cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compact, efficient, low-cost diode power conditioning for laser inertial fusion energy

This year fusion ignition and gain are expected on the National Ignition Facility at LLNL. The pathway to inertial fusion energy begins by addressing high average power operation of the diode pumped solid state laser system, target chamber, target injection and tracking, target mass production, blanket, and the balance of plant. To meet efficiency requirements, the power conditioning for the laser diodes must be compact and efficient. A diode pulser has been designed to meet these specifications, operate efficiently, and provide a means to minimizing cost and size for the estimated 4.4 million pulsers needed for a power plant.
Circular Rydberg states of hydrogenlike systems in collinear electric and magnetic fields of arbitrary strengths: an exact analytical classical solution

We derived analytical expressions for the energy of classical Circular Rydberg States (CRS) in collinear electric (F) and magnetic (B) fields of arbitrary strengths. Previously published explicit expressions for the energy E were given only for the region of a weak electric field F and only in the limits of $B \to 0$ and $B \to \infty $ . We offered formulas for the dependence of the classical ionization threshold F c (B) and of the energy at this threshold E c (B) valid for the magnetic field B of an arbitrary strength. We also analyzed the stability of the motion by going beyond the CRS. In addition, for two important particular cases previously studied in the literature -- classical CRS in a magnetic field only and classical CRS in an electric field only -- we presented some new results as well.
Amine guest size and hydrogen-bonding influence the structures of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene inclusions

A novel structure involving a 2(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene)·3.5(1,4-butanediamine) inclusion compound shows amine sites both exo and endo to the cavity, with the amine hydrogen-bonding to itself as well as to the host hydroxyl groups; for bulky amines with large pKa values, steric factors are more important than basicity, and the formation of a 1∶1, high-symmetry host–guest structure is preferred over a low-symmetry hydrogen-bonded structure.
Renal functional outcomes for tumours in a solitary kidney managed by ablative or extirpative techniques.

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To present the renal functional outcomes for patients treated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for tumours in a solitary kidney, as renal masses in a solitary kidney present a challenging treatment dilemma. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review of institutional databases identified 89 patients with 98 renal tumours in a solitary kidney managed by RFA or OPN under cold ischaemia between January 1997 and September 2007. The choice of therapy was based on patient and surgeon preference, tumour characteristics and comorbidities. Renal function was calculated using the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. RESULTS Outcomes from 47 patients treated by RFA and 42 by OPN were analysed at a median follow-up of 18.1 and 30.0 months, respectively (P = 0.02). The median age (65.9 vs 59.6 years, P = 0.03) and American Society of Anesthesiology score (3.0 vs 2.0, P = 0.01) were both higher in patients treated with RFA. The median tumour size was greater for tumours managed by OPN (3.9 vs 2.8 cm, P = 0.001), while the median preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was lower in the RFA group (46.5 vs 55.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 for OPN, P = 0.04). Compared to RFA, patients treated with OPN had a greater decline in GFR at all times evaluated, including soon after the procedure (15.8% vs 7.1%), 12 months after surgery (24.5% vs 10.4%) and at the last follow-up (28.6% vs 11.4%, all P 60 or > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, there was a new onset of decline in GFR of <60 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 in none and 7% of patients after RFA, and in 35% and 17% after OPN. CONCLUSION Ablative techniques, which obviate ischaemic insults, might be a particularly attractive option for managing tumours in solitary renal units at risk of declining function. Renal functional outcomes compare favourably to extirpative surgery using cold ischaemia.
Effects of Interfacial Energetics on the Effective Surface Recombination Velocity of Si/Liquid Contacts

Photoconductivity decay data have been obtained for NH4F(aq)-etched Si(111) and for air-oxidized Si(111) surfaces in contact with solutions of methanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF), or acetonitrile containing either ferrocene+/0 (Fc+/0), [bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iron]+/0 (Me10Fc+/0), iodine (I2), or cobaltocene+/0 (CoCp2+/0). Carrier decay measurements were made under both low-level and high-level injection conditions using a contactless rf photoconductivity decay apparatus. When in contact with electrolyte solutions having either very positive (Fc+/0, I2/I-) or relatively negative (CoCp2+/0) Nernstian redox potentials with respect to the conduction-band edge of Si, Si surfaces exhibited low effective surface recombination velocities. In contrast, surfaces that were exposed only to N2(g) ambients or to electrolyte solutions that contained a mild oxidant (such as Me10Fc+/0) showed differing rf photoconductivity decay behavior depending on their different surface chemistry. Specifically, surfaces that pos...
A persymmetric modified-SMI algorithm

Abstract By exploring the covariance structure information to reduce the uncertainty in adaptive processing, this paper presents a Persymmetric Modified Sample Matrix Inversion algorithm (PMSMI), together with the closed-form expressions of probabilities of detection and false larm. The new algorithm, which requires less computation and has a Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) feature, can significantly outperform the corresponding unstructured MSMI, especially in a severely non-stationary/non-homogeneous interference environment.
The dynamic role of bone morphogenetic proteins in neural stem cell fate and maturation

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of powerful morphogens that are critical for development of the nervous system. The effects of BMP signaling on neural stem cells are myriad and dynamic, changing with each stage of development. During early development inhibition of BMP signaling differentiates neuroectoderm from ectoderm, and BMP signaling helps to specify neural crest. Thus modulation of BMP signaling underlies formation of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. BMPs secreted from dorsal structures then form a gradient which helps pattern the dorsal-ventral axis of the developing spinal cord and brain. During forebrain development BMPs sequentially induce neurogenesis and then astrogliogenesis and participate in neurite outgrowth from immature neurons. BMP signaling also plays a critical role in maintaining adult neural stem cell niches in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ). BMPs are able to exert such diverse effects through closely regulated temporospatial expression and interaction with other signaling pathways.
A boundary/interior element method for quasi-static and transient response analyses of shallow shells

Abstract Integral equations are derived for the representation of in-plane as well as transverse displacements of shallow shells undergoing small, quasi-static or dynamic deformations. A combined boundary/interior element method for static stress, free-vibration, and transient response analyses of shallow shells, based on these integral equations, is derived. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate not only the computational economy but also the superior accuracy realizable from the present approach, in contrast to the popular Galerkin finite element approach.
Rolling-circle transposons catalyze genomic innovation in a mammalian lineage.

Rolling-circle transposons (Helitrons) are a newly discovered group of mobile DNA widespread in plant and invertebrate genomes but limited to the bat family Vespertilionidae among mammals. Little is known about the long-term impact of Helitron activity because the genomes where Helitron activity has been extensively studied are predominated by young families. Here, we report a comprehensive catalog of vetted Helitrons from the 7× Myotis lucifugus genome assembly. To estimate the timing of transposition, we scored presence/absence across related vespertilionid genome sequences with estimated divergence times. This analysis revealed that the Helibat family has been a persistent source of genomic innovation throughout the vespertilionid diversification from approximately 30–36 Ma to as recently as approximately 1.8–6 Ma. This is the first report of persistent Helitron transposition over an extended evolutionary timeframe. These findings illustrate that the pattern of Helitron activity is akin to the vertical persistence of LINE retrotransposons in primates and other mammalian lineages. Like retrotransposition in primates, rolling-circle transposition has generated lineage-specific variation and accounts for approximately 110 Mb, approximately 6% of the genome of M. lucifugus. The Helitrons carry a heterogeneous assortment of host sequence including retroposed messenger RNAs, retrotransposons, DNA transposons, as well as introns, exons and regulatory regions (promoters, 5′-untranslated regions [UTRs], and 3′-UTRs) of which some are evolving in a pattern suggestive of purifying selection. Evidence that Helitrons have contributed putative promoters, exons, splice sites, polyadenylation sites, and microRNA-binding sites to transcripts otherwise conserved across mammals is presented, and the implication of Helitron activity to innovation in these unique mammals is discussed.
Home use of syrup of ipecac is associated with a reduction in pediatric emergency department visits.

Abstract Study objective: To determine whether home use of syrup of ipecac is safe and effective in reducing pediatric emergency department visits. Design: Retrospective, multicenter comparison based on secondary use of a large database. Participants: Children younger than 6 years after acute, accidental ingestion of a pharmaceutical product. Interventions: 1990 Data corresponding to the study patients from seven regional poison centers were obtained from the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Poison center management choices (particularly use of syrup of ipecac for home decontamination) and characteristics (distribution of pharmaceutical ingestions managed, work volume per staff, staff experience, and training of decision-making director) were analyzed for their impact on the decision to refer a patient to a health care facility or to manage the patient at home. Statistical techniques included weighted least-squares regression analysis using logistic transformation of dependent variables and the forward selection procedure. Adverse patient outcome was defined as moderate effect, major effect, or death (American Association of Poison Control Centers coding criteria). Results: In all, 55,436 children were included in the analysis (range, 3,839 to 12,691 per poison center). The distribution of medications ingested was similar among centers. Increased home use of syrup of ipecac, decreased frequency of ingestion of "high-risk" drugs, and increased staff experience were associated with decreased referral to a health care facility ( P Conclusion: Centers that recommended home use of syrup of ipecac more frequently were able to manage childhood poisoning more cost-effectively, without a decrease in safety. Although increased home management was strongly associated with syrup of ipecac use, the reason for this relationship cannot be determined from the data. Management by experienced professionals also contributed to cost-effectiveness. [Bond GR: Home use of syrup of ipecac is associated with a reduction in pediatric emergency department visits. Ann Emerg Med March 1995;25:338-343.]
Large Eddy Simulation for Turbulent Mixing in Elliptic Jets with Round Center-body

Separate-flow exhaust nozzle systems generate jets from round nozzles that include a conical plug. The present research shows results of unsteady simulations of turbulent hot jets issued from elliptic nozzles with a conic center-body. Three geometrical configurations of the elliptic nozzle are investigated keeping the same conic plug. All designs considered were intended to match the jet stream exit area, mass flow, and thrust of an existing round conical nozzle. The first configuration in the study (C1@3:1AR) was designed with the expectation of producing a jet which would take on a 3:1 aspect ratio (AR) elliptic crosssection downstream of the center-body. For a round conical plug nozzle the inner surface of the nozzle towards exit is axisymmetric with reference to the nozzle center-line and conical. Naturally, the elliptic plug nozzle is not axisymmetric. In the major axis plane the inner surface of the elliptic nozzle towards the exit has a slope close to zero, while in the minor axis plane the slope is steeper that it would be for a corresponding round nozzle. This forces the flow stream towards the conic plug in the minor axis plane. It was observed that the 3:1AR elliptic plug nozzle (C1@3:1AR) generates a bifurcated jet. The second and the third elliptic plug nozzle geometries (C2@3:1ARnf and C3@2:1ARnf) were intended to find how the jet behavior is influenced by not forcing the flow towards the conic plug in the minor axis plane and by changing the aspect ratio of the elliptic plug nozzle to 2:1. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach was used for the turbulence flow modeling. In the major axis plane the largest jet spreading was found for the 3:1AR elliptic plug nozzle (C1@3:1AR), while in the minor axis plane the jet exhausting from the 2:1AR elliptic plug nozzle (C3@2:1ARnf) spread the most. The numerical results obtained for the 3:1 AR elliptic jet configuration (C1@3:1AR) were compared with the experimental data obtained for the same setup using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). A good agreement was found between the LES results and the experimental measurements.
Cyclosporine and Infliximab as Rescue Therapy for Each Other in Patients With Steroid-Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Background & Aims In patients with severe corticosteroid-refractory ulcerative colitis, cyclosporine or infliximab may be added in an effort to induce remission. If the patient then fails either of these drugs, it is unknown whether success can be achieved by using the other agent. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of using cyclosporine after failure of infliximab, and vice versa. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 19 patients with corticosteroid-refractory ulcerative colitis who received either infliximab after failed cyclosporine or cyclosporine after failed infliximab. Acute salvage therapy was defined as having received the alternate drug within 4 weeks of discontinuing the first agent. Results Ten patients received infliximab after failing cyclosporine; 9 patients received cyclosporine after failing infliximab. Four patients (40%) in the infliximab-salvage group achieved remission, as did 3 (33%) in the cyclosporine-salvage group. Remission lasted a mean of 10.4 months (range, 4.4–17.03 mo) and 28.5 months (range, 5.0–41.5 mo), respectively. Severe adverse events included one patient who developed sepsis and died after receiving infliximab salvage. One patient who received cyclosporine salvage developed herpetic esophagitis, and another patient who received cyclosporine salvage developed pancreatitis and bacteremia. Conclusions In patients with severe corticosteroid-refractory ulcerative colitis who fail treatment with either cyclosporine or infliximab, remission rates using acute salvage therapy by crossing over to the other drug occur in approximately one third of patients and have limited duration. Serious adverse events occurred in 16%, including 1 death, suggesting that the risks of acute salvage therapy may outweigh the benefits.
Predicted variation of stress orientation with depth near an active fault: Application to the Cajon Pass Scientific Drillhole, southern California

Preliminary measurements of the stress orientation at a depth of 2 km in the Cajon Pass Scientific Drillhole, about 3.6 km from the San Andreas fault in southern California, indicate that the local direction of maximum compression is nearly normal to the fault zone. The measurements have been interpreted to indicate that the regional orientation of the maximum compression is normal to the fault, and taken as evidence for a very weak fault. The orientation of the regional maximum compression expected from plate tectonic arguments is about 66° NE from the strike of the fault. Geodetic data indicate that the orientation of maximum compressive strain rate is about 43° NE from the strike of the fault, and show nearly pure right-lateral shear acting parallel to the fault. These apparent conflicts in the inferred orientation of the axis of maximum compression may be explained in part by a model in which the fault zone is locked over a depth interval in the range of 2-5 to 15 km, but is very weak above and below that interval. An analytic solution for this model predicts orientations of the principal stresses that are nearly parallel or normal to the fault, for observations made close to the fault and above and below the locked zone, but an orientation consistent with plate tectonic estimates at depths corresponding to that of the locked interval. This solution does require, however, a few mm/yr of creep at the surface on the San Andreas or nearby sub-parallel faults (such as the San Jacinto), which has not yet been observed, or a shallow zone near the faults of distributed deformation.
Quantitative trait analysis of the development of pulmonary tolerance to inhaled zinc oxide in mice

Individuals may develop tolerance to the induction of adverse pulmonary effects following repeated exposures to inhaled toxicants. Previously, we demonstrated that genetic background plays an important role in the development of pulmonary tolerance to inhaled zinc oxide (ZnO) in inbred mouse strains, as assessed by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), macrophages, and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) phenotypes. The BALB/cByJ (CBy) and DBA/2J (D2) strains were identified as tolerant and non-tolerant, respectively. The present study was designed to identify candidate genes that control the development of pulmonary tolerance to inhaled ZnO. Genome-wide linkage analyses were performed on a CByD2F2 mouse cohort phenotyped for BAL protein, PMNs, and macrophages following 5 consecutive days of exposure to 1.0 mg/m3 inhaled ZnO for 3 hours/day. A haplotype analysis was carried out to determine the contribution of each quantitative trait locus (QTL) and QTL combination to the overall BAL protein phenotype. Candidate genes were identified within each QTL interval using the positional candidate gene approach. A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 1, as well as suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 4 and 5, for the BAL protein phenotype, was established. Suggestive QTLs for the BAL PMN and macrophage phenotypes were also identified on chromosomes 1 and 5, respectively. Analysis of specific haplotypes supports the combined effect of three QTLs in the overall protein phenotype. Toll-like receptor 5 (Tlr5) was identified as an interesting candidate gene within the significant QTL for BAL protein on chromosome 1. Wild-derived Tlr5-mutant MOLF/Ei mice were tolerant to BAL protein following repeated ZnO exposure. Genetic background is an important influence in the acquisition of pulmonary tolerance to BAL protein, PMNs, and macrophages following ZnO exposure. Promising candidate genes exist within the identified QTL intervals that would be good targets for additional studies, including Tlr5. The implications of tolerance to health risks in humans are numerous, and this study furthers the understanding of gene-environment interactions that are likely to be important factors from person-to-person in regulating the development of pulmonary tolerance to inhaled toxicants.
ANALYZING ARTERIAL STREETS IN NEAR-CAPACITY OR OVERFLOW CONDITIONS

Filtering and metering of traffic at highway bottlenecks influence delay and travel speeds along congested arterial streets. The current Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) method of analyzing urban arterial streets uses the filtering and metering adjustment factor I but does not give recommendations on how to adjust traffic volumes. An improved method of analyzing signalized arterial streets affected by bottlenecks is proposed. A set of equations has been derived to calculate the coefficient I and to adjust the traffic volumes. Conditions in which measured or predicted volumes should be adjusted and conditions in which they do not have to be adjusted are specified. The proposed method incorporates the effect of turning volumes, a feature not present in the current HCM method. A sensitivity analysis of travel speeds along an example signalized arterial street illustrates the filtering and metering effects and compares the results produced by the existing and proposed methods. The differences in the results are ...
Patient Risk Factors for Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Patients

Background Adverse drug events (ADEs) are common in hospitalized patients, but few empirical data are available regarding the strength of patient risk factors for ADEs. Methods We performed a nested case-control study within a cohort that included 4108 admissions to a stratified random sample of 11 medical and surgical units in 2 tertiary care hospitals during a 6-month period. Analyses were conducted on 2 levels: (1) using a limited set of variables available for all patients using computerized data available from 1 hospital and (2) using a larger set of variables for the case patients and matched controls from both hospitals. Case patients were patients with an ADE, and the matched control for each case patient was the patient on the same unit as the case patient with the most similar preevent length of stay. Main outcome measures were presence of an ADE, preventable ADE, or severe ADE. Results In the cohort analysis, electrolyte concentrates (odds ratio [OR], 1.7), diuretics (OR, 1.7), and medical admission (OR, 1.6) were independent correlates of ADEs. Independent correlates of preventable ADEs in the cohort analysis were low platelet count (OR, 4.5), antidepressants (OR, 3.3), antihypertensive agents (OR, 2.9), medical admission (OR, 2.2), and electrolyte concentrates (OR, 2.1). In the case-control analysis, exposure to psychoactive drugs (OR, 2.1) was an independent correlate of an ADE, and use of cardiovascular drugs (OR, 2.4) was independently correlated with severe ADEs. For preventable ADEs, no independent predictors were retained after multivariate analysis. Conclusions Adverse drug events occurred more frequently in sicker patients who stayed in the hospital longer. However, after controlling for level of care and preevent length of stay, few risk factors emerged. These results suggest that, rather than targeting ADE-prone individuals, prevention strategies should focus on improving medication systems.
A Randomized Trial of Facilitated Family-Centered Rounds

BACKGROUND: Family-centered rounds (FCR) are becoming the status quo for inpatient pediatric medical care; however, barriers still exist. The use of facilitators in FCR is gaining popularity. Although facilitators can increase comfort with FCR, the choice of preferred facilitator has not been studied by using rigorous methodology. In this study, we performed a randomized trial of facilitated FCR with bunnies and clowns, 2 commonly mentioned facilitators, and compared their results with the usual care condition. METHODS: The 3 floor teams were randomized to have rounds facilitated with bunnies and clowns or the usual care model facilitated by distracted residents and overbearing attending physicians. Infection control procedures were instituted. Outcome measures were parent satisfaction scores, use of anxiolytic agents during examinations as part of FCR, resident satisfaction, and the number of times presenters were interrupted by their attending. Differences between the experimental and control groups were analyzed by using t tests, χ2 statistics, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative analyses were also performed by using participant-observers. RESULTS: Bunnies had the best overall improvement in parent satisfaction, anxiety, and resident satisfaction. Both intervention groups were successful at reducing attending interruptions. The clown arm was suspended by the Data Safety Monitoring Board before study completion due to adverse events. DISCUSSION: Facilitated FCR has the potential to improve satisfaction among parents, patients, and residents, and to decrease attending interruptions. Care needs to be taken, however, to avoid unanticipated adverse effects from potentially emotionally damaging interventions. Tularemia was not identified in any of our treatment conditions.
The Role of Mites in Insect-Fungus Associations

The interactions among insects, mites, and fungi are diverse and complex but poorly understood in most cases. Associations among insects, mites, and fungi span an almost incomprehensible array of ecological interactions and evolutionary histories. Insects and mites often share habitats and resources and thus interact within communities. Many mites and insects rely on fungi for nutrients, and fungi benefit from them with regard to spore dispersal, habitat provision, or nutrient resources. Mites have important impacts on community dynamics, ecosystem processes, and biodiversity within many insect-fungus systems. Given that mites are understudied but highly abundant, they likely have bigger, more important, and more widespread impacts on communities than previously recognized. We describe mutualistic and antagonistic effects of mites on insect-fungus associations, explore the processes that underpin ecological and evolutionary patterns of these multipartite communities, review well-researched examples of the effects of mites on insect-fungus associations, and discuss approaches for studying mites within insect-fungus communities.
Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of Serum Proteins in Infancy and Pregnancy

Newborns have lower concentrations of certain serum protein fractions than do those children at age 1-2 years, and significant increases in estrogen-sensitive protein fractions are recognized in pregnancy. The acrylamide-gel vertical-slab electrophoretic technic requires minimal aliquots of serum and technically is not expensive. This technic appeared potentially useful in longitudinal comparisons of increasing protein fractions during infancy and as a screening test for absence of the normal gestational increases in estrogen-sensitive protein fractions in the α1-to α2-globulin zone.
Plasma concentrations of free triiodothyronine predict weight change in euthyroid persons

BACKGROUND Factors that influence energy metabolism and substrate oxidation, such as thyroid hormones (THs), may be important regulators of body weight. OBJECTIVE We investigated associations of THs cross-sectionally with obesity, energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation and prospectively with weight change. DESIGN Euthyroid, nondiabetic, healthy, adult Pima Indians (n = 89; 47 M, 42 F) were studied. Percentage body fat (%BF) was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), respiratory quotient, and substrate oxidation rates were measured in a respiratory chamber. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T(4)), free triiodothyronine (T(3)), and leptin concentrations were measured in fasting plasma samples. RESULTS TSH, but neither free T(3) nor free T(4), was associated with %BF and leptin concentrations (r = 0.27 and 0.29, respectively; both: P <or= 0.01). In multiple regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, fat mass, and fat-free mass, free T(3) was a positive predictor of SMR (P = 0.02). After adjustment for age, sex, %BF, and energy balance, free T(3) was a negative predictor of 24-h respiratory quotient (P < 0.05) and a positive predictor of 24-h lipid oxidation rate (P = 0.006). Prospectively, after an average follow-up of 4 +/- 2 y, the mean increase in weight was 3 +/- 9 kg. Baseline T(3) concentrations were associated with absolute and annual percentage of changes in weight (r = -0.27, P = 0.02, and r = -0.28, P = 0.009, for the age- and sex-adjusted associations, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In euthyroid Pima Indians, lower free T(3) but not free T(4) concentrations were an independent predictor of SMR and lipid oxidation and a predictor of weight gain. This finding indicates that control of T(4)-to-T(3) conversion may play a role in body weight regulation.
Effect of Supplementing the Diet of Man with Tocopherol on the Tocopherol Levels of Adipose Tissue and Plasma

S EVERAL investigators have shown that the tocopherol requirements in animals and birds are increased when their diets contain large aIflOunts of unsaturated fats.’ The same phenonienon might be expected to occur in man in which case greater attention than heretofore should be accorded to tocopherol intakes, particularly if it should prove reasonable to continue to advocate the ingestion of polyunsaturated fats.
Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection of the Central Nervous System Worsens Experimental Allergic Encephalitis

Experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE) is considered by many to be a model for human multiple sclerosis. Intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with Chlamydia pneumoniae , after immunization with neural antigens, increased the severity of EAE. Accentuation of EAE required live infectious C. pneumoniae , and the severity of the disease was attenuated with antiinfective therapy. After immunization with neural antigens, systemic infection with C. pneumoniae led to the dissemination of the organism into the central nervous system (CNS) in mice with accentuated EAE. Inoculation with Chlamydia trachomatis did not worsen EAE and infectious organisms were not seen in the CNS. These observations suggest that dissemination of C. pneumoniae results in localized infection in CNS tissues in animals with EAE. We propose that infection of the CNS by C. pneumoniae can amplify the autoreactive pool of lymphocytes and regulate the expression of an autoimmune disease.
A Survey of Thermal Instabilities in Tokamak Plasmas: Theory, Comparison with Experiment, and Predictions for Future Devices

The strong temperature dependence, over certain temperature ranges, of the radiation cooling rate of low-Z impurities, of the atomic physics cooling and particle source rates associated with recycl...
Biting Behavior of Saltmarsh Deer Flies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

The biting cycle of Chrysops atlanticus Pechuman is biphasic. There is a peak feeding time commencing shortly after sunrise and lasting about 3 hours, and a second less intense peak beginning about 2 hours before sunset and terminating shortly before sunset. Chrysops fuliginosus Wiedemann has a monophasic feeding cycle. The peak is readied in late morning and continues for about 3 hours. C. atlanticus lands on all parts of the body, but definitely prefers the upper portions and particularly the dorsum of a person who is walking forward at a slow pace. Under similar conditions, C. fuliginosus lands mainly on the head and back of the neck. When man is in a sitting position, C. atlanticus readily lands on the lower parts of the body. Both species bite man, but each has difficulty ingesting blood. This trait encourages each species to bite intermittently. The incidence of attacks by these 2 species was much higher in wooded areas than in adjacent nonwooded areas.
Improved Light Soaking Stability of R.F. Sputter Deposited Amorphous Silicon

Studies of r.f. sputter deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) find that the light induced decrease in the dark conductivity and photoconductivity (the Staebler-Wronski effect) is reduced when the r.f. power used during deposition is increased. The slower Staebler-Wronski effect is not due to an increase in the initial defect density in the high r.f. power samples, but may result from either the lower hydrogen content or the smaller optical gap found in these films.
Interacting multiple model-based human motion prediction for motion planning of companion robots

Motion planning of human-companion robots is a challenging problem and its solution has numerous applications. This paper proposes an autonomous motion planning framework for human-companion robots to accompany humans in a socially desirable manner, which takes into account the safety and comfort requirements. An Interacting Multiple Model-Unscented Kalman Filter (IMM-UKF) estimation and prediction approach is developed to estimate human motion states from sensor data and predict human position and speed for a finite horizon. Based on the predicted human states, the robot motion planning is formulated as a model predictive control (MPC) problem. Simulations have demonstrated the superior performance of the IMM-UKF approach and the effectiveness of the MPC planner in facilitating the socially desirable companion behavior.
Analysis on Unstable Pressure Dynamic of a Dual Medium Reservoir of Random Shape by Boundary Element Method

This paper applies boundary element method to the analysis of well testing.By combining boundary element method with filtration mechanics method,a mathematic model of well testing interpretation in a dual medium reservoir of random shape is built up and solved,which takes well bore storage and skin effect into consideration.Moreover,the curve features of downhole pressure dynamic are analyzed.
Geochronology and Land-Mammal Biochronology of the Transamerican Faunal Interchange

In recent years a combination of biostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic, and radioisotopic data has been employed to calibrate aspects of the Great American Faunal Interchange (sensu Webb, 1976) that occurred in the late Cenozoic between North and South America. Many of these studies have focused on documenting the time of first appearance of immigrant taxa that participated in the interchange. These multidisciplinary studies were first applied to North American rocks and faunas (e.g., Johnson et al., 1975; Lindsay et al., 1976, 1980, 1984; Opdyke et al., 1977; Tedford, 1981; Galusha et al., 1984) and, subsequently (or concurrently) to those in South America (e.g., Marshall et al., 1977, 1979, 1982,a,b,c, 1983c; Marshall, 1982; MacFadden et al., 1983; Butler et al., 1984).
Mapping underwater ship hulls using a model-assisted bundle adjustment framework

Abstract This paper reports on a model-assisted bundle adjustment (BA) framework in which visually-derived features are fused with an underlying three-dimensional (3D) mesh provided a priori. By using an approach inspired by the expectation–maximization (EM) class of algorithms, we introduce a hidden binary label for each visual feature that indicates if that feature is considered part of the nominal model, or if the feature corresponds to 3D structure that is absent from the model. Therefore, in addition to improved estimates of the feature locations, we can identify visual features that correspond to foreign structure on the ship hull. We show that this framework is a special case of the Gaussian max-mixtures framework, which can be efficiently incorporated into state-of-the-art graph-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solvers. In addition, the precision of our bundle adjustment framework allows the identification of structural deviations between 3D structure inferred from bundle-adjusted camera imagery and the prior model. These structural deviations are clustered into shapes, which allow us to fuse camera-derived structure back into the 3D mesh. This augmented model can be used within a 3D photomosaicing pipeline, providing a visually intuitive 3D reconstruction of the ship hull. We evaluate our pipeline using the Bluefin Robotics hovering autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) surveying the SS Curtiss, where a 3D mesh derived from computer aided design (CAD) drawings serves as the prior model. In addition to more consistent visual reconstructions, we can update the prior mesh with 3D information corresponding to underwater structure, such as biofouling or manually-placed cylindrical shapes with known dimensions.
Sulfonylurea challenge test in subjects diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Patients with early onset diabetes because of defects in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) may respond better to sulfonylureas than insulin treatment. Such patients include those with monogenic disorders, who can be differentiated from autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) by genetic testing. Genetic testing is expensive and unknown defects in GSIS would not be diagnosed. Aims: We propose a sulfonylurea challenge test to identify patients who have been clinically diagnosed with T1DM, but those who maintain a preferentially sulfonylurea-responsive insulin secretion. Materials & Methods: A total of 3 healthy controls, 2 neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) subjects, 3 antibody-positive (Ab+T1DM), and 12 antibody-negative (Ab−T1DM) subjects with type 1 diabetes, were given an intravenous bolus of glucose followed by an oral dose of glipizide. Results: Healthy controls showed a robust C-peptide increase after both glucose and glipizide, but NDM subjects showed a large increase in C-peptide only following glipizide. As expected, 2 of 3 Ab+T1DM, as well as 11 of 12 Ab−T1DM showed no response to either glucose or glipizide. However, 1 Ab−T1DM and 1 Ab+T1DM showed a small C-peptide response to glucose and a marked positive response to glipizide, suggesting defects in GSIS rather than typical autoimmune diabetes. Discussion: These data demonstrate the feasibility of the sulfonylurea challenge test, and suggest that responder individuals may be identified. Conclusions: We propose that this sulfonylurea challenge test should be explored more extensively, as it may prove useful as a clinical and scientific tool.
“Understanding” as Support for Emerging Adults Whose Parents Have Chronic Health Conditions: A Life-Span Communication Perspective

ABSTRACTTo better understand the “chronic burden of care” in the United States, we focused on an underrepresented demographic of youth caregivers in families, emerging adults (EAs). EAs are a newly recognized population of youth, 18–25 years of age, who are developmentally between adolescence and young adulthood. Guided by the life span communication perspective, we interviewed 98 EAs (30 males and 68 females, M age = 19.09, SD = 1.72) about their experiences providing support to a parent with a chronic health condition. Many EAs in this study said they provided “understanding” and our interpretive thematic analyses uncovered two broad meanings of the word: it is a form of support that EAs both have and communicate. When EAs have understanding, they have knowledge about the health condition and how it affects their parent. They also have acceptance to some degree that the health condition is a fixture of their lives and that their parents are imperfect and fallible people. They communicate the understandi...
Exploring Cultural Identity, Personality, and Social Exposure Correlates to College Women’s Intercultural Competence:

College students’ intercultural competence (ICC) has become a focus of many higher education institutions. Yet, more work can be done to explore what variables play a role in this complex and multi...
Social Media Activists: Analyzing the Relationship between Online Activism and Offline Attitudes and Behaviors

Token support for social causes has been increasingly studied and commented on in recent years. Campaigns such as the Livestrong bracelet, the pink breast cancer ribbons, the KONY 2012 video, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and the Facebook profile picture modifications for marriage equality and support for Paris after the 2015 terrorist attacks have been coined “slacktivism” and those who engage in these activities “slacktivists,” however, little empirical research has been done on the topic. This research explores the relationship so-called slacktivism, operationalized as various social media activities, has on social capital, cosmopolitan attitudes, and other forms of social cause engagement activities. The results suggest that the effects on social capital and cosmopolitanism are not significant. However, the strong relationship between slacktivism and other, “traditional,” forms of activism suggest that “slacktivist” may be an ill-fitting name for individuals engaged in this social cause engagement.
Treatment of Patients in Status Epilepticus: A Retrospective Chart Review (P4.224)

Objective: This study’s objective is to determine how the treatment of emergency department patients in status epilepticus adheres to our clinical treatment protocol. Background: Status epilepticus, a neurological emergency, potentially leads to increased risk for morbidity and mortality and neurologic dysfunction. Early identification and treatment are linked to improved outcomes. Despite a hospital-approved protocol for management of status epilepticus, clinical observation suggests that this protocol is not uniformly applied, which has potential for treatment failure. Design/Methods: This retrospective study examined charts from the year 2012. Charts with ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Codes 345.3 or 780 were reviewed. All pediatric and adult patients presenting to the emergency department with active and ongoing convulsive status epilepticus were included. Data was collected to compare each patient’s treatment to the University’s status epilepticus protocol. Results: 44 patients met inclusion criteria. Median time from arrival to first treatment was 15 minutes with 38/44 patients receiving a benzodiazepine. Median time from first to second treatment was 14 minutes with 18/31 patients receiving a benzodiazepine and 10/31 receiving (fos)phenytoin or levetiracetam. Median time from second to third treatment was 15 minutes with 13/21 patients receiving (fos)phenytoin. 41/44 patients were eventually discharged, and 3/44 expired. 15/44 patients received treatment adherent to the protocol; 11/44 received a sequence of medication adherent to the protocol but not at recommended time intervals; and 18/44 received a sequence of medication not adherent to the protocol. Conclusions: Use of the status epilepticus protocol is meant to encourage treatment success, but there is room to improve protocol adherence. 66% of patients, including the three who expired, were not treated in a manner adherent to the protocol. Reducing time to treatment could be a starting point to improve protocol adherence. Limitations of this study include small sample size and retrospective design, which must be considered when interpreting the results. Disclosure: Dr. Tollefson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saada has nothing to disclose. Dr. Meyers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liu has received personal compensation for activities with Merke as a consultant.
SUBSTITUTABILITY BETWEEN ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL POULTRY PRODUCTS AND ORGANIC PRICE PREMIUMS

The organic food sector is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the food market. Organic price premiums and patterns of substitution between related organic and conventional products are important for organic products certification and market entry and expansion decisions of organic producers. In this project we analyzed price differentials (premiums) between organic and conventional eggs and between three categories of organic and conventional chicken products: whole birds, boneless breasts and whole legs. Farm level prices for delivery to first receivers for the period January 2004 and December 2013 show that, in absolute terms, the highest average organic premium is commanded by boneless skinless breast meat followed by organic eggs. We also estimated the demand functions for conventional eggs and chickens where the presence of organic prices as the right-hand-side variables enable us to obtain cross-price elasticities of conventional demands with respect to organic prices. In line with the extant literature, our results show highly inelastic and statistically significant own price effects for both conventional chickens (elasticity equals -0.13) and conventional eggs (elasticity equals -0.139). The cross-price elasticities of conventional chicken meat demand with respect to the price of organic chickens and the cross-price elasticity of conventional eggs demand with respect to organic egg price, which are rarely found in the literature, confirm the intuitively expected result that the conventional and organic varieties of the same product are substitutes. The estimated cross-price elasticity of conventional chicken meat demand with respect to organic chicken price equals 0.153 and the cross-price elasticity of conventional eggs demand with respect to organic eggs price equals 0.679.
Training in High-Performance Superconducting Dipole Magnets and Room-Temperature Acoustic Signal Attenuation

High-performance superconducting dipole magnets such as those used in accelerators are susceptible to premature quenches due to mechanical disturbances, chiefly conductor motion and epoxy cracking. If indeed mechanical disturbances are the major cause of quenches, we can expect the structural integrity of a magnet to affect the 4.2-K performance of the magnet. We have measured the longitudinal attenuation of suitable acoustic signals in ten R-series Fermi research dipole magnets. We found that attenuation thus measured correlates well with the 4.2 K performance of the magnets: the higher the attenuation in a particular magnet, the greater the number of quenches it took to train the magnet. A simple explanation, based on the assumption that the primary premature quench-inducing mechanism in this class of magnets is frictional sliding of the conductor, is presented. This technique has the potential for use as a pre-4.2 K test screening of high-performance dipoles.
Nations Within the Global Network

This chapter discusses the collaborative patterns at different geographical aggregations (local, national, regional, and global) over the most recent decade and explains why these patterns are the essence of the collaborative system and the clearest sign of a new era. Drawing upon data on global networks of collaboration, this chapter points to changes in the way scientific knowledge is created, protected, and shared at regional and national levels. The chapter also discusses networks within fields of science as well as global collaborative patterns.