cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 750 KJ Computer Controlled Sequentially-Fired Pulse Forming Network for a Helical Coil Electromagnetic Launcher

The design, simulation, and development of a sequentially-fired pulse forming network (SFPFN) to power a large bore helical coil electromagnetic launcher (HCEL) is presented and discussed. In principle, the HCEL will be able to accelerate a 750 gram mass to approximately 440 m/s. This investigation furthers the previous work of a medium-bore HCEL SFPFN. Improvements on the previous design include increasing total stored energy and peak current. The SFPFN power supply will integrate a real-time computer monitoring and control system to allow a single power supply to charge multiple capacitor modules, even though each module may be charged to a different voltage. Since the load is non-linear and accurate predictions of SFPFN performance are desired, a zeroth order HCEL model is included in the PSPICE simulation of the overall system. The PSPICE model predicts the output current pulse magnitude and shape, given the capacitor module charge voltages, the projectile mass, and related HCEL parameters such as resistive losses, bore length, and mutual inductance gradient. The PSPICE model also predicts projectile velocity and overall system efficiency. From the PSPICE simulations, the SFPFN will typically produce a relatively constant 20 kA current pulse for approximately 5 ms with a maximum charging voltage of 3000 V and an average load of 100 mOmega. With an HCEL inductance gradient of 145 muH/m and 750 gram projectile, the simulations predict a maximum projectile velocity of 440 m/s at 30.9% efficiency. Additional improvements to the SFPFN include a computer controlled Lab VIEW field programmable gate array (FPGA) to trigger the individual module firing intervals. The use of a computer controlled firing circuit also provides an opportunity to incorporate real-time SFPFN monitoring and feedback to select optimal firing times and durations while the projectile is being accelerated.
Genome science and health disparities: a growing success story?

Ten years after the completion of the Human Genome Project, researchers are using DNA to shed light on human history and health. A signifi cant fiof the Human Genome Project and subsequent spin­off projects is that human populations are considerably more similar than diff erent at the DNA level, yet it is now well recognized that genetic diff erences between ancestral and ethnic groups can have important evolutionary and medical relevance. Here, we refl ect on how scientists are taking advantage of these observations to provide insight into complex social and medical issues, such as health disparities and variable drug response. Ethnic diff erences and health disparities
One-way permutations, interactive hashing and statistically hiding commitments

We present a lower bound on the round complexity of a natural class of black-box constructions of statistically hiding commitments from one-way permutations. This implies a ω(n/log n) lower bound on the round complexity of a computational form of interactive hashing, which has been used to construct statistically hiding commitments (and related primitives) from various classes of one-way functions, starting with the work of Naor, Ostrovsky, Venkatesan and Yung (J. Cryptology, 1998). Our lower bound matches the round complexity of the protocol studied by Naor et al.
Are the Yips a Task-Specific Dystonia or ''Golfer's Cramp''?

This study compared golfers with and without the yips using joint movement and surface electromyographic detectors. Fifty golfers (25 with and 25 without complaints of the yips) were studied while putting. All putts were videotaped. Surface electromyography assessed arm cocontraction. A CyberGlove II (Immersion Technologies, Palo Alto, CA) assessed right-arm angular movements. Primary analysis was done by subjective complaint of the yips, whereas secondary analysis was done by video evidence of an involuntary movement. When grouped by subjective complaints, there were no differences in any movement parameter. When grouped by video evidence of an involuntary movement, yips cases had more (P < 0.001) angular movement in wrist pronation/supination and a trend (P = 0.08) for wrist flexor/extensor cocontraction (yips: 7 of 17, 41.2%; no yips: 6 of 33, 18.2%). Golfers with video evidence of an involuntary movement while putting have excessive rotation of the right wrist in a pronation/supination motion and, as previously reported, a trend for wrist flexor/extensor cocontraction.
In-situ frog retina imaging using common-path OCT with a gold-coated bare fiber probe

We have demonstrated in-situ imaging of a frog retina and the surrounding tissue using common-path optical coherence tomography with a gold-coated bare fiber probe which shows no image degradation when operating in vitreous humor/saline solution.
Quasitriangular Algebras, Bialgebras, Hopf Algebras and The Quantum Double

Quasitriangular algebras give rise to solutions to the QYBE through their representations. Quasitriangular Hopf algebras have been very widely studied. See [Drinfel’d, 1987], [Drinfel’d, 1990], [Majid, 1990b], [Majid, 1991a], and [Radford, 1993b] for example. One of the most important examples of a quasitriangular Hopf algebra is the quantum double [Drinfel’d, 1987, p. 816]. In this chapter our focus will be on finite-dimensional objects. Every finite-dimensional Hopf algebra over a field is a sub-Hopf algebra of a quantum double in a natural way. In particular there is a close connection between finite- dimensional Hopf algebras and solutions to the QYBE. Our treatment of quasitriangular Hopf algebras and the quantum double follows[Radford, 1993b].
Effect of acute alpha adrenergic stimulation on cardiac function.

Background. Phenylephrine (PE) is a α-adrenergic agent commonly administered by perfusion and anesthesia. It is important to identify the effect of PE, especially on cardiac function. This study was intended to show the effects of PE on cardiac function in the murine model via pressure-volume loops. Methods. Six C57BL/6J twelve-week-old female mice were studied prior to and following PE administration at 50 μg/kg IV. In vivo pressure-volume loops were recorded at both time points. Results. There was an expected increase in maximum arterial pressure by 30% (p < 0.001) and end-systolic pressure by 34% (p < 0.001). However, there was a decrease in cardiac output by 30% (p = 0.0006), ejection fraction by 36% (p = 0.0003) and stroke volume by 25% (p < 0.004). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that PE has an effect on cardiac function beyond increasing vascular resistance. The data suggest the negative effects of PE on cardiac function may be related to stimulation of cardiac α-adrenergic receptors.Perfusion...
The Problems of Congruent Numbers and Concordant Forms

1. Four Related Problems. - All letters in formulas denote rational integers, and solution means the complete solution in such integers. The problem of solving the simultaneous diophantine equations rX^2 + mY^2 = rZ^2, sX^2 + nY^2 = sW^2 includes as special cases two classical problems.
Propagation of ion acoustic solitons into a weak localized periodic magnetic field

Experiments on the propagation of an ion acoustic soliton from an isotropic plasma into a plasma region where a periodic magnetic field exists are described. The orientation of the magnetic field is transverse to the direction of the propagation of the soliton. A periodic focussing-defocussing of the soliton is detected which correlates with the location and dimension of the magnets
Potential of Common Well Casing Materials to Influence Aqueous Metal Concentrations

Static leaching and sorption laboratory studies were performed to assess the potential of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and two types of stainless steel (SS 304 and SS 316) well casing materials to influence metal concentrations in ground water solutions with low dissolved oxygen. Overall, PTFE was inert, whereas one or both stainless steels significantly altered the solution concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, and Ni. PVC was generally more reactive than PTFE, but did not significantly alter the solution metal concentrations as often, or as greatly, as either of the stainless casings.
It’s All Relative: Sexual Aversions and Moral Judgments Regarding Sex Among Siblings

Animals—human and nonhuman alike—rarely prefer close genetic relatives as sexual partners. Moreover, in the lab and in real life, humans typically react to thoughts of sex with their family members with extreme aversion. Scientists generally agree about why such aversions exist: The sexual avoidance of close genetic relatives evolved because the offspring of close relatives suffer increased risks of disease and death. But how do these sexual aversions develop? Recent research has addressed this question by focusing on people’s aversions to sex with their siblings. Researchers have discovered a set of cues people use during development to estimate whether someone in their social world is likely to be a sibling. When present, these cues typically lead to the development of intense sexual aversions. When the cues are absent, as they are when siblings are reared apart, kin-based sexual aversions tend not to develop. This article discusses the kinship cues regulating the development of sibling sexual aversions...
New Approaches to Compare Phylogenetic Search Heuristics

We present new and novel insights into the behavior of two maximum parsimony heuristics for building evolutionary trees of different sizes. First, our results show that the heuristics find different classes of good-scoring trees, where the different classes of trees may have significant evolutionary implications. Secondly, we develop a new entropy-based measure to quantify the diversity among the evolutionary trees found by the heuristics. Overall, topological distance measures such as the Robinson-Foulds distance identify more diversity among a collection of trees than parsimony scores, which implies more powerful heuristics could be designed that use a combination of parsimony scores and topological distances. Thus, by understanding phylogenetic heuristic behavior, better heuristics could be designed, which ultimately leads to more accurate evolutionary trees.
A framework for mobile data gathering with load balanced clustering and MIMO uploading

In this paper, a three-layer framework is proposed for mobile data collection in wireless sensor networks, which includes the sensor layer, cluster head layer, and mobile collector (called SenCar) layer. The framework employs distributed load balanced clustering and MIMO uploading techniques, which is referred to as LBC-MU. The objective is to achieve good scalability, long network lifetime and low data collection latency. At the sensor layer, a distributed load balanced clustering (LBC) algorithm is proposed for sensors to self-organize themselves into clusters. In contrast to existing clustering methods, our scheme generates multiple cluster heads in each cluster to balance the work load and facilitate MIMO data uploading. At the cluster head layer, the inter-cluster transmission range is carefully chosen to guarantee the connectivity among the clusters. Multiple cluster heads within a cluster cooperate with each other to perform energy-saving inter-cluster communications. Through inter-cluster transmissions, cluster head information is forwarded to the SenCar for its moving trajectory planning. At the mobile collector layer, the SenCar is equipped with two antennas, which enables multiple cluster heads to simultaneously upload data to the SenCar. The trajectory planning for the SenCar is optimized to fully utilize MIMO uploading capability by properly selecting polling points in each cluster. By visiting each selected polling point, the SenCar can efficiently gather data from cluster heads and transport the data to the static data sink. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed LBC-MU scheme. The results show that when each cluster has at most two cluster heads, LBC-MU can reduce the maximum number of transmissions a sensor performs by 90% and the average number of transmissions by 88% compared with the enhanced relay routing scheme. It also results in 25% shorter average data latency compared with the mobile collection scheme with single-head clustering.
Concurrent Validity of the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire

This study examined the concurrent validity of the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (BVQ) in a convenience sample of 202 middle school students in central Virginia. This appears to be the first published study to compare BVQ reports of being bullied and of bullying others with independent criteria not subject to shared method variance. Self-reported bullying on the BVQ was significantly correlated with peer nominations for bullying (r = .12, p < .05) and academic grades (r = −.15, p < .05), but not disciplinary infractions. Self-reported victimization was significantly correlated with peer nominations for victimization (r = .42, p < .01) and academic grades (r = −.12, p < .01). These results provide only modest support for the concurrent validity of the BVQ and raise concern about reliance on student self-report to measure school bullying.
Anticipatory Learning in General Evolutionary Games

We investigate the problem of convergence to Nash equilibrium for learning in games. Prior work demonstrates how various learning models need not converge to a Nash equilibrium strategy and may even result in chaotic behavior. More recent work demonstrates how the notion of "anticipatory" learning, or, using more traditional feedback control terminology, "lead compensation", can be used to enable convergence through a simple modification of existing learning models. In this paper, we show that this approach is broadly applicable to a variety of evolutionary game models. We also discuss single population evolutionary models. We introduce "anticipatory" replicator dynamics and discuss the relationship to evolutionary stability.
Nocturnal NO3 radical chemistry in Houston, TX

Radical chemistry in the nocturnal urban boundary layer is dominated by the nitrate radical, NO3, which oxidizes hydrocarbons and, through the aerosol uptake of N2O5, indirectly influences the nitrogen budget. The impact of NO3 chemistry on polluted atmospheres and urban air quality is, however, not well understood, due to a lack of observations and the strong impact of vertical stability of the boundary layer, which makes nocturnal chemistry highly altitude dependent. Here we present long-path DOAS observations of the vertical distribution of the key nocturnal species O3, NO2, and NO3 during the TRAMP experiment in Summer 2006 in Houston, TX. Our observations confirm the altitude dependence of nocturnal chemistry, which is reflected in the concentration profiles of all trace gases at night. In contrast to other study locations, NO3 chemistry in Houston is dominated by industrial emissions of alkenes, in particular of isoprene, isobutene, and sporadically 1,3-butadiene, which are responsible for more than 70% of the nocturnal NO3 loss. The nocturnally averaged loss of NOx in the lowest 300 m of the Houston atmosphere is w0.9 ppb h �1 , with little day-to-day variability. A comparison with the daytime NOx loss shows that NO3 chemistry is responsible for 16–50% of the NOx loss in a 24-h period in the lowest 300 m of the atmosphere. The importance of the NO3 þ isoprene/1,3butadiene reactions implies the efficient formation of organic nitrates and secondary organic aerosol at night in Houston.
On the cost of supporting mobility and multihoming

As the Internet has evolved and grown, an increasing number of nodes (hosts or autonomous systems) have become multihomed, i.e., a node is connected to more than one network. Multihoming can be viewed as a special case of mobility-as a node moves, it unsubscribes from one network and subscribes to another, which is akin to one interface becoming inactive and another active. The current Internet architecture has been facing significant challenges in effectively dealing with mobility (and consequently multihoming). The Recursive InterNetwork Architecture (RINA) [1] was recently proposed as a clean-slate solution to the current problems of the Internet. In this paper, we perform an average-case cost analysis to compare the mobility / multihoming support of RINA, against that of other approaches such as LISP and Mobile-IP. We also validate our analysis using simulation.
The Dilemma of Choosing Talent: Michael Jordans are Hard to Find

This article explores the dilemma of choosing talent using NBA data from 1987 to 2003. We find there is much uncertainty in selecting talent. If superstars are found, they are usually identified early. However, more false positives exist than correct decisions with high draft picks. Our results suggest the dilemma of choosing talent is not so much a winner's curse but more like a purchase of a lottery ticket. Most times you lose, but, if you are going to win, you must buy a ticket.
How to be an efficient and effective preceptor.

It is possible to do the important work of precepting students and still get home in time for dinner.
A Review of “Tales from the Teachers’ Lounge: What I Learned in School the Second Time Around—One Man's Irreverent Look at Being a Teacher”: Robert Wilder. New York: Delacorte Press, 2007. 320 pp. $23.00 (cloth); $12.00 (paper).

Robert Wilder's Tales from the Teachers’ Lounge is, as the subtitle suggests, “an irreverent look at being a teacher” in the contemporary era. This often-humorous memoir highlights the author's exp...
Affect, work-goal schemas, and work-goal striving among adults with chronic pain: a multilevel structural equation analysis

For individuals with chronic pain, the within-person influence of affect and goal cognition on daily work-related goal striving is not yet well understood. The present study tested the hypothesis that anticipatory goal cognition in the form of a morning work goal schema mediates the relations between morning affect and later (afternoon and evening) work goal striving. Working adults with chronic pain (N = 131) completed a 21-day diary with morning, afternoon, and evening assessments analyzed via multi-level structural equation modeling. At the within-person level, morning positive and negative affect were positively associated with morning work goal schemas; and morning work goal schemas, in turn, positively predicted both afternoon and evening work goal striving. Our findings underscore the complex dynamics over time of the relationship between affect and self-regulatory processes and have implications for future studies and for interventions to assist working adults with chronic pain.
Development of the Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactive Cell Population in the Rabbit Retina

Important steps in visual information processing in the retina occur in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Amacrine cells, whose somata are located in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL), densely innervate the IPL and play multiple roles in the processing of visual signals through their synaptic contacts with bipolar, ganglion and other amacrine cells. Two main classes of amacrine cells have been recognized: narrow-field and wide-field. Narrow-field amacrine cells are likely to be involved in the direct transmission of visual information through the retina. Wide-field amacrine cells are particularly heterogeneous and can be subdivided into high and low cell density populations (Masland, 1988). The low density or sparsely distributed wide-field amacrine cells are thought to have more diffuse, regulatory or modulatory functions (for review see Masland, 1988, and the chapter in this volume entitled “Organization and development of sparsely distributed wide-field amacrine cells in the rabbit retina” by N. C. Brecha, G. Casini and D. Rickman).
Dynamic learning rate neural network training and delamination detection

In this paper, a new learning procedure, called dynamic learning rate steepest descent (DSD) method, is proposed for training neural networks. Based on a simple steepest descendent (SSD) method, the proposed method improves the learning convergence speed significantly without sacrificing the computational effort, memory cost, algorithm simplicity, and computational locality in the standard layered error back propagating training algorithm. Through numerical experiments, the current method is shown to have much stronger learning ability than that of standard constant learning rate steepest descent method (SSD) and accelerated steepest descendent method (ASD). The numerical experiments also indicate that the current method is robust to the initial learning rate, which is critical in the standard steepest descent method. It is also proven to be efficient. The CPU time increases, due to the extra operations in the DSD algorithm, is negligible. The DSD method is then used to train a neural network for direct identification of composite structure delamination through structural dynamic responses. The result indicates that neural network can be used for real-time flaw detections and advanced structural health monitoring. * Graduate Research Assistant 1 Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Member AIAA Copyright © 1996 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION Damage detection based on structural dynamic response and system identification techniques has been a very active research subject in the past several years. Traditionally in the detection methods, an intact system model is first formulated numerically or experimentally as a reference system. The in-service response of the system is then detected and compared with the response of the intact model. The discrepancies are used to infer the health condition of the system. Since the damage information inference is usually a complicated inverse process and the system identification technique is usually time-consuming, the conventional damage detection methods can not be applied to real-time system health monitoring. The neural network technique offers a potential for real-time health monitoring. Instead of inferring the damage information through the reconstruction of the system on the basis of the dynamic response, the neural network technique is able to map the dynamic response to the damage information directly. A very important task in the neural network technique is to train the network so that the network can perform the mapping correctly. Error backpropagation algorithm,"'' which is based on the steepest gradient descent method, has
Topical Immunoprophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Challenged Mice with RSV-Specific Immune Globulin

The modulatory effects of passive antibody on viral replication, illness, and immunity were investigated in a murine model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Nasally administered RSV-specific immune globulin (RSVIG) given prophylactically in a large volume (100 microL) reduced illness and RSV replication in lung after primary challenge. However, passive antibody treatment diminished the host antibody response to primary RSV infection. This resulted in greater susceptibility to reinfection and an alteration in the composition of the immune response after rechallenge. RSV infection of lung during primary infection was necessary for complete protection of lung from RSV rechallenge. Nasal infection alone during primary infection was not sufficient to protect against RSV rechallenge of lung, suggesting that the immune responses in the murine system are compartmentalized. The influence of compartmentalized immunity and modulation of immune responses will be important considerations as new approaches for topical immunoprophylaxis of RSV are developed.
Resistivity Minimum in Highly Frustrated Itinerant Magnets

We study the transport properties of frustrated itinerant magnets comprising localized classical moments, which interact via exchange with the conduction electrons. Strong frustration stabilizes a liquidlike spin state, which extends down to temperatures well below the effective Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction scale. The crossover into this state is characterized by spin structure factor enhancement at wave vectors smaller than twice the Fermi wave vector magnitude. The corresponding enhancement of electron scattering generates a resistivity upturn at decreasing temperatures.
Rendering Nature: Animals, Bodies, Places, Politics. Edited by Marguerite S. Shaffer and Phoebe S. K. Young

Rendering Nature: Animals, Bodies, Places, Politics . Nature and Culture in America Series. Edited by Marguerite S. Shaffer and Phoebe S. K. Young. (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015. vi + 406 pp. Illustrations, map, notes, index. $55.00, £36.00.) Only five of the twelve chapters in this impressive collection focus on the U.S. West, but there are riches here for all, regardless of region. Editors Marguerite S. Shaffer and Phoebe S. K. Young introduce the book with reference to William Cronon’s 1995 edited volume, Uncommon Ground , which includes Cronon’s essay “The Trouble with Wilderness; or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” The pairing is apt. This new work shares the earlier book’s complex thinking, elegant writing, and accessible analysis of the “Nature-Culture Paradox,” the ways in which humans use culture to construct nature and vice …
Southern pine beetle infestations in relation to forest stand conditions, previous thinning, and prescribed burning: evaluation of the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program

Since 2003, the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program (SPBPP) (a joint effort of the USDA Forest Service and Southern Group of State Foresters) has encouraged and provided cost-share assistance for silvicultural treatments to reduce stand/forest susceptibility to the southern pine beetle (SPB) (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) in the southeastern United States. Until now, stand- and landscape-level tests of this program’s efficacy were nonexistent. In 2012, SPB outbreaks occurred in the Homochitto and Bienville National Forests (NFs) in Mississippi. Parts of each NF were treated (thinned) using SPBPP management recommendations, whereas other areas were untreated (unthinned). In the Homochitto NF, 99.7% of SPB spots occurred in unthinned stands, whereas all SPB spots occurred in unthinned stands in the Bienville NF. Unthinned stands in both NFs had higher basal area, higher stocking, and lower growth rates over the last decade. Burning also resulted in a lower incidence of SPB infestation. Our retrospective study results validate the effectiveness of SPBPP treatments for reducing stand- and landscape-level susceptibility to SPB, which encourages proper silvicultural methods that increase tree spacing, growth, and vitality, while effectively altering the in-stand atmosphere enough to interfere with SPB pheromone communication, thus reducing susceptibility to SPB spot initiation and spread.
Creating a win-win situation in a competitive environment.

Acute care hospitals and rehabilitation facilities can work together and benefit each other.
Affect: Issues and Comparisons

Our description of the affect model in Chapter 8 was intended to convey the essence of its ideas without letting you be distracted too readily into side issues. But questions naturally arise in thinking about those themes. Some questions pertain to the model itself and how it works, others pertain to the relation between this model and other approaches. In this chapter we address some of these matters, starting with questions about the model itself. META-LEVEL STANDARDS Consider first reference values at the meta level. Several questions can be raised about these values. Meta-Level Standards Vary in Stringency Most basically, what reference value does the meta system use? It depends on what behavior the person is engaged in. We assume the meta system can implement standards that vary widely across contexts. Sometimes the standard is demanding, sometimes less so. Sometimes it's imposed from outside (as when work has a deadline for completion), sometimes it derives from social comparison (as when people are in competition), sometimes it's self-imposed (as when someone has a personal timetable for career development). Regardless of origins, of course, the standard must be adopted by the person in order for it to have affective consequences. An example where the meta standard is both stringent and externally imposed is degree programs in medical or law school. Even continuous behavioral progress (increments in mastery of material) is adequate only if it occurs at or above the rate required by the degree program.
Allogene Dünndarmübertragung bei Inzuchtratten. Transplantationstechnik und morphologische Befunde

Aus klinischer Sicht sind Moglichkeiten zum Dunndarmtotalersatz wunschenswert, da tumorose (Dunndarmdesmoid), entzundliche (Enteritis regionalis), gefasbedingte (Mesenterialinfarkt, Strahlenfolge) sowie traumatische (Abdominaltraumen) weitgehende Dunndarmzerstorungen bewirken und damit den Totalersatz des Dunndarmes erfordern konnen (1). Bei der Ubertragung des Dunndarmes treten eine Reihe von Problemen auf, die der experimentellen Bearbeitung bedurfen. Der Denervierung des Transplantates scheint nach Beobachtungen an Autotransplantaten keine entscheidende Rolle zuzukommen (2). Die Storung des Lymphabflusses dagegen ist abhangig von der Wahl der Stammkombination, denn nach einer gewissen Latenzzeit wurde von MACH et al. (3) in autogenen Transplantaten ein ausreichender Lymphabflus, in allogenen eine zunehmende Lymphstauung gesehen. Diese Beobachtung last den Schlus zu, das immunologische Faktoren entscheidend fur die Funktionseinbuse der Dunndarmtransplantate sind. Um jedoch die immunologisch bedingten Veranderungen abzuklaren, bedarf es der Verwendung von immunogenetisch definierten Inzuchtstammen, wie sie nur in der Species Ratte und Maus verfugbar sind. Aus technischen Grunden wahlten wir die Ratte.
Spatial spillovers in US wholesale gasoline markets

This paper analyses how oil industry-related activities in neighbouring gasoline markets affect local markets. Our contribution consists of applying spatial econometric models to better understand pricing behaviour in US gasoline markets and the spatial phenomena unique to this particular industry. We find that neighbouring state-level gasoline price variation explains a large portion of the variation of in-state (or local) gasoline prices. Consistent with intuition, the empirical results imply that wholesale gasoline prices are positively affected by state and federal-level gasoline content regulations. Further, our results suggest that changes in state-level wholesale gasoline prices respond to both in-state and neighbouring-state inventory levels.
Parameterization of a light distribution model for green cell growth of microalgae: Haematococcus pluvialis cultured under red LED lights

Abstract A light distribution model is a prerequisite for establishing an algal growth model. Based on approaches to account for light intensity, algal productivity models can be divided into three types, Type I models predict the rate of photosynthesis, Type II models computes productivity and Type III models considers the impacts of both light gradients and short light cycles. Among these, Type II models may offer the best compromise between accuracy and practicability for full-scale engineering applications. Addressing the need for examining indoor seed preparation of Haematococcus pluvialis under red LED irradiation, this study advanced a Type II model based on light distribution. The model was parameterized for green cell growth of Haematococcus pluvialis using the Gauss-Newton and bootstrap methods. The parameters k 1 and k 2 from the hyperbolic Beer-Lambert law of the two-flux model were 118.8 ± 5.2 m − 1 and 0.25 ± 0.04 g L − 1 , with 95% confidence intervals of (111.6, 129.8) and (0.20, 0.33), respectively. The parameterized model was validated against experimental results, with the largest error and relative error of 0.08 μmol/m 2 /s and 10.5%, respectively. Validation results demonstrate that the established model was reliable and could accurately predict the light intensity for indoor cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis in the green stage. This study demonstrated that the effectiveness of using the bootstrap method to accurately estimate the parameters in these types of models. It provided information on model parameters, including standard deviation and 95% confidence intervals. This model also applied many more data points (89 in this study) to estimate parameters to reduce error. The results filled a technological gap for modeling the light distribution of indoor seed preparation of Haematococcus pluvialis under red LED lights. The approach can be used to estimate the values of parameters from parametric models for other similar applications using the bootstrap method.
Environmental Origin of the Genus Bordetella.

Members of the genus Bordetella include human and animal pathogens that cause a variety of respiratory infections, including whooping cough in humans. Despite the long known ability to switch between a within-animal and an extra-host lifestyle under laboratory growth conditions, no extra-host niches of pathogenic Bordetella species have been defined. To better understand the distribution of Bordetella species in the environment, we probed the NCBI nucleotide database with the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequence from pathogenic Bordetella species. Bacteria of the genus Bordetella were frequently found in soil, water, sediment and plants. Phylogenetic analyses of their 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that Bordetella recovered from environmental samples are evolutionarily ancestral to animal-associated species. Sequences from environmental samples had a significantly higher genetic diversity, were located closer to the root of the phylogenetic tree and were present in all ten identified sequence clades, while only four sequence clades possessed animal-associated species. The pathogenic bordetellae appear to have evolved from ancestors in soil and/or water and we show that, despite being animal-adapted pathogens, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Bordetella hinzii have preserved the ability to grow and proliferate in soil. Our data implicate soil as a probable environmental origin of Bordetella species, including the animal-pathogenic lineages. Soil may further constitute an environmental niche, allowing for persistence and dissemination of the bacterial pathogens. Spread of pathogenic bordetellae from an environmental reservoir such as soil may potentially explain their wide distribution as well as frequent disease outbreaks that start without an obvious infectious source.
Abstract 28: Serial in Vivo Imaging of Thrombus Inflammation Predicts Venous Thrombus Resolution

Introduction: Inflammation following deep vein thrombosis (DVT) critically modulates thrombus resolution. However it is unknown whether the degree of inflammation in vivo predicts the magnitude of thrombus resolution. Here, we utilize serial multichannel intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM) to spatially map and quantify macrophage infiltration in thrombus, and then to determine the degree of thrombus resolution in vivo . Methods: C57Bl/6 mice (n=5) underwent topical ferric chloride injury to induce femoral venous thrombosis. On day 3, mice were i.v. injected with macrophage-targeted nanoparticles (CLIO-AF555, ex/em 555/565nm). On day 4, survival IVFM of thrombus macrophages was performed. In addition, venography was concomitantly performed (pre-injection of FITC-dextran 45 minutes before IVFM, MW 2000 kD, 490/520nm) to quantify DVT area and length in vivo at day 4 and 6. IVFM image analysis was performed using ImageJ. Mid-luminal z-stacks (40 μm thickness) were analyzed. Thrombus ROIs were outlined using FITC-dextran generated angiograms, and used calculating macrophage target-to-background ratios (TBR) and thrombus area and length. Contralateral sham femoral veins were imaged as controls. Imaging was followed by histopathology and fluorescence microscopy of the cryosectioned tissue. Results: At day 4, the baseline femoral DVT area and length were 0.22±0.08mm 2 and 1.29±0.16mm (mean±sd). The day 4 macrophage activity was noted to be heterogeneous with peripheral infiltration of the thrombus, and occasionally with some deeper penetration into the thrombus interior. At day 6, the thrombus area and length were reduced compared to day 4 (p Conclusion: This serial in vivo assessment of murine DVT resolution demonstrates that degree of macrophage infiltration at day 4 predicts the magnitude of thrombus resolution at day 6. Molecular imaging of DVT inflammation in vivo could provide new insights into DVT resolution and the development of the post-thrombotic syndrome, and also in evaluating inflammatory-modulating therapies for improved DVT resolution.
Data Linearization Activity for Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Lectures

Throughout the undergraduate curriculum, students utilize linearized forms of nonlinear equations—from the Clausius–Clapeyron equation in general chemistry to the Michaelis–Menten equation in biochemistry. Presenting the linearized forms of equations as a fait accompli may be a lost opportunity to empower students with understanding the general process of linearization as an analytical tool. This work describes a series of activities that can be implemented and spaced throughout the analytical chemistry curriculum. The activities are low-cost and chemical-free, so they can be implemented in a lecture setting. Distributed practice allows students to attain familiarity with linearization, and the practical guided application in class provides real experience with the otherwise abstract mathematical idea.
Robotic ventral mesh rectopexy - a video vignette.

Correction of rectal prolapse by traditional suture rectopexy or resection rectopexy may predispose patients to constipation or anastomosis-related complications [1] [2]. The nerve sparing ventral mesh rectopexy for internal rectal prolapse allows for correction of multiple anatomical defects [3]. In this video, we describe the technical steps in performing ventral mesh rectopexy using a robotic platform [4] [5], on a fifty eight year old woman with internal rectal prolapse. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Incorporating Interpersonal Skills into Otolaryngology Resident Selection and Training

Increasing attention has been paid to the selection of otolaryngology residents, a highly competitive process but one with room for improvement. A recent commentary in this journal recommended that residency programs more thoroughly incorporate theory and evidence from personnel psychology (part of the broader field of organizational science) in the resident selection process. However, the focus of this recommendation was limited to applicants' cognitive abilities and independent work-oriented traits (eg, conscientiousness). We broaden this perspective to consider critical interpersonal skills and traits that enhance resident effectiveness in interdependent health care organizations and we expand beyond the emphasis on selection to consider how these skills can be honed during residency. We advocate for greater use of standardized team-based care simulations, which can aid in assessing and developing the key interpersonal leadership skills necessary for success as an otolaryngology resident.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Noncrystalline Macromolecular Assemblies

At present the only method available for determining the 3D molecular structure of most biological macromolecules is x-ray crystallography. However, some macro-molecules associate to form large multisubunit complexes (e.g., viruses, ribosomes, multisubunit enzymes) for which crystals suitable for crystallographic studies are not easily obtained. Even in those cases where suitable crystals are available, there remain additional technical problems that will have to be solved before detailed structures can be determined (Yonath and Wittman, 1989). In this chapter I will describe recent structural determinations of noncrystalline biomacromolecular complexes by the technique of electron microscopy in conjunction with 3D recon-struction (electron tomography).
Information Sharing in the Age of Hyper-competition: Opening an International Branch Campus

• Nearly 250 international branch campuses have opened; some have been successful and others have failed, but little information is shared among them for how decisions to open the campus were made....
Verification bias: an under-recognized source of error in assessing the efficacy of MRI of the meniscii.

Rationale and Objectives The sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of meniscal tears has been studied extensively, with tears usually verified by surgery. However, surgically unverified cases are often not considered in these studies, leading to verification bias, which can falsely increase the sensitivity and decrease the specificity estimates. Our study suggests that such bias may be very common in the meniscal MRI literature, and illustrates techniques to detect and correct for such bias. Materials and Methods PubMed was searched for articles estimating sensitivity and specificity of MRI for meniscal tears. These were assessed for verification bias, deemed potentially present if a study included any patients whose MRI findings were not surgically verified. Retrospective global sensitivity analysis (GSA) was performed when possible. Results Thirty-nine of the 314 studies retrieved from PubMed specifically dealt with meniscal tears. All 39 included unverified patients, and hence, potential verification bias. Only seven articles included sufficient information to perform GSA. Of these, one showed definite verification bias, two showed no bias, and four others showed bias within certain ranges of disease prevalence. Only 9 of 39 acknowledged the possibility of verification bias. Conclusion Verification bias is underrecognized and potentially common in published estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for the diagnosis of meniscal tears. When possible, it should be avoided by proper study design. If unavoidable, it should be acknowledged. Investigators should tabulate unverified as well as verified data. Finally, verification bias should be estimated; if present, corrected estimates of sensitivity and specificity should be used. Our online web-based calculator makes this process relatively easy.
Quellcode der Unit Mouse

Die in den Maustreibern MOUSE.COM oder MOUSE.SYS enthalten Routinen konnen nach dem Laden mit dem Interrupt 51 ($33) aufgerufen werden (Pascal-Prozedur Intr); dieser enthalt verschiedene Funktionen, die mit Hilfe des Registers AX ausgewahlt werden (z.B. reg.ax:=10; siehe weiter unten). Falls kein Maustreiber geladen wird, enthalt der Vektor fur den Interrupt 51 den Wert NIL (zwei Nullworter). Viele der in der Unit Mouse definierten Routinen werden bei fehlendem Maustreiber sofort wieder verlassen, so das ein Absturzen des Computer-System wirkungsvoll verhindert wird.
The Mission of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine (WFSICCM)

The following editorial commentary from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) provides a fitting introduction to a discussion on the Mission and Values of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine (WFSICCM).
Family Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Nursing Practice

Health care professionals have focused for the most part on individuals within families as they provide care in acute care settings. The lack of a theoretical perspective to permit observing the family as a unit with interacting parts has contributed to this practice. This article presents an overview of trends and of four theoretical frameworks that have contributed to family practice and research, both for other disciplines and for nursing. Symbolic interactionism, systems, developmental, and social exchange theories are promising frameworks for considering family relationships now and into the future. The purpose, major concepts, and implications for nursing practice of each theory are presented.
Redundancy Structures in Respiratory Control

The observation that arterial CO2 tension is regulated (remains at the resting value) under a metabolic CO2 load via exercise, but increases under an airway CO2 load via inspiratory CO2, has motivated numerous theories about the structure of the respiratory controller. This respiratory control system behavior appears to be most consistent with a feedforward/feedback control system structure.1 The peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid body) and indirectly central brain chemoreceptors act as feedback mechanisms with respect to the regulation of arterial CO2 tension. Feedforward mechanisms (signals related to metabolic CO2 production during exercise) are more controversial. Part of this controversy relates to the traditional “search” for a “single” mechanism that will explain the exercise hyperpnea response.2 However, in general, biological systems are characterized by redundancy, suggesting that many “signals” may be combined to form an appropriate feedforward stimulus.
Porous PolyHIPE microspheres for protein delivery from an injectable bone graft

Abstract Delivery of osteoinductive factors such as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) has emerged as a prominent strategy to improve regeneration in bone grafting procedures. However, it remains challenging to identify a carrier that provides the requisite loading efficiency and release kinetics without compromising the mechanical properties of the bone graft. Previously, we reported on porous, polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) microspheres fabricated using controlled fluidics. Uniquely, this solvent-free method provides advantages over current microsphere fabrication strategies including in-line loading of growth factors to improve loading efficiency. In the current study, we utilized this platform to fabricate protein-loaded microspheres and investigated the effect of particle size (∼400 vs ∼800 μm) and pore size (∼15 vs 30 μm) on release profiles. Although there was no significant effect of these variables on the substantial burst release profile of the microspheres, the incorporation of the protein-loaded microspheres within the injectable polyHIPE resulted in a sustained release of protein from the bulk scaffold over a two-week period with minimal burst release. Bioactivity retention of encapsulated BMP-2 was confirmed first using a genetically-modified osteoblast reporter cell line. A functional assay with human mesenchymal stem cells established that the BMP-2 release from microspheres induced osteogenic differentiation. Finally, microsphere incorporation had minimal effect on the cure and compressive properties of an injectable polyHIPE bone graft. Overall, this work demonstrates that these microsphere-polyHIPE composites have strong potential to enhance bone regeneration through controlled release of BMP-2 and other growth factors. Statement of significance This manuscript describes a method for solvent-free fabrication of porous microspheres from high internal phase emulsions using a controlled fluids setup. The principles of emulsion templating and fluid dynamics provide exceptional control of particle size and pore architecture. In addition to the advantage of solvent-free fabrication, this method provides in-line loading of protein directly into the pores of the microspheres with high loading efficiencies. The incorporation of the protein-loaded microspheres within an injectable polyHIPE scaffold resulted in a sustained release of protein over a two-week period with minimal burst release. Retention of BMP-2 bioactivity and incorporation of microspheres with minimal effect on scaffold compressive properties highlights the potential of these new bone grafts.