cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of symcaps to measure implosion symmetry in the foot of the NIF scale 0.7 hohlraums

Implosions using inertial confinement fusion must be highly symmetric to achieve ignition on the National Ignition Facility. This requires precise control of the drive symmetry from the radiation incident on the ignition capsule. For indirect drive implosions, low mode residual perturbations in the drive are generated by the laser-heated hohlraum geometry. To diagnose the drive symmetry, previous experiments used simulated capsules by which the self-emission X-rays from gas in the center of the capsule during the implosion are used to infer the shape of the drive. However, those experiments used hohlraum radiation temperatures higher than 200 eV (Hauer et al., 1995; Murphy et al., 1998a, 1998b) with small NOVA scale hohlraums under which conditions the symcaps produced large X-ray signals. At the foot of the NIF ignition pulse, where controlling the symmetry has been shown to be crucial for obtaining a symmetric implosion (Clark et al., 2008), the radiation drive is much smaller, reducing the X-ray emission from the imploded capsule. For the first time, the feasibility of using symcaps to diagnose the radiation drive for low radiation temperatures, <120 eV and large 0.7 linear scales NIF Rev3.1 (Haan et al., 2008) vacuum hohlraums is demonstrated. Here we used experiments at the Omega laser facility to demonstrate and develop the symcap technique for tuning the symmetry of the NIF ignition capsule in the foot of the drive pulse.
CHARACTERIZING STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTIONS PRODUCED BY VARIOUS GRAMMATICAL FORMALISMS

We consider the structural descriptions produced by various grammatical formalisms in terms of the complexity of the paths and the relationship between paths in the sets of structural descriptions that each system can generate. In considering the relationship between formalisms, we show that it is useful to abstract away from the details of the formalism, and examine the nature of their derivation process as reflected by properties of their derivation trees. We find that several of the formalisms considered can be seen as being closely related since they have derivation tree sets with the same structure as those produced by Context-Free Grammars. On the basis of this observation, we describe a class of formalisms which we call Linear Context-Free Rewriting Systems, and show they are recognizable in polynomial time and generate only semilinear languages.
TouchPaper: an augmented reality application with cloud-based image recognition service

Augmented reality applications are increasingly used to enhance physical objects with digital information. In this paper, we present a TouchPaper system that consists of a mobile application and a cloud-based image recognition service. Through an authoring system, images can be linked to online content that will be invoked when a printed version of the image is captured and "touched" on a mobile phone screen. We describe a sBIP (Structured Binary Intensity Pattern) algorithm that performs the matching of the images and evaluate the performance of the overall TouchPaper system.
The new metamodeling generation

Model integrated computing (MIC) is an effective and efficient method for developing, maintaining, and evolving large-scale, domain-specific software applications for computer-based systems (CBSs). On a higher level, it is possible to use MIC to develop, maintain, and evolve the meta-level tools (metamodeling environments) themselves, by modeling the metamodeling environment (meta-metamodeling). This paper documents the evolution of one metamodeling environment into another: specifically the design choices of the newer metamodeling environment with regard to the old one, and the solutions to problems that were introduced with the change.
Electrospray ionization photoelectron spectroscopy: Probing the electronic structure of inorganic metal complexes in the gas-phase

Abstract The coupling of electrospray to photoelectron spectroscopy has allowed a number of negatively charged solution phase transition-metal complexes to be transferred to the gas-phase and studied by photoelectron spectroscopy for the first time. Experiments have been performed on a range of species, including classic square-planar and octahedral transition-metal halide complexes, metal–metal bonded species, transition-metal bis(dithiolene) centers and a variety of mononuclear and polynuclear iron–sulfur clusters that are related to important bioinorganic centers. The studies have provided detailed information about the electronic structure and molecular orbital energy levels of these species, allowing for direct comparison with theoretical calculations, and providing insight into their intrinsic redox properties in the absence of solvation.
Knudsen diffusivity of a hard sphere in a rough slit pore.

An analytic theory for the Knudsen self-diffusivity Ds of hard spheres in an atomically rough slitshaped pore is presented which quantitatively matches simulation results. The theory assumes that, due to chaotic molecular trajectories caused by surface morphology, collisions of gas molecules with the wall are partly diffuse and partly specular, the relative magnitude of each depending upon the magnitude of the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient f. The theory thus represents a universal Knudsen fluctuation-dissipation correlation between longitudinal momentum loss and diffusivity that can simplify efforts to estimate Ds. It is also found that Ds computed using Maxwell’s theory of slip, in which collisions with the walls are assumed to be purely diffuse or specular, overpredicts the simulated Ds by a large margin.
Long-term effects of the booster-enhanced READY-Girls preconception counseling program on intentions and behaviors for family planning in teens with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine 12-month effects of a booster-enhanced preconception counseling (PC) program (READY-Girls) on family planning for teen girls with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants 13–19 years of age ( n = 109) were randomized to a standard care control group (CG) or intervention group (IG) that received PC over three consecutive clinic visits. Prepost data were collected at baseline, 3- and 6-month booster sessions, and a 12-month follow-up visit. RESULTS Mean age was 15.8 years; 9 (8%) subjects had type 2 diabetes; and 18 (17%) subjects were African American. At baseline, 20% ( n = 22 of 109) had been sexually active, and of these, 50% ( n = 11) had at least one episode of unprotected sex. Over time, IG participants retained greater PC knowledge (F[6, 541] = 4.05, P = 0.0005) and stronger intentions regarding PC (significant group-by-time effects) especially after boosters. IG participants had greater intentions to discuss PC (F[6, 82.4] = 2.56, P = 0.0254) and BC (F[6, 534] = 3.40, P = 0.0027) with health care providers (HCPs) and seek PC when planning a pregnancy (F[6, 534] = 2.58, P = 0.0180). Although not significant, IG participants, compared with CG, showed a consistent trend toward lower rates of overall sexual activity over time: less sexual debut (35 vs. 41%) and higher rates of abstinence (44 vs. 32%). No pregnancies were reported in either group throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS READY-Girls appeared to have long-term sustaining effects on PC knowledge, beliefs, and intentions to initiate discussion with HCPs that could improve reproductive health behaviors and outcomes. Strong boosters and providing PC at each clinic visit could play important roles in sustaining long-term effects.
Organic Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays Fabricated on Hemispherical Substrates by Three-Dimensional Stamping

We demonstrate a new approach to print organic photodetector arrays on 3D transparent plastic substrates. A 15x15 matrix with a feature size of 500 mum is fabricated, with dark current density is 3.1 muA/cm at -IV.
Optimization of bioretention systems through application of ecological theory

Current design of bioretention systems is intended to intercept and retain stormwater, enhance infiltration, and remove organic particulates, nutrients, pathogens, metals, and other contaminants using natural processes that derive from the interactions of water, soil, microbes, plants, and animals. Most bioretention systems function as isolated patches of various shapes and sizes surrounded by impervious surface. A significant body of ecological theory has been developed that addresses the relationships among species composition, diversity, and ecosystem function, and how these vary with spatial structure. Here we highlight how such theories may be applied to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of bioretention systems. We consider (1) the role of plant and animal species that function as ecosystem engineers, (2) biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships, (3) complexity and stability, (4) disturbance and succession, and (5) spatial theory. Future testing of the utility of these theories may occur through incorporation of experiments into the design of bioretention systems or through meta-analysis of systems that span a range of configurations and biotic
Improving care in resistant hypertension: medication trends and nonpharmacologic strategies in a specialty clinic.

Objective Resistant hypertension is an important clinical problem that is poorly studied and not well managed. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with successful treatment of resistant hypertension in a specialty clinic.
Evidence of in vivo efficacy for the indenoisoquinolines linked with pharmacodynamic markers for γH2AX

C18 Three indenoisoquinolones (NSCs 724998, 725776, 706744), synthesized by Dr. Mark Cushman (Purdue University), are undergoing preclinical evaluation as chemotherapeutic agents with the potential of early clinical evaluation in Phase 0 or I trials. To support clinical development, therapy with these agents has been linked to a pharmacodynamic (PD) marker of activity, γH2AX. The dose response relationship has been determined at multiple time points following single intravenous (IV) doses of all 3 test agents. Results to date suggest that both dose level and time of sample collection post-dosing are important. The next step in the process is to tie the PD marker modulation with some measure of traditional chemotherapeutic activity. Therefore, the antitumor efficacies have been determined against A375 human melanoma xenografts growing in athymic nu/nu mice. Maximally tolerated doses were determined in preliminary toxicity studies using nontumored athymic nu/nu mice. In those studies, the IV daily x 5 maximally tolerated doses (MTD) were determined to be 50, 25 and 10 mg/kg/day for NSCs 706744, 724998 and 725776, respectively. These concentrations were used to establish the 3 test doses evaluated in the efficacy study (MTD, 0.67 MTD, 0.45 MTD) for each compound. Following the QDx5 IV treatment cycle, all 3 agents inhibited tumor growth; however, there were distinct differences in the degree of activity amongst the agents. NSC 724998 was associated with tumor regressions at doses of 25 and 16.8 mg/kg/dose and tumor growth inhibition at 11.2 mg/kg/dose. NSC 725776 was associated with tumor growth stasis at doses of 10 and 6.7 mg/kg/dose and tumor growth inhibition at 4.5 mg/kg/dose. Neither NSC 725776 nor 704998 were associated with significant body weight loss or other evidence of toxicity. In contrast, the NSC 706744 produced tumor growth delays only in the presence of toxicity measured both as morbidity/mortality and as significant body weight losses. Topotecan (NSC 609699) was included in these studies to provide a clinically relevant topoisomerase I inhibitor for comparison as a positive control. In these studies, NSC 724998 and 725776 produced tumor growth stasis that was more durable than that achieved with topotecan. The association between efficacy and γH2AX will be discussed. All animal studies were conducted in an AAALAC accredited facility under an approved IACUC protocol. Funded by NCI Contract N01-CO-12400.
ID: 223 : Toxoplasma gondii inhibits virus-induced IFN-α production in pDC through functional IL-10 mimicry

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are major producers of IFN- α , an antiviral cytokine with immunomodulatory and anti-viral activity. IFN- α production in pDC is inhibited by IL-10. Toxoplasma gondii is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals, with areas with high incidence of HIV also endemic for T. gondii. We investigated human pDC responses with virus and T. gondii co-infection. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we determined that T. gondii invaded but did not induce IFN- α or TNF- α in pDC. However, T. gondii inhibited both IFN- α and TNF- α produced in response to HSV and HIV, thus functionally inactivating pDC. Within the T. gondii-exposed pDC population, IFN- α production was inhibited only in cells infected by T. gondii, demonstrating the inhibition occurs in cis. T. gondii inhibited neither uptake of GFP-HSV nor localization of TLR-9 in CD71+ endosomes. Using imaging flow cytometry, we found that virus-induced nuclear translocation of IRF7 but not phosphorylation was abolished by the parasite, similar to what we observed with IL-10 treatment of pDC. Taken together, these data indicate that the block of the intracellular signaling cascade by T. gondii occurs downstream of TLR9 recruitment but upstream of IRF7 translocation. Obstruction of IRF7 nuclear translocation and inhibition of IFN- α were partially reversed by knocking out T. gondii-derived ROP16 kinase, known to directly phosphorylate STAT3, further mimicking IL-10 anti-inflammatory signaling. These findings describe a novel mechanism of inhibition of TLR signaling by T. gondii whereby the pathogen mimics IL-10 signaling and suggest potential negative consequences of HIV/T. gondii co-infection.
Revising the Fuchs "Boundary Sphere" Method

The Fuchs "boundary sphere" method used in theory of aerosol coagulation and condensation in the transition Knudsen regime (0.1 ≤ Kn ≤ 10) is critically analyzed. Based on the Poisson-type model of Brownian motion of colliding particles and a "probabilistic theorem", we demonstrate that the Knudsen layer near the "sphere of influence" is characterized with a finite probability to find moving particles there, if space is isotropic. Therefore Fuchs' hypothesis about "vacuum" in the Knudsen layer is not physically correct.
A Personality Framework for the Unification of Psychology

We describe the Personality Systems Framework for organizing the discipline of psychology (J. D. Mayer, 2005, A tale of two visions: Can a new view of personality help integrate psychology? America...
Influence of Archaic Reproduction Cycle on Sensitivity Response of Rat Dorsolateral Prostate to Sex Hormones.

SummaryStudies using Zn65 uptake by DLP as indicator of glandular function have demonstrated seasonal variations in sensitivity response of castrated and hypophysectomized rats to administered sex hormones. These variations in sensitivity response coincide with the pattern of the archaic reproductive cycle found in intact non-breeding male laboratory rat.
COLLOCATION SOLUTION OF INDEX-1 BVP-DAES ARISING FROM CONSTRAINED TRAJECTORY OPTIMIZATION

This paper presents a collocation method for the solution of two-point boundary value problems associated with the solution of constrained trajectory optimization of robotic systems. Here, the trajectory optimization is formulated as an optimal control problem with state and control variable inequality constraints. The indirect approach to solving this problem leads to a two-point boundary value problem involving index-1 differential-algebraic equations and inequality constraints due to the complementarity conditions. In the numerical algorithm presented here, the differential and algebraic variables of the BVP-DAEs are approximated using piecewise polynomials on a mesh that may be nonuniform. The collocation method is realized by approximating the BVP-DAE at Lobatto points within each interval of the mesh. An interior point Newton’s method is used to solve the collocation equations, and maintain feasibility of the inequality constraints. Two examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the numerical algorithm. In the first example the algorithm is used to determine the time optimal point to point trajectory for a 3 degree of freedom floating robot. The second example determines the optimal trajectory of a two-link R-R robot that is subject to end effector constraints.
Dispersal of Podisus maculiventris Nymphs in Soybeans

Studies of dispersal of Podisus maculiventris (Say) nymphs in immature soybeans revealed that they tended to disperse along rows rather than across rows. Sampling these nymphs 1 and 2 days post-release provided data which fitted the equation, Y = a + b Log x + c/x , where Y = density, x = distance from the release point, a = intercept, b = slope, and c = a proportionality constant. Results from samples obtained 4 and 7 days post-release did not provide good fits to the same equation.
Determination of 7 kinds of synthetic pigments in preserved fruits by solid-phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography

Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 7 kinds of synthetic pigments(lemon yellow,amaranth,ponceau 4r,sunset yellow,coomassie brilliant blue,allura red and erythrosine) in preserved fruits with solid-phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography(SPE-HPLC).Methods The homogenized samples were extracted by water,purified by Anpelclean PA-SPE column,and adjusted to constant volume after nitrogen blowing.HPLC analysis was conducted using methanol and 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate as mobile phase with a xbridge-C18 column from Waters company for gradient elution and separation.Specific wavelengths were applied for quantitative detection of the synthetic pigments in the samples.Results There was a good linearity between peak areas and concentrations of 7 kinds of synthetic pigments in the concentration range of 0.50~10.0 μg/m L(r2≥0.9987).The recovery rates fell in the scope of 74.3%~97.5% and RSDs ranged from 0.47% to 4.80% under the standard addition levels of 0.5,2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg.The detection limits were between 0.02 and 0.10 mg/kg and the quantification limits between 0.06 and 0.30 mg/kg.Conclusion The method has high sensitivity,good separation effect,good precision and high accuracy,thus,it's suitable for the simultaneous determination of 7 kinds of common fruit pigments in preserved fruits.
The downward shift of the aortic bifurcation, a possible marker for vascular aging.

PURPOSE Radiographers in both clinical and research settings utilize lumbar vertebral landmarks (i.e. L5/S1) on scout films to guide imaging of the abdominal aorta. The aortic bifurcation is variably located along the anterior lower spine from L3 toL5. We sought to determine the mean distance from the aortic bifurcation to the L5-S1 disc space. We also investigated associations between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and calcified atherosclerosis to this distance. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 748 participants who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans for assessment of subclinical cardiovascular disease. The CT scans were used to calculate calcium scores in six arterial beds, as well as the distance from the aortic bifurcation to the L5-S1 disc space. RESULTS Among 748 participants, the mean age was 58 ± 11 years, and 57% were male. The mean (SD) distance from the aortic bifurcation to the L5-S1 disc space was 52mm (16). There were no significant differences between males (53mm) and females (52mm). Older age was strongly associated with smaller distances, such that individuals < 50 years had bifurcations that were approximately 19mm further from the L5-S1 disc compared to those ≥ 70 years (P< 0.01). In multivariable analysis, older age, along with lower BMI and smoking were each independently associated with a smaller distance, (P <0.01). Arterial calcification was not significantly associated with this distance. CONCLUSIONS The distance from the aortic bifurcation to the L5-S1 disc is smaller in persons with advanced age, lower BMI, and a history of smoking. These associations may reflect a downward shift, which warrants consideration in studies planning to image the abdominal aorta. This downward shift may be a useful marker for vascular aging. Also, further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms and implications of this descent.
Expression of nutrient allowances per 1,000 kilocalories

The concept of nutrient density (ratio of nutrients per 1,000 kcal) is suggested as one on which the Recommended Dietary Allowances could well he based.
Parental Depressive Symptoms and Youth Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: The Moderating Role of Interparental Conflict

The current investigation examined if interparental conflict (IPC), including psychological and physical violence, moderated the relationship between parental depressive symptoms and youth internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively, in a sample of youth with a parent with a history of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). One hundred and eighty families with a parent with a history of MDD (M age = 41.96; 88.9 % mothers) and a youth in the target age range of 9-to-15 years (49.4 % females; M age = 11.46) participated. Findings indicated that IPC exacerbated the effect of parental depressive symptoms on internalizing, but not externalizing, problems for both males and females. Findings suggest that, in families with a parent who has a history of depression, parental depressive symptoms and IPC together have important implications for youth internalizing problems. Targeting improvement for both parent depressive symptoms and interparental conflict may directly lead to decreases in youth internalizing symptoms in the context of parental depression.
Does Asthma Impair Wealth Accumulation or Does Wealth Protect Against Asthma

Objective We investigate the association between adult asthma and wealth, testing whether the disease impairs wealth accumulation (social selection model) or if wealth protects against asthma (social causation model). Methods We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (n = 7,644) and linear and logistic regressions to estimate the association between wealth and asthma. Changes in relative wealth following an asthma diagnosis and asthma status by increases in wealth through inheritance provide evidence on the causal direction. Results Asthma, particularly severe asthma, is associated with lower wealth. Wealth ranking does not change after a diagnosis of asthma, but inheriting a substantial sum is associated with a lower risk of severe asthma. Conclusion Wealth appears to protect against severe asthma, supporting the social causation model of disease.
Ultrastructural observations on scrapie in the gerbil.

Ultrastructural observations were made on the hippocampal and cerebral areas of gerbils inoculated with scrapie. The general features resembled those reported in other species. Pathological changes were observed in neuronal cytoplasm, myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres and nerve endings. A common abnormality was the presence of groups of dense structures of mitochondrial size range, in these neuronal elements. Large vacuoles were seen, especially in the hippocampal specimens. No structure was seen whose morphology suggested its identification as the scrapie agent.
Gore-Tex (polytetrafluoroethylene) in canine coronary artery bypass.

Because of the occasional need for a prosthesis in coronary artery operations, we investigated the potential use of microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with and without antiplatelet drugs as an aorta-coronary bypass graft in 43 dogs. In 13 animals without antiplatelet drugs, no grafts were patent at I month. When antiplatelet drugs were used (25 dogs), the 1 month patency rate increased to 64%. The addition of antibiotic treatment increased 1 month patency rate to 80%. The 6 month patency rate in dogs treated with antiplatelet drugs, preoperative bowel preparation, and systemic antibiotics was 60%. Our data indicate that microporous PTFE grafts used as coronary artery bypass grafts in dogs can be maintained patent for at least 6 months when the animals are treated with antiplatelet drugs.
Unraveling the mystery of the ring: Tracking heme dynamics in living cells

Heme is an essential protein cofactor used by nearly all forms of life to perform a wide range of tasks, from shuttling electrons to keep photosynthesis running to moving the oxygen we breathe from our lungs throughout our bodies (1). Most of the heme in humans is produced in erythroid cells, which can contain up to 1 billion heme molecules per cell (2). Because free heme that is not bound to proteins is toxic, many students are taught that all heme in erythroid or other cells is bound or being degraded. At best, this picture is incomplete, and, at worst, it obscures fundamental biological questions. One might wonder how bound heme is first loaded into proteins in the various organelles of cells. In addition, new data suggest that unbound or labile heme may be an important signaling molecule (3, 4). Although there have long been tools to study heme structure and synthesis in vitro, as well as tools to study the total heme content in populations of cells, there are few tools to study the dynamics of labile heme in individual, live cells (5). In recent work in PNAS, Hanna et al. (6) develop a new genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for heme, HS1, and uncover the dynamic regulation of resting labile heme, document the mobilization of labile heme in response to NO, and identify glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a heme buffer in yeast. Traditionally, heme has been studied in cells by homogenizing tissue, acidifying and heating the isolated proteins to release bound heme, and then measuring the fluorescence of the protoporphyrin ring to quantify the concentration of heme from the cells spectroscopically. Such experiments have been useful in identifying changes in heme status by comparing … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: amy.palmer{at}colorado.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Comparison of Selective Direct Plating Media for Enumeration and Recovery of L. monocytogenes from Cold-process (smoked) Fish.

Three selective media were evaluated for direct plating recovery and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in the presence of high levels of a variety of microorganisms occurring on cold-process (smoked) salmon products. Sliced salmon was brined to contain either no added salt, 3, or 5% water-phase NaCl, or 3 or 5% NaCl plus 140 ppm NaNO2. The slices were packaged in oxygen-permeable film or sealed under vacuum in oxygen-impermeable film, and stored at 10°C or 5°C until total microbial loads reached 106 to 109 CFU/g. Oxford formulation of Listeria selective agar and Lee's modification of Listeria selective agar achieved quantitative recovery of 102 cells per ml of L. monocytogenes strain Scott A in the presence of diluted slurries of these fish containing 104 to 108 CFU/ml of background organisms. A modification of lithium chloride-phenylethanol-moxalactam agar containing an iron-esculin indicator system sometimes failed because of interfering growth by the background microflora.
Politics, Economics and Environment

Only a few years ago popular concern with the quality of the environment could be dismissed more or less out of hand by public officials charged with setting social priorities and charting the course of nations. Apart from a few fringe groups, pollution and ecology simply were not particularly important as political issues — certainly not as issues demanding an immediate public policy response and perhaps a fundamental reordering of national goals and priorities. But things have a way of changing — of creeping up on the man in the street and the government official alike — until the realisation suddenly strikes that a real crisis of rather substantial proportions is looming on the immediate horizon, demanding quick and decisive action.
Evaluating stress reduction techniques and Fitzmaurice Voicework® as a template for addressing performance anxiety and enhancing focus in student actors

AbstractResearch conducted over the past 20 years in psychology, voice science, kinesiology, and neuroscience shows promising results in establishing the potential of breath management, attentional focus, and somatic disciplines to enhance the ability of individuals to function effectively under intense and often stressful performance circumstances. Many of these approaches have been incorporated into the training of performing artists for centuries, and among diverse cultures. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Techniques, and Fitzmaurice Voicework®, employ such techniques, and a study investigating their efficacy in alleviating performance anxiety and enhancing focus may provide information that will help us to further refine our actor training methods.
An alternating moment condition for bi-freeness

Abstract In this note we demonstrate an equivalent condition for bi-freeness, inspired by the well-known “vanishing of alternating centred moments” condition from free probability. We show that all products satisfying a centred condition on maximal monochromatic χ-intervals have vanishing moments if and only if the family of pairs of faces they come from is bi-free, and show that similar characterisations hold for the amalgamated and conditional settings. In addition, we construct a bi-free unitary Brownian motion and show that conjugation by this process asymptotically creates bi-freeness; these considerations lead to another characterisation of bi-free independence.
Utilization Management Employing Test Interpretations and Algorithms

Pathologists and clinicians are increasingly expected to provide care in a cost-effective and expedient manner, limiting unnecessary use of medical resources. Furthermore, maintaining sufficient medical knowledge to manage patients is increasingly challenging for clinicians, as diagnostic and therapeutic options as well as laboratory test menus continue to expand. Pathologists, as directors of clinical laboratories, can facilitate overcoming both of these obstacles, by providing customized interpretations of laboratory data for the patient’s medical record and test algorithms.
Braess Paradox in Electrical Networks – When more might mean less

Braess Paradox in Electrical Networks – When more might mean less J. Rojas, A. Alonso and D. Quesada School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens FL 33054 Electrical grids are part of the network of connections maintaining a city alive nowadays. Many times we see a limited amount of lines and poles, as well as, supportive local electrical transformer points (LETP). Most of these connections are wired in parallel in order to guarantee a sustainable flow of electricity plus being robust enough against failures. Why are we not making the system redundant and increasing the number of grid points and cabling? How the performance of a power grid network can be assessed from its connectivity pattern? In this presentation the Braess Paradox is investigated for several network configurations. Special interest is dedicated to the Wheatstone bridge and to those networks containing such configurations as part of their structural elements. The flow across the network as well as the overall resistance are computed and expressed in terms of network characteristics. In answering the first question, we hypothesized that despite of the economic cost of such approach there is a counter intuitive fact known as the Braess Paradox, which states that in a congested network, it may happen that adding a new path between destinations can increase the level of congestion. In transportation networks, the phenomenon results from the decisions of network participants who selfishly seek to optimize their own performance metrics. In an electric power distribution network, an analogous increase in congestion can arise as a consequence of Kirchhoff's laws. To address the second question, we also hypothesized that power grid performance might be assessed through a combination of indices characterizing networks and enabling quantify the easiness of connecting two distant points by walking the shortest path. The results obtained from executing these methods included: power grids can be mapped into networks of vertices (hubs) and edges (connecting lines); power grid networks can be studied through the Adjacency Matrix, Geodesic Paths, and Clustering coefficient; electrical networks behave similar to Road networks. In both cases, the addition of extra links (roads, connecting lines) yields to overloads and a detriment in performance. This fact is known as the Braess Paradox; for every network there is a critical value of edges above which, any addition does not introduce any improvement in performance; intelligent Dashboard can be implemented to control the performance of the power grid in parallel to the management windows.
Superconducting states for semi-Dirac fermions at zero and finite magnetic fields

We address the superconducting singlet state of anisotropic Dirac fermions that disperse linearly in one direction and parabolically in the other. For systems that have uniaxial anisotropy, we show that the electromagnetic response to an external magnetic flux is extremely anisotropic near the quantum critical point of the superconducting order. In the quantum critical regime and above a critical magnetic field, we show that the superconductor may form an exotic smectic state, with a stripe pattern of flux domains.
Improving Dialysis Adherence for High Risk Patients Using Automated Messaging: Proof of Concept

Comorbidities and socioeconomic barriers often limit patient adherence and self-management with hemodialysis. Missed sessions, often associated with communication barriers, can result in emergency dialysis and avoidable hospitalizations. This proof of concept study explored using a novel digital-messaging platform, EpxDialysis, to improve patient-to-dialysis center communication via widely available text messaging and telephone technology. A randomized controlled trial was conducted through Washington University-affiliated hemodialysis centers involving ESRD patients with poor attendance, defined as missing 2–6 sessions over the preceding 12 weeks. A cross-over study design evaluated appointment adherence between intervention and control groups. Comparing nonadherence rates eight weeks prior to enrollment, median appointment adherence after using the system increased by 75%, and median number of unintended hospitalization days fell by 31%. A conservative cost-benefit analysis of EpxDialysis demonstrates a 1:36 savings ratio from appointment adherence. EpxDialysis is a low-risk, cost-effective, intervention for increasing hemodialysis adherence in high-risk patients, especially at centers caring for vulnerable and low-income patients.
Electric Field Based Dressing Disrupts Mixed-Species Bacterial Biofilm Infection and Restores Functional Wound Healing.

Objective:This study was designed to employ electroceutical principles, as an alternative to pharmacological intervention, to manage wound biofilm infection. Mechanism of action of a United States Food and Drug Administration-cleared wireless electroceutical dressing (WED) was tested in an establish
Standards and Interoperability: A Systems Engineering Perspective

As the diversity of aircraft systems seeking integration into the air transportation system grows, interoperability is emerging as a key requirement throughout the design process and life cycle. The growth of UAS applications offers a prime example. While seemingly straightforward, interoperability varies extensively in meaning and context. To paint a clear picture, this chapter will provide a background on the history, concepts, and challenges in interoperability from a systems engineer's perspective. Rather than pursuing a deeply detailed review on interoperability, this chapter will highlight some commonly used standards for unmanned systems and implications of various mechanical, electrical, information, and programming principles. The chapter will also explain various types or levels of interoperability and reflect on their significance to different stakeholders, importance to system requirements, modeling frameworks for future and legacy systems, and criterion for acceptable interoperability practices. While this chapter may focus on UAS, several examples will also reference software, hardware, and policy. Keywords: information; interoperability; modeling; simulation; STANAG 4586; standards; systems
Geographic Distribution of Nonphysician Clinicians Who Independently Billed Medicare for Common Dermatologic Services in 2014.

Importance Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are nonphysician clinicians (NPCs) who can deliver dermatology services. Many of these services are provided independently. Little is known about the types of services provided or where NPCs provide independent care. Objective To examine characteristics of dermatology care for Medicare enrollees billed independently by NPCs. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective review of the 2014 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File, which reflects fee-for-service payments to clinicians for services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries. Clinician location was matched with county-level demographic data from the American Community Survey, US Census Bureau. Clinicians identified using National Provider Identifier as NPs or PAs with at least 11 claims for common dermatology-associated Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System procedure codes were included. Main Outcomes and Measures Total services provided by service type category, density of dermatologists and nondermatologists who perform dermatology-related services, and geographic location by county. Results Among the cohort of NPCs were 824 NPs (770 [93.5%] female) and 2083 PAs (1602 [76.9%] female) who independently billed Medicare $59 438 802 and $171 645 943, respectively. Dermatologists were affiliated with 2667 (92%) independently billing NPCs. Most payments were for non–evaluation and management services including destruction of premalignant lesions, biopsies, excisions of skin cancer, surgical repairs, flaps/grafts, and interpretation of pathologic analysis. Nurse practitioners and PAs billed for a similar distribution of service categories overall. A total of 2062 (70.9%) NPCs practiced in counties with dermatologist density of greater than 4 per 100 000 population. Only 3.0% (86) of independently billing NPCs practiced in counties without a dermatologist. Both dermatologists and NPCs were less likely to be in rural counties than in urban counties. Conclusions and Relevance Nonphysician clinicians independently billed for a wide variety of complex dermatologic procedures. Most independently billing NPCs practice in counties with higher dermatologist densities, and nearly all these NPCs were affiliated with dermatologists. Further study of NPC training and integration with the dermatology discipline is an important part of addressing the changing US dermatology workforce.
The Bounded Nature of Science: An Effective Tool in an Equitable Approach to the Teaching of Science

This chapter draws on three broad areas of scholarship—the nature of science, learning theory, and equitable science instruction—to argue for the educational importance of emphasizing the bounded nature of science in science teaching. It is well accepted that science education should focus both on the knowledge that science produces as well as “knowledge about science.” Likewise, we recognize that learning science is a difficult process that requires the actions of an engaged, active learner. Learning is now understood to be influenced by a host of extra-cognitive factors, such as motivation, interest, emotions, belief/acceptance, even identity. Equitable science instruction suggests that teachers should be aware of who they are teaching, knowing the critical intersections between science, school science, and the cultural backgrounds of the students themselves. Drawing from these three lines of inquiry, we describe how the bounded nature of science—the idea that science is limited in its scope by its reliance on methodological naturalism—is an important tool in the teaching of science. Through an emphasis on teaching how the scope of science is bounded by its assumptions, as can be accomplished through a consideration of pseudoscientific topics in the classroom, we argue that teachers can appropriately situate science as nonthreatening to students’ religious or cultural worldviews, thus fostering science learning.
The Effective Use of Logbooks in Undergraduate Classes

A successful strategy for introducing informal professional writing assignments in the undergraduate classroom is described. Rationale for the project and techniques for successful implementation are discussed. Benefits for both the instructor and the students are summarized.
Data injection attacks in electricity markets: Stochastic robustness

Deregulated electricity markets rely on a two-settlement system consisting of day-ahead and real-time markets, across which electricity price is volatile. In such markets, locational marginal pricing is widely adopted to set electricity prices and manage transmission congestion. Locational marginal prices are vulnerable to measurement errors. Existing studies show that if the adversaries are omniscient, they can design profitable attack strategies without being detected by the residue-based bad data detectors. This paper focuses on a more realistic setting, in which the attackers have only partial and imperfect information due to their limited resources and restricted physical access to the grid. Specifically, the attackers are assumed to have uncertainties about the state of the grid, and the uncertainties are modeled stochastically. Based on this model, this paper offers a framework for characterizing the optimal stochastic guarantees for the effectiveness of the attacks and the associated pricing impacts.
Expression of Rotavirus Capsid Protein VP6 in Transgenic Potato and Its Oral Immunogenicity in Mice

Murine rotavirus gene six encoding the 41 kDa group specific capsid structural protein VP6 was stably inserted into the Solanum tuberosum genome by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation. The molecular mass of plant synthesized VP6 capsid protein determined by immunoblot was similar to the size of both purified virus VP6 monomeric peptides and partially assembled virus-like particles. The amount of VP6 protein synthesized in transgenic potato leaf and tuber was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to be approximately 0.01% of total soluble protein. Oral immunization of CD-1 mice with transformed potato tuber tissues containing VP6 capsid protein generated measurable titers of both anti-VP6 serum IgG and intestinal IgA antibodies. The presence of detectable humoral and intestinal antibody responses against the rotavirus capsid protein following mucosal immunization provides an optimistic basis for the development of edible plant vaccines against enteric viral pathogens.
Characteristic Components of Chloroplast Membranes

To determine its chemical composition as well as the mechanism of function. the chloroplast must be prepared in a relatively pure state. An important consideration during purification is the osmolarity of the surrounding medium. In solutions with osmolarities less than that inside the organelle, bulk water is drawn in until the chloroplast swells to the limits of elasticity of its envelope, beyond which it bursts. This condition permits escape of nearly all water-soluble components contained in the stroma of the chloroplast. Such drastic consequences can be avoided, however, by adding to the medium a solute to which the chloroplast envelope is relatively impermeable, at a concentration sufficient to balance the internal osmotic pressure. The two most widely used substances for this purpose are sucrose and sorbitol (Fig. 3.1).
Combining Not-Proper ROC Curves and Hierarchical Clustering to Detect Differentially Expressed Genes in Microarray Experiments

TNRC (Test for Not Proper ROC Curve) is a statistical tool recently developed to identify differently expressed genes in microarray studies. In previous investigations it was demonstrated to be able to separate hidden subgroups in a two-class experiment, but being a univariate technique it could not exploit the complex multivariate correlation naturally occurring in gene expression data. In this study we show as the combination of TNRC with a standard technique of hierarchical clustering may provide useful biological insights. An example is provided using data from a publicly available data set of 4026 gene expression profiles in 42 samples of lymphomas and 14 samples of normal B cells.
Sequences of Random Variables

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the sequences of rundown variables. One of the central topics in the mathematical theory of probability is the study of sums and arithmetic averages of sequences of random variables. Such sequences often arise naturally in the description of composite or repeated trials. The chapter develops the multinomial distribution in connection with the counting of results of independent, repeated trials in which several outcomes are possible on each trial in the sequence. A study of the arithmetic average of the first n random variables in a sequence leads to the establishment of several forms of the “law of large numbers” or “law of averages”, which plays an important role in both the theory and applications of probability. The arithmetic average of a finite number of random variables is, itself, a random variable. Its distribution is derived from the distributions of the variables averaged. The law of large numbers indicates that as the number of variables averaged is increased, the distributions for the averages undergo a kind of convergence process.
The role of surface molecule CD229 in Multiple Myeloma

The outcome of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients has dramatically improved, however, most patients will still succumb to their disease. Additional therapeutic options are urgently needed and novel immunotherapies are enormously promising in the therapeutic armamentarium against MM. The first step in the development of any immunotherapy needs to be the identification of an appropriate target structure. In this review we present the current knowledge on surface molecule CD229, a member of the Signaling Lymphocyte Activation (SLAM) family of immune receptors. We believe that based on its characteristics, including (1) strong and homogenous expression on all myeloma cells, (2) expression on myeloma precursors, (3) absence from most normal tissues, (4) a central function in the biology of MM, CD229 (SLAMF3) represents a promising target for anti-MM immunotherapies. The introduction of novel anti-CD229 approaches into the clinic will hopefully lead to more durable responses, or maybe even cures, in MM.
Anesthetic Management of the Syndrome of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) in Severe Preeclampsia A Retrospective Study

The syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP Syndrome) in preeclampsia is a severe complication of the disease process with a high cesarean section (CS) rate. This report describes the authors9 experience with general and epidural anesthesia in patients with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome undergoing CS. Of 47 patients who underwent CS, 31 received general anesthesia (GA group) and 16 received lumbar epidural anesthesia (LEA group). One of the two maternal deaths that occurred in the GA group was associated with difficult intubation that was partly due to the presence of severe laryngeal edema. In the LEA group, no major maternal complications occurred other than transient hypotension in six patients during induction. There were significant changes in the platelet count in both groups. In the LEA group the platelet count decreased from 131 ± 44 to 71 ± 24 (×103/mm3) ( p