cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implicit TVDLF Methods for Diffusion and Kinematic Flows

AbstractDiffusion-wave and kinematic-wave approximations of the St. Venant equations are commonly used in physically based, regional hydrologic models because they have high computational efficiency and use fewer equations. Increasingly, models based on these equations are being applied to cover larger areas of land with different surface and groundwater regimes and complicated topography. Existing numerical methods are not well suited for multiyear simulation of detailed flow behavior unless they can be run efficiently with large time steps and control numerical error. A numerical method also should be able to solve both diffusive and kinematic wave models. A total variation diminishing Lax-Friedrichs type method (TVDLF) that is stable and accurate with both diffusive- and kinematic-wave models and large time steps is presented as a means to address this problem. It uses a linearized conservative implicit formulation that makes it possible to avoid nonlinear iterations. The numerical method was tested su...
Reaction induced by a scanning tunneling microscope: Theory and application

We develop a theoretical framework for study of chemical dynamics induced by a scanning tunneling microscope. An analytically solvable limit of the expression derived for the reaction rate reveals the information content of the voltage dependence of the observable. The theory is applied to the problem of H-atom desorption from a silicon surface in the 4–10 V range, where desorption is triggered by a single electronic transition into a short-lived excited state localized on the H–Si bond. The resonance lifetime is extracted by fitting the numerical results to an observed desorption yield versus voltage curve [Foley et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 1336 (1998)].
Word processing developments at Oberlin College

Word processing as an application of computing resources has been the object of great interest in recent years. Its effect on the processes of business and education have been the subject of speculation and prognostication in many forums. I intend to review in this presentation Oberlin College's attempts over the past few years to explore the current state of word processing, evaluate its feasibility for the College, and define possible alternatives to bring about its introduction.
Effects of non-normal incidence on the implantation of copper with gold and tantalum

Abstract Copper targets were implanted with 125 keV gold and tantalum ions at selected incident angles of the beam relative to the target normal to examine the effect of the incident angle on the sputtering yields, the dose retained in the modified layer, and the atomic surface fractions. Sputtered particles were collected on aluminum foils to measure the angular distribution of the sputtered particles and to determine the partial sputtering yields of the beam and target species. A 1.5 MeV xenon beam implanted markers into the copper targets to determine the average sputtering yield for the surface during the implantation. Theoretical predictions from a surface binding energy correction model were compared with the experimental results. Although the predictions from the model were not exact, the trends of the data were in agreement with the model. The measured total sputtering yield increases with increasing incident beam angle, and, correspondingly, the fluence retained decreases with incident beam angle.
Structure of a 16-mer RNA duplex r(GCAGACUUAAAUCUGC)2 with wobble C.A+ mismatches.

Abstract The crystal structure of a 16-mer, the longest known RNA duplex, has been determined at 2.5 A resolution. The hexadecamer r(GCAGA C UUAA A UCUGC) contains isolated C·A/A·C mismatches with two hydrogen bonds. The two hydrogen bonds in the mismatches suggests that N1 of A is protonated even though the crystallization was done at neutral pH. Therefore, the C·A mismatch is a C·A+ wobble similar to the G·U wobble. The two C·A+ pairs are isolated by four Watson-Crick pairs and flanked by five Watson-Crick base-pairs on either sides. Kinks/bends of 20° are observed at the wobble sites. The Watson-Crick base-pair A5·U26 on the 5′-side of the first C6·A27+ wobble has a twist angle of 27° compared to the 3′-side U7·A28 pair of 36°. The twist angles are reversed (37° and 26°) in the second A11+·C22 wobble because of the approximate dyad in the molecule, the flanking base-pair sequences are A·U pairs. The wobbles expand the major groove to 7.1 A/7.3 A. The duplexes form helical columns and are tightly packed around the 31-screw axis. The minor grooves of adjacent columns in juxtaposition interact through the O2′ atoms and the anionic phosphate oxygen atoms.
Estimating productivity of earthmoving operations using spatial technologies11This paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue on Construction Engineering and Management.

This paper presents an automated method for estimating productivity of earthmoving operations in near-real-time. The developed method utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) and Google Earth to ex...
Global terrestrial water storage capacity and flood potential using GRACE

Terrestrial water storage anomaly from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and precipitation observations from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) are applied at the regional scale to show the usefulness of a remotely sensed, storage-based flood potential method. Over the GRACE record length, instances of repeated maxima in water storage anomaly that fall short of variable maxima in cumulative precipitation suggest an effective storage capacity for a given region, beyond which additional precipitation must be met by marked increases in runoff or evaporation. These saturation periods indicate the possible transition to a flood-prone situation. To investigate spatially and temporally variable storage overflow, a monthly storage deficit variable is created and a global map of effective storage capacity is presented for possible use in land surface models. To highlight a flood-potential application, we design a monthly global flood index and compare with Dartmouth Flood Observatory flood maps.
mTOR: Its role in the nervous system and involvement in neurologic disease

The ability of cells to integrate signals from growth factors, nutrients, intermediate metabolism, and markers of cellular stress is key to cell development, function, and survival. In the nervous system, these signals are also critical for neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity. Among the multiple signal transduction pathways involved in these processes, increasing evidence points to a central role of those involving the mechanistic (previously known as mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a ubiquitously expressed multieffector serine threonine protein kinase that forms 2 functionally distinct multiprotein signaling complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The mTORC1 pathway controls cell growth and survival by regulating RNA translation, ribosomal biogenesis, nutrient transport, and autophagy. The tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC) proteins, including TSC (hamartin) and TSC2 (tuberin), form a heterodimer that inhibits mTORC1 kinase activity. mTORC2 promotes cell cycle entry, controls cell morphology via its effects on the of the actin cytoskeleton, and inhibits apoptosis. In the nervous system, mTOR signals regulate neuronal survival and differentiation, dendritic arborization, axonal growth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Mutations in key regulatory genes affecting the mTORC1 pathway result in structural brain abnormalities and familial neoplasia syndromes associated with seizures, autism spectrum disorders, and cognitive dysfunction. One important example is tuberous sclerosis, due to TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. Excessive mTORC1 signaling may also be involved in aberrant plasticity underlying acquired conditions, including temporal lobe epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, mTORC1 provides an important therapeutic target. There are several excellent reviews on the molecular mechanisms of mTOR signaling1–5 and its involvement in epilepsy and other neurologic disorders.6–14
Genetic studies of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica: Current status in European, African American and Asian populations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis results from both genetic and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have contributed considerably to our understanding of MS susceptibility through identification of genetic variants influencing risk and quantitation of their effect sizes. Immunologically relevant genes, including genes in the major histocompatibility complex region, are the primary genetic contributors to MS susceptibility. MS prevalence differs according to population, and most GWAS carried out to date have used datasets from people of European descent. Interpretation and application of GWAS results from Europeans to other populations require a good understanding of the genetic characteristics of each population, such as linkage disequilibrium patterns. The heterogeneity in global MS prevalence is partially explained by differences in risk allele frequencies in populations, which are due to the effects of migration, adaptation to new environments and genetic heterogeneity. Genetic studies of different populations can be expected to narrow down the putative causative regions and improve our understanding of MS pathogenesis. The literature record of genetic studies of neuromyelitis optica is much shorter than that of MS. Genes associated with neuromyelitis optica have been reported in the major histocompatibility complex region, as well as at other genetic loci, but only the susceptibility associated with the HLA-DPB1*05:01 and HLA-DRB1*03 alleles, and the association of a CYP7A single nucleotide polymorphism have been replicated. Here, we describe important genetic studies of MS and neuromyelitis optica in Europeans, African Americans, and Asians, and discuss the implications for disease incidence and future directions for genetic research.
Compensatory coding of body part location in autotopagnosia: Evidence for extrinsic egocentric coding.

We report a patient with autotopagnosia (JD) who was unable to code the position of body parts relative to each other and who failed to update the position of body parts after passive movements. JD's performance in Studies 14 suggest that her ability to code the dynamic location of body parts with respect to each other ("intrinsic egocentric" spatial coding) was impaired, and that she employed a compensatory strategy by means of which the location of body parts was computed with respect to objects in the environment ("extrinsic egocentric" spatial coding). Studies 58 suggest that JD's ability to update hand position information was impaired after passive relative to active movements of her arm. For example, she was impaired in reaching to a target after passive but not active movements of her hand. Taken together, these findings extend previously reported functions of extrinsic egocentric coding to the localisation of body parts and demonstrate a possible dissociation between body part localisation depe...
Somatic genital reflexes in rats with a nod to humans: Anatomy, physiology, and the role of the social neuropeptides

Somatic genital reflexes such as ejaculation and vaginocervical contractions are produced through the striated muscles associated with the genitalia. The coordination of these reflexes is surprisingly complex and involves a number of lumbosacral spinal and supraspinal systems. The rat model has been proven to be an excellent source of information regarding these mechanisms, and many parallels to research in humans can be drawn. An understanding of the spinal systems involving the lumbosacral spinal cord, both efferent and afferent, has been generated through decades of research. Spinal and supraspinal mechanisms of descending excitation, through a spinal ejaculation generator in the lumbar spinal cord and thalamus, and descending inhibition, through the ventrolateral medulla, have been identified and characterized both anatomically and physiologically. In addition, delineation of the neural circuits whereby ascending genitosensory information regarding the regulation of somatic genital reflexes is relayed supraspinally has also been the topic of recent investigation. Lastly, the importance of the "social neuropeptides" oxytocin and vasopressin in the regulation of somatic genital reflexes, and associated sociosexual behaviors, is emerging. This work not only has implications for understanding how nervous systems generate sexual behavior but also provides treatment targets for sexual dysfunction in people.
Stationary nonlinear waves guided by thin films bounded by nonlinear diffusive media

Stationary TE-polarized nonlinear waves, guided by thin films that are bounded by nonlinear diffusive media, are studied numerically for a variety of waveguide structures. We calculate both the guided-wave power as a function of effective index and the power-dependent field distributions. The nonlinear guided-wave dispersion relations are found to move to higher powers with increased diffusion length. For an asymmetric waveguide composed of two nonlinear media with unequal diffusion lengths, we predict the existence of two distinct asymmetric solutions.
Genetic divergence in the Poecilia sphenops complex in Middle America

Key Word Index - Poecilia; Poeciliidae; Pisces; isozymes; starch gel electrophoresis; allozymes; chemosystematics. Abatract- Based on morphological and allozymic evidence, the Poecilia sphenops complex is an array of at least ten biological species ranging from Mexico to Venezuela (systematics are unclear south of Mexico) and not a single polytypic species as some authors have previously suggested. The allozyme data also suggest that the populations of mollies with tricuspid teeth on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico now referred to as P. sphenops (sensu stricto) may represent at least two biological species. As some of the members of the complex are used as general research animals, experimental biologists should ascertain the specific identity of their stocks.
A supervised learning framework for generic object detection in images

In recent years kernel principal component analysis (kernel PCA) has gained much attention because of its ability to capture nonlinear image features, which are particularly important for encoding image structure. Boosting has been established as a powerful learning algorithm that can be used for feature selection. In this paper we present a novel framework for object class detection that combines the feature reduction and feature selection abilities of kernel PCA and AdaBoost respectively. The classifier obtained in this way is able to handle change in object appearance, illumination conditions, and surrounding clutter. A nonlinear subspace is learned for positive and negative object classes using Kernel PCA. Features are derived by projecting example images onto the learned subspaces. Base learners are modeled using Bayes classifier. AdaBoost is then employed to discover the features that are most relevant for the object detection task at hand. The proposed method has been successfully tested on wide range of object classes (cars, air-planes, pedestrians, motorcycles, etc) using standard data sets and has shown remarkable performance. Using a small training set, a classifier learned in this way was able to generalize the intra-class variation while still maintaining high detection rate. In most object categories we achieved detection rates of above 95% with minimal false alarm rates. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in terms of absolute performance parameters and comparative performance against current state of the art approaches
Gain scheduled neural network tuned pi feedback control system for the lansce accelerator

The current LANSCE LLRF system is an analog PI Feedback control system which achieves the amplitude and phase error within 1% and 1 degree. The feedback system receives the cavity amplitude and phase and the crosstalk between the amplitude and the phase paths is significant. We propose an In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) based feedback control system which easily decouples the crosstalk of I and Q channels. A gain scheduled PI feedback controller with optimally generated set point trajectory reduces the transient peak of the feedback controller and hence reduce the fatigue of the RF amplifier chain. An additional feature of the controller is the Neural network based self-tuning PI feedback, where the neural network tunes the feedback gains to minimize the errors in the least squares sense. The proposed control system is implemented with Altera Stratix II FPGA. The control system is modeled with DSP Builder and automatically generates HDL. Altera SOPC Builder is used for the hardware integration of the DSP Builder model, memories, peripherals, and 32 bit NIOS II embedded processor. NIOS II processor equipped with real time operating system communicates with the host computer via Ethernet, uploads data, computes parameters, and downloads parameters. The proposed control system is tested with the low power test-stand for the robustness of the algorithm.
Effect of High-Grade Disease on Outcomes of Surgically Treated Colon Cancer

Tumor grade is one of the cardinal pathological characteristics of colon cancer. Despite a large body of evidence on disease grade in general, the exact impact of high-grade disease in the context of the simplified high/low-grade dichotomy that is based on glandular formation rate has yet to be quantified. Patients with sporadic colon cancer treated surgically at our center (2004–2011) were included in an institutional review board-approved database. We measured the rates of distant and nodal disease spread in baseline pathology and the multivariable hazard radio (mHR) of recurrence and overall- and disease-specific mortality. Among 922 patients with specified tumor grade in baseline surgical pathology, 175 (19.0 %) had high-grade disease. These patients were at far higher risk of lymph node metastasis (63.8 vs. 39.6 %; P < 0.001) and metastatic presentation (31.4 vs. 15.8 %; P < 0.001). These baseline differences also led to significantly worse outcomes, including disease recurrence (17.1 vs. 10.6 %; mHR = 1.83; P = 0.026), overall mortality (57.7 vs. 33.3 %; mHR = 1.65; P < 0.001), and colon cancer-specific mortality (39.4 vs. 16.9 %; mHR = 1.57; P = 0.004). Most significantly, in stage II patients (n = 294), those with high-grade disease (16.0 %) had an mHR of 2.84 (P < 0.001) for mortality. High-grade disease on baseline surgical pathology is associated with a considerably higher rate of nodal and distant metastasis in colon cancer. As a result, the colon cancer-related mortality doubles for patients with high-grade disease. These findings were independent of baseline staging and confirm that the high-/low-grade tumor dichotomy is an important prognostic factor greatly influencing colon cancer outcomes across stages.
Pediatric Photo Documentation in the Emergency Department

This brief discussion delves into current and future uses of digital imaging and photo documentation in the emergency department.
Band decomposition of 2-manifold meshes for physical construction of large structures

With the design and construction of more and more unusually shaped buildings, the computer graphics community has started to explore new methods to reduce the cost of the physical construction for large shapes. Most of currently suggested methods focus on reduction of the number of differently shaped components to reduce fabrication cost. In this work, we focus on physical construction using developable components such as thin metals or thick papers. In practice, for developable surfaces fabrication is economical even if each component is different. Such developable components can be manufactured fairly inexpensively by cutting large sheets of thin metals or thin paper using laser-cutters, which are now widely available.
Increased Susceptibility of Down's Syndrome Fibroblasts to Transformation by SV10.∗:

SummaryTissue culture cell strains of foreskin nbroblasts obtained from 5 neonates with Down's Syndrome (trisomy 21-22) were shown to be at least twice as susceptible and, the average, 3 times as susceptible to transformation by the SV40 virus as diploid foreskin nbroblasts from normal neonates. An even greater susceptibility to in vitro SV40 transformation was found in a strain of trisomy 18 nbroblasts. It is suggested that one reason for the increased incidence of neoplasia in Down's Syndrome is a heightened intrinsic susceptibility of the trisomic cells to carcinogenic agents.We thank C. Sprague and E. Deutsch for excellent technical assistance.
The effect of random or sequential presentation of targets during robot-assisted therapy on children.

BACKGROUND: Robot assisted upper extremity therapy has been shown to be effective in adult stroke patients and in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other acquired brain injuries (ABI). The patient’s active involvement is a factor in its efficacy. However, this demands focused attention during training sessions, which can be a challenge for children. OBJECTIVE: To compare results of training requiring two different levels of focused attention. Differences in short term performance and retention of gains as a function of training protocol as measured by the Fugl-Meyer (FM) were predicted. METHODS: Thirty-one children with CP or ABI were randomly divided into two groups. All received 16 one hour sessions of robot-assisted therapy (twice a week for 8 weeks) where they moved a robot handle to direct a cursor on the screen toward designated targets. One group had targets presented sequentially in clockwise fashion, the other presented in random order. Thus, one group could anticipate the position of each target, the other could not. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant functional improvement after therapy, but no significant difference between groups was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Assist-as-needed robotic training is effective in children with CP or ABI with small non-significant differences attributed to attentional demand.
Enhancement for High-Speed Switching of Magneto-Optic Fiber-Based Routing Using Single Magnetizing Coil

This paper discusses a compact and faster technique to switch magneto-optics (MO) routing systems. The new design utilizes a single coil to generate in-phase and out-of-phase magnetic fields to magnetize and demagnetize the MO material. Because of the use of high-current pMOS and nMOS transistors, along with a single coil, this new circuit enhances the switching speed and minimizes the package size. The authors have shown with experimental results that the proposed magnetic field generator circuit can produce forward and reverse magnetic fields to aid the MO material to switch faster.
Factors Associated with Patient Preferences for Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Treatment adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential to reduce the rate of acute neurological attacks, severity of relapses, and hospitalizations and to slow its progression. Adherence rates in MS patients have been shown to be affected by multiple factors, including physical or cognitive difficulties, perceived lack of treatment efficacy, treatment-related adverse events, injection anxiety, and frequency of administration. OBJECTIVE: To elicit the preferences of MS patients for noneconomic and economic attributes of current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). METHODS: We used conjoint analysis to estimate preferences from a convenience sample through a web-based online survey. Patients were invited to participate in the study using web portals and newsletters for MS patients. The conjoint survey included the following 6 attributes: (1) overall efficacy based on autoimmune disease progression stabilization; (2) acute increase in disease activity (flare-up); (3) rate of res...
Informing women and improving sanitation: Evidence from rural India

Abstract A lack of access to sanitation not only has negative effects on the health outcomes of women, it adversely affects their physical security and threatens the lives of children, who are most susceptible to water-borne diseases. This paper explores the underlying conditions that improve access to basic sanitation services for women, with a particular focus on the role information has on the ownership of household latrines. Drawing from nationwide household-level panel data between 2004 and 2011 in rural India, I find that households in which women have regular access to mass media and accurate health knowledge are more likely to have latrines. I also find that women's decision-making power in the household makes a difference, but to a lesser degree. Extending this analysis with district-level data from India's sanitation campaign, the study also demonstrates that different mass media channels have distinct influences on the rural poor and non-poor. For the rural poor, where the consequences of a lack of sanitation are most acute for women, increasing latrine provision is more strongly associated with changes in radio ownership; for the non-poor television ownership has a stronger relationship. By highlighting the role of mass media in latrine ownership, and differentiating by gender, this study identifies an important mechanism that has been given less consideration in the study of women and access to basic services.
Die Schätzung von kausalen Effekten: Überlegungen zu Methoden der Kausalanalyse anhand von Kontexteffekten in der Schule

Im Vordergrund eines Grosteils quantitativer Sozialforschung steht die Schatzung von kausalen Effekten. Um ein besseres Verstandnis des Problems der kausalen Inferenz zu entwickeln, wird in diesem Beitrag das Kausalitatsproblem anhand einer klassischen Frage der Bildungssoziologie veranschaulicht: Dem Effekt der sozialen Zusammensetzung der Mitschuler auf die Leistungen von Schulern. Dabei werden nach einer Einfuhrung in die Frage von Peer-Effekten in der Schule derkontrafaktische Ansatz zur Kausalitat sowie das fundamentale Problem der Kausalanalyse anhand dieses Beispiels verdeutlicht und anschliesend sowohl Experimente als auch eine Reihe von statistischen Verfahren zur Losung des Selektionsproblems diskutiert. Im Einzelnen behandelt der Beitrag neben der Kontrolle nach Kovariaten durch die heute gangigen Regressionsmodelle, Matchingverfahren (etwa Propensity Score Matching), Fixed-Effekt und Difference-in-Difference-Modelle sowie instrumentelle Variablen und das Regression Discontinuity Design. Das Augenmerk der Einfuhrung liegt nicht auf dem mathematischen Hintergrund oder den Schatzverfahren sondern vielmehr auf der generellen Logik der Ansatze sowie den impliziten Annahmen. Abschliesend wird der adaquate Umgang mit moglichen Selektionsprozessen anhand einer beispielhaften Analyse zu Kontexteffekten in der Schule veranschaulicht.
A clinical pharmacy pilot within a Precision Medicine Program for cancer patients and review of related pharmacist clinical practice.

PurposeThe implementation, benefits, and challenges of clinical pharmacist services within a Precision Medicine Program for cancer patients are described. By relating the practice model that was de...
Defense Mechanisms of Tears and Ocular Surface

Despite constant exposure to the environment the ocular surface rarely becomes infected. This immunity is conferred by a variety of physical and chemical mechanisms that cooperate to limit pathogen entry and kill or prevent the proliferation of microbes. This article provides an overview of the major mechanisms operating in the tears that bathe the ocular surface. These are primarily chemical and include antimicrobials such as lysozyme and secretory immunoglobulin A. The contributions from the corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells are also addressed and encompass the physical barrier created by the cells themselves and production of antimicrobial peptide such as defensins and LL-37.
The Probabilistic Structure of Clear Air Turbulence — Some Observational Results and Implications

Apparent randomness is the particular feature of turbulence which distinguishes it from less complex fluid motions. The fact that turbulence is a physically generated random process must be taken into account in both theoretical studies and in attempts to deal with turbulence as an important part of the environment. The probabilistic structure of turbulent motion is thus the keystone for construction of models which will yield understanding of the physics of turbulence and which will allow engineering predictions to be made.
Pipeline to Circulation: The Story of the Kimray–Greenfield Inferior Vena Caval Filter

The development of filters in oil pipelines resolved many issues with maintenance. The application of the technology to filter blood clots in the venous system has resulted in a paradigm shift in care and saved lives by preventing deaths from pulmonary embolism.
Understanding the Friction of Nanometer-Thick Fluorinated Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) show promise as lubricants for nano- and microelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) and hard disc drives (HDDs). When deposited on solid substrates as nanometer-thick films, the...
No sugar added: A new strategy to inhibit glioblastoma receptor tyrosine kinases

A novel inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation (NGI-1) inhibits the glycosylation and phosphorylation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases in glioblastoma (GBM). NGI-1 sensitizes multiple models of GBM to chemotherapy and radiation in vitro and in vivo and may be especially effective in GBMs that retain active PTEN.See related article by Baro et al., p. 784.
Irradiance controls photodynamic efficacy and tissue heating in experimental tumours: implication for interstitial PDT of locally advanced cancer.

Currently delivered light dose (J/cm2) is the principal parameter guiding interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) of refractory locally advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of light dose rate (irradiance, mW/cm2) and associated heating on tumour response and cure. Finite-element modeling was used to compute intratumoural irradiance and dose to guide Photofrin® I-PDT in locally advanced SCCVII in C3H mice and large VX2 neck tumours in New Zealand White rabbits. Light-induced tissue heating in mice was studied with real-time magnetic resonance thermometry. In the mouse model, cure rates of 70–90% were obtained with I-PDT using 8.4–245 mW/cm2 and ≥45 J/cm2 in 100% of the SCCVII tumour. Increasing irradiance was associated with increase in tissue heating. I-PDT with Photofrin® resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher cure rate compared to light delivery alone at same irradiance and light dose. Local control and/or cures of VX2 were obtained using I-PDT with 16.5–398 mW/cm2 and ≥45 J/cm2 in 100% of the tumour. In Photofrin®-mediated I-PDT, a selected range of irradiance prompts effective photoreaction with tissue heating in the treatment of locally advanced mouse tumour. These irradiances were translated for effective local control of large VX2 tumours.
Large tunability in the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon nanotube-fullerene hierarchical monoliths

Carbon based materials have attracted much attention as building blocks in technologically relevant nanocomposites due to their unique chemical and physical properties. Here, we propose a new class of hierarchical carbon based nano-truss structures consisting of fullerene joints attached with carbon nanotubes as the truss forming a three-dimensional network. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations allow us to systematically demonstrate the ability to simultaneously control the mechanical and thermal properties of these structures, elucidating their unique physical properties. Specifically, we perform uniaxial tensile and compressive loading to show that by controlling the length of the carbon nanotube trusses, the mechanical properties can be tuned over a large range. Furthermore, we utilize the Green-Kubo method under the equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations framework to show that the thermal conductivities of these structures can be manipulated by varying the densities of the overall structures. This work provides a computational framework guiding future research on the manipulation of the fundamental physical properties in these organic-based hierarchical structures composed of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes as building blocks.
You can't have it both ways

Attempts to limit scientific communication may hinder the very dynamism our society seeks to promote.
High-Performance Computing for Real-Time Grid Analysis and Operation

Power system computation software tools are traditionally designed as serial codes and optimized for single-processor computers. They are becoming inadequate in terms of computational efficiency for the ever increasing complexity of the power grid. The power grid has served us remarkably well but is likely to see more changes over the next decade than it has seen over the past century. In particular, the widespread deployment of renewable generation, smart-grid controls, energy storage, plug-in hybrids, and other emerging technologies will require fundamental changes in the operational concepts and principal components of the grid. The grid is in an unprecedented transition that poses significant challenges in power grid operation. Central to this transition, power system computation needs to evolve accordingly to provide fast results for power grid management.
Analysis of local ventricular repolarization using unipolar recordings in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), abnormal electroanatomic mapping (EAM) areas are proportional to extent of T-wave inversion on 12-lead ECG. We aimed to evaluate local repolarization changes and their relationship to EAM substrate in ARVC. Using unipolar recordings, we analyzed the proportion of negative T waves ≥ 1 mV in depth (NegT), NegT area, Q-Tpeak (QTP), Tpeak-Tend (TPE) intervals and their relationship to bipolar (< 1.5 mV ENDO, < 1.0 mV EPI) and unipolar (< 5.5 mV) endocardial (ENDO) and epicardial (EPI) low-voltage area (LVA) in 21 pts. (15 men, mean age 39 ± 14) with ARVC. Control group included 5 pts. with normal hearts and idiopathic PVCs. On ENDO, the % of NegT (7 ± 5% vs 30 ± 20%, p = 0.004) and the NegT area (12.9 ± 9.7 c m2 vs 61.4 ± 30.0 cm2, p = 0.001) were smaller in ARVC compared to controls. On EPI, the % of NegT was similar (5 ± 7% vs 3 ± 4%, p = 0.323) and the NegT area, larger (11.0 ± 8.4 cm2 vs 2.7 ± 0.9 cm2, p = 0.027) in ARVC group. In ARVC group, the % of NegT area inside LVA was larger on EPI compared to ENDO for both bipolar (81 ± 27% vs 31 ± 33%, p < 0.001) and unipolar (90 ± 19% vs 73 ± 28%, p = 0.036) recordings. Compared to normal voltage regions, QTP inside ENDO abnormal LVA was on average 58 ± 26 ms shorter and TPE, 25 ± 56 ms longer (97 ± 26 ms and 56 ± 86 ms on EPI, respectively). In ARVC, NegT areas are more closely associated with abnormal depolarization LVA on the EPI and QTP is shorter and TPE longer inside ENDO and EPI abnormal LVA compared to normal voltage regions. The results add to our understanding of ARVC arrhythmia substrate.
Making Life Visible: Fluorescent Indicators to Probe Membrane Potential

Cell membranes are central to all life on earth. The lipid bilayer composing cell membranes enables discrimination between the cell and its external environment. Far from a passive bystander, the lipid membrane plays an active role in sequestering and accumulating genetic material, proteins, nutrients and ions essential for life. Indeed, cells allocate a significant portion of their energy budget to maintain an unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane. The unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane results in an electrochemical potential, or voltage. Rapid changes in this membrane voltage drive the unique physiology of excitable cells like neurons and cardiomyocytes. Despite the central importance of voltage in the brain and body, the full contributions of voltage changes to both physiology and disease remain incompletely characterized due to a lack of methods that can report on membrane potential with high fidelity, high throughput, and minimal invasiveness.
Global Vascular Risk Score and CAIDE Dementia Risk Score Predict Cognitive Function in the Northern Manhattan Study.

BACKGROUND Modifiable vascular risk factors (VRF) have been implicated in cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE We compared the prediction of cognitive performance between the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) dementia risk score, a validated tool to estimate dementia risk using VRF, and the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) global vascular risk score (GVRS), created to predict vascular events. METHODS The CAIDE and GVRS scores were calculated based on baseline VRF among 1,290 stroke-free participants in the prospective population-based NOMAS MRI cohort (mean age 64±8 years, 60% women; 66% Hispanic, 17% Black, 15% White; 46% completed high school). Domain-specific Z-scores were derived for episodic and semantic memory, executive function, and processing speed, and averaged to calculate global cognition. RESULTS The CAIDE score was associated with worse global cognition at initial assessment (Beta per SD = -0.347, p < 0.0001), and with greater decline over time (Beta per SD = -0.033, p = 0.02). These associations were largely due to age and education, and the association with cognitive decline was not significant after adjusting for age, sex, and education. The GVRS was inversely associated with global cognition at initial testing (Beta per SD = -0.247, p < 0.0001) and greater decline over time (Beta per SD = -0.127, p < 0.0001), which persisted after adjusting for sociodemographics. The associations for both scores with initial cognitive performance were driven by executive function and processing speed, and the GVRS was associated with decline in episodic memory and processing speed. CONCLUSIONS The GVRS was a stronger predictor of cognitive decline than the CAIDE in a multi-ethnic urban cohort. The inclusion of glucose and smoking in the GVRS, which are absent in CAIDE, likely explains the better performance of the GVRS.
Biomarkers to Personalize Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk Stratification: Ready for Prime Time?

Duceppe and colleagues reported that the addition of NT-proBNP improves risk stratification of patients having noncardiac surgery. The editorialists discuss the need for further study to determine ...
Clinical impact of neonatal hypoglycemia screening in the well-baby care

To determine the proportion of well-appearing newborns screened for hypoglycemia, yield of specific screening criteria, and impact of screening on breastfeeding. The retrospective study of well-appearing at-risk infants born ≥36 weeks’ gestation with blood glucose (BG) measurements obtained ≤72 h of age. Of 10,533 eligible well newborns, 48.7% were screened for hypoglycemia. Among tested infants, BG < 50 mg/dL occurred in 43% and 4.6% required intensive care for hypoglycemia. BG < 50 mg/dL was associated with lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding (22% vs 65%, p < 0.001). Infants screened due to late-preterm birth were most frequently identified as hypoglycemic. The fewest abnormal values occurred among appropriate weight, late-term infants of nondiabetic mothers. Hypoglycemia risk criteria result in screening a large proportion of otherwise well newborns and negatively impact rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The risks and benefits of hypoglycemia screening recommendations should be urgently addressed.
Engage for Equity: Development of Community-Based Participatory Research Tools:

We developed a set of four community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership tools aimed at supporting community-academic research partnerships in strengthening their research processes, with the ultimate goal of improving research outcomes. The aim of this article is to describe the tools we developed to accomplish this goal: (1) the River of Life Exercise; (2) a Partnership Visioning Exercise; (3) a personalized Partnership Data Report of data from academic and community research partners; and (4) a Promising Practices Guide with aggregated survey data analyses on promising CBPR practices associated with CBPR and health outcomes from two national samples of CBPR projects that completed a series of two online surveys. Relying on Paulo Freire's philosophy of praxis, or the cycles of collective reflection and action, we developed a set of tools designed to support research teams in holding discussions aimed at strengthening research partnership capacity, aligning research partnership efforts to achieve grant aims, and recalling and operationalizing larger social justice goals. This article describes the theoretical framework and process for tool development and provides preliminary data from small teams representing 25 partnerships who attended face-to-face workshops and provided their perceptions of tool accessibility and intended future use.
Graphene-Sealed Flow Cells for In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Liquid Samples

We introduce a graphene-based nanofluidic cell that facilitates in-situ imaging of liquid samples via transmission electron microscopy. The cell combines the benefits of graphene liquid cells – nam...
CO2 Photoelectrochemical Reduction Catalyzed by a GaP(001) Photoelectrode

Several types of metal electrodes (especially copper) can catalyze electrochemical CO2 reduction. Among semiconductor electrodes for CO2 photoelectroreduction, GaP electrodes exposing (111) and (11...
Quantifying patterns in art and nature

Many different types of artworks mimic the properties of natural fractal patterns – in particular, statistical self-similarity at different scales. Here, we describe examples of abstract art create...
Evaluating dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND We assessed long-term patient-reported dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following definitive surgical management with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) via a cross-sectional survey study. METHODS Patients with OPC managed with primary oropharyngeal surgery as definitive treatment at least 1 year ago between 2015 and 2019 were identified. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Xerostomia Inventory (XI) scores were compared across treatment types (i.e., no adjuvant therapy [TORS-A] vs. adjuvant radiotherapy [TORS+RT] vs. adjuvant chemoradiotherapy [TORS+CT/RT]). RESULTS The sample had 62 patients (10 TORS-A, 30 TORS+RT, 22 TORS+CT/RT). TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly better MDADI scores than TORS+RT (p = 0.03) and TORS+CT/RT (p = 0.02), but TORS+RT and TORS+CT/RT were not significantly different. TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly less XI than TORS+RT (p < 0.01) and TORS+CT/RT (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with OPC who have undergone TORS+RT or TORS+CT/RT following surgery face clinically worse dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes relative to patients who undergo TORS-A.
Mechanisms of regulatory peptide action in the gastrointestinal tract: trefoil peptides.

The trefoil peptide family is comprised of three small peptides (designated pS2, SP, and ITF) exhibiting a unique motif of three intrachain loops formed by disulfide bonds. These highly protease-resistant peptides are secreted onto the mucosal surface by goblet cells or their equivalents. Most importantly, these factors protect epithelium from injury and promote repair through restitution after injury has occurred. Targeted deletion of the gene encoding ITF results in exquisite sensitivity to colonic injury by standard agents (e.g., dextran sodium sulfate) due to an inability to repair the epithelium. Studies have led to insight into the intracellular responses to trefoil peptides, including ras-dependent MAP kinase activation and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor. Among other effects, activation of these pathways is associated with redistribution of E-cadherin from the cell surface to intracellular domains, where it is complexed with catenins, and phosphorylation of akt, inactivating this kinase associated with apoptosis. In addition, trefoil peptides appear to block both p53 dependent and p53 independent apoptosis through pathways associated with activation of EGFR and P13 kinase. These observations suggest that trefoil peptides elicit a coordinated cellular response enabling cell migration without triggering the programmed cell death response usually precipitated by cell detachment from a stationary anchored state.
Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence: Exploring the Cross-Cultural Dynamics within Organizations, by Michael A. Moodian

Addressing the challenges, and facilitating the rewards, of organizational diversity are among the most important responsibilities of human service managers. Increased heterogeneity in staff and cl...
Disorders of Divalent Ions and Vitamin D Metabolism in Chronic Alcoholism

This chapter reviews the pathogenesis of disordered divalent mineral and bone metabolism in alcoholism, emphasizing the role of impaired vitamin D physiology. Normally, vitamin D metabolites are derived principally from cholecalciferol, which is synthesized in the skin via the energy of sunlight. Most alcoholics have subnormal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Those with Laennec’s cirrhosis also have low levels of vitamin D binding protein due to impaired hepatic protein synthesis and as a result, have low serum concentrations of total, but not free, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The causes of 25(OH)D deficiency in alcoholics include reduced hepatic 25-hydroxylase activity, lack of sun exposure, inadequate dietary intake, and malabsorption. Hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia, which are very common in hospitalized alcoholics, result from deficient intake, malabsorption, excessive renal losses, and cellular uptake of both ions. Hypocalcemia in alcoholics is caused primarily by hypoalbuminemia but can result also from deficient intake, malabsorption, hypomagnesemia, and renal calcium wastage. Low vitamin D activity may contribute significantly to the calcium and phosphate deficiencies. Osteoporosis is extremely common in alcoholics whereas osteomalacia is exceptional. However, both bone disorders respond well to vitamin D therapy. Thus, alcoholics should be screened periodically for vitamin D deficiency and osteopenia, and when either is detected they should receive vitamin D supplements.
Assessing strategies for controlling viral rumor propagation on social media - a simulation approach

Like most cyber-networks, the increasing adoption of social media for a multitude of communication purposes makes them an attractive target for hacking and rumormongering. In this work, two specific strategies to control harmful viral rumor activity are explored via extensive simulations based on probabilistic models. A micro-scale generative model for context-driven viral activity is first presented and analyzed. The first strategy is formulated as the inverse of seeding influential users to achieve maximal content spread. Activity-based centrality computation is explored as the strategy to target context-dependent influential nodes whose messages are probabilistically dropped. The second strategy makes use of a softer approach in which specific agents designated to counter the rumors do so by spreading anti-rumor messages. We also show via simulations that in the event of hacking of social media accounts of highly influential nodes, the first strategy presents a better alternative in controlling the viral rumors.