cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) Infection in Reproductives of Red Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Its Implication for Intercolony Transmission

The natural mechanism of intercolony transmission of Thelohania solenopsae, a pathogen of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, is unknown. However, T. solenopsae can be transmitted by introducing infected brood into an uninfected colony. We hypothesized that the transfer of brood among colonies during intercolony competition may be a mechanism for the horizontal transmission of T. solenopsae. Male and female reproductive caste alates, collected during the initiation of mating flights from infected colonies, had T. solenopsae infection rates of 93 and 75%, respectively. In addition, 47 field-collected, newly mated queens that were reared in the laboratory established T. solenopsae-infected colonies that contained egg, larvae, pupae, and adults. Because T. solenopsae is transovarially transmitted, this indicated that infected founding queens generated infected colonies. A life span of ≤52 wk was documented for 81% of the infected queens and 59% for uninfected queens. To determine whether imported fire ant colonies can become infected with T. solenopsae via colony raiding, seven pairs of S. invicta colonies consisting of large, uninfected and small, infected colonies were given access to each other in the laboratory. T. solenopsae infection was detected in four of seven of the large colonies. In the four large, infected colonies, brood levels declined an average of 64% after 22 wk in contrast to a 116% increase in the controls. Thus, there was evidence that incipient, T. solenopsae-infected colonies could provide a source of inocula for the horizontal transmission of T. solenopsae through the transfer of brood during colony raiding.
A Boundary Element Model For Indoor AirQuality Simulation

A boundary element method (BEM) is used with a Lagrangian particle transport technique (LPT) to simulate indoor dispersion of contaminants. The BEM is used to create a simple mass-conservative velocity field within a building interior or room; the LPT employs a stochastic/random walk approach to generate a feasible dispersion pattern for contaminants released within the interior. The model provides a quick estimate of the potential dispersion pattern and flow field within a building interior. The use of the BEM and particle transport techniques permits irregular geometry, typical of interiors within buildings, to be easily simulated, and executes quickly on PCs.
Stability of the Solid Electrolyte Interface on the Li Electrode in Li-S Batteries.

By means of high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, the concentration of sulfur and polysulfides was determined in nonaqueous electrolytes. The stability of sulfur and Li in eight electrolytes was studied quantitatively. It was found that sulfur reacted with Li in most of the commonly used electrolytes for lithium–sulfur batteries. The reaction products between sulfur and Li were qualitatively identified. In some cases, the solid electrolyte interface on the Li can successfully prevent the interaction between S and Li; however, it was found that the solid electrolyte interface was damaged by polysulfide ions.
Management of Political Influence: Gerrymandering in the 1980s

This article develops an analytical model of partisan redistricting (gerrymandering) in which control of state government is used to promote party and incumbent goals. The model suggests that elected officials confront a tradeoff between margins of victory for their party's House candidates and the number of seats captured. Aregression analysis of 1982 House election results provides empirical support for the model. The findings indicate that a complete reversal of party control of state government prior to redistricting would make it possible for the dominant party to gain 6% to 7% additional House seats, and would permit it to protect between 17% and 25% of its candidates from significant challenges from the other party. Studies which attempt to measure the presence of gerrymandering by concentrating on one measure or the other, but not both, will underestimate the effectiveness of redistricting as a partisan tool.
The High Temperature Stability and Relaxation of UHV/CVD SiGe Thin Films

ABSTRACT: High temperature (950° C) annealing is used to stimulate relaxation in UHV/CVD SiGe thin films. It is found that the films are stable to thicknesses which exceed the stability criterion of Matthews and Blakeslee [1] by a small amount. In unstable films, the misfit dislocation density increases with annealing time, reaching a maximum value. For films which exceed the empirical stability criterion by a relatively small amount, the misfit dislocations relax the film to a strain given by the film thickness and the empirical stability criterion. However, large remnant strains are observed when the relaxation process introduces relatively high dislocation densities (≳5 misfits/micron). Associated with large remnant strains are a marked propensity for dislocation banding and looping deep into the substrate with extended annealing. These results are discussed with respect to the magnitude of the misfit dislocation nucleation barrier and the energy associated with interactions among misfit dislocations.
Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution Causes Vascular Insulin Resistance by Inducing Pulmonary Oxidative Stress

Background:Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to ambient air fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the m...
Exploring the Use of Technology among U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans

Healthcare outreach via the Internet requires users to have a working understanding of computers, the Internet, and the media source used (such as a social network). However, little is known about computer, Internet, and social networking (CISN) use among U.S. military service members and veterans. The aim of this investigation was to explore CISN use among U.S. military active duty and veteran service members. Volunteers completed a CISN self-report survey (n=203). Chi-square tests and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients revealed home computer use of 12 ± 14.1 hrs/wk and work computer use of 20.4 ± 18.4 hrs/wk. Self-reports revealed 85.2% operating at a self-reported intermediate, advanced, or expert computer skill level (n = 149), 91.2% with intermediate, advanced, or expert Internet proficiency, and 73.3% using social media. Older subjects 60+ used CISN less than those ≤ 59 (p<.05). While the majority of participants appeared to have sufficient internet skills to participate in Internet hea...
Microsphere-Based Osteochondral Scaffolds Carrying Opposing Gradients Of Decellularized Cartilage And Demineralized Bone Matrix.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) “raw materials” such as demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and cartilage matrix have emerged as leading scaffolding materials for osteochondral regeneration owing to their capacity to facilitate progenitor/resident cell recruitment, infiltration, and differentiation without adding growth factors. Scaffolds comprising synthetic polymers are sturdy yet generally lack cues for guiding cell differentiation. We hypothesized that opposing gradients of decellularized cartilage (DCC) and DBM in polymeric microsphere-based scaffolds would provide superior regeneration compared to polymer-only scaffolds in vivo. Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere-based scaffolds were fabricated, either with opposing gradients of DCC and DBM encapsulated (GRADIENT) or without DCC and DBM (BLANK control), and implanted into rabbit osteochondral defects in medial femoral condyles. After 12 weeks, gross morphological evaluation showed that the repair tissue in about 30% of the implants was eith...
Wearable sensors for gait pattern examination in glaucoma patients

This paper presents a wearable wireless sensor system designed for real-time gait pattern analysis in glaucoma patients. Many clinical studies have reported that glaucoma patients experienced mobility issues such as walking slowly and bumping into obstacles frequently. The gait attributes of glaucoma patients, however, have not been studied in the literature. We design and develop a shoe-integrated sensing system for objective bio-information collection, utilize signal processing algorithms for feature estimation and leverage machine learning as well as statistical analysis approaches for gait pattern examination. The developed sensor platform is utilized in a randomized clinical trial conducted at UCLA Stein Eye Institute with 19 participants. Our trial involved both glaucoma patients and age-matched healthy participants performing a series of gait tests. With the captured sensor data, we develop signal processing and machine learning algorithms to provide a quantitative comparison between gait characteristics in older adults with and without glaucoma. Our results demonstrate that machine learning algorithms achieve an accuracy of over 80% in distinguishing extracted gait features of those with glaucoma from healthy individuals. Our results also demonstrate significant difference between two groups based on extracted gait features. In particular, several features are highly discriminative with a p-value of less than11010.
Recruiting bereaved parents for research after infant death in the neonatal intensive care unit

Understanding parental experiences following infant death in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a high research priority and a necessary first step to improving health services. However, recruiting bereaved parents to discuss their experiences on such an extremely sensitive topic can be challenging and research procedures must be planned carefully in order to get an adequate sample. There is little published in the literature detailing specific strategies for recruiting bereaved parents for grief research, especially strategies for contacting parents and identifying factors that might affect participation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of recruiting bereaved parents into a qualitative research study exploring parental NICU experiences and grief responses following infant death. We describe a successful recruitment plan that led to the enrollment of difficult to recruit participants such as fathers, and individuals representing minorities and those from lower socioeconomic (SES) groups. Bereaved parents of infants after an NICU hospitalization should continue to be recruited for research studies for their unique perspectives and valuable insights about the devastating experience of infant death. Participants in this study reported more benefits than harm and the results addressed a critical gap in the literature.
Differentiation of Constriction and Restriction: Complex Cardiovascular Hemodynamics.

AbstractDifferentiation of constrictive pericarditis (CP) from restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a complex and often challenging process. Because CP is a potentially curable cause of heart failur...
A phase I study of cilengitide and paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Cilengitide is a potent and selective inhibitor of the integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5. The primary objective of this phase I clinical trial was to establish the maximum tolerated dose and determine safety/tolerability of cilengitide in combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives included the evaluation of the preliminary clinical outcomes. Patients with advanced solid tumors experiencing disease progression on standard treatment were assigned to two different dose levels of cilengitide (2000 mg intravenously once or twice weekly) in combination with fixed-dose, weekly paclitaxel (90 mg/m2 intravenously). Twelve evaluable patients were treated per protocol. A single dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of grade 4 neutropenia was observed at the starting dose level of once weekly cilengitide. There were no grade ≥3 adverse events that occurred with >10% frequency. One patient achieved a partial response to therapy. Five patients experienced stable disease as best response, 3 of which discontinued study participation due to progressive, peripheral neuropathy. Cilengitide in combination with paclitaxel was well tolerated. Antitumor activity was observed. The recommended phase II dose is twice weekly cilengitide (2000 mg) with weekly paclitaxel (90 mg/m2). Further studies evaluating drugs that target this pathway are warranted.
Abstract 174: The Origin Of Cardiac Fibroblasts During Normal Development And After Injury

Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in the heart. They play a critical role in maintaining normal myocardial function as well as mediating fibrosis that occurs upon pathological injury. However, the source of cardiac fibroblasts during development and after the injury in the adult heart remains poorly characterized. The lack of cardiac fibroblast-specific markers has limited our ability to isolate or track them during normal development and in response to cardiac injury. Here, we define cardiac fibroblasts as mesenchymal cells with a surface-marker profile of CD45-/CD31-/Ter119-/CD11b-/Thy1.1+ /Thy1.2+. We used lineage tracing, transplantation studies, and parabiosis surgeries to identify the cellular origins of cardiac fibroblasts and their contribution to fibrosis during pathological injury induced by pressure overload. We show that fibrosis is associated with proliferation of fibroblasts within 7 days after pressure overload injury with no evidence of bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cells contributing to the cardiac fibroblast population. We then used the transgenic mouse models Tie2cre;mTmG, Tbx18cre;mTmG, and Pax3cre;mTmG to lineage trace the origin of fibroblasts from the epicardium, endothelial and the neural crest, respectively. By using fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunostaining, we demonstrate that the majority of cardiac fibroblasts are derived from the epicardium, a minority arises from endothelial cells, and a small fraction from the neural crest. Although we observed an increase in the total number of fibroblasts after pressure overload injury, this response was not restricted to any single developmental subset. In summary, our findings show that the majority of the cardiac fibroblasts, during normal development as well as in response to pathological injury, are derived from the epicardium via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition and neural crest sources also contribute to fibroblast generation and the progression of pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis.
Do Halogen–Hydrogen Bond Donor Interactions Dominate the Favorable Contribution of Halogens to Ligand–Protein Binding?

Halogens are present in a significant number of drugs, contributing favorably to ligand-protein binding. Currently, the contribution of halogens, most notably chlorine and bromine, is largely attributed to halogen bonds involving favorable interactions with hydrogen bond acceptors. However, we show that halogens acting as hydrogen bond acceptors potentially make a more favorable contribution to ligand binding than halogen bonds based on quantum mechanical calculations. In addition, bioinformatics analysis of ligand-protein crystal structures shows the presence of significant numbers of such interactions. It is shown that interactions between halogens and hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) are dominated by perpendicular C-X···HBD orientations. Notably, the orientation dependence of the halogen-HBD (X-HBD) interactions is minimal over greater than 100° with favorable interaction energies ranging from -2 to -14 kcal/mol. This contrasts halogen bonds in that X-HBD interactions are substantially more favorable, being comparable to canonical hydrogen bonds, with a smaller orientation dependence, such that they make significant, favorable contributions to ligand-protein binding and, therefore, should be actively considered during rational ligand design.
Benign Liver Tumors

This article discusses the most important benign liver tumors, both in adult and pediatric patients. A pathologic discussion of each neoplasm is included to provide a basis for understanding the radiologic-pathologic correlation that is used throughout the monograph. The benign liver tumors are presented according to their frequency. Therefore, hemangioma, the most common primary benign liver neoplasm, is discussed first, followed by focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and the benign primary pediatric tumors--infantile hemangioendothelioma and mesenchymal hamartoma. Finally, a brief discussion of nodular regenerative hyperplasia and other rare hepatic masses is included. Bile duct cyst (simple, non-parasitic cyst of the liver) is not included since it is not a neoplasm. Likewise, cystadenoma is not discussed since it originates from the biliary duct cell and is appropriately included in the biliary neoplasms category.
A Geophysical Model for the Origin of Volcano Vent Clusters in a Colorado Plateau Volcanic Field

Variation in spatial density of Quaternary volcanic vents, and the occurrence of vent clusters, correlate with boundaries in Proterozoic crust in the Springerville volcanic field (SVF), Arizona, USA. Inverse modeling using 538 gravity measurements shows that vent clusters correlate with gradients in the gravity field due to lateral variation in crustal density. These lateral discontinuities in the crustal density can be explained by boundaries in the North American crust formed during Proterozoic accretion. Spatial density of volcanic vents is low in regions of high-density Proterozoic crust, high in areas of relatively low-density Proterozoic crust, and is greatest adjacent to crustal boundaries. Vent alignments parallel these boundaries. We have developed 2D and 3D numerical models of magma ascent through the crust to simulate long-term, average magma migration that led to the development of vent clusters in the SVF, assuming that a viscous fluid flow through a porous media is statistically equivalent to magma migration averaged over geological time in the full field scale. The location and flux from the uniform magma source region are boundary conditions of the model. Changes in model diffusivity, associated with changes in the bulk properties of the lithosphere, can simulate preferential magma migration paths and alter estimated magma flux at the surface, implying that large-scale crustal structures, such as inherited tectonic block boundaries, influence magma ascent and clustering of volcanic vents. Probabilistic models of volcanic hazard for distributed volcanic fields can be improved by identifying crustal structures and assessing their impact on volcano distribution with the use of numerical models.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis in baboons through an exclusive effect on the p55 receptor

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can bind to two distinct transmembrane receptors, the p55 and p75 TNF receptors. We compared the capability of two mutant TNF proteins with exclusive affinity for the p55 or p75 TNF receptor with that of wild type TNF, to activate the hemostatic mechanism in baboons. Both activation of the coagulation system, monitored by the plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes, and activation of the fibrinolytic system (plasma levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type I), were of similar magnitude after intravenous injection of wild type TNF or the TNF mutant with affinity only for the p55 receptor. Likewise, wild type TNF and the TNF p55 specific mutant were equally potent in inducing neutrophil degranulation (plasma levels of elastase-alpha 1-antitrypsin complexes). Wild type TNF tended to be a more potent inducer of secretory phospholipase A2 release than the p55 specific TNF mutant. Administration of the TNF mutant binding only to the p75 receptor did not induce any of these responses. We conclude that TNF-Induced stimulation of coagulation, fibrinolysis, neutrophil degranulation, and release of secretory phospholipase A2 are predominantly mediated by the p55 TNF receptor.
Training of Operating Room Technician and Nurses in Robotic Surgery

Over the last several decades, there has been much technological advancement in the operating room. Laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was introduced over 20 years ago as an alternative to open surgery, and many surgical procedures can now be performed this way. However, some procedures have proven to be difficult to do in a pure laparoscopic environment.
- HiFi: A Unified Architecture for High Fan-in Systems (System Demonstration)

Advances in data acquisition and sensor technologies are leading towards the development of “High Fan-in” architectures: widely distributed systems whose edges consist of numerous receptors such as sensor networks and RFID readers and whose interior nodes consist of traditional host computers organized using the principle of successive aggregation. Such architectures pose significant new data management challenges. The HiFi system, under development at UC Berkeley, is aimed at addressing these challenges. We demonstrate an initial prototype of HiFi that uses data stream query processing to acquire, filter, and aggregate data from multiple devices including sensor motes, RFID readers, and low power gateways organized as a High Fan-in system.
Electroluminescence at low voltage

It is usual to distinguish between the intrinsic and the injection electroluminescence, also because of the differences of the threshold voltages of their lightings. There is no foundation for this distinction because the orders of the threshold voltages of the two groups agree with each other. The electroluminescent phenomena of evaporated ZnS layers at low voltages can be well described also by regularities characteristic of the Mott—Shottky-type barriers. The existing measuring data are not detailed enough to serve as check of the correctness of the various theoretical hypotheses.
Small-Bowel Myeloid Sarcoma Presenting as A Relapse Case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Granulocytic sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor of primitive granulocytic cells. It can develop at any anatomic site and is often a prelude to the development of Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia. Granulocytic sarcoma of the small intestine presents with abdominal pain and obstruction. We report a case of a 17 year old boy who presented with epigastric pain. His endoscopy revealed nodular duodenal mucosa and an area of ulcerated exophytic growth in the small bowel. Histopathology and flow cytometery confirmed the diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma associated with acute myelogenous leukaemia. This case merits interest because of rarity of presentation and thorough clinical and laboratory work up.
Activity of Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl on Fall Panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.) and Nealley's Sprangletop (Leptochloa nealleyi Vasey)

A glasshouse study was established at Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge, LA, to evaluate the control of fall panicum and Nealley's sprangletop treated with florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Florpyrauxifen was applied at 30 g ai ha-1 to each grass species at the three- to four-leaf and oneto two-tiller stages of growth. At 21 d after treatment (DAT), fall panicum control was 91% when treated with florpyrauxifen at the three- to four-leaf stage, and Nealley's sprangletop control was 78% to 82%, regardless of application timing 21 DAT. Leaf number, tiller number, plant height, and plant fresh weight were reduced when fall panicum and Nealley's sprangletop were treated with florpyrauxifen. This information can be useful for developing weed management strategies with this herbicide for rice production, and it provides an additional mode of action to help manage and/or delay the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.Nomenclature: Florpyrauxifen-benzyl [benzyl-4-amino-3- chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)- 5-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylate]; fall panicum, Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.; Nealley's sprangletop, Leptochloa nealleyi Vasey; rice, Oryza sativa L.
Copper-Doped Zinc Telluride Thin-Films as a Back Contact for Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaics

With research scale CdTe devices reaching efficiencies over 22%, thin-film CdTe solar cells are part of a growing industry. ZnTe with copper doping can improve overall device efficiency through enhancements in open-circuit voltage and fill-factor. ZnTe has been credited with good device performance and improved device stability. ZnTe displays a promising route for further device improvement. Exploration of ZnTe as a back contact was done with and without copper doping. Devices were characterized to determine how to further improve the incorporation of ZnTe into CdSeTe/ CdTe devices.
Algal lipid extraction using confined impinging jet mixers

Abstract We show that confined impinging jet mixers (CIJMs) improve lipid extraction from microalgae. CIJMs turbulently mix organic solvent into algae suspensions. Turbulent flow shrinks the Kolmogorov length between algae cells and organic solvent, accelerating lipid diffusion and increasing lipid yield. Lipid extraction from Synechococcus Elongatus, for example, into hexane obtains yields similar to the performance of Bligh and Dyer methods using stronger chloroform and methanol solvent cocktails but much faster. Lipid yield does not vary significantly with the concentration of algae feedstock in the tested algae concentration range, implying that algae culture may be used directly as feedstock to CIJMs without intervening dewatering steps. Algal biocrude obtained from CIJMs converts successfully into biodiesel, and cascades of CIJMs increase the net lipid production. CIJMs provide fast lipid extraction, suggesting compelling opportunities to use CIJMs for extraction generally.
Development and Application of Advanced High Energy Lasers

This essay describes recent developments in advanced laser technology that make it possible to scale short wavelength lasers to the very high pulse energies required for a variety of national security applications. The first section describes the essential physics and technology of excimer lasers, particularly the key factors that guide their scaling to very high energies. The second section discusses recent developments in optics that permit these energies to be temporally compressed for fusion studies or combined for defense applications. The final section discusses the issues involved in further scaling, concluding that there are currently no serious technology, engineering, or cost barriers to scaling advanced lasers to the megajoule level.
Impact of Venous Collaterals on Clinical Outcomes in Paget-Schroetter Syndrome.

Abstract Purpose To characterize the degree of venous collateralization before and after endovascular therapy and determine the effect of collateralization on success of thrombolysis and rate of repeat intervention in patients with Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective study of 37 extremities in 36 patients (mean age, 32.64 y; range, 15–72 y; 24 men) with PSS treated with endovascular therapy from 2007 through 2017 was conducted. Venograms at presentation, after lysis, postoperatively, and at each repeat intervention were graded for venous stenosis, thrombus burden, and collateralization on a 5-point scale. Collateralization was classified as high-grade (9 extremities) or low-grade (28 extremities) based on grading of the venograms at presentation. Results Primary technical success rate for endovascular treatment was 100%. Eighty-six percent of patients (32 of 37) underwent thrombolysis, 91% (34 of 37) underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and 83% (30 of 37) underwent balloon angioplasty. Overall primary patency rate was 50% at 12 months. The repeat intervention rate within 12 months was significantly higher for extremities with high- vs low-grade collateralization (89% vs 43%; P = .016). There was a significant decrease in the median grade of collateral severity after initial intervention (2 vs 1; P = .044) and 1 day postoperatively (2 vs 1; P = .040) vs the venogram at presentation. Conclusions Severity of venous collateralization on the venogram at presentation of patients with PSS does not appear to affect success of endovascular therapy but may predict long-term patency of affected extremities. Patients in this cohort with severe collateralization on presentation were more likely to need repeat intervention.
Protein Metabolism and Erythropoiesis. II. Erythropoietin Formation and Erythroid Responsiveness in Protein-deprived Rats

(1) Rats on a normal and non-protein diet were hypertransfused to suppress their endogenous erythropoietin formation. Injection of erythropoietin elicited nearly identical increases in radioiron incorporation in the two dietary groups. (2) Normal and protein-starved rats were exposed to lowered atmospheric pressure. At each level of hypoxia the erythropoietin titer in the plasma of protein-starved rats were significantly lower than those in normal diet groups. (3) Re-proteinization resulted in significant increases in erythropoietin level. (4) It is concluded that protein deficiency does not affect cytoplasmic protein synthesis in erythroid precursors directly, and the depression of erythropoiesis is attributed to a diminished formation of erythropoietin.
A Slight Improvement to the Colored Bárány's Theorem

Suppose $d+1$ absolute continuous probability measures $m_0, \ldots, m_d$ on $\mathbb{R}^d$ are given. In this paper, we prove that there exists a point of $\mathbb{R}^d$ that belongs to the convex hull of $d+1$ points $v_0, \ldots, v_d$ with probability at least $\frac{2d}{(d+1)!(d+1)}$, where each point $v_i$ is sampled independently according to probability measure $m_i$.
A Dual-Band Origami FSS

A dual-band origami FSS design and its performance analysis for the case of normal incident wave is presented in this work. As an origami structure, a Miura-Ori geometry is chosen for the implementation of a rhombic loop FSS. This FSS shows a dual frequency band stop characteristic at its flat state. Exploiting the ability of the origami pattern to fold/unfold, the two frequency bands are appropriately adjusted for both TE and TM polarizations.
Fundraising in academic libraries: Looking back and defining new questions

Abstract This is the first study since the 1990's that solicits information about fundraising activity from a broad representation of academic libraries in the United States. Survey questions were adapted from previous studies to identify how this practice has evolved over the last twenty-five years. Results provide insight into prevalent conditions including the investment made in fundraising, common giving opportunities, the level of involvement of academic partners and leaders and the most common constituency groups who give and volunteer. This high-level view of fundraising activity in academic libraries establishes a foundation that can guide further research on this topic and points to an urgent need to revise academic library fundraising strategies and investment.
Memory vs. Storage Software and Hardware: The Shifting Landscape

With emerging workflows incorporating both modeling and simulation scale-up workloads along with large scale data analytics and machine learning scale-out workloads, new machine architectures that can support both simultaneously is essential. New memory technologies, such as the persistent memory modules supported by the latest Intel chips offer a persistent storage device accessible on the memory bus. This newly available technology niche offers an opportunity to multipurpose a memory/storage tier. Further, with traditional storage moving to solid state technology, where to divide between memory and storage is less clear. NVMe and other high-performance storage devices offer extreme storage performance at increasingly affordable prices allowing them to masquerade as slow memory. Which of these devices should be considered memory and which storage varies with the workload. The software infrastructure to better support these hybrid technologies is crucial for widespread adoption.
Medtronic v. Lohr: For Want of a Word, the Patient Was Almost Lost - Fixing the Mischief Caused in Cipollone by Dividing the Preemption Stream

In Medtronic v. Lohr, a woman was injured when a pacemaker implanted in her chest suddenly failed. She survived and brought the traditional common law product liability causes of action. The manufacturer of the defective medical device argued that these causes of action -- failure to warn, manufacturing defect, and design defect -- were preempted by the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 (MDA). The manufacturer relied on the language of section 360(k) of the MDA which, similar to the Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969, contained the word “requirement.” The article examines Medtronic and offers a proposal for resolving the preemption issue left open by the Court, by providing a definition for the word “requirement” in the MDA.
Sweet Casa Alabama (and Arizona, and...): Examining the Economic Outcomes of State Immigration Reform

This paper looks at the labor market impacts of two frequently implemented state immigration policies that target undocumented immigrants: E-Verify and “Show Me Your Papers” (SMYP). I find that immigration reform reduces employment and hourly wages among undocumented men but has few if any benefits for the low-skilled workers with whom undocumented immigrants are most likely to compete for jobs. I also show that immigration reform has a large, negative impact on state GDP, especially in industries that rely more heavily on undocumented workers.
Investigation of the relationship between bacteria counts, bedding characteristics and bedding management practices with udder health and milk quality on dairy farms:

High levels of bacteria in bedding (bedding bacteria counts; BBC) are associated with increased bacteria loads on teat ends and, in some reports, with an increased risk for environmental mastitis infections. However, relatively few studies have investigated the relationship between BBC and udder health, and science-based guidelines are lacking to interpret BBC culture results in different bedding materials. Therefore, the primary goal of our study is to conduct a multi-state, multi-herd cross-sectional observational study to describe the relationship between bedding bacteria counts and udder health and to identify cutpoints for interpreting BBC data. A secondary objective is to identify bedding characteristics and bedding management strategies that are associated with lower BBC and improved udder health. In this abstract we present preliminary results that describe BBC in new and used bedding samples collected from herds using new sand (NS), reclaimed sand (RS), manure solids (MS) or other organic bedding materials (OB).
Covert Message Passing over Public Internet Platforms Using Model-Based Format-Transforming Encryption

We introduce a new type of format-transforming encryption where the format of ciphertexts is implicitly encoded within a machine-learned generative model. Around this primitive, we build a system for covert messaging over large, public internet platforms (e.g., Twitter). Loosely, our system composes an authenticated encryption scheme, with a method for encoding random ciphertext bits into samples from the generative model's family of seed-indexed token-distributions. By fixing a deployment scenario, we are forced to consider system-level and algorithmic solutions to real challenges -- such as receiver-side parsing ambiguities, and the low information-carrying capacity of actual token-distributions -- that were elided in prior work. We use GPT-2 as our generative model so that our system cryptographically transforms plaintext bitstrings into natural-language covertexts suitable for posting to public platforms. We consider adversaries with full view of the internet platform's content, whose goal is to surface posts that are using our system for covert messaging. We carry out a suite of experiments to provide heuristic evidence of security and to explore tradeoffs between operational efficiency and detectability.
An important contribution to our understanding of the performance of the current generation of metal-on-metal hip replacements.

It is hard to overstate the importance of implant retrieval analysis in the development of successful orthopaedic devices. Given the enormous complexity of the musculoskeletal system, no amount of preclinical testing, joint simulation, and analytic modeling can fully predict the performance of orthopaedic implants. Despite the application of the most sophisticated methodologies available during the 1990s when so-called alternative bearings were being developed for total hip arthroplasty, there was insufficient information to predict, among other things, squeaking of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings and the adverse local tissue reactions that have been widely reported in association with metal-on-metal bearings. Implant retrieval analyses provide important and unique insights into the in situ performance of orthopaedic devices and provide critical clues into mechanisms of failure and success, the latter being determined by postmortem retrieval analyses. The findings from implant retrieval studies also provide the necessary end points for implant designers to develop preclinical testing models. Biomechanical testing, joint simulations, and analytic modeling will only be predictive of implant performance if the failure mechanisms, or end points, of the testing and modeling are congruent with the failure mechanisms observed on retrieved devices. The study by Hart et al. is an important contribution to our understanding of the performance of the …
Anti-viral effects of CGRP in mixed glial cells infected with LP-BM5 virus (VIR5P.1022)

LP-BM5 retrovirus infection is an established murine model used to study HIV infection in humans due to that susceptible strains of mice (including C57BL/6(B6) mice) develop immunodeficiency syndrome (termed as MAIDS) following LP-BM5 infection. Previously, we observed that calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP), a neuropeptide produced primarily by sensory neurons, reduced LP-BM5 viral loads in infected mixed glial cells (primarily astrocytes and microglia). The mechanism through which CGRP decreases the viral loads is still not known. To elucidate the role of CGRP in glial LP-BM5 infection, we first determined that CGRP did not induce an increased cell death post-infection or directly decrease the viral infectivity. Then, we investigated whether CGRP could affect viral infectivity by enhancing the glycosylation of the cell receptor for viral attachment, murine cationic amino acid transporter 1 (mCAT-1). Our data indicate that blocking glycosylation by Tunicamycin did not affect CGRP’s anti-viral effects. Further, we tested the involvement of p38 MAPK pathway in CGRP-induced inhibitory effects. Preliminary experiment using a p38 inhibitor, SB203580, suggests a p38 mediated mechanism. Future studies will further elucidate the role of p38 and examine the role of other CGRP downstream pathways on LPBM5 infection.
Bipolar nebulae and mass loss from red giant stars

Observations of several bipolar nebulae are used to learn something of the nature of mass loss from the probable red-giant progenitors of these nebulae. Phenomena discussed are: probable fluorescent emission bands in the optical and infrared in HD 44179 and GL 2688’s optical molecular emissions; newly discovered very-high velocity knots along the axis of OH 0739–14 which reveal evidence for mass ejections of ±300 km/s from the M9 III star embedded in this nebula; the bipolar structure of three extreme carbon stars, and the evidence for periodic mass ejection in IRC+30219, also at high speed (about 80 km/s); the curious cool TiO-rich region above Parsamian 13 which may represent the very recent shedding of photospheric material from a cool, oxygen-rich giant. Several general key questions about bipolar nebulae, that relate to the process of mass loss from their progenitor stars, are raised.
Treatment of Childhood Medical Disorders

This chapter contains a discussion of four medical problems found in children: seizures, asthma, obesity, and hyperactivity. Although there is no common etiological thread for these four disorders, they are linked by the following: (1) they are prevalent among children; (2) the first line of therapy is generally through the pediatrician; (3) each problem can affect the child academically, socially, and medically; and (4) one of the first lines of treatment is generally the use of some pharmacological agent.
Drug-Alcohol Interactions in Older U.S. Adults.

Objectives To characterize the extent and nature of drug–alcohol interactions in older U.S. adults. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Community. Participants Nationally representative population-based sample of community-dwelling older adults (N = 2,975). Measurements Regular drinkers were defined as respondents who consumed alcohol at least weekly. Medication use was defined as the use of a prescription or nonprescription medication or dietary supplement at least daily or weekly. Micromedex was used to determine drug interactions with alcohol and their corresponding severity. Results One thousand one hundred six (41%) of the participants consumed alcohol regularly, and 567 (20%) were at-risk for a drug–alcohol interaction because they were regular drinkers and concurrently using alcohol-interacting medications. More than 90% of these interactions were of moderate or major severity. Antidepressants and analgesics were the most commonly used alcohol-interacting medications in regular drinkers. Older adult men with multiple chronic conditions had the highest prevalence of potential drug–alcohol interactions. Conclusion The potential for drug–alcohol interactions in the older U.S. adult population may have important clinical implications. Efforts to better understand and prevent the use of alcohol-interacting medications by regular drinkers, particularly heavy drinkers, are warranted in this population.
REGULATORY MUTANTS AT THE his1 LOCUS OF YEAST

The his1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae codes for phosphoribosyl transferase, an allosteric enzyme that catalyzes the initial step in histidine biosynthesis. Mutants that specifically alter the feedback regulatory function were isolated by selecting his1 prototrophic revertants that overproduce and excrete histidine. The prototrophs were obtained from diploids homoallelic for his1–7 and heterozygous for the flanking markers thr3 and arg6. Among six independently derived mutant isolates, three distinct levels of histidine excretion were detected. The mutants were shown to be second-site alterations mapping at the his1 locus by recovery of the original auoxtrophic parental alleles. The double mutants, HIS1–7e, are dominant with respect to catalytic function but recessive in regulatory function. When removed from this his1–7 background, the mutant regulatory site (HIS1–e) still confers prototrophy but not histidine excretion. To yield the excretion phenotype, the primary and altered secondary sites are required in cis array. Differences in histidine excretion levels correlate with resistance to the histidine analogue, triazoalanine.
BLINDNESS IN ICELAND

In a special survey 419 legally blind persons (corrected visual acuity 6/60 or less) were traced throughout the whole counntry at the end of the year 1979. The overall prevalence of legal blindness is 185.1 per 100000 population. By using the locomotor vision criteria (3/60) the number is 272 and the overall rate 120 per 100000. Two thirds of the legally blind and one third have no useful vision. The prevalence of legal blindness is highest in the oldest age groups and 50% of the total are over 80 years old. The most common causes of legal blindness are senile macular degeneration (39.6%), prenatal influence (19.3%), open angle glaucoma (17.7%). The blindness rate has decreased a great deal in the past three decades. This is due to a decreased incidence in glaucoma blindness. For years there had been no organized registration of the blind in Iceland and the number of visually handicapped people were therefore unknown. A study of legally blind and partially seeing children was done in 1978 (Halldorsson & Bjornsson 1980).
Mechanical properties and fracture behavior of interfacial alumina scales on plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings

AbstractThe mechanical properties and fracture behavior of Y-doped Al2O3 scales were investigated by furnace thermal cycling (to 1,150°C) of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with vacuum plasma-sprayed (VPS) or air plasma-sprayed (APS) Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y bond coatings. No significant alterations in Al2O3 hardness or Young’s modulus (as measured by mechanical properties microprobe) were detected as a function of bond coat type, exposure time, or number of thermal cycles. The interfacial Al2O3 scales on VPS NiCrAlY exhibited progressive increases in localized fracture, buckling, and delamination during thermal cycling. The concentration of arrayed lenticular voids in the columnar Al2O3 grain boundaries significantly increased during cyclic oxidation (as compared to isothermal oxidation), but only in scales which formed on convex surfaces, suggesting internal void growth was stress-related. The amount and frequency of scale damage was higher on convex surfaces with a relatively large radius of curv...
Patient-Centered Research: Predicting the Impact of Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Tuberculosis Vaccines in India.

PURPOSE: Although the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is widely used in many developing countries, it has limited efficacy in preventing tuberculosis (TB). Of the newer TB vaccines which are currently being developed, some are intended to prevent disease in uninfected persons (pre-exposure vaccines) and others are intended to prevent the development of disease in latently infected persons (post-exposure vaccines.) We predict the impact that mass vaccination campaigns with moderate to high efficacy pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccines would have on the TB epidemic in India. We calculate the effect that these vaccines would have on the the incidence of active TB and the death rate from TB in India over twenty years. METHODS: We use mathematical models to make our predictions. Two models of TB epidemics are developed to represent the population effects of pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccines. Each model includes the various ways in which a vaccine may be fail: immunity may be conferred to only some of those vaccinated; immunity may only be partially protective to those who acquire it; immunity may wane over time. Time-dependent uncertainty and sensitivity analysis is performed using latin hypercube sampling, a stratified form of Monte Carlo sampling. This analysis enables us to include uncertainty in multiple parameters and transform this into prediction uncertainty. The sensitivity analysis is carried out over time to determine the vaccine characteristics and population parameters most important in determining the vaccines'impact at different time intervals. RESULTS: The model reveals that in general a post-exposure vaccine will have greater impact than a pre-exposure vaccine on the incidence of active TB and death from TB. For example, if the initial annual incidence of active TB is 187 cases per 100,000 persons then a post-exposure vaccine which is applied to 60-90% of the population and which has 50–80% efficacy and an average waning time of 10–30 years will reduce the annual incidence by a median of 33.6% (2.5th percentile 18.3% - 97.5th 62.8%) over 20 years. In contrast a pre-exposure vaccine applied to a population with the same initial incidence and the same efficacy, coverage rate, and waning rate will reduce the incidence by a median of 16.5% (2.5th percentile 11.6% - 97.5th 24.3%) over 20 years. A post-exposure vaccine will also be more effective in reducing the death rate from TB over 20 years. CONCLUSION: A post-exposure vaccine is likely to make the greatest impact on reducing the rate of active TB and death from TB in India.