cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison study of discrete-ordinates and flux-limited diffusion methods for modeling radiation transport

Abstract The Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics (CRASH) is investigating methods of improving the predictive capability of numerical simulations for radiative shock waves that are produced in Omega laser experiments. The laser is used to shock, ionize, and accelerate a beryllium foil into a xenon-filled shock tube. These shock waves, when driven above a threshold velocity of about 60 km/s, become strongly radiative and convert much of the incident energy flux into radiation. Radiative shocks have properties that are significantly different from purely hydrodynamic shocks and, in modeling this phenomenon numerically, it is important to compute radiative effects accurately. In this article, we examine approaches to modeling radiation transport by comparing two methods: (i) a computationally efficient, multigroup, flux-limited-diffusion approximation, currently in use in the CRASH radiation-hydrodynamics code, with (ii) a more accurate discrete-ordinates treatment that is offered by the radiation-transport code PDT. We present a selection of results from a growing suite of code-to-code comparison tests, showing both results for idealized problems and for those that are representative of conditions found in the CRASH experiment.
Implementing Mission-Driven Assurance of Learning: Improving Performance Through Constructive Collaboration

Assurance of Learning (AoL) practices can be implemented in a variety of ways, as long as they are geared toward business schools’ missions and curricula. The authors first address the purpose of implementing AoL, and briefly evaluate the ongoing debate about the pros and cons of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’s policies regarding AoL procedures in business schools. The authors then report how a small-sized, private business school implemented the AoL process in its bachelor of business administration program in a manner that satisfies accreditation requirements without losing its institutional or disciplinary distinctiveness. The authors end with lessons learned about how an assessment program can satisfy accountability needs while still encouraging flexibility and innovation.
Development and characterization of a nano-sized surfactant stabilized contrast agent for diagnostic ultrasound

ST68 is a surfactant based contrast agent being used to enhance diagnostic ultrasound imaging as well as develop a technique for targeting. The size of the ST68 nanobubbles is being reduced in order to facilitate passage through the tumor blood vessel pores. Different sonication times are being investigated in order to determine the smallest size of the nanobubbles. The contrast agent is characterized by dynamic light scattering and acoustic dose response to develop the maximum enhancement.
Error Recovery Framework Design for the IPTV Networks

The prospect of delivering high-quality broadcast content over the Internet relies on the promise of presenting end-users with the minimum quality of viewing experience. Quality of Experience (QoE) represents the perceived performance at the end-users in terms of resource utilization, error control, and delivery latency. Among the considered performance measures, error control typically represents the biggest challenge to achieve the minimum required QoE at the end-users. Furthermore, as the end-users that are subscribed to the same IPTV multicast session observe varying, and oftentimes independent, packet loss characteristics, it becomes a major challenge to provide all the end-users with the desired QoE under limited network resources available for the IPTV service. Consequently, system scalability and network stability become the major issues that can significantly limit the accessibility of the IPTV service. In this paper, we address the error recovery problem for the IPTV networks by proposing a performance evaluation framework which can be used to develop resource efficient error control techniques.
The Revolutionary 2012 Kansas Tax Act

This article analyzes the major Kansas tax legislation enacted in May of 2012. It describes in detail the provisions of the new legislation and their operation, examines aspects of the new law that may be “gamed” by taxpayers, suggests provisions that should be clarified by statute or regulations, and finally explores some of the practical effects of the new law on State revenue and the distribution of the burden of taxation in Kansas.
A 6-bit low power folding and interpolating ADC

This paper presents a 6-bit high speed, low power CMOS folding and interpolation analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This circuit consists of mainly the folding circuit, zero crossing detectors (ZCD) and a digital encoder. While the folding circuit and ZCD are used to reduce the number of comparators, an encoder is used to convert cyclic thermometer code to binary code. In this paper, the design and simulation of folding and interpolation ADC which utilizes minimum number of comparators is presented. The utilization of folding circuit in the coarse ADC makes it unique. This 6 bit ADC is implemented in CMOS 90nm technology and the performance is measured using transient analysis and fast fourier transform (FFT) analysis.
Ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasma) in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from infertile and fertile volunteers*

Abstract 138 semen samples from infertile and fertile men were collected, analyzed and examined for the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum. The organism was present in 29% of samples from infertile men and in 36% of samples from fertile volunteers. Heavy growth was obtained from 32% and 42% of the U. urealyticum-positive semen samples from infertile and fertile men respectively. With few exceptions the organism was isolated from both sperm and seminal plasma fractions of positive semen samples after separation and could be demonstrated on the sperm and between them by electron microscopy. U. urealyticum did not alter the semen characteristics or the sperm penetration and viability in cervical mucus. Tetracycline treatment eradicated the organism from 81% of positive cases but no pregnancies were achieved in the partners of the infertile men during the 6-mth study period.
ACCUMULATION OF CYCLIC ADENOSINE 3′, 5′‐MONOPHOSPHATE IN CEREBRAL CORTICAL SLICES FROM RAT AND MOUSE: STIMULATORY EFFECT OF α‐ AND β‐ADRENERGIC AGENTS AND ADENOSINE

— Norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, and adenosine elicit enhanced accumulations of cyclic AMP in incubated slices of rat cerebral cortex. Combinations of norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, or histamine with adenosine have a greater than additive effect on cyclic AMP levels. The effects of isoproterenol appear to be mediated via a classical β-adrenergic receptor whereas the effects of norepinephrine appear due to interactions with both α- and β-adrenergic receptors. The presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethylxanthine, potentiates the effects of the catecholamines and reveals a histamine-mediated increase in cyclic AMP levels. After an initial stimulation of cyclic AMP formation with norepinephrine, followed by washing of the slices, the cyclic AMP-generating system is unresponsive to norepinephrine but does respond to an adenosine-norepinephrine combination. In mouse cerebral cortical slices, catecholamines appear to elicit an accumulation of cyclic AMP primarily via interaction with a β-adrenergic receptor.
A reply to Robert Larmer

The metaphysics of miracles put forward in my article, 'Miracles: metaphysics, physics and physicalism', above (125-147) are, argues Robert Larmer, both unnecessary and unworkable. Here, I try more clearly to explain that my goal of saving important physicalist intuitions that are incompatible with both the 'open-systems' and 'exemption' approaches' use of powerful ceteris paribus clauses. I also defend the two mechanisms proposed in the paper from Larmer's criticisms. Robert Larmer has raised some interesting points in his response (149-159 above), but I think he is missing the main thrust of my argument. Perhaps that is my fault, for not emphasizing it more clearly. As he notes, I do grant that his account of miracles does work just fine - given that one rejects the physicalist causal closure principle (the idea that all systems are ultimately physically isolated.) But my paper is clearly oriented towards saving some sort of physicalist intuitions (and then seeing if, regardless, one can still have miracles in any interesting sense.) If read with that in mind, most of Larmer's criticisms dissolve. So, given the luxury of a response to Larmer's commentary, I will focus on three main issues in this reply: a little more discussion of the motivation and approach I intended to take in the paper, a brief discussion of the ' repository transportation' miracle, and then some more specific responses to Larmer's triple-pronged criticisms of each type of miracle.
Design and control of a vibrating gyroscope

This work presents design and control of a vibrating gyroscope. The MEMS based device has been designed in the Pro-E environment and simulated in a finite element domain in order to approximate its dynamic characteristics with a lumped model. The device is a modified version of the existing MEMS gyroscope proposed in Yoichi, M, et al. (2000). An adaptive control, which has similar characteristics as the one proposed in Ljung, PB (1997), is added in order to guarantee the stability of the gyroscope.
Cool and save: cooling aware dynamic workload scheduling in multi-socket CPU systems

Traditionally CPU workload scheduling and fan control in multi-socket systems have been designed separately leading to less efficient solutions. In this paper we present Cool and Save, a cooling aware dynamic workload management strategy that is significantly more energy efficient than state-of-the art solutions in multi-socket CPU systems because it performs workload scheduling in tandem with controlling socket fan speeds. Our experimental results indicate that applying our scheme gives average fan energy savings of 73% concurrently with reducing the maximum fan speed by 53%, thus leading to lower vibrations and noise levels.
Power plant chlorination effects on estuarine and marine organisms.

(1982). Power Plant Chlorination Effects on Estuarine and Marine Organisms. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 27-47.
Caring for the forensic population: recognizing the educational needs of emergency department nurses and physicians

The Emergency Department (ED) is a point of contact for victims of violence after an act of criminal activity has occurred. Hence, ED clinicians are in a key position to have a significant impact on both the medical and legal outcomes of the forensic patient population. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare forensic knowledge, practice, and experiences of ED nurses and physicians. Specific aims were to (1) describe experiences of nurses and physicians related to forensic practice; (2) compare clinical forensic knowledge and experience between nurses and physicians; and (3) describe forensic learning needs. This descriptive, correlational study utilized a survey questionnaire completed by 134 ED nurses and physicians. Results of the survey revealed no significant differences in the education, knowledge, and confidence with forensic patients between ED nurses and physicians. However, just over half of the sample reported feeling confident in managing forensic patients indicating a need for increased forensic education. Practice implications indicate that forensic education is needed and desired among ED nurses and physicians within the clinical setting. Further studies must be done to gain a more in depth understanding of existing forensic practices and protocols to elevate the level of care received by forensic patients within the ED setting.
Commentary: Battle injuries: Jessica Lynch sets the record straight

COMMENTARY ON Blair JA, Patzkowski JC, Schoenfeld AJ, et al. Are spine injuries sustained in battle truly different? Spine J 2012;12:824–9 ( in this issue ).
When Private Beliefs Shape Collective Reality: The Effects of Beliefs About Coworkers on Group Discussion and Performance

The study presented in this paper examines how beliefs about coworkers affect group discussion and performance. Two beliefs are considered: (1) Perceptions of coworker task competence, and (2) achievement motivation. This study investigates whether these perceptions can actually hinder group discussion and performance, and considers the contexts in which these detrimental effects are more or less likely to arise. Results indicate that although perceptions of higher achievement motivation in coworkers lowered performance when task information was partially shared, they raised performance when task information was fully shared. A content analysis of group discussions reveals that the discussion behaviors examined by this study, rather than the more frequently examined bias toward discussing common information, mediated these results.
Scalloping of duodenal mucosa in Crohn's disease

Scalloping of the duodenal mucosal folds is an endoscopic finding of small bowel mucosal pathology that is generally due to villous atrophy. Though it can be seen in many disease processes, it is most commonly associated with celiac disease. We report three patients with scalloping of duodenal folds and histologic confirmation of villous atrophy due to Crohn's disease. All patients had negative celiac serologies and two had positive markers for Crohn's disease (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies). Patients had either ileitis or ileocolitis in addition to duodenal abnormalities. These cases illustrate that scalloping can occur in the duodenum in Crohn's disease.
Ruptured internal jugular vein: A postoperative complication of modified/selected neck dissection

Background. Postoperative hemorrhage from the internal jugular vein after a modified or selective neck dissection is an infrequent, yet potentially life-threatening, complication. Despite the increasing frequency of modified or selective neck dissections, this complication has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Setting. Tertiary referral academic center. Material and Methods. The records of six patients who experienced this complication were reviewed and analyzed for risk factors that might predict its occurrence. Results. Common risk factors included postoperative pharyngeal fistula formation, significant tobacco history, and poor nutritional status. A more complete circumferential dissection of the vein low in the neck in the presence of hypopharyngeal fistula may place it at a higher risk for rupture. Conclusions. Patients who have a complete circumferential dissection of the internal jugular vein low in the neck and go on to have fistulas develop may be more prone to internal jugular vein rupture. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000–000, 2003
Comprehensive petro-elastic modeling aimed at quantitative seismic reservoir characterization and monitoring

Summary We simulate a poorly consolidated shaly sandstone reservoir model representing a prograding near-shore zone geological pattern. To account for the spatial distribution of petrophysical properties, an effective porosity model is first simulated by Gaussian geostatistics. Dispersed clay and dual water models are then efficiently combined with other well-known theoretical and experimental petrophysical correlations to consistently simulate reservoir model parameters. Next, the constructed reservoir model is subjected to numerical simulation of multi-phase fluid flow to predict the spatial distributions of fluid pressure and saturation. Finally, a geologically consistent stress-sensitive rock physics model, followed with the modified Gassmann theory for shaly sandstones, is utilized to simulate inverted seismic elastic parameters. As a result, the comprehensive petro-elastic model developed in this paper can be efficiently utilized in sensitivity analyses of seismic elastic parameters to petrophysical properties and, ultimately, applied to seismic reservoir characterization and monitoring research. As an example, we choose to present a sensitivity analysis of inverted seismic attributes and their crossplotting as a tool to discriminate the effect of pressure and saturation in a time-lapse seismic study. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that [AI vs. SI] is the most effective and stable crossplot to quantitatively separate saturation and pressure changes. It is also shown that saturation patterns are much easier to detect compared to that of pressure.
A pricing strategy for job allocation in mobile grids using a non-cooperative bargaining theory framework

Due to their inherent limitations in computational and battery power, storage and available bandwidth, mobile devices have not yet been widely integrated into grid computing platforms. However, millions of laptops, PDAs and other portable devices remain unused most of the time, and this huge repository of resources can be potentially utilized, leading to what is called a mobile grid environment. In this paper, we propose a game theoretic pricing strategy for efficient job allocation in mobile grids. By drawing upon the Nash bargaining solution, we show how to derive a unified framework for addressing such issues as network efficiency, fairness, utility maximization, and pricing. In particular, we characterize a two-player, non-cooperative, alternating-offer bargaining game between the Wireless Access Point Server and the mobile devices to determine a fair pricing strategy which is then used to effectively allocate jobs to the mobile devices with a goal to maximize the revenue for the grid users. Simulation results show that the proposed job allocation strategy is comparable to other task allocation schemes in terms of the overall system response time.
Fuzzy linear regression analysis by symmetric triangular fuzzy number coefficients

Fuzzy regression analysis using fuzzy linear models with symmetric triangular fuzzy number coefficients has been formulated earlier. The goal of this regression is to find the output for all data sets. In this research, we have formulated a newer fuzzy linear regression model that uses symmetric triangular coefficient. The uniqueness of our model lies in the fact that this can be extended to use nonsymmetric fuzzy triangular coefficient that eradicates the drawbacks of existing fuzzy linear regression models.
Restraint use with emergency psychiatric patients: a new perspective on racial bias.

This study examined the use of interventions of physical restraint by a staff of predominantly white therapists (N = 37) with psychiatric emergency room patients (N = 697) as a function of patients...
Secretion of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in monkeys.

It is established that hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion regulates luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion by the anterior pituitary gland. The classical studies that led to the formulation of the neurovascular hypothesis (1) and eventually to the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of LHRH (2,3) are widely known. More recent studies showing that antiserum to LHRH, administered systemically, blocks LH secretion and ovulation (4) and that LHRH concentrations in pituitary stalk blood are higher than in the peripheral circulation (5,6), leave little doubt that LHRH secretion is essential for LH secretion. However, the quantitative relationship between LHRH secretion and LH secretion remains unknown. For instance, it is not established whether increases in LHRH secretion accompany increases in LH secretion during the preovulatory surge or after ovariectomy. Numerous investigators (7–10) have attempted to correlate LHRH concentrations in peripheral plasma, using bioassays and radioimmunoassays, with LH levels; however, the identity of the substance measured remains in doubt. Although more convincing measurements of LHRH have been made in pituitary stalk blood of the rat (5,6), correlations of LHRH and LH could not be made during a spontaneous LH surge because the anesthetic required for stalk blood collection blocked LH secretion. Finally, the demonstration that estrogens have profound effects on the response of the pituitary to LHRH (11–14) has raised the possibility that changes in LHRH secretion might have only a minor part in determining the level of LH secretion.
On State Reduction and Observation in Quantun Optics: Wigner’s Friends and Their Amnesia

The concept of wave packet reduction is one which can lead to some seemingly unusual consequences. In situations based upon that proposed by Einstein, Poldosky, and Rosen, for example, a measurement at one point produces effects at another point which has a spacelike separation from the first.1 The delayed choice experiments proposed by Wheeler2 show that one may decide to look at “wave” or “particle” like aspects of a light beam long after the light has been emitted. These are but two of a number of rather surprising results which can occur when one considers the role of measurement in quantum mechanics.
0.8-2.5 Micron Reflectance Spectroscopy of Pluto

ABSTRACT Near‐infrared (0.8–2.5 μm) spectrophotometry, acquired on 2002 July 18.25, is presented for the Pluto‐Charon system. The sub‐Earth longitude and latitude of Pluto at the time of the observations were 80° and 28 \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $\fdg$\end{document} 5, with a phase angle of 1 \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \u...
Review: Kevin Roche: Architecture as Environment

Kevin Roche: Architecture as Environment Museum of the City of New York, New York 27 September 2011–5 February 2012 Two projects by Kevin Roche, the Oakland Museum of California (1961–68) and the Ford Foundation Headquarters, New York (1963–68), received accolades from contemporary critics and continue to stand out today as paradigmatic examples of the phenomenon this exhibition’s curator, Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, calls “architecture as environment.” A community’s sense of identity, Roche’s designs for each project suggested, might be framed by its collective relationship with a garden or gardens. On a metaphorical level, the designs poetically highlighted the beauty of the natural environment at a time when “environmentalism” began its move to center stage in politics and the public conversation about the future, as demonstrated by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring of 1962 and Buckminster Fuller’s Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth of 1969.1 Recently on view at the Museum of the City of New York, Kevin Roche: Architecture as Environment is a condensed version of the exhibition originally shown at the Yale School of Architecture Gallery 7 February–6 May 2011, a venue distinguished architecturally by spaciousness, height, and natural light. At the Museum of the City of New York, by contrast, the exhibition occupies two confined spaces, an entrance vestibule followed by a main gallery extending the full length of a narrow, windowless room. At the start of the exhibition in New York, the visitor is greeted with a brief introduction to Kevin Roche’s career. Roche left Ireland for America in 1948 to study with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and in 1950 he began work with Eero Saarinen in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. There he assisted with the General Motors Technical Center, and after Saarinen’s death in 1961, he oversaw the completion of the CBS Building, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and Bell Telephone Laboratories. In 1964 he became a United States citizen, and in …
2005 Fuel Cell Vehicle and its Magnesium Power Distribution Unit

The High Voltage Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is constructed of magnesium in support of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) weight reduction efforts. The PDU distributes and controls a nominal 75 kilowatts of power generated by the Fuel Cell, the primary source of High Voltage power, to all the vehicle loads and accessories. The constraints imposed on the design of the PDU resulted in a component highly susceptible to general and galvanic corrosion. Corrosion abatement was the focus of the PDU redesign. This paper describes the redesign efforts undertaken by Ford personnel to improve the part robustness and corrosion resistance.
Proteomic evaluation of pesticide‐resistant breast cancer cell lines

Considerable evidence links cumulative and sustained exposure to estrogens as a key promoter of breast tumor proliferation. Chemicals with estrogenic activity can bind to the estrogen receptor (ER)...
A Model Study of Defects and Faults in Embedded Spin Transfer Torque (STT) MRAM Arrays

There has been a significant interest in Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM) as a candidate for emerging memory technology for last-level embedded caches in the recent years. High density (3-4x of SRAM), non-volatility, nano-second Read and Write speeds, and process and voltage compatibility with CMOS are the attractive properties of this technology. A few studies have expounded on the reliability in this technology but various fault manifestations have not been studied in detail in the past. This paper attempts to study the fault models in STT-MRAM under both parametric variations as well as electrical defects (opens and shorts). Sensitivity of Read, Write and Retention to material and lithographic process parameters has been studied. Also electrical defects viz. intra-cell and inter-cell opens and shorts have been considered and the corresponding fault models have been identified and classified.
Computational Study of Metal Contacts to Monolayer Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductors

Modern electronics rely on semiconductors such as silicon. Researchers show how a new class of semiconductors---monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides---can be optimized to improve device performance.
Notes on Hypopi of Two Dermacarus Species (Acari: Astigmata: Glycyphagidae) from the Douglasʼ Squirrel, Tamiasciurus Douglasii

New host and geographic records are established for Dermacarus hypudaei (Koch) and D. tamiasciuri Rupeis, Yunker & Wilson from Tamiasciurus douglasii collected in Oregon. The first species is compared with previous descriptions from a variety of hosts. Dermacarus tamiasciuri is validated and redescribed. The systematics, hosts, and distribution of these mites are discussed.
Effects of Oxygen Therapy on Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

The effects of living for 2 to 5 weeks in an atmosphere containing 40 to 50% oxygen were studied in 5 patients with cardiac insufficiency. The Barach oxygen chamber, with constant temperature and humidity regulation, was used. Studies were made (a) with the patients in the ward, both before and after residence in the oxygen chamber; (b) with the patients in the oxygen chamber with normal (21%) atmospheric oxygen content; and (c) with the patients in the oxygen chamber with 40 to 50% of oxygen in the atmosphere. All other procedures, such as diet, fluid intake and the dosage of drugs, were kept sufficiently constant so that they did not modify the results. The usual clinical observations were recorded and in addition, measurements were made of the basal metabolic rate, pulmonary ventilation, vital capacity, arterial oxygen content, arterial CO2 content, and the CO2 dissociation curves of the arterial blood. From the latter were calculated the arterial oxygen saturation, arterial CO2 tension and the arteria...
314 CELL THERAPY USING MULTIPOTENT MARROW STROMAL CELLS IS A PROMISING NEW TREATMENT APPROACH FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical entity, and no specific treatment is currently available. Stem cell therapy has been shown to be a promising multimodal approach directed at different pathophysiologic aspects of AKI. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells provide a promising therapeutic perspective due to their immunomodulatory and antiapoptotic properties and the secretion of various growth factors. However, the optimal dosing regimen and source of multipotent marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are currently unknown. Here we tested both the early renoprotective potential and the long-term contribution of various doses (0.5/2/5 × 106) of allogeneic and syngeneic MSCs in a rat model of ischemic AKI. MSC from human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP) transgenic Fischer rats were used in an allogeneic and syngeneic setting. Postreflow administration of hPAP + MSCs from Fischer to Sprague-Dawley rats with severe AKI improved both recovery of renal function on days 1 and 3 after AKI, with the lowest dose being the most protective. In an autologous setting, MSCs improved recovery after AKI in a dose-dependent fashion, but there was no difference between 2 and 5 × 106 MSCs administered. After 3 months creatinine clearance was better preserved in MSC-treated animals (2.1) versus controls (1.5 mL/min), whereas there were no differences in blood pressure, hematocrit, and weight. Compared with controls, MSC-treated animals had a lower renal fibrosis score (1.8 vs 2.3), and renal TGF-β and PAI-1 mRNA levels were significantly down-regulated. hPAP + MSCs could not be detected in kidneys, brain, liver, lung, and spleen by highly sensitive PCR, whereas the bone marrow in 3 of 6 animals was positive for hPAP, suggesting low-level engraftment. We conclude that allogeneic MSCs enhance early recovery from AKI as well as isogeneic cells and appear safe in the long term. They do not contribute to significant replacement of renal cell types, while ameliorating both long-term fibrotic changes and loss in renal function after AKI.
Pushing the threshold: How NMDAR antagonists induce homeostasis through protein synthesis to remedy depression

Healthy neurons have an optimal operating range, coded globally by the frequency of action potentials or locally by calcium. The maintenance of this range is governed by homeostatic plasticity. Here, we discuss how new approaches to treat depression alter synaptic activity. These approaches induce the neuron to recruit homeostatic mechanisms to relieve depression. Homeostasis generally implies that the direction of activity necessary to restore the neuron's critical operating range is opposite in direction to its current activity pattern. Unconventional antidepressant therapies-deep brain stimulation and NMDAR antagonists-alter the neuron's "depressed" state by pushing the neuron's current activity in the same direction but to the extreme edge. These therapies rally the intrinsic drive of neurons in the opposite direction, thereby allowing the cell to return to baseline activity, form new synapses, and restore proper communication. In this review, we discuss seminal studies on protein synthesis dependent homeostatic plasticity and their contribution to our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of NMDAR antagonists as rapid antidepressants. Rapid antidepressant efficacy is likely to require a cascade of mRNA translational regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in synaptic strength or intrinsic excitability converge on the same protein synthesis pathways, relieving depressive symptoms. Thus, we address the question: Are there multiple homeostatic mechanisms that induce the neuron and neuronal circuits to self-correct to regulate mood in vivo? Targeting alternative ways to induce homeostatic protein synthesis may provide, faster, safer, and longer lasting antidepressants. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:RNA Metabolism in Disease.
Construction,expression and biological function assay of anti-human CD80 bivalent dimer

To construct and express anti-human CD80 bivalent dimmer(diabody) and to study its biological functions,VH and VL genes were cloned by PCR,and then subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP to construct recombinant pIRES2-EGFP/diabody.Chinese hamster ovary(CHO) cells was transfected by this recombinant plasmid through liposome-mediated methods and selected by G418.The anti-human CD80-diabody was purified from culture supernatants by Ni catridges.Reducing and non-reducing SDS-PAGE was used to analyze its bivalent property.The identification of diabody to membrane CD80 and competitive inhibition effect against the parent antibody 4E5 were performed via immunofluorescence and FCM.Meanwhile,the effect of anti-human CD80-diabody on the proliferation of Raji cells expressing CD80 highly and naturally was detected by MTT method.By using these methods,the expression vector for pIRES2-EGFP/diabody against CD80 was constructed successfully.This vector concluded a sequence of 798 bp in length,part of which encoded signal peptide and Gly4Ser linker peptide.One cell line stably secreting diabody was obtained and named as SA-Ⅲ.Appromately,50 milligram of CD80-diabody could be purified from one liter of culture supernatant.The molecular weight(Mr) of this dimer was about 53 000,while Mr of ScFv was about 27 000.The positive binding rates of anti-human CD80-diabody with L929-CD80,Raji and Daudi cells were 96.5%,98.1% and 93% respectively.This diaboby could inhibit not only the combination of the parent antibody 4E5 with CD80 antigen in an inhibition rate of 97.11%,but also the in vitro proliferation of Raji cells with a corresponding rate of 31.27%.Conclusively,a CHO cell line secreting anti-human CD80-diabody was generated and its secreted diabody shows good biological function.
Measles and rubella in adolescents and young adults.

Measles and rubella have declined dramatically since 1979, yet both occur much more frequently than expected among persons of high school and college age. Over the past two decades, changes in the epidemiologic characteristics of these diseases have posed the most serious impediment to eradication. Approaches to identification and immunization of susceptible individuals are evaluated.
Molecular pathogenesis of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in HIVinfected individuals is currently poorly understood; however, recent molecular studies have subdivided these lymphomas into distinct molecular pathologic entities. Similar to endemic and sporadic Burkitt' s lymphoma, monoclonal B-lymphoma subsets were found to be infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or have c-myc gene rearrangements, suggesting a role for EBV infection or chromosomal translocation in a subset of AIDS NHLs. Similar to lymphomas that occur in immunosuppressed transplant patients, EBY-positive polyclonal lymphomas also have been described. Unique to HIV-infected patients, however, is the subset of polyclonal B-cell lymphoma with no evidence for EBV infection. Based on these molecular studies, it is apparent that the AIDS NHLs represent a heterogeneous set of diseases with a number of pathogenic processes involved in lymphomagenesis.
Development and Validation of the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale.

In recent years, issues surrounding transgender have garnered media and legal attention, contributing to rapidly shifting views on gender in the U.S. Yet, there is a paucity of data-driven studies on the public’s views of transgender identity. This study reports the development and validation of the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS). After constructing an initial 96-item pool from consulting experts and existing scales, Phase 1 of the study was launched, involving an exploratory factor analysis of 48 items. The initial factor analysis with 295 participants revealed three factors across 33 items—16 items on interpersonal comfort, 11 on sex/gender beliefs, and 6 on human value. The internal consistency of each factor was high—α = .97 for Factor 1, α = .95 for Factor 2, and α = .94 for Factor 3. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in the second phase with an independent sample consisting of 238 participants. The Attitudes Toward Transgender Individual Scale and the Genderism and Transphobia Scale were also included to test for convergent validity, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the short form of the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale were utilized to test discriminant validity. Both of the data collection phases employed MTurk, a form of online sampling with increased diversity compared to college student samples and more generalizability to the general U.S. population. TABS represents an addition to the literature in its ability to capture a more nuanced conceptualization of transgender attitude not found in previous scales.
Strain-rate dependence of ramp-wave evolution and strength in tantalum

We have conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of quasi-isentropic ramp-wave compression to very high pressures over a range of strain rates from ${10}^{11}$ down to ${10}^{8}$ 1/s. Using scaling methods, we collapse wave profiles from various strain rates to a master profile curve, which shows deviations when material response is strain-rate dependent. Thus, we can show with precision where, and how, strain-rate dependence affects the ramp wave. We find that strain rate affects the stress-strain material response most dramatically at strains below 20%, and that above 30% strain the material response is largely independent of strain rate. We show good overall agreement with experimental stress-strain curves up to approximately 30% strain, above which simulated response is somewhat too stiff. We postulate that this could be due to our interatomic potential or to differences in grain structure and/or size between simulation and experiment. Strength is directly measured from per-atom stress tensor and shows significantly enhanced elastic response at the highest strain rates. This enhanced elastic response is less pronounced at higher pressures and at lower strain rates.
Population differences in olfaction accompany host shift in Drosophila mojavensis

Evolutionary shifts in plant–herbivore interactions provide a model for understanding the link among the evolution of behaviour, ecological specialization and incipient speciation. Drosophila mojavensis uses different host cacti across its range, and volatile chemicals emitted by the host are the primary cue for host plant identification. In this study, we show that changes in host plant use between distinct D. mojavensis populations are accompanied by changes in the olfactory system. Specifically, we observe differences in olfactory receptor neuron specificity and sensitivity, as well as changes in sensillar subtype abundance, between populations. Additionally, RNA-seq analyses reveal differential gene expression between populations for members of the odorant receptor gene family. Hence, alterations in host preference are associated with changes in development, regulation and function at the olfactory periphery.
Combining Behavioral and Structural Predictors of Violent Civil Conflict: Getting Scholars and Policymakers to Talk to Each Other

Large- N studies of civil war overwhelmingly consider the state-specific structural conditions that make conflict likely. Meanwhile, policymakers often ignore these factors and instead search for patterns among the behavioral triggers of violence. This article combines these approaches. I use conflict narratives from the International Crisis Group’s CrisisWatch publications to cross-validate structural analyses of civil conflict and confirm the mechanisms that lead to outbreaks of violence in conflict-prone countries. I then correct for selection bias in the narrative data with an underlying model of conflict likelihood. I find that several indicators thought to be causally related to civil conflict do indeed continue to have an effect after selection. However, the narrative data overemphasizes both the importance of several low-intensity, separatist conflicts within developed democracies and the potential for conflict among oil-rich states. These analyses highlight the importance of combining structural, large- N analyses with qualitative assessments of conflict zones. My findings also provide support for a state-capacity explanation of conflict behavior.
Upper Limb Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The decision regarding the management of upper limb spasticity in cerebral palsy is multifactorial. Intervention ranges from therapy and splinting through to multilevel surgery utilising tendon transfers and arthrodesis procedures. This article presents the current evidence behind treatment choice. A literature search has been conducted on each topic with a subsequent summary of the evidence. The use of Botulinum toxin type A in cerebral palsy has been the focus of several randomised trials. There exists good evidence of efficacy when used in conjunction with therapy however currently there is no clear consensus on optimal dose, frequency and post injection therapy regime. There exists good evidence that the surgical treatment of thumb in palm deformity has beneficial outcomes. The efficacy of surgical intervention for other upper limb deformities is less well understood. Each patient should be thoroughly assessed and surgical plans tailored to their specific needs. Surgical intervention should be delayed until the appropriate age to avoid recurrence with growth and the child should have voluntary motor control of the limb and reasonable cognition in order to comply with post-operative therapy.
Acute suicidal affective disturbance: Factorial structure and initial validation across psychiatric outpatient and inpatient samples.

Abstract Background A new clinical entity, Acute Suicidal Affective Disturbance (ASAD), was recently proposed to characterize rapid-onset, acute suicidality including the cardinal symptom of behavioral intent. This study examines the proposed ASAD criteria factor-analytically and in relation to correlates of suicidal behavior and existing psychiatric disorders in samples of psychiatric outpatients and inpatients. Methods Two samples of psychiatric outpatients (N=343, aged 18–71 years, 60.6% female, 74.9% White) and inpatients (N=7,698, aged 15–99 years, 57.2% female, 87.8% White) completed measures of their ASAD symptoms and psychological functioning. Results Across both samples, results of a confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional nature of the ASAD construct. Additionally, results provided evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity of ASAD, demonstrating its relation to, yet distinction from, other psychiatric disorders and correlates of suicide in expected ways. Importantly, ASAD symptoms differentiated multiple attempters, single attempters, and non-attempters, as well as attempters, ideators, and non-suicidal patients, and was an indicator of past suicide attempts above and beyond symptoms of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Limitations This study utilized cross-sectional data and did not use a standardized measure of ASAD. Conclusions ASAD criteria formed a unidimensional construct that was associated with suicide-related variables and other psychiatric disorders in expected ways. If supported by future research, ASAD may fill a gap in the current diagnostic classification system (DSM-5) by characterizing and predicting acute suicide risk.
Bounding Linear Time Varying Hybrid Systems with Time Events 1

Abstract The problem of bounding the states of a linear time varying hybrid system at fixed transition times where the mode sequence is allowed to vary is considered. It is shown via an illustrative example that a simple decomposition algorithm produces weak bounds which get worse as the number of epochs increases. To address this issue, a novel algorithm is proposed, based on solving families of relaxed linear programming problems, which allows the incorporation of additional constraints derived from physical insight. This provides tighter bounds while avoiding explicit enumeration of all possible mode trajectories.
An Empirical Investigation of Ecommerce-Reputation-Escalation-as-a-Service

In online markets, a store’s reputation is closely tied to its profitability. Sellers’ desire to quickly achieve a high reputation has fueled a profitable underground business that operates as a specialized crowdsourcing marketplace and accumulates wealth by allowing online sellers to harness human laborers to conduct fake transactions to improve their stores’ reputations. We term such an underground market a seller-reputation-escalation (SRE) market. In this article, we investigate the impact of the SRE service on reputation escalation by performing in-depth measurements of the prevalence of the SRE service, the business model and market size of SRE markets, and the characteristics of sellers and offered laborers. To this end, we have infiltrated five SRE markets and studied their operations using daily data collection over a continuous period of 2 months. We identified more than 11,000 online sellers posting at least 219,165 fake-purchase tasks on the five SRE markets. These transactions earned at least d46,438 in revenue for the five SRE markets, and the total value of merchandise involved exceeded d3,452,530. Our study demonstrates that online sellers using the SRE service can increase their stores’ reputations at least 10 times faster than legitimate ones while about 25% of them were visibly penalized. Even worse, we found a much stealthier and more hazardous service that can, within a single day, boost a seller’s reputation by such a degree that would require a legitimate seller at least a year to accomplish. Armed with our analysis of the operational characteristics of the underground economy, we offer some insights into potential mitigation strategies. Finally, we revisit the SRE ecosystem 1 year later to evaluate the latest dynamism of the SRE markets, especially the statuses of the online stores once identified to launch fake-transaction campaigns on the SRE markets. We observe that the SRE markets are not as active as they were 1 year ago and about 17% of the involved online stores become inaccessible likely because they have been forcibly shut down by the corresponding E-commerce marketplace for conducting fake transactions.
A Cost-Utility Analysis of 5 Strategies for the Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children.

Objective To assess whether antimicrobial therapy in young children with acute otitis media reduces time to resolution of symptoms, overall symptom burden, and persistence of otoscopic evidence of infection. We used a cost-utility model to evaluate whether immediate antimicrobial treatment seems to be worthwhile, and if so, which antimicrobial agent is most cost effective. Study design We compared the cost per quality-adjusted life-day of 5 treatment regimens in children younger than 2 years of age with acute otitis media: immediate amoxicillin/clavulanate, immediate amoxicillin, immediate cefdinir, watchful waiting, and delayed prescription (DP) for antibiotic. Results The 5 treatment regimens, listed in order from least effective to most effective were DP, watchful waiting, immediate cefdinir, immediate amoxicillin, and immediate amoxicillin/clavulanate. Listed in order from least costly to most costly, the regimens were DP, immediate amoxicillin, watchful waiting, immediate amoxicillin/clavulanate, and immediate cefdinir. The incremental cost-utility ratio of immediate amoxicillin compared with DP was $101.07 per quality-adjusted life-day gained. The incremental cost-utility ratio of immediate amoxicillin/clavulanate compared with amoxicillin was $2331.28 per quality-adjusted life-day gained. Conclusions In children younger than 2 years of age with acute otitis media and no recent antibiotic exposure, immediate amoxicillin seems to be the most cost-effective initial treatment.