cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food web including infectious agents for a California freshwater pond

This data set presents a comprehensive food web for Quick Pond, a northern California pond ecosystem. The web includes organisms from all regions of the pond (i.e., littoral, limnetic, profundal, and benthic zones) as well as terrestrial organisms that interact with the aquatic community or have aquatic life-stages. The food web has three attributes that are often omitted from freshwater food webs: inclusion of (1) parasites and other infectious agents, (2) ontogenetic stages of most animals with complex life cycles, and (3) biomass information for many animals. Data on species presence was obtained over three years using field sampling techniques (i.e., seine- and D-nets, stove-pipe samplers, and visual encounter surveys) and laboratory examinations of free-living organisms for infectious agents (primarily metazoan parasites, but also some microbes). We collected body size and biomass data for abundant aquatic animals >1 mm and for trematode parasites, which were the most abundant parasitic group. Inform...
"Transforming" for Stability and Aerodynamic Performance in a Reconfigurable UAV

Complex systems need to perform in a variety of functional states and under varying operating conditions. Therefore, it is important to manage the different values of design variables associated with the operating states for each subsystem. The research presented in this paper uses a multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) model for the design of a reconfigurable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Research in changeable system design is used to explore how changes in the physical configuration of the system can better meet distinct needs of different operating states. As a step towards the development of a realistic reconfigurable UAV optimization problem, this paper focuses on the impacts of designing a changeable system with objectives from two distinct aircraft disciplines: aerodynamics and dynamic stability. Design principles associated with system transformations are used to develop concepts that determine how system design variables are allowed to change in the mathematical optimization problem. The performance of several changeable airfoil and wing planform concepts are compared to a fixed design in a mission that is defined by a sequence of mission segments. Determining the configurations of the static and changeable wing designs is accomplished using a genetic algorithm. Results from this study show that aircraft with changeable wings can attain increased performance, that changeable wings can help mitigate disciplinary compromises, and that the frequency and manner by which the system transforms are significant.
Performance measurement and test techniques for modern AM broadcast transmitters

The numerous tests required in evaluating the performance of a modern AM transmitter are discussed. Both laboratory tests of novel products and environmental tests are covered. The latest attainable performance measurements, environmental testing requirements, and field condition simulation tests are examined. >
Effect of intervertebral disc height on postoperative motion and clinical outcomes after Prodisc-C cervical disc replacement

Abstract Background context Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is an emerging technology. However, the factors that influence postoperative range of motion (ROM) and patient satisfaction are not fully understood. Purpose To evaluate the influence of pre- and postoperative disc height on postoperative motion and clinical outcomes. Study design/setting Retrospective review of patients enrolled in prospective randomized Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trial. Patient sample One hundred sixty-six patients with single-level ProDisc-C arthroplasty performed were evaluated. Outcome measures ROM and clinical outcomes based on Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed. Methods Preoperative and postoperative disc height and ROM were measured from lateral and flexion-extension radiographs. Student t test and Spearman's rho tests were performed to determine any correlation or “threshold” effect between the disc height and ROM or clinical outcome. Results Patients with less than 4 mm of preoperative disc height had a mean 1.8° increase in flexion-extension ROM after TDR, whereas patients with greater than 4 mm of preoperative disc height had no change (mean, 0°) in flexion-extension ROM (p=.04). Patients with greater than 5 mm of postoperative disc height have significantly higher postoperative flexion-extension ROM (mean, 10.1°) than those with less than 5 mm disc height (mean, 8.3°, p=.014). However, patients with greater than 7 mm of postoperative disc height have significantly lower postoperative lateral bending ROM (mean, 4.1°) than those with less than 7 mm disc height (mean, 5.7°, p=.04). It appears that the optimal postoperative disc height is between 5 and 7 mm for increased ROM on flexion extension and lateral bending. There was a mean improvement of 30.5 points for NDI, 4.3 points for VAS neck pain score, and 3.9 points for VAS arm pain score (all p Conclusion Patients with greater disc collapse of less than 4 mm preoperative disc height benefit more in ROM after TDR. The optimal postoperative disc height range to maximize ROM is between 5 and 7 mm. This optimal range did not translate into better clinical outcome at 2-year follow-up.
Advances in Therapy for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis. The introduction of therapy with cytotoxic agents such as cyclophosphamide transformed these diseases from fatal diagnoses to chronic conditions characterized by cycles of relapse and remission. Modern treatment strategies have focused on minimizing cyclophosphamide exposure or eliminating its use altogether. Two randomized clinical trials have shown that rituximab is not inferior to cyclophosphamide for induction of remission in patients with severe granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) or microscopic polyangiitis. For patients with non-life threatening disease, methotrexate may be used to induce and maintain remission, although some patients may have a higher long-term risk of relapse as a result. For patients with life-threatening disease, plasma exchange may be an effective adjuvant therapy. This article reviews seminal studies from the past decade that have contributed to the current standard of care.
Advanced Membrane Filtration Technology for Cost Effective Recovery of Fresh Water from Oil & Gas Produced Brine

This study is developing a comprehensive study of what is involved in the desalination of oil field produced brine and the technical developments and regulatory changes needed to make the concept a commercial reality. It was originally based on ''conventional'' produced water treatment and reviewed (1) the basics of produced water management, (2) the potential for desalination of produced brine in order to make the resource more useful and available in areas of limited fresh water availability, and (3) the potential beneficial uses of produced water for other than oil production operations. Since we have begun however, a new area of interest has appeared that of brine water treatment at the well site. Details are discussed in this technical progress report. One way to reduce the impact of OG this adds up to more than 75 billion barrels per year. For the United States, the American Petroleum Institute estimated about 18 billion barrels per year were generated from onshore wells in 1995, and similar volumes are generated today. Offshore wells in the United States generate several hundred million barrels of produced water per year. Internationally, three barrels of water are produced for each barrel of oil. Production in the United States is more mature; the US average is about 7 barrels of water per barrel of oil. Closer to home, in Texas the Permian Basin produces more than 9 barrels of water per barrel of oil and represents more than 400 million gallons of water per day processed and re-injected.« less
Two-Photon Absorbing Organic Chromophores for Optical Limiting

Strong optical limiting and large two-photon absorptivities are reported for a class of bisdonor diphenylpolyene derivatives with varying polyene bridge lengths. These molecules exhibit strong optical limiting using nanosecond pulses over a broad spectral range. Bis(diphenylamino)stilbene exhibits a 90 nm red shift of its optical limiting band, and only a minimal shift of about 13 nm of its lowest one-photon electronic absorption band relative to bis(di-n-butylamino)stilbene. This suggests a potential for broadband optical limiting with high transparency using mixtures of such compounds. Pulse width dependent nonlinear transmission measurements suggest that two-photon pumped excited-state absorption contributes significantly to the limiting of nanosecond pulses.
(De)constructing the ryanodine receptor: modeling ion permeation and selectivity of the calcium release channel.

Biological ion channels are proteins that passively conduct ions across membranes that are otherwise impermeable to ions. Here, we present a model of ion permeation and selectivity through a single, open ryanodine receptor (RyR) ion channel. Combining recent mutation data with electrodiffusion of finite-sized ions, the model reproduces the current/voltage curves of cardiac RyR (RyR2) in KCl, LiCl, NaCl, RbCl, CsCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, and their mixtures over large concentrations and applied voltage ranges. It also reproduces the reduced K+ conductances and Ca2+ selectivity of two skeletal muscle RyR (RyR1) mutants (D4899N and E4900Q). The model suggests that the selectivity filter of RyR contains the negatively charged residue D4899 that dominates the permeation and selectivity properties and gives RyR a DDDD locus similar to the EEEE locus of the L-type calcium channel. In contrast to previously applied barrier models, the current model describes RyR as a multi-ion channel with approximately three monovalent c...
Male competition and female choice interact to determine mating success in the bluefin killifish

Whether male competition and female choice act in concert, independently, or in opposition is a critical issue for understanding sexual selection. In complex social systems, the outcomes of pairwise interactions may not be accurate indicators of how sexual selection emerges. We investigated how female choice and male competition interact in the bluefin killifish, Lucania goodei, in a 3-staged experiment where 1) females could choose between 2 males, 2) those males could interact in the presence of that female, and 3) females and males could freely interact and spawn. In the pairwise stages (1 and 2), females displayed pronounced preferences between males and male competition produced a distinctly dominant individual. None of the morphological traits, including color, measured in males were associated with either female preference or male dominance. When all 3 fish interacted (stage 3), male activity level was the sole predictor of spawning success. Males with elevated activity levels were more aggressive toward males and females, exhibited intensified courtship, and obtained more spawns. Female preference did not predict the number of spawns with a male, but it did predict her latency to spawn; females spawned more quickly with preferred males. Thus, male competition and female choice interact to determine reproductive success, but there is evidence for conflict and a cost to females of associating with dominant males. Reproductive success in this species is not easily predicted from simple measures of morphology or female preference and is influenced by complex social interactions, both between males, and between males and females.
Ultralow noise optical pulse generation in an actively mode-locked quantum-dot ring laser

We report excellent noise performance of an actively mode-locked ring laser based on semiconductor quantum-dot (QD) gain medium. Optical pulse trains with less than 7.5 fs residual timing jitter (1 Hz-10 MHz) at 12.8 GHz was obtained.
Biliary-shunt fistula following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement

Sepsis following the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been reported in up to 10% of cases. This report describes an unusual case of polymicrobial gram-negative sepsis after placement of TIPS associated with a cholangiographically documented fistulous connection between the biliary tree and shunt. The patient was treated with temporary biliary stent placement, endoscopic sphincterotomy, and broad-spectrum antibiotics with rapid closure of the fistula and resolution of sepsis. In the absence of hemobilia, it is hypothesized that flow through the fistula allowed bilious contamination of the systemic circulation and subsequent inoculation with enteric flora. The prevalence of biliary-vascular fistula after placement of TIPS is unknown. It may be a previously unsuspected source of sepsis after placement of TIPS and is likely to be overlooked unless endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is performed.
Satellite observations of the equatorial ionosphere

Total ionospheric electron density at magnetic equator from observations of faraday effect on satellite transmissions
Value of serology as a noninvasive method for evaluating the efficacy of treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

The systemic humoral response to Helicobacter pylori was studied in 86 infected adult patients before antimicrobial therapy and at intervals following therapy. Endoscopy with collection of biopsy specimens was performed immediately before treatment; a 13C-labeled urea breath test was performed, and blood specimens were collected before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. Serum samples from three patient groups (eradication success [n = 50], eradication failure [n = 16], and no treatment [n = 20]) were assayed for IgA and IgG antibodies to H. pylori by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of antibody to H. pylori before treatment were similar in all three groups. As expected, the no treatment and eradication failure groups had no significant changes in antibody levels during the study period. In contrast, for the eradication success group, the specific IgA and IgG antibody levels decreased progressively and significantly. We conclude that serology is a potentially useful way to monitor the success of treatment of H. pylori infection without using invasive or more expensive methods.
What Happened to the Idea of World Government

What happened to the idea of world government, so central in the United States to public debate of the 1930s and 1940s, and why has it been replaced by ‘‘global governance’’? This article reviews the reasons behind that evolution—the need to incorporate interdependence and nonstate actors into analytical frameworks along with a lack of imagination from analysts—as well as the pluses and minuses of both concepts. When states still could solve or attenuate most problems, world government remained a possible objective and not far from the mainstream. Paradoxically, now that states visibly cannot address a growing number of transboundary threats, world government is unimaginable; and even more robust international organizations are often looked upon askance. Could the same far-sighted American political commitment that created a new generation of international organizations after World War II re-emerge under the Obama administration, if not in 2009, then at least by the end of a second term? Le machin (the thing) is what Charles de Gaulle scornfully called the United Nations (UN), thereby dismissing multilateral cooperation as frivolous in comparison with the real red meat of world politics, national interests and Realpolitik. He conveniently ignored—as many amateur and professional historians have since—that the formal birth of ‘‘the thing’’ was not the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945, but rather the adoption of the ‘‘Declaration by the United Nations’’ in Washington, DC, on January 1, 1942. The same 26 countries of the powerful coalition that defeated Fascism and rescued France also anticipated the formal establishment of a world organization as an essential extension of their war-time commitments. These were not pie-in-the-sky idealists. After the failure of the League of Nations, states did not view the second generation of universal international organizations in the form of the UN system as a liberal plaything to be ignored but rather a vital necessity for post-war order and prosperity. Numerous other politicians and pundits since de Gaulle have made careers by questioning the UN’s relevance and calling for its dismantlement. Mine, in contrast, has revolved around trying to strengthen the world organization. Thus, the 50th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association (ISA) in the city that hosts United Nations headquarters provides me with an opportunity to revisit the United Nations from a particular angle: the desperate requirement for a third generation of intergovernmental organizations that * Presidential Address, 50th Convention of the International Studies Association, New York, N.Y., February 16,
Nanostructured silicon photo-cathodes for x-ray generation

We report the fabrication and characterization of ultrafast laser triggered nanostructured silicon photo-cathodes for x-ray generation via inverse Compton scattering. A highly uniform array of ~2200 silicon pillars with 5 μm array pitch, where each pillar is capped by a nanosharp tip, shows stable current emission using 35 fs, 800 nm laser pulses. The cathodes can emit at 3.6 nA average current over 8-million 1.2 pC electron bunches when excited with 9.5 μJ laser pulses with no degradation of the emission characteristic of the cathode, showing that silicon-based photon-triggered cathodes processed with standard CMOS processes and operated at high vacuum can function for extended periods without performance degradation.
Cardiomyocyte deletion of mitofusin-1 leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and improves tolerance to ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death

Molecular studies examining the impact of mitochondrial morphology on the mammalian heart have previously focused on dynamin related protein-1 (Drp-1) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2), while the role of the other mitofusin isoform, Mfn-1, has remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we report the generation and initial characterization of cardiomyocyte-specific Mfn-1 knockout (Mfn-1 KO) mice. Using electron microscopic analysis, we detect a greater prevalence of small, spherical mitochondria in Mfn-1 KO hearts, indicating that the absence of Mfn-1 causes a profound shift in the mitochondrial fusion/fission balance. Nevertheless, Mfn-1 KO mice exhibit normal left-ventricular function, and isolated Mfn-1 KO heart mitochondria display a normal respiratory repertoire. Mfn-1 KO myocytes are protected from mitochondrial depolarization and exhibit improved viability when challenged with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, in vitro studies detect a blunted response of KO mitochondria to undergo peroxide-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. These data suggest that Mfn-1 deletion confers protection against ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, we suggest that mitochondrial fragmentation in myocytes is not sufficient to induce heart dysfunction or trigger cardiomyocyte death. Additionally, our data suggest that endogenous levels of Mfn-1 can attenuate myocyte viability in the face of an imminent ROS overload, an effect that could be associated with the ability of Mfn-1 to remodel the outer mitochondrial membrane.
Amphetamine activates connexin43 gene expression in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes through JNK and AP-1 pathway

Objective: Amphetamine has been known to induce cardiac dysrhythmia and sudden death. However, the molecular mechanism for the induction of dysrhythmia is not known. Connexin43 (Cx43) plays an important role for arrhythmogenesis. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that amphetamine could induce Cx43 expression in cardiac myocytes. Methods: Neonatal Wistar rat cardiac myocytes were cultured under the stimulation of amphetamine. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression were examined by Northern and Western blots, respectively. We used c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125, and JNK1 dsRNAi to investigate the signal pathway of amphetamine-induced expression of Cx43. Results: The level of Cx43 protein significantly increased from 4 to 24 h after addition of amphetamine (10 μM). The Cx43 mRNA increased maximally to 4.2-fold at 6 h after addition of amphetamine and returned to the baseline level at 48 h. These increases of Cx43 protein at 24 h were completely attenuated ( P <0.001) by SP600125 (20 μM) and JNK1 dsRNAi. Amphetamine increased and SP600125 decreased the immunohistochemical labeling of Cx43. Amphetamine increased and SP600125 decreased the phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun proteins. Gel-shifting assay showed that DNA-binding activity of AP-1 increased after addition of amphetamine and SP600125 and JNK1 dsRNAi abolished the binding activity induced by amphetamine. Conclusions: These findings indicate that amphetamine activates Cx43 gene expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes. Amphetamine mediates the Cx43 gene expression, at least in part, through the JNK pathway. These findings from our study suggest that Cx43 plays a role for the molecular mechanism of amphetamine-induced cardiac dysrhythmias.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Isolated Trisomy 19 Associated with Diffuse Myelofibrosis and Osteosclerosis

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF), per WHO criteria, is a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm that usually presents with a proliferation of granulocytic and megakaryocytic lineages with an associated fibrous deposition and extramedullary hematopoiesis. The bone marrow histologic findings of this disorder are typically characterized by the presence of myeloid metaplasia with an associated reactive fibrosis, angiogenesis, and osteosclerosis. However, marked myelofibrosis is not solely confined to PMF and may also be associated with other conditions including but not limited to acute megakaryoblastic leukemias (FAB AML-M7). Here, we describe a rare case of a non-megakaryoblastic acute myeloid leukemia with marked myelofibrosis with osteosclerosis and an isolated trisomy 19. A 19-year-old male presented with severe bone pain of one week duration with a complete blood cell count and peripheral smear showing a mild anemia and occasional circulating blasts. A follow up computed tomography (CT) scan showed diffuse osteosclerosis with no evidence of hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Subsequently, the bone marrow biopsy showed markedly sclerotic bony trabeculae and a hypercellular marrow with marked fibrosis and intervening sheets of immature myeloid cells consistent with myeloblasts with monocytic differentiation. Importantly, these myeloblasts were negative for megakaryocytic markers (CD61 and vWF), erythroid markers (hemoglobin and E-cadherin), and lymphoid markers (CD3, CD19, and TdT). Metaphase cytogenetics showed an isolated triosomy 19 with no JAK2 V617F mutation. The patient was treated with induction chemotherapy followed by allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which subsequently resulted in a rapid resolution of bone marrow fibrosis, suggesting graft-anti-fibrosis effect. This is a rare case of a non-megakaryoblastic acute myeloid leukemia with myelofibrosis and osteosclerosis with trisomy 19 that may provide insights into the prognosis and therapeutic options of future cases.
Estimating Low Back Loads of Underground Mine Roof Bolter Operators using Digital Human Simulations

NIOSH researchers conducted a study to evaluate the severity of muscle recruitment and spine loads resulting from performance of the roof bolting cycle in different work postures and mine seam heights. Ten male and two female subjects performed three repetitions of a mine roof bolting in each of seven posture/seam height combinations, while researchers obtained motion data of their actions using a motion capturing system. A database containing forces on L4/L5 spinal joint and on back muscles was generated by processing the captured motions from each subject using UGS PLM Solution Jack software's task analysis toolkit - lower back analysis. An analysis of variance was performed using the maximum values for spinal forces and moments and estimated muscle forces for ten trunk muscles in the resulting database. Results of this study indicate that the roof bolter operator's standing posture significantly increases the forward bending moment, compression force and trunk muscle activity more than either kneeling posture. Also the kneeling postures in a 45-inch seam height significantly increases, compared to a 60-inch seam height, the forward bending moment, twisting moment, compression force, and trunk muscle activity for lateral movements and extending the torso. Impact: Mining industry can use this information to reduce loads on the low back through better work postures from redesigning the machine's workstation and modifying bolting cycle work procedures.
Recovering Quantitative Information Related to Adaptive Economic Behavior and Choice

We discuss the connection between causal adaptive economic behavior and entropy maximization and suggest estimation and inference methods consistent with information recovery in dynamic economic systems. In particular we emphasize the connection between adaptive intelligent behavior, causal entropy maximization and self-organized equilibrium seeking behavior in an open dynamic economic system. This entropy based causal adaptive behavior framework permits the use of information theoretic estimation and inference methods, and has potential for turning Economics from a descriptive science to a predictive or at least a comprehensive behavior related quantitative one.
Reversal of epigenetic promoter silencing in Friedreich ataxia by a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor

Friedreich ataxia, the most prevalent inherited ataxia, is caused by an expanded GAA triplet-repeat sequence in intron 1 of the FXN gene. Repressive chromatin spreads from the expanded GAA triplet-repeat sequence to cause epigenetic silencing of the FXN promoter via altered nucleosomal positioning and reduced chromatin accessibility. Indeed, deficient transcriptional initiation is the predominant cause of transcriptional deficiency in Friedreich ataxia. Treatment with 109, a class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, resulted in increased level of FXN transcript both upstream and downstream of the expanded GAA triplet-repeat sequence, without any change in transcript stability, suggesting that it acts via improvement of transcriptional initiation. Quantitative analysis of transcriptional initiation via metabolic labeling of nascent transcripts in patient-derived cells revealed a >3-fold increase (P < 0.05) in FXN promoter function. A concomitant 3-fold improvement (P < 0.001) in FXN promoter structure and chromatin accessibility was observed via Nucleosome Occupancy and Methylome Sequencing, a high-resolution in vivo footprint assay for detecting nucleosome occupancy in individual chromatin fibers. No such improvement in FXN promoter function or structure was observed upon treatment with a chemically-related inactive compound (966). Thus epigenetic promoter silencing in Friedreich ataxia is reversible, and the results implicate class I HDACs in repeat-mediated promoter silencing.
Nanoscale Control of the Polymer-Fullerene Interface in Photovoltaic Devices by Thermally-Controlled Interdiffusion

Ultrafast photoinduced charge transfer from conjugated polymers to fullerenes has led to extensive studies of these systems as photovoltaic devices. The charge transfer process prevents radiative electron-hole recombination, resulting in free, mobile charges. A limiting factor is the exciton diffusion distance, which is of the order of 10 nm. If the fullerene is not within this distance of the optical excitation site, no charge separation will take place. The simplest system for such devices is a bilayer system in which a film of C60 is sublimed onto a spin-cast film of MEH-PPV, for example. We describe studies in which the polymer is heated above the glass transition temperature in an inert environment, inducing an interdiffusion of the polymer and the fullerene layers. With this process, a controlled, bulk, gradient heterojunction is created. The photoluminescence and the short circuit currents of the devices show a dramatic decrease in photoluminescence and concomitant increase in short circuit currents, demonstrating the improved interface.
Tunable Anderson localization in hydrogenated graphene based on the electric field effect.

Effective control of hydrogenation of graphene is of great scientific and technological importance. However, the reversible control of H density (${n}_{\mathrm{H}}$) on graphene is difficult due to the irreversible ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ formation of the detached H adatoms. Here we present a novel mechanism for controlling ${n}_{\mathrm{H}}$ by using the unique proton transfer reaction between ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$ gas and hydrogenated graphene, which can be tuned by applying perpendicular electric fields. Using first-principles calculations, we show that ${n}_{\mathrm{H}}$ can be reversibly tuned by the applied electric fields around the critical density for the Anderson localization in hydrogenated graphene. The proposed field-induced control of H adsorption or desorption on graphene opens a path toward the development of new graphene transistors based on the tunable degree of disorder.
An Epidemic of Appendicitis and Parotitis Probably Due to Steptococci Contained in Dairy Products

The occurrence of appendicitis in epidemic form, its seasonal prevalence, and its occurrence in several members of the same family have been noted repeatedly (Mantle,1 Hood,2 Martin,3 Wahle,4 Haim5 and Rostouzew6). The epidemic of appendicitis and parotitis studied by us occurred at the Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind. The study was made at the request of the superintendent of the academy, Lieut.Col. L. R. Gignilliat, to whom we wish to express our appreciation for the opportunity and also to Dr. C. E. Reed for much aid in the work. From February 21 to March 5, 1915, a period of 12 days, there occurred 8 cases of acute appendicitis; 2 cadets developing appendicitis on the same day. Seven of the 8 patients were operated on and the diagnosis verified. All recovered. Only 7 cases developed during the rest of the school year?2 in October, 1 in January, 3 in April, and 1 in May. Two cadets developed parotitis previous to the sudden outbreak of appendicitis; 5 during the prevalence of appendicitis; 27 during March and April, and 3 in May, making a total of 34 cases. From April 10 to 18 there occurred an average of 1 new case a day and on April 25 3 students developed the disease. During the epidemic of parotitis 3 cadets developed appendicitis. The parotitis was not limited to the cadets, whose ages ranged from 15 to 19 years, but occurred in several older individuals as well.
Foreign-body aspiration.

Picture an elderly person having a few drinks and a steak dinner in a restaurant with friends. This is the setting for a “cafe coronary,” an entity which has nothing to do with heart disease but is the cause of many needless deaths. When it strikes, the victim will be dead in a few minutes unless the airway obstruction is removed. The public, particularly restaurant personnel, should be educated concerning emergency treatment of foreign-body aspiration.
Investigation on gamasid mites in a plague region of Dingbian county,Shaanxi province

Objective To investigate the community structure of gamasid mites in a plague area of Dingbian county for further revelation of the role of these species in transmitting and preserving the plague bacillus.Methods The mites were collected from rodent bodies and nests,fixed in Hoyer's medium and identified under the microscope.Results A total of 463 gamasid mites under 6 species,5 genera and 3 families were collected.The dominant species included Haemogamasus kitanoi,Haemolaelaps glasgowi and Eulaelaps cricetuli,accounting for 40.6%,33.0% and 24.8%,respectively,followed by a small amount of Macrocheles matrius,Macrocheles decoloratus and Laelaps algericus.Eight hundred fifty-nine rodents were captured and 135 nests were investigated.The dominant host mammal was Meriones unguiculatus,accounting for 90.9% of the total captives.The mite-carrying rate was 7.3% in M.unguiculatus and 23.7% of all nests.Most of the collected mites were female.Conclusion The community structure of gamasid mites is simple in this area with only a few species parasitic on the dominant host rodents.The dominant gamasid mites found on M.unguiculatus included H.kitanoi,H.glasgowi and E.cricetuli.
HAECS: the Linux-based Cluster System

The paper introduces HAECS, which is a Linux-based high-availability cluster system. It promises the high-availability both of system-level and of application-level, and load-balance is also provided with HAECS. Besides, in order to search a way to integrate database application with high-availability platform, we implement an integration tool for current main-stream database. ;
Trajectories of Marijuana Use among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), 1984-2013.

To construct longitudinal trajectories of marijuana use in a sample of men who have sex with men living with or at-risk for HIV infection. We determined factors associated with distinct trajectories of use as well as those that serve to modify the course of the trajectory. Data were from 3658 [1439 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and 2219 HIV-seronegative (HIV−)] participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Frequency of marijuana use was obtained semiannually over a 29-year period (1984–2013). Group-based trajectory models were used to identify the trajectories and to determine predictors and modifiers of the trajectories over time. Four distinct trajectories of marijuana use were identified: abstainer/infrequent (65 %), decreaser (13 %), increaser (12 %) and chronic high (10 %) use groups. HIV+ status was significantly associated with increased odds of membership in the decreaser, increaser and chronic high use groups. Alcohol, smoking, stimulant and other recreational drug use were associated with increasing marijuana use across all four trajectory groups. Antiretroviral therapy use over time was associated with decreasing marijuana use in the abstainer/infrequent and increaser trajectory groups. Having a detectable HIV viral load was associated with increasing marijuana use in the increaser group only. Future investigations are needed to determine whether long-term patterns of use are associated with adverse consequences especially among HIV+ persons.
GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF LAMBS PASSIVELY IMMUNIZED WITH ANTIBODIES DEVELOPED AGAINST OVINE ADIPOCYTE PLASMA MEMBRANES

Polyclonal antisera were collected from a mare immunized with ovine adipocyte plasma membranes. Ten crossbred wether lambs received three consecutive daily intraperitoneal injections of horse antisheep adipocyte plasma membrane immunoglobulin (ASIg) or nonimmune serum immunoglobulin (NSIg). Each injection delivered 1.5 ml serum Ig protein equivalent to either 53.4 mg ASIg or 51.1 mg NSIg per kilogram of live body weight. Lambs were housed in individual metabolic crates during the 28-d experiment and given ad libitum access to a pelleted, high-concentrate diet. Daily feed consumption was monitored individually over the experimental period and N retention was determined. Blood was collected on d 0, 4, 7, 14 and 28 for determination of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), triacylglycerides (TG) and hematocrit. At the conclusion of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and carcasses were evaluated. Passive immunization against sheep adipocyte plasma membrane reduced (P less than .05) perirenal adipose tissue weight and decreased ether extract content of both subcutaneous and perirenal fat. Treatment tended to reduce average backfat thickness (24%) and estimated kidney pelvic fat (16%). Treatment with ASIg reduced (P less than .05) blood plasma NEFA but did not alter blood TG or hematocrit values. Average daily weight gain was lower (P less than .01) in the ASIg-treated group. However, the efficiency of carcass production, measured as carcass weight, was not affected by ASIg treatment.
Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Supported Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles (nZVI@ECNFs) for Cr (VI) Remediation in Ground and Waste Water

Zero Valent Iron nanoparticles (nZVI) were synthesized and immobilized on electrospun carbon nanofibers (ECNFs) surface in a controllable manner through redox reaction. The novel nanomaterial, ECNFs-supported nZVI (nZVI@ECNFs), were evaluated for Cr(VI) ions removal from water for the first time. nZVI@ECNFs outperformed stand-alone nZVI as well as state-of-the-art nZVI research for Cr(VI) remediation in water. nZVI@ECNFs with 0.4 g/L nZVI loading could remove 100% Cr(VI) from 50 mg/L Cr(VI) aqueous solution in as little as 5 min at pH = 4. This is enabled by coupling nanofibrous form ECNFs with dispersed distribution of individual and/or cluster nZVI on surface of ECNFs. It is envisioned that nZVI@CNFs is going to serve as a novel supported nZVI nanomaterial for super-fast heavy metal remediation in ground water and waste water treatment with adjustable high capacity as well as straightforward and energy-saving heavy metal recovery.
Contacts to Wide-Band-Gap Semiconductors

The ability to form ohmic (low-resistance) and Schottky (rectifying) contacts to a semiconductor ultimately determines its usefulness for electronic device applications. This chapter focuses on the materials, preparation, and properties pertaining to contacts to four wide-band-gap semiconductors: GaN, SiC, ZnO, and diamond-C. These four semiconductor types were selected based on their large electronic band gaps as well as their current technological relevance. Important issues for contacts, such as thermal stability, defect states, doping dependence, and reliability, as relevant to each material, are highlighted.
Mucosal and systemic immune parameters in SIV-infected and normal Rhesus monkeys

Simian immunodeficiency vims (SIV) induces an AIDS-like disease in asian primate species such as Macaca mulatta [1]. The significant similarities in the in vitro and in vivo biological properties of SIV virus and HIV-1 induced human AIDS, provides an excellent animal model to study the mucosal immune system in AIDS. Our preliminary studies have involved the characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and mucosal tissues from the Rhesus macaque.
Use of Bayesian Inference in Crystallographic Structure Refinement via Full Diffraction Profile Analysis

A Bayesian inference method for refining crystallographic structures is presented. The distribution of model parameters is stochastically sampled using Markov chain Monte Carlo. Posterior probability distributions are constructed for all model parameters to properly quantify uncertainty by appropriately modeling the heteroskedasticity and correlation of the error structure. The proposed method is demonstrated by analyzing a National Institute of Standards and Technology silicon standard reference material. The results obtained by Bayesian inference are compared with those determined by Rietveld refinement. Posterior probability distributions of model parameters provide both estimates and uncertainties. The new method better estimates the true uncertainties in the model as compared to the Rietveld method.
Wireless sensor network cluster formation at the presence of a Wireless Mesh Network

Countries under development have recently benefited from the emergence of networked communities operating in an infrastructure poor environment. We describe a WSN protocol for monitoring quality of life in such networked communities. The protocol bridges a IEEE 802.15.4 to a IEEE 802.11 network using a presence advertising algorithm.
Detection of lamivudine and emtricitabine using a modified pyrimidine assay

Monitoring the adherence of patients taking highly-active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key step in treating an HIV infection. Since current monitor methods are non-direct there is a need for assays that directly verify the presence of active drug in the patient. In this work we modified an existing assay for the detection of cytosine to sense the presence of lamivudine (3TC) in spiked urine and emtricitabine (FTC) in water. 3TC and FTC is reacted with bromine and barium hydroxide to generate a colored precipitate in less than an hour indicating the presence of active drug. The current detection limit of the 3TC assay is 870uM in water and 2mM in urine. This assay can be applied in clinics to monitor patient adherence without the need for expensive equipment such as HPLC.
Prognostic Factors for Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation.

Background Recent studies have reported successful arteriovenous (AV) fistula maturation rates between 40% and 80%, with older age, distal fistula location, and small vein diameter associated with greater failure rates. Our objective is to determine if these findings are consistent with the outcomes at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent upper extremity AV fistula creation at a single institution. Patient demographics and risk factors were analyzed, as well as fistula location and vein diameter based on preoperative ultrasound. Veins less than 2.5 mm were not used for fistula creation. Successful fistula maturation was defined as the fistula serving as the primary access for hemodialysis for 3 months or greater. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact Test, and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to determine significant associations. Results Between January 2012 and December 2013, 146 fistulas were created in 136 patients. The median age was 68. Median body mass index (BMI) was 27.8. Ninety-one fistulas were created in men and 55 in women. Ninety-two percent of patients had hypertension, 57% had diabetes, and 33% had coronary artery disease. Sixty percent of fistulas created were brachiocephalic, 24% were basilic vein transpositions, and 16% were radiocephalic. Median vein diameter was 3.7 (range 2.5–8.8). Eighty-four percent of patients were on hemodialysis at the time of fistula creation, and 21% had a prior fistula. One hundred five fistulas were accessed for 3 months or more, resulting in a successful overall maturation rate of 72%. BMI greater than 29.5 (P = 0.026) negatively impacted successful fistula maturation, whereas age, fistula location, and vein size did not. Conclusions We noted a successful overall maturation rate of 72% at our institution when veins at least 2.5 mm in diameter were used. Our sole negative significant predictor for fistula maturation was BMI greater than 29.5. Therefore, in our experience, age, sex, and fistula location should not be used to preclude patients with a vein diameter of at least 2.5 mm from consideration for AV fistula creation.
Three Dimensions of Change in School Segregation: A Grade-Period-Cohort Analysis

This study uses the first age-period-cohort (APC) analysis of segregation to examine changes in U.S. public school segregation from 1999-2000 to 2013-2014. APC analyses disentangle distinct sources of change in segregation, and they account for grade effects that could distort temporal trends if grade distributions change over time. Findings indicate that grade effects are substantial, drastically reducing segregation at the transition to middle school and further at the transition to high school. These grade effects do not substantially distort the analysis of recent trends, however, because grade distributions were sufficiently stable. Black-white segregation was stagnant overall, while Hispanic-white segregation declined modestly. In both cases, declines across periods were offset by increases across cohorts. Further analyses reveal variation in these trends across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, regions, and areas with different histories of desegregation policy.
Neurophysiological Research: EEG and MEG

Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are two techniques that distinguish themselves from other neuroimaging methodologies through their ability to directly measure brain-related activity and their excellent temporal resolution. A large body of research has applied these techniques to investigate auditory hallucinations. Across a variety of approaches, the left superior temporal cortex is consistently reported to be involved in this symptom. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that a failure in corollary discharge, i.e., a neural signal originating in frontal speech areas that indicates to sensory areas that forthcoming thought is self-generated, may underlie the experience of auditory hallucinations.
Meteoric 10 Be as a tracer of subglacial processes and interglacial surface exposure in Greenland

Abstract In order to test whether sediment emerging from presently glaciated areas of Greenland was exposed near or at Earth's surface during previous interglacial periods, we measured the rare isotope 10Be contained in grain coatings of sediment collected at five ice marginal sites. Such grain coatings contain meteoric 10Be (10Bemet), which forms in the atmosphere and is deposited onto Earth's surface. Samples include sediment entrained in ice, glaciofluvial sediment collected at the ice margin, and subglacial sediment extracted during hot water drilling in the ablation zone. Due to burial by ice, contemporary subglacial sediment could only have acquired substantial 10Bemet concentrations during periods in the past when the Greenland Ice Sheet was less extensive than present. The highest measured 10Bemet concentrations are comparable to those found in well-developed, long-exposed soils, suggesting subglacial preservation and glacial transport of sediment exposed during preglacial or interglacial periods. Ice-bound sediment has significantly higher 10Bemet concentrations than glaciofluvial sediment, suggesting that glaciofluvial processes are sufficiently erosive to remove tracers of previous interglacial exposures. Northern Greenland sites where ice and sediment are supplied from the ice sheet's central main dome have significantly higher 10Bemet concentrations than sites in southern Greenland, indicating greater preglacial or interglacial landscape preservation in central Greenland than in the south. Because southern Greenland has more frequent and spatially extensive periods of glacial retreat but nevertheless has less evidence of past subaerial exposure, we suggest that 10Bemet measurements in glacial sediment are primarily controlled by erosional efficiency rather than interglacial exposure length.
Valuing Health States, Techniques for

This article discusses the six main techniques used to elicit weights for time spent in different health states, for incorporation in summary health measures such as quality-adjusted life years and disability-adjusted life years. The article presents an overview of the methods for eliciting responses and computing weights based on each of the techniques, reviews the historical development of these techniques, and highlights some of the key conceptual and methodological issues that are pertinent.