Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Perovskites for the Water-Splitting Reaction

The electron occupation of orbitals in transition metal oxides guided the identification of an efficient oxygen evolution catalyst based on Earth-abundant elements. Electrochemical splitting of water into molecular oxygen (O2), protons, and electrons could provide a way to store the electricity generated from sustainable but intermittent energy sources, such as wind and solar power, as fuels (1). Hydrogen would be the simplest fuel to make, but the protons and electrons could be used to produce hydrocarbons and alcohols from CO2 or ammonia from N2. A major challenge is that efficient catalysts for water electrolysis are expensive and contain rare noble metals, so cost-effective approaches will require the discovery of efficient electrocatalysts that contain only Earth-abundant elements. On page 1383 of this issue, Suntivich et al. (2) describe a method for rational design of metal oxide catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. They discovered perovskite-structure catalysts based on non-noble metals that work with a higher efficiency than one of the state-of-the-art catalysts, iridium oxide.
Effects of Axillary Crutch Length on EMG Activity of the Trunk Muscles and Range of Motion of the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis, and Hip Joint in Healthy Men

This study investigated the effects of axillary crutch length on trunk muscle activity and lumbo-pelvic-hip complex movements during crutch gait. Eleven healthy men participated in this study. The participants performed a three-point gait with optimal, shorter, and longer crutch lengths. Weight-bearing (WB) side was determined as the dominant leg side. The electromyography (EMG) activity of the bilateral rectus abdominis (RA) and erector spinae (ES) muscles and lumbo-pelvic-hip complex movements were monitored using a three-dimensional motion system with wireless surface EMG. Differences in the EMG activity of RA and ES muscles and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip among conditions were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, and a Bonferroni correction was conducted. There was less RA muscle activity on the WB side under the optimal crutch length condition compared with shorter and longer crutch length conditions (p.05). These findings indicate that the optimal crutch length improves the trunk muscle efficiency during crutch gait.
Machine Learning Approach for Cloud NoSQL Databases Performance Modeling

Cloud computing is a successful, emerging paradigm that supports on-demand services with pay-as-you-go model. With the exponential growth of data, NoSQL databases have been used to manage data in the cloud. In these newly emerging settings, mechanisms to guarantee Quality of Service heavily relies on performance predictability, i.e., the ability to estimate the impact of concurrent query execution on the performance of individual queries in a continuously evolving workload. This paper presents a performance modeling approach for NoSQL databases in terms of performance metrics which is capable of capturing the non-linear effects caused by concurrency and distribution aspects. Experimental results confirm that our performance modeling can accurately predict mean response time measurements under a wide range of workload configurations.
PrP Antibodies Do Not Trigger Mouse Hippocampal Neuron Apoptosis

Potentially therapeutic monoclonal antibodies do not kill neurons. Intraperitoneal administration of ICSM18 and 35, monoclonal antibodies against prion protein (PrP), has been shown to significantly delay the onset of prion disease in mice, and humanized versions are candidate therapeutics for prion and Alzheimer’s diseases. However, a previous report of severe and widespread apoptosis after intracerebral injection of anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies raised concerns about such therapy and led to an influential model of prion neurotoxicity via cross-linking of cell surface PrP by disease-related PrP aggregates. In extensive studies including ICSM18 and 35, fully humanized ICSM18, and the previously reported proapoptotic antibodies, we found no evidence of apoptosis, thereby questioning this model of prion neurotoxicity.
Transposition flap for correction of ectopic breast in Poland's syndrome using a pre-molded silicone prosthesis

The authors report a variation of Poland's syndrome with ectopic right breast. Three surgeries were performed at different times: transposition flap to place the mammary gland in an anatomic position; reduction of the contralateral left breast; and implantation of a pre-molded silicone prosthesis to correct the malformation caused by the absence of the major and minor pectoral muscles. The surgeries were performed at six-month intervals, and the final outcome was new and acceptable positioning of the breasts.
The State and Fate of Himalayan Glaciers

Going More Slowly Himalayan glaciers sometimes are called the “Third Pole” because of the amount of snow and ice they contain. Despite their importance as a global water reservoir and their essential role in Asian hydrology, how their mass is changing in response to global warming is not well known. Bolch et al. (p. 310) review the contemporary evolution of glaciers in the Himalayan region, including those of the less well sampled region of the Karakoram to the Northwest, in order to provide a current, comprehensive picture of how they are changing. Most Himalayan glaciers are retreating at rates comparable to glaciers elsewhere in the world. In the Karakorum, on the other hand, advancing glaciers are more common. Himalayan glaciers are a focus of public and scientific debate. Prevailing uncertainties are of major concern because some projections of their future have serious implications for water resources. Most Himalayan glaciers are losing mass at rates similar to glaciers elsewhere, except for emerging indications of stability or mass gain in the Karakoram. A poor understanding of the processes affecting them, combined with the diversity of climatic conditions and the extremes of topographical relief within the region, makes projections speculative. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that dramatic changes in total runoff will occur soon, although continuing shrinkage outside the Karakoram will increase the seasonality of runoff, affect irrigation and hydropower, and alter hazards.
Location and curvature estimation of "spherical" targets using a flexible sonar configuration

A novel, flexible, three-dimensional (3-D) multisensor sonar system is employed to localize the center of a spherical target and estimate its radius of curvature. The interesting limiting cases for the problem under study are the point and planar targets, both of which are important for the characterization of a mobile robot's environment. A noise model is developed based on real sonar data. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) which incorporates the developed noise model is employed as an estimation tool for optimal processing of the sensor data. Simulations and experimental results are provided for specularly reflecting cylindrical targets.
Efeito do treinamento contra-resistência isotônico com duas velocidades de movimento sobre os ganhos de força

ABSTRACTEffects of isotonic resistance training at two movementvelocities on strength gains Considering the need to adequately prescribe training, the aimof this study was to compare the effect of isotonic resistance train-ing at 0.44 and 1.75 rad·s -1 on gains in muscular strength. Four-teen healthy volunteers were stratified into slow (SG: 0.44 rad·s -1 ;n = 8; 26 ± 7 yr; 66 ± 12 kg) and fast (FG: 1.75 rad·s -1 ; n = 6; 28 ±7 yr; 55 ± 9 kg) groups exercising squat and bench press (1 set, 8-10 RM, 3 x/wk, 12 weeks). Six of these subjects took part in acomparison group (CG: 25 ± 6 yr; 59 ± 13 kg), and did not trainduring a control period of 12 weeks preceding training. Paired t-test showed no differences in the measured variables for CG. Re-peated measures 2 x 2 ANOVA showed significant (P < .05) gainsfor both training groups and exercises in 1 RM (SG: 27.6 ± 16.8%and 16.8 ± 11.8%; FG: 21.4 ± 12.6% and 16.2 ± 14.1%, squat andbench press, respectively) and 8-10 RM tested at 0.44 rad·s
Cooperative sweeping by multiple mobile robots

In this paper, we propose an off-line planning algorithm for cooperative tasks of multiple mobile robots. Sweeping means a motion that a robot covers a 2-dimensional area by its effector. Sweeping of a whole work area is fundamental and essential task of mobile robots. For efficient cooperation, setting appropriate burden onto each robot is very important because interference of robots and overlaps of their effecters make efficiency low. The cost of sweeping depends on both sweeping ability of a robot and a shape of a work area to be swept. Evaluation and distribution of the cost are most important issues. In the proposed algorithm, the cost is evaluated by means of length on which robot should move. We introduce both edges of the configuration space and Voronoi diagram so as to compute paths in the whole area. We generate the a tour for traversing all the paths by applying the algorithm of the Chinese Postman Problem. According to the cost evaluation, appropriate paths of the tour are assigned to each robot. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulations and an experiment.
Study on Roller-Walk (basic characteristics and its control)

A new leg-wheel hybrid vehicle named "Roller-Walker" is proposed. The Roller-Walker is a vehicle with special foot mechanism which changes to the sole for walking mode and passive wheels for wheel mode. On rugged terrain the vehicle walks in the leg mode, and on level or comparatively smooth terrain the vehicle makes wheeled locomotion by using the passive wheel in the way of roller-skating. The characteristics of the Roller-Walker are: (1) it has lightweight body and hybrid function; (2) it has potential capability to exhibit high terrain adaptability in the wheeled mode if the control method of the Roller-Walking is fully investigated in the future. The paper makes basic simulation experiments and demonstrates basic relations on the terrain adaptive trajectory control method of the Roller-Walk.
Modal Control Of An Attentive Vision System

Cambridge, MA A vision system for use in a mobile robot system, or in n fixed multi-tasking industrial robot requires attentive control. Attentive control refers to the process by which the direction of gaze of the visual sensors are determined, nlong with the determination of what processing is required to be applied to the sensed images based on the goals of the robot and the tasks it is performing. This paper describes the implementation of a. mnt,ion control system which allows the attentive control of a binocular vision system. Attentive inputs to the system specify the type of visual feedback that the oculo-motor control system will use. The MDL language developed by Brockett [7] i8 used to communicate between the attentive planner and the motion controller.
Radio-Wave Heating of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Can Regulate Plasma Glucose in Mice

Gene Expression by Remote Control Techniques that allow remote, noninvasive activation of specific genes in specific tissues could one day be applied to regulate expression of therapeutic proteins in a clinical setting. In a proof-of-concept study, Stanley et al. (p. 604) showed that heating of iron oxide nanoparticles by radiowaves can remotely activate insulin gene expression in cultured cells and in a mouse model. Heating of membrane-targeted nanoparticles induced opening of a temperature-sensitive membrane channel in the cells and triggered calcium entry. The intracellular calcium signal in turn stimulated expression of an engineered insulin gene, leading to the synthesis and release of insulin. In experiments with mice bearing tumors that expressed the engineered insulin gene, exposure to radiowaves promoted secretion of insulin from the tumors and lowered blood glucose levels in the animals. Gene expression in mice can be activated remotely and noninvasively by radio-wave heating of nanoparticles. Medical applications of nanotechnology typically focus on drug delivery and biosensors. Here, we combine nanotechnology and bioengineering to demonstrate that nanoparticles can be used to remotely regulate protein production in vivo. We decorated a modified temperature-sensitive channel, TRPV1, with antibody-coated iron oxide nanoparticles that are heated in a low-frequency magnetic field. When local temperature rises, TRPV1 gates calcium to stimulate synthesis and release of bioengineered insulin driven by a Ca2+-sensitive promoter. Studying tumor xenografts expressing the bioengineered insulin gene, we show that exposure to radio waves stimulates insulin release from the tumors and lowers blood glucose in mice. We further show that cells can be engineered to synthesize genetically encoded ferritin nanoparticles and inducibly release insulin. These approaches provide a platform for using nanotechnology to activate cells.
Inter-examiner reproducibility of the segmental motion palpation springing test for side bending at level C2–C3

Abstract Aim Reproducibility of the cervical segmental examination has become increasingly important to fulfill indications for the therapeutic interventions common in Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine. Previous reproducibility studies concerning this topic showed low kappa values, suggesting a low to absent clinical applicability. Due to methodological flaws in previous studies, our objective was to test for reproducibility of our technique of examination of the C2/3 segment using an accepted international protocol. Method We used a protocol for reproducibility studies developed by the International Academy for Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine. The reproducibility of a cervical segmental mobility test at the level C2/C3 was evaluated in a population with cervicogenic headache. Results The kappa value for the cervical segmental test on the right side was 0.77 (overall agreement 0.90, prevalence index 0.44) and on the left side was 0.72 (overall agreement 0.86, prevalence index 0.49). Conclusion Our study, using an accepted international protocol for reproducibility, guaranteed a proper conclusion about the reproducibility and therefore clinical application of the segmental motion palpation springing test for side bending at level C2–C3. Further studies have to focus on anatomical validation of our test and on developing gold standards for validity studies with respect to the segmental mobility aspect of our clinical examination.
Heat trails as short-lived navigational markers for mobile robots

Robots for nonindustrial tasks must function in less organised and predictable environments than industrial ones. This paper describes a technique for assisting mobile robots to navigate in the home and outlines progress towards a practical system. The technique involves laying and detecting trails on the ground. Of particular interest are trails which disperse after use and therefore do not require removal and do not interfere with trails laid later. These techniques are termed short-lived navigational markers (SLNM). Trails of heat are considered. Proposed applications include marking of areas already painted, searched etc., retracing a path to the starting point, and following another robot (making a train). A simple mobile robot has been designed as a test bed for heat trail laying and detection experiments. It is small and inexpensive and therefore suited to experiments involving a number of interacting robots. Heat sensors and applicators are described, together with results.
The Rise of Chemodiversity in Plants

Plants possess multifunctional and rapidly evolving specialized metabolic enzymes. Many metabolites do not appear to be immediately required for survival; nonetheless, many may contribute to maintaining population fitness in fluctuating and geographically dispersed environments. Others may serve no contemporary function but are produced inevitably as minor products by single enzymes with varying levels of catalytic promiscuity. The dominance of the terrestrial realm by plants likely mirrored expansion of specialized metabolism originating from primary metabolic pathways. Compared with their evolutionarily constrained counterparts in primary metabolism, specialized metabolic enzymes may be more tolerant to mutations normally considered destabilizing to protein structure and function. If this is true, permissiveness may partially explain the pronounced chemodiversity of terrestrial plants.
Extremely Long-Lived Nuclear Pore Proteins in the Rat Brain

Individual components of rat brain nuclear pores can be almost as old as the animal itself. To combat the functional decline of the proteome, cells use the process of protein turnover to replace potentially impaired polypeptides with new functional copies. We found that extremely long-lived proteins (ELLPs) did not turn over in postmitotic cells of the rat central nervous system. These ELLPs were associated with chromatin and the nuclear pore complex, the central transport channels that mediate all molecular trafficking in and out of the nucleus. The longevity of these proteins would be expected to expose them to potentially harmful metabolites, putting them at risk of accumulating damage over extended periods of time. Thus, it is possible that failure to maintain proper levels and functional integrity of ELLPs in nonproliferative cells might contribute to age-related deterioration in cell and tissue function.
MOC-PS(SM) CME Article: Patient Safety: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Cosmetic Surgery

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Identify the clinical features of body dysmorphic disorder and its prevalence in cosmetic populations. 2. Describe the safety concerns related to treating patients with body dysmorphic disorder. 3. Identify mechanisms of screening for body dysmorphic disorder in cosmetic surgery patients. Background: The psychological characteristics of persons who pursue cosmetic procedures are of interest to both surgeons and mental health professionals. Body image dissatisfaction appears to be common among these patients. However, some individuals may present with extreme levels of body image dissatisfaction suggestive of the psychiatric diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder. Methods: The authors reviewed the diagnostic criteria, etiology, clinical and demographic characteristics, comorbidity, and treatments for body dysmorphic disorder. The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in cosmetic populations is highlighted, as are issues related to patient and provider safety. Results: Body dysmorphic disorder is associated with significant distress and impairment, including suicidality. Studies suggest that 5 to 15 percent of patients presenting for cosmetic treatments have the disorder. Affected persons who receive cosmetic procedures are typically dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedures, and their body dysmorphic disorder symptoms rarely improve. These patients may threaten violence or become violent toward themselves or their treatment providers. Psychiatric and psychological interventions are more effective and appropriate treatments. Conclusions: Because persons with body dysmorphic disorder frequently pursue cosmetic procedures, surgeons may be able to identify and refer these patients for psychiatric or psychological treatment. Direct questioning of potential symptoms as well as screening questionnaires can aid in the assessment of body dysmorphic disorder in cosmetic surgery settings. The Maintenance of Certification module series is designed to help the clinician structure his or her study in specific areas appropriate to his or her clinical practice. This article is prepared to accompany practice-based assessment of preoperative assessment, anesthesia, surgical treatment plan, perioperative management, and outcomes. In this format, the clinician is invited to compare his or her methods of patient assessment and treatment, outcomes, and complications, with authoritative, information-based references. This information base is then used for self-assessment and benchmarking in parts II and IV of the Maintenance of Certification process of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive treatise on the subject. Rather, it is designed to serve as a reference point for further in-depth study by review of the reference articles presented.
An obstacle avoidance scheme for hyper-redundant manipulators-global motion planning in posture space

A hyper redundant manipulator has a very large or infinite degree of kinematic redundancy, thus it is possessed of unconventional features such as the ability to enter a narrow space while avoiding obstacles. We propose a novel obstacle avoidance technique for the hyper redundant manipulator to perform a payload location task from point to point while avoiding existing static obstacles in the environment. The scheme is based on analysis in the defined posture space, where three parameters were used to determine the hyper redundant manipulator configurations. The scheme is verified by computer simulation in case of using the model of the developed Hyper-R Arm. It shows that our method works perfect and the obstacles are well avoided globally.
Task based design of modular robot manipulator using efficient genetic algorithm

A modular robot manipulator is a robotic system assembled from discrete joints and links into one of many possible manipulator configurations. This paper describes a task based design method of modular robot manipulators. A locking mechanism which provides quick coupling and decoupling is developed and a parallel connection method is devised reducing the number of components on each module. To automatically determine the optimal link lengths of a modular manipulator for a given, task, the algorithm is two step: determine the necessary configuration of the robot using kinematic equations and then determine the optimal link length using the proposed efficient genetic algorithm. Some of design examples are shown.
Multiple sclerosis: Remyelination of nascent lesions: Remyelination of nascent lesions

The relationship between plaque pathology and disease duration was examined in 15 patients with multiple sclerosis who died early in the course of their illness. Myelin‐stained sections revealed that most plaques examined in patients who died during the first month of their illness showed evidence of ongoing myelin destruction accompanied by a loss of oligodendrocytes. Plaques containing large numbers of oligodendrocytes were not observed in these patients, but were relatively common in patients who died more than 1 month after clinical onset. Remyelination affecting more than 10% of the plaque area was observed in 3 of 82 plaques in 5 patients who died within 10 weeks of clinical onset, in 38 of 105 plaques in 5 patients who died 3 to 10 months after clinical onset, and in 19 of 92 plaques in 5 patients who died 18 months or longer after clinical onset. The study provides new evidence that both oligodendrocytes and myelin are destroyed in new lesions, that this activity ceases completely in many lesions within a few weeks, and that remyelination frequently ensues following repopulation of the plaque by oligodendrocytes. The findings suggest that new lesions normally remyelinate unless interrupted by recurrent activity and that remyelinated shadow plaques are the outcome of a single previous episode of focal demyelination.
Controlling a triangular formation of mobile autonomous agents

This paper proposes a distributed control law for maintaining a triangular formation in the plane consisting of three mobile autonomous agents. It is shown that the control law can cause any initially non-collinear, positively-oriented {resp. negatively-oriented} triangular formation to converge exponentially fast to a desired positively-oriented {resp. negatively- oriented} triangular formation. It is also shown that there is a thin set of initially collinear formations which remain collinear and may drift off to infinity as t rarr infin. These findings complement and extend earlier findings cited below.