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Over the past few years, many double-layer-relevant laboratory experiments have been carried out at the University of Wisconsin. Laboratory stair-step double layers, which resemble three or more weak double layers joined in series, have been produced without ionization for the first time. Double-layer floating potential fluctuations have been investigated and progress has been made in developing a novel technique for measuring electron energy distribution functions in low-density double layers (i.e., lambda(sub D) much greater than probe dimensions). A new inductive plasma source has been developed. With this source, magnetized double layers can be routinely produced. These magnetized double layers are often weak stair-step double layers that are oblique to the magnetic field. Laboratory data of emitting probe characteristics taken in tenuous plasmas have helped to quantify space-charge-enhanced plasma gradient induced error in double-layer electric field measurements made by satellite double probes. Also, magnetic sheaths have been experimentally studied and compared with theory.

Presents a study that examined plasma potential measurements of a space-charge dominated double sheath near a hot cathode. Methodology; Background on virtual cathode; Analysis of the current voltage characteristics of the hot cathode.

Focuses on a study which examined the multi-valued floating potential of Langmuir probe in plasmas. Discussion on experimental condition; Details of experimental results; Comparison of findings on a theoretical model.

Presents a study which showed the use of secondary electron-emission-capacitive probes (SECP) to determine the plasma potential measurements in plasmas with hot electrons. Discussion on the floating potential of secondary emissive capacitance probe; Probe construction and circuit; Details of the SECP techniques for measuring plasma potential.

It is experimentalist demonstrated that, with proper current bias, emissive probes can accurately measure dc electric potential in a vacuum. A comparison is made of the accuracy and time response of this "vacuum current bias" method with two other emissive probe techniques, the inflection point in the limit of zero emission, and the floating potential of a strongly heated probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To engineer cells that can specifically target the central nervous system (CNS), we identified extracellular CNS-specific antigens, including components of the CNS extracellular matrix and surface molecules expressed on neurons or glial cells. Synthetic Notch receptors engineered to detect these antigens were used to program T cells to induce the expression of diverse payloads only in the brain. CNS-targeted T cells that induced chimeric antigen receptor expression efficiently cleared primary and secondary brain tumors without harming cross-reactive cells outside of the brain. Conversely, CNS-targeted cells that locally delivered the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 ameliorated symptoms in a mouse model of neuroinflammation. Tissue-sensing cells represent a strategy for addressing diverse disorders in an anatomically targeted manner.

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of the statewide healthcare coalition response the Minnesota Critical Care Working Group (CCWG), composed of Interprofessional leaders from the state's nine largest health systems was established and entrusted to plan and coordinate critical care support for Minnesota from March 2020 through July1, 2021., Research Question: Can a statewide Critical Care Working Group develop contingency and crisis level surge strategies and indicators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic while evolving into a highly collaborative team?, Study Design and Methods: CCWG members (Intensivists, ethicists, nurses, MDH and MHA leaders) met by audio video conferencing as often as daily assessing COVID and non-COVID hospitalization data, developed surge indicators reflecting contingency versus crisis conditions, and planned responses collaboratively. A foundation of collaboration and teamwork developed which facilitated an effective statewide response., Results: Pandemic surge healthcare system strategies included use of surge intensive care unit (ICU) beds, adapted staffing models, restriction of non-emergency procedures, augmentation of tele-ICU care, ability to recognize increasing staff shortages, use of pediatric ICU beds for younger adults, and use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in non-ICU settings. CCWG supported development of the Minnesota Medical Operations Coordination Center, instrumental in load-balancing and mitigating crisis conditions. Minnesota surge strategies are compared to published pre- and pandemic experiences regarding staff; space; supplies, medications/equipment; and system strategies. Adopted severe surge best practices included use of adapted staffing models and NIV in non-ICU settings. CCWG effectively developed shared strategies and facilitated ICU load-balancing, which supported a regionally consistent standard of care., Interpretation: CCWG developed statewide critical care surge strategies assisting healthcare organization response to COVID-19 surges, providing a platform for clinical and operational activities. Collaboration, trust, and teamwork between CCWG leaders and healthcare organizations was essential to success and serves as a model for future events., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: At the request of the Statewide Healthcare Coordination Center, the Minnesota Critical Care Working Group (CCWG) and ethics subgroup (EWG), composed of interprofessional leaders from Minnesota's nine largest health systems were asked to plan and coordinate critical care operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the 2021 Fall surge., Research Question: Can a statewide Working Group collaboratively analyze real time evidence to identify crisis conditions and engage state leadership to implement care processes?, Study Design and Methods: CCWG/EWG met via video conferencing during the Fall 2021 severe surge to analyze evidence and plan for potential crisis care conditions. Five sources of evidence informed their actions including group consensus on operating conditions; Federal Tele-Tracking data; MOCC patient placement data; and two surveys created and distributed to hospitals and healthcare professionals. The group developed and recommended processes to mitigate the conditions and engaged statewide leadership for support., Results: Evidence of crisis conditions included rising numbers of inpatient COVID-19 patients, tertiary care centers with difficulty accepting transfers (including emergencies), severe ED crowding, activation of ICU allocation teams, and low patient placement rate at the Minnesota MOCC. A statewide hospital survey demonstrated numerous staffing adaptations, expansion of telemedicine, and delay of non-emergent procedures. A survey of healthcare professionals revealed instances of poor patient outcomes, bedside rationing, implicit triage, and moral distress. Leadership engagement resulted in public messaging, though no change in how ICU care was allocated, or transfers managed., Interpretation: CCWG collected and analyzed evidence demonstrating crisis conditions and healthcare professional moral distress during the Fall 2021 COVID-19 surge. However, the group had a limited impact on care processes. This paper analyzes the group's efforts. It includes recommendations for researchers and policy makers., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Chest Physicians. All rights reserved.)