cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness Research of Disease Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis - Findings from a Large Health Insurance Claims Database (P3.116)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the annualized relapse rate (ARR) of patients receiving delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF), glatiramer acetate (GA), interferons (INF), fingolimod (FTY), and teriflunomide (TER). BACKGROUND: The relative effectiveness of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been comprehensively studied in a real-world setting. DESIGN/METHODS: This study used MarketScan, a large US commercial insurance database. Adult MS patients (18-64 years) who initiated a DMT between Q1-Q3 2013 were included. ARR was calculated based on the number of MS-related relapses (identified from inpatient and outpatient claims) within one year post DMT initiation. Poisson regression was used to compare the adjusted ARR while controlling for the difference in demographics, comorbidities, MS symptoms, DMT use, and ARR at baseline. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the DMT use within the year prior to initiation. RESULTS: A total of 2,564, 827, 735, 461, and 417 patients initiated DMF, GA, INF, FTY, and TER, respectively. Difference was seen in mean age at initiation (46.8, 43.5, 44.0, 43.8, and 49.5, p<0.001), proportion of females (76.3[percnt], 78.7[percnt], 78.5[percnt], 76.6[percnt], vs. 82.0[percnt], p=0.083), proportion with other DMT in the prior year (70.6[percnt], 17.3[percnt], 14.6[percnt], 65.5[percnt], and 66.9[percnt], p<0.001), and ARR in the prior year (0.43, 0.28, 0.37, 0.45, and 0.41, p<0.001). After DMT initiation, the unadjusted ARR in DMF, GA, INF, FTY, and TER was 0.29, 0.31, 0.34, 0.33, and 0.37, respectively (p=0.249). Using DMF as the reference, the adjusted incidence rate ratio of MS relapse was 1.28 (95[percnt] confidence interval: 1.10-1.48) for GA, 1.25 (1.08-1.45) for INF, 1.12 (0.94-1.33) for FTY, and 1.28 (1.08-1.53) for TER. Consistent findings were observed in the subgroups stratified by DMT use in the prior year. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, DMF demonstrated a significantly lower ARR than other DMTs. There was no significant difference between DMF and FTY. Disclosure: Dr. Boster has received personal compensation for activities with Merck Serono, Biogen, Novartis, Sun-Pharma, Roche, Genetech, National MS Society, NIH, and Medtronic as a consultant. Dr. Nicholas has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, PeerView CME, Medtronic, Inc., Novartis, Genzyme and Teva as a honorary speaker and consultant. Dr. Wu has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Yeh holds stock and/or stock options in Biogen Idec. Dr. Fay has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Edwards has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen as an employee. Dr. Huang has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Mr. Lee has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen as an employee.
Improved accuracy of ultrasound-guided therapies using electromagnetic tracking: in-vivo speed of sound measurements

The speed of sound (SOS) for ultrasound devices used for imaging soft tissue is often calibrated to water, 1540 m/s1 , despite in-vivo soft tissue SOS varying from 1450 to 1613 m/s2 . Images acquired with 1540 m/s and used in conjunction with stereotactic external coordinate systems can thus result in displacement errors of several millimeters. Ultrasound imaging systems are routinely used to guide interventional thermal ablation and cryoablation devices, or radiation sources for brachytherapy3 . Brachytherapy uses small radioactive pellets, inserted interstitially with needles under ultrasound guidance, to eradicate cancerous tissue4 . Since the radiation dose diminishes with distance from the pellet as 1/r2 , imaging uncertainty of a few millimeters can result in significant erroneous dose delivery5,6. Likewise, modeling of power deposition and thermal dose accumulations from ablative sources are also prone to errors due to placement offsets from SOS errors7 . This work presents a method of mitigating needle placement error due to SOS variances without the need of ionizing radiation2,8. We demonstrate the effects of changes in dosimetry in a prostate brachytherapy environment due to patientspecific SOS variances and the ability to mitigate dose delivery uncertainty. Electromagnetic (EM) sensors embedded in the brachytherapy ultrasound system provide information regarding 3D position and orientation of the ultrasound array. Algorithms using data from these two modalities are used to correct bmode images to account for SOS errors. While ultrasound localization resulted in >3 mm displacements, EM resolution was verified to <1 mm precision using custom-built phantoms with various SOS, showing ~1% accuracy in SOS measurement.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Adiposity, and Cancer Mortality in Men.

Objective This study sought to evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cancer mortality in men with overweight and obesity. Methods Maximal exercise testing was performed in 3,610 men (58.8 ± 17.5 years) (n = 2,100 with overweight and n = 1,510 with obesity) free from malignancy at baseline who were followed for 12.3 ± 7.4 years. Body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 for overweight and ≥ 30.0 for obesity categories was used. Hazard ratios and population-attributable risks (PAR) were determined. Results During the follow-up period, 11.1% and 9.1% died from cancer among those who had overweight and obesity, respectively. CRF had an inverse and graded association with cancer mortality. Compared with low CRF (< 5 metabolic equivalents), moderate and high CRF levels were associated with 48% and 79% reduced risks for cancer mortality in men who had overweight (P < 0.001) and 55% and 83% lower risks in those who had obesity (P < 0.001), respectively. Low CRF had PARs of 9.3% and 10.5% for cancer mortality in subjects who had overweight and obesity, respectively. Conclusions Among men with overweight and obesity, higher CRF is associated with lower cancer mortality. Eliminating low CRF as a risk factor would potentially prevent a considerable number of cancer deaths and reduce the associated societal and economic burden in these high-risk populations.
Bridging the Cultural Gap: Relationships between Programmatic Offerings and First-Generation Student Benchmarks.

Inherent challenges affect first-generation students’ persistence from as early as the first college year. Using cultural capital as a guide, this study is unique in that it investigates the contri...
HDR-IORT: Physics and Techniques

Intraoperative irradiation using a high dose-rate remote afterloader [1–3] (HDR-IORT) employs the technical and dosimetric advantages of brachytherapy to deliver a large single fraction of irradiation of the target area, while avoiding the surrounding normal tissues.
Extended muscle and musculocutaneous flaps.

The pectoralis paddle flap, reversed soleus flap, and reversed latissimus flap offer alternatives to current methods of managing tissue loss in the oral cavity, posterior heel, and lower back. Operative techniques for the elevation of each flap are described, and case reports illustrate the strengths and limitations of these flaps.
Ethnic identity and engagement with genome sequencing research.

PURPOSE We examined the role of ethnic identity (which measures the degree to which individuals identify with their ethnic group) in beliefs about, and intentions to learn, genomic results. METHODS A longitudinal cohort was recruited to implement genome sequencing among healthy participants self-identifying as African, African American, or Afro-Caribbean, 40-65 years old (n = 408). Before receiving genomic results, participants completed a survey assessing social and behavioral constructs related to health, genomics, and ethnic identity. RESULTS Ethnic identity was positively correlated with perceived value of genomic results and expected benefits from genomic research participation. Among participants with stronger ethnic identity, cognitive beliefs (perceived value of results [b = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.98, p < 0.001] and expected benefits from genomic research participation [b = 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.53, p = 0.002]) were associated with intentions to receive results. Among those with weaker ethnic identity, there was no such association. CONCLUSION Individuals with stronger ethnic identity seem to attend more to cognitive beliefs such as the value of genomic results when deliberating receipt of results compared with those with weaker ethnic identity. Understanding ethnic identity variation and its influence on genome sequencing perceptions and intentions can inform future research opportunities using ethnic identity to explore specific practical, clinical questions.
Impact of exposure of crude oil and dispersant (Corexit) on aggregation of extracellular polymeric substances.

Abstract Spilled oil treated with Corexit dispersant can cause unintended impacts on marine environment systems including altering marine organic matter dynamics; however, impacts on microgels and marine oil snow (MOS) formation are still debated and remain to be fully understood. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a major source of marine organic carbon for MOS and microgel formation. EPS initial aggregation plays key roles in the oil degrading process and various biogeochemical reactions. Here we used four types of EPS with water accommodated fraction (WAF), chemically-enhanced WAF (CEWAF) and Corexit, to represent potential situations during oil spills and post-application of Corexit. We found that Corexit alone can inhibit EPS aggregation and disperse pre-existing microgels. CEWAF can enhance EPS aggregation with efficiency by up to 80%–100% and more aggregates accumulated within the air-water interface. Additionally, more hydrophobic EPS aggregates showed high resistance to Corexit dispersion while hydrophilic EPS were more sensitive. Effects of oil spills on marine gel particle formation are primarily determined by chemical characteristics (hydrophobicity and protein content) of the constituent EPS. This study offers unique insights for organic particle dynamics and identifies controlling factors for MOS or gel particles associated with oil spills and Corexit dispersant used.
Comparison of long-term outcomes between enteral nutrition via gastrostomy and total parenteral nutrition in older persons with dysphagia: A propensity-matched cohort study.

Background The long-term outcomes of artificial nutrition in older people with dysphagia remain uncertain. Enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is one of the major methods of artificial nutrition. Enteral feeding is indicated for patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract. However, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is often inappropriately chosen for artificial nutrition in Japan, even in patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract, as PEG has recently been viewed as an unnecessary life-prolonging treatment in Japan. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes between PEG and TPN. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study investigated long-term outcomes in older patients with dysphagia who received PEG or TPN between January 2014 and January 2017. The primary outcome was survival time. Secondary outcomes were oral intake recovery, discharge to home, and the incidence of severe pneumonia and sepsis. We performed 1-to-1 propensity score matching using a 0.05 caliper. The Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis were used to compare the survival time between groups. Results We identified 253 patients who received PEG (n = 180) or TPN (n = 73). Older patients, those with lower nutritional states, and severe dementia were more likely to receive TPN. Propensity score matching created 55 pairs. Survival time was significantly longer in the PEG group (median, 317 vs 195 days; P = 0.017). The hazard ratio for PEG relative to TPN was 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.92; P = 0.019). There were no significant differences between the groups in oral intake recovery and discharge to home. The incidence of severe pneumonia was significantly higher in the PEG group (50.9% vs 25.5%, P = 0.010), whereas sepsis was significantly higher in the TPN group (10.9% vs 30.9%, P = 0.018). Conclusions PEG was associated with a significantly longer survival time, a higher incidence of severe pneumonia, and a lower incidence of sepsis compared with TPN.
Elucidation of Oxygen Chemisorption Sites on Activated Carbons by 1H DNP for Insight into Oxygen Reduction Reactions

Activated carbons (ACs) are widely used in many industrial and medical adsorbent applications because of their distinct ability to adsorb numerous gaseous and/or liquid analytes. More recently, ACs have been actively explored as an inexpensive alternative to metal catalysts (Pt) for numerous oxygen reduction reactions including microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment. Although it is well established that O2 is chemisorbed on ACs, the actual chemical site has not been elucidated. In this study, we characterize adsorption of benzene on the surface of ACs in the presence and absence of O2. The AC samples have been heat treated and cover the range of 350–600 °C. The flowing benzene is monitored by solid/liquid intermolecular transfer (SLIT) 1H dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). We find that the introduction of benzene (N2 atmosphere) flowing over an AC interface leads to a scalar (positive) 1H Overhauser effect in high temperature activated carbons (550–600 °C), whereas this nanoscale close-in F...
Cognitive-emotion processing in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Abstract Background Previous literature suggests that cognitive-emotion processing contributes to the pathogenesis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Characterization of alterations in cognitive-emotion processing in PNES could inform treatment. Methods In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 143 patients with video electroencephalogram (EEG) confirmed PNES were prospectively recruited. Patients completed self-report questionnaires on emotion perception (Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) attention and clarity subscales) and coping style (Affective Styles Questionnaire [ASQ] concealing, adjusting, and tolerating subscales) at the time of their initial evaluation for PNES. Demographic, clinical data and measures of psychopathology severity were also obtained. The TMMS and ASQ subscale scores were compared to available normative data and between PNES subgroups (based on presence of trauma-related factors). Correlation coefficients were obtained to evaluate associations between subscale scores and measures of psychopathology. Results Mean scores on both TMMS subscales (attention 47.0 [SD 7.4] and clarity 37.5 [SD 8.0]) and the ASQ adjusting subscale (22.2 [SD 6.3]) were significantly lower than available normative data (p Conclusions Patients with PNES, especially those with active PTSD and childhood trauma, have lower clarity of their emotions and lower ability to adjust to emotional states than healthy individuals. These cognitive-emotion processing deficits are more pronounced in patients with more severe depression and reported stress. This study characterizes alterations in cognitive-emotion processing in PNES that are well-suited therapeutic targets and can therefore inform treatment interventions.
Eocene-Pliocene Stratigraphy Along the Southern Margin of the Wind River Range, Wyoming: Revisions and Implications from Field and Fission-Track Studies

The established mid-Tertiary stratigraphy along the southern margin of the Wind River Range is of questionable chronologic validity because of the difficulty in discriminating among the several tuffaceous units and because lithologic criteria have been used as chronostratigraphic indicators. Field observations and zircon fission-track ages suggest certain revisions of, and additions to, this stratigraphy. These include: (1) recognition of the Cathedral Bluffs Tongue of the Wasatch Formation at Reds Cabin monocline, (2) establishment of a late Oligocene or early Miocene age for the South Pass Formation and (3) recognition that there are middle Miocene deposits previously mapped as Arikaree that consist of reworked Arikaree shed off the upthrown side of the Continental fault. The implications of these findings are that the Continental fault, now a collapse feature, was a tear fault during the early Eocene, that there are most likely Oligocene rocks north of the Continental fault, that there was late Oligocene or early Miocene uplift in the core of the Wind River Range and that the range collapsed in the middle Miocene.
Diabetes and Heart Failure: A Marriage of Inconvenience

Type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure are growing public health problems and are expected to worsen in the next decade. There is an inarguable link between diabetes and heart failure but only recently has there been an effort to elucidate the underlying pathophysiologic connection resulting in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Traditionally, diabetes and heart failure have been treated as 2 distinct disease entities, but recent advances in individual therapies have shown remarkable concomitant improvements in both diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes. This article aims to review the key connections in the epidemiology and etiopathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Teacher Educator Technology Integration Preparation Practices Around TPACK in the United States

Given the strong influence of teachers educators’ pedagogical modeling on new teachers’ capacity to use technology to support student learning, this study sought to answer two interrelated question...
Solid-state behaviors of imines: colossal biaxial positive thermal expansion, motion capability, and phase transitions

Pedal motion or static disorder in single-component solids containing imine groups is demonstrated. Unique solid-state behaviors including colossal biaxial positive thermal expansion in one solid and a temperature-dependent phase transition in another are discussed. Imines exhibit torsional flexibility, which differs from the isoelectronic azo and olefin groups and influences solid-state behaviors.
Flattening the curve? The structure of the natural resource exchange network and CO2 emissions

Abstract In this article, we advance literature on the political economy of climate change. First, we build upon ecologically unequal exchange perspectives to argue that the structure of the international natural resource exchange network moderates the impact of economic development on CO2 emissions by inculcating resource dependency among less central countries. Thus, less central countries experience higher environmental costs to development than more central countries. Second, we conduct a network analysis of international trade in natural resources. This allows us to both describe the exchange relations that exist in this network and identify the unique structural locations that countries occupy within it. Our network analysis is unique in that it isolates the exchange of natural resources from an all-encompassing “world-system.” Third, we assess the degree to which development has more deleterious effects on the environment among less central countries in this network using three operationalizations of CO2 emissions and allowing for both linear and non-linear associations between development and CO2 emissions. Fourth, we assess the degree to which resource dependency operates as a causal mechanism linking resource structure to higher environmental costs of development. The results of panel regression models suggest that the environmental costs to development are higher in less central countries across all three outcomes and specifications of the development-CO2 association, and that resource dependency plays a significant but partial role in this process. We conclude by implicating these findings in ongoing debates about the political economy of climate change and suggesting avenues for future research.
Estimating age and sex: Paleodemographic identification using rock art hand sprays, an application in Johnson County, Wyoming

Abstract Demographics are a common area of study among ethnographic hunter–gatherer populations, but are often neglected archaeologically because of difficulty in directly identifying age and sex from archaeological materials. Hand sprays offer an opportunity to determine the age and sex of rock art creators. Utilizing a series of equations created from an experimental collection of 271 hand sprays of known authorship, the age and sex of individuals responsible for the creation of 78 archaeological hand sprays from three rock art sites located in Johnson County, Wyoming were estimated. The archaeological sprays were measured using three-dimensional models created with close range photogrammetry. Of the total, 49 sprays were sufficiently complete to be identified as children or male or female adults as participants in spray creation. The results suggest that hand sprays were created by children and adults of both sexes suggesting non-exclusivity in activities associated with rock art creation.
Comparison of commercial kits for radioimmunoassay: II. The radioimmunoassay of serum digoxin using iodinated tracer.

Five commercial radioimmunoassay kits for the analysis of serum or plasma digoxin levels were evaluated. The adequacy of the literature supplied with the kits, within-the-day precision, recovery of added digoxin, clinical interpretation of results, and the effect of digitoxin on the assay of digoxin were assessed.
The Impact of Climate Change on Hurricane Damages in the United States

This paper quantifies hurricane damage caused by climate change across the US. A damage function is estimated from historic hurricane data to measure the impacts at each location given the storm's strength. The minimum barometric pressure of each storm turns out to be a better indicator of damages than the traditional measure of maximum wind speed. A hurricane generator in the Atlantic Ocean is then used to create 5000 storms with and without climate change. Combining the location and intensity of each storm with the income and population projected for each location, it is possible to estimate a detailed picture of how hurricanes will impact each state with and without climate change. Income and population growth alone increase expected baseline damage from $9 to $27 billion per year by 2100. Climate change is expected to increase damage by another $40 billion. Over 85 percent of these impacts are in Florida and the Gulf states. The 10 percent most damaging storms cause 93 percent of expected damage.
Human Life Support During Interplanetary Travel and Domicile Part Vl: Generic Modular Flow Schematic for Hybrid Physical/Chemical-Biological Life Support Systems

An extension is proposed for the NASA Space Exploration Initiative's Generic Modular Flow Schematics for physical/chemical life support systems which involves the addition of biological processes. The new system architecture includes plant, microbial, and animal habitat, as well as the human habitat subsystem. Major Feedstock Production and Food Preparation and Packaging components have also been incorporated. Inedible plant, aquaculture, microbial, and animal solids are processed for recycling.
Hermeneutics: Questions and Prospects

A collection of essays that questions how philosophy, literature, and social science relate to the theory and strategy of interpretation, Gary Shapiro and Alan Sica's Hermeneutics: Questions and Prospects synthesizes a great breadth of arguments ranging from "The Hermeneutics of Suspicion" to "Conflicting Interpretations in History." This collection represents both the best current works on the nature of interpretation and the necessity for such work to go beyond narrow disciplinary interests. Contributors to this collection are Emilio Betti, Anthony Giddens, Fred Dallmayr, W.H. Dray, Rex Martin, Paul de Man, Hans-Georg Gadamer, J. N. Mohanty, Hubert Dreyfus, Richard Palmer, Gerald Bruns, Gary Stonum, John O'Neill, and Gayatri Spivak.
Lo que dure la duración

Poemas ilustrados. Giovanni Quesep, Mario Velez (ilustraciones). Ramon Cote Baraibar (posfacio). Tragaluz Editores. Medellin, 2007, 80 pags.
Barriers to Early Diagnosis, Intervention and Social Integration of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study from Rural Villages and a Poor Urban Settlement of Bangalore, South India

Purpose: Children with developmental disabilities,if given skilled early intervention, have the potential to lead productive lives and can contribute to the social and economic development of their communities. This study explores the barriers to early diagnosis and intervention for children with developmental disabilities who live in rural and urban areas of Bangalore city, India. Methods: The study was conducted in selected villages of Devanahalli Taluk in Bangalore Rural District, and in DevaraJeevanahalli (DJ Halli), a shanty town in Bangalore city. The qualitative study design consisted of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs).Parents of children with developmental disabilities, doctors practising in the area and school teachers were interviewed using a purposive sampling framework. An inductive, data-driven thematic analysis was carried out. Results: The physician-related barriers were identified as lack of skills and understanding of children with developmental disabilities, lack of knowledge and resources, lack of specialist back-up services, and communication difficulties with regard to conveying bad news to clients. Parent-related barriers were financial constraints, delay in accepting the diagnosis, and prevalent myths, beliefs and stigma pertaining to disability. The teachers viewed children with special needs as an additional responsibility, and were also apprehensive about the attitudes and interaction of normal children at school with children with disabilities. Limitations: Although the conditions are more or less similar in the different shanty towns and villages in South India, inclusion of more such settlements and villages using probability sampling would have increased the external validity of the study. Implications: Better understanding on the part of parents, doctors and teachers can influence rehabilitation policy and practice, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and rehabilitation of children with developmental disabilities.
The Human Behavioral Ecology of Contemporary World Issues

Human behavioral ecology (HBE) began as an attempt to explain human economic, reproductive, and social behavior using neodarwinian theory in concert with theory from ecology and economics, and ethnographic methods. HBE has addressed subsistence decision-making, cooperation, life history trade-offs, parental investment, mate choice, and marriage strategies among hunter-gatherers, herders, peasants, and wage earners in rural and urban settings throughout the world. Despite our rich insights into human behavior, HBE has very rarely been used as a tool to help the people with whom we work. This article introduces a special issue of Human Nature which explores the application of HBE to significant world issues through the design and critique of public policy and international development projects. The articles by Tucker, Shenk, Leonetti et al., and Neil were presented at the 104th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) in Washington, D.C., in December 2005, in the first organized session of the nascent Evolutionary Anthropology Section (EAS). We conclude this introduction by summarizing some theoretical challenges to applying HBE, and ways in which evolutionary anthropologists can contribute to solving tough world issues.
A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring the in vivo incorporation of plasma free fatty acids into intramyocellular ceramides in humans

Rationale Sphingolipids are important components of cell membranes that serve as cell signaling molecules; ceramide plays a central role in sphingolipid metabolism. De novo ceramide biosynthesis depends on fatty acid availability, but whether muscle uses circulating free fatty acids or pre-existing intracellular stores is unknown. Our goal was to develop a method to detect the incorporation of intravenously infused [U-(13)C]palmitate into intramyocellular ceramides. Methods We used liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to measure the concentrations of different sphingolipid species and (13)C-isotopic enrichment of 16:0-ceramide. Chromatographic separation was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The analysis was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using a positive ion electrospray ionization source with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Results The sphingolipids ions, except enriched ceramide, were monitored as [M+2+H](+). The [(13)C(16)]16:0-ceramide was monitored as [M+16+H](+). By monitoring two different transitions of the [(13)C(16)]16:0-ceramide (554/536 and 554/264) we could indirectly measure enrichment of the palmitate that is not a part of the sphingoid base. Concentration and enrichment could be measured using 20 mg of muscle obtained from volunteers receiving a low dose [U-(13)C]palmitate infusion. Conclusions LC/MS/MS can be used to detect the incorporation of plasma palmitate into muscle ceramides in humans, in vivo.
Overview of NASA supported Stirling thermodynamic loss research

NASA is funding research to characterize Stirling machine thermodynamic losses. NASA's primary goal is to improve Stirling design codes to support engine development for space and terrestrial power. However, much of the fundamental data is applicable to Stirling cooling and heat pump applications. The research results are reviewed. Much was learned about oscillating flow hydrodynamics, including laminar/turbulent transition, and tabulated data was documented for further analysis. Now, with a better understanding of the oscillating flow field, it is time to begin measuring the effects of oscillating flow and oscillating pressure level on heat transfer in heat exchanger flow passages and in cylinders.
Ex Vivo Bioactivity and HIV-1 Latency Reversal by Ingenol Dibenzoate and Panobinostat in Resting CD4+ T Cells from Aviremic Patients

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) latent reservoir in resting CD4 + T cells represents a major barrier to viral eradication. Small compounds capable of latency reversal have not demonstrated uniform responses across in vitro HIV-1 latency cell models. Characterizing compounds that demonstrate latency-reversing activity in resting CD4 + T cells from aviremic patients ex vivo will help inform pilot clinical trials aimed at HIV-1 eradication. We have optimized a rapid ex vivo assay using resting CD4 + T cells from aviremic HIV-1 + patients to evaluate both the bioactivity and latency-reversing potential of candidate latency-reversing agents (LRAs). Using this assay, we characterize the properties of two candidate compounds from promising LRA classes, ingenol 3,20-dibenzoate (a protein kinase C agonist) and panobinostat (a histone deacetylase inhibitor), in cells from HIV-1 + antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated aviremic participants, including the effects on cellular activation and cytotoxicity. Ingenol induced viral release at levels similar to those of the positive control (CD3/28 receptor stimulation) in cells from a majority of participants and represents an exciting LRA candidate, as it combines a robust viral reactivation potential with a low toxicity profile. At concentrations that blocked histone deacetylation, panobinostat displayed a wide range of potency among participant samples and consistently induced significant levels of apoptosis. The protein kinase C agonist ingenol 3,20-dibenzoate demonstrated significant promise in a rapid ex vivo assay using resting CD4 + T cells from treated HIV-1-positive patients to measure latent HIV-1 reactivation.
Measurement of propagation loss into cars on satellite paths at L-band

Results of 1600 MHz fade measurements into vehicles are presented. The measurements were carried out at J. J. Pickle Research Campus of The University of Texas at Austin. The transmitter used a circularly polarized antenna mounted to a crank-up tower with a maximum height of about 20 in. Elevation angles of 8, 15, 27, 46, 73, and 90' were selected. The receiver used two different antennas (Microstrip Patch and Quadrifilar Helix) mounted to handsets. These were held in a natural way by a person sitting in a car, the Patch at the belt, the Helix at the head. The person holding the antenna was either the driver (alone in the vehicle), or a passenger in the right front or rear seat (driver present). From 8 to 73' elevation, the five cars tested (a small and a large pickup truck, a small and a large sedan, and a minivan) were placed on a turntable 4 inches above pavement and rotated with an angular speed of one revolution in about 72 seconds. At 90' elevation, the receiving antenna was suspended 10 in above the vehicle under test, the transmitter was inside the stationary vehicle, and its subscriber antenna was moved during the measurements. The received signal was sampled at a rate of 1000 sps. Both in- and quadrature-phase voltages were recorded. For calibration, measurements at each elevation angle were also performed outside the vehicle using a known reference antenna. Signal amplitudes were found to be Rayleigh distributed with only a small dependence on elevation angle or vehicle type. The one-second mean signal levels follow a lognormal law. Excess loss is defined as this value minus the median fade observed in open-field rotation measurements for the particular antenna and body position used. Typical excess losses in the vehicles ranged from 3 to 8 dB at the median and from 4 to 13 dB at the 90th percentile.
Partial characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of pseudorabies virus

Abstract Forty-seven temperature-sensitive mutants of pseudorabies virus, isolated after mutagenesis with BUdR, uv, or nitrosoguanosine, were partially characterized with respect to phenotypic expression at the nonpermissive temperature and were placed into complementation groups. Thirty-two of these mutants had nonoverlapping complementation patterns; they were placed into 19 complementation groups. Cells infected with mutants belonging to 10 of these complementation groups do not synthesize viral DNA at the nonpermissive temperature, i.e., the mutants are DNA-. Mutants in the other nine complementation groups are DNA+. Two of the DNA− mutants do not induce detectable levels of DNA polymerase activity at the nonpermissive temperature. One of the polymerase mutants is arrested at the immediate-early phase of infection and does not induce any early enzyme (or protein); the other mutant appears to be mutated in the polymerase gene itself. With the exception of one DNA- mutant and four DNA+ mutants (belonging to three complementation groups), cells infected with all the mutants assemble empty capsids; none of the mutant-infected cells assemble full capsids at the nonpermissive temperature. Thus, one-half of the mutants are defective in functions involving DNA synthesis; the others in late function. All of the mutants are mutated in functions preceding the process of nucleocapsid envelopment.
Filling the Nest Gaps

This paper presents a robust construction technique for two-dimensional translation planes of odd order using the notion of nesting previously developed by the authors. More precisely, nonisomorphic planes of orderq2are obtained by constructing replaceable ?-nests for ? roughly between (34)q? ?q/2 and (34)q+ ?q/2. In all cases the translation complement of any such plane contains a direct product of two cyclic homology groups of order (q+ 1)/2 with affine axes.
Successful endoscopic balloon dilatation for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

The authors successfully applied endoscopic balloon dilatation for the treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). The patient was an infant girl who had undergone repair of a giant omphalocele. Endoscopic balloon dilatation was performed using a 9-mm endoscope and an 8-mm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) balloon dilator. Dilatation was performed three times for 10 minutes. Vomiting continued after the dilatation. At the second session, dilatation was performed using a 12-mm PET balloon dilator. The 9-mm endoscope then passed through the pylorus. The patient has had no episodes of vomiting since the second treatment. This procedure is an important therapeutic option for selected patients with HPS.
Toxic and immunological properties of stinging coral toxin

Abstract Millepora tenera extract possessed hemolytic, dermonecrotic and lethal activities. The extract had antigenic properties, and the antisera from immunized rabbits showed neutralizing antibodies against the three types of biological activities. The antisera were also cross reactive with M. alcicornis extract.
Importance of Metastable RNA Folding in Template‐Replicase Interactions

We consider the autocatalytic synthesis of MDV-1 RNA by Q beta replicase, which proceeds by template-instructed replication. We predict the effect of a particular point mutation in the sequence on the overall doubling time and conjecture its role on the recognition step. The mutation considered destabilizes the folding of the internal recognition site. The theoretical analysis is based on the calculation of nonequilibrium re-folding events which occur in the RNA chains as they are being synthesized. Free-energy minima are irrelevant. In order to test the theoretical findings, we incubate both the natural template and the mutant simultaneously, in the presence of the replicase. The experiment reveals that the mutation facilitates the enzyme-template interaction, thus enhancing recognition. However, examining the exponential phase of the replication kinetics, where the enzyme is in large excess with respect to the RNA species, we can conclude that the mutant presents a larger overall doubling time, in good agreement with our theoretical findings.
Could the answer be talent

We present a theoretical model and corresponding research design (Bronfenbrenner & Ceci 1994) that could yield stronger evidence for (or perhaps against) Howe et al.'s conclusions. The model assesses levels of heritability (h²) under different amounts of training and practice, thus providing estimates of the independent contribution of “innate talent” to the quality of development outcomes. The design can also reveal the extent to which this independent contribution varies systematically as a function of other influential factors identified by Howe et al.
A third-order linear differential equation on the real line with two turning points

This article is concerned with the study of the equation Ewp) - 2p*(x) u”(x) - 0 and p&),j = 1,2, has degree < (m/3)(3 -j). For the equation E%“(X) - P(X) U(X) = 0, asymptotic expansions, as E --f 0 f, for the solutions are known on an infinite semiaxis extending to + cc or - “o, while x is bounded away from turning points where P(X) vanishes. Connection formulas can be found between independent solutions with known expansions on an infinite semiaxis extending to -t 00 and independent solutions with known expansions on an infinite semiaxis extending to --co. (See, e.g., Wasow [lo, 111, Sibuya [8, 91, Olver [6, 71.) For Eq. (1. I), asymptotic series as E + 0+ for fundamental systems of solutions can be found on infinite x semiaxis extending to -100 or -co (cf. Leung [3,4]). However, the two infinite semiaxes, extending to +a~ and -CD, in which we have valid asymptotic series for the solutions, do not intersect in general. The connection formulas between these solutions had not been investigated, and they are the subject matter for this present article. The turning points for the equation E%” - p(x) 24 = 0 have great effects on the connection formulas for different asymptotic solutions of the equation. Naturally, our present subject matter necessitates refinement into many cases corresponding to the various global behavior of the algebraic function A(.%) defined by the characteristic equation
Magnetic reversal in thin film exchange-spring magnets☆

Abstract Exchange-spring magnets based on the interfacial coupling of soft and hard ferromagnetic nanocomposites have the potential to outperform existing commercial permanent magnets. We present investigations of the magnetic reversal behavior in epitaxial thin film exchange-spring structures that consist of sputtered hard (Sm–Co) and soft (Fe, Co) magnetic layers. The results illustrate close correlations between the magnetic behavior and the microstructure and spin configuration of the hard layers.
Spectrophotometric determination of silicon in the presence of germanium

Summary A simple, accurate, reliable, and reasonably rapid method for the determination of silicon in the presence of germanium is reported. The method involves the precipitation of germanium with 10% tannic acid and the solvent extraction of excess tannic acid by isoamyl alcohol. The silicomolybdic acid is then formed in the aqueous phase, and selectively extracted with isooctyl alcohol. It is then reduced directly in the solvent phase by 1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid in the presence of perchloric acid.
Taxonomy and distribution of the Idaho ground squirrel, Spermophilus brunneus

Spermophilus brunneus was found in isolated meadows surrounded by coniferous forests in Adams and Valley counties, Idaho, and also further south at lower elevations in the relatively xeric foothills north of the Payette River in Gem, Payette, and Washington counties. Marked differences in pelage coloration related to soil color exist between the disjunct northern and southern populations. Univariate and multivariate analyses of external, cranial, baculum, and pelage characters revealed significant sexual dimorphism in external and cranial characters and also that northern and southern S. brunneus are well-differentiated taxa. The bacula are about as distinct as those of S. townsendii idahoensis are from S. washingtoni , suggesting that the two S. brunneus may be approaching species-level differentiation. A change in soils, vegetation, and topography, but no apparent biogeographic barrier, separates the two taxa. Southern S. brunneus is described herein as a new subspecies.
Identification of seismic crew noise in marine surveys by neural networks

With the increase in marine exploration in areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, it is now quite common for multiple surveys to run concurrently and overlap one another. When more than one crew is actively shooting in the same area, there is a common type of interference that occurs due to the presence of more than one energy source. This interference—known as seismic crew noise—is recorded along with the desired true reflection energy.
Fiber-optic rotation sensor technology

A concept for an all-waveguide fiber-optic rotation sensor is discussed, and the results of preliminary tests of key elements are described. A single channel waveguide coupler design provides the functions of an optical switch, a 3-dB beam splitter, a phase retarder, and a signal modulator, all of which may be formed on the same chip and interconnected by channel single-mode waveguides. Preliminary test results for the waveguide coupler and for a rotation sensor without the coupler are presented. Signal processing, polarization control, and interconnection of the waveguide components are discussed.
Correspondence analysis: Applications to biological oceanographic data

Abstract The usefulness of correspondence analysis has been illustrated with four widely different complex sets of data. In each case it has revealed patterns relevant to interpretations of systems state and behavior.
Manipulation planning for virtual humans: summary of representative papers

Several representative papers are discussed in each part of the course notes and I summarize here a selection of these papers, in order to provide a short document offering a quick roadmap of the relevant literature.
Numerical implementation of a transverse-isotropic inelastic, work-hardening constitutive model☆

Abstract This paper documents the numerical implementation of a transverse-isotropic inelastic, work-hardening plastic constitutive model. A brief review of the model is presented first to facilitate the understanding of its numerical implementation. This model is formulated in terms of ‘pseudo’ stress invariants, so that the incremental stress-strain relationship can be readily incorporated into existing finite-difference or finite-element computer codes. The anisotropic model reduces to its isotropic counterpart without any changes in the mathematical formulation or in the numerical implementation (algorithm) of the model. The input quantities to the algorithm are the initial stress components obtained at the end of the previous strain increment, and the new strain increments; the output quantities are the new values of the stress components. In the first step of the algorithm a set of elastic trial stresses computed, which are then tested with respect to the failure criteria. If they do not violate the failure criteria, the behavior of the material is truly elastic and these stresses are the correct stresses for the given strain increments. On the other hand, if the elastic trial stresses violate the failure criteria, they are corrected through an iteration scheme using an appropriate flow rule. A typical example of the model and its behavior in uniaxial strain and triaxial compression is presented.
Auger peak height calibrations of Ba, Sr and Ca in the oxide form

Abstract Clean alkaline earth oxides are prepared in an UHV system in order to obtain the relative Auger sensitivity factors of the alkaline earths as they exist in the oxide forms. These relative sensitivity factors with respect to Ag are determined to be 0.12, 0.091, 0.014 and 0.28 for Ba (584 eV), Sr (103 eV), Sr (1649 eV) and Ca (291 eV), respectively.
How duplicated transcription regulators can diversify to govern the expression of nonoverlapping sets of genes

The duplication of transcription regulators can elicit major regulatory network rearrangements over evolutionary timescales. However, few examples of duplications resulting in gene network expansions are understood in molecular detail. Here we show that four Candida albicans transcription regulators that arose by successive duplications have differentiated from one another by acquiring different intrinsic DNA-binding specificities, different preferences for half-site spacing, and different associations with cofactors. The combination of these three mechanisms resulted in each of the four regulators controlling a distinct set of target genes, which likely contributed to the adaption of this fungus to its human host. Our results illustrate how successive duplications and diversification of an ancestral transcription regulator can underlie major changes in an organism’s regulatory circuitry.
Characterization of Phenolic Glycosides from Quaking Aspen

Abstract A crude extract quaking aspen Populus tremuloides exhibits differential bioactivity against subspecies of the eastern tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus. Components were isolated and identified on the basis of NMR and IR spectra, and chemical methods, as the phenolic glycosides salicin, salicortin, tremuloidin, and tremulacin.
19F nuclear magnetic resonance studies of aqueous and transmembrane receptors. Examples from the Escherichia coli chemosensory pathway

In general, protein conformational changes are beststudied in the appropriate native environment, whetherit be aqueous solution or a biological membrane. 19Fnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) provides a valuabletool with which to carry out such studies, even for avarietyofproteinstoolargeorinsoluble for multidimen­sional NMRtechniques. Recombinant DNAtechniquessignificantly extend the usefulness of19F NMR, both byfacilitating resonance assignments, and by enablingseparation ofmultidomain structures into smaller, moreaccessible units. Thepresentstudyillustrates the type ofinformation provided by this combined approach usingtwo receptorsfrom theE. coli chemosensory pathway asexamples: the periplasmic o-galactose and o-glucosereceptorand the transmembrane aspartate transducer.