cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aerothermal environment in control surface gaps in hypersonic flow: An overview

Experimental and analytical research by the NASA Langley Research Center to develop an understanding of the fluid and thermal environment in control surface gaps such as the spanwise gap of the wing elevon and chordwise gap of a split elevon configuration typical of the Space Shuttle are summarized. Although the experimental and analytical studies were initiated too late to significantly impact the basic Shuttle design they do provide a fundamental understanding of the basic fluid/thermal environment in control surface gaps and help to establish a firm data base for future vehicle design.
Counting basic sites in oligopeptides via gas-phase ion chemistry.

Cations derived from oligopeptides ranging from laminin fragment (5 residues) to β-lactoglobulin (162 residues) have been subjected to gas-phase ion/molecule reactions with hydroiodic acid. The sum of the ion charge state and the maximum number of molecules of hydroiodic acid that attach to the ion is equal to the total number of lysines, arginines, histidines, and N-termini consisting of a primary amine for ions derived from all 21 oligopeptides studied. These results suggest that ion/molecule reactions can provide useful information regarding oligopeptide basic site number, which might be used as a criterion for searching protein data bases instead of, or in conjunction with, use of proteolytic digestion or gas-phase ion dissociation procedures.
Fourth-grade children are less accurate in reporting school breakfast than school lunch during 24-hour dietary recalls.

Abstract Objective To compare reporting accuracy for breakfast and lunch in 2 studies. Design Children were observed eating school meals and interviewed the following morning about the previous day. In Study 1, 104 children were each interviewed 1 to 3 times with ≥25 days separating any 2 interviews. In Study 2, 121 children were each interviewed once in forward (morning-to-evening) and once in reverse (evening-to-morning) order, with these interviews separated by ≥29 days. Setting 12 schools. Participants Fourth-grade children. Main Outcome Measures For each meal, food-item variables (observed number, reported number, omission rate, intrusion rate, total inaccuracy) and kcal variables (observed, reported, correspondence rate, inflation ratio). Analysis General linear mixed models. Results For each study, observed and reported numbers of items and kcal, and correspondence rate (reporting accuracy), were greater for lunch than for breakfast; omission rate, intrusion rate, and inflation ratio (measures of reporting error) were greater for breakfast than for lunch. In Study 1, for each meal over interviews, total inaccuracy decreased and correspondence rate increased. In Study 2, for each meal for boys for reverse and for girls for forward order, omission rate was lower and correspondence rate was higher. Conclusions and Implications Breakfast was reported less accurately than lunch. Despite improvement over interviews (Study 1) and differences for order x sex (Study 2), reporting accuracy was low for breakfast and lunch.
Performance optimization of pipelined circuits

The problem of minimizing the cycle time of a given pipelined circuit is considered. Existing approaches are sub-optimal since they do not consider the possibility of simultaneously resynthesizing the combinational logic and moving the latches using retiming. In the work of S. Malik et al. (Proc. of the Hawaii Inter. Conf. on System Sciences, 1990) the idea of simultaneous retiming and resynthesis was introduced. The authors use the concepts presented in that work to optimize a pipelined circuit to meet a given cycle time. Given an instance of the pipelined performance optimization problem, an instance of a combinational speedup problem is constructed. A constructive proof is given that the pipelined problem has a solution if and only if the combinational problem has a solution. This result is significant since it shows that it is enough to consider only the combinational speedup problem and all known techniques for that domain can be directly applied to generate a solution for the pipelined problem. >
Acetylcholine receptor assembly: Subunit folding and oligomerization occur sequentially

Abstract The temperature sensitivity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) from T. californica was used to identify steps in AChR subunit folding and oligomerization. Assembly intermediates were isolated by lowering to an assembly-permissive temperature. The earliest identifiable assembly intermediates, αβγ trimers, form minutes after subunit synthesis. αβγδ tetramers are formed slowly by the addition of δ subunits to trimers, and finally a second α subunit is added to form α 2 βγδ pentamers. Between these oligomerization steps, subunits fold as monitored by α-bungarotoxinbinding site formation, appearance of antigenic epitopes, changes in apparent molecular weight, and changes in detergent solubility. Subunit folding requires specific combinations of subunits and correlates in time with subunit additions, suggesting that these subunit folding events contribute to subunit recognition site formation during assembly.
A Role for Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3α in Bovine Sperm Motility Regulation

The long-term goal of our work is to understand biochemical mechanisms underlying sperm motility and fertility. In a recent study we showed that tyrosine phosphorylation of a 55-kDa protein varied in direct proportion to motility. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein was low in immotile compared to motile epididymal sperm. Inhibition or stimulation of motility by high calcium levels or cAMP, respectively, results in a corresponding decrease or increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the 55-kDa protein. Here we report purification and identification of this motility-associated protein. Soluble extracts from bovine caudal epididymal sperm were subjected to DEAE-cellulose, Affi-Gel blue, and cellulose phosphate chromatography. Tyrosine phosphate immunoreactive fractions contained glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity, suggesting a possible correspondence between these proteins. This suggestion was verified by Western blot analyses following one-dimensional and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the purified protein using monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against the catalytic amino-terminus and carboxy-terminus regions of GSK-3. Further confirmation of the identity of these proteins came from Western blot analysis using antibodies specific to the tyrosine phosphorylated GSK-3. Using this antibody, we also showed that GSK-3 tyrosine phosphorylation was high in motile compared to immotile sperm. Immunocytochemistry revealed that GSK-3 is present in the flagellum and the anterior portion of the sperm head. These data suggest that GSK-3, regulated by phosphorylation, could be a key element underlying motility initiation in the epididymis and regulation of mature sperm function.
A superconducting X-ray spectrometer with a tantalum absorber and lateral trapping

We report the development of Nb-Ta-Al-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Al superconducting tunnel junction structures for high energy resolution and high efficiency X-ray detection. These devices utilize a Ta X-ray absorber with superconductor "bandgap engineered" quasiparticle trapping to improve charge collection. Experimental results at 0.3 K are presented, showing energy resolution of 102 eV full-width-half-maximum for 6 keV X-rays. Collected charge is in excess of 5/spl times/10/sup 6/ electrons. The absorption efficiency is better than 35%. Devices thermally cycle with no change in characteristics.
Stenosis of the cervical canal in craniodiaphyseal dysplasia

Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (CDD) is a rare sclerosing bone disorder, the severity of which depends on its phenotypic expression. Hyperostosis can cause progressive foraminal stenosis leading to palsy of cranial nerves, epilepsy and mental retardation. We report the only case of CDD in an adult, with stenosis of the cervical canal leading to quadriparesis as a late complication of hyperostosis, and describe the problems associated with its treatment. Although the syndrome is rare, its pathophysiological and therapeutic considerations may be applicable to the management of stenosis of the spinal canal in other hyperostotic bone disorders.
Optical characteristics of double and single surface dielectric barrier discharges

Asymmetric double (both electrodes insulated) and single (one electrode insulated) surface barrier discharges' are investigated. Both geometries used one wire electrode and one copper tape electrode. The discharges are driven by 1 kHz symmetric triangle waveforms. Time- and space-resolved light emissions are recorded by an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera, with a minimum exposure time of 2 ns. In the single-barrier geometry, filamentary plasmas are observed when the voltage on the exposed electrode is increasing, and “diffuse” jet-like plasma are observed when the voltage is decreasing. In the double-barrier geometry, both structures are observed simultaneously, but in opposite directions, in all plasmas. Additional similarities will be discussed.
Cyclopentyladenosine improves cell proliferation, wound healing, and hair growth.

Background. N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a structural analog of adenosine, is a vasodilator with extensive pharmacological effects. However, little is known about the effect of CPA on wound healing and hair growth. Methods. Cellular responses to CPA were measured in vitro by tetrazolium dye reduction and in vivo by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake. The effect of CPA on healing of incisional and excisional wounds on the dorsum of diabetic (db/db, n = 94) and nondiabetic (db/+, n = 20) mice and hair growth along the wound margin was evaluated with wound breaking strength, wound closure rate, and quantitative histology. Results. CPA stimulated proliferation of BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells in both quiescent and nonquiescent phases. Wounds treated with CPA at 10 μM showed a significant increase in the number of BrdU-labeled cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and cells in sebaceous glands and the outer root sheath of hair follicles, compared with controls (P < 0.05). CPA application (5.1 μg/daily for 12 days) significantly increased the breaking strength of incisional wounds at day 24 postwound (P < 0.05). Excisional wound closure rate in the CPA-treated group (3.4 μg/daily for 15 days) was accelerated starting at day 10 postwound compared with controls (P < 0.01). Tissue sections from CPA-treated wounds showed a sevenfold increase in hair follicle number, compared with controls (P < 0.01). Enhanced hair growth along the wound margin was revealed in CPA-treated groups. Conclusion. CPA stimulated proliferation of many cell types in vivo and in vitro and enhanced wound healing and hair growth. Therefore, CPA could be an interesting candidate for clinical application.
Use of a rotated Riemann solver for the two-dimensional Euler equations

A scheme for the two-dimensional Euler equations that uses flow parameters to determine the direction for upwind -differencing is described. This approach respects the multi-dimensional nature of the equations and reduces the grid-dependence of conventional schemes. Several angles are tested as the dominant upwinding direction, including the local flow and velocity-magnitude-gradient angles. Roe's approximate Riemann solver is used to calculate fluxes in the upwind direction, as well as for the flux components normal to the upwinding direction. The approach is first tested for two-dimensional scalar convection, where the scheme is shown to have accuracy comparable to a high-order MUSCL scheme. Solutions of the Euler equations are calculated for a variety of test cases. Substantial improvement in the resolution of shock and shear waves is realized. The approach is promising in that it uses flow solution features, rather than grid features, to determine the orientation for the solution method.
Evidence for thermohaline-circulation reversals controlled by sea-level change in the latest Cretaceous

Fluctuations in oxygen (δ 18 O) and carbon (δ 13 C) isotope values of benthic foraminiferal calcite from the tropical Pacific and Southern Oceans indicate rapid reversals in the dominant mode and direction of the thermohaline circulation during a 1 m.y. interval (71‐70 Ma) in the Maastrichtian. At the onset of this change, benthic foraminiferal δ 18 O values increased and were highest in low-latitude Pacific Ocean waters, whereas benthic and planktic foraminiferal δ 13 C values decreased and benthic values were lowest in the Southern Ocean. Subsequently, benthic foraminiferal δ 18 O values in the Indo-Pacific decreased, and benthic and planktic δ 13 C values increased globally. These isotopic patterns suggest that cool intermediate-depth waters, derived from high-latitude regions, penetrated temporarily to the tropics. The low benthic δ 13 C values at the Southern Ocean sites, however, suggest that these cool waters may have been derived from high northern rather than high southern latitudes. Correlation with eustatic sea-level curves suggests that sea-level change was the most likely mechanism to change the circulation and/or source(s) of intermediate-depth waters. We thus propose that oceanic circulation during the latest Cretaceous was vigorous and that competing sources of intermediate- and deep-water formation, linked to changes in climate and sea level, may have alternated in importance.
Females with fragile X syndrome: A review of the effects of an abnormal FMR1 gene

In 1980, Turner et al. described a sample of females affected with fragile X syndrome and recommended that all females with mental retardation of unknown etiology be evaluated for this condition. Since then, much has been learned about fragile X syndrome and its effects on females. Although research has primarily focused on abnormal cognitive and emotional findings in a proportion of women, studies have also addressed the physical characteristics and specific findings of young girls. Some of the early results were puzzling because so little was understood about the genetics of this condition, but much has become clear since the gene was sequenced in 1991. Many questions about this condition are still unanswered, but are likely to be addressed in the near future. This article highlights major advances made during the past 10 years with regard to females having fragile X syndrome. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Turbidity as a Measure of Salivary Protein Reactions with Astringent Substances

Binding of tannins to proline-rich proteins has been proposed as an initial step in the development of astringent sensations. In beer and fruit juices, formation of tannin-protein complexes leads to the well-known effect of haze development or turbidity. Two experiments examined the development of turbidity in human saliva when mixed with tannins as a potential in vitro correlate of astringent sensations. In the first study, haze was measured in filtered human saliva mixed with a range of tannic acid concentrations known to produce supra-threshold psychophysical responses. The second study examined relationships among individual differences in haze development and the magnitude of astringency ratings. Mostly negative correlations were found, consistent with the notion that high levels of salivary proteins protect oral tissues from the drying effects of tannic acid.
Suppression of pulmonary CYP2A13 expression by carcinogen-induced lung tumorigenesis in a CYP2A13-humanized mouse model.

CYP2A13 is a human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzyme important in the bioactivation of the tobacco-specific lung procarcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). CYP2A13 expression levels vary dramatically among lung biopsy samples from patients, presumably owing in part to a suppression of CYP2A13 expression by disease-associated inflammation. Here, we determined whether CYP2A13 expression in the lungs of CYP2A13-humanized mice is suppressed by the presence of lung tumors. Tissues from an NNK lung tumor bioassay were examined. CYP2A13-humanized mice (95–100%) had multiple lung tumors at 16 weeks after NNK (30 or 50 mg/kg) treatment; whereas only ∼9% of saline-treated CYP2A13-humanized mice had lung tumor (∼1/lung). Mice with lung tumors, from the NNK-treated groups, were used for dissecting adjacent tumor-free lung tissues; whereas mice without visible lung tumors, from the saline-treated group, were used as controls. Compared with the controls, the levels of CYP2A13 protein and mRNA were both reduced significantly (by ≥50%) in the NNK-treated groups. The levels of mouse CYP2B10 and CYP2F2 mRNAs were also significantly lower in the dissected normal lung tissues from tumor-bearing mice than in lungs from the control mice. Pulmonary tissue levels of three proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in the tumor-bearing mice than in the controls, indicating occurrence of low-grade lung inflammation at the time of necropsy. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that CYP2A13 levels in human lungs can be suppressed by disease-associated inflammation in tissue donors, a scenario causing underestimation of CYP2A13 levels in healthy lungs.
Analysis of polymers by pyrolysis/chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Two addition-type polymers, polystyrene and polypropylene, and two condensation-type polymers, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Mylar) and poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (nylon-6,6), were pyrolyzed directly in the ion source of a mass spectrometer by chemical ionization (CI) to reduce fragmentation. The spectra are relatively easy to interpret because most ion peaks occur at a mass corresponding to the ion formula M±H or M + 3H, where M is the formula of a fragment of the original polymer chain. Oligomer peaks were observed for the addition-type polymers. The intensities of the protonated dimer and monomer were measured as a function of time for styrene (S) and propylene (P). It was found that essentially all the HS+2 was produced by the reaction of HS+ with S, but at least part of the HP+2 was formed by proton transfer to P2. The absence of the analogous reaction in styrene is presumably a result of the reduced volatility of S2.
U.S. congressional floor versus committee information: How the vendors compare

Abstract Congressional information is increasingly available in electronic format from fee-based vendors and government-sponsored sources. This article examines three fee-based providers of on-line legislative services: CIS Compass; CQ Washington Alert, and Legi-Slate. Specifically, the article evaluates the coverage for congressional information at the floor-level and at the committee-level for each vendor. While the vendors generally excel at covering floor-level congressional information and activity, distinct differences become more apparent in their coverage of committee-level information. No attempt is made to evaluate these services on the basis of cost or their computer interfaces and access methods. However, the article does identify distinct differences in the historical coverage, content, and purpose of these three fee-based vendors and notes that the audience—historical research needs versus current business needs—may influence which vendor is most useful
Molecular phylogeny of the gecko genus Hemidactylus Oken, 1817 on the mainland of Yemen

Abstract Species of the genus Hemidactylus Oken, 1817 are widely distributed, and this is also one of the most species-rich genera of the family Gekkonidae. Recent information on the status of this genus in Yemen based on samples collected from different localities is presented. The molecular phylogeny was based on 1106 base pairs of mitochondrial genes (736 bp cytochrome b and 370 bp 12S rRNA), in addition to 359 bp of Phosducin (PDC) as a nuclear gene from 15 specimens of Hemidactylus and several sequences from valid Hemidactylus species obtained from the Genbank and two sequences of Hemidactylus angulatus Hallowell from Niger as an outgroup. The molecular trees reveal eight monophyletic taxa of Hemidactylus on the mainland of Yemen which can be assigned to three groups: three taxa are members of the H. yerburii group, two clades are member of the H. robustus group and three compose a new group of undescribed species. We conclude that there are four new species and one new subspecies of this genus in th...
An Initial Study to Categorize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Flying Qualities Evaluation

Work is under way to develop a flying qualities criterion for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). This criterion will allow UAVs to be evaluated similarly to piloted aircraft for mission effectiveness and airworthiness. As a first step in defining this criterion, current UAVs used by the U. S. military are surveyed and categorized into distinct classes. A candidate set of UAV classes is presented along with rationale for their selection. Analysis based on Reynolds number, Mach number, and vehicle weight is presented as a means to distinguish UAVs from manned aircraft, and also different UAV classes.
Own-Group Bias in Survey Return Rate: An Unobtrusive Attitude Measure

A survey of racial attitudes was distributed in two predominantly white neighborhoods differing in median income. In a 15.75% sample of 400 persons fewer questionnaires were returned when the surveyor (identified in an introductory paragraph) was black. In addition, subjects from the high-income neighborhood returned more surveys to a Social Scientist than to a Concerned Citizen.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytopathology.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluations represent important diagnostic procedures for many pathologic conditions of the central nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and brain tumors. The authors’ discussion of CSF cytopathology includes specimen collection and cytopreparation, microscopic evaluation, cell differential and cell counting methods, and the cellular composition of pathologic CSF. The accuracy of CSF cytopathology is indicated and future trends are noted.
Stream Temperature Impacts Because of Changes in Air Temperature, Land Cover and Stream Discharge: Navarro River Watershed, California, USA

Stream temperatures are critically important to aquatic ecology, especially cold-water fish such as salmonids. Stream temperatures are influenced by multiple factors, including local climate, solar radiation on the stream channel, stream discharge volume and groundwater contributions. The Heat Source hydrodynamic and thermodynamic numerical model was used to evaluate temperatures in three stream reaches in the Navarro River watershed, California, USA. The model was calibrated and validated for summer 2015 conditions and then applied to scenarios that address changes in air temperatures, riparian forest cover and stream discharge. Modelling results indicate that stream temperatures are sensitive to changes in air temperatures and riparian forest cover and that higher discharge volume mitigates those impacts. Modelled stream maximum weekly average temperatures (MWAT) increased by 1.5–2.3°C in response to an air temperature increases of 3.5°C under low flow conditions (drought) but by only 0.9–2.0°C under moderate flow. Complete removal of riparian forest in a large-scale forest fire would increase MWAT by 2.2–5.9°C in low discharges and by 1.0–4.4°C under moderate discharge. Riparian zone reforestation would decrease MWATs by less than 0.8°C, a modest change reflecting high existing shade on the modelled stream reaches. Comparison of identical climate and land cover change scenarios under low and moderate discharge conditions reveals that efforts to conserve stream discharge volume could be an effective mechanism to mitigate stream temperature increases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death and dying and recognizing approaching death.

Dying is a part of life. Health care providers must be aware of the reactions toward death by patients and families. The stages of dying as defined by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross describe the process of moving from denial toward acceptance. Most people face death the way they have faced life. Care of the dying includes not only controlling physical symptoms and assisting with accompanying spiritual and emotional issues but also recognizing signs and symptoms of approaching death. After a death, it is important to offer continued support for the survivors.
Drug-induced interstitial lung diseases

Any discussion of drug-induced interstitial lung disease is fraught with the problem of having a syndrome in which information is composed predominantly of case reports. When the information is taken as a whole, however, the picture becomes clearer: (1) Some drugs can produce significant pulmonary toxicity; (2) the clinical history, physical examination, and chest roentgenogram are not unique or specific for drug-induced interstitial lung disease; and (3) the lung reacts in limited ways to various insults, producing pathologic changes that are not unique for drug-induced interstitial lung disease. The work of Crystal et al. has shed new light on interstitial lung disease. Their concept that the alveolitis is the key initiating step in interstitial lung disease fits with the pathologic findings in many situations of drug-induced interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, as they proposed, if the primary alveolitis has not progressed to derangement of alveolar structures, then the process can be reversed. This may explain the variable response seen with drug withdrawal and the use of corticosteroids. These concepts have not been extensively studied in drug-induced interstitial lung disease and this needs to be done to fully evaluate their ideas. A keen awareness of the potential for any drug to cause drug-induced interstitial lung disease can be of immense benefit to the patient, for early discontinuation of the agent is likely to increase the chance of reversing the pulmonary toxicity.
Methodic Sadism/Symbolic Misogyny: Romantic Responses to Science as Ideology

While some might find the intellectual parameters of this chapter somewhat obvious — that science and sexuality have an intimate historical relationship, a relationship severely critiqued within Romantic thought — the critical exploration of such relations within Romantic studies is a relatively recent development. Such concerns have emerged through the interdisciplinary application of physical theory to literary processes, resulting in what I earlier termed a physical criticism (Chapter 1, 41–46), and this book has attempted a concentrated application of this critical principle. However, my collision of Romantic poetics, theory and practice, with twentieth-century physical theory has been somewhat restricted to the most exotic scientific theory associated with quantum physics and cosmology. This approach has, perhaps, unwittingly reified the repression of the feminine by a masculinist canon and science alike.
Emission enhancements in phosphor chips with surface gratings

Abstract An oxide grating fabricated with standard microlithographic processes and patterned with interference lithography was fabricated on a solid LuAG:Ce 3+ phosphor chip about 0.2 mm thick. Integrating sphere emission measurement shows an increase of 8.1% in the emission band from 520 to 550 nm, with the majority of the increase coming at steeper emission angles. This process may be a practical way to increase solid state lighting efficiency. This technique was effective even though the phosphor was not optically flat.
Development of a brain monitoring system for multimodality investigation in awake rats

Multimodal brain monitoring is an important approach to gain insight into brain function, modulation, and pathology. We have developed a unique micromachined neural probe capable of real-time continuous monitoring of multiple physiological, biochemical and electrophysiological variables. However, to date, it has only been used in anesthetized animals due to a lack of an appropriate interface for awake animals. We have developed a versatile headstage for recording the small neural signal and bridging the sensors to the remote sensing units for multimodal brain monitoring in awake rats. The developed system has been successfully validated in awake rats by simultaneously measuring four cerebral variables: electrocorticography, oxygen tension, temperature and cerebral blood flow. Reliable signal recordings were obtained with minimal artifacts from movement and environmental noise. For the first time, multiple variables of cerebral function and metabolism were simultaneously recorded from awake rats using a single neural probe. The system is envisioned for studying the effects of pharmacologic treatments, mapping the development of central nervous system diseases, and better understanding normal cerebral physiology.
Evolution of Osteocrin as an activity-regulated factor in the primate brain

Sensory stimuli drive the maturation and function of the mammalian nervous system in part through the activation of gene expression networks that regulate synapse development and plasticity. These networks have primarily been studied in mice, and it is not known whether there are species- or clade-specific activity-regulated genes that control features of brain development and function. Here we use transcriptional profiling of human fetal brain cultures to identify an activity-dependent secreted factor, Osteocrin (OSTN), that is induced by membrane depolarization of human but not mouse neurons. We find that OSTN has been repurposed in primates through the evolutionary acquisition of DNA regulatory elements that bind the activity-regulated transcription factor MEF2. In addition, we demonstrate that OSTN is expressed in primate neocortex and restricts activity-dependent dendritic growth in human neurons. These findings suggest that, in response to sensory input, OSTN regulates features of neuronal structure and function that are unique to primates. Osteocrin is a non-neuronal secreted protein in mice that has been evolutionarily repurposed to act as a neuronal development factor in primates. Much of the research on the gene expression networks that drive brain development has been performed in mice. Relatively little is known about how expression networks in other animal groups—particularly primates, in which the cerebral cortex is expanded—might differ from the mouse model. Here, Michael Greenberg and colleagues identify a non-neuronal secreted factor in mice, Osteocrin, that may have been re-purposed evolutionarily as a neuronal development gene in primates. Osteocrin is specifically expressed in the neocortex of the humans and macaques. In mice it is enriched in bone and muscle tissues, but not in the brain.
Abstract WMP111: Early Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients with External Ventricular Drains Does Not Increase Hemorrhagic Complications

Background: Patients undergoing placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) are at increased risk of developing venous thromboembolisms (VTEs). Early chemical prophylaxis has shown to decrease VTE rates. However, the risks of bleeding and time of initiation have not been clearly defined in patient populations requiring EVDs. Purpose: To evaluate the safety and bleeding risks of starting chemical prophylaxis for VTEs within 24 hours of EVD placement compared to the hemorrhage rates in patients who did not receive prophylaxis within 24 hours. Methods: An IRB approved retrospective review was for performed patients who had an EVD placed with post-procedural imaging at Bellevue Hospital from January 2009 to April 2012. Demographics, diagnosis, coagulation profile, time to VTE prophylaxis and imaging, and occurrences of VTEs were collected. EVD-associated hemorrhages were graded as: Grade 0, no hemorrhage; Grade 1, petechial hyperdensity in proximity to the catheter; Grade 2, 1ml to 15ml volume of hematoma; Grade 3, greater than 15ml or epidural or subdural hematoma; or Grade 4, interventricular hemorrhage or hematoma requiring surgical intervention. Differences between groups were assessed by the Mann-Whitney U test, and a p value of ≤ 0.05 was used to identify significant differences. Results: One hundred and eleven EVDs were placed in 99 patients. Fifty-six patients received low dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) within 24 hours of admission (early prophylaxis). Fifty-five patients received LDUH > 24 hours after admission (delayed prophylaxis). There were no statistical differences across all Grades (0 to 4) amongst the early prophylaxis (n= 45, 5, 5, 1, and 0 respectively) versus delayed prophylaxis (n= 46, 4, 1, 1, and 3 respectively) groups (p=0.658). In the early prophylaxis group, 3 VTEs were discovered in 32 of 56 patients who underwent screening for suspected VTEs. In the delayed prophylaxis group, 6 VTEs were discovered in 33 of 55 patients screened for clinically suspected VTEs (p= 0.488). Conclusion: There were no increases in hemorrhagic complications with starting chemical prophylaxis within 24 hours of EVD placement. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to assess a possible decrease in VTEs with earlier prophylaxis.
A Minimally Invasive Coax-Fed Microwave Ablation Antenna With a Tapered Balun

We present a minimally invasive coax-fed dipole antenna with a tapered slot balun for microwave ablation (MWA) applications. The balun is created by gradually tapering the outer conductor of the coaxial feed line into two parallel strips, leaving two tapered slots on the outer conductor. Implementing the balun within the outer conductor of the coax itself helps reduce the overall diameter of the antenna compared to interstitial antennas that use conventional coaxial baluns. The tapered-slot balun connects the dipole antenna comprised of three active segments to the coaxial feed line. One active segment is defined by an extension of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, acting as one arm of the dipole. The other two active segments are located in the two slots created by tapering the outer conductor and connected to its distal end to constitute the second arm of the dipole. We designed the antenna to operate at 6 GHz in ex vivo bovine liver and fabricated a prototype to conduct ablation experiments. Simulation and experiment results show that the tapered balun provides good impedance matching between the coaxial feed line and the dipole and helps the antenna achieve localized ablation zones. The proposed antenna offers a promising solution for reducing the overall diameter, and the invasiveness, of coax-fed interstitial antennas used for MWA.
Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES) for Usability Assessment of Mobile Health Technology: Validation Study

Background: Mobile technology has become a ubiquitous technology and can be particularly useful in the delivery of health interventions. This technology can allow us to deliver interventions to scale, cover broad geographic areas, and deliver technologies in highly tailored ways based on the preferences or characteristics of users. The broad use of mobile technologies supports the need for usability assessments of these tools. Although there have been a number of usability assessment instruments developed, none have been validated for use with mobile technologies. Objective: The goal of this work was to validate the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES), a customizable usability assessment instrument in a sample of community-dwelling adults who were testing the use of a new mobile health (mHealth) technology. Methods: A sample of 92 community-dwelling adults living with HIV used a new mobile app for symptom self-management and completed the Health-ITUES to assess the usability of the app. They also completed the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), a widely used and well-validated usability assessment tool. Correlations between these scales and each of the subscales were assessed. Results: The subscales of the Health-ITUES showed high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha=.85-.92). Each of the Health-ITUES subscales and the overall scale was moderately to strongly correlated with the PSSUQ scales (r=.46-.70), demonstrating the criterion validity of the Health-ITUES. Conclusions: The Health-ITUES has demonstrated reliability and validity for use in assessing the usability of mHealth technologies in community-dwelling adults living with a chronic illness. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018;6(1):e4]
Rare case of male breast intraductal papilloma progressing to invasive ductal carcinoma: A radiologic-pathologic correlation

Abstract Although male breast cancer represents only 0.5%-1% of all breast cancer cases in the United States, the incidence of this disease is slowly rising [1] . Because of its extremely low prevalence, screening and treatment guidelines are not well established. Thus, analyzing cases of male breast cancer can accelerate this process. We present a case of a 52-year-old man, initially diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed intraductal papilloma without atypia, who presented 3 years later with progression of this benign lesion to ductal carcinoma in situ and development of de novo invasive ductal carcinoma. This report stresses the importance of symptom detection and risk factor modification with the goal of decreasing the incidence of this disease.
Position of the quadriceps actuator influences knee loads during simulated squat testing.

Abstract The “Oxford Rig” cadaveric simulator permits researchers and clinicians to study knee mechanics during a simulated squatting motion. The motion of the lower limb in the Oxford Rig is typically controlled by a single actuator that applies tension to the quadriceps tendon. The location of the quadriceps actuator, however, has differed across published descriptions of the Oxford Rig. Actuators have been placed on the femur and pelvis, and on “grounded” locations external to the specimen, but the consequences of this placement for knee kinematics and kinetics are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine these effects using a validated computational musculoskeletal model. When the actuator was placed on the femur or pelvis, forces realistically increased with knee flexion, with quadriceps and patellofemoral contact forces exceeding 2000 N and 3000 N, respectively, at 100° flexion. When the actuator was grounded, however, forces were substantially reduced and did not monotonically increase with flexion. Articular joint contact forces were not strongly influenced by changing the location of the actuator from the femur to the pelvis, with small RMS differences in quadriceps forces (48.2 N), patellofemoral forces (83.6 N), and tibiofemoral forces (58.9 N) between these conditions. The location of the actuator did not substantially affect knee kinematics. The results of this study suggest that the quadriceps actuator of the Oxford Rig should be attached to either the femur or the pelvis when the goal is to make realistic estimates of quadriceps forces and articular contact forces within the knee joint.
Public policy and technology choices for municipal solid waste management a recent case in Lebanon

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a natural accrual in various communities resulting from daily activities, which offers challenges and opportunities. Developed countries lean towards “upstream avoida...
Similarities and differences between the interictal epileptiform discharges of green-spikes and red-spikes zones of human neocortex

Abstract Objective This study looks for differences in the waveforms of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) between cortices expressing only isolated discharges (green-spikes zones) vs those manifesting seizures (red-spikes zones): these can help to understand ictogenesis mechanisms and improve clinical decision in surgical epilepsy. Typical IEDs are triphasic, exhibiting in sequence: a negative-sharp-wave, a positive-baseline-shift and a negative-slow-wave. Negative-slow-waves are thought to reflect neurophysiological inhibition: their features at a focus’ edge may reflect peripheral inhibition, a mechanism characterized in experimental models, curbing seizures’ spread. This might be weakened in red-spikes. Methods A retrospective review of human intracranial EEGs was performed, comparing green- and red-spikes for their peripheral slow-waves’ amplitudes. Green- and red-spikes were also compared also for the amplitudes of their negative-sharp-waves and positive-baseline-shifts, as well as for their spread pathways. Results Green-spikes exhibit more pronounced peripheral slow-waves than red-spikes. They also exhibit more pronounced positive-baseline-shifts, and more frequent propagation pathways’ shifts. Conclusions Peripheral slow-waves’ amplitudes correlate with seizures’ suppression and may reflect neurophysiological peripheral inhibition. Significance This study suggests a novel approach to reading intracranial EEGs: amplitudes measures of IEDs waveforms are technically simple, may help identifying epileptogenic zones and indicate the spatial distribution of underlying ictogenesis mechanisms.
Impedance Analysis of Virtual Synchronous Generator-Based Vector Controlled Converters for Weak AC Grid Integration

Voltage source converter (VSC) based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system is an emerging technology in high-power applications. Previous research has shown that VSCs, with commonly used vector current control (VCC) technique, cannot transmit more than 0.4 p.u. of active power when connected to a very weak ac grid. This paper presents a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy integrated with VCC to allow stable power transfer for very weak ac grid integration. Impedance analysis is used to analyze the designed controller in various scenarios. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to study the effect of virtual inertia gains on system stability. Time-domain simulation results using MATLAB/Simscape Power System toolbox show the effectiveness of the developed controller in very weak ac grid integration of VSC-HVDC systems.
Organic Food Production and Its Influence on Naturally Occurring Toxins

The levels of natural plant toxins and mycotoxins in foods may be influenced by the methods used (organic vs. conventional) for agricultural production. Research findings suggest that organic foods may possess higher levels of natural plant toxins than conventional foods based upon mechanistic similarities between natural plant toxin production and the production of plant secondary metabolites of nutritional interest. Specific field research confirming such differences has not yet been conducted. Mycotoxin levels in organic foods may also be higher as a few studies have demonstrated that synthetic fungicides and insecticides used in conventional production can reduce plant pathogen populations. Food product analysis, however, has not demonstrated consistent findings of higher levels of mycotoxins in organic foods as compared with conventional foods. In the event that subsequent research does conclusively demonstrate that differences exist in the levels of naturally occurring toxins in organic versus conventional foods, the toxicological significance of the differences, if any, still requires determination.
A Granulometry-Based Selection Methodology for Separation of Traffic-Generated Particles in Urban Highway Snowmelt Runoff

Traffic activities generate a wide gradation of anthropogenic particulate matter that is entrained in highway snow and snowmelt. Granulometric-based analyses of this particulate mattercan provide guidance for selection and design for snowmelt solid/liquid separation processes. This study presents a granulometry-based analysis of snow melt particles from 10 highway shoulder sites in urban Cincinnati (State of Ohio, U.S.A.) generated from a 46 cm, 48 hr snowfall with a highwayshoulder residence time of 102 hr. Each site was exposed totraffic and maintenance activities (plowing and de-icing saltsonly). Despite variations in gradations and particle indices, measured l nv-N t (number-volume mean size-particle counts) values for all sites were closely modeled using a two-parameter power law model. The model exponent, β, ranged from 2.22 to 2.64 indicating that a significant fractionof surface area is associated with the coarser gradation of particles. Modeled results support previous experimental data indicating the predominance of surface area and heavy metal mass is associatedwith the coarser fraction of particles. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in densities for coarse (2.86 gm cm-3) and fine particles (2.75 gm cm-3) (P < 10-11).A methodology is presented in the form of a process selection diagram to evaluate mechanisms of particle separation. It was determined that sedimentation could remove 90% of particles, bymass, within 2 hr for a typical roadway drainage design. The influence of particle specific gravity on sedimentation efficiency is illustrated for a range of specific gravities from 1.1 to 4.0. Although the very high concentrations of particulate matter in highway snow melt do not make it amenableto straining or direct filtration, such processes may be feasible as a secondary treatment for snowmelt or storm water effluent discharges to receiving waters.
Yield of next‐generation neuropathy gene panels in axonal neuropathies

The use and utility of targeted gene panels for diagnosing the type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth have grown rapidly because commercial gene panels that contain most of the relevant genes are available and affordable for many patients. We used a targeted gene panel to analyze 175 patients who had an unexplained axonal polyneuropathy affecting large myelinated axons, 86 of whom reported a family history of neuropathy, and 89 of whom did not. In patients reporting a family history, the panel identified a pathogenic variant causing the neuropathy in six cases (7%); in patients not reporting a family history, the gene panel identified pathogenic variants causing neuropathy in two patients (2%). Interpretation in a tertiary referral setting, current gene panels identify the genetic cause of neuropathy in a small minority of patients who have an unexplained axonal neuropathy, even in those reporting a family history.
Technological Innovation, Intangible Capital, and Asset Prices

We review research on the asset pricing implications of models with innovation and intangible capital. In these models, technological innovation shocks propagate differently than standard total fac...
Interoperability of CAD geometry and product manufacturing information for computer integrated manufacturing

Model-Based 3D engineering has gained wide popularity in recent times for various Computer-Aided Engineering applications, bypassing the need for 2D drawings, thereby creating an efficient digital ...
Study on temperature control system of ceramic kiln based on fuzzy PID cascade

In view of the importance of temperature control in ceramic kiln for ceramic production and the overshoot of ceramic kiln temperature control system, long adjustment time, difficult modeling, large time lag, etc. Now the fuzzy adaptive PID and the cascade control system are combined to control the temperature of the ceramic kiln, and the simulation experiment is carried out by computer. The results show that the combination of fuzzy PID and cascade control has better control effect and better stability.