cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Environmental Conditions on Dip Pen Nanolithography of Mercaptohexadecanoic Acid

To better understand the process of Probe Mediated Deposition (PMD), or Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN), we have studied the transport of an amphiphilic molecule, mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA), from the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) onto a gold substrate. The process was studied as a function of relative humidity (RH), total elapsed patterning time, and procedure for coating the AFM tip with MHA. Molecular transport is strongly dependent on the conditions of the AFM tip, such as prior cleaning techniques, and whether MHA was deposited dry onto the AFM tip, or from a solution. The transport rate of MHA decreases in a roughly exponential manner over about one hour to a rate that is less than a fourth that of the original transport rate. While the molecular transport rate was independent of RH for 52% RH or less, increasing the RH to 70% about doubled the transport rate, and at 98% RH an increase of about 500% was observed. Our data suggest that the MHA is mobile in the absence of a water meniscus,...
Perceptual style and tracking performance

The relationship between perceptual style and tracking of a target was examined. Four pilots were given the Embedded Figures Test to assess their degrees of field dependence or independence. Then they flew in a helicopter simulator and attempted to track an airborne target. A high negative correlation was found between perceptual style and tracking performance. Field-independent subjects were able to track the target for longer periods than field-dependent subjects.
PS2-21: Validity and Reliability of the Family Economic Impact Interview: A New Instrument to Measure Costs Related to Child Mental Health Conditions.

Background/Aims Care of children with mental health and developmental conditions (MHC) is often demanding and expensive, imposing both financial and time costs on families. Because costs to families are relatively difficult to quantify, most studies have focused on studying family costs using health system data which are more readily available. Few studies have collected cost data directly from families.
Factors Affecting the Yield of Turkey Parts

Abstract AN INCREASING amount of turkey meat is being merchandised in the form of turkey rolls, steaks, parts and other convenience items. Consumers are interested in yields of various parts and of total edible meat. The changes in merchandising methods make processors more aware of percentage yields of parts, particularly boneless breast. They soon may be buying turkeys of certain strains to cut into parts and those from other strains to merchandise as whole ready-to-cook birds. This study was initiated to determine the effect of strain, variety, and sex on the yield of cut-up parts. A wide variation in yields of parts is reported in the literature. This is shown for percentage of breast in Table 1, where yields found by various workers are recorded by variety, sex, and body weight. Body conformation, method of cutting, and method of calculation no doubt also affect the percentages reported. Higher body weights have …
Electrophysiology of Arcuate Neurokinin B Neurons in Female Tac2-EGFP Transgenic Mice

Neurons in the arcuate nucleus that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (KNDy neurons) play an important role in the modulation of reproduction by estrogens. Here, we study the anatomical and electrophysiological properties of arcuate NKB neurons in heterozygous female transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the Tac2 (NKB) promoter (Tac2-EGFP mice). The onset of puberty, estrous cyclicity, and serum LH were comparable between Tac2-EGFP and wild-type mice. The location of EGFP-immunoreactive neurons was consistent with previous descriptions of Tac2 mRNA-expressing neurons in the rodent. In the arcuate nucleus, nearly 80% of EGFP neurons expressed pro-NKB-immunoreactivity. Moreover, EGFP fluorescent intensity in arcuate neurons was increased by ovariectomy and reduced by 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment. Electrophysiology of single cells in tissue slices was used to examine the effects of chronic E2 treatment on Tac2-EGFP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of ovariectomized mice. Whole-cell recordings revealed arcuate NKB neurons to be either spontaneously active or silent in both groups. E2 had no significant effect on the basic electrophysiological properties or spontaneous firing frequencies. Arcuate NKB neurons exhibited either tonic or phasic firing patterns in response to a series of square-pulse current injections. Notably, E2 reduced the number of action potentials evoked by depolarizing current injections. This study demonstrates the utility of the Tac2-EGFP mouse for electrophysiological and morphological studies of KNDy neurons in tissue slices. In parallel to E2 negative feedback on LH secretion, E2 decreased the intensity of the EGFP signal and reduced the excitability of NKB neurons in the arcuate nucleus of ovariectomized Tac2-EGFP mice.
A stochastic differential equation analysis of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Background: Clinical measurements of intracranial pressure (ICP) over time show fluctuations around the deterministic time path predicted by a classic mathematical model in hydrocephalus research. Thus an important issue in mathematical research on hydrocephalus remains unaddressed–modeling the effect of noise on CSF dynamics. Our objective is to mathematically model the noise in the data. Methods: The classic model relating the temporal evolution of ICP in pressure-volume studies to infusions is a nonlinear differential equation based on natural physical analogies between CSF dynamics and an electrical circuit. Brownian motion was incorporated into the differential equation describing CSF dynamics to obtain a nonlinear stochastic differential equation (SDE) that accommodates the fluctuations in ICP. Results: The SDE is explicitly solved and the dynamic probabilities of exceeding critical levels of ICP under different clinical conditions are computed. A key finding is that the probabilities display strong threshold effects with respect to noise. Above the noise threshold, the probabilities are significantly influenced by the resistance to CSF outflow and the intensity of the noise. Conclusions: Fluctuations in the CSF formation rate increase fluctuations in the ICP and they should be minimized to lower the patient’s risk. The nonlinear SDE provides a scientific methodology for dynamic risk management of patients. The dynamic output of the SDE matches the noisy ICP data generated by the actual intracranial dynamics of patients better than the classic model used in prior research.
Expression patterns of Notch1, Notch2, and Notch3 suggest multiple functional roles for the Notch-DSL signaling system during brain development.

The Notch-DSL signaling system consists of multiple receptors and ligands, and plays many roles in development. The function of Notch receptors and ligands in mammalian brain, however, is poorly understood. In the current study, we examined the expression patterns for three receptors of this system, Notch1, 2, and 3, in late embryonic and postnatal rat brain by in situ hybridization. The three receptors have overlapping but different patterns of expression. Messenger RNA for all three proteins is found in postnatal central nervous system (CNS) germinal zones and, in early postnatal life, within numerous cells throughout the CNS. Within zones of cellular proliferation of the postnatal brain, Notch1 mRNA is found in both the subventricular and the ventricular germinal zones, whereas Notch2 and Notch3 mRNAs are more highly localized to the ventricular zones. Both Notch1 and Notch3 mRNAs are expressed along the inner aspect of the dentate gyrus, a site of adult neurogenesis. Notch2 mRNA is expressed in the external granule cell layer of the developing cerebellum. In several brain areas, Notch1 and Notch2 mRNAs are relatively concentrated in white matter, whereas Notch3 mRNA is not. Neurosphere cultures (which contain CNS stem cells), purified astrocyte cultures, and striatal neuron-enriched cultures express Notch1 mRNA. However, in these latter cultures, Notch1 mRNA is produced by nestin-containing cells, rather than by postmitotic neurons. Taken together, these results support multiple roles for Notch1, 2, and 3 receptor activation during CNS development, particularly during gliogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:167–181, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intracellular electric fields produced by dielectric barrier discharge treatment of skin

The application of atmospheric pressure plasmas to human tissue has been shown to have therapeutic effects for wound healing and in treatment of skin diseases. These effects are attributed to both production of beneficial radicals which intersect with biological reaction chains and to the surface and intracellular generation of electric fields. In this paper, we report on computational studies of the intersection of plasma streamers in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) sustained in air with human skin tissue, with emphasis on the intracellular generation of electric fields. Intracellular structures and their electrical properties were incorporated into the computational mesh in order to self-consistently couple gas phase plasma transport with the charging of the surface of the skin and the intracellular production of electrical currents. The short duration of a single plasma filament in DBDs and its intersection with skin enables the intracellular penetration of electric fields. The magnitude of these electric fields can reach 100kVcm −1 which may exceed the threshold for electroporation. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Assessing and addressing risk of cardiovascular disease in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women.

Editor–in–Chief, The Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Medicine Emeritus, Emory University School of Medicine, 1670 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA (Dr. Brown); Professor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA (Dr. Wenger); Professor of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA (Dr. Bittner); and Professor of Medicine and Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA (Dr. Brinton)
Design, fabrication, and characterization of thermally actuated probe arrays for dip pen nanolithography

In Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN), arbitrary nanoscale chemical patterns can be created by the diffusion of chemicals from the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe to a surface. This paper describes the design, optimization, fabrication, and testing of an actuated multi-probe DPN array. The probe array consists of 10 thermal bimorph active probes made of silicon nitride and gold. The probes are 300 /spl mu/m long and the tips are spaced 100 /spl mu/m apart. An actuation current of 10 mA produces a tip deflection of 8 /spl mu/m, which is enough to remove individual tips from the surface independent of the adjacent probes. An analytical probe model is presented and used to optimize the design against several possible failure modes. The array is demonstrated by using it to simultaneously write 10 unique octadecanethiol patterns on a gold surface. Pattern linewidth as small as 80 nm has been created at a maximum write speed of 20 /spl mu/m/sec. By writing multiple, distinctly different patterns in parallel, this device provides a significant improvement in throughput and flexibility over conventional AFM probes in the DPN process.
Vessel Segmentation and Blood Flow Simulation Using Level-Sets and Embedded Boundary Methods

In this article we address the problem of blood flow simulation in realistic vascular objects. The anatomical surfaces are extracted by means of Level-Sets methods that accurately model the complex and varying surfaces of pathological objects such as aneurysms and stenoses. The surfaces obtained are defined at the sub-pixel level where they intersect the Cartesian grid of the image domain. It is therefore straightforward to construct embedded boundary representations of these objects on the same grid, for which recent work has enabled discretization of the Navier- Stokes equations for incompressible fluids. While most classical techniques require construction of a structured mesh that approximates the surface in order to extrapolate a 3D finite-element gridding of the whole volume, our method directly simulates the blood flow inside the extracted surface without losing any complicated details and without building additional grids. D 2004 CARS and Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A PSO with quantum infusion algorithm for training Simultaneous Recurrent Neural Networks

Simultaneous Recurrent Neural Network (SRN) is one of the most powerful neural network architectures well suited for estimation and control of complex time varying nonlinear dynamic systems. SRN training is a difficult problem especially if multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO) are involved. Particle swarm optimization with quantum infusion (PSO-QI) is introduced in this paper for training such SRNs. In order to illustrate the capability of the PSO-QI training algorithm, a wide area monitor (WAM) for a power system is developed using a multiple inputs multiple outputs Elman SRN. The SRN estimates speed deviations of four generators in a multimachine power system. Since MIMO structured SRNs are hard to train, a two step approach for training is presented with PSO-QI. The performance of PSO-QI is compared to that of the standard PSO algorithm. Results demonstrate that the SRN trained with the PSO-QI in the two step approach tracks the speed deviations of the generators with the minimum error.
Doxycycline Hyclate Treatment of Experimental Canine Ehrlichiosis Followed by Challenge Inoculation with Two Ehrlichia canis Strains

Dogs were experimentally inoculated with Ehrlichia canis Florida to assess the efficacy of doxycycline hyclate for the treatment of acute ehrlichiosis. Treatment with doxycycline eliminated infection in eight of eight dogs. Untreated infected control dogs appeared to eliminate the infection or, alternatively, suppress the degree of ehrlichiemia to a level not detectable by tissue culture isolation or PCR or by transfusion of blood into recipient dogs. Prior infection did not infer protection against homologous (strain Florida) or heterologous (strain NCSU Jake) strains of E. canis. We conclude that doxycycline hyclate is an effective treatment for acute E. canis infection; however, these results may not be applicable to chronic infections in nature. Spontaneous resolution of infection, induced by the dog’s innate immune response, provides evidence that an E. canis vaccine, once developed, might potentially confer protective immunity against the organism.
Different modification effects of carbidic and graphitic carbon on Ni surfaces

Abstract The dehydrogenation of cyclohexene was used as a probe reaction to examine the effect of carbide and graphite modifications on Ni surfaces. The carbon-modified surfaces were first characterized with Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), where the transformation from carbidic to graphitic carbon was detected after heating the carbon overlayer to 900 K. The reaction pathways of cyclohexene on the modified Ni surfaces were then compared with those on the unmodified Ni surface using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Thermal desorption studies showed that on the clean Ni surface, 39% of the adsorbed cyclohexene underwent dehydrogenation to benzene, while the remaining 61% completely decomposed to surface carbon and gas-phase hydrogen. The formation of carbide significantly modified the surface chemistry of Ni. For example, upon carbide modification, the selectivity toward benzene increased to 79%. After converting the carbide to graphite, the overall surface activity was reduced by a factor of 2.2, but the selectivity toward benzene remained at 79%. Vibrational studies further revealed that cyclohexene was converted to benzene by 200 K on the modified and unmodified Ni surfaces, and that the degree of interaction was different between benzene and the three surfaces.
Nadir hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass: End-organ dysfunction and mortality

Objective To discover the effects of the lowest hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass on end-organ function and mortality in patients who did not receive red blood cell transfusion and to identify predictors of nadir hematocrit. Methods From November 1, 2004, to October 1, 2009, 7957 patients underwent cardiac surgery supported by cardiopulmonary bypass and were not transfused. The relationship between nadir hematocrit and morbidity, markers of end-organ function, and survival was studied using generalized propensity score analysis. Factors associated with nadir hematocrit were identified by linear regression. Results Median nadir hematocrit was 30% (25th to 75th percentile, 27%–33%). Lower nadir hematocrit was associated with higher maximum intraoperative lactic acid (intrasubject correlation, −0.44). After risk adjustment, nadir hematocrit was associated with worse renal function (lower estimated glomerular filtration rate; P = .012), more myocardial injury (higher troponin level; P = .004), longer postoperative ventilator support ( P P P = .042). Female gender, older age, lower body mass index, higher New York Heart Association class, and combined valve procedure and coronary artery bypass were associated with lower nadir hematocrit; however, the strongest correlate was preoperative hematocrit (correlation coefficient, 0.74). Conclusions Although red blood cell transfusion has associated morbidity risk, there must be a tradeoff between adverse effects of low hematocrit during cardiac surgery and those of transfusion. The strong association of nadir hematocrit with preoperative hematocrit suggests the need for investigation and optimization before elective cardiac surgery.
Essential Elements in Raw, Boiled, Steamed and Pasteurized Crabmeat

The objectives were (1) to determine and compare the content of 16 essential elements in fresh, boiled, steamed, and pasteurized crabmeat, and (2) to determine the effect of boiling, steaming, and pasteurizing on the retention of those elements. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used. The element content of each crabmeat product was compared statistically. Percentages of RDA's for the elements determined show that raw, boiled, steamed, and pasteurized crabmeat are excellent sources of Cu, P, Na, and Zn, and good sources of Ca, Fe, Mg, and K. Retention of elements in the processed samples ranged from 69–201%.
Wavefront Compensation With Pseudoconjugation

We discuss how novel arrangements of conventional (static /linear) optical elements can compensate for many classes of time -varying phase distortions in optical trains. Precision corner arrays, lens arrays, and K- mirror arrays are all applicable as pseudoconjugation elements in certain classes of problems. In some cases multipassing (four or more passes) of a distorting medium can offer improved performance. Although the compensation is more limited than that available from nonlinear optical phase conjugation (NOPC), problems associated with thresholds, pumps, and frequency translations are eliminated. Abstract. We discuss how novel arrangements of conventional (static/linear) optical elements can compensate for many classes of time-varying phase distortions in optical trains. Precision corner arrays, lens arrays, and K-mirror arrays are all applicable as pseudoconjugation elements in certain classes of problems. In some cases multipassing (four or more passes) of a distorting medium can offer improved performance. Although the compensation is more limited than that available from nonlinear optical phase conjugation (NOPC), problems associated with thresholds, pumps, and frequency translations are eliminated.
Case conference: The treatment of a case of agoraphobia by a multifaceted treatment program

Abstract A case of agoraphobia of nine years' duration was successfully treated in a few months by training the patient to achieve control of her anxiety systems by means of paradoxical intention and to overcome residual anxiety and, in general, keep her basic anxiety low, by means of muscle relaxation. In addition, helping her to make connections between interpersonal events and anxiety reactions, and encouraging her to deal with the situations, were essential for producing a positive outcome.
Learning Fourier Sparse Set Functions

Can we learn a sparse graph from observing the value of a few random cuts? This and more general problems can be reduced to the challenge of learning set functions known to have sparse Fourier support contained in some collectionP. We prove that if we choose O(k log 4 |P|) sets uniformly at random, then with high probability, observing any k-sparse function on those sets is sucient to recover that function exactly. We further show that other properties, such as symmetry or submodularity imply structure in the Fourier spectrum, which can be exploited to further reduce sample complexity. One interesting special case is that it suces to observe O(|E| log 4 (|V|)) values of a cut function to recover a graph. We demonstrate the eectiveness of our results on two realworld reconstruction problems: graph sketching and obtaining fast approximate surrogates to expensive submodular objective functions.
Acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylases: Versatile targets for drug discovery

Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylases (ACCs) have crucial roles in fatty acid metabolism in humans and most other living organisms. They are attractive targets for drug discovery against a variety of human diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, and microbial infections. In addition, ACCs from grasses are the targets of herbicides that have been in commercial use for more than 20 years. Significant progresses in both basic research and in drug discovery have been made over the past few years in the studies on these enzymes. At the basic research level, the crystal structures of the biotin carboxylase (BC) and the carboxyltransferase (CT) components of ACC have been determined, and the molecular basis for ACC inhibition by small molecules are beginning to be understood. At the drug discovery level, a large number of nanomolar inhibitors of mammalian ACCs have been reported and the extent of their therapeutic potential is being aggressively explored. This review summarizes these new progresses and also offers some prospects in terms of the future directions for the studies on these important enzymes.
Determinants of acquirer-target distance in M & A

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose several potential determinants of the distance between acquirer and target in M & A deals and examine the negative impact of the acquirer-target distance on announcement returns of acquiring firms. Design/methodology/approach – By employing two-stage regression model, the authors control for the potential endogeneity of acquirer-target distance. The authors use excess distance instead of raw distance between acquirer and target to look at the impact of acquirer-target distance on announcement returns. Findings – The authors find that acquirer-target distance in M & A tends to be longer when major hub airports are located closer to acquiring and target firms, target firm is located in a region with higher level of unemployment rate and median household income, and target firm is smaller and has more cash holdings. When controlling for the potential determinants of acquirer-target distance, including the level of targets information asymmetry, the authors st...
Engaging complexity in usability through assemblage

In 2011, I faced a complex research problem: how could mobile device user experience (HCMVX) of visitors to Humboldt County, California, be measured and improved? Mobile visitors are visitors who actively use their smart mobile devices, like smart phones and iPads but not laptops, while on vacation. In 2011, there were no official records or policies regarding mobile visitors and little local awareness of mobile tourism in Humboldt County. No one had measured mobile visitors' experience in Humboldt County and few officials had any idea on how to improve these visitors' experiences. This information and policy gap also meant there was no clear way to contact mobile visitors or arrange for mobile usability tests. I faced a complex system with no clear starting point.Traditional usability methods did not initially help because the majority of usability methods rely on clearly identified users, tasks, or goals. While I planned to use traditional usability methods once the users and usability problem(s) were identified, it was necessary to first locate and identify the users and their tasks and goals. Using Deleuze's assemblage concept, I approached the complex system of HCMVX, identified potential points of engagement, conducted field research and interviews, analyzed, and wrote up my results in less than six months. Local officials took my results and reshaped part of their policies and merchant training based on my data and conclusion. Deleuze's assemblage offers usability practitioners a means to approach complex systems and rapidly identify points of engagement.
Detecting Pneumocystis carinii by Immunohistochemistry

Forty-one specimens from patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus were stained with an anti–Pneumocystis carinii monoclonal antibody. Twenty-eight of the specimens were transbronchial biopsies (TBBx) negative for P carinii by silver stain (SS), and 13 cases were positive for P carinii by SS; 3 of the 13 cases had disseminated disease. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) revealed P carinii in 3 of the 28 SS-negative TBBx; the finding was limited to a few small clusters of poorly preserved cysts in two cases and was extensive in one case. In the 13 SS-positive cases, IHS staining was strong and delineated the cysts. The number of organisms detected in cases with disseminated disease was strikingly higher than on SS. IHS for P carinii is easier to interpret than SS and visualizes a larger number of organisms. Cost may restrict use to cases in which SS was unable to confirm a physician’s strong suspicion of P carinii infection.
The Concept of Risk Stratification

In the context of clinical medicine, risk stratification is defined as a statistical process to identify detectable characteristics associated with an increased chance of experiencing unwanted clinical outcomes. Over the past two decades, a number of risk stratification models have been created to identify groups of patients at who are likely to develop complications of portal hypertension. The majority of risk models to date use multivariable regression risk score profile approaches to assess the risk for complications such as the formation of esophageal varices, time to decompensation, and death. Emerging techniques to assess established criteria such as validation, discrimination, and calibration have improved our ability to assess the accuracy of new risk models. In addition, a greater understanding of competing risks on predicted outcomes and the economic implications of risk stratification is beginning to influence current work in this area. Future developments in risk stratification for portal hypertension are expected to emphasize greater activity in risk score development and to validate algorithms with prospective study designs including randomized trials.
Effect of Acidic pH on the Stability of Alpha-Synuclein Dimers

Self-assembly of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) development. Environmental factors, such as acidic pH, facilitate the assembly, but their impact on the very first step of α-Syn aggregation is not fully understood. Herein, we report a single-molecule study of acidic pH on the stability of α-Syn dimers. By immobilizing unlabeled α-Syn monomers on a substrate and letting fluorophore-labeled monomers freely diffuse in solution, the lifetimes of dimers at pH 5 were measured directly by fluorescence bursts when labeled proteins associate with immobilized counterparts. Two classes of α-Syn dimers were identified. Type-1 dimer was the major species with shorter lifetime, while type-2 dimer was the minor species with longer lifetime. Acidic pH exhibited striking stabilization effect on α-Syn dimers, evidenced by ∼5 folds longer lifetime of type-1 dimer than that at neutral pH. Interestingly, two types of dimer exist as observed previously at neutral pH, implying structural plasticity of dimer and multiple aggregation pathways of α-Syn regardless different conditions. We posit that acidic pH neutralizes α-Syn and facilitates two monomers to associate, thereby stabilizing α-Syn dimers. The results demonstrate that electrostatics play an important role in amyloid aggregation. They also suggest that acidic conditions are risk factors for PD development.
Investigation on Homosexual Behavior among 1000 Men

Objective To investigate the status of male homosexual behavior and provide scientific basis for developing and implementing the corresponding the intervention measures for AIDS prevention and control.Method Male homosexual behavior was investigated by face to face interview and questionnaire.All data were analyzed by software SPSS 12.0.Result 1000 cases were investigated.Their average age was(27.8±9.1) years old.The result of the investigation reflected that 78.6% of them had anal sex with men in the past six months.Their average number of male sexual partners was(3.62±4.73) .56.4% of them used condom during last sex with men and 31.6% of them used condom persistently in the past six months.22.4% of them had sex with female.But 36.5% and 22.4% of them used condom during last sex and past six months,respectively with the female sexual partners.Conclusion The factors including multi-sexual partners,low condom use during sex with men and female will accelerate HIV spreading among homosexual people.It is urgent to conduct intervention towards homosexual behavior.
Information theoretic multivariate change detection for multisensory information processing in Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the main technological trends in the recent years. It allows machine-to-machine communication over the internet. Almost each device may transmit information from its sensors over the web to enable centralized insights derivation in an appropriate cloud architecture. In this paper we review analytical aspects of the sensory information processing. We emphasize the importance of multisensory approach, in which the joint distribution of all sensors values of a device is used to derive insights out of the stream of sensory data. We introduce a novel information theoretic multivariate change detection method based on k-nearest neighbor (kNN) estimation. The algorithm is designed and implemented to satisfy the requirements of IoT for fast online parallel multisensory information processing. We provide a numerical evidence of the validity of the proposed method on simulated and real world data.
Integration of advanced stiffness-reduction techniques demonstrated in a 3D-printable joint

Abstract This work details the integration of three distinct methods for altering the stiffness of compliant joints: lattice flexures, compound joints, and static balancing. The methodology for applying these strategies is discussed in detail. Lattice flexures are a flexure modification that leads to low motion-direction bending stiffness. Compound joints improve a compliant joint's load-carrying ability and off-axis stiffness. Static balancing in this case is achieved through the addition of an auxiliary energy storage device. To statically balance a compound lattice-flexured cross-axis flexural pivot, the load-dependent stiffness behavior of a cross-axis flexural pivot (CAFP) with two lattice flexure types is determined. A balancer spring design is developed that is fully 3D-printable. The balancer is combined with a compound lattice-flexured CAFP. Physical hardware is 3D printed in titanium and its torque-displacement behavior is measured. The resulting device requires 1% of the actuation energy of a conventional CAFP of the same dimensions and material.
Vav3 and Rac2 Activation Are Required for B Progenitor Transformation Induced by p190-BCR-ABL.

Abstract 449 The Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph + ) hematologic malignancies are characterized by the reciprocal translocation between the BCR serine/threonine kinase and the ABL tyrosine kinase genes. Fifty percent of adult B-cell Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and most cases of pediatric Ph+ B-ALL express the p190 BCR-ABL isoform, which causes abnormal expansion of lymphoid progenitors and a poor prognosis despite the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A major signaling pathway activated by BCR-ABL is the Rac/Rho GTPase signaling pathway. We had previously demonstrated that p210-BCR-ABL activates Rac GTPases and the deficiency of Rac2, or even more, the deficiency of both Rac1 and Rac2, impairs myeloid leukemogenesis induced by p210 BCR-ABL in vitro and in vivo (Thomas EK et al., Cancer Cell 2007). The p190-BCR-ABL isoform also activates Rac GTPases and the deficiency of Rac2 induces resistance to develop proB-ALL (Sanchez-Aguilera et al., ASH 2008). Since p190-BCR-ABL is devoid of guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity through the absence of the BCR Dbl-homology (DH) domain, it probably requires the recruitment of intermediate GEFs to activate Rac GTPases. The Vav family of GEF has been shown to bind the SH3/SH2 domains of ABL and become activated. Three isoforms of Vav (Vav1, Vav2 and Vav3) are expressed in hematopoietic cells. Several studies have indicated that Vav3 has a role distinct from Vav1 or Vav2. Here, we hypothesized that the hematopoietic specific Rho GTPase, Rac2, may mediate key signals in the transformation of B-cell progenitors upon Vav-mediated activation. We have found that both Vav1 and Vav3 are overexpressed and hyperphosphorylated in p190 BCR-ABL expressing human B-ALL cells as well as in BCR-ABL transduced murine proB cells. While the combined deficiency of Vav1 and Vav2 does not impair leukemogenesis in vivo, Vav3 deficiency reverses p190-BCR-ABL induced transformation phenotypes. Specifically, Vav3 deficiency in p190-BCR-ABL expressing proB-ALL cells associated with a significant reduction of Rho and Rac activation (75% and 56%), apoptosis induction (4-fold) and impaired ex-vivo expansion (33% reduction). In addition, p190-BCR-ABL-induced adhesion-to-fibronectin defect and hypermigratory response to CXCL12 were corrected by deletion of Vav3 (2.1-fold increase and 60% decrease, respectively), suggesting that Vav3 deficiency reverses the transformation-associated phenotype associated to BCR-ABL expression. Collectively, our work identifies a critical role of Rac2 and its activator Vav3 for p190 BCR-ABL induced B-cell progenitor leukemic transformation and may define a novel therapeutic target for this poor prognosis disease. Disclosures: Cancelas: CERUS CO: Research Funding; CARIDIAN BCT: Research Funding; HEMERUS INC: Research Funding.
RELIABILITY CALCULATION AND INDUCTIVE INFERENCE: AN OVERVIEW

Reliability calculation and inductive inference are based on probability - its assessment and efficient calculation. In this survey, we overview recent developments regarding system reliability calculation, critique the two paradigms in inductive inference relative to reliability problems, and suggest promising directions for future research.
A Primer on Stochastic Partial Differential Equations

These notes form a brief introductory tutorial to elements of Gaussian noise analysis and basic stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) in general, and the stochastic heat equation, in particular. The chief aim here is to get to the heart of the matter quickly. We achieve this by studying a few concrete equations only. This chapter provides sufficient preparation for learning more advanced theory from the remainder of this volume.
The Evolution of the Tongue of Snakes, and its Bearing on Snake Origins

The form and texture of the tongue has long been one of the major bases for the classification of lizards, as evidenced by such herpetological catalogues as de Rooij (1915) that base the “synopsis of families” principally on the tongue, and by the “-gjossa” names for higher groups of lizards in the older literature (e.g., Pachyglossa, Leptoglossa, Thecaglossa, Diploglossa, all used by Cope, 1900, but taken by him from earlier authors). I can find no case where a lizard was referred to a particular group on the basis of tongue structure but subsequently found, from other evidence, to be unrelated. On the other hand, in two cases families of lizards have been referred to higher groups against the evidence of the tongue, and subsequent study of the osteology has shown such reference to be in error: the Pygopodidae were referred by Camp (1923) to the same group as that containing Anguidae, Xenosauridae, Anniellidae, Helodermatidae, and Varani-dae, in spite of a very different tongue; but McDowell and Bogert (1954) and Underwood (1957) showed that the Pygopodidae are most closely related to the Gekkonidae, with which they agree in tongue structure as well as many other features.
Phase-aware optimization in approximate computing

This paper shows that many applications exhibit execution-phase-specific sensitivity towards approximation of the internal subcomputations. Therefore, approximation in certain phases can be more beneficial than others. Further, this paper presents Opprox, a novel system for application's execution-phase-aware approximation. For a user provided error budget and target input parameters, Opprox identifies different program phases and searches for profitable approximation settings for each phase of the application execution. Our evaluation with five benchmarks and four existing transformations show that our phase-aware optimization on average does 14% less work for a 5% error tolerance bound and 42% less work for a 20% tolerance bound.
Treatment of HCV infection in liver transplant recipients with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir without ribavirin.

SummaryBackground Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is a well-tolerated regimen with high sustained virological response (SVR) rates in pre-liver transplant patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but data in liver transplant recipients outside of clinical trials is limited. Aim To address this knowledge gap and assess SVR rates without the use of ribavirin in liver transplant recipients Methods This is a retrospective study examining the treatment of 75 post-liver transplant recipients with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir without ribavirin. Differences between SVR cohorts and predictors of SVR were analysed in an intention-to-treat (ITT) fashion. Results A total of 408 genotype 1, HCV patients were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir from October 2014 to August 2015 at our centre. Seventy-three patients were post-liver transplant and were treated with a median of 2.9 years from transplant. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir achieved an SVR12 of 95.9%. African Americans made up 28.8% of the cohort. Sixty-three per cent of patients were treated previously, including 13.7% of patients previously treated with direct-acting antivirals. Only 2.7% had recurrent allograft cirrhosis, and the majority (90.4%) was on calcineurin inhibitor based immunosuppressive therapy. Approximately 82% of patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 or 3. In univariate logistic regression, only detectable week 8 viral load was predictive of failure to achieve SVR. Conclusion Our data confirm excellent SVR outcomes and favourable safety and tolerability profiles with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin in post-liver transplant recipients infected with HCV, despite treatment guidelines to use ribavirin.
Parental Factors Influencing the Development of Early Childhood Caries in Developing Nations: A Systematic Review.

Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent and chronic conditions of childhood. Various factors including biological and dietary factors along with an overlay of parental social factors have been found to be associated with the progression of ECC. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize available literature and to identify parent-level proximal and distal risk factors associated with the development of ECC in developing nations. Methods Studies conducted in developing nations, published between 2005 and 2017 in English, that included children younger than 6 years and examined ECC were included. The outcome of interest were parental risk factors, which included parental knowledge, behavior, attitudes, sense of coherence (SOC), stress, socioeconomic status (SES), education, and breastfeeding duration. The studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, Ovid Medline, and PubMed. Results The search yielded 325 studies, of which 18 were considered eligible for inclusion in this review. Ten studies found maternal education, and seven studies found parental education to be significantly associated with ECC. SES was significantly associated with ECC in 13 studies in the form of annual household income and occupation level. Four studies observed the significant association between oral health knowledge and attitudes with ECC, whereas only two studies found maternal attitude to be associated with ECC. Breastfeeding duration was a significant risk factor in four studies. One study each found significant associations of SOC, parental distress, and secondary smoke with ECC. Conclusion To date, most of the researches done in developing countries have reported distal parental factors such as income and education being significant risk factors in caries development compared to proximal risk factors in low-income groups. Only a few studies analyzed the psychosocial and behavioral factors. Interventions could be designed to improve parental oral health knowledge and behaviors in these nations.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation with heart failure: An updated meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Abstract Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in this population. Methods Electronic databases were searched for all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated catheter ablation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). We calculated the weighted mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RRs) using a random-effects model. Results We included 7 RCTs with 851 patients (mean follow-up was 18 months). Catheter ablation in patients with LVSD was associated with significantly lower HF hospitalization rates (RR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.45–0.72; P Conclusions In this meta-analysis of RCTs, catheter ablation was associated with significant improvements in the clinical, structural, and functional capacity of patients with AF and coexisting HF compared with medical treatment.
Sexual equity and the good enough sex model

This paper discusses how sex therapy serves those with issues of sexual desire and satisfaction. We review two core concepts: female-male Sexual Equity and the Good Enough Sex (GES) model and how t...
Recent Diagnosis and Undefined Etiology Delay Initiation of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Heart Failure

Introduction ACC/AHA guidelines recommend all patients with heart failure (HF), both reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF), be prescribed a mineralocorticoid antagonist (MRA). National data suggest as few as 16-33% of patients admitted for acute HF are prescribed MRAs. We performed a retrospective analysis from an urban academic quaternary care center to elucidate why some individuals are prescribed MRA while others are not. Methods We analyzed all patients admitted for acute HF in 2017. Eligibility for MRA was determined by serum potassium less than 5 mEq/dL and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Patients were divided into those newly prescribed MRA on discharge, and those eligible for MRA but not prescribed. Variables included comorbidities, medications, etiology, ejection fraction (EF), potassium, eGFR, and new HF diagnosis. Students’ t-test for continuous and chi-square analysis for categorical variables were completed. Results There were 802 admissions for acute HF representing 570 unique patients. Prior to admission, 101 (18%) were on MRA. Two hundred-eighteen others were eligible for MRA, of which 87 (40%) were newly prescribed (Rx) after discharge, and 131 (60%) were not prescribed (NRx). A total of 188 (33%) were on MRA at discharge. Rx patients had a mean EF of 30% compared to 38% for NRx (p = 0.002). Similarly, 70% of Rx patients had a reduced EF compared to 46% for NRx patients (p Discussion Lack of MRA prescription was associated with greater EF, newly diagnosed HF, and unclear HF etiology. This data suggests that prescribers hesitate to follow guideline directed medical therapy for those with higher EF, even if the patients fit within the recommendations. Similarly, physicians delay MRA after an initial diagnosis. Awareness of these influences may inform future decision making when prescribing MRAs.
Correction for Rajagopalan et al., "Identification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Protein Phosphatase 2C-Like Ser/Thr Phosphatase in Escherichia coli".

Volume 200, no. 18, 2018, [https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00225-18][1]. Page 1: This article was published on 24 August 2018 with a byline that lacked Elizabeth Nagle. The byline was updated in the version posted on 22 October 2019. Page 12, Acknowledgments, line 1: The second sentence should be
Early Twentieth-Century Aspects

By the 1920s, Americans accepted big business. They enjoyed the tide of new consumer goods, especially electric appliances. The new gospel that “ethics pays” gained credence during the early decades of the twentieth century. A concurrent movement was industry self-regulation. Many businesspeople smugly congratulated themselves over the elevated level of business ethics; they characterized the unscrupulous as petty vendors, who would never prosper because of the forces of competition and industry self-regulation. Complacency regarding business ethics largely dissipated during the Great Depression.