cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat conduction in heterogeneous materials and irregular boundaries III: A computer graphics based algorithm for calculating effective thermal parameters

Abstract In earlier papers [1–3] a simple and computationally fast method for investigating heat conduction in materials of irregular shapes with heterogeneous thermal conductivity was presented. In that method, dubbed EPIC, the space is tesselated into cubical cell, an interfacial cells with regions of different thermal conductivities inside it is replaced by a cell with an effective uniform conductivity, and the heat conduction equation is solved numerically by using a finite difference method. In this paper, we present a novel computer graphics based approach to calculate effective conductivity which allows EPIC to be used for complex engineering systems generated by using standard CAD/CAM packages, bringing EPIC one step closer to becoming a practical tool.
The Patterned Optical Phase Change Recording Media

Demands for the high storage capacities and rates of data transfer have been overwhelming in the recent years. With the increasing use of multimedia, the rewritable optical phase-change disks, e.g. CD and DVD, have become more popular. The optical PC data storage devices provide relatively short data access rates (∼ 10 MHz) and moderate areal densities. As in other areas of data storage, there has been tremendous demand and pressure, driven by consumer application, for inexpensive high-density PC systems. So far, the optical data storage industry has managed to meet the demands by using lasers with shorter wavelengths and objective lenses with higher numerical aperture (NA). Several strategies such as “multilevel storage layers” [1] and “mark radial width modulation” [2] have been proposed for the next generation of the high-density PC data storage devices. There have been advances in near field optical techniques to increase density (40 Gb/in) using solid immersion lens [3]. Hosaka et al. [4] demonstrated 60 nm domains in phase change media that translates to 170 Gb/in2 using a scanning near-filed optical microscope. Kado and Tohda [5] used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to locally modify the electrical property (×100) of a PC material by applying an electrical pulse between the probe and media. They achieved an areal density near 1 Tbits/cm2 .Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Inertial sensor development for active vibration stabilization

Future Linear Colliders require nanometer stability of the beams at the interaction point. One approach to stabilising the beams is to use feedback based on inertial sensors (accelerometers/seismometers) to control the positions of the final focus magnets. Commercial seismometers developed for geo-science applications have sufficient noise performance (nanometer noise down to a fraction of a hertz), but due to their large size and magnetic sensitivity are unsuitable for use in a linear collider detector. We report on the development of a high sensitivity, compact, non-magnetic inertial sensor for this application. In addition to its use in linear colliders, the sensor is also expected to have application in vibration measurement and control in synchrotron light sources.
Investigation of Potential Benefits of Using Bricks of High Thermal Capacity and Conductivity in a Rotating Calcining Kiln

Petroleum coke is processed into calcined coke in a rotary kiln, where the temperature profiles of flue gas and coke bed are highly nonuniform due to different flow and combustion mechanisms. Motivated by saving energy costs, the effect of refractory brick’s thermal properties on potential energy savings is investigated. This study focuses on investigating potential energy savings by replacing inner one third of existing bricks with higher thermal capacity (Cp) and/or higher thermal conductivity (k) bricks. This investigation is motivated by postulating that the bricks with higher thermal capacity can store more thermal energy during the period of contacting with the hot gas and release more heat to the cock bed when the bricks rotate to below and in contact with the coke bed. A rotational, transient marching conduction numerical simulation is conducted using the commercial software FLUENT. The impact of brick heat capacity and thermal conductivity on transporting thermal energy to the coke bed is analyzed. The results show: (a) Increasing the heat capacity of brick layer reduces brick temperature which helps increase the heat transfer between the hot gas and brick, in other words it does help brick store more heat from the hot gas, but, heat transfer between brick and coke is reduced, which is opposite to the original postulation. (b) Higher brick thermal conductivity decreases brick temperature thus increases heat transfer between hot gas and the brick layer. The heat transfer from brick to coke bed is also increased, but not significantly. (c) Usually a brick with a higher Cp value also has a higher k-value. Simulation of a brick layer with both four times higher Cp and k values actually show appreciable heat is transported from the brick to the coke bed for one rotation for both lower and higher Cp and k bricks. The difference is not significant.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Reduced cortical thickness with increased lifetime burden of PTSD in OEF/OIF Veterans and the impact of comorbid TBI☆

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in military personnel is increasing dramatically following the OEF/OIF conflicts and is associated with alterations to brain structure. The present study examined the relationship between PTSD and cortical thickness, and its possible modification by mTBI, in a 104-subject OEF/OIF veteran cohort ranging in age from 20 to 62 years. For each participant, two T1-weighted scans were averaged to create high-resolution images for calculation of regional cortical thickness. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and scores were derived based on the previous month's symptoms (“current”) and a Cumulative Lifetime Burden of PTSD (CLB-P) reflecting the integral of CAPS scores across the lifetime. Mild TBI was diagnosed using the Boston Assessment of TBI-Lifetime (BAT-L). Results demonstrated a clear negative relationship between current PTSD severity and thickness in both postcentral gyri and middle temporal gyri. This relationship was stronger and more extensive when considering lifetime burden (CLB-P), demonstrating the importance of looking at trauma in the context of an individual's lifetime, rather than only at their current symptoms. Finally, interactions with current PTSD only and comorbid current PTSD and mTBI were found in several regions, implying an additive effect of lifetime PTSD and mTBI on cortical thickness.
Factors Affecting Carcass Value and Profitability in Early Weaned Simmental Steers: Dressed Beef Price, Choice-Select Spread, and Feed Cost

Early weaned Simmental steers (n = 192) were individually fed in a 4-yr study to determine expected progeny differences, performance, and carcass factors explaining variation in carcass value and profitability across various pricing scenarios. Steers were weaned at 88.0 ± 1.1 d of age, pen-fed a high-concentrate diet for 84.5 ± 0.4 d, individually fed for 249.7 ± 0.7 d, and harvested at 423.3 ± 1.4 d of age. Input cost and output prices were standardized using 5-yr averages. Variable dressed prices ($96, 108, 120, and 132/45.4 kg), Choice-Select spreads (Ch-Se; $4, $8, $12, $16, and $20/45.4 kg), and feed costs [corn = $58.93, $78.57, $98.21, $117.86, and $137.50/tonne; soybean meal (SBM) = $165, $220, $275, $330, and $385/tonne) were evaluated. Independent variables were weaning and yearling BW, marbling, expected progeny difference, DMI, ADG, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight (HCW), calculated yield grade (YG), and marbling score (MS). With rising dressed prices, HCW importance increased, and MS decreased, for value; HCW increased for profit. With an expanding Ch-Se, MS importance increased, and HCW decreased, for value; MS increased, and ADG, HCW, and YG diminished, for profitability. With escalating feed cost, HCW and MS importance tended to decrease for profitability, and YG and performance exhibited modest non-linear changes. Second-order interactions were also analyzed. Models represent relative importance of factors contributing to value and profitability in early weaned Simmental steers based on historical pricing scenarios. Factors would be expected to change with different cattle types, management, and future marketing conditions, but may be used as a benchmark for future research.
Soy Isoflavones Attenuate Human Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cell–Specific CD54 by Inhibiting Monocyte CD11a

Soy-based diets have been shown to protect against the development of atherosclerosis; however, the underlying mechanism(s) remain unknown. Interaction between activated monocytes and inflamed endothelial cells is an early event in atherogenesis. Therefore, we examined whether treatment of monocytes with soy phytochemicals could inhibit their adhesion to the endothelial cell-specific protein, CD54, a key factor in monocyte adhesion. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93G diets containing soy protein isolate or casein. Sera from soy-fed rats inhibited CD54-dependent monocyte adhesion, whereas sera from casein-fed rats did not. To determine whether isoflavones in the sera of soy-fed rats were involved in this inhibition, monocytes were preincubated with soy isoflavones. Isoflavone treatment inhibited monocyte adhesion to CD54 protein, as well as to endothelial cells expressing CD54. Monocyte expression of CD11a, the cognate receptor for CD54, was unaffected by isoflavones. However, binding of the activation epitope-specific antibody mAb24, which binds specifically to the active form of CD11a, was significantly lower in soy isoflavone-treated monocytes than in media-treated cells. These findings suggest that inhibition of CD54-dependent monocyte adhesion by soy isoflavones is mediated in part by affinity regulation of CD11a. Inhibition of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells by isoflavones resulted in reduced expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. Collectively, these data suggest that the athero-protective effect of soy diets may be mediated by blocking monocyte-endothelial cell interaction.
Tissue remodeling gene expression in a murine model of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective/Hypothesis—The Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) families regulate tissue remodeling in many normal and pathophysiologic processes. We hypothesize that induction of chronic sinonasal inflammation will be associated with changes in regulation of these tissue remodeling cytokines. Methods—Balb/c mice aged 8–12 weeks were sensitized and treated with intranasal Aspergillus fumigatis (AF) three times per week for 1 week, 3 weeks, 2 months and 3 months (n=8 each time point). Sinonasal tissues were evaluated for changes in MMP, FGF and BMP regulation using standard RT-PCR techniques. Additional snouts were processed for histology and immunohistochemistry. Untreated mouse snouts of identical age were used as controls. Results—Significant upregulation of MMP8 was observed at 2 months, and MMP1a, MMP7, MMP8 and MMP12 were all significantly upregulated at 3 months. FGF3 was significantly upregulated at 3 weeks and 3 months, and FGF5, FGF6 and FGF8 were all significantly upregulated at 3 months. BMP8b and BMP9 were significantly upregulated at 3 months. Histologic analysis revealed mucosal, stromal and mucin gland hypertrophy, increased mucin production, and metaplasia with loss of cilia. Antibody staining was strongly positive in the AF treated group. Conclusion—Induction of CRS is associated with time-dependent changes in tissue remodeling cytokine expression occurring in conjuction with inflammatory tissue changes. Antibody staining for upregulated cytokines suggests local production within the sinonasal mucosa. Further study is required to better understand the association between BMP, FGF and MMP regulation and tissue remodeling changes resulting from chronic inflammation.
Correlates of Hysterectomy among African-American Women

Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery performed on US women. Baseline data from a large study of African-American women were used to examine correlates of premenopausal hysterectomy. Analyses were conducted on participants aged 30-49 years; 5,163 had had a hysterectomy and 29,787 were still menstruating. Multiple logistic regression was used to compute prevalence odds ratios for the association of hysterectomy with various factors. Hysterectomy was associated with region of residence: Odds ratios for living in the South, Midwest, and West relative to the Northeast were 2.63 (95% confidence interval (Cl): 2.38, 2.91), 2.02 (95% Cl: 1.81, 2.25), and 1.89 (95% Cl: 1.68, 2.12), respectively. Hysterectomy was inversely associated with years of education and age at first birth: Odds ratios were 1.96 (95% Cl: 1.74, 2.21) for ≤12 years of education relative to >16 years and 4.33 (95% Cl: 3.60, 5.22) for first birth before age 20 relative to age 30 or older. Differences in the prevalence of major indications for hysterectomy did not explain the associations. This study indicates that the correlates of hysterectomy among African-American women are similar to those for White US women. The associations with geographic region and educational attainment suggest that there may be modifiable factors which could lead to reduced hysterectomy rates.
Measurements of Vibrational Energy Loading in a Diffuse Plasma Filament

Picosecond CARS is employed to study vibrational loading in diffuse air and nitrogen plasma filaments while using a nanosecond discharge that couples a large fraction of energy into the vibrational mode. It was found that, as has been previously reported, the total energy coupled to the vibrational mode increases long after the pulse, reaching a peak more than 100μsec later at 100 torr. Spatially resolved Two Photon Absorption Laser Induced Fluorescence (TALIF) is used to measure absolute number densities of atomic nitrogen and oxygen within the plasma filament. The concentrations of these species remain approximately constant at long time scales, indicating that neither N atom recombination or N2(A 3 Σ) quenching into the lower vibrational levels of molecular nitrogen can account for the measured rise in vibrational quanta. Master equation modeling was applied, confirming that an electronic-vibrational coupling is needed to explain the data. The evidence presented here is consistent with the hypothesis that N2(A 3 Σ) is quenched into highly vibrationally excited levels of the ground state, after which vibrational population is re-distributed downward due V-V transfer.
Long‐term prognosis in addiction on sedative and hypnotic drugs analyzed with the Cox regression model

The prognosis of 221 patients first admitted in 1941-1954 for dependence on sedative-hypnotic drugs was determined in a record-linkage and interview study concluded in 1984. Different outcomes were related to admission characteristics by means of the Cox proportional hazards regression model. An excess of unnatural deaths was noted; suicides in 11% of the men and 23% of the women. Of those with primary sedative-hypnotic dependence, 46% continued to abuse drugs till death or follow-up, and of those with a primary or concomitant alcohol abuse 72%. An unfavorable outcome was significantly related to primary psychiatric symptoms before the first admission, concomitant alcohol abuse, familial drug and alcohol abuse and health care occupation. Language: en
Lichen sclerosus and isolated bulbar urethral stricture disease.

Purpose: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory genital skin condition that can cause destructive urethral scarring. To our knowledge no prior study has described lichen sclerosus in isolated bulbar urethral stricture segments without progressive disease originating from the penile urethra. We report the incidence of lichen sclerosus in isolated bulbar urethral stricture segments.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 70 patients after urethroplasty for isolated bulbar stricture disease was performed from 2007 to 2013. Stricture specimens were re-reviewed by a single uropathologist. Cases were evaluated using common histological features of lichen sclerosus, including hyperkeratosis or epithelial atrophy, basal cell vacuolar degeneration, lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate and superepithelial sclerosis.Results: Average patient age was 46.5 years (range 19 to 77) and average stricture length was 3.5 cm (range 1 to 7). Of the patients 51 (73.0%) underwent excision and primary an...
Immunomodulatory therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: monoclonal antibodies, currently approved and in testing.

Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease, is one of the most prevalent causes of chronic disability in young adults. Studies of the disease pathogenesis have identified multiple therapeutic targets. The number of approved disease modifying therapies has almost doubled within the past 5 years, which creates a challenge for medical professionals to stay abreast of their use in everyday practice. This manuscript provides an overview of available injectable, oral, and intravenous therapies for RRMS, and offers guidance in selecting an appropriate therapy. Focus is on the recently approved and emerging monoclonal antibody therapies, because they offer more selective and superior therapeutic efficacy compared with injectable and oral disease modifying therapies. We discuss the outlook for monoclonal antibodies and their role in RRMS treatment in the future.
Studies on the pathogenesis of fever. II. Characterization of fever-producing substances from polymorphonuclear leukocytes and from the fluid of sterile exudates.

Further studies on fever production by injection of leukocyte extracts or cell-free supernatant fluids from peritoneal exudates in rabbits are reported. Granulocytes collected from peripheral blood or from pleural exudates contain a heat-labile pyrogenic substance. The material in extracts of leukocytes and in peritoneal fluids, which causes fever, is destroyed by heating for 30 minutes at 90°C. at pH 7.2 and at 70°C. at pH 4.5. It is active in producing fever over a pH range of 2.0 to 10.5 and maintains potency for as long as 6 months at 4°C. The fever-producing substance in leukocyte extracts is not dialyzable. Its activity is not destroyed by trypsin, chymotrypsin, or ribonuclease. No evidence of plasma activator or inhibitor was detected. Significant temperature elevation in the rabbit was effected by a quantity of leukocyte extract containing 0.76 mg. protein and 0.054 mg. polysaccharide. The febrile response produced by the material under study was compared with that of Menkin's pyrexin as well as with that of bacterial pyrogens. Several significant differences were noted. The properties of pyrexin are similar to those of bacterial pyrogens. Amidopyrine suppressed the febrile response to injection of leukocyte extracts, whereas neither amidopyrine nor cortisone influenced the appearance of pyrogenic material in induced peritoneal exudates. Peritoneal fluids collected from rabbits made leukopenic by HN2 were found to contain a fever-promoting substance. Its character has yet to be determined. It is concluded that there is present in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of rabbits a heat-labile factor capable of producing fever in rabbits and that the leukocyte is probably not the only source of such a factor.
Printing cancer cells into intact microvascular networks: a model for investigating cancer cell dynamics during angiogenesis

While cancer cell invasion and metastasis are dependent on cancer cell–stroma, cancer cell–blood vessel, and cancer cell–lymphatic vessel interactions, our understanding of these interactions remain largely unknown. A need exists for physiologically-relevant models that more closely mimic the complexity of cancer cell dynamics in a real tissue environment. The objective of this study was to combine laser-based cell printing and tissue culture methods to create a novel ex vivo model in which cancer cell dynamics can be tracked during angiogenesis in an intact microvascular network. Laser direct-write (LDW) was utilized to reproducibly deposit breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and fibroblasts into spatially-defined patterns on cultured rat mesenteric tissues. In addition, heterogeneous patterns containing co-printed MDA-MB-231/fibroblasts or MDA-MB-231/MCF-7 cells were generated for fibroblast-directed and collective cell invasion models. Printed cells remained viable and the cells retained the ability to proliferate in serum-rich media conditions. Over a culture period of five days, time-lapse imaging confirmed fibroblast and MDA-MB-231 cell migration within the microvascular networks. Confocal microscopy indicated that printed MDA-MB-231 cells infiltrated the tissue thickness and were capable of interacting with endothelial cells. Angiogenic network growth in tissue areas containing printed cancer cells was characterized by significantly increased capillary sprouting compared to control tissue areas containing no printed cells. Our results establish an innovative ex vivo experimental platform that enables time-lapse evaluation of cancer cell dynamics during angiogenesis within a real microvascular network scenario.
Performance analysis of MANET routing protocols by varying mobility, speed and network load

Mobile ad-hoc network is a type of ad-hoc network where nodes change locations with time, configure themselves and get the information transmitted from source to destination without the help of any fixed router or base station. Hence, for efficient data transmission, it is critical to understand the type of routing algorithms that is being used by these networks. Since they have no fixed infrastructure routers to handle these tasks, it can be a monumental task for the mobile nodes to efficiently determine a path to forward and route their packets when they are at constant motion. In this paper, we make a comprehensive performance analysis of the various ad-hoc routing protocols, simulate them under various scenarios, analyze some important performance parameters to examine which routing protocol can be deemed efficient in what type of scenarios. This paper is divided into three different phases to make comprehensive analysis of the mobile ad-hoc routing protocols by varying mobility, speed and network load. Simulations results suggest that DSR should be the first preference in terms of small scale networks with various spend or mobility pattern. AODV or OLSR should be considered when the load of the network is increased.
Learning inter-related concepts in mathematics from videogames

If students learn multiple inter-definable relational concepts, their resulting knowledge will be more stable, flexible, and likely to be applied on transfer tasks. A videogame has been developed to teach fractions. Based on analysis of Asian curricula in mathematics, the favored instructional sequence and relative emphasis on various topics have been incorporated into the game design. Through the game, students interact with different numbers and operations. Their performance on pre- and post-test are compared.
The Decline of Public Support for State Climate Change Policies: 2008-2013

The first decade of the 2000s was a period of active and largely unanticipated state engagement in the development of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This triggered substantial social science literature that explored the drivers behind climate policy adoption. These included state reactions to more localized early effects of a changing climate, anticipated co-benefits from either improving energy efficiency or developing locally-generated renewable sources, and positioning themselves for favored status in any subsequent federal policy regime. But this pattern of policy adoption and diffusion has slowed and, in some respects, reversed in recent years. Despite the absence of far-reaching federal legislation, a number of federal initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in recent years have tended to marginalize state policy initiative and expansion.This report tracks the evolution of public opinion on the question of state government involvement in climate change over a five-year period, from Fall 2008 to Fall 2013. It concludes that there has been some significant decline in public support for at least some of the policies that have been asked about by National Surveys on Energy and Environment (NSEE) during this period. The drop-off has been most noticeable since the Fall 2008 survey, which has also surfaced as a high-water mark for public concern about climate change. Our findings note a significant drop in public concern right after that period, at least in cases where we asked the identical question in subsequent surveys, including a further trend downward in surveys conducted during the spring and fall of 2013. Declining public concern may be a contributing factor to the stalled pace of policy development at the state level, though it also indicates variation depending upon question wording and the policy instrument under consideration. Subsequent reports will examine these issues in greater detail and will also provide insight into whether geographic regions differ from one another, or whether citizens differ on the basis of whether they live in states that have (or have not) adopted particular policies.
An Alternative to Set Theory

(1960). An Alternative to Set Theory. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 67, No. 7P1, pp. 621-632.
Numerically modeling and optimizing pulse-shape of Cr~(4+):YAG Q-switched lasers

In order to study the symmetry property of a single pulse for passively Q-switched lasers,the coupled rate equations were solved numerically and the temporal profile of laser pulse was obtained.The relationship between the symmetry property of a single pulse and the parameters of absorber and output coupler was presented and the pulsewidth was recalculated accounting for the asymmetry property of laser pulse.The relationship between pulsewidth and parameteres of absorber and output coupler was presented also.Conclusion was drawn that the pulse was symmetric when the variable b=0.6 and that the pulsewidth was minimal when b=0.78.This provides a method to optimize the pulse shape and pulsewidth by adjusting the value of b.
Listeria Methods Development Research at the Eastern Regional Research Center,U.S. Department of Agriculture

Listeria methods research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Eastern Regional Research Center, has concentrated on 2 areas during the past year. The first was development of techniques for assessing isolation methods for their ability to detect sublethally stressed cells. It appears that a number of widely used media do not accurately detect Listeria that have been injured by thermal processing or acidification. The second was development of improved plating media. One, modified Vogel-Johnson agar, shows promise; it is highly selective and quantitative, and eliminates the need to select colonies on the basis of a blue color when illuminated with reflected light.
Bayesian occupancy grid mapping via an exact inverse sensor model

Occupancy grid maps are spatial representations of environments, where the space of interest is decomposed into a number of cells that are considered either occupied or free. This paper focuses on occupancy grid mapping, which is to estimate the probability of occupancy for each cell based on range measurements from a known location. For a given probabilistic model of a range sensor, we propose a computationally efficient method to obtain an exact inverse sensor model, and it is utilized to construct a probabilistic mapping algorithm according to the Bayesian framework. Compared with the existing occupancy grid mapping techniques that rely on approximate, heuristic inverse sensor models, the proposed approach yields substantially more accurate maps for the same set of measurements. These are illustrated by numerical examples and experiments.
Developmental dominance in hydra. I. The basal disk.

Developmental dominant characteristics of the basal disk of Hydra attenuata were investigated using animals with altered cell numbers and densities, including hydroxyurea (HU)-derived nerveless animals. Basal disk function, regenerative capacity, determination time, and inhibitory ability were examined in the various classes of animals and the results correlated with cell composition. As hydra tissues become composed predominantly of epithelial cells (interstitial cells and nematocytes decrease), the rate and competency to regenerate a basal disk decreases, while the time needed for determination ( T 50 ) to occur, increases. Inhibitory properties of the basal disk were unaffected by the changing cellular composition.
TRiC subunits enhance BDNF axonal transport and rescue striatal atrophy in Huntington's disease.

Corticostriatal atrophy is a cardinal manifestation of Huntington’s disease (HD). However, the mechanism(s) by which mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein contributes to the degeneration of the corticostriatal circuit is not well understood. We recreated the corticostriatal circuit in microfluidic chambers, pairing cortical and striatal neurons from the BACHD model of HD and its WT control. There were reduced synaptic connectivity and atrophy of striatal neurons in cultures in which BACHD cortical and striatal neurons were paired. However, these changes were prevented if WT cortical neurons were paired with BACHD striatal neurons; synthesis and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from WT cortical axons were responsible. Consistent with these findings, there was a marked reduction in anterograde transport of BDNF in BACHD cortical neurons. Subunits of the cytosolic chaperonin T-complex 1 (TCP-1) ring complex (TRiC or CCT for chaperonin containing TCP-1) have been shown to reduce mHTT levels. Both CCT3 and the apical domain of CCT1 (ApiCCT1) decreased the level of mHTT in BACHD cortical neurons. In cortical axons, they normalized anterograde BDNF transport, restored retrograde BDNF transport, and normalized lysosomal transport. Importantly, treating BACHD cortical neurons with ApiCCT1 prevented BACHD striatal neuronal atrophy by enhancing release of BDNF that subsequently acts through tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor on striatal neurons. Our findings are evidence that TRiC reagent-mediated reductions in mHTT enhanced BDNF delivery to restore the trophic status of BACHD striatal neurons.
Quantitative mapping of mitochondrial membrane potential

1630 Objectives Abnormal conduction of electrical impulses may cause or accompany a wide range of diseases and conditions, including myocardial pathologies such as arrhythmogenic tissue, reperfusion injury, hypertrophy, myopathy, scar and infarct. Treatment of ventricular tachycardia is currently guided by electroanatomic mapping (EAM) which involves roving catheter contact with the myocardial surface to record local electrograms. But EAM is sensitive only to surface currents and cannot probe the conductive capacity of the full thickness of the myocardium. The questions we ask are: (1) Can PET and a radiolabeled lipophilic cation be used to develop a minimally invasive method for quantitative mapping of myocardial mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). And (2) can the method be shown valid in pigs with, and without, focal tissue injury? Methods The use of 3H-labeled lipophilic cations such as tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) to measure mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured cells and isolated perfused rat hearts was validated as a reference method several decades ago 1-3. However, this classical methodology is highly invasive and destructive, making it inappropriate for direct translation to human investigation. The use of 18F-TPP+ provides a new route for adapting this well-established methodology with PET. Conceptually, the myocardial concentration of 18F-TPP+ is partitioned into two components: extracellular (ECV) and intracellular volumes. The Nernst equation relates the equilibrium concentrations of the intracellular concentrations to ΔΨm. We derived equations relating the total volume of distribution (VT) of 18F-TPP+ , to ΔΨm, ECV, mitochondrial volume fraction and the electric potential across the cell membrane,ΔΨc. We imaged the left ventricles of nine pigs (six controls and three with tissue injury), with 18F-TPP+ and PET. In three pigs ECV was also mapped via contrast CT. VT was estimated voxel-by-voxel from dynamic PET data by Logan graphical analysis and transformed to a quantitative map of ΔΨm. Values of ΔΨm were assayed in 17 short axis segments. Nominal values were used for mitochondrial density and ΔΨc. Results In control pigs ΔΨm was -139.4±0.4 mV. The Figure shows the quality of ΔΨm maps and that ΔΨm was significantly reduced in experimentally induced scar (arrows), in the range -90 to 0 mV. PET measurement of ΔΨm is in excellent agreement with previous measurements in experimental preparations using classical methods. Conclusions We have developed a minimally invasive method for mapping mitochondrial membrane potential of the left ventricle myocardium. ΔΨm is computed in absolute units, mV. The ΔΨm measurements in normal tissue were similar across all pigs, exhibiting low variance with wide separation of ΔΨm in normal tissue versus scar. These results demonstrate the basic validity of the method in a swine model of focal tissue injury and suggest the possibility of clinical translation.
Minimally Invasive Ligamentum Decompression (MILD) Procedure

The Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) procedure is used for patients with spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication with MRI evidence of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. It is an alternative to operative decompression in patients that are not surgical candidates.
NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) - The application of ATE

The concept of the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) developed for the Space Shuttle Orbiter Program is described. The function of the NSLD at Cape Canaveral is to perform the acceptance and diagnostic testing of the Shuttle's space-rated line-replaceable units and shop-replaceable units (SRUs). The NSLD includes a comprehensive electronic automatic test station, program development stations, and assorted manufacturing support equipment (including thermal and vibration test equipment, special test equipment, and a card SRU test system). The depot activities also include the establishment of the functions for manufacturing of mechanical parts, soldering, welding, painting, clean room operation, procurement, and subcontract management.
Hierarchical Fuzzy Control of flexible link robotic systems

Abstract Experimental results are presented for hierarchical fuzzy control of a single link flexible robotic system. Furthermore, the various modules of the experimental test-bed are discussed. In particular, the computing facilities are capable of fast update of the control action which is a necessary part of control of flexible robots with fast operation. The control architecture consists of two levels. The higher level is a fuzzy classifier which determines various spatial features of the arm, the lower level is a fuzzy controller which determines the control action based on the results from the higher level fuzzy classifier and other temporal sensory information such as robot's angular positions.
The characterisation of surface treated silica-filled and non-filled polydimethylsiloxane films

In this work, various methods to enable tailoring of polydimethylsiloxane film surfaces are implemented and compared to determine their influence on surface energy and roughness. Films were prepared containing various levels of hydrophilic silica filler. Ultraviolet-ozone, and Piranha solution treatments were also implemented and characterised. Lastly, the combination of both silica filler and treatments were utilised and characterised to understand interactive effects. Influence of filler loading, and surface treatment on roughness, and surface energy of films was determined. Regardless of surface treatment, addition of silica significantly influences total surface energy. Addition of silica influenced total surface energy of the films by itself, and in combination with the Piranha and UV-ozone treatments. The lowest surface energy was that of the control Polydimethylsiloxane film 21.5 N/m. The overall highest surface energy achieved was that of the 10% filled 30-minute Piranha solution treated sample, having a surface energy of 44.1 N/m.
Health Limitations among Mothers and Fathers: Implications for Parenting

Despite the good reasons in which poor health could impede parenting, relatively little research considers this possibility. This study uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,376) and propensity score matching to examine the relationship between maternal and paternal health limitations—health conditions that limit the amount or type of work one can do—and mother- and father-reported parenting stress, cooperation in parenting, and engagement with children. First, the authors find that mothers' and fathers' health limitations are associated with greater parenting stress. Second, they find evidence of spillover associations; when compared with their counterparts, parents with health limitations report that their child's other parent exhibits less cooperation. Third, they find that the associations between health and parenting are not moderated by parents' coresidential status. Taken together, these findings inform the stress process perspective and its implications for family life.
Adolescent socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms in later life: Evidence from structural equation models.

Abstract Background The complex association between socioeconomic status (SES) and depressive symptoms is not entirely understood and the existing literature does not address the relationship between early-life SES and later-life depression from a life-course perspective, incorporating mediating events. Methods Using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we employed structural equation modeling to examine how SES measured at age 18 affects depressive symptoms at age 54 directly and through mediating variables college graduation, marriage, and household income level at age 36. Results The total effect of adolescent SES on later-life depressive symptoms is largely mediated through college graduation. Our final model was driven by the effects of women. The variables contributing most to depressive symptoms in women were the direct effect of being raised in a home with a low SES and the indirect effect of low adolescent SES mediated through non-completion of college. Limitations Cohort was exclusively comprised of white, high school graduates born in 1939 (± 2 years). In our analysis we assume that missing values are missing at random (MAR); however, attrition both from death (excluded from our population) and from non-response could be associated with depression, i.e. missing not at random (MNAR). Conclusions This study demonstrates the impact of completion of college, particularly among women, and supports the social mobility hypothesis to explain the relationship between adolescent socioeconomic circumstances and late-life health.
Various N-glycoforms differentially upregulate E-NTPDase activity of the NTPDase3/CD39L3 ecto-enzymatic domain.

The GDA1/CD39 ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) superfamily is a group of eight heavily glycosylated ecto-enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular nucleosides di- and tri-phosphates in the presence of divalent cations, to generate the monophosphate derivatives. This catalytic process differentially regulates a complex array of purinergic signaling responses. NTPDase3/CD39L3is dominantly expressed in pancreatic islet cells, where it may regulate insulin secretion, and has seven N-linked glycosylation sites with four close to five highly conserved domains called “apyrase conserved regions” (ACRs). In a manner similar to CD39, NTPDase3/CD39L3 uses ATP as its preferential substrate and also possesses significant activities toward other triphosphate and diphosphate nucleosides. To understand the mechanism of the ecto-NTPDase activity and substrate specificity, potentially impacted by N-glycans, we have generated soluble enzymatic domains of NTPDase3/CD39L3 in human embryotic kidney cells with four different glycan modifications. These include mannose5–9 glycans with kifunesine treatment, single GlcNAc-Asn by treatment with EndoH, de-glycosylated form by treatment with PNGaseF, and wild-type glycans. Our functional data indicate that the non-glycosylated NTPDase3/CD39L3 ecto-enzymatic domain retains activity, but that N-glycan attachments, such as the GlcNAc-Asn, substantially upregulate specific NTPDase activity by 2–20 fold. Both the Vmax and the Km on di- or tri-phosphate nucleosides are substantially and differentially altered by the glycan attachments. Structural modeling analysis based on putative structures derived from bacterial-originated CD39 domain proteins suggests that N-glycan modifications at Asn149 next to ACR2 and/or Asn454, N-terminal to ACR5 have critical roles in regulating the catalytic pocket of NTPDase3/CD39L3. Our data provide both new insights into the enzymatic mechanisms of NTPDase family members and further evidence that N-glycans directly modulate functional ectonucleotidase activities.
Multi-objective PSO for scheduling electricity consumption in a smart neighborhood

In this paper, a demand response framework is developed where a smart neighborhood focus on minimizing the variability of demand, as well as to minimize each of their own energy costs. Each of the residents focuses on their own objective to minimize their cost while the utility tries to minimize the variability by reducing peaks and filling valleys. These objectives usually are in conflict with each other thus multi-objective optimization is used to achieve a set of solutions which then the residents could use to choose from to implement an agreeable solution for all the users. The proposed solution is implemented for uninterruptible appliances such as washing machines and the results are discussed.
With a simple calculation, the fraction of platelets remaining can be used to estimate the residual hemoglobin S percentage in sickle cell disease patients undergoing automated red blood cell exchange.

Abstract Objectives Automated red blood cell exchange (RBX) is an important treatment for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although not specifically targeted for removal, platelets (PLTs) are collected along with red blood cells during RBX. We sought to determine whether the pre- and post- RBX PLT counts could be used to derive the post-procedure hemoglobin S% (HgbS%). Methods Using the pre- and post- RBX lab values of 59 SCD patients undergoing 112 RBX procedures over 1 year, we derived mathematical formulas which estimate the post-RBX HgbS% based on the pre-RBX HgbS%, the pre- and post- RBX PLT, and a correction factor. Results For patients with pre-RBX HgbS > 40%, the mathematically derived post-RBX HgbS% was statistically indistinguishable from the measured post-RBX HgbS%. Conclusions Using a simple formula, pre- and post-RBX platelet counts can provide a rapid approximation of the measured post-RBX HgbS% in patients with SCD.
Puppet knowledge and the life of the puppeteer

How does one learn to become a puppeteer in a time when traditional forms seem outmoded, and new forms lack tradition? John Bell explores his own learning experiences with Peter Schumann's American troupe Bread & Puppet Theater, which combines avant-garde methods of invention with a strong respect for tradition, and explains how he combines both approaches in his own teaching, which wants to incorporate extensive knowledge of past practices of puppetry with an open approach to inventing new techniques with old and new forms of performing objects.Keywords: Puppetry. Education. Bread & Puppet Theater. Performing Objects.
Conceptual product design in digital and traditional sketching environments: a comparative exploratory study

In the field of product design, conceptual sketching involves not only the rapid creation of ideas, but also the delivery of high-quality drawings with specific aesthetic attributes and a conventional visual style. This paper argues that the workflows and creative output produced by digital sketching during conceptual industrial design activities are comparable, and in some cases enhanced, to those produced traditionally. We report a study where digital sketching was used as the primary conceptual tool to determine the extent up to which this method is equivalent to traditional techniques in an industrial design domain. Traditional and digital sketching data from a group of industrial design students were collected and analysed to determine the influence of digital technology on production and quality. Although creative dialogues between designer and sketch can occur in both traditional and digital media, our results suggest that digital sketching might aid in producing a higher quality output.
Implant design and techniques for patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty

There are two basic techniques for resurfacing of the patella in total knee arthroplasty. The inset patellar component recesses a circular dome with a single fixation peg into a reamed patella while the onlay component is placed onto the cut surface of patella. Onlay patellar components have a wide variety of shapes, designs, and methods of fixation. There are differences in technique and possible complications with the inset and onlay patellar components. However, neither method has proved to be superior. Fixation of an onlay patellar component is usually with cement, but successful cementless porous-coated designs exist. Fixation of an all-polyethylene patellar component occurs by cementing a component with either a single central peg or three smaller peripheral pegs; although one method is not preferred over the other, there have been reports of breakage with three pegs. The design and fabrication of these components are important to prevent peg breakage with repeated shear stress. There are few clinical data implicating the different shapes or methods of patella component fixation with the complications of anterior knee pain, wear, patella fracture, and component breakage. Attention to detail during surgery is likely the most critical factor to the success of patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty.
Mitochondrial Ion Channels in Ischemic Brain

Mitochondria produce ATP for many cellular processes including the highly energy dependent events of normal brain function. Mitochondria also exist at the center of a web of signaling within the cell that regulates cell life and death. In many forms of programmed cell death mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating oxidative phosphorylation to produce or conserve precious energy supplies. They also manage cytosolic levels of calcium and zinc, key ions implicated in excitotoxic neuronal death linked to energy deprivation during ischemia, cellular metabolic decline, neurodegeneration, and aging. During the type of programmed cell death known as apoptosis, mitochondria regulate the release of proapoptotic factors such as cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Cytochrome c and other proapoptotic molecules activate downstream enzymes including caspases that destroy the cell contents, including its nuclear material.