cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the presence of antigen in organotypic brain slices.

The activation of Ag-specific T cells locally in the CNS could potentially contribute to the development of immune-mediated brain diseases. We addressed whether Ag-specific T cells could be stimulated in the CNS in the absence of peripheral lymphoid tissues by analyzing Ag-specific T cell responses in organotypic brain slice cultures. Organotypic brain slice cultures were established 1 h after intracerebral OVA Ag microinjection. We showed that when OVA-specific CD8+ T cells were added to Ag-containing brain slices, these cells became activated and migrated into the brain to the sites of their specific Ags. This activation of OVA-specific T cells was abrogated by the deletion of CD11c+ cells from the brain slices of the donor mice. These data suggest that brain-resident CD11c+ cells stimulate Ag-specific naive CD8+ T cells locally in the CNS and may contribute to immune responses in the brain.
The Role of Resistance Training in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease

Recent research suggests that resistance training (RT) in adults has the potential to prevent, treat, and possibly even reverse the impact of several chronic diseases. A properly designed progressi...
Scientia in Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes is much better remembered for his political philosophy than his epistemology. Nevertheless, his theory of knowledge is an important contribution to the development of epistemology in the early modern period. The centerpiece of Hobbes’s theory of knowledge is his account of scientia, or deductively structured systematic knowledge that is grounded in the consideration of causes.
Nutrient Ratios as a Tracer and Driver of Ocean Biogeochemistry

Microbial life in the ocean contains immense taxonomic and physiological diversity, yet its collective activity yields global cycles of the major biolimiting elements N and P that are tightly linked. Moreover, the availability of N and P in seawater is closely matched to the metabolic demands of “average” plankton, as if plankton composition and the oceanic nutrient reservoirs were mutually influenced. These simple observations have broad implications for the function of nutrient cycles within the Earth system, which can operate either as a biological homeostat that buffers ocean fertility against large changes or as an amplifier of climate perturbations, by alleviating or exacerbating the nutrient limitation of biological productivity and ocean C storage. A mechanistic understanding of these observations and dynamics must draw upon diverse fields, from physiology and evolution to physical oceanography and paleoceanography, and must account for processes spanning a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Here we summarize this understanding from the perspective of the nutrient distributions themselves and their changes over time. We offer a synthesis view in which ocean circulation communicates the resource constraints of stoichiometrically distinct planktonic biomes across large spatial scales, allowing geochemical constancy to emerge from rich biological diversity.
Visual map making for a mobile robot

Mobile robots sense their environment and receive error laden readings. They try to move a certain distance and direction, and do so only approximately. Rather than try to engineer these problems away it may be possible, and may be necessary, to develop map making and navigation algorithms which explicitly represent these uncertainties, but still provide robust performance. The key idea is to use a relational map, which is rubbery and stretchy, rather than try to place observations in a 2-d coordinate system.
The fundamental group as a topological group

Abstract This paper is devoted to the study of a natural group topology on the fundamental group which remembers local properties of spaces forgotten by covering space theory and weak homotopy type. It is known that viewing the fundamental group as the quotient of the loop space often fails to result in a topological group; we use free topological groups to construct a topology which promotes the fundamental group of any space to topological group structure. The resulting invariant, denoted π 1 τ , takes values in the category of topological groups, can distinguish spaces with isomorphic fundamental groups, and agrees with the quotient fundamental group precisely when the quotient topology yields a topological group. Most importantly, this choice of topology allows us to naturally realize free topological groups and pushouts of topological groups as fundamental groups via topological analogues of classical results in algebraic topology.
A many-facet Rasch analysis of the second language group oral discussion task

FACETS many-facet Rasch analysis software (Linacre, 1998a) was utilized to look at two consecutive administrations of a large-scale (more than 1000 examinees) second language oral assessment in the form of a peer group discussion task with Japanese English-major university students. Facets modeled in the analysis were examinee, prompt, rater, and five rating category ‘items.’ Unidimensionality was shown to be strong in both datasets, and approaches to interpreting fit values for the facets modeled in the analysis were discussed. Examinee ability was the most substantial facet, followed by rater severity, and item. The prompt facet was negligible in magnitude. Rater differences in terms of severity were generally large, but this characteristic was not stable over time for individuals; returning raters tended to move toward greater severity and consistency, while new raters showed much more inconsistency. Analysis of the scales showed general validity in gradations of scale steps, though raters had some dif...
An interpretation of cation selectivity variations in M (super +) -M (super +) exchange on clays

The decreasing preference of montmorillonite for K+ relative to Na+ as the clay adsorbs increasing amounts of K+ is shown to be the general rule for the exchange of strongly hydrating ions by weakly hydrating ions. Variability in the mass-action selectivity coefficient is interpreted in terms of a composition-dependent surface entropy, which is a function of the chemical properties of the exchanging ion as well as the nature of the adsorption sites. The generally used mass-action form of exchange equation may only be applicable to exchange systems in which both ions have solution-like mobility at the exchanger surface. It is suggested that experimental variables such as ionic strength can greatly influence the degree of fit of data to a given ion-exchange equation.
Classroom Participation Strategy In Principles Of Finance Courses

The challenge of introductory finance courses often surprises junior level university students. This paper describes a strategy that effectively motivates students to prepare solutions to problems for each class and to be prepared to check work presented by classmates. Empirically, the participation grade was found to be positively and significantly related to performance on the final examination while controlling for other performance attributes. Collateral benefits observed included a gradually reduced level of stress in students making presentations and an improved ability to focus on presentations by colleagues whose work they might be called upon to verify and discuss pedagogically.
White v. Massachusetts Council of Construction Employers

This research concern the legality of set-asides for local residents in municipal building contracts. The United States Supreme Court considered whether the Mayor of Boston’s Executive Order instituting this policy violated the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. The author analyzes the Court’s decision in which it rejected this challenge and details recommendations for contractors and city solicitors with respect to future work in this area.
Legal Problems in Regulating Flood Hazard Areas

Effective flood plain management programs must appropriately combine structural and nonstructural measures. An effective nonstructural technique involves the placement of restrictions by legislative bodies upon private and public uses in flood hazard areas. Such restrictions prohibit obstructions in floodways and guide and restrict development in floodway fringe areas. The likelihood that flood hazard regulations will be more widely adopted has increased with the publication by the Water Resources Council of model statutes and ordinances for flood hazard reduction, the implementation of the federal flood insurance program, and the possibility of federal grants for land use planning. Even if such regulations are adopted, they must not conflict with legal and constitutional requirements of equal protection and due process of law. Courts have been reluctant to uphold severe restrictions on the use of a person's land when other economic uses are not possible or where the degree of hazard is small related to the severity of the restrictions imposed.
Identification of Soil Microbes Capable of Utilizing Cellobiosan

Approximately 100 million tons of anhydrosugars, such as levoglucosan and cellobiosan, are produced through biomass burning every year. These sugars are also produced through fast pyrolysis, the controlled thermal depolymerization of biomass. While the microbial pathways associated with levoglucosan utilization have been characterized, there is little known about cellobiosan utilization. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of six cellobiosan-utilizing microbes from soil samples. Each of these organisms is capable of using both cellobiosan and levoglucosan as sole carbon source, though both minimal and rich media cellobiosan supported significantly higher biomass production than levoglucosan. Ribosomal sequencing was used to identify the closest reported match for these organisms: Sphingobacterium multivorum, Acinetobacter oleivorans JC3-1, Enterobacter sp SJZ-6, and Microbacterium sps FXJ8.207 and 203 and a fungal species Cryptococcus sp. The commercially-acquired Enterobacter cloacae DSM 16657 showed growth on levoglucosan and cellobiosan, supporting our isolate identification. Analysis of an existing database of 16S rRNA amplicons from Iowa soil samples confirmed the representation of our five bacterial isolates and four previously-reported levoglucosan-utilizing bacterial isolates in other soil samples and provided insight into their population distributions. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA of strains previously reported to utilize levoglucosan and our newfound isolates showed that the organisms isolated in this study are distinct from previously described anhydrosugar-utilizing microbial species.
Managing Multiple Uavs: Are we Asking the Right Questions?

The limiting factor in how many unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) a single operator may be able to simultaneously control successfully may be constrained by the workload experienced by that operator. Recently, the focus on the cause of the workload and performance variation primarily stemmed from the number of concurrent UAVs controlled by a single operator. The present experiment systematically investigated the number of UAVs controlled and the number of targets each UAV had to provide information on during its flight. Additionally, an automation aid was evaluated to determine if cueing facilitated performance. The results suggest that the tasks of each UAV are just as much or perhaps even more important to consider when evaluating the source of increased operator workload and performance differences. Further, the automation, as employed in this experiment was limited in providing a practical benefit to the operator.
Climate change impacts on projections of excess mortality at 2030 using spatially varying ozone–temperature risk surfaces

We project the change in ozone-related mortality burden attributable to changes in climate between a historical (1995–2005) and near-future (2025–2035) time period while incorporating a non-linear and synergistic effect of ozone and temperature on mortality. We simulate air quality from climate projections varying only biogenic emissions and holding anthropogenic emissions constant, thus attributing changes in ozone only to changes in climate and independent of changes in air pollutant emissions. We estimate non-linear, spatially varying, ozone–temperature risk surfaces for 94 US urban areas using observed data. Using the risk surfaces and climate projections we estimate daily mortality attributable to ozone exceeding 40 p.p.b. (moderate level) and 75 p.p.b. (US ozone NAAQS) for each time period. The average increases in city-specific median April–October ozone and temperature between time periods are 1.02 p.p.b. and 1.94 °F; however, the results varied by region. Increases in ozone because of climate change result in an increase in ozone mortality burden. Mortality attributed to ozone exceeding 40 p.p.b. increases by 7.7% (1.6–14.2%). Mortality attributed to ozone exceeding 75 p.p.b. increases by 14.2% (1.6 28.9%). The absolute increase in excess ozone mortality is larger for changes in moderate ozone levels, reflecting the larger number of days with moderate ozone levels.
Using a Verbal Analysis of Lady Gaga’s Applause as a Classroom Exercise for Teaching Verbal Behavior

Learning Skinner’s (1957) verbal behavior taxonomy requires extensive study and practice. Thus, novel classroom exercises might serve this goal. The present manuscript describes a classroom exercise in which two students analyzed Lady Gaga’s song Applause in terms of its metaphorical arrangements. Through the exercise, students identified various verbal operants and their subtypes, including those seldom researched by the behavioral community (see Sautter and LeBlanc 2006, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 22, 35–48), which helped them conclude that Lady Gaga’s Applause is comprised of two themes: the artist taking control, and the artist-as-art.
Pyuria and Urine Cultures in Patients with Acute Renal Colic

Abstract Background Renal colic caused by stone(s) is common in the emergency department. Often, urinalysis reveals white blood cells, but it is unknown how frequently pyuria is sterile or infectious. Objectives We sought to determine the incidence of pyuria in patients with renal colic and to correlate the incidence with a positive urine culture. Methods A 1-year retrospective review of adult patients with renal colic presenting to three community emergency departments was performed. Patients without confirmed renal stone(s) or completed urinalysis were excluded. Hematuria is defined as ≥5 red blood cells per high power field (RBC/HPF) and pyuria as >10 white blood cells per high power field (WBC/HPF). A positive urine culture is defined as >100,000 colony forming units per milliliter. Student's t -test, chi square, or Fisher's exact tests were performed as appropriate, with significance set at 0.05. Results There were 339 patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 14.2% of these patients had associated pyuria. There were 153 (45.1%) urine cultures performed, and 16 (10.5%) were positive. Patients with pyuria were more likely to have a positive urine culture (36.4% vs. 3.3%, respectively; p p 50 WBC/HPF). Positive cultures also increased ( p Conclusion Pyuria was found in 14.2% of patients with renal colic. Patients with pyuria had 36.4% positive cultures compared to 3.3% of patients without pyuria. The degree of pyuria or leukocyte esterase was significantly associated with the risk of a positive culture. Urine cultures are recommended for all patients with renal colic and pyuria.
Research Genres: The role of English in the research world

This chapter focuses on the linguistic variable in research activities, along with attendant considerations such as the provenance of research publications and the status of native and non-native speakers of English, today's premier research language. As it has turned out, these have become increasingly complex issues. Part of the reason for this derives from the trends outlined in Chapter 1, but another part comes from the difficulty in reading the available research on these topics. Whereas the number of publications devoted to the linguistic variable (and its consequences) has rapidly expanded over the last decade, the studies reflect the epistemologies and methodologies of many different disciplines and so are hard to consolidate in a fully coherent manner. Finally, the issue of the role of English in research is politically and ideologically contested (for fully understandable reasons), and this further complicates the picture. This chapter then represents my “best shot” at mapping difficult terrain. The Language of Journals In Chapter 6 of Genre Analysis , I produced some quantitative data to argue against an overwhelming Anglophone supremacy in research articles, and concluded: While there is no doubt that English has become the world's predominant language of research and scholarship, the extent of that predominance may have been exaggerated. High overall percentages can indeed be extracted from the major US-located international data bases, but these data bases are themselves pre-disposed to English language sources. (1990: 99)
Physical Stress as a Factor in Tissue Growth and Remodeling

Four steps followed to approach a tissue engineering problem from a mechanical perspective include quantitatively describing the native mechanical environment, understanding the role of mechanical factors in the tissue of interest, manipulating mechanical conditions to enhance function or regeneration, and quantitatively evaluating the degree of functional restoration of the engineered tissue. This chapter presents an overview of the tools and concepts required in each of these steps. Cells sense and respond to local stresses or strains produced by forces transmitted from the macro level down through the complex structural hierarchy to the cellular level. Cell-mediated adaptational changes in tissue structure and composition subsequently alter the local stresses and strains resulting from functionally applied loads, thus providing a regulatory feedback mechanism. The constitutive modeling is used to describe the important features of a tissue's material behavior in the simplest and most mathematically useful way possible. Bone is one of the simpler tissue types and can be modeled as linear elastic, though it is highly inhomogeneous and anisotropic.
An Elderly Woman Found Wandering Naked in the Street: Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation Causing Acute Reversible Altered Mental Status (A Case Report) (P6.218)

Objective: Although the association of Cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA) with long term cognitive decline and Alzheimer9s has been well documented, cerebral amyloid angiopathy related inflammation(CAARI), a recently identified subset of CAA, remains an under-recognized disorder. We describe a case of a patient presenting with acute cognitive and behavioral changes secondary to probable CAARI Background: CAARI is a clinical syndrome characterized by subacute neurocognitive and behavioral changes, headaches, seizures and stroke-like features. MRI reveals characteristic asymmetric T2 white matter hyperintensities as well as pattern of hemorrhagic lesions (multiple lobar-based hemorrhages, microbleeds, or superficial siderosis) Methods: Case report Results: 74 year old Caucasian female was admitted after being found wandering naked in the streets with reported confusion for a few days. Patient was disoriented to person, place and time, delusional and agitated. CT scan showed vasogenic edema, predominantly in the left parieto-occipital and fronto-parietal regions. EEG showed focal slowing and epileptiform discharges arising from the left and right fronto-parietal region with intermittent frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA). She was started on Levetiracetam. PRES was on the differential due to extremely elevated Blood pressure on admission but her mental status did not improve even after aggressive correction of her blood pressure over 14 days. CSF was remarkable for increased protein. MRI brain showed asymmetric T2/ FLAIR hyperintensities involving bilateral parieto-occipital lobes. Sequential weighted images(SWI) showed multiple low intensity foci throughout the cerebrum and brainstem consistent with multifocal microhemorrhages. Constellation of clinical and MRI findings was consistent with CAARI and patient was started on high dose iv solumedrol with immediate improvement in mental status and cognition over the next few days Conclusions: CAARI, a subset of CAA with characteristic clinical and radiological findings must be kept in the differential in elderly patients with acute behavioral/cognitive changes, especially since patients may respond favorably to immunosuppressive treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Xaingping has nothing to disclose.
The RNA Exosome Channeling and Direct Access Conformations Have Distinct In Vivo Functions

Summary The RNA exosome is a 3′–5′ ribonuclease complex that is composed of nine core subunits and an essential catalytic subunit, Rrp44. Two distinct conformations of Rrp44 were revealed in previous structural studies, suggesting that Rrp44 may change its conformation to exert its function. In the channeling conformation, (Rrp44 ch ), RNA accesses the active site after traversing the central channel of the RNA exosome, whereas in the other conformation, (Rrp44 da ), RNA gains direct access to the active site. Here, we show that the Rrp44 da exosome is important for nuclear function of the RNA exosome. Defects caused by disrupting the direct access conformation are distinct from those caused by channel-occluding mutations, indicating specific functions for each conformation. Our genetic analyses provide in vivo evidence that the RNA exosome employs a direct-access route to recruit specific substrates, indicating that the RNA exosome uses alternative conformations to act on different RNA substrates.
Pulmonary Arterial Compliance Improves Rapidly After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Pulmonary artery compliance (PAC) contributes to right ventricular (RV) afterload, is decreased in the setting of increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressures, and may be an important component of World Health Organization (WHO) group II pulmonary hypertension (PH). Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can rapidly change LV filling, but its relationship with PAC is unknown. Right heart catheterization was performed preoperatively, postoperatively (between 48 and 72 hours), and >30 days post-LVAD implantation in a cohort of 64 patients with end-stage systolic heart failure. Within 72 hours, LVAD implantation was associated with an increase in PAC (2.0-3.7 ml/mm Hg, p 30 post-LVAD time point (3.7 ± 1.7 to 3.6 ± 0.44 ml/mm Hg, p = 0.44). Pulmonary artery compliance improves rapidly after LVAD implantation. This suggests that more permanent changes in the pulmonary vascular bed may not be responsible for the abnormal PAC observed in WHO group II PH.
Muscle strength and control characteristics are altered by peripheral artery disease

Abstract Objective Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, is characterized by lower leg ischemia and myopathy in association with leg dysfunction. Patients with PAD have impaired gait from the first step they take with consistent defects in the movement around the ankle joint, especially in plantar flexion. Our goal was to develop muscle strength profiles to better understand the problems in motor control responsible for the walking impairment in patients with PAD. Methods Ninety-four claudicating PAD patients performed maximal isometric plantar flexion contractions lasting 10 seconds in two conditions: pain free (patient is well rested and has no claudication symptoms) and pain induced (patient has walked and has claudication symptoms). Sixteen matched healthy controls performed the pain-free condition only. Torque curves were analyzed for dependent variables of muscle strength and motor control. Independent t -tests were used to compare variables between groups, and dependent t -tests determined differences between conditions. Results Patients with PAD had significantly reduced peak torque and area under the curve compared with controls. Measures of control differed between PAD conditions only. Load rate and linear region duration were greater in the pain condition. Time to peak torque was shorter in the pain condition. Conclusions This study conclusively demonstrates that the plantar flexor muscles of the PAD patient at baseline and without pain are weaker in patients with PAD compared with controls. With the onset of claudication pain, patients with PAD exhibit altered muscle control strategies and further strength deficits are manifest compared to baseline levels. The myopathy of PAD legs appears to have a central role in the functional deterioration of the calf muscles, as it is evident both before and after onset of ischemic pain.
Porosity and Salt Content Determine if Subduction Can Occur in Europa's Ice Shell

Motivated by recent evidence for subduction in Europa's ice shell, we explore the geophysical feasibility of this process. Here we construct a simple model to track the evolution of porosity and temperature within a slab that is forced to subduct. We also vary the initial salt content in Europa's ice shell and determine the buoyancy of our simulated subducting slab. We find that porosity and salt content play a dominant role in determining whether the slab is nonbuoyant and subduction in Europa's ice shell is actually possible. Generally, we find that initially low porosities and high salt contents within the conductive lid are more conducive to subduction. If salt contents are laterally homogenous, and Europa has a reasonable surface porosity of ϕ0 = 0.1, the conductive portion of Europa's shell must have salt contents exceeding ~22% for subduction to occur. However, if salt contents are laterally heterogeneous, with salt contents varying by a few percent, subduction may occur for a surface porosity of ϕ0 = 0.1 and overall salt contents of ~5%. Thus, we argue that under plausible conditions, subduction in Europa's ice shell is possible. Moreover, assuming that subduction is actively occurring or has occurred in Europa's recent past provides important constraints on the structure and composition of the ice shell.
Boolean σ-algebras

Between Boolean algebras and complete Boolean algebras there is room for many intermediate concepts. The most important one is that of a Boolean σ-algebra; this means, by definition, a Boolean algebra in which every countable set has a supremum (and therefore, of course, an infimum). Similarly a field of sets is a σ-field if it is closed under the formation of countable unions (and intersections).
Intraoperative Monitoring of Cardiac Patients

Hemodynamic monitoring is based on the direct and continuous measurement of phasic pressures generated within the arterial and venous system, coupled with the measurement of cardiac output and its derived parameters (235). In the past ten years, it has become an increasingly accepted part of cardiovascular surgery, and anesthesia and may be responsible for the general decline in morbidity and mortality (235). It is estimated that between 50% and 90% of all cardiovascular surgical patients are currently receiving hemodynamic monitoring (235).
Antibodies as drug carriers. II. For proteins.

Purpose. To evaluate the potential use of antibodies as a carrier for monovalent protein haptens.
Zero-Shot Learning via Visual Abstraction

One of the main challenges in learning fine-grained visual categories is gathering training images. Recent work in Zero-Shot Learning (ZSL) circumvents this challenge by describing categories via attributes or text. However, not all visual concepts, e.g., two people dancing, are easily amenable to such descriptions. In this paper, we propose a new modality for ZSL using visual abstraction to learn difficult-to-describe concepts. Specifically, we explore concepts related to people and their interactions with others. Our proposed modality allows one to provide training data by manipulating abstract visualizations, e.g., one can illustrate interactions between two clipart people by manipulating each person’s pose, expression, gaze, and gender. The feasibility of our approach is shown on a human pose dataset and a new dataset containing complex interactions between two people, where we outperform several baselines. To better match across the two domains, we learn an explicit mapping between the abstract and real worlds.
Race, Migration, and Fears of Communism in 1948 Morocco:

This article explores a controversy that struck the French family association in the Moroccan town of Oujda in 1948. In 1941, the French administration introduced a wide array of family benefits de...
Software Curation in Research Libraries: Practice and Promise

INTRODUCTION Research software plays an increasingly vital role in the scholarly record. Academic research libraries are in the early stages of exploring strategies for curating and preserving research software, aiming to facilitate support and services for long-term access and use. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM In 2016, the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) began offering postdoctoral fellowships in software curation. Four institutions hosted the initial cohort of software curation fellows. This article describes the work activities and research program of the cohort, highlighting the challenges and benefits of doing this exploratory work in research libraries. NEXT STEPS Academic research libraries are poised to play an important role in research and development around robust services for software curation. The next cohort of CLIR fellows is set to begin in fall 2018 and will likely shape and contribute substantially to an emergent research agenda.
Martens: Transport Justice: Designing Fair Transportation Systems

For the often practical-minded transportation planners and transit officials, a philosophical discussion on the fairness in transportation planning may not seem particularly interesting, if at all ...
Similar softening across different racial and ethnic groups of smokers in California as smoking prevalence declined.

Smoking prevalence differs among different racial/ethnic groups. Previous research found that as smoking prevalence declined in the U.S., remaining smokers made more quit attempts and smoked fewer cigarettes per day (CPD), indicating so-called softening. We examined California, a state with a highly diverse population, to assess whether there is differential softening among remaining smokers in different racial/ethnic groups. We used the California Tobacco Survey (1990-2008, N: 145,128). We ran logistic and linear regressions for smoking prevalence, CPD, quit attempts and time to first cigarette (30 min) as a function of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, African American, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, other Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native) controlling for other demographics. Overall prevalence fell from 21.1% in 1990 to 12.3% in 2008 (p < 0.01), showing similar declining trends across all racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.44), albeit from different baseline prevalence levels. In terms of softening indicators the proportion with at least one quit attempt in the past 12 months increased from 46.2% to 59.3%, a factor of 1.25 per decade (95%CI = 1.17, 1.34) in the adjusted model. CPD declined from 16.9 to 10.9, by -2.95 CPD per decade (95%CI = -3.24, -2.67) in the adjusted model. There were no significant changes in the time to first cigarette. Interactions of race/ethnicity and time show similar trends among all subgroups expect Hispanics, whose CPD remained stable rather than declining. Although from different baseline levels, tobacco control policies have benefitted all subgroups of California smokers, exhibiting similar softening as prevalence fell. Interventions are still needed to reduce the baseline differences.
Transgenerational impact of maternal obesogenic diet on offspring bile acid homeostasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Studies show maternal obesity is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring. Here we evaluated potential mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. ...
Gun-Related Crime in Detroit, Michigan: Exploring the Spatial Context of Licensed Firearm Availability and Neighborhood Characteristics

AbstractThe linkage between firearms and violent crime has been documented in several criminological research efforts, with different conclusions. This study explores the relationship between gun a...
Thomas J. Dougherty: present at the creation

While many have contributed to the field of ‘photodynamic therapy’, Thomas J. Dougherty played the central role. Without his efforts, it seems unlikely that PDT would have advanced much beyond being a medical curiosity. This summary discusses both his many contributions to the field and the wide range of discoveries made possible by his pioneering studies that brought PDT to the attention of the funding agencies.
Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Conditions Disparities in Medicare Beneficiaries in the State of Michigan.

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to describe the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and combinations of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) that are leading causes of death (LCD) and confirm that disparities exist between groups based on race and sex. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2012 Medicare claims data from beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes over the age of 65 in the state of Michigan. Results Female beneficiaries have type 2 diabetes and 1 or more MCCs that are LCD more often than males. Most type 2 diabetes patients have diabetes alone without MCCs, while a large proportion have at least 1 additional chronic condition that is a LCD. One in 3 patients have 3 or more chronic conditions. The most prevalent type 2 diabetes coexisting MCCs are congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease. Asian/Pacific Islanders have the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes without MCCs, and the highest prevalence of diabetes plus CHF. While fewer black beneficiaries have diabetes alone or 1 additional MCC, the prevalence of 3 or more MCCs in blacks generally exceeds the prevalence in other races. In beneficiaries with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and CHF are the first new chronic conditions to be diagnosed after an initial type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Conclusions Race and sex disparities occur in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and MCCs that are LCD in Medicare beneficiaries in the state of Michigan.
Model Reference Adaptive Control and Neural Network Based Control of Altitude of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The objective is to develop a new control strategy for quadrotor types of unmanned aerial systems that assist in closing the existing research gaps between the undesired uncertainties and current control systems. This paper investigates two modeling systems and the accuracy of error elimination and adaptation in the change of the plant/system’s output. The Model Reference Adaptive Controller is a high order of adaptive control. This common fixed parameter has a proportional-integral-derivative for aircraft pitch attitude control. The Model Reference Neural Network Controller is used to the aircraft height altitude control. A disturbance in the system is introduced to test and evaluate the response performance by using the Model Reference Adaptive Controller to observe high-performance tracking in the presence of uncertainties. MATLAB System Identification Tool is used to attain the height altitude model, without disturbance, for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. System identification uses a neural network to capture the behavior of system dynamics, which assists the neural network to train itself to act as a controller. Moreover, the performance of the controllers were tested using simulations to demonstrate and to improve the speed and stability of the response for the two dynamic systems.
The chicken MHC: Insights into genetic resistance, immunity, and inflammation following infectious bronchitis virus infections

The chicken immune system has provided an immense contribution to basic immunology knowledge by establishing major landmarks and discoveries that defined concepts widely used today. One of many special features on chickens is the presence of a compact and simple major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Despite its simplicity, the chicken MHC maintains the essential counterpart genes of the mammalian MHC, allowing for a strong association to be detected between the MHC and resistance or susceptibility to infectious diseases. This association has been widely studied for several poultry infectious diseases, including infectious bronchitis. In addition to the MHC and its linked genes, other non-MHC loci may play a role in the mechanisms underlying such resistance. It has been reported that innate immune responses, such as macrophage function and inflammation, might be some of the factors driving resistance or susceptibility, consequently influencing the disease outcome in an individual or a population. Information about innate immunity and genetic resistance can be helpful in developing effective preventative measures for diseases such as infectious bronchitis, to which a systemic antibody response is often not associated with disease protection. In this review, we summarize the importance of the chicken MHC in poultry disease resistance, particularly to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infections and the role played by innate immunity and inflammation on disease outcome. We highlight how future studies focusing on the MHC and non-MHC genes can potentially bring clarity to observed resistance in some chicken B haplotype lines.
Electroproduction of heavy vector mesons using holographic QCD: From near threshold to high energy regimes

We develop a nonperturbative analysis of the electroproduction of heavy vector mesons ($\ensuremath{\phi}$, $J/\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Psi}}$) from threshold to high energy. We use the holographic construction with bulk confinement enforced through a soft wall. Using Witten diagrams, we evaluate the pertinent cross sections for heavy vector mesons ($\ensuremath{\phi}$, $J/\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Psi}}$) production and study their dependence on both the incoming virtual photon polarization as well as the outgoing polarization of the heavy meson. Our results for $J/\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Psi}}$ electroproduction compares well with the available HERA data at low and intermediate ${Q}^{2}$, and for a wide range of momentum transfer. We also predict the quasi-electroproduction of $J/\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Psi}}$ near threshold.
Method of Evaluation of Deposit Forming Tendency of Automotive Gasolines in Injection Systems in Osv-01 Motorless Unit

The characteristics and mechanism of deposit formation in spray injection system of gasoline engines are discussed. A motorless unit and a method of evaluation of deposit forming tendency of automotive gasolines in spray injection systems are developed. The criterion of numerical evaluation of pollutants based on degree of darkening of spray injector bottom is proposed. The results of tests, by the proposed method, of individual hydrocarbons and their mixtures as well as of several gasolines of different producers are adduced. Among the individual hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons and nitrogen-bearing compounds contribute the most to deposit formation, and additivity and synergy effect are not typical for the deposit formation process. Among the commercial gasolines, those containing MMA (monomethyl aniline) or a substantial quantity of catalytically cracked fractions and not containing detergent additives exhibit maximum deposit forming tendency. Minimal deposit formation is typical for gasolines containing detergent additives.
“The Time of Unrememberable Being”: Wordsworth's Autobiography of the Imagination

(1998). “The Time of Unrememberable Being”: Wordsworth's Autobiography of the Imagination. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 13, Autobiography & Neuroscience, pp. 7-38.
An exploratory overview of teaching computer game development

The computer game industry has exploded reaching sales of several billion dollars a year and, consequently, a majority of college students are familiar with the gaming environment. In fact, videogame development has been cited as one way to motivate students to explore the world of Computer Science. However, most videogames are extremely complex computer programs created by a team of developers including programmers and graphic artists and represent thousands of hours of work. Fortunately there are software tools available that provide a way for simple computer games to be created fairly easily using a building block approach. This paper discusses the successes and challenges of teaching a videogame design and development summer program using the software development tool, Game Maker, and from this experience examines how videogame development might be incorporated into a Computer Science curriculum. The first section provides an overview of the Game Maker program and outlines the material taught in the program. Observations of the most successful teaching methods and approaches utilized are also explored. We conclude with a discussion of where videogame design might best be suited in a Computer Science curriculum citing its attractiveness to non-Computer Science majors, its use as a way to introduce introductory programming concepts and as a way to help students learn to read code. While Game Maker is not sophisticated nor is it a substitute for teaching a standard programming language, it can be easily integrated into introductory Computer Science courses.
Determination of Structural Uncertainty from NMR and Other Data: The Lac Repressor Headpiece

The static high resolution structures determined by x-ray crystallography have provided most of our structural information about protein structure (Blundell and Johnson, 1972). While these structures have provided a wealth of data about common motifs and folding patterns within proteins, there remains an important unresolved issue: is the set of crystallizable proteins representative of all proteins, or are we necessarily seeing a biased sample whose motifs and folding patterns are themselves part of the necessary determinants for crystallization? It is possible, perhaps likely, that there are important protein structural motifs that have not been observed in crystalline structures precisely because the properties of the motif s (for example, in the lac-repressor the high degree of hinge motion (Pilz et al., 1980) makes crystallization difficult or impossible. These considerations have lead many investigators to techniques such as high resolution NMR spectroscopy to study the structures of proteins in solution (for summaries, see Jardetzky and Roberts, 1981; Wiithrich, 1986). It is hoped that these studies will furnish complementary data about the structure and dynamics of proteins.
Simultaneous dual scope endotherapy of esophago-airway fistulas and obstructions

Management of esophago-airway fistulas (EAF) and obstructions often involves therapy with esophageal and/or airway stents. We present a unique approach for the management of EAF and obstructions with simultaneous upper endoscopy and bronchoscopy (two scopes inserted simultaneously through the mouth). The aim is to assess the efficacy and safety of a simultaneous dual scope approach for management of EAF and obstructions. The endoscopy database at the University of Florida was reviewed from October 2007 to April 2012 to identify adult patients who had undergone simultaneous upper endoscopy and bronchoscopy for EAF and obstructions. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, indication, pathology, imaging, simultaneous endoscopic and bronchoscopic findings/maneuvers, outcomes, and adverse events. Outcomes assessed included: (i) technical success, (ii) fistula occlusion, (iii) dysphagia score, and (iv) adverse events. Thirteen patients with EAF and/or obstruction underwent simultaneous dual scope endoscopy. Dual scope procedures were technically successful in 12/13 (92%) patients. Dysphagia score improved from three to one in both patients with dysphagia without EAF. Fistula occlusion was observed in 7/10 patients (70%) with EAF. With this technique, stents were placed accurately without airway compression, migrated esophageal stents extracted from the tracheal lumen without trauma, and tracheal stents not displaced during esophageal manipulations. EAF not otherwise apparent were identified in two patients. Adverse events occurred in 2/13 (15%) patients, and 5/13 (38%) patients died from advanced cancer during follow up (mean 4.1 months, range 1-8 months). Simultaneous dual scope (two scopes inserted through the mouth at the same time) therapy of EAF and obstructions is feasible, effective, and safe, and may develop to be the preferred approach for the management of complex esophago-airway diseases.
Supersonic Flow Around Cones at Large Yaw

Abstract : Equations were developed for the flow properties in the region bounded by a supersonic cone body at large angle of attack and its attached shock wave, for use with the tabulations of Kopal. A comparison of the theoretical results is made with the experimental data of Cronvich. A slight discrepancy which increases with increasing Mach number was found in the value of K sub DYH, the yawing head drag as tabulated by Kopal. (Author)
Petrographic and trace element analysis of uranium-rich tufa calcite, middle Miocene Barstow Formation, California, USA

An integrated petrographic and spectroscopic (X-ray diffraction, phosphor imaging and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy) study of tufas from the Miocene Barstow Formation, California, relates sample morphology, mineralogy and geochemical composition. The tufas, composed mainly of calcite that formed at the interface between an ancient alkaline lake and ground or spring waters, have textures similar to those of microbially mediated terrestrial stromatolites and travertines. The tufas have elevated concentrations of a number of trace elements including Mn, Fe, Sr and U. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analyses show that U concentrations can exceed 500 p.p.m. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that the U in these samples is incorporated as U(IV). It is suggested here that alkaline lake waters had a high U/Ca ratio and tufa calcite formed where groundwater or (possibly epithermal) springs brought in Ca and trace elements such as Sr. The rapid, and possibly microbially mediated, precipitation of calcite allowed for incorporation of high concentrations of trace metals as either structural substitutes or extremely fine-scale inclusions.