cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Access to Mental Health Care, 2004-2012.

Objective:This study compared trends in racial-ethnic disparities in mental health care access among whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians by using the Institute of Medicine definition of disparities as all differences except those due to clinical appropriateness, clinical need, and patient preferences.Methods:Racial-ethnic disparities in mental health care access were examined by using data from a nationally representative sample of 214,597 adults from the 2004–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. The main outcome measures included three mental health care access measures (use of any mental health care, any outpatient care, and any psychotropic medication in the past year).Results:Significant disparities were found in 2004–2005 and in 2011–2012 for all three racial-ethnic minority groups compared with whites in all three measures of access. Between 2004 and 2012, black-white disparities in any mental health care and any psychotropic medication use increased, respectively, from 8.2% to 10.8% and from 7...
Radiation Shielding for Nuclear Rockets

During nuclear rocket operation, the fissioning reactor emits a tremendous amount of radiation which, if not properly shielded against, could prove lethal to the crew. Generally speaking, only gamma radiation and neutron radiation are important in shield design since beta radiation (high-energy electrons) and alpha radiation (helium nuclei) are easily attenuated by fairly thin layers of material. Since radiation shields are basically just dead weight in the spacecraft, care must be taken in the shield design to achieve the greatest possible radiation protection for the crew for the least possible weight. One method by which the shield weight can be reduced significantly is to use what are called a “shadow shields” wherein shielding is implemented only in the direction of the crew habitat. Other way in which the shield weight can be reduced is to incorporate multiple layers of different materials into the shield design where each layer serves to attenuate a different type of radiation.
Toward precision smoking cessation treatment I: Moderator results from a factorial experiment

Abstract Background The development of tobacco use treatments that are effective for all smokers is critical to improving clinical and public health. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) uses highly efficient factorial experiments to evaluate multiple intervention components for possible inclusion in an optimized tobacco use treatment. Factorial experiments permit analyses of the influence of patient characteristics on main and interaction effects of multiple, relatively discrete, intervention components. This study examined whether person-factor and smoking characteristics moderated the main or interactive effects of intervention components on 26-week self-reported abstinence rates. Methods This fractional factorial experiment evaluated six smoking cessation intervention components among primary care patients (N = 637): Prequit Nicotine Patch vs. None, Prequit Nicotine Gum vs. None, Preparation Counseling vs. None, Intensive Cessation In-Person Counseling vs. Minimal, Intensive Cessation Telephone Counseling vs. Minimal, and 16 vs. 8 Weeks of Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT; nicotine patch + nicotine gum). Results Both psychiatric history and smoking heaviness moderated intervention component effects. In comparison with participants with no self-reported history of a psychiatric disorder, those with a positive history showed better response to 16- vs. 8-weeks of combination NRT, but a poorer response to counseling interventions. Also, in contrast to light smokers, heavier smokers showed a poorer response to counseling interventions. Conclusions Heavy smokers and those with psychiatric histories demonstrated a differential response to intervention components. This research illustrates the use of factorial designs to examine the interactions between person characteristics and relatively discrete intervention components. Future research is needed to replicate these findings.
Allospecific Effector Memory T Cells Are Able to Mediate Second-Set Skin Graft Rejection but Unable to Induce Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Abstract 232 Several different groups have independently demonstrated that non-allospecific effector memory T cells do not induce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Limited data are available regarding the ability of allospecific effector memory T cells to induce GVHD. We first studied this question in the C57BL/6 into BALB/c model. Similar to the data previously published by other groups, purified CD62L- effector memory T cells isolated from donors, who were primed with the host antigens 8 weeks earlier, had decreased ability to induce acute GVHD compared with unseparated and CD62L+ T cells. Similar results were observed when the parous female mice, who were sensitized to the host antigens during pregnancy, were used as memory T cell donors. In order to study this question more definitely and to understand the mechanisms underlying these surprising observations, we further studied the ability of allospecific effector memory T cells to induce GVHD using a novel GVHD model mediated by transgenic TEa T cells. All TEa T cells are CD4 + and recognize the same peptide in the context of I-A b . This peptide corresponds to positions 52-68 from the alpha-chain of I-E class II molecules and is expressed in all antigen presenting cells from H-2 b /I-E + strains such as CB6F1 mice. To generate memory T cells, naive TEa cells were first parked in Rag1−/− mice and then immunized with irradiated CB6F1 spleen cells. More than eight weeks later, ∼98% of TEa cells obtained a memory phenotype (CD44high, CD45RB-.CD127+,CD11a bright, FasL bright, Ki67-, CD28-, KLRG-). Of them, about 93% were CD62L-CD44high effector memory T cells and 7% were CD62L+CD44high central memory T cells. These Rag1−/− mice that contained memory phenotype TEa cells rejected CB6F1 skin grafts much faster than naive TEa mice did (median survival time: 6.5 vs. 13 days, P=0.01), suggesting that the memory phenotype T cells contained in these mice are functional. Moreover, CD62L-CD44high TEa cells purified from these mice mediated faster and stronger in vitro proliferative responses against alloantigens than naive TEa cells did, further demonstrating that they are true functional effector memory T cells. We next tested the ability of these effector memory TEa cells to induce GVHD. Effector memory TEa cells were obtained after depletion of CD62L + cells using magnetic beads and the purity was more than 99%. Transplantation of 1′10 5 TEa naive T cells together with 1′10 7 T cell depleted bone marrow cells into lethally irradiated CB6F1 recipients induced lethal GVHD in all recipients and all animals in this group died within 35 days after transplantation. In contrast, none of the effector memory TEa cell recipients developed GVHD and all of them survived more than 100 days post transplantation (P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Diverticulitis and Crohn's disease have distinct but overlapping tumor necrosis superfamily 15 haplotypes

Abstract Background Diverticulitis (DD) and Crohn's disease (CD) have overlapping features including bowel structuring, inflammation, and infection. Tumor necrosis superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) is an immunoregulatory, anti-angiogenic gene. CD has been previously associated with a haplotype of five TNFSF15 single-nucleotide polymorphism alleles: rs3810936 (G allele), rs6478108 (A), rs6478109 (G), rs7848647 (G), and rs7869487 (A). We aimed to determine the TNFSF15 risk haplotype for DD versus controls with a subgroup analysis of youthful DD patients (aged ≤55 y) versus older controls (aged ≥55 y). Methods A total of 148 diverticulitis patients (90 aged ≤55 y) and 200 controls (87 aged ≥55 y) were genotyped using our custom-designed Illumina Veracode microarray chip. Genotypes from rs3810936, rs6478108, rs6478109, rs7848647, rs7869487 and two additional TNFSF15 single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs3810936 and rs11554257, were analyzed. PHASE version 2.1, R with HaploStats and the Broad Institute's Haploview program were used for statistics and imputed haplotype frequency. Permutation corrected for multiple comparisons. Results The CD GAGGA haplotype was significantly associated with diverticulitis ( P = 0.03) in the all DD versus all controls comparison. A second haplotype, rs6478108 (A), rs6478109 (G), rs7869487 (A), and rs4263839 (G), was also associated with DD in this cohort ( P = 0.025). A third haplotype rs6478108 (A), rs6478109 (G), rs7848647 (G) and rs7869487 (A), rs4263839 (G) was demonstrated in the DD versus controls >55 comparison ( P = 0.045). Conclusions Distinct but overlapping TNFSF15 haplotypes were demonstrated in diverticulitis patients versus healthy controls when compared with the known Crohn's risk haplotype suggesting similar but distinct genetic predispositions. This study strengthens the role for a genetic predisposition to diverticulitis that involves the TNFSF15 gene.
Critical Issues and New Empirical Research in Public Defense: An Introduction

When we co-founded the Indigent Defense Research Association (IDRA) in 2015, we wanted to create a meeting place for people who share the sense that empirical research has something to contribute to the field of public defense. With over 150 members and counting, IDRA has become a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers who engage via an active listserv, topical monthly conference calls, and the production of white papers and webinars. In addition, IDRA members present papers at conferences of the American Society of Criminology (ASC). Many of the papers in this volume were first presented at the November 2015 ASC conference in Washington D.C. We are immensely grateful to our authors for contributing to this symposium, and are honored to present this collection in the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law. For this symposium, we identified three areas in which empirical work on public defense is both of critical importance and yet is also underdeveloped. The first focus area is the research field itself. Interest in empirical study of the defense function has grown in recent years, raising questions about how research agendas are formed and about the potential benefits and risks of implementing those agendas. The opening papers in this volume explore these questions with the aim of providing a framework for the studies that follow. The second focus area involves the experiences of people who need public defense representation. Those experiences can shape perceptions of justice systems in ways that may have profound implications for future behavior and success in life, yet we know very little about these experiences and still less about what defense attorneys can do to influence them. The third focus area is policy change and reform. Calls for policy changes to shore up the right to counsel are frequently heard, but again we know very little about what can lead to success or failure when we design and try to implement those changes.
Correlates of Recruitment in Montana Bighorn Sheep Populations: An Initiative to Synthesize Montana Bighorn Sheep Recruitment Data and Gain Biological Insight

Bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis) populations in Montana have been strongly affectedby disease outbreaks in recent years, resulting in the death of approximately 1500 bighorns as well as depressed recruitment rates in some affected herds. The ecology of these disease outbreaks is not well understood and there have been several proposals for a state-wide research project addressing disease ecology of bighorns in Montana. Such a project is a large investment and any extra knowledge of the bighorn populations that can be gained from existing data would improve study design and enhance the success of any future research effort. Last year we used management data to index bighorn recruitment rates of 23 bighorn herds in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) and found strong correlations between recruitment and both annual and regional climate patterns. This year we have received funding from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to conduct a similar analysis of bighorn recruitment rates across Montana. The planned analysis will investigate potential correlations between bighorn recruitment and climate covariates, similar to the GYA effort, but will also explore additional covariates to capture differences in management strategies, genetics, disease history, migration patterns, and population connectivity among the state’s bighorn sheep populations. The presentation will focus on the goals of our work as well as the advantages of conducting preliminary data analysis prior to implementing large scale research projects.
The Galveston Technique Using Luque or Cotrel- Dubousset Rods

The Galveston technique for pelvic fixation in long fusions to the sacrum in neuromuscular and adult scoliosis is an effective technique to help obtain a solid fusion. With careful technique and accurate rod bending, rod insertion, rod contouring, and wire tightening, excellent fixation is obtained that maximizes the fusion rate.
Longitudinal Associations Across Prematurity, Attention, and Language in School-Age Children.

Purpose This research note explores the potential role of attention in mediating previously reported associations between language outcomes and prematurity. Method As a follow-up investigation to M...
Inspiratory muscle training improves exercise capacity with thoracic load carriage.

Abstract Thoracic load carriage (LC) exercise impairs exercise performance compared to unloaded exercise, partially due to impaired respiratory mechanics. We investigated the effects of LC on exercise and diaphragmatic fatigue in a constant‐load exercise task; and whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improved exercise capacity and diaphragmatic fatigue with LC. Twelve recreationally active males completed three separate running trials to exhaustion ( T lim ) at a fixed speed eliciting 70% of their V ˙ O 2max . The first two trials were completed either unloaded (UL) or while carrying a 10 kg backpack (LC). Subjects then completed 6 weeks of either true IMT or placebo‐IMT. Posttraining, subjects completed an additional LC trial identical to the pretraining LC trial. Exercise metabolic and ventilatory measures were recorded. Diaphragm fatigue was assessed as the difference between preexercise and postexercise twitch diaphragmatic pressure ( P di, tw ), assessed by bilateral stimulation of the phrenic nerve with esophageal balloon‐tipped catheters measuring intrathoracic pressures. T lim was significantly shorter ( P 0.001) with LC compared with UL by 42.9 (29.1)% (1626.5 (866.7) sec and 2311.6 (1246.5) sec, respectively). The change in P di, tw from pre‐ to postexercise was significantly greater ( P = 0.001) in LC (−13.9 (5.3)%) compared with UL (3.8 (6.5)%). Six weeks of IMT significantly improved T lim compared to pretraining ( P = 0.029, %Δ +29.3 (15.7)% IMT, −8.8 (27.2)% Placebo), but did not alter the magnitude of diaphragmatic fatigue following a run to exhaustion ( P > 0.05). Minute ventilation and breathing mechanics were unchanged post‐IMT ( P > 0.05). Six weeks of flow‐resistive IMT improved exercise capacity, but did not mitigate diaphragmatic fatigue following submaximal, constant‐load running to volitional exhaustion with LC.
Minimally invasive porcelain veneers: indications for a conservative esthetic dentistry treatment modality

Patients have many restorative options for changing the appearance of their teeth. The most conservative restorative treatments for changing the appearance of teeth include tooth bleaching, direct composite resin veneers, and porcelain veneers. Patients seeking esthetic treatment should undergo a comprehensive clinical examination that includes an esthetic evaluation. When selecting a conservative treatment modality, the use of minimally invasive or no-preparation porcelain veneers should be considered. As with any treatment decision, the indications and contraindications must be considered before a definitive treatment plan is made. Long-term research has demonstrated a 94% survival rate for minimally invasive porcelain veneers. While conservation of tooth structure is important, so is selecting the right treatment modality for each patient based on clinical findings.
Alternative Models of Capitalism

This book began from the descriptive perspective that capitalism and democracy are the two prevailing systems of governance the world over. Simple as that sounds, it masks the fact that the legacies of earlier, more centralized systems of governance remain.
Dynamical System Interactions

In this chapter, discontinuous dynamical system theory will be applied to dynamical system interactions. The concept of interaction between two dynamical systems will be introduced. An interaction condition of two dynamical systems will be treated as a separation boundary, and such a boundary is time-varying. In other words, the boundary and domains for one of two dynamical systems are constrained by the other. The corresponding conditions for such an interaction will be presented via the theory for the switchabilty and attractivity of edge flows to the specific edges. The synchronization of two totally different dynamical systems will be presented as an application.
Measurement of Regional 2D Gas Transport Efficiency in Rabbit Lung Using Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI

While hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HXe) MRI offers a wide array of tools for assessing functional aspects of the lung, existing techniques provide only limited quantitative information about the impact of an observed pathology on overall lung function. By selectively destroying the alveolar HXe gas phase magnetization in a volume of interest and monitoring the subsequent decrease in the signal from xenon dissolved in the blood inside the left ventricle of the heart, it is possible to directly measure the contribution of that saturated lung volume to the gas transport capacity of the entire lung. In mechanically ventilated rabbits, we found that both xenon gas transport and transport efficiency exhibited a gravitation-induced anterior-to-posterior gradient that disappeared or reversed direction, respectively, when the animal was turned from supine to prone position. Further, posterior ventilation defects secondary to acute lung injury could be re-inflated by applying positive end expiratory pressure, although at the expense of decreased gas transport efficiency in the anterior volumes. These findings suggest that our technique might prove highly valuable for evaluating lung transplants and lung resections, and could improve our understanding of optimal mechanical ventilator settings in acute lung injury.
Estimating the Effects of AGOA on African Exports Using a Dynamic Panel Analysis

This study uses a dynamic panel gravity trade equation with endogenous explanatory variables to examine the effects of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on exports from Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) to the United States. The AGOA effects are identified using the Arellano-Bond Difference GMM, and the Arellano-Bover and Blundell-Bond System GMM estimators applied to a panel of 46 SSA countries over the period 1996-2004. The results strongly support the existence of a positive impact of AGOA on African exports, particularly if the elasticity of substitution of the differentiated African exports is less than unity. Although less likely, higher elasticities could lead to a neutral, or even a negative, effect of AGOA on African exports to the US. Among other things, these results suggest that the more distinctive are African exports, the higher are the benefits accruing to these exports under the AGOA preferential trade initiative.
Construction and Testing of a General Purpose 50 Liter Liquid Helium Cryovessel

We have built and are operating a 50 liter liquid helium vessel with an access port for easy insertion of experiments. The vessel is primarily used to test components of superconducting magnet systems, such as cryogenic current leads. The access port is set at a 45° angle and the entire vessel may be tilted 45° in either direction so that current leads may be tested in any orientation from horizontal to vertical. The vessel was designed to be easily disassembled so that experimental apparatus too large for the access port may be mounted directly in the helium can. This way devices 40 cm in diameter may be tested. The heat load of the vessel has been measured under a variety of experimental conditions. A few devices tested so far in the cryovessel are briefly described.
Recent Progress on Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Obesity, Diabetes, and Beyond

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that are not synthesized in our body; thus, they need to be obtained from food. They have shown to provide many physiological and metabolic benefits such as stimulation of pancreatic insulin secretion, milk production, adipogenesis, and enhanced immune function, among others, mainly mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. After identified as a reliable marker of obesity and type 2 diabetes in recent years, an increasing number of studies have surfaced implicating BCAAs in the pathophysiology of other diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and even neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Here we discuss the most recent progress and review studies highlighting both correlational and potentially causative role of BCAAs in the development of these disorders. Although we are just beginning to understand the intricate relationships between BCAAs and some of the most prevalent chronic diseases, current findings raise a possibility that they are linked by a similar putative mechanism.
Sex and chronic stress differentially alter phosphorylated mu and delta opioid receptor levels in the rat hippocampus following oxycodone conditioned place preference

Following oxycodone conditioned place preference (CPP) in naive female and male Sprague Dawley rats, delta- and mu-opioid receptors (DORs and MORs) redistribute in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons in a manner that would promote opioid-associative learning processes, particularly in females. MORs and DORs similarly redistribute in CA3 and hilar neurons following chronic immobilization stress (CIS) in females, but not males, essentially "priming" the opioid system for oxycodone-associative learning. Following CIS, only females acquire oxycodone CPP. The present study determined whether sex and CIS differentially affect the levels of phosphorylated MORs and DORs (pMORs and pDORs) in the hippocampus following oxycodone CPP as phosphorylation is important for opioid receptor internationalization and trafficking. In naive oxycodone-injected (Oxy) female rats, the density of pMOR-immunoreactivity (ir) was increased in CA1 stratum oriens and CA3a,b strata lucidum and radiatum compared to saline-injected (Sal)-females. Additionally, the density of pDOR-ir increased in the pyramidal cell layer and stratum radiatum of CA2/3a in Oxy-males compared to Sal-males. In CIS females that acquire CPP, pDOR-ir levels were increased in the CA2/3a. These findings indicate only rats that acquire oxycodone CPP have activated MORs and DORs in the hippocampus but that the subregion containing activated opioid receptors differs in females and males. These results are consistent with previously observed sex differences in the hippocampal opioid system following Oxy-CPP.
Comparison of the Base Excision and Direct Reversal Repair Pathways for Correcting 1, N6-Ethenoadenine in Strongly Positioned Nucleosome Core Particles

1,N6-ethenoadenine (eA) is a mutagenic lesion and biomarker observed in numerous cancerous tissues. Two pathways are responsible for its repair: base excision repair (BER) and direct reversal repair (DRR). Alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (AAG) is the primary enzyme that excises eA in BER, generating stable intermediates that are processed by downstream enzymes. For DRR, the Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent ALKBH2 enzyme repairs eA by direct conversion of eA to A. While the molecular mechanism of each enzyme is well understood on unpackaged duplex DNA, less is known about their actions on packaged DNA. The nucleosome core particle (NCP) forms the minimal packaging unit of DNA in eukaryotic organisms and is composed of 145-147 base pairs wrapped around a core of eight histone proteins. In this work, we investigated the activity of AAG and ALKBH2 on eA lesions globally distributed at positions throughout a strongly positioned NCP. Overall, we examined the repair of eA at 23 unique locations in packaged DNA. We observed a strong correlation between rotational positioning of eA and AAG activity but not ALKBH2 activity. ALKBH2 was more effective than AAG at repairing occluded eA lesions, but only AAG was capable of full repair of any eA in the NCP. However, notable exceptions to these trends were observed, highlighting the complexity of the NCP as a substrate for DNA repair. Modeling of binding of the repair enzymes to NCPs revealed that some of these observations can be explained by steric interference caused by DNA packaging. Specifically, interactions between ALKBH2 and the histone proteins obstruct binding to DNA, which leads to diminished activity. Taken together, these results support in vivo observations of alkylation damage profiles and contribute to our understanding of mutational hotspots.
Decentralized Access Control for IoT Based on Blockchain and Smart Contract

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been widely recognized as an essential part of Smart Cities. However, the highly connected smart IoT devices with heterogeneous platforms also bring new challenges in terms of privacy and security. Access control (AC) is among the top security concerns, which is critical in resource sharing and information protection over IoT devices. Traditional AC approaches, like Access Control Lists (ACL), Role‐based Access Control (RBAC), and Attribute‐based Access Control (ABAC), are not able to provide a scalable, manageable, and efficient mechanism to meet the requirements of IoT systems. Another weakness in today's AC is the centralized authorization server, which can cause a performance bottleneck or be the single point of failure. Thanks to cryptographic and consensus mechanisms, the recently raised smart contract technology on top of a blockchain protocol provides a promising solution to implement more flexible and fine‐grained AC models. Given research of arts on security mechanisms for IoT system, this chapter discusses key issues of AC in IoT systems, which cover both AC models and architecture. As a case study, a BLockchain‐ENabled, Decentralized, Federated, Capability‐based Access Control (BlendCAC) scheme is introduced to enable effective protection for devices, services, and information in large‐scale IoT systems. The mechanism for delegate authorization and revocation is explored. A robust identity‐based capability token management strategy takes advantage of the smart contract for registration, propagation, and revocation of the access authorization. A proof‐of‐concept prototype has been implemented on both resources‐constrained devices (i.e. Raspberry PI nodes) and more powerful computing devices (i.e. laptops) and tested on a local private blockchain network. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the BlendCAC to offer a decentralized, scalable, lightweight, and fine‐grained AC solution for IoT systems.
Harnessing the Proteostasis Network in Alcohol-associated Liver Disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) accounts for significant mortality and morbidity in the USA. Prolonged alcohol exposure leads to increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress resulting in protein misfolding and/or aggregation. Cellular protein homeostasis network is an adaptive cellular response that regulates biogenesis or degradation of proteins with chaperones as central coordinators to maintain proteome integrity during stress. Two extensively studied organelle-specific transcriptional proteostasis pathways are the heat shock response (HSR) in the cytosol and unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we discuss the pathophysiological role of HSR and UPR and their potential as therapeutic targets in ALD. The HSR and UPR pathways are major players in ALD pathogenesis. Acute/binge and chronic alcohol can activate the HSR to selectively induce downstream target chaperones based on the duration of alcohol exposure. Molecular chaperone HSP90 contributes to pro-inflammatory responses in ALD. Recent findings report HSP90 in extracellular vesicles in ALD suggesting their role in cellular communication and disease progression. Extensive studies have reported UPR activation due to ER stress resulting in hepatocyte cell death, inflammation, and lipogenesis contributing to liver injury. Recent studies report that ER stress plays a role in neutrophil-mediated liver injury in ALD. This review highlights the contribution of HSR and UPR in the pathogenesis of ALD. Acute/binge or chronic alcohol exposure perturbs proteostasis mediators which fail to maintain proteome integrity and disease ensues. Understanding mechanisms that regulate proteostasis pathways, HSR and UPR could identify novel disease modulators and guide the development of therapeutic targets in ALD.
Evaluation of cutaneous pharmacokinetics: the past, the present and the future

Being able to visualize and quantify where an active ingredient and/or excipient resides within a multiphasic formulation (e.g., a semisolid emulsion), how the drug diffuses and is released from the dosage form, and the delivery and disposition of the drug at the intended site of action can be a powerful tool the development of locally acting drug products such as a dermatological cream. The presentation will focus on how techniques for the evaluation of cutaneous pharmacokinetics have evolved over the years, and how noninvasive imaging-based techniques are being utilized to mechanistically understand drug availability and drug disposition following topical application.
Concurrent empirical magnetic reconstruction of storm and substorm spatial scales using data mining and virtual spacecraft

Data-mining (DM) has ushered in a new era of empirical magnetic reconstructions of the 4 magnetosphere via application of the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) method. In this approach, 5 the combined magnetosphere storm-substorm state is characterized by the Sym-H and AL IMF 6 indices, their time derivatives, and the solar wind electric field vBz . However, using the 7 DM reconstructions to account for the substorm contributions to the ring current as well as 8 describing storm-time substorms remains a problem. The inner region r ≤ 12RE , where the 9 ring current develops, has a much higher density of data than the tail region 12RE ≤ r ≤ 22RE, 10 where substorms operate. This results in two models inconsistent in their scales dictated by the 11 corresponding data densities. The inner model reconstructs storm time dynamics, including the 12 formation of the westward and eastward ring current and pressure distributions. The outer model 13 captures substorm features, including the thinning and rapid dipolarization of the tail sheet during 14 the growth and expansion phases respectively. However, the substorm model is insufficient to 15 reconstruct the eastward ring current while the storm model cannot fully reproduce substorm 16 effects because it overfits in the tail region. This issue is addressed by constructing a hybrid 17 model which is fit using virtual magnetic field observations generated by sampling the other 18 two models. The resulting merged resolution model concurrently captures the spatial scales 19 associated with both storms in the inner region and substorms in the near-tail region. Hence it 20 is particularly useful for investigation of the storm-substorm relationship, including storm-time 21 substorms and the impact of individual substorm injections to the buildup of the storm-time ring 22 current.
Orthogonal cross-coupling through intermolecular metathesis of unstrained C(aryl)-C(aryl) single bonds.

While metathesis reactions involving carbon–carbon double bonds, namely olefin metathesis, have been well established with broad utility in organic synthesis and materials science, direct metathesis of kinetically less accessible C–C single bonds is extremely rare. Here we report a ruthenium-catalysed reversible C–C single-bond metathesis reaction that allows redox- and pH-neutral biaryl synthesis. Assisted by directing groups, unstrained homo-biaryl compounds undergo aryl exchanges to generate cross-biaryl products, catalysed by a well-defined air-stable ruthenium(II) complex. Functional groups reactive under typical cross-coupling reactions, such as halogen, silyl and boronate moieties, are compatible under the metathesis conditions. Mechanistic studies disclose an intriguing ‘olefin-metathesis-like’ pathway that involves an unexpected heptacoordinated, 18-electron closed-shell intermediate. The distinct reaction mode discovered here is expected to inspire the development of more general C–C single-bond metathesis and orthogonal cross-coupling reactions. Metathesis reactions involving carbon–carbon double bonds have been well established, but direct metathesis of carbon–carbon single bonds is extremely rare. Now, a ruthenium-catalysed carbon–carbon single-bond metathesis reaction has been developed with unstrained homo-biaryl substrates. The reaction shows wide functional group tolerance and operates via an ‘olefin-metathesis-like’ mechanism.
How Interrogation Length, Age, and Crime Impact Perceptions of Evidence in Criminal Trials

A juror’s perception of the strength of the evidence presented during a criminal trial is the most important factor in determining the resulting verdict, yet little is known about how dispositional and situational factors impact these perceptions. This study seeks to determine the impact of interrogation length, defendant age, and alleged crime on jurors’ perceptions of evidence strength. Prior research has found that each of these individual factors can impact the perceived strength of the evidence, yet little is known about how these factors will influence the resulting verdict. Using an experimental survey model, the current study surveys over 500 online mock-jurors. Results indicated the length of the interrogation significantly influenced mock jurors’ opinions on evidence strength as well as their resulting verdict in a fictional case. Additionally, confessions offered by younger defendants may be viewed as less strong by respondents regardless of how long the interrogation lasted, and respondents were more likely to convict the defendant for the less serious of two crimes. Implications of these findings and future research directions are discussed.
High-power-density annular fuel for pressurized water reactors : Manufacturing costs and economic benefits

Annular fuel can be used as a means to upgrade the power density in future and current reactors. This study determined the economic impact of the manufacturing and use of this higher energy density...
Control of T lymphocyte morphology by the GTPase Rho

Rho family GTPase regulation of the actin cytoskeleton governs a variety of cell responses. In this report, we have analyzed the role of the GTPase Rho in maintenance of the T lymphocyte actin cytoskeleton. Inactivation of the GTPase Rho in the human T lymphocytic cell line HPB-ALL does not inhibit constitutively high adhesion to the integrin β1 substrate fibronectin. It did however result in the aberrant extension of finger-like dendritic processes on the substrates VCAM-1, Fn, and mAb specific to β1 integrins. Time-lapse video microscopy demonstrated that C3 induced extensions were primarily the result of an altered pseudopod elongation rather than retraction. Once the stellate pseudopodia extended, none retracted, and cells became completely immobile. Filipodial structures were absent and the dendritic-like processes in C3 treated cells were rich in filamentous actin. Immunolocalization of RhoA in untreated HPB-ALL cells spreading on fibronectin demonstrated a diffuse staining pattern within the pseudopodia. In C3 treated cells, clusters of RhoA were pronounced and localized within the altered extensions. GTPase Rho is actively involved in the regulation of T lymphocyte morphology and motility.
Plasma-limiter interactions during the q-MODE in TFTR

During the q-mode in TFTR, the Dα emissions decrease and the electron density, Zineff, and confinement times increase, as seen during the H-mode in other tokamaks. The interaction of surface islands with the limiter is believed to increase the carbon and electron concentration. Analysis of the deuterium recycling indicates that the recycling coefficient at the last closed flux surface decreases about 15% during the q-mode.
Flow field measurements of peristaltic and combined paraelectric and peristaltic actuators using an impedance matched polyphase power supply

Summary form only given. The application of atmospheric glow discharge plasma actuators to aerodynamics is a field of growing interest. In this paper, we present the boundary layer velocity profiles obtained with a Pilot tube, of the flow fields associated with peristaltic plasma actuators and a combination of both paraelectric and peristaltic plasma actuators. In the latter case, paraelectric effects help increase the plasma flow velocity to better match the electrostatic traveling wave velocity to the induced gas flow velocity. We have demonstrated that by employing proper impedance matching, the performance, and in turn the maximum velocities obtained, can be enhanced to a much higher level and at the same time the rated power of the RF power supply can be reduced. We use multiple automotive ignition coils to produce the RF polyphase high voltage needed to drive the plasma actuator panels or ducts. We present a paired comparison of the results obtained with and without using the impedance matching network.
Optical parametric division

A novel concept of optical frequency division based on an efficient, one-step parametric downconversion process is described. An input optical frequency is halved by phase locking the beat frequency of the two subharmonic outputs of an optical parametric oscillator to a microwave frequency source. The approach was demonstrated in a tunable KTP optical parametric oscillator whose phase-locked beat-note linewidth was at the Hz level. A wideband phase modulator that matched the optical and microwave phase velocities was fabricated to facilitate difference frequency measurements. A modulation index of 0.36 with a microwave power of 0.5 W was obtained at 12.4 GHz. When the modulator was enclosed in an optical cavity to enhance the modulation, it generated a fifth order sideband at 62 GHz with 0.1 % sideband power. A new method for measuring optical frequencies from the UV to the near-IR relative to the cesium clock is also described. >
Validation of a T1 and T2* leakage correction method based on multiecho dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI using MION as a reference standard.

Purpose A combined biophysical- and pharmacokinetic-based method is proposed to separate, quantify, and correct for both T1 and T2* leakage effects using dual-echo dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) acquisitions to provide more accurate hemodynamic measures, as validated by a reference intravascular contrast agent (CA). Theory and methods Dual-echo DSC-MRI data were acquired in two rodent glioma models. The T1 leakage effects were removed and also quantified to subsequently correct for the remaining T2* leakage effects. Pharmacokinetic, biophysical, and combined biophysical and pharmacokinetic models were used to obtain corrected cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), and these were compared with CBV and CBF from an intravascular CA. Results T1 -corrected CBV was significantly overestimated compared with MION CBV, while T1 + T2*-correction yielded CBV values closer to the reference values. The pharmacokinetic and simplified biophysical methods showed similar results and underestimated CBV in tumors exhibiting strong T2* leakage effects. The combined method was effective for correcting T1 and T2* leakage effects across tumor types. Conclusion Correcting for both T1 and T2* leakage effects yielded more accurate measures of CBV. The combined correction method yields more reliable CBV measures than either correction method alone, but for certain brain tumor types (e.g., gliomas), the simplified biophysical method may provide a robust and computationally efficient alternative. Magn Reson Med 76:613-625, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Klystron modulator operation and upgrades for the APS linac

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) linac requires five 100-MW modulators to achieve its required energy. In-house construction of these modulators was under an extremely compressed time schedule and, while the original design was successful, it had a few shortcomings. The operation of the modulators was hindered by excessively sensitive controls and overheating during the hot summer months. The system underwent minor changes that resulted in major improvements. Additionally, improvements have been made to the high voltage circuits to improve the rise time of the output pulse shape, reduce the initial ringing of the pulse, and enhance the reliability of the system. This paper will outline the changes and explain the results of the improvements.
Turning toward the integrative: a colloquium on integrative study

The paper discusses the use of knowledge tools of an integrative nature which would be needed to support a sustainable civilization. It is an experiment on integrative approaches to global thought. It considers the economics and social issues of Kerala on the south-east coast of India.
Salmonella Oranienburg Isolated from Horses, Wild Turkeys and An Edible Home Garden Fertilized with Raw Horse Manure

In July 2010, a horse from a rural farm (Farm A) in coastal Northern California was diagnosed with Salmonella Oranienburg infection following referral to a veterinary hospital for colic surgery. Environmental sampling to identify potential sources and persistence of Salmonella on the farm was conducted from August 2010 to March 2011. Salmonella was cultured using standard enrichment and selective plating. Pure colonies were confirmed by biochemical analysis, serotyped and compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. A total of 204 clinical and environmental samples at Farm A were analysed, and Salmonella spp. was isolated from six of eight (75%) horses, an asymptomatic pet dog, two of seven (28.6%) water samples from horse troughs, nine of 20 (45%) manure storage pile composites, 16 of 71 (22.5%) wild turkey faeces and four of 39 (10.3%) soil samples from the family's edible home garden. Well water and garden vegetable samples and horse faecal samples from a neighbouring ranch were negative. S. Oranienburg with a PFGE pattern indistinguishable from the horse clinical strain was found in all positive sample types on Farm A. The investigation illustrates the potential for widespread dissemination of Salmonella in a farm environment following equine infections. We speculate that a recent surge in the wild turkey population on the property could have introduced S. Oranienburg into the herd, although we cannot rule out the possibility wild turkeys were exposed on the farm or to other potential sources of Salmonella. Findings from the investigation indicated that raw horse manure applied as fertilizer was the most likely source of garden soil contamination. Viable S. Oranienburg persisted in garden soil for an estimated 210 days, which exceeds the 120-day standard between application and harvest currently required by the National Organic Program. The study underscores the need to educate the public about potential food safety hazards associated with using raw animal manure to fertilize edible home gardens.
Inhibition of influenza virus replication by cocaine

Abstract Cocaine has been shown to have a number of diverse effects on the immune system. The current investigators have previously demonstrated an inhibitory effect of cocaine on murine hepatitis virus replication in peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of cocaine on influenza virus replication and to further characterize that effect in an animal model. Cocaine was capable of inducing a dose-dependent reduction in influenza PR-8 replication using MDCK cells in vitro. Concentrations of 100 μg/ml caused a 50% reduction of virus. To further characterize the effect in vivo, C57Bl/6 mice infected with influenza PR-8 by intranasal instillation were given daily ip injections of 10 mg/kg cocaine just prior to and for 4 days after exposure to influenza. Lungs from mice exposed to cocaine had viral titers that were reduced approximately 50% compared to controls as demonstrated by hemagglutination titers. Additional studies suggest that this reduction appears to be caused by an increase of cocaine-induced interferon.
Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of the Cardiometabolic Syndrome

The cardiometabolic syndrome represents a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The mechanism(s) responsible for developing the cardiometabolic syndrome is not known, but it is likely that multi-organ insulin resistance, which is a common feature of the cardiometabolic syndrome, is involved. Insulin resistance is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes and can cause vasoconstriction and renal sodium reabsorption, leading to increased blood pressure. Alterations in adipose tissue fatty acid and adipokine metabolism are involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Excessive rates of fatty acid release into the bloodstream can impair the ability of insulin to stimulate muscle glucose uptake and suppress hepatic glucose production. Noninfectious systemic inflammation associated with adipocyte and adipose tissue macrophage cytokine production can also cause insulin resistance. In addition, increased free fatty acid delivery to the liver can stimulate hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglyceride production, leading to dyslipidemia.
Investigation of New Agents in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The search for new active agents against SCLC and other chemosensitive neoplasms must continue. Table 2 15, 17–19, 21, 24–41 summarizes results of agents recently tested in SCLC. Without question, the ideal setting for assessing activity is in the chemotherapy-naive patient, and studies by both ECOG and the NCIC have demonstrated the safety of this approach, provided their guidelines for patient selection are followed carefully. While the use of a control arm was certainly reasonable in the initial trials testing phase II agents up front, the combined weight of the ECOG and NCIC studies suggests a control arm of standard induction chemotherapy is no longer required. However, an equally compelling argument can be made for continuing the practice of studying new agents in patients who have failed standard therapy. Ideally, patients entered into future phase II trials should be selected carefully according to the guidelines described above. Irrespective of which method of new drug testing is employed, selected new agents merit investigation in patients with relapsed disease when there is reason to believe that non-cross-resistance may exist. Thus, there may be no one best way to test new agents against SCLC. The design of the phase II trial should be dictated by the objectives of the study.
Dynamical x-ray diffraction from an icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn quasicrystal

Primary extinction effects in diffraction from single grains of Al-Pd- Mn, and presumably many other FCI alloys, may be significant and should be corrected for prior to use of diffraction data in structural determinations. Probes based on dynamical diffraction effects, such as x-ray standing wave fluorescence, multiple beam interference, and x-ray transmission topographs, may now be used to study the bulk and surface structure of some quasicrystals. The observation of dynamical diffraction from icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn is a striking confirmation of the fact that quasicrystals can present a degree of structural perfection comparable to that found in the best periodic intermetallic crystals.