cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allergic encephalomyelitis: Isolation and characterization of encephalitogenic peptides from the basic protein of bovine spinal cord

Abstract The basic protein encephalitogen from bovine spinal cord was digested with pepsin for 2 hr; the resulting digest was subjected to gel filtration on a column of Sephadex G-25-G-75. Peptide families obtained in this way were highly encephalitogenic. Upon fractionation of the peptides on a column of Cellex-P, 19 peptides were obtained as demonstrated by high-voltage electrophoresis. After desalting of specific peptides on a column of Sephadex G-10-G-25 11 homogeneous peptides were isolated. The data showed that two of these peptides, referred to as E (16 amino acid residues) and E1 (26 amino acid residues), are more potent in inducing EAE in guinea pigs than the original A1 protein. The amino acid composition of Peptide E and E1 were similar; each contained one tryptophan residue, the only one found in the A1 protein (142 residues). Serine was identified as the N-terminal amino acid of Peptides E and E1 and also Peptide D which contains tryptophan, but is nonencephalitogenic. The results indicate that these peptides originate from the same region of the A1 molecule, and support the previous proposal that the EAE determinant is the property of the primary structure of the A1 protein as defined by the specific amino acid sequence of Peptide E.
Permutation symmetry for theta functions

Abstract This paper does for combinations of theta functions most of what Carlson (2004) [1] did for Jacobian elliptic functions. In each case the starting point is the symmetric elliptic integral R F of the first kind. Its three arguments (formerly squared Jacobian elliptic functions but now squared combinations of theta functions) differ by constants. Symbols designating the constants can often be used to replace 12 equations by three with permutation symmetry (formerly in the letters c, d, n for the Jacobian case but now in the subscripts 2, 3, 4 for theta functions). Such equations include derivatives and differential equations, bisection and duplication relations, addition formulas (apparently new for theta functions), and an example of pseudoaddition formulas.
Argon laser treatment of telangiectasia of the face and neck: 5 Years' experience

This study documents the treatment and long-term follow-up of telangiectasias of the face and neck with the argon laser. This study concurs with other examiners that treatment is effective with minimal complications and satisfactory long-term results.
Induction of claudin-1 in IEC-6 cells by IL-4

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of IL-4 on the tight junction complex (TJ) in IEC-6 cells. Background. IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, is thought to have a protective effect in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although the exact mechanism is unknown. Patients with IBD have increased intestinal permeability, suggesting an alteration in the TJ. One of the protective roles of IL-4 may be to decrease permeability by altering the TJ. Under normal conditions IEC-6 cells do not express transmembrane TJ proteins such as occludin and claudin-1. Methods. Confluent IEC-6 cells were incubated with recombinant rat IL-4 (0, 5, 50, 100, 200, and 250 ng/ml) for 8, 24, 48, 72, or 96 h. The cells were then lysed and a Western blot was performed with polyclonal rabbit anti-claudin-1 antibody and detected with ECL. Additional IEC-6 cells were grown to confluence in 12-well transwell plates for 21 days. Permeability was then assayed using fluorescent-labeled dextran-4000MW. IL-4 was added (0, 5, or 50 ng/ml) basally 48 h prior to assay. Fluorescence was measured at 5, 12, and 24 h at 515 nm and compared by ANOVA. Results. Claudin-1 expression was detectable in IEC-6 cells after 8 h of IL-4 incubation. Expression increased and peaked at 48 h. Maximal claudin-1 expression was seen with 50 ng/ml of IL-4. The figure shows induction of claudin-1 (22Kda) in IEC-6 cells after 48 h of IL-4. MDCK cells were a positive control. There was an increase in permeability of the IEC-6 monolayer to F-dextran with time up to 24 h. There was no difference in permeability in IL-4-treated cells (at either 5 or 50 ng/ml IL-4) compared to untreated cells. Conclusions. (1) Incubation of IEC-6 cells with IL-4 leads to the induction of claudin-1 expression in this cell line. (2) Expression of claudin-1 is optimal at a dose of 50 ng/ml of IL-4 and 48 h of incubation. (3) Despite the induction of claudin-1, permeability of the monolayer did not change. This suggests a complex and multifactorial regulation of the permeability of the TJ and potentially a more limited role for claudin-1. Download : Download full-size image
Hobson’s Eurocentric World Politics: The Journey Begins

Hobson gives us a definitive accounting of Eurocentrism in IR. The only missing element is gender. Race needs gender to work, I argue. Otherwise, race serves as a mere descriptor.
Nutritional Strategies to Boost Immunity and Prevent Infection in Elderly Individuals

Older adults are at risk for malnutrition, which may contribute to their increased risk of infection. Nutritional supplementation strategies can reduce this risk and reverse some of the immune dysfunction associated with advanced age. This review discusses nutritional interventions that have been examined in clinical trials of older adults. The data support use of a daily multivitamin or trace-mineral supplement that includes zinc (elemental zinc, >20 mg/day) and selenium (100 microg/day), with additional vitamin E, to achieve a daily dosage of 200 mg/day. Specific syndromes may also be addressed by nutritional interventions (for example, cranberry juice consumption to reduce urinary tract infections) and may reduce antibiotic use in older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities. Drug-nutrient interactions are common in elderly individuals, and care providers should be aware of these interactions. Future research should evaluate important clinical end points rather than merely surrogate markers of immunity.
Nanoindentation of soft films on hard substrates: Experiments and finite element simulations

Experiments and finite element simulations have been performed to examine errors in the measurement of hardness and elastic modulus caused by pile-up when soft films deposited on hard substrates are tested by nanoindentation methods. Pile-up is exacerbated in soft-film/hardsubstrate systems by the constraint imposed on plastic deformation in the film by the relatively non-deformable substrate. To experimentally examine pile-up effects, soft aluminum films with thicknesses of240, 650, and 1700 nm were deposited on hard soda-lime glass substrates and tested by nanoindentation techniques. This system is attractive because the elastic modulus of the film and the substrate are approximately the same, but the substrate is harder than the film by a factor of about ten. Consequently, substrate influences on the indentation load-displacement behavior are manifested primarily by differences in the plastic flow characteristics alone. The elastic modulus of the film/substrate system, as measured by nanoindentation techniques, exhibits an increase with indenter penetration depth which peaks at a value approximately 30% greater than the true film modulus at a penetration depth close to the film thickness. Finite element simulation shows that this unusual behavior is caused by substrate-induced enhancement of pile-up. Finite element simulation also shows that the amount of pile-up increases with increasing penetration depth, and that the pile-up geometry depends on the work-hardening characteristics of the film. Because of these effects, nanoindentation techniques overestimate the true film hardness and elastic modulus by as much as 68% and 35%, respectively, depending on the work-hardening behavior of the film and the indenter penetration depth. The largest errors occur in non-work-hardening materials at penetration depths close to the film thickness, for which substrate-induced enhancement of pile-up is greatest.
‘Cryptic’ exons reveal some of their secrets

By regulating the inclusion of ‘cryptic’ exons in messenger RNA in nerve cells, NOVA proteins are able to influence the abundance of the corresponding proteins.
Building an efficient curation workflow for the Arabidopsis literature corpus

TAIR (The Arabidopsis Information Resource) is the model organism database (MOD) for Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with a literature corpus of about 39 000 articles in PubMed, with over 4300 new articles added in 2011. We have developed a literature curation workflow incorporating both automated and manual elements to cope with this flood of new research articles. The current workflow can be divided into two phases: article selection and curation. Structured controlled vocabularies, such as the Gene Ontology and Plant Ontology are used to capture free text information in the literature as succinct ontology-based annotations suitable for the application of computational analysis methods. We also describe our curation platform and the use of text mining tools in our workflow. Database URL: www.arabidopsis.org
Fade slope analysis for Alaska, Florida, and New Mexico ACTS propagation data at 20 and 27.5 GHz

This paper analyzes fade slope for the Alaska, Florida, and New Mexico Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) propagation data at 20 and 27.5 GHz for the first two years of the experiment (December 1, 1993-November 30, 1995). The propagation experiment will continue to collect data for at least another 21 months. Fade slope is examined on a statistical basis for the three sites. The Florida and New Mexico receiver sites have very different weather characteristics but almost identical elevation angles, while the Alaska receiver terminal has an extremely low elevation angle. The cumulative statistics illustrate the relationship between fade slope, fade level, transmission frequency, and elevation angle for all three sites.
The effect of frozen soil on snowmelt runoff at Sleepers River, Vermont†

Soil frost depth has been monitored at the Sleepers River Research Watershed in northeastern Vermont since 1984. Soil frost develops every winter, particularly in open fields, but its depth varies greatly from year to year in inverse relation to snow depth. During the 15 years of record at a benchmark mid-elevation open site, the annual maximum frost depth varied from 70 to 390 mm. We empirically tested the hypothesis that frozen soil prevents infiltration and recharge, thereby causing an increased runoff ratio (streamflow/(rain + snowmelt)) during the snowmelt hydrograph rise and a decreased runoff ratio during snowmelt recession. The hypothesis was not supported at the 111 km 2 W-5 catchment; there was no significant correlation of the runoff ratio with the seasonal maximum frost depth for either the pre-peak or post-peak period. In an analysis of four events, however, the presence of frost promoted a large and somewhat quicker response to rainfall relative to the no-frost condition, although snow cover caused a much greater time-to-peak regardless of frost status. For six years of flow and frost depth measured at the 59 ha agricultural basin W-2, the hypothesis appeared to be supported. The enhancement of runoff due to soil frost is evident on small plots and in extreme events, such as rain on frozen snow-free soil. In the northeastern USA rind eastern Canada, the effect is often masked in larger catchments by several confounding factors, including storage of meltwater in the snowpack, variability in snowmelt timing due to elevational and aspect differences, interspersed forested land where frost may be absent, and the timing of soil thawing relative to the runoff peak.
Cigarette Smoke Amplifies Inflammatory Response and Atherosclerosis Progression Through Activation of the H1R-TLR2/4-COX2 Axis

Emerging evidence suggests that infection and persistent inflammation are key players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although it is well established that cigarette smoke (CS) promotes atherosclerotic CVD, very little is known about the potential impact of the collective effects of CS and intermittent or chronic subclinical infection on atherosclerosis. Our previous studies demonstrated that mast cell-derived histamine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synergistically enhance endothelial cell inflammatory response. We further noted that the synergy between histamine and LPS was due to reciprocal upregulation of histamine receptor and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and functions. These results suggest that the combined and persistent effects of mast cell mediators and bacterial agents on the vasculature are risk factors of CVD. Our recent data demonstrated that CS extract enhances histamine- and LPS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in endothelial cells, suggesting that CS and mast cell mediators may collectively amplify inflammatory response in the vessel wall. We hypothesize that CS enhances histamine-mediated upregulation of TLR2/TLR4 signaling in the endothelium and promotes progression of atherosclerosis. This article presents our perspective on the modulatory effects of CS and nicotine on the "histamine-TLR-COX-2 axis."
An interlocked oscillator model for firing of the mesencephalic dopaminergic neuron.

Dopaminergic (DA) neurons display two functionally distinct modes of electrical activity: low- and high-frequency firing. We suggest a new minimal computational model that unites data on these firing modes obtained under different experimental conditions. The model reproduces the separation of maximal frequencies under NMDA synaptic stimulation vs. other treatments. In accord to recent experimental data, NMDA stimulation restricted to the soma effectively evokes high-frequency oscillations in the model. We have also reproduced low- and high-frequency oscillations under blockade of the SK current. Thus, the new model suggests a way that overcomes all major limitations of the switching dominance mechanism for controlling the frequency of the DA neuron. We explain recent experimental facts and make further predictions.
Determining the number of remote sites accessed in distributed transaction processing

The number of remote accesses and the number of distinct remote sites accessed by global transactions in a distributed database environment are characterized. Both measures are important in determining the overhead of distributed transaction processing and are affected by the distribution of transaction size (number of distinct objects accessed by a transaction) and the distribution of remote accesses made by a transaction. Keeping the mean transaction size fixed, it is shown that in the case of some commonly used distributions for the number of remote accesses variable size transactions access fewer distinct remote sites on the average than fixed size transactions. Also, for these and some other distributions the mean number of remote accesses is independent of the distribution of transaction size, but this is not generally true. >
Coupling of the Common Land Model to the NCAR Community Climate Model

Abstract The Common Land Model (CLM), which results from a 3-yr joint effort among seven land modeling groups, has been coupled with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Climate Model (CCM3). Two 15-yr simulations of CCM3 coupled with CLM and the NCAR Land Surface Model (LSM), respectively, are used to document the relative impact of CLM versus LSM on land surface climate. It is found that CLM significantly reduces the summer cold bias of surface air temperature in LSM, which is associated with higher sensible heat fluxes and lower latent heat fluxes in CLM, and the winter warm bias over seasonally snow-covered regions, especially in Eurasia. CLM also significantly improves the simulation of the annual cycle of runoff in LSM. In addition, CLM simulates the snow mass better than LSM during the snow accumulation stage. These improvements are primarily caused by the improved parameterizations in runoff, snow, and other processes (e.g., turbulence) in CLM. The new land boundary data (...
Portfolio Decision Analysis: Lessons from Military Applications

We review the use of portfolio decision analysis in military applications, such as weapon systems, types of forces, installations, and military research and development projects. We start by comparing military and commercial portfolio problems in general, discussing the distinguishing characteristics of the military decision environment: hostile and adaptive adversaries, a public decision process with multiple stakeholders, and high system complexity. Then we list and summarize 24 military DA applications published from 1992 to 2010. We find that the most widespread prominent feature of these applications is the careful modeling of value from multiple objectives. Mathematical optimization is not so common, but it can be important when a large number of interdependencies or side constraints makes it hard to find good feasible candidate portfolios. Quantitative methods of accounting for risk are surprisingly rare, considering the high level of uncertainty in the military environment. We analyze six of the applications in more detail, looking at how they model portfolio value calculation, swing weight assessment, constraints and dependencies, and uncertainty and risk. An appendix provides a recommended procedure for portfolio decision analysis based on the authors’ experience and the applications reviewed.
Reliability and validity of the mobile phone usability questionnaire (MPUQ)

This study was a follow-up to determine the psychometric quality of the usability questionnaire items derived from a previous study (Ryu and Smith-Jackson, 2005), and to find a subset of items that represents a higher measure of reliability and validity. To evaluate the items, the questionnaire was administered to a representative sample involving approximately 300 participants. The findings revealed a six-factor structure, including (1) Ease of learning and use, (2) Assistance with operation and problem solving, (3) Emotional aspect and multimedia capabilities, (4) Commands and minimal memory load, (5) Efficiency and control, and (6) Typical tasks for mobile phones. The appropriate 72 items constituted the Mobile Phone Usability Questionnaire (MPUQ), which evaluates the usability of mobile phones for the purpose of making decisions among competing variations in the end-user market, determining alternatives of prototypes during the development process, and evolving versions during an iterative design process.
Water-assisted silicon machining with femtosecond laser pulses

Water-assisted micromachining of silicon with ultra-short laser pulses is investigated.We show that water confinement provides enhanced ablation rate, improved ablation profile, and less debris re-deposition as compared to ablation in air. Theoretical modeling of laser-matter interaction in water-confined silicon ablation and experimental results with femtosecond laser pulses are presented.
Rapid determination of antimicrobial susceptibility for urgent clinical situations.

With conventional methods, results of antimicrobic susceptibility tests are not available until 2 to 3 days after the specimen is collected. Many clinical situations would benefit if results of susceptibility tests were available sooner. Information can be obtained more quickly by inoculating the test plates directly with clinical material such as exudate or urine. Data to show that this approach is too unreliable for clinical use, especially with specimens containing mixtures of microorganisms, are presented. Isolated colonies may be tested by means of a standardized disk diffusion method, but this requires an additional 18 to 24 hr. Faster results can be obtained by observing the test plates after incubation for only 5 to 6 hr. Such early zone measurements were compared with those obtained with the more conventional 16 to 18 hr. period of incubation. With the majority of drugs and bacterial genera, zones measured after a few hours are not altered with further incubation, but with certain genera and with certain drugs, the early preliminary readings are predictably unreliable, e.g., Enterobacter with ampicillin or cephalothin and Serratia with polymyxin B, both of which appear susceptible after incubation for 5 to 6 hr. but resistant after incubation overnight.
Eric S. Zeemering, Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable Cities: Economy, Environment, and Community in Baltimore (New York: Routledge, 2014).

Sustainability, a public policy goal that is not easily defined nor measured, often foments intense debates and disagreements. Yet it often acts as a rallying call for addressing natural, economic,...
Surveillance of Iodized Salt in Sichuan,2010

Objective To understand the consumption status of iodized salt among residents in Sichuan in 2010,so as to improve the quality of iodized salt and control iodine deficiency disorders effectively.Methods Random sampling as well as importance emphasis sampling were employed to analyze iodized salt consumption.Stratified random sampling was employed to detect the iodine content in the iodized salt at county level.The iodine concentration of salt collected with random sampling were detected by method of arbitrates with criteria of GB/T13025.7-1999;self-made iodized qualitative detection reagents were used in importance sampling monitoring.Results Totally 52 539 salt samples were monitored with random sampling monitoring,among which there were 51,284 qualified iodized-salt,955 non-qualified and 300 non-iodized salt samples.The coverage rate of iodized salt in residents was 99.6%,the coverage rate of qualified iodized-salt was 97.9% and the qualified rate of iodized-salt was 98.3%.Totally 11400 salt samples were monitored with importance sampling,and the coverage rate of iodized salt were 99.25%.Conclusions The coverage rate of iodized salt,the coverage rate of qualified iodized-salt and the qualified rate of iodized-salt all exceeded 90% in Sichuan in 2010,indicating that iodine salt qualified the standard for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders.
Practicing beautiful medicine beautifully: Hiram Curry's vision in the 21st century.

Hiram Curry's Vision and "Crossing the Quality Chasm" A generation after Hiram first spoke of "Practicing Beautiful Medicine Beautifully", with focus on medical science, understanding the patient and understanding the physician, his vision can be seen in the report's definition of quality care: "Good quality means providing patients with appropriate services in a technically competent manner, with good communication, shared decision-making, and cultural sensitivity." As we in medicine develop and adopt needed changes in the health care delivery, education, and financing systems we would do well to remember Hiram Curry's vision and strategies for "Practicing Beautiful Medicine Beautifully."
Prognostic value of 99m Tc leukocyte scintigraphy in diabetic pedal osteomyelitis.

While leukocyte scintigraphy is accurate in detection of pedal osteomyelitis, there has been little data relating the technique to outcomes. We designed a trial to examine the prognostic value of sequential 99m Tc labeled leukocyte scans to establish the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and after three to four weeks of culture-guided antibiotic therapy.Twenty-three diabetic patients with proven pedal osteomyelitis (21/23) or persistent uptake (2/23) on the sequence of scans were studied. Five additional episodes of osteomyelitis developed in the group over the period of the study.Eleven patients demonstrated persistent uptake in the sequential scans. Nine progressed to amputation. The remaining two patients were biopsy-negative for infection, did not have cutaneous ulceration and were thought to have rapidly progressive arthropathy. Sequential leukocyte scintigraphy accurately predicts the need for amputation and can circumvent ineffective prolonged antibiotic therapy.
A comparison of terbutaline and ethanol in the treatment of preterm labor.

Ninety-two women in preterm labor were randomly assigned to receive either terbutaline or ethanol. In women with intact membranes, terbutaline was significantly more effective than ethanol in preventing progressive cervical dilation during the first 36 hours of treatment while betamethasone was given to the mother. Additionally, pregnancy was maintained significantly longer in women with intact membranes who were treated with terbutaline (15 ± 4 days) rather than with ethanol (10 ± 3 days). However, only 18% of women in each treatment group maintained their pregnancy beyond 36 weeks’ gestation. In women with ruptured membranes and cervical dilation less than 4 cm, terbutaline was significantly better than ethanol in maintaining pregnancy for a minimum of 36 hours. Serious maternal side effects were not observed with terbutaline or ethanol, although a majority of women also received betamethasone. Neither drug caused serious adverse neonatal effects.
CHAPTER 2 – The Properties of Light

The propagation of light beams, which is determined by Maxwell's equations, can be described at varying levels of approximation. The lowest order is geometric optics, in which beams are composed of rays that propagate in a straight line forever (except upon reflection or refraction) and whose shapes never change; i.e., they never "diffract." Electromagnetic radiation can be described as electromagnetic waves, with electric and magnetic fields oscillating at a radial frequency ω, or as quantized particles and photons. The wave picture is adequate in describing most of the properties of light needed for optical diagnostics. In particular, the interaction of light with matter is usually handled well in the semiclassical approximation in which matter is treated quantum mechanically but light is treated classically as waves. The full quantum picture, in which both matter and light are quantized, is helpful in some cases, such as in laser theory, nonlinear optics, and Raman scattering. Except for referring to photons in scattering, emission, and detection processes, only the wave picture of light will be used here.
Altered Phospholipase Activities Related to α1-Adrenergic Receptor Supersensitivity of Aortas from Aldosterone-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Vascular smooth muscle from several hypertensive models exhibits supersensitivity to catecholamines, which precedes the development of overt hypertension in rats given mineralocorticoid-salt treatment (1–5). In previous studies we did not find significant changes in αl-receptor characteristics (receptor type, dissociation constant or maximal receptor binding) in aorta from aldosterone-salt hypertensive rats (AHR) (6,7). Since we observed a 2–15 fold leftward shift in the NE EC50 (concentration of norepinephrine required for 50% response) for functional responses in AHR, we concluded that increased efficacy of post receptor events occurs in AHR (7,8).
Co-teaching: Towards a New Model for Teacher Preparation in Foreign Language Teacher Education

This overview article focuses on the co-teaching model, an innovative and comprehensive model for student teaching experiences that provides opportunities to foreign language preservice teachers to develop their knowledge base about teaching and learning foreign languages while gaining in other areas: autonomy, collaboration, and agency. The article begins with a brief history and description of co-teaching, a comprehensive literature review that highlights successful elements of the co-teaching model, as well as an analysis of benefits and challenges of its implementation based on prior research in other content areas. We then discuss how the co-teaching model is aligned with the 2013 ACTFL/CAEP’s Program Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers and offer guidelines to implement the proposed co-teaching model in Foreign Language teacher preparation programs. Concluding remarks include final reflections and future research directions.
CMOS programmable time control circuit design for phased array UWB ground penetrating radar antenna beamforming

In this paper, a programmable precise time delay generator suitable for a beam forming impulse ground penetrating radar (GPR) is presented. The design is based on a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit that is implemented utilizing Global Foundries 7HV 0.18μm CMOS process. The precise time control realizes the true time delay, which allows for developing an ultrawide band (UWB) phased array GPR system with beam steering capabilities. The simulation results show that the system is capable of generating delays from 100ps to 500ps in 25ps increments, and the corresponding beam angle ranges from 9.6° to 56.4° with a resolution of 2.75°.
Social determinants of adult sex ratios and racial/ethnic disparities in transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the USA.

In Black population centres in the USA, adult sex ratios (ASRs) are strongly female-biased primarily due to high male incarceration and early mortality rates. I explore the system of social determi...
Justice and Health Care: Historical Perspectives and Precedents

The history of medical ethics is a very old and distinguished one, with its roots in ancient Greece and its latest expressions appearing regularly in learned journals and the meetings of professional societies. Because it is so old, spanning more than a score of centuries, the history of medical ethics cannot be easily summarized nor can it be captured in altogether reliable generalizations. Nevertheless, there do seem to be persistent leitmotifs to that history. Two in particular stand out. The first is an emphasis on what Robert Veatch has called Hippocratic medical ethics, a focus on the ethical dimensions of the patient-physician relationship [34]. Thus, matters concerning confidentiality and the communication of information to dying patients, for example, are addressed frequently. The second common theme is that of collegial relationships. Here the concern is for the proper bounds of relationship among physicians, or between physicians and other health care providers, for example, surgeons, apothecaries, irregular or unorthodox practitioners, and the like. We find this twin set of concerns in writings as diverse in time, presupposition, and cultural context as the Hippocratic corpus [19] and Thomas Percival’s Medical Ethics [27]. What is missing from this history, certainly before the eighteenth century, is a concern for ethical issues in medicine of a broader, more institutional character.
Efficiency optimization and autonomous converter support via a modular resonance unit

The objective of this simulation based study is to examine the performance impacts of supplementing a series resonant converter (SRC) with parallel battery storage interfaced through bidirectional DC-DC converters at the front and back end of the system layout. This system architecture is referred to as a modular resonance unit (MRU). Utilizing an idealized battery, the research contribution is to develop a technique that coordinates power dispatch between the parallel connected battery and the distributed generation interfaced through the power electronic converters to autonomously tune the modular resonance unit efficiency for varying load.
Local atomic structure of Pd and Ag in the SiC containment layer of TRISO fuel particles fissioned to 20% burn-up

Abstract The structure and speciation of fission products within the SiC barrier layer of tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles irradiated to 19.6% fissions per initial metal atom (FIMA) burnup in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) was investigated. As-irradiated fuel particles, as well as those subjected to simulated accident scenarios, were examined. The TRISO particles were characterized using synchrotron X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (XAFS) at the Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) beamline at the Advanced Photon Source. The TRISO particles were produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory under the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program and sent to the ATR for irradiation. XAFS measurements on the palladium and silver K-edges were collected using the MRCAT undulator beamline. Analysis of the Pd edge indicated the formation of palladium silicides of the form Pd x Si (2 ≤ x ≤ 3). In contrast, Ag was found to be metallic within the SiC shell safety tested to 1700 °C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first result demonstrating metallic bonding of silver from fissioned samples. Knowledge of these reaction pathways will allow for better simulations of radionuclide transport in the various coating layers of TRISO fuels for next generation nuclear reactors. They may also suggest different ways to modify TRISO particles to improve their fuel performance and to mitigate potential fission product release under both normal operation and accident conditions.
Ultra-low-power dual-phase latch based digital accelerator for continuous monitoring of wheezing episodes

We designed an ultra-low-power accelerator for the calculation of the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) optimized for wheezing detection. The low power consumption of our accelerator relies on optimizations at different stages of the design process. Post-layout simulations show that at the minimum energy point our accelerator consumes 3.3 pJ/cycle at 0.5 V and 163 KHz. We compare the energy consumption of our implementation with its flip-flop version. Simulations show that we can save up to 50% in energy consumption for a latch based design vs. a flip-flop based design, making dual-phase latch based implementations excellent candidates for ultra-low-power devices.
Declining Union Contract Coverage and Increasing Income Inequality in U.S. Metropolitan Areas

We focus on the association between the institutional factor of union contract coverage rates among workers and the variation in income inequality across a set of sixty-four metropolitan areas of t...
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY AS PRIMARY TREATMENT FOR SMALL CHOROIDAL MELANOMA.

PURPOSE To report outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as primary treatment for small amelanotic choroidal melanoma. METHODS Retrospective interventional case series of 12 patients with small choroidal melanoma treated with standard-fluence PDT (83 seconds; 50 J/cm) using verteporfin. OUTCOME MEASURES Tumor regression, subretinal fluid resolution, best-corrected visual acuity, and PDT complications. RESULTS There were 12 eyes with melanoma, demonstrating amelanotic (10 [83%]) or lightly pigmented (n = 2, 17%) appearance. The mean tumor thickness was 2.7 mm (median, 2.8; range 1.8-3.7 mm). After PDT, mean follow-up was 56 months (median, 53; range, 14-91). Outcomes revealed complete tumor regression after 1 session (n = 3, 25%), 2 sessions (n = 3, 25%), and 3 sessions (n = 2, 17%) of PDT, reduced to mean thickness of 2.1 mm (median, 2.0; range 1.2-3.4 mm). Tumors that failed to regress (n = 4, 33%) were further controlled with transpupillary thermotherapy (n = 1) or plaque brachytherapy (n = 3). Subretinal fluid, present in six eyes, demonstrated resolution (n = 5) or progression (n = 1), and one tumor developed new subretinal fluid after PDT (n = 1). Visual outcome was stable (n = 11 eyes) or improved (n = 1). Photodynamic therapy complications included local retina pigment epithelium atrophy at the site of treatment in 3 (25%) eyes, with no effect on macular or optic nerve function. CONCLUSION Primary PDT resulted in complete tumor regression of small amelanotic choroidal melanoma in 67% at mean 5 years, with no major effect on visual acuity.
Parallel and Distributed Successive Convex Approximation Methods for Big-Data Optimization

Recent years have witnessed a surge of interest in parallel and distributed optimization methods for large-scale systems. In particular, nonconvex large-scale optimization problems have found a wide range of applications in several engineering fields. The design and the analysis of such complex, large-scale, systems pose several challenges and call for the development of new optimization models and algorithms. First, many of the aforementioned applications lead to huge-scale optimization problems. These problems are often referred to as big-data. This calls for the development of solution methods that operate in parallel, exploiting hierarchical computational architectures. Second, many networked systems are spatially (or virtually) distributed. Due to the size of such networks and often to the proprietary regulations, these systems do not possess a single central coordinator or access point that is able to solve alone the entire optimization problem. In this setting, the goal is to develop distributed solution methods that operate seamless in-network. Third, many formulations of interest are nonconvex, with nonconvex objective functions and/or constraints. Except for very special cases, computing the global optimal solution of nonconvex problems might be computationally prohibitive in several practical applications. The desiderata is designing (parallel/distributed) solution methods that are easy to implement (in the sense that the computations performed by the workers are not expensive), with provable convergence to stationary solutions (e.g., local optima) of the nonconvex problem under consideration. To this regard, a powerful and general tool is offered by the so-called Successive Convex Approximation (SCA) techniques: as proxy of the nonconvex problem, a sequence of “more tractable” (possibly convex) subproblems is solved, wherein the original nonconvex functions are replaced by properly chosen “simpler” surrogates.
Real-time stealth intervention for motor learning using player flow-state

We present a novel approach to real-time adaptation in serious games for at-home motor learning. Our approach assesses and responds to the “flow-state” of players by tracking and classifying facial emotions in real-time using the Kinect camera. Three different approaches for stealth assessment and adaptation using performance and flow-state data are defined, along with a case-study evaluation of these approaches based on their effectiveness at maintaining positive affective interaction in a subject.
11-year Follow-Up of a Case of Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (P03.024)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the disease course of a patient with seronegative autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) with serial assessment of autonomic symptoms and function. BACKGROUND: AAG is an immune-mediated autonomic disorder usually presenting as acute pandysautonomia. The pathophysiology has been well characterized owing to the discovery of nicotinic ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibodies in patients with AAG, though at least half of cases presents without detectable autoantibodies. Little is known about the long-term prognosis of AAG in general and seronegative AAG in particular. DESIGN/METHODS: We followed a case of seronegative AAG for 11 years. In addition to routine clinical and laboratory assessments, standardized autonomic testing and standardized assessment of autonomic symptoms (composite autonomic symptom score, COMPASS) were completed. RESULTS: The patient presented with subacute onset of abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, heat intolerance, urinary retention, and erectile dysfunction. Autonomic reflex testing showed pandysautonomia (CASS score=9 out of 10). Immunomodulatory treatment resulted in negligible benefit and was discontinued. Upon re-evaluation one year later, most symptoms had modestly improved. CASS score was 7 related to improvement in cardiovagal function. Thermoregulatory sweat test showed global anhidrosis except for small islands of preserved sweating. By eleven years after symptom onset, most symptoms had improved markedly and the patient had returned to near normal functioning. Remaining symptoms included erectile dysfunction and lack of thermoregulatory abilities. COMPASS had improved from 61.3 (year 1) to 34 (year 11). There was continued severe sudomotor failure, improvement of cardiovascular adrenergic function, and normalization of cardiovagal function (CASS=5). CONCLUSIONS: 11-year follow-up in a patient with seronegative AAG reveals definite but incomplete improvement of autonomic function and symptoms. Sudomotor and erectile function remained markedly impaired. This confirms prior short-term follow-up reports of an overall favorable prognosis but often incomplete recovery. The long duration of selected deficits would suggest structural impairment beyond functional blockade of ganglionic function. Supported by: NIH (NS32352, U54NS065736, K23NS075141, UL1RR24150), and Mayo Funds. Disclosure: Dr. Gehrking has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sletten has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fealey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Low has received personal compensation for activities with Chelsea, Pfizer Inc, and WR Medical Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Low has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Autonomic Neuroscience. Dr. Singer has received payments from Jacobus Pharmaceuticals.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assays for Myc and N-Myc

Myc and N-Myc have widespread impacts on the chromatin state within cells, both in a gene-specific and genome-wide manner. Our laboratory uses functional genomic methods including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), ChIP-chip, and, more recently, ChIP-seq to analyze the binding and genomic location of Myc. In this chapter, we describe an effective ChIP protocol using specific validated antibodies to Myc and N-Myc. We discuss the application of this protocol to several types of stem and cancer cells, with a focus on aspects of sample preparation prior to library preparation that are critical for successful Myc ChIP assays. Key variables are discussed and include the starting quantity of cells or tissue, lysis and sonication conditions, the quantity and quality of antibody used, and the identification of reliable target genes for ChIP validation.
Relationships between Aggression, Scent Marking and Gonadal State in a Primate, the Tamarin Saguinus Fuscicollis

In many mammals chemical signals are important in the control of aggressive behavior and social dominance (c.f. Ralls, 1971; Thiessen, 1976). Aggressive behavior and the ability to establish and maintain a high social rank, on the other hand, are influenced by an individual’s endocrine condition and, in turn, affect its endocrinology. In male rodents gonadal hormones are of crucial importance in the development and maintenance of intraspecific aggression and in chemical communication (Bronson and Desjardins, 1971; Hart, 1974; Leshner, 1975; Quadagno et al., 1977; Thiessen, 1976). In primates our understanding of the hormonal control of aggression and social dominance, and their relation to chemical communication, is poorer than in rodents. However, reports on changes in aggressive behavior and scent marking which coincide with gonadal activation during the breeding season (Harrington, 1975; Jolly, 1967; Mazur, 1976; Schilling, 1974), on the influence of androgens on the fetal nervous system (c.f. Eaton et al., 1973; Rose et al., 1974) and on the effects of gonadectomy and hormone therapy (c.f. Mazur, 1976) show that the gonads are of some importance in controlling primate aggression and chemical communication.
Spontaneous ventilation in thoracoscopic thymectomy: breathing freely

Long Jiang and colleges, published a study in the April 2018 issue of “ The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery ” comparing the standard intubated video-assisted thoracic thymectomy (IVATT) to a spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic thymectomy (SV-VATT) (1). They performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, who had undergone a thymectomy after being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG).
In Vitro Analysis of RNA Degradation Catalyzed by Deadenylase Enzymes

In this chapter, we describe a method for purification and analysis of the enzymatic activity of deadenylase enzymes. Nearly all eukaryotic messenger RNAs are modified at the 3' end by the addition of an adenosine polymer: the poly-adenosine tail. The poly(A) tail plays a central role in protein expression and mRNA fate. The poly(A) tail promotes translation of the mRNA. Shortening of the poly(A) tail, referred to as deadenylation, reduces protein synthesis and initiates destruction of the mRNA. A specialized class of exoribonucleases, called deadenylase enzymes, carries out this process. Deadenylases are found throughout eukarya, but their functions remain largely unexplored. We present a detailed protocol to analyze deadenylase activity in vitro. First, recombinant deadenylase enzyme is over-expressed and purified from bacteria. Next, labeled RNA substrate is prepared. Deadenylation reactions are performed, and reaction products are analyzed by denaturing gel electrophoresis. Reaction rates are then determined quantitatively. Crucial controls and experimental parameters are described along with practical tips that promote success.
Sociodemographic Profile and Outcomes of Patients with Non-Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (non-DLBCL) Treated at Minority-Predominant Facilities in the United States

Abstract Background: Racial disparities in outcomes of cancer patients have been reported. Access to comprehensive cancer centers is associated with improved overall survival (OS) but racial/ethnic minorities may have a disparate access to such care. While the impact of treatment facility volume on outcomes has been evaluated, outcomes of centers with minority-predominant patient population have not been studied. We compared demographic profiles, facility level data and OS of patients treated at minority-predominant facilities to facilities that treated predominantly non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) with non-DLBCL. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify all non-DLBCL patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. “Minority-treating facilities” were defined as facilities in the top decile by proportion for initial treatment of non-Hispanic African-Americans (NHAA), Hispanics and other races. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to compare sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing outcomes between minority treating and non-minority treating facilities. A subgroup analysis stratified by race/ethnicity was also conducted to study the effect of treating facilities on the outcome of NHWs and minorities separately. Results: Of 1339 total facilities, 123 (9.1%) qualified as minority treating. Of 207,239 eligible patients in NCDB, 18,719 (9.03%) received treatment at the minority-treating facilities and of these, 11,190 (~60%) belonged to the minority races. Overall, 4.5% (6,988/156,664) NHWs and 30% (11,190/37,639) minorities received treatment at the minority-treating facilities. Several demographic and facility level characteristics were significantly different among the patients treated at minority-treating facilities as compared to non-minority treating facilities. Overall, significantly higher number of patients in minority-treating hospitals had lower income and education, had Medicaid coverage or lack of insurance. The OS of patients in minority treating facilities was significantly worse as compared to non-minority facilities (Figures). On multivariate analysis, patients who received treatment at minority-treating facilities were at 10% (HR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.06-1.14 p Disclosures Ailawadhi: Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.
23 Anthropological Demography

Aware of significant theoretical and methodological limitations of mainstream demographic research, demographers have seen in sociocultural anthropology a potential source of enriching their work. As this chapter shows, anthropologists have long been interested in core demographic topics, yet many work on these topics with little reference to the demographic literature. After discussing the theoretical and methodological reasons why demographers have looked to anthropology, including both the concept of culture and the value of participant observation fieldwork, this chapter surveys the major work by anthropologists on demographic issues. Special attention is given to recent anthropological work on reproduction, marriage, mortality and migration.