cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Recovery that We Can Trust? Deducing and Testing the Restrictions of the Recovery Theorem

How reliable is the recovery theorem of Ross (2015)? We explore this question in the context of options on the 30-year Treasury bond futures, allowing us to deduce restrictions that link the risk-neutral and physical distributions. The backbone of these restrictions is that the martingale component of the stochastic discount factor is unity. Our approach and empirical results provide an agnostic view of the claims of the recovery theorem in the long-term bond futures market. Moreover, the martingale component (extracted from convex optimization problems) exhibits substantial dispersion and is positively correlated with the transitory component.
Hydrogen production using micro-membrane reactors

Hydrogen production using micro-membrane reactors or membrane microreactors (MMRs) is a significant component of membrane reactor research. The recent progress of three types of MMRs such as hollow-fiber, microchannel, and monolithic MMRs are reviewed using specific examples. The representative application of MMRs as fuel processors for proton exchange membrane fuel cells are summarized in detail. In addition, the modeling progress about MMRs is also briefly introduced.
Can We Use Diet to Effectively Treat Esophageal Disease? A Review of the Current Literature.

Esophageal diseases represent a wide variety of conditions affecting esophageal anatomy, physiology, and motility. Therapy focuses on pharmacotherapy and endoscopic or surgical management. Dietary therapy can be considered in management algorithms for specific esophageal diseases. This review focuses on outlining the literature related to dietary therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Currently, data are strongest for dietary manipulation in eosinophilic esophagitis, specifically the six-food elimination diet. Dietary effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease are less clear, though newer research indicates that increased fiber with reduction in simple sugar intake may improve symptoms. In terms of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, antioxidant intake may affect carcinogenesis, though to an unknown degree. Outcomes data regarding dietary manipulation for the management of esophageal diseases is heterogeneous. Given the rising interest in non-pharmacological treatment options for these patients, continued research is warranted.
Public perceptions of food-related risks: a cross-national investigation of individual and contextual influences

AbstractPublic concerns about food risks have grown in recent decades in response to many food-related scandals. Despite some evidence that risk concerns vary across societies and risk domains, the...
Recovering sexual satisfaction after prolapse surgery: a secondary analysis of surgical recovery.

We compared pre- and postoperative sexual function scores in sexually active women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. Planned secondary analysis of women enrolled in the Restricted Convalescence: Outcomes Following Urogynecologic Procedures study, a randomized trial of postoperative activity after POP surgery. All participants could return to sexual activity at 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) profile, and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) questionnaires at baseline and 3 months. GRISS is a validated 28-item survey for heterosexual couples that contains seven subscales to assess sexual function. Higher scores represent worse sexual function. Thirty-seven sexually active women were assessed. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 56 ± 11, most of whom (92%) were Caucasian; 78% had undergone minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy, and the remainder had native tissue vaginal repairs. GRISS scores improved 3 months after surgery [4.5 ± 2.6 to 3.6 ± 2.2, p < 0.001; mean decrease of 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–1.36]. PFDI scores improved from 122 ± 53 at baseline to 28 ± 31 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Higher GRISS scores were correlated with higher PFDI scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.35, p = 0.03) at baseline and 3 months (Spearman’s rho = 0.31, p = 0.03). Several GRISS subscales improved after surgery: partner avoidance (p = 0.01), vaginismus (p = 0.02), noncommunication (p = 0.01), dissatisfaction (p = 0.03), and anorgasmia (p = 0.001). However, sexual infrequency (p = 0.08) and nonsensuality (p = 0.4) did not change. Fifty-one percent had sexual dysfunction before surgery, which decreased to 32% after surgery (p = 0.04). Sexual function and satisfaction are significantly improved 3 months following POP surgery. Improved sexual function is correlated with improved pelvic floor symptoms.
The Iron Metallome in Eukaryotic Organisms

This chapter is focused on the iron metallome in eukaryotes at the cellular and subcellular level, including properties, utilization in metalloproteins, trafficking, storage, and regulation of these processes. Studies in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cells will be highlighted. The discussion of iron properties will center on the speciation and localization of intracellular iron as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms for coping with both low iron bioavailability and iron toxicity. The section on iron metalloproteins will emphasize heme, iron-sulfur cluster, and non-heme iron centers, particularly their cellular roles and mechanisms of assembly. The section on iron uptake, trafficking, and storage will compare methods used by yeast and mammalian cells to import iron, how this iron is brought into various organelles, and types of iron storage proteins. Regulation of these processes will be compared between yeast and mammalian cells at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels.
Drosophila Jak/STAT Signaling: Regulation and Relevance in Human Cancer and Metastasis

Over the past three-decades, Janus kinase (Jak) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling has emerged as a paradigm to understand the involvement of signal transduction in development and disease pathology. At the molecular level, cytokines and interleukins steer Jak/STAT signaling to transcriptional regulation of target genes, which are involved in cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Jak/STAT signaling is involved in various types of blood cell disorders and cancers in humans, and its activation is associated with carcinomas that are more invasive or likely to become metastatic. Despite immense information regarding Jak/STAT regulation, the signaling network has numerous missing links, which is slowing the progress towards developing drug therapies. In mammals, many components act in this cascade, with substantial cross-talk with other signaling pathways. In Drosophila, there are fewer pathway components, which has enabled significant discoveries regarding well-conserved regulatory mechanisms. Work across species illustrates the relevance of these regulators in humans. In this review, we showcase fundamental Jak/STAT regulation mechanisms in blood cells, stem cells, and cell motility. We examine the functional relevance of key conserved regulators from Drosophila to human cancer stem cells and metastasis. Finally, we spotlight less characterized regulators of Drosophila Jak/STAT signaling, which stand as promising candidates to be investigated in cancer biology. These comparisons illustrate the value of using Drosophila as a model for uncovering the roles of Jak/STAT signaling and the molecular means by which the pathway is controlled.
Gravity-driven fluid oscillations in a drinking straw

10.1119/1.5095945.1We describe a simple experiment observing oscillations of fluid in a drinking straw immersed in a bath of water. The motion of this oscillator system with changing mass is matched remarkably well by a model derived from Newton's laws with the inclusion of only a phenomenological damping coefficient. We compare the frequency of the oscillations to Hooke's law for small displacements and find 0.25% discrepancy. This experiment can be shown as a demonstration of oscillations of fluids, or it can be performed by students as a laboratory activity in upper-division undergraduate physics and engineering courses.
Deep drawing simulations using the finite element method embedding a multi-level crystal plasticity constitutive law: Experimental verification and sensitivity analysis

Abstract This paper presents experimental verification of a multi-level simulation framework aimed at sheet metal forming analysis. Specifically, deep drawing of a cylindrical cup simulations from alloy AA6022-T4 sheets are carried out using a physically based elasto-plastic self-consistent (EPSC) polycrystalline homogenization model embedded in implicit finite elements and verified experimentally. The EPSC model takes into account the evolution of microstructure and directionality of deformation mechanisms acting at the single-crystal level in predicting material behavior. It is calibrated and validated as a standalone model using flow stress and R-ratio data as well as iso-shear contours measured along several directions of the sheet through uniaxial and plane strain tension experiments. Furthermore, the particularities pertaining to cyclic response including non-linear unloading and the Bauschinger effect are also calibrated through large strain tension–compression data. Consistent with experimental measurements, the process simulations in finite elements predict directionally dependent thinning of the cup, especially around the punch radius and variation in the cup height around the rim of the cup, referred to as earing. By comparing experiments and predictions, role of the R-ratio is revealed as critical for the accurate prediction of the cup height. Further sensitivity analysis shows that initial texture has a strong influence on the R-ratio, while introducing a minor effect on hardening. The analysis into the choice of finite element types in terms of their accuracy and efficiency shows that the 3D 8 nodal elements (C3D8R) and continuum shell 3D 8 nodal elements (SC8R) are superior over the planar shell 3D 4 nodal elements (S4R) with the former being the most accurate and the latter being computationally efficient. It is demonstrated that the simulation framework presented in this paper can be used to predict phenomena pertaining to material behavior and resulting geometrical changes important for optimization of the sheet metal forming processes.
Daratumumab Combined with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma in a Single Institution

Abstract Introduction: Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to a unique epitope on CD38.Daratumamab in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide and dexamethasone has been shown to be effective in heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of the combination of Daratumamab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients at our institution. Methodology: We treated 20 patients with relapsed and relapsed refractory multiple myeloma at the University of Kansas Health System between November 2015 and July 2017, with Daratumamab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) combination. Descriptive analyses were performed on available data for patient characteristics, disease course, and outcomes. Responses were evaluated using the IMWG criteria. Results: Among the 20 patients included in the analysis, the median age at the time of receiving the DPd is was 62.5 years (range 45-83). Fourteen patients (70%) had IgG isotype, 8 patients (40 %) had ISS stage III disease at diagnosis, 15 patients (75%) had high risk cytogenetics, and 3 patients (15%) had extramedullary disease. Patients characterized are summarized in table 1. Median number of DPd cycles received was 5 (2-20) cycles, median duration of treatment was 5 months (2-19) months. The median number of previous lines of therapy was 3 (1-9). Fourteen patients (70 %) were bortezomib refractory, 15 patients (75%) were refractory to lenalidomide, 12 patients (60%) were refractory to carfilzomib, six patients (30%) were refractory to either pomalidomide or daratumumab, 5 patients (25%) were refractory to pomalidomide, 4 patients (20%) were refractory to daratumumab, 3 patients (15%) were double refractory to daratumumab and pomalidomide. Seventeen patients (85%) had received ASCT prior to DPd, 3 patients (15%) received second ASCT, 1 patient (5%) received a third ASCT prior to DPd. The ORR for all patients was 15 patients (75 %), however the response rate for those who were refractory to either Pomalidomide or daratumumab was 6 patients (83%), the response rates and disease characteristics are summarized in table 2. Conclusions: Our analysis shows an impressive overall response rate in those with Protesome inhibitor and Immunomodulator refractory in relapsed and Relapsed/refractory myeloma, however an impressive response rate of 83% was noticed with those patients who were refractory to either pomaliomide or daratumumab suggesting the benefits of considering the combination of the DPd regimen of treatment even for this group of patient's complex patient population. Download : Download high-res image (136KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures Ganguly: Amgen: Other: Advisory Board; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau.
Investigation of Outage Probability and AP Placement for Mobile Users in Indoor VLC System Design

Providing optical wireless data access with the visible spectrum is a commercial reality. Products are available for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint solutions. However, there remain many important questions about how to successfully achieve “dual-use” systems in which both lighting and communications functions are realized. In particular, the necessary placement of lights for lighting and the characteristic of light signals to be out-of-view creates trade-offs especially when mobile devices can change their position, height, and orientation requiring cooperation with neighboring access points (APs). In this paper, we investigate outage probability for Visible Light Communication (VLC) links in a system in which these dimensions are varied. We propose a probabilistic model characterizing where to deploy indoor VLC access points considering the impact of handover delay and user velocity. Our model demonstrates the trade-offs that lie within this problem and we also provide a closed form upper bound on outage probability that guarantees outage-free regions for devices attempting handover. The model is used to demonstrate the impact of different VLC access point cell separations and to show how user device velocity impacts outage probability.
The Role and Interactions of 25-ohd, Parathyroid Hormone, and Serum Calcium in When Are Static/moving Two Point Discrimination and Semmes-weinstein Monofilament Tests Reliable in Children?

Purpose Objective sensory testing is a critical component of the physical examination, especially when lacerations occur. This is especially true in children as they may be unable to communicate if numbness is present. The purpose of this study was to determine at what age objective sensory tests could reliably be performed. Methods Normal, uninjured participants aged 2-17 years were enrolled in the study. Monofilament and static/moving two-point discrimination tests were performed bilaterally assessing the median, ulnar, and radial nerves. Three trials were performed for each test in each …
Distributed Resilient Secondary Control of DC Microgrids Against Unbounded Attacks

This paper develops a fully distributed attack-resilient secondary control framework for DC microgrids, in the presence of unknown unbounded attacks on control input channels. The secondary control of each converter consists of an average consensus-based voltage regulator and a consensus-based current regulator that use relative information from neighboring converters. This distributed control manner relies on localized control and a sparse communication network and, therefore, could be prone to malicious attacks that deteriorate the consensus performance and even destabilize the overall microgrids. In contrast to the existing remedies for bounded disturbances/noises, this paper considers unknown attacks that are intentionally unbounded to maximize their damage on the microgrid. A fully distributed adaptive attack-resilient secondary control framework is established for DC microgrids to mitigate the adverse effect of unbounded attacks. Rigorous proofs, based on Lyapunov techniques, show that the proposed method guarantees the uniformly ultimately bounded convergence for both global voltage regulation and proportional load sharing objectives under unbounded attacks. Moreover, the asymptotic stability of the overall closed-loop microgrid system is achieved in the presence of bounded attacks. Experimental results are illustrated in a hardware-in-the-loop environment to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
An Inducible Model for Unraveling the Effects of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Collagen with Age and Diabetes

In connective tissues there is a clear link between increasing age and degeneration. It is believed advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a central role in this degeneration. AGEs are sugar induced non-enzymatic crosslinks which accumulate in collagen with age and diabetes, altering tissue mechanics and cellular function. Despite ample correlative evidence linking collagen glycation to degeneration, little is known how AGEs impact cell-matrix interactions, limiting therapeutic options. One reason for this limited understanding is AGEs are typically induced in vitro using high concentrations of ribose which decrease cell viability and make it impossible to investigate cell-matrix interactions. The objective of this study was to develop a system to trigger AGE accumulation while maintaining cell viability. Using cell-seeded high density collagen gels, we investigated the effect of two different systems for AGE induction, ribose at low concentrations (30, 100, and 200 mM) over 15 days of culture and riboflavin (0.25 mM and 0.75mM) induced with blue light for 40 seconds. We found ribose and riboflavin with blue light are capable of producing a wide range of AGE crosslinks which match and/or exceed reported human AGE levels for various tissues, ages, and diseases, without affecting cell viability and metabolism. Interestingly, a single 40 second treatment of riboflavin and blue light produced similar levels of AGEs as 3 days of 100 mM ribose treatment and matched aged mouse tendon AGE levels. This riboflavin treatment option is an exciting means to trigger AGE crosslinks on demand in vivo or in vitro without impacting cell metabolism or viability and holds great promise for further unraveling the mechanism of AGEs in age and diabetes related tissue degeneration.
Measuring effects of trainee professional development on research productivity: A cross-institutional meta-analysis

Abstract PhD-trained scientists are essential contributors to the workforce in diverse employment sectors that include academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Hence, best practices for training the future biomedical workforce are of national concern. Complementing coursework and laboratory research training, many institutions now offer professional training that enables career exploration and develops a broad set of skills critical to various career paths. The National Institutes of Health funded academic institutions to design innovative programming to enable this professional development through a mechanism known as Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST). Programming at the BEST awardee institutions included career panels, skill-building workshops, job-searching workshops, site visits, and internships. An initial concern was since doctoral training is lengthy and requires focused attention on dissertation research, having students participate in additional complementary training activities might lengthen time to degree and hamper student research productivity. To address this concern, using time to degree and publication records as measures of efficiency and productivity, metrics were analyzed from ten BEST awardee institutions. Comparing doctoral students who participated to those who did not, results revealed that across these diverse academic institutions, there were no differences in time to degree or manuscript output. Furthermore, a few institutions even demonstrated a positive correlation between participation in career and professional development activities and productivity. Our findings suggest that doctoral students should be encouraged to participate in career and professional development opportunities to ensure their preparedness for a variety of diverse and important careers in the workforce. Significance Statement Our study is unique in that it compiled doctoral degree durations at ten different universities, recorded individual participation in career and professional development activities in terms of dosage, and tracked individual engagement in real-time rather than relying on surveys sent to trainees after graduation. Participation in career and professional development activities, including internships, did not decrease efficiency or productivity. Our findings suggest that doctoral students should be encouraged to participate in career and professional development opportunities to ensure their preparedness for a variety of diverse and important careers in the workforce.
Full-scale dryout/rewet instability tests in a BWR rod bundle and TRACE assessment

Abstract The regulatory purpose of the current work is to study fuel damage mechanisms and processes that were predicted to occur under certain unstable conditions that could arise during postulated anticipated transients without SCRAM (ATWS) for boiling water reactors (BWRs) operating in the maximum extended load line limit analysis plus (MELLLA+) expanded operating domain. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted experiments at the high pressure Karlstein Thermal-Hydraulic Experimental Facility (KATHY) using a full-scale simulated BWR fuel assembly. The simulated assembly includes representative features of modern BWR fuel bundles, including commercial spacers, part length fuel rods and water rods. KATHY includes two features that allowed the NRC to conduct experiments that subject the simulated fuel assembly to unstable conditions similar to those expected during postulated ATWS events. These features are the downcomer, which allows the loop to be operated under natural circulation flow, and the proprietary SINAN control program, which allows the heater rod voltage to vary in response to changing thermal-hydraulic conditions, which in turn, simulates reactivity feedback. The NRC conducted several tests which produced growing flow and power oscillations and these oscillations were allowed to proceed up to the point where the heater rod surface failed to rewet and went into the early stages of heat-up. The experimental data were analyzed to determine the temperature threshold for failure to rewet and the experimental results have been compared to various models of the minimum stable film boiling temperature (Tmin). The results show that the homogeneous nucleation temperature provides a reasonable estimate of this temperature threshold. Further, the NRC's TRAC-RELAP Advanced Computational Engine (TRACE) code was used to simulate the experiments to assess the TRACE performance for simulating failure to rewet during postulated ATWS-I events. When compared to the experimental data, TRACE produces slightly conservative estimates of the cladding temperature when an appropriately low Tmin value is used (i.e., one consistent with homogeneous nucleation). Therefore, TRACE is appropriate for predicting cladding heat-up during postulated ATWS-I events.
"This show hits really close to home on so many levels": An analysis of Reddit comments about HBO's Euphoria to understand viewers' experiences of and reactions to substance use and mental illness.

Abstract Background Public health has begun using social media forums such as Reddit to enhance surveillance and modernize interventions for young people. The current study’s objective was to examine Reddit posts about the HBO series Euphoria to identify show themes that resonate with adolescent and young adult viewers in order to inform future social media interventions. Methods Reddit comments in the r/television community from June to August 2019 were downloaded. Following filtering, 725 comments were analyzed and coded using a codebook and ATLAS.ti. Coded comments were analyzed for themes relevant to Redditor substance use, reactions to Euphoria and the main character (Rue), and mental health concerns. Results During their discussion of the show, Redditors disclosed both personal recreational and prescription drug use, including substance use to cope with mental illness symptoms. There were approximately equal numbers of comments with positive and negative reactions to the show overall and to the main character, Rue. Redditors often found Euphoria’s storyline and portrayed events to be relatable and realistic to the experience of young people who use drugs, as well as sometimes triggering. Overall, Redditors thought Rue accurately depicted an individual’s struggle with a substance use disorder. Conclusions This exploratory study highlights how television and social media can contribute to young peoples’ understanding of substance use disorders and mental health. Findings could inform the design of social media interventions for adolescents and young adults on a variety of substance use issues, including stigma and the interconnectedness of substance use and mental health challenges.
In vivo three-dimensional visualization of choroidal neovascularization using gold nanorod-enhanced multimodal photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography molecular imaging

Early identification of the margins and location of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is critical for the precise diagnosis and treatment of numerous neovascular eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Integration of multimodal photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging has been developed to complement the strengths of each modality. A major challenge remains in selectively distinguishing CNV from native microvasculature due to the high optical absorption of hemoglobin. To overcome such limitations, RGD targeting peptides conjugated with gold nanorods (GNR-RGD) was used as multimodal contrast agents to increase the sensitivity of PAM and OCT, allowing for enhanced visualization of CNV due to RGD’s selective binding to integrins in neovascularization. The ability of GNR-RGD enhanced PAM and OCT imaging was evaluated in three New Zealand White rabbits with CNV models. The CNV model was created at day 28 post laser-induced retinal vein occlusion. In vivo color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, PAM, and OCT imaging was acquired before and after intravenous injection of 400 μL GNR-RGD at concentration of 5 mg/mL at days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. Longitudinal studies show that GNR accumulated at CNV sites and led the PAM and OCT signal increased by 27.2-fold in PAM and 171.4 % in OCT peaking at 48 h post-injection and decreased at day 14. Histological analysis, TUNEL assay, and liver and kidney function tests show no systemic toxicity of GNR in the retina or vital organs. The above approaches can provide a potential multimodal molecular imaging tool for precise evaluation of CNV in AMD and other neovascular diseases.
Network Intrusion Detection with XGBoost and Deep Learning Algorithms: An Evaluation Study

This paper introduces an effective Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) framework that deploys incremental statistical damping features of the packets along with state-of- the-art machine/deep learning algorithms to detect malicious patterns. A comprehensive evaluation study is conducted between eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) where feature selection and/or feature dimensionality reduction techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) are also integrated into the models to decrease the system complexity for achieving fast responses. Several experimental runs confirm how powerful machine/deep learning algorithms are for intrusion detection on known attacks when combined with the appropriate features extracted. To investigate unknown attacks, the models were trained on a subset of the attack datasets, while a different set (with a different attack type) was kept aside for testing. The decent results achieved further support the belief that through supervised learning, the model could additionally detect unknown attacks.
The Role of Water on the Interfacial Adhesion in Si Solar Modules

Delamination of solar module interfaces often occurs in field-tested solar modules after decades of service due to environmental stressors such as humidity. As water diffuses into the module, failure mechanisms like corrosion and delamination are significantly affected. In the presence of water, the interfaces between EVA and the cell, glass, and backsheet all experience losses of adhesion exposing the module to accelerated degradation. Understanding the relation between interfacial adhesion and water content inside PV modules can help mitigate detrimental power losses. Water content measurements via short wave infrared reflectometry combined with 180° peel tests were used to study and quantify the effect of water ingress and egress on adhesion. Changes in adhesion strength for different module interfaces are quantified, correlating spatial distribution of water content to adhesion for damp heat and dry heat exposed samples. After 1000 hours of damp heat exposure, decreases in adhesion strength of approximately 1 N/mm were noted for all interfaces.
Iraqi Refugees: Seeking Stability in Syria and Jordan

CIRS publishes original research on a variety of topics of relevance to the Middle East in general and to the Gulf region in particular.
Predictive momentum management for the Space Station

Space station control moment gyro momentum management is addressed by posing a deterministic optimization problem with a performance index that includes station external torque loading, gyro control torque demand, and excursions from desired reference attitudes. It is shown that a simple analytic desired attitude solution exists for all axes with pitch prescription decoupled, but roll and yaw coupled. Continuous gyro desaturation is shown to fit neatly into the scheme. Example results for pitch axis control of the NASA power tower Space Station are shown based on predictive attitude prescription. Control effector loading is shown to be reduced by this method when compared to more conventional momentum management techniques.
Dorsal hand vein recognition based on EP-tree

Vein recognition, as an emerging biometric recognition approach, is becoming a very active topic in both research and practical applications. In our framework, the minutiae features is extracted from the dorsal hand vein patterns for recognition, which include end points and the distance between the two end points as measured along the boundary of the image. In addition, the end-points-tree (EP-tree) is proposed to accelerate the matching performance and evaluate the discriminating power of these end points for person verification purposes. We employed a total of 4,280 images of dorsal hand veins from 214 individuals in order to validate the proposed recognition method. In a comparison with three existing verification algorithms, the proposed method achieves the highest accuracy in the lowest matching time.
Grid Scheduling with Makespan and Energy-Based Goals

The need for better energy efficiency in grid computing is significant given the massive amount of energy dissipated by large grids. We approximate the optimal allocation of compute nodes to a job stream, with each job consisting of multiple tasks, and while considering both the computing requirements and a desired balance of shorter makespans and lower energy consumption. The approach is widely applicable to many grid scenarios and does not require the scheduler to have administrative rights to change the workers' DVFS or hibernation state. A discrete particle swarm optimisation (PSO) determines the worker assignments based on estimations of the tasks' service times and energy consumption using an online learning process, and taking into account pending task executions from prior jobs. The performance of the proposed system is then evaluated through extensive Monte Carlo simulations using traces of real multi-threaded program executions on representative computer hardware. The results demonstrate the latent energy savings that are possible in grid computing through an energy-aware task scheduling.
Meditation and neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant problem for the healthcare system, doctors, and patients. With an aging population, more and more individuals are developing neurodegenerative diseases and there are few treatment options at the present time. Meditation techniques present an interesting potential adjuvant treatment for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and have the advantage of being inexpensive, and easy to teach and perform. There is increasing research evidence to support the application of meditation techniques to help improve cognition and memory in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the current data on meditation, memory, and attention, and the potential applications of meditation techniques in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Risk of Dementia Among Elderly Nursing Home Patients Using Paroxetine and Other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Objective:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first line of treatment for depression. Among the SSRIs, paroxetine has strong anticholinergic properties and may lead to increased risk of adverse cognitive outcomes among elderly patients. This study evaluated the comparative risk of dementia associated with use of paroxetine and other SSRIs among elderly nursing home patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching was conducted with 2007–2010 Minimum Data Set–linked Medicare data. The study population included elderly nursing home patients with depression who were new users of SSRIs. Patients were followed for a maximum of two years after index SSRI use. The risk of dementia was modeled by using a robust Cox proportional hazards model to account for clustering within matched users of paroxetine and other SSRIs.Results:The unmatched cohort included 19,952 new users of SSRIs; 1,898 used paroxetine, and 18,054 used other SSRIs. In the propensity-matched cohort ...
Pleasure Reading Offers Educational, Social, and Personal Benefits for Young Teenagers

Objective – To investigate the role that pleasure reading plays in the lives of young teenagers. Design – A series of focus groups were used. Setting – Focus groups were held in nine junior high schools in an eastern Canadian municipality. Subjects – Participants consisted of 68 students in grades 7, 8, and 9, ranging in age from 12-15 years old. Seventy percent of participants were girls and 30% were boys. Methods – A semi-structured interview protocol was used. Responses were coded and categorized by using QSR NUD*IST, and a grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data. Main Results – This study found that young teenagers derive numerous benefits from pleasure reading. From an educational perspective, pleasure reading helps improve literacy and thinking skills, and helps young teenagers clarify and explore career goals. From a social perspective, pleasure reading helps young teenagers understand historical and current events, helps them develop compassion and empathy, empowers them to develop and act on their beliefs, and helps them to understand the consequences of risky behaviors. From a personal perspective, pleasure reading provides young teenagers with entertainment, relaxation, reassurance, a creative outlet, and a means of escape. Conclusion – Reading for pleasure provides a means of everyday life information seeking for young teenagers. It helps them improve skills and learn about themselves, their relationships, and their values, all of which help them to make the transition to adulthood.
Female and male trunk geometry: size and prediction of the spine loading trunk muscles derived from MRI.

Abstract Objective. Develop a gender specific database of trunk muscle cross-sectional areas across multiple levels of the thoracic and lumbar spine and develop prediction equations for the physiological cross-sectional area as a function of gender and anthropometry. Design. This study quantified trunk muscle cross-sectional areas of male and female spine loading muscles. Background. There is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the female spine loading muscle size. Although biomechanical models often assume females are the same as males, little is known regarding gender differences in terms of trunk muscle areas and no data exist regarding the prediction of trunk muscle physiological cross-sectional areas from commonly used external anthropometric measures. Methods. Magnetic resonance imaging scans through the vertebral bodies from T 8 through S 1 were performed on 20 females and 10 males. Muscle fiber angle corrected cross-sectional areas were recorded at each vertebral level. Linear regression techniques taking into account anthropometric measures were utilized to develop prediction equations for the physiological cross-sectional area for each muscle of interest, as well as tests for differences in cross-sectional areas due to gender and side of the body. Results. Significant gender differences were observed for the prediction of the erector spinae, internal and external obliques, psoas major and quadratus lumborum physiological cross-sectional areas. Anthropometric measures about the xyphoid process and combinations of height and weight resulted in better predictions of cross-sectional areas than when using traditional anthropometry. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the trunk muscle geometry of females and males are different, and that these differences should be considered in the development of biomechanical models of the torso. Relevance The prediction of physiological cross-sectional areas from external anthropometric measures provide gender specific equations to assist in estimation of forces of muscles which load the spine for biomechanical purposes.
Spin‐free quantum chemistry. XIX. Particle‐hole and pairing symmetries

Particle–hole and pairing relationships are obtained within the framework of the unitary group formulation of the many-electron problem using the concept of particle–hole conjugation. Besides the familiar relationships for alternant hydrocarbons, relationships among various pericyclic reaction paths are obtained.
Gloss Stability of Whey‐Protein/Plasticizer Coating Formulations on Chocolate Surface

Four different whey-protein-isolate (WPI)/plasticizer formulations were compared to determine which provided the most gloss and which was most stable with time when applied on chocolates. The 4 plasticizers studied were glycerol, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), propylene glycol (PG), and sucrose, all in a 1:1 ratio with WPI. Gloss stability was determined by measuring gloss fade over time using the Tricor Gloss Analysis System. WPI/sucrose coatings provided the highest and most stable gloss. With optimization, water-based WPI/sucrose coatings could be an alternative source of glaze to alcohol-based shellac coatings in the confectionery industry. Quatre formulations differentes de proteines de lactoserum/plastifiant sont comparees pour determiner laquelle engendre la brillance la plus importante et est la plus stable lorsqu'elle est appliquee sur du chocolat. Les plastifiants testes sont le glycerol, le polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), le propylene glycol (PG), et le saccharose, tous evalues dans un rapport 1:1 avec les proteines. Les enrobages proteines de lactoserum/saccharose engendrent la brillance la plus importante et la plus stable.
Identifying Escherichia coli genes involved in intrinsic multidrug resistance

Multidrug resistance is a major cause of clinical failure in treating bacterial infections. Increasing evidence suggests that bacteria can resist multiple antibiotics through intrinsic mechanisms that rely on gene products such as efflux pumps that expel antibiotics and special membrane proteins that block the penetration of drug molecules. In this study, Escherichia coli was used as a model system to explore the genetic basis of intrinsic multidrug resistance. A random mutant library was constructed in E. coli EC100 using transposon mutagenesis. The library was screened by growth measurement to identify the mutants with enhanced or reduced resistance to chloramphenicol (Cm). Out of the 4,000 mutants screened, six mutants were found to be more sensitive to Cm and seven were more resistant compared to the wild-type EC100. Mutations in 12 out of the 13 mutants were identified by inverse polymerase chain reaction. Mutants of the genes rob, garP, bipA, insK, and yhhX were more sensitive to Cm compared to the wild-type EC100, while the mutation of rhaB, yejM, dsdX, nagA, yccE, atpF, or htrB led to higher resistance. Overexpression of rob was found to increase the resistance of E. coli biofilms to tobramycin (Tob) by 2.7-fold, while overexpression of nagA, rhaB, and yccE significantly enhanced the susceptibility of biofilms by 2.2-, 2.5-, and 2.1-fold respectively.
Analysis of biomodulative effects of low-intensity laser on human skin fibroblast cells using fiber optic nano-probes

Over the past few decades, many efforts were devoted to study low power laser and cellular interaction. Some of the investigations were performed on cell populations. In this work fiber-optic based nano-probe is used for the precise delivery of laser light on to a single cell and the mechanism of light interaction with the cell during irradiation was studied. A human skin fibroblast cell line was utilized in this investigation. The human fibroblasts were irradiated under two different schemes of exposure: (1) entire cell population was irradiated within a Petri dish using a fan beam, (2) laser energy was precisely delivered on to a single cell using fiber-optic nano-probe. Studies were conducted by variation of laser intensity, exposure time, and the energy dose of exposure. Proliferative effect of laser irradiation was determined through cell counting for both exposure schemes. Enhancement of the rate of proliferation was observed to be dependent on laser parameters and method of laser delivery. Variation of total energy dose had greater effect on the enhancement of the rate of cellular proliferation compared to that of laser intensity. The photobiostimulative effect was also observed to have a finite life-time. Fluorescent life-time imaging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was performed during the single cell exposure method. ROS generation was found to depend strongly on both laser energy doses and irradiation time. It is demonstrated in this communication that by using specially engineered nano-probes, laser light can be precisely delivered on to a targeted single cell.
Myocardial triacylglycerol fatty acid composition in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract The compositions of myocardial triacylglycerol fatty acid (TGFA) and serum free fatty acids (sFFA) were examined in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 12 days of diabetes, the rats were killed and the hearts excised and perfusion-washed. Tissue lipids were extracted and fractioned by sequential column, thin-layer, and gas-liquid chromatography. Results showed a marked increase in total TGFA content of the diabetic myocardium. In addition, compositions of TGFA and sFFA were altered. The compositional changes were similar, involving a shift from 16-carbon fatty acids to 18-carbon fatty acids (primarily stearate and linoleate). The change in TGFA composition was reversible with insulin treatment.
Circulating immune complexes in neurologic disease.

Sera from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and myasthenia gravis (MG) were assayed for immune complexes. Three techniques were used: a modified Raji cell assay, the 129 -Clq polyethyleneglycol assay, and a solid-phase Clq assay. Immune complex levels were elevated in sera of some patients with MS, ALS, and SSPE, but the elevations were modest when compared with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In some cases, abnormalities were detected in only one assay system; in other cases, abnormalities were detected by two or three assay systems. In MS, immune complex elevations correlated with active disease and with decreased suppressor cell activity. Of two ALAS patients with antecedent poliomyelitis, one had markedly increased levels of immune complexes in two assays. In MG, levels of immune complexes did not differ from those of controls.
Numerical and Analytical Results for the Polysilicon Gate Depletion Effect on MOS Gate Capacitance

Analytical and numerical gate capacitance models with polysilicon (poly) depletion effect are studied by directly solving the coupled Poisson equations on the poly and silicon sides (see Fig. 1 and (1)). The poly depletion effect is known to significantly reduce surface potential, channel current and gate capacitance values, [2-4]. Different oxide thicknesses and doping levels of the MOS device are studied, and the final analytical gate capacitance model exhibits an excellent fit with numerical data (see Figures 6 and 7). The analytical model is determined using asymptotic methods, [1]. The models presented here give accurate results for the poly depletion effect and this new information may be used to improve SPICE circuit simulations in advanced VLSI since the gate depletion effect is significant in current nanoscale MOSFET devices.
Modeling the Effects of Oversize Solute Additions on Radiation-Induced Segregation in Austenitic Stainless Steels

Oversize solute additions to stainless steels hold promise for reducing radiation-induced segregation (RIS), possibly delaying the onset and severity of irradiation-assisted stress-corrosion cracking (IASCC). The Modified Inverse Kirkendall (MIK) model for RIS in austenitic stainless steels was adapted to include the effects of defect trapping, which is expected to be caused by oversized solutes, on RIS. The model accounts for the sensitivity of RIS to both dose rate and temperature. Model results show that the primary contribution to the reduction in RIS occurs through vacancy trapping and recombination with migrating interstitials, requiring strong solute binding energies on the order of 1.0 eV. The maximum reduction in RIS due to defect trapping increases with dose rate and temperature. The general trends of the model are consistent with experimental data from proton and neutron irradiations.
“Closer to God”: Following Religion Across the Lifeworlds of an Urban Youth

This article uses case study methods and theories of literacy as social practice to explore how an adolescent developed her religious identity and religious literacies in relationship with more secular identities and literacy practices across multiple social contexts. It further examines how the youth engaged her religious identity and religious literacies concomitantly with other identities and literacy practices for developing and displaying academic identity and academic literacies in school. In so doing, the article offers important theoretical understandings and pedagogical implications relative to the potential of religious identity and religious literacies in the education of increasingly diverse urban school populations.