cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Research on American Counties

In a 1992 issue of this journal, 12 scholars proposed an ambitious research agenda for the study of the American county. By all accounts, this agenda was both a catalyst and a guide for those interested in the nature, role, functions, operations, and practical relevance of county governments to either continue their research or to launch new studies in this underresearched area. The present article provides a detailed inventory of the research that has been conducted in the eight areas identified in the 1992 agenda. Specifically, which research questions have or have not been addressed satisfactorily? Such an exercise is a logical prerequisite for charting a path for future research on counties; it represents a synthesis of scholarly needs for theory building, hypothesis testing, and cumulative research and the dynamic and enduring knowledge-base needs of county practitioners and elected officials.
Classification of Hydrometeors Based on Polarimetric Radar Measurements: Development of Fuzzy Logic and Neuro-Fuzzy Systems, and In Situ Verification

A fuzzy logic and neuro-fuzzy system for classification of hydrometeor type based on polarimetric radar measurements is described in this paper. The hydrometeor classification system is implemented by using fuzzy logic and a neural network, where the fuzzy logic is used to infer hydrometeor type, and the neural network learning algorithm is used for automatic adjustment of the parameters of the fuzzy sets in the fuzzy logic system according to prior knowledge. Five radar measurements, namely, horizontal reflectivity ( ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), differential propagation phase shift ( KDP), correlation coefficient [rHV(0)], and linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and corresponding altitude, have been used as input variables to the neuro-fuzzy network. The output of the neuro-fuzzy system is one of the many possible hydrometeor types: 1) drizzle, 2) rain, 3) dry and low density snow, 4) dry and high-density crystals, 5) wet and melting snow, 6) dry graupel, 7) wet graupel, 8) small hail, 9) large hail, and 10) a mixture of rain and hail. The neuro-fuzzy classifier is more advantageous than a simple neural network or a fuzzy logic classifier because it is more transparent (instead of a ‘‘black box’’) and can learn the parameter of the system from the past data (unlike a fuzzy logic system). The hydrometeor classifier has been applied to several case studies and the results are compared against in situ observations.
Development of and Fluid Accumulation in Mammary Glands of Freemartins Administered Estradiol, Estrone, or Testosterone

Abstract Eighteen Holstein freemartins acquired at 1 wk of age were assigned to a control and to four treatment groups, but only two of the groups received hormone the first 50 wk. Testosterone administered for the first 50 wk appeared to inhibit teat growth whereas estrone stimulated teat and udder length. At 50 wk of age, implants releasing daily approximately 12.9 μ g of testosterone, 2.9 μ g of estrone, or 2.6 μ g of estradiol-17 β per kg of body weight were implanted for 6 wk. One of three testosterone-treated and 9 of 11 estrogen-treated animals exhibited increased udder development associated with fluid accumulation. The 10 animals with fluid accumulation in the udders were milked once 39 days after implanting. The fluid contained 15.0% total solids, 4.1% fat, and 7.0% protein, values which are between those for normal milk and colostrum. These studies support the concept that administration of low concentrations of estrogens alone, released continuously from implants, were capable of stimulating fluid secretion in mammary glands of animals that had no detectable gonadal luteal tissue.
A MATLAB package for multiobjective control synthesis

In this paper, a MATLAB package, GMO 1.0, is introduced for synthesizing (sub-) optimal controllers for the general multiobjective (GMO) control problem involving /sub 1/ norm, /spl Hscr//sub 2/ norm, /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// norm, time-domain constraint (TDC), and controller structure constraints. The GMO framework encompasses a large class of multiobjective problems which can be effectively solved by using GMO 1.0 package (e.g. /sub 1///spl Hscr//sub /spl infin//, /sub 1//TDC, etc.). While global convergence is guaranteed for the convex finite dimensional suboptimal problems, this set of routines yields a rational linear time-invariant controller delivering performance within any prescribed tolerance of the optimal cost. In this paper, several multiobjective design problems are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework and the software.
No end in site: TWEAK/Fn14 activation and autoimmunity associated- end-organ pathologies.

Growing evidence suggests that the tu- mor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) member TWEAK and its cognate receptor Fn14 play an important role in both physiological and patholog- ical tissue remodeling. Herein, we review the var- ious lines of experimental evidence that support the involvement of this ligand/receptor pair in trig- gering a wide range of cellular responses crucial to tissue remodeling, including angiogenic, prolifera- tive, and inflammatory responses, and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which TWEAK/Fn14- induced tissue responses can lead to desired vs. undesired consequences in a context-dependent manner. We explore the key features of TWEAK- induced end-organ pathologies in various autoim- mune disorders and the potential therapeutic ben- efits of TWEAK inhibition therein. We submit the viewpoint that TWEAK/Fn14-mediated pathogenic tissue remodeling represents an important, univer- sal mechanism leading to various end-organ pathol- ogies associated with autoimmune and inflamma- tory disorders. The highly specific and localized nature of its pathogenic contribution, therefore, makes the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway a unique and promising therapeutic target. J. Leukoc. Biol. 84: 000-000; 2008.
Analysis of transients in frequency-dependent interconnections and planar circuits with nonlinear loads

A method for the transient analysis of frequency-dependent interconnections and planar circuits terminated with nonlinear loads is presented. The frequency-dependent portion of the system is first analysed to obtain the S-parameters and hence the impulse responses. Two different methods are used to get the scattering parameters: the three-dimensional finite-difference timedomain method and an analytical procedure. The nonlinear convolution equations governing the overall system are then derived and solved numerically. The transient responses of a pair of coupled dispersive microstrip lines, a corner discontinuity, and a microstrip switching circuit are presented.
Mixed-Phase Microphysics and Cloud Electrification.

Abstract A number of experimental studies have shown that sublimating ice acquires negative charge and ice undergoing vapor deposition acquires positive charge. Microphysical calculations are performed to determine the diffusional state (i.e., sublimation versus deposition) of riming graupel particles. Comparisons with earlier laboratory measurements of charge transfer to a rotating rimer in a cloud of supercooled water droplets and ice crystals again suggest that sublimating graupel particles charge negatively and graupel undergoing deposition charge positively. Implications for charge separation in thunderstorms are discussed.
A METAPOPULATION MODEL FOR FERAL HOGS IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Feral Hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that have occupied the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the early 1900s. Recent studies on vegetation, mast, and harvest history were important for our work. Using these data, a model with discrete time and space was formulated to represent the feral hog dynamics in the Park. Management strategies and key characteristics of the population were investigated. The model uses observed mast variation to help govern population dynamics and results indicate that Park control efforts have limited the growth of the population.
Guanine nucleosides and Jurkat cell death: roles of ATP depletion and accumulation of deoxyribonucleotides

Guanine nucleosides are toxic to some forms of cancer. This toxicity is pronounced in cancers with upregulated guanine nucleotide synthesis, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated this toxicity by measuring the effects of guanine nucleosides on nucleotides in Jurkat cells using HPLC. We also measured proliferation and cell death with microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Guanosine increased GTP to 600% and reduced ATP to 40% of control. This resulted in cell death with a predominance of necrosis. Deoxyguanosine caused similar increases in GTP but at earlier time points. Cell death was severe with a predominance of apoptosis. Deoxyguanosine but not guanosine increased dGTP to 800% of control. Adenosine inhibited the effects of guanosine, in part by competing for uptake. In stimulated leukocytes, guanosine and deoxyguanosine altered the nucleotide pools in a way qualitatively similar to that observed in Jurkat cells. However, proliferation was enhanced rather than impaired. In conclusion, guanosine and deoxyguanosine are toxic to Jurkat cells through two mechanisms: ATP depletion, causing necrosis, and the accumulation of dGTP, resulting in apoptosis.
Mississippi River Shoaling: A Diagnostic Study

The field study was conducted to collect definitive data on the flow and sediment movement characteristics in the recurrent shoaling reaches of the Mississippi River in the vicinities of Fox Island (RM 355-6) and Buzzard Island (RM 349-50) in Pool 20 between Keokuk, Iowa and Canton, Mo. The detailed field data were used to identify the source of the excess sediment input into the Mississippi River, and to elucidate the principal mechanisms of shoaling processes in the study areas by establishing empirical relationships of the bed-load discharge and the suspended-load discharge with the mean flow velocity and the water discharge.
Cooperatives and Federal Commodity Marketing Orders

Perhaps the study of no other institutional arrangement addresses questions and issues relating to the structure of agriculture vis-a-vis other sectors of our economy better than does the evolution of our federal commodity marketing order system. Competition, the demand characteristics of food products, the biological nature of agricultural production, and the public interest are all involved.
The Papers You Carry and Who You Really Are

Patterns of identity avoidance described in this article point out the need for anthropological understanding of recipient populations on the part of all agencies that interact with the homeless. Identity avoidance is motivated by the desire to maintain some degree of control over the systems that impinge on the lives of the homeless. Systems that have arbitrary time periods and limits to services are attempting to make their assistance available to the widest range of deserving people. Yet universally applied limits may bear little relationship to the needs of an individual recipient. For example, one mission program allows a limited number of homeless people a total of seven days' lodging. After spending seven nights in the facility, the recipient is assumed to be able to find housing outside the mission. Many mission guests sign up for labor pool employment at minimum wage during the day, which can bring no more than $18 per day. Even if the guests obtained full days' work on all five working days in t...
Improved estimation of anaplerosis in heart using 13C NMR

Anaplerotic enzymes, such as pyruvate carboxylase or malic enzyme, catalyze reactions that fill up the pools of the citric acid cycle (CAC), thereby increasing the total mass of CAC intermediates. ...
CNR improvement of MP2RAGE from slice encoding directional acceleration

Abstract Purpose While MP2RAGE shows the potential to generate B1 insensitive T1 contrast, the long TR of MP2RAGE (≥ 6 s at 7 T) is essential to provide the large dynamic range of apparent T1 relaxation for dual inversion time acquisitions. We present a 2 direction (2D) accelerated MP2RAGE, which provides an increased flip angle while maintaining similar dynamic recovery as 1D accelerated MP2RAGE. Method Simulations were conducted to optimize 2D accelerated MP2RAGE parameters and healthy subjects were scanned with 1D and 2D accelerated MP2RAGE at 7 T. Images were compared visually and contrast to noise (CNR) between brain tissues was measured. Result Simulations showed that CNR is primarly determined by the TR, followed by the number of the first partition encoding steps in MP2RAGE. Keeping TR constant, a smaller number of partition encoding steps increases the achievable maximal CNR. In-vivo 2D MP2RAGE improves CNR between white and gray matters by 9% when compared to 1D accelerated MP2RAGE with identical voxel size. Conclusion We presented 2D accelated MP2RAGE at 7 T with the increased flip angle. We show that this leads to CNR improvement, and consequently a reduction of scan time to be compared to 1D accelerated MP2RAGE.
Differentiation of fat, muscle, and edema in thigh MRIs using random forest classification

There are many diseases that affect the distribution of muscles, including Duchenne and fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy among other myopathies. In these disease cases, it is important to quantify both the muscle and fat volumes to track the disease progression. There has also been evidence that abnormal signal intensity on the MR images, which often is an indication of edema or inflammation can be a good predictor for muscle deterioration. We present a fully-automated method that examines magnetic resonance (MR) images of the thigh and identifies the fat, muscle, and edema using a random forest classifier. First the thigh regions are automatically segmented using the T1 sequence. Then, inhomogeneity artifacts were corrected using the N3 technique. The T1 and STIR (short tau inverse recovery) images are then aligned using landmark based registration with the bone marrow. The normalized T1 and STIR intensity values are used to train the random forest. Once trained, the random forest can accurately classify the aforementioned classes. This method was evaluated on MR images of 9 patients. The precision values are 0.91±0.06, 0.98±0.01 and 0.50±0.29 for muscle, fat, and edema, respectively. The recall values are 0.95±0.02, 0.96±0.03 and 0.43±0.09 for muscle, fat, and edema, respectively. This demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing information from multiple MR sequences for the accurate quantification of fat, muscle and edema.
The embodiment of cases as alternative perspective in a mathematics hypermedia learning environment

This paper presents a design framework for cases as alternative perspectives (Jonassen in Learning to solve problems: a handbook for designing problem-solving learning environments, 2011a) in the context of K-12 mathematics. Using the design-based research strategy of conjecture mapping, the design of cases for a hypermedia site is described through embodiments of the learning environment (e.g., tools, materials, structures, practices), mediating processes these embodiments are conjectured to support, and outcomes relating to these processes. Considerations from cognitive flexibility theory and Realistic Mathematics Education are integrated into the framework as well as principles from hypermedia design. Cases are conceptualized beyond the traditional structure of cases as human experience and include phenomena pertinent to understanding complex concepts about space and perspective. In this way, cases are depicted as phenomena to be investigated with the goal of supporting learners’ construction of multiple and alternative perspectives. Data are provided to elucidate the design conjecture associated with learners investigating the variability of real-world geometric phenomena by visiting, revisiting, and juxtaposing cases.
Counting magic squares

(1980). Counting Magic Squares. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 5, pp. 397-399.
In Situ Studies of Photoluminescence Quenching and Photocurrent Yield in Quantum Dot Sensitized Single Crystal TiO2 and ZnO Electrodes

Utilizing time-correlated single photon counting and photocurrent spectroscopy we have studied the fluorescence intensity, fluorescence decay time, and sensitized photocurrents of a liquid junction photoelectrochemical cell consisting of CdSe quantum dots coupled to glass, single crystal TiO2, and single crystal ZnO substrates through a variety of capping ligands. This system is ideal to compare electron transfer rates obtained from optical techniques with external current flow obtained from electrical techniques. We find that for all configurations of capping ligands and substrate the photoluminescence decay rate is quenched compared to free quantum dots in solution; whereas only the quantum dots capped with short chain 3-mercaptopropionic acid ligands coupled to the single crystal TiO2 or ZnO produce photocurrents. The longer chain capping groups, oleic acid/tri-n-octylphosphine and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, inhibit electron injection and can promote clustering or aggregation of the quantum dots on th...
Correction of Tibial Torsion in Children With Cerebral Palsy by Isolated Distal Tibia Rotation Osteotomy: A Short-term, In Vivo Anatomic Study.

Background Excessive internal or external tibial torsion is frequently present in children with cerebral palsy. Several surgical techniques have been described to correct excessive tibial torsion, including isolated distal tibial rotation osteotomy (TRO). The anatomic changes surrounding this technique are poorly understood. The goal of the study was to examine the anatomic relationship between the tibia and fibula following isolated distal TRO in children with cerebral palsy. Methods Twenty patients with 29 limbs were prospectively entered for study. CT scans of the proximal and distal tibiofibular (TF) articulations were obtained preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively. Measurements of tibia and fibula torsion were performed at each interval. Qualitative assessments of proximal and distal TF joint congruency were also performed. Results The subjects with internal tibia torsion (ITT, 19 limbs) showed significant torsional changes for the tibia between preoperative, postoperative, and 1 year time points (mean torsion 13.21, 31.05, 34.84 degrees, respectively). Measurement of fibular torsion in the ITT treatment group also showed significant differences between time points (mean -36.77, -26.77, -18.54 degrees, respectively). Proximal and distal TF joints remained congruent at all time points in the study.Subjects with external tibia torsion (ETT, 10 limbs) showed significant differences between preoperative and postoperative tibial torsion, but not between postoperative and 1 year (mean torsion 54, 19.3, 23.3 degrees, respectively). Measurement of fibular torsion in the ETT treatment group did not change significantly between preoperative and postoperative, but did change significantly between postoperative and 1 year (mean torsion -9.8,-16.9, -30.7 degrees, respectively). Nine of 10 proximal TF joints were found to be subluxated at 6 weeks postoperatively. At 1 year, all 9 of these joints had reduced. Conclusions Correction of ITT by isolated distal tibial external rotation osteotomy resulted in acute external fibular torsion. The fibular torsion alignment remodeled over time to accommodate the corrected tibial torsional alignment and reduce the strain associated with the plastic deformity of the fibula. Correction of ETT by isolated distal internal TRO resulted in acute subluxation of the proximal TF articulation in almost all cases. Subsequent torsional remodeling of the fibula resulted in correction of the TF subluxation in all cases. Acute correction of TT by isolated distal TRO occurs by distinct mechanisms, based upon the direction of rotational correction. Level of evidence Level II-Diagnostic.
Quantitative measurements of GDF-8 using immunoaffinity LC-MS/MS.

Purpose Growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass and targeted by inhibitors to treat diseases associated with muscle loss. In order to enable clinical and translational investigations of GDF-8 inhibitors, specific and sensitive measurements of GDF-8 are necessary. Experimental design An immunoaffinity LC-MS/MS assay for quantification of GDF-8 in serum was developed, qualified and implemented. The workflow includes offline enrichment of GDF-8 using an anti-GDF-8 antibody, followed by isolation using magnetic beads, trypsin digestion, and quantification using 2D nanoflow LC-MS/MS. Results This assay was qualified in human serum with a lower LOQ of 1.0 ng/mL based on the intact protein. GDF-8 was quantified in serum from juvenile and adult humans as well as mouse, rat, and cynomolgus monkey. Additionally, the assay was utilized to demonstrate an increase of total GDF-8 in serum following administration of an anti-GDF-8 monoclonal antibody therapeutic in cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusions and clinical relevance A specific and sensitive method was developed for the measurement of GDF-8 in juvenile and adult serum samples as well as preclinical species. The confident quantification of GDF-8 now enables a greater understanding of any association between changes GDF-8 levels and muscle mass.
The Contribution of Sociotechnical Factors to Health Information Technology-Related Sentinel Events.

Article-at-a-Glance Background An understanding of how health information technology (health IT) can contribute to sentinel events is necessary to learn how to safely implement and use health IT. An analysis was conducted to explore how health IT may contribute to adverse events that result in death or severe harm to the patient. Methods For 3,375 de-identified sentinel events voluntarily reported to The Joint Commission between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2013, categorical and keyword queries were used to search for potential health IT–related events. Each of the identified events was reviewed on the basis of findings from root cause analyses (RCAs) to determine if health IT contributed to or caused the event, and if so, how and why. The contributing factors were classified using a composite of existing classification schemes. Results A total of 120 health IT–related sentinel events (affecting 125 patients) were identified. More than half resulted in patient death, 30% resulted in unexpected or additional care, and 11% resulted in permanent loss of function. The three most frequently identified event types were (1) medication errors, (2) wrong-site surgery (including the wrong side, wrong procedure, and wrong patient), and (3) delays in treatment. Contributing factors were most frequently associated with the human-computer interface, workflow and communication, and clinical content–related issues. Conclusions The classification of health IT–related contributing factors indicates that health IT–related events are primarily associated with the sociotechnical dimensions of human-computer interface, workflow and communication, and clinical content. Improved identification of health IT–related contributing factors in the context of the sociotechnical dimensions may help software developers, device manufacturers, and end users in health care organizations proactively identify vulnerabilities and hazards, ultimately reducing the risk of harm to patients.
Dyspnea in the Dying Patient

Dyspnea is one of the most frequent symptoms described by patients with terminal illness. It is distressing, debilitating, and has a significant impact on quality of life. While there are multiple etiologies and multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead a patient to suffer from dyspnea, there exists a discrete evidence-based skillset which may be employed to systematically treat advanced cancer patients who present to the emergency department with shortness of breath. Undifferentiated dyspnea, often related to progression of disease, may be reliably and rapidly treated with opioids. In certain populations, disease-specific interventions may be appropriate. Certain interventions such as thoracentesis for malignant pleural effusion, blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia, or corticosteroid administration for tumor burden all come with risks which must be weighed against any potential benefit to patient and family. By understanding the mechanism and evidence for each of these treatment modalities, emergency providers will be better prepared to deliver individualized treatment consistent with patient’s goals of care.
Chapter 20 – Heart Healthy = Prostate Healthy and S.A.M. are the Ideal “Natural” Recommendations for Prostate Cancer

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the number one cause of death in the United States for approximately 114 of the last 115 years. The majority of the research on specific lifestyle factors that could contribute to CVD also suggests similar lifestyle factors cause or encourage the progression of prostate cancer. And, lifestyle changes that reduce CVD reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Minimal exercise, caloric excess, obesity, insulin resistance or glucose abnormalities, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome appear to increase the risk of both conditions. The largest randomized trials utilizing dietary supplements or pharmacologic agents for prostate cancer prevention (the Prostate cancer Prevention Trial – PCPT and SELECT) have also indirectly observed the relationship between CVD and prostate cancer. Lower rates of aggressive prostate cancer with low cholesterol levels and a higher risk for those with a history of heart disease were interesting findings. Dietary supplements that have not been found to be CVD protective, such as selenium and vitamin E, have not been found to be prostate protective. Additionally, overexposure to specific antioxidants in nutritionally replete populations may be encouraging cancer growth. Future trials of dietary supplements to prevent prostate cancer could be problematic because by the time a definitive trial is initiated the population in question may no longer be “deficient” in the nutrient being tested, which arguably occurred in the SELECT trial. Yet, it is also interesting that statins, aspirin, and metformin (S.A.M) are three “natural” (derived from yeast, willow bark, and French Lilac), generic, low-cost, heart healthy agents with some separate and overlapping mechanisms of action, which all appear to have the best benefit-to-risk ratio compared to any other agent available for prostate cancer prevention, especially aggressive disease, and may also play a role in slowing the progression of this disease. It is time to focus on the forest over the trees and embrace simplicity and recommend proven CVD protective lifestyle and evidence-based agents along with conventional measures for men concerned about prostate cancer.
Discriminating Long Myelitis of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders from Sarcoidosis (P4.152)

Objective To compare longitudinally extensive myelitis in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and spinal cord sarcoidosis (SCS). Background Many publications have described features that discriminate NMOSD from multiple sclerosis, but discrimination from other mimics of NMOSD are lacking Methods We identified adult patients evaluated 1996-2015 with SCS or NMOSD whose first myelitis episode of either disorder was accompanied by a spinal cord lesion ≥3 vertebral segments. All NMOSD patients were aquaporin-4-IgG positive and all sarcoidosis cases were pathologically confirmed. Clinical characteristics were evaluated. Spine MRI’s were reviewed by two neuroradiologists. Results We studied 71 patients (NMOSD, 37; SCS, 34). Fourteen (47[percnt]) SCS cases were initially diagnosed as NMOSD or idiopathic transverse myelitis. Median delay to diagnosis was longer for SCS than NMOSD (5 versus 1.5 months; pl CSF hypoglycorrhachia and elevated angiotensin converting enzyme were exclusive to SCS patients but infrequent (11[percnt] and 18[percnt] respectively) and did not reach statistical significance as discriminators (p=0.25 and p=0.3). Dorsal cord subpial gadolinium enhancement extending ≥2 vertebral segments and persistent enhancement >2 months favored SCS, and ring-like enhancement favored NMOSD (p&lt0.05). Disability at myelitis nadir was similar in both disorders. Conclusions SCS is an under-recognized cause of longitudinally extensive myelitis that commonly mimics NMOSD. We identified clinical, laboratory, systemic and radiologic features that, taken together, help discriminate SCS from NMOSD. Disclosure: Dr. Flanagan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaufman has received personal compensation for activities with SpineThera as a consultant. Dr. Krecke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aksamit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pittock has received (royalty or license fee or contractual rights) payments from Peripherin-Specific Autoantibodies as a Marker for Neurological and Endocrinological Disease. Dr. Keegan has received research support from Terumo BCT. Dr. Giannini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weinshenker has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis, Biogen Idec, Mitsubishi Pharmaceuticals, MedImmune Pharmaceuticals, Chugai, and Chord as a consultant. Dr. Weinshenker has received royalty payments from RSR Ltd. and Oxford
Numerical simulation of a single-emitter colloidal jet

Publisher Summary The basic physics of colloidal thrusters have been studied by many researchers. The renewed interest in colloidal thruster technology for micropropulsion applications has rekindled research on the physics of these electrically driven jets. The aim of this research is to develop a numerical model of the cone-jet combination that can serve as the basis for assessing single-emitter colloidal thruster physics. The previous success of one-dimensional models for noncharged free jets suggests that an extension of this approach may be feasible for investigating the governing physics of electrically driven jets. The chapter further focuses on the obtaining results and compare these results to existing steady-state models. In particular, the dependence of the current to flow rate and fluid acceleration are discussed. The computed results compare favorably with experimental and analytical formulas, although it is recognized that more work needs to be done. Efforts are under way to study and understand the nature of the flow-rate dip in the first 10 μm of the computed solution and to determine whether this phenomenon is physical.
Neural network star pattern recognition for spacecraft attitude

Currently, the most complex spacecraft attitude determination and control tasks are ultimately governed by ground-based systems and personnel. Conventional on-board systems face severe computational bottlenecks introduced by serial microprocessors operating on inherently parallel problems. New computer architectures based on the anatomy of the human brain seem to promise high speed and fault-tolerant solutions to the limitations of serial processing. This paper discusses the latest applications of artificial neural networks to the problem of star pattern recognition for spacecraft attitude determination.
Studying the Effective Bandwidth through the Distribution of One-Way Delays

This paper describes a method of estimating the effective bandwidth through modeling the tail probability of one-way cumulative variable delays. In order to estimate the effective bandwidth of a fixed one-way path, a sequence of probing packets are sent from a source to a sink along the one-way path. The one-way cumulative variable delays are first estimated based on the local time measurements made at the two end nodes with respect to their skew-free local clocks. The modeling of the distribution of one-way cumulative variable delays is based on the assumption that the traffic pattern along the one-way path follows a Gaussian distribution. Under the assumption of Gaussian traffic, the tail probability of the one-way cumulative variable delays can be expressed in an exponential form. The effective bandwidth of a fixed one-way path is derived from the exponent of the exponential-form tail probability of the one-way cumulative variable delays. Our method has been numerically analyzed using data samples collected from network simulations. The numerical analysis shows that, at lower delay bounds, the effective bandwidth estimated from our modeling is quite comparable to the effective bandwidth calculated from the empirical tail probability of the one-way variable delays measured in simulations. At the higher delay bounds, the effective bandwidth estimated from our modeling is projected to be more accurate than the the effective bandwidth calculated from the empirical measurements.
VOX: an extensible natural language processor

VOX is a Natural Language Processor whose knowledge ran be extended by interaction with a user VOX consists of a text analyzer and an extensibility system that share a knowledge base The extensibility system lets the user add vocabulary, concepts, phrases, events, and scenarios to the knowledge base. The analyzer uses information obtained in this way to understand previously unhandled text. The underlying knowledge representation of VOX called Conceptual Grammar has been developed to meet the severe requirements of extensibility, Conceptual Grammar uniformly represents syntactic and semantic information, and permits modular addition of knowledge.
Resolution of screw radiolucency following instrumentation with a hybrid rigid to dynamic stabilization system

Abstract Introduction Screw loosening, a common complication of patients undergoing a semi-rigid fixation, is associated with the radiological finding of lucency within bone surrounding the implanted screw. Case report A clinical and radiologic review is presented of a patient who underwent rigid fixation with L4-5 interbody fusion and L3-4 posterolateral dynamic stabilization with Zimmer Dynamic-to-Optima (DTO) hybrid fusion to non-fusion system (Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, MN) with hydroxyapatite coated pedicle screws that exhibited lucency on radiographic studies which subsequently disappeared. An L4-5 interbody fusion and L3-4 posterolateral dynamic stabilization was performed. The patient did well clinically postoperatively. At 4 months postoperatively, X-rays of the lumbar spine demonstrated the appearance of lucency around the left L3 pedicle screw, which began to resolve at 10 months, and continued to resolve on subsequent CT scan 1 year postoperatively. The patient's clinical status continued to improve, with no complications. Conclusions The development of radiolucent lines around pedicle screws several months postoperatively may be due to loosening of the screws or due to a stress response at the bone-screw interface. The subsequent disappearance of this finding would suggest the ongrowth of bone at the osteoconductive hydroxyapatite coating or the protection of the bone-screw interface afforded by dynamic stabilization.
1918 Influenza Pandemic: In Utero Exposure in the United States and Long-Term Impact on Hospitalizations

Objectives. To explore associations between in utero exposure to the 1918 influenza pandemic and hospitalization rates in old age (≥ 70 years) in the United States.Methods. We identified individuals exposed (mild and deadly waves) and unexposed in utero to the 1918 influenza pandemic (a natural experiment) by using birth dates from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old survey. We analyzed differences in hospitalization rates by exposure status with multivariate linear regression.Results. In utero exposure to the deadly wave of the 1918 influenza pandemic increased the number of hospital visits by 10.0 per 100 persons. For those exposed in utero to the deadliest wave of the influenza pandemic, high rates of functional limitations are shown to drive the higher rates of hospitalizations in old age.Conclusions. In utero exposure to the influenza pandemic increased functional limitations and hospitalization rates in old age.Public Health Implications. To determine investments in influenza pandemic...
Abstract 3627: Validation of PPARG and RXRA as drivers of bladder cancer

A subset of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BLCA) is typified by PPARG pathway activation. PPARG focal gene amplification occurs in 15% of bladder cancer patients, and similarly, 5% of BLCA patients possess hotspot mutations in the requisite heterodimer partner of PPARG, RXRA (S427F, S427Y). We used genetic perturbation to study the role of PPARG in bladder cancer. Our results show that overexpression of RXRA and PPARG mutant alleles activate expression of PPARG and PPARA target genes in a ligand-independent manner, and that bladder cancer cell lines are dependent on PPARG for viability. These findings suggest that PPARG may be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of bladder cancer. Citation Format: Jonathan T. Goldstein, Craig Strathdee, Fujiko Duke, Juliann Shih, Matthew Meyerson. Validation of PPARG and RXRA as drivers of bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3627. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3627
Abstract 4986: Pancreatic cancers develop metabolic resistance pathways to glutaminase inhibition

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Therefore, novel treatment options are essential to combat this highly refractory disease. Oncogenic Kras can promote a metabolic rewiring of pancreatic cancers, including the non-canonical use of glutamine to support growth and proliferation through redox homeostasis. Indeed, inhibition of downstream components of glutamine metabolism leads to a decrease in tumor growth. The first step in glutamine metabolism is mediated by the enzyme glutaminase (GLS) which catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamate in the mitochondria where, in PDAC, glutamine-derived glutamate is metabolized ultimately resulting in increased reducing potential in the form of increased NADPH and GSH. An outstanding question in pancreatic cancer is whether GLS inhibition is a viable therapeutic strategy given it is the most proximal enzyme in the PDAC-specific glutamine metabolism pathway, and how this may differ from targeting distal parts of the pathway. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer, we tested whether recently developed highly potent inhibitors of GLS are an effective therapy for PDAC. We demonstrate that despite dramatic early effects on in vitro proliferation caused by GLS inhibition, pancreatic cancer cells have adaptive metabolic networks that allow them to sustain proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Through an integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis, we identify multiple compensatory pathways that may explain the resistance to GLS inhibition and show as proof of concept that combining inhibitors to these pathways with GLS inhibitors may have therapeutic utility. Citation Format: Joseph D. Mancias, Douglas E. Biancur, Joao A. Paulo, Maria Quiles Del Rey, Cristovao M. Sousa, Xiaoxu Wang, Gerald C. Chu, Steven P. Gygi, J. Wade Harper, Alec C. Kimmelman. Pancreatic cancers develop metabolic resistance pathways to glutaminase inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4986. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4986
Kids, College, and Capital: Parental Financial Support and College Choice

Parents vary in both their willingness and ability to pay for their children’s college expenses, yet there is little research on how adolescents’ expectations of future financial support from parents affect their college enrollment decisions. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study, I fill this gap in the literature by examining the predictors of parents’ plans to pay for college and estimating the effect of having a parent that plans to pay for college on an adolescent’s probability of college attendance. The results suggest that after parents’ ability to pay is taken into account, social class remains a strong predictor of whether parents plan to pay for their children’s college education. Additionally, parent’s plans to pay for college have a measurable impact on children’s college enrollment as long as the child is aware of or agrees with the parent’s plans. Therefore, it is likely that socioeconomic differences in parents’ pledges of financial support to adolescents contribute to postsecondary stratification. The results from this study suggest that policymakers and researchers who are concerned about educational inequality should pay greater attention to the role of parental financial support in structuring children’s ability to access college.
Mixed methods in youth purpose: An examination of adolescent self-regulation and purpose

Utilizing a relational developmental systems approach to examining character strengths, this article examines the connection between adolescents’ intentional self-regulation (ISR) with youth sense ...
491 Estimating the number of opiate overdoses related to occupational injuries in the united states, 2011–2015

Introduction The incidence of fatal opiate overdose in the United States has drastically increased over the past two decades, resulting in significant attention from the public health and medical communities. Intervention efforts to reduce overdose mortality have primarily focused on regulating prescriptive practices and the dissemination of naloxone with less focus given to primary prevention. Preventing occupational injuries is one area where primary prevention is possible. In order to understand the potential impact of such prevention, this study sought to estimate the number of U.S. opiate overdose deaths from 2011 through 2015 attributable to occupational injuries. Methods The number of reported occupational injuries occurring in the United States was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses from 2011 to 2015. A literature review was conducted to obtain estimates of the probability of being prescribed an opiate after any occupational injury, the probability of being prescribed an opiate after a low back injury, and the probability of overdose mortality following an opiate prescription. These estimates were then combined to obtain an estimate of how many opiate overdose deaths would be expected for the numbers of occupational injuries recorded in 2011–2015. Monte Carlo simulations were used to model the uncertainty in these estimates. Results It was estimated that 718 (95% Confidence Interval: 667 to 775) opiate overdose deaths attributable to all occupational injuries occurred from 2011 to 2015. This risk of mortality was estimated to be 30% higher for the sub-group with low back injuries. Conclusion The primary prevention of occupational injury holds great promise to reduce the devastating personal and economic impact of opiate overdoses. Further research is recommended to provide additional evidence highlighting the pathway from various types of occupational injury to opiate overdoses.
Validity of an eyetracking method for capturing auditory–visual cross-format semantic priming

Semantic priming studies have great potential to improve understanding of lexical processing in people with aphasia. Traditional priming response tasks, such as lexical decision, cued shadowing, and naming, and techniques based on fMRI and ERPs, entail potential confounds that are especially critical in aphasia. Eye-tracking may help reduce such confounds. The validity of an eye-tracking method to capture semantic priming effects in an auditory-visual cross-format priming context was tested in adults without neurological disorders. Traditional priming responses were used for stimulus validation. Results support a pool of valid measures and protocol effectiveness. Further research including people with aphasia is warranted.
Interactions of CO2 with Transition-Metal Systems, Including Metal Surfaces

The preparation and structures of known CO2-transition metal compounds are reviewed. Reactions of transition-metal systems with liquid CO2 serve to illustrate some of the factors that are responsible for the general instability of such complexes. The interactions of CO2 with metal surfaces are reviewed briefly.
Detection of clinically occult prostate cancer.

SUMMARY A large number of cases of prostatic carcinoma are discovered unexpectedly by simple prostatectomy performed for presumed benign disease. The ability to discover these cancers preoperatively is an appealing concept, in other words, to screen: the use of a test to detect a disease in an asymptomatic individual. The ideal screening test would be noninvasive, inexpensive, reliable, and reproducible. It would also have a high sensitivity and specificity, neither allowing a disease process to be missed by a falsely negative result nor leading to unnecessary and more invasive studies by a falsely positive one. It has been suggested that an acceptable screening test have a sensitivity of at least 95 per cent and a specificity of 100 per cent. 29 An equally important criterion for a successful screening program for cancer has to do with the biologic potential of the discovered malignancy. The adage is that more men die with prostate cancer than of prostate cancer. However, the biologic potential of prostate cancer has not been fully elucidated, and it is not entirely clear who will benefit from treatment and who should be left alone. At the present time, noninvasive imaging modalities and biochemical markers are not clinically useful in detecting occult prostatic carcinoma. Furthermore, no study has proved that routine screening reduces the mortality rate from prostate cancer. 14 Many authors believe that screening men for prostate cancer should be regarded as investigational and that currently, only screening programs for breast and cervical cancer have been fully demonstrated to be effective. 14 , 20 , 49 , 75 New studies are needed that include control groups who are not subjected to the early diagnostic modality, assessing both the disadvantages of the screening program and the potential benefits.
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia: a report of three cases and a review of radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPD) is a rare disorder of postnatal skeletal and cartilage development that often presents with similar clinical findings to juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients with PPD display findings of progressive cartilage loss and secondary osteoarthritis over serial imaging studies and have an absence of elevation of inflammatory markers. Awareness of the imaging features of PPD on radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be important for early diagnosis and surveillance of the disease.
Mechanical energy harvesting using a liquid metal vortex magnetohydrodynamic generator

A mechanical to electrical energy conversion device based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect has been demonstrated. The generator design employs the circular swirling flow of conductive liquid metals (mercury or Galinstan) through a cylindrical chamber in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The circular design greatly improves the generator performance by eliminating the electrical energy edge losses, typically associated with duct MHD generators. The generator performance was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The generated voltage was measured as a function of electrical load, magnetic field strength, and flow velocity. A simple analytical model, which describes the generator operation, was found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. This generator is capable of a power density of 34 W cm−3 in its current geometry with densities on the order of 102 W cm−3 possible given optimized geometry. Additionally, the generator can effectively utilize a wide range of forces and displacements. We hope that the proposed approach can enable mechanical energy harvesters capable of extracting useful energy from a wide range of environmental mechanical energy sources.