Neutron source reconstruction using a generalized expectation-maximization algorithm on one-dimensional neutron images from the Z facility

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiments have been performed at the Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories. These experiments use deuterium fuel, which produces 2.45 MeV neutrons on reaching thermonuclear conditions. To study the spatial structure of neutron production, the one-dimensional imager of neutrons diagnostic was fielded to record axial resolved neutron images. In this diagnostic, neutrons passing through a rolled edge aperture form an image on a CR-39-based solid state nuclear track detector. Here, we present a modified generalized expectation-maximization algorithm to reconstruct an axial neutron emission profile of the stagnated fusion plasma. We validate the approach by comparing the reconstructed neutron emission profile to an x-ray emission profile provided by a time-integrated pinhole camera.

Quantitative analysis of the development of experimentally induced post surgical adhesions: a microstereological study

The aim of this study was to quantitatively define the development of post surgical adhesions (PSAs) in a well characterized experimental model and identify possible windows of pathogenesis where pharmaceutical intervention may be most effective. PSAs were induced, in an established rabbit uterine horn model, using standardized reproducible injury, in 17 experimental groups, each with 8 experimental sites and these PSAs were sampled from 30 seconds to 42 days post surgery. Using design based, unbiased stereology, mean volumes of PSAs and associated tissue damage and reaction per experimental site were calculated for each sample time point. PSA development followed the normal pattern of wound healing with surrounding adjacent tissue having a profound influence and interaction. There was a direct relationship between volume of damage (initial and subsequent) and the volume of injury tissue generated. In vivo weak fibrinous PSAs were present from 10 min following injury, with tenacious fibrinous PSAs present from 1 h and onwards. PSA development can be classified into two distinct stages: (i) PSA modelling - occurring during the first 16 h, in which maximum rate of PSA construction is achieved; and (ii) PSA remodelling - from 16 h onwards. Considering this, PSA prevention should ideally be initiated immediately post injury to prevent PSA modelling or, alternatively, during PSA modelling.

Repeat fertility and contraceptive implant use among Medicaid recipients in Colorado

Late in 1991, Colorado's Medicaid program approved coverage for the hormonal contraceptive implant among Medicaid recipients. Subsequently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment undertook an analysis of data supplied by the state's Medicaid program of the probability of repeat births among Medicaid recipients. According to life-table analysis of two cohorts of women in the database who had their first Medicaid-eligible birth in 1991 and 1992, the rate of repeat delivery within 24 months of the preceding birth fell from 14.1% among 11,554 women who first delivered in 1991 to 10.6% among 13,624 women who first delivered in 1992. The 25% decline in the rate of repeat births between the two cohorts was statistically significant. These rates were higher among Medicaid-eligible mothers who first gave birth as teenagers-22.3% in the 1991 cohort and 15.9% in the 1992 cohort. Among the 2,739 Medicaid-eligible women who delivered in 1992 and chose to use the implant within six months of delivery, the repeat delivery rate was just 2.5% within 24 months; this proportion was virtually the same among implant users in the 1992 cohort who first gave birth as teenagers (2.3%).