cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sampling Grain Shipments To Detect Genetically Modified Seed

Using the binomial distribution, the effect of sample size on the variability among sample test results when sampling a lot with 1.0% genetically modified (GM) or biotech seed was evaluated. The coefficient of variation, cv, among 500-seed sample test results taken from a lot with truly 1.0% was computed to be 44.5%. Increasing sample size to 1000 seeds reduced the cv among sample test results to 31.5%. The effects of sample size and accept/ reject limits on the buyer's risk (bad lots accepted) and the seller's risk (good lots rejected) was also evaluated assuming a tolerance of 1.0% GM seed. Increasing sample size decreases both the buyer's and seller's risks at the same time. Using an accept/reject limit below the regulatory tolerance decreases the buyer's risk, but increases the seller's risk. Using an accept/reject limit above the regulatory tolerance decreases the seller's risk but increases the buyer's risk.
Crimea come what may: Do economic sanctions backfire politically?:

Do international economic sanctions backfire politically, resulting in increased rather than decreased domestic support for targeted state leaders? Backfire arguments are common, but researchers ha...
Titanium sintering science: A review of atomic events during densification

Abstract The sintering densification trajectory for titanium powder is identified in terms of the interaction between mass transport processes and microstructure evolution. During initial heating, as surface oxides dissolve, surface diffusion forms bonds between contacting particles without densification. Grain boundaries form in the bonds due to random crystal orientations at the contacts. Except for mixed powder Kirkendall swelling, subsequent diffusion in these interparticle grain boundaries leads to densification. Most importantly, the alpha-beta transformation provides strain, defects, and interfaces that accelerate densification in the 800–1100 °C temperature range. This is below a typical peak sintering temperature. Final densification involves beta phase volume diffusion and grain boundary diffusion. Densification slows due to grain growth and the loss of grain boundary area. Pores close near 92% density to trap impurities and reaction products inside the closed pores, often limiting sintered density to about 95% of theoretical. High final density requires slow heating or long holds at intermediate temperatures to evaporate impurities prior to pore closure. The master sintering curve is a means to link densification to process parameters without concern over detailing this cascade of transport mechanisms and microstructure changes.
Stem cell-based models of embryos: The need for improved naming conventions

Stem cell-based models of embryos are known by various names, with different naming conventions, leading to confusion regarding their composition and potential. We propose the need for a general term for the field to promote public engagement and the development of a systematic nomenclature system to differentiate between specific models.
Multifocal Noninvasive Magnetic Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex in Type 1 Myotonic Dystrophy -A Proof of Concept Pilot Study.

Background Repeated neuromuscular electrical stimulation in type 1 Myotonic Dystrophy (DM1) has previously been shown to cause an increase in strength and a decrease in hyperexcitability of the tibialis anterior muscle. Objective In this proof-of-principle study our objective was to test the hypothesis that noninvasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) with a new portable wearable multifocal stimulator causes improvement in muscle function in DM1 patients. Methods We performed repetitive stimulation of M1, localized by magnetic resonance imaging, with a newly developed Transcranial Rotating Permanent Magnet Stimulator (TRPMS). Using a randomized within-patient placebo-controlled double-blind TRPMS protocol, we performed unilateral active stimulation along with contralateral sham stimulation every weekday for two weeks in 6 adults. Methods for evaluation of muscle function involved electromyography (EMG), hand dynamometry and clinical assessment using the Medical Research Council scale. Results All participants tolerated the treatment well. While there were no significant changes clinically, EMG showed significant improvement in nerve stimulus-evoked compound muscle action potential amplitude of the first dorsal interosseous muscle and a similar but non-significant trend in the trapezius muscle, after a short exercise test, with active but not sham stimulation. Conclusions We conclude that two-week repeated multifocal cortical stimulation with a new wearable transcranial magnetic stimulator can be safely conducted in DM1 patients to investigate potential improvement of muscle strength and activity. The results obtained, if confirmed and extended by future safety and efficacy trials with larger patient samples, could offer a potential supportive TRPMS treatment in DM1.
SiliFuzz: Fuzzing CPUs by proxy.

CPUs are becoming more complex with every generation, at both the logical and the physical levels. This potentially leads to more logic bugs and electrical defects in CPUs being overlooked during testing, which causes data corruption or other undesirable effects when these CPUs are used in production. These ever-present problems may also have simply become more evident as more CPUs are operated and monitored by large cloud providers. If the RTL ("source code") of a CPU were available, we could apply greybox fuzzing to the CPU model almost as we do to any other software [arXiv:2102.02308]. However our targets are general purpose x86_64 CPUs produced by third parties, where we do not have the RTL design, so in our case CPU implementations are opaque. Moreover, we are more interested in electrical defects as opposed to logic bugs. We present SiliFuzz, a work-in-progress system that finds CPU defects by fuzzing software proxies, like CPU simulators or disassemblers, and then executing the accumulated test inputs (known as the corpus) on actual CPUs on a large scale. The major difference between this work and traditional software fuzzing is that a software bug fixed once will be fixed for all installations of the software, while for CPU defects we have to test every individual core repeatedly over its lifetime due to wear and tear. In this paper we also analyze four groups of CPU defects that SiliFuzz has uncovered and describe patterns shared by other SiliFuzz findings.
Tick Cell Culture Analysis of Growth Dynamics and Cellular Tropism of Rickettsia buchneri, an Endosymbiont of the Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, a species of significant importance to human and animal health, harbors an endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri sensu stricto. The symbiont is largely restricted to the ovaries, but all life stages can harbor various quantities or lack R. buchneri entirely. The endosymbiont is cultivable in cell lines isolated from embryos of Ixodes ticks. Rickettsia buchneri most readily grows and is maintained in the cell line IRE11 from the European tick, Ixodes ricinus. The line was characterized by light and electron microscopy and used to analyze the growth dynamics of wildtype and GFPuv-expressing R. buchneri. qPCR indicated that the genome copy doubling time in IRE11 was >7 days. Measurements of fluorescence using a plate reader indicated that the amount of green fluorescent protein doubled every 11 days. Two 23S rRNA probes were tested via RNA FISH on rickettsiae grown in vitro and adapted to evaluate the tissue tropism of R. buchneri in field-collected female I. scapularis. We observed strong positive signals of R. buchneri in the ovaries and surrounding the nucleus of the developing oocytes. Tissue tropism in I. scapularis and in vitro growth dynamics strengthen the contemporary understanding of R. buchneri as a transovarially transmitted, non-pathogenic endosymbiont.
WE-G-201-01: A Radiologist Perspective on Mobile View Devices

Many health care organizations are adopting mobile applications for patient care. These tools can provide the opportunity for improvements in timely access to patient images. With new possibilities for patient image viewing, it is sensible to take a closer look at what handheld devices might provide and how they are being used. Three speakers: a radiologist, an imaging research scientist, and a clinical medical physicist provide input into different aspects of image viewing on handheld devices. 1. Patrick Luetmer, M.D., Radiologist Provides a radiologist’s perspective of how mobile technologies best fit into patient care workflows, including how patient image viewing is done differently on a mobile platform compared to a PACS workstation and what types of decisions are being made from handheld devices. 2. Aldo Badano, Ph.D., Imaging Research Scientist Provides an overview of technological properties of handheld devices and describes how image viewing with handheld devices impacts the image information that is visible under ideal and clinical conditions. 3. Dr. Alisa Walz-Flannigan, Ph.D., Clinical Medical Physicist Provides an overview of different strategies for setup and quality control as relevant for handheld devices. This session is related to the ongoing work of Task Group No. 260 “Considerations for the Use of Handheld Devices for Viewing Medical Images”. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand how mobile devices for image viewing are being used to enhance patient care 2. To understand how technological properties of various mobile devices combine with device usage to impact the information visible in a medical image 3. To gain awareness of different options for configuring and testing handheld devices for medical image viewing Dr. Aldo Badano has the following: Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA #123-07) with BARCO.
Mechanisms of Action of Hyperimmune Serum in Mediating Protective Immunity to Rodent Malaria (Plasmodium Berghei)

Little is known of the mechanisms whereby antibody can transfer protective immunity to malaria. We therefore examined in vivo the effects of the administration of hyperimmune serum to nonimmune rats on 1) the course of parasitemia after inoculation of P. berghei-infected erythrocytes, 2) the clearance of 51Cr-labeled infected erythrocytes, 3) the intraerythrocytic maturation of parasites, and 4) the invasion of erythrocytes by merozoites. Parasitemia rose in rats treated with normal serum but decreased in rats treated with hyperimmune serum. This protective effect of hyperimmune serum was not associated with a significant increase in the rate of clearance or the total reticuloendothelial organ uptake of 51Cr-labeled infected erythrocytes. Hyperimmune serum had no effect on the early intraerythrocytic development of the parasites since parasite maturation from ring form to trophozoite stage progressed normally. However, ring forms failed to increase after schizont rupture in recipients of hyperimmune serum, whereas an increase was observed in recipients of normal serum. Our in vivo study therefore supports in vitro evidence that the major protective role of antibody is to interfere with the interaction of the extracellular form of the parasite (merozoite) and the erythrocyte during the invasion process. Specifically, our data exclude opsonization of infected erythrocytes or interference with early parasite maturation as major mechanisms of antibody-mediated protection. Finally, our study suggests that the spleen may play an additional role by removing opsonized merozoites, since hyperimmune serum administered to splenectomized rats was only partially effective in preventing merozoite invasion of erythrocytes.
The Afterlife of Edgar Allan Poe

Controversies abound in studies of Edgar Allan Poe. From the time of his death well into the twentieth century, partisans debated the issue of his character: was he an alcoholic? drug addict? pathological liar? necrophile? In the 1920s and 30s, psychoanalytic critics sought to divorce the study of Poe from Victorian moral concerns but in the process made scandalous claims by linking Poe's dream-like stories to his personality. The status of Poe's literary productions was similarly disputed; dismissed by the New Critics but championed by poets such as William Carlos Williams and Allen Tate. Recent scholars have debated the meaning and significance of Poe's representations of race, class, and gender, often returning to the character issue: how racist and misogynist was he, and how important are those questions to understanding his work? Finally, how have the seemingly countless plays, films, novels, comic books, and pop music experiments based on his image and works intertwined with academic study of Poe? This book examines these and other controversies, shedding light on broader issues of canon formation, the role of biography in literary study, and the importance of integrating various, even conflicting interpretations into one's own reading of a literary work. This book will be of great interest to Poe scholars, both those who have been a part of the literary battles described above and newcomers to the field who can use the book as a guide to the field of Poe studies, and to all those interested in Poe and his work. Scott Peeples is associate professor of English at the College of Charleston.
Human Factors in Automation Design

Designers frequently look toward automation as a way to increase system efficiency and safety by reducing human involvement. This approach often leads to disappointment because the role of people becomes more, not less, important as automation becomes more powerfull and prevalent. Developing automation without consideration of the human operator leads to new and more catastrophic failures. For automation to fulfill its promise, designers must avoid a technology-centered approach and adopt an approach that considers the joint operator–automation system. Automation-related problems arise because introducing automation changes the type and extent of feedback that operators receive, as well as the nature and structure of tasks. In addition, operatorsʼ behavioral, cognitive, and emotional responses to these changes can leave the system vulnerable to failure. Automation is not a homogenous technology. There are many types of automation and each poses different design challenges. This chapter describes how different types of automation place different demands on operators. It also presents strategies that can help designers achieve the promise of automation. The chapter concludes with future challenges in automation design.
Metals in Herring and Great Black-Backed Gulls from the New York Bight: the Role of Salt Gland in Excretion

We examined the tissue distribution ofmetals in the herring (Larus argentatus) andgreat black-backed (Larus marinus) gullsobtained near the John F. Kennedy Airport, on LongIsland, New York, to determine whether there werespecies differences and whether levels in the saltgland were sufficiently high to suggest that thisorgan may be serving an excretory function. For mostorgans, herring gulls had significantly higher levelsof lead (except for liver), but significantly lowerlevels of mercury (except in the salt gland) thangreat black-backed gulls. For all metals exceptarsenic, there were significant differences inconcentrations among tissues for both species. Greatblack-backed gulls had much higher concentrations ofcadmium in kidney than in any other organ and this wasmuch higher than the level in herring gulls; herringgulls had much higher levels than black-backs of leadin salt glands. For both species, concentrations inkidney, liver and salt gland were generally higherthan in heart muscle or pectoral muscle. For herringgulls, the concentrations of all metals in the saltglands were not significantly different from the organwith the highest values (liver or kidney). For greatblack-backed gulls this was true only for lead,selenium, chromium, and mercury. We examined theratio of metals in all organs to the liverconcentration. Very low ratios ( 2) included lead (2.75:1) and cadmium(14.3:1) in kidney of black-backs. In greatblack-backs the kidney:salt gland ratio was >1.5:1except for mercury (1.31:1) and chromium (0.83:1),while in herring gulls all ratios were between 0.7 and1.2, except for mercury (0.46:1), reflecting therelatively higher concentrations of metals in the saltgland of this species. We suggest that most heavymetals seem to be concentrating in the salt glands ofgulls, within an order of magnitude of the kidneyconcentration, and that salt glands may be serving asignificant excretory function for these cations.
A Burkholderia thailandensis Acyl-Homoserine Lactone-Independent Orphan LuxR Homolog That Activates Production of the Cytotoxin Malleilactone

ABSTRACT Burkholderia thailandensis has three acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) LuxR-LuxI quorum-sensing circuits and two orphan LuxR homologs. Orphans are LuxR-type transcription factors that do not have cognate LuxI-type AHL synthases. One of the orphans, MalR, is genetically linked to the mal gene cluster, which encodes enzymes required for production of the cytotoxic polyketide malleilactone. Under normal laboratory conditions the mal gene cluster is silent; however, antibiotics like trimethoprim induce mal transcription. We show that trimethoprim-dependent induction of the mal genes requires MalR. MalR has all of the conserved amino acid residues characteristic of AHL-responsive LuxR homologs, but in B. thailandensis, MalR activation of malleilactone synthesis genes is not responsive to AHLs. MalR can activate transcription from the mal promoter in E. coli without addition of AHLs or trimethoprim. Expression of malR in B. thailandensis is induced by trimethoprim. Our data indicate that MalR binds to a lux box-like element in the mal promoter and activates transcription of the mal genes in an AHL-independent manner. Antibiotics like trimethoprim appear to activate mal gene expression indirectly by somehow activating malR expression. MalR activation of the mal genes represents an example of a LuxR homolog that is not a receptor for an AHL quorum-sensing signal. Our evidence is consistent with the idea that mal gene activation depends solely on sufficient transcription of the malR gene. IMPORTANCE LuxR proteins are transcription factors that are typically activated by acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals. We demonstrate that a conserved LuxR family protein, MalR, activates genes independently of AHLs. MalR is required for transcription of genes coding for synthesis of the cytotoxic polyketide malleilactone. These genes are not expressed when cells are grown under normal laboratory conditions. In laboratory culture, MalR induction of malleilactone requires certain antibiotics, such as trimethoprim, which increase malR expression by an unknown mechanism. At sufficient levels of malR expression, MalR functions independently of any external signal. Our findings show that MalR is an activator of the silent malleilactone biosynthesis genes and that MalR functions independently of AHLs.
Adorno and Horkheimer’s collective psychology: On psychoanalytic social explanations

This article demonstrates how Adorno and Horkheimer’s turn to psychoanalytic concepts like sublimation and intra-psychic conflict strengthened critical theory. The piecemeal collective psychology they produced was used to understand fascism and anti-Semitism. But the full significance of these psychoanalytic explanations was concealed by Adorno, who elsewhere denied the possibility of psychology proper after the death of the individual. Adorno and Horkheimer’s underhanded borrowing from psychoanalysis for social analysis had the effect of filtering collective psychology through the lens of regression. To amend this, the article analyzes psychoanalytic explanations from an interpretive perspective, building upon Jessica Benjamin’s psychoanalytic feminism, to contest the tactics of immanent criticism and to revitalize the project of a less dystopic collective psychology.
PION - NUCLEON ELASTIC SCATTERING

Abstract Pion-Nucleon scattering is reviewed. Positive results include: 1) good agreement between the πN resonance parameters of the KarlsruheHelsinki K-H, and Carnegie-Mellon-Berkeley, CMU-LBL, partial wave analyses; 2) no sizable isospin violation near the Roper resonance; 3) a 1° – 2° isospin violation in the region of the Δ (1232); 4) the u- and d- quark mass difference is small, with md > mu; 5) forward dispersion relation predictions agree with experiment up to 300 GeV/c; 6)there are no good candidates for πN hermaphrodites; 7) the Isqur-Karl quark model calculations are useful up to m ⋍ 1800 MeV . Negative findings are: 1) there is urgent need for spin rotation measurements to verify the correct use of theoretical constraints in a11 partial wave analyses; 2) existing data is insufficient to establish the fate of 24 πN resonance candidates; 3) 3 strong and 7 weak πN resonances with mass above 1800 MeV predicted by the Isgur-Karl quark model are not seen; 4) the experimental result for the πN σ-term is 64 ± 8 MeV while the QCD inspired prediction is 35 ± 5 MeV. Finally, there is some evidence for clustering of πN resonance poles in the complex energy plane, it is unknown if this is accidental or new physics.
Suspension of solid particles in a density stratified fluid

Widespread implications of settling particles in stratified fluids call for accurate assessment of a suspension of particles at pycnoclines. We perform direct numerical simulations of the motion of particles based on a distributed Lagrange multiplier technique to quantify the effect of density stratification on the settling velocity and microstructure of a suspension of rigid particles. The flow field around particles is fully resolved, and a statistically steady-state condition is obtained after a transient acceleration of particles. Based on the simulation results, we propose a correlation for the mean settling velocity of the suspension as a function of solid volume fraction and background density gradient in a fluid column. The correlation follows a power-law dependence on the solid volume fraction of the suspension. The effect of the stratification on the microstructure of the suspension is also investigated by direct comparison of the pair correlation function between homogeneous and stratified fluids. It is shown that the presence of the background density gradient enhances the formation of horizontally aligned clusters in the fluid column.
Media coverage of corporate malfeasance in the oil industry

Abstract Due to space, time and resource constraints, all potential news events cannot be reported in the media. This article examines the “reasonableness” of media coverage of the violations of the 25 largest U.S. oil firms on network news, in newsmagazines and in The Wall Street Journal . The size of firm, violation record of firm, and perceiced seriousness of offense are empirically assessed as alternative explanations of media coverage. Findings suggest that the perceived seriousness of oil-firm violations most adequately accounts for coverage across all media sources. However, the media source was determined to have a definite impact on the nature of the media coverage of corporate illegality.
Distribution, origin and plasticity of galanin-immunoreactivity in the rat carotid body

The distribution, origin and plasticity of galanin immunoreactivity in the rat carotid body was examined using an indirect immunofluorescence method. Galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed around the blood vessels as well as around the clusters of glomus and sustentacular cells. A double-immunofluorescence method revealed the coexistence of galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivities in these nerve fibers. In the jugular, petrosal and nodose ganglia which supply the sensory nerve fibers to the carotid body, subpopulations of neurons showed both galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivities. In the superior cervical ganglion, a few neurons were immunoreactive for galanin but not calcitonin gene-related peptide. While the nerve fibers showing both galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivities disappeared after transection of the carotid sinus nerve, many galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers without calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivity appeared throughout the operated carotid body. In addition, galanin-immunoreactive glomus cells which were not observed in the normal carotid body, were apparent at one and three days after transection of the carotid sinus nerve. At seven days after the carotid sinus nerve transection, the galanin-immunoreactive glomus cells disappeared. In the superior cervical ganglion, the number of galanin-immunoreactive neurons increased from one day after transection of the carotid sinus nerve. Within three days after the carotid sinus nerve transection in combination with superior cervical ganglion-ectomy, all galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers disappeared, while many galanin-immunoreactive glomus cells appeared in the operated carotid body. At seven days after this operation, the number of galanin-immunoreactive glomus cells decreased and a few galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers with or without calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivities appeared. Transection of the vagus nerve had no effect on the number or distribution of galanin-immunoreactivity in the carotid body. Disappearance of galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive nerve fibers after transection of the carotid sinus nerve suggests that the majority of those nerve fibers originate from petrosal neurons which colocalize galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactivity. In addition, the carotid sinus nerve transection may cause the acquisition of galanin-immunoreactivity in originally immunonegative glomus cells, and in nerve fibers which probably originate from the superior cervical ganglion.
Combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin as second-line therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma†‡

BACKGROUND Patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) have very few therapy options. Based on reports of responses to paclitaxel and carboplatin (PC), 31 patients with MM were treated with PC. METHODS Data regarding patients treated with PC were abstracted from medical records. Clinical outcomes as determined by the treating oncologist were used for this analysis. Response determination was retrospectively confirmed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). RESULTS Thirty-one patients with MM were treated with PC. Patients had a median of 2 previous therapies, with the majority (29; 94%) having failed prior temozolomide (TMZ) or dacarbazine (DTIC) therapy. The most commonly used regimen was weekly paclitaxel (at a dose of 100 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve 2) administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. An objective partial response was noted in 8 patients (26%) with an additional 6 patients (19%) having stable disease; therefore, a clinical benefit was noted in 45% of those patients treated. The median time to disease progression for the entire group was 3 months (range, 0–7 mos), with a median overall survival of 7.8 months (range, 1–14 mos). The clinical benefit derived by the 14 patients, which lasted for a median of 5.7 months (range, 2.5–7.3 mos), was considered to be clinically significant. At the time of last follow-up, eight patients continued to receive PC therapy. CONCLUSIONS The PC combination appears to have definite and clinically meaningful activity when used as second-line therapy after TMZ or DTIC. Further evaluation of this regimen, alone or as a ‘backbone’ for other agents, needs to be considered. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
On the Poincaré-Birkhoff-Witt theorem

Abstract Let g be a Lie algebra over a field of characteristic zero. Let T be the tensor algebra of g, let S be the subspace of symmetric tensors and let J be the two-sided ideal of T generated by tensors x ⊗ y − y ⊗ x −[ x, y ]. One formulation of the P-B-W theorem states that T=S ⊕ J , direct sum. In this paper we give an explicit formula for the projection of T on S defined by this direct decomposition.
Measurement and analysis of neutron and gamma-ray emission rates, other fusion products, and power in electrochemical cells having Pd cathodes

Results of experiments intended to reproduce cold fusion phenomena originally reported by Fleischmann, Pons, and Hawkins are presented. These experiments were performed on a pair of matched electrochemical cells containing 0.1×9 cm Pd rods that were operated for 10 days. The cells were analyzed by the following means: (1) constant temperature calorimetry, (2) neutron counting and γ-ray spectroscopy, (3) mass spectral analysis of4He in effluent gases, and4He and3He within the Pd metal, (4) tritium analysis of the electrolyte solution, and (5) x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the Pd cathode surface. Within estimated levels of accuracy, no excess power output or any other evidence of fusion products was detected.
Integra as a dermal replacement in a meshed composite skin graft in a rat model: a one-step operative procedure.

Background Current use of Integra, the collagen-based dermal analogue, requires a two-step grafting procedure to achieve wound closure with an “ultrathin” autograft.Methods A one-step operative procedure of meshed composite skin graft (MCSG) using Integra as a dermal template for a meshed split thic
The use of two new coagulation probes for control of hemorrhage in laparoscopic liver biopsy.

Two new prototype probes, BICAP ® and Heater, were assessed to determine their effectiveness in controlling post-biopsy bleeding during laparoscopy. A total of 88 patients with a wide spectrum of liver diseases were studied. Both probes were equally effective in stopping bleeding in all patients. We recommend the use of either of these devices in controlling post-biopsy bleeding.
Epidemiology of neuromyelitis optica in the United States: A multicenter analysis

Background Rare diseases require integrated multicenter clinical networks to facilitate clinical research. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are uncommon neuroinflammatory syndromes that are distinct from multiple sclerosis and associated with NMO-IgG, a serologic antibody against aquaporin 4. Objective To develop a national multicenter NMO clinical consortium and report initial demographic, clinical, and radiographic features of a cohort of patients with NMO/NMOSD in the United States. Design Review of medical records from patients undergoing evaluation during a 5-year period. We used uniform diagnostic criteria and clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging definitions to describe the cohort. Setting Three academic medical centers. Patients One hundred eighty-seven patients with NMO/NMOSD. Results Of the 187 patients included in the analysis, 86 had NMO-IgG–seropositive NMO; 40, NMO-IgG–seronegative NMO; and 61, NMO-IgG–seropositive NMOSD. Altogether, 29.4% of our patients were initially misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The average age at onset of NMO/NMOSD was 41.1 years with a strong female predilection, similar to other autoimmune disorders. Nonwhite patients constituted 52.4% of the cohort. The hallmark of NMO and NMOSD is recurrent longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, but patients with NMO tend to initially present with optic neuritis. Conclusions A national multicenter consortium to study NMO/NMOSD is feasible and facilitates accurate clinical diagnosis. This network establishes a foundation for determining disease prevalence, translational research, and clinical trials.
Equilibrium Phases in the Lithium‐Sulfur System

Equilibrium phases in the lithium‐sulfur system on the sulfur side of (the only compound observed in this system) were determined using an unusual vapor transport technique. In this method, equilibrium compositions of the melts at various temperatures can be obtained by utilizing the transport of sulfur vapor from one melt to a second one. The lithium‐sulfur phase diagram exhibits a large miscibility gap which extends from the monotectic composition, 65.5 mole per cent (m/o) sulfur, to almost pure sulfur (0.035 m/o lithium) at the monotectic temperature, . The melting point of lithium sulflde was found to be . The results are also presented as the lithium sulfide‐sulfur phase diagram, in which the miscibility gap extends from the monotectic composition, 73.7 m/o sulfur, to nearly pure sulfur (0.0175 m/o lithium sulfide). A comparison of the liquidus at the region of the system with those constructed using Temkin's model indicates the probable existence in these melts of sulfide species such as , , and , in addition to S2−.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria interaction in sub-Saharan Africa: The collision of two titans.

HIV and malaria are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, home to 10% of the world's population. An association between HIV and malaria is expected in theory, however, there is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of HIV infection on parasite loads. HIV-associated immunosuppression contributes to more frequent and more severe malaria and reduced efficacy of antimalarials in pregnant women and adults. These effects are modified by the endemicity and stability of malaria transmission. Co-infection with malaria and HIV in pregnant women is associated with anemia, low birth weight, and increased risk of infant mortality to a greater extent than infection with either disease alone. Studies investigating the impact of placental malaria on mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission continue to show conflicting results. This article attempts to review the pertinent information available about the interaction between HIV and malaria and information about chemoprophylaxis and treatment issues. Although much has been published in the last 10 years regarding the interaction of HIV and malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, we still need more information so as to understand the issues that will help us develop effective programs.
Electronic properties of the 2,6-diiododithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]thiophene molecule and crystal: a joint experimental and theoretical study.

The electronic properties of the 2,6-diiododithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d] thiophene molecule and crystal are investigated by means of UV−vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray crystallography, and density functional theory. The experimental and calculated properties of the compound are compared to those exhibited by the parent molecule, dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene. Quantum-chemical studies of the 2,6-diiododithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene crystal suggest uniaxial hole-transport character with an effective mass of about 2m0, comparable to that in the pentacene single crystal.
Exposure to blood-containing aerosols in the operating room: a preliminary study.

A personal sampling study was conducted to assess exposure to blood aerosols in the operating room. The breathing zones of primary and assistant surgeons were monitored using a personal cascade impactor configured with three stages corresponding to effective cut-off aerodynamic diameters of 14.8 µm, 3.5 µm, and 0.52 µm, respectively. Hemastix was used to assess the hemoglobin content of each particle size fraction. The arithmetic mean exposure concentration for primary surgeons (n=14) was 1.4 µg Hb/m3 (range, none detected to 7.4 µg Hb/m3), while that for assistant surgeons (n=12) was 1.8 µg Hb/m3 (range, 0.3 to 4.8 µg Hb/m3). Hemoglobin was detected in Stage 2 in 26 (90%) of the samples, in Stage 5 in 19 (66%) of the samples, and in Stage 8 in 11 (38%) of the samples. These data show that the mucous membrane lining of the upper respiratory tract and alveolar macrophages in the gas-exchange region are likely to be exposed to aerosolized blood in the operating room. Until further research determines the po...
HgCdTe sampling circuit

The demonstration, using HgCdTe MISFETs, of a sampling circuit with output buffer amplifier is reported. Using the circuit, correlated double sampling is demonstrated at speeds typical of those required for focal plane arrays. Using a swept sine input, the circuit's transfer function is verified. The circuit was fabricated on epitaxially grown HgCdTe, with a cutoff wavelength of 3.56μm at 77 K.
Effects of Column Flexural Strength on the Seismic Response of a Multiple-Column Bridge Bent

Abstract The effect of varying column flexural strengths on the seismic performance of a pre‐1970, reinforced concrete multiple‐column bridge bent was investigated. The strength variations may arise from poor detailing, retrofitting of existing structures, over‐ or under‐design, or construction errors. The seismic behavior of the system was determined using inelastic response history analysis. The effects of possible strength variations were evaluated with respect to a base level of expected performance, with respect to various foundation flexibilities, and with respect to ground shaking intensity. The analyses show that the distribution of inelastic demands within the system is sensitive to foundation restraint and relatively insensitive to small flexural strength changes. The analyses also show that changes in the column strength in one location may increase the damage potential at other locations within the structure.
Relating the L–H power threshold scaling to edge turbulence dynamics

Understanding the physics of the L–H transition power threshold scaling dependencies on toroidal field and density is critical to operating and optimizing the performance of ITER. Measurements of long-wavelength (k⊥ρI < 1) turbulent eddy dynamics, characteristics, flows, and flow shear in the near edge region of DIIID plasmas have been obtained during an ion gyroradius scan (varying toroidal field and current) and density scan in a favourable geometry (ion ∇B drifts towards the X-point), in order to determine the underlying mechanisms that influence the macroscopic L–H power threshold scaling relations. It is found that the normalized integrated long wavelength density fluctuation amplitudes (n/n) in the pedestal increases with ρ* approaching the L–H transition. The turbulence poloidal flow spectrum evolves from geodesic acoustic mode dominant at lower power to low-frequency zonal flow (LFZF) dominant near the L–H transition, and the effective shearing rate correspondingly increases. An inferred Reynolds stress, , from BES velocimetry (inferring velocity field from imaging) measurements is found to significantly increase near the L–H transition. At lower electron density, a clear increase of the LFZF is observed prior to the L–H transition, which is not evident at higher density. Taken together, these results are qualitatively consistent with the electron density and toroidal field scaling of the L–H transition power threshold.
A three-dimensional visualization technique applied to flow around a delta wing

The visualization of flows in two dimensions by using planar laser light sheets is a commonly used technique. We extend this technique to three dimensions by rapidly scanning the laser light sheet to obtain a set of “slices” of the flow around a full span delta wing. The leading edge vortices, which are marked with smoke, are unburst by tangential blowing around the leading edges at angles of attack in excess of 25°. Since the measurement period is on the order of the smallest convective time scale, we obtain a virtually instantaneous set of planar cross sections of the flow. Software based on the marching cubes algorithm is used to stack the slices and reconstruct a three-dimensional surface of the smoke-seeded fluid. This surface, which corresponds to the vortices, clearly shows the qualitative effects of blowing on the delta wing flow.
Proton abstraction as a route to electrically conductive polymers

Abstract Proton abstraction with a strong base from relatively acidic doubly allylic and/or benzylic methylene moieties spaced along an otherwise all-conjugated polymer chain has been demonstrated as an alternative route to electrically conductive polymers. Poly(p-phenylene pentadienylene) and its model compound 1,5-diphenylpentadiene, have been prepared via a Wittig reaction sequence. Proton abstraction from the methylene moiety of the model compound to form the delocalized carbanion has been achieved through reaction with n-BuLi and has been confirmed by reaction with methyl iodide. Proton abstraction from poly(p-phenylene pentadienylene) oligomers has been achieved by treatment with n-BuLi to yield a blue-black solid. Preliminary results indicate a conductivity of 10−1−100 S cm−1 for a pressed pellet of the blue-black solid.
Optimization of throwing motion planning for whole-body humanoid mechanism: Sidearm and maximum distance

Abstract Throwing is a rapid coordinated movement with high configuration and actuation redundancies. Based on a previous work, this paper advances a numerical framework that optimizes the throwing motions and generates the associated dynamic features for a whole-body humanoid mechanism. To generate physically feasible throwing motions in a fully predictive manner, rigorous dynamic models, such as actuation, biped balance based on Zero-Moment Point (ZMP), and ground reaction loads, are associated with the constraints. The algorithm outputs include the motion, required actuator torques, release parameters, and object projectile. Realistic human-like motions of sidearm and maximum distance throwing are generated as optimized solutions, which demonstrate valid kinematic and dynamic cause–effect relations. The sidearm throw shows better optimality than the overarm throw in terms of actuator torques under the proposed mechanical model; it is characterized by the unique hand trajectory and effective utilization of torso axial rotation. The maximum distance throw is associated with active movement of the arm and torso with larger ranges of motion; it is the release height and speed that increase accordingly.
Gas retention and cosmic-ray exposure ages of a basalt fragment from Mare Fecunditatis

The Ar40-Ar39 gas retention age and the Ar38-Ar37 cosmic ray exposure age have been determined on a total rock sample of the basalt fragment B-1 returned from Mare Fecunditatis by the Luna 16 mission. This sample shows a large low-temperature loss of radiogenic Ar40 but defines a reasonably good high-temperature plateau at 3.45 plus or minus 0.04 b.y. This is presumed to identify the period of igneous activity in Mare Fecunditatis. This activity is found to be later than that in the area of Mare Tranquilitatis, but earlier than that in the area of Oceanus Procellarum and Mare Imbrium. The cosmic-ray exposure age was found to be 475 m.y.
Surface Modification of Titania Nanoparticles Using Ultrathin Ceramic Films

Surface modification of titania nanoparticles was achieved by coating them with ultrathin alumina films using atomic layer deposition. The coating process was performed in a fluidized bed reactor at low pressure and under mechanical vibration. Films were deposited using self-limiting, sequential surface reactions of trimethylaluminum and water. The composition of alumina-coated particles was verified using infrared spectroscopy. The deposited films had an average growth rate of 0.2 nm/coating cycle and were highly uniform and conformal as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy. Deposited alumina films were amorphous as verified through X-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy. The coating process did not promote particle sintering as validated via particle size and surface area analysis.
Overview on Distribution Network Reconfiguration Optimization Algorithm

With the increasing demands are beyond the capacity of the power generation and the progressive demands for higher power quality, it requires for further study on distribution system reconfiguration. This paper describes the distribution network reconfiguration algorithms in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of the various algorithms and improvement are also analyzed in this paper. At the end of the paper, the development directions of distribution network reconfiguration are discussed.
Composition of Cheddar Cheese Made With Different Milk Clotting Enzymes

Six commercial milk clotting preparations from animal and fungal sources were used to make cheddar cheese. The cheeses were analyzed initially and over 6-mo ripening for proximate composition, minerals, amino acids, soluble protein, nonprotein nitrogen, free fatty acids, lactones, and flavor development. No significant differences in the composition of the cheeses could be attributed to the type of clotting enzyme. One lot of one enzyme showed increased lipolytic activity which indicated contamination and suggested that the purity of the enzyme preparation should be checked.
Semidynamic approaches to node clustering for sensor networks

This work studies the problem of node clustering for wireless sensor networks. In this context, clustering is intended as the process of electing leader nodes and partitioning the remaining nodes among the leaders. Clustering is needed in any tasks and applications for sensor networks that require some form of locally centralized processing. This work proposes a graphical model that represents node clustering as a graph cutting problem. This model is considered in different application contexts. In order to deal with a reduced number vertices and edges, a semi-dynamic clustering strategy is proposed: i.e. new clusters are formed over an a priori defined sensor partitions. Existing clusters are split into subclusters A cluster or a portion of it is just viewed as a macronode. Finally an heuristic implementation of the above ideas is applied to a multiple target tracking scenario in particular to the tasks of multiple target counting and localization.
Up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 in the spleen of aniline-treated rats

Abstract Aniline exposure produces selective toxicity to the spleen, leading to a variety of sarcomas in rats following chronic exposure. Fibrosis appears to be an important preneoplastic lesion of the spleen. However, early molecular events leading to splenic fibrosis are not known. Earlier studies have shown that aniline exposure in rats leads to excessive deposition of iron and increased lipid peroxidation in the spleen, which may produce changes in the expression of fibrogenic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), leading to splenic fibrosis. Therefore, this study was designed to establish whether aniline exposure leads to induction/overexpression of TGF-β1 and association of such induction with lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress) in the spleen. To achieve this, male Sprague–Dawley rats were given 1 mmol/kg/day aniline hydrochloride in water by gavage for 7 days, while controls received water only. Aniline treatment resulted in significant increases in spleen weight (97%), spleen-to-body weight ratios (104%), and splenocyte population (25%). Malondialdehyde–protein adducts, quantitated by a competitive ELISA, showed a 56% increase in the spleen of aniline-treated rats. TGF-β1, measured in the supernatants of cultured splenocytes by an ELISA specific for TGF-β1, showed a significant increase (60%) in the total TGF-β1 from aniline-treated rats. These increases were further confirmed by Western blot analysis, which showed ∼2.5-fold increase in cell-associated TGF-β1 protein expression in aniline-treated rats. Furthermore, determination of TGF-β1 mRNA expression showed a 4-fold increase in the spleens of aniline-treated rats. These results suggest an association between formation of MDA–protein adducts and overexpression of TGF-β1 as a result of aniline insult, which together could promote splenic injury and fibrogenesis.