cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geometry of the proximal isovelocity surface area in mitral regurgitation by 3-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography: difference between functional mitral regurgitation and prolapse regurgitation.

Background The geometry of the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) of functional mitral regurgitation (MR), which is conventionally assumed to be a hemisphere, remains to be clarified. We investigated the 3-dimensional (3D) geometry of PISA of functional MR as opposed to that of MR due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) by real-time 3D echocardiography with color Doppler capability. Methods Twenty-seven patients with functional MR and 27 patients with MVP were examined. The horizontal PISA length in the commissure-commissure plane and each PISA radius in 3 anteroposterior planes (medial, central, and lateral) were measured by real-time 3D echocardiography with 3D software. The effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) area was calculated with the maximum PISA radius and compared to that by 2D quantitative Doppler method. Results En-face 3D color Doppler images showed an elongated and slightly curved PISA geometry along the leaflet coaptation in functional MR, whereas the geometry was rounder in MVP. The PISA horizontal length in functional MR was longer than that in MVP (2.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.2 cm, P Conclusions The geometry of PISA in functional MR was elongated, distinctly different from the more focal pathology of MVP, leading to underestimation of the ERO area by PISA method.
Emerging antiretroviral drug interactions

With HIV-infected patients living longer and recommendations to initiate antiretrovirals (ARVs) being made earlier, the likelihood for potential drug-drug interactions between ARVs and concurrent medications used to manage co-morbid conditions will increase. In order to maximize the clinical benefit and minimize potential toxicity of ARVs and co-administered medications, it is important for clinicians to recognize significant drug-drug interactions. This article highlights clinically significant drug-drug interactions with antituberculosis agents, antimalarials, anticoagulants, chemotherapeutic agents and pulmonary antihypertensive agents when they are co-administered with newer ARVs (e.g. darunavir, raltegravir, maraviroc and etravirine).
Foot disorders associated with overpronated and oversupinated foot function: the Johnston County osteoarthritis project.

Background:The occurrence of musculoskeletal foot disorders differs by race and obesity, and these disorders may be related to pronated (low arch) or supinated (high arch) foot structure. This cros...
The Mawhin Operator

In Chapter 5 we saw that if e: R → R is an odd, T-periodic function, then the forced pendulum equation with forcing term e, that is, $$ y'' + a \sin y = e, $$ always has a solution y: R → R that is also an odd, T-periodic function. Remember how we constructed that solution: we built it up out of copies of a solution \( y:[0,\tfrac{T} {2}] \to R \) to the Dirichlet boundary value problem corresponding to that differential equation, that is, with the boundary condition \( y(0) = y(\tfrac{T} {2}) = 0 \).
Clinical trial of a novel non-thermal LED array for reversal of photoaging: clinical, histologic, and surface profilometric results.

Background and Objectives Photomodulation has been described as a process which modifies cell activity using light sources without thermal effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a non-thermal low dose light emitting diode (LED) array for improving the appearance of photoaged subjects. Study Design/Materials and Methods This prospective study investigated a random cohort of patients (N = 90) with a wide range of photoaged skin treated by LED photomodulation® using a full panel 590 nm non-thermal full face LED array delivering 0.1 J/cm2 with a specific sequence of pulsing. Subjects were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 18 weeks and 6 and 12 months after a series of 8 treatments delivered over 4 weeks. Data collected included stereotactic digital imaging, computerized optical digital profilometry, and peri-ocular biopsy histologic evaluations for standard stains and well as collagen synthetic and degradative pathway immunofluorescent staining. Results Digital imaging data showed a reduction of signs of photoaging in 90% of subjects with smoother texture, reduction of peri-orbital rhytids, and reduction of erythema and pigmentation. Optical profilometry showed a 10% improvement by surface topographical measurements. Histologic data showed markedly increased collagen in the papillary dermis of 100% of post-treatment specimens (N = 10). Staining with anti-collagen I antibodies demonstrated a 28% (range: 10%–70%) average increase in density while staining with anti-matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP)-1 showed an average reduction of 4% (range: 2%–40%). No side effects or pain were noted. Conclusions Photomodulation to reverse photoaging is possible with a specific array of LEDs with a specific fluence using a precise pulsing or “code” sequence. Skin textural improvement by digital imaging and surface profilometry is accompanied by increased collagen I deposition with reduced MMP-1 (collagenase) activity in the papillary dermis. This technique is a safe and effective non-painful non-ablative modality for improvement of photoaging. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differential Effects of Temperature on Natural Transformation to Erythromycin and Nalidixic Acid Resistance in Campylobacter coli

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are naturally competent, but limited information exists on the impact of environmental conditions on transformation. In this study, we investigated the impact of temperature and microaerobic versus aerobic atmosphere on transformation of C. coli to erythromycin and nalidixic acid resistance. Frequency of transformation was not significantly different between microaerobic (5 to 10% CO(2)) and aerobic conditions. However, C. coli was transformed to erythromycin resistance at a significantly higher frequency at 42 degrees C than at 25 degrees C (P < 0.05), and few or no transformants were obtained at 25 degrees C. In contrast, transformation to nalidixic acid resistance was highly efficient at both 42 degrees C and 25 degrees C and was similar or, at the most, fourfold higher at 42 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. DNase I treatment experiments suggested that steps both prior and subsequent to internalization of DNA were influenced by temperature in the case of transformation of C. coli to erythromycin resistance. However, the moderately increased (fourfold) frequency of transformation to nalidixic acid resistance at 42 degrees C compared to that at 25 degrees C was exclusively associated with steps prior to DNA internalization. These findings suggest that transformation to erythromycin resistance may be significantly more frequent in the gastrointestinal tract of hosts such as poultry (at 42 degrees C) than in other habitats characterized by lower temperatures, whereas transformation to nalidixic acid resistance may be highly efficient both within and outside the animal hosts.
Scapegoating in Group Psychotherapy

The purpose of this paper is to describe and illuminate the phenomenon of scapegoating in group psychotherapy. Specifically, the role of projective identification - on both individual and group-wide bases - in the evolution of the deviant is delineated. Individual, interpersonal, and whole-group interventions are presented along with the technique of functional subgrouping, a relatively new and particularly potent group intervention. Several case vignettes are detailed for illustration.
Recurrent catheter-related Rhodotorula rubra infection

A 34-year-old male receiving chronic parenteral nutrition for treatment of short bowel syndrome and intermittent immunosuppressive agents for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis developed recurrent, catheter-associated Rhodotorula rubra fungemia over a one-year period. Infection with this yeast is associated with insertion of central venous catheters. Recurrence of R. rubra infection is an unusual event that presumably occurred because of chronic skin colonization by the organism.
Finding the Smoothest Path to Success: Model Complexity and the Consideration of Nonlinear Patterns in Nest-Survival Data

Abstract. Quantifying patterns of nest survival is a first step toward understanding why birds decide when and where to breed. Most studies of nest survival have relied on generalized linear models (GLM) to explore these patterns. However, GLMs require assumptions about the models' structure that might preclude finding nonlinear patterns in survival data. Generalized additive models (GAM) provide a flexible alternative to GLMs for estimating linear and nonlinear patterns in data. Here we present a comparison of GLMs and GAMs for explaining variation in nest-survival data. We used two different model-selection criteria, the Bayes (BIC) and Akaike (AIC) information criteria, to select among simple and complex models. Our study was focused on the analysis of Redwinged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) nests in the Rainwater Basin wetlands of south-central Nebraska. Under BIC, our quadratic model of nest age had the most support, and the model predicted a concave pattern of daily nest survival. We found more mo...
The Geographic and Temporal Patterns of Residency-Trained Family Physicians: University of Washington Family Practice Residency Network

Background: There is a clear national mandate to increase the proportion of generalist physicians within the medical community and to increase their numbers within rural and underserved urban locations. Little is known, however, about the geographic and temporal career patterns of family physicians or about how these patterns differ by sex and graduation cohort. Methods: Using information from a follow-up survey of the University of Washington Family Practice Residency Network, we analyzed the characteristics of 358 graduate physicians and their 493 practices, including data on geographic practice locations. Results: Two thirds of graduates began their practices in urban locations, and one third initially settled in rural communities. Female graduates were much less likely than their male peers to choose rural practice locations. Few physicians left practices after they had practiced in them for 5 or 6 years. The majority of graduates were still in the practice where they started as long as 18 years earlier. Conclusions: The most important career decision made by the graduate of a family medicine residency involves practice location. Because women are less likely to practice in rural areas, the increasing proportion of women graduating from family practice residencies might presage shortages of rural physicians in the future.
Initial investigation into engineering students problem solving within controls

The middle years of college-level engineering have been identified as an area that needs increased research attention. To date, little has been done to understand how students' learn conceptual knowledge in engineering science courses. This study examines how students use conceptual knowledge during the learning of control systems engineering. This work in progress will discuss the initial findings of a study examining junior-level mechanical engineering students solving controls homework and laboratory problems, exploring topics such as PID control, state feedback, and pole placement.
Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound Shows Proximal to Distal Tapering of Nerves in Demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease but Not in Acquired Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathies (PD1.004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there are differences in nerve size, nerve size variability, and proximal to distal tapering of upper extremity nerves in patients with demyelinating CMT versus patients with inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. BACKGROUND: Differentiating demyelinating CMT from acquired demyelinating neuropathies may be challenging. Prior reports of nerve ultrasound in patients with demyelinating CMT and inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies have shown nerve enlargement. DESIGN/METHODS: Consecutive patients with demyelinating CMT (n=8) or acquired demyelinating neuropathy (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy) of less than 20 years duration (n=15) were recruited. Controls (n=12) with normal electrodiagnostic studies were included for comparison. Both groups underwent blinded US imaging of the median and ulnar nerves. Nerve cross sectional area (CSA) was measured at the wrist, forearm, elbow and axilla. Axillary CSA/Wrist CSA ratio, mean CSA, and CSA-Var (maximal CSA/minimal CSA) were also calculated. RESULTS: Mean CSA and CSA-Var of the median nerve were significantly increased in both inherited (24.2 vs. 8.69mm 2 , p=0.002 and 2.21 vs.1.4, p=0.04) and acquired demyelinating neuropathies (12.23 vs. 8.69mm 2 , p=0.003, and 2.17 vs.1.4, p= 0.0002). Mean CSA and CSA-Var of the ulnar nerve were significantly increased in acquired demyelinating neuropathies (8.7 vs. 7.08mm 2 , p=0.04 and 2.2 vs.1.6, p=0.04). Mean CSA, but not CSA-Var, of the ulnar nerve was significantly increased in inherited demyelinating neuropathies (14.45 vs. 7.08mm 2 , p=0.01and 1.93 vs. 1.6, p=0.25). The axillary/wrist CSA ratio was significantly increased in demyelinating CMT patients for both median (1.67 vs. 0.96, p=0.035) and ulnar (1.91 vs. 1.46, p=0.02) nerves, but not in patients with acquired demyelinating neuropathies. CONCLUSIONS: While increased nerve size and size variability is found in both hereditary and acquired demyelinating neuropathies, only those with hereditary demyelinating neuropathy demonstrated proximal to distal tapering of nerve size. This sonographic feature may help distinguish inherited from acquired demyelinating neuropathies. Disclosure: Dr. Kushlaf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Juel has received research support from Jacobus Pharmaceuticals and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Hobson-Webb has received research support from Genzyme Corporation.
Feedback Mechanisms for Cardiac-Specific MicroRNAs and cAMP Signaling in Electrical Remodeling

Background— Loss of transient outward K+ current (Ito) is well documented in cardiac hypertrophy and failure both in animal models and in humans. Electrical remodeling contributes to prolonged action potential duration and increased incidence of arrhythmias. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence linking microRNA (miR) dysregulation to the progression of both conditions. In this study, we examined the mechanistic basis underlying miR dysregulation in electrical remodeling and revealed a novel interaction with the adrenergic signaling pathway. Methods and Results— We first used a tissue-specific knockout model of Dicer1 in cardiomyocytes to reveal the overall regulatory effect of miRs on the ionic currents and action potentials. We then validated the inducible cAMP early repressor as a target of miR-1 and took advantage of a clinically relevant model of post myocardial infarction and miR delivery to probe the mechanistic basis of miR dysregulation in electrical remodeling. These experiments revealed the role of inducible cAMP early repressor as a repressor of miR-1 and Ito, leading to prolonged action potential duration post myocardial infarction. In addition, delivery of miR-1 and miR-133a suppressed inducible cAMP early repressor expression and prevented both electrical remodeling and hypertrophy. Conclusions— Taken together, our results illuminate the mechanistic links between miRs, adrenergic signaling, and electrical remodeling. They also serve as a proof-of-concept for the therapeutic potential of miR delivery post myocardial infarction.
Summary and Implications

A major purpose of this study has been to examine attempts to introduce predictability and fairness into the allocation process of a major public bureaucracy. In order to do this, the experiences of the Boston Housing Authority were examined. One must be careful in generalizing policy implications which arise out of a specific case study. However, to the extent that generalizations can be made, the BHA is a valuable example because of its representative structural and historical characteristics.
Construction of a Geo-Location Service Utilizing Microblogging Platforms

The popularity of social media over the past several years, especially sites such as Twitter, has presented a network for up to the minute information on events across the globe. The information presented on these sites can be extremely helpful in the case of an emergency, however, the vast amount of data to examine and the low adoption of geo-tagging on this site makes it difficult, if not impossible, for emergency services to respond to information gathered from social media. Taking this into consideration, this paper presents a proof of concept for identifying and retrieving different geo-locations from Tweets and extracting the GPS coordinates from this data to approximately plot them in a map.
Molecular-Level Control in The Deposition of Ultrathin Films of Highly Conductive, In-Situ Polymerized P-Doped Conjugated Polymers

A novel thin film processing technique has been developed for the fabrication of ultrathin films of conducting polymers with angstrom-level control over thickness and multilayer architecture. Molecular self-assembly of in-situ polymerized conjugated polymers consists of a layer-by-layer process in which a substrate is alternately dipped into a solution of a p-doped conducting polymer (e.g. polypyrrole, polyaniline) and a solution of a polyanion. In-situ oxidative polymerization produces the more highly conductive, underivatized form of the conjugated polymer, which is deposited in a single layer of precisely controlled thickness (30 to 60 A). The thickness of each layer can be fine-tuned by adjusting the dipping time and the solution chemistry. The surface chemistry of the substrate (e.g. hydrophobic, charged, etc.) also strongly influences the deposition, thereby making it possible to selectively deposit conducting polypyrrole onto well defined regions of the substrates. Typical multilayer films exhibit conductivities in the range of 20–50 S/cm, but samples with conductivities as high as 300 S/cm have been realized. There is no limit to the number of layers that can be built up nor to the complexity of the multilayer architecture of the film; achieved simply by alternating the sequence of dips into solutions of various polycations and polyanions. This new self-assembly process opens up vast possibilities in applications which require large area, ultrathin films of conducting polymers and, more importantly, in applications that can take advantage of the unique interactions achievable in the complex, supermolecular architectures of multilayer films.
Polyomavirus-cystitis associated with in situ and invasive urothelial carcinoma in a heart transplant recipient: evidence suggesting sequential progression/evolution from infection to carcinoma.

T is increasing concern about the potential association between polyomavirus (PV) and renourinary tract carcinomas, particularly in kidney transplant recipients. We present the case of a 65-year-old African American woman, 6 years after cardiac transplantation, who presented with a large bladder mass on cystoscopy after experiencing gross hematuria. Urine cytology demonstrated decoy cells— typical of PV infection. Biopsy and cystectomy specimen examination revealed a diffuse PV cystitis and concurrent in situ and invasive high-grade urothelial carcinoma with micropapillary features, involving perivesical fat and metastatic to 2 regional lymph nodes (pT3aN2Mx). Areas of cystitis, demonstrating typical PV viral cytopathic changes, stained positive for both viral early gene region large tumor antigen (LT-Ag) and viral late gene region capsid protein 1 (VP1) (Figure 1A, B). Focal p53 positivity in scattered cells was noted in inflamed urothelium, whereas p16 was mostly negative (Figure 1C, D). Viral cytopathic features and VP1 expression were lost in areas with malignant transformation (Figure 1F, J). Large tumor antigen, p16, and p53 were expressed diffusely in the in situ and invasive tumor cells (Figure 1E, G, H, I, K, and L). Bcl-2 was negative in inflamed urothelium and in situ carcinoma and focally positive in invasive carcinoma. Ki-67 positivity ranged from 19% in cystitis to more than 80% in the in situ and invasive carcinoma. Primary carcinoma and metastases demonstrated identical immunoprofiles. Urinary bladder control tissues from 5 nontransplant patients were negative for LT-Ag, VP1, p53, bcl-2, and p16. The posttransplantation immunosuppressive regimen included prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. The patient
Recovery of kidney function following delayed use of theralite™ dialyzer in a patient with myeloma cast nephropathy

We report the case of a 60- year- old man who presented with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma complicated by biopsy-proven acute cast nephropathy, requiring hemodialysis, plasmapheresis and chemotherapy. After remaining dialysis dependent for 5 weeks, a high cut-off (HCO) dialyzer, intended to use for the removal of plasma substances with a molecular weight of up to 45 kDa such as free light chains, was introduced to his outpatient 4-hour hemodialysis regimen with an increase in treatment frequency to 4 sessions per week. Following 6 weeks of dialysis with the HCO dialyzer, serum levels of free κ light chains declined by more than 75%. Concurrently, he recovered kidney function and discontinued dialysis. He subsequently received a successful autologous stem-cell transplant. We discuss the potential merit of using the HCO dialyzer late in the course of the care of patients with myeloma cast nephropathy who are dialysis dependent.
On abstract modular inference systems and solvers

Integrating diverse formalisms into modular knowledge representation systems offers increased expressivity, modeling convenience, and computational benefits. We introduce the concepts of abstract inference modules and abstract modular inference systems to study general principles behind the design and analysis of model generating programs, or solvers, for integrated multi-logic systems. We show how modules and modular systems give rise to transition graphs, which are a natural and convenient representation of solvers, an idea pioneered by the SAT community. These graphs lend themselves well to extensions that capture such important solver design features as learning. In the paper, we consider two flavors of learning for modular formalisms, local and global. We illustrate our approach by showing how it applies to answer set programming, propositional logic, multi-logic systems based on these two formalisms and, more generally, to satisfiability modulo theories.
Sequence-Specific Electrical Purification of Nucleic Acids with Nanoporous Gold Electrodes.

Nucleic-acid-based biosensors have enabled rapid and sensitive detection of pathogenic targets; however, these devices often require purified nucleic acids for analysis since the constituents of complex biological fluids adversely affect sensor performance. This purification step is typically performed outside the device, thereby increasing sample-to-answer time and introducing contaminants. We report a novel approach using a multifunctional matrix, nanoporous gold (np-Au), which enables both detection of specific target sequences in a complex biological sample and their subsequent purification. The np-Au electrodes modified with 26-mer DNA probes (via thiol–gold chemistry) enabled sensitive detection and capture of complementary DNA targets in the presence of complex media (fetal bovine serum) and other interfering DNA fragments in the range of 50–1500 base pairs. Upon capture, the noncomplementary DNA fragments and serum constituents of varying sizes were washed away. Finally, the surface-bound DNA–DNA ...
Controlled architecture for improved macromolecular memory within polymer networks

This brief review analyzes recent developments in the field of living/controlled polymerization and the potential of this technique for creating imprinted polymers with highly structured architecture with macromolecular memory. As a result, it is possible to engineer polymers at the molecular level with increased homogeneity relating to enhanced template binding and transport. Only recently has living/controlled polymerization been exploited to decrease heterogeneity and substantially improve the efficiency of the imprinting process for both highly and weakly crosslinked imprinted polymers. Living polymerization can be utilized to create imprinted networks that are vastly more efficient than similar polymers produced using conventional free radical polymerization, and these improvements increase the role that macromolecular memory can play in the design and engineering of new drug delivery and sensing platforms.
Identification of protein kinase C-alpha, epsilon and zeta in rabbit ileal enterocytes.

Abstract Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to regulate electrolyte transport in rabbit small intestine. We investigated the types of PKC isoforms in rabbit ileal villus and crypt cells and the potential for phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to induce translocation of the PKC from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Our results indicate that there are at least three PKC isoforms, α, ϵ and ζ, are present in both villus and crypt enterocytes. Acute treatment with PMA resulted in translocation of the PKC-α from the cytosol to the membrane fraction in both cell types. Prolonged exposure of the villus cells to PMA resulted in a significant progressive decrement in PKC-α, suggesting down regulation. Since PMA treatment results in translocation, this isoform may be involved in the regulation of electrolyte transport in the rabbit ileum.
Achromatopsia with Myopia in a Genetic Isolate

A high percentage of a genetically isolated population from the island of Pingelap was found to have symptoms of poor visual acuity, loss of color vision, nystagmus, and photophobia. History indicated a high degree of ancestral consanguinity, and study of family groups showed the disorder to be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. Ocular examination, including subjective psychophysical testing as well as electroretinography, was performed on affected patients and known carriers and revealed the disease to be congenital achromatopsia. This condition, relatively rare in the general population, was present in 6% of these islanders. In addition, about 80% of the affected individuals had associated myopia, the majority in the pathologic range.
Ecosystem as Structure: An Actionable Construct for Strategy

Over the past 20 years, the term “ecosystem” has become pervasive in discussions of strategy, both scholarly and applied. Its rise has mirrored an increasing interest and concern among both researc...
Restoration of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Improves Hematopoietic Function in a Murine Model of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

While data suggest that, in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) is abnormal, the lack of examination of the BMME in a robust in vivo model has limited progress in the understanding of reciprocal MDS-BMME interactions. If microenvironmental defects contribute to disease progression, targeting the BM niche may offer an alternative approach for therapeutic benefit. We sought to define the MDS BMME in a well-established transgenic murine model that recapitulates hallmark features of human MDS. In this model, hematopoietic tissue-specific expression of the NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) fusion gene is driven by Vav regulatory elements, resulting in peripheral cytopenias by 16 weeks of age and mortality from transformation to leukemia at a median time of 11 months of age. Mice were analyzed at 15-36 weeks of age, when the MDS phenotype is prominent in the absence of leukemia. Flow cytometric quantification of BM stroma in 23-week old NHD13 mice showed a 6.5-fold increase in frequency of CD51+/Sca1- osteoblastic cells (OBC) compared to WT (p Disclosures Becker:Millenium: Research Funding. Calvi:Fate Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties.
Epileptogenesis in Calcified Neurocysticercosis

Researchers at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India, and University of Texas Medical School at Houston performed dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and determined serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels and MMP-9 gene polymorphisms in 30 subjects with a single calcified lesion of neurocysticercosis without any perilesional abnormality.
Cu substituted CeCo5: New optimal permanent magnetic material with reduced criticality

Abstract A comprehensive theoretical prediction using a mechanism of site substitution confirms the crucial role of Cu in enhancing the capabilities of CeCo 5 as a competitive magnet with its known high coercivity. A remarkable enhancement of magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of 3.09 meV/f.u. and 2.94 meV/f.u. without significant decrease of magnetic moment is found for 10% and 5% Cu substitution at 2c sites of the hexagonal lattice. Calculations predict the increment of coercivity and magnetocrystalline anisotropy (1.6 times) compared to pristine CeCo 5 . The exceptional enhancement in MAE is due to the formation of asymmetric charge hybridization among the Cu (2c) and Co (both 2c and 3g) sites along the uniaxial direction. Because of this asymmetric charge distribution environment, the intrinsic behavior of Ce adjacent to Cu changes abruptly making them more uniaxial and magnetically enhanced creating mixed valence states. For these calculations, we have employed the full-potential augmented plane wave method in conjunction with spin orbit coupling.
Security Analysis of Email Systems

Electronic mail (email) is universally used by businesses, government agencies, and individual users. Out of necessity, users trust their email systems to keep their emails safe and secure. However, email systems are often complex and exhaustive testing is almost impossible for such systems. As a result, email systems often contain bugs and security vulnerabilities. In this paper, we analyze the security and usability of five popular public email systems. Our analysis shows that there are several security vulnerabilities in multiple sign-in and password composition and recovery policy of some of the email systems.
User experience with semi-natural locomotion techniques in virtual reality: the case of the Virtuix Omni

Prior studies have shown that semi-natural VR locomotion techniques (i.e., those with moderate levels of interaction fidelity) can produce an inferior user experience compared to both real walking and non-natural locomotion techniques [1], but it is not known whether all semi-natural VR locomotion interfaces suffer from the same problems. The Virtuix Omni is a commercial VR locomotion device in which users strap into a harness that supports the lower body and perform walking motions on a low-friction curved floor. Our analysis of the Omni indicated that while it still falls in the semi-natural category, it may have some advantages compared to prior semi-natural devices. We conducted a study to evaluate user experience with the Omni in order to determine whether the Omni avoids the user experience problems seen in other moderate-fidelity techniques.
Comparison of dose volume parameters evaluated using three forward planning - optimization techniques in cervical cancer brachytherapy involving two applicators.

Purpose This study is intended to compare dose-volume parameters evaluated using different forward planning- optimization techniques, involving two applicator systems in intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer. It looks for the best applicator-optimization combination to fulfill recommended dose-volume objectives in different high-dose-rate (HDR) fractionation schedules. Material and methods We used tandem-ring and Fletcher-style tandem-ovoid applicator in same patients in two fractions of brachytherapy. Six plans were generated for each patient utilizing 3 forward optimization techniques for each applicator used: equal dwell weight/times ('no optimization'), 'manual dwell weight/times', and 'graphical'. Plans were normalized to left point A and dose of 8 Gy was prescribed. Dose volume and dose point parameters were compared. Results Without graphical optimization, maximum width and thickness of volume enclosed by 100% isodose line, dose to 90%, and 100% of clinical target volume (CTV); minimum, maximum, median, and average dose to both rectum and bladder are significantly higher with Fletcher applicator. Even if it is done, dose to both points B, minimum dose to CTV, and treatment time; dose to 2 cc (D2cc) rectum and rectal point etc.; D2cc, minimum, maximum, median, and average dose to sigmoid colon; D2cc of bladder remain significantly higher with this applicator. Dose to bladder point is similar (p > 0.05) between two applicators, after all optimization techniques. Conclusions Fletcher applicator generates higher dose to both CTV and organs at risk (2 cc volumes) after all optimization techniques. Dose restriction to rectum is possible using graphical optimization only during selected HDR fractionation schedules. Bladder always receives dose higher than recommended, and 2 cc sigmoid colon always gets permissible dose. Contrarily, graphical optimization with ring applicators fulfills all dose volume objectives in all HDR fractionations practiced.
Optimal scheduling and dispatch of pumped hydro — Thermal — Wind systems

The following piece of work is dedicated to solving the unit commitment/optimal scheduling problem under high levels of wind power penetration and under the presence of a pumped hydro storage facility. This task has been divided into two parts; a) Baseline scheduling and b) Reserve scheduling, where baseline scheduling meets the day-ahead forecast of load and wind energy, while reserve scheduling meets the variation in load and wind energy from the baseline schedule. A Markov chain transition matrix has been used to quantify both upward and downward reserves. This paper reveals the results of considering different aspects (fuel cost, reliability, emissions and reservoir volume), in the objective function. Also a Monte-Carlo analysis of the results are performed to understand the probabilistic nature of the problem. Using frequency distribution of load and wind data, different cases have been analyzed to conclude a probabilistic (or fuzzy) schedule, which not only answers the question of ON/OFF status but can also imply time windows for maintenance scheduling and turn-down activities.
Mind over motor mapping: Driver response to changing vehicle dynamics

Improvements in vehicle safety require understanding of the neural systems that support the complex, dynamic task of real-world driving. We used functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and pupilometry to quantify cortical and physiological responses during a realistic, simulated driving task in which vehicle dynamics were manipulated. Our results elucidate compensatory changes in driver behavior in response to changes in vehicle handling. We also describe associated neural and physiological responses under different levels of mental workload. The increased cortical activation we observed during the late phase of the experiment may indicate motor learning in prefrontal-parietal networks. Finally, relationships among cortical activation, steering control, and individual personality traits suggest that individual brain states and traits may be useful in predicting a driver's response to changes in vehicle dynamics. Results such as these will be useful for informing the design of automated safety systems that facilitate safe and supportive driver-car communication.
A Measure of Chaos for Open Flows

Since the subject matter of the presentation given at the conference is (or will be) well represented elsewhere [1–3], here we just give a brief account.
Thermal Phase Transitions in Biomembranes

Many years ago Dayson and Danielli (1) suggested that the lipids in biological membranes are organized in a two-dimensional array, similar to the liquid-crystalline lamellar phase which phospholipids exhibit in excess water. Much of the membrane protein was assumed to be bound on each side to the polar ends of the lipid molecules. Although this bilayer concept, with minor modifications, is the most commonly accepted model for membrane structure, recently many investigators have suggested alternative arrangements which emphasize nonpolar association of lipid hydrocarbon chains with proteins (2). Some of the current speculation and divergence of opinion can be attributed to a lack of definitive experimental approaches.
Balloon Dilatation in the management of esophageal strictures in dystrophic type epidermolysis bullosa.

ABSTRACT: We report our experience in treating esophageal strictures with balloon dilatation in 19 patients with esophageal affection in Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) dystrophic type. We performed 84 dilatations, all under general anesthesia. All patients could be sufficiently dilated by balloons and tolerated the procedure well. We did not experience any complications. In spite of the fact that repeated procedures will be necessary according to the progressive nature of the disease, we found this mode superior to operative procedures, stoma or replacement.
Acceptability of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Free-Living Healthy Individuals: Implications for the Use of Wearable Biosensors in Diet and Physical Activity Research

Background: Wearable sensors have been increasingly used in behavioral research for real-time assessment and intervention purposes. The rapid advancement of biomedical technology typically used in clinical settings has made wearable sensors more accessible to a wider population. Yet the acceptability of this technology for nonclinical purposes has not been examined. Objective: The aim was to assess the acceptability of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device among a sample of nondiabetic individuals, and to compare the acceptability of a CGM between a mobile diet tracking app (MyFitnessPal) and an accelerometer. Methods: A total of 30 nondiabetic adults went through a 7-day observational study. They wore a CGM sensor, tracked their diet and physical activity using the CGM receiver and MyFitnessPal, and wore an accelerometer on their waist. After the monitoring period, they completed a 10-item survey regarding acceptability of each of the study tools. Two-tailed paired-sample t tests were conducted to examine whether the summary acceptability scores were comparable between the CGM sensor/receiver and MyFitnessPal/accelerometer. Results: More than 90% of the study participants agreed that the CGM sensor and receiver were easy to use (28/30 and 27/30, respectively), useful (28/30 and 29/30, respectively), and provided relevant information that was of interest to them (27/30 and 28/30, respectively). The summary acceptability scores (out of a 5-point Likert scale) were mean 4.06 (SD 0.55) for the CGM sensor, mean 4.05 (SD 0.58) for the CGM receiver, mean 4.10 (SD 0.68) for MyFitnessPal, and mean 3.73 (SD 0.76) for the accelerometer. Conclusions: The high acceptability of using a CGM from this study suggests a great potential for using CGMs in nondiabetic adults in research settings. Although potential selection bias might contribute to the high acceptability in this study, the continued advancements in wearable sensor technology will make the barriers to tracking and collecting personal physiological data more and more minimal.
Node Ordering for Rescalable Network Summarization (or, the Apparent Magic of Word Frequency and Age of Acquisition in the Lexicon).

How can we “scale down” an n-node network G to a smaller network \(G'\), with \(k \ll n\) nodes, so that \(G'\) (approximately) maintains the important structural properties of G? There is a voluminous literature on many versions of this problem if k is given in advance, but one’s tolerance for approximation (and the resulting value of k) will vary. Here, then, we formulate a “rescalable” version of this approximation task for complex networks. Specifically, we propose a node ordering version of graph summarization: permute the nodes of G so that the subgraph induced by the first k nodes is a good size-k approximation of G, averaged over the full range of possible sizes k. We consider as a case study the phonological network of English words, and discover two natural word orders (word frequency and age of acquisition) that do a surprisingly good job of rescalably summarizing the lexicon.
A driving test for oncogenic mutations

Activating mutations in protein kinases are a frequent cause of cancer, and selecting drugs that act on these oncogenic kinases can lead to effective therapies. Targeted or whole-genome sequencing of tumor samples can readily reveal the presence of mutations, but discerning previously uncharacterized activating "driver" mutations that will respond to drug treatment from much more abundant but inconsequential "passenger" mutations is problematic. Chakroborty et al. apply a screening approach that leverages error-prone PCR and a proliferating cell model to identify such gain-of-function mutants in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase. The screen is validated by the identification of known cancer-promoting mutations and reveals a previously unappreciated oncogenic EGFR mutation, A702V, demonstrating its power for discovery of driver mutations.
Induction and/or selection of phenolic acid-utilizing bulk-soil and rhizosphere bacteria and their influence on phenolic acid phytotoxicity.

Bulk-soil and rhizosphere bacteria are thought to exert considerable influence over the types and concentrations of phytotoxins, including phenolic acids, that reach a root surface. Induction and/or selection of phenolic acid-utilizing (PAU) bacteria within the bulk-soil and rhizosphere have been observed when soils are enriched with individual phenolic acids at concentrations ≥0.25 μmol/g soil. However, since field soils frequently contain individual phenolic acids at concentrations well below 0.1 μmol/g soil, the actual importance of such induction and/or selection remains uncertain. Common bacteriological techniques (e.g., isolation on selective media, and plate dilution frequency technique) were used to demonstrate in Cecil Ap soil systems: (1) that PAU bacterial communities in the bulk soil and the rhizosphere of cucumber seedlings were induced and/or selected by mixtures composed of individual phenolic acids at concentrations well below 0.25 μmol/g soil; (2) that readily available carbon sources other than phenolic acids, such as glucose, did not modify induction and/or selection of PAU bacteria; (3) that the resulting bacterial communities readily utilize mixtures of phenolic acids as a carbon source; and (4) that depending on conditions (e.g., initial PAU bacterial populations, and phenolic acid concentration) there were significant inverse relationships between PAU bacteria in the rhizosphere of cucumber seedlings and absolute rates of leaf expansion and/or shoot biomass. The decline in seedling growth could not be attributed to resource competition (e.g., nitrogen) between the seedlings and the PAU bacteria in these studies. The induced and/or selected rhizosphere PAU bacteria, however, reduced the magnitude of growth inhibition by phenolic acid mixtures. For a 0.6 μmol/g soil equimolar phenolic acid mixture composed of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid, modeling indicated that an increase of 500% in rhizosphere PAU bacteria would lead to an approximate 5% decrease (e.g., 20–25%) in inhibition of absolute rates of leaf expansion. As far as we know, this is the first time that such a relationship has been quantified.
Data management in distributed data bases

The recent advances in large-scale integrated logic and memory technology, coupled with the explosion in size and complexity of the application areas, have led to the design of distributed architectures. Basically, a Distributed Computer System ( DCS ) is considered as an interconnection of digital systems called Processing Elements ( PEs ), each having certain processing capabilities and communicating with each other. This definition encompasses a wide range of configurations from an uniprocessor system with different functional units to multiplicity of general-purpose computers (e.g. ARPANET). In general, the notion of "distributed systems" varies in character and scope with different people. 30 So far, there is no accepted definition and basis for classifying these systems. In this paper, we limit our discussion to a class of DCSs which have an interconnection of dedicated/shared, programmable, functional PEs working on a set of jobs which may be related or unrelated.
Ultralow Pt loading nanoporous Au-Cu-Pt thin film as highly active and durable catalyst for formic acid oxidation

Abstract Ultralow Pt loading tri-metallic nanoporous (np) Au-Cu-Pt catalysts for formic acid oxidation (FAO) have been synthesized by electrodeposition of Au0.27Cu0.70Pt0.03 alloy thin film, followed by dealloying for oxidative Cu removal. Underpotential deposition and CO stripping are used for measuring the electrochemical active surface (overall and Pt fraction) of synthesized catalysts and SEM is performed for characterization of their morphology. Also, EDS and inductive coupled plasma are used for compositional analysis. Potential cycling FAO tests show excellent performance of these catalysts manifested by up to 250(mgPt) and 17(mgPt+Au) times higher mass activity (at 0.0V/MSE) than commercial Pt/C(40%) nanoparticulate counterparts. This is accompanied by remarkable durability in both cycling and constant potential tests. A no-hysteresis voltammetry for 55 cycles of synthesized np Au-Cu-Pt catalysts demonstrates unseen to date resistance to anodic passivation along with outstanding CO-poisoning tolerance. A combination of electronic, ensemble, and synergistic effects is believed to enable catalysts’ outstanding performance.
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Three years ago, participants in the Rural and Agricultural Studies section of the Western Social Science Association (WSSA) inaugurated the tradition of gathering to talk about current publication...
Customized Chiral Colloids

This contribution describes a synthetic strategy for the fabrication of multicomponent colloidal “molecules” with controllable complex morphologies and compositionally distinct lobes. Using 3-(trim...
Morphea patients with mucocutaneous involvement: A cross-sectional study from the Morphea in Adults and Children (MAC) cohort.

Background Demographic and clinical findings of patients with mucocutaneous morphea have not been well characterized, to our knowledge. Objective To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of morphea patients with mucocutaneous lesions who were enrolled in the Morphea in Adults and Children cohort. Methods Cross-sectional study of 735 patients in the Morphea in Adults and Children cohort from 2007 to 2018. Results A total of 4.6% of linear morphea patients had oral involvement versus 2.4% among the entire cohort, whereas 10.3% of generalized morphea patients had genital involvement versus 3.7% among the entire cohort. Patients with genital lesions were older at disease onset than those with oral morphea (57 versus 11.5 years; P Limitations Selection bias and limited number of affected subjects. Conclusion Oral morphea lesions predominate in younger patients with facial linear morphea, whereas genital lesions predominate in postmenopausal women with overlying extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.