cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making digital sense[s]: fundamentals

In this paper, we introduce the concept of digital senses as an approach for integrating the real world with the digital world. We define the real world as the world we access directly through our senses and the digital world as the world we access through a man-made interface. We show how 1) the concept of digital senses helps people outside the standard sensory spectrum (low vision, low hearing, etc.) interact with both the real and digital world and 2) how it might help generate empathy with people or situations in the past or future. We describe how we use digital senses to 1) reenact a day in the life of the ancient city of Catalhoyuk; 2) follow an automaton through time and showcase its changing role in people's life. Finally, we discuss issues and challenges associated with the technical implementation of digital senses.
BSIS: An Experiment in Automating Bioinformatics Tasks Through Intelligent Workflow Construction

Existing bioinformatics tools are extremely difficult to integrate and inter-operate, because of the diversity of service deployment techniques and the representational heterogeneity of biological data they are interacting with. This chapter presents the BioService Integration System (BSIS), a general framework which provides a graphic-based workflow language. The language enables the description of workflows composed of abstract semantic Web services and references to biologically relevant data. The workflows constructed in BSIS can be instantiated through automated planning techniques and automatically executed by adapting the Web Service Integration Framework (WSIF). A prototype implementation of the system is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach.
On Death, Taxes, and the Convergence of Peer-to-Peer and Grid Computing

It has been reported [25] that life holds but two certainties, death and taxes. And indeed, it does appear that any society-and in the context of this article, any large-scale distributed system-must address both death (failure) and the establishment and maintenance of infrastructure (which we assert is a major motivation for taxes, so as to justify our title!).
Physicochemical Factors Underlying Lipid Membrane Fusion

Membrane fusion is one of the essential events involved in many biological cellular processes (Poste and Allison, 1973; Rasmussen, 1970). In spite of extensive research on membrane fusion, its molecular mechanism is not well understood. This is probably due to the many possible molecular pathways for various membrane fusion events and also because of the complex nature of biological membranes (Poste and Nicolson, 1978).
Optimization of crustacean quality through husbandry and adherence to post-harvest standards for processing

Abstract: Best management practices that focus on sustainability of natural resources and proper handling during harvest, post-harvest and processing are described for pond culture of crustaceans. Harvest of a high-quality product is principally dependent on proper selection and use of land and water resources and maintaining appropriate levels of dissolved oxygen and pH of the culture water to minimize stress. Practices for organic fertilization of production ponds and for biofloc production are recommended to optimize growth through provision of live prey organisms with or without the feeding of a formulated feed. Provision of substrate within the water column also contributes to higher growth rates. Prescribed post-harvest handling and processing to maintain a high quality product begin with a rapid chill kill and transfer to the processing area. Sanitation regulations during processing combined with comprehensive and rigorous plans for monitoring, traceability, and food security are described to ensure product safety, and thereby establish consumer acceptance of and continued confidence in the product.
Synchronous complex Chiari malformation and cleft palate—a case-based review

The association between mid-facial clefts and Chiari malformation in the medical literature has been restricted to patients with syndromic craniofacial abnormalities. A common shared developmental pathway including causative factors for facial clefts and “complex” Chiari malformations, both midline skull base pathologies, seems logical but has not been reported. The coincident presentation of these findings in a single patient, and our subsequent discovery of other patients harboring these mutual findings prompted further investigation. We describe the case of a patient born with a cleft palate which was repaired during his first year of life, subsequently presenting as a teenager to our hospital with a severe and symptomatic complex Chiari malformation. We discuss his treatment strategy, suboccipital decompression with occipitocervical fusion and endoscopic anterior decompression surgeries, as well as his favorable radiological and clinical outcome, demonstrated at long-interval follow-up. Furthermore, we review his two pathologies, cleft palate and Chiari malformation, and posit a common embryological linkage. The embryologic interaction between the paraxial mesoderm and ectoderm may explain the co-occurrence of cleft palate and complex Chiari malformation in a single patient. Complete radiological, clinical, and genetic evaluation and counseling is advised in this situation and raises the question of whether the presence of a cleft palate independently increases the risk for other skull base developmental abnormalities.
Effect of Cognitive Status on the Receipt of Procedures Requiring Anesthesia and Critical Care Admissions in Older Adults.

Abstract Objective To investigate whether older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia have higher rates of procedures requiring general anesthesia or intensive care unit (ICU) admissions compared with cognitively normal (CN) patients. Patients and Methods A population-based cohort, 70 to 89 years old at enrollment, underwent clinical and longitudinal neurocognitive testing to identify those with MCI and dementia. We analyzed the effects of cognitive status (CN, MCI, or dementia) at entry into the study from October 1, 2004, through December 31, 2014, on the risk of receiving procedures requiring surgical anesthesia and ICU admission. Results Of 2436 participants, 1977 (81%) were CN, 387 (16%) had MCI, and 72 (3%) had dementia. Cognitively impaired individuals were sicker. Compared with CN individuals, the likelihood of receiving a procedure requiring anesthesia was similar in participants with MCI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=0.98; P=.78). Participants with dementia were less likely to receive these procedures (aHR=0.50; P=.02). Compared with CN participants, the likelihood of ICU admission for any indication was increased for those with MCI (aHR=1.24; P=.03) and dementia (aHR=1.59; P=.04). Admissions to the ICU after procedures were not different in patients with either MCI or dementia (aHR=0.96; P=.83 and aHR=1.01; P=.98, respectively). Conclusion Patients with MCI or dementia are not more likely to undergo surgery, and neither are they more likely to require ICU admission after procedures. An increased rate of nonsurgical ICU admissions requires vigilance to prevent deterioration of nonsurgical diseases that may lead to ICU admissions.
The View from Above: A Survey of the Public’s Perception of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Privacy

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular, both for hobbyists and within the commercial, industrial, and military sectors. Approximately one million new UAVs have been regis...
In vivo multimodality ophthalmic imaging using surgical microscope-integrated intraoperative spectrally-encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (iSECTR) (Conference Presentation)

Limited visualization of semi-transparent structures in the eye remains a critical barrier to improving clinical outcomes and developing novel surgical techniques. While increases in imaging speed has enabled intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) imaging of surgical dynamics, several critical barriers to clinical adoption remain. Our previous implementation of surgical microscope-integrated multimodal imaging technologies to address these limitations lacked the resolution and optical throughput for in vivo retinal imaging. Here, we present an optimized intraoperative spectrally encoded coherence tomography and reflectometry (iSECTR) system and demonstrate in vivo multimodality ophthalmic imaging. The ophthalmic surgical microscope objective was optically characterized to develop a lens model for system design. We estimated the glass thicknesses, refractive index, and intermediate curvature of the doublet objective lens using a novel combination of OCT, focus tracking, and computational ray tracing. The resulting lens model and corresponding optical aberrations were used to optimize the optical design for an iSECTR scan-head. In vivo ophthalmic imaging using iSECTR was performed on a healthy volunteer. En face spectrally encoded reflectometry (SER) and cross-sectional OCT images were acquired at 350 fps with 2560 x 1000 pix. (spectral x lateral). OCT volumes of 1000 B-scans were acquired in 2.86 s. Retinal and choroidal vasculature were readily visible on SER and provided complementary contrast to the OCT volume projection. We presented optimized designs for multimodal ophthalmic imaging with surgical microscope-integrated iSECTR. Clinical translation of iSECTR will benefit real-time instrument and FOV tracking for imaging of surgical dynamics and image-guided ophthalmic surgery.
Face validity ratings of sexual orientation scales by heterosexual cisgender adults

ABSTRACTThere is a clear need for a sexual orientation measure that can both conceptually encompass sexual orientation diversity and be accessible to individuals with normative identities. Two nove...
Fast switching in CoTb based ferrimagnetic tunnel junction

A ferrimagnet (FiM) has small domains consisting of oppositely polarized and unequal magnetic moments. Oppositely polarized magnetic moments have strong exchange coupling between them resulting in robust torque in FiM called bulk torque. Due to the strong bulk torque, magnetic moments in FiM do not precess around the switching axis for a long time unlike ferromagnets (FMs) leading to faster switching speed compared to FM. In this paper, we propose and model the switching of FiM (CoTb) with spin current injection from heavy metal with strong spin Hall effect (SHE) such as Pt. We carry out ab initio calculation of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) at the FiM(CoTb)/heavy metal(Pt) interface using spin polarized relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) Green’s function method. We compute the exchange coupling among the magnetic moments inside the CoTb layer and model how the spin-orbit torque (SOT) along with the bulk torque can efficiently switch the FiM. Then, we consider a ferrimagnet based magnetic tunnel junction (FMTJ) with SHE metal. We perform a comprehensive simulation and performance analysis of FiM(CoTb)/MgO/CoFeB and FiM(CoTb)/MgO/FiM(CoTb) FMTJs with Pt underlayer. Using non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism, we calculate the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of the proposed FMTJs at room temperature. Furthermore, the importance of thickness in CoTb magnetization dynamics is shown using our FiM magnetization simulation framework. We analyze and show that the CoTb based FMTJ has large switching energy barrier to ensure thermal stability. Finally, we show the performance comparison (TMR, write performance and power consumption) between our proposed FMTJs and FM based MTJ and our simulation exhibits that for picosecond range switching speed, FMTJ is ∼25 times more energy efficient than FM based MTJ.A ferrimagnet (FiM) has small domains consisting of oppositely polarized and unequal magnetic moments. Oppositely polarized magnetic moments have strong exchange coupling between them resulting in robust torque in FiM called bulk torque. Due to the strong bulk torque, magnetic moments in FiM do not precess around the switching axis for a long time unlike ferromagnets (FMs) leading to faster switching speed compared to FM. In this paper, we propose and model the switching of FiM (CoTb) with spin current injection from heavy metal with strong spin Hall effect (SHE) such as Pt. We carry out ab initio calculation of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) at the FiM(CoTb)/heavy metal(Pt) interface using spin polarized relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) Green’s function method. We compute the exchange coupling among the magnetic moments inside the CoTb layer and model how the spin-orbit torque (SOT) along with the bulk torque can efficiently switch the FiM. Then, we consider a ferrimagnet based magn...
Volatilization Model for Polyperfluoroether Lubricants

The volatilities of two homologous polyperfluoroether lubricants were characterized in a series of isothermal weight loss measurements between 150° and 250°C. A model was derived, based on mass transfer and thermodynamic considerations, which describes the evaporation of polydisperse polymeric liquids with time, temperature, and volume/surface ratio. The model describes the TGA data exceptionally well, and predicts the change in molecular weight distribution of the lubricant with volatility. The model is used to extrapolate the TGA volatility data to operating conditions typical of rigid disk storage devices.
A framework for anomaly detection in maritime trajectory behavior

Rapid growth in location data acquisition techniques has led to a proliferation of trajectory data related to moving objects. This large body of data has expanded the scope for trajectory research and made it applicable to a more diverse range of fields. However, data uncertainty, which is naturally inherent in the trajectory data, brings the challenge in trajectory data mining and affects the quality of the results. Specifically, unlike trajectory collected from vehicles moving along road networks, trajectory data generated by vessels moving free in maritime space have increased the difficulty of sea traffic analysis and anomalous behavior detection. Furthermore, due to the huge volume and complexity of maritime trajectory data, it is hard to define the abnormality of movement behavior and detect anomalies. Additionally, traditional analysis and evaluation by human intelligence is overloaded with the dramatic increasing in amount of maritime trajectory data and is an inefficient approach. Thus, an effective automated method for mining trajectory data and detecting anomalies would be a valuable contribution to maritime surveillance. This paper explores the maritime trajectory data for anomalous behavior detection. We propose a framework for maritime trajectory modeling and anomaly detection, called MT-MAD. Our model takes into account the fact that anomalous behavior manifests in unusual location points and sub-trajectories in the spatial domain as well as in the sequence and manner in which these locations and sub-trajectories occur. This study therefore began by identifying outlying features required for anomaly detection, including spatial, sequential, and behavioral features. We then explore the movement behavior from historical trajectories and build a maritime trajectory model for anomaly detection. The proposed model accurately describes movement behavior and captures outlying features in trajectory data. We then developed an anomaly detection algorithm based on this model in which an indicator is used to evaluate suspicious behavior and scores trajectory behavior according to the defined outlying features. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed MT-MAD framework is capable of effectively detecting anomalies in maritime trajectories.
Motor unit number index in children with later-onset spinal muscular atrophy.

BACKGROUND Motor unit number index (MUNIX) is a validated electrophysiological biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. MUNIX studies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are limited. METHODS Later-onset SMA children (n = 13; three SMN2 copy number) were evaluated for Hammersmith Motor Function Scale Expanded (HMFSE) and MUNIX of right abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles. Age-matched healthy controls (n = 8) were enrolled to obtain normative APB and ADM MUNIX values. RESULTS Mean APB and ADM MUNIX values in SMA subjects were significantly reduced (P < .001) compared with controls. HMFSE scores strongly correlated with ADM MUNIX (r 0.63). CONCLUSIONS APB and ADM muscle MUNIX studies are feasible in SMA type 2 children. ADM MUNIX correlated with disease severity on motor function testing. MUNIX studies in later-onset SMA could be a potential biomarker of motor neuron loss.
Short- and long-term effects of fire on stem hydraulics in Pinus ponderosa saplings

Understanding tree physiological responses to fire is needed to accurately model post-fire carbon processes and inform management decisions. Given trees can die immediately or at extended time periods after fire, we combined two experiments to assess the short- (one-day) and long-term (21-months) fire effects on Pinus ponderosa sapling water transport. Native percentage loss of conductivity (nPLC), vulnerability to cavitation, and xylem anatomy were assessed in unburned and burned saplings at lethal and non-lethal fire intensities. Fire did not cause any impact on nPLC and xylem cell wall structure in either experiment. However, surviving saplings evaluated 21-months post-fire were more vulnerable to cavitation. Our anatomical analysis in the long-term experiment showed that new xylem growth adjacent to fire scars had irregular-shaped tracheids and many parenchyma cells. Given conduit cell wall deformation was not observed in the long-term experiment, we suggest that the irregularity of newly grown xylem cells nearby fire wounds may be responsible for decreasing resistance to embolism in burned plants. Our findings suggest that hydraulic failure is not the main short-term physiological driver of mortality for Pinus ponderosa saplings. However, the decrease in embolism resistance in fire-wounded saplings could contribute to sapling mortality in the years following fire. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Development of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Protocol to Examine Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis.

Objectives:This study developed a musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) protocol to evaluate rehabilitation outcomes in systemic sclerosis.Materials and Methods:Three MSUS methods (gray-scale, Doppler,...
A Suite of Tools for Continuous Land Change Monitoring in Google Earth Engine

Land cover has been designated by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) as an Essential Climate Variable due to its integral role in many climate and environmental processes. Land cover and change affect regional precipitation patterns, surface energy balance, the carbon cycle and biodiversity. Accurate information on land cover and change is essential for climate change mitigation programs such as UN-REDD+. Still, uncertainties related to land change are large, in part due to the use of traditional land cover and change mapping techniques that use one or a few remotely sensed images, preventing a comprehensive analysis of ecosystem change processes. The opening of the Landsat archive and the initiation of the Copernicus Program have enabled analyses based on time series data, allowing the scientific community to explore global land cover dynamics in ways that were previously limited by data availability. One such method is the Continuous Change Detection and Classification algorithm (CCDC), which uses all available Landsat data to model temporal-spectral features that include seasonality, trends and spectral variability. Until recently, the CCDC algorithm was restricted to academic environments due to computational requirements and complexity, preventing its use by local practitioners. The situation has changed with the recent implementation of CCDC in the Google Earth Engine, which enables analyses at global scales. What is still missing are tools that allow users to explore, analyze and process CCDC outputs in a simplified way. In this paper, we present a suite of free tools that facilitate interaction with CCDC outputs, including: 1) time series viewers of CCDC-generated time segments; 2) a spatial data viewer to explore CCDC model coefficients and derivatives, and visualize change information; 3) tools to create land cover and land cover change maps from CCDC outputs; 4) a tool for unbiased area estimation of key climate-related variables like deforestation extent; and 5) an API for accessing the functionality underlying these tools. We illustrate the usage of these tools at different locations with examples that explore Landsat time series and CCDC coefficients, and a land cover change mapping example in the Southeastern USA that includes area and accuracy estimates.
Architecture, Philosophy, and the Pedagogy of Cinema: From Benjamin to Badiou

Philosophers on the art of cinema mainly remain silent about architecture. Discussing cinema as ‘mass art’, they tend to forget that architecture, before cinema, was the only existing ‘mass art’. In this work author Nadir Lahiji proposes that the philosophical understanding of the collective human sensorium in the apparatus of perception must once again find its true training ground in architecture. Building art puts the collective mass in the position of an ‘expert critic’ who identifies themselves with the technical apparatus of architecture. Only then can architecture regain its status as ‘mass art’ and, as the book contends, only then can it resume its function as the only ‘artform’ that is designed for the political pedagogy of masses, which originally belonged to it in the period of modernity before the invention of cinema.
Specialized pro-resolving mediators reduce pro-nociceptive inflammatory mediator production in models of localized provoked vulvodynia

Abstract Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is the most common cause of chronic dyspareunia in premenopausal women, characterized by pain with light touch to the vulvar vestibule surrounding the vaginal opening. The devastating impact of LPV includes sexual dysfunction, infertility, depression, and even suicide. Yet, its etiology is unclear. No effective medical therapy exists; surgical removal of the painful vestibule is the last resort. In LPV, the vestibule expresses a unique inflammatory profile with elevated levels of pro-nociceptive proinflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are linked to lower mechanical sensitivity thresholds. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), lipids produced endogenously within the body, hold promise as an LPV treatment by resolving inflammation without impairing host defense. Ten of 13 commercially available SPMs reduced IL-6 and PGE2 production by vulvar fibroblasts, administered either before or after inflammatory stimulation. Using a murine vulvar pain model, coupling proinflammatory mediator quantification with mechanical sensitivity threshold determination, topical treatment with the SPM, maresin 1, decreased sensitivity and suppressed PGE2 levels. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a precursor of maresin 1, was also effective in reducing PGE2 in vulvar fibroblasts and rapidly restored mouse sensitivity thresholds. Overall, SPMs and their precursors may be a safe and efficacious for LPV. Perspective Vulvodynia, like many pain conditions, is difficult to treat because disease origins are incompletely understood. Here, we applied our knowledge of more recently discovered vulvodynia disease mechanisms to screen novel therapeutics. We identified several specialized pro-resolving mediators as likely potent and safe for treating LPV with potential for broader application.
Dynamic Multivariable Algebraic Loop Solver for Input-constrained Control

We consider a gradient-like system for real-time implementation of multivariable algebraic loops arising in input-constrained control problems. Using results from mathematical programming, we establish global asymptotic convergence under a less stringent condition as compared to existing techniques. We comment on the application of the gradient-like system in anti-windup control implementation where the closed loop can also be interpreted within the framework of singularly perturbed systems. The proposed system can easily be realized for practical circuit implementation and may be prototyped using fast analog processors.
Answer to February 2021 Photo Quiz.

Answer: Intestinal spirochetosis. The condition was diagnosed as intestinal spirochetosis (IS). Histopathology of the colonic mucosa showed hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Warthin-Starry stains that were characteristic of intestinal spirochetosis. Intestinal spirochetosis is an uncommon disease in
Can We Replace Physical Wiring with Free-Space Optical Transmission Systems?

Aircraft manufacturers are always looking for ways to reduce weight and improve reliability. A significant factor in both the weight of an aircraft and its reliability is the use of long wires and physical electrical connectors. Over the past few decades, research and development of light-based data transmission mechanisms have yielded successful operation in a variety of environments. Light-based communication is not subject to interference from high-intensity radio frequency signals and has been demonstrated to achieve high bandwidths at short ranges. To reduce weight and improve system robustness and reliability, this research investigates replacing the wires providing data to cockpit instruments with a novel free-space optical communication system. This research constructs a simple prototype by connecting the readings from a flight simulator to a standard six-pack of instruments via light-based communication. Additionally, the communication system is tested outdoors to determine its resilience to sunlight interference. Even with very basic hardware, the system operated at a baud rate of 4800 bps over four meters in direct sunlight. The results of this research help substantiate the applicability of free-space optical communication technologies to aviation.
The University Presidency: Do Evaluations Make a Difference?

High turnover and short tenures are the norm for state university presidents in the last part of the twentieth century. Depending on the type of institution, the average state university president stays in office about four years, some three years shorter than the national average of seven years for all higher education institutions. The article discusses this trend and relates length of tenure to the formal and informal evaluations of presidents. Beginning with a presentation of presidential tenure (time in office) data and a discussion of the benefits of longer terms, the article continues with a dialogue on the role of the president in state institutions of higher education. It is argued that the position of president necessitates constituent leadership with presidents often expected to please all constituencies. Included in this discussion are the nature, role, and effectiveness of evaluations of university presidents. The authors conclude that evaluations of presidents make little difference in decisions to retain or remove presidents. Even a good or great evaluation does not offset the impact of the unforseen event or changes in political leadership within a state or on a board. The authors agree that annual reviews or reports are valuable in improving a president’s performance and leadership. Evaluations make a difference when they are supervised by individuals with direct knowledge of the job, are fair in terms of expectations from often divergent constituent groups, and focus on maximizing the ability of the president to improve the institution.
Reaction of tris with aldehydes: Effect of tris on reactions catalyzed by homoserine dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract Tris buffer was observed to produce an apparent inhibition of the homoserine dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.3)-catalyzed reduction of aspartic β-semialdehyde and an apparent inhibition of the glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.9)-catalyzed oxidation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. In each case, the apparent inhibition was found to be due to a lowering of the substrate concentration as a result of a reversible reaction between the free base form of Tris and the substrate, an aldehyde. The product of the reaction was tentatively identified as an imine on the basis of its spectral properties. The inhibition of these two enzymatic reactions by Tris was employed to investigate the kinetics of the reaction of Tris with their substrates. Assuming that these aldehydes exist entirely as the free aldehyde in aqueous solution, equilibrium constants of 369 ± 12 M −1 and 68 ± 1.5 M −1 were determined at 25°C for the reaction of the free base form of Tris with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and aspartic β-semialdehyde, respectively. Correcting for the existence of the hydrated form of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate in aqueous solution, an equilibrium constant of 1.1 · 10 4 M −1 was obtained for the reaction of this aldehyde with the free base form of Tris. Forward and reverse direction rate constants for the reaction of Tris with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate were determined at pH 7.45 and pH 8.5, and both were found to be pH-dependent.
Left ventricular noncompaction as diagnosed by established cardiac magnetic resonance imaging criteria is not associated with increased adverse events compared to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is classified by the American Heart Association as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy and is attributed to defects in cardiac embryogenesis resulting in the intrauterine arrest of the compaction of the loose meshwork that makes up the fetal myocardium. From echocardiographic data, the prevalence of LVNC has been estimated at 0.05% of the general population. With the increasing use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), there has been a surge in the reports of patients with LVNC. Interestingly, many patients that have been diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) have also been noted to have prominent left ventricular trabeculations. We sought to evaluate the difference in clinical outcomes in patients with NIDCM compared to those with LVNC as diagnosed by established CMR criteria.
Multi-level VM replication based survivability for mission-critical cloud computing

The elasticity and economics of cloud computing offer significant benefits to mission-critical applications which are increasingly complex and resource demanding. Cloud systems also provide powerful tools such as virtual machine (VM) based replication for defending mission-critical applications. However, cloud-based mission-critical computing raises serious challenges to mission assurance. VM-based consolidation brings different applications to the same set of physical resources, increasing the risk of one user compromising the mission of another. The mission-critical application in a VM lacks the visibility and control to detect and stop outside malicious attacks, whereas the support for security isolation from existing cloud systems is also limited. The objective of the research presented in this paper is to address these challenges and improve the survivability of mission-critical applications through the novel use of VM replication. Specifically, this paper presents a new multi-level VM replication approach which uses different types of VM clones to provide a variety of protections to mission-critical applications, and improve the survivability of the applications under accidental faults and malicious attacks. In this approach, full VM clones are employed to provide tolerance of attacks, decoy clones are created to divert attacks, and honeypot clones are used to analyze attacks. The paper also presents the prototypes of the proposed approach implemented for the widely used OpenStack-based private cloud systems and Amazon-EC2-based public cloud systems.
The Thessaloniki Epitaphios: Notes on Use and Context

The reverse arrangement of the Communion scene can be explained if this large textile was wrapped around the shoulders of its bearer, a practice attested in artistic and literary portraits of the liturgy’s Great Entrance.
SU-E-J-129: Atlas Development for Cardiac Automatic Contouring Using Multi-Atlas Segmentation

Purpose: To develop a set of atlases for automatic contouring of cardiac structures to determine heart radiation dose and the associated toxicity. Methods: Six thoracic cancer patients with both contrast and non-contrast CT images were acquired for this study. Eight radiation oncologists manually and independently delineated cardiac contours on the non-contrast CT by referring to the fused contrast CT and following the RTOG 1106 atlas contouring guideline. Fifteen regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated, including heart, four chambers, four coronary arteries, pulmonary artery and vein, inferior and superior vena cava, and ascending and descending aorta. Individual expert contours were fused using the simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) algorithm for each ROI and each patient. The fused contours became atlases for an in-house multi-atlas segmentation. Using leave-one-out test, we generated auto-segmented contours for each ROI and each patient. The auto-segmented contours were compared with the fused contours using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the mean surface distance (MSD). Results: Inter-observer variability was not obvious for heart, chambers, and aorta but was large for other structures that were not clearly distinguishable on CT image. The average DSC between individual expert contours and the fused contours were less than 50%more » for coronary arteries and pulmonary vein, and the average MSD were greater than 4.0 mm. The largest MSD of expert contours deviating from the fused contours was 2.5 cm. The mean DSC and MSD of auto-segmented contours were within one standard deviation of expert contouring variability except the right coronary artery. The coronary arteries, vena cava, and pulmonary vein had DSC 3.0 mm. Conclusion: A set of cardiac atlases was created for cardiac automatic contouring, the accuracy of which was comparable to the variability in expert contouring. However, substantial modification may need for auto-segmented contours of indistinguishable small structures.« less
Masquerade politics: race, Islam and the scale of Amazigh activism in southeastern Morocco*

. This article explores the different scalar dimensions of Berber masquerades in southeastern Morocco. By ritually performing Jewish characters and demonstrating philo-Semitic nostalgia for a former Jewish presence, Berber (Amazigh) activists simultaneously engage different audiences at a local, national and transnational scale. In the first place, they assert themselves as moderate (even secular) Muslims for a transnational audience for whom Muslims' supposed anti-Semitism has been a mode of excluding them from modernity. At the same time, their performances underline the specificity of Berber culture as part of a national folkloric archive, welcome to a Moroccan national state interested in forging an authentic, national Islamic practice distinct from pan-Islamic Wahhabism. Thirdly, in allying themselves with Jews, Berber activists distance themselves from a variety of rivals to local political and economic dominance, particularly black “Haratin” whose demographic and economic strength in the southeastern oases has increased since Moroccan independence. In exploring the confluences and contradictions between these different scales of activism, this article points to the internal fractures within social movements organised around religion or ethnicity.
A review of laxative therapies for treatment of chronic constipation in older adults

Abstract Background: Multiple studies have addressed the treatment of chronic constipation in adults in general; however, less guidance is available for treating this condition in older patients. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the effectiveness of laxatives for chronic constipation in the elderly. Methods: Medline, Web of Science, international Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews were searched for english-language articles evaluating the treatment of chronic constipation in older individuals from the inception of the databases until October 2010. Search terms included constipation, treatment, laxative, elderly , and geriatric . Articles were excluded if the mean age was Results: Thirty-one trials were identified. These studies varied widely in terms of methodology, quality, sample size, efficacy end points, and duration. Mean stool frequency was 9.08 bowel movements per week with psyllium and 8.29 per week with calcium polycarbophil (P = 0.04). docusate sodium daily, docusate sodium q12h, and docusate calcium daily for 3 weeks produced a mean stool frequency of 1.95 bowel movements per week versus 1.50 for placebo ( P = NS), 2.29 versus 1.76 ( P = NS), and 2.83 versus 1.75 ( P P P = 0.005). in a study comparing senna plus a bulking agent with lactulose, mean stool frequency was 4.5 per week for the combination product versus 2.2 per week for lactulose ( P P value not reported). Lubiprostone was associated with 5.69 spontaneous bowel movements per week versus 3.46 per week for placebo ( P = 0.001). Conclusions: Higher-quality trials evaluating the treatment of constipation in older patients are needed to create a basis for more definitive recommendations in this population. The approach to older adults with constipation should be individualized.
Dynamism in physiology and gene transcription during reproductive diapause in a heteropteran bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus.

Abstract Reproductive diapause was characterized in females of Pyrrhocoris apterus using physiological parameters (diapause intensity, photoperiodic responsiveness, oxygen consumption, mass and hydration) and changes in relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of eight different genes coding for proteins implemented in energy metabolism, cryoprotectant biosynthesis, biological clocks, and hormonal receptors. Changes in diapause intensity served as a basis for distinguishing successive phases of diapause development, which were driven both endogenously (under constant environmental conditions) and exogenously (in response to a change in environmental conditions). Changes in the relative levels of transcripts of genes coding for aldose reductase ( AR ) and sorbitol dehydrogenase ( SoDH ) closely matched those of diapause intensity and thus appeared as promising molecular markers of diapause and its development. During the initiation phase, the intensity of diapause and the levels of AR and SoDH transcripts increased and reached a maximum. During maintenance, under a constant temperature of 20 °C and short-day photoperiod, the intensity of diapause and the levels of both transcripts first decreased and, later, were maintained constant. Termination of diapause was stimulated by cold, during which the intensity of diapause and the levels of both transcripts further decreased. Upon resumption of direct development (oogenesis, mating and oviposition), the relative abundances of AR and SoDH transcripts decreased to trace levels.
Tensile testing and TEM analysis of nitrogen-strengthened Fe-Ni-Cr single crystals

A conventional “abnormal grain growth annealing” heat treatment has been used to produce low (0.009 wt%) and high (0.12 wt%) nitrogen single crystalline Fe-40Ni-15Cr wt% base alloys. Constant strain-rate tensile tests were carried out in the temperature range between 77 and 298 K at two different strain-rates. The results obtained were analysed using the standard procedure for the thermally activated glide of dislocations, and the possible rate-controlling mechanisms for athermal and thermal nitrogen-induced strengthening have been discussed. A conventional two-beam bright-field transmission electron microscope was next used to determine the character of the dislocations and their dependence on the amount of nitrogen in the alloy. It was found that the dislocations became predominantly screw in character as the nitrogen content in the alloy was increased. These findings have been discussed in the light of the existing models for the nitrogen strengthening of the Fe-Ni-Cr austenite.
Investigation Of Open Cycle H 2 -O 2 Ljungstrom Turbine Configurations For Space Power Conversion

Power conversion units for the proposed Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) objectives must be capable of supplying very high power for short periods, must start (and restart) rapidly, and must be as compact and lightweight as possible. Open cycle gas turbines offer attractive potential for such applications. Typical proposed turbine designs are of the axial throughflow type, utilizing combinations of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (02) as the working fluid. As an alternative, an analytical model of a multistage radial outflow Ljungstrom turbine utilizing H2-02 (combinations) as the working fluid is presented. Families of such turbines are generated, using design constraints consistent with SDI objectives and modern turbine design. Comparisons are made with multistage axial throughflow machines. It is shown that Ljungstrom type configurations indeed offer an attractive design alternative for SDI missions.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temperature Dependence of the Field Effect Mobility of Solution-Grown Germanium Nanowires

The temperature dependence of the field effect mobility was measured for solution-grown single-crystal Ge nanowires. The nanowires were synthesized in hexane from diphenylgermane by the supercritical fluid-liquid-solid process using gold nanocrystals as seeds. The nanowires were chemically treated with isoprene to passivate their surfaces. The electrical properties of individual nanowires were then measured by depositing them on a Si substrate, followed by electrical connection with Pt wires using focused ion beam assisted chemical vapor deposition. The nanowires were positioned over TaN or Au electrodes covered with ZrO2 dielectric that were used as gates to apply external potentials to modulate the conductance. Negative gate potentials increased the Ge nanowire conductance, characteristic of a p-type semiconductor. The temperature-dependent source/drain current-voltage measurements under applied gate potential revealed that the field effect mobility increased with increasing temperature, indicating that the carrier mobility through the nanowire is probably dominated either by a hopping mechanism or by trapped charges in fast surface states.
Coronal Magnetic Field Relaxation by Null-Point Reconnection

We derive the minimum energy state resulting from complete magnetic reconnection in a translationally or axisymmetric MHD system, in the limit of a low plasma beta and high magnetic Reynolds number—conditions appropriate to the solar corona. The results are necessary for determining the amount of energy that can be liberated by reconnection and, hence, are important for understanding coronal heating and other forms of solar activity. The key difference between our approach and previous work is that because of line tying at the high-beta photosphere, reconnection is limited to occur only at magnetic null points initially present in the system. We find that under these circumstances the minimum energy state is not the usual linear force-free field but a state in which the nonpotential component of the field is distributed uniformly on equal flux surfaces. We discuss the implications of our results for the Sun's corona and for laboratory plasmas.
Measurement of aeroallergens from furnace filters.

Abstract Background Exposure assessment is an important component of allergic disease diagnosis and management. Analysis for allergen content in vacuumed dust has been used traditionally. Objective To study allergen levels of dust taken from high-efficiency furnace filters in Midwestern homes. Methods Furnace filters used were FQT12 1-inch disposable filters with high-efficiency media placed in homes enrolled in the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Project. Dust was removed from the filters by vacuuming. Fungal culture was used to obtain counts of viable spores. Aeroallergens Fel d1, Can f1, Mus m1, Der f1, Der p1, and Bla g2 and antigenic material from Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium species were measured using commercially available immunoassay materials. Results Sixty filters were recovered from 56 homes after an average 135 days in situ. Mean weight of dust recovered was 2.43 g and correlated well with the time the filter was in place. Viable spore counts ranged to 4.8 × 10 7 per gram of dust. Mean fungal antigenic material ranged to 42 μg per gram for Cladosporium species. Mean aeroallergen material ranged to 7 μg per gram for Fel d1. Aeroallergen measurements were above the level of detection in 100% of houses for Fel d1 and 89% of houses for Bla g2. Levels of Fel d1 and Can f1 were strongly positively correlated. Conclusion Allergens from 5 common aeroallergen species and antigenic material from 4 common fungal taxa can be measured in dust taken from high-efficiency furnace filters.
INTERACTION BETWEEN ENDOTHELIN AND INHALED NITRIC OXIDE IN NEONATAL PIGLET PULMONARY VASCULATURE. † 2104

The interaction in the pulmonary circulation of two endogenously produced vasoactive substances, the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) and the complex-acting peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1), may help determine both the severity of and response to treatment of pulmonary hypertension in neonates. To examine potential interactions, we investigated the effects of ET-1 infusions with and without inhaled NO. We studied ten, 14-21 day old, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, piglets. We first determined if inhalation of NO altered pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in these normal animals breathing ambient air. Results: Table The percent decline in PVR with NO was variable, ranging from 0% to a 45% decrease. Percent decrease in PVR with NO was not correlated with the initial pulmonary artery pressure or with pulmonary blood flow. Next, we investigated the effects of concomitant administration of inhaled NO (60 ppm) during randomly administered low (0.1 μg/kg) or high (0.25 μg/kg) dose infusion of ET-1. Results (x ± SD): Table The acute increase in PVR with ET-1 was not moderated by inhaled NO when expressed as either absolute or percent increase in PVR. The increase in systemic vascular resistance with ET-1 was proportionately greater (mean increase of 50% above baseline with low ET-1 and 100% with high ET-1 by 5 min) than the increase in PVR. We conclude that, while breathing ambient air, PVR can be reduced in young animals by inhaled NO. We also conclude that ET-1-induced increases in PVR are not diminished by inhaled NO. ET-1 and inhaled NO may act at different sites in the pulmonary vasculature.
Electronic Absorption and MCD Spectra for Pd(AuPPh3)82+, Pt(AuPPh3)82+, and Related Platinum-Centered Gold Cluster Complexes

Electronic absorption and 7.0 T magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra in the UV−vis region, 1.6 to ∼4.0 μm-1 (1 μm-1 = 104 cm-1) are reported for [Pd(AuPPh3)8](NO3)2 and [Pt(AuPPh3)8](NO3)2 in ...
Some quantum optics perspectives on decoherence in quantum computers

Summary form only given. When the quantum nature of the optical field used to drive a qubit is taken into account, entanglement between the qubit and the field becomes a possible source of error which has been the subject of some attention lately. Although many other sources of noise will typically be much more important, this kind of error may actually have consequences for very large-scale quantum computations. A way to get around the entanglement problem is discussed.