cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Training multi-parameter gaits to reduce the knee adduction moment with data-driven models and haptic feedback ☆

The purpose of this study was to evaluate gait retraining for reducing the knee adduction moment. Our primary objective was to determine whether subject-specific altered gaits aimed at reducing the knee adduction moment by 30% or more could be identified and adopted in a single session through haptic (touch) feedback training on multiple kinematic gait parameters. Nine healthy subjects performed gait retraining, in which data-driven models specific to each subject were determined through experimental trials and were used to train novel gaits involving a combination of kinematic changes to the tibia angle, foot progression and trunk sway angles. Wearable haptic devices were used on the back, knee and foot for real-time feedback. All subjects were able to adopt altered gaits requiring simultaneous changes to multiple kinematic parameters and reduced their knee adduction moments by 29-48%. Analysis of single parameter gait training showed that moving the knee medially by increasing tibia angle, increasing trunk sway and toeing in all reduced the first peak of the knee adduction moment with tibia angle changes having the most dramatic effect. These results suggest that individualized data-driven gait retraining may be a viable option for reducing the knee adduction moment as a treatment method for early-stage knee osteoarthritis patients with sufficient sensation, endurance and motor learning capabilities.
Information Discriminant Analysis: Feature Extraction with an Information-Theoretic Objective

Using elementary information-theoretic tools, we develop a novel technique for linear transformation from the space of observations into a low-dimensional (feature) subspace for the purpose of classification. The technique is based on a numerical optimization of an information-theoretic objective function, which can be computed analytically. The advantages of the proposed method over several other techniques are discussed and the conditions under which the method reduces to linear discriminant analysis are given. We show that the novel objective function enjoys many of the properties of the mutual information and the Bayes error and we give sufficient conditions for the method to be Bayes-optimal. Since the objective function is maximized numerically, we show how the calculations can be accelerated to yield feasible solutions. The performance of the method compares favorably to other linear discriminant-based feature extraction methods on a number of simulated and real-world data sets.
Influence of surrounding vegetation on woodpecker nest tree selection in oak forests of the Upper Midwest, USA

Abstract This study examined the influence of forest context on woodpecker nest tree selection, which has implications for forest managers leaving trees during timber harvest for cavity nesting birds. We surveyed habitat variables in 11.3 m radius subplots centered on 165 active woodpecker nest trees and 144 randomly selected points in oak forests of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin in 1997–1998. Forward stepwise sequential F -tests indicated that the number of potential nest trees and basal area (BA) of dead elms were the most important variables in distinguishing nest sites and random sites. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 71% of the observations. However, a comparison of nest sites only to those random sites containing a tree likely suitable for nesting showed no differences. This suggests that nest tree has a greater influence in nest site selection than does surrounding vegetation. Yellow-bellied sapsucker nest trees were surrounded by a significantly higher BA of trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) and density of mast-producing trees than the nest trees of the downy, hairy, red-bellied, red-headed, and pileated woodpeckers, and the northern flicker. However, we found no interspecific differences among downy, hairy, red-bellied, and red-headed woodpeckers. This study is significant because it indicates forest management for cavity nesting birds should focus on providing suitable nest trees within the larger forest context; vegetation immediately surrounding nest trees may have minimal influence on woodpecker nest tree selection.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy and beta-chemokines.

Chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) are a large family of immune factors that regulate leucocyte trafficking during physiological and pathological processes. Based on the positioning of cysteines, chemokines are divided into four subfamilies, CXC (also called alpha-chemokines), CC (beta-chemokines), C (gamma-chemokines) and CX3C (delta-chemokines) [1]. Research in the field of chemokines accelerated significantly after the report by Cocchi et al. that a subset of these factors, namely CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β and regulated upon activation normal T cell-expressed and secreted (RANTES), can function as inhibitors of HIV-1 [2]. This finding led to identification of CCR5, a receptor for these chemokines, as a main coreceptor for primary HIV-1 strains [3–7]. An alternative co-receptor used by T cell-line tropic viruses and by HIV-1 strains appearing mainly at later stages of disease is CXCR4, a receptor for a CXC chemokine SDF-1α [8]. The discovery of involvement of chemokine receptors in HIV-1 binding and entry opened the door for new approaches to controlling HIV-1 infection.
Experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits fed cholesterol-free diets Part 7. Interaction of animal or vegetable protein with fiber

Rabbits were maintained for 10 months on a semipurified, cholesterol-free atherogenic regimen. All diets contained sucrose (40%) and hydrogenated coconut oil (14%). The protein (25%) was either casein or soya protein and the fiber (15%) was either wheat straw, alfalfa, or cellulose. Within either protein group the order for induction of cholesteremia was cellulose=wheat straw greater than alfalfa. For atherogenesis, the effect was cellulose greater than wheat straw greater than alfalfa Soya-wheat straw or soya-cellulose diets were less cholesteremic and atherogenic than their casein counterparts. When alfalfa was the fiber, the two types of protein were almost equivalent. Our results show that casein may be more cholesteremic and atherogenic than soya protein under certain conditions (cellulose or wheat straw as fiber) but the addition of alfalfa to the diet renders the two proteins equivalent.
A passively clamped quasi resonant DC link inverter

This paper proposes a passively clamped quasi-resonant DC link power converter topology which adds a small switched inductor to the conventional passively clamped resonant DC link inverter. The problem with high voltage stress in the conventional inverter is resolved, while its ruggedness, reliability and high power handling capability are preserved. The device voltage stress can be reduced from 2 per unit to 1.1-1.3 per unit, and PWM operation and link resonance control become easily fulfilled. Analysis and simulation have demonstrated the successful operation of the new topology. The introduction of the auxiliary switched inductor circuit is also well justified by its requirement of components with low stresses and ratings. Application of the quasi-resonant inverter is aimed at those requiring high power, high efficiency, low EMI and a high quality spectrum. >
Simulation and modeling of data acquisition systems for future high energy physics experiments

The authors describe work undertaken at Fermilab in which several sophisticated tools have been brought together to provide an integrated systems engineering environment specifically aimed at designing data acquisition systems. Results of simulation experiments in which the effects of varying trigger rates, event sizes, and event distributions, over processors are clearly seen in terms of throughput and buffer usage in an event-building switch are also presented. In the context of the switch-based data acquisition system, it was possible to identify potential bottlenecks, determine buffer depths, aid system diagnosis, and better understand the interaction between different subunits as well as the system as a whole. >
Colistin Methanesulfonate against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Model

Using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model, a multidrug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii was exposed to colistin methanesulfonate alone and in combination with ceftazidime. Pre- and postexposure colistin sulfate MICs were determined. A single daily dose of colistin methanesulfonate combined with continuous-infusion ceftazidime prevented regrowth and postexposure MIC increases.
Goals influence memory and imitation for dynamic human action in 36-month-old children

Adults’ memory for action is organized according to a hierarchy of goals. Little previous research has examined whether goals also play a crucial role in young children’s memory for action, and particularly whether goal information is privileged over veridical sequential order information. The current experiment investigated 3-year-old children’s (N = 40) memory for naturally occurring interleaved action sequences: Sequences in which an actor switched back and forth between carrying out actions related to two distinct goals. Such sequences allowed a test of whether children’s action representations prioritize a goal interpretation over veridical sequential information. Children’s memory for the action events was assessed by deferred imitation, 5-min after the demonstration had ceased. Results indicated that children’s memory prioritizes goals over veridical sequential order ‐ even to the extent that the actual sequential order is distorted in memory. These findings deepen our understanding of action processing and memory with implications for social-cognitive development.
Response of acetolactate synthase from imidazolinone-susceptible and -resistant smooth pigweed toALS inhibitors

Abstract As a follow-up to greenhouse studies, acetolactate synthase (ALS) (EC 4.1.3.18) was extracted from one imidazolinone (IMI)-susceptible (S) and three IMI-resistant (R1, R2, and R3) smooth pigweed populations, and activity was assayed in the presence of imazethapyr, chlorimuron, thifensulfuron, and pyrithiobac. ALS inhibitor concentrations, required to reduce enzyme activity by a specified percentage compared with the untreated control (Ip), were determined for each herbicide using regression analysis, and resistance ratios were calculated from these values. An I50 value of >35 μM imazethapyr was calculated for all R populations compared with a value of 3.4 μM for the S population. With chlorimuron, thifensulfuron, and pyrithiobac data sets, pairwise comparisons of regression coefficients were used to determine significant differences between regression lines. Using this technique, it was established that ALS from R3 was more sensitive than ALS from S to inhibition by chlorimuron and thifensulfuron...
Density and regularity theorems for semi-algebraic hypergraphs

A k-uniform semi-algebraic hypergraph H is a pair (P, E), where P is a subset of Rd and E is a collection of k-tuples {p1, . . ., pk} ⊂ P such that (p1, . . ., pk) ∈ E if and only if the kd coordinates of the pi-s satisfy a boolean combination of a finite number of polynomial inequalities. The complexity of H can be measured by the number and the degrees of these inequalities and the number of variables (coordinates) kd. Several classical results in extremal hypergraph theory can be substantially improved when restricted to semi-algebraic hypergraphs.Substantially improving a theorem of Fox, Gromov, Lafforgue, Naor, and Pach, we establish the following "polynomial regularity lemma": For any 0 0 is a constant that depends on the complexity of H. We also establish an improved lower bound, single exponentially decreasing in k, on the best constant δ > 0 such that the vertex classes P1, . . ., Pk of every k-partite k-uniform semi-algebraic hypergraph H = (P1 ∪ . . . ∪ Pk, E) with |E| ≥ [EQUATION] have, for 1 ≤ i ≤ k, δ|Pi|-element subsets P'i ⊆ Pi satisfying P'1 x . . . x P'k ⊆ E. The best previously known lower bound on δ due to Bukh and Hubard decreased double exponentially fast in k. We give three geometric applications of our results. In particular, we establish the following strengthening of the so-called same-type lemma of Barany and Valtr: Any disjoint finite sets P1, . . ., Pk ⊂ [EQUATION]d (k > d) have for 1 ≤ i ≤ k subsets P'i of size at least 2−O(d3k log k)|Pi| with the property that every k-tuple formed by taking one point from each P'i has the same order type.The above techniques carry over to property testing. We show that for any typical hereditary hypergraph property Q, there is a randomized algorithm with query complexity (1/e)c(Q) to determine (with probability at least .99) whether a k-uniform semi-algebraic hypergraph H = (P, E) with constant description complexity is e-near to having property Q, that is, whether one can change at most e|P|k hyperedges of H in order to obtain a hypergraph that has the property. The testability of such properties for general k-uniform hypergraphs was first shown by Alon and Shapira (for graphs) and by Rodl and Schacht (for k > 2). The query complexity time of their algorithms is enormous, growing considerably faster than a tower function.
20INHOW TO DESIGN THE TRIALS TO MEET THE PERSPECTIVES OF PERSONALISED CANCER MEDICINE

ABSTRACT In the current era of stratified medicine and biomarker driven therapies, the focus has shifted from predictions based on the traditional anatomic staging systems to guide the choice of treatment for an individual patient to an integrated approach using the genetic makeup of the tumor and the genotype of the patient. Starting from early phase trials for initial marker validation to larger definitive trials, clinical trial designs utilized in the developmental pathway for biomarkers and biomarker-directed therapies are rapidly evolving. Two critical issues that need careful consideration are the choice of the clinical trial design (based on the strength of the preliminary evidence, marker prevalence etc.), and biomarker assay related issues surrounding the marker assessment methods such as the reliability and reproducibility of the assay. While assessing the safety profile and establishing the maximum tolerated dose remains the primary focus of Phase I trials for all agents, establishing a preliminary efficacy signal and/or identification of subsets of patients most likely to benefit from the new treatment are increasingly assessed as part of Phase I trials of targeted therapeutics. The choice of endpoints, patient selection, model-based versus rule-based design algorithms and inclusion of expansion cohorts need careful consideration in this setting. Phase II trials have at least 3 main purposes: assess the regimen / drug under investigation for evidence of efficacy; evaluate the patient population for a phase III study (i.e., identify genomic-defined patient subsets) and finally, to more fully assess the toxicity profile in a larger number of patients than that of a phase I study. While most of the prospective designs for biomarker-directed therapy were primarily developed for marker validation in phase III setting, they have evolved since then to be applicable in an initial marker validation phase II setting. Designs for biomarker validation (initial and definitive) are broadly classified into enrichment, all-comers, hybrid or adaptive (with various adaptation strategies). This talk will provide numerous examples of cancer clinical trials that utilize a design strategy aiming at personalized medicine. Disclosure: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.
SEISMIC TESTING FOR TRACK SUBSTRUCTURE (BALLAST AND SUBGRADE) ASSESSMENT FOR PASSENGER/FREIGHT CORRIDORS

This paper presents the research framework and preliminary findings from a recently started Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored research project at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign on developing and using seismic wave propagation principles to develop a track substructure (ballast and subgrade) condition assessment system. This condition assessment system will be used to evaluate track safety and to predict inspection intervals. This research is needed because there is no tool or system available that quantitatively measures the mechanics based properties of the layers comprising a track system. These mechanics based properties are shear modulus, modulus of deformation (Young’s modulus), and shear strength that can be derived from direct measurement of the shear wave velocity profile. Currently the modulus and shear strength of the track system materials are usually estimated which leads to uncertainty in the numerical analyses and estimates of track safety.
Process-Property-Performance Relationship for Fused Deposition of Ceramics (FDC) Feedstock Materials

Fused deposition of ceramics (FDC) is an extrusion based layered manufacturing process. It uses a high solids loaded (>50 vol. % ceramic or metal powder) thermoplastic binder in filament form as the feedstock material. The filament acts as both the piston driving the extrusion process and the feedstock material being deposited in the X-Y direction onto a Z-stage platform. The primary mode of failure of the filament during the FDC process is via buckling. Earlier work has shown that the filament compressive modulus and the feedstock viscosity control the buckling behavior of the filament material in FDC. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of particle/polymer interface on the viscosity and compressive modulus of the PZT filled ECG9 system. The relative viscosity of the untreated and the surface treated particle filled systems increases with solids loading. It is found that both of the surface treated materials (stearic acid and titanate coupling agent) exhibit a lower relative viscosity than the untreated material. A rheological model (Krieger-Dougherty model) was used to investigate the possible reasons for the decrease in relative viscosity due to the surface treatment of particles. The investigaton showed that the coupling agent acted as a dispersant (increasing value of ϕm) and thereby decreased the viscosity. The stearic acid may act as a dispersant (increasing value of ϕm) and as a lubricant (decreasing value of KE ). The compressive modulus of all the different systems studied showed an increase with solids loading. A generalized Nielsen model was used to describe the relative modulus vs. solids loading behavior for all the different systems studied. Also, the measured compressive modulus of the filled system was found to be insensitive to the modifications in the particle surface treatment.
Higher Acetabular Anteversion in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-Control Study:

BackgroundSurgical approach is known as a risk factor that influences cup malposition while performing total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no study has been conducted comparing cup positioning b...
Laboratory Detection of 1 Case of Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning

[Objective] To Investigate the pathogeny of symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain,hyperhidrosis in a factory's employees after meal,and provide technical support for rapidly handling food poisoning and treatment of patients[Methods] According to the principles of investigation and handling of food poisoning,7 samples of residual food and 2 samples of vomit were detected by pesticide fast test cards and laboratory tests.[Results] Parathion was detected in patients' vomit and You Maicai and leek in residual food.[Conclusion]This is an eating vegetables with organic pesticide excessive residue induced acute food poisoning incident,pesticide production sale and use management should be strengthened,as well as the supervision and management of individual restaurants.
Temporal patterns of dissolved organic matter biodegradability are similar across three rivers of varying size

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition may be an important determinant of its fate in freshwaters, but little is known about temporal variability in DOM composition and the biodegradability of DOM in northern temperate watersheds. We measured biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) via incubation assays and DOM composition using optical indices on 11 dates in three Lake Superior tributaries. Percent BDOC (%BDOC) and BDOC concentrations were seasonally synchronous across these watersheds, despite that they vary in size by orders of magnitude (1.7 to 3400 km2). Relative to %BDOC, BDOC concentrations were more tightly constrained among sites on any given date. BDOC also varied within seasons; for example, %BDOC on two different dates in winter were among the highest (29% and 54%) and lowest (0%) values observed for each site (overall %BDOC range: 0 to 72%). DOM composition varied the most among tributaries during a summer storm event when BDOC (both as percent and concentration) was elevated but was remarkably similar among tributaries during fall, spring, and winter. Multivariate models identified humic-like and tryptophan-like fluorophores as predictors of %BDOC, but DOM composition only described 21% of the overall variation in %BDOC. Collectively, these three rivers exported ~18 Gg C yr−1 as DOC and ~2 Gg C yr−1 as BDOC, which corresponded to 9 to 17% of annual DOC exported in biodegradable form. Our results suggest much of the C exported from these northern temperate watersheds may be biodegradable within 28 days and that large pulses of labile DOM can be exported during storm events and spring snowmelt.
Crisis behavior: An exploration of theories in concert.

Objective: How might prominent existing communication theory better explain behavior in a crisis context, when considered in concert with one another? Design: This theoretical work highlights the insight to be gained using Situational Crisis Communication Theory and Bandura's notions of self-efficacy to heighten the explanatory power of the Theory of Planned Behavior as applied to communication during times of crisis. Conclusion: Situational Crisis Communication Theory better explains how past experience with crisis influences the attitudes and social norms of crisis behavior, while Bandura's notion of self-efficacy speaks more directly to the availability of resources as contributing factors to perceived behavioral control in a crisis situation. As such, the incorporation of these well-developed notions into the broader framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior affords greater understanding of the relationship between communication and behavior during a crisis. Further exploration of this theoretical relationship is warranted.
Control of Mammalian Cell and Bacteria Adhesion on Substrates Micropatterned with Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels

A simple method for controlling the spatial positioning of mammalian cells and bacteria on substrates using patterned poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel microstructures is described. These microstructures were fabricated using photolithography on silicon, glass or poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces modified with a 3-(trichlorosilyl) propyl methacrylate (TPM) monolayer. During the photogelation reaction, the resulting hydrogel microstructures were covalently bound to the substrate via the TPM monolayer and did not detached from the substrate upon hydration. For mammalian cell patterning, microwell arrays of different dimensions were fabricated. These microwells were composed of hydrophilic PEG hydrogel walls surrounding hydrophobic TPM floors inside the microwells. Murine 3T3 fibroblasts and transformed hepatocytes were shown to selectively adhere to the TPM monolayer inside the microwells, maintaining their viability, while adherent cells were not present on the hydrogel walls. The number of cells inside one microwell could be controled by changing the lateral dimension of the microwells, thus allowing only a single cell per microwell if desired. In the case of 30×30 μm microwells, as many as 400 microwells were fabricated in 1 mm2. In addition, PEG hydrogel microstructures were also shown to effectively resist the adhesion of bacteria such as Escherichia coli.
Subwavelength Grating Structure with High Aspect Ratio and Tapered Sidewall Profiles

CMOS-compatible fabrication and etching processes are often used in subwavelength grating structures manufacturing, it normally generates tapered sidewall profile of the gratings. In this work, we have studied the impacts on resonance mode characteristics of subwavelength grating structures due to the tapered sidewall profile, as well as grating with high aspect ratio. Our simulation results have revealed that both of these two factors play important roles on the resonance mode behavior of subwavelength grating devices. We also discussed the mechanism between the guided mode resonance and the grating cavity mode resonance. Our study will provide guidance for a series of integrated photonics devices applications, such as compact optical filter, photonics amplifier, and lasers, while the realistic subwavelength grating structure is considered.
Look at Me Now: Investigating Delayed Disengagement for Ambiguous Human-Robot Stimuli

Human-like appearance has been shown to positively affect perception of and attitudes towards robotic agents. In particular, the more human-like robots look, the more participants are willing to ascribe human-like states to them (i.e., having a mind, emotions, agency). The positive effect of human-likeness on agent ratings, however, does not translate to better performance in human-robot interaction (HRI). Performance first increases as human-likeness increases, then drops dramatically as soon as human-likeness reaches around 70 % to finally reach its maximum at 100 % humanness. The goal of the current paper is to investigate whether attentional mechanisms, in particular delayed disengagement, are responsible for the drop in performance for very human-like, but not perfectly human agents. The idea is that robots with a high degree of human-likeness capture attention and thus make it harder to orient attention away from them towards task-relevant stimuli in the periphery resulting in bad performance. To investigate this question, faces of differing degrees of human-likeness (0 %, 30 %, 70 %, 100 %, non-social control) are presented to participants in an eye-tracking experiment and the time it takes participants to orient towards a peripheral stimulus is measured. Results show significant delayed disengagement for all stimuli, but no stronger delayed disengagement for very human-like agents, making delayed disengagement an unlikely source for the negative effect of human-like appearance on performance in HRI.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Promoting Successful School Reentry.

This article reviews physical, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics, of traumatic brain irjury (TBI) that can place a child at risk for poor school adjustment. It proposes an ecological approa...
The Poisson Distribution in Biology Instruction

The Poisson distribution played a key role in experiments that had a historic role in the development of molecular biology. In particular, the interpretation and design of experiments elucidating the actions of bacteriophages and their host bacteria during the infection process were based on the parameters of the Poisson distribution. I briefly review three of the most important of these experiments and offer suggestions on the use of the Poisson distribution in statistical calculations in biology laboratory exercises reflecting the use of the Poisson distribution in current biological investigations.
Aggregate fluctuations in time-delay linear consensus networks: A systemic risk perspective

We discuss the notion of systemic risk in noisy consensus systems with delay as a measure of robustness and resilience. We propose a risk measure to characterize systemic events of the dynamic network, based on quantile functions theory. We provide explicit calculations or estimates for our consensus dynamic both in transient and steady-state dynamics. Our analysis highlights the dependence of risk on the spectral properties of the communication graph and the delay of the network. Unlike consensus networks with no delay, the risk measure exhibits a non-monotonic behavior in presence of time-delay. This non-monotonicity is the origin of potential aggregate fluctuation which is an undesirable systemic event of our network.
Learning autonomous systems — An interdisciplinary project-based experience

With the increased influence of automation into every part of our lives, tomorrow's engineers must be capable working with autonomous systems. The explosion of automation and robotics has created a need for a massive increase in engineers who possess the skills necessary to work with twenty-first century systems. Autonomous Systems (MEEM4707) is a new senior/graduate level elective course with goals of: 1) preparing the next generation of skilled engineers, 2) creating new opportunities for learning and well informed career choices, 3) increasing confidence in career options upon graduation, and 4) connecting academic research to the students world. Presented in this paper is the developed curricula, key concepts of the project-based approach, and resources for other educators to implement a similar course at their institution. In the course, we cover the fundamentals of autonomous robots in a hands-on manner through the use of a low-cost mobile robot. Each student builds and programs their own robot, culminating in operation of their autonomous mobile robot in a miniature city environment. The concepts covered in the course are scalable from middle school through graduate school. Evaluation of student learning is completed using pre/post surveys, student progress in the laboratory environment, and conceptual examinations.
Use of the hCONSORT criteria as a reporting standard for herbal interventions for common dermatoses: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing in Western countries, including in the area of dermatology. However, Western healthcare providers have not integrated CAM into regular practice owing to a lack of reliable data supporting its use. To encourage high-quality research related to the use of CAM and specifically herbal interventions, the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension criteria on reporting herbal interventions (hCONSORT) were published in 2006. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the adherence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating herbal interventions for acne, atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis to the hCONSORT criteria. METHODS A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. RCTs published between 2009 and 2014 assessing therapeutic outcomes of plant-based interventions for acne, AD or psoriasis were included. Investigators determined the number of unique hCONSORT criteria satisfied per report. anova was used to examine differences in scores by disease entity. RESULTS The vast majority of reviewed studies reported < 50% of information recommended in the hCONSORT criteria. Limitations include the small number of dermatological conditions examined, exclusion of reports based on language and lack of assessment of overall adherence to CONSORT criteria. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate lack of adherence to hCONSORT extension criteria. Adherence to hCONSORT guidelines should be encouraged in order to provide high-quality reporting of research on herbal interventions in dermatology. Doing so may ease the integration of CAM into conventional medical practice and provide actionable data to providers.
Structure and Properties of Boron-Very-Rich Boron Carbides: B12 Icosahedra Linked through Bent CBB Chains

The atomic structures of boron carbide in the regime below ~13.3 at.% C (known as boron-very-rich boron carbide, BvrBC) have not previously been reported due to the complexity of the structure and bonding. We report here the atomistic crystal structures for stoichiometry B14C, with only 6.7 at.% C, predicted using quantum mechanics (QM) at the PBE level. We find that B14C consists of one B12 icosahedral cluster and one C-B-B chain per unit cell. The C-B-B chain can be linear or bent, leading to two different space groups for (B12)CBB. Our bonding analyses show that both structures satisfy the electron counting rule (Wade’s rule). However, the bent CBB chain which has lower crystal symmetry leads to an energy substantially more stable (0.315 eV per molecular unit) than the linear CBB chain structure, which has high crystal symmetry. This is because the bent CBB chain structure requires only one three-center−two-electron (3c-2e) bond while linear CBB chain structure requires three 3c-2e bonds. We predicted the mechanical properties of both structures from QM simulations. We found that shearing the linear CBB chain structure transforms first to the bent CBB chain structure under both pure and biaxial shear deformations. As the shear proceeds the icosahedra deconstruct due to the interaction of the CBB chains with the icosahedra. This suggests that the bent CBB structure is responsible for the failure processes of B14C.
A novel approach to treating adolescents with opioid use disorder in pediatric primary care.

Background: Medication treatment for opioid use disorder is effective, and recommended for adolescents, though very few adolescents with opioid use disorder ever receive medications. Reasons includ...
Theoretical insights into direct methane to methanol conversion over supported dicopper oxo nanoclusters

Abstract The prospect of using copper oxide nanoclusters grown by atomic layer deposition on a porphyrin support for selective oxidation of methane to methanol was examined by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Ab initio thermodynamic analysis indicates that an active site in the form of Cu(μ-O)Cu can be stabilized by activation in O2 at 465 K. Furthermore, a moderate methane activation energy barrier (Ea = 54 kJ/mol) is predicted, and the hydrogen abstraction activity of the active site could be attributed to the radical character of the bridging oxygen. Methanol extraction in this system is limited by a thermodynamic barrier to desorption of ΔG = 57 kJ/mol at 473 K; however, desorption can be facilitated by the addition of water in a “stepped conversion” process. Overall, our results indicate similar activity between porphyrin-supported copper oxide nanoclusters and existing Cu-exchanged zeolites and provide a computational proof-of-concept for utilizing functionalized organic linkers in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for selective oxidation of methane to methanol.
Primary producers may ameliorate impacts of daytime CO2 addition in a coastal marine ecosystem

Predicting the impacts of ocean acidification in coastal habitats is complicated by bio-physical feedbacks between organisms and carbonate chemistry. Daily changes in pH and other carbonate parameters in coastal ecosystems, associated with processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, often greatly exceed global mean predicted changes over the next century. We assessed the strength of these feedbacks under projected elevated CO2 levels by conducting a field experiment in 10 macrophyte-dominated tide pools on the coast of California, USA. We evaluated changes in carbonate parameters over time and found that under ambient conditions, daytime changes in pH, pCO2, net ecosystem calcification (NEC), and O2 concentrations were strongly related to rates of net community production (NCP). CO2 was added to pools during daytime low tides, which should have reduced pH and enhanced pCO2. However, photosynthesis rapidly reduced pCO2 and increased pH, so effects of CO2 addition were not apparent unless we accounted for seaweed and surfgrass abundances. In the absence of macrophytes, CO2 addition caused pH to decline by ∼0.6 units and pCO2 to increase by ∼487 µatm over 6 hr during the daytime low tide. As macrophyte abundances increased, the impacts of CO2 addition declined because more CO2 was absorbed due to photosynthesis. Effects of CO2addition were, therefore, modified by feedbacks between NCP, pH, pCO2, and NEC. Our results underscore the potential importance of coastal macrophytes in ameliorating impacts of ocean acidification.
Rapid electro-thermal modeling for 3D integration using circuit simulation techniques

Device-level electro-thermal analysis is studied using circuit simulation schemes with linear computational complexity. Two methods are explored and tested on a MOSFET. Results are compared with a commercial simulator.
Post-ischaemic exuberant left ventricular mass: thrombus vs. tumour—case report

Background We present a case that illustrates the diagnostic challenge of differentiating thrombus from tumour when confronted with a large left ventricular (LV) cardiac mass. Case Summary A 43-year-old Caucasian woman polysubstance-abuser presented to a regional hospital with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and underwent aspiration-thrombectomy and successful circumflex artery bare metal stenting. She was noted to have an exuberant LV mass on transthoracic echocardiogram the following day and transferred to our care. Transthoracic echocardiogram, transoesophageal echocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed in an attempt to characterize the mass with conflicting findings for either thrombus or tumour. The mass was surgically excised and final pathology indicated a fibrin-rich thrombus. Discussion The association of the mass with an infarcted area of the left ventricle supported the diagnosis of thrombus. However, due to the size and some imaging features a myxoma could not be completely ruled out. Atypical presentations of thrombus can be difficult to differentiate from cardiac tumours.
Isolation of a raw starch-binding fragment from barley alpha-amylase.

Barley α-amylase was purified by ammonium sulfate fraction, ion-exchange, ultrafiltration, and gel filtration to homogeneity. The purified enzyme was partially digested with trypsin, and the reaction mixture was applied to a cyclohepta-amylose epoxy Sepharose 6B column. Bound fragments were eluted by free cyclohepta-amylose, lyophilized, and separated on Tricine gels. Four fragments were shown to interact with β-cyclodextrin. The fragment that could be identified on the gel with the lowest molecular weight (11 kDa) was electroblotted onto PVDF membrane for sequencing. The N-terminal sequence of this fragment was determined with the N-terminal amino acid corresponding to Ala283 in the whole protein. The trypsin cleavage was at Lys282/Ala283 and the C-terminal cleavage occurred at Lys354/Ile355 to give a fragment size of 11 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE. The fragment would be located at the C-terminal region, forming a majority of the antiparallel β-sheets in domain C and the α7-and α8-helices of the (α/β)8 domain.
Cognitive capitalism, free labor, and financial communication: A critical discourse analysis of social media IPO registration statements

This article seeks to analyze the intersection among cognitive capitalism, free labor, and financial communication through a critical discourse analysis of social media companies’ initial public of...
Biphasic analysis of rat brain slices under creep indentation shows nonlinear tension-compression behavior.

Abstract Biphasic theory can provide a mechanistic description of deformation and transport phenomena in soft tissues, and has been used to model surgery and drug delivery in the brain for decades. Knowledge of corresponding mechanical properties of the brain is needed to accurately predict tissue deformation and flow transport in these applications. Previously in our group, creep indentation tests were conducted for multiple anatomical regions in acute rat brain tissue slices. In the current study, a biphasic finite element model of creep indentation was developed with which to compare these data. Considering the soft tissue structure of brain, the solid matrix was assumed to be composed of a neo-Hookean ground matrix reinforced by continuously distributed fibers that exhibits tension-compression nonlinearity during deformation. By fixing Poisson's ratio of the ground matrix, Young's modulus, fiber modulus and hydraulic permeability were estimated. Hydraulic permeability was found to be nearly independent of the properties of the solid matrix. Estimated modulus (40 Pa to 1.1 kPa for the ground matrix, 3.2–18.2 kPa for fibers) and hydraulic permeability ( 1.2 − 5.5× 10 -13 m 4 /N s ) fell within an acceptable range compared with those in previous studies. Instantaneous indentation depth was dominated by tension provided by fibers, while the tissue response at equilibrium was sensitive to Poisson's ratio. Results of sensitivity analysis also point to the necessity of considering tension-compression nonlinearity in the solid phase when the biphasic material undergoes large creep deformation.
Interfacial ion transfer and current limiting in neutral-carrier ion-selective membranes: A detailed numerical model

Abstract Ion selective membrane (ISM) electrodes are widely used for selective ion sensing applications. Recently, new modalities have emerged whose operation involves active electrical polarization of the media, and current theoretical models are unsuitable to predict their behavior beyond near-equilibrium conditions. Here, we apply numerical modeling of physicochemical transport in such systems to study mechanisms of interfacial ion transfer and their role in limiting processes. Importantly, our analysis suggest that membrane-phase complexation (MC) has strong merits as a replacement for interfacial complexation (IC) in theoretical treatments. For our purpose, we have developed a highly detailed model based on Nernst–Planck–Poisson (NPP) with kinetic reactions of first-order. The solutions were derived in terms of logarithmically transformed concentration variables, allowing us to input experimentally determined stability coefficients. A unique process, referred to here as the reaction boundary layer (RBL), is a characteristic of MC, and we found it could have a significant impact on current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and transfer selectivity. Together with other well-known processes such as electrically driven diffusion, the RBL dictates the limits of ISM electrical polarization. Using our model, we demonstrate that operating outside these limits results in ingress of interfering ion species and concurrent loss of transfer selectivity.
Pacemaker firmware update and interrogation malfunction.

The occurrence of pacemaker-related malfunction resulting from firmware updates is rare. The estimated risk of reloading of previous firmware due to incomplete update is 0.161%, loss of programmer device settings is 0.023%, and complete loss of device functionality is 0.003%, as informed by the manufacturer.1 Recently, Abbott Medical released a software patch that updates firmware to patch cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Because to date there have been no known instances of successful hacking of a pacemaker system or instances of clinical harm, the risk associated with a firmware update must be balanced against the theoretical risk of a cybersecurity vulnerability. Here we report the occurrence of malfunctions encountered during pacemaker interrogation of 3 Abbott pacemakers associated with the version 23.1.1 Abbott firmware update. The firmware update affected programmers, wireless pacemakers, and Merlin.Net remote monitoring devices, and was designed to address cybersecurity and premature battery depletion issues.1
Mathematical modeling and control for cancer treatment with cold atmospheric plasma jet

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet exhibits remarkable properties that trigger cell death in cancer cells. The effect of CAP on cancer cells is influenced by several factors including plasma jet discharge voltages, gas composition and cancer cell type. Consequently in clinics it becomes challenging to plan plasma cancer treatments for a particular cancer types. To address this, we present preliminary results for an in vitro model which includes an optimal feedback control scheme that can adjust treatment conditions based on the actual cancer cell response. Translation to an in vivo model will be the next objective of the presented project. First, a mathematical model is presented for the dynamic response of cancer cells to CAP jets based on experimental data that provide temporal measurements of cancer cell viability after CAP treatments. A differential equation is developed to model the influence of CAP on the viability of two cancer cell lines, U-87 MG and MDA-MB-231, under varying treatment duration and plasma discharge voltages. Subsequently, a control scheme is presented to determine CAP treatment conditions in an optimal fashion by reducing cancer cell viability less than a prescribed goal while minimizing a weighted sum of the treatment duration and the discharge voltage. This is further extended to a model predictive control framework such that a pre-planned CAP treatment schedule is revised according to the actual cancer cell response. The efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated by numerical simulations based on experimental data.
Perivascular spaces contribute to cognition beyond other small vessel disease markers.

Objective To cross-sectionally relate multiple small vessel disease (SVD) neuroimaging markers to cognition among older adults. Methods Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project participants free of clinical dementia and stroke (n = 327, age 73 ± 7 years, 59% male, 40% with mild cognitive impairment) completed neuropsychological assessment and 3T MRI to measure white matter hyperintensities (WMH), perivascular spaces (PVS), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and lacunes. Linear regressions related each SVD marker to neuropsychological performances and adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, cognitive diagnosis, APOE e4 presence, Framingham Stroke Risk Profile, and intracranial volume. Results WMH related to the most neuropsychological measures, including the Boston Naming Test, Animal Naming, Coding, Number Sequencing, Executive Function Composite, and Hooper Visual Organization Test performances (p ≤ 0.01). PVS related to multiple information processing and executive function performances (p ≤ 0.02). Lacunes and CMBs related to fewer measures than expected. Combined models simultaneously testing multiple statistically significant SVD predictors suggested that WMH, PVS, and CMBs each independently related to information processing and executive function performances; however, compared to other SVD markers, PVS remained statistically significant in models related to information processing and executive functioning performances. Conclusions As expected, increased WMH corresponded to poorer performances across multiple cognitive domains. PVS, previously considered a benign neuroimaging feature in older adults, may have important clinical implications because PVS was related to information processing and executive function performances even in combined models. On the basis of models with multiple SVD predictors, WMH, PVS, and CMBs may each reflect a separate pathway of small vessel injury.