cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of reconfigurable control systems: a fuzzy set theoretic perspective

From a fuzzy set theoretic perspective, the paper analyzes the relationship of overall system reliability to performance requirements on subsystem modules in a reconfigurable control system. A performance measure is introduced, accommodating the multiple impairment parameter situation, in the form of coverage that indicates the likelihood of success in a reconfiguration action. This definition of coverage can also be used as a fuzzy ranking criterion for making the decision in selecting the most reliable control law.
FUTURE REQUIREMENTS OF MAGNETO-OPTICAL RECORDING

The future developments needed in magneto-optical recording are discussed. It is projected that by the year 2000, personal computers will have processing speeds of 100 million instructions per second and as much as 1 gigabyte of semiconductor memory. Magnetic disk drives could range in size from 1 inch to 3.5 inches. A 3.5 inch drive is expected to store as much as 60 gigabytes while even a 1 inch drive could store 600 MBytes. The 1 inch drives could be used in arrays on boards with a 4 X 4 array providing 10 gigabytes of storage, faster access time and much greater reliability than a single drive. To work with this memory and storage hierarchy, relatively high-performance removable media will be required for off-line storage and interchange between computers. It is expected that data will consist of a lot of images, requiring vast amounts of storage. Two inch magneto-optical disks could provide 4 gigabytes of storage and the required removability. Magneto-optical drives are expected to provide faster access times and higher data rates than today, but to still lag rigid magnetic drives in performance. These advances will come about through use of shorter wavelength laser sources, improved servoing techniques, faster rotation rate spindles, improved signal processing, improved modulation and error correction codes, direct overwrite and lighter weight and smaller optical heads.
Hazard-Based Detection Conditions for Improved Transition Fault Coverage of Functional Test Sequences

It was shown earlier that simulation of a transition fault under a test may indicate that the fault is detected by the test only if detection conditions referred to as hazard-based detection conditions are considered. The hazard-based detection conditions were applied to fault simulation and test generation for transition faults under scan-based tests. In this case, the increase in fault coverage due to the use of the hazard-based detection conditions for test generation may imply that redundant transition faults are detected. Functional test sequences are applied to the primary inputs of the circuit in functional mode. In this case, if a fault is detected due to the use of the hazard-based detection conditions, the fault is guaranteed to be irredundant. Motivated by this observation we study the use of the hazard-based detection conditions for the simulation and generation of functional test sequences.
Concatenated Random Parity Forwarding in Multi-source Multi-hop Wireless Networks

We present concatenated random parity forwarding technique that enables the network coding gain to increase with each additional hop in wireless multi-hop networks of multiple sources, multiple relays, and single destination. The increased network coding gain allows the nodes closer to the destination to reduce their transmit power. This feature is particularly useful in many-to-one type multi-hop wireless networks, where nodes located closer to the destination are expected to relay more data, and hence consume more energy. The proposed approach can compensate for this increased energy consumption by the enhanced network coding gain for the nodes closer to the destination. The parity bits are generated independently and randomly at the relays from some finite field, and forwarded to the next node. This makes the protocol overhead minimal in coordinating the relay nodes and enables a decentralized network operation. Also, it allows relay nodes to be easily added with little overhead as the network scale increases. The presented model incorporates random distribution of nodes in the network. We analyze the probability of decoding error and the network coding gain as a function of the the number of hops and network configurations.
Graphene Growth and Device Integration

Graphene has been introduced to the electronics community as a potentially useful material for scaling electronic devices to meet low-power and high-performance targets set by the semiconductor industry international roadmap, radio-frequency (RF) devices, and many more applications. Growth and integration of graphene for any device is challenging and will require significant effort and innovation to address the many issues associated with integrating the monolayer, chemically inert surface with metals and dielectrics. In this paper, we review the growth and integration of graphene for simple field-effect transistors and present physical and electrical data on the integrated graphene with metals and dielectrics.
Longitudinal Measurement of Clinical Mammographic Breast Density to Improve Estimation of Breast Cancer Risk

BACKGROUND Whether a change over time in clinically measured mammographic breast density influences breast cancer risk is unknown. METHODS From January 1993 to December 2003, data that included American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) breast density categories (1-4 in order of increasing density) were collected prospectively on 301,955 women aged 30 and older who were not using postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and underwent at least two screening mammography examinations; 2639 of the women were diagnosed with breast cancer within 1 year of the last examination. Women's first and last BI-RADS breast density (average 3.2 years apart) and logistic regression were used to model the odds of having invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed within 12 months of the last examination by change in BI-RADS category. Rates of breast cancer adjusted for age, mammography registry, and time between screening examinations were estimated from this model. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS The rate (breast cancers per 1000 women) of breast cancer was higher if BI-RADS breast density category increased from 1 to 2 (5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.7 to 6.9) or 1 to 3 (9.9, 95% CI = 6.4 to 15.5) compared to when it remained at BI-RADS density of 1 (3.0, 95% CI = 2.3 to 3.9; P<.001 for trend). Similar and statistically significant trends between increased or decreased density and increased or decreased risk of breast cancer, respectively, were observed for women whose breast density category was initially 2 or 3 and changed categories. BI-RADS density of 4 on the first examination was associated with a high rate of breast cancer (range 9.1-13.4) that remained high even if breast density decreased. CONCLUSION An increase in BI-RADS breast density category within 3 years may be associated with an increase in breast cancer risk and a decrease in density category with a decrease in risk compared to breast cancer risk in women in whom breast density category remains unchanged. Two longitudinal measures of BI-RADS breast density may better predict a woman's risk of breast cancer than a single measure.
A real-time screening assay for GIRK1/4 channel blockers

The cardiac acetylcholine-activated K(+) channel (I(K,Ach)) represents a novel target for drug therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This channel is a member of the G-protein-coupled inward rectifier K(+) (GIRK) channel superfamily and is composed of the GIRK1/4 (Kir3.1 and Kir3.4) subunits. The goal of this study was to develop a cell-based screening assay for identifying new blockers of the GIRK1/4 channel. The mouse atrial HL-1 cell line, expressing the GIRK1/4 channel, was plated in 96-well plate format, loaded with the fluorescent membrane potential-sensitive dye bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol (DiBAC(4)(3)) and measured using a fluorescent imaging plate reader (FLIPR). Application of the muscarinic agonist carbachol to the cells caused a rapid, time-dependent decrease in the fluorescent signal, indicative of K(+) efflux through the GIRK1/4 channel (carbachol vs. control solution, Z' factor = 0.5-0.6). The GIRK1/4 channel fluorescent signal was blocked by BaCl(2) and enhanced by increasing the driving force for K(+) across the cell membrane. To test the utility of the assay for screening GIRK1/4 channel blockers, cells were treated with a small compound library of Na(+) and K(+) channel modulators. Analogues of amiloride and propafenone were identified as channel blockers at concentrations less than 1 µM. Thus, the GIRK1/4 channel assay may be used in the development of new and selective agents for treating AF.
Two-Phase Flow Maldistribution and Mitigation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Flow maldistribution among polymer electrolyte fuel-cell (PEFC) channels is of concern because this leads to nonuniform distributions of fuel and oxidizer, which in turn result in nonuniform reaction rates in the catalyst layers and thus detrimentally affect PEFC performance and durability. Channels with low flow rates risk flooding by liquid water. This can cause catalyst support corrosion and hence the undesirably accelerated aging of PEFCs. Multiphase flow computations are performed to examine the effects of gas diffusion layer (GDL) intrusion and manifold design on reducing flow maldistribution. Velocity field, hydrodynamic pressure, and liquid saturations are computed in the parallel gas channels using the multiphase-mixture formulation in order to quantify the flow nonuniformity or maldistribution among PEFC channels. It is shown that, when channel flow is in single phase, employing two splitter plates in the header manifold can bring down the flow maldistribution to less than half of that for the case with 20% area maldistribution due to the GDL intrusion. When channel flow occurs in the two-phase regime, the liquid-water front can be pushed downstream and the effect of GDL intrusion on the maximum liquid saturation can be decreased by more than one-third by using flow splitters.
Distributed training of large scale exponential language models

Shrinkage-based exponential language models, such as the recently introduced Model M, have provided significant gains over a range of tasks [1]. Training such models requires a large amount of computational resources in terms of both time and memory. In this paper, we present a distributed training algorithm for such models based on the idea of cluster expansion [2]. Cluster expansion allows us to efficiently calculate the normalization and expectations terms required for Model M training by minimizing the computation needed between consecutive n-grams. We also show how the algorithm can be implemented in a distributed environment, greatly reducing the memory required per process and training time.
Physicochemical criteria for reverse osmosis separation of aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, and amines in aqueous solutions using porous cellulose acetate membranes

Reverse osmosis separation of 62 different proton acceptor compounds (bases) including 7 aldehydes, 8 ketones, 12 ethers, 11 esters, and 24 amines in aqueous solutions in the concentration range 0.00075 to 0.003 g mole/l. (∼100 ppm in most cases) have been studied using porous cellulose acetate membranes at 250 psig. All reverse osmosis data are for single solute systems. Solute separation data for aldehydes, ketones, ethers, and esters are correlated with Δvs (basicity) (shift in the OD band maximum in the IR spectra of CH3OD in benzene and other solvents used as solutes in reverse osmosis experiments), and those for the amines are correlated with dissociation constant (given as pKa) and the degree of dissociation of the molecule. Solute separation increases with increase in Δvs (basicity) for aldehydes, ketones, ethers, and esters and with increase in degree of dissociation for amines. The separation data and the basicity parameters for the above classes of compounds are also correlated with Taft numbers. The results are consistent with those reported earlier for alcohols, phenols, and monocarboxylic acids in aqueous solutions and show that data on Δvs (basicity), pKa, and Taft numbers are valid physicochemical criteria governing reverse osmosis separation of aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, and amines.
Cultured stromal cells: an in vitro model of prostatic mesenchymal biology.

Background Initial efforts to develop in vitro models to study prostatic biology focused on the culture and characterization of epithelial cells. Recently, attention has turned towards inclusion of stromal cells in experimental systems. Methods Improved methods to isolate and culture stromal cells have been developed. An array of markers are employed to characterize subtypes of stromal cells, with particular interest in smooth muscle differentiation. Results Defined, serum-free media are available for certain experimental applications. Conditions that promote smooth muscle differentiation have been identified. Investigators have characterized hormonal and peptide factors that regulate the growth of prostatic stromal cells, and have also described paracrine factors produced by stromal cells that influence epithelial biology. Conclusions Prostatic stromal-cell cultures are now widely employed by a large number of investigators for a diverse array of experimental purposes. While further refinement is required to obtain model systems that fully mimic in vivo processes, the availability of stromal- and epithelial-cell cultures provides a valuable resource for studying normal prostatic biology as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer.
Antheridiogen concentration and spore size predict gametophyte size in Ceratopteris richardii

In many plants females invest more in reproduction than males. In organisms that exhibit environmental sex determination, individuals in low-quality environments or who are slow growing are expecte...
Drugs on the Internet, Part V: Absinthe, Return of the Emerald Mask

Absinthe, a famous liquor of the 19th century, has become immensely popular with its return to legality and mass marketing and drug culture enhancement of its purported unique effects. The electronic world of the Internet has greatly expedited the extent and depth of societal knowledge about the allure of the green fairy, absinthe. An extensive number of websites exists, representing 22 categories of topics about or using the word absinthe. Recent research has dispelled many myths about absinthe and its effects, yet beliefs about its magical powers persist, thus maintaining its reputation as an extraordinary experience within a bohemian lifestyle.
Exercise protects against doxorubicin-induced markers of autophagy signaling in skeletal muscle

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antitumor agent used in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, DOX is also toxic to skeletal muscle and can result in significant muscle wasting. The cellular mechanism(s) by which DOX induces toxicity in skeletal muscle fibers remains unclear. Nonetheless, DOX-induced toxicity is associated with increased generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage, and activation of the calpain and caspase-3 proteolytic systems within muscle fibers. It is currently unknown if autophagy, a proteolytic system that can be triggered by oxidative stress, is activated in skeletal muscles following DOX treatment. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that systemic administration of DOX leads to increased expression of autophagy markers in the rat soleus muscle. Our results reveal that DOX administration results in increased muscle mRNA levels and/or protein abundance of several important autophagy proteins, including: Beclin-1, Atg12, Atg7, LC3, LC3II-to-LCI ratio, and cathepsin L. Furthermore, given that endurance exercise increases skeletal muscle antioxidant capacity and protects muscle against DOX-induced oxidative stress, we performed additional experiments to determine whether exercise training before DOX administration would attenuate DOX-induced increases in expression of autophagy genes. Our results clearly show that exercise can protect skeletal muscle from DOX-induced expression of autophagy genes. Collectively, our findings indicate that DOX administration increases the expression of autophagy genes in skeletal muscle, and that exercise can protect skeletal muscle against DOX-induced activation of autophagy.
The maize homologue of the cell cycle checkpoint protein MAD2 reveals kinetochore substructure and contrasting mitotic and meiotic localization patterns.

We have identified a maize homologue of yeast MAD2, an essential component in the spindle checkpoint pathway that ensures metaphase is complete before anaphase begins. Combined immunolocalization of MAD2 and a recently cloned maize CENPC homologue indicates that MAD2 localizes to an outer domain of the prometaphase kinetochore. MAD2 staining was primarily observed on mitotic kinetochores that lacked attached microtubules; i.e., at prometaphase or when the microtubules were depolymerized with oryzalin. In contrast, the loss of MAD2 staining in meiosis was not correlated with initial microtubule attachment but was correlated with a measure of tension: the distance between homologous or sister kinetochores (in meiosis I and II, respectively). Further, the tension-sensitive 3F3/2 phosphoepitope colocalized, and was lost concomitantly, with MAD2 staining at the meiotic kinetochore. The mechanism of spindle assembly (discussed here with respect to maize mitosis and meiosis) is likely to affect the relative contributions of attachment and tension. We support the idea that MAD2 is attachment-sensitive and that tension stabilizes microtubule attachments.
VENTILATORY MECHANISM AND CONTROL IN GRASSHOPPERS

Synopsis. Grasshoppers exhibit a diversity of ventilatory patterns depending on activity status. For each pattern, the mechanism and control of gas exchange is analyzed in terms of a two-step model, consisting of tracheolar and trans-spiracular steps in series. During the intermittent gas exchange that characterizes the most quiescent grasshoppers, spiracles open and close in response to changing carbon dioxide, and trans-spiracular resistance controls gas exchange. In resting but alert grasshoppers, abdominal pumping occurs, and gas exchange is controlled equally by tracheolar and trans-spiracular resistances; tracheal oxygen and carbon dioxide are regulated by variation in abdominal pumping and spiracular opening. During hopping, abdominal pumping does not occur, and bulk gas flow is driven by cuticular deformations associated with locomotion. Increased cellular oxygen consumption depends on use of internal oxygen stores and increased partial pressure gradients. After hopping ceases, abdominal pumping increases dramatically and restores tracheal gas composition; however, the rise in abdominal pumping after hopping is not affected by tracheal gas levels. During flight, bulk flow to the flight muscles is driven by tidal thoracic auto-ventilation, while the remainder of the body is ventilated by abdominal pumping. During both hop? ping and flight, the greatest resistances to gas transport exist in the tracheo? lar rather than the trans-spiracular step.
LOCAL SPECIFIC THERAPY OF EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS II. THE PRODUCTION, PATHOLOGY, AND TREATMENT OF TYPE I PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN DOGS.

1. Extensive acute, fibrinopurulent meningitis may be produced in dogs by the intracisternal injection of virulent Type I pneumococci. 2. Given an equal number of virulent infecting organisms, the rate of establishment of infection depends upon the phase of growth and the quantitative growth per cc. of culture plus an uncontrollable individual factor in the animal. 3. The pathology of pneumococcal meningitis is discussed. It resembles very closely the similar disease in man. 4. Systematic lavage and treatment with optochin-serum mixtures by the method of quadruple puncture, as described above, have resulted in cures of Type I pneumococcal meningitis in dogs. 5. The important factor in obtaining cures is to bring all regions of the meninges into frequent contact with the therapeutic agent. 6. In the absence of such contact, incomplete sterilization results and "reinfection" is almost inevitable. 7. Protocols show the necessity of repeated negative cisternal fluids, both on smear and on culture, before sterilization can be assured. 8. Recovered dogs subjected to meningeal reinfection show some degree of resistance.
Injektionen für den Kopf- und Kieferbereich

Gerade im Bereich des Kopfes und des Kiefergelenks sowie im hochzervikalen Bereich ist es oft unerlasslich und legitim eine aggressive pharmakologische Therapie einzuleiten, um den Patienten zu schutzen. So kann eine Entzundung irreparablen Schaden verursachen und Funktionsablaufe behindern. Eine Schmerztherapie kann eine begleitende Behandlungstherapie sein, um eine Immobilisation mit Verschlechterung der Mikroarchitektur des Gewebes zu verhindern.
One-Dimensional Time to Explosion (Thermal Sensitivity) of ANPZ

Incidents caused by fire and combat operations can heat energetic materials that may lead to thermal explosion and result in structural damage and casualty. Some explosives may thermally explode at fairly low temperatures (< 100 C) and the violence from thermal explosion may cause a significant damage. Thus it is important to understand the response of energetic materials to thermal insults. The One Dimensional Time to Explosion (ODTX) system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been used for decades to measure times to explosion, threshold thermal explosion temperature, and determine kinetic parameters of energetic materials. Samples of different configurations (pressed part, powder, paste, and liquid) can be tested in the system. The ODTX testing can also provide useful data for assessing the thermal explosion violence of energetic materials. This report summarizes the recent ODTX experimental data and modeling results for 2,6-diamino-3,5-dintropyrazine (ANPZ).
The Can Crusher Project: A Multi-Semester Design Project to Enhance Retention of Engineering Skill Sets

This paper describes a three semester long project which promotes the development and retention of engineering skill-sets by involving students in the design and fabrication of a can-crushing device. The can-crusher project was inspired by spiral learning theory and provides opportunities for students to practice engineering skill sets, including CAD, programming, machining and working with practical electronics. The paper details the implementation of the project and shows how the project addresses skill-set deficits that can occur in conventional curricula. Finally, modifications to the content/organization of the can-crusher project are proposed based on the experiences of the first group of students to complete the three semester sequence.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Carbon shifted but not sequestered.

![Figure][1] Release. Carbon dioxide returns to the atmosphere as speleothems form. CREDIT: ROGER BRANDT, NPS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The News & Analysis story “An unsung carbon sink” (C. Larson, 18 November 2011, p. [886][2]) states that the erosion of limestone by carbonic acid formed from atmospheric carbon dioxide may constitute an “underappreciated carbon sink,” partially mitigating the increase of carbon dioxide from anthropogenic sources. This mitigation is only possible if the captured carbon dioxide is sequestered in an unreactive form. In this case, it is not. Weathering of limestone consumes carbon dioxide to form soluble bicarbonates in solution. If redeposited as calcite (e.g., as travertine or speleothems), the associated carbon dioxide will be returned to the atmosphere. If carried into the oceans, it may be sequestered as shells or reefs, again with the release of the carbon dioxide. There will therefore be no net sequestration of carbon dioxide, but rather a transfer to the oceans, where it will equilibrate over time with the atmosphere. Because a mole of fossil carbon dioxide from limestone is remobilized by the reaction of a mole of atmospheric carbon dioxide, there is also a net increase in the carbon dioxide cycling between the atmosphere and the oceans. Chemical weathering of basic igneous rocks, where there can be net sequestration of carbon dioxide to form insoluble carbonates, is the substantial inorganic “carbon sink,” as shown by the enormous deposits of carbonate rocks worldwide. [1]: pending:yes [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.334.6058.886-b
A standardized test of platelet adhesiveness.

An inexpensive and easily constructed glass bead column for determining adhesiveness in vitro is described. The column consists of a flexible paper sipping straw to which a measured quantity of glass beads is added. The column is perfused with heparinized blood at a constant rate of flow. The median platelet adhesiveness in a defined population of normal adults was 74% and the range of normal was 35 to 94%. This test is capable of clearly demonstrating the defect in platelet adhesiveness characteristic of von Willebrand’s disease. The test is normal in classic hemophilia. Availability of this simplified column should facilitate the diagnostic and investigative application of the in vitro platelet adhesiveness test.
Increased Risk of Cancer in the Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract and by mucocutaneous melanin deposits. The frequency of cancer in this syndrome has not been studied extensively. Therefore, we investigated 31 patients with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome who were followed from 1973 to 1985. All cases of cancer were verified by histopathological review. Cancer developed in 15 of the 31 patients (48 percent)--gastrointestinal carcinomas in 4, nongastrointestinal carcinomas in 10, and multiple myeloma in 1. In addition, adenomatous polyps of the stomach and colon occurred in three other patients. The cancers were diagnosed when the patients were relatively young, but after the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome had been diagnosed (interval between diagnoses, 25 +/- 20 years; range, 1 to 64). According to relative-risk analysis, the observed development of cancer in the patients with the syndrome was 18 times greater than expected in the general population (P less than 0.0001). Our results suggest that patients with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have an increased risk for the development of cancer at gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal sites.
Outlier detection with uncertain data

In recent years, many new techniques have been developed for mining and managing uncertain data. This is because of the new ways of collecting data which has resulted in enormous amounts of inconsistent or missing data. Such data is often remodeled in the form of uncertain data. In this paper, we will examine the problem of outlier detection with uncertain data sets. The outlier detection problem is particularly challenging for the uncertain case, because the outlier-like behavior of a data point may be a result of the uncertainty added to the data point. Furthermore, the uncertainty added to the other data points may skew the overall data distribution in such a way that true outliers may be masked. Therefore, it is critical to be able to remove the effects of the uncertainty added both at the aggregate level as well as at the level of individual data points. In this paper, we will examine a density based approach to outlier detection, and show how to use it to remove the uncertainty from the underlying data. We present experimental results illustrating the effectiveness of the method.
Cushing's disease. Therapy of pituitary adenomas.

Treatment of Cushing’s disease has evolved over the past 20 years from the era of bilateral adrenalectomy to the current era of pituitary microsurgery. Therapy directed to the pituitary gland is currently the first approach in Cushing’s disease and transphenoidal exploration of the sellar contents is the procedure of choice. Tumor localization and pituitary surgery are reviewed. Pituitary radiotherapy, pharmacologic inhibition of ACTH secretion, and Nelson’s syndrome are also discussed.
A high-throughput framework for determining adsorption energies on solid surfaces

In this work, we present a high-throughput workflow for calculation of adsorption energies on solid surfaces using density functional theory. Using open-source computational tools from the Materials Project infrastructure, we automate the procedure of constructing symmetrically distinct adsorbate configurations for arbitrary slabs. These algorithms are further used to construct and run workflows in a standard, automated way such that user intervention in the simulation procedure is minimal. To validate our approach, we compare results from our workflow to previous experimental and theoretical benchmarks from the CE27 database of chemisorption energies on solid surfaces. These benchmarks also illustrate how the task of performing and managing over 200 individual density functional theory calculations may be reduced to a single submission procedure and subsequent analysis. By enabling more efficient high-throughput computations of adsorption energies, these tools will accelerate theory-guided discovery of advanced materials for applications in catalysis and surface science. An automated procedure for determining the energy required for a molecule to adhere to a surface is developed by researchers in the United States. Joseph Montoya from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Kristin Persson from the University of California, Berkeley, introduce an algorithm for finding the adsorption sites on an arbitrary surface. Knowing the amount of energy required for molecular adsorption is crucial for identifying the best materials for use in electronics and catalysis. Density functional theory can predict adsorption energies but usually requires human intuition to tune the calculations. With so many combinations of surface and adsorbate, an automated method is required. Montoya and Persson use open-source computational tools from the Materials Project to present a workflow for performing high-throughput density functional theory calculations for arbitrary slabs and adsorbed species.
A call to action for data definition standardisation and core outcome sets.

Systematic reviews, which form the pinnacle of the “levels of evidence pyramid”, synthesize knowledge and serve to evolve evidence-based medical practice. In this issue of the BJOG, Duffy and colleagues present a systematic review of maternal and offspring outcome reporting across 79 randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating 55 various therapeutic interventions for pre-eclampsia. These RCTs reported 119 different outcomes (72 maternal and 47 offspring outcomes) for 31,615 maternal and 28,172 offspring participants. Surprisingly, some critical yet easily acquirable outcomes were found often not reported; for example, maternal mortality and offspring mortality were reported in 14% and 35% of RCT, respectively. Fewer than half of all RCT reported maternal and offspring harms, only 6 reported childhood outcomes (the longest duration of follow-up being 2 years), and 3 performed economic evaluations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Emergent, remitted and persistent psychosis-spectrum symptoms in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are at markedly elevated risk for schizophrenia-related disorders. Stability, emergence, remission and persistence of psychosis-spectrum symptoms were investigated longitudinally. Demographic, clinical and cognitive predictors of psychosis were assessed. Prospective follow-up over 2.8 years was undertaken in 75 individuals with 22q11DS aged 8-35 years. Mood, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and psychosis-spectrum symptoms were assessed with the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia and Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS). Four domains of cognition were evaluated with the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (executive functioning, memory, complex cognition and social cognition). Psychotic disorder or clinically significant SOPS-positive ratings were consistently absent in 35%, emergent in 13%, remitted in 22% and persistent in 31% of participants. Negative symptoms and functional impairment were found to be predictive of the emergence of positive psychosis-spectrum symptoms and to reflect ongoing deficits after remission of positive symptoms. Dysphoric mood and anxiety were predictive of emergent and persistent-positive psychosis-spectrum symptoms. Lower baseline global cognition and greater global cognitive decline were predictive of psychosis-spectrum outcomes but no particular cognitive domain stood out as being significantly more discriminating than others. Our findings suggest that negative symptoms, functioning and dysphoric mood are important predictors of psychosis risk in this population.
The Pairing Theory – Its Physical Basis and Its Consequences

The key developments which set the scene for the microscopic theory of superconductivity are discussed and the physical reasoning which lead to the pairing theory is presented. Consequences of the BCS theory are reviewed.
What is Human-like?: Decomposing Robots' Human-like Appearance Using the Anthropomorphic roBOT (ABOT) Database

Anthropomorphic robots, or robots with human-like appearance features such as eyes, hands, or faces, have drawn considerable attention in recent years. To date, what makes a robot appear human-like has been driven by designers» and researchers» intuitions, because a systematic understanding of the range, variety, and relationships among constituent features of anthropomorphic robots is lacking. To fill this gap, we introduce the ABOT (Anthropomorphic roBOT) Database---a collection of 200 images of real-world robots with one or more human-like appearance features (http://www.abotdatabase.info). Harnessing this database, Study 1 uncovered four distinct appearance dimensions (i.e., bundles of features) that characterize a wide spectrum of anthropomorphic robots and Study 2 identified the dimensions and specific features that were most predictive of robots» perceived human-likeness. With data from both studies, we then created an online estimation tool to help researchers predict how human-like a new robot will be perceived given the presence of various appearance features. The present research sheds new light on what makes a robot look human, and makes publicly accessible a powerful new tool for future research on robots» human-likeness.
STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF PASSIVE FILMS USING SURFACE EXAFS

ABSTRACT Iron K-absorption edge spectra were obtained from the passive films on iron for the dried films in air ( ex situ ) and for the films in the passivating solutions ( in situ ). The ex situ results demonstrate that, while the structures of the films are more disordered than the spinel-like iron oxides (e.g. γ-Fe203), they are nevertheless closely related to these crystalline oxides. The in situ data shows evidence of a quite different structure, which may be due to the accommodation of hydrogen containing species into the structure.
Time changes all things, yet there is nothing new under the sun: the transience of ethical norms.

David Resnik (1999) has provided an excellent and balanced review of issues about the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP). This project has aroused much controversy, being condemned as socially irresponsible, with racist exploitation, cultural imperialism, biopiracy, invasion of privacy, and deprivation of an individual's rights. The current raging ethical issues about the HGDP should be viewed in the historical perspective of past controversies concerning many scientific and medical advances.
A possible new system for the non-invasive assessment of thermal stress in continuous welded rails

This paper describes a new nondestructive evaluation method to measure the axial stress of thick beams with the aim of developing a new intelligent system to monitor continuous welded rails subjected to thermal stress. The method relies on the propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves within a granular medium made of a monoperiodic chain of spherical particles. The hypothesis of the investigation is that, while one end of the chain is in contact with the rail or beam to be probed, a solitary wave is triggered in the chain and the amplitude and speed of the waves reflected at the chain/structure interface is affected by the axial stress. To verify this hypothesis a finite element model of thermally stressed beams was developed and coupled to a discrete finite element model able to predict the propagation of the solitary waves along a L-shaped granular medium. The models were validated experimentally and the results show that the amplitude and the time of flight of the reflected waves are a function of the axial stress. In the future, these findings may be used to develop a new intelligent sensing system to increase the safety or rail transportation.
Fluoxetine-induced alteration of murine gut microbial community structure: evidence for a microbial endocrinology-based mechanism of action responsible for fluoxetine-induced side effects

Background Depression and major depressive disorder affect 25% of the population. First line treatment utilizing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have met with limited success due to well-recognized negative side effects which include weight gain or loss. This inability to control unwanted side effects often result in patients stopping their antidepressant medications. The mechanisms underlying the failure of SSRIs are incompletely understood. Methods Male CF-1 mice (5 weeks of age, N = 10 per group) were per orally administered fluoxetine (20 mg per kg body weight) or diluent daily for 29 days. During this time fecal specimens were collected at three defined time points (0, 15 and 29 days). At the conclusion of the 29-day dosing regimen, animals were subjected to two behavioral assessments. For bacterial identification of the microbiota, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on 60 fecal specimens (three specimens per mouse time course, N = 20 mice) using Illumina MiSeq. Analysis of community sequence data was done using mothur and LEfSe bioinformatic software packages. Results Daily per oral administration of fluoxetine for 29 days to male mice resulted in a significant, time dependent, alteration in microbial communities accompanying changes in body weight. The calculated species richness and diversity indicators of the murine fecal microbial communities were inconsistent and not significantly different between the groups. Among the phylotypes decreased in abundance due to fluoxetine administration were Lactobacillus johnsonii and Bacteroidales S24-7 which belong to phyla associated with regulation of body mass. The observed changes in body weight due to fluoxetine administration mimicked the dramatic shifts in weight gain/loss that has been observed in humans. Further, at the conclusion of the 29-day dosing regimen fluoxetine-dosed animals evidenced a mild anxiogenic-like behavior. Discussion We report that the most widely used antidepressant, fluoxetine, which is an SSRI-type drug, results in the selective depletion of gut microbiota, specifically the Lactobacilli which are involved in the regulation of body weight. Concomitantly, fluoxetine administration increases the abundance of phylotypes related to dysbiosis. Since Lactobacilli have been previously shown to possess a known biogenic amine transporter that regulates the uptake of fluoxetine, it is proposed that a microbial endocrinology-based mechanistic pathway is responsible for the ability of SSRIs to selectively negatively impact beneficial microbiota. The results of this study therefore suggest that the negative clinical side effects due to fluoxetine administration may be due to alterations in gut microbiota. Further, the data also suggests that supplementation of bacterial genera directly affected by fluoxetine administration may prove useful in ameliorating some of the well-known side effects of chronic fluoxetine administration such as weight alterations.
Impact of Cirrhosis on Pneumonia-Related Outcomes in Hospitalized Older Veterans.

ABSTRACT Background Prior research has demonstrated high mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis who contract bacterial infections. The purpose of our study was to explore clinical outcomes such as 90-day mortality, rehospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in older veterans with pneumonia and cirrhosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia at any Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital over a 10-year period. We included patients 65 years or older who consistently received VA care and who were diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. There were 103,997 patients who met the inclusion criteria, and 1,246 patients with cirrhosis. We used multilevel regression models to examine the association between cirrhosis and the outcomes of interest after controlling for potential confounders. Results Cirrhosis was associated with significantly increased odds of 90-day mortality (odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval, 1.57-2.04). There were also significantly increased odds of rehospitalization within 90-days (1.30, 1.16-1.47). No significant association was found with ICU admission (1.00, 0.83-1.19). Conclusions We found an association between cirrhosis and 90-day mortality and rehospitalization in older patients with pneumonia. We suggest that physicians should carefully monitor patients with cirrhosis who develop pneumonia.
Optimizing Performance in Migrating Data between Non-cloud Infrastructure and Cloud Using Parallel Computing

Clouds have offered users a very rich and flexible internet computing experience. Therefore, many individuals, companies, organizations and institutions migrated from traditional local computing services to the cloud environment. Despite the numerous benefits of cloud computing, there are still major concerns when it comes to security. Among the major security vulnerabilities is the migration process from the physical local servers to the cloud servers. During this migration, data can be lost due to corruption, incomplete transmission and interception. To address these threats, we have designed and implemented a system that will secure the data throughout the migration process. The method being implemented combines different security techniques to ensure that data is fully transferred from the source non-cloud computing environment to the cloud servers without being corrupted or intercepted by a malicious third party. The combination of data segmentation, error control/correction, encryption, decryption and hashing of data, which are applied in our system will ensure that the highest level of data security during the migration process is attained. However, due to the associated heavy computation processes, the whole system can slow down, which can result in poor and inefficient performance. Most chips today are multicore and parallelization, therefore, can be leveraged to enhance the overall system performance and efficiency. In this research, we detail the security improvements of our system and demonstrate the implementations and performance improvements of the parallel implementation.
A Study of the Motility Patterns and the Basic Rhythm in the Duodenum and Upper Part of the Jejunum of Human Beings

Summary 1. Balloon-photokymographic recordings of duodenal and upper jejunal motility have been made in 21 normal persons, 5 patients who had duodenal ulcer and 5 who had chronic ulcerative colitis. 2. The waves seen in the records were classified in two types designated I and III. Measurements of the dimensions of these waves and their frequency of occurrence were made and the percentage of the observation time during which activity was present was also determined in each record. 3. In all of the records, periods of activity alternated with periods of quiescence. When the normal persons and the patients fasted overnight, motility was present 60 to 70 per cent of the time. This percentage was reduced in normal persons to 34 by a fast of 24 to 36 hours. During the active periods, type I waves occurred almost continuously and type III waves were seen about half of the time. 4. Bursts of type I waves in rhythmic sequence occupied about 2 per cent of the tracings from normal persons and from patients who had duodenal ulcer. In the patients who had ulcerative colitis the incidence exceeded 6 per cent. In all of the persons studied, the mean rate of the type I waves when in rhythmic sequence was 11 per minute and the variations around this mean were less than 1 per minute. This rate of rhythmic type I waves has been presented as representing the basic rhythm of the small intestine.
Soil and Water Iron Microbes in North Carolina (SWIMNC) Outreach: Positive Impact of Combining Classroom and Field Experiences to Promote Learning and Shift Attitudes

. Environmental science is a topic that lends itself to innovative teaching methods in secondary education. Many aspects of environmental science have macroscopically observable components, creating myriad opportunities to link classroom lessons and practical, outdoor exercises to both pique the students’ curiosity about the world around them, and reinforce the fundamental knowledge imparted through books and lectures via active learning. Linking university research teams and local science teachers is a key way to incorporate cutting edge science into the classroom and to provide students with the experience of being a “scientist for the day”. Through the Soil and Water Iron Microbes in North Carolina (SWIMNC) project, local science teachers were recruited to participate in a university outreach program to bring current biogeochemical science to both students and teachers. A team of faculty, postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students delivered a classroom presentation on the importance of metals and iron oxidizing bacteria, emphasizing the role microbes play in affecting the availability and transport of metals in the environment. The group then traveled to a nearby site where iron oxides (bright orange deposits common in shallow water) form to collect samples and other field data. Students worked in small teams with a member of the university to collect and label samples, take measurements of pH and temperature, and make and record observations. Pre- and post- activity surveys assessed the impact of the combined classroom and field event on student’s knowledge and attitudes relating to environmental science. Survey results indicate that the combination of classroom activities and hands-on field sampling and analysis had a positive influence on students’ knowledge and views of environmental science. This impact was most pronounced on middle school students, but was still significant for high school students. University outreach programs provide a clear opportunity to integrate current topics into secondary school classrooms. Here, research about how bacteria and metals interact in the environment provides an avenue to incorporate current research data and demonstrations into classroom activities, giving teachers and students the opportunity to use these approaches in lessons and projects to gain a better understanding of environmental science.