cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can mifepristone medication abortion be successfully integrated into medical practices that do not offer surgical abortion

Abstract Background The introduction of medication abortion with mifepristone has expanded women's abortion options. Medication abortion may be easier than aspiration abortion to incorporate into medical practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of women who select medication abortion in a clinic setting where surgical abortion is not available. Methods This retrospective cohort study examines patients presenting for pregnancy options counseling to Family Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology clinics at the University of New Mexico from 2002 to 2005. All women presenting for options counseling received a dating ultrasound. All patients with an estimated gestational age of 63 days or less who chose to terminate were offered onsite medication abortion or referral to affiliated sites for uterine aspiration. Medical charts were abstracted for surgical and medical abortions, follow-up visits and complications. Results Two hundred twenty women presented for options counseling and 204 (92.7%) were eligible for medication abortion. One hundred seventy-three (85%) of the 204 eligible women chose medication abortion. One hundred thirty-six (88.3%) of 154 women under 7 completed weeks (49 days) chose medication abortion compared to 37 (74%) of 50 eligible women over 7 completed weeks (p Conclusions Medication abortion can be successfully integrated into a practice that does not offer surgical abortion. Family medicine and obstetrician/gynecologist physicians may consider incorporating medication abortion into their practices even if they are unable to offer aspiration abortion.
TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling in human esophageal epithelial cells

Despite its position at the front line against ingested pathogens, very little is presently known about the role of the esophageal epithelium in host innate immune defense. As a key player in the innate immune response, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has not been well characterized in human esophageal epithelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the inflammatory response and signaling pathways activated by TLR stimulation of human esophageal cells in vitro. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we profiled the expression pattern of human TLRs 1–10 in primary esophageal keratinocytes (EPC2), immortalized nontransformed esophageal keratinocytes (EPC2-hTERT), and normal human esophageal mucosal biopsies and found that TLRs 1, 2, 3, and 5 were expressed both in vivo and in vitro. Using the cytokine IL-8 as a physiological read out of the inflammatory response, we found that TLR3 is the most functional of the expressed TLRs in both primary and immortalized esophageal epithelial cell lines in response to its synthetic ligand polyinosinic polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]. Through reporter gene studies, we show that poly(I:C)-induced NF-κB activation is critical for the transactivation of the IL-8 promoter in vitro and that nuclear translocation of NF-κB occurs at an early time point following poly(I:C) stimulation of esophageal epithelial cells. Importantly, we also show that poly(I:C) stimulation induces the NF-κB-dependent esophageal epithelial expression of TLR2, leading to enhanced epithelial responsiveness of EPC2-hTERT cells to TLR2 ligand stimulation, suggesting an important regulatory role for TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling in the innate immune response of esophageal epithelial cells. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that TLR3 is highly functional in the human esophageal epithelium and that TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling may play an important regulatory role in esophageal epithelial homeostasis.
Fertility Parameters in Men Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection on semen parameters that assess fertility was investigated in 50 semen specimens from 21 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic HIV-seropositive men and 3 specimens from 3 men with AIDS. HIV was isolated from 15 (30%) of 50 specimens from asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic persons and from 1 of 3 specimens from patients with AIDS. The men with AIDS all had pyosemia and grossly abnormal sperm. In contrast, semen specimens from other seropositive men did not differ significantly from semen specimens from healthy seronegative semen donors. No abnormality in sperm count, morphology, numbers or types of leukocytes in semen, or other seminal parameters was associated with HIV shedding in semen. Zidovudine therapy did not affect sperm morphology or seminal characteristics. Thus, although patients with AIDS had abnormal semen, the laboratory parameters that assess fertility were not affected by shedding of HIV in semen or concomitant therapy with zidovudine.
Persistent Bacteremia with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a Hospitalized Patient

A patient with a history of alcohol abuse and pancreatitis presented with a pleural effusion resulting from a fistula between the pancreatic duct and left pleural space. Two weeks into her hospitalization, fever and persistent bloodstream infection with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Candida albicans developed. The patient had no history of exposure to animals. To our knowledge this is the first report of an E. rhusiopathiae infection presenting during hospitalization. This case suggests the possibility of a carrier state of infection and illustrates that a high index of suspicion is necessary for identification of unusual pathogens in hospitalized patients.
Analysis of IP grooming approaches in optical WDM mesh networks

This paper studies the problem of IP traffic grooming in optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) mesh networks. Two different grooming architectures are considered: (i) IP/MPLS grooming, and (ii) SONET grooming. The IP/MPLS grooming approach provides a fine level of grooming granularity realized via software based implementations, but has router processing related bottlenecks. The SONET grooming approach is realized in dedicated hardware, but is more expensive and typically offers limited grooming granularity choices. This paper also considers multipath routing as used in SONET virtual concatenation (VCAT) techniques. A detailed comparison of the different grooming options in terms of blocking probability, lightpath utilization and survivability issues is presented. The simulation analysis helps quantify the improved performance of finer granularity grooming approaches over the coarser SONET-based approaches
RFCCtf18 and the Swi1-Swi3 complex function in separate and redundant pathways required for the stabilization of replication forks to facilitate sister chromatid cohesion in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Sister chromatid cohesion is established during S phase near the replication fork. However, how DNA replication is coordinated with chromosomal cohesion pathway is largely unknown. Here, we report ...
Effects of electric fields on electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers

Long-distance electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers has been manipulated using applied electric fields. Information on the nature of excited states and the participation of the intervening medium on the reaction rate has been obtained. Several models have been tested using this method, which selectively perturbs dipolar states. A reasonable model for long distance electron transfer in this system, which may be generally useful as the basis for designing molecular electronic devices, has been proposed. >
Detection of Non-Native Sentences Using Machine-Translated Training Data

Training statistical models to detect non-native sentences requires a large corpus of non-native writing samples, which is often not readily available. This paper examines the extent to which machine-translated (MT) sentences can substitute as training data. Two tasks are examined. For the native vs non-native classification task, non-native training data yields better performance; for the ranking task, however, models trained with a large, publicly available set of MT data perform as well as those trained with non-native data.
Nitrate-induced polypeptides in membranes from corn seedling roots

The polypeptide composition of the membranes from corn (Zea mays L.) seedling roots upon nitrate induction was determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and silver-staining. The synthesis of five polypeptides (49, 48, 35, 33, and 32 kDa) in the tonoplast fraction and four polypeptides (50, 49, 38, and 33 kDa) in the plasma membrane fraction was induced by both 2.5 mM Ca(NO 3 ) 2 and 5 mM KNO 3 . Extensive washing of the membranes with salt and NaOH demonstrated that three induced polypeptides (49, 48, and 35 kDa) in the tonoplast fraction and two induced polypeptides (49 and 33 kDa) in the plasma membrane fraction were integral proteins
Physician Scheduling for Continuity: An Application in Pediatric Intensive Care

A physician schedule that maximizes continuity i.e., reduces instances of patients being treated by multiple physicians could improve the efficiency of handoffs-the transfer of patients from the care of one physician to another. We present a modeling and solution approach for assigning physicians to service and call shifts in the pediatric intensive care unit PICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Children's. We developed the handoff continuity score HCS for measuring the continuity of a schedule. We combined the HCS with a mixed-integer programming model MIP with the objective of maximizing the HCS, while minimizing violations of physician preferences. For a 51-week horizon and a physician pool of 16 physicians, no feasible solution to this MIP is found within 48 hours using CPLEX 12.4. However, an iterative heuristic incorporating modified versions of the MIP produces a schedule 3.42 percent optimality gap for the scheduling instance faced by Children's for this period. Our solution approach facilitates resource optimization, and automated scheduling requires less time than manually constructing such a schedule. We generated six-month schedules that were implemented in the PICU at Children's in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Such automated schedule construction allows for creation of schedules that maximize continuity.
Defenders of Democracy? Legitimacy, Popular Acceptance, and the South African Constitutional Court

The question of how courts in newly emerging democracies are able to act in a “counter-majoritarian” fashion is of burning theoretical and practical importance. Consequently, we investigate the relationship between the legitimacy of the South African Constitutional Court and its success at generating acquiescence to its decisions even when they are unpopular. Based on a national survey, we begin by describing the institutional loyalty the Court enjoys among its constituents. We next consider the consequences of legitimacy by determining whether people are willing to acquiesce to an adverse Court decision on a civil liberties dispute. Our central hypothesis—that legitimate institutions are capable of generating acceptance of decisions, even when citizens find the policy highly disagreeable—receives only conditional support. What little legitimacy the Constitutional Court has acquired does not readily translate into acquiescence to its decisions. The apparent inability of the Court to perform the role of a ...
Dialectics between cultural and cross-cultural psychology

The attributes of indigenous, cultural, and cross-cultural psychology are described. Dimensions that contrast these three approaches are examined. They include emphases on emics, etics, or both, context or content of communications, culture inside or outside the person, culture dynamic or static, studying real or artificial situations, meaning is the focus of the research or a barrier to the research, and differences in methodology. The advantages and disadvantages of the three approaches are then examined, and it is concluded that all three approaches should be used in a coordinated fashion and findings common across the three approaches should be emphasized.
Can feedback, cooperation, relays and full duplex operation increase the degrees of freedom of wireless networks?

We consider a fully connected network with S full duplex source nodes, D full duplex destination nodes and R relay nodes, perfect feedback to source and relay nodes, and noisy cooperation between all source, relay and destination nodes. We show that this network has SD/S+D-1 degrees of freedom if the channel gains are time-varying/frequency selective. The implication of the result is that, the techniques mentioned in the title (i.e relays etc.) can affect the capacity of a network only up to a o(log(SNR)) term and therefore cannot improve the degrees of freedom of a network. Certain communication scenarios excluded by our system model where these techniques improve the degrees of freedom are also identified. Bounds on the degrees of freedom of a fully connected K node network emerge as a by-product of our study.
Pull-In Instabilities in Functionally Graded Microthermoelectromechanical Systems

We study pull-in instabilities in a functionally graded microelectromechanical system (MEMS) due to the heat produced by the electric current. Material properties of two-phase MEMS are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction. It is shown that the pull-in voltage strongly depends upon the variation through the thickness of the volume fractions of the two constituents. It is probably the first work to consider Joule's heating, dependence of the electric conductivity upon the temperature, and the gradation of material properties in studying the pull-in instability in micro-thermo-electro-mechanical plates.
What's the Future of Public Higher Education? A Review Essay on Gary C. Fethke and Andrew J. Policano's Public No More: A New Path to Excellence for America's Public Universities

Gary Fethke and Andrew Policano's book "Public No More: A New Path to Excellence for America's Public Universities" paints a picture of a future for public research universities that is very different than what many people will want to see. Their message is that the financial and governance models under which public universities have operated have broken down and that new models are required. While I do not always agree with their prescriptions, I argue that private research universities face many of the same issues as their public counterparts and that this book deserves to be widely read by all people concerned with the future of American higher education. (JEL H75, I22, I23, I28)
P-N GROUPS AND P-SATURATED FORMATIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the proof of the theorem as per which if F be a p-saturated formation of solvable groups, F can be p-locally defined. For formations of solvable groups, it is also possible to prove that if F is a p-saturated formation, then every solvable group G has an F-projector K with (P. [G:K]) =1. A theorem presented in the chapter states that if G be a solvable group, a subgroup K of G is a PN-projector of G if and only if K is a self-normalizing p–n subgroup with (p, [G:K])=1. In light of this theorem, the only formation of solvable groups that is p-saturated for every prime number p is the class of all solvable groups.
An experiment on tracking surface features with the sensation of slip

This paper describes the last of three experiments that investigate relative motion between a surface and the fingertip (slip) as part of a larger program of research on "fingertip haptics". To confirm the suspicion that tangential displacement of the skin during contact contribute to the perception of feature movement, this experiment tasks subjects to follow a feature on a surface that displays the path tangent given three different factors: the first factor is the absence of tangential displacements 1) within the contact area and 2) on the whole finger pad. The second factor explores different surface speeds. Finally, we explore different rates of path curvature. A custom mechanical filter placed between the skin and the moving surface enables the selective elimination of tangential contact displacements. Thirty-three subjects completed the tracking test, showing that the absence of tangential forces from slip severely impairs performance. However, results reveal heightened performance with the filter in a "loose" configuration. The performance suggests that subjects do not use shape alone to track features, but some combination of shape and tangential forces (due to friction) together to perceive the movement of small features.
Turing's test and the perils of psychohistory

Critique de l'interpretation de Turing par J. Genova. En effet, sa tentative d'apprehender Turing a la lumiere de sa psychohistoire et psychobiographie est difficilement defendable
Vision-based detection of chain-link fence obstacles using a deformable template approach

Autonomous and semi-autonomous ground robots exploring urban environments need the ability to detect various types of fences that are obstacles to mobility. Visual detection of wire fences is challenging due to the small size of the wire forming the fence and the presence of multiple unknown natural and/or man-made backgrounds visible through the structure of the fence. A deformable template based algorithm has been developed to visually identify the periodic structure of chain link fences in typical outdoor scenes. The algorithm extracts edge points from the image using the Prewitt gradient operator and a histogram based thresholding method. The fence is modeled as two sets of regularly spaced parallel lines. Each of these sets of lines is parameterized by orientation, line spacing, and location of the left-most line within a specified Region Of Interest. A search in this parameter space finds the template which minimizes an energy function based on proximity of lines in the deformed template to edge points in the images. The algorithm performs well even in the presence of clutter edges from background textures in the scene. Modification of the template to account for effects of perspective distortion when viewing fences from off-normal angles is discussed.
Phase diagrams for the stability of the ν=(1)/(2) fractional quantum Hall effect in electron systems confined to symmetric, wide GaAs quantum wells

We report an experimental investigation of the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) at the even-denominator Landau-level filling factor $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ in very-high-quality wide GaAs quantum wells and at very high magnetic fields up to 45 T. The quasi-two-dimensional electron systems we study are confined to GaAs quantum wells with widths $W$ ranging from 41 to 96 nm and have variable densities in the range of $\ensuremath{\simeq}$$4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}$ to $\ensuremath{\simeq}$$4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. We present several experimental phase diagrams for the stability of the $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ FQHE in these quantum wells. In general, for a given $W$, the 1/2 FQHE is stable in a limited range of intermediate densities where it has a bilayerlike charge distribution; it makes a transition to a compressible phase at low densities and to an insulating phase at high densities. The densities at which the $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ FQHE is stable are larger for narrower quantum wells. Moreover, even a slight charge distribution asymmetry destabilizes the $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ FQHE and turns the electron system into a compressible state. We also present a plot of the symmetric-to-antisymmetric subband separation (${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{SAS}}$), which characterizes the interlayer tunneling, vs density for various $W$. This plot reveals that ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{SAS}}$ at the boundary between the compressible and FQHE phases increases linearly with density for all the samples. There is no theoretical explanation for such a simple dependence. Finally, we summarize the experimental data in a diagram that takes into account the relative strengths of the interlayer and intralayer Coulomb interactions and ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{SAS}}$. We conclude that consistent with the conclusions of some of the previous studies, the $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ FQHE observed in wide GaAs quantum wells with symmetric charge distribution is stabilized by a delicate balance between the interlayer and intralayer interactions and is very likely described by a two-component (${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{331}$) state.
Growth of the Lobule-Alveolar System of the Mammary Gland With Pregneninolone.∗†

SummaryPregneninolone alone and injected subcutaneously with estrone into castrate virgin female mice caused the development of the lobule-alveolar system of their mammary glands, having a property similar to progesterone in this respect. The injection of estrone with the pregneninolone enhanced this activity of the pregneninolone by five times. Pregneninolone has one-half the activity of progesterone in stimulating mammary lobule-alveolar growth when both are injected with estrone.
Distribution and Ecology of Small Mammals along an Elevational Transect in Southeastern Luzon, Philippines

Small mammals were surveyed along an elevational transect on Mount Isarog (summit at 1,966 m) in southeastern Luzon, Philippines. Removal trapping was conducted at six sites ranging from remnant dipterocarp forest (475 m) to mossy forest (1,750 m). A total of 255 small mammals was captured in 9,001 trap nights. Species captured were one shrew ( Crocidura grayi ) and seven rodents ( Apomys musculus, Apomys cf. microdon, Archboldomys luzonensis, Batomys sp., Chrotomys gonzalesi, Rattus everetti , and Rhynchomys isarogensis ). Five species are nocturnal, one diurnal, and two have variable diel activity. On the basis of trap success with two kinds of bait, analysis of stomach contents, and captive feeding trials, we recognize four trophic groups: omnivorous (three species), insectivorous (two species), granivorous-frugivorous (one species), and vermivorous (two species). Species richness and relative abundance followed predicted patterns of increase with elevation. Four species endemic to Mount Isarog were found only at high elevations.
The Airspace Concepts Evaluation System Terminal Area Plant Model

A new approach for modeling airport surfaces and terminal airspace, collectively referre d to as terminal areas, and traffic movement is presented. The approach supports description of the geometry of gates, taxiways, and arrival and departure routes with multiple levels of fidelity. Each terminal area model consists of a set of nodes and link s that the user connects to form a network. Nodes model gates, taxi intersections, runway thresholds, metering fixes, and other points of interest. Links model taxiways, departure and arrival routes, and aircraft transit from one node to the next. In addit ion to modeling the geometry of terminal areas, the approach supports evaluation of alternative concepts for managing terminal area traffic. Models of these concepts are decoupled, via an interface, from those of terminal areas and traffic movement. The in terface contains a set of generic functions that can be used by models of any air traffic management concept to monitor and to control aircraft passing through terminal areas.
Surgeon Modified Fenestrated Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair (F-EVAR) for Subacute Multifocal Mycotic Abdominal and Iliac Artery Saccular Aneurysms

Introduction Endovascular repair of suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) requires customized fenestrated stent grafts when they involve visceral vessels such as the renal (clinically ignored here in this specific scenario), celiac, and superior mesenteric arteries. Report On table fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (F-EVAR), using a parallel endograft approach, was performed for enlarging saccular subacute mycotic suprarenal and left common iliac artery aneurysms in a 58 year old man with recent methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia, who was high risk for open surgical repair. Fenestrations were performed for the coeliac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using a Bovie® (Clearwater, FL, USA) cautery device. The initial procedure was complicated by a type II endoleak that resolved spontaneously within 6 months of surgery. The patient remained well on follow up a year post surgery. Conclusion On table surgeon modified F-EVAR is a safe and viable option for patients with subacute suprarenal mycotic abdominal aneurysms.
Seeing Green: The Use and Abuse of American Environmental Images . By Finis Dunaway.

Seeing Green: The Use and Abuse of American Environmental Images . By Finis Dunaway. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2015. viii + 337 pp. Illustrations, notes, bibliographical notes, index. $40.00, £28.00.) While a picture may be worth a thousand words, it is often what is not pictured that matters in Finis Dunaway’s excellent Seeing Green . Dunaway analyzes dozens of what he calls “icons of American environmentalism” to assess their impact on the movement and to identify what is missing from them, showing how these visual omissions have hobbled the environmentalist cause. While “media images have made the environmental crisis visible to a mass public,” argues Dunaway, “they often have masked systemic causes and ignored structural inequalities” (p. 2). Each of Seeing Green ’s fifteen concise chapters analyzes a familiar image or type … maher{at}njit.edu
Dynamic Variation of Triazophos in Different Parts in Rice(Oryza Sativa L.)

In order to determine the dynamic variation of triazophos in different parts in rice,the pesticide residue in different plant tissues were examined in two varieties rice(Nei 2 you 6,Xiushui09)grew under field conditions.The triazophos(2 250 and 4 500 mL·hm-2)was sprayed before rice tasselled with one time.Triazophos content in rice leaf,leaf sheath,stem and ear were tested in 0,1,3,7,14,21 and 60 d after spraying,respectively.The results showed that the variation trend of triazophos content in rice leaf and leaf sheath decreased with time,and the triazophos degradation ratios in leaf were higher than 95% in two rice varieties at the 21st day in all treatments with different triazophos concentrations.The variation trend of triazophos concentration in rice stem and ear were all shown as a curve with single peak,and the concentration increased at early stage after spraying then reduced with culturing time.The highest triazophos concentration in rice leaf,leaf sheath,stem and ear appeared at different time,i.e,0 d,0 d,1～3 d and 21 d,respectively.Furthermore,the variation trend of triazophos concentration in leaf sheath was identical with that in leaf,but the trend in stem and ear significantly lagged behind that in leaf and leaf sheath.Conclusively,the application amount and frequency of triazophos must be strictly controlled before the rice heading.
Recovery of valuable and toxic metals from crystalline-Si modules

Valuable and toxic metals including Ag, Pb, Sn and Cu can be recovered from end-of-life Si solar modules. This study presents the recovery of Ag, Pb, Sn and Cu from a simulated leach solution of crystalline-Si modules. 11.4% HNO 3 is used as the leach solution. Ag, Pb, Sn and Cu pellets are dissolved in the solution to simulate the metals from front contacts and soldered wires in Si modules. Sn precipitates in the solution as SnO 2 , which can be separated by filtration or sedimentation. Voltammetry reveals the reduction potentials for Ag and Cu. It is demonstrated that 3-electrode sequential electrowinning can extract Ag and Cu one by one from the solution. The recovery rates of Ag and Cu are 74% and 83%, respectively. Toxic Pb is deposited on the anode as PbO 2 during Cu recovery. The purity of the extracted metals is above 99%.
Cyberculture and Identity

Cyberculture has sparked identity crisis on the Internet communicative platforms like blogs and other social media sites. It is fashionable to hide behind anonymous posting and post offensive or distasteful images, videos, texts, and audio purportedly meant to unveil what may not be in the open. At the same time, it is not possible to post comments using your true identity and expect that your privacy will not be compromised one way or the other. This is the conundrum that online communication has placed before us. With new media technology there is nothing private online anymore. Whatever is clicked and sent over the airwaves, be it on a secured site or an open site goes into the cloud sever and somebody somewhere is reading, watching, and archiving it.
Interferon-Gamma Is a Critical Regulator of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Response to Chronic Infection.

Abstract 2549 Poster Board II-526 Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the progenitors of all blood cells including the effector cells of the immune system. HSCs remain dormant during most of the life of an organism, but can be activated by stress conditions to replenish peripheral blood cells. Infection is a common stress that leads to the consumption of immune cells, and the bone marrow must compensate for increased immune system demands by increasing production of downstream progeny during chronic infection. How this compensation is accomplished is poorly understood. We investigated the HSC response to chronic infection using an in vivo mouse model of Mycobacterium avium ( M. avium ) infection. We found that infection stimulates changes in multiple hematopoietic progenitor compartments to maintain peripheral blood homeostasis. Infection activates the HSC itself to differentiate and proliferate, as measured by BrdU incorporation. Since interferon-gamma (IFNg) levels are high during M. avium infection, we hypothesized that this cytokine may be an important mediator of the HSC response. We confirmed that IFNg levels in the bone marrow, where the HSC resides, are elevated in infected mice. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that the proliferative response to M. avium infection is abrogated in Stat1-deficient and IFNg-receptor-deficient mice, but is unaffected in IFNa-receptor-deficient mice, indicating that the HSC response to M. avium infection is critically mediated by IFNg. To determine if IFNg alone is sufficient to stimulate the HSC, we tested and confirmed that HSCs express the IFNg receptor, and are thus capable of responding directly to IFNg signaling. We next established that IFNg stimulates expression changes in known IFN regulatory molecules such as Stat1 and Irf9 in the HSC. In agreement with our findings using M. avium , IFNg alone causes HSCs to proliferate both in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by BrdU incorporation. Furthermore, we found that HSCs from an IFNg-deficient mouse model exhibit decreased baseline proliferation and superior engraftment in a competitive transplantation assay. Thus, IFNg participates in maintaining balance between quiescence and proliferation of HSCs even in the absence of infection. Despite historical data that IFNs are suppressors of bone marrow function, this report signifies the first in vivo evidence that IFNg has a powerful and direct effect on HSC proliferation. Thus it appears that IFN regulation of the bone marrow is a complex, and perhaps context-dependent, phenomenon. These findings inform our understanding of HSC biology as well as our ability to treat patients affected by chronic infections, such as HIV and tuberculosis, illnesses that can be complicated by bone marrow suppression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Adhesion and Toxicity of Polymers Prepared Using Ionic Liquid Monomers

The focus of this research was to investigate possible applications of crosslinked polymers that could be prepared through free-radical polymerization of protic ionic liquid monomers. These monomers were synthesized through reactions of selected Bronsted acids and bases, and then polymerized with and without the aid of a free-radical initiator. It was discovered that these polymers had potential applications as adhesives, and bond strengths of various formulations were tested and compared with commercially available adhesives. Additionally, potential environmental toxicity of these polymers was investigated by performing zone of inhibition testing with select bacteria. It was determined that several of these polymers have comparable or superior bond strengths to other common adhesives, although monomer type and initiator concentration can impact these strengths. Toxicity was also dependent on these factors, with some formulations showing high toxicity and others showing few toxic effects.
The Case for Reconceptualizing Southeast Asian Studies

In contrast to the general scenario of gloom in Europe is the cheerful state of affairs of Area Studies in Asia, where ever more ground and importance are being gained. Taking Southeast Asian Studies as a case study, this chapter argues that there are different “Southeast Asia’s” to study. The very cultural complexity and differentiation within the region necessitates a broader “heuristic approach” in the academic inquiry of the region. The intention of exploring and discussing this heuristic approach is to put into orbit reflection, analysis, discussion, and argumentation for the purpose of facilitating new ideas and discoveries with which we may reconsider our picture of what “regions” are and reflect on how we can rethink Area Studies.
Oral medication adherence in cancer interventional studies.

e17505 Background: Given the increasing role of oral agents in cancer control and the implications of medication non-adherence on health system costs, outcome evaluations and patient outcomes, syst...
Blame and the Humean Theory of Motivation

A classic, though basically neglected question about motivation arises when we attempt to account for blame’s nature—namely, does the recognition central to blame need help from an independent desire in order to motivate the blame-characteristic dispositions that arise in the blamer? Those who have attended to the question think the answer is yes. Hence, they adopt what I call a Humean Construal of blame on which blame is (a) a judgment that an individual S is blameworthy and (b) an independent desire about S not doing as they did or being as they are. This paper rejects arguments for the Humean Construal, illustrates deep failings of that view, and uses these considerations to support anti-Humean accounts of blame in particular and moral motivation more broadly.
Dynamic Gradient Directed Molecular Transport and Concentration in Hydrogel Films

Materials which selectively transport molecules along defined paths offer new opportunities for concentrating, processing and sensing chemical and biological agents. Here, we present the use of traveling ionic waves to drive molecular transport and concentration of hydrophilic molecules entrained within a hydrogel. The traveling ionic wave is triggered by the spatially localized introduction of ions, which through a dissipative ion exchange process, converts quaternary ammonium groups in the hydrogel from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Through a reaction–diffusion process, the hydrophobic region expands with a sharp transition at the leading edge; it is this sharp gradient in hydrophilicity that drives the transport of hydrophilic molecules dispersed within the film. The traveling wave moved up to 450 μm within 30 min, while the gradient length remained 20 μm over this time. As an example of the potential of molecular concentration using this approach, a 70-fold concentration of a hydrophilic dye was demonstrated.
Numerical study of air ingress transition to natural circulation in a high temperature helium loop

Abstract The generation-IV high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs) are designed with many passive safety features, one of which is the ability to passively remove heat under a loss of coolant accident (LOCA). However, several common reactor designs do not prevent against a large break in the coolant system and may therefore experience a depressurized LOCA. This would lead to air entering into the reactor system via several potential modes of ingress: diffusion, gravity currents, and natural circulation. At the onset of a LOCA, the initial rate of air ingress is expected to be very slow because it is governed by molecular diffusion. However, after several hours, natural circulation would commence, thus, bringing the air into the reactor system at a much higher rate. As a consequence, air ingress would cause the high temperature graphite matrix to oxidize, leading to its thermal degradation and decreased passive heat (decay) removal capability. Therefore, it is essential to understand the transition of air ingress from molecular diffusion to natural circulation in an HTGR system. This paper presents results from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to study the air ingress transition behavior. These results are validated against an h-shaped high temperature helium loop experiment (McIlroy et al., 2010). Details are provided to quantitatively predict the transition time from molecular diffusion to natural circulation.
Relative contributions of specific frequency bands to the loudness of broadband sounds.

Listeners with normal hearing (NH) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were asked to compare pairs of noise stimuli and choose the louder noise in each pair. Each noise was made up of 15, two-ERBN (equivalent rectangular bandwidth) wide frequency bands that varied independently over a 12-dB range from one presentation to the next. Mean levels of the bands followed the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) or were set to 43, 51, or 59 dB sound pressure level (SPL). The relative contribution of each band to the total loudness of the noise was determined by computing the correlation between the difference in levels for a given band on every trial and the listener's decision on that trial. Weights for SNHL listeners were governed by audibility and the spectrum of the noise stimuli, with bands near the spectral peak of the LTASS noise receiving greatest weight. NH listeners assigned greater weight to the lowest and highest bands, an effect that increased with overall level, but did not assign greater weight to bands near the LTASS peak. Additional loudness-matching and paired-comparison studies using stimuli missing one of the 15 bands showed a significant contribution by the highest band, but properties other than loudness may have contributed to the decisions.
Reckoning With: Information Use and Engaging with Strategic Decisions in High Tech Work

We know that information use features prominently in strategic decision-making, yet know little about its role in practices of assessing, evaluating, or otherwise engaging with decisions made by others. To investigate this, I draw on an ethnographic study of a high tech firm and examine a strategic direction within the organization: the development and launch of a new software product. I articulate a conceptual process I label reckoning with, which involves two processes of information use – claiming a mandate and renewing debate – each incorporating different types of information and producing different types of engagements with the strategic direction (affirming and re-directing). I discuss these findings and their relation to processes of organizational identity.
Photoemission and electrostatic potentials on the dayside lunar surface in the terrestrial magnetotail lobes.

Despite the need to accurately predict and assess the lunar electrostatic environment in all ambient conditions that the Moon encounters, photoemission and electrostatic potentials on the dayside lunar surface in the terrestrial magnetotail lobes remain poorly characterized. We study characteristics and variabilities of lunar photoelectron energy spectra by utilizing Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) and Apollo measurements in combination with the Flare Irradiance Spectral Model (FISM). We confirm that the photoelectron spectral shapes are consistent between ARTEMIS and Apollo and that the photoelectron flux is linearly correlated with the FISM solar photon flux. We develop an observation-based model of lunar photoelectron energy distributions, thereby deriving the current balance surface potential. The model predicts that dayside lunar surface potentials in the tail lobes (typically tens of volts) could increase by a factor of 2–3 during strong solar flares.
The Palliated Univentricular Heart

The most significant area of growth in adult congenital cardiac practice is in relation to patients with complex univentricular hearts. These patients represent the extreme end of the ACHD spectrum and demonstrate unique manifestations of heart failure. This chapter describes, in detail, the underlying pathophysiology of these changes focusing on patients who have undergone Fontan or cavopulmonary operations. The possible therapeutic options for these patients are explained in terms of their specific impact on the abnormal haemodynamics. The multisystem impact of heart failure and the importance of other end-organ involvement are discussed particularly in the context of timely referral for transplant assessment.
v\mathcal{F}\mathcal{P}: An environment for the multi-level specification, analysis, and synthesis of hardware algorithms

This paper describes a method based on applicative languages for the specification, evaluation and synthesis of hardware algorithms. The goal of the research effort is to provide designers with an environment in which they can rapidly explore alternative designs for their algorithms throughout the synthesis process. It is possible to specify the algorithm at arbitrary levels of abstraction and have the system rapidly evaluate certain parameters (e.g. speed, area, etc.) so that designers can make informed decisions during the synthesis process. Layouts which are suitable as floor plans are extracted from high-level algorithms.
2.11 – Giant Planets

Beyond the inner solar system's terrestrial planets, with their compact orbits and rock -metal compositions, lies the realm of the outer solar system and the giant planets. Here the distance between planets jumps by an order of magnitude relative to the spacing of the terrestrial planets, and the masses of the giants are one to two orders of magnitude greater than Venus and Earth –the largest terrestrial bodies. Composition changes as well, since the giant planets are largely gaseous, with inferred admixtures of ice, rock, and metal, while the terrestrial planets are essentially pure rock and metal. The giant planets have many more moons than do the terrestrial planets, and the range of magnetic field strengths is larger in the outer solar system. It is the giant planets that sport rings, ranging from the magnificent ones around Saturn to the variable ring arcs of Neptune. Were it not for the fact that only Earth supports abundant life (with life possibly existing, but not proved to exist, in the martian crust and liquid water regions underneath the ice of Jupiter's moon Europa), the terrestrial planets would pale in interest next to the giant planets for any extraterrestrial visitor.
An Epidemiologic Approach to Dealing With Multimedia Exposure to Multiple Related Chemicals

In investigating the health risk from environmental exposure, one is usually confronted with the fact that people are exposed to many chemicals besides the one of interest. Therefore, if the statistical analysis of an association between exposure and disease is to be meaningful, and if the results are to include a quantitative risk estimate, some measure of composite exposure must be developed. The development of such a measure is described in the context of a retrospective cohort study on the effects of exposure to drinking water contaminated with multiple volatile organic compounds. The main problem in developing a composite measure appears to be the lack of standardization in the assessment and presentation of toxicologic parameters. Three of these parameters are discussed: the LD50, the NOEL, and the pulmonary retention rate.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry at 150 ATM Pressure

While transition temperature measurements at elevated pressure have been performed in the past, it has not been possible to measure heat capacities and heats of fusion at higher pressures. The present paper reports on measurements of melting transitions of naphthalene, benzoic acid, adipic acid, indium, polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene and glass transitions of polystyrene at elevated pressure. The equipment is based on the commercial duPont 900 DSC-system. The pressure range has been increased to about 150 atm by altering the construction material of the pressure enclosure. The safety factor has been left at the same value as before. The pressure range and precision temperature measurement is large enough to study the changes of melting temperatures which are typically 1 – 3°C/100 atm. The change in heat capacity in the glass transition range is of particular interest since cooling under pressure leads to different frozen states than the freezing at atmospheric pressure.
Electron microscopic examination of the inflammatory response of guinea pig neutrophils and macrophages to Legionella pneumophila.

We studied the ultrastructural morphology of neutrophils and macrophages from splenic and pulmonary lesions of guinea pigs inoculated with Legionella pneumophila. Both organs exhibited a similar mixture of these two inflammatory cells. We used 10 male Hartley guinea pigs. Four were infected intranasally with 0.5 ml of inoculum containing 5×10 organisms. Four were infected intra-peritoneally with 0.5 ml of inoculum containing 5×106 organisms. The remaining two were inoculated intranasally with 0.5 ml of sterile diluent. All animals were autopsied three days after inoculation, and the pulmonary and splenic tissues were prepared for electron microscopic studies.
Differences in Characteristics and Downstream Drug Use Among Opioid-Naïve and Prior Opioid Users with Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND Recent clinical practice guidelines have suggested conservative treatment approaches, including physical therapy, are indicated as first-line treatment for patients with low back pain (LBP); however, LBP continues to be managed with opioids, despite decreases in function, morbidity, and insignificant improvements in pain. OBJECTIVE The primary purpose was to compare characteristics and downstream medication use between patients with LBP with prior opioid exposure vs. those who were opioid-naive. The secondary purpose was to explore the role of prior opioid use by LBP disability. METHODS Seven hundred and nine participants in a LBP self-management class were evaluated utilizing self-report data at baseline and longitudinal claims data from the Military Health System Data Repository. Participants were dichotomized into opioid-naive and prior opioid use groups and then further divided into low and high disability groups based on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use were compared between groups. RESULTS Prior opioid users had significantly higher baseline ODI and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale and work subscale scores as well as pre-index instances of mental health disorders, chronic pain, and insomnia than opioid-naive individuals. Prior opioid users filled significantly more pain medication prescriptions in the year after the index date than did opioid-naive individuals. Prior opioid users were significantly more likely to be taking opioids at 1 year after the index date, regardless of disability level. CONCLUSION In patients presenting with LBP, prior opioid exposure appears to be related to increased analgesic use (opioid and non-opioid) and longitudinal analgesic utilization at 1 year after the index date.