cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Degree of Freedom Passive Bilateral Hydraulic Teleoperation Using a Passified Two-Stage Servo-Valve

Abstract Passive machines possess the inherent property that they can interact stably with other passive systems. A problem with applying the concept of passivity to ensure interaction stability of hydraulic machines is that the latter are not intrinsically passive. In previous work, a passifying control was developed to ensure that a single-stage directional control valve behaves like a passive two-port device. The passified valve was used in passive teleoperation of a hydraulic actuator. Unfortunately, single-stage valves are limiting in their flow rate and bandwidth capabilities which can be remedied using multistage valves. In this paper, we first review a passifying control which ensures that a non-passive two-stage pressure control servo-valve behaves like a nearly-passive two-port device. A teleoperation controller that uses the passified two-stage valve is then developed to ensure 1-DOF coordinated motion of the passive hydraulic actuator system (slave) and a force:feedback joystick (master). The control also guarantees the passivity property of the teleoperation system.
Platelet Proteins Cause Allergic Transfusion Reactions through an Immunoglobulin-Dependent Mechanism

Abstract Background: A general understanding of allergic transfusion reaction (ATR) mechanisms remains elusive. Various hypotheses invoke proteins, small molecules, mitochondria, or microparticles that may be plasma or platelet derived and suggest antibody dependent or independent mechanisms. There has been no systematic comparison of these proposed mechanisms. The aim of this study is to characterize the mechanistic determinants of ATRs. Methods: Basophil enriched cell suspensions were collected from healthy donors (n=8). Basophil histamine release was measured in response to platelet-derived components: platelet component supernatant (plasma), platelet lysate, and manipulated platelet lysates were examined to characterize the unknown allergic stimuli. Lysate manipulations were: 1) dialysis against a 3,500 molecular weight cutoff membrane, 2) butanol/DIPE delipidation, 3) trypsinization with immobilized trypsin beads, 4) mild heat denaturation at 47˚C for 20 minutes, and 5) ultracentrifugation at 200,000 gfor 1hr. Immunoglobulin-dependent mechanisms were investigated through lactic acid immunoglobulin depletion from the basophil cell surface and signaling inhibition with ibrutinib. Histamine release from magnetic bead isolated platelet mitochondria was compared to platelet lysate with or without DNase treatment. Platelet lysate histamine content represented an average of Results: Robust, dose-responsive histamine release to platelet lysate was observed in two of eight healthy donors. No histamine release was observed with plasma. Reactivity did not correlate with the clinical allergic phenotype, and reactive donors were nulliparous and had no prior transfusion. Trypsin treatment of platelet lysate reduced histamine release by 39% (p=0.008). Delipidation of platelet lysate decreased histamine release by 20% (p=0.051). Dialysis, ultracentrifugation, and mild heat denaturation of platelet lysate did not significantly affect histamine release, compared to unmanipulated platelet lysate. To investigate the immunoglobulin dependence of basophil activation, in separate experiments we 1) depleted immunoglobulins, including IgE, from the basophil cell surface, and 2) inhibited immunoglobulin-mediated intracellular signaling with ibrutinib. Histamine release in response to platelet lysate significantly decreased in both cases. Finally, isolated platelet mitochondria induced minimal basophil histamine release, and DNase treatment did not inhibit activation of basophils by platelet lysate. Conclusion: Type I immediate hypersensitivity to platelet, not plasma, proteins is a primary mechanism for ATRs. Small molecules, microparticles, and mitochondria are not significant contributors to ATRs in this human basophil model. Prior sensitization to human proteins is not required for basophil responses to platelet proteins. Donor variability and storage conditions that promote accumulation of soluble platelet-derived proteins may contribute to ATRs. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Prescribing Patterns of Buprenorphine Waivered Physicians

Abstract Background DATA 2000 enabled physicians with approved training to be waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) for a limited number of patients. A rule change in 2016 increased the patient limit for certain buprenorphine waivered physicians from 100 to 275. This study examines the prescribing patterns of buprenorphine prescribers by waiver limit status (30- or 100-patient limit). Methods Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) data from Ohio, California, and Maine were used to identify prescriptions for buprenorphine for OUD from January 2010 to April 2015. Analysis of prescribing patterns by prescriber waiver status included monthly patient censuses and treatment episode duration by state, year, and the frequency with which prescribers were near their respective patient limits. Results In the three states, 8638 physicians initiated 468,148 buprenorphine episodes. The adjusted mean monthly patient census was 42.9 for 100-patient waivered prescribers, 13.6 patients for 30-patient waivered prescribers, and 7.6 patients for prescribers unassociated with a waiver. Half (48.5%) of episodes were associated with 100-patient waivered prescribers, 26.9% with 30-patient waivered prescribers, and 24.4% with non-waivered prescribers. 30-patient waivered physicians were more likely to have no buprenorphine treatment episodes in a given month than 100-patient waivered prescribers. Conclusions Most buprenorphine prescribers practice well under their current patient limit and have numerous months with no patient episodes. For the few high prescribers, increasing the maximum patient limit beyond 100 has the potential to improve access but alone may not have widespread impact unless integrated into complementary approaches toward increasing prescriber capacity.
Topological crystalline superconductivity and second-order topological superconductivity in nodal-loop materials

We study the intrinsic fully gapped odd-parity superconducting order in doped nodal-loop materials with a torus-shaped Fermi surface. We show that the mirror symmetry, which protects the nodal loop in the normal state, also protects the superconducting state as a topological crystalline superconductor. As a result, the surfaces preserving the mirror symmetry host gapless Majorana cones. Moreover, for a Weyl-loop system (twofold degenerate at the nodal loop), the surfaces that break the mirror symmetry (those parallel to the bulk nodal loop) contribute a Chern (winding) number to the quasi-two-dimensional system in a slab geometry, which leads to a quantized thermal Hall effect and a single Majorana zero mode bound at a vortex line penetrating the system. This Chern number can be viewed as a higher-order topological invariant, which supports hinge modes in a cubic sample when mirror symmetry is broken. For a Dirac-loop system (fourfold degenerate at the nodal loop), the fully gapped odd-parity state can be either time-reversal symmetry-breaking or symmetric, similar to the $A$ and $B$ phases of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$. In a slab geometry, the $A$ phase has a Chern number two, while the $B$ phase carries a nontrivial ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ invariant. We discuss the experimental relevance of our results to nodal-loop materials such as CaAgAs.
On Fermat-Type Functional and Partial Differential Equations

This paper concerns entire and meromorphic solutions to functional and nonlinear partial differential equations of the form a 1 f m +a 2 g n =a 3 with function coefficients a k , k=1,2,3, where f and g are unknown functions or partial derivatives of an unknown function. We will discuss some recent results and also give, among other things, some new results on these equations.
The vpr regulatory gene of HIV.

Virus replication is the result of a series of two-way communications between the viral parasite and its host. Since viruses are essentially inert objects in the absence of a host cell, all aspects of their natural history can be defined in terms of these interactions. For example, whether or not a cell is permissive to infection and subsequent virus replication, or whether non-productive infection results, is determined by the expression of specific cellular factors which are necessary for each stage in the viral life cycle. In turn, the virus may modulate or enhance the expression of these factors to suit its particular needs. Viral tropism is then similarly determined through these interactions, since the presence of the viral receptor molecule on a cell is only the first requisite for productive infection. The pathogenicity of a virus is also clearly the result of these interactions.
Dismissing a Physician for Cause: The Case of Mykal Grady, MD

Sutton Medical Center was just informed through a journalist that the physician they hired was accused of raping two patients. The doctor was given a five year employment contact. In an instant the Center is now going to face bad press and possible legal liability. Students must decide if there is good cause to terminate the physician. Can the Center sue the prior employer for failing to warn the Center? What are the implications to all of the parties involved in the confidential settlement made with the complainant?
Selective retention bonuses for highly effective teachers in high poverty schools: Evidence from Tennessee

Abstract Research has established that racially isolated schools with high concentrations of low-income students disproportionately struggle to recruit and retain highly effective teachers, limiting disadvantaged students’ exposure to high-quality instruction and driving institutional and community instability. This study estimates the effect of selective retention bonuses (SRB) for highly effective teachers on low-performing, high poverty schools’ ability to elevate student performance by increasing access to effective instruction. The theory of action behind the bonus program is simple: SRBs result in greater numbers of highly effective teachers at participating schools, who subsequently drive larger student gains than the teachers who would otherwise fill their positions. To examine whether students in high poverty schools benefit from retention of highly effective teachers, we use differences in eligibility for schools to offer bonuses and the discrete timing of the program in a matched sample, difference-in-differences framework. Results indicate that schools who offered SRBs saw greater test score gains in subsequent years, especially on state reading exams.
Care of the Transgender Patient

Transgender persons are a diverse group whose gender identity differs from their sex recorded at birth. Some choose to undergo medical treatment to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Barriers to accessing appropriate and culturally competent care contribute to health disparities in transgender persons, such as increased rates of certain types of cancer, substance abuse, mental health conditions, infections, and chronic diseases. Thus, it is important that clinicians understand the specific medical issues that are relevant to this population.
The Topography of Robbery: Does Slope Matter?

To examine the influence of street block slope on robbery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Data visualizations were used to examine how street block slope varies across the city. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the influence of street block slope on robbery net of betweenness, facility composition, and socio-demographics. A 1% increase in street block slope was associated with roughly 4.5% fewer street block robberies per foot of street block length. Street blocks with a higher expected usage potential, measured via betweenness, were also observed to have higher expected robbery levels. In addition, numerous facilities and neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics linked to higher robbery levels. Steeper street blocks may have fewer robberies because they make the physical costs for committing robberies too high, are too difficult to escape from, and/or provide fewer robbery opportunities due to relatively lower usage. Moreover, more robberies appear to occur on street blocks with higher betweenness due to more potential opportunities there. Finally, the influence of facilities and community characteristics were largely consistent with theoretical expectations and past studies. Future studies should continue to examine how topography influences aggregate crime levels and offender decision making in other settings to bolster the external validity of the present findings.
Enamel chipping in Taï Forest cercopithecids: Implications for diet reconstruction in paleoanthropological contexts.

Abstract Antemortem enamel chipping in living and fossil primates is often interpreted as evidence of hard-object feeding (i.e., ‘durophagy’). Laboratory analyses of tooth fracture have modeled the theoretical diets and loading conditions that may produce such chips. Previous chipping studies of nonhuman primates tend to combine populations into species samples, despite the fact that species can vary significantly in diet across their ranges. Chipping is yet to be analyzed across population-specific species samples for which long-term dietary data are available. Here, we test the association between enamel chipping and diet in a community of cercopithecid primates inhabiting the Tai Forest, Ivory Coast. We examined fourth premolars and first molars (n = 867) from naturally deceased specimens of Cercocebus atys, Colobus polykomos, Piliocolobus badius, Procolobus verus, and three species of Cercopithecus. We found little support for a predictive relationship between enamel chipping and diet across the entire Tai monkey community. Cercocebus atys, a dedicated hard-object feeder, exhibited the highest frequencies of (1) chipped teeth and (2) chips of large size; however, the other monkey with a significant degree of granivory, Co. polykomos, exhibited the lowest chip frequency. In addition, primates with little evidence of mechanically challenging or hard-food diets—such as Cercopithecus spp., Pi. badius, and Pr. verus—evinced higher chipping frequencies than expected. The equivocal and stochastic nature of enamel chipping in the Tai monkeys suggests nondietary factors contribute significantly to chipping. A negative association between canopy preference and chipping suggests a role of exogenous particles in chip formation, whereby taxa foraging closer to the forest floor encounter more errant particulates during feeding than species foraging in higher strata. We conclude that current enamel chipping models may provide insight into the diets of fossil primates, but only in cases of extreme durophagy. Given the role of nondietary factors in chip formation, our ability to reliably reconstruct a range of diets from a gradient of chipping in fossil taxa is likely weak.
Privacy-preserving Crowd-sensing for Dynamic Spectrum Access

Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) is a well established paradigm which addresses the spectrum shortage caused by the rapid growth of connected wireless devices. In contrast to the legacy fixed spectrum allocation policies, DSA allows license-exempt users to access the licensed spectrum bands when not in use by their respective owners. While the database-driven DSA model is well suited for the TV white-space databases, other more fluid spectrum opportunities, such as the NOAA spectrum bands, remain exploreable only by either a solitary cyclostationary or multinodal cooperative signal detection and classification. While the multinodal, cooperative method offers improved signal detection and classification over solitary cyclostationary sensing, it does not provide any means of preserving the user's location privacy. Furthermore, both sensing methods suffer from very large delay due in part from the quiet periods they need to undergo in order to identify incumbent signal. To this end, we propose a location privacy-preserving crowd-sensing scheme for the DSA paradigm. Our proposed method provides location privacy for the crowd-sensing workers by leveraging the ElGamal cryptographic primitive, and it provides query obfuscation for the querying user through the $k{-}$ anonymity paradigm. Through extensive experimentation, we show that our method is efficient for a realistic deployment.
Extended Navigation Capabilities for a Future Mars Science Helicopter Concept

This paper introduces an autonomous navigation system suitable for supporting a future Mars Science Helicopter concept. This mission concept requires low-drift localization to reach science targets far apart from each other on the surface of Mars. Our modular state estimator achieves this through range, solar and Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO). We propose a novel range update model to constrain visual-inertial scale drift in the absence of motion excitation using a single-point static laser range finder, that is designed to work over unknown terrain topography. We also develop a sun sensor measurement model to constrain VIO yaw drift. Solar VIO performance is evaluated in a simulation environment in a Monte Carlo analysis. Range-VIO is demonstrated in flight in real time on 1 core of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, which is the successor of the NASA's Mars Helicopter flight processor.
Magnetoresistance Scaling and the Origin of H -Linear Resistivity in BaFe 2 ( As 1 − x P x ) 2

Author(s): Maksimovic, N; Hayes, IM; Nagarajan, V; Analytis, JG; Koshelev, AE; Singleton, J; Lee, Y; Schenkel, T | Abstract: We explore field and temperature scaling of magnetoresistance in underdoped (x=0, x=0.19) and optimally doped (x=0.31) samples of the high-temperature superconductor BaFe2(As1-xPx)2. In all cases, the magnetoresistance is H linear at high fields. We demonstrate that the data can be explained by an orbital model in the presence of strongly anisotropic quasiparticle spectra and scattering time due to antiferromagnetism. In optimally doped samples, the magnetoresistance is controlled by the properties of small regions of the Fermi surface called "hot spots,"where antiferromagnetic excitations induce a large quasiparticle scattering rate. The anisotropic scattering rate results in hyperbolic H/T magnetoresistance scaling, which competes with the more conventional Kohler scaling. We argue that these results constitute a coherent picture of magnetotransport in BaFe2(As1-xPx)2, which links the origin of H-linear resistivity to antiferromagnetic hot spots. Implications for the T-linear resistivity at zero field are discussed.
Recent Advances in Our Understanding of the Diversity and Roles of Chaperone-Usher Fimbriae in Facilitating Salmonella Host and Tissue Tropism.

Salmonella enterica is one of the most diverse and successful pathogens, representing a species with >2,600 serovars with a variety of adaptations that enable colonization and infection of a wide range of hosts. Fimbriae, thin hair-like projections that cover the surface of Salmonella, are thought to be the primary organelles that mediate Salmonella’s interaction with, and adherence to, the host intestinal epithelium, representing an important step in the infection process. The recent expansion in genome sequencing efforts has enabled the discovery of novel fimbriae, thereby providing new perspectives on fimbrial diversity and distribution among a broad number of serovars. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the evolutionary events that shaped the Salmonella chaperone-usher fimbriome in light of recent phylogenetic studies describing the population structure of Salmonella enterica. Furthermore, we discuss the complexities of the chaperone-usher fimbriae-mediated host-pathogen interactions and the apparent redundant roles of chaperone-usher fimbriae in host and tissue tropism.
ToxProfiler: Toxicity-target profiler based on chemical similarity

Abstract Identifying the ability of a chemical to interact with toxicity targets, such as proteins in an adverse outcome pathway, is an essential step in drug discovery and risk assessment. Computational approaches to screen for chemical-toxicity target interaction can serve as a rapid alternative to traditional in vitro/in vivo methods. In this work, we have developed a chemical-similarity based protocol that predicts the potential of a chemical to interact with 64 established toxicity targets. In particular, we created a chemogenomics database from public data sources to identify target representatives, i.e., chemicals that are known to interact with the selected targets. We evaluated the performance of 2D and 3D similarity approaches in correctly ranking known interacting compounds using an external evaluation set from ChEMBL database. We found that the 2D approach outperforms the 3D approach in target prediction. Here, we developed a publically available toxicity profiler website ( https://toxpro.bhsai.org/ ) using 2D similarity-based screening approach that allows user to obtain toxicity target profile for a set of query compounds. We utilized the profiler to screen 649 known acute and highly toxic chemicals with a Globally Harmonized System (GHS) score of less than 2. In this set, acetylcholinesterase was the most frequently occurring target underlying toxicity. The developed toxicity profiler tool provides a rapid means to screen for mechanisms underlying chemical toxicity.
Regional energy security goes South: Examining energy integration in South America

Abstract This article proposes to promote a regional approach to achieving energy security in South America. To this end, it first discusses the concept of energy security, concluding that it is a concept slippery, hard to define universally, because it is polysemic, multi-dimensional and context-dependent. Analyzing the South American case, initially focusing only on the Mercosur countries, we identify that there are different regional integration initiatives, such as the case of Itaipu Dam and GASBOL Pipeline, however the experiences are exclusively based on binational initiatives. Through an energy modeling called Open Source energy Modelling System using a new framework named South America Model Base (OSeMOSYS SAMBA), four scenarios are created with different levels of energy integration in the region. It is concluded that more integrated scenarios lead to a reduction in the need to increase installed capacity, as well as lower geographic and socio-environmental impacts, due to resource optimization and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.
A more dynamic understanding of landslide risk

Changing social and biophysical dynamics, as well as data limitations, in the Kivu Rift in Eastern Africa make it difficult to plan for landslide risk. A study of historical remote sensing data identifies in detail the factors impacting the evolution of this risk.
Transnational familyhood in times of imposed separation: How the US-based Iranian students use ICTs to enact relationships with their parents after the Travel Ban:

This study employs polymedia theory to analyze how Iranian students use information communication technologies (ICTs) to sustain relationships with their homeland-based parents under extended separ...
Christopher Okigbo 1930-67: Thirsting for Sunlight

Christopher Okigbo, once described as 'Africa's most lyrical poet of the twentieth century' was killed in September 1967, fighting for the independence of Biafra. The Sunday Times described his death as 'the single most important tragedy of the Nigerian civil war'. The manner in which Okigbo died typified the passionate, tortured and dramatic quality of his life. Widely considered along with Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe as part of modern Nigeria's greatest literary triumvirate, Okigbo's death promoted him to cult status among subsequent generations of African writers. This is the first full biography of the Nigerian poet. It places Okigbo within the turmoil of his generation and illustrates the aspects of his life that gave rise to such an intense poetry. How did his experience in the prestigious, English-type boarding school, Umuahia, where he was known more as a sportsman than a scholar, influence his life and later choices? Why was he sacked from the colonial service, and how did that lead him towards a search for private recovery, and ultimately towards poetry? What led him to take up arms? In other words, how did his eclectic pursuits as high school teacher, university librarian, publisher, gun-runner and guerrilla fuel his poetic drive? OBI NWAKANMA, journalist and poet, is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri. Nigeria: HEBN (Paperback)
Semi-discrete Schemes for Hamilton-Jacobi Equations on Unstructured Grids

We present a new semi-discrete central scheme for approximating solutions of Hamilton-Jacobi equations on unstructured meshes. This scheme extends the numerical Hamiltonians of Kurganov et al. to unstructured grids. Similarly to the previous works on structured grids, a semi-discrete formulation of central schemes is made possible due to estimates of the local speeds of propagation. The consistency of the method is obtained following Abgrall’s calculations for the consistency of an upwind Lax-Friedrichs scheme on unstructured grids. We conclude with comments on high-order reconstructions.
Transfer RNA in Its Fourth Decade

Nearly four decades have passed since the discovery of tRNA. Much progress was made in the first two decades: elucidation of the role of tRNA as an adaptor in protein biosynthesis, determination of the primary sequences of several tRNAs, and solution of the three-dimensional structure of a tRNA. In addition, genes for tRNA were synthesized and the synthetic gene for an amber suppressor tRNA was shown to be functional in vivo. Progress has been made on a broad front in the last two decades also, and tRNA has remained an attractive and active area of research. In summarizing the four decades of tRNA research, it is appropriate to note that tRNA has been the source of many firsts in nucleic acid research.
Welfare to Self-Employment

ABSTRACT In 1996 the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), along with an expanding economy, dramatically decreased the numbers of people receiving public assistance in the 1990s. Emphasizing quick placement in unsubsidized employment, most states responded to PRWORA with a “work first” strategy. Although specific services vary by state, policies are guided, according to one analyst, by a philosophy that “the best way to succeed in the labor market is to join it, developing work habits and skills on the job rather than in a classroom” (Brown, 1997, p. 3). Typically, recipients are placed in the job market with little or no training and those unable to find a job right away may receive some short-term training or education, immediately followed up by another job search (Brown, 1997). This case study examines micro enterprise, a strategy that assists people who have received welfare to open small businesses through the First Step Fund of Kansas City, which helps former and...
Effects of Long‐ and Short‐term Vasectomy on Structural and Functional Parameters of the Rat

The effects of vasectomy were examined by comparing various parameters from sham operated and vasectomized rats that had undergone surgery at 90 days of age and were killed at 190 or 390 days of age. Significant alterations in the vasectomized rats from sham rats included: testicular and epididymal hypertrophy, formation of pathologic vas deferens granulomas, decreased total serum protein, lowered alpha-globulin levels as shown by serum electrophoresis, and increased sperm agglutinin antibody titers. For vasectomized rats, the differential white blood cell count showed increased numbers of neutrophils and large lymphocytes and decreased numbers of small lymphocytes and basophils. Both the number and extent of many vasectomy-induced alterations were greater in long-term vasectomized than in short-term vasectomized rats.
Use of Feulgen image analysis densitometry to study the effect of genome size on nuclear size in polyploid sturgeons

Summary Feulgen image analysis densitometry (FIA) and image cytometry were used to study the relationship between the DNA content (pgDNA nucleus−1) and nuclear area (μm2) in blood smears of evolutionary tetraploid (4n) sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and stellate sturgeon (A. stellatus); evolutionary octaploid (8n) Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii) and Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii); hexaploid (6n) and decaploid (10n) fish found within A. baerii stock; and A. baerii and A. gueldenstaedtii exhibiting dodecaploidy (12n). Standards used for FIA were blood smears of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus; 2.5 pgDNA nucleus−1) and diploid and induced triploid tench, Tinca tinca (2.04 and 3.1 pgDNA nucleus−1, respectively). All ploidy levels were first verified by means of flow cytometry. Species of the same ploidy level, however differing in their DNA content, exhibited a similar mean erythrocyte nuclear area, as could be demonstrated on A. ruthenus and A. stellatus (19.27 and 19.79 μm2, respectively) with a respective mean DNA content of 3.72 and 4.68 pgDNA nucleus−1 and the same relationship was found for evolutionary octaploid (8n) A. baerii and A. gueldenstaedtii (29.87 and 30.09 μm2, respectively) with respective mean DNA content 8.29 and 7.87 pgDNA nucleus−1. The 0.19–0.32 pgDNA increments in DNA content of erythrocytes thus had no effect on their nuclear area. With increasing ploidy level, the DNA concentration (pgDNA per μm2 of erythrocyte nuclear area) was found not to increase linearly. The DNA in erythrocyte nuclei appeared to be more and more densely packed with an increase of the ploidy level (r = 0.98; R2 = 0.95).
Ewe fertility in the STAR accelerated lambing system

Effects of environmental factors such as ewe age, season of exposure, and time from lambing to exposure on fertility were evaluated using records on 1,084 Dorset ewes in the STAR accelerated lambing system. The STAR program consisted of five 30-d concurrent breeding and lambing periods per year beginning on January 1, March 15, May 27, August 8, and October 20. Fertility in the flock changed in a cyclic and predictable fashion during the year. Changes in prolificacy were less consistent but also tended to show cyclic variation. Matings that occurred within the typical breeding season (August, October, and January) were more fertile than those occurring in March and June. However, fertility also varied with the age of the ewe and the time since the ewe's last lambing. Except in June, fertility at the first postpartum mating increased as ewes aged. In March and June matings, adult ewes that had just weaned lambs were less fertile than ewes that had failed to conceive in the previous season and therefore had longer postpartum intervals. However, in October and January, ewes that had just weaned lambs were more fertile. A matrix of expected pregnancy rates, or probabilities of fertility, was constructed using a mixed GLM to describe the combined effect of season, ewe age, and time since lambing on ewe fertility in accelerated lambing.
Genome Wide Association Studies

The availability of high throughput technology for parallel genotyping has opened the field of genetics to genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies generate massive amount of genetic data that challenge investigators with issues related to data management, statistical analysis of large data sets, visualization, and annotation of results. We will review the common approach to analysis of GWAS data and then discuss options to learn more from these data.
Optical Measurements on Solids of Possible Interstellar Importance

Optical constants of olivine — (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 and magnetite — Fe3O4 are presented for the wavelength range from near infrared to far ultraviolet. A feature occurs in the optical constants of olivine at about 1460 A, but no structure that could give rise to a 2200 A interstellar feature is found. The most peculiar characteristic of the magnetite results is the large change of optical properties with temperature in the infrared.
Abstract T P201: Utility of Ordering Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time for Acute Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department

Background: Practitioners often order coagulation studies as part of an acute stroke workup. Indiscriminate use of activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) is not currently supported in evidence. Pending aPTT results can delay treatment and add unnecessary cost for acute stroke patients. We sought to determine the frequency of ordering aPTT in the initial evaluation of acute stroke patients, and the utilization of results in treatment decisions. Methods: A retrospective review of 488 records was completed on patients presenting to two primary stroke certified hospitals between August 1, 2013 and July 31, 2014. Inclusion criteria: physician activation of a code stroke in the emergency department (ED). Exclusion criteria: stroke codes initiated after hospital admission. Charts were reviewed for evidence of an aPTT order, abnormal aPTT results, and documentation of a change in medical therapy related to the aPTT results. Results: After applying criteria, 409 records were included. Of these, 388 (94.9%) subjects had aPTT drawn for initial evaluation of suspected stroke. Prolonged aPTT was found in 21 of 388 (5.4%) subjects. Three of the 21 subjects with abnormal aPTT results came directly from dialysis and had received heparin therapy during dialysis. Two subjects were taking dabigatran. Nine subjects on warfarin with elevated aPTTs also had elevated PT/INRs, as did two subjects with hepatic encephalopathy. Five subjects had a slight increase in aPTT due to unknown etiology. None of the subjects had a change in medical treatment as a result of an elevated aPTT. Rather, elevated INR was cited as a criterion for withholding intravenous thrombolytics. Conclusions: Although aPTTs are routinely ordered in the ED for acute stroke workup, results yield little information that impact treatment decisions. Unselected use of aPTT for initial acute stroke work up can lead to increased time to treatment while results are pending and unnecessary costs. Eliminating routine use of aPTT in acute stroke evaluation will result in significant cost savings without altering treatment.
Comparison of tetrachloromethane sorption to an alkylammonium-clay and an alkyldiammonium-clay

The flexibility of 10-carbon alkyl chains in the interlamellar space of Wyoming bentonite influences the mechanism of tetrachloromethane sorption from water.
Faking It: Unnecessary Deceptions and the Slow Code

The slow code was, and perhaps for some clinicians remains, a common practice, when patients or families insist on attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that physicians feel is ill-advised....
Model For Estimating Vertical Extinction Profiles In Low Stratus Subclouds

A microphysical model is presented which can be used to provide first approximations of vertical extinction profiles for low stratus subclouds. The thermodynamic portion of the model is based on particle growth models by Hanel, drop-size distributions by Duncan and Low, or Shettle and Fenn, bulk phase change thermodynamics, and a mass balance formulation. Complex indices of refraction are estimated using mixture rules by Hanel, and transmission characteristics are determined by using Mie theory. Results obtained for adiabatic and nonadiabatic conditions are presented.
Augmentation of coronary blood flow by intra-aortic balloon pumping in patients after coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the ability of intra-aortic balloon pumping to increase coronary blood flow in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. To assess the effects of intra-aortic balloon pumping on coronary hemodynamics, we measured coronary blood flow velocity with a 0.018-in. Doppler-tipped angioplasty guide wire in 15 patients who received an intra-aortic balloon pump for typical clinical indications. METHODS AND RESULTS Intra-aortic balloon pumping augmented diastolic pressure 83 +/- 35%. In nine patients before angioplasty, peak diastolic coronary flow velocity beyond the stenosis (mean diameter narrowing, 95 +/- 7%) was 5.3 +/- 9.6 cm/sec and was unaffected by intra-aortic balloon pumping. After angioplasty, the improved coronary luminal diameter narrowing (n = 12; mean narrowing, 18 +/- 12%) was associated with increased distal diastolic flow velocity integral and peak diastolic and mean velocities (13.3 +/- 8.4 units: 36.4 +/- 18.3 and 24.0 +/- 11.4 cm/sec, respectively; all p < 0.01 versus before angioplasty), which were further augmented (36 +/- 37%, 54 +/- 49%, and 26 +/- 17%, respectively; all p < 0.01) with intra-aortic balloon pumping. Intra-aortic balloon pumping did not significantly increase the distal systolic velocity integral (10 +/- 59%) or peak systolic velocity (3 +/- 33%). Similar degrees of balloon pump augmentation of distal coronary flow velocity values were observed in five angiographically normal reference arteries in four patients. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate lack of significant flow improvement beyond most critical stenoses with intra-aortic balloon pumping and the unequivocal restoration and intra-aortic balloon pump-mediated augmentation of both proximal and distal coronary blood flow velocities after amelioration of severe coronary obstructions in patients after successful coronary angioplasty.
Microsimulation of financial impact of demand surge on hospitals: the H1N1 influenza pandemic of fall 2009.

Objective Microsimulation was used to assess the financial impact on hospitals of a surge in influenza admissions in advance of the H1N1 pandemic in the fall of 2009. The goal was to estimate net income and losses (nationally, and by hospital type) of a response of filling unused hospital bed capacity proportionately and postponing elective admissions (a “passive” supply response).
An empirical study of architectural change in open-source software systems

From its very inception, the study of software architecture has recognized architectural decay as a regularly occurring phenomenon in long-lived systems. Architectural decay is caused by repeated changes to a system during its lifespan. Despite decay's prevalence, there is a relative dearth of empirical data regarding the nature of architectural changes that may lead to decay, and of developers' understanding of those changes. In this paper, we take a step toward addressing that scarcity by conducting an empirical study of changes found in software architectures spanning several hundred versions of 14 open-source systems. Our study reveals several new findings regarding the frequency of architectural changes in software systems, the common points of departure in a system's architecture during maintenance and evolution, the difference between system-level and component-level architectural change, and the suitability of a system's implementation-level structure as a proxy for its architecture.
Microstructure and solidification analysis of melt-spun AlTi and AlTiB alloys

Abstract Two alloy compositions (Al5wt.% Ti and Al4.6wt.%Ti–0.2wt.%B) were cast using the melt spinning process to provide a ribbon approximately 100 μm thick which could be used to investigate the effect of rapid solidification on an as-cast structure. The alloys were commercial-grade grain-refining master alloys used to control the grain structure in as-cast Al alloys. Equilibrium Al3Ti phase particles, with sizes ranging from 5 to 100 μm, were major components in these master alloys before remelting and rapid solidification. The microstructure of the rapidly solidified alloys was examined using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Four different morphologies of L12-type metastable intermetallic particles were observed in a region within 30 μm of the chill surface of the ribbon. These included (1) single-phase cuboidal particles, (2) nanocellular cuboidal particles, (3) duplex structure (single phase + nanocellular) cuboidal particles and (4) nanocellular angular particles. The average size of the cubodial particles was 0.3 μm, while the average size of the angular particles was about 0.6 μm. The growth morphologies observed in (2) and (3) are reported here for the first time. The different structures found within the particles are the result of different growth rates during solidification. The growth rate of L12-type metastable intermetallic particles is estimated to be up to 0.7 m s−1. The formation of a single phase or a nanocellular structure inside metastable intermetallic particles is believed to be related to the absolute stability of the smooth front—a mechanism which is generally used to account for the transition of plane front growth to a cellular structure for α-Al phase during rapid growth. This paper presents the details of the as-cast microstructure of the alloys and describes factors that affect the internal structure, the size and the shape of the L12-type metastable intermetallic particles over the ribbon thickness.
Biochemical characterization of the golgi complex of mammalian cells.

We have developed methods for the isolation of Golgi apparatus from a number of mammalian tissues. The Golgi is distinct both chemically and enzymatically from the other membranes of the cell. For both liver and kidney, galactosyltransferase has been found to be a useful marker enzyme for Golgi membranes. This enzyme is involved in the modification of glycoproteins during secretion. In addition to lipoproteins and glycoproteins, the Golgi apparatus of liver is involved in the secretion of albumin, a simple protein. It does not, however, take part in the synthesis of sphingomyelin, lecithin, or triglycerides which are present in the secreted lipoproteins. These lipids appear to be synthesized predominantly by the endoplasmic reticulum. In kidney, which is rich in glycolipids, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate, an enzyme which converts cerebroside to sulfatide, is localized predominantly in the Golgi apparatus. Thus, Golgi functions to modify glycolipids as well as mucopolysaccharides and proteins. Sulfatide constitutes a significant fraction of the total lipid of both Golgi and plasma membranes of kidney. When 35S-sulfate is injected into rats, it is incorporated first into the sulfatides of the Golgi apparatus and later appears in the sulfatides of the plasma membrane. The data are consistent with the view that sulfatides are formed in the Golgi apparatus of kidney and then transported to the plasma membrane.
Statistical Associating Fluid Theory Coupled with Restricted Primitive Model To Represent Aqueous Strong Electrolytes

Statistical Associating Fluid Theory coupled with Restricted Primitive Model (SAFT1-RPM) represents the mean ionic activity coefficient, density, osmotic coefficient, and vapor pressure of several ...
Study of cardiac sympathetic and vagal efferent activity during reflex responses produced by stretch of the atria

(1) In chloralose anesthetized dogs, effects of the left and the right atrial stretch were studied in the same animal. Stretch of the sino-atrial region of the right atrium produced acceleration of the heart rate during, and reversal of response at the termination of, the stretch. Stretch of the left pulmonary vein-atrial junctional region evoked an initial decrease followed by an increase in heart rate. The responses were similar in all animals, despite initial heart rates ranging from 120 to 200 beats per minute. (2) Activity in vagal and sympathetic nerve branches innervating the heart was recorded simultaneously. Care was taken to identify the vagal fibers innervating the heart, and record their activity without contamination of sympathetic impulses. The right atrial stretch evoked an augmentation of sympathetic activity which reached its peak at 20 sec after the beginning of stimulus. The stimulus slightly increased the vagal activity; this change occurred slowly and reached its peak in about 40-60 sec after stretch. At the release of stretch, sympathetic activity generally showed a reversal of response, i.e. activity was inhibited for 30 sec. (3) Stretch of the left atrium produced biphasic changes in cardiac sympathetic nerves; their activity was strongly inhibited for the first 15 sec, then augmented throughout the remainder of the stretch. This effect lasted 30 sec after the cessation of stimulus. Effects on vagal cardiac nerve fibers were smaller; mild augmentation in activity was produced. The onset of this effect was faster than that seen in case of the right atrium stretch. (4) Reciprocal action between vagal and sympathetic cardiac nerves was obvious only in the early phase of left atrium stretch. Effects on the heart were determined by balances in activity of these antagonistic nerves. In contrast with what occurred in cardiac reflexes, carotid sinus distension even in the same animal produced a large increase in vagal activity, and near complete inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity. Thus, good reciprocal action between the two sets of nerves was demonstrated. A difference in the two types of reflexes was thus revealed. (5) Stretch of the right atrium evoked during carotid sinus distension caused an increase in heart rate from the new low level which was produced by baroreceptor activation. Vagal activity which was greatly augmented by sinus distension was decreased by atrial stretch, while previously inhibited sympathetic activity due to sinus distension was augmented by stretch of the atrium. The effect of stretch on vagal activity seems to depend to a degree on the prestimulus level. It is of interest that the powerful baroreceptor reflexes do not mask the cardiac reflexes studied. (6) The relative importance of sympathetic and vagal efferents to atrial stretch reflexes was discussed.
High-strength all-solid lithium ion electrodes based on Li4Ti5O12

Abstract A Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 –Li 0.29 La 0.57 TiO 3 –Ag electrode composite was fabricated via sintering the corresponding powder mixture. The process achieved a final relative density of 97% the theoretical. Relatively thick, ∼100 μm, electrodes were fabricated to enhance the energy density relatively to the traditional solid-state thin film battery electrodes. The sintered electrode composite delivered full capacity in the first discharge at C /40 discharge rate. Full capacity utilization resulted from the 3D percolated network of both solid electrolyte and metal, which provide paths for ionic and electronic transport, respectively. The electrodes retained 85% of the theoretical capacity after 10 cycles at C /40 discharge rate. The tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the sintered electrode composite are the highest reported values to date, and are at least an order of magnitude higher than the corresponding value of traditional tapecast “composite electrodes”. The results demonstrate the concept of utilizing thick all-solid electrodes for high-strength batteries, which might be used as multifunctional structural and energy storage materials.
Electron emission measurements from CVD diamond surfaces

Abstract Electron emission measurements on diamond films synthesized by chemical vapor deposition are reported. UV photoemission spectroscopy indicates that the samples exhibit a negative electron affinity after exposure to hydrogen plasma. Secondary electron emission yields vary from 2.2 to 9.2. Field emission current-voltage measurements indicate threshold voltages ranging from 28 to 84 V μm −1 . The film with the highest secondary yield also exhibits the lowest emission threshold.
Cultural Transmission and the Evolution of Cooperative Behavior

Sociobiological theory predicts that humans should not cooperate with large groups of unrelated individuals. This prediction is based on genetic models that show that selection acting on variation between large unrelated groups will generally be much weaker than selection acting on variation between individuals. Recently, several authors have presented related models of human evolution that integrate cultural and genetic transmission of behavior. We show that in such models group selection is potentially a strong force. Data on ethnocentrism is examined in the context of these results.