cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extended magnetohydrodynamics simulations of thin-foil Z-pinch implosions with comparison to experiments

Cylindrical foil liners, with foil thicknesses on the order of 400 nm, are often used in university-scale Z-pinch experiments (∼1 MA in 100 ns) to study physics relevant to inertial confinement fusion efforts on larger-scale facilities (e.g., the magnetized liner inertial fusion effort on the 25-MA Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories). The use of ultrathin foil liners typically requires a central support rod to maintain the structural integrity of the liner target assembly prior to implosion. The radius of this support rod sets a limit on the maximum convergence ratio achievable for the implosion. In recent experiments with a support rod and a pre-imposed axial magnetic field, helical instability structures in the imploding foil plasma were found to persist as the foil plasma stagnated on the rod and subsequently expanded away from the rod [Yager-Elorriaga et al., Phys. Plasmas 25(5), 056307 (2018)]. We have now used the 3D extended magnetohydrodynamics simulation code PERSEUS (which includes Hall physics) [C. E. Seyler and M. R. Martin, Phys. Plasmas 18(1), 012703 (2011)] to study these experiments. The results suggest that it is the support rod that is responsible for the helical structures persisting beyond stagnation. Furthermore, we find that as the radius of the support rod decreases (i.e., as the convergence ratio increases), the integrity and persistence of the helical modes diminish. In the limit with no support rod, we find that the structure of the final stagnation column is governed by the structure of the central precursor plasma column. These simulation results and their comparisons to experiment are presented.
Cellular Immunotherapies in Preclinical Large Animal Models of Transplantation.

ABSTRACT Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation and solid organ transplantation remain the only curative options for many hematologic malignancies and end-stage organ diseases. Unfortunately, the sequelae of long-term immunosuppression, as well as acute and chronic rejection, carry significant morbidities, including infection, malignancy, and graft loss. Numerous murine models have demonstrated the efficacy of adjunctive cellular therapies using HSCs, regulatory T cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and regulatory dendritic cells in modulating the alloimmune response in favor of graft tolerance; however, translation of such murine approaches to other preclinical models and in the clinic has yielded mixed results. Large animals, including nonhuman primates, swine, and canines, provide a more immunologically rigorous model in which to test the clinical translatability of these cellular therapies. Here, we highlight the contributions of large animal models to the development and optimization of HSCs and additional cellular therapies to improve organ transplantation outcomes.
Menopause matters: attending to the vitality of older women

Menopause is a point in a woman’s life marked by the end of her menstrual cycle and diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period. The time leading up to menopause is a transition phase. The...
School Shootings: Creating Safer Schools

Shootings in schools remain common in the United States, and incite particular outrage as the lives of students, many of whom are minors, are put at risk. The reasons for school shootings may be related to exposure to violence, firearm access, or lack of support for mental health or depression issues. Creating safer schools will require consistent, widespread national legislation to respect school environments and to support those with underlying mental health conditions or socially limited communities.
On Loss Functions for Deep-Learning Based T60 Estimation

Reverberation time, T 60 , directly influences the amount of reverberation in a signal, and its direct estimation may help with dereverberation. Traditionally, T 60 estimation has been done using signal processing or probabilistic approaches, until recently where deep-learning approaches have been developed. Unfortunately, the appropriate loss function for training the network has not been adequately determined. In this paper, we propose a composite classification- and regression-based cost function for training a deep neural network that predicts T 60 for a variety of reverberant signals. We investigate pure-classification, pure-regression, and combined classification-regression based loss functions, where we additionally incorporate computational measures of success. Our results reveal that our composite loss function leads to the best performance as compared to other loss functions and comparison approaches. We also show that this combined loss function helps with generalization.
Strategic Risk and Lobbying: Investigating Lobbying Breadth as Risk Management:

Despite many studies investigating how lobbying expenditures enhance performance outcomes, limited attention has been given to understanding the underlying mechanisms driving firm lobbying behavior...
Faith and Revelation

At the center of the three Abrahamic traditions is faith in God, yet the foundational revelations of these traditions and the filled-out concepts of God that they provide conflict with one another and are incompatible. The logic or nature of faith, it is argued in this chapter, allows that despite conflicting conceptions of God in these three theistic traditions, believers nevertheless have faith in and a faith relationship to the same God.
Improvements in identification and quantitation of alkylated PAHs and forensic ratio sourcing

Parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in a number of different sources in varying proportions depending on the source material and weathering. This range of PAH sources can make it difficult to determine the origin of exposure(s). Ratios of alkylated and parent PAHs have been applied as a forensic tool to distinguish between different sources. However, few studies have examined PAH ratios comprehensively as indicators for sourcing beyond a single study area or matrix type. In this paper, we introduce an expanded analytical method based on ASTM D7363-13a which we adapted for a gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry instrument. The modifications increase selectivity and sensitivity compared to the ASTM method. We added five alkylated series to the method. This method has then been applied to 22 independent forensic ratios. We evaluated the method and the forensic ratios with certified reference materials and known environmental samples. This analytical method and thirteen PAH ratios were found to accurately predict sources of PAHs.
Manipulation of RNA Polymerase III by Herpes Simplex Virus-1

ABSTRACT RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes noncoding RNA, including transfer RNA (tRNA), and acts as a pathogen sensor during the innate immune response. To promote enhanced proliferation, the Pol III machinery is commonly targeted during cancer and viral infection. Herein we employ DM-RNA-Seq, 4SU-Seq, ChIP-Seq, and ATAC-Seq to characterize how Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) perturbs the Pol III landscape. We find that HSV-1 stimulates tRNA expression 10-fold, with mature tRNAs exhibiting a 2-fold increase within 12 hours of infection. Perturbation of host tRNA synthesis requires nuclear viral entry, but not synthesis of specific viral transcripts, nascent viral genomes, or viral progeny. Host tRNA with a specific codon bias were not targeted—rather increased transcription was observed from euchromatic, actively transcribed loci. tRNA upregulation is linked to unique crosstalk between the Pol II and III transcriptional machinery. While viral infection is known to mediate host transcriptional shut off and lead to a depletion of Pol II on host mRNA promoters, we find that Pol II binding to tRNA loci increases. Finally, we report Pol III and associated factors bind the HSV genome, which suggests a previously unrecognized role in HSV-1 gene expression. These data provide insight into novel mechanisms by which HSV-1 alters the host nuclear environment, shifting key processes in favor of the pathogen.
The Role of Coronary Artery Calcium Testing for Value-Based Clinical Trials in Primary Prevention

Review the role of coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing in designing future clinical trials in primary prevention. While there are numerous new agents that have been found to lower cardiovascular event rates in clinical trials, these studies have required a large sample size, in part due to low event rates as well as improved baseline treatments. More precise risk assessment could allow for better identification of individuals who stand to derive the most benefit from various therapies. Coronary CAC testing offers a simple method for identifying high-risk primary prevention cohorts, and thus may allow for improved efficiency of clinical trials, enhanced efficacy of various therapies, and ultimately more favorable cost-effectiveness estimates. The use of CAC testing as part of the inclusion criteria used in clinical trials may result in identifying high-risk individuals who were previously not included in such studies while achieving favorable absolute risk reductions. The advantages afforded by using CAC to enrich clinical trials offer a potential road map for future clinical trials in primary prevention.
Do We Need a New Federal Trade Secret Law

Two pending bills in Congress, the Trade Secrets Protection Act of 2014 and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2014, would create a brand-new federal civil cause of action for trade secret misappropriation. This essay asks why the laws are needed. The essay also critiques the proposed ex parte seizure provision.
Nutrition in the Neurointensive Care Unit

Approximately 30–50 % of hospitalized patients worldwide suffer from malnutrition, making the importance of maintaining adequate nutritional support crucial to critically ill patients. Achieving an adequate level of nutritional support revolves around counteracting hypermetabolic effects of injury or illness by reducing the severity of malnutrition and preventing complications such as overfeeding. Early recognition, prevention, and appropriate initiation of supplemental nutrition will aid in optimizing nutritional status. Patients able to reach and maintain an optimal level of nutritional status will benefit from faster recovery, improved wound healing, and an increase in rehabilitative efforts. Likewise, a decrease in hospital length of stay, complication rates, morbidity, and mortality will occur.
The Use of Epidemiologic Approaches and Meta-Analysis to Determine Mineral Element Requirements

With a new focus on long-term health effects of nutrient intake as well as the traditional concerns of preventing deficiency and maintaining tissue saturation, epidemiologic studies which identify diet and health relationships have become important to debates on defining nutrient requirements. Epidemiologic studies include descriptive surveys, case-control studies, cohort studies, and intervention studies. National dietary intake survey data have always played a role in defining intake amounts which are feasible and which are associated with no clearly apparent health problem. A growing number of large epidemiologic cohort studies have provided new evidence of preventive effects of specific nutrients on chronic diseases. The question of how that information should be used in setting requirements is still unresolved. Because one epidemiologic study alone cannot prove a causal relationship, and because small studies often lack sufficient power to clearly establish statistical significance, meta-analysis is sometimes used to combine results from many studies to obtain an overall quantitative result. It has been most effectively used with sets of clinical trials. Meta-analysis of multiple observational studies is usually difficult because of variations in design, methodology of data collection and form of the variables ; its use has been seriously challenged. Careful review of the totality of epidemiologic studies completed on specific nutrient and health or functional outcome is important to defining future research priorities and designs, and can inform the definition of nutrient requirements when used carefully and in conjunction with the wider body of scientific evidence.
Stable low noise voltage source

Hum and noise on power sources can have a significant effect on system noise. Filtering to achieve low hum and noise is accomplished at low current levels. The diode regulator circuit is described which is ideal for this type of filtering. Hum and noise rejection is achieved with good output voltage stability in a small, low-cost, reliable circuit.
Menetrier's disease: a form of hypertrophic gastropathy or gastritis?

Abstract Background : Menetrier's disease is characterized by giant gastric folds and foveolar hyperplasia. The extent of mucosal inflammation and glandular atrophy, however, is controversial. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients previously diagnosed with Menetrier's disease actually represent at least two diseases: (1) Hypertrophic lymphocytic gastritis (HLG) and (2) Massive foveolar hyperplasia and minimal inflammation (MFH). Methods : All cases of possible Menetrier's disease were identified, and their clinical, laboratory, and pathological data were reviewed. In twenty-three patients with giant fundal folds, full-thickness tissue specimens (n = 19) or large suction biopsy (n = 4) tissue specimens were obtained. Results : Two distinct, nonoverlapping histological patterns were found; 13 patients had HLG and 10 patients had MFH. Clinical features and frequency of Helicobacter pylori were similar in these two groups. Patients with HLG had severe inflammation with numerous intraepithelial lymphocytes and mild foveolar hyperplasia. Alternatively, patients with MFH had greater foveolar hyperplasia, significantly thicker mucosa, and greater mucosal edema. Conclusions : Patients with MFH represent a form of hypertrophic gastropathy and should be designated as having Menetrier's disease, whereas patients with HLG should be considered part of the spectrum of lymphocytic gastritis.
Role of the RING‐CH Domain of Viral Ligase mK3 in Ubiquitination of Non‐Lysine and Lysine MHC I Residues

A plethora of ubiquitin ligases determine the intracellular location and fate of numerous proteins in a substratespecific manner. However, the mechanisms for these functions are incompletely understood. Most ligases have structurally related RING domains that are critical for ligase activity including the recruitment of ubiquitin conjugating enzymes. Here we probe the function of the RING-CH domain of murine γ-herpesvirus-68 ligase mK3 that functions as an immune evasin by targeting major histocompatibility complex(MHC)classIheavy chainsfor endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). Interestingly, mK3 mediates ubiquitin conjugation via ester bonds to S or T residues in addition to conventional isopeptide linkages to K residues. To determine the mechanism of non-K ubiquitination of substrates, we introduced into an mK3 background the RING-CH domains of related viral and cellular MARCH (membrane associated RING-CH) ligases. We found that although a conserved W present in all viral RING-CH domains is critical for mK3 function, sequences outside the RINGCH domain determine whether and which non-lysine substrate residues can be ubiquitinated by mK3. Our findingssupportthemodel thatviralligaseshaveevolved a highly effective strategy to optimally orient their RING domain with substrate allowing them to ubiquitinate non-K residues.
The Temperature Sensitivity of the Selective Reflection by Cholesteric Mesophases and Its Possible Limitations

Abstract The selective reflectance of S-cholesteryl 14-phenyltetradecanethioate was determined as a function of the wavelength and temperature at several constant values of temperature and wavelength respectively. The dependence of wavelength λp measured at maximum selective reflectance on temperature T could be curve fitted within the measurement uncertanty of ±0.2m°C to Keating's formula and to the empirical expression λp= λp + A (T - T 0)−2. Since T0 is the temperature at which the cholesteric helix assumes an infinite pitch, we conclude that the region of extremely high temperature dependence of the selective reflectance of a cholesteric liquid crystal may be linked with a pretransitional effect at the cholesteric-smectic phase transition. We measured a maximum temperature coefficient of selective reflectance of about 50,000% per °C and found that the spontaneous temperature fluctuations of the sample must be smaller than 2×10−5 °C. A theoretical estimate, using the generalized Nyquist theorem, indica...
Composite Ni–Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2)O3 membrane for hydrogen separation

Abstract Composite membranes consisting of Ni metal and Ba(Zr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.2 )O 3 (or Ni–BZCY7) have been developed for separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures to replace Ni–BCY20 (Ni–BaCe 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3 ), which has poor stability in CO 2 and H 2 O-containing atmosphere. Hydrogen fluxes through these cermet membranes were measured as a function of temperature, membrane thickness, and partial pressure of hydrogen in various atmospheres. Results indicated that the Ni–BZCY7 membrane is chemically stable and display high hydrogen permeability. A maximum flux of 0.805 cm 3 min −1 cm 2 was obtained for a dense cermet membrane of 266-μm-thick at 900 °C using 100% H 2 as the feed gas and 100 ppm H 2 /N 2 as the sweep gas. The stable performance of Ni–BZCY7 cermet membrane during exposure to a wet gas containing 30% CO 2 for about 80 h indicated that it is promising for practical applications.
Making Connections: Promoting Music Making in the Home through a Preschool Music Program.

The Musical Play program is designed to assist children ages 2 to 5 and their parents. The program creators sought to he families build a repertoire of songs and activities for everyday living and to encourage musical play at home. The progra includes developmentally appropriate songs, materials, and activities and incorporates a wide variety of topics, presentation and interactions. The songs and activities presented contribute to the well-being of children, both cognitively and emotio ally. Music centers remain the basis of the program, as the program was designed to incorporate musical free play. The ce ters are the vehicles for engaging children in thinking and playing with music. Through these centers, parents may learn ne ways to play musically with their children. The child's acquisition of musical skills, within this rich environment, empowe and enhances personal and musical expression, as well as aids in language acquisition and coordination development.
Induced triploids and tetraploids in bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, verified by multi-embryo cytofluorometric analysis

Abstract Triploid and tetraploid bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, were produced by applying a hydrostatic pressure shock of 500 atm of 90 s duration. The optimum time of pressure shock after fertilization for triploid and tetraploid production was 4 min and 36 min, respectively. Egg quality as measured by survival in control groups related directly to percent triploids produced. Eighty to 100% triploids were produced when control viability exceeded 59%. No triploids were produced when control viability was less than 40%. Conventional techniques to determine ploidy require labor intensive karyotyping methods or fish large enough to obtain a blood sample for analysis in a particle counter. This paper describes a cytofluorometry technique developed to determine ploidy from fish embryonic tissue. Multiembryo homogenates analyzed 24–28 h after fertilization were used to determine ploidy distribution for each treatment group.
THE DISPENSABILITY OF COMPLEMENT FOR ANTIDEVELOPMENTAL ACTION OF ANTISERA AGAINST FERTILIZIN IN SEA URCHIN EGGS.

SummaryThe present experiments add further evidence that serum-complement has no effect on the ability of rabbit antisera prepared against the fertilizin of sea urchin eggs to block cleavage and development of the fertilized eggs.
A compressed memory hierarchy using an indirect index cache

The large and growing impact of memory hierarchies on overall system performance compels designers to investigate innovative techniques to improve memory-system efficiency. We propose and analyze a memory hierarchy that increases both the effective capacity of memory structures and the effective bandwidth of interconnects by storing and transmitting data in compressed form.Caches play a key role in hiding memory latencies. However, cache sizes are constrained by die area and cost. A cache's effective size can be increased by storing compressed data, if the storage unused by a compressed block can be allocated to other blocks. We use a modified Indirect Index Cache to allocate variable amounts of storage to different blocks, depending on their compressibility.By coupling our compressed cache design with a similarly compressed main memory, we can easily transfer data between these structures in a compressed state, increasing the effective memory bus bandwidth. This optimization further improves performance when bus bandwidth is critical.Our simulation results, using the SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks, show that our design increases performance by up to 225% on some benchmarks while degrading performance in general by no more than 2%, other than a 12% decrease on a single benchmark. Compressed bus transfers alone account for up to 80% of this improvement, with the remainder coming from increased effective cache capacity. As memory latencies increase, our design becomes even more beneficial.
Mutations in Influenza Virus M1 CCHH, the Putative Zinc Finger Motif, Cause Attenuation in Mice and Protect Mice against Lethal Influenza Virus Infection

Mutations in CCHH, the putative zinc finger motif, apparently do not play an important role in virus replication in MDCK cells in culture (E. K.-W. Hui, K. Ralston, A. K. Judd, and D. P. Nayak, J. Gen. Virol. 84:3105-3113, 2003). In this report, however, we demonstrate that the CCHH motif plays a critical role in virulence in mice and that some CCHH mutants are highly attenuated in BALB/c mice. Some of the mutant viruses replicated the least in mice lungs, induced little or no lung lesions, and caused highly reduced morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, growth patterns of mutant viruses in different cell lines (MDCK, MLE12, 3LL, A549, and 293T) varied. Mutant viruses that were attenuated in mice also grew poorly in mouse and human cells in culture. However, wild-type (WT) and all mutant viruses replicated to the same titer in MDCK (canine) cells or embryonated chicken eggs. Attenuation in mice correlated with reduced growth in mouse cells in culture, suggesting that potential attenuation in a given host can be predicted from the growth characteristics of the virus in cultured cells (preferably lung cells) from the same species. In challenge experiments, mice immunized by infection with attenuated mutant viruses were fully protected from lethal challenge with WT virus. In summary, the replication and attenuating properties of these mutants suggest that the CCHH motif provides a critical determinant for virulence in mouse and that mutations in the CCHH motif yield potential vaccine candidates for the development of live species-specific attenuated influenza virus vaccines.
Interactions of Substrate and Product Radicals with CoII in Cobalamin and with the Active Site in Ethanolamine Deaminase, Characterized by ESE-EPR and 14N ESEEM Spectroscopies

Interactions of the cryotrapped 2-aminopropanol-1-yl substrate radical and aminoethanol-derived product radical catalytic intermediates with the active site of vitamin B12 coenzyme-dependent ethanolamine deaminase from Salmonella typhimurium in disordered frozen aqeuous solution have been characterized by using X-band electron spin−echo electron paramagnetic resonance (ESE-EPR) and electron spin−echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopies performed at 6 K. ESE-EPR spectra show that the doublet splitting of the radical line shape by electron−electron exchange and dipolar interactions with CoII in cob(II)alamin is stronger for the substrate radical (11.1 mT) than for the product radical (7.1 mT). The aminoethanol-derived product radical unpaired spin density at C2 is therefore positioned closer to CoII than the 2-aminopropanol-1-yl substrate radical unpaired spin density at C1. Multifrequency three-pulse ESEEM spectra obtained at g = 2.00 for each radical display the same τ- and magnetic field-dependent...
New indices for the spatial validation of plume forecasts with observations of smoke plumes from grassfires

Fil: Blanco, Joaquin Esteban. Ministerio de Defensa. Secretaria de Planeamiento. Servicio Meteorologico Nacional; Argentina
Heat transfer to a micropolar fluid from a non-isothermal stretching sheet with suction and blowing

The heat transfer from a stretching sheet to a micropolar fluid is analyzed using the theory of micropolar fluids formulated by Eringen. The governing equations for momentum, angular momentum and energy have been solved numerically. Numerical data for the friction factor and Nusselt number has been tabulated for a range of Prandtl numbers. Surface mass transfer rate and the power law constant for the wall temperature have considerable influence on the heat transfer mechanism.
Perinatal Pitocin as an Early ADHD Biomarker: Neurodevelopmental Risk?

Objective: To investigate a potential relationship between coincidental increases in perinatal Pitocin usage and subsequent childhood ADHD onset in an attempt to isolate a specific risk factor as a...
Reflections on the Mucus Symptom

AbstractThere exists an enormous amount of ignorance on the part of women concerning the mucus symptom of their fertility. At a young age the vast majority of the fair sex teach themselves to ignore those changing mucus sensations. A worthy goal of Catholic physicians would be to do everything in their power to help correct this deep well of ignorance. The Teen STAR program is designed to teach youngsters the meaning of those changing mucus sensations so that they come to a profound respect for their fertility and sexuality. If Catholics, and Catholic physicians especially, do not tell them the truth about their bodies, who will: the media? the drug companies? Planned Parenthood?
Waste Injection into a Two-Phase Flow Field: Sand-Box and Hele-Shaw Models Study

Sand-box and Hele-Shaw models were used to study waste water injection into two-phase ground-water bodies. Two types of experiments were conducted: “static” experiments in which there was no movement of the fresh ground-water body with respect to the underlying salt water prior to waste injection, and “dynamic” experiments in which a fresh ground-water flow field was present prior to and during waste injection. During every experiment conducted in this study, buoyant plumes of injected effluent, which were clearly distinct from the resident aquifer liquids, formed and migrated upward into the lower portion of the fresh-water body. Three injection parameters exerted significant control on the movement of the injection plumes; the rate of effluent injection and the strength of the ambient fresh-water flow field significantly influenced both the vertical and lateral migration of the plumes, and the depth of effluent injection (with respect to the salt/ fresh-water interface) influenced the over-all shape of the plumes as well as the lateral migration of the plumes. The principal means of plume movement in these experiments appears to be by fluid displacement processes, rather than by dispersion processes.
Private ownership of underwater lands in Great South Bay, New York: A case study in degradation, restoration and protection

Abstract In 2002 and 2004, The Nature Conservancy became the owner of underwater lands totaling 22% of the Great South Bay, Long Island, New York. A legacy of unsustainable shellfish harvesting, shoreline development, and water pollution degraded the area. Dense human population and cumulative impacts of human uses continue to affect the site. Since acquiring the property, the Conservancy has worked with local communities and governments to implement shellfish and seagrass restoration projects within and outside of what is now the Great South Bay Marine Conservation Area. The Conservancy has also worked with stakeholders to address and improve environmental conditions within the watershed of Great South Bay. Several types of protected area governance incentives have been employed at the site, including economic (financing and staffing for restoration), knowledge (outreach regarding restored habitats), legal (private rights and enforcement) and participative (transparent and inclusive decision-making). Strengthening legal and regulatory policies that provide formal government support for the site would improve the likelihood of long-term success. While concerns about private protected areas exist, the Conservancy's Great South Bay Marine Conservation Area is one of several examples around the world of successful protection of the marine environment by a private entity.
The role of stoichiometric vacancy periodicity in pressure-induced amorphization of the Ga2SeTe2 semiconductor alloy

We observe that pressure-induced amorphization of Ga2SeTe2 (a III-VI semiconductor) is directly influenced by the periodicity of its intrinsic defect structures. Specimens with periodic and semi-periodic two-dimensional vacancy structures become amorphous around 10–11 GPa in contrast to those with aperiodic structures, which amorphize around 7–8 GPa. The result is an instance of altering material phase-change properties via rearrangement of stoichiometric vacancies as opposed to adjusting their concentrations. Based on our experimental findings, we posit that periodic two-dimensional vacancy structures in Ga2SeTe2 provide an energetically preferred crystal lattice that is less prone to collapse under applied pressure. This is corroborated through first-principles electronic structure calculations, which demonstrate that the energy stability of III-VI structures under hydrostatic pressure is highly dependent on the configuration of intrinsic vacancies.
What is normal? A field approach to characterizing health and management of the nation's animal populations.

Abstract There is a growing demand for information about the health and well-being of animals on farms. Such information has many uses. In some instances such information is used locally by livestock owners and producers to gauge their position relative to their peers. In other instances the information can be used at a national or international level by policy makers and trade negotiators. Animal health companies use such information to target research and product development. Academicians and other educators use information on animal health to teach future members of the agricultural industries. In addition, consumers are asking more questions about the manner in which animals are raised and cared for on farms. With so many stakeholders with an interest in such information there is a need for objective data collected with credible methods covering a substantial proportion of the population of interest. Such efforts are unlikely to be accomplished by entities other than a nationally focused unit in the government. The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) has been providing management and health-related data on the United States livestock and poultry populations for nearly 20 years.
Biglycan deletion alters adiponectin expression in murine adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Obesity promotes increased secretion of a number of inflammatory factors from adipose tissue. These factors include cytokines and very lately, extracellular matrix components (ECM). Biglycan, a small leucine rich proteoglycan ECM protein, is up-regulated in obesity and has recently been recognized as a pro-inflammatory molecule. However, it is unknown whether biglycan contributes to adipose tissue dysfunction. In the present study, we characterized biglycan expression in various adipose depots in wild-type mice fed a low fat diet (LFD) or obesity-inducing high fat diet (HFD). High fat feeding induced biglycan mRNA expression in multiple adipose depots. Adiponectin is an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing effects. Due to the importance of adiponectin, we examined the effect of biglycan on adiponectin expression. Comparison of adiponectin expression in biglycan knockout (bgn−/0) and wild-type (bgn+/0) reveals higher adiponectin mRNA and protein in epididymal white adipose tissue in bgn−/0 mice, as well higher serum concentration of adiponectin, and lower serum insulin concentration. On the contrary, knockdown of biglycan in 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to decreased expression and secretion of adiponectin. Furthermore, treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with conditioned medium from biglycan treated macrophages resulted in an increase in adiponectin mRNA expression. These data suggest a link between biglycan and adiponectin expression. However, the difference in the pattern of regulation between in vivo and in vitro settings reveals the complexity of this relationship.
WHEN YOU DON'T NEED TO JOIN: THE EFFECTS OF GUARANTEED PAYOFFS ON BARGAINING IN THREE-PERSON COOPERATIVE GAMES*

Two coalition formation experiments were performed in which subjects played twenty 3-person games in characteristic function form. The experiments were identical except for whether or not the grand coalition of all three players was permitted to form. Within each experiment, two variations of the experimental games were played in which the 1-person coalition values varied either directly or inversely with the power of the players as reflected by the values of the 2-person coalitions. Results were tested against a bargaining set solution and a value solution. The variation in which the power relationships were congruent supported the bargaining set model; the inverse variation did not support either model. A new model is suggested which takes into account interpersonal comparisons of outcomes and accounts for the allocation of payoffs in both variations.
Note on "Time dependence of a general class of quantum distribution functions"

We show how the general formulation of bilinear distribution functions may be profitably used to study the time dependence of the distribution functions considered by O'Connell, Wang, and Williams.
Abstract machine models and proxy architectures for exascale computing

To achieve exascale computing, fundamental hardware architectures must change. This will significantly impact scientific applications that run on current high performance computing (HPC) systems, many of which codify years of scientific domain knowledge and refinements for contemporary computer systems. To adapt to exascale architectures, developers must be able to reason about new hardware and determine what programming models and algorithms will provide the best blend of performance and energy efficiency in the future. An abstract machine model is designed to expose to the application developers and system software only the aspects of the machine that are important or relevant to performance and code structure. These models are intended as communication aids between application developers and hardware architects during the co-design process. A proxy architecture is a parameterized version of an abstract machine model, with parameters added to elucidate potential speeds and capacities of key hardware components. These more detailed architectural models enable discussion among the developers of analytic models and simulators and computer hardware architects and they allow for application performance analysis, system software development, and hardware optimization opportunities. In this paper, we present a set of abstract machine models and show how they might be used to help software developers prepare for exascale. We then apply parameters to one of these models to demonstrate how a proxy architecture can enable a more concrete exploration of how well application codes map onto future architectures.
Three-dimensional shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions generated by a sharp fin at Mach 4

This paper describes a combined experimental and theoretical study of three-dimensional swept shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions at Mach 4 generated by a sharp fin of angles alpha equals 16 and 20 degrees. The theoretical model is the three-dimensional compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence incorporated through the algebraic eddy viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax. Previous computations have been performed by Horstman using the Baldwin-Lomax, Cebeci-Smith and Jones Launder models. Computed results for the surface pressure, skin friction and streamline angles are compared with experiment and previous numerical results. The present results display good agreement with experimental data for surface pressure and surface flow direction. All turbulence models fail to accurately predict the peak skin friction. The computed flowfields are in agreement with many of the features of the quasi-conical flowfield model of Settles.
Accurate Determination of Aerosol Activity Coefficients at Relative Humidities up to 99% Using the Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer Technique

Aerosol water content plays an important role in aqueous phase reactions, in controlling visibility, and in cloud formation processes. One way to quantify aerosol water content is to measure hygroscopic growth using the hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) technique. However, the HTDMA technique becomes less reliable at relative humidity (RH) >90% due to the difficulty of controlling temperature and RH inside the second DMA. For this study, we have designed and implemented a new HTDMA system with improved temperature and RH control. Temperature stability in the second DMA was achieved to ±0.02°C tolerance by implementing active control using thermoelectric heat exchangers and PID control loops. The DMA size resolution was increased by operating high-flow DMA columns at a sheath:sample flow ratio of 15:0.5. This improved size resolution allowed for improving the accuracy of the RH sensors by interspersing ammonium sulfate reference scans at high frequency. We present growth factor d...
Broadband studies of the strong mid-infrared nonlinear optical responses of KPSe_6

One-dimensional noncentrosymmetric KPSe6 is an excellent mid-infrared (mid-IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) material possessing reversible phase-change behavior. In this special issue we present a broadband NLO study on its crystalline and glassy phases as well as fundamental material characterizations. The compound has a bandgap of ∼ 2.1 eV and exhibits intrinsic second harmonic generation even in the glassy phase. The crystalline compound is type-I phase-matchable and shows strong second- and third-order NLO responses over a broad wavelength range (1.0 – 3.0 μm) with excellent optical transparency. Based on the measured NLO coefficients χ(2) ≃ 142.8 pm/V and χ(3) ≃ 4.7 × 105 pm2/V2, we propose that KPSe6 can be utilized for numerous mid-IR NLO applications.
Plane Deformations Generated by a Prescribed Finite Rotation Field

In this paper, it is shown that any suitably smooth plane proper-orthogonal tensor field may serve as a finite rotation tensor for generating a deformation field. A basic means is provided for finding the generated deformation. Several examples are presented. A simple method is also explained for constructing a deformation from a prescribed rotation field that takes on specific values on a given curve.
Techniques for improving the visibility and "sharability" of semi-transparent video in shared workspaces

Semi-transparency increases the amount of information that interfaces can expose in a given screen space by allowing content from a window to remain partially visible while other windows overlap it. We have previously explored the application of a full screen, semi-transparent video window in a collaborative, distributed software environment in an effort to more seamlessly incorporate face-to-face communication into group software development. Our experience with the system suggests that, while semi-transparent video can improve aspects of distributed collaborations, two problems emerge. First, the alpha blending of pixels from video overlays can obfuscate certain types of visual data, making either the video or the underlying content diffcult to see. Second, video overlays complicate the ability to provide application sharing at the framebuffer - the most general sharing layer. In this paper, we present methods to overcome these problems.
Reversibility between Glass and Melting Transitions of Poly(oxyethylene)

The heat capacities, C{sub p}, of poly(oxyethylene), POE, with molar masses from 1500 to 900,000 Da, were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), quasi-isothermal, temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). There is no change in crystal structure before melting, but the lattice parameters increase rapidly in the melting region. Perfected extended-chain and once- or twice-folded crystals of the oligomers with a molar mass above 1100 Da melt practically fully irreversibly and permit direct measurement of the thermodynamic C{sub p}. The folded-chain crystals of high molar mass show some locally reversible melting. The reversing, apparent C{sub p} depends on molar mass and amplitude and frequency of modulation. After separation from the latent heat effects, the reversible, thermodynamic C{sub p} depends on the melting temperature for low molar masses and increases beyond the vibrational C{sub p} due to conformational motion. Molar masses of 8000-20,000 have almost the same C{sub p}. These observations permit a quantitative discussion of the thermodynamic C{sub p} and the locally reversible melting of the globally metastable POE in the melting range. The increase in C{sub p} between 250 K and the melting temperature is interpreted as a glass transition within the crystal.
On Measuring Quality Health Care: Beyond the Hospital

Although the term "quality" is increasingly being used as an adjective in relation to health care, no adequate definition of quality is agreed upon: the definition chosen varies according to the pe...
Influence of particle abrasion or hydrofluoric acid etching on lithium disilicate flexural strength.

Statement of problem Lithium disilicate is a translucent, glass-containing material used for ceramic restorations. Clinicians frequently use alumina abrading or hydrofluoric acid etching to create micromechanical retention in the intaglio surface before bonding a lithium disilicate restoration to the tooth. Few studies have investigated how the etching or abrasion processes affect the flexural strength of lithium disilicate ceramics. Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the flexural strength of e.max CAD after alumina abrasion at differing pressures and acid etching at differing concentrations and times. Material and methods Bars of e.max CAD (9 groups of 10; 22×2.5×2.5 mm) were prepared, polished sequentially with 180, 320, and 600 abrasive paper, and sintered according to the manufacturer's instructions. Four groups were particle abraded (30-μm alumina particles from 10 mm at 55, 100, 200, or 300 kPa for 10 seconds). Four groups were etched with either 5% hydrofluoric acid (20 seconds or 120 seconds) or 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (20 seconds or 120 seconds). The control was polished and fired only (no treatment). Specimens were placed onto an Instron (1 mm/min crosshead speed) and loaded to failure in a 3-point flexural test. One-way ANOVA and the Dunnett t test determined intergroup differences (α=.05). Results Compared with the control, the 100, 200, and 300 kPa alumina abraded groups produced significantly lower flexural strengths ( P P =.080). The flexural strength of the 5% and the 9.5% hydrofluoric acid--etched groups also were not significantly different from the control ( P >.050); however, the 9.5% hydrofluoric acid at 20 seconds group was nearly statistically significant ( P =.051). Conclusion Alumina particle abrasion at pressures of 100 kPa and higher significantly reduced flexural strength by creating stress risers in e.max CAD and should not be used. Hydrofluoric acid etching should be used to increase micromechanical retention and clean the intaglio surface of the restoration before bonding.
Lexical and conceptual representation in beginning and proficient bilinguals

Two hypotheses about the association between the equivalent words in a bilingual's two languages are considered. The word association hypothesis proposes that a direct association is established between words in the two languages. During second-language acquisition, that association is used to understand and produce words in the second language by retrieving a word in the first language. The concept mediation hypothesis proposes that the only connection between the two languages is via an underlying, amodal conceptual system, one to which pictured objects also have access. The hypotheses make different predictions about the time to name pictures in the second language relative to the time to translate first-language words into the second language. Two experiments are reported, one with proficient Chinese—English bilinguals and the second with nonfluent English—French bilinguals (American high school students). Subjects read words aloud, named pictures, and translated words; one Chinese—English group categorized pictures and words. The results were consistent with the concept mediation hypothesis and contradicted predictions of the word association hypothesis. There was no evidence for a direct association between words in the two languages in either bilingual group.
Fish assemblages and biotic integrity of a highly modified floodplain river, the Upper Mississippi, and a large, relatively unimpacted tributary, the Lower Wisconsin

The Upper Mississippi River is a dynamic floodplain river that has been largely transformed by navigational levees and dams since the 1930s. The pools upstream of each dam are lake-like and only about the upper third of each reach retains a riverine character. In contrast, the Wisconsin River is not managed for commercial navigation and today its lower 149 km represent one of the least-degraded large river reaches in central North America. Riverine reaches in both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers have similar macro-habitats including numerous islands, large side channels, and connected backwaters and floodplain lakes. In this study, shoreline electrofishing samples were collected during summer 2002 and 2003 to characterize resident fish assemblages. We compared fish species abundance, biomass, and biotic integrity along main and side channel borders between the Upper Mississippi River and the Lower Wisconsin River. We expected that, in the absence of environmental degradation, fish composition and structure would be similar between the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, and between channel types within each river. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and redundancy analysis revealed that fish species in the Mississippi River, unlike in the Wisconsin River, were characteristic of non-riverine habitats. We consider non-riverine fish assemblages indicative of environmental impairment. The main and side channel sites in the Mississippi River had more variable fish assemblages than the Wisconsin River. Analyses of fish index of biotic integrity scores showed that environmental condition was excellent for both channel types in the Wisconsin River, whereas in the Mississippi River the side channel was rated good and the main channel only fair. We conclude that differences between the two rivers and between channel types of the Mississippi River are consistent with direct and indirect effects of navigation. This study demonstrates the utility of a fish index of biotic integrity, an inexpensive and rapid bioassessment tool, for detecting change in ecological health on one of the world's largest rivers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.