cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PC164. Amputation Trends for Patients with Lower Extremity Wounds due to Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease

Objectives: Population-based studies suggest that amputation rates for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing while those due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or combination PAD/DM are decreasing. Population-based studies grossly underestimate and may skew understanding of true amputation rates in risk patients. Methods: A statewide database was used to identify patients admitted to a nonfederal hospital, seen in an emergency department (ED), or treated in an ambulatory care center (ACC) within the state from 2005 through 2011 with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for a lower extremity (LE) ulcer with associated DM, PAD, or PAD/DM. A unique record linkage number was used to capture all subsequent hospital/ED/ACC visits and procedures to identify if a patient underwent major amputation. Patient demographics and yearly amputation risk trends were analyzed. Results: A total of 169,413 patients were identified with a LE ulcer throughout the state. Of these, 104,512 were DM-associated, 27,262 were PAD-associated, and 37,739 were associated with both PAD/DM. From 2005 to 2011, there was a statistically significant (P 1⁄4 .01) increase in the observed disease associated amputation rates for all three disease categories (Fig). Patients were then analyzed by age, gender, race, and insurance status to determine characteristics associated with increased amputation rates. Within all age groups there was a statistically significant increase in amputation rates (P 1⁄4 .004); however, there was no difference between the increase in amputation rates in men and women (P 1⁄4 .23) or among racial groups (P 1⁄4 .99). Hispanic (20 of 100 patients) and African Americans (18 of 100 patients) had the highest amputation rates. Finally,
An integrated selection formulation for the best normal mean: The unequal and unknown variance case

This paper considers an integrated formulation in selecting the best normal mean in the case of unequal and unknown variances. The formulation separates the parameter space into two disjoint parts, the preference zone (PZ) and the indifference zone (IZ). In the PZ we insist on selecting the best for a correct selection (CS1) but in the IZ we define any selected subset to be correct (CS2) if it contains the best population. We find the least favorable configuration (LFC) and the worst configuration (WC) respectively in PZ and IZ. We derive formulas for P(CS1|LFC), P(CS2|WC) and the bounds for the expected sample size E(N). We also give tables for the procedure parameters to implement the proposed procedure. An example is given to illustrate how to apply the procedure and how to use the table.
Feasibility Study on a Noncontact Remote-Sensing Vibration Transducer Using RF Polarimetry

This paper presents a novel, noncontact vibration transducer system using radio frequency (RF) polarimetry, which allows for vibration measurements to be collected remotely and nonintrusively at a distance. Movement or vibration of an object within the RF propagation channel can alter the combined direct, reflected, and multipath RF signals, thereby changing the received signal's polarization. This paper presents the theory to analyze a RF signal's polarization for used as a vibration transducer. The proposed transducer leverages the entire bandwidth of the RF signal using the frequency-dependent polarization mode dispersion phenomenon that occurs in multipath channels. To analyze the approach, a software model has been constructed and used to simulate and characterize the transducer's performance. A feasibility comparison of this RF polarimetry technique to similar vibration transducers, including laser Doppler vibrometry, shows this new transducer to be easier and less expensive to implement without significant tradeoffs in performance. Finally, laboratory experiments verify the software model and demonstrate a real-world prototype implementation. The pure-tone vibration of tuning forks, the forced and free vibrations of a ringing telephone, and the rotational motion of a desktop fan have been measured and are presented as an evidence of this RF polarimetry transducer's diverse capabilities in vibrometry.
An exponential‐function reduction method for block‐angular convex programs

An exponential potential-function reduction algorithm for convex block-angular optimization problems is described. These problems are characterized by K disjoint convex compact sets called blocks and M non-negative-valued convex block-separable coupling inequalities with a nonempty interior. A given convex block-separable function is to be minimized. Concurrent, minimum-cost, and generalized multicommodity network flow problems are important special cases of this model. The method reduces the optimization problem to two resource-sharing problems. The first of these problems is solved to obtain a feasible solution interior to the coupling constraints. Starting from this solution, The algorithm proceeds to solve the second problem on the original constraints, but with a modified exponential potential function. The method is shown to produce an ϵ-approximate solution in O(K(In M)(ϵ−2 + in K)) iterations, provided that there is a feasible solution sufficiently interior to the coupling inequalities. Each iteration consists of solving a subset of independent block problems, followed by a simple coordination step. Computational experiments with a set of large linear concurrent and minimum-cost multicommodity network flow problems suggest that the method can be practical for computing fast approximations to large instances.
Critical Condition: Using Asylum Law to Contest Forced Medical Repatriation of Undocumented Immigrants

This Comment examines the legality of medical repatriation of immigrant patients. It proceeds to explore options available to patients opposed to repatriation. In particular, the Comment asserts that some patients facing medical repatriation may have viable asylum claims. A successful asylum application would block the repatriation, alleviate the hospital’s funding concerns, and secure more appropriate care for the patient. Further, the discussion of the interrelation between health care and immigration law that an asylum claim would promote will encourage lawmakers to develop policies to better address the issues raised by medical repatriations.
Ab Initio Calculations of 31P NMR Chemical Shielding Anisotropy Tensors in Phosphates: Variations Due to Ring Formation

Abstract: Ring formation in phosphate systems is expected to influence both the magnitude and orientation of the phosphorus ( 31 P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shielding anisotropy (CSA) tensor. Ab initio calculations of the 31 P CSA tensor in both cyclic and acyclic phosphate clusters were performed as a function of the number of phosphate tetrahedral in the system. The calculation of the 31 P CSA tensors employed the GAUSSIAN 98 implementation of the gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) method at the Hartree-Fock (HF) level. It is shown that both the 31 P CSA tensor anisotropy, and the isotropic chemical shielding can be used for the identification of cyclic phosphates. The differences between the 31 P CSA tensor in acyclic and cyclic phosphate systems become less pronounced with increasing number of phosphate groups within the ring. The orientation of the principal components for the 31 P CSA tensor shows some variation due to cyclization, most notably with the smaller, highly strained ring systems.
uSense: A Unified Asymmetric Sensing Coverage Architecture for Wireless Sensor Networks

As a key approach to achieve energy efficiency in sensor networks, sensing coverage has been studied extensively. Researchers have designed many coverage protocols to provide various kinds of service guarantees on the network lifetime, coverage ratio and detection delay. While these protocols are effective, they are not flexible enough to meet multiple design goals simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a unified sensing coverage architecture, called uSense, which features three novel ideas: asymmetric architecture, generic switching and global scheduling. We propose asymmetric architecture based on the conceptual separation of switching from scheduling. Switching is efficiently supported in sensor nodes, while scheduling is done in a separated computational entity, where multiple scheduling algorithms are supported. As an instance, we propose a two-level global coverage algorithm, called uScan. At the first level, coverage is scheduled to activate different portions of an area. We propose an optimal scheduling algorithm to minimize area breach. At the second level, sets of nodes are selected to cover active portions. Importantly, we show the feasibility to obtain optimal set-cover results in linear time if the layout of areas satisfies certain conditions. We evaluate our architecture with a network of 30 MicaZ motes, an extensive simulation with 10,000 nodes, as well as theoretical analysis. The results indicate that uSense is a promising architecture to support flexible and efficient coverage in sensor networks.
The ethics of forgoing life-sustaining treatment: theoretical considerations and clinical decision making

Withholding or withdrawing a life-sustaining treatment tends to be very challenging for health care providers, patients, and their family members alike. When a patient’s life seems to be nearing its end, it is generally felt that the morally best approach is to try a new intervention, continue all treatments, attempt an experimental course of action, in short, do something. In contrast to this common practice, the authors argue that in most instances, the morally safer route is actually to forgo life-sustaining treatments, particularly when their likelihood to effectuate a truly beneficial outcome has become small relative to the odds of harming the patient. The ethical analysis proceeds in three stages. First, the difference between neglectful omission and passive acquiescence is explained. Next, the two necessary conditions for any medical treatment, i.e., that it is medically indicated and that consent is obtained, are applied to life-sustaining interventions. Finally, the difference between withholding and withdrawing a life-sustaining treatment is discussed. In the second part of the paper the authors show how these theoretical-ethical considerations can guide clinical-ethical decision making. A case vignette is presented about a patient who cannot be weaned off the ventilator post-surgery. The ethical analysis of this case proceeds through three stages. First, it is shown that and why withdrawal of the ventilator in this case does not equate assistance in suicide or euthanasia. Next, the question is raised whether continued ventilation can be justified medically, or has become futile. Finally, the need for the health care team to obtain consent for the continuation of the ventilation is discussed.
Administration of abciximab to patients receiving tirofiban or eptifibatide: effect on platelet function

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to evaluate platelet function and to preliminarily assess the clinical safety of sequential treatment with tirofiban or eptifibatide followed by abciximab in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND An increasing number of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are treated early with tirofiban or eptifibatide. Some later require PCI and may benefit from switching to abciximab, for which long-term benefits have been reported. METHODS Fifty ACS patients planned for PCI were enrolled. Twenty-five patients received tirofiban followed by abciximab. Ten patients received eptifibatide followed by abciximab. Fifteen patients received only abciximab. All patients had blood samples drawn six times during the therapeutic course. Platelet function was evaluated by ADP- and TRAP-induced aggregation, flow cytometry analysis of fibrinogen binding and the cone and plate(let) analyzer, which tests shear rate-dependent platelet activation. RESULTS Administered after tirofiban, abciximab caused a significant further decline in platelet function, as evidenced by all methods. Administered after eptifibatide, abciximab caused a significant further reduction in platelet function, as assessed by the cone and plate(let) analyzer and fibrinogen binding methods. The platelet inhibition achieved by the combination therapy was always greater than or equal to that achieved by abciximab alone. There were no major bleeding or severe thrombocytopenia episodes. Three of the 35 combination therapy patients and one of the 15 who received abciximab alone had minor bleeding. CONCLUSIONS This is the first in vivo study of combination intravenous platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor therapy. Administration of abciximab immediately after tirofiban or eptifibatide therapy effectively inhibits platelet function and appears to be safe.
Silicon photonic parametric optical processing for ultra-high bandwidth on-chip signal grooming

We show wavelength conversion and wavelength multicasting using four-wave mixing in silicon waveguides, achieving record performance in both bandwidth and bit rates in this CMOS-compatible platform. Non-return-to-zero data at 10- and 40-Gb/s bit rates is wavelength converted across nearly 50 nm, with error-free transmission. Bit-rate transparency of the all-optical process is demonstrated by converting up to 160-Gb/s return-to-zero data. In addition, an eight-way wavelength multicast of 40-Gb/s data is shown using the same silicon waveguide platform, with error-free transmission. The communication performance is evaluated using measured eye diagrams, bit-error rates, and power penalty performance metrics.
iACT - An interactive mHealth monitoring system to enhance psychotherapy for adolescents with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disease, and SCD symptoms impact functioning and well-being. For example, adolescents with SCD have a higher tendency of psychological problems than the general population. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy, is an effective intervention to promote quality of life and functioning in adolescents with chronic illness. However, traditional visit-based therapy sessions are restrained by challenges, such as limited follow-up, insufficient data collection, low treatment adherence, and delayed intervention. In this paper, we present Instant Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT), a system designed to enhance the quality of pediatric ACT. iACT utilizes text messaging technology, which is the most popular cell phone activity among adolescents, to conduct real-time psychotherapy interventions. The system is built on cloud computing technologies, which provides a convenient and cost-effective monitoring environment. To evaluate iACT, a trial with 60 adolescents with SCD is being conducted in conjunction with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Georgia State University.
Blind source separation of multichannel neuromagnetic responses

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a functional brain imaging technique with millisecond temporal resolution and millimeter spatial sensitivity. The high temporal resolution of MEG compared to fMRI and PET (milliseconds vs. seconds and tens of seconds) makes it ideal for measuring the precise time of neuronal responses, thereby o!ering a powerful tool for studying temporal dynamics. We applied blind-source separation (BSS) to continuous 122-channel human magnetoencephalographic data from two subjects and "ve tasks. We demonstrate that without using any domain-speci"c knowledge and without making the common assumption of single- or multiple-current dipole sources, BSS is capable of separating non-neuronal noise sources from neuronal responses and also of separating neuronal responses from di!erent sensory modalities, and from di!erent processing stages within a given modality. ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Fluctuations of the Dynamic Topography in the Pacific Ocean

Abstract The dynamic topography of the Pacific Ocean has been mapped and its mean annual and random variability has been investigated using approximately 66,600 hydrographic stations. Largest annual fluctuations are associated with the equatorial current system and are probably due to vertical displacements of the thermocline in response to the changing wind field. In the subtropical gyres and in higher latitudes, dynamic topography varies seasonally in response to the annual cycle of surface layer temperature, but the pattern of dynamic height does not change much between summer and winter. In the western portion of the North Pacific anticyclonic gyre, a U-shaped ridge is developed with its open end pointing east, which separates the western boundary current from the interior of the gyre and links the north equatorial ridge with a ridge at the right flank of the Kuroshio. The variability of dynamic height given by its standard deviation increases from east to west across the Pacific Ocean. Most of this v...
Interleukin-1 Receptor Activation Potentiates Salt Reabsorption in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension via the NKCC2 Co-transporter in the Nephron

Hypertension is among the most prevalent and catastrophic chronic diseases worldwide. While the efficacy of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in lowering blood pressure illustrates that the RAS is broadly activated in human hypertension, the frequent failure of RAS inhibition to prevent or reverse hypertensive organ damage highlights the need for novel therapies to combat RAS-dependent hypertension. We previously discovered elevated levels of the macrophage cytokine IL-1 in the kidney in a murine model of RAS-mediated hypertension. Here we report that IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) deficiency or blockade limits blood pressure elevation in this model by mitigating sodium reabsorption via the NKCC2 co-transporter in the nephron. In this setting, IL-1R1 activation prevents intra-renal myeloid cells from maturing into Ly6C(+)Ly6G(-) macrophages that elaborate nitric oxide, a natriuretic hormone that suppresses NKCC2 activity. By revealing how the innate immune system regulates tubular sodium transport, these experiments should lead to new immunomodulatory anti-hypertensive therapies.
The influence of key socioeconomic and health factors on rural migrants' health satisfaction in China

Migrants, especially those working as unskilled laborers, often experience social, cultural, economic exclusion which can negatively impact their health. Rural-to-urban migrants in China, a country with more than 166 million rural migrants in 2013, suffer serious institutional discrimination under the household registration system (Hukou). The influence of several key socioeconomic and health related factors on China’s rural migrants’ health satisfaction were analyzed, using data from the Longitudinal Survey on Rural Urban Migration in China (RUMiC) 2009. Using OLS regression, factors that are significantly and positively associated with health satisfaction level are education, urban-rural income differences, low expenditures on medical services, perceived health status, and psychological status. Monthly household income and financial linkages were not significant, and lower occupational status was moderately associated with health satisfaction level, contrary to expectation. Possible explanations such as migrants’ underestimating their health problems and implications of these findings in China for other countries experiencing similar migration are discussed.
Diffuse Optical Tomography for Brain Imaging: Continuous Wave Instrumentation and Linear Analysis Methods

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a functional brain imaging technique that measures cerebral blood oxygenation and blood volume changes. This technique is particularly useful in human neuroimaging measurements because of the coupling between neural and hemodynamic activity in the brain. DOT is a multichannel imaging extension of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS uses laser sources and light detectors on the scalp to obtain noninvasive hemodynamic measurements from spectroscopic analysis of the remitted light. This review explains how NIRS data analysis is performed using a combination of the modified Beer–Lambert law (MBLL) and the diffusion approximation to the radiative transport equation (RTE). Laser diodes, photodiode detectors, and optical terminals that contact the scalp are the main components in most NIRS systems. Placing multiple sources and detectors over the surface of the scalp allows for tomographic reconstructions that extend the individual measurements of NIRS into DOT. Mathematically arranging the DOT measurements into a linear system of equations that can be inverted provides a way to obtain tomographic reconstructions of hemodynamics in the brain.
Excitonic effects in two-dimensional semiconductors: Path integral Monte Carlo approach

One of the most striking features of novel two-dimensional semiconductors (e.g., transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers or phosphorene) is a strong Coulomb interaction between charge carriers resulting in large excitonic effects. In particular, this leads to the formation of multicarrier bound states upon photoexcitation (e.g., excitons, trions, and biexcitons), which could remain stable at near-room temperatures and contribute significantly to the optical properties of such materials. In the present work we have used the path integral Monte Carlo methodology to numerically study properties of multicarrier bound states in two-dimensional semiconductors. Specifically, we have accurately investigated and tabulated the dependence of single-exciton, trion, and biexciton binding energies on the strength of dielectric screening, including the limiting cases of very strong and very weak screening. The results of this work are potentially useful in the analysis of experimental data and benchmarking of theoretical and computational models.
Problems associated with prostate cancer: differences of opinion among health care providers, patients, and spouses.

Abstract Background. Problems accompany any experience with cancer. Methods. Patients, spouses, and providers were asked to identify their perceptions of the problems associated with recently diagnosed prostate cancer. Their answers were compared across respondent categories (physician, nurse, patient, and spouse) and cross‐informant variance was analyzed. Results. Significant variation in responses was noted by respondent categories in spite of the relatively small sample. Conclusion. The response variance may contribute to communication problems among patients, spouses, and providers, as well as missed opportunities for medically appropriate referrals to psychological treatment and community support resources.
Beyond The Sociology of Religion

ation of the latter. Fruitful aspects of neofunctionalism and new linkages between the sociology of religion and other foci are discussed. Starting loosely from Richard Fenn's (1982) diagnosis of an epistemological crisis in the sociology of religion and James Beckford's argument (in this issue) that the problematic status of the contemporary sociology of religion stems from the pattern of its intellectual and social institutionalization, I propose to argue here that while both of these claims have their merits they need, at the very least, to be supplemented by discussion of the kinds of problem which sociologists of religion study, the relationships between religion and other aspects and spheres of sociocultural life, and the present condition of sociology itself. I will be talking in the form of adding to the theses of Fenn and Beckford, although there are some aspects of their deliberations about which I have reservations. While regarding Fenn's attempt to display what might be called the deep structureor, in slightly different vein, the synthetic a priori-of the modern sociology of religion as very noteworthy, I consider his claim that the present disarray in the analysis of religion originated in the collapse of a consensus regarding an intrinsically problematic functionalism to be misleading. There seems to run through Fenn's reading of the sociology of religion before "the present crisis" a conception of functionalism as premised on notions of value consensus (of which religious belief and religiously-centered morality are central components) and "value-neutrality" on the part of the analyst. Present interpretations of the odyssey of functionalism in sociology do not, however, indicate that such are distinguishing or intrinsic features of that style of analysis. Indeed, I would argue that each of the four styles of analysis which Fenn now envisages (systemic-priestly; critical-prophetic; systemicprophetic; and critical-priestly) are compatible with a functionalist orientation; even though empirically-but not logically-the first has been most closely identified with it. Thus insofar as we may or should speak of a present crisis I consider the issue of functionalism as Fenn invokes it to be misleading, mainly because he is concerned with a level of analysis which is separable from the kinds of issue which have and continue to be raised with respect to the merits of functionalism. Beckford helps to clarify the problem of the functionalist past by, indeed, denying its strength and also, more important, pointing out that it was so-called normative functionalism which was primarily responsible for the assimilation of religion into the conception of a central value system-thus rendering religion as lacking in distinctiveness. However, even though there is merit to the argument that a diffuse, normative functionalism served as a kind of internal sacred canopy as far as American sociology of religion
Rotating Machinery Long Coupling Spacer Related Vibration

The increased speed and power level of rotating machinery most often bring the problem of non-synchronous instability. Many of the current most interesting problems, have been caused by synchronous thermal instability. These problems are related to the machinery overhangs predominantly, many are due to heavy couplings and the associated fluid film bearing non-uniform heating of the rotor shaft coupling end journal area. For couplings with long spacer tubes, other causes of excessive synchronous vibration are worthy of discussion. Long coupling spacer tubes with balance correction made at low speed and operating in service too near the coupling spacer critical speed can result in excessive synchronous vibration. Once the spacer has large mid-span amplitude, additional nonlinear vibration can occur. This paper discusses a recent occurrence of this interesting problem and will show why it should not be overlooked in future coupled multi-body high speed machinery trains, or any driveshaft balanced only at the shaft end plains.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Impact of the Crisis on Pension Funds

The crisis is likely to accelerate pension trends already at work. This further market shock highlighting the riskiness of company pension provision, and of equity investment, will probably accelerate the closure of existing DB schemes and encourage closer matching of assets with liabilities through longer-term bond investments. The increasing transfer of portfolio risk to households through mark-to-market DC schemes is likely to add further to factors encouraging an increase in savings in order to achieve a target minimum income in retirement.
Predictions of Diurnal Fluctuations in an Algal Bacterial Clay Wastewater Treatment System

Carberry's proposed algal bacterial clay treatment (ABCT) process would generate an algal biomass, useful as a food source. This study examined the diurnal fluctuations resulting from alternating light-dark periods and the magnitude of resulting O2, CO2, and pH oscillations. The magnitude of these oscillations was studied under controlled conditions, in order to determine acceptable limits of these fluctuations. The effects of progressive drifts for these parameter values under uncontrolled conditions was also studied in order to determine the rate of decreasing wastewater bacterial biodegradation efficiency and rate of deterioration of algal biomass viability. Experiments were conducted in which algae, bacteria, and substrate were combined at various concentrations in a biostat. Dissolved gas concentrations and pH were continuously recorded; biomass and substrate concentrations were determined over time by periodic sampling. A 12-hour light/dark cycle simulated the natural diurnal light variation. Based on results from these runs, two computer programs were developed to predict the changes in these parameters over a 24-hour period. One model, incorporating redox potential, appeared to be more sensitive to changes in the aqueous environment than the model based on COD. pH values of less that 5 were found to cause system failure due to a continuing decrease in algal concentration. No critical levels were found for either O2 or CO2 although the duration of time spent at a dissolved oxygen concentration of zero depended on initial algal concentration.
Neural Effects of Nicotine: Peripheral Sensory Systems and Experience-Dependent Neural Sensitization

Abstract It is well established that the reinforcing properties of nicotine depend upon its action on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed by brain neurons. However, when administered systemically, nicotine phasically activates nicotinic receptors located on the afferents of sensory nerves at the sites of drug administration before reaching the brain and directly interacting with central neurons. While this peripheral action of nicotine has been known for years, it is usually neglected in any consideration of the drug's behavioral and physiological effects, as well as experience-dependent changes. This chapter presents my group's recent behavioral, electrophysiological, and physiological data, suggesting the critical importance of peripheral actions of nicotine in mediating its neural effects following acute drug exposure and the involvement of these peripheral actions in alterations of nicotine's effects following repeated drug exposure. We demonstrated that nicotine first acts peripherally, producing a rapid sensory signal to the central nervous system (CNS) that is followed by slower, more prolonged, direct drug actions in the brain; these two distinct pharmacological actions interact in the CNS during repeated drug use, resulting in the development of Pavlovian conditioned association. This within-drug conditioning mechanism could explain experience-dependent changes in the physiological, behavioral, and human psychoemotional effects of nicotine, which in drug-experienced individuals always represent a combination of pharmacological and learning variables.
Fabrication and Luminescence Properties of Monoclinic Gallium Oxide (β-Ga2O3) Nanostructures

β-Ga2O3 nanostructures including nanowires, nanorods, nano and micro-pillars, nanosheets and nanobelts were successfully fabricated by simple and efficient thermal evaporation and condensation technique under argon flow.. The structures have been investigated by the electron microscope, XRD and EDX techniques and shown that nanostructures are predominatly β-Ga2O3 without other crystallographic phases. Cathodouminescence of as-grown nanostructures was investigated in the 10-300 K temperature range and exhibit luminescence band centered at 485 nm at 300 K due to donor-acceptor pair recombination. A new luminescence band centered at 387 nm developes at temperature below 150 K due to self-trapped exciton recombination.
Theoretical Studies of the O(3P) + C2 Reaction at Hyperthermal Energies

The O + C2 reaction has been investigated with the quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) method in conjunction with direct dynamics electronic structure calculations using density functional theory (DFT)...
Harnessing the polariton drag effect to design an electrically controlled optical switch.

We propose a design of a Y-shaped electrically controlled optical switch based on the studies of propagation of an exciton–polariton condensate in a patterned optical microcavity with an embedded quantum well. The polaritons are driven by a time-independent force due to the microcavity wedge shape and by a time-dependent drag force owing to the interaction of excitons in a quantum well and the electric current running in a neighboring quantum well. It is demonstrated that by applying the drag force one can direct more than 90% of the polariton flow toward the desired branch of the switch with no hysteresis. By considering the transient dynamics of the polariton condensate, we estimate the response speed of the switch as 9.1 GHz. We also propose a design of the polariton switch in a flat microcavity based on the geometrically identical Y-shaped quantum wells where the polariton flow is only induced by the drag force. The latter setup enables one to design a multiway switch that can act as an electrically c...
Two-Dimensional Unsteady Aerodynamic Processes in Low Frequency Shedding under Rotational Augmentation

[Abstract] Anomalously low Strouhal shedding frequencies previously were observed on rotating wind turbine blades under conditions of rotational augmentation. To explain this phenomenon, pertinent blade surface pressure data previously acquired from the NREL UAE Phase VI HAWT were analyzed. Time varying surface pressure data for a fixed radial location were analyzed to track chordwise movement of vorticity concentrations above the blade surface, and to ascertain the influence of these vorticity concentrations on sectional aerodynamic force production. Analyses revealed that shedding periods, and thus frequencies, were strongly governed by the chordwise extent and speed of vorticity travel. This and subsequent research will help understand fatigue loads that prematurely exhaust turbine component service life, and will improve the accuracy and reliability of aerodynamic predictions for wind energy machine design and analysis.
Developmental identity versus typology: Lucy has only four sacral segments

Objectives Both interspecific and intraspecific variation in vertebral counts reflect the action of patterning control mechanisms such as Hox. The preserved A.L. 288-1 (“Lucy”) sacrum contains five fused elements. However, the transverse processes of the most caudal element do not contact those of the segment immediately craniad to it, leaving incomplete sacral foramina on both sides. This conforms to the traditional definition of four-segmented sacra, which are very rare in humans and African apes. It was recently suggested that fossilization damage precludes interpretation of this specimen and that additional sacral-like features of its last segment (e.g., the extent of the sacral hiatus) suggest a general Australopithecus pattern of five sacral vertebrae. Methods We provide updated descriptions of the original Lucy sacrum. We evaluate sacral/coccygeal variation in a large sample of extant hominoids and place it within the context of developmental variation in the mammalian vertebral column. Results We report that fossilization damage did not shorten the transverse processes of the fifth segment of Lucy's sacrum. In addition, we find that the extent of the sacral hiatus is too variable in apes and hominids1 to provide meaningful information on segment identity. Most importantly, a combination of sacral and coccygeal features is to be expected in vertebrae at regional boundaries. Discussion The sacral/caudal boundary appears to be displaced cranially in early hominids relative to extant African apes and humans, a condition consistent with the likely ancestral condition for Miocene hominoids. While not definitive in itself, a four-segmented sacrum accords well with the “long-back” model for the Pan/Homo last common ancestor. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging Viral Zoonoses from Wildlife Associated with Animal-Based Food Systems: Risks and Opportunities

Zoonotic viruses of wildlife origin have caused the majority of recent emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) that have had significant impacts on human health or economies. Animal consumption-based food systems, ranging from the harvest of free-ranging wild species (hereafter, wild harvest systems) to the in situ stocking of domestic or farmed wild animals (hereafter, animal production systems), have been implicated in the emergence of many of these viruses, including HIV, Ebola, SARS, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Dual action of phosphonoformic acid on Na(+)-phosphate cotransport in opossum kidney cells

Phosphonoformic acid (PFA, foscarnet) was found to exert both an inhibitory and a stimulatory effect on Na(+)-dependent Pi transport in opossum kidney (OK) cells. When added in the uptake media, PF...
The In Vitro and In Vivo Response to MMP-Sensitive Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogels

Enzyme-sensitive hydrogels are a promising class of materials for cell encapsulation and tissue engineering because their ability to be degraded by cell-secreted factors. However, it is well known that nearly all synthetic biomaterials elicit a foreign body response (FBR) upon implantation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo response to an enzyme-sensitive hydrogel. Hydrogels were formed from poly(ethylene glycol) with the peptide crosslinker, C-VPLS↓LYSG-C, which is susceptible to matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. We evaluated the hydrogel by exogenously delivered enzymes, encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells as a tissue engineering relevant cell type, and by macrophage-secreted factors in vitro and for the FBR through macrophage attachment in vitro and in a subcutaneous mouse model. These hydrogels rapidly degraded upon exposure to exogenous MMP-2 and to lesser degree with MMP-9. Encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells were capable of degrading the hydrogels via matrix metalloproteinases. Inflammatory macrophages were confirmed to attach to the hydrogels, but were not capable of rapidly degrading the hydrogels. In vivo, these hydrogels remained intact after 4 weeks and exhibited a classic FBR with inflammatory cells at the hydrogel surface and a fibrous capsule. In summary, these findings suggest that while this MMP-2/9 sensitive hydrogel is readily degraded in vitro, it does not undergo rapid degradation by the FBR. Thus, the long term stability of these hydrogels in vivo coupled with the ability for encapsulated cells to degrade the hydrogel makes them promising materials for tissue engineering.
Neurophysiology of Epileptic Limbic Pathways in Intact Human Temporal Lobe

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses neurophysiology of epileptic limbic pathways in intact human temporal lobe. The results of several different in vivo approaches for investigation of limbic excitability, which have been used during invasive studies with depth electrode placement in the hippocampus and adjacent mesial temporal structures are presented. The results of these in vivo approaches in the context of human neuropathology and pathophysiology are analyzed. The approaches include determination of after-discharge threshold by electrical stimulation, evaluation of functional connections between limbic structures as measured by single pulse electrical stimulation measurement of response excitability during ascending intensity in a series of single pulse electrical stimulations, and hippocampal response facilitation or suppression during single or paired shocks. These measures of temporal lobe pathophysiology are based on a comparison of the excitability of the temporal lobe from which seizures arise to the excitability of the contralateral side in patients in whom only unilateral seizures were recorded. The study shows a reduction in responses evoked by anterior hippocampal stimulation in adjacent structures of the epileptic temporal lobe. The mesial temporal lobe excitability tested with paired pulse electrical stimulation is also elaborated.
Conversion of the PIP2 Dependent TRPV6 Channel from Low to High Phosphoinositide Affinity by a Charge Reintroduction Mutation

The activity of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) ion channels depends on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], which is a common feature of TRP channels. The apparent affinity for PI(4,5)P2 is a major determinant of inhibition of ion channels by phosphoinositide depletion upon the activation of phospholipase C (PLC). The constitutively active TRPV6 and its closest relative TRPV5 have low affinity for PI(4,5)P2. The heat- and capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1 on the other hand shows high affinity for this lipid. TRPV5 and TRPV6 lack a positively charged residue in the TM4-TM5 loop that in TRPV1 was proposed to interact with PI(4,5)P2. We found that the G488R mutant of TRPV6, in which this positive charge is reintroduced, showed higher apparent affinity for PI(4,5)P2 in excised inside out patches, and unlike wild-type TRPV6, it was also activated by PI(4)P. In accordance with its higher affinity and lower specificity for PI(4,5)P2, the mutant was resistant to depletion of PI(4,5)P2 by the voltage-sensitive phosphatase ciVSP. The mutant also showed reduced Ca2+-induced inactivation, both in patch clamp and Ca2+ imaging experiments, highlighting the involvement of PI(4,5)P2 depletion by PLC in this process. Computational modeling show that the 488R residue interacts with PI(4,5)P2 in the mutant TRPV6. We identify a molecular determinant of PI(4,5)P2 affinity and our data support the role of the TM4-TM5 loop in PI(4,5)P2 interactions of TRPV channels.
Plasma radius control system for tandem mirrors

The operation of a tandem mirror reactor (TMR) at fractions of full power is an important part of the power plant operation. It has been shown that fractional power operation can best be achieved by controlling the plasma radius, leaving the rest of plasma parameters unchanged. The physics of magnetic confinement in a TMR can be used to design the desired radius control (RC) system. It is proposed to bias the field lines through the ends of a tandem mirror device and control the radial electric field in order to guard against rotational instabilities and ensure nonstochastic radial transport. In this scheme, plasma on the unbiased field lines suffers rapid transport and is lost. As such, the potential control of the direct converter plates as well as the location of the grounded halo dumps requires the flux tube containing the core plasma to match the direct converter area at all times. Based on this effect, an RC system can be devised that uses the conservation of the magnetic flux to adjust the field near the direct converter such that a flux tube with a smaller radius in the device matches the direct converter. Field lines outside this flux tube aremore » not properly biased and cannot support core plasma. A practical design of such an RC system for the Mirror Advanced Reactor Study conceptual TMR is presented. The power consumption by the RC coil system is modest and no engineering difficulty in the design and construction of such a system is expected. Utilization of such an RC system in advanced tandem mirror experiments can also be of great use in the study of such various phenomena as radial transport, control of the radial electric field, halo plasma production, radio-frequency absorption, etc.« less
Hardware-based attacks to compromise the cryptographic security of an election system

We present our experiences in implementing hardware-based attacks to subvert the results of an election system. The election system was outlined by the Cyber Security Awareness Week (CSAW) Embedded Security Challenge (ESC) competition in 2015, held at the New York University (NYU). The system had multiple layers of security and primarily used homomorphic encryption. The competition presented a challenge to hack the election system such that a preferred candidate wins the election. We cryptanalyzed the given election system to evaluate the effectiveness of various theoretical and practical attacks, and used a custom designed embedded system to demonstrate our attacks. The embedded system was implemented on a Nexys 4 DDR Artix-7 FPGA board. Our work, which earned the first place in the competition, demonstrates that low-cost hardware-based attacks can indeed lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Use of Technology to Improve Education

The primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure free appropriate public education for individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The statute also mandates student’s access and services for students’ access to devices and technology as part of the individual education program. Along with the advancement of technology in the past few decades, the use of high-tech devices has gained attention from educators. However, the statute only ensures the use of these technology devices for students with special needs as assistive technology. A discussion of the history and current regulations related to special education was provided focusing on the IDEA and the Assistive Technology Act of 1988 as amended. Additionally, articles related recent movement in education to support evidence-based practices were reviewed. In particular, the author evaluated No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA), the establishment of What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), and the increasing use of technology. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) takes a completely different stance in the use of technology. This model places an emphasis on educators being proactive and flexible in order to teach students with diverse needs. The author contends that technology should be incorporated throughout the classroom regardless of pre-existing assumption of educational services, thereby assuring that all students can be instructed with necessary accommodations. The author argues the immediate needs of policy and system changes to improve overall education services for all.
Frequency-dependent mechanical damping in alloys

We perform oscillatory shear simulations to determine the loss modulus for three solids with identical interaction yet distinct structures: ordered, random, and glassy alloys. Random and glassy alloys show more pronounced high-frequency loss in the THz regime than the ordered alloy. Ordered and random alloys exhibit a power-law decay in damping strength as frequency decreases over nearly five decades. Glassy alloy, with a limited frequency range of power-law decay, retains significant damping at low frequencies extending down to $\ensuremath{\sim}100\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MHz}$ due to slow irreversible deformation of local clusters.