cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Odor- and state-dependent olfactory tubercle local field potential dynamics in awake rats

The olfactory tubercle (OT), a trilaminar structure located in the basal forebrain of mammals, is thought to play an important role in olfaction. While evidence has accumulated regarding the contributions of the OT to odor information processing, studies exploring the role of the OT in olfaction in awake animals remain unavailable. In the present study, we begin to address this void through multiday recordings of local field potential (LFP) activity within the OT of awake, freely exploring Long-Evans rats. We observed spontaneous OT LFP activity consisting of theta- (2-12 Hz), beta- (15-35 Hz) and gamma- (40-80 Hz) band activity, characteristic of previous reports of LFPs in other principle olfactory structures. Beta- and gamma-band powers were enhanced upon odor presentation. Simultaneous recordings of OT and upstream olfactory bulb (OB) LFPs revealed odor-evoked LFP power at statistically similar levels in both structures. Strong spectral coherence was observed between the OT and OB during both spontaneous and odor-evoked states. Furthermore, the OB theta rhythm more strongly cohered with the respiratory rhythm, and respiratory-coupled theta cycles in the OT occurred following theta cycles in the OB. Finally, we found that the animal's internal state modulated LFP activity in the OT. Together, these data provide initial insights into the network activity of the OT in the awake rat, including spontaneous rhythmicity, odor-evoked modulation, connectivity with upstream sensory input, and state-dependent modulation.
Chronic Estrogen Replacement Inhibits Aortic Intimal Hyperplasia Independent of Serum Lipids

The role of estrogens in providing atheroprotection has been well documented in both epidemiologic and experimental studies. This phenomenon has traditionally been attributed to the beneficial lipid-modifying effects of estrogens. Yet lipid alterations may not be the sole mechanism of estrogen-mediated cardiovascular protection. Previous studies have utilized models of either diet- or injury-induced atherosclerosis. As such, the interrelationship between estrogens, lipids, and atherosclerosis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ovariectomy with or without estrogen replacement on the development of aortic intimal hyperplasia. Although we acknowledge the influence of estrogens on the lipid profile, we hypothesized that estrogens are atheroprotective independent of changes in serum lipids. Twelve Warhill ewes (7-11 years old) were randomized to sham (2 sheep) operation, ovariectomy (OVx-5 sheep), or ovariectomy with 17 beta-estradiol replacement (OVxE-5 sheep). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured at 0, 6, and 12 months. Necropsy was performed at 6 and 12 months with histologic morphometric analysis of the aortoiliac bifurcation. Ovariectomy resulted in intimal thickening in comparison to the sham (p < 0.0001) and hormone replacement group (p < 0.0001). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar and normal (40-60 mg/dl) among all groups. Estradiol abrogates aortic intimal hyperplasia following ovariectomy independent of the hormone's effects on lipid metabolism.
Pressure Pulse in Small Arteries

Pressure pulse contours have been obtained in the small mesenteric and intestinal arteries of the dog. The principal change in the pressure pulse during transmission from large to small arteries appeared to be the gradual and progressive development of damping. The pressure drop from the aorta to arteries of 200 µ internal diameter averaged 17 per cent systolic and 12 per cent diastolic. Elevation of blood pressure with norepinephrine or angiotensin decreased the large-to-small artery pressure gradient, as well as the apparent degree of damping. Reduction of arterial pressure following hexamethonium or hemorrhage had the opposite effect. The evidence suggested that arteries of 200 µ diameter and larger function primarily as transport vessels and play no important role in altering the peripheral vascular resistance.
The biomechanics of vibration and low back pain

This work is a review of the mechanical factors related to low back pain production in a vibration environment. The sitting posture is an extreme orientation for the lumbar intervertebral disc that 1) increases its internal pressure, 2) increases its anteroposterior shear flexibility, while: 3) decreasing its resistance to buckling instability and 4) stressing the posterior region of the disc. Vibration is an additional mechanical stressor. Several studies suggest that the following preventive measures be taken to reduce the risk of low back pain due to driving: 1) minimize the vibration reaching the driver, 2) avoid lifting or bending immediately following driving, and 3) walk around for a few minutes following driving.
Particle swarm optimization for PID tuning of a BLDC motor

This paper applies a particle swarm optimizer to tune the PID gains for a brushless DC motor. This motor is used in a milling machine that moves in coordination with three additional motors to carve out transtibial and transfemoral prosthetic sockets. Three motors move in the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes, while one motor rotates in a clockwise/counterclockwise rotation. The BLDC motor of interested is responsible for controlling the movement along the X axis. Performance improvements using the PSO PID gains are analyzed in the motor controlling the X axis by comparing the performance of the motor obtained by an optimizer program provided by the manufacturer of the milling machine and the brushless DC motor model developed in this paper.
Socioeconomic status over the life course and stages of cigarette use: initiation, regular use, and cessation

Study objective: To investigate the association between multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) over the life course and three stages of cigarette use: initiation, regular use, and cessation. Design: Prospective birth cohort study. Setting: Providence, Rhode Island. Participants: Subjects (n=657) aged 30 to 39 were offspring of participants in the Brown University cohort of the United States National Collaborative Perinatal Project started in 1959. Main results: A significantly increased risk of smoking initiation was observed among people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Low SES in childhood also increased the risk for progression to regular smoking, and was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking cessation. Progression to regular smoking and smoking persistence were also associated with lower adult SES. Conclusions: Socioeconomic conditions over the life course accumulate to produce increased rates of smoking uptake and reduced rates of cessation among lower SES people. Addressing SES gradients in smoking will require persistent and extended intervention over multiple life stages.
The oxidative decarboxylation of polyaminocarboxylic acids

The rates of oxidation of four chelating agents, NTA, EDTA, CDTA, and DTPA with Ce(IV), in sulfuric acid media, were determined spectrophotometrically by a stopped-flow technique. The reductive ability is in the order CDTA > EDTA > DTPA > NTA. The influence of varying the acidity of the medium was studied, and in each case a maximum in the rate constant vs. [H+] plot was observed. A possible interpretation of the reactivities and the influence of acidity is advanced.
Routing in Ad Hoc Networks of Mobile Hosts

An ad hoc network is a collection of wireless mobile hosts forming a temporary network without the aid of any centralized administration or standard support services. In such an environment, it may be necessary for one mobile host to enlist the aid of others in forwarding a packet to its destination due to the limited propagation range of each mobile host's wireless transmissions. Some previous attempts have been made to use conventional routing protocols for routing in ad hoc networks, treating each mobile host as a router. This position paper points out a number of problems with this design and suggests a new approach based on separate route discovery and route maintenance protocols.
Tumor radiosensitization with concomitant vone marrow radioprotection: A study in mice using diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) under oxygenated and hypoxic conditions

Abstract We have established, both in vitro and in vivo, that Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) protects mammalian cells from radiation. The in vivo protection, when non-toxic concentrations of DDC are present one-half hour before irradiation, is reflected by a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.9 based on LD 50 30 and 1.5 using survival of CFUs as an endpoint. Further experiments in vivo have extended our knowledge to the differential radioprotective effects of DDC on the vone marrow of animals breathing room air compared to a 5.5% oxygen in nitrogen mixture. The DMF ( LD 50 30 ) for DDC in air breathing animals, previously established as 1.9, can be contrasted with a DMF, obtained in the present study, of 1.2 for animals irradiated in the hypoxic state. Moreover the DMF (CFUs survival) previously established at 1.5 for air breathing animals, can be compared to a value of 1.3, obtained in the present study, for mice irradiated under hypoxic conditions. Modification of the dose response by DDC, for both vone marrow and tumor, was also examined in animals bearing a RIF sarcoma. Although protection of the vone marrow was confirmed (DMF = 2.1), the striking finding was that the tumor cells were sensitized, in both air breathing and nitrogen breathing animals, by the addition of DDC one-half hour before the radiation exposure. Moreover, the tumor radiosensitization, a factor greater than 2, in air breathing animals, appeared to be independent of dose (D0 = 200 rad, with or without DDC). The tumor radiosensitization was even more marked in the nitrogen breathing mice, in which a factor of 10 difference in survival was noted, together with a tendency towards greater sensitization at radiation doses in the clinical range. The results, demonstrating vone marrow radioprotection by DDC (aerobic > hypoxic) with concomitant tumor radiosensitization (hypoxic > aerobic) strongly suggest a large therapeutic gain factor (TGF) which could be further explored in a clinical setting.
Collaborative design of a multi-functioning building envelope

This paper details the design evolution of a multi-functioning building envelope. The range of functions and performance achieved by the envelope were the result of close collaboration of faculty, students, and external consultants in architecture, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, composite materials science, lighting design, and computer science. The envelope was designed with particular attention to tropical climate conditions. Negative factors, such as high heat, humidity, material degradation (e.g., rot, termites, rust), floods, and hurricanes were considered. At the same time, the tropics typically provide high insolation levels and potential for energy harvesting. A main focus of the research was to investigate the unique conditions present in tropical climates and to evolve responsive building envelope design in order to increase human comfort and lower energy use in this large world region. The envelope is comprised of: (a) semi-monocoque shell structure with tension bracing, (b) thermally-broken stressed FRP interior/exterior skins, (c) aerogel cavity granular insulationen capsulated in polycarbonate panels, (d) computer-controlled color-changeable LED lightstrips, (e) variable cavity ventilation system, and, (f) external photovoltaic computer-controlledlouvers. These elements were designed to have the following attributes and functions: (a)lightweight structure for minimal material use, (b) watertight enclosure for flotation, (c) minimalthermal envelope gains/losses, (d) variable daylighting, (e) variable artificial lighting color,intensity, position, and pattern, and, (f) variable incident PV angle for optimal energy harvesting. The steps in discovering, understanding, and capitalizing on the various and synergistic relationships among materials, assemblies, and systems to achieve high-level performance design objectives are detailed. The paper uses the specific case of a building envelope design to argue for the more general need to assemble collaborative relationships in order to provide multi-functionality and systems synergy and to thereby achieve higher levels of performance and materials/system efficiency.
Effects of a Mathematics Fluency Program on Mathematics Performance of Students With Challenging Behaviors

In the present study, we examined the effects of a fluency-building mathematics program called Great Leaps Math on fluency of basic addition mathematics facts zero to nine and word problem solving using a multiple probe design across participants. Three elementary students with challenging behaviors and mathematics difficulty participated in the study. Results showed that all three students increased their oral fluency of basic mathematics facts and word problem solving skills, with one student increasing written fluency and written generalization fluency (e.g., problems displayed vertically and horizontally).
Anterior and posterior left ventricular sarcomere lengths behave similarly during ejection

Previous studies of regional differences in myocardial deformation between the anterior and posterior walls of the canine left ventricle were based on strain, which is not an absolute measure of deformation. We thus compared sarcomere lengths at anterior and posterior sites during ejection in isolated dog hearts. Cineradiographic imaging of regional deformation with radiopaque markers implanted near the midwall in five hearts and just below the epicardium in six hearts, combined with postmortem histology, allowed sarcomere length reconstruction throughout the cardiac cycle. The amount of sarcomere shortening accompanying left ventricular ejection was similar in both walls of the left ventricle for sarcomeres located at epicardial and midwall sites. The mean sarcomere length (taken at the middle of the ejecting range) was also similar between the anterior and posterior sites when averaged over all hearts. The similarity of sarcomere function held not only at end systole but throughout ejection and over wide ranges of ventricular pre- and afterloads. Hence functional measurements of relative myocardial shortening may not be indicative of regional sarcomere length heterogeneity.
Composition and assembly of the yeast vacuolar H(+)-ATPase complex

The proton-translocating ATPase (H(+)-ATPase) found on the membrane of the yeast vacuole is the best characterized member of the V-type ATPase family. Biochemical and genetic screens have led to the identification of 14 genes, the majority designated VMA (for vacuolar membrane ATPase) encoding subunits of the enzyme complex. At least eight genes encode for proteins comprising the peripherally associated catalytic V(1) subcomplex, and six genes code for proteins forming the proton-translocating membrane V(o) subcomplex. Several additional genes have been identified that encode proteins that are not part of the final V-ATPase complex yet are required for its assembly. These non-subunit Vma proteins function as dedicated V-ATPase assembly factors since their absence appears to inhibit assembly of the V-ATPase only. The assembly factors designated Vma12p, Vma21p and Vma22p have been localized to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum and aid the association of newly synthesized V-ATPase subunits translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Two of these proteins, Vma12p and Vma22p, function together in an assembly complex that interacts directly with nascent V-ATPase subunits.
The evolutionary spintronic technologies and their usage in high performance computing

This paper gives a comprehensive summary of our study in using the spintronic technologies for the on-chip cache density improvement of high performance computing systems. We will start with the spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) at the early of stage of commercialization and then extend it to the emerging racetrack memory that has been successfully demonstrated at device and small array level. In multi-level cell (MLC) STT-RAM cache, the cell design constrains, e.g., the switching current requirement and asymmetry in write operations, severely limit the density benefit. Moreover, the two-step read/write accesses and inflexible data mapping strategy may even result in system performance degradation. This paper will discuss our circuit and architecture combined solution. Advanced spintronic technology, i.e., racetrack memory, enables an extremely high storage density and offers a faster-than-Moores law scaling path. Unorthodox new memory hierarchies are necessary to minimize the impact of pseudo-sequential accesses of racetrack memory.
Annealing Behavior of Femtosecond Laser-Written Waveguides in Fused Silica

We have studied thermal annealing of fs-laser fabricated waveguides in fused silica using confocal fluorescence and Raman microscopy. The results show that laser-induced NBOHC defects disappear at much lower temperatures than three-membered SiO rings.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle … and Refuse

Two recent books, both by journalists, expose major weaknesses in marketing because of what is ignored in the standard treatment. The marketing story tends to end with the purchase of a good or ser...
Correlation of the Stress-Temperature History with Microstructure in A1-0.5Cu and A1-0.15Pd Thin Films

Blanket films (1 μm thick) of both A1-0.5Cu and A1-0.15Pd were deposited at room temperature, 150°C, and 300°C. Stress in the as-deposited wafers increased with substrate temperature, as expected from the thermal expansion mismatch on cooling. All conditions were tiicrmally cycled to 450°C three times while continuously monitoring stress. The shapes of the curves were different for the two alloys because precipitates dissolve and reprecipitate in AlCu, but are present over the entire temperature range in AlPd. Lesser differences were evident comparing the stress-temperature behavior for the various substrate temperatures within a single alloy. The precipitate structure also influences the grain growth during thermal cycling, where substantially larger median grain sizes are found in AlCu compared to AlPd.
Motor Impairments in Angelman Syndrome

Of 33 children and adolescents (median age 6 years) investigated for learning disability, epilepsy, and motor dysfunction to detect suspected Angelman syndrome (AS), in a study at Goteborg University, Sweden, 23 fulfilled criteria for AS.
Factors influencing Hepatitis B Virus Infection among 969 Tibetan Children Aged 1 to 14 Years

Objective Explore factors that influence hepatitis B virus( HBV) infection among Tibetan children aged 1 to 14 years.Methods Based on the national hepatitis B serum epidemiological survey in 2006,univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to determine the influential factors of HBV infection among 969 Tibetan children from 1 to 14 years old.Results History of hepatitis B vaccination was a protective factor to avoid HBV infection.Living in urban areas,not having hepatitis B vaccination history,dental treatment history,and traumatic ear piercing history were risk factors for HBV infection of children.Conclusions The current hepatitis B immunization strategy should be enhanced,especially the immunization strategy of the timely birth dose for newborns,and completing 3 timely doses of HBV vaccine.Hospital-acquired infections should be strictly controlled.Specific health strategies should be developed based on local culture.
APPLICATION OF UNIFORM DESIGN METHOD IN RESEARCH OF INTERFACIAL RHEOLOGY OF POLYMER/SURFACTANT SOLUTION

A uniform design experimental method has been applied in studying interfacial rheology of polymer/surfactant solution. Step-by-step analysis of regression has been used for analyzing measured interfacial rheological parameters and preliminary influence tendency of different factors on interfacial rheological parameters has been obtained. Results show that the uniform design method has broad prospect in the mechanism research of chemical flooding and chemical combination flooding area.
Analysis of the data on death surveillance in Yanzhou city,2010

Objective To study the mortality for residents inYanzhou city by the death surveillance system,to provide the basis for making health strategy. Methods By the death surveillance system,the soft SPSS was be used to analyze the mortality for residents in Yanzhou city in 2010. Results The mortality rate of Yanzhou city was 113.33/100 000 from 0:00 on January 1,2010 to December 31 24:00 pm. 75 to 79 years of age group reported the highest mortality. People who were farmer,forestry workers,pastoralists or fishermen were high death risk,and the total mortality rate accounts for 61.23%. The top five causes of death were circulatory system diseases,cancer,external causes of injury and poisoning diseases,respiratory diseases and the diagnosis of unknown diseases,and there was no significant difference between males and females(x 2 =0.241,P 0.05). Conclusion The mortality rate reporting among old people was on a relatively high level in Yanzhou city. The chronic non-communicable diseases were a main reason for causes of death in Yanzhou city.Measures should be taken to prevent and control chronic non-communicable disease.
Diagnosis, prevention, and therapy in hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Protocols for prenatal testing to detect Rh immunized women and to identify candidates for Rh immune globulin, and for laboratory testing at or following delivery are presented. Therapeutic approaches in the immunized patient are evaluated.
STUDIES ON THROMBOPOIESIS. III. THROMBOCYTOSIS-PROMOTING EFFECTS OF "THROMBOCYTHEMIC" AND "POLYCYTHEMIC" PLASMAS.

Abstract Thrombocyte responses were determined in groups of normal rats given multiple daily doses by gastric tube of the thermostable fraction of plasmas from patients with primary thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera and from normal human subjects. Control animals received water by the same route. Increases of 60 to 70 per cent in the recipients' platelet counts appear to constitute maximum responses obtainable with this assay technique. Daily doses of the "thrombocythemic" and "polycythemic" plasma extracts equal to 2 ml. of the original plasma per 100 grams body weight evoked, respectively, 71 and 73 per cent increases in the rats' platelet counts. Comparable amounts of normal plasma induced a 36 per cent increase in the recipients' circulating platelets. When the daily dose was decreased to 1 per cent of the rats' weights, thrombocytosis-promoting activity was no longer detectable in normal plasma. Recipients of lesser quantities of the "thrombocythemic" plasma manifested thrombocytosis equivalent to that brought about by twice the dose. The route of administration, dose-response relationship, and restoration of normal counts after treatment was stopped attest to the specificity of the stimulus contained in these test materials. Plasmas from 19 additional patients with polycythemia vera have exerted similar thrombocytosis-promoting effects in normal rats. These data provide further support for the thesis that a humoral regulator (or regulators) exerts physiologic and pathophysiologic control over thrombopoiesis.
A Perturbation Based Model of Heat-Induced Suppression of River Ice

The study of the thermal response of ice covered streams to an effluent of high temperature, or of fast moving water, has been of considerable interest to those concerned with hydraulic systems, environmental effects, and navigational routes in cold regions. The discharge of tributary thermal effluents into cold region rivers may alter the thermal and hydrodynamic conditions of ice cover progression and create reaches of open water in the ice throughout the winter season. An analytical approach, based on pertubation techniques, has been developed and tested concerning the suppression of ice cover and the migration of its fronts. The upstream and the downstream ice edges are determined for two cases of steady non-uniform flow. Conditions for the suppression of the ice cover are also obtained based on the relative positions of the upstream and downstream ice edges. Comparison with field data shows a good agreement with the formulation incorporating the thermal effluent velocity.
Striatonigral Tachykinin Biosynthesis I. Effect of the Dopamine Antagonist Haloperidol

The prominent substance P (SP) projection from the striatum to the substantia nigra is thought to play an important role in the regulation of basal ganglia function and the response to dopaminergic and other pharmacological agents. However, the physiological and pharmacological significance of this striatonigral tachykinin system has been difficult to assess, since no useful measures of SP turnover have been available. Previous studies have shown that the repeated administration of dopamine (DA) antagonist (antipsychotic) drugs decreases the concentration of SP in the substantia nigra [1–5], although the relationship between SP concentration and SP turnover remains obscure. It has recently been demonstrated [6,7] that two mRNAs derived from one preprotachykinin (PPT) gene by alternate RNA splicing encode for either SP alone (αPPT mRNA) or both SP and the newly discovered tachykinin [8,9] substance K (SK) (βPPT mRNA). Thus, the biosynthes is of these two tachykinins could be differentially regulated in response to DA antagonists or other stimuli. In the present experiments, striatonigral SP and SK immunoreactivities were characterized using specific radioimmunoassays (RIAs) coupled to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The acute and chronic effects of the antipsychotic drug haloperidol on the levels of striatonigral PPT mRNA (as well as SP and SK peptide levels) in single rat brain striata were quantitated as a dynamic index of tachykinin turnover.
Hyperhidrosis and Stress

Hyperhidrosis is a psychological skin condition characterized by uncontrollable, excessive amounts of sweat in specific body locations. Although not a physically debilitating condition, those individuals affected with this condition commonly experience psychosocial stress during regular social encounters and exhibit low self-confidence, thus drastically decreasing the quality of life of these individuals (Coutinho dos Santos et al. Pediatr Dermatol 26(4):439–444, 2009; Glogau, Dermatol Surg 24(8):817–819, 1998; Kouris et al. Pediatr Dermatol 32(2):226–230, 2015). Hyperhidrosis is often diagnosed in patients suffering from psychosocial disorders such as social anxiety, suggesting a psychological factor may influence it’s onset. Various management options exist for the treatment of hyperhidrosis including fractionated microneedle radio (FMR) treatment, botulinum toxin type A (BTXA), surgery, oral administration of the anticholinergic drug glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate), aluminum chloride antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (Glogau, Dermatol Surg 24(8):817–819, 1998; Kouris et al. Pediatr Dermatol 32(2):226–230, 2015; Bajaj and Langtry, Br J Dermatol 157(1):118–121, 2007; Fatemi Naeini et al. Australas J Dermatol 56(4):279–284, 2015; Kobayashi et al. J Dermatol 21(8):575–581, 1994; Rompel and Scholz, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 15(3):207–211, 2001). Currently, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is the only current, permanent treatment option. However, new therapeutic options on the horizon such as lasers and microwave thermolysis demonstrate promising results.
GIS and the humanities: Presenting a path to digital scholarship with the Story Map app

ABSTRACTWorking collaboratively, a scholarly resources librarian and a subject liaison librarian at a small, public liberal arts college have created a GIS story mapping workshop for fellow information professionals. Using GIS, the librarians are bridging the gap between humanities and sciences in a liberal arts environment. The librarians' experience of being introduced to GIS and creating training for others enabled them to support their library's data services and digital scholarship initiatives. By helping connect the humanities with science and technology using story maps, librarians can create a neutral environment for learners to conduct interdisciplinary research and develop spatial literacy.
ROCK and RHO Playlist for Preimplantation Development: Streaming to HIPPO Pathway and Apicobasal Polarity in the First Cell Differentiation

In placental mammalian development, the first cell differentiation produces two distinct lineages that emerge according to their position within the embryo: the trophectoderm (TE, placenta precursor) differentiates in the surface, while the inner cell mass (ICM, fetal body precursor) forms inside. Here, we discuss how such position-dependent lineage specifications are regulated by the RHOA subfamily of small GTPases and RHO-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCK). Recent studies in mouse show that activities of RHO/ROCK are required to promote TE differentiation and to concomitantly suppress ICM formation. RHO/ROCK operate through the HIPPO signaling pathway, whose cell position-specific modulation is central to establishing unique gene expression profiles that confer cell fate. In particular, activities of RHO/ROCK are essential in outside cells to promote nuclear localization of transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ, the downstream effectors of HIPPO signaling. Nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ depends on the formation of apicobasal polarity in outside cells, which requires activities of RHO/ROCK. We propose models of how RHO/ROCK regulate lineage specification and lay out challenges for future investigations to deepen our understanding of the roles of RHO/ROCK in preimplantation development. Finally, as RHO/ROCK may be inhibited by certain pharmacological agents, we discuss their potential impact on human preimplantation development in relation to fertility preservation in women.
DIFFICULTY IN DIAGNOSIS OF RIGHT AORTIC ARCH IN HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME WITH INTACT ATRIAL SEPTUM REQUIRING EMERGENT INTERVENTION

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with an intact atrial septum (IAS) is a high-mortality lesion requiring immediate intervention after birth. Associated right aortic arch (AA) with HLHS is extremely rare. Prenatal diagnosis of HLHS with IAS was made at 22 weeks. After birth, brief
An Inherent Fog Network: Brain-Spinal Cord-Nerve Networks

The spinal cord plays a key role for big data processing in the central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. A close look to the spinal cord reveals that the main functions of fog nodes such as communication, computation, and storage capability define what spinal cord does in the central nervous system. Based on this analogy, a new network architecture is described dubbed brain-spinal cord-nerve network that bears a striking resemblance to cloud-fog-thing network architecture under consideration for 5G networks. A stochastic geometry analysis is performed for this network to specify the optimum number of special neurons at the spinal cord responsible for learning. Additionally, to provide an alternative model for some fundamental motor skills in our daily life such as driving, swimming, dancing, and the brain-spinal cord-nerve network is modeled as a coded cache. These findings can be quite useful for neuroscientists who may want to apply the fog network model to the central nervous system with the ultimate aim of treating serious central nervous system diseases. Lastly, a novel coded caching structure is developed for fog networks inspired by the central nervous system.
A 38-Year-Old Man with Systemic Sclerosis and Erectile Dysfunction

Scleroderma occurs much more commonly in women than in men but the clinical features are similar. However, men with scleroderma have characteristic problems with sexual function. In particular, erectile dysfunction (ED) in scleroderma has been recognized for nearly 30 years and occurs in between 27% and 81% of men with scleroderma. Moreover, ED may be an early and often overriding symptom in men with scleroderma. ED in scleroderma likely results from the characteristic microvascular and fibrotic abnormalities of this disorder that are manifested in the penis. Careful evaluation of men with scleroderma and ED should include attention to occupational exposure, medications known to be associated with ED, symptoms of depression and assessment of comorbidities including smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease. Traditional vasodilators and on-demand phosphodiesterase inhibitors have not had proven benefit but may improve ED if administered at higher doses or at regular intervals. Urological evaluation is also important in the management of ED in male scleroderma.
Ethology, natural history, the life sciences, and the problem of place

Investigators of animal behavior since the eighteenth century have sought to make their work integral to the enterprises of natural history and/or the life sciences. In their efforts to do so, they have frequently based their claims of authority on the advantages offered by the special places where they have conducted their research. The zoo, the laboratory, and the field have been major settings for animal behavior studies. The issue of the relative advantages of these different sites has been a persistent one in the history of animal behavior studies up to and including the work of the ethologists of the twentieth century.
Low Reynolds number multirotor aerodynamic wake interactions

Multirotor vertical take-off and landing uninhabited aerial vehicles can be built in numerous configurations. This makes them a preferred choice of platform for a wide range of commercial applications. Rotor–rotor aerodynamic interactions play an important role in the performance of a UAV. Bi-rotor configurations are studied experimentally using high-speed stereo particle image velocimetry and performance measurements. Important multirotor wake interaction phenomena are identified. Two kinds of vortex–vortex, four kinds of vortex–vortex sheet, and two kinds of vortex–hub interactions are discovered at different sub-ranges of the tested configurations. The primary building components of multirotor downwash are recognized by observing the mean rotor inflow and outflow velocity profiles. Comparison of performance trends with high Reynolds number rotor data shows better than expected figure of merit for the upper rotor and the combined system.
Eye-tracking retrospective think-aloud as a novel approach for a usability evaluation.

Abstract Objective To report on the use of an eye-tracking retrospective think-aloud for usability evaluation and to describe its application in assessing the usability of a mobile health app. Materials and Methods We used an eye-tracking retrospective think-aloud to evaluate the usability of an HIV prevention mobile app among 20 young men (15–18 years) in New York City, NY; Birmingham, AL; and Chicago, IL. Task performance metrics, critical errors, a task completion rate per participant, and a task completion rate per task, were measured. Eye-tracking metrics including fixation, saccades, time to first fixation, time spent, and revisits were measured and compared among participants with/without a critical error. Results Using task performance analysis, we identified 19 critical errors on four activities, and of those, two activities had a task completion rate of less than 78%. To better understand these usability issues, we thoroughly analyzed participants’ corresponding eye movements and verbal comments using an in-depth problem analysis. In areas of interest created for the activity with critical usability problems, there were significant differences in time spent (p = 0.008), revisits (p = 0.004), and total numbers of fixations (p = 0.007) by participants with/without a critical error. The overall mean score of perceived usability rated by the Health IT Usability Evaluation Scale was 4.64 (SD = 0.33), reflecting strong usability of the app. Discussion and Conclusion An eye-tracking retrospective think-aloud enabled us to identify critical usability problems as well as gain an in-depth understanding of the usability issues related to interactions between end-users and the app. Findings from this study highlight the utility of an eye-tracking retrospective think-aloud in consumer health usability evaluation research.
Treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma during pregnancy with a BRAF kinase inhibitor: A case report

Abstract Background Melanoma accounts for 8% of all malignancies encountered during pregnancy. BRAF kinase inhibitors have shown promise in the treatment of late-stage melanoma; however, there have been no studies and only one previous case report regarding its use in pregnancy. Case A 25-year-old woman, gravida 1, at 20 weeks of gestation presented to the clinic with a complaint of a lump on her neck and dyspnea. She had had a melanoma that was surgically treated 5 years prior to her pregnancy. A biopsy was performed and she was found to have metastatic melanoma. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was offered treatment with vemurafenib, a BRAF kinase inhibitor, and the mass reduced in size. Conclusion Malignancy during pregnancy poses both medical and ethical dilemmas in the management and treatment of cancer. The treatment of late-stage melanoma in pregnancy with a BRAF kinase inhibitor may be an option.
A comparison between placental and amniotic mesenchymal stem cells in transamniotic stem cell therapy for experimental gastroschisis.

Abstract Purpose We compared placental and amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs and afMSCs, respectively) in transamniotic stem cell therapy for experimental gastroschisis. Methods Gastroschisis was surgically created in 126 rat fetuses at gestational day 18 (term = 22 days), immediately followed by volume-matched intraamniotic injections of suspensions of afMSCs (n = 32), pMSCs (n = 33), or normal saline (NS) (n = 33). Untreated fetuses served as controls (n = 28). Blinded observers performed computerized measurements of total and segmental (serosa, muscularis, and mucosa) intestinal wall thickness on the herniated bowel at term. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, the Wald test, and Levene's test (p Results Among survivors, there were statistically significant decreases in segmental and total bowel wall thicknesses in both the afMSC and pMSC groups vs. the untreated (p Conclusions Both placental and amniotic mesenchymal stem cells can mitigate bowel damage in experimental gastroschisis as agents of transamniotic stem cell therapy. However, amniotic cells lead to improved and more consistent outcomes. Level of evidence N/A (animal and laboratory study).
Establishing criterion validity for the Functional Upper-Extremity Levels (FUEL) in comparison to the fugl-meyer to classify functional motor recovery in the acute stroke population

Date Presented 04/04/19 The Functional Upper-Extremity Levels (FUEL) is an assessment classifying hemiplegic upper-extremity (UE) function. It provides “common language” to facilitate interdisciplinary communication of UE function. It is used to guide goal writing and UE treatment progression. This research supports a strong correlation to the Fugl-Meyer, the gold standard UE assessment poststroke. An advantage of the FUEL is that it assesses the hemiplegic UE during functional activities of daily living. Primary Author and Speaker: Rachel Feld-Glazman Additional Authors and Speakers: Lisa Spinelli, Ashley Foley, Daniel Geller, Steve Van Lew, Adrienne Dicembri, Nettie Capasso
Raising applicatives and possessors in Tagalog

This paper argues that the thematic introduction of applied arguments and their syntactic licensing are independent components in the syntax of applicative constructions in Tagalog. I present novel data on Tagalog external possession, showing that external possessors and other nominals that remain unlicensed in their thematic position move to the specifier of an athematic raising applicative head (Georgala 2012) in order to be licensed and assigned nominative Case by Voice. The Locative Voice and Circumstantial Voice markers are shown to be two morphological reflexes of the same raising applicative head. The proposed raising applicative analysis, paired with the assumption that Voice is the only source of structural Case in the language, provides an explanation for the high applicative-like behaviour of even apparent low applicative constructions, as well as the obligatory promotion of applied arguments to pivot in Philippine-type voice languages.
Urbanization in South Asia: Historical Patterns and Current Trends

Renowned scholar of South Asian urbanism Anthony D. King (2004) has questioned the ideology of writing on colonial urbanism by Westerners in Western universities. Meanwhile, he has applauded the em...
Antibody-Conjugated Barium Titanate Nanoparticles for Cell-Specific Targeting

Barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs) are gaining popularity in biomedical research because of their piezoelectricity, non-linear optical properties, and high biocompatibility. However, the potenti...
Computation, Gender, and Engineering Identity Among Biomedical Engineering Undergraduates

This study explores interactions between computational thinking, gender and engineering identity among biomedical engineering undergraduate students. Biomedical engineering enjoys higher rates of women’s enrollment than other engineering disciplines, but nevertheless has gender disparities in persistence within the field. Additionally, trends towards greater incorporation of computation into biomedical engineering have the potential to recreate the gender inequities seen in more computationally intensive engineering disciplines. Recently, ‘engineering identity’ has emerged as a powerful analytic lens to understand persistence in engineering, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women. However, there is limited work examining how experiences using computational methods influences engineering identity formation in undergraduate biomedical engineers. Further, it remains unclear to what extent gender differentially mediates the effects of computational practice on engineering identity formation. In order to explore the intersection of these issues, we study a thermodynamics course in the biomedical engineering department of a large Midwestern public research institution in the United States. The thermodynamics course includes in-class computational modeling group activities and has an enrollment of more than 120, primarily sophomore year, undergraduate students. We use a qualitative study approach that includes gathering data through classroom observation and detailed semi-structured interviews. We analyze classroom observation data to try to understand student experiences of learning and participation during in-class computational modeling exercises. Specifically, we look for evidence of gendered differences in task sorting and engagement with the exercise. Classroom data is complemented by semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews gains student’s perspectives on how gender has influenced their learning experience and their identity as engineers.
Autophagy-dependent cancer cells circumvent loss of the upstream regulator RB1CC1/FIP200 and loss of LC3 conjugation by similar mechanisms

Macroautophagy/autophagy degrades proteins and organelles to generate macromolecular building blocks. As such, some cancer cells are particularly dependent on autophagy. In a previous paper, we fou...
Enhancing Trauma Patient Experience Through Education and Engagement: Development of a Mobile Application.

The purpose was to determine the utility of an open access mobile device application (App: http://bit.ly/traumaapp) to improve patient education and engagement. Methods A patient education app was developed with information regarding injury, treatment, and recovery for orthopaedic and other injuries. Data regarding usage, satisfaction, and desired improvements were gathered. Results The app was downloaded 725 times, and the pages in the app were viewed 9,043 times in 34 months. User sessions >2 minutes accounted for 34%. Participation was less in those older than 55 years (12% versus 68% P < 0.001). Sixteen percent of patients did not have a device to use the app. Most (55%) rated it as helpful or extremely helpful; 78% of users were likely to recommend it. Patients most frequently suggested more information on other injuries and simpler language. Discussion There was strong interest in this simple, free patient education app. Despite an urban, trauma population, five of six patients had access to a device that could load the app. Nearly half of the patients downloaded an orthopaedic patient education app when offered. Those who did not use the app were more likely to be older than 55 years. This represents an innovative opportunity for education and engagement of our patients and their families.
Study of vertical hole transport in InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy

It is known that the vertical hole mobility in superlattice structures, such as InAs/InAs1−xSbx type-II superlattices, is low and limits their photodetector performance. This paper reports the determination of vertical hole mobility in these superlattices with bandgaps in the mid-wave infrared range by using two methods based on steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements at 12 K–210 K. An ambipolar diffusion model is adopted to extract the hole mobility. The results show that the hole mobility first increases from 0.2 cm2/V s at 12 K and then levels off at ∼50 cm2/V s as the temperature exceeds ∼60 K.
Dynamic Liquidity Management with Information Asymmetry

I provide a dynamic model of the financial intermediary’s optimal choice of cash holding and asset securitization, the two sources of liquidity to make investment. Cash holding is decided ex ante while asset securitization suffers from adverse selection problem ex post. More cash holding reduces the liquidity shortage and depresses asset securitization. The intermediary chooses the optimal cash holding, taking into account the endogenous response of asset securitization. I show that there exists a threshold such that when the minimum asset return is below the threshold, the adverse selection problem is severe, the negative effect of cash holding on asset securitization is small, and thereby the intermediaries will hold enough cash which leads asset securitization to collapse. A lower cost of holding cash encourages cash holding and makes the asset market more likely to collapse. These results hold with and without liquidity shocks, under both separating and pooling equilibrium of asset securitization, and no matter the asset minimum return is i.i.d. or decreases stochastically when credit supply increases. The paper sheds light on why banks now hold a much higher level of liquid assets and the private-label securitization market remains dead after ten years since the crisis.
The B-Parameter Relating L-VOD to Satellite-Scale Crop Plant Water May Not Be Constant Over a Growing Season

Satellite L-band vegetation optical depth (L- VOD) is a relatively new but potentially valuable vegetation product. We hypothesize that the relationship between L- VOD and crop plant water, as characterized by the “b-parameter,” should change over the growing season as crops progress through different developmental stages. We find that the b-parameter derived from SMOS and SMAP L- VOD and satellite-scale estimates of crop plant water made by the Agro-IBIS model does in fact exhibit a growing-season pattern. This pattern is consistent among different years during the first half of the growing season.