Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing local orders in liquid and amorphous structures of Ge2Sb2Te5: Influence of exchange-correlation functional

Liquid and amorphous structures of Ge2Sb2Te5 are theoretically studied with various exchange-correlation functionals. It is found that the balance of competing local orders around Ge atoms is substantially affected by the functional type, and the hybrid functional leads to structures that are in best agreement with experiment. The delocalization error inherent in semilocal functionals results in over-population of octahedral Ge configurations, which is compounded by the limitation of melt-quench processes in identifying the most stable amorphous structure. The present work underscores the importance of functional choice when competing local orders present in disordered systems.
Combining firing rate and spike-train synchrony features in the decoding of motor cortical activity

Decoding of directional information in the motor cortex traditionally utilizes only firing rate information. However, information from other features could be extracted and combined with firing rate in order to increase classification accuracy. This study proposes the combination of firing rate and spike-train synchrony information in the decoding of motor cortical activity. Synchrony measures used are Event Synchronization (ES), SPIKE-Distance, and ISI-Distance. All data used for analyses were obtained from implanted electrode recordings of the primary motor cortex of a monkey that was trained to manipulate a motorized vehicle with 4 degrees of freedom (left, right, front and stop) via joystick control. Firstly, synchrony features could decode time periods, which were otherwise incorrectly decoded by firing rate alone, above chance levels. Secondly, using an ensemble classifier design for offline analysis, combining firing rate and ISI-distance information increases overall decoding accuracy by 1.1%. These results show that synchrony features in spike-trains do contain information not carried in firing rate. In addition, these results also demonstrate the feasibility of combining synchrony and firing rate for improving the classification accuracy of invasive brain-machine interface (BMI) in the control of neural prosthetics.
Adhesion and friction forces in microelectromechanical systems: mechanisms, measurement, surface modification techniques, and adhesion theory

Microscopic devices capable of performing sensing, actuation, and control tasks, known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), are expected to lead to new technologies with profound impact on science and engineering. The multidisciplinary nature of these miniaturized devices has necessitated the integration of basic knowledge of various mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermal phenomena encountered at the microscale, and the discovery of novel methods for fabricating versatile micromachines. As the growth of MEMS accelerates, reliability and long-term durability issues are expected to assume even greater importance. In view of the low stiffness and large surface-to-volume ratio of micromachine devices, high interfacial attractive (adhesion) forces often lead to permanent surface attachment, a phenomenon known as stiction. Representative examples where surface interaction influences micromachine functionality are presented to elucidate the importance of adhesion and friction forces at the microdevice level, followed by a description of special microstructures for static and dynamic friction testing under conditions typical of MEMS devices. Surface texturing, fabrication of stand-off microfeatures, and alteration of the surface chemical behavior by adsorption of low surface energy self-assembled monolayers are shown to be effective surface modification techniques for controlling adhesion and friction at MEMS interfaces. Simulation results from a generalized adhesion theory are used to interpret the contribution of capillary, van der Waals, and electrostatic attractive forces to the total interfacial force. The theory is based on the surface topography description by fractal geometry and uses elastic-plastic constitutive models for the deformation of asperity microcontacts derived from finite element simulation results. Analytical results demonstrate the profound effect of surface roughness on the magnitude of adhesion and repulsive forces at polysilicon interfaces.
Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization With or Without Radiofrequency Ablation: Outcomes in Patients With Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to clarify the indications for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the hepatic artery combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which we refer to as "TACE-RFA," for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the Milan criteria. This study assessed the prognoses of patients with intermediate-stage HCC, which we defined as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B (hereafter referred to as BCLC-B), according to the BCLC-B substages through treatment in a multicenter study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two-hundred thirty patients with intermediate-stage HCC who were treated from January 2000 to December 2015 were enrolled. These patients were divided into four classes (B1-B4) according to the Bolondi classification. Between these substages, the prognosis of patients who underwent TACE-RFA was compared with that of patients who underwent TACE, the latter of which is the suggested standard therapy for patients with BCLC-B HCC. RESULTS TACE-RFA and hepatic resection survival curves were better than those of TACE (p < 0.001 for TACE-RFA vs TACE). In particular, for substages B1 and B2, the overall survival rates of patients who underwent TACE-RFA were significantly higher than those who underwent TACE (B1, p < 0.001 for TACE-RFA vs TACE; B2, p = 0.015 for TACE-RFA vs TACE). CONCLUSION The indications for TACE-RFA may be expanding to BCLC-B HCC. For patients with disease classified as substages B1 and B2, TACE-RFA may be a better treatment modality than TACE alone.
Use of Current and New Endpoints in the Evaluation of Experimental Hepatitis B Therapeutics

New hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapies are expected to have breakthrough benefit for patients. HBV functional cure is sustained hepatitis B surface antigen loss and anti-HBs gain, with normalization of serum aminotransferases off therapy. Virologic or complete cure additionally includes loss of HBV covalently closed circular DNA. Currently available endpoints of therapy are inadequate to evaluate the efficacy of many of the new therapeutics. Therefore, either new ways of using the existing virologic endpoints and laboratory values or entirely new biomarkers are needed. In this review, we discuss the currently used endpoints, potential new endpoints, as well as what new markers are needed to assess the ability of HBV therapeutics to achieve functional and virologic cure in various phases of HBV infection. In addition, we discuss how patient selection from differing phases of HBV impacts the choice of HBV drug(s) needed to achieve cure.
Nutrition and sarcopenia of ageing

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function with ageing, is a multifactorial condition that slowly develops over decades and becomes a significant contributor to disability in the older population. Malnutrition and alterations in the muscle anabolic response to nutritional stimuli have been identified as potentially preventable factors that may significantly contribute to sarcopenia. In the present article we review the most recent findings regarding the role of nutritional factors in the development, prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Specifically, we focus on the nutritional needs of the elderly; the age-related changes in the response of muscle protein metabolism to feeding and to the endogenous hormones released during feeding; and the role played by the splanchnic tissues in the response of muscle proteins to feeding. Finally, we review the issues relative to the potential use of nutritional therapies, including supplementation, for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIFICITY BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION: EVOLVED AND NONHOST RESISTANCE IN HOST–PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS

Most species seem to be completely resistant to most pathogens and parasites. This resistance has been called “nonhost resistance” because it is exhibited by species that are considered not to be part of the normal host range of the pathogen. A conceptual model is presented suggesting that failure of infection on nonhosts may be an incidental by‐product of pathogen evolution leading to specialization on their source hosts. This model is contrasted with resistance that results from hosts evolving to resist challenge by their pathogens, either as a result of coevolution with a persistent pathogen or as the result of one‐sided evolution by the host against pathogens that are not self‐sustaining on those hosts. Distinguishing evolved from nonevolved resistance leads to contrasting predictions regarding the relationship between resistance and genetic distance. An analysis of cross‐inoculation experiments suggests that the resistance is often the product of pathogen specialization. Understanding the contrasting evolutionary origins of resistance is critical for studies on the genetics and evolution of host–pathogen interactions in human, agricultural, and natural populations. Research on human infectious disease using animal models may often study resistances that have quite contrasting evolutionary origins, and therefore very different underlying genetic mechanisms.
Evidence for adaptive radiation from a phylogenetic study of plant defenses

One signature of adaptive radiation is a high level of trait change early during the diversification process and a plateau toward the end of the radiation. Although the study of the tempo of evolution has historically been the domain of paleontologists, recently developed phylogenetic tools allow for the rigorous examination of trait evolution in a tremendous diversity of organisms. Enemy-driven adaptive radiation was a key prediction of Ehrlich and Raven's coevolutionary hypothesis [Ehrlich PR, Raven PH (1964) Evolution 18:586–608], yet has remained largely untested. Here we examine patterns of trait evolution in 51 North American milkweed species (Asclepias), using maximum likelihood methods. We study 7 traits of the milkweeds, ranging from seed size and foliar physiological traits to defense traits (cardenolides, latex, and trichomes) previously shown to impact herbivores, including the monarch butterfly. We compare the fit of simple random-walk models of trait evolution to models that incorporate stabilizing selection (Ornstein-Ulenbeck process), as well as time-varying rates of trait evolution. Early bursts of trait evolution were implicated for 2 traits, while stabilizing selection was implicated for several others. We further modeled the relationship between trait change and species diversification while allowing rates of trait evolution to vary during the radiation. Species-rich lineages underwent a proportionately greater decline in latex and cardenolides relative to species-poor lineages, and the rate of trait change was most rapid early in the radiation. An interpretation of this result is that reduced investment in defensive traits accelerated diversification, and disproportionately so, early in the adaptive radiation of milkweeds.
Induction of cellular and molecular Immunomodulatory pathways by vitamin E and vitamin C

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamins E and C are well known small molecules that have been used to maintain health for decades. Recent studies of the cellular and molecular pathways leading to immunomodulation by these molecules have been of interest, as have their anti-oxidant properties and signal transduction pathways for curing or improving infectious diseases and cancer. Areas covered: Herein, the authors provide a definition and the structural classification of vitamins E and C and how these molecules influence cellular function. The studies include in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies in animal models as well as clinical trials. The authors give particular focus to the scientifically factual and putative roles of these molecules in innate and adaptive immunomodulation and prevention or cure of diseases. Expert opinion: The antioxidant properties of vitamins E and C are well studied. However, whether there is a link between their antioxidant and immunomodulation properties is unclear. In addition, there is a strong, albeit putative, prevailing notion that vitamin C can prevent or cure infectious diseases or cancer. Presently, while there is proven evidence that vitamin E possesses immunomodulatory properties that may play a positive role in disease outcomes, this evidence is less available for vitamin C.
Rheological Properties of Water-Soluble Methacrylate Block-Copolymers

Rheological properties as function of temperature of several block polymers containing poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) were studied. Effect of each block on rheological properties is discussed. Wood fiber sheets were prepared using these polymers as additive. Dynamic mechanical properties of these sheets were compared with rheological behaviour of corresponding polymer.
Analysis of Blocking Probability of Data Bursts With Continuous-Time Variable Offsets in Single-Wavelength OBS Switches

To reduce contention in optical burst switched networks, data bursts are preceded by the so-called burst control packets, which are sent a given offset time in advance in order to advertise the switch of the forthcoming burst arrivals. However, this policy of one-way in-advance reservation produces the so-called path length priority effect, which benefits BCP reservations with high offset values against those with smaller offset times. This effect not only brings an unfair treatment to bursts with different offset values, but also leads to a serious degradation of global network performance. This work presents a new detailed analytical study to quantify the blocking probability perceived by BCP reservations with continuous-time uniformly distributed offset time values. In addition, it shows how to apply such theoretical values onto a proactive discarding algorithm which reduces such unfairness and achieves an equalized picture of the blocking probability with respect to the offset time.
Optimal Mixed Tracking/Impedance Control With Application to Transfemoral Prostheses With Energy Regeneration

Objective: We design an optimal passivity-based tracking/impedance control system for a robotic manipulator with energy regenerative electronics, where the manipulator has both actively and semi-actively controlled joints. The semi-active joints are driven by a regenerative actuator that includes an energy-storing element. Method: External forces can have a large influence on energy regeneration characteristics. Impedance control is used to impose a desired relationship between external forces and deviation from reference trajectories. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) is used to obtain optimal impedance parameters and control gains to compromise between the two conflicting objectives of trajectory tracking and energy regeneration. We solve the MOO problem under two different scenarios: 1) constant impedance; and 2) time-varying impedance. Results: The methods are applied to a transfemoral prosthesis simulation with a semi-active knee joint. Normalized hypervolume and relative coverage are used to compare Pareto fronts, and these two metrics show that time-varying impedance provides better performance than constant impedance. The solution with time-varying impedance with minimum tracking error (0.0008 rad) fails to regenerate energy (loses 9.53 J), while a solution with degradation in tracking (0.0452 rad) regenerates energy (gains 270.3 J). A tradeoff solution results in fair tracking (0.0178 rad) and fair energy regeneration (131.2 J). Conclusion: Our experimental results support the possibility of net energy regeneration at the semi-active knee joint with human-like tracking performance. Significance: The results indicate that advanced control and optimization of ultracapacitor-based systems can significantly reduce power requirements in transfemoral prostheses.
Prevalence of potential smoking-related conditions among tobacco users in the emergency department and their perception that their visit may be smoking-related.

OBJECTIVES Patients who are tobacco users present to the emergency department (ED) with many medical conditions that are causally or potentially causally related to smoking. Previous studies have shown increased cessation rates for patients who accurately perceive that their ED visit is smoking-related. Our study goals were 1) to determine the prevalence of potential smoking-related conditions among tobacco users at a tertiary care academic ED, and 2) to determine which medical conditions are more or less likely to be perceived by patients as smoking-related. METHODS We included adults≥19 years of age who reported smoking within 30 days of their ED visit, and were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01454375) from December 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012. Patients were asked whether they perceived their ED visit to be related to smoking. ED discharge diagnoses were coded as smoking-related or not smoking-related based on the 2004 U.S. Surgeon General's Report. RESULTS We included 893 patients (62% male; mean age=40±15), of which 120 (13%) had a visit for a potential smoking-related condition: 6 (5%) of neoplasm, 18 (15%) of cardiovascular disease, 67 (56%) of respiratory disease, 3 (3%) of reproductive complication, 7 (6%) of postoperative complication, 9 (8%) of dental disease, 9 (8%) of peptic ulcer disease, 0 (0%) of eye condition, and 1 (1%) of bony condition. Of the potential smoking-related conditions, 46 (38%) were perceived by patients to be possibly smoking-related: 61% of cardiovascular disease, 33% of neoplasm, 43% of respiratory disease, 22% of dental disease, 14% of postoperative complication, 11% of peptic ulcer disease, and 0% of the remaining conditions. CONCLUSION In this study, 13% of all ED visits among smokers were for a potential smoking-related condition, of which 38% were perceived by patients to be smoking-related. Education to increase awareness of smoking-related conditions may increase cessation rates.
Optical momentum and angular momentum in complex media: from the Abraham–Minkowski debate to unusual properties of surface plasmon-polaritons

We examine the momentum and angular momentum ( AM ) properties of monochromatic optical ﬁ elds in dispersive and inhomogeneous isotropic media, using the Abraham- and Minkowski-type approaches, as well as the kinetic ( Poynting-like ) and canonical ( with separate spin and orbital degrees of freedom ) pictures. While the kinetic Abraham – Poynting momentum describes the energy ﬂ ux and the group velocity of the wave, the Minkowski-type quantities, with proper dispersion corrections, describe the actual momentum and AM carried by the wave. The kinetic Minkowski-type momentum and AM densities agree with phenomenological results derived by Philbin. Using the canonical spin – orbital decomposition, previously used for free-space ﬁ elds, we ﬁ nd the corresponding canonical momentum, spin and orbital AM of light in a dispersive inhomogeneous medium. These acquire a very natural form analogous to the Brillouin energy density and are valid for arbitrary structured ﬁ elds. The general theory is applied to a non-trivial example of a surface plasmon-polariton ( SPP ) wave at a metal-vacuum interface. We show that the integral momentum of the SPP per particle corresponds to the SPP wave vector, and hence exceeds the momentum of a photon in the vacuum. We also provide the ﬁ rst accurate calculation of the transverse spin and orbital AM of the SPP. While the intrinsic orbital AM vanishes, the transverse spin can change its sign depending on the SPP frequency. Importantly, we present both macroscopic and microscopic calculations, thereby proving the validity of the general phenomenological results. The microscopic theory also predicts a transverse magnetization in the metal ( i.e. a magnetic moment for the SPP ) as well as the corresponding direct magnetization current, which provides the difference between the Abraham and Minkowski momenta.
The unusual afterglow of the Gamma-Ray Burst 100621A

Aims. With the afterglow of GRB 100621A being the brightest detected so far in X-rays, and superb GROND coverage in the optical/near-infrared during the first few hours, an observational verification of basic fireball predictions seemed possible. Methods. In order to constrain the broad-band spectral energy distribution of the afterglow of GRB 100621A, dedicated observations were performed in the optical/near-infrared with the 7-channel Gamma-Ray Burst Optical and Near-infrared Detector (GROND) at the 2.2 m MPG/ESO telescope, in the sub-millimeter band with the large bolometer array LABOCA at APEX, and at radio frequencies with ATCA. Utilizing also Swift X-ray observations, we attempt an interpretation of the observational data within the fireball scenario. Results. The afterglow of GRB 100621A shows a very complex temporal and spectral evolution. We identify three different emission components, the most spectacular one causing a sudden intensity jump about one hour after the prompt emission. The spectrum of this component is much steeper than the canonical afterglow. We interpret this component using a two-shell collision prescription after the first shell has been decelerated by the circumburst medium. We use the fireball scenario to derive constraints on the microphysical parameters of the first shell. Long-term energy injection into a narrow jet seems to provide an adequate description. Another noteworthy result is the large (AV = 3.6 mag) line-of-sight host extinction of the afterglow in an otherwise extremely blue host galaxy. Conclusions. Some GRB afterglows have shown complex features, and that of GRB 100621A is another good example. Yet, detailed observational campaigns of the brightest afterglows promise to deepen our understanding of the formation of afterglows and the subsequent interaction with the circumburst medium.