cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of fluid and melt density and structure on high-pressure and high-temperature experimental studies of hydrogen isotope partitioning between coexisting melt and aqueous fluid

Hydrogen isotope partitioning (as H 2 O and D 2 O) between silicate-saturated aqueous fluid and water-saturated aluminosilicate melt has been determined with vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infrared) in situ with the samples at high temperature and pressure by using a hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell (HDAC) for sample containment. To assess the effects of pressure and, therefore, different silicate speciation in fluids and melts, on the D/H partitioning behavior, two pressure/temperature experimental trajectories (450–800 °C/155–754 MPa, and 450–800 °C/562–1271 MPa) were used. In these temperature and pressure ranges, the fluid/melt partition coefficients are temperature (and pressure) dependent with the average enthalpy change, Δ H = −6.6 ± 15 kJ/mol and −10.3 ± 1.1 kJ/mol for H 2 O and D 2 O, respectively. The Δ H -values for the lower-pressure trajectory (and, therefore, lower fluid density) were 15–20% higher than for the higher-pressure (and higher fluid density) trajectory. The (D/H) ratios of fluids and melts, (D/H) fluid and (D/H) melt , are also temperature dependent with a small negative Δ H for (D/H) fluid (average: −2.4 ± 0.8 kJ/mol) and a positive Δ H -value for (D/H) melt (2.3 ± 1.4 kJ/mol). The (D,H) exchange equilibrium between fluid and melt is also temperature (and pressure) dependent so that for the low-density P / T trajectory, the Δ H = −4.2 ± 0.6 kJ/mol, whereas for the higher-density trajectory, Δ H = −5.4 ± 0.7 kJ/mol. The difference between the H 2 O and D 2 O fluid/melt partition coefficients and the temperature- and pressure-dependent D/H fractionation behavior in and between hydrous silicate melts and silicate-saturated aqueous fluid in part is because pressure increases with increasing temperature in the HDAC experiments and the volume difference between fluid and melt differ for H 2 O and D 2 O. In addition, the silicate speciation in fluids and melts are temperature and pressure dependent, which also leads to significantly temperature- and pressure-dependent D/H fractionation within and between silicate melts and fluids at high temperature and pressure. In the Earth’s deep crust and upper mantle, hydrogen isotope partitioning between condensed phases and aqueous fluid can differ substantially from that between condensed phases and pure H 2 O because the aqueous fluid in the Earth’s interior is a concentrated silicate solution wherein the silicate speciation affects the isotope partitioning.
Expectancy mediated effects of marijuana on menopause symptoms

Background Medical marijuana alleviates a variety of symptoms, including those associated with menopause, such as insomnia, irritability, depression and joint pain. However, little work has address...
Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide Encapsulated in Silica Hydrogels and Xerogels

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was entrapped in silica hydrogels using the sol–gel approach, and its transition to xerogel was studied by monitoring H2O2 retention as a function of weight loss at ambient...
Study on Soil Shear Strength Based on an Electricity Measurement

Soil shear strength of soil is one of the main parameters that represent the mechanical properties of the soil.The paper designs a device for measuring the shear strength of soil in field.This measuring device can not only measure the shear strength of soil,but also determine the cohesion coefficient and frictional angle,which can provide a theoretical basis for strength check of agricultural machinery parts.
Measurement and Analysis of Electromagnetic Environment for Equipment Area in Different Types of 500 kV Substations

In order to analyze the equipment area electromagnetic environment of different types of 500 kV substations,the electromagnetic field intensity of three typical substations is measured by EFA- 300 electromagnetic field strength analyzer.The results of 12 measurement points show that all data of the three substations are within the occupational exposure limits.The electromagnetic field strength in substations of AIS,HGIS and GIS separately ranked from high to low under the same operating conditions,and the measurements of type GIS are far below the public exposure limits.The results also indicate that the influence of different types of equipment arrangement it quite large for electric fields intensity,small for magnetic induction strength under the same operating conditions,and GIS substations are conducive to preventing electromagnetic pollution.
Spinal osteotomy for congenital kyphosis in myelomeningocele.

1. The management of severe kyphosis of the lumbar spine in association with myelomeningocele is discussed. 2. Neonatal spinal osteotomy-resection has been performed in six patients with partial correction of the deformity and a greatly improved ease of closure and healing of the skin defect. The severity of lower limb paralysis has been diminished compared with the complete paraplegia that almost always results from conservative management of closure of the defect without osteotomy. 3. In an older child who has not had the benefit of neonatal osteotomy and who has complete lower limb paralysis, transverse spinal osteotomy or excision of the prominent laminae and pedicles on each side of the midline makes possible the fitting of apparatus for walking and diminishes the liability to recurrent ulceration of the skin.
SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR 42 INFANTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Objective TO analyze the surgical treatment of 42 infants with Congenital Heart Disease. To sum up the perioperative mangement on Congenital Heart Disease in infants. Methods Between April, 2002 and December, 2004, 42 infants with Congenital Heart Disease were given the operations, 27 males and 15 females, ranging from 2 months to 12 months, with mean age (7.6±1.3) months, and their weight between 4.1 kg to 10.5 kg, with mean weight (8.3±1.6) kg. There were 39 cases of CPB operations, 3 cases of non-CPB operations. 33 cases were non-cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in infants, and 9 cases were cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in infants. Results The operation included reparative procedure (n=40), and palliative procedure (n=2). 3 died after operation with a mortality of 7.1%. The others were followed-up from 2 months to 32 months with satisfactory results. Conclusion Accurate choice of indications, strengthening the perioperative treatment can improve curative rate of congenital Heart disease in infants.
The Challenge in Improving the Diets of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients: A Historical Commentary

This paper provides a historical background for the current nutrition issues faced by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Food Stamp Program evolved into SNAP during a period when U.S. diets, particularly those of the poor, became less healthful. During the 1960s, the U.S. (Kennedy–Johnson era) addressed malnutrition first with a pilot project focused on retail sales and cash food stamps, which showed that low-income consumers purchased relatively healthy foods for a fairly high-quality diet. Southern politicians in the House of Representatives wanted a program similar to an earlier subsidized commodity distribution program. The pilot provided the evidence northern urban politicians sought, and they held the farm bill hostage until southern rural interests agreed to an unfettered Food Stamp Program that allowed purchases directly from retailers. A final Food Stamp Program law was incorporated into the farm bill and passed. This program shifted in 1977 to a full cash benefit system later, first using food stamps to act as cash and later an Electronic Benefit Transfer program. The program was designed at a time of a very healthful diet of lower-SES Americans. As diets of lower-income Americans changed and the entire food system shifted, the program has not been adjusted in any manner. Today, 50%–66% of the calories in the American diet, particularly that of low-SES Americans, come from highly processed foods containing excessive refined carbohydrates, sodium, unhealthy saturated fats, and added sugar. The SNAP design has not responded to these shifts in diet and the powerful interests controlling our food system. This twist in the U.S. diet and food system presents a major dilemma to those attempting to form a healthy food program based on the results of an effective pilot project.
Hypokalemia in women and methadone therapy are the strongest non-cardiologic factors associated with QT prolongation in an emergency department setting.

Abstract Background Our primary objective was to determine the adjusted quantitative associations of clinical predictors with QT prolongation, a defining cause of Torsades de Pointes (TdP). Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive emergency department patients identified by ECG acquisition date, and heart rate corrected QT (QTc) and QRS durations. QTc was modeled as a function of clinical predictors with multiple linear regression. Results 1010 patients were included. The strongest predictors of QTc and their coefficients were: antidysrhythmic (26.1 ms, 95% CI 15.6–36.6) and methadone (43.6 ms, 95% CI 28.1–59.2) therapies, and genetic long QT syndrome diagnosis (32.6 ms, 95% CI -4.7-70.0). The association of QTc with serum potassium was approximated by a two piecewise linear function that differed by sex. For potassium below 3.9 mmol/L, QTc increased by 43.0 ms (95% CI 26.2–59.7) and 29.5 ms (95% CI 19.1–40.0) for every 1 mmol/L decrease in potassium in women and men, respectively. TdP occurred in only 4/686 (0.6%) of patients with QTc ≥ 500 and QRS Conclusions QTc duration is highly sensitive to hypokalemia, particularly in women. Methadone prolongs QTc remarkably compared to other non-cardiologic medicines. QTc > 500 with normal QRS often signifies profound illness and substantial mortality risk, though not necessarily imminent TdP.
Finding the Rare Pathogenic Variants in a Human Genome

Decreases in the cost of DNA sequencing have enabled substantial progress in fields ranging from archaeology and evolution to basic biomedical science. Concomitantly, there have been calls for routine genome-scale sequencing of healthy individuals in hopes of discovering clinically important information. For example, discovery of a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to a BRCA1/2 mutation can enable aggressive surveillance or risk-reducing surgery.
AMM: Scalable Memory Reuse Model to Predict the Performance of Physics Codes

As the US Department of Energy (DOE) invests in exascale computing, scalable performance modeling of physics codes on CPUs remains a hard challenge in computational codesign due to advanced design features of processors such as the memory hierarchy, instruction pipelining, and speculative execution. Reuse distance is a powerful (but unscalable) characteristic that helps to predict cache hit-rates. We propose, Analytical Memory Model (AMM), a novel hardware model based on cache memory hierarchies. AMM efficiently computes close approximations of reuse distance distributions through a combination of static analysis of basic code blocks and sampling from very small code instances. The results show that AMM accurately predicts reuse profiles of scientific mini-applications (for example, matrix multiplication). Coupling AMM with the Performance Prediction Toolkit (PPT), we further show a scalable runtime prediction of scientific codes on Intel Xeon.
Potency determination of inactivated H7 influenza vaccines using monoclonal antibody-based ELISA and biolayer interferometry assays.

Background The single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay, the accepted method for determining potency of inactivated influenza vaccines, measures an immunogenic form of the influenza hemagglutinin. Nevertheless, alternative methods for measuring vaccine potency have been explored to address some of the weaknesses of the SRID assay, including limited sensitivity and the requirement for large amounts of standardized reagents. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based potency assays also have the ability to detect and measure relevant immunogenic forms of HA. Objectives The objective of this study was to continue evaluation of mAb-based alternative methods for measuring the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines, focusing on A(H7N9) pandemic influenza vaccines. Methods Several murine mAbs that recognize different epitopes on the H7 hemagglutinin (HA) were identified and characterized. These mAbs were evaluated in both a mAb-capture ELISA and a mAb-based biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. Results Results indicated that potency of inactivated A(H7N9) vaccines, including vaccine samples that were stressed by heat treatment, measured by either alternative method correlated well with potency determined by the traditional SRID potency assay. Conclusions The availability of multiple H7 mAbs, directed to different HA epitopes, provides needed redundancy in the potency analysis as A(H7N9) viruses continue to evolve antigenically and suggests the importance of having a broad, well-characterized panel of mAbs available for development of vaccines against influenza strains with pandemic potential. In addition, the results highlight the potential of mAb-based platform such as ELISA and BLI for development as alternative methods for determining the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines.
Fast-steering solutions for cubesat-scale optical communications

We describe the design of a compact free-space optical communications module for use on a nanosatellite and present results from a detailed trade study to select an optical fine steering mechanism compatible with our stringent size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints. This mechanism is an integral component of the compact free-space optical communications system that is under development at the MIT Space Systems Laboratory [1]. The overall goal of this project is to develop a laser communications (lasercom) payload that fits within the SWaP constraints of a typical “3U” CubeSat. The SWaP constraints for the entire lasercom payload are 5 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm, 600 g and 10W. Although other efforts are underway to qualify MEMS deformable mirrors for use in CubeSats [2], there has been very little work towards qualifying tip-tilt MEMS mirrors [3]. Sec. II provides additional information on how the fast steering mechanism is used in our lasercom system. Performance requirements and desirable traits of the mechanism are given. In Sec. III we describe the various types of compact tip-tilt mirrors that are commercially available as well as the justification for selecting a MEMS-based device for our application. Sec. IV presents an analysis of the device's transfer function characteristics and ways of predicting this behavior that are suitable for use in the control processor. This analysis is based upon manufacturer-provided test data which was collected at standard room conditions. In the final section, we describe on-going work to build a testbed that will be used to measure device performance in a thermal chamber.
The therapeutic discharge II: An approach to documentation in the setting of feigned suicidal ideation.

Abstract Objective The therapeutic discharge of patients assessed as misrepresenting suicidal ideation, though in the best interests of the patient, physician, and health care system, is an inherently risk-assuming action. The rationale and conduct of the therapeutic discharge has been written on previously. Here, we propose a method of documenting the therapeutic discharge in a way that is useful and teachable. Method After describing some other types of note-writing that can be needed in the care of deceptive patients, we describe an approach to each of the major sections of an initial consultation/encounter note as it applies to the therapeutic discharge. Results Each note section is handled slightly differently than ordinarily. The history of present illness follows the sequence, rather than the re-organization of the information obtained. The past medical history requires and reflects a more granular chart review than is usually warranted. The mental status exam is less cross-sectional than usual. The assessment and plan incorporates several components that reflect a reasoning process specific to the therapeutic discharge. Conclusion While labor-intensive, the documentation approach advocated for and exemplified here reaffirms aspects of one's identity as a physician, ensures responsible execution of a risk-involving decision, and potentially simplifies subsequent patient encounters.
Two-dimensional liquid chromatography consisting of twelve second-dimension columns for comprehensive analysis of intact proteins

Abstract A comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LCxLC) system consisting of twelve columns in the second dimension was developed for comprehensive analysis of intact proteins in complex biological samples. The system consisted of an ion-exchange column in the first dimension and the twelve reverse-phase columns in the second dimension; all thirteen columns were monolithic and prepared inside 250 µm i.d. capillaries. These columns were assembled together through the use of three valves and an innovative configuration. The effluent from the first dimension was continuously fractionated and sequentially transferred into the twelve second-dimension columns, while the second-dimension separations were carried out in a series of batches (six columns per batch). This LCxLC system was tested first using standard proteins followed by real-world samples from E. coli. Baseline separation was observed for eleven standard proteins and hundreds of peaks were observed for the real-world sample analysis. Two-dimensional liquid chromatography, often considered as an effective tool for mapping proteins, is seen as laborious and time-consuming when configured offline. Our online LCxLC system with increased second-dimension columns promises to provide a solution to overcome these hindrances.
Characterization of skin structure and chemical content in response to topical intervention using coherent Raman scattering imaging (Conference Presentation)

One of the primary functions of human skin is to provide a mechanical barrier and interface with the outside world, owing to its unique structure and composition. Indeed, the most superficial layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is a selectively porous structure composed of thin layers of protein-rich corneocytes joined together by lipids such as ceramides. The overall impermeability of the stratum corneum is crucial for homeostasis, but also hampers the penetration of beneficial topical agents into the skin. Specifically, hydrophilic compounds typically do not permeate through the epidermis, while hydrophobic compounds can readily be delivered through lipid-containing routes such as sebaceous gland ducts or the spacing between corneocytes. A proper understanding of stratum corneum structure and composition is therefore of great benefit for the design of topical formulations in order to properly optimize the delivery of active compounds to the skin. To this aim, coherent Raman scattering imaging techniques including both coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopies can be used to study the chemical composition and structure of the stratum corneum, as these modalities are sensitive to unique vibrational modes of specific chemical groups such as lipids, proteins, and water. These metrics can further be used to measure uptake and efficacy of topical compounds in order to optimize formulation design.
Five-Year Stability of Leisure Activity and Motivation Factors.

This study examined the five-year stability of leisure participation and motivation factors among 139 community residents. As measured by a list of 113 leisure activities based on the Leisure Activ...
Frequency Jitter and Linewidth of a Single-Mode Monolithic Nd:YAG Laser

The short-term frequency jitter of a single-mode solid-state laser is caused mostly by fluctuations of the optical length of the laser resonator owing to mechanical vibration and acoustic noise. This jitter can be greatly reduced when the resonator mirror coatings are applied directly to the Nd:YAG crystal. The coupling of mechanical and acoustic room noise into length fluctuations of the Nd:YAG crystal itself is small.
Late onset schizophrenia

Given that psychotic symptoms are relatively common in the older adults and can accompany a variety of conditions, correctly identifying the etiology of psychosis in older patients is essential for developing the most effective treatment plan. Here we focus on the identification and management of late-onset schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychosis.
Time-Temperature Mechanical Response of a PVA Dual Cross-Link Self-Healing Hydrogel

Uniaxial tension tests and small strain rheology tests were performed on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) dual cross-link hydrogel specimens at different temperatures under different loading rates. The effects of loading rate and temperature were studied in both experiments. The rheology results were analyzed using classic time-temperature superposition. It can be concluded that for the rheology data classic time-temperature superposition works for this PVA hydrogel under the tested temperature range.
The Genetic Control of Ischemic Neuronal Cell Death

Apoptosis is the final envent in programmed cell death, the mechanism by which neurons die during development. Whether neurons die by apoptosis or necrosis after cerebral ischemia remains controversial. Strictly speaking, apoptosis includes certain key morphologic features: condensation and cleavage of nuclear chromatin, and the formation of budding cytoplasmic appendages known as apoptotic bodies. In addition, intracellular membranes and the plasma membrane remain intact until very late in apoptotic cell death, and there is little inflammation.
Systemic and local immunosuppression in patients with high-grade meningiomas

Despite current treatments, high-grade meningiomas continue to have a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, has demonstrated significant success in controlling numerous malignancies. In this study, we investigate the extent of systemic and local immunosuppression in meningiomas to assess the potential benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of high-grade meningiomas. Peripheral blood was collected from patients undergoing resection of meningiomas (WHO grade I, n = 18; grade II, n = 25; grade III, n = 10). Immunosuppressive myeloid cells (CD45+CD11b+PD-L1+), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (CD11b+CD33+HLA-DRlow), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD3+CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) were quantified through flow cytometry. Tissue sections from the same patients were assessed for PD-L1 expression and T cell infiltration via immunohistochemistry. Patients with grade III meningiomas demonstrated increased peripheral monocyte PD-L1 compared to patients with grade I/II meningiomas and healthy controls. Peripheral MDSC abundance was increased in grades II and III meningioma patients. PD-L1 staining of meningioma tissue demonstrated increased positivity in grade III meningiomas. Intratumoral PD-L1 was not associated with progression-free survival. High-grade meningiomas had increased T-cell infiltration. However, a significant proportion of these T cells were exhausted PD1+ T cells and immunosuppressive Tregs. Patients with meningiomas exhibit signs of peripheral immunosuppression, including increased PD-L1 on myeloid cells and elevated MDSC abundance proportional to tumor grade. Additionally, the tumors express substantial PD-L1 proportional to tumor grade. These results suggest a role for immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway in combination with standard therapies for the treatment of high-grade meningiomas.
Phase Stability and Ordering in Rock Salt-Based Thermoelectrics: NaSbX2, AgSbX2, and Their Alloys with PbX and SnX (X = S, Se, Te)

Using first-principles density functional calculations, we study the phase stability and cation ordering behavior in ABX2, PbX-ABX2, and SnTe-ABTe2 (A = Na, Ag; B = Sb; X = S, Se, Te) thermoelectri...
Electronic Structures and Reactivity Profiles of Aryl Nitrenoid-Bridged Dicopper Complexes

Dicopper complexes templated by dinucleating, pacman dipyrrin ligand scaffolds (Mesdmx, tBudmx: dimethylxanthine-bridged, cofacial bis-dipyrrin) were synthesized by deprotonation/metalation with me...
Mesoscopic computational model of covalent cross-links and mechanisms of load transfer in cross-linked carbon nanotube films with continuous networks of bundles

Abstract An “effective bond model” of covalent cross-links between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is developed for mesoscopic simulations of CNT materials. The cross-links are represented by discrete stretchable bonds between mesoscopic nanotube elements. These bonds induce forces in both the normal and tangential directions to the CNT surfaces. A general approach for fitting the model parameters based on results of atomistic simulations describing the pullout of a nanotube from a bundle is suggested. This approach is used to obtain sets of the best-fit parameters, recommended for simulations with (26,0) CNTs when cross-links are predominantly formed by single interstitial atoms. It is shown that quantitative agreement between the atomistic and mesoscopic simulations can be achieved if the equilibrium length of the mesoscopic cross-link bond is smaller than the equilibrium gap between pristine CNTs and an additional fitting parameter, which controls the direction of the cross-link force with respect to the geometrical bond, is introduced into the model. The developed model is used to simulate stretching and compression of a thin CNT film with a continuous network of bundles and to reveal the microscopic mechanisms of the mechanical load transfer. It is found that during stretching the cross-links create a transient percolating “load transfer network” that includes relatively small number of strained CNT segments, participating in the load transfer, while bending modes of CNTs are not activated. The structure of this network evolves with increasing strain, when breaking of certain cross-links irreversibly activates new paths of load transfer. During compression, mechanical response of the nanotube network is determined by the trade-off between stretching and bending of individual nanotubes, while growing correlations between motions of large bundles eventually result in the collective bending of the whole film.
Bcl2-induced DNA replication stress promotes lung carcinogenesis in response to space radiation.

Space radiation is characterized by high-linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation. The relationships between the early biological effects of space radiation and the probability of cancer in humans are poorly understood. Bcl2 not only functions as a potent antiapoptotic molecule but also as an oncogenic protein that induces DNA replication stress. To test the role and mechanism of Bcl2 in high-LET space radiation-induced lung carcinogenesis, we created lung-targeting Bcl2 transgenic C57BL/6 mice using the CC10 promoter to drive Bcl2 expression selectively in lung tissues. Intriguingly, lung-targeting transgenic Bcl2 inhibits ribonucleotide reductase activity, reduces dNTP pool size and retards DNA replication fork progression in mouse bronchial epithelial cells. After exposure of mice to space radiation derived from 56iron, 28silicon or protons, the incidence of lung cancer was significantly higher in lung-targeting Bcl2 transgenic mice than in wild type mice, indicating that Bcl2-induced DNA replication stress promotes lung carcinogenesis in response to space radiation. The findings provide some evidence for the relative effectiveness of space radiation and Bcl-2 at inducing lung cancer in mice.
Enacting a body-focused curriculum with young girls through an activist approach: Leveraging the after-school space

Background: Many girls do not want to engage in physical activity (PA) in places that do not provide feelings of safety, comfort, or protection. Nor will they engage in PA if it might compromise ge...
Update on diagnosis in disorders of consciousness.

New guidelines regarding the diagnosis of disorders of consciousness (DOC) (such as vegetative state and minimally conscious state) have recently been published by the American Academy of Neurology...
Primary care for new vs established Medicaid enrollees.

OBJECTIVES To understand changes in primary care (PC) utilization in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 3 years after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). STUDY DESIGN Secondary data analysis using Medicaid/CHIP paid claims and managed care encounters. METHODS Pre-/post-ACA trends in total enrollment and PC visits among newly enrolled and established patients were analyzed in half-year increments from the first half of 2012 to the second half of 2016. RESULTS After ACA expansion, there was a temporary surge in new Medicaid/CHIP enrollment (which included surges in pre-ACA eligibility categories) and slow, steady growth in total enrollment. The percentage of new enrollees completing a PC visit within 90, 180, and 365 days of enrollment fell markedly in the first half of 2014 and then rebounded to pre-ACA levels thereafter. Conversely, the percentage of new enrollees remaining enrolled at 90, 180, and 365 days spiked upward in the first half of 2014 and gradually fell thereafter. Among established enrollees, PC visits per person exhibited a downward trend throughout the post-ACA period, driven mostly by a decline in the percentage of individuals with any PC visits. CONCLUSIONS The first 6 months of ACA implementation in New Jersey were marked by a surge in Medicaid/CHIP enrollment that extended beyond the ACA target population, greater enrollment retention, and apparent bottlenecks in PC delivery. After the initial surge, new enrollees used PC at rates at least as high as in the pre-ACA period, whereas established enrollees used PC at a declining rate throughout the post-ACA period. PC delivery for new enrollees may have limited the availability of services for some established enrollees.
Driving to the future of energy storage: Techno-economic analysis of a novel method to recondition second life electric vehicle batteries

Abstract The transportation sector is trending towards electrification which means a dramatic change to the availability of used Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which can be reused for grid energy storage systems (ESS). However, second life battery modules can have an imbalanced state of health (SOH) between cells which can reduce battery safety, life, and depth of discharge. This work evaluates the economics of a novel Heterogeneous Unifying Battery (HUB) reconditioning system that cycles battery modules to unify cells’ SOH to improve their second life battery performance. The HUB reconditioning cycles can be performed in one of two ways: recondition with grid services or recondition through energy shuffle. The results from this work demonstrate that a simple repurposing process will likely have a lower second life resale price (56 $/kWh) than the HUB system (62 $/kWh) in our baseline scenario; however, in our target scenario the HUB system (34 $/kWh) has a lower resale price than the repurposing system (38 $/kWh). This work also includes an economic analysis for using reconditioned batteries in a grid ESS that was compared to an ESS that is assembled with new Li-ion batteries. Results show that HUB reconditioned ESS require less grid revenue (194 $/kW-year) than new Li-ion ESS (253 $/kW-year). Finally, the HUB reconditioned ESS is shown to be economically feasible in 63% of frequency regulation, 18% of transmission congestion relief, and 16% of demand charge reduction markets but not economically feasible in spin/non-spin reserve, voltage support, and energy arbitrage markets.
Nutritional aspects of BST

As milk production increases 2 to 3 percent annually, nutrient demands for high producing cows will continue to be a major management challenge. Minnesota DHI data illustrate the shift in feeding programs and strategies as milk yield increases. Bovine somatotropin (BST) is biotechnology that could increase milk yield 5 to 15 percent in the future. Mix14 predicted the year 2000, average milk yield could be 16,335 pounds without BST or 20,418 pounds if BST was used by U.S. dairy farmers. Meeting the nutritional needs of BST treated cows must be understood by dairy farmers, dairy nutritionists, veterinarians, and agri-business personnel. By examining current feeding strategies in high producing herds, three-times-a-day milking, and BST research; BST feeding strategies can be anticipated
Vulnerability, Boundary Management, and Providing Information Services to People Experiencing Homelessness

This study examines how public librarians manage boundaries when providing information services to people experiencing homelessness. Drawing on interviews with twenty-four library staff at three pu...
A Real-World Assessment of Outcomes, Health Resource Utilization, and Costs Associated with Cerebral Edema in US Patients with Large Hemispheric Infarction.

Patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI) are at risk of cerebral edema (CED). This study analyzed health resource use, costs, and outcomes during and after acute hospitalization for LHI in US patients with and without CED. Using IBM® MarketScan® Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare databases, patients with incident hospitalization for LHI (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes of I63.03x, I63.13x, I63.23x, I63.31x, I63.41x, I63.51x) from 31 March 2016 through 31 December 2018 were identified and further categorized by the presence or absence of CED based on related diagnosis codes or a procedure code of craniectomy. Health resource use, costs, and outcomes were compared in patients with and without CED during hospitalization and after discharge. Of 7336 Commercial, 1946 Medicaid, and 5015 Medicare patients with LHI, 7.8%, 6.9%, and 4.3% had CED, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline comorbidities, differences (95% confidence intervals) in mean total costs of the index hospitalization in patients with CED versus without CED were $65,572 ($56,506–$76,335), $44,395 ($26,442–$63,495), and $31,417 ($18,982–$48,543) in the Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare groups, respectively. Similarly, the adjusted differences (95% confidence intervals) in mean lengths of stay between patients with CED and without CED were 11.75 (10.17–13.48), 10.84 (7.59–14.17), and 3.69 (2.40–5.19) days, respectively. Mortality during index hospitalization was 10–20 times greater in patients with CED versus without CED (p < 0.0001). In those patients who survived and had at least 30-days of follow-up after discharge, CED was also associated with higher post-discharge resource utilization and costs in the commercially insured population who were younger than Medicare patients, and had fewer comorbidities than Medicare and Medicaid patients. This indicates the effect of CED after discharge was particularly burdensome for younger individuals. In this large cohort study, inpatient mortality, health resource utilization and costs were consistently higher in patients with LHI who developed CED than in those without CED. These findings underscore the need for greater awareness of CED among policymakers and healthcare practitioners.
Generative Approach Using Soft-Labels to Learn Uncertainty in Predicting Emotional Attributes *

This paper presents a novel speech emotion recognition (SER) method to capture the uncertainty in predicting emotional attributes using the true distribution of scores provided by annotators as ground truth (i.e., soft-labels). Reliable, generalizable, and scalable SER systems are important in areas such as healthcare, customer service, security, and defense. A barrier to build these systems is the lack of quality labels due to the expensive annotation process, leading to poor generalization. To address this limitation, this study proposes a semi-supervised generative modeling approach using a variational autoencoder (VAE) with an emotional regressor at the bottleneck trained with soft-labels of emotional attributes. We demonstrate that estimating uncertainties in predicting emotional attribute scores is possible with soft-labels. We analyze the benefits of uncertainty estimation with a reject option formulation, where the model can abstain from predicting emotion when it is less confident. At 60% test coverage, we achieve relative improvements in concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) up to 16.85% for valence, 7.12% for arousal, and 8.01% for dominance. Furthermore, we propose an uncertainty transfer learning strategy where uncertainties learned from one attribute are used as a sample re-ordering criterion for another attribute, achieving additional improvements in prediction performance for valence. We also demonstrate the generalization power of our method in comparison to other uncertainty estimating methods using cross-corpus evaluations. Finally, we demonstrate that our method has lower computational complexity than alternative approaches.
Decay properties of 150Tm and 150Er.

The decay properties of /sup 150/Tm and /sup 150/Er (produced in /sup 58/Ni bombardments of /sup 96/Ru) were investigated following on-line mass separation. The half-life of /sup 150/Tm was measured to be 2.2 +- 0.2 s rather than the value of 3.5 s available in the literature. Based on its decay characteristics, we suggest that this high-spin /sup 150/Tm isomer has a spin assignment of 6/sup -/. Among the /sup 150/Er states fed by this 6/sup -/ isomer is the yrast 4/sup +/ level (2294.8 keV) which up to now has been observed in neither ..beta..-decay nor in-beam ..gamma..-ray studies. New transitions observed in /sup 150/Er decay establish several previously unknown levels in /sup 150/Ho. While the additional ..gamma.. rays reduce from 100% to 96% the feeding to the 476-keV state in /sup 150/Ho known earlier, the corresponding logft value is calculated to be 3.6, indicating that this is an allowed, 0/sup +/..-->..1/sup +/, beta transition. Photon intensities obtained for ..gamma.. rays following the decay of the /sup 150/Ho low-spin isomer resolve inconsistent values measured in two previous investigations.
Market Discipline: Is it Fact or Fiction?

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international organization that fosters cooperation among central banks and other agencies in pursuit of monetary and financial stability. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which is part of the BIS, issued a proposal for a New Basel Capital Accord that is to be implemented by participating banks throughout the world in 2006. The New Capital Accord is based, in part, on market discipline. This article examines what market discipline means, the requirements for market discipline, and its effectiveness. The conclusion is that market discipline is a good idea, but it has not been effective in the recent past.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor released by corneal endothelium surviving oxidative stress ex vivo.

PURPOSE To demonstrate that corneal endothelial (CE) cells that survive oxidative stress in corneas release ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), which does not possess the secretion signal sequence. METHODS CNTF and CNTF receptor alpha subunit (CNTFRalpha) in CE cells and cell-conditioned medium (H2O2 and PBS placed in bovine corneal cups for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C) in explant cultures were demonstrated by Western blot (WB) and immunoprecipitation (IP). The number of dead CE cells was determined microscopically with a viability kit, by an observer uninformed of the explants' identities. CNTF and CNTFRalpha synthesis and release by CE cells in 35S-methionine-labeled (0.1 mCi/mL for 8 hours at 37 degrees C) corneal cups were shown by autoradiography and WB. RESULTS. CE cells in fresh bovine eyes expressed a 25-kDa CNTF that was recognized by three different antibodies. CE cells expressed a 61-kDa CNTF-immunoreactive molecule (IM), which disappeared from the CE cells in H2O2-conditioned corneal cups, concomitant with the appearance of the 25-kDa CNTF in the conditioned medium. Corneal cups containing 0, 0.006, 0.012, 0.023, 0.045, 0.09, 0.18, and 0.35 mM H2O2 demonstrated relative levels of CE cell 61-kDa CNTF-IM of 100%, 84%, 77%, 61%, 52%, 39%, 35%, and 35%, respectively, whereas levels of 25-kDa CNTF in the conditioned medium were 23%, 32%, 39%, 63%, 80%, 90%, 100%, and 63%, respectively. CE cells expressed a 53-kDa CNTFRalpha that, along with trace amounts of a 61-kDa CNTFRalpha-IM, appeared concomitantly with the 25-kDa CNTF in the conditioned medium. H2O2 (0-0.56 mM) did not affect the viability of CE cells (15 dead cells per 600 cells). CE cells in 35S-methionine-labeled corneal cups synthesized and released a 35S 61-kDa molecule that was both CNTF- and CNTFRalpha-immunoreactive in an H2O2-dependent manner, whereas 25-kDa CNTF was detected in the (35)S-methionine labeling medium. CONCLUSIONS CE cells release autocrine CNTF under sublethal oxidative stress by a mechanism that involves CNTFRalpha and the formation of a 61-kDa CNTF/CNTFRalpha-IM.
Avascular necrosis following renal transplantation: Experience with 449 allografts with and without high-dose steroid therapy

Abstract From January 1, 1971, to January l, 1976, 173 renal allografts were transplanted into 146 patients. Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given to all mismatched recipients in a dose of 1 Gm. on the day of transplant and in varying amounts during acute allograft rejection. In 7 patients, 4.8 per cent of 146 patients and 4 per cent of 173 allografts, with a minimum follow-up of fifteen months avascular necrosis of one or more joints developed with an average of 9.4 months after transplantation and a range of five to eighteen months. The total dose of IVMP given to the patients with aseptic necrosis varied between 3 and 18 Gm. from the time of transplantation until the onset of skeletal symptoms. This incidence was nearly identical to the 5 per cent of 242 patients and 4.3 per cent of 276 renal allografts from the same center performed between January 1, 1963, and January 1, 1971, when intravenous steroid pulse therapy was not utilized. Since January, 1971, total joint replacements of the hip or knee were performed in 4 of the 7 affected patients six to sixteen months after the onset of symptoms. Renal function remained stable after surgery in all 4 patients. Virtually normal range of motion was present within three months after surgery. Although the controversy of steroid therapy in the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis still exists, judicious use of high-dose IVMP therapy does not appear to increase its incidence. Early surgery is recommended when the radiologic evidence confirms the clinical findings of avascular necrosis in order to ameliorate pain, correct restriction of movement, and promote full rehabilitation.
Exercise responsive genes measured in peripheral blood of women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and matched control subjects

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by debilitating fatigue that is exacerbated by physical or mental exertion. To search for markers of CFS-associated post-exertional fatigue, we measured peripheral blood gene expression profiles of women with CFS and matched controls before and after exercise challenge. Women with CFS and healthy, age-matched, sedentary controls were exercised on a stationary bicycle at 70% of their predicted maximum workload. Blood was obtained before and after the challenge, total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells, and signal intensity of the labeled cDNA hybridized to a 3800-gene oligonucleotide microarray was measured. We identified differences in gene expression among and between subject groups before and after exercise challenge and evaluated differences in terms of Gene Ontology categories. Exercise-responsive genes differed between CFS patients and controls. These were in genes classified in chromatin and nucleosome assembly, cytoplasmic vesicles, membrane transport, and G protein-coupled receptor ontologies. Differences in ion transport and ion channel activity were evident at baseline and were exaggerated after exercise, as evidenced by greater numbers of differentially expressed genes in these molecular functions. These results highlight the potential use of an exercise challenge combined with microarray gene expression analysis in identifying gene ontologies associated with CFS.
Vascular Anatomy of Angiospermous Leaves, with Special Consideration of the Maize Leaf

In this brief review an attempt has been made to discuss some of the important features of the vascular anatomy of angiospermous leaves, especially those related to assimilate transport. Accordingly, emphasis has been placed on the small or minor veins, which are closely related spatially to the mesophyll, and which play a major role in the uptake and subsequent transport of photosynthates from the leaf. The small veins are enclosed by bundle sheaths that intervene between the mesophyll and vascular tissues and greatly increase the area for contact with mesophyll cells. In the minor veins of dicotyledonous leaves, parenchymatic cells having organelle-rich protoplasts and numerous cytoplasmic connections with sieve elements dominate quantitatively. It is these so-called intermediary cells that apparently are directly involved with the loading of assimilates into the sieve elements. In the maize leaf the small and intermediate bundles have two types of sieve tubes, relatively thin-walled ones that have numerous cytoplasmic connections with companion cells, and thick-walled ones that lack companion cells but have numerous connections with vascular parenchyma cells. The companion cell-sieve tube complexes are virtually isolated symplastically from other cells of the vascular bundle and from the bundle sheath. Thick-walled sieve tubes similar to those in the maize leaf have been recorded in the leaves of other grasses.
Preference-sensitive risk-cutoff values for prenatal-integrated screening test for Down syndrome

Objective For a pregnant woman considering prenatal screening for early detection of Down Syndrome (DS), there are at least two major outcomes of interest: undetected DS live births and euploid procedure-related fetal losses. The risk-cutoff value of 1/270 has been commonly used for recommending a diagnostic test. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of women's preferences for different pregnancy outcomes on the optimal risk-cutoff values for integrated screening. Method We built a Monte Carlo simulation model of 100 000 singleton second-trimester pregnancies to assess the probabilities of DS live births and euploid procedure-related fetal losses for various risk-cutoff values. To capture how undesirable some women may view an undetected DS live birth relative to a euploid procedure-related fetal loss, we used a ratio W1 : W2 of weights (penalties) assigned to these two adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results As the relative weight changes, the optimal risk-cutoff value changes significantly. Conclusion A one-size-fits-all risk-cutoff value, such as 1/270, may not always be the best choice, depending on the preferences of women. Preference-sensitive risk-cutoff values for DS screening have the potential to improve the pregnancy outcomes and patient satisfaction. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.