cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Idiosyncratic Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antiepileptic Drugs

Hypersensitivity reactions to the aromatic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ) appear to have an immune etiology. Current models of drug hypersensitivity center around the concept of drug bioactivation to reactive metabolites that irreversibly modify cellular proteins. These modified proteins are believed to initiate (or serve as targets of) an autoimmune-like attack on specific drug-modified proteins in target organs (e.g., liver, skin) of susceptible individuals. Consistent with this model, antibodies to drug-modified and native proteins have been identified in the sera of patients experiencing several drug hypersensitivity reactions. New models must incorporate an understanding of the mechanisms by which drug-modified proteins are processed and presented to the immune system in the appropriate context to culminate in the clinical manifestations of "hypersensitivity." Idiosyncratic toxicities associated with new AEDs, such as lamotrigine and felbamate, appear mechanistically distinct from PHT and CBZ hypersensitivity but may involve similar processes: bioactivation, detoxification, covalent adduct formation, processing and presentation of antigen to the immune system, and consequent formation of antibody and T-cell immune effectors. The goal of research is to develop a "susceptibility profile" for identifying individuals at risk for these forms of drug toxicity.
MOSTVS: a new class of transient voltage suppressors to reduce voltage rating and cost of automotive power electronics

Power electronics is playing an increasingly important role in vehicle systems. The voltage rating of automotive power electronics is predominantly determined by the transient immunity requirement, which considerably exceeds the maximum operating voltages of 12V and 24V automotive power systems, and imposes a large cost penalty. In contrast, the emerging 42V systems require a much improved bus voltage regulation to maintain system affordability. In this paper, we introduce a new class of transient voltage suppressors termed as MOSTVS, which provides a more accurately controlled clamping voltage than the conventional Zener diodes and MOVs over a wide range of current and temperature. The new MOSTVS concept, based on power MOSFET and polysilicon thin-film technologies, makes it possible to relax the breakdown voltage requirement of automotive power electronics and result in significant cost reduction. Furthermore, the MOSTVS can be used in 42V systems to meet the stringent bus voltage requirement.
Evidence for a genetic cline in earwax types in the Middle East and Southeast Asia

Data obtained on cerumen types in the Middle East and Southeast Asia indicate frequencies for the dry allele that are intermediate between previously reported high values in the northern Orient and low values in Caucasian and Negro populations. This evidence in combination with previously existing data reveals a genetic cline in earwax types in this part of the world.
Solution-derived electrodes and dielectrics for low-cost and high-capacitance trench and Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) capacitors

This paper explores and demonstrates a novel technique to conformally coat solution-derived electrodes and dielectric films over Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) or Through-Silicon Trench (TST) structures. In this technique, precursor solution for electrode or dielectric coatings is dispensed on the top of a TSV wafer and infiltrated through the via by creating a pressure gradient. Two material systems used in capacitors, Lanthanum Nickel Oxide (LNO) as electrode and Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) as dielectric, were deposited on the TSV surfaces using this technique. SEM cross-section analysis showed that the vacuum-infiltration can be extended to conformally coat on trenches with aspect ratios of greater than 5. A planar capacitor with density of 3 μF/cm2 and low leakage was fabricated to demonstrate the material compatibility. Using this technique, a trench capacitor device can be fabricated with an all-solution coating process, without involving any expensive deposition tools. This can thus eliminate costly platinum electrodes that are frequently required to yield high permittivity PZT films. This technique can also address the through-put limitations of today's conformal deposition technologies such as sputtering, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). The tool and process can also be applied to other 3D silicon structures where conformal ceramic coatings are needed.
Tumor induction by murine sarcoma virus in AKR and C58 mice. Reduction of tumor regression associated with appearance of gross leukemia virus pseudotypes

Adult AKR and C58 mice injected intramuscularly with murine sarcoma virus, Moloney isolate (M-MSV), developed high incidence of nonregressing local tumors. Histologically, these tumors revealed the typical pleomorphism of M-MSV sarcomas; in some cases, however, neoplastic tissue showed a nodular or diffuse growth of monomorphic myoblastlike cells, reminiscent of clonal aggregates. No depression of immune reactivity was found in M-MSV-injected mice as evaluated by direct hemolytic plaque-forming cells against SRBC and by virus-neutralizing antibody production. The MSV recovered from the induced tumors proved to be, by neutralization assay, a Gross (G)-MSV pseudotype. Moreover, tumor cell suspensions absorbed out cytotoxic antibody directed against G-cell surface antigens. Therefore, the conclusion was drawn that MSV with envelope characteristics of endogenous G leukemia virus had formed in vivo through a phenotypic mixing phenomenon. The failure of tumors to regress has been interpreted as mainly due to the partial unresponsiveness of host immune reactivity towards G-MuLV specified antigens. Since MSV-tumors arose in AKR mice after a very long latent period, the possibility was considered that this relative resistance might depend on immunologic mechanisms. In fact, M-MSV-injected AKR mice immunodepressed by goat antimouse lymphocyte serum or rendered partially tolerant by neonatal M-MuLV inoculation developed sarcomas with higher incidence and with a shorter latency. Furthermore, the MSV recovered from these early tumors proved to be the original Moloney pseudotype.
Evaluating several sources of variability for standard and SWAP visual fields in glaucoma patients, suspects, and normals

Abstract Purpose To quantify factors affecting test-retest variability of threshold measurements over a series of 3 serial visual fields (VF). Design Prospective comparative observational study. Participants Forty-one normals, 10 suspects and 35 stable glaucoma patients. Methods All subjects performed 3 standard and 3 short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) VFs. At each VF location, severity (defined as age-corrected total deviation) and test-retest variability (TRV), defined as the standard deviation of 3 serial threshold values, were calculated. A multiple regression model (constructed separately for standard VF and SWAP) incorporated 13 factors: severity, location, eccentricity, study group, diagnosis, superior versus inferior hemifield, nasal versus temporal hemifield, one-versus-two thresholds, age, mean pupil size, pupil size variability, between-subject variation, and residual variation. Main outcome measures Variability in threshold sensitivity VF values. Results Mean TRV (± standard deviation) for normal, suspect and glaucoma eyes, respectively, was: 1.28 ± 0.87, 1.53 ± 1.04 and 2.20 ± 1.79 dB for standard VF, and 1.87 ± 1.35, 1.86 ± 1.24 and 2.68 ± 1.85 dB for SWAP. The contribution of each factor to the model for standard VF and SWAP (SWAP in parentheses) were: severity 15.5% (6.9%); location 2.7% (4.1%); eccentricity 1.1% (0.64%); diagnosis 2.9% (5.9%); “superior versus inferior” hemifield 0.17% (1.7%); “nasal versus temporal” hemifield 0.06% (0.02%); one-versus-two thresholds 0.04% (0.16%); age 0.1% (0.06%); mean pupil size 0.59% (0.1%); pupil size variability 3.2% (2.8%); between-subject 8.0% (13.5%) and residual variation 61.0% (66.6%). Excluding between-subject and residual variation, the 11-factor model was able to account for less than one third of the variability seen in both standard VF and SWAP. Conclusions Severity of defect and between subject variation exerted the largest effect on TRV. However, even if all 11 factors could be adjusted for, it would reduce the magnitude of TRV by only 30%. More work is needed to reduce the remaining variability inherent in psychophysical testing and to better understand the intrinsic physiological variability present both in healthy and diseased eyes. It is possible that a larger number of VFs used for the calculation of TRV might further reduce the magnitude of the remaining variability found in this study.
How Big Is “Big”? Interpreting Effect Sizes in L2 Research

The calculation and use of effect sizes—such as d for mean differences and r for correlations—has increased dramatically in second language (L2) research in the last decade. Interpretations of these effects, however, have been rare and, when present, have largely defaulted to Cohen's levels of small (d = .2, r = .1), medium (.5, .3), and large (.8, .5), which were never intended as prescriptions but rather as a general guide. As Cohen himself and many others have argued, effect sizes are best understood when interpreted within a particular discipline or domain. This article seeks to promote more informed and field-specific interpretations of d and r by presenting a description of L2 effects from 346 primary studies and 91 meta-analyses (N > 604,000). Results reveal that Cohen's benchmarks generally underestimate the effects obtained in L2 research. Based on our analysis, we propose a field-specific scale for interpreting effect sizes, and we outline eight key considerations for gauging relative magnitude and practical significance in primary and secondary studies, such as theoretical maturity in the domain, the degree of experimental manipulation, and the presence of publication bias.
A New Species of Blepharicera Macquart (Diptera: Blephariceridae) from Western North America

During a review of the Blepharicera of western North America, we discovered a new species from several mid-sized rivers in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. We hereby present descriptions of the larvae, pupae, and adults of B. kalmiopsis, new species. Diagnostic characters and a brief discussion of bionomics and distribution are also provided. Based on previous and ongoing studies, B. kalmiopsis clearly belongs to the B. micheneri Alexander species group and appears closely related to B. zionensis Alexander.
High-frequency high-order parallel resonant converter

A novel approach to the analysis of design of a high-order high-frequency LCC-type capacitive coupled parallel resonant converter (PRC-LCC) operated in the continuous-conduction mode is presented. The presence of an additional capacitor in series with the inductance of the conventional PRC results in a converter with more desirable control characteristics. It is shown that, at switching frequencies lower than the resonant frequency, the gain of the LCC-type converter is lower than the grain of the conventional PRC. This facilitates the converter design with a lower turn-ratio transformer and therefore allows for a higher operating frequency. The complete state-plane diagram of the LCC-type converter, from which a set of steady-state characteristic curves is plotted, is given. Various design curves for component value selections and device ratings are given. A design example with computer simulation results is presented. >
Complications and challenges in management of the obese expectant mother

Obesity is increasing worldwide, especially in the USA. This is reflected in the pregnant population, with up to a third of women classified as obese during their pregnancy. It poses a challenge to the practitioners throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, as well as in postpartum care. Obesity is also a risk factor for multiple pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, iatrogenic preterm birth, fetal macrosomia and intrauterine fetal demise. Antenatal care challenges, including limitation of fetal ultrasound evaluation, contribute to a greater number of undetected anomalies and poor fetal weight estimation. Maternal risks such as increased rates of cesarean section, and subsequent postoperative complications such as wound infection and venous thromboembolic events, are increasing in prevalence. Optimal prenatal care requires knowledge of and attention to each of these risks and appropriate patient counseling.
Hearing impairment susceptibility in elderly men and the DFNA18 locus.

Objective To identify any chromosomal region that shows evidence for linkage to age-related hearing loss in humans. Design Evaluation of genetic linkage using sibling-pair methods for hearing loss collected via self-report questionnaire and markers from a genome screening collected from a population-based representative sample of male fraternal twins born from 1917 to 1927. Subjects Members of a group of 6108 World War II and Korean War veteran twins (2059 complete pairs) who completed a health history questionnaire at a mean age of 74.3 years (range, 69-82 years). A subset of 711 twins (343 complete pairs) later provided a blood sample for DNA extraction in a study of genetic factors in healthy aging. Among the complete pairs were approximately 160 fraternal twins; 50 of these pairs were concordant for age-related hearing loss with at least 1 co-twin reporting bilateral hearing loss and with marker data available for analysis. Results A region suggestive of linkage was found on chromosome 3q, with a logarithm of the odds score of 2.5 in the same region of this chromosome where the DFNA18 locus resides, which has been reported to cause a form of progressive hereditary hearing loss. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first sample from the general population that has been used in a genome screening for qualitative hearing loss. The results, if confirmed, suggest that genetic variation in the region of DFNA18 may be responsible for hearing loss with age in the general population.
Placenta previa: Antepartum conservative management, inpatient versus outpatient

Objective : Our purpose was to compare outcomes of patients with placenta previa managed expectantly in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Study Design : Records for 238 patients coded as having placenta previa over the 12-year period from 1981 through 1992 were reviewed, and outcomes were compared. Results : A total of 104 patients were managed conservatively (i.e., delivered >7 days after diagnosis). Fifty-five patients were hospitalized and 49 were followed up as outpatients. There was no significant difference in gestational age or birth weights at delivery. Likewise, the average lowest postpartum hemoglobins were similar. Infant morbidity was similar when incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, and intraventricular hemorrhage were compared. Conclusion : Although there may have been other circumstances segregating patients to hospital care or home care, there was no apparent difference in the outcome of the two groups.
Photonic sampling and time stretching for analog-to-digital conversion

A new sampling and time stretching technique is presented. The technique uses non-dispersive delays for generating sampling pulses and stretching the sampled waveform in time. A 100 Gsample/s experimental demonstration of this concept is presented.
Human Gene Therapy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

During the last several years, we have witnessed “the best of times and the worst of times” in the embryonic field of gene therapy. Rapid advances in human genomic sciences, the development of novel mouse models of human diseases, and the construction and characterization of new vector systems for in vivo gene transduction have significantly expanded the potential feasibility of human gene therapy. On the other hand, the tragic events surrounding the gene therapy–related death of Jessie Gelsinger and subsequent revelations about additional unreported gene therapy–related complications have seriously damaged both the scientific credibility and public confidence in gene therapy. Given these recent events, this would seem to be an opportune time to pause and carefully reassess where we are and, more importantly, where we should be going in this promising but controversial field. Toward this end, I would like to consider 3 distinct but related questions. First, does the currently available scientific evidence support the feasibility of human gene therapy? If so, what types of preclinical data are necessary to justify human clinical experimentation? Second, what can be learned from our recent experiences about the design of future human gene therapy trials? And, third, what safeguards are necessary to ensure the objectivity of investigators in the field and to thereby inspire the required level of confidence on the part of patients and their families, the scientific community at large, and the general public? Most successful gene therapy approaches require the combination of an efficacious therapeutic gene, an appropriate vector for delivering and expressing that gene in the desired cell type in vitro or in vivo, and, in some cases, a device (eg, a catheter, stent, or implantable polymer) to facilitate in vivo gene delivery. The identification of potentially useful therapeutic genes has progressed rapidly during the last decade. Such …
Treatment Options for Individuals with Dual Diagnosis

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on integrated treatment as a modality for dually diagnosed clients and effectiveness. The popularity of integrated treatment has grown as clinicians are becoming aware of the need for mental health and substance abuse services combined. Forms of integrated treatment range from individual psychotherapy to family therapy to residential treatment using contingency management. The advantage to integrated treatment is that it includes a focus on long-term solutions. In general, due to a lack of qualified professionals, the implementation of integrated treatment is not feasible.
Predictors of 1-month and 1-year neurocognitive functioning from the UCLA longitudinal mild, uncomplicated, pediatric traumatic brain injury study.

Although more severe brain injuries have long been associated with persisting neurocognitive deficits, an increasing body of literature has shown that children/adolescents with single, uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) do not exhibit long-lasting neurocognitive impairments. Nonetheless, clinical experience and our previous report (Babikian, 2011) showed that a minority of children/adolescents exhibit persistent cognitive problems using performance based measures following what appear to be relatively mild injuries. Predictors of poor neurocognitive outcomes were evaluated in 76 mTBI and 79 Other Injury subjects to determine the relative contributions of indices of injury severity, clinical symptomatology, demographic factors, and premorbid functioning in predicting 1-month and 12-month neurocognitive impairment on computerized or paper and pencil measures. Injury severity indicators or type of injury (head vs. other body part) did not predict either 1-month or 12-month cognitive impairment status. Rather, premorbid variables that antedated the injury (parental education, premorbid behavior and/or learning problems, and school achievement) predicted cognitive impairments. When post-injury neurocognitive impairments are observed in survivors of mild injuries (head or other body part), a sound understanding of their etiology is critical in designing appropriate intervention plans. Clinical and research implications are discussed. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–10)
MDIBL in the Postwar: The Third Generation

During this postwar period (1945-1970), a third generation of MDIBL summer Investigators arrived, expanding the research base of the Laboratory and increasing its rental income. Research on renal and epithelial transport continued, but new areas of interest arose, such as cytokinesis, toxicology, cerebrospinal fluid formation, the pharmacology of carbonic anhydrase, animal behavior, regeneration, nitrogen balance, and salt gland secretion.
FISCAL POLICY AND ETHNO-RACIAL INEQUALITY IN BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, GUATEMALA AND URUGUAY

African descendants and indigenous peoples in Latin America face higher poverty rates and are disproportionately represented among the poor. Per capita income of the white population can be sixty percent higher to twice as high as the per capita income of the African descendant and indigenous populations. Using comparable fiscal incidence analyses for Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala and Uruguay, I analyze how much poverty and inequality change after fiscal interventions. I also propose a set of indicators for measuring how progressive and pro-indigenous or pro-African descendant government intervention is in ethno-racial dimensions. Based on these indicators, I explore which elements of tax and transfer systems within each country specifically contribute to narrowing or increasing existing ethno-racial gaps. The ratio of average per capita incomes by ethnicity or race declines by at most one decimal point (Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay) to nothing (Guatemala). In Brazil and Uruguay, where there is a respectable decline in overall inequality, the decline in inequality between different ethno-racial groups still does not decline significantly, changing by a very small amount in Uruguay and actually increasing in Brazil.
The prognostic role of abnormal liver function in IVIG unresponsiveness in Kawasaki disease: a meta-analysis

We aimed to assess the prognostic role of liver function alteration with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) by systematically analyzing and summarizing the results from published studies. In this study, we summarized the evidence currently available up to March 31, 2015, and calculated the standard mean difference (SMD) of liver function parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin between IVIG-responsive and IVIG-resistant patients. We found that the serum levels of these parameters in IVIG-non-responsive patients were significantly higher than that in IVIG-responsive group (total bilirubin: SMD = 0.984, 95 %CI 0.712–1.184, p < 0.005; ALT: SMD = 0.555, 95 %CI 0.400–0.710, p < 0.005; AST: SMD = 0.602, 95 %CI 0.413–0.791, p < 0.005; GGT = 0.551, 95 %CI 0.157–0.946, p = 0.006). There was evidence of heterogeneity (I 2 > 50 %). The characteristics of patients could be the major sources, as analysis stratified by region significantly removed or reduced the heterogeneity. In summary, our meta-analysis suggested that liver abnormality was significantly associated with IVIG unresponsiveness in KD patients. Further study from more clinical investigations is needed to confirm this finding.
A thalamic input to the nucleus accumbens mediates opiate dependence

Chronic opiate use induces opiate dependence, which is characterized by extremely unpleasant physical and emotional feelings after drug use is terminated. Both the rewarding effects of a drug and the desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms motivate continued drug use, and the nucleus accumbens is important for orchestrating both processes. While multiple inputs to the nucleus accumbens regulate reward, little is known about the nucleus accumbens circuitry underlying withdrawal. Here we identify the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus as a prominent input to the nucleus accumbens mediating the expression of opiate-withdrawal-induced physical signs and aversive memory. Activity in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to nucleus accumbens pathway is necessary and sufficient to mediate behavioural aversion. Selectively silencing this pathway abolishes aversive symptoms in two different mouse models of opiate withdrawal. Chronic morphine exposure selectively potentiates excitatory transmission between the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus and D2-receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons via synaptic insertion of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors. Notably, in vivo optogenetic depotentiation restores normal transmission at these synapses and robustly suppresses morphine withdrawal symptoms. This links morphine-evoked pathway- and cell-type-specific plasticity in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to nucleus accumbens circuit to opiate dependence, and suggests that reprogramming this circuit holds promise for treating opiate addiction.
Identification of Tribolium Larvae by Their Setal Characteristics (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Larvae of 5 species of Tribolium have been separated by the use of setal maps. Four of these species, T. confusum Jacquelin duVal, T. castaneum (Herbst), T. destructor Uyttenboogaart, and T. madens Charpentier, are widely distributed in the United States. The fifth, T. anaphe Hinton, which is endemic in tropical Africa, was obtained from the Pest Infestation Laboratory, Slough, England. A general description of these larvae, accounts and illustrations of specific chaetotaxies, and a taxonomic key for identifying them are given, and apparent systematic relationships between them are discussed.
Prediction of Damage Growth in Fiber-Reinforced Composites Using Continuum Damage Mechanics

The continuum damage mechanics approach is widely used to model damage growth in finite element analysis as an alternative to modeling discrete cracks in the mesh. It has been found that this approach often incorrectly predicts damage growth in composite materials which fail due to shear stress. The current work identifies a variety of cases which result in both correct and incorrect damage growth in an attempt to better understand why continuum damage mechanics models perform poorly under shear stress, as well as to explore ways these models may be improved to better predict damage growth in composites.
A comparative assessment of the cytotoxicity and nitric oxide reducing ability of resveratrol, pterostilbene and piceatannol in transformed and normal mouse macrophages

AbstractThe present study investigated the pharmacological effects of three stilbenoids, resveratrol (RES), pterostilbene (PTR) and piceatannol (PIC), in transformed and normal macrophages. Our first aim was to comparatively assess the cytotoxicity of RES, PTR and PIC in unstimulated transformed mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) and primary peritoneal macrophages (PMs) harvested from both wild type and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)-deficient female mice. Our second aim was to investigate whether the inhibitory effect of RES, PTR and PIC on nitric oxide (NO) release from stimulated PMs depends on the status of the transcription factor Nrf2. The rationale for investigating Nrf2 status was based upon recent reports showing that certain compounds (sulforaphane and linalool) suppress LPS-induced inflammation in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Cell viability studies confirmed our prior work in unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with cytotoxic potency decreasing in the order of PTR > PIC > RES. Unsti...
Multi-agent pathfinding with simultaneous execution of single-agent primitives

Multi-agent pathfinding is a challenging combinatorial problem that involves multiple agents moving on a graph from a set of initial nodes to a set of desired goals without inter-agent collisions. Searching the composite space of all agents has exponential complexity and does not scale well. Decoupled methods are more efficient but are generally incomplete. There are, however, polynomial time algorithms, which utilize single or few-agents primitives with completeness guarantees. One limitation of these alternatives is that the resulting solution is sequential, where only one agent moves at a time. Such solutions are of low quality when compared to methods where multiple agents can move simultaneously. This work proposes an algorithm for multi-agent pathfinding that utilizes similar single-agent primitives but allows all agents to move in parallel. The paper describes the algorithm and its properties. Experimental comparisons suggest that the resulting paths are considerably better than sequential ones, even after a postprocessing, parallelization step, as well as solutions returned by decoupled and coupled alternatives. The experiments also suggest good scalability and competitive computational performance.
Advances in the Diagnosis of Renal Candidiasis

AbstractCandiduria may signify benign saprophytic colonization or true infection of the urinary tract. Histological studies of 64 suspect cases of renal candidiasis, 20 of them positive, suggest that a Candida colony count of 10,000 to 15,000 per ml. or more in a catheterized specimen is a useful cut-off point between infection and colonization. One to 3 Candida per high power field in an uncentrifuged urine specimen equated with a colony count of 10,000 to 15,000 Candida per ml. Colony counts were diagnostically invalid in the presence of an indwelling Foley catheter. Other diagnostic aids included positive serum precipitin tests (83 per cent) and positive blood cultures (47 per cent).
Changes in the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes following total body x-irradiation in the rat.

The phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from irradiated rats was studied over a period of thirteen days following 550 r total body x-irradiation. Leukocytes from irradiated rats showed slightly increased phagocytosis of plague bacilli during the first six days after irradiation, but on statistical analysis this increase proved to be insignificant. From the seventh to the thirteenth day after irradiation, these cells showed a markedly reduced capacity to phagocytose plague bacilli. Phagocytic studies on suspensions of normal cells in plasma from irradiated animals and on cells from irradiated animals in normal plasma showed that the deficient phagocytosis during the second week following irradiation was due mainly to a defect in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes themselves, though the fact that the addition of normal plasma to cells from irradiated animals did increase their phagocytic capacity by a small but definite degree suggests that there is also a defect in the plasma of irradiated animals.
Models of Vergence and Accommodation-Vergence Interactions

Vergence (or disjunctive) eye movements provide single vision by bringing the images of a bifixation target onto corresponding retinal points in the two eyes. When a target moves in depth, the brain recognizes the change in position of the retinal images and drives the extraocular muscles to bring these images into proper register on the retinas. Since vergence eye movements reflect the function of the brain, quantitative assessment of these movements can reveal fundamental information regarding the brain’s underlying neural control strategy. For this reason, an understanding of how vergence is controlled in both normal and symptomatic individuals has been one of the most important goals of vision scientists, clinicians, and bioengineers. This chapter provides a summary of some of the most significant research on modeling of the vergence system, as well as the interactions between accommodation and vergence.
Software Architecture, (In)consistency, and Integration

As other chapters in this volume demonstrate, Leon Osterweil has made critical contributions to software analysis and testing. That stream of contributions began with his work in the DAVE project, which produced a static data flow analysis tool capable of analyzing FORTRAN programs. What I am sure Lee did not recognize at the time was that this work also launched him on a path to making critical contributions in environment architectures, inconsistency management, and integration technologies. These contributions arose from his work with Toolpack, Odin, the Arcadia project, and their recent successors. This chapter traces some of these key results, highlighting not only Lee’s contributions, but places where they remain to be fully exploited.
Cell-Based, Continuum and Hybrid Models of Tissue Dynamics

Movement of amoeboid cells is involved in embryonic development, wound repair, the immune response to bacterial invasion, and tumor formation and metastasis. Individual cells detect extracellular chemical and mechanical signals via membrane receptors, and this initiates signal transduction cascades that produce intracellular signals. These signals control the motile machinery of the cell and thereby determine the spatial localization of contact sites with the substrate and the sites of force-generation needed to produce directed motion. The coordination and control of this complex process of direction sensing, amplification of spatial differences in the signal, assembly of the motile machinery, and control of the attachment to the substratum involves numerous molecules whose spatial distribution serves to distinguish the front from the rear of the cell, and whose temporal expression is tightly controlled. How chemical and mechanical signals are integrated, how spatial differences in signals are produced, and how propulsive and adhesive forces are controlled are issues that are amenable to mathematical modeling. An overview of some approaches to these complex problems is the subject of this chapter.
Service Requirements for Promotion and Tenure: What Is the Technical Services Librarian to Do?

This article seeks to determine the definition of service in academic institutions, the service criteria at various academic institutions, the percentage that service is valued, what weight specific service activities are given, and how service criteria has been viewed over the years. The focus is on the service criteria for promotion and tenure (including continuing appointment). Additionally, this article discusses some challenges technical services librarians face in fulfilling their service requirements and provides some suggestions on how technical services librarians can present their service activities in their promotion and tenure dossiers.
Nanoscale Structure and Morphology of Sulfonated Polyphenylenes via Atomistic Simulations

We performed atomistic simulations on a series of sulfonated polyphenylenes systematically varying the degree of sulfonation and water content to determine their effect on the nanoscale structure, particularly for the hydrophilic domains formed by the ionic groups and water molecules. We found that the local structure around the ionic groups depended on the sulfonation and hydration levels, with the sulfonate groups and hydronium ions less strongly coupled at higher water contents. In addition, we characterized the morphology of the ionic domains employing two complementary clustering algorithms. At low sulfonation and hydration levels, clusters were more elongated in shape and poorly connected throughout the system. As the degree of sulfonation and water content were increased, the clusters became more spherical, and a fully percolated ionic domain was formed. These structural details have important implications for ion transport.
3-D face-masking detection and tracking algorithm for bubble dynamics: Method and validation for gas–solid fluidized beds

The transient behavior of rising bubbles plays a critical role on the performance of fluidized bed reactors, but predicting bubble dynamics is difficult. CFD has been shown to be capable of reproducing bubbling phenomena, but data interpretation and visualization is challenging. In this study, a 3-D detection and tracking algorithm, called face-masking, is developed and validated by numerical simulations of lab-scale and pilot-scale gas–solid fluidized beds. This algorithm identifies discrete bubbles using the instantaneous whole-field void fraction data. Individual bubbles are characterized in detail, including size, shape and location. The algorithm tracks bubbles across successive time frames and computes axial and lateral bubble velocities. Bubble dynamics predicted by the face-masking algorithm are validated against four different published experimental measurements. The face-masking algorithm provides a new tool for post-processing large-scale three-dimensional fluidizedbed simulation data. The bubble surfaces found by this algorithm will enable computation of normal fluxes through the surface. This algorithm can also be applicable in other areas of multiphase flows where characterization of bubbles, droplets, and clusters is necessary.
Creativity in Language

Speakers are creative in coining words to convey meanings not captured by the conventional stock of vocabulary. Children also rely on coinage, constructing new words to fill gaps where they do not yet know the conventional terms for certain meanings. Speaker creativity is also in evidence in language revival as people extend a language to meet contemporary needs. Finally, speakers and writers continually stretch existing meanings and extend their language through myriad figurative uses to convey new meanings and associations.
Enhanced dielectric properties due to space charge-induced interfacial polarization in multilayer polymer films

With the recent advancement of power electronics, polymer film capacitors have become increasingly important. However, the low temperature rating (up to 85 °C) and low energy density (5 J cm−3 at breakdown) of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have been limiting factors for advanced power electronics. Based on our recent work, multilayer films (MLFs), which consist of a high energy density polymer [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)] and a high breakdown/low loss polymer [e.g., polycarbonate (PC)], have shown potential to achieve high energy density (13–17 J cm−3), enhanced breakdown strength, high temperature tolerance, and low loss simultaneously. In this study, the dielectric properties of PC/PVDF 50/50 32- and 256-layer (32L and 256L) films were investigated. The breakdown strength of the 32L film was as high as 800 MV m−1 at room temperature, as compared to 600 MV m−1 of PVDF and 750 MV m−1 of PC. The temperature rating of the 32L film reached 120 °C, higher than that of BOPP. In addition, it was observed that the 32L film with thicker PC layers exhibited a higher breakdown strength and a lower DC conductivity than the 256L film with thinner PC layers at elevated temperatures. These differences were attributed to the difference in the interfacial polarization of space charges, which was further verified by thermally stimulated depolarization current spectroscopy. From this study, we conclude that interfacial polarization endows MLFs with the desirable dielectric properties for next generation film capacitors.
Estimates of undervalued import of EU Countries and the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of Congo during 2000–2010

This study estimates the degree of trade mispricing in the form of undervalued import from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the European Union (EU) and the U.S. between 2000 and 2010 based...
Beyond Saliency: Assessing Visual Balance with High-level Cues

Automatic composition optimization is a vital technique for computational photography systems. Balance in composition is one of the agreed-upon principles of aesthetics and is commonly employed as a visual feature in many computational aesthetics studies. It refers to an equilibrium of visual weights within composition. Existing composition optimization and aesthetic quality assessment systems utilize the saliency map to represent balance. However, saliency map methods fail to account for high-level visual features that are important for compositional balance. Our work establishes a framework for the purpose of evaluating the relationship between visual features and compositional balance. This provides a better understanding of compositional balance and help improve composition optimization performance. A dataset based on a human subject study was created with photos representing main balance concepts such as symmetric, dynamic balance, and imbalance. We take the visual center given by human subjects as the dependent variable and the center-of-mass for each type of visual features as the predictor variable. Based on a linear regression model, we can assess how much each type of visual features contributes to the prediction of the visual center. Our findings show that high-level visual elements can help increase prediction accuracy with significance on top of saliency maps. Specifically, extra information provided through human and dominant vanishing point detection is statistically significant for assessing balance in the composition.
The effects of alcohol hangover on future drinking behavior and the development of alcohol problems.

Abstract Introduction Alcohol hangover experiences in young adulthood have been shown to predict more subsequent alcohol problems. Hangover susceptibility appears to be partially heritable and related to family history of alcohol use disorders. However, very little is known about the developmental course of these associations and whether they are accounted for by an individual's drinking history. The goal of this study is to investigate the prospective and unique relationships between family history of alcohol use disorders, severity of alcohol hangover experiences in adolescence, and later alcohol use and related problems measured over 13 years. Methods Participants were first assessed on family history at age 12–14, prior to initiating drinking, and re-assessed annually on hangover severity, drinks per drinking day (DPDD), and alcohol-related problems throughout the 13-year follow-up period (n = 205; 59% male). Results In mixed effects negative binomial regression models, greater family history density scores predicted more future DPDD (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.19, p = 0.04), alcohol problems (IRR = 1.64, p = 0.05), and future hangover severity (IRR = 1.24; p = 0.01). In turn, greater hangover severity predicted more future DPDD (IRR = 1.03; p = 0.002) and alcohol problems (IRR = 1.12, p Conclusions These results advance the alcohol hangover experience during late adolescence as a clinically relevant and uniquely informative marker of future alcohol use and problems, above and beyond that of prior personal or familial drinking history.
An Empirically Based Framework for Content Selection and Management in Divorce Education Programs

Contemporary research has shown that divorce education programs are becoming mandated or recommended in numerous states throughout the nation. Cooccurring with the popularity of these programs is t...
Robust Microgrid Clustering in a Distribution System With Inverter-Based DERs

Power electronics for the utility interface of distributed energy resource (DER) offers many benefits in the electric grid operation through flexibility of the DER controls. Energy from various generation sources including renewables can be efficiently delivered to the consumers with high power quality and reliability. However, mixed source microgrids comprising both inverter- and synchronous generator-based DERs are susceptible to collapse, particularly when the system operates in the islanded mode. This paper presents robustness studies on microgrids from a qualitative point of view, borrowing features from ecological systems that are highly robust. The interrelationships between ecological species translate into the dynamic behavior of DERs, affected by their sizes and locations within the grid. The advantage of such qualitative analysis over traditional quantitative viewpoint is it explicitly identifies the nature of interactions and interconnections between the subsystems as beneficial or detrimental to stability. From the robustness studies, the best possible microgrid configurations are determined for IEEE 33-bus system having a mix of inverter-based DERs and synchronous generator-based DERs. Furthermore, all possible microgrid cluster formations are studied for finding the most robust microgrid islanding strategies.
A Comparison of Numerical Solution Techniques for the Stochastic Analysis of Nonstationary, Transient, Subsurface Mass Transport

Abstract Stochastic methods are applied to the analysis and prediction of large-scale solute transport in saturated heterogeneous porous media. A set of coupled partial differential equations describing the propagation of the concentration mean and covariance is dereived from the classifical adviction-dispersion equation. In this dervation it is assumed that the unknown spatial distribution of the under lying steady-state groundwater velocity field. The coupled set of concentration moment equations maintains the general form of a transport equation, and must be solved numerically. Both an iterative principal direction finite el ement algorithm, and an iterative conventional Galerkin finite element algorithm are devel oped to solvel the equations. The performance of the sesolution algorithms is verified by Monte Carlo simulation, and the accuracy, efficiency, and computer storage requirements of the three solution techniques are conrasted.
Efficacy and Safety of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors During Elective Coronary Revascularization A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Performed in the Era of Stents and Thienopyridines

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Studies have documented that GPIs are useful during PCI; however, much of this research was conducted before the routine use of coronary stents and thienopyridines. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane clinical trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception for studies that randomly assigned patients undergoing elective PCI to a GPI versus control. Trials were included if stents and thienopyridines were used routinely and clinical outcomes were reported. Outcomes were assessed within 30 days. A DerSimonian-Laird model was used to construct random effects summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Our search yielded 22 studies with 10,123 patients. The incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction was 5.1% with GPI versus 8.3% with control (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.79, p Conclusions In the current era of elective PCI performed with stents and thienopyridines, GPIs provide clinical benefit. These agents reduce nonfatal myocardial infarction without a notable increase in major bleeding; however, they increase the risk of minor bleeding. All-cause mortality is not reduced.
Mental Health Among Farmworkers in the Eastern United States

Farmworker mental health research is sparse, particularly in the eastern United States. Nevertheless, available evidence suggests that 20–50% of farmworkers have poor mental health as indicated by elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety, frequent heavy alcohol consumption, or recent experiences of lay-defined illnesses like susto or nervios. Farmworkers’ poor mental health likely results from a variety of structural and social factors, including the absence of fixed-term permanent employment, poverty-level wages, separation from family and community for extended periods of time, and hostile attitudes toward immigrants. The challenge of poor mental health is exaggerated by the relative absence of mental health services for farmworkers and farmworker advocates’ inability to initiate and sustain policy changes to better protect and treat mental health. Collectively, the available evidence suggests that farmworker mental health is a multifaceted social justice issue, especially in the eastern US.