficulties of conducting direct quantitative measurements of mechanical properties at the length scale of the nanoparticles together with the mathematical challenges associated with the analysis of large deformations in the presence of nanoscale heterogeneities, the precise mechanisms responsible for such an enhancement have remained unresolved. This paper reports a combined experimental/theoretical investigation aimed at revealing and quantifying the precise mechanisms behind the enhanced elastic properties of a prototypical class of elastomer nanoparticulate composites: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) filled with an isotropic distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized composites exhibit drastically enhanced stress-stretch responses, featuring up to about a 10-fold increase with respect to the response of the unfilled PDMS elastomer, over the entire spectrum of small and large deformations considered. Inter alia, it is found that the “bulk” PDMS elastomer — i.e., the regions of the PDMS elastomer not immediately surrounding the nanoparticle aggregates formed during the synthesis process — is softer than the unfilled PDMS elastomer, while the “interphasial” PDMS elastomer surrounding the aggregates is significantly stiffer. The latter mechanism is found to rule over the former and to constitute the dominant mechanism behind the drastic enhancements in the macroscopic elastic properties of the composites.
Disparities in AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma incidence and survival.

e18072Background: With advances in combined antiretroviral therapy (ART), Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) incidence has decreased over the past decade. Geographical and racial disparities may contribute to v...
A physical hash for preventing and detecting cyber-physical attacks in additive manufacturing systems

Abstract Cyber-physical security is a major concern in the modern environment of digital manufacturing, wherein a cyber-attack has the potential to result in the production of defective parts, theft of IP, or damage to infrastructure or the operator have become a real threat that have the potential to create bad parts. Current cyber only solutions are insufficient due to the nature of manufacturing environments where it may not be feasible or even possible to upgrade physical equipment to the most current cyber security standards, necessitating an approach that addresses both the cyber and the physical components. This paper proposes a new method for detecting malicious cyber-physical attacks on additive manufacturing (AM) systems. The method makes use of a physical hash, which links digital data to the manufactured part via a disconnected side-channel measurement system. The disconnection ensures that if the network and/or AM system becomes compromised, the manufacturer can still rely on the measurement system for attack detection. The physical hash ensures protection of the intellectual property (IP) associated with both process and toolpath parameters while also enabling in situ quality assurance. In this paper, the physical hash takes the form of a QR code that contains a hash string of the nominal process parameters and toolpath. It is manufactured alongside the original geometry for the measurement system to scan and compare to the readings from its sensor suite. By taking measurements in situ, the measurement system can detect in real-time if the part being manufactured matches the designer’s specification. In this paper, the overall concept and underlying algorithm of the physical hash is presented. A proof-of-concept validation is realized on a material extrusion AM machine, to demonstrate the ability of a physical hash and in situ monitoring to detect the existence (and absence) of malicious attacks on the STL file, the printing process parameters, and the printing toolpath.
The History of ARDS and the Need for a Pediatric Definition

The history of ARDS is long, complex, and very interesting. The definition has been complicated by the usage of a multitude of descriptive terms (e.g., wet lung, shock lung, Da Nang lung) that were synonymous with conditions now grouped under the modern definition of ARDS. Formally described in 1967, the definition of ARDS has evolved over the past 5 decades. In the absence of a standard definition, ARDS diagnosis is established when certain criteria are met in the framework of the prevailing ARDS definition. The American-European Consensus Conference definition (1995) and the Berlin definition (2012) have refined our ability to diagnose, study, and treat ARDS, but these adult-centric definitions were not developed for children with ARDS and had their shortcomings. To address this issue, the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC) was convened to develop, among other recommendations, a specific definition for pediatric ARDS (PARDS). This new definition establishes a common language for those caring for children with PARDS and opens the door for meaningful and sustained international collaboration and rapid scientific progress.
Exploring the Provider-Level Socio-Demographic Determinants of Diet Quality of Preschool-Aged Children Attending Family Childcare Homes

Since food preferences develop during early childhood and contribute to dietary patterns that can track into adulthood, it is critical to support healthy food environments in places where children spend significant amounts of time in, such as childcare. It is important to understand what factors influence the diet quality of children cared for in family childcare homes (FCCH). Methods: This study used baseline data from a cluster-randomized trial in FCCH, Healthy Start/Comienzos Sanos. Surveys capturing providers’ socio-demographic characteristics were completed. Food and beverage consumptions were estimated using the Dietary Observation in Childcare protocol, and diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Comparison of mean HEI scores by provider socio-demographic variables were completed using ANOVAs, followed by multiple linear regression models for significant variables. Post-hoc ANOVA models compared mean HEI-2015 sub-components by income and ethnicity. Results: Significant differences in mean HEI-2015 scores were found for provider income level (less than $25,000, HEI: 64.8 vs. $25,001–$50,000: 62.9 vs. $75,001 or more: 56.2; p = 0.03), ethnicity (Non-Latinx: 56.6 vs. Latinx: 64.4; p = 0.002), language spoken outside of childcare (English: 58.6 vs. Spanish: 64.3, p = 0.005), and language spoken in childcare (English: 59.6 vs. Spanish: 64.4; p = 0.02). In linear regression models, a higher provider income ($75,001 or more) was negatively and significantly associated with the total HEI-2015 scores (β = −9.8, SE = 3.7; p = 0.009) vs. lower income (less than $25,000). When entering provider income and ethnicity to the same model, adjusting for Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), only ethnicity was significant, with Latinx being positively associated with total HEI-2015 scores vs. non-Latinx (β = 6.5, SE = 2.4; p = 0.007). Statistically significant differences were found by ethnicity and language for greens/beans, total protein, and seafood and plant protein HEI-2015 component scores. Discussion: Lower income, and Latinx providers cared-for children had higher diet quality in FCCH compared to the other providers. Future studies should better understand what specific foods contribute to each of the HEI-2015 components in order to better tailor trainings and interventions.
Clinical characteristics, misdiagnosis and outcomes of patients with low-flow spinal arteriovenous fistulas.

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical characteristics, delay to diagnosis and post-intervention outcomes of patients with low-flow spinal arteriovenous fistulas (SAVFs). Methods In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed all patients with low-flow SAVFs angiographically diagnosed at our institution between 2008 and 2018. Pre- and post-intervention disability levels were recorded using the modified Aminoff and Logue scale (mALS). Results One-hundred and five patients were included. Median age was 62 years and 79% were male. Most patients (56%) presented to neurologists and 41% were misdiagnosed with myelitis. Patients underwent unnecessary treatment with corticosteroids (44%), other immunosuppressive therapies (8%) and spinal surgery (10%). Inappropriate corticosteroid treatment led to a precipitous clinical decline in 30% of patients exposed. Only 21% percent of patients were correctly diagnosed after initial evaluation; the median delay to diagnosis in the rest of the cohort was of 12 months (IQR 7 to 24 months). Longer delays to diagnosis were associated with higher levels of disability (p = .002). Treatment of SAVF was endovascular in 64% and surgical in 26%; 13% of patients required further intervention due to incomplete initial treatment or fistula recurrence. Greater than 6 months after intervention, disability scores were improved in 52% and stable in 43% of patients. In individual patients, pre- and post-intervention disability scores were strongly correlated (p Conclusions Low-flow SAVFs are associated with substantial disability and are frequently misdiagnosed. Timely diagnosis of SAVF needs to improve, as endovascular or surgical treatment results in stabilization or improvement of disability in the vast majority of patients.
Trematode parasites exceed aquatic insect biomass in Oregon stream food webs

Although parasites are increasingly recognized for their ecosystem roles, it is often assumed that free-living organisms dominate animal biomass in most ecosystems and therefore provide the primary pathways for energy transfer. To examine the contributions of parasites to ecosystem energetics in freshwater streams, we quantified the standing biomass of trematodes and free-living organisms at nine sites in three streams in western Oregon, USA. We then compared the rates of biomass flow from snails Juga plicifera into trematode parasites relative to aquatic vertebrate predators (sculpin, cutthroat trout and Pacific giant salamanders). The trematode parasite community had the fifth highest dry biomass density among stream organisms (0.40 g/m2 ) and exceeded the combined biomass of aquatic insects. Only host snails (3.88 g/m2 ), sculpin (1.11 g/m2 ), trout (0.73 g/m2 ) and crayfish (0.43 g/m2 ) had a greater biomass. The parasite 'extended phenotype', consisting of trematode plus castrated host biomass, exceeded the individual biomass of every taxonomic group other than snails. The substantial parasite biomass stemmed from the high snail density and infection prevalence, and the large proportional mass of infected hosts that consisted of trematode tissue (M = 31% per snail). Estimates of yearly biomass transfer from snails into trematodes were slightly higher than the combined estimate of snail biomass transfer into the three vertebrate predators. Pacific giant salamanders accounted for 90% of the snail biomass consumed by predators. These results demonstrate that trematode parasites play underappreciated roles in the ecosystem energetics of some freshwater streams.