cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cybersecurity Road Map for Digital Manufacturing

Digital manufacturing systems will be enabled by the convergence of ITs with manufacturing systems. Such systems are exposed to risks that require innovative solutions. We present a security road map that includes application-driven research and workforce development.
Observational study of the use of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in COVID-19 shows a decrease in physiological dead space

#COVID19-induced ARDS is partly explained by the presence of microthrombi, motivating the use of thrombolytics. This study shows that thrombolytics decrease dead space ventilation in COVID-19 ARDS patients. https://bit.ly/2GdM44a.
Proposal for a circular economy for the recovery of value from fruit waste in packaging manufacturing

This article presents a circular economy model corresponding to the current state of fruit waste in Colombia and the impact that is being generated at a social, economic and environmental level. This model proposes the manufacturing of bioplastics based on fruit waste in order to minimize the consumption of fossil resources, carbon footprint and production cost. It also contributes to the generation of employment in the different links of the supply chain, as well as recovering the value of fruit residues through packaging manufacturing. The construction of the model was based on the identification of causes associated with the low recovery of value of fruit residues, through the review of secondary sources, which were later validated with the Delphi method.
The Machine That Could: PNGV, A Government-Industry Partnership

In 1993, amid concerns that the U.S. auto industry was losing ground to Japanese competitors, the federal government and the Big Three U.S. automakers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) entered into a unique alliance: the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). The PNGV, which also involves universities, suppliers, and other participants, arose from the belief that providing industry with access to technologies generated by federally supported research would allow automakers to develop a high-efficiency, environmentally friendly car--attaining up to 80 miles per gallon--that would still match or surpass today's vehicles in performance, cost, and safety. In its launch phase, the PNGV faced considerable skepticism, as well as stiff political and organizational challenges. This report tells the story of the program's beginnings, how it has dealt with these challenges, and its progress to date, which, as of 1998, remains ahead of schedule. It also details lessons that may be useful to managers of similar partnerships in the future. The author was the government's first technical manager of the PNGV. His account was developed from notes, recollections, and interviews with former colleagues.
Explosive particle soil surface dispersion model for detonated military munitions

The accumulation of high explosive mass residue from the detonation of military munitions on training ranges is of environmental concern because of its potential to contaminate the soil, surface water, and groundwater. The US Department of Defense wants to quantify, understand, and remediate high explosive mass residue loadings that might be observed on active firing ranges. Previously, efforts using various sampling methods and techniques have resulted in limited success, due in part to the complicated dispersion pattern of the explosive particle residues upon detonation. In our efforts to simulate particle dispersal for high- and low-order explosions on hypothetical firing ranges, we use experimental particle data from detonations of munitions from a 155-mm howitzer, which are common military munitions. The mass loadings resulting from these simulations provide a previously unattained level of detail to quantify the explosive residue source-term for use in soil and water transport models. In addition, the resulting particle placements can be used to test, validate, and optimize particle sampling methods and statistical models as applied to firing ranges. Although the presented results are for a hypothetical 155-mm howitzer firing range, the method can be used for other munition types once the explosive particle characteristics are known.
Cytochemical studies with acridine orange and the influence of dye contaminants in the staining of nucleic acids.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the salient information available about dye contaminants in four basic dyes comrnonly employed in the histochemical detection of nucleic acids. The fact that only four dyes, acridine orange (AO), basic fuchsin, methyl green, and the pyronins, are selected does not mean that there are no noteworthy contaminants in other dyes used in the staining of nucleic acids. This chapter focuses on cytochemical studies with acridine orange and the influence of dye contaminants in the staining of nucleic acids. Acridine orange is one of the more important diphenylmethane derivatives. The dye is prepared in a manner similar to that employed in the synthesis of pyronin Y (G). AO is one of a number of dyes which exhibits the phenomenon of metachromasy. This term refers to a property shared by many aniline dyes which undergo a major shift in their visible absorption bands to lower wavelengths following binding by many polyanions. In high concentrations of nucleic acids, a new absorption band appeared at longer wavelengths than the monomer band. Other basic dyes, like rosaniline, which do not polymerize in the free state, also interact with DNA to producc a spectral shift. With rosaniline it is observed that as the ionic strength of the dye solution decreases, there is an increase in the number of binding sites on DNA.
37. Designing innovative procedures for avoiding cryoprotectant toxicity

Cryopreservation of complex tissues and organs will undoubtedly require the use of cryoprotectants (CPAs) to either mitigate damage caused by ice formation, or to prevent ice formation altogether. The latter approach, known as vitrification, has demonstrated particular promise for cryopreservation of large three-dimensional systems such as tissues and organs. To completely suppress ice formation, high CPA concentrations are required. However, it is well known that CPAs can be cytotoxic, especially at high concentrations. We have recently been exploring the potential for rational design of minimally toxic CPA addition and removal procedures. Our approach is based on minimization of a toxicity cost function, a mathematical model that allows calculation of the cumulative cytotoxicity during a candidate CPA addition or removal procedure using predictions of cell membrane transport. We have used this new approach to mathematically optimize CPA addition and removal procedures for isolated cells and cell monolayers, resulting in optimized procedures that are theoretically much less toxic than conventional procedures. The predicted benefit of the toxicity-minimized procedures is especially pronounced during CPA addition. The optimized CPA addition procedures call for exposure to a hypotonic CPA solution that causes the cells to swell to the maximum volume limit, and the majority of CPA loading is accomplished while the cells are in the swollen state. This swelling strategy significantly deviates from conventional CPA addition methods, which focus on avoiding excessive cell shrinkage. Swelling is advantageous because it allows a given amount of CPA to be loaded while minimizing the intracellular CPA concentration, and hence the toxicity. We recently tested this swelling strategy using experiments with cultured endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that: (1) viability is significantly higher after addition and removal of 17 molal glycerol using a toxicity-minimized procedure (80%) in comparison to a traditional multistep procedure (5%); and (2) inducing swelling during CPA addition is required to obtain this improvement in viability. The potential for extending this mathematical optimization approach to more complex systems, including organs, will be discussed.
Bactericidal Activities of Health‐Promoting, Food‐Derived Powders Against the Foodborne Pathogens Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus

We evaluated the relative bactericidal activities (BA50) of 10 presumed health-promoting food-based powders (nutraceuticals) and, for comparison, selected known components against the following foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The relative activities were evaluated using quantitative bactericidal activity [(BA50 value, defined as the percentage of the sample in the assay mixture that resulted in a 50% decrease in colony forming units]. The BA50 values were determined by fitting the data to a sigmoidal curve by regression analysis using concentration–antimicrobial response data. Antimicrobial activity is indicated by a low BA50 value; meaning less material is needed to kill 50% of the bacteria. Olive pomace, olive juice powder, and oregano leaves were active against all 4 pathogens, suggesting that they behave as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. All powders exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. The following powders showed exceptionally high activity against S. aureus (as indicated by the low BA50 values shown in parentheses): apple skin extract (0.002%); olive pomace (0.008%); and grape seed extract (0.016%). Listeria bacteria were also highly susceptible to apple skin extract (0.007%). The most active substances provide candidates for the evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness in human food and animal feed. Practical Application: Plant-derived health-promoting food supplements, high in bioactive compounds, are candidates for use as antimicrobials in food.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REVIEWING BOOKS

: The quality of peer-reviewed journals is vulnerable to the absence of declared standards for book reviews. Reviewers should agree to several simple rules before undertaking to review books and while writing them. Sensitivity to an author's aims is one requirement; familiarity with an author's previous and relevant publications is another. Critical judgment is always appropriate, but it can be set apart from an account of the ideas reviewed.
A 2 MV, Multichannel, Oil-Dielectric, Triggered Spark Gap

A 2 MV, low jitter (< 2 nsec), multichannel (~ 10 channels), oil-dielectric spark gap has been developed to be used for switching the transmission lines of proposed new relativistic electron beam (REB) accelerators with substantially increased peak power (1013W). The switch is designed for operation in a strip-line geometry with three 122 cm long electrodes, two smooth bars and one sharp-edged trigger blade. When a voltage pulse that rises to 1.5 MV in 20 nsec is applied to the trigger electrode, about 10 arcs will close simultaneously in 30 nsec with a standard deviation < 2 nsec. Data are presented on the variation of the switch closure time with applied voltages. The spark gap was installed on one of two 22 Ω, 20 nsec strip transmission lines connected as a Blumlein during test. The Blumlein output voltage pulse risetime decreases with increasing number of switch channels (13 nsec with 2 channels to 5 nsec for 14 channels). Data are presented on operation of the switch with the trigger electrode location varied from 20–40 percent of the gap spacing from the ground electrode. The effect of the interelectrode capacitance and isolation resistance on the operation of the switch is discussed. Several types of electrodes have been tested. Design data for a prototype REB accelerator using 12 of these switches in parallel are presented.
Chapter 7 Angiogenesis in prostate cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on angiogenesis in prostate cancer (PCa). Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillary blood vessels, is an essential physiologic process. Angiogenesis also underlines many pathological settings. Angiogenesis research began with the report of a postulate that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Angiogenesis is explored as a critical prognostic marker and therapeutic focus for a variety of cancers. The chapter describes the new developments in the angiogenesis field, explores the angiogenesis pathway undertaken by cancers, with an emphasis on PCa, and assesses the potential application of some angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the treatment of PCa. The postulate that tumor growth requires angiogenesis jump-started a search for tumor angiogenesis factors (TAF) that led to the discovery of angiogenin. The activity of angiogenic factors is counterbalanced by naturally occurring angiogenesis inhibitors such as thrombospondin, interferon, metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs), and angiostatin. The chapter highlights angiostatin and endostatin to exemplify the antiangiogenesis approach toward cancer treatment. Both angiostatin and endostatin are tumor-derived angiogenesis inhibitors that are implicated in concomitant tumor dormancy.
The typification and application of the Linnaean binomials in Gossypium

The five binomials published by Linnaeus inGossypium L. are reviewed, their typification and application dealt with, and some earlier misconceptions concerning them clarified. Holotypes are known forG. herbaceum, G. arboreum, G. hirsutum, andG. religiosum. A lectotype ofG. barbadense is herein designated.G. religiosum is considered synonymous withG. hirsutum. The history of the cultivatedG. hirsutum is discussed in support of the present treatment.
Nuclear double-beta decay and a new limit on lepton nonconservation

Nuclear double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay is discussed on the assumptions (1) that the process, treated as second-order weak, occurs predominantly without neutrino emission and so violates lepton convervation, and (2) that the matrix element for the process is mainly due to the no-neutrino double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of an isospin-$\frac{3}{2}$ nucleon resonance present, albeit with a small (\ensuremath{\cong}1%) probability, in the parent or daughter nucleus. The theoretical lifetimes obtained on this basis are compared with the corresponding experimental lifetimes; the various lifetime ratios are correctly predicted, and a limit \ensuremath{\cong}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ is imposed on the relevant "lepton-non-conservation" parameter. A discussion is also given of the convergence problems associated with the matrix elements for second-order weak processes in general. In addition it is shown that in spite of the presence of virtual-neutrino closed loops, divergences never arise in the matrix elements for no-neutrino double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay if the basic nuclear constituents (i.e., quarks or nucleons) have isospin not exceeding \textonehalf{} and mean separation greater than zero.
Dynamic evaluation of low-temperature metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell oriented to auxiliary power units

Abstract A metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) composed of a Ni–Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ (Ni–SDC) cermet anode and an SDC electrolyte was fabricated by suspension plasma spraying on a Hastelloy X substrate. The cathode, an Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (SSCo)–SDC composite, was screen-printed and fired in situ. The dynamic behaviour of the cell was measured while subjected to complete fuel shutoff and rapid start-up cycles, as typically encountered in auxiliary power units (APU) applications. A promising performance – with a maximum power density (MPD) of 0.176 W cm−2 at 600 °C – was achieved using humidified hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant. The cell also showed excellent resistance to oxidation at 600 °C during fuel shutoff, with only a slight drop in performance after reintroduction of the fuel. The Cr and Mn species in the Hastelloy X alloy appeared to be preferentially oxidized while the oxidation of nickel in the metallic substrate was temporarily alleviated. In rapid start-up cycles with a heating rate of 60 °C min−1, noticeable performance deterioration took place in the first two thermal cycles, and then continued at a much slower rate in subsequent cycles. A postmortem analysis of the cell suggested that the degradation was mainly due to the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient across the cathode/electrolyte interface.
Increased rigidity of eglin c at acidic pH: evidence from NMR spin relaxation and MD simulations.

To gain physical insights into how proteins respond to changes in pH, the picosecond to nanosecond time scale dynamics of the small serine protease inhibitor eglin c have been studied by NMR spin relaxation experiments and MD simulations under two pH solution conditions, pH 7 and 3. Like many proteins, eglin c is destabilized by a lowering of the pH, although it retains enough stability to maintain its native conformation at pH 3. Backbone 15N relaxation results show comparable global tumbling times (τm) and model-free order parameters (S2) under the two pH conditions, indicating that the molecule maintains its overall molecular shape and structure at low pH, although the backbone rigidity is slightly increased (〈ΔSpH3-pH72〉/〈S2〉 = 0.6%). In contrast, the side-chain methyl dynamics, as measured from 2H relaxation experiments, show a substantial increase in rigidity at lower pH (〈ΔSaxis,pH3-pH72〉/〈Saxis2〉 = 14.8%). Molecular dynamics simulations performed at these pH states produce results consistent with ...
Single-cell gene-switching networks and heterogeneous cell population phenotypes

Abstract Cell populations are heterogeneous systems in the sense that cellular properties are unevenly distributed amongst the cells of the population. In this work, we present a novel methodological and computational framework for the quantitative assessment of the effects of cell population heterogeneity on the dynamics of cell populations. It combines the cell population balance modeling approach which accounts for cell population heterogeneity with the continuum modeling approach, which does not. We focus on populations of cells carrying an artificial genetic network, known as the genetic toggle, consisting of a system of two promoter–repressor pairs. Detailed numerical simulations indicate that taking into account cell population heterogeneity leads to agreement with experimental data, while neglecting it results in significant qualitative and quantitative differences both transiently and at balanced growth. Furthermore, the simulations revealed the effect of systemic parameters on both the transient and balanced growth behavior, leading us to the formulation of specific hypotheses to interpret experimental results. Thus, cell population balance modeling when used in conjunction with mechanistic single-cell models constitutes a powerful predictive tool which can provide invaluable quantitative insights into the biological system under consideration.
Chemically B-N Modified Activated Carbon and its Thermal Stability and Desorption Enthalpy With Methanol

A chemical modification of activated carbon is demonstrated through boron and nitrogen incorporation via microwave-assisted heating. The surface modification of the activated carbon was imaged by scanning electron microscope. The crystallinity of the material was quantified by X–ray diffraction, and the chemical content as well as bonding environment were investigated using X-ray photoelectron and Raman microscopies. The observed increment in desorption enthalpy of modified activated carbon with methanol as measured through differential scanning calorimetry and its superior thermal stability in air as measured by thermogravimetric analysis suggest that the modified material is a promising candidate for efficient sorption processes in waste thermal and solar energy driven cycles.© 2012 ASME
Biology of Taste Buds and the Clinical Problem of Taste Loss

Taste buds are the anatomical structures that mediate the sense of taste. They comprise taste cells and nerve fibers within specialized epithelial structures. Taste cells are traditionally described by histologic methods as basal, dark, intermediate, and light cells, with the nerve fibers surrounding and infiltrating the taste buds. By means of immunohistochemical methods, taste cells and gustatory nerve fibers can be classified in functional groups based on the expression of various cell adhesion molecules and other proteins. When taste buds become damaged, the loss of the ability to taste results. This loss is not uncommon and can impact health and quality of life. Patients who receive radiation therapy for head and neck cancer often experience taste loss, which leads to compromised nutritional intake and a worse outcome than patients who do not experience taste loss. The mode of radiation damage to taste cells and nerve fibers has been investigated using cell adhesion molecules, synaptic vesicle proteins, and other cell markers. The light and intermediate cells are preferentially affected by ionizing radiation, whereas the nerve fibers remain structurally intact. Experimental studies of radiation-induced taste loss are performed via a unique animal/human model.
Blood pressure and high blood pressure. Aspects of risk.

This report deals with three aspects of risk related to blood pressure and high blood pressure. The first aspect of risk concerns distributions of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the adult population and their relation to long-term risk of morbidity and mortality. By middle age, only a minority (about 20%) of Americans have optimal SBP and DBP levels, less than 120 mm Hg and less than 80 mm Hg, respectively. For the majority with higher levels, risks of major clinical events, including death from cardiovascular diseases and from all causes, are markedly increased. The relations of SBP and DBP with risk are strong, continuous, and graded. Risk is sizable not only for persons with high blood pressure by usual clinical criteria (SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg or DBP greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg), but also for those with "high-normal" blood pressure (e.g., SBP 130-139 mm Hg or DBP 80-89 mm Hg). Thus, the blood pressure problem is a population-wide one and requires for its control a combined population-wide and high-risk strategy. A major component of this strategy must be nutritional-hygienic measures for the primary prevention of the rise in blood pressure during adulthood and of high blood pressure (i.e., primary prevention not only of the complications of high blood pressure but also of high blood pressure itself) through improved lifestyles having the potential to shift downward the blood pressure distribution of the whole population. The second aspect of risk concerns the known risk factors (i.e., aspects of modern lifestyle) leading to the mass occurrence of blood pressure rise during adulthood and of high blood pressure. These risk factors are high salt intake, high dietary sodium/potassium ratio, calorie imbalance and resultant obesity, and high alcohol intake. The extensive data base establishing the role of these common traits in the etiology of the blood pressure/high blood pressure problem is the scientific foundation for efforts to achieve the primary prevention of high blood pressure. The third aspect of risk relates to the combined impact of other risk factors along with blood pressure-high blood pressure in markedly increasing the probabilities of morbidity and mortality (e.g., "rich" diet, diet-dependent serum cholesterol and uric acid, smoking, diabetes, and target-organ damage). Prevention and control of lifestyle-related traits are essential components of the strategy for dealing with the blood pressure-high blood pressure problem.
Portable Soil Coring System that Minimizes Plot Disturbance

Reliable sampling of belowground components is an essential aspect of agro-ecosystems research. Nevertheless, small plot size, limited access, and remote locations can severely restrict such efforts. To overcome these constraints a light weight, field portable soil coring system was designed. The two-part unit causes virtually no plot disturbance and, in repeated field tests, performed efficiently and reliably. Soil cores greater than 1 m in length and 38 mm in diameter can be taken. The unit uses a pneumatic driver, an electric core extractor, and steel core tubes with clear plastic liners. As many as 24 cores per hour can be collected with this system. The coring system has been found to be ideal for small size plots or where study areas are enclosed
Malalignment and subchondral bone turnover in contralateral knees of overweight/obese women with unilateral osteoarthritis: implications for bilateral disease.

Objective To explore whether the risk of incident tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA) in the radiographically normal contralateral knee of overweight/obese women with unilateral knee OA is mediated by malalignment and/or preceded by increased turnover of subchondral bone. Methods We used data of post hoc analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Cross-sectional analyses evaluated the baseline association between frontal plane alignment and bone turnover in the medial TF compartment in 78 radiographically normal contralateral knees. Longitudinal analyses ascertained whether incident radiographic OA (TF osteophyte formation within 30 months) was associated with malalignment and/or increased bone turnover at baseline. Alignment subcategories (varus/neutral/valgus) were based on the anatomic axis angle. 99mTc–methylene diphosphonate uptake in a late-phase bone scan was quantified in regions of interest in the medial tibia (MT) and medial femur (MF) and adjusted for uptake in a reference segment of the ipsilateral tibial shaft (TS). Results MF and MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was 50–55% greater than in the TS. Adjusted MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was significantly greater than that in neutral and valgus contralateral knees (mean 1.55 versus 1.38 and 1.43, respectively; P < 0.05). Among 69 contralateral knees followed longitudinally, 22 (32%) developed TF OA. Varus angulation was associated with a marginally significant increase in the odds of incident OA (adjusted odds ratio 3.98, P = 0.067). Conclusion While the small sample size limited our ability to detect statistically significant risk factors, these data suggest that the risk of developing bilateral TF OA in overweight/obese women may be mediated by varus malalignment.
Chromatin structure, epigenetic mechanisms and long-range interactions in the human insulin locus

Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is largely dependent on variations in chromatin structure. More recently, it has become clear that this may involve not only local chromatin organization but also distant regulatory elements that participate in large-scale chromatin architecture within the nucleus. We describe recent methods that make possible the detection of such structures and apply them to analysis of the human insulin (INS) locus in pancreatic islets. We show that the INS gene is part of an extended 'open' chromatin domain that includes adjacent genes as well. We also find that in islets, the INS promoter is in physical contact with distant sites on the same human chromosome and notably, with the SYT8 gene, located nearly 300 kb away. The strength of the contact between INS and SYT8 is increased by glucose, and this results in stimulation of SYT8 expression. Inhibition of INS transcription decreases SYT8 expression. Furthermore, downregulation of SYT8 results in decreased secretion of insulin. Our results thus establish the existence of a regulatory network between the INS gene and other distant genes through long-range physical interactions, and suggest that such networks may have general importance for insulin biology and diabetes.
Dude, where’s my avacar? A mixed-method examination of communication in the driving context

Abstract Drivers who feel social closeness with other drivers tend to drive more safely, according to previous research. Given this, we examine how communication in the driving context influences social closeness, drawing from theories of computer-mediated communication, a context with notable similarities to the road. A survey study found that social closeness with others is associated with greater communication comfort and identity expression through the car, but less treatment of the car as a social entity. An interview study provides context and caveats for these generalizations. Together, these studies present implications for near-future social-mobility services relating to safety on the road.
Theory of Electron Capture by Molecules: Dissociative Attachment

An elementary process for electron capture by molecules, namely, dissociative electron attachment, is investigated, and a general method is given for calculating the cross section for such a process. Application of this method is carried out for the reaction ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}+e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+\mathrm{H}$ with both ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and H in their ground states. The calculated cross section-energy curve agrees satisfactorily with the experimentally observed curve.
Hydrogen transport and embrittlement in structural metals

Abstract The close relationship between hydrogen transport and embrittlement is indicated by evidence of hydrogen absorption preceding degradation of mechanical properties. Concentration of hydrogen at a crack or flaw by diffusion or by transport with moving dislocations is probably necessary also. Experimental studies show that hydrogen permeation is significantly influenced by surface conditions, particularly oxide films, and internal defects and impurities that trap diffusing hydrogen. The usual thermodynamic and diffusion relations, therefore, do not predict accurately the final distribution of hydrogen and the kinetics of the processes. Investigation of the effects of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of approximately fifty structural alloys at ambient temperature and pressures up to 69 MPa indicates that all alloys show evidence of susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. The degree of hydrogen embrittlement appears to be related to the amount of hydrogen absorbed and its distribution within the metal lattice. Surface condition, defect structure, hydrogen purity, and hydrogen pressure influence embrittlement. Of major importance is the transport of hydrogen with moving dislocations, a mechanism for concentration and redistribution of hydrogen that is operative at temperatures lower than for diffusion.
Near-nerve needle sensory conduction study of the medial calcaneal nerve: New method and report of four cases of medial calcaneal neuropathy.

There has been one previously published antidromic method for studying medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) conduction. However, the origin of the compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) with this technique is uncertain because of the antidromic nature of stimulation. We report a new orthodromic method for MCN conduction study using the near-nerve needle technique. In 35 normal controls, maximum nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and negative-peak NCV of MCN were 42.4 ± 3.9 m/s and 33.6 ± 3.0 m/s, respectively. The amplitude of the CNAP was 4.1 ± 2.2 μV. We also report four cases of medial calcaneal neuropathy, three of which were confirmed by this technique. We conclude that the present technique is capable of recording the sensory nerve action potentials of MCN in isolation and confirming the diagnosis of medial calcaneal neuropathy electrophysiologically. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 654–658, 2002
Machine learning meets social networking security: detecting and analyzing malicious social networks for fun and profit

While normal users are enjoying the services provided by Online Social Networking websites (OSNs), cyber criminals are now using OSNs as their new weapon in their attacks (e.g., spamming, malware spreading). Although OSNs provide a new attack platform for cyber criminals, it is also a new opportunity to study this malicious community as a whole group, i.e., the malicious social network, a research topic that previous studies have not touched yet. We believe that it is interesting, meaningful, and timely to study the peculiarities of malicious social networks that are composed of malicious identities. In particular, in this talk we will focus on Twitter-like OSNs as the starting point. We will examine current evasion tactics used by malicious Twitter identities, and discuss how to design new machine learning detection features and how to evaluate their robustness in the context of OSNs. Furthermore, we will empirically study the cyber criminal ecosystem on Twitter, show several interesting observations about the malicious social networks, and discuss how we can design new inference algorithms to defend against criminal accounts using the information we have learned from them.
Evaluation of 2D shallow-water model for spillway flow with a complex geometry

A case study of chute flow has been carried out using a two-dimensional (2D) shallow-water model, in which the governing equations were solved using a finite volume method on unstructured triangular grids, and the intercell fluxes were evaluated based on the approximate Riemann solver. Comparisons were made between numerical and experimental results. It is demonstrated that the model can reasonably capture the essential flow features, such as two shocks behind bridge piers, two oblique standing shock waves due to lateral spillway contraction, and consequent shock-on-shock wave interaction. It is also observed that the computed water surface profiles along the side walls are in agreement with the physical model data. Therefore, this 2D shallow-water model applies if the primary concern is water depth at the side walls.
Neural drive to respiratory muscles in the spontaneously breathing rat pup

The neonatal rodent serves as useful and appropriate model within which to study respiratory system development. Despite an extensive literature that documents respiratory control in vitro, in vivo studies have relied upon whole body plethysmography to determine measures of respiratory frequency and tidal volume. However, plethysmography restricts access to the animal and thus, respiratory muscle electromyographic (EMG) activities have not been recorded in these studies previously. Electromyography yields accurate information about neural respiratory center output to the musculature and therefore, about the control of breathing in the intact animal. In this case, we documented neural drive to respiratory pump and upper airway muscles, electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest wall motions in rat pups up to 10 days of age noting sighs, spontaneous central apneas and hypopneas in room air and with successive increments in fractional inspired CO2 (FICO2). Our findings underscore the advantages of EMG recordings for purposes of determining the magnitude and distribution of neural drive to respiratory muscles and for characterizing the full range of breathing behaviors exhibited by rats in the early postnatal period.
Oxygen deprivation stimulates Ca2+‐mediated phosphorylation of mRNA cap‐binding protein eIF4E in maize roots

Flooding of maize seedlings causes O2 deprivation that leads to a global reduction in protein synthesis and selective translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs. Since selective translation in animal cells can involve the cap-binding protein eIF4E, we characterized the distinct mRNA cap-binding proteins eIF4E and eIFiso4E of maize. These proteins have 45% deduced amino acid sequence identity and are highly conserved at residues of eIF4E that function in intermolecular interactions in animals. Maize eIF4E is a phosphoprotein. O2 deprivation resulted in a decrease in the isoelectric point of eIF4E, consistent with additional phosphorylation. Modification of eIF4E was mimicked by treatment with caffeine under aerobic conditions and blocked by treatment with ruthenium red under O2 deprivation, implicating Ca2+ as a second messenger in eIF4E modification. In contrast, no isoelectric variants of eIFiso4E were detected. The possible role of cytosolic Ca2+ and pH in regulation of mRNA cap-binding protein activity under O2 deprivation is discussed.
Owades and Jakovac Method for Diacetyl Determination in Mixed-Strain Starters

Summary A method recently described for the determination of diacetyl in beer was applied to single- and mixed-strain lactic streptococcus starter cultures of Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremoris , and Streptococcus diacetilactis . Twelve samples were assayed simultaneously, using a gassing manifold. Twenty-milliliter samples in a 65C water bath were purged with nitrogen gas and the emerging diacetyl trapped as dimethylglyoxime in buffered hydroxylamine and converted to a colored complex by reaction with ferrous sulfate. Advantages of the method over two other procedures with which it was compared include greater accuracy and sensitivity and use of simple, inexpensive equipment. Chief advantage is that the procedure allows a number of samples to be tested at the same time, which allows accurate comparative data on diacetyl production by lactic streptococcus starter cultures to be obtained.
Isolation and characterization of a rice mutant with narrow and rolled leaves

Appropriate leaf shape has proved to be useful in improving photosynthesis and increasing grain yield. To understand the molecular mechanism of leaf morphogenesis, we identified a rice mutant nrl1, which was characterized by a phenotype of narrow and rolled leaves. Microscopic observation showed that the mutation significantly decreased the number of vascular bundles of leaf and stem. Genetic analysis revealed that the mutation was controlled by a single nuclear-encoded recessive gene. To isolate the nrl1 gene, 756 F2 and F3 mutant individuals from a cross of the nrl1 mutant with Longtepu were used and a high-resolution physical map of the chromosomal region around the nrl1 gene was made. Finally, the gene was mapped in 16.5 kb region between marker RL21 and marker RL36 within the BAC clone OSJNBa0027H05. Cloning and sequencing of the target region from the mutant showed that there was a 58 bp deletion within the second exon of the cellulose synthase-like D4 gene (TIGR locus Os12g36890). The nrl1 mutation was rescued by transformation with the wild-type cellulose synthase-like D4 gene. Accordingly, the cellulose synthase-like D4 gene was identified as the NRL1 gene. NRL1 was transcribed in various tissues and was mainly expressed in panicles and internodes. NAL7 and SLL1 were found to be upregulated, whereas OsAGO7 were downregulated in the nrl1 mutant. These findings suggested that there might be a functional association between these genes in regulating leaf development.
An approach for identifying cannibalization within product line extensions and multi-brand strategies

Abstract For decades, a common strategy of firms has been to offer multiple brands and/or brand variants which compete within the same product category. In many categories, dozens or even hundreds of brands are produced by a few dominant firms. Recently, however, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are increasingly concerned about product proliferation and parity products. Constraints on retail shelf space and manufacturing considerations are examples of pressures leading firms to prune items from their product lines. When reviewing strategy and performance, a critical issue is cannibalization, or the extent to which one product's customers are at the expense of other products offered by the same firm. With the exception of new product models, there is little research on cannibalization. In this paper, we propose an approach for identifying cannibalization in mature markets. We empirically illustrate our approach for the cigarette market with 188 brands and brand variants.
Comorbid substance use disorders with other Axis I and II mental disorders among treatment-seeking Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, and mixed-race people.

Little is known about behavioral healthcare needs of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHs/PIs), and mixed-race people (MRs)—the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population. We examined substance use disorder (SUD) prevalences and comorbidities among AAs, NHs/PIs, and MRs (N=4572) in a behavioral health electronic health record database. DSM-IV diagnoses among patients aged 1–90 years who accessed behavioral healthcare from 11 sites were systematically captured: SUD, anxiety, mood, personality, adjustment, childhood-onset, cognitive/dementia, dissociative, eating, factitious, impulse-control, psychotic/schizophrenic, sleep, and somatoform diagnoses. Of all patients, 15.0% had a SUD. Mood (60%), anxiety (31.2%), adjustment (30.9%), and disruptive (attention deficit-hyperactivity, conduct, oppositional defiant, disruptive behavior diagnosis, 22.7%) diagnoses were more common than others (psychotic 14.2%, personality 13.3%, other childhood-onset 11.4%, impulse-control 6.6%, cognitive 2.8%, eating 2.2%, somatoform 2.1%). Less than 1% of children aged <12 years had SUD. Cannabis diagnosis was the primary SUD affecting adolescents aged 12–17. MRs aged 35–49 years had the highest prevalence of cocaine diagnosis. Controlling for age at first visit, sex, treatment setting, length of treatment, and number of comorbid diagnoses, NHs/PIs and MRs were about two times more likely than AAs to have ≥2 SUDs. Regardless of race/ethnicity, personality diagnosis was comorbid with SUD. NHs/PIs with a mood diagnosis had elevated odds of having SUD. Findings present the most comprehensive patterns of mental diagnoses available for treatment-seeking AAs, NHs/PIs, and MRs in the real-world medical setting. In-depth research is needed to elucidate intraracial and interracial differences in treatment needs.
Life cycle emission distributions within the economy: implications for life cycle impact assessment.

Refinements of methods for life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) are directed at removing unjustified simplifications and quantifying and reducing uncertainties in results. The amount of uncertainty reduction that is actually achieved through LCIA method refinement depends on the structure of the life cycle inventory model. We investigate the general structure of inventory models using an economic input/output (I/O) life cycle assessment model of the U.S. economy. In particular, we study the results of applying a streamlining algorithm to the I/O LCA model. The streamlining algorithm retains only those “branches” of the process tree that are jointly required to account for a specified fraction of the total impacts upstream of each point in the tree. We examine the implications of these “tree pruning” results for site-informed LCIA. Percentiles are presented for U.S. commodities and several important pollutants, for the share of total upstream emissions contributed by the set of processes in each supply tier, that is, each set of processes that directly supply inputs to another set of processes. Capturing at least 90% of the total direct plus upstream emissions for criteria air pollutants and toxic releases for at least 75% of the commodities in the U.S. economy requires full modeling of direct emissions plus the first five supply tiers. The requirements for capturing a high percentage (e.g., > 80%) of total emissions vary widely across products or commodities. To capture more than 60% of total emissions for more than half of all commodities requires models with more than 4,000 process instances. To well characterize the total impacts of products, life cycle impact assessment methods must characterize foreground process impacts in a site-informed way and mean impacts of far-removed processes in an unbiased way.
Prediction of forming limit curves of sheet metals using Hill's 1993 user-friendly yield criterion of anisotropic materials

Abstract A user-friendly yield criterion was proposed by Hill in 1993, which utilizes five independent material parameters in representing the yield locus. In the present investigation, an attempt is made to analyze forming limits in sheet metals based on this yield criterion and the M–K approach. Comparison of the predicted results with experimental data indicates that Hill’s 1993 yield criterion is able to characterize the localized necking of both aluminum and AK steel. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the influence of material parameters (r 0 , r 90 , σ 0 , σ 90 and σ b ) on forming limits, which shows that the shape of the yield locus has a significant influence on limit strains.
VEDA: Variation-aware energy-efficient Discrete Wavelet Transform architecture

In this paper, we present a unified approach to an energy-efficient variation-tolerant design of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) in the context of image processing applications. It is to be noted that it is not necessary to produce exactly correct numerical outputs in most image processing applications. We exploit this important feature and propose a design methodology for DWT which shows energy quality tradeoffs at each level of design hierarchy starting from the algorithm level down to the architecture and circuit levels by taking advantage of the limited perceptual ability of the Human Visual System. A unique feature of this design methodology is that it guarantees robustness under process variability and facilitates aggressive voltage over-scaling. Simulation results show significant energy savings (74% – 83%) with minor degradations in output image quality and avert catastrophic failures under process variations compared to a conventional design.
The wake-promoting transmitter histamine preferentially enhances alpha-4 subunit-containing GABAA receptors

Abstract Histamine is an important wake-promoting neurotransmitter that activates seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled histamine receptors. However, histamine demonstrates target promiscuity, including direct interaction with the structurally unrelated glutamate (NMDA) and GABAA receptor channels. Previous work showed that histamine enhances the activity of recombinant GABAA receptor isoforms typically found in synaptic locations, although co-release of histamine and GABA is not known to occur in vivo. Here we used patch clamp recordings of various recombinant GABAA receptor isoforms (α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ) to test the hypothesis that histamine might show subunit preference under low GABA concentration (extrasynaptic) conditions. We found that histamine potentiated the whole-cell responses to GABA for all tested subunit combinations. However, the magnitude of enhancement was largest (∼400% of EC10 GABA-evoked currents) with α4β3 and α4β3X isoforms, where X could be γ or δ. In contrast, histamine (1 mM) had small effects on prolonging deactivation of α4β3γ2 receptors following brief (5 ms) pulses of 1 mM GABA. These findings suggest GABA-histamine cross-talk may occur preferentially at low GABA concentrations, which could theoretically be inhibitory (via enhancing tonic inhibition), directly excitatory (via enhancing presynaptic GABAergic signaling), or indirectly excitatory (via inhibiting GABAergic interneurons).