cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of the Feeding Circuit-Activating Peptides, a Novel Neuropeptide Family of Aplysia

We use a multidisciplinary approach to identify, map, and characterize the bioactivity of modulatory neuropeptides in the circuitry that generates feeding behavior in Aplysia. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of the cerebral-buccal connective (CBC), a nerve containing axons of many interneurons that control feeding behavior of Aplysia, was used to identify neuropeptides that may participate in generation and shaping of feeding motor programs. Using this functionally oriented search, we identified a novel family of peptides that we call the feeding circuit-activating peptides (FCAPs). Two peptides with masses identical to those observed in the CBCs (molecular weight 1387 and 1433) were purified from buccal ganglia and partially sequenced using mass spectrometry. The amino acid sequence was then used to clone the FCAP precursor, which encodes multiple copies of eight different FCAPs. The two FCAPs present in highest copy number correspond to those observed in the CBC. The distribution of FCAP expression was mapped using Northern analysis, whole-mount in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry. Consistent with our initial findings, FCAP-immunopositive axons were observed in the CBC. Furthermore, we found that FCAP was present in some cerebral-buccal and buccal-cerebral interneurons. As their name suggests, FCAPs are capable of initiating rhythmic feeding motor programs and are the first neuropeptides with such activity in this circuit. The actions of FCAPs suggest that these peptides may contribute to the induction and maintenance of food-induced arousal. FCAPs were also localized to several other neuronal systems, suggesting that FCAPs may play a role in the regulation of multiple behaviors.
Variable KD-Tree Algorithms for Spatial Pattern Search and Discovery

In this paper we consider the problem of finding sets of points that conform to a given underlying model from within a dense, noisy set of observations. This problem is motivated by the task of efficiently linking faint asteroid detections, but is applicable to a range of spatial queries. We survey current tree-based approaches, showing a trade-off exists between single tree and multiple tree algorithms. To this end, we present a new type of multiple tree algorithm that uses a variable number of trees to exploit the advantages of both approaches. We empirically show that this algorithm performs well using both simulated and astronomical data.
Thermoelectric Generators Embedded in Microelectronic Chip

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can significantly improve the net power consumption and battery life of the mobile devices or high performance devices by generating power from the waste heat of these devices. Recent advancements show that the ultrathin thermoelectric devices can be fabricated and integrated within a microelectronic package. This paper first investigates the power generation by a single ultrathin TEG embedded within a micro-electronic package considering several key factors such as load resistance, chip heat flux, and proximity of the TEG to chip. We observe that the power generation from TEGs increases with increasing background heat flux on chip or when TEGs are moved closer to the chip. After the investigation of a single TEG, an array of embedded TEGs is considered in order to analyze the influence of multiple TEGs on total power generation and conversion efficiency. Increasing the number of TEGs from one to nine increase the useful power generation from 72.9 mW to 378.4 mW but decreases the average conversion efficiency from 0.47% to 0.32%. This suggests that average power generated per TEG gradually decrease from 72.9 mW to 42.0 mW when number of TEGs is increased from one to nine. However, the total useful power generated using nine TEGs is significant and emphasize the benefits of using embedded TEGs to reduce net power consumption in electronics packages.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Complications associated with intermittent pneumatic compression

The intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCD) is prophylaxis for prevention of deep-venous thrombosis (DVT). This pneumatic leg sleeve has been used extensively in high-risk surgical patients, without complication. We describe two cases, one with peroneal neuropathy and the other with compartment syndrome, associated with IPCD use during surgery. Case 1 involves a patient with pancreatic cancer and weight loss who developed bilateral peroneal nerve palsies during surgery. Case 2 involves a patient with bladder cancer who developed lower leg compartment syndrome during prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position. These cases are unusual for several reasons. First, patients wearing IPCDs during surgery are at increased risk of neurovascular compression. Second, significant weight loss may predispose the peroneal nerve to injury from intermittent compression garments. Third, patients undergoing surgery in the lithotomy position are at risk of compartment syndrome. Therefore, physicians may wish to use another method of DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients with cancer or significant weight loss, or those who are undergoing procedures in the lithotomy position.
Low temperature heat capacities of DyConi

Abstract Heat capacity data are presented for DyCoNi in the temperature range 4.2 to 300 K. The sample exhibits an anomaly peaking at 63 K. This is interpreted as arising from ferromagnetic ordering. Resistivity measurements also indicate an anomaly at 63 K. The magnetic entropy, evaluated by using the heat capacity data of LaNi2 as “a blank” ins nearly R in 4. These results are interpreted on the basis of an accidental four-fold degeneracy of the ground state of the Dy3+. The itinerant nature of the cobalt moment proposed by Taylor et al. appears to be valid in this compound.
Localization of gastric inhibitory polypeptide release by intestinal glucose perfusion in man.

To determine the site of endogenous release of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), glucose perfusions (556 mmoles per liter) of duodenum, proximal jejunum, midjejunum, and ileum were performed in human volunteers using an occluding balloon perfusion technique. Preperfusion GIP concentrations were below assay sensitivity (125 pg per ml) in all subjects. After glucose perfusion, maximal serum GIP concentrations for the four groups were: duodenum, 1383 ± 152 pg per ml; proximal jejunum, 904 ± 87 pg per ml; midjejunum, 545 ± 91 pg per ml, and ileum 305 ± 38 pg per ml. Integrated GIP secretion was significantly greater with duodenal perfusion (111 ± 21 ng-min ml-1) d proximal jejunal perfusion (69 ± 5 ng-min ml-1), as compared to either midjejunal (47 ± 7 ng-min ml-1) or ileal (25 ± 6 ng-min ml-1) perfusions. Peak serum insulin concentrations and integrated insulin secretion were also significantly greater with perfusion of the duodenum or proximal jejunum. Serum glucose concentrations, integrated serum glucose, and glucose absorption were similar for the four areas perfused. The results of this study indicate that the proximal small intestine is the primary site of endogenous GIP release in man, but that smaller quantities are also released by the distal small bowel.
Trajectory Oriented and Fault Tolerant Based Intelligent Process Control for Flexible CIGS PV Module Manufacturing: Phase 1 Final Technical Report, March 2003

With the assistance of NREL's PV Manufacturing R&D program, ITN Energy Systems, Inc. and Global Solar Energy, Inc. continued the advancement of CIGS production technology by developing trajectory-oriented predictive/control models, fault-tolerance control, control-platform development, in-situ sensors, and process improvements. Modeling activities to date include developing physics-based and empirical models for CIGS and physics-based Mo deposition processing, implementing model-based control for CIGS processing, and applying predictive models to the construction of new evaporation sources. Model-based control is enabled by implementing reduced or empirical models into a control platform. Reliability improvement activities include systematic development of fault-prevention procedures (e.g., preventative maintenance schedules) and detection/reconfiguration of sensor and other hardware failures for the full range of CIGS PV production deposition processes. In-situ sensor development activities have resulted in improved control and indicate the potential for enhanced process status monitoring and control of all deposition processes. In spite of the short time since the program was initiated, substantial process improvements have been made, including significant improvement in CIGS uniformity, thickness control (e.g., 71% reduction in Cu variability), yield, and throughput.
Tax Costs of Mortgage Default

This paper contains a discussion of the tax consequences to a mortgagor from foreclosure and subsequent cancellation of mortgage indebtedness by the mortgagee. Most likely, many mortgagors are unaw...
Comparison of ANG II in fetal and pregnant sheep: metabolic clearance and vascular sensitivity

Fetal sheep appear less responsive to infused angiotensin II (ANG II) than pregnant ewes. This may reflect a greater fetal metabolic clearance rate (MCRANGII) and thus lower plasma ANG II levels. W...
The Market Response

In the heyday of rising oil prices, and just four years before the Deepwater Horizon spill, BP ranked fifth in the world in the value of non-state owned firms. With a market value of $233.2 billion, BP had been rising rapidly in both value and rank. It ranked second among oil firms, and followed only ExxonMobil, General Electric, Microsoft, and Citigroup, in that order.139
Shrink: prescribing resiliency solutions for streaming

Streaming query deployments make up a vital part of cloud oriented applications. They vary widely in their data, logic, and statefulness, and are typically executed in multi-tenant distributed environments with varying uptime SLAs. In order to achieve these SLAs, one of a number of proposed resiliency strategies is employed to protect against failure. This paper has introduced the first, comprehensive, cloud friendly comparison between different resiliency techniques for streaming queries. In this paper, we introduce models which capture the costs associated with different resiliency strategies, and through a series of experiments which implement and validate these models, show that (1) there is no single resiliency strategy which efficiently handles most streaming scenarios; (2) the optimization space is too complex for a person to employ a "rules of thumb" approach; and (3) there exists a clear generalization of periodic checkpointing that is worth considering in many cases. Finally, the models presented in this paper can be adapted to fit a wide variety of resiliency strategies, and likely have important consequences for cloud services beyond those that are obviously streaming.
College student misbehaviors: an exploration of instructor perceptions

ABSTRACTStudent incivilities such as challenging, dissent, and excuse making have been examined by a variety of disciplines. However, the more encompassing idea of student misbehaviors has been somewhat understudied within instructional communication. The current study inductively arrived at a set of 12 distinct college student misbehaviors identified by collegiate instructors, which are relevant to the contemporary college classroom. When examined through the lens of instructional communication and student development frameworks, the researchers concluded that mindfulness of these misbehaviors might afford instructors the ability to enhance student success.
Compiler-based code generation and autotuning for geometric multigrid on GPU-accelerated supercomputers

Generate parallel CUDA code from sequential C input code using a compiler-based tool for key operators in Geometric Multigrid.Demonstrate that generated code matched or improves performance of expert written CUDA code.Compare performance of generated code against a analytic performance bound derived from the Roofline model.Show weak scaling results of the generated code on the Titan supercomputer.Compares performance of Geometric Multigrid on the GPU based machines to CPU based machines. GPUs, with their high bandwidths and computational capabilities are an increasingly popular target for scientific computing. Unfortunately, to date, harnessing the power of the GPU has required use of a GPU-specific programming model like CUDA, OpenCL, or OpenACC. As such, in order to deliver portability across CPU-based and GPU-accelerated supercomputers, programmers are forced to write and maintain two versions of their applications or frameworks. In this paper, we explore the use of a compiler-based autotuning framework based on CUDA-CHiLL to deliver not only portability, but also performance portability across CPU- and GPU-accelerated platforms for the geometric multigrid linear solvers found in many scientific applications. We show that with autotuning we can attain near Roofline (a performance bound for a computation and target architecture) performance across the key operations in the miniGMG benchmark for both CPU- and GPU-based architectures as well as for a multiple stencil discretizations and smoothers. We show that our technology is readily interoperable with MPI resulting in performance at scale equal to that obtained via hand-optimized MPI+CUDA implementation.
Biomarkers of Response to Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) resulting from exposure to asbestos include lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma (MM). This has significant health and economic implications that have been well documented. The 20–40-year latency periods of ARDs and their low incidence rates in the general population make preventative strategies and early treatment extremely challenging. The availability of well-validated diagnostic biomarkers of asbestos exposure would greatly facilitate both prevention and early treatment strategies. In this chapter, we have summarized the state of knowledge on biomarkers of response to asbestos exposure and highlighted recent advances, including the discovery of new specific biomarker based on the posttranslational modifications of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein. Asbestos is inhaled and trapped primarily in lung tissue and so can only be detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This makes direct exposure assessments very difficult. In contrast, biomarkers of response, which reflect a change in biologic function in response to asbestos exposure, have proved to be more useful. MM is the major biological response to asbestos that can be readily monitored, and numerous studies have used this disease as confirmation of a prior asbestos exposure. There is some new evidence that an increase in serum nonacetylated HMGB1 can serve as a biological response biomarker of asbestos exposure; whereas acetylated serum HMGB1 is associated with progression to MM. Finally, we discuss the potential merit of combined use of a multiplexed serum lipid biomarker panel with serum protein biomarkers.
A model system to mimic environmentally active surface film roughness and hydrophobicity

This work presents the development and initial assessment of a laboratory platform to allow quantitative studies on model urban films. The platform consists of stearic acid and eicosane mixtures that are solution deposited from hexanes onto smooth, solid substrates. We show that this model has distinctive capabilities to better mimic a naturally occurring film's morphology and hydrophobicity, two important parameters that have not previously been incorporated into model film systems. The physical and chemical properties of the model films are assessed using a variety of analytical instruments. The film thickness and roughness are probed via atomic force microscopy while the film composition, wettability, and water uptake are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle goniometry, and quartz crystal microbalance, respectively. Simulated environmental maturation is achieved by exposing the film to regulated amounts of UV/ozone. Ultimately, oxidation of the film is monitored by the analytical techniques mentioned above and proceeds as expected to produce a utile model film system. Including variable roughness and tunable surface coverage results in several key advantages over prior model systems, and will more accurately represent native urban film behavior.
Determining temperature ratings for children's sleeping bags

Abstract Manufacturers label their sleeping bags with a temperature rating to assist consumers in selecting a bag that will provide them with an acceptable level of thermal protection under the expected conditions of use. These temperature ratings are typically based on thermal manikin testing and whole-body heat loss models. Due to physical and physiological differences between children and adults, existing adult sleeping bag temperature rating models cannot be applied to children's bags. Therefore, a model for determining the temperature ratings of children's sleeping bags is proposed. Issues related to measuring the thermal insulation of children's sleeping bags are also discussed. The results of the model indicate that an older child has a higher temperature rating than a younger child for the same level of insulation. This is due to the higher sleeping metabolic rate of younger children.
Age-related changes in baroreflex sensitivity and cardiac autonomic tone in children mirrored by regional brain gray matter volume trajectories

BackgroundThe baroreflex and central autonomic brain regions together control the cardiovascular system. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) decreases with age in adults. Age-related changes in brain regions for cardiovascular control in children are unknown. We studied age-related changes in BRS, cardiac autonomic tone, and gray matter volume (GMV) of brain regions associated with cardiovascular control.MethodsBeat-to-beat blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded in 49 children (6-14 years old). Spontaneous BRS was calculated by the sequence method. Cardiac autonomic tone was measured by spectral analysis of HR variability. GMV was measured using voxel-based morphometryin 112 healthy children (5-18 years old).ResultsAge-related changes in BRS were significantly different in children <10 years and ≥10 years. Age-related changes in GMV in regions of interest (ROI) were also significantly different between children <10 and ≥10 years and between children <11 and ≥11 years. However, age-related changes in cardiac autonomic tone were progressive.ConclusionsSignificant changes in BRS trajectories between <10 and ≥10 years may be associated with similar age-related changes of GMV in brain ROI. This new knowledge will guide future studies examining whether childhood cardiovascular disruption manifests as deviated maturation trajectories of specific brain regions.
Numerical simulation of irradiance fluctuations for optical waves through atmospheric turbulence

Publisher Summary This chapter describes numerical simulation of irradiance fluctuations for optical waves through atmospheric turbulence. Optical waves traversing turbulence develop dramatic spatial patterns of irradiance fluctuations. The spatial patterns on an observing screen can be understood only partially from knowledge of their wavenumber spectra; a description of the complete pattern requires knowledge of all significant higher moments of irradiance, which is very difficult to obtain either theoretically or experimentally. A measure of the strength of medium fluctuations in this type of wave propagation is β02, which is the in-irradiance variance calculated from weak-fluctuation theory for Kolmogorov turbulence with zero inner scale. Another important parameter of medium fluctuations is the inner scale, which affects irradiance fluctuations sufficiently that it must be measured reasonably well if irradiance fluctuations are to be predicted. Moreover, prior to the application of numerical simulation to this field, a number of theoretical approaches has been attempted to calculate the irradiance variance and also higher moments of irradiance. The excellent agreement between the new experiment and the simulations improves the understanding in two areas: (1) it can systematically discuss the effects of inner scale and spectrum shape on irradiance variance,(2) it can judge other theoretical calculations against simulations that have been done with the same assumptions about spectrum shape, inner scale, and initial conditions.
A Prescription for Prescribing: Ensuring Continued Pharmacist Preparedness:

The scope of practice for pharmacists in the United States increasingly includes elements of prescribing under collaborative practice agreements and statewide protocols. However, as a result of continued health care access concerns, we believe that pharmacists will be called on to serve as independent prescribers in the future. For this anticipated practice expansion to become a successful reality, the assurance of pharmacist preparedness and continuous professional development through profession-wide standards will be imperative.
Inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores in infant formula by combination of high pressure and trans-cinnamaldehyde

Abstract This study investigated the combined effects of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and high pressure (HP) to inactivate B. cereus spores in reconstituted infant formula. High pressure (600 MPa for 5 min), with or without TC (0.1%), was applied to reconstituted infant formula with B. cereus spores. Samples were stored at 23 and 7 °C for 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Microbiological and sensory analyses, pH and emulsion stability of each sample were determined. At 7 °C, B. cereus spores in HP and TC treated formula were reduced by 2.4 and 3.1 log, respectively. At 23 °C, the highest inactivation was observed with TC alone and TC combined with HP, by 2.1 log. Overall, HP showed the highest inactivation rate when combined with TC, confirming the synergistic antimicrobial effect of TC and HP. Remarkable deformation and damage in both B. cereus vegetative cells and spores were observed by transmission electron microscopy after the application of HP and TC. Although TC exhibited a cinnamon-like taste, overall sensory attributes were not significantly different than the control samples. These results suggest that TC and HP could be incorporated in infant formula as a natural intervention to replace the synthetic preservatives and/or enhance the microbiological safety and shelf-life.
Chief Executive Officer Behavior: The Catalyst for Strategic Alignment

Organizations facing the need for significant change must determine both adirection for change and a means to realize the strategy. Implementing astrategy for change is dependent upon aligning organizational parametersproperly at the system level: structure, culture, training and development,recruitment and hiring, resource allocation, leadership, information systems,reward systems, coordination mechanisms, and control systems. The chiefexecutive officer must be the catalyst for strategic alignment. Four clustersof behavior are particularly important for the chief executive officer toexhibit in implementing strategic change: Communication, StrategicInteraction, Resource Utilization, and Leadership. Specific behaviors withinthese clusters are identified. The chief executive officer has an importantrole to play as the catalyst for strategic alignment, but the ultimate purposeof that role is to make it possible for the organization to see itself as abroader community responsible for the long-term success of the organization.
Evolving Retail Properties and Dynamic Retail Markets

The American Real Estate Society (ARES) appreciates the financial support of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for this monograph dedicated to Megatrends in Retail Real Estate.1 As retail marketplace participants already know, retail real estate properties and their marketplaces are in a state of constant change. New and growing value formats, such as power centers, category killers, warehouse clubs, and factory outlet malls, along with the powerful and enlarging discount formats such as Wal-Mart, provide traditional shopping centers and malls with increasingly competitive challenges. These value and discount retail formats generate higher sales per square foot and have lower construction costs than many traditional shopping centers and most regional malls. Given their rapid expansion, combined with the slow growth in total retail sales and the increasing alternatives to in-store retailing such as electronic shopping and catalogues, the question arises as to what future retail marketplaces will look like and which retail formats will be the leaders of the future. Ultimately, an even more challenging question is, “Will the equilibrium amount of retail square footage be changed?” And if so, in what direction?
A novel micromethod for pancreatic acinar secretion. Time course of CCK stimulation and its inhibition by L-364,718.

Dispersed acini have proven to be particularly valuable in the study of pancreatic enzyme secretion. Complex time course studies or experiments requiring large numbers of replicates have proven difficult, however, with currently available techniques. Using a custom-designed incubation chamber, a miniaturized incubation method has been devised, which allows for continuous oxygenation of acini in 96-well microtiter plates and rapid separation of medium from acini by vacuum filtration. The filtrates from individual wells are collected into the wells of a second microtiter plate for pancreatic enzyme measurement. Using the above method, the dose response and time course of cholecystokinin (CCK-8)-stimulated amylase secretion was investigated. During a 1-h incubation, unstimulated amylase secretion was 4.1 ±0.3% of total acini content. Response to CCK was very sensitive, being detected at 10-13 M (p<0.05), half-maximal at 10-11 M CCK (14.0±0.6%, p<0.001) and maximal at 10-9M CCK (24.8 ± 1.0%, p<0.001). In the time course experiments, an increase in amylase secretion was detected by 2.5 min and continued to increase steadily to a plateau at 40 min, with both submaximal (10-11M) and maximal (10-9M) CCK concentrations. The potent and specific CCK-receptor antagonist,l-364,718, caused a dose-dependent decrease in CCK-stimulated amylase secretion, with a half-maximal effect at 10-10M. The receptor antagonist,l-364,718, at 10-8M completely abolished CCK-stimulated amylase secretion. This microtechnique provides a simple, reliable, and reproducible method for the study of dispersed pancreatic acini. With this new methodology, the simultaneous study of 400–500 replicates is possible from a single guinea pig pancreas. Cells can be readily harvested at the end of the incubation period for measurement of intracellular messengers. With this technique, it is possible to carry out complex time course or dose response studies that should prove useful in the study of acinar cell function.
Bones and the sex hormones

Sex hormones act in multiple ways to maintain a strong skeleton. In men, estrogen regulates cortical bone turnover, but testosterone maintains trabecular turnover. In normal men, sex hormone–binding protein is an independent risk factor for fractures. This led Aleksova and colleagues to measure the sex hormones and their binding protein in men receiving dialysis. Both higher sex hormone–binding globulin and higher total testosterone were associated with prevalent nonvertebral fractures, adding another layer of complexity to renal osteodystrophy.
Literature Review of Employment Outcomes for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Abstract Background: Obtaining competitive community-based employment is an important goal for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), yet only a small percentage of people with IDD are working paid jobs in an integrated setting. Therefore, understanding and developing interventions that result in employment are crucial in improving the lives of people with IDD. Aim: The purpose of this review is to identify practices that promote integrated and competitive employment for people with IDD. In this chapter, we describe the current state of employment for people with IDD and review the level of evidence of studies that have examined the effectiveness of interventions targeting employment for adults with IDD. We also discuss the connection between postsecondary education (PSE) and employment and review the research on PSE and outcomes for individuals with IDD. Method: We evaluated 16 correlational studies (that analyzed national datasets) and five experimental studies employing either randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental designs (QEDs). Descriptive and methodological data regarding participant and study characteristics were extracted for all included studies. Results: Our current understanding of the current state of employment for adults with IDD is mainly derived from existing national datasets and independently conducted studies by researchers. A total of five experimental studies examined employment outcomes involving individuals with IDD, primarily with transition-age youth. Effect sizes reported in these studies are mixed. Discussion: Implications of the findings and recommendations for future work regarding employment and adults with IDD are discussed.
Multimode Positioning Using Common and Difference Mode Loop Antennas

An efficient positioning approach based on multimode near-field communication is proposed. Using conventional loop antennas, common and difference modes magnetic fields are generated. The range between two antennas can be estimated accurately using only the near-field field strength since these modes depend on the propagation distance differently. Because magnetic fields can penetrate into different media, the proposed method is a good alternative to conventional methods which suffer from multipath effects. Moreover, as generated modes will see same propagation path and losses, no calibration is needed to compensate the unwanted anomalies. By using just the field strength and ignoring the phase of received signals, the proposed method can be effectively used in Very Low Frequency (VLF)applications for positioning in the lossy environments like subterranean mines without the need to have a good resolution. The mentioned advantages accompanied by the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed idea make it a good candidate to achieve acceptable performance in the related applications.
The Effect of the Orientation of Second-Order Pyramidal c + a > Dislocations on Plastic Flow in Magnesium

In this study, atomistic simulations are utilized to quantify the effect of the \( \langle c + a\rangle \) dislocation orientation on the critical resolved shear stress and mechanism of glide on second-order pyramidal planes in pure Mg. The studied orientations are those where the crystallographic periodicities along the dislocation line are less than about three times the \( \langle c + a\rangle \) Burgers vector magnitude. The simulations results show a sharply anisotropic response for the critical resolved shear with dislocation orientations, which indicates a much complex picture of plasticity in Mg than previously thought. The current results also show that the \( \langle c + a\rangle \) dislocations show a strong plastic anisotropic behavior and the second-order pyramidal slip is limited by two singular mixed dislocation orientations at 16.78° and 42.13° with respect to the Burgers vector. Contrary to common understanding of dislocation behavior, \( \langle c + a\rangle \) slip in Mg is quite complex and coarse-grained models like DDD simulations that rely solely on edge and screw dislocation mobilities are therefore insufficient in capturing the plastic flow mechanisms.
Regenerative Scar-Free Skin Wound Healing.

Scar formation is a common consequence of skin injuries that lead to a wide range of adverse effects including physical deformities and psychological disorders. Studies demonstrate that mammalian f...
Rost nilpotence and higher unramified cohomology

Abstract We develop an approach to proving the Rost nilpotence principle involving higher unramified cohomology. Along with a decomposition-of-the-diagonal technique, we use this to prove the principle for certain threefolds over a perfect field.
Falls and Cognitive Training 2 (FaCT2) study protocol: a randomised controlled trial exploring cognitive training to reduce risk of falls in at-risk older adults.

Background The primary cause of traumatic injury in older adults is fall. Recent reports suggest that cognitive function contributes significantly to fall risk. Therefore, by targeting cognitive function for intervention, we could potentially reduce the incidence of fall and injury. Primary objective To explore the effectiveness of a 16-week cognitive training (CT) intervention to reduce risk and incidence of fall in community-dwelling older adults at risk for fall. Outcomes Primary outcome is number of falls over a 16-week period (ascertained by fall calendar method). Secondary outcomes include: change fall risk as indicated by improvement in 10 m walk and 90 s balance tests. Design/methods The design is a two-group randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants are older adults (aged 65–85) residing in the community who are at risk for fall based on physical performance testing. Following completion of 1-week run-in phase, participants are randomly allocated (1:2) to either a group that is assigned to attention control or to the group that receives CT intervention for a total of 16 weeks. Participants are followed for an additional 4 weeks after intervention. Mann-Whitney U test and Student’s t-test will be used to examine between-group differences using intention-to-treat analyses. Discussion Limited evidence supports the potential of CT to improve cognition and gait, but no published study has evaluated whether such an intervention would reduce incidence of fall. The present trial is designed to provide initial answers to this question. CT may also improve functioning important in other activities (eg, driving), reducing overall risk of injury in elders. Trial registration number NCT03190460.
Digital Health Intervention as an Adjunct to Cardiac Rehabilitation Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Rehospitalizations.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following myocardial infarction is vastly underused. As such, the aim of this study was to test a digital health intervention (DHI) as an adjunct to CR. Patients undergoing standard Mayo Clinic CR were recruited prior to CR (n = 25) or after 3 months CR (n = 17). Changes in risk factors and rehospitalizations plus emergency department (ED) visits were assessed after 3 months. Patients assigned to DHI during CR had significant reductions in weight (−4.0 ± 5.2 kg, P = .001), blood pressure (−10.8 ± 13.5 mmHg, P = .0009), and the group using DHI after 3 months of CR had significant reductions in weight (−2.5 ± 3.8 kg, P = .04) and systolic BP (−12.6 ± 12.4 mmHg, P = .001) compared to the control groups. Both DHI groups also displayed significant reductions in rehospitalizations/ED visits (−37.9 %, P = 0.01 and −28 %, P = .04, respectively). This study suggests that a guideline-driven DHI CR program can augment secondary prevention strategies during usual CR by improving risk factors for repeat events.
“Draw Your Own Box”: Deciphering Meghan Markle’s Mixed-Race Identity

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle wrote about both of her parents in her now defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig, and how they each, together and singly, helped her navigate her wa...
Long-term liver transplant outcomes for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1: The Pittsburgh experience.

Background Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1) arises from biallelic variants in the ATP8B1 gene that annul FIC1 activity, resulting in progressive liver disease. Liver transplant (LT) is indicated in refractory disease; however, post-LT complications including worsening diarrhea and steatohepatitis progressing to fibrosis with graft loss have been reported. We aim to describe long-term outcomes of PFIC1 LT recipients at our center, focusing on the histological changes of the allografts. Methods We assessed 7 PFIC1 patients post-LT at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP). All pre-transplant, explant, and sequential post-transplant pathology samples were reviewed. Continuous data are presented as the mean ± SD. We compared the pre- and post-transplant height and weight z-scores using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Seven (29% male) patients with PFIC1 received a LT (n = 6) or had post-LT care (n = 1) at CHP. Six had confirmed or suspected identical genetic. At a mean follow-up of 10.9 years, both patient survival and graft survival were 100%. Diarrhea persisted (n = 3) or newly developed (n = 4) in all patients after LT contributing to ongoing growth failure, with mean z-scores -2.63 (weight) and -2.98 (height) at follow-up. Histologically, allograft steatosis was common but was not accompanied by significant inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis. Conclusion We show that extrahepatic disease persists and near-universal allograft steatosis occurs. However, at a mean follow-up period of over 10 years, no patients developed steatohepatitis or significant fibrosis, and both patient survival and graft survival are excellent.
Polynomial and Rational Functions on a Variety

One of the unifying themes of modern mathematics is that in order to understand any class of mathematical objects, one should also study mappings between those objects, and especially the mappings which preserve some property of interest. For instance, in linear algebra after studying vector spaces, you also studied the properties of linear mappings between vector spaces (mappings that preserve the vector space operations of sum and scalar product).
Deposition and Single-Step Processing of YBCO Thick Films for Multilayered Electronics

The goal of this project was to successfully co fi re a screen-printed yttrium bar­ ium copper oxide (YBCO) superconductor onto a low-temperature co fi red ceramic (LTCC) substrate. The purpose was to investigate the compatibility of thick- fi lm, high-temperature superconductors with multilayered ceramic (MLC) packages for cryogenic applications. Paste consisting of standard organics and YBCO powder of -325 mesh particle size was screen-printed onto Dupont 951 Green Tape. The system was co fi red at temperatures ranging from 925°C to 975°C. The quality of the co fi red system was characterized in several ways: Meissner diamagnetism, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and AC susceptibility tests were performed to determine the superconducting capability of the system. Samples co fi red at 950°C retained some superconductivity after fi ring and showed the best compromise be­tween sintering and degradation.
Predicting Patients with Inadequate 24- or 48-Hour Urine Collections at Time of Metabolic Stone Evaluation.

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to understand the characteristics of patients who are less likely to submit adequate urine collections at metabolic stone evaluation. Methods: Inadequate urine collection was defined using two definitions: (1) Reference ranges for 24-hour creatinine/kilogram (Cr/24) and (2) discrepancy in total 24-hour urine Cr between 24-hour urine collections. There were 1502 patients with ≥1 kidney stone between 1998 and 2014 who performed a 24- or 48-hour urine collection at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and who were identified retrospectively. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze predictor variables for adequate urine collection. Results: A total of 2852 urine collections were analyzed. Mean age for males was 54.4 years (range 17–86), and for females was 50.2 years (range 8–90). One patient in the study was younger than 17 years old. (1) Analysis based on the Cr 24/kg definition: There were 50.7% of patients who supplied an inadequate sample. Females were nearly 50% less likely t...
A Typology of Revenue Models for Community Health Worker Programs

Community Health Workers (CHWs), a presence in almost every developing country, have proven instrumental in improving their communities’ health. CHWs in most countries are volunteers relying on programs with marginal government support and irregular external funding. A lack of incentives is a fundamental challenge to realizing the full potential of CHW programs. CHW programs often suffer from high attrition rates, poor efficiency and lack of coordination and accountability. This article argues that there is a dynamic interdependence between CHW programs and entrepreneurial mobile health (mHealth) systems trying to become economically self-sustaining. This interdependence can be leveraged to design effective, efficient and sustainable mHealth ventures that enable, complement and augment CHW programs with the shared objective of improving the healthcare system in developing countries. This article presents a typology of eight business models where CHWs function as the channels and champions for mHealth ventures. The target audiences of this article are innovators and entrepreneurs seeking to launch sustainable mHealth ventures by leveraging the civic infrastructure of community health workers in developing countries.
Global transcriptional profiling of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense using Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing

Dinoflagellates are one of the most important classes of marine and freshwater algae, notable both for their functional diversity and ecological significance. They occur naturally as free-living cells, as endosymbionts of marine invertebrates and are well known for their involvement in "red tides". Dinoflagellates are also notable for their unusual genome content and structure, which suggests that the organization and regulation of dinoflagellate genes may be very different from that of most eukaryotes. To investigate the content and regulation of the dinoflagellate genome, we performed a global analysis of the transcriptome of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense under nitrate- and phosphate-limited conditions using Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS). Data from the two MPSS libraries showed that the number of unique signatures found in A. fundyense cells is similar to that of humans and Arabidopsis thaliana, two eukaryotes that have been extensively analyzed using this method. The general distribution, abundance and expression patterns of the A. fundyense signatures were also quite similar to other eukaryotes, and at least 10% of the A. fundyense signatures were differentially expressed between the two conditions. RACE amplification and sequencing of a subset of signatures showed that multiple signatures arose from sequence variants of a single gene. Single signatures also mapped to different sequence variants of the same gene. The MPSS data presented here provide a quantitative view of the transcriptome and its regulation in these unusual single-celled eukaryotes. The observed signature abundance and distribution in Alexandrium is similar to that of other eukaryotes that have been analyzed using MPSS. Results of signature mapping via RACE indicate that many signatures result from sequence variants of individual genes. These data add to the growing body of evidence for widespread gene duplication in dinoflagellates, which would contribute to the transcriptional complexity of these organisms. The MPSS data also demonstrate that a significant number of dinoflagellate mRNAs are transcriptionally regulated, indicating that dinoflagellates commonly employ transcriptional gene regulation along with the post-transcriptional regulation that has been well documented in these organisms.
ConSMutate: SQL mutants for guiding concolic testing of database applications

Database applications are built using two different programming language constructs: one that controls the behavior of the application, also referred to as the host language; and the other that allows the application to access/retrieve information from the backend database, also referred to as the query language. The interplay between these two languages makes testing of database applications a challenging process. Independent approaches have been developed to evaluate test case quality for host languages and query languages. Typically, the quality of test cases for the host language (e.g., Java) is evaluated on the basis of the number of lines, statements and blocks covered by the test cases. High quality test cases for host languages can be automatically generated using recently developed concolic testing techniques, which rely on manipulating and guiding the search of test cases based on carefully comparing the concrete and symbolic execution of the program written in the host language. Query language test case quality (e.g., SQL), on the other hand, is evaluated using mutation analysis, which is considered to be a stronger criterion for assessing quality. In this case, several mutants or variants of the original SQL query are generated and the quality is measured using a metric called mutation score. Higher mutation score indicates higher quality for the test cases. In this paper we present a framework, called ConSMutate, which guides concolic testing using mutation analysis for test case generation for database applications. The novelty of the framework is that it ensures that the test cases are of high quality not only in terms of coverage of code written in the host language, but also in terms of mutant detection of the queries written in the query language. We present a prototype implementation of our technique and show its advantages using two non-trivial case studies.
Influence of Flame Front on the Flow Field

Flame front is a region in the flow field where rapid change in the chemical composition of the fluid occurs with consequent release of chemical energy in the form of heat. In the majority of cases the phenomenon is a very complicated one involving the heat transfer by conduction and radiation, the changes in concentration of the different components by diffusion and chemical reaction. Owing to this and the difficult problem of chemical kinetics, only recently the complete theory of flame front has been formulated, particularly by the group under J. O. Hirschfelder.[2] Fortunately, as a result of the rapid rate of chemical reaction, the thickness of the flame front under ordinary conditions is generally very small, being less than 1 mm. Therefore, if one is interested in the influence of flame front on the flow field but not on the detailed structure of the flame, the flame can be assumed as infinitesimally thin, and only the final changes of the state of fluid due to combustion need be considered. This procedure is entirely analogous to that of treating the shock wave as having zero thickness in studying dynamics of compressible fluids. This simplification will be adopted for the present investigation.
Fusion cross sections of light heavy-ion systems: Resonances and shell effects

The total fusion cross sections for the systems $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ + $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{18}\mathrm{O}$ + $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, and $^{19}\mathrm{F}$ + $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ have been measured as a function of bombarding energy and compared with results for other light heavy-ion systems. The presence or absence of oscillations in the fusion excitation function and the overall magnitude of the cross section at high energies appear to depend on the structure of the colliding nuclei.