cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and isolated T cells after activation with polyclonal t cell activators

Controversial data have been reported regarding the ability of peripheral blood T cells to secrete interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) from atopic patients as compared to nonatopic healthy controls. In most of these studies, T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations (PBMC) were stimulated with polyclonal T cell activators. Some of these activators are able to activate cells other than T cells in the PBMC preparations which may influence the lymphokine levels in supernatants of PBMC. To evaluate this, we compared the IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in PBMC and isolated T cell preparations after activation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), Concanavalin A (ConA), anti-CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), or ionomycin plus PMA. The IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in the supernatants were calculated based on the percent T cells in the preparations. Whereas all activators induced significant IFN-γ secretion, only ionomycin plus PMA stimulation induced large IL-4 secretion. In virtually all cases, the IFN-γ levels calculated on a per T cell basis differed for PBMC versus isolated T cells. Whereas in some donors the IFN-γ levels were higher in PBMC preparations than in T cells, in others it was the opposite. Similarly, in about one half of both normal and atopic donors tested, the IL-4 levels of activated PBMC were 2- to 7-fold lower than levels in isolated T cells. The data suggest that non-T cells have a significant effect on the IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in supernatants of polyclonally activated PBMC. This indicates that isolated T cells rather than PBMC should be analyzed for determining possible differences in the ability of T cells from patients or normals to secrete lymphokines. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Antiplane coherent scattering from a slab containing a random distribution of cavities

The scattering of antiplane waves from a slab region containing a random distribution of cylindrical cavities is investigated. The cavities have a uniform probability density in the slab region and...
The Value of the Pedigree in Breeding for Egg Production

Abstract THE fact that fecundity, as measured by the number of eggs produced by an individual, is inherited is no longer questioned. That the sire may have just as great an influence upon the production of a pullet as her dam is an accepted fact. It is also very generally believed among poultry geneticists that egg production, when considered as a single character, is a complex one, quantitative in nature, and therefore influenced very greatly by environmental conditions. This fact and the fact that the character is expressed in only one sex seriously complicates the problem of an exact analysis of the hereditary factors concerned. Nevertheless the progress which has been made by thousands of poultrymen in breeding during the last twenty years probably has no parallel in the breeding of any other class of livestock. The writer, in analyzing the weekly summaries of the records of pullets entered in the . . .
Random noise attenuation using local similarity

We propose a novel approach to attenuate random noise based on application of local similarity. In this approach, we first remove noise using a conventional denoising operator, and then apply a weighting operator to the noise section in order to retrieve additional components of the useful signal. Next, the initially denoised section and the retrieved signal are combined to form the final denoised section. The weighting operator is defined by computing local similarity between the noise section and the initially denoised section. Our approach is based on the assumption that the denoised section and the noise section should be orthogonal and have a small degree of local similarity. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate an excellent performance of the proposed approach in applications both in random noise attenuation for conventional seismic data and blending noise attenuation for simultaneous-source seismic data.
The Manipulation of Fear in Carjacking

Although prior studies on robbery decision making have explored how offenders manipulate fear in the coercive process, research has paid little attention to the issue as it relates to carjacking. The gap is significant given that carjacking requires offenders to neutralize victims who are inherently mobile and who can use their vehicles as both weapons and shields. Based on qualitative interviews with 24 active carjackers, the present paper explores this issue and the data’s grounded-theoretic significance for coercive decision making in predatory social exchange. In particular, the article examines fear as an essential intervening variable that links threat to compliance. It also explores how offenders manipulate the “severity” dimension of threat to influence the certainty and celerity of compliance. The approach taken here offers an advancement in the study of coercion and a refinement of the compliance generation process itself.
Single-incision medial approach for double arthrodesis of hindfoot in posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction.

Background:Triple arthrodesis through a 2-incision approach has been the primary salvage procedure for rigid hindfoot malalignment resulting from posterior tibialis dysfunction. However, complications like calcaneocuboid joint nonunion, lateral wound dehiscence, and adjacent joint arthritis have been reported after triple arthrodesis. Hence we adopted single-incision medial approach arthrodesis of subtalar and talonavicular joints, sparing the uninvolved calcaneocuboid joint and lateral skin.Method:We report the results of a series of 18 feet with posterior tibialis dysfunction that had correction of malalignment by this approach. Mean age at surgery was 65 years. The mean follow-up was 24 months.Results:There was statistically significant improvement in all the radiological parameters measured. There were no wound-related complications. The union rate was 89%. There were 2 malunions, and 2 feet developed valgus ankle deformity. The overall satisfaction rate among patients was 78%.Conclusion:We present a ...
Ethical Disclosure: A Look at Reg Fd

Enron, Global Crossing, Tyco, WorldCom, Waste Management?these corpo rate names invoke immediate impressions of management gone awry and have created an exceptionally hot topic for investors, accountants, regulatory bod ies, and (of course) the media: corporate disclosure. Even President George W. Bush mentioned the importance of corporate disclosure in preventing harm to investors, creditors and employees through inaccurate or incomplete corpo rate reporting in his 2002 State of the Union Address. The issues of the need for, and importance of, corporate disclosure are not new. Corporate disclosures are presumed to increase the fairness of the securities markets and "to facilitate the direction of investment capital into productive channels" (Carmichael and Makela, 1976). However, there have always been situations that reflected differential disclosure, when more sophis ticated users might receive additional, or simply different, information from the ordinary user. And there have also always been situations that reflected inadequate or inaccurate disclosure?when users simply did not receive enough, or the right, information.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Well-Ordered Inverted Core-Shell α-Cr2O3/α-MxCr2-xO3 (M=Co, Ni, Mn, Fe) Nanoparticles

Magnetic core shell nanoparticles (NPs) have potential for applications in magnetic random access memory, spintronic devices, and drug delivery systems. Our investigations are focused on the synthesis of inverted core shell nanoparticles and characterization of their structural and magnetic properties. By using our hydrothermal nanophase epitaxy technique, we are able to synthesize well-ordered α-Cr2O3@α-MxCr2-xO3 (M = Co, Ni, Mn, Fe) inverted core-shell nanoparticles. This typically results in the formation of novel phases of MxCr2-xO3 shells having ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic (FM/FiM) spin ordering and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) Cr2O3 core structure. The combined results from XRD and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) provide evidence of the presence of corundum phase both in the shell and in the core regions. HRTEM results also show a sharp interface exhibiting epitaxial atomic registry of shell atoms over highly ordered core atoms whereas TEM-EDX analyses show that the M atoms reside predominantly in the shell regions. The XPS analyses of the NPs indicate the M transition metals incorporated in the shell are in the +2 oxidation state. Magnetic measurements show well developed hysteresis loops: The field cooled hysteresis loops reveal horizontal shifts in the applied field axis and vertical shifts in the magnetization axis, relative to the zero-field cooled hysteresis loops. This provides direct evidence for the exchange bias effect between the AFM α-Cr2O3 core and the FM/FiM α-MxCr2-xO3 shell. The XPS data are consistent with oxygen vacancy formation in order to maintain charge neutrality upon substitution of the M2+ ion for the Cr3+ ion in the α-MxCr2-xO3 shell. The FM/FiM ordering in the shell may at least partially result from the F-center exchange coupling between the oxygen-vacancy induced bound magnetic polaron and nearby cations.
Transnasal Aerosol Delivery to Pediatric Patients: Jet Versus Vibrating Mesh--Reply.

In Reply: We thank Mr Siobal for his interest in our work.[1][1] It is frequently said that children are not small adults, and aerosol drug delivery is not an exception. Infants and young children are not obligate nose breathers by choice but because of the anatomical and physiological properties
Power Loss Analysis of Medium-Voltage Three-Phase Converters Using 15-kV/40-A SiC N-IGBT

Medium-voltage (MV) silicon carbide (SiC) devices such as the 15-kV SiC N-insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) have better thermal withstanding capability compared with silicon (Si)-based devices. These devices also have lower switching and conduction losses at high switching frequencies and high power levels, respectively. The maximum safe operating junction temperature for the 15-kV SiC IGBT is 175 °C. This enables high power density design of the MV converters using this device. Heat sink with forced air cooling is considered for dissipating the heat generated during converter operation. In this paper, the power loss analysis of three-phase MV converters based on 15-kV/40-A SiC N-IGBT is discussed. The converter thermal analysis is carried out based on the experimental loss data and the continuous heat-run test of the device. It is supported by analytical calculations, PLECS thermal simulations, and FEM simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics software. Hardware prototypes of the converters are developed and the experimental results support the analysis. Experimental results are given for both hard-switched grid-connected converter and soft-switched dual active bridge converter. The paper mainly focuses on the semiconductor losses in the converter.
Preparing Students for Ethical Use of Technology: A Case Study for Distance Education

Are our students prepared to use technology ethically? This is a question of concern to this author and addressed in this chapter. Experience as the director of a distance education program with students who are ill-prepared for using technology and who use technology unethically had lead to the research for this chapter. The chapter reviews studies where ethical behaviors are reviewed. The survey responses lead to discussion on how to instill ethical use of technology for institutional distance education programs, through the use of ethical policies and procedures. The chapter concludes with a look at future research directions.
Integrating an Immigration Law Simulation Into EAP Courses

Background. Previous research has highlighted the pedagogical effectiveness of a simulation-based approach to EAP English for Academic Purposes instruction. Aim. The purpose of the article is describe the use of the ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW simulation in some EAP courses and examine its benefits and drawbacks. Method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the instructors and written questionnaires with the students. Results. The findings suggested that although the simulation raised some challenges in terms of design and accessibility of the topic, it brought three benefits to the EAP courses: developing students' academic language skills, conducting research as a pathway for knowledge construction, and strengthening students' abilities as critical thinkers. Conclusions. These findings underscore the usefulness of a simulation-based EAP pedagogy to promote students' use of the language skills to identify the main points of an argument, research and evaluate sources, defend well-organized arguments, and co-construct knowledge of a timely issue. Recommendations. The author concludes with some implications for simulation design and adaption.
S01-4 Incorporating individual and contextual level social factors into occupational health

Broader contextual factors that take into account the social, built and physical environments experienced outside the workplace are important determinants to worker health. Furthermore non-work related psychosocial stressors are likely closely related to psychosocial stress at work, and may contribute an additional layer of health risk to the worker. These factors are important contributors to widening health disparities and incorporating them into studies of traditional occupational health exposures will provide a better understanding of “total worker health”. In this presentation, we will focus on contextual and individual level stressors that may be important to occupation health outcomes but are less frequently incorporated. Specifically we will discuss how to conceptualise and measure these constructs and will provide some motivation for their relevance to occupation health. For example, individual and neighbourhood level stressors may be potential modifiers in the association between occupational exposures and outcomes, helping us identify vulnerable populations. Alternatively they may have a synergistic effect with occupational exposures suggesting potential mechanism of action. Specifically a discussion of important neighbourhood or other contextual level factors will focus on issues of measurement and conceptualization. We will draw on research from sociology and elsewhere to describe the state of the art in measuring neighbourhood social environments using existing data sources and primary data collection efforts such as systematic social observation. Furthermore, we will also address how to bring these factors into analytic structures (e.g. multi-level models). Individual level psychosocial stressor experienced outside the workplace (e.g. chronic stress, discrimination and social class) are more proximal to and possibly more powerful predictors of occupational health outcomes. We will discuss measurement strategies for these factors as well. The intent of this presentation is to lay the groundwork for a larger discussion of new challenges in occupational health.
Willi Flemming, Andreas Gryphius: Eine Monographie. Sprache und Literatur 26. Stuttgart: W. Kohlhammer, 1965. Pp. 231

(1967). Willi Flemming, Andreas Gryphius. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 63-65.
Amputations in the Foot and Ankle

Pedal amputations encompass half of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations. Functional, durable amputation surgery of the foot and ankle is emphasized in this chapter. The authors’ preferred methods for each functional amputation level are reviewed. Complications of foot amputation are also reviewed as well as footwear/prosthetic needs postamputation. Attention to the details provided for each amputation level will aid in achieving satisfactory outcomes and return to ambulation for many high-risk patients.
Thermal Spectra and Thermal Cross Sections

Although accurate determination of the thermal spectrum also requires advanced computational methods, average oversimplified spectra often serve as a reasonable first approximation in performing rudimentary reactor calculations. The main aspect of nuclear reactor analysis, as we have learned so far, is multigroup diffusion theory. In previous chapters, we developed the general form of multigroup diffusion equations and recommended a strategy for their solution. However, these set of equations contained various parameters known as group constants formally defined as the average over the energy-dependent intergroup flux which must be determined before these equations play formal important roles. In this chapter, we introduce the calculation of neutron energy spectrum characterizing fast neutrons, and as a result, the calculation of fast neutron spectra as well as generation of fast group constants will be of concern. At the conclusion, we will deal with the development of the theory of neutron slowing down and resonance absorption.
Electric-field-stimulated protein mechanics

The internal mechanics of proteins—the coordinated motions of amino acids and the pattern of forces constraining these motions—connects protein structure to function. Here we describe a new method combining the application of strong electric field pulses to protein crystals with time-resolved X-ray crystallography to observe conformational changes in spatial and temporal detail. Using a human PDZ domain (LNX2PDZ2) as a model system, we show that protein crystals tolerate electric field pulses strong enough to drive concerted motions on the sub-microsecond timescale. The induced motions are subtle, involve diverse physical mechanisms, and occur throughout the protein structure. The global pattern of electric-field-induced motions is consistent with both local and allosteric conformational changes naturally induced by ligand binding, including at conserved functional sites in the PDZ domain family. This work lays the foundation for comprehensive experimental study of the mechanical basis of protein function. A new method in which strong electric fields are applied to a protein crystal while collecting time-resolved X-ray diffraction patterns is able to follow the mechanical motions of all the constituent atoms, with implications for molecular biology and drug discovery. X-ray crystallography can reveal the three-dimensional structures of large proteins at atomic resolution, but provides only a static view. Now Rama Ranganathan and colleagues have applied strong electric fields to a protein crystal while collecting time-resolved X-ray diffraction patterns, to follow the mechanical motions of all constituent atoms—the essence of how machine-like proteins work. Of direct interest to molecular biology and drug discovery, this approach to protein mechanics should also inspire physicists in materials science and electrical engineering.
The Effects of the Great Recession on Educational Attainment: Evidence from a Large Urban High School District

Economic crises are a recurrent phenomenon in American society, yet there is little knowledge of the impacts on educational opportunity. Using data from a large high school district as a case study, this research explores the impact of the Great Recession (2007–2009) on high school senior graduation rates in an area at the epicenter of the Recession. A logistic regression model with cluster robust standard errors is developed to estimate the recession’s impact on student subgroups’ graduation rates between the periods 2004–2013 for maximum variation. Results show that students who are historically “at-risk” experienced significant declines in graduation rates at the beginning of the recession in 2008. The decline is followed by a steep increase in graduation rates beginning in 2009, largely driven by increases for the most disadvantaged groups. These results suggest that the recession created a counter-cyclical demand for education.
Severe varicella in persons vaccinated with varicella vaccine (breakthrough varicella): a systematic literature review.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Varicella vaccines are highly effective at preventing disease, but varicella may occur among vaccinated persons (termed breakthrough varicella). Breakthrough varicella is generally mild, but severe cases have been reported. The objective of this review is to describe severe breakthrough varicella.Areas covered: We conducted a systematic review of articles published during 1974–2016. A total of 34 articles were included in our review: 21 described breakthrough varicella with disseminated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection with other organ involvement in addition to skin (none among two-dose vaccinees); 9 described hospitalized breakthrough varicella without mention of other organ involvement in addition to skin (of which 2 reported 4 two-dose vaccinees); and 4 described both. A total of 52–60 unique breakthrough varicella cases with disseminated VZV infection with other organ involvement in addition to skin reported with the following complications, not mutually exclusive: pneumon...
ChemKED: A Human‐ and Machine‐Readable Data Standard for Chemical Kinetics Experiments

Fundamental experimental measurements of quantities such as ignition delay times, laminar flame speeds, and species profiles (among others) serve important roles in understanding fuel chemistry and validating chemical kinetic models. However, despite both the importance and abundance of such information in the literature, the community lacks a widely adopted standard format for this data. This impedes both sharing and wide use by the community. Here we introduce a new chemical kinetics experimental data format, ChemKED, and the related Python-based package for validating and working with ChemKED-formatted files called PyKED. We also review past and related efforts, and motivate the need for a new solution. ChemKED currently supports the representation of autoignition delay time measurements from shock tubes and rapid compression machines. ChemKED-formatted files contain all of the information needed to simulate experimental data points, including the uncertainty of the data. ChemKED is based on the YAML data serialization language, and is intended as a human- and machine-readable standard for easy creation and automated use. Development of ChemKED and PyKED occurs openly on GitHub under the BSD 3-clause license, and contributions from the community are welcome. Plans for future development include support for experimental data from laminar flame, jet stirred reactor, and speciation measurements.
β-Cell Function Over Time in Adolescents With New Type 2 Diabetes and Obese Adolescents Without Diabetes.

Abstract Purpose The progression of β-cell function in newly diagnosed adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not well documented. We hypothesized that at the time of diagnosis with T2DM, adolescents would have impaired β-cell function as demonstrated by the disposition index (calculated as: insulin secretion adjusted for insulin sensitivity), and this would be followed by a rapid decline of function despite standard medical management. Methods Thirty-nine adolescents with recently diagnosed T2DM and 32 obese adolescent controls with normal glucose tolerance had acute insulin response to glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and disposition index measured serially over 2 years. Results In the adolescent T2DM group, fasting glucose increased over 2 years ( p = .04), while DI was impaired at baseline and showed an overall relative decline of 25% per year. The mean Hemoglobin A 1c remained below 8% (64 mmol/mol). Differences were observed between the T2DM and control adolescents in the way DI changed over time ( p = .02). Conclusions β-cell function in adolescents with recently diagnosed T2DM was impaired with no improvement of β-cell function over the 2 years of study despite stable Hemoglobin A 1c , body mass index markers of insulin sensitivity, and standard treatment of hyperglycemia.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neuropathic and inflammatory pain

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are actively being investigated as therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain and inflammation, but despite more than 30 years of research, there are currently no FDA-approved analgesics that are specific for these receptors. Much of the initial research effort focused on the α4β2 nAChR subtype, but more recently, additional subtypes have been identified as promising new leads and include α6β4, α7, and α9-containing nAChRs. This Review will focus on the distribution of these nAChRs in the cell types involved in neuropathic pain and inflammation and the activity of currently available nicotinic ligands.
In-Office Sutureless Correction of Prolapsed Subconjunctival Orbital Fat.

Purpose To describe a minimally invasive, sutureless, small incision surgical technique for the treatment of subconjunctival orbital fat prolapse (SOFP) performed using local anesthesia in an office setting. Methods Retrospective study of the surgical outcome of 45 patients with either bilateral or unilateral SOFP treated by a single surgeon (R.S.) between July 2010 and February 2015. Results Forty-five patients (39 male, 6 female) had a mean age of 67 years. Fat prolapse was bilateral in 23 patients (51%). A total of 68 eyes were operated on. All surgeries were without any intra- or postoperative complications such as infection, dry-eye symptoms, ocular motility impairment, or recurrence with a mean follow up of 37 months. All patients had a favorable postoperative cosmetic improvement. Conclusions The authors propose an office-based, cost-effective, minimally invasive, sutureless technique for treating SOFP with local anesthesia in a safe and effective manner. The lack of complications or recurrence with an adequate follow-up period following this technique is encouraging. Surgeons should consider this technique in the surgical correction of SOFP.
Critical Under-Reporting of Hernia Mesh Properties and Development of a Novel Package Label

Background With an array of hernia meshes with varying properties, intraoperative decision making for the optimal mesh is critical. Although meshes are subjected to regulatory review through the Food and Drug Administration, it is unknown whether mesh properties are visually accessible. To facilitate greater knowledge for the surgeon on mesh choice, we aimed to comprehensively analyze hernia mesh packaging and regulations. Study Design Labeling guidelines and 510(k) requirements across Food and Drug Administration-regulated products were analyzed and compared with mesh packaging. Packages and Instructions for Use were analyzed for commonly available hernia meshes. Literature review was conducted to understand recommended guidelines for mesh products. A novel hernia mesh packaging label was designed to rectify under-reporting. Results We found that food labels undergo critical scrutiny and detailed specifications, yet medical devices are not subjected to similar guidelines. The highest reported property on packages was the presence of a barrier (80%), and the lowest reported property was barrier composition (33%). For Instructions for Use, the lowest reported properties were mechanics (31%) and thickness (11%), both of which were not reported on packaging. Descriptive terms for pore size and mechanics were reported inconsistently. To overcome this under-reporting of properties, we propose a novel packaging label with properties chosen from regulatory guidelines, packaging analysis, and literature review. Conclusions Although standardized terminology has been proposed in literature, property knowledge has not adequately permeated surgery, industry, or regulatory guidelines. There is extreme under-reporting and lack of consistency of clinically important mesh properties. Standardized packaging labels will provide accessibility of these properties and aim to bring standardized terminology into practice. With an increase in access to important properties, this can facilitate intraoperative decision making on a case-by-case basis.
Differential effects of acute versus chronic stress on ethanol sensitivity: Evidence for interactions on both behavioral and neuroimmune outcomes.

Acute alcohol intoxication induces significant alterations in brain cytokines. Since stress challenges also profoundly impact central cytokine expression, these experiments examined the influence of acute and chronic stress on ethanol-induced brain cytokine responses. In Experiment 1, adult male rats were exposed to acute footshock. After a post-stress recovery interval of 0, 2, 4, or 24 h, rats were administered ethanol (4 g/kg; intragastric), with trunk blood and brains collected 3 h later. In non-stressed controls, acute ethanol increased expression of Il-6 and IκBα in the hippocampus. In contrast, rats exposed to footshock 24 h prior to ethanol demonstrated potentiation of hippocampal Il-6 and IκBα expression relative to ethanol-exposed non-stressed controls. Experiment 2 subsequently examined the effects of chronic stress on ethanol-related cytokine expression. Following a novel chronic escalating stress procedure, rats were intubated with ethanol. As expected, acute ethanol increased Il-6 expression in all structures examined, yet the Il-6 response was attenuated exclusively in the hippocampus in chronically stressed rats. Later experiments determined that neither acute nor chronic stress affected ethanol pharmacokinetics. When ethanol hypnosis was examined, however, rats exposed to chronic stress awoke at significantly lower blood ethanol levels compared to acutely stressed rats, despite similar durations of ethanol-induced sedation. These data indicate that chronic stress may increase sensitivity to ethanol hypnosis. Together, these experiments demonstrate an intriguing interaction between recent stress history and ethanol-induced increases in hippocampal Il-6, and may provide insight into novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of alcohol-related health outcomes based on stress susceptibility.
Iron Uptake and Intracellular Iron Distribution in Cultured Rat Heart Cells: Effects of Iron Chelators

Primary cultures of beating rat heart muscle cells were shown to be a good model system for studies of iron uptake and intracellular iron metabolism. Iron uptake from several iron sources was rapid and ferritin was visualized (by electron microscopy) within 48–96 hours after addition of iron. Iron was distributed in various cellular fractions; an iron-containing cytosol component(s) (non-ferritin) that may represent a “pool” of iron was evident. The cultured rat myocytes were used to screen chelators that might become useful in therapy of human iron overload. One chelator, agrobactin, was significantly more effective than the drug deferoxamine in reduction of iron uptake from transferrin-iron by the cells; however, enterobactin increased iron uptake from this source. Deferoxamine inhibited incorporation of iron into ferritin and increased the amount of iron in the non-ferritin cytosol fraction. Therefore, some of these chelators may be useful probes in studies of intracellular iron metabolism.
The Eigenvalue Problem in Phase-Space

We formulate the standard quantum mechanical eigenvalue problem in quantum phase space. The equation obtained involves the c-function that corresponds to the quantum operator. We use the Wigner distribution for the phase space function. We argue that the phase space eigenvalue equation obtained has, in addition to the proper solutions, improper solutions. That is, solutions for which no wave function exists which could generate the distribution. We discuss the conditions for ascertaining whether a position momentum function is a proper phase space distribution. We call these conditions psi-representability conditions, and show that if these conditions are imposed, one extracts the correct phase space eigenfunctions. We also derive the phase space eigenvalue equation for arbitrary phase space distributions functions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The History of Education: Race and Education

Historically, schools have facilitated the social control of various populations while simultaneously embodying the potential to ameliorate various types of social inequality, such as class, gender, and race. In the case of those social systems structured by race, the distribution of educational opportunities has tended to be shaped by a durable but malleable racial structure. In this article, we examine how race has historically shaped the development and workings of the mechanisms used by the state and local agencies to distribute educational opportunities (school assignment, fund allocation, and curricular choices), and how schools have functioned as raced spaces, thereby reproducing racial hierarchies over time. We focus primarily on the late nineteenth century, which coincides with the development and expansion of schooling in the United States, ending with the movement to desegregate the nation’s schools and the decades following.
Characteristics of Fuel Cell Systems

Fuel cell power systems possess certain generic characteristics, which may make them favorable for future power production compared with devices based primarily on rotating machinery using thermomechanical processes. Many of these operational characteristics of fuel cell systems are superior to those of conventional power generators. The most important are their potentially outstanding advantages compared to those of other existing or anticipated technology, namely thermodynamic efficiency, part-load characteristics, response time, emissions (including chemical emissions, noise, thermal emissions and visual or esthetic effects), modularity, and siting flexibility. Other factors which will affect their future economic viability in respect to their competition are expected to be their lifetime, on-line availability, reliability, start-up and shutdown characteristics, control, power conditioning, safety, materials, multifuel ability, and finally the waste disposal of their materials on dismantling of the plant. In this chapter, fuel cell systems will be characterized with respect to these factors. Finally, their overall economics, which will be largely dictated by their effective capital cost and lifetimes, will be considered in general terms.
Linnaeus, smut disease and living contagion

This paper examines the rise and fall of Carl Linnaeus's ideas on living contagion, focusing on his work with plant smut diseases. Early in his career, Linnaeus named a plant altered by anther-smut...
Oil jump risk

The risk premium associated with large upside jumps in oil market is a significant driver of the cross‐section of stock returns from 1986 to 2014. In contrast to previous research, variance risk is priced only when we do not control for jumps. Upward jumps are priced in tight supply‐demand conditions but not in more abundant supply periods. There is some evidence that downward jumps are priced in abundant supply conditions but not in tight conditions. Innovations in risk neutral jumps have predictive power for important economic indicators, including notably consumption growth. This helps explain the pricing of jump risks.
Advancing contraceptive security, availability, and choice in Malawi using a quality improvement methodology

Many initiatives to improve contraceptive security (CS) rightly focus on strengthening national and regional systems. However, local health facilities are often under-resourced and lack technical capacity that feed into the larger supply chain. This study’s objective was to assess whether changes in facility CS indicators were associated with participation in 2014-2016 implementation and scale-up of a quality improvement methodology—Client-Oriented, Provider efficient services (COPE®) for Contraceptive Security—in 60 facilities across 10 districts of Malawi. The intervention included facility self-assessment guides and action plans to address local challenges. Results showed significant improvements in facilities having both a trained provider and contraceptive supplies. The percentage of health centers with all requirements for implant services increased significantly, including implant removal (from 26.5%; 95% CI: 14.9-41.1 to 77.6%; 95% CI: 63.4-88.2, p<.001). Health centers (from 0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-7.3 to 10.2%; 95% CI: 3.4-22.2, p<0.05) and hospitals (from 45.5%; 95% CI: 16.7-76.7 to 90.9%; 95% CI: 58.7-99.8, p<0.05) significantly improved in the percentage of facilities able to insert intrauterine devices. Hospitals improved their ability to offer female sterilizations (27.2%; 95% CI: 6.0-61.0 to 63.6%; 95% CI: 30.7-89.1, p<0.05) and male sterilizations. Low performing health centers showed significant improvement in staff capacity, logistics management information systems, equipment, and total CS performance. The percentage of facilities placing emergency orders for contraceptives during the three months prior to an assessment showed a decreasing, non-significant trend among hospitals but was significant among health centers (from 69.2%; 95% CI: 54.6-81.7 to 36.7%; 95% CI: 23.4-51.7; p<0.001). Facility staff commitment was associated with action item completion. Improvements tended to be sustained over time. Community engagement is thought to be important to intervention success. COPE for CS may be an effective intervention and future research/programs can build off of this preliminary programmatic experience when seeking to address last mile challenges.
Predicting Injury Severity of Angle Crashes Involving Two Vehicles at Unsignalized Intersections Using Artificial Neural Networks

In 2015, about 20% of the 52,231 fatal crashes that occurred in the United States occurred at unsignalized intersections. The economic cost of these fatalities have been estimated to be in the millions of dollars. In order to mitigate the occurrence of theses crashes, it is necessary to investigate their predictability based on the pertinent factors and circumstances that might have contributed to their occurrence. This study focuses on the development of models to predict injury severity of angle crashes at unsignalized intersections using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The models were developed based on 3,307 crashes that occurred from 2008 to 2015. Twenty-five different ANN models were developed. The most accurate model predicted the severity of an injury sustained in a crash with an accuracy of 85.62%. This model has 3 hidden layers with 5, 10, and 5 neurons, respectively. The activation functions in the hidden and output layers are the rectilinear unit function and sigmoid function, respectively.
De novo aggregation of Alzheimer’s Aβ25-35 peptides in a lipid bilayer

A potential mechanism of cytotoxicity attributed to Alzheimer’s Aβ peptides postulates that their aggregation disrupts membrane structure causing uncontrollable permeation of Ca2+ ions. To gain molecular insights into these processes, we have performed all-atom explicit solvent replica exchange with solute tempering molecular dynamics simulations probing aggregation of the naturally occurring Aβ fragment Aβ25-35 within the DMPC lipid bilayer. To compare the impact produced on the bilayer by Aβ25-35 oligomers and monomers, we used as a control our previous simulations, which explored binding of Aβ25-35 monomers to the same bilayer. We found that compared to monomeric species aggregation results in much deeper insertion of Aβ25-35 peptides into the bilayer hydrophobic core causing more pronounced disruption in its structure. Aβ25-35 peptides aggregate by incorporating monomer-like structures with stable C-terminal helix. As a result the Aβ25-35 dimer features unusual helix head-to-tail topology supported by a parallel off-registry interface. Such topology affords further growth of an aggregate by recruiting additional peptides. Free energy landscape reveals that inserted dimers represent the dominant equilibrium state augmented by two metastable states associated with surface bound dimers and inserted monomers. Using the free energy landscape we propose the pathway of Aβ25-35 binding, aggregation, and insertion into the lipid bilayer.
Impacts of Integrating Topology Reconfiguration and Vehicle-to-Grid Technologies on Distribution System Operation

Autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) provide unique opportunities to cope with the uncertainties of distributed energy generation in distribution networks. But the effects are limited by both inherent radial topology and the behaviors of decentralized AEVs. We investigate the potential benefits of dynamic distribution network reconfiguration (DDNR), taking into account AEVs’ spatial-temporal availability and their charging demand. We propose a mixed integer programming model to optimally coordinate the charging/discharging of AEVs with DDNR, while satisfying AEVs’ original travel plan. Numerical studies based on a test system overlaying the IEEE 33-node test feeder and Sioux Falls transportation network show that DDNR and AEV complement each other, which improves the operation of the distribution system. We also conduct sensitivity analyses on inputs including renewable fluctuation and AEVs penetration level.
Mechanical behavior of electroplated mossy lithium at room temperature studied by flat punch indentation

We report the Young's modulus and deformation behavior of electroplated mossy lithium at room temperature investigated by flat punch indentation inside an argon-filled glovebox. The Young's modulus of the mossy lithium with a porosity of about 62.3% is measured to be about 2 GPa, which is smaller than that (∼7.8 GPa) of bulk lithium. Both the mossy and bulk lithium show clearly an indentation creep behavior. Despite its highly porous microstructure, the impression creep velocity of the mossy lithium is less than one-thirtieth of that of bulk lithium under the same stress. We proposed possible mechanisms for the significantly higher deformation and creep resistance of the mossy lithium over bulk lithium. These findings are key to developing mechanical suppression approaches to improve the cycling stability of lithium metal electrodes.
Suppression of p53 response by targeting p53-Mediator binding with a stapled peptide

Abstract DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) remain challenging to target with molecular probes. Many TFs function in part through interaction with Mediator; we sought to block p53 function by disrupting the p53-Mediator interaction. Through rational design and activity-based screening, we characterized a stapled peptide, with functional mimics of both p53 activation domains, that selectively inhibited p53- and Mediator-dependent transcription in vitro. This “bivalent peptide” also suppressed p53 transcriptional response in human cancer cells. Our strategy circumvents the TF and instead targets the TF-Mediator interface, with desired transcriptional outcomes. Different TFs target Mediator through different subunits, suggesting this strategy could be broadly applied.
Clostridioides difficile Enteritis in Patients Following Total Colectomy-a Rare but Genuine Clinical Entity.

Objective Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) frequently causes colitis following antibiotic exposure and is a leading cause of gastrointestinal infectious mortality. Infection in the small bowel, C. difficile enteritis (CDE), was previously thought impossible, but case series have challenged this dogma. Clostridioides difficile enteritis prevalence, severity, and potential risk factors are unknown. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all total colectomy patients over a 20-year period at our institution. C. difficile enteritis was defined by clinical symptoms and positive C. difficile stool testing after colectomy. We compared CDE cases to controls using multivariable analysis to identify potential CDE risk factors. Results C. difficile enteritis occurred in 44 of 855 (5.1%) patients, a median of 130 days after colectomy. Compared to controls, CDE patients were similar in age, gender, and presence of immunosuppression. The majority (64%) had antibiotics <30 days prior to CDE. In multivariable analysis, CDE risk factors included perioperative acid suppression (hazard ratio [HR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-5.04; P = .009), colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease (HR, 2.95; CI, 1.29-6.72; P = .010), colectomy for CDI (HR, 9.95; CI, 2.70-36.63; P ≤ .001), and β-lactam use in the setting of enteral feeds (HR, 17.83; CI, 2.75-115.68; P = .003). C. difficile enteritis presented with severe disease half of the time, with 81.8% requiring hospitalization. Conclusions C. difficile enteritis is a rare clinical entity that should be considered in postcolectomy patients presenting with CDI symptoms, even years after surgery. Like traditional CDI, likely CDE risk factors include acid suppression and inflammatory bowel disease. Prior antibiotic use in the setting of enteral feeds may amplify CDE risk. C. difficile enteritis often presents as severe disease and frequently requires hospitalization.
Residential urban tree canopy is associated with decreased mortality during tuberculosis treatment in California.

Abstract Trees can sequester air pollutants, and air pollution is associated with poor tuberculosis outcomes. However, the health impacts of urban trees on tuberculosis patients are unknown. To elucidate the effects of urban tree canopy on mortality during tuberculosis treatment, we evaluated patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis in California from 2000 through 2012, obtaining patient data from the California tuberculosis registry. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality during tuberculosis treatment. We determined percent tree cover using 1 mresolution color infrared orthoimagery categorized into land cover classes, then linked tree cover to four circular buffer zones of 50–300 m radii around patient residential addresses. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survival probabilities and Cox regression models to determine mortality hazard ratios, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical covariates. Our cohort included 33,962 tuberculosis patients of median age 47, 59% male, 51% unemployed, and 4.9% HIV positive. Tuberculosis was microbiologically confirmed in 79%, and 1.17% were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Median tree cover was 7.9% (50 m buffer). Patients were followed for 23,280 person-years with 2370 deaths during tuberculosis treatment resulting in a crude mortality rate of 1018 deaths per 10,000 person-years. Increasing tree cover quintiles were associated with decreasing mortality risk during tuberculosis treatment in all buffers, and the magnitude of association decreased incrementally with increasing buffer radius: In the 50 m buffer, patients living in neighborhoods with the highest quintile tree cover experienced a 22% reduction in mortality (HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.68–0.90) compared to those living in lowest quintile tree cover; whereas for 100, 200, and 300 m buffers, a 21%, 13%, and 11% mortality risk reduction was evident. In conclusion, urban tree canopy was associated with decreased mortality during tuberculosis treatment even after adjusting for multiple demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors, suggesting that trees might play a role in improving tuberculosis outcomes.
Similarities and Differences of Overspeed Protection Shutdown of Two Thermal Power Units

Two thermal power units was shutdown due to the wrong action of the overspeed protection. This paper describes the tripping process of two units with different overspeed protection configuration, analyzes the tripping reasons, and gives the correct overspeed protection configuration. The handling and preventive measures can be used for reference to other similar overspeed protection configuration.