cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultimate efficiency of multi-channel spectral beam combiners by means of volume Bragg gratings

With recent advances in high-power laser technology, Volume Bragg Gratings (VBG) have been recognized as important elements in different types of beam-combining applications, such as, design of optical correlators, coherent and incoherent power beam-combiners and in particular, spectral beam combiners (SBC) in which the output beams from several distinct laser sources are combined into a single-aperture, diffraction-limited beam. The obvious advantage of VBG's in these applications results from their narrow spectral and angular selectivity compared, for example, to any type of surface gratings. Almost a two order magnitude difference in spectral efficiency (number of channels per usable bandwidth) can potentially allow one to combine a much larger number of lasers into a single spot. The VBG recorded in a photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass exhibit long-term stability of all its parameters in high-power laser beams. With power density more than 1 MW/cm2 in the CW beam of total power on a kilowatt level the characteristics of these elements appear to be stable. In order to increase the spectral efficiency of such a "beam-combiner" the overall loss resulting from absorption and cross-talk between channels should be minimized. In this paper we consider architecturespecific beam-combining scheme and address cross-talk minimization problem based on optimal channel positioning. A mathematical model reveals the critical parameters for high efficiency spectral beam combining in which explicit equations are derived to relate the spectral density to the total system efficiency. Issue of system scalability for up to 200 channels is addressed. Coupled wave theory of thick hologram gratings is used in this analysis to characterize.
Mutation and selection--a quantitative evaluation.

A quantitative comparison of gene frequency change by mutation, selection, and mutation and selection combined, demonstrates that even when the mutation rate is quite high (1/10,000 per generation), and favorable selection almost imperceptibly small (.0025 per gene per generation) selection becomes the principal force changing gene frequency as soon as the new gene has reached the level of 4%.
Nitrofurazone in Water for Cecal Coccidiosis in Chickens

Abstract THE anticoccidial activity of nitrofurazone was first reported by Harwood et al. (1947). Harwood and Stunz (1949a, b, 1950) demonstrated that extremely low dosages of nitrofurazone were effective in controlling Eimeria tenella infections in chickens, without growth retardation; that continuous medication at 0.0067% concentration in feed reduced the mortality rate of birds infected with E. tenella, and that 0.0055% level in feed was effective in treating cecal coccidiosis. Foster (1951) recommended nitrofurazone at concentrations ranging from 0.0055% to 0.0069% in feed for the prevention of coccidiosis, and prescribed 0.011% in feed for 4 or 5 days to treat coccidial outbreaks. Horton-Smith and Long (1952) reported that 0.022% nitrofurazone in feed controlled established infections of cecal coccidiosis in chickens and emphasized the prophylactic value of 0.011%. Birds with acute coccidiosis cease to eat, but continue to drink. During this phase, medication in drinking water may protect birds harboring developmental stages of …
Activation of nuclear receptors by prostaglandins.

Deletion of membrane receptors for prostaglandins has revealed their importance in diverse biological systems. Some evidence has accrued to support the contention that they may also ligate nuclear receptors, particularly peroxisomal proliferator activator receptors (PPARs). This is most pronounced in the case of 15-deoxy PGJ2, a cyclopentanone derivative of PGJ2 as a ligand for PPARγ. However, while this compound can ligate the PPAR, the quantities formed in vivo suggest that this is an unlikely endogenous ligand. Furthermore, biosynthesis is unaltered in murine atherosclerosis and other inflammatory and metabolic disorders where activation of this PPAR has been implicated. The suggestion that prostaglandins serve as endogenous ligands for nuclear receptors is presently configured on the use of synthetic compounds and immunoreactive quantitation of dubious validity. The application of quantitatively precise and sensitive physicochemical methodology will enhance experiments designed to address this hypothesis.
Differential role of δ-opioid receptors in the development and expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine

The present study was designed to determine whether the selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole hydrochloride can prevent the expression and development of sensitization to the locomotor-activating effects of cocaine. Rats were sensitized to the motor stimulant effects of cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p. x 3 days). 48 h after withdrawal of pretreatment, rats were pretreated with naltrindole (0.1-1.0 mg/kg s.c.) or its vehicle and 15 min later challenged with either saline or the sensitizing dose of cocaine. In a second set of experiments, naltrindole (0.1-1.0 mg/kg s.c.) or its vehicle were given in combination with either saline or cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) for 3 days. Activity in response to saline and to cocaine (20 mg/kg i.p.) was assessed on days 4 and 5, respectively. Additional experiments determined whether naltrindole prevents the development of sensitization to the locomotor-activating effects of nicotine: naltrindole (0.3, 1.0 mg/kg s.c.) or its vehicle were given in combination with nicotine (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) for 3 days. Naltrindole blocked the development but not expression of sensitization to the locomotor-activating effects of cocaine. In contrast, naltrindole failed to modify nicotine-induced sensitization in nicotine-treated animals. These data suggest that delta-opioid receptors are involved in the development but not expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine.
Postfixed brachial plexus radiculopathy due to thoracic disc herniation in a collegiate wrestler: a case report.

Objective: To present the unique case of a collegiate wrestler with C7 neurologic symptoms due to T1–T2 disc herniation. Background: A 23-year-old male collegiate wrestler injured his neck in a wre...
Synthesis and ignition of energetic CuO/Al core/shell nanowires

Abstract Energetic thermites (mixtures of Al and metal oxides), due to their high energy densities, have broad applications in propulsion, thermal batteries, waste disposal, and power generation for micro systems. Reducing the sizes of Al and metal oxides down to the nanoscale has been shown to be effective in increasing their reaction rates and reducing their ignition delays. However, it remains a challenge to create mixtures of Al and metal oxides with nanoscale uniformity. Here we report synthesis and ignition studies on thermites with a new nanostructure, i.e., CuO/Al core/shell nanowires (NWs). The CuO NW cores were synthesized by the thermal annealing of copper films and served as templates for the deposition of Al shells by subsequent sputtering. The advantage of such a core/shell NW structure is that CuO and Al are uniformly mixed at the nanoscale. The onset temperatures of the exothermic reaction of the core/shell NWs were similar to those of nanoparticle (NP)-based thermites in terms of magnitude, insensitivity to equivalence ratios and sensitivity to heating rates. Moreover, the core/shell NW thermites, compared to NP-based thermites, exhibit greatly improved mixing uniformity and reduced activation energy for the thermite reaction.
Human placental lactogen levels and intrapartum fetal distress: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate patterns, and Apgar scores

Abstract Serum human placental lactogen (HPL) levels were serially determined by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay technique. A total of 1,595 samples were obtained on 1,100 women with high-risk pregnancies. The infants were monitored during labor for signs of intrapartum distress. There was no relationship found between the HPL levels and the fetal heart rate patterns recorded during more than 400 hours of labor by continuous invasive electronic techniques. There was also no relationship between the HPL levels and the 5 minute neonatal Apgar score. There was a positive and significant correlation between the level of HPL one day before labor and the one-minute Apgar score. In addition, there were significantly more lower HPL values found in those pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and a vertex presentation. These results suggest that HPL may be clinically useful as a placental function test but also that it cannot be the only tool used for the selection of patients for intrapartum biophysical fetal monitoring.
Intraseasonal and Interdecadal Jet Shifts in the Northern Hemisphere: The Role of Warm Pool Tropical Convection and Sea Ice

AbstractThis study uses cluster analysis to investigate the interdecadal poleward shift of the subtropical and eddy-driven jets and its relationship to intraseasonal teleconnections. For this purpose, self-organizing map (SOM) analysis is applied to the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) zonal-mean zonal wind. The resulting SOM patterns have time scales of 4.8–5.7 days and undergo notable interdecadal trends in their frequency of occurrence. The sum of these trends closely resembles the observed interdecadal trend of the subtropical and eddy-driven jets, indicating that much of the interdecadal climate forcing is manifested through changes in the frequency of intraseasonal teleconnection patterns.Two classes of jet cluster patterns are identified. The first class of SOM pattern is preceded by anomalies in convection over the warm pool followed by changes in the poleward wave activity flux. The second class of patterns is preceded by sea ice and stratospheric polar vortex anomalies; when the Arctic se...
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF ENZYME HYDROLYSIS FISH PROTEIN CONCENTRATION AND WASTE WATER BASED AQUACULTURE

The production of fish protein concentrate and the aquaculture of fish in waste waters are two ancient technologies. Modern use of these technologies demands examination of their public health implications as they are adapted to modern needs of food production and waste processing. Though the ponding of wastes to meet safe discharge requirements has been observed to be efficient and economic, both chemical and microbiological factors potentially interfere with using waste waters to produce protein supplements for human consumption. Application of one or more food engineering processes could relieve the inherent problems of coordinating waste water management and protein production. The fish protein concentration process evaluated in this study is based on a recently developed food engineering process. This process was investigated because of its low cost and the functional properties of the final product. The literature investigation indicates microbiological agents and microbial toxins of public health concern will be destroyed during the fish protein concentration process investigated and prevented from forming in the final product. Laboratory investigations undertaken in this research document that the heavy metals cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc concentrated in the final product on the average 15% or less than the maximum concentration that could have occurred (maximum concentration is the initial burden of a metal multiplied by the factor by which the raw tissue is concentrated). Information available suggests that the method of fish protein concentration investigated in this study concentrates the heavy metals less than similar processes reported previously. It is concluded that if the final fish protein concentrate is used as a supplemental protein, fish from waste waters can be used as the raw product in the process. Ideally, waste waters low in or devoid of industrial pollutatants should be chosen for fish culture.
Amenities and property values in a model of an urban area

The dependence of property values on a schedule of ‘amenities’ is examined in the case of a ‘small’ and ‘open’ city and in the case of a ‘closed’ city. Questions concerned with the predictability and interpretation of changes in equilibrium property values following an improvement in amenities are considered in these cases. The problem of identifying the implicit demand for amenities from a single equilibrium rent schedule is also addressed.
People as resources: Exploring the functionality of warm and cold

We propose a motivational model of impression formation—people as resources—as a way to understand what information perceivers seek in their interpersonal world. Prior work has established that the warm–cold dimension is fundamental to impression formation. Building on other functional approaches, we suggest that the attributes warm and cold are important because they predict the direction of target resource use in interpersonal relationships—whether a person's valued resources are likely (warm) or unlikely (cold) to be used for the benefit of the perceiver. In two studies, the warmth or coldness of a target influenced impressions more when the target did versus did not possess a valued resource. This effect was replicated across two studies using two different types of resources—competence (Study 1) and a material resource (Study 2). Implications of the model for understanding the motivations that underlie social perception are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conducting networks from cultured cells on self-assembled monolayers

Abstract A combination of photolithographic and chemical techniques were used to prepare biologically active patterned substrates to guide the development of neurons in culture. A synthetic peptide, derived from the B2 chain of laminin was chemically attached to patterned silicon surfaces to promote the development and guidance of embryonic rat hippocampal neurons. On parallel lines, neurons developed a mature bipolar morphology. These modified surfaces may be an important element of future biosensors and neural prosthetic devices.
Tribo-chemistry and Tribo-corrosion

Tribological losses at interfaces can cost important recourses such as time and money. Knowledge of interface chemistry is vital to understand fundamentals of tribological parameters. Sliding of two surfaces provide favorable thermodynamic parameters for chemical reactions to take place at these interfaces. The study of these reactions primarily studied under special fields of tribology, i.e., tribo-chemistry and tribo-corrosion. It is difficult to separate these two fields. Usually, study of tribo-corrosion deals with surface deterioration due to the synergism of tribological factors, electrical stimulus, and corrosion. The thermodynamics approach can be utilized to understand the tribo-chemical reactions. This chapter provides different approaches taken to study these two fields. In this chapter, some of the mechanisms responsible for and applications of tribo-chemical interactions are discussed for example tribo-emission, tribo-chemical polishing, tribo-chemistry of magnetic media drive. Tribo-corrosion of coatings and metallic materials is briefly discussed. The case study of complex tribo-chemistry in sugarcane roller mill is included.
In Vitro Activity of DC-159a, a New Broad-Spectrum Fluoroquinolone, Compared with That of Other Agents against Drug-Susceptible and -Resistant Pneumococci

DC-159a yielded MICs of ≤1 μg/ml against 316 strains of both quinolone-susceptible and -resistant pneumococci (resistance was defined as a levofloxacin MIC ≥4 μg/ml). Although the MICs for DC-159a against quinolone-susceptible pneumococci were a few dilutions higher than those of gemifloxacin, the MICs of these two compounds against 28 quinolone-resistant pneumococci were identical. The DC-159a MICs against quinolone-resistant strains did not appear to depend on the number or the type of mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region. DC-159a, as well as the other quinolones tested, was bactericidal after 24 h at 2× MIC against 11 of 12 strains tested. Two of the strains were additionally tested at 1 and 2 h, and DC-159a at 4× MIC showed significant killing as early as 2 h. Multistep resistance selection studies showed that even after 50 consecutive subcultures of 10 strains in the presence of sub-MICs, DC-159a produced only two mutants with maximum MICs of 1 μg/ml.
Strategies to Address Appropriate Fluoroquinolone Use in the Hospital

Purpose: Strategies to optimally use fluoroquinolones in the hospital setting are reviewed.Summary: Fluoroquinolones possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage and are widely used to treat a variety of infections including some serious, life-threatening conditions. Overuse and inappropriate use of fluoroquinolones has led to rapid emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant organisms as well as multidrug-resistant pathogens. Preserving the fluoroquinolone class is important, especially given the lack of new antibiotics currently in clinical development. Maintaining the fluoroquinolone class as a therapeutic option requires the successful implementation of guidelines to promote appropriate, optimal use of these agents. Among many recommendations to control the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship programs offer the most comprehensive solution to gain appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. Effective programs include selection of the most effective agents, specific dosages, fr...
STRESS-STRAIN MODULUS OF CLAY IN UNDRAINED SHEAR

Stress-strain data from laboratory shear tests on clays are used in stress distribution and soil deformation problems. The soil is frequently assumed to be an isotropic linear-elastic material having a unique Young's modulus, E. The many factors that influence the value of E, determined from undrained triaxial tests on undisturbed and remolded clays, are examined. The level of applied shear stress, the type of shear test (UU versus CU), the quality of sampling, the degree of overconsolidation, the effects of time (thixotropy, aging, and rate of strain), and the type of stress system applied prior to and during shear (direction of major principal stress, values of intermediate and minor principal stresses) are all shown to have important effects on modulus. CU tests, rather than UU tests, are generally recommended for correlating laboratory and field values of modulus, because they are usually less influenced by sample disturbance and can be better suited for evaluating the effects of different stress systems.
Four-wave mixing mediated by the capture of carriers in semiconductor quantum-well amplifiers

We demonstrate a technique to measure the intrinsic capture lifetime, using frequency-resolved four wave mixing (FWM). The work is based on a frequency-domain measurement of the response function associated with the transfer of a modulation from three-dimensional states above the QW to the quantum-confined two dimensional states. The principle of the experiment is shown using two DFB semiconductor quantum well lasers.
A simulated annealing method for mapping production systems onto multicomputers

A methodology for mapping rule-based expert systems onto a message-passing multicomputer is presented. The method is based on static load balancing using simulated annealing to achieve a nearly optimal allocation of multiple production rules to processor nodes. The goal is to balance the initial load distribution and to avoid serious communication overhead among processor nodes at run time. A formal model is developed and a cost function is defined in the annealing process. Heuristic swap functions and cooling policies which ensure the efficiency and quality of the annealing process are given. A software load-balancing package is implemented on a SUN 3/280 workstation to carry out the benchmark experiments. The overhead associated with this mapping method is O(m ln m), where m is the number of production rules in the system. The Monkey and Bananas expert system with 24 rules is mapped onto an 8-node hypercube. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the mapping method. The method can be applied in practical parallel production systems and to achieve scalability in performance. >
A Tool Set for the Genome-Wide Analysis of Neurospora crassa by RT-PCR

Neurospora crassa is an important model organism for filamentous fungi as well as for circadian biology and photobiology. Although the community-accumulated tool set for the molecular analysis of Neurospora is extensive, two components are missing: (1) dependable reference genes whose level of expression are relatively constant across light/dark cycles and as a function of time of day and (2) a catalog of primers specifically designed for real-time PCR (RT-PCR). To address the first of these we have identified genes that are optimal for use as reference genes in RT-PCR across a wide range of expression levels; the mRNA/transcripts from these genes have potential for use as reference noncycling transcripts outside of Neurospora. In addition, we have generated a genome-wide set of RT-PCR primers, thereby streamlining the analysis of gene expression. In validation studies these primers successfully identified target mRNAs arising from 70% (34 of 49) of all tested genes and from all (28) of the moderately to highly expressed tested genes.
Applied nucleation as a forest restoration strategy

The pace of deforestation worldwide has necessitated the development of strategies that restore forest cover quickly and efficiently. We review one potential strategy, applied nucleation, which involves planting small patches of trees as focal areas for recovery. Once planted, these patches, or nuclei, attract dispersers and facilitate establishment of new woody recruits, expanding the forested area over time. Applied nucleation is an attractive option in that it mimics natural successional processes to aid woody plant recolonization. To date, results of experimental tests of applied nucleation are consistent with theoretical predictions and indicate that the density and diversity of colonists is higher in planted nuclei than in areas where no planting takes place (e.g. passive restoration). These studies suggest that the applied nucleation strategy has the potential to restore deforested habitats into heterogeneous canopies with a diverse community composition, while being cheaper than projects that rely on plantation designs. We recommend several areas where research would aid in refining the methodology. We also call for further comparisons as nuclei age beyond the 2–13 years that have been studied, thus far, in order to confirm that practical applications continue to match theoretical predictions. Finally, we suggest that applied nucleation could be effective in the restoration of a variety of habitat types or species guilds beyond the ones to which it has been applied thus far.
Enhanced activation of NMDA receptor responses at the immature retinogeniculate synapse

The maturation of retinogeniculate excitatory transmission and intrathalamic inhibition was studied in slices of the dorsal LGN obtained from ferrets during the first 2 postnatal months. Response to optic tract stimulation at neonatal ages consisted of slow EPSPs lasting several hundred milliseconds. Application of the NMDA receptor antagonist D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV) during the first 2 postnatal weeks resulted in EPSPs that were reduced in peak amplitude and dramatically curtailed in duration, indicating that NMDA receptors participate strongly in retinogeniculate transmission at the immature synapse. Gradually, EPSPs became shorter in duration such that after the second postnatal week, the retinogeniculate EPSPs were only a few milliseconds in duration. At this late stage of development responses were remarkably less affected by application of D-APV. These changes in contribution of NMDA receptors to retinogeniculate transmission were found to be due to the development of strong IPSPs, the result of gradual maturation of activation of GABAergic inhibition. Indeed, application of bicuculline methiodide to block GABAA receptor- mediated IPSPs strongly enhanced the NMDA component of the EPSPs in more mature cells. The voltage dependence and kinetics of NMDA-induced excitatory postsynaptic currents (NMDA EPSCs) were characterized by voltage-clamp recordings after blocking AMPA/kainate receptors with 6- cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione and GABAA receptors wit' bicuculline methiodide. The voltage dependence of the NMDA EPSCs remained unaltered with age. During the first postnatal month the kinetic properties of the NMDA EPSCs also remained unaltered, but a reduction in EPSC duration was observed within the following weeks, well after the critical period of anatomical reorganization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Conjoined-Core Chip Multiprocessing

Chip Multiprocessors (CMP) and Simultaneous Multi-threading (SMT) are two approaches that have been proposed to increase processor efficiency. We believe these two approaches are two extremes of a viable spectrum. Between these two extremes, there exists a range of possible architectures, sharing varying degrees of hardware between processors or threads. This paper proposes conjoined-core chip multiprocessing - topologically feasible resource sharing between adjacent cores of a chip multiprocessor to reduce die area with minimal impact on performance and hence improving the overall computational efficiency. It investigates the possible sharing of floating-point units, crossbar ports, instruction caches, and data caches and details the area savings that each kind of sharing entails. It also shows that the negative impact on performance due to sharing is significantly less than the benefits of reduced area. Several novel techniques for intelligent sharing of the hardware resources to minimize performance degradation are presented.
Local Cytoskeletal and Organelle Interactions Impact Molecular-Motor-Driven Early Endosomal Trafficking

Summary Background In the intracellular environment, motor-driven cargo must navigate a dense cytoskeletal network among abundant organelles. Results We investigated the effects of the crowded intracellular environment on early endosomal trafficking. Live-cell imaging of an endosomal cargo (endocytosed epidermal growth factor-conjugated quantum dots) combined with high-resolution tracking was used to analyze the heterogeneous motion of individual endosomes. The motile population of endosomes moved toward the perinuclear region in directed bursts of microtubule-based, dynein-dependent transport interrupted by longer periods of diffusive motion. Actin network density did not affect motile endosomes during directed runs or diffusive interruptions. Simultaneous two-color imaging was used to correlate changes in endosomal movement with potential obstacles to directed runs. Termination of directed runs spatially correlated with microtubule-dense regions, encounters with other endosomes, and interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum. During a subset of run terminations, we also observed merging and splitting of endosomes, deformation of the endoplasmic reticulum, and directional reversals at speeds up to 10-fold greater than characteristic in vitro motor velocities. These observations suggest that endosomal membrane tension is high during directed run termination. Conclusions Our results indicate that the crowded cellular environment significantly impacts the motor-driven motility of organelles. Rather than simply acting as impediments to movement, interactions of trafficking cargos with intracellular obstacles may facilitate communication between membrane-bound compartments or contribute to the generation of membrane tension necessary for fusion and fission of endosomal membranes or remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Gaze cueing of attention in schizophrenia: individual differences in neuropsychological functioning and symptoms.

Inhibition of return (IOR) represents a well-known mechanism of human perception that biases attentional orienting to novel locations in the environment. Behaviorally, IOR reflects slower reaction time (RT) to stimuli presented in previously cued locations. In this study, we examined within patients with schizophrenia this inhibitory aftereffect using two different cue types—eye gaze and standard peripheral cues. Results indicated that patients showed evidence of IOR, as reflected in a 3.2% slowing in RT to previously peripherally cued locations. However, for eye gaze, patients failed to show evidence of IOR and instead had 1.7% faster RT to targets presented following delay in locations that had been previously cued. This inhibitory failure correlated strongly with reduced neuropsychological performance and global symptoms ratings of attention and bizarre behavior. Reduced inhibitory aftereffect in RT for eye-gaze cues may reflect disease-related abnormalities in social attention.
Dissecting A Complex Disease Using Modern Techniques of Molecular Biology

In the future, both clinical trials and laboratory tests are going to be heavily influenced by genetic susceptibility genes. These are genes whose polymorphic forms can increase a person’s risk of (but not necessarily cause) a common disease such as Alzheimer disease, cardiovascular disease or arthritis. We briefly describe the approach taken to identify these genes, using Parkinson disease (PD) as a model. PD is the second most common human neurodegenerative disorder and is commonly characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The incidence and prevalence of PD increase with age, and thus, as the population ages, PD will increase. The main biochemical abnormality in PD seems to be the dopamine loss resulting from cell death in the substantia nigra region of the brain. However, no predictive test exists for PD. PD is thought to be a complex disease with either a polygenic (multiple genes) or multifactorial (genes and environment) etiology. Over the past few years debate has occurred whether PD has a genetic component or is just secondary to environmental influences. Here we discuss an approach we are following to evaluate the possible genetic component of PD. Haines and Pericak-Vance1 provide a good review of the complex genetic disease mapping process, and the steps are represented in the flowchart in F1.
Many-body localization and transition by density matrix renormalization group and exact diagonalization studies

This paper focuses on developing a new algorithm (En-DMRG) for obtaining highly excited states of disordered and strongly interacting spin systems. This line of research is stimulated by the growing interest in understanding the many-body localized (MBL) state, which emerges in disordered interacting systems at high energy densities through a disorder-driven dynamic phase transition. By studying the one-dimensional Heisenberg spin chain (with up to 72 spins) in a random field, the authors demonstrate the accuracy of the method in obtaining energy eigenstates and the corresponding statistical results of the quantum system in the MBL phase. The method presented in this work has the potential to be applicable in a variety of quantum statistical physics problems, possibly including the MBL phase in higher dimensions.
Hypertriglyceridemia in extremely low birth weight infants receiving lipid emulsions

Objective To determine the prevalence of high TG levels in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and what the risk factors are for high TG levels. Study design We performed a prospective observational study of triglyceride concentrations in extremely low birth weight infants receiving lipid infusions. Lipid infusions were begun at 0.5 grams/kg/day at age one day and the dose advanced by 0.5 grams/kg/day. Triglyceride concentrations were drawn when the dose reached 1 and 2 grams/kg/day. We compared infants with normal triglyceride levels (≤200 mg/dl) with those with elevated triglyceride levels (>200 mg/dl) with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results There were 75 infants included in the analysis. Twenty (26.7% , 95% CI = 16.6-36.7%) had triglyceride levels >200 mg/dl. On multiple logistic regression analysis, lower birth weight was associated with the risk of an elevated triglyceride level. Triglyceride levels >200 mg/dl did not predict future mortality or morbidity. Conclusion Elevated TG levels occur commonly in ELBW infants and are associated with a lower birth weight.
COMPARABILITY OF MORTALITY FOLLOW-UP BEFORE AND AFTER THE NATIONAL DEATH INDEX

This paper addresses the issue of whether mortality follow-up in epidemiologic studies based on a single state death certificate search using only data available in 1970-1975 can be compared with post-1979 mortality follow-up using the [U.S.] National Death Index. This question was addressed by following a cohort of 2925 coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease 1980 hospital discharges from 1980 through 1983 with the use of both the National Death Index and the Minnesota Death Index (MINNDEX)....This study...provides evidence that trend analyses relying on single state death searches pre-1979 and on the National Death Index from 1979 are valid particularly in chronically ill persons. (EXCERPT)
Effect of TiO2 on Grain Refining of Amorphous Si3N4 and the Grain-refined Mechanism

Amorphous Si3N4/TiO2 compacted bodies were heated at 1490°C, for 1 to 10 hr under N2 pressures of 0.92 and 1000 atm, and the effect of N2 pressure on the resulting grain refining was investigated, to clarify the role of TiO2 in the grain-refined mechanism. Thermodynamic calculation performed prior to experiments indicated that high N2 pressure inhibited the formation of SiO gas and new formation of Si3N4 by its re-nitridation. Crystallized phases after heating were α-Si3N4, Si2N2O and TiN. Although both N2 pressures formed the fine grains having a diameter of about 30 nm, high pressure accelerated the grain refining and crystallization of amorphous Si3N4 to a-Si3N4. From these results, the fine grains were considered to be formed not through re-nitridation of SiO gas but through crystallization of amorphous Si3N4.
Laboratory Detection of 1 Case of Fish death Caused by Endosulfan

[Objective]To investigate the cause of massive fish deaths in a farm and provide technical support for the incident. [Methods]Sample of dead fish and water sample from the farm were detected by GC/ECD for early screening,and Verified by GC-MS. [Results]The content of endosulfan was 0.39 mg/kg from sample of fish by GC/ECD.Two samples were identified endosulfan by GC-MS. [Conclusion]The laboratory analysis verified that it is an incident of endosulfan induced massive fish deaths,pesticide production sale and use management should be strengthened.
Characterization of kinetics of anti-Trichinella spiralis newborn larvae immunity in rats.

The kinetics of anti-T. spiralis newborn larvae (NBL) immunity and its dose effects were studied in vivo. Rats were either immunized with newborn larvae i.v. or muscle larvae per os and challenged with newborn larvae either i.v. or i.p. on day 7 up to day 27 after immunization. Immunity was assessed by examining the muscle larvae burden or the larval recovery from the peritoneal cavity. Recovered newborn larvae were further examined for cell adherence and viability. Results indicate that as early as 9 days after infection and only 3 days after newborn larvae production in vivo, specific anti-newborn larvae immunity was developed. Peritoneal cells as well as blood cells adhered to the cuticles of the larvae and killed them. When different doses of immunization were examined, it was found that 2,000 muscle larvae per os induced the strongest immunity as compared to 500, 5,000 or 6,000. Such immunity maintained its strength when challenge infection with newborn larvae reached 50,000 dosage and it declined significantly when the dose reached 100,000. This indicates that the immune cells and antibodies are not re-deployed.
Study on detection of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning

Objective: To investigate the Etiology of Staphylococcus aureus to provide scientific evidence for monitoring and investigating the staphylococcus aureus food poisoning.Methods:Using China national standard method,mini VIDAS and RPLA method to detect Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin in Food poisoning.Results:mini VIDAS and RPLA had become the accurate and reliable determination method in monitoring and investigating the staphylococcus aureus food poisoning.Conclusion:Choosing the reasonable method for determination of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin can provide the better technical support for the rapid response of public health emergencies.
Remaining Challenges in Pediatric HIV-1 Infection

Challenges in treatment and prevention remain for pediatric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection as well as increasing concerns for HIV-1 exposed but uninfected infants. Current antiretroviral drugs have excellent potency. However, stigma, adherence barriers, antiretroviral toxicity, and ongoing immune activation threaten the health of children living with HIV-1. Cure awaits a breakthrough in strategies to eradicate the latent HIV-1 reservoir. Perinatal transmission of HIV-1 can be reduced to rates below 1 %, however, operational barriers currently preclude elimination of new infections. HIV-1 exposed, uninfected infants have increased infectious morbidity and mortality compared to their unexposed peers, possibility related to immune deficits. Pediatric HIV-1 is now a chronic illness but treatment fails to reverse all viral pathology. Novel prevention approaches are needed to achieve elimination. Prevention success has revealed excess morbidity and mortality among exposed infants. Innovation in care and prevention remains imperative.
Sassoon’s Wartime Ethics: Satire, Sarcasm, and the Rhetoric of Poetic Protest

The archetypal English trench poet, Siegfried Sassoon, employed the ironic techniques of satire and sarcasm to address the First World War’s absurdities. Yet, though his intentions are laudable, Sassoon’s methodologies are not ethical. Habermas’s conception of discourse ethics demands that readers be included in the construction of literary meaning; when ironies divide readers and writers, they miss their target. Despite readers’ sympathy for the war poet’s tragic position, poems such as “They,” “The Hero,” and “Blighters” present coercive rather than progressive rhetoric—negating the social good Sassoon intends by mimicking the unilateral bombasts of war.
Haplo-Cord Transplantation Vs Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with AML/MDS Older Than 50

Abstract Haplo-cord Transplantation Vs Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplantation In Patients with AML/MDS older than 50 Between 2007 and 2013, 109 patients with AML/MDS who were 50 years and older and had no HLA- matched related donor underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. 64 had an HLA identical unrelated donor and received fludarabine/melphalan/alemtuzumab conditioning and post transplant tacrolimus for graft vs host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. 45 underwent haplo-cord (HC) SCT with fludarabine/melphalan/ thymoglobulin; post-transplant tacrolimus and MMF. We compared patient characteristics and transplant outcomes between both groups. (Table 1) Age distribution and ASBMT risk category were similar. There were more patient’s with AML in the HC group. (P=0.01) Time to neutrophil recovery, treatment related mortality (TRM), relapse rate, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were nearly identical between the two groups. Time to platelet recovery was on average 5 days longer after HC (p=0.05) The incidences of acute and chronic GVHD were very low in both groups, in part due to the use of in-vivo T cell depletion. HC transplant with reduced intensity conditioning is a curative treatment for older patients with AML/MDS who lack HLA identical unrelated donors. Despite inclusion of many patients with high risk features, nearly two thirds were estimated to be alive one year after transplant and very few had chronic GVHD. Haplo-cord grafts are more readily available, a potential advantage over MUD grafts in situations where transplant is needed urgently. Table . Matched Unrelated Donor Haplo Cord P N 64 45 Age (range) 62 (50-73) 62 (50-74) AML/MDS 45/20 41/5 0.01 ASBMT Low/Int /High 21/6/30 15/10/20 0.7 KPS 90 90 Time to ANC >500 10 11 0.1 Time to Plt >20 18 23 0.05 PFS@ 1 Y (95% CI) 46 (34-58) 41 (26-56) 0.6 OS@ 1 Y (95% CI) 57 (44-70) 64 (49-79) 0.8 Cum Inc TRM @100 d (95% CI) 9 (2-16) 9 (0-18) 0.2 Cum Inc TRM @ 1 Y (95% CI) 25 (14-36) 29 (15-44) 0.2 Cum Inc Relapse @ 1Y (95% CI) 30 (18-42) 26 (12-40) 0.5 Cum Inc AGVHD @ 100 D (95% CI) 25 (14-36) 29 (13-43) 0.7 Cum Inc CGVHD @ 1 Y (95% CI) 6 (0-12) 7 (0-15) 0.9 Disclosures van Besien: Miltenyi: Research Funding. Mark: Millennium: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Artz: Miltenyi: Research Funding.
Immunogenicity differences between BW4 subtypes

Aim Donor HLA-specific antibody represents a risk for rejection or engraftment failure following HLA mismatched solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We have examined the immunogenicity of Bw4 subtype mismatches in 211 renal recipients post-transplant. Methods HLA typing was performed using Luminex based rSSOP (LAB Type, One Lambda). HLA single antigen panels (LABScreen, One Lambda) were used to identify HLA-Bw4 sensitization. Results Bw4 epitopes present on HLA-B and HLA-A antigens can be divided into 8 subtypes based on amino acid differences at positions 77–83 (Voorter et al. Tissue Antigens, 2000). Furthermore, residues 80–83 have been shown to impact the electrostatic charge and explain observed serological Bw4 patterns (Kosmoliaptsis et al. Human Immunol. 2011). Bw4 motifs TALR and TLLR (expressed on HLA-B∗44:02, B∗13:01 and B∗37:01, B∗27:05, B47:01, respectively) have similar electrostatic potentials, but are uniquely different from the IALR Bw4 motif (expressed on HLA-B∗57:01, 58:01, 49:01, 51:01, 53:01, 15:16, 15:13, 38:01 59:01 and HLA-A23:01, 24:02, 24:03, 25:01,32:01). Previously, using serum/cell adsorption experiments, we have shown that sensitization to the IALR can occur in recipients possessing TALR or TLLR. The incidence of sensitization to these different Bw4 motifs is shown in Table 1.The IALR motif evoked the highest incidence of sensitization in recipients possessing Bw6, Bw4-TALR, or Bw4-TLLR in their own phenotype. In contrast, mismatches involving TALR or TLLR provoked little sensitization in recipients possessing IALR. Conclusions Structural and electrostatic potential differences between Bw4 subtypes appear sufficient to elicit alloimmune responses. Exposure to IALR, the most common Bw4 motif, can provoke a substantial alloantibody barrier to prospective donors (CPRA of 54%). Moreover, Bw4 sensitization may be relevant when selecting HLA allele mismatched donors for antigens that contain multiple Bw4 subtypes (i.e. HLA-B27, B38, B44, and B53). Download : Download full-size image
COLLABORATION CAPABILITY IN VIRTUAL TEAMS: EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE ON DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION

Virtual teams are being increasingly utilised in industry given their ability to bring together diverse knowledge and experience from individuals who are not geographically proximal. Having a diversity of knowledge within virtual teams is noted to benefit innovation outcomes; however, leveraging the benefits of diversity (both deep and functional-level) is likely to require a capability to facilitate collaboration among team members. In this study, we empirically validate a measure of collaboration capability (CCAP) and examine its role in enhancing the benefits of diversity on innovation within virtual teams. Using a sample of 375 design and software engineers working in virtual teams from a high-tech firm in Silicon Valley, we find that CCAP significantly moderates the relationship between functional-level diversity and innovation, but no significant influence is found for a similar moderating influence on deep-level diversity and innovation. The implications for the study of virtual teams are discussed and recommendations are offered for organisations using virtual teams.
Three-Dimensional Integration of Black Phosphorus Photodetector with Silicon Photonics and Nanoplasmonics

We demonstrate the integration of a black phosphorus photodetector in a hybrid, three-dimensional architecture of silicon photonics and metallic nanoplasmonics structures. This integration approach combines the advantages of the low propagation loss of silicon waveguides, high-field confinement of a plasmonic nanogap, and the narrow bandgap of black phosphorus to achieve high responsivity for detection of telecom-band, near-infrared light. Benefiting from an ultrashort channel (∼60 nm) and near-field enhancement enabled by the nanogap structure, the photodetector shows an intrinsic responsivity as high as 10 A/W afforded by internal gain mechanisms, and a 3 dB roll-off frequency of 150 MHz. This device demonstrates a promising approach for on-chip integration of three distinctive photonic systems, which, as a generic platform, may lead to future nanophotonic applications for biosensing, nonlinear optics, and optical signal processing.
Many model thinking

Models help us to understand, explain, predict, and act. They do so by simplifying reality or by constructing artificial analogs. As a result, any one model by be insufficient to capture the complexity of a process. By applying ensembles of diverse models, we can reach deeper understanding, make better predictions, take wiser actions, implement better designs, and reveal multiple logics. This many to one approach offers the possibility of near truth exists at what Richard Levins has called "the intersection of independent lies."
Is It "Fractured" or "Broken"? A Patient Survey Study to Assess Injury Comprehension after Orthopaedic Trauma.

the bone is “fractured” or “broken”. While orthopaedic surgeons consider these terms synonymous, patients appear tocomprehend the terms as having different meanings. Given the commonality of this frequently posed question, it may beimportant for providers to assess patients’ level of understanding in order to provide optimal care. The purpose of thisstudy is to evaluate patients’ comprehension and understanding regarding the use of the terms fractured and broken.Methods: A survey was administered as a patient-quality measure to patients, family members and/or other non-patientspresenting to an orthopaedic outpatient clinic at an academic teaching hospital.Results: 200 responders met inclusion criteria. Only 45% of responders understood the terms fractured and brokento be synonymous. Age, gender, nor ethnicity correlated with understanding of terminology. Responders described a“fractured” bone using synonyms of less severe characteristics for 55.7% of their answers and chose more severecharacteristics 44.3% of the time, whereas responders chose synonyms to describe a "broken” bone with more severecharacteristics as an answer in 62.1% of cases and chose less severe characteristics 37.9% of the time. The differencefor each group was statistically significant (P=0.0458 and P ≤0.00001, respectively).There was no correlation betweenlevel of education nor having a personal orthopaedic history of a previous fracture with understanding the termsfracture and broken as synonymous. Having an occupation in the medical field (i.e. physician or physical/occupationaltherapist) significantly improved understanding of terminology.Conclusion: The majority of people, regardless of the age, gender, race, education or history of previous fracture, maynot understand that fractured and broken are synonymous terms. Providers need to be cognizant of the terminology theyuse when describing a patient’s injury in order to optimize patient understanding and care.