Graph learning for particle accelerator operations.

Particle accelerators play a crucial role in scientific research, enabling the study of fundamental physics and materials science, as well as having important medical applications. This study proposes a novel graph learning approach to classify operational beamline configurations as good or bad. By considering the relationships among beamline elements, we transform data from components into a heterogeneous graph.

Deep Learning Based Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavity Fault Classification at Jefferson Laboratory.

This work investigates the efficacy of deep learning (DL) for classifying C100 superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavity faults in the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab. CEBAF is a large, high-power continuous wave recirculating linac that utilizes 418 SRF cavities to accelerate electrons up to 12 GeV. Recent upgrades to CEBAF include installation of 11 new cryomodules (88 cavities) equipped with a low-level RF system that records RF time-series data from each cavity at the onset of an RF failure.

The attachments of 'autonomous' vehicles.

The ideal of the self-driving car replaces an error-prone human with an infallible, artificially intelligent driver. This narrative of autonomy promises liberation from the downsides of automobility, even if that means taking control away from autonomous, free-moving individuals. We look behind this narrative to understand the attachments that so-called 'autonomous' vehicles (AVs) are likely to have to the world.

Deep Cellular Recurrent Network for Efficient Analysis of Time-Series Data With Spatial Information.

Efficient processing of large-scale time-series data is an intricate problem in machine learning. Conventional sensor signal processing pipelines with hand-engineered feature extraction often involve huge computational costs with high dimensional data. Deep recurrent neural networks have shown promise in automated feature learning for improved time-series processing.

Shifts in Leukocyte Counts Drive the Differential Expression of Transcriptional Stroke Biomarkers in Whole Blood.

Our group recently identified a panel of ten genes whose RNA expression levels in whole blood have utility for detection of stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which these genes become differentially expressed during stroke pathology. First, we assessed the transcriptional distribution of the ten genes across the peripheral immune system by measuring their expression levels on isolated neutrophils, monocytes, B-lymphocytes, CD-4+ T-lymphocytes, CD-8+ T-lymphocytes, and NK-cells generated from the blood of healthy donors (n = 3).

Machine-learning approach identifies a pattern of gene expression in peripheral blood that can accurately detect ischaemic stroke.

Early and accurate diagnosis of stroke improves the probability of positive outcome. The objective of this study was to identify a pattern of gene expression in peripheral blood that could potentially be optimised to expedite the diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). A discovery cohort was recruited consisting of 39 AIS patients and 24 neurologically asymptomatic controls.

Leukocyte Dynamics Influence Reference Gene Stability in Whole Blood: Data-Driven qRT-PCR Normalization Is a Robust Alternative for Measurement of Transcriptional Biomarkers.

Background: The use of reference genes for normalization of whole blood qRT-PCR data may be problematic in conditions such as stroke which induce alterations in white blood cell differential. In this study, we assessed the influence of stroke on the stability of commonly employed reference genes, and we evaluated data-driven normalization as an alternative.

Methods: Peripheral whole blood was sampled from 33 stroke patients and 29 controls, and qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of 10 target genes whose transcripts are known stroke biomarkers.

Monocyte-lymphocyte cross-communication via soluble CD163 directly links innate immune system activation and adaptive immune system suppression following ischemic stroke.

CD163 is a scavenger receptor expressed on innate immune cell populations which can be shed from the plasma membrane via the metalloprotease ADAM17 to generate a soluble peptide with lympho-inhibitory properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate CD163 as a possible effector of stroke-induced adaptive immune system suppression. Liquid biopsies were collected from ischemic stroke patients (n = 39), neurologically asymptomatic controls (n = 20), and stroke mimics (n = 20) within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Circulating extracellular DNA levels are acutely elevated in ischaemic stroke and associated with innate immune system activation.

Objective: The objective of this work was to assess the ability of peripheral blood cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels to identify ischaemic stroke early in the acute phase of care, as well as to examine the relationship between peripheral blood cfDNA levels and stroke-induced innate immune system activation.

Methods: Upon emergency department admission, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 43 patients experiencing acute ischaemic stroke and 20 patients identified as stroke mimics. Plasma cfDNA levels were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), infarct volume and NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) were used to assess injury severity, and peripheral blood neutrophil count was used as a measure of innate immune system status.

Peripheral blood AKAP7 expression as an early marker for lymphocyte-mediated post-stroke blood brain barrier disruption.

Our group recently identified 16 genes whose peripheral blood expression levels are differentially regulated in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the early expression levels of any of these 16 genes are predictive for post-stroke blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Transcriptional expression levels of candidate genes were measured in peripheral blood sampled from ischemic stroke patients at emergency department admission, and BBB permeability was assessed at 24 hour follow up via perfusion-weighted imaging.

Reading the primary structure of a protein with 0.07 nm resolution using a subnanometre-diameter pore.

The primary structure of a protein consists of a sequence of amino acids and is a key factor in determining how a protein folds and functions. However, conventional methods for sequencing proteins, such as mass spectrometry and Edman degradation, suffer from short reads and lack sensitivity, so alternative approaches are sought. Here, we show that a subnanometre-diameter pore, sputtered through a thin silicon nitride membrane, can be used to detect the primary structure of a denatured protein molecule.

Awareness, Access and Use of Internet Self-Help Websites for Depression by University Students.

Background: University students have a higher prevalence rate of depression than the average 18 to 24 year old. Internet self-help has been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing self-rated measures of depression in this population, so it is important to explore the awareness, access and use of such self-help resources in this population.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore university students' awareness, access and use of Internet self-help websites for depression and related problems.

Production of Highly Polarized Positrons Using Polarized Electrons at MeV Energies.

The Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons experiment at the injector of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility has demonstrated for the first time the efficient transfer of polarization from electrons to positrons produced by the polarized bremsstrahlung radiation induced by a polarized electron beam in a high-Z target. Positron polarization up to 82% have been measured for an initial electron beam momentum of 8.19  MeV/c, limited only by the electron beam polarization.

Immediate postpartum etonogestrel implant: a contraception option with long-term continuation.

Objective: To determine 3-year continuation rates of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant when inserted immediately postpartum and to identify factors associated with discontinuation.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort of 262 women who had the contraceptive implant inserted immediately postpartum between January 2008 and March 2009 was collected from electronic medical records. Continuation rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were estimated.

Transmission of megawatt relativistic electron beams through millimeter apertures.

High-power, relativistic electron beams from energy-recovering linacs have great potential to realize new experimental paradigms for pioneering innovation in fundamental and applied research. A major design consideration for this new generation of experimental capabilities is the understanding of the halo associated with these bright, intense beams. In this Letter, we report on measurements performed using the 100 MeV, 430 kW cw electron beam from the energy-recovering linac at the Jefferson Laboratory's Free Electron Laser facility as it traversed a set of small apertures in a 127 mm long aluminum block.

Stool characteristics and colonic transit in irritable bowel syndrome: evaluation at two time points.

Objective: Information on the relationships between stool characteristics and colonic transit time (CTT) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is limited. Our aims were: (i) to relate stool frequency and consistency to total and segmental CTTs, (ii) to correlate changes in these stool characteristics with changes in CTTs between a baseline assessment and a 12-week assessment, and (iii) to examine the confounding effects of mood on these relationships, in patients with IBS.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-one female patients with IBS underwent, on two occasions 12 weeks apart, a colonic transit study and completed at these times Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and Bowel Symptoms Severity Rating Scale (BSSRS).

Performance of lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio as a reflex test for documenting fetal lung maturity in late preterm and term fetuses.

Objective: To determine if infants delivered after immature or indeterminate TDx-FLM II testing and a mature reflex test are at increased risk for neonatal respiratory complications.

Methods: The primary analysis compared neonatal respiratory morbidity (RDS or TTN) in 34-39-week fetuses delivered after either (i) mature TDx-FLM II testing, or (ii) indeterminate or immature TDx-FLM II and a positive reflex test (PG or L/S ratio).

Results: Fifty patients delivered after mature TDx-FLM II, and 30 after immature or indeterminate TDx-FLM II with an L/S ≥ 2.

Alcohol and substance use by patients with psychosis presenting to an emergency department: changing patterns.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of alcohol and other substance use in patients presenting to an emergency department with acute psychiatric illnesses and to clarify the role of urine drug screens.

Method: This was an unblinded prospective (observational) cohort study incorporating retrospective review of patient medical records, history of alcohol and substance use, results of urine drug screens and blood alcohol concentrations.

Results: Of 196 acute psychotic patients, 104 were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 92 with "other psychosis".

A controlled trial investigating the effect of music therapy during an acute psychotic episode.

Objective: To investigate the effects of music therapy, as an adjunct to pharmacological therapy during an acute psychotic episode.

Method: Sixty participants were quasi-randomised into either a treatment or control group. Standardised psychological assessments [Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Calgary Interview Guide for Depression, Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE-30) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21)] were conducted before and after the sessions to determine whether there were any significant changes in outcomes.

Perceived practice change in Australian doctors as a result of medicolegal concerns.

Objectives: To explore the perceived impact of medicolegal concerns on how Australian doctors practise medicine and to compare doctors who have experienced a medicolegal matter with those who have not.

Design And Setting: Cross-sectional survey (posted in September 2007, with reminder 4 weeks later) of Australian doctors from all major specialty groups, trainees and a sample of general practitioners who were insured with a medical insurance company.

Participants: 2999 respondents of 8360 who were sent the survey.

Factors associated with psychiatric morbidity and hazardous alcohol use in Australian doctors.

Objective: To identify factors associated with psychiatric morbidity and hazardous alcohol use in Australian doctors.

Design, Setting And Participants: Cross-sectional postal survey of 2999 doctors (including all major specialty groups, trainees and general practitioners) insured with an Australian medical insurance company. The potential for psychiatric morbidity was measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and the potential for hazardous alcohol use by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Polytrauma in the elderly: predictors of the cause and time of death.

Background: Increasing age and significant pre-existing medical conditions (PMCs) are independent risk factors associated with increased mortality after trauma. Our aim was to review all trauma deaths, identifying the cause and the relation to time from injury, ISS, age and PMCs.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of trauma deaths over a 6-year period at the study centre was conducted.

Australian doctors' involvement in medicolegal matters: a cross-sectional self-report study.

Objective: To investigate the frequency of, and factors associated with, Australian doctors' involvement in medicolegal matters.

Design, Setting And Participants: Cross-sectional survey of Australian doctors (specialists, trainees and general practitioners) insured with the medical insurance company Avant. A self-report questionnaire was mailed to Avant members in September 2007 to gather data on their involvement in medicolegal matters.