cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potato-Like Odor of Retail Beef Cuts Associated with Species of Pseudomonas.

Retail cuts of beef and hamburger packages from a North Dakota meat processor were examined due to consumer complaints of a strong potato-like or musty odor associated with the meat. Examination for total numbers of aerobic bacteria on plate count agar and for gram-negative psychrotrophic bacteria on crystal violet tetrazolium agar revealed numbers in excess of 108 CFU/g. Numbers of coliform bacteria on violet red bile agar were in excess of 106 CFU/g. Gram-negative rods were isolated and identified. The isolates were characterized by a positive catalase reaction, oxidase production, an oxidative O/F reaction, nonutilization of lactose, liquefication of nutrient gelatin, slight motility, production of acid in litmus milk with decoloration and clotting, nonproduction of indole, and nonreduction of nitrate. The isolate was tentatively identified as a Pseudomonas of undetermined species, probably a variant of either Pseudomonas taetrolens or Pseudomonas perolens .
Phase II Trial of the mTOR Inhibitor RAD001 in Relapsed and/or Refractory Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: The Dana Farber Cancer Institute Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical activity of the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 in low- grade lymphomas. Our preclinical studies demonstrated activity of mTOR inhibitors in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) cell lines and patient samples. This phase II study aimed to determine safety and activity of the oral mTOR inhibitor RAD001 (Novartis Pharmaceutical, MA) in patients with relapsed or refractory WM. METHODS: Patients who had at least one previous therapy for WM, and who had symptomatic relapsed or refractory disease were eligible. NCI CTCAE v3.0 was used for toxicity assessment. All patients received daily RAD001 at 10 mg. A cycle was considered 28 days. Patients were allowed to stay on therapy until progression of disease or excessive toxicity. This study was conducted in a collaborative effort between Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Here, we report the data on the patients accrued at DFCI. RESULTS: 19 pts (15 men and 4 women) have been treated to date. All patients had symptomatic disease and required therapy. The median number of lines of prior treatment was 3 (range 1 – 5) including included rituximab, nucleoside analogues (fludarabine or 2-CDA), combination chemotherapy (e.g. CHOP, CVP), chloramucil, and bortezomib. The median IgM at baseline was 3330 mg/dL (range 1010– 7410). The median follow on RAD001 was 8 months (range 3 – 22 months). Eighteen pts are currently evaluable for response. Best responses to RAD001 after 2 cycles using IgM monoclonal protein were as follows: partial remission in 8 (44%), minimal response in 5 (28%). Progressive disease occurred in 4 (22%) and stable disease occurred in 1 (6%). The overall response rate (PR+MR) was 72%. The median duration of response has not been reached (3–22+ months). Patients tolerated therapy well without significant toxicities. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities included grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 1 patient, grade 3 pneumonia in 1 patient, grade 3 hyperglycemia in 1 patient and grade 3 mucositis in 1 patient. Other adverse events of grade 2 or lower included nail cracking, mucositis, diarrhea, and fatigue. Attributable toxicities otherwise proved manageable with appropriate supportive care, and RAD001 was generally well tolerated. One patient enrolled on the study withdrew consent and changed to hospice care within 3 weeks of therapy, and passed away due to disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the oral RAD001 single agent RAD001 in patients with relapsed or refractory WM was welltolerated and demonstrated significant activity achieving an overall response rate in 72% of patients. Future studies of combination of this agent with rituximab and bortezomib are currently being planned.
Numerical simulations in C and Matlab

This chapter is devoted to numerical simulations, focusing on the ten most popular stochastic models presented in this textbook. Following the chronology of the textbook, we start with the three classical models: the gambler’s ruin chain, the branching process, and the simple birth and death process. Then, we look at the spatially implicit stochastic models and finally at the spatially explicit ones: percolation models and interacting particle systems.
Hedged versus Non-Hedged S&P 500 Index

Published as a dissertation in 2006 for Nova Southeastern University.The purpose of the study will be to determine whether two methods of investment hedging that protect principal invested can provide a better risk-adjusted return than a benchmark such as the Standard and Poor’s 500 index (S&P 500). The proposed dissertation study will focus on the risk adjusted return of the S&P 500 index versus two methods of preserving the principal that invest into the S&P 500 index to reduce volatility. Since index investing is widely used by many investors and institutions, the study will focus on this type of investment in both a hedged and non-hedged measurement of risk-adjusted performance using the Sharpe and Sortino ratios to determine which methodology performs best.The study will analyze a hedging technique known as annual reset point-to-point, where the principal value is invested in secure income investments and the dividends or interest income is invested into European Call Index Options based upon the S&P 500 index on an annual basis (VanderPal, 2004). The dissertation will also examine a hedge technique very similar to the annual reset point-to-point method based on a monthly basis that is also known as a monthly reset point-to-point. The results were significant and indicated the hedged method, known as the VanderPal Method (TM) is superior in performance and much lower risk metrics over 10 year period between 1995-2004.
Comparison therapeutic efficacy of underwater and overground walking training on the healthy subjects balancing ability.

[Purpose] This study’s working hypothesis is that underwater walking training is beneficial for healthy subjects balance. [Subjects and Methods] Forty eight subjects (Underwater walking group=25, Overground walking group=23) completed the experiment. Healthy subjects with no orthopedic history of lower extremity injuries were recruited. Gait training is performed using the underwater treadmill consisted of 30-minute walking sessions, five times per week for four weeks. [Results] After the intervention, the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior balance indices increased significantly. [Conclusion] This study conducted underwater walking training on the healthy subjects, with positive effects on balancing ability.
Phenology and carbon fixing: a satellite-based study over Continental USA

ABSTRACTGlobal climate change has led to concerns about its impact on our biosphere and vegetation. Any impact of climate on vegetation can manifest in terms of changes in plant growth characteristics, its health and timing of different vegetative phenomena, such as germination, bud burst, maturity, etc. The duration and changes in the timing of plant growth stages can in turn impact the global carbon cycle. Similarly any change in plant productivity, because of changing climate will alter the carbon flux pattern by changing the overall biological flux being added or taken away from the atmosphere. We have used satellite data to study spatiotemporal changes in the plant phenology and plant productivity over the Continental USA (CONUS) to get an overall understanding of the evolution of these metrics over the past decade. Our study reveals that the prairies situated in the heartland of CONUS have become an increasingly important player in determining any changes in vegetation induced carbon source/sink pat...
Expression of two glycoprotein hormone receptors in larval, parasitic phase, and adult sea lampreys.

Abstract All jawed vertebrates have three canonical glycoprotein hormones (GpHs: luteinizing hormone, LH; follicle stimulating hormone, FSH; and thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) with three corresponding GpH receptors (GpH-Rs: LH-R, FSH-R, and TSH-R). In contrast, we propose that the jawless vertebrate, the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), only has two pituitary glycoprotein hormones, lamprey (l)GpH and l-thyrostimulin, and two functional glycoprotein receptors, lGpH-R I and II. It is not known at this time whether there is a specific receptor for lGpH and l-thyrostimulin, or if both GpHs can differentially activate the lGpH-Rs. In this report, we determined the RNA expression of lGpH-R I and II in the gonads and thyroids of larval, parasitic phase, and adult lampreys. A highly sensitive dual-label fluorescent in situ hybridization technique (RNAScope™) showed lGpH-R I expression in the ovaries of larval lamprey, and co-localization and co-expression of lGpH-R I and II in the ovaries of parasitic phase and adult lampreys. Both receptors were also highly co-localized and co-expressed in the endostyle of larval lamprey and thyroid follicles of parasitic and adult lampreys. In addition, we performed in vivo studies to determine the actions of lamprey gonadotropin releasing hormones (lGnRHs) on lGpH-R I and II expression by real time PCR, and determined plasma concentrations of estradiol and thyroxine. Administration of lGnRH-III significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased lGpHR II expression in the thyroid follicles of adult female lampreys but did not cause a significant increase in RNA expression of lGpH-R I and II in ovaries. Concomitantly, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of plasma estradiol without any significant changes of plasma thyroxine concentrations in response to treatment to lGnRH-I, -II, or -III. In summary, our results provide supporting evidence that the lamprey pituitary glycoprotein hormones may differentially activate the lamprey GpH-Rs in regulating both thyroid and gonadal activities during each of the three life stages of the sea lamprey.
Preliminary exploration of co-functional gene networks for wireless sensor networks

This paper reports on-going progress in the exploration of a co-functional ‘gold-standard’ gene network of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) from EcoliNet [1]. The goal is to apply outcomes of these explorations to wireless sensor networks. Interesting research shows how to cleverly model wireless sensor networks using Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) [2], [3], [4], [5]. These GRNs are scale-free networks. Scale-free networks often successfully model clusters exhibiting preferential attachment. Initially, our paper explores classical graph properties. The focus is on non-randomized expander graphs. Next, an E. coli co-functional gene network is analyzed. This lays foundations to highlight and potentially build on the work on GRNs to other natural scale-free networks such as co-functional genetic networks. Co-functional gene networks are different from GRNs. This is because GRNs are directed networks where directed edges indicate genetic processes such as inhibition and enhancement. Where co-functional gene networks have undirected edges indicating genes that share contributions to genetics.
Enhancing Fault Tolerance and Resource Utilization in Unidirectional Quorum-Based Cycle Routing

Cycle-based optical network routing, whether using synchronous optical networking rings or p-cycles, provides sufficient reliability in the network. Light trails forming a cycle allow broadcasts within a cycle to be used for efficient multicasts. Optimal communication quorum sets forming optical cycles based on light trails have been shown to flexibly and efficiently route both point-to-point and multipoint-to-multipoint traffic requests. Commonly, cycle routing techniques use pairs of cycles to achieve both routing and fault tolerance, which use substantial resources and create the potential for underutilization. Instead, we intentionally utilize $R$ redundancy within the quorum cycles for fault tolerance such that every point-to-point communication pairs occur in at least $R$ cycles. We develop a generalized $R$ redundancy cycle technique that provides optical networks high fault-tolerant communications capability. When applied using only the single unidirectional cycles rather than the standard paired cycles, the generalized $R$ redundancy technique has been shown to almost halve the necessary light-trail resources in the network. However, due to unidirectional nature, a small percentage of node pairs for one-to-one communication may not have exactly two paths. For this reason, we further develop a greedy cycle direction heuristic and show a reduction of missing pairs. More importantly, we show that the resource requirement is reduced while maintaining the fault tolerance and dependability expected from cycle-based routing. The result is a set of cycles with 96.6%–99.37% fault coverage, while using 42.9%–47.18% fewer resources.
Through-knee amputation is a feasible alternative to above-knee amputation

Abstract Objective Through-knee amputation (TKA) is a rare amputation performed in Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2005 and 2012 was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes indicating AKA and TKA. Baseline characteristics were reviewed, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality. Propensity score matching was used to balance comorbidities between AKA and TKA. Operative variables and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Results A total of 7469 AKA and 251 TKA patients were identified among 15,932 major lower extremity amputations. Baseline characteristics were examined. White race, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, emergent operation, steroid use, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, high American Society of Anesthesiologists score, old age, preoperative sepsis or septic shock, and dialysis dependency were associated with increased 30-day mortality. Independent lifestyle and smoking (within 1 year) were protective against early death. Baseline comorbidities were not statistically significant after 1:1 propensity score matching. Operative outcomes were similar in both groups (AKA vs TKA). Wound infection (7.2% vs 11.2%; P = .16), dehiscence rate (1.2% vs 0.8%; P = 1.0), and 30-day mortality (9.6% vs 11.2%; P = .66) were comparable. Other outcome parameters, including cardiopulmonary and genitourinary complications, were similar except for a higher likelihood of return to the operating room in the TKA group (27.9% vs 12.4%; P P = .77) or reoperation ( P = .42), but it was associated with the patients' physiologic conditions (dyspnea, sepsis, emergent operation, high American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and dependent lifestyle). Predictors of reoperation were contaminated wound (hazard ratio [HR], 2.19; confidence interval [CI], 1.17-3.23; P = .015), sepsis or septic shock (HR, 2.63; CI, 1.37-5.05; P = .004), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 2.81; CI, 1.23-6.42; P = .014), and wound infection (HR, 4.91; CI, 2.06-11.70; P P = .073). Conclusions TKA demonstrated similar postoperative morbidity and mortality compared with AKA. Wound infection and risk of dehiscence were equivalent. TKA did demonstrate a higher rate of reoperation; however, neither TKA nor reoperation predicted postoperative mortality. Patients in stable physiologic condition without active infection can safely undergo elective TKA to maximize rehabilitation potential.
Attitude Determination for Small Satellites with Infrared Earth Horizon Sensors

Infrared Earth horizon sensors are capable of providing attitude knowledge for satellites in low Earth orbit by using thermopile measurements of the Earth’s infrared emission to locate the Earth’s ...
Single institution experience of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin lymphoma.

7529Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is curable in the majority of cases without stem cell transplantation (SCT). However, patients(pts) who relapse after chemotherapy require autologousSCT, and a...
Engaging Non Governmental Organizations and Actors in Sustainable Development: The Role of Environmental Accounting

Amongst several initiatives aimed at contributing to current and present literature on the topic of sustainable development, this presentation aims to highlight why anticipated and expected success was not generated as expected in previous protocols, conferences and climate conventions such as the Kyoto Protocol. Major and fundamental challenges to environmental sustainability – expanding beyond the scope of traditional concerns which are affiliated to free trade. Further, it aims to illustrate how the concepts and definitions attributed to the term “sustainable development” has expanded over the years to embrace more concepts and actors which were not catered for in original concepts and definitions – as well as their relevance to the evolving need to embrace non-governmental actors and organizations in achieving sustainable development.
Folding nano-scale paper cranes–the power of origami and kirigami in metamaterials

The ancient Japanese art of paper folding has influenced several branches of science from mathematics physics to materials and space sciences One of the main advantages of origami is the precision of the folding mechanism that leads to a well defined folded state While the main principles of folding are the same as in original paper folding in a wide range of materials it is the specific interactions and material properties that enable origami folds on scales from nano to over meters In this brief review we discuss origami on a molecular level covering applications in physics of smart materials such as biosensors stretchable electronics and nanorobotics nbsp
Effectiveness of a Multimodal Digital Psychotherapy Platform for Adult Depression: A Naturalistic Feasibility Study.

Background: Although psychotherapy is one of the most efficacious and effective treatments for depression, limited accessibility to trained providers markedly limits access to care. In an attempt to overcome this obstacle, several platforms seeking to provide these services using digital modalities (eg, video, text, and chat) have been developed. However, the use of these modalities individually poses barriers to intervention access and acceptability. Multimodal platforms, comprising those that allow users to select from a number of available modalities, may be able to provide a solution to these concerns. Objective: We aimed to investigate the preliminary effectiveness of providing psychotherapy through a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform. In addition, we aimed to examine differential responses to intervention by gender, self-reported physical health status, and self-reported financial status, as well as how prior exposure to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy affected the effectiveness of a multimodal digital psychotherapy intervention. Finally, we aimed to examine the dose-response effect. Methods: Data were collected from a total of 318 active users of BetterHelp, a multimodal digital psychotherapy platform. Data on physical health status, financial status, and prior exposure to psychotherapy were obtained using self-report measures. Effectiveness was determined by the extent of symptom severity change, which was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire at Time 1 (time of enrollment) and Time 2 (3 months after enrollment). Intervention dosage was measured as the sum of individual therapist-user interactions across modalities. Results: Depression symptom severity was significantly reduced after the use of the multimodal digital psychotherapy intervention (P<.001). Individuals without prior traditional psychotherapy experience revealed increased improvement after intervention (P=.006). We found no significant dose-response effect of therapy, nor significant differences in outcomes across gender, self-reported financial status, and self-reported physical health status. Conclusions: Users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform. Study findings suggest that this intervention is equally effective across gender, self-reported financial status, and self-reported physical health status and particularly effective for individuals without a history of psychotherapy. Overall, study results suggest that multimodal digital psychotherapy is a potentially effective treatment for adult depression; nevertheless, experimental trials are needed. We discuss directions for future research.
Aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objectives/hypothesis To describe the prevalence of aspiration in children with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent objective assessment of swallow function. Study design Retrospective chart review. Methods A study of patients presenting to our institution with unilateral vocal fold paralysis in 2015 was conducted. All patients were diagnosed using flexible laryngoscopy. Patients were included if they underwent at least one modified barium swallow (MBS) study for evaluation of their swallowing function due to recurrent respiratory issues and/or feeding difficulty. Results Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent an MBS study at our institution in 2015. Median age at the time of MBS study was 1.7 years (interquartile range: 0.4-4.3). Twenty-six patients (92.9%) had dysphagia. Sixteen patients were found to aspirate on MBS study. All patients who aspirated did so without overt signs (silent aspiration). Eighteen patients had congenital heart disease (64.3%) and nine had a history of prematurity (32.1%). Eight patients (28.6%) presented with developmental delays. Conclusions Patients who present with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and recurrent respiratory and/or feeding issues may be affected by prominent issues such as swallowing dysfunction and silent aspiration. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and evaluate patients for any signs of feeding or swallowing difficulties. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:569-573, 2019.
Imagining my ideal: a critical case study of digital storytelling as reflective practice

Teacher candidates (TCs) must navigate personal, experiential, and theoretical discourses of learning to teach to establish a teaching identity. This article describes a critical case example of di...
Bulk single crystal growth and sample surface preparation of catalytic NaAu2

Abstract Here in we have grown bulk single crystals of NaAu2 for the first time to enable surface studies on the nature of the (111) bulk surface. This intermetallic compound exhibits surprisingly high catalytic activity for CO oxidation, a benchmark reaction. Theory predicts NaAu2 to be the most thermodynamically stable composition in the Na-Au binary phase diagram and NaAu2 has been seen to preferentially form in experiments containing Na and Au which supports this prediction. The (111) surface was also predicted to be the most stable and is nearly bulk-terminated making single crystal samples prepared with this crystallographic orientation a fitting choice. The crystal quality and surface composition of the metallographically prepared surface was determined by x-ray diffraction methods in addition to optical and electron microscopy.
Identifying secondary crashes using text mining techniques

Secondary crashes, roadway clearance time, and incident clearance time are three primary performance measures for traffic incident management. Crash databases, which are the main source of informat...
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Based Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular disease remains an extremely deadly and costly burden across the globe. Since the myocardium has a limited regenerative capacity, current therapies are restricted to pharmaceuticals, mechanical and electrical support devices, and synthetic materials. Decellularized extracellular matrices have strong potential to provide support to failing myocardium. Their native composition offers complex biochemical cues beyond what can be synthesized in the laboratory. Their physical versatility affords multiple application routes as entire recellularized organs, acellular or recellularized patches, or injectable materials that conform to the dimensions of the injury. Manipulating the materials allows for engineering their mechanical properties, such as stiffness and degradation kinetics, through crosslinking or building hybrid scaffolds. Decellularized matrices can also serve as delivery vehicles by harnessing native conjugation sites for bioactive molecules. When delivered with cells, the decellularized matrix improves cell retention, protects these cells from the harsh microenvironment of the injured tissue, and directs their behavior. Importantly, the materials mimic the native extracellular matrix and can be remodeled, adapting and growing with the repaired tissue.
Predicting Carpal Bone Kinematics Using an Expanded Digital Database of Wrist Carpal Bone Anatomy and Kinematics

The wrist can be considered a 2 degrees-of-freedom joint with all movements reflecting the combination of flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation. Wrist motions are accomplished by the kinematic reduction of the 42 degrees-of-freedom of the individual carpal bones. While previous studies have demonstrated the minimal motion of the scaphoid and lunate as the wrist moves along the dart-thrower's path or small relative motion between hamate-capitate-trapezoid, an understanding of the kinematics of the complete carpus across all wrist motions remains lacking. To address this, we assembled an open-source database of in vivo carpal motions and developed mathematical models of the carpal kinematics as a function of wrist motion. Quadratic surfaces were trained for each of the 42-carpal bone degrees-of-freedom and the goodness of fits were evaluated. Using the models, paths of wrist motion that generated minimal carpal rotations or translations were determined. Model predictions were best for flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, and volar-dorsal translations for all carpal bones with R 2 > 0.8, while the estimates were least effective for supination-pronation with R 2 < 0.6. The wrist path of motion's analysis indicated that the distal row of carpal bones moves rigidly together (<3° motion), along the anatomical axis of wrist motion, while the bones in the proximal row undergo minimal motion when the wrist moves in a path oblique to the main axes. The open-source dataset along with its graphical user interface and mathematical models should facilitate clinical visualization and enable new studies of carpal kinematics and function. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2661-2670, 2019.
An immersive clinical experience to create sustainable clinical learning opportunities for nurse practitioner students.

ABSTRACT A significant increase in nurse practitioner program enrollment has resulted in a critical need for committed preceptors willing to offer clinical learning opportunities for students. Academic practice partnerships have been proposed as a strategy to address the preceptorship crisis. This project evaluated the impact of a longitudinal immersive clinical experience designed for nurse practitioner students in collaboration with two federally qualified health centers and an underserved clinic within an academic health center. The study used a pre- and postsurvey method to determine the impact of an immersive clinical experience on preceptor perceptions of benefits and rewards, support, and commitment to the role. A statistically significant increase in preceptor perception of support was noted in three areas. Participants reported increased opportunity to share information with other preceptors, improved support from nursing faculty to help identify students' performance problems, and greater clarity in faculty responsibilities related to the preceptor role. Increases in perceptions of benefits and rewards and commitment to the preceptor role did not reach statistical significance. Immersive clinical experiences have the potential to improve the levels of preceptor support, commitment, and perceived opportunities for benefits and rewards, which may facilitate the development of high-quality, sustainable clinical learning opportunities for nurse practitioner students.
Standardizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocols Across a Large Radiology Enterprise: Barriers and Solutions

Purpose Standardization of magnetic resonance imaging protocols is important to achieve reproducible and effective outcomes across a large volume of patient examinations. It also ensures a consensus-driven approach to imaging, while reducing inefficient workflow practices. This article details our approach and experience with implementing systematic methods to address obstacles, and instituting a protocol strategy from development to installation to feedback. Methods A collaborative planning and implementation strategy was derived to address and centralize protocol standardization for 25 MRI systems across 14 imaging centers. In addition to establishing radiologist-lead working groups to define clinical need for each division, we enlisted MR physicists to work with sites to outline system capability and recommend best practices for each protocol method. The strategy also involved protocol alternatives due to patient type, and steps to ensure image quality feedback mechanisms. Results We found that a collaborative team of radiologists, physicists, and technologists is vital for creating structured and categorized protocols that balances clinical need and accepted standards, with system technical capability and exam time limitations. A formalized protocol document and numbering system was created to allow efficient order-to-protocol assignment and selection. Consideration for other variables, such as patient type, user education, and automated tasks, further extend protocol usability and standardization in clinical practice. Conclusions MRI protocol standardization is a significant challenge within a large institution, which requires ongoing oversight and improvement. An organized committee of stakeholders, incorporating clinical, technical, and site-specific expertise, is an important first step to understand the current state and direct standardization goals.
Nanosilica filled EPDM/Kevlar fiber hybrid nanocomposites: Mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract Hybrid nanocomposites have been evolving as promising materials that can be utilized for various applications. The present work deals with the fabrication of nanosilica reinforced EPDM/Kevlar fiber hybrid nanocomposites. Tensile strength, elongation-at-break, density of the developed EPDM/KF hybrid nanocomposites were evaluated and compared. The ability of the hybrid nanocomposite to resist the temperature conduction has been probed with thermal conductivity measurement and their stability in thermal atmosphere was studied with thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that nanosilica reinforced EPDM has shown significant enhancement for the tensile strength (upto109%) and modulus. And the thermal conductivity of EPDM has been further lowered with the silica nanoparticles addition, maintaining a lower density. The strategic methodology adopted in our study utilizes a low consumption of nanomaterial which can evocatively communicate the thermal insulation system.
Giga-Gain at Room Temperature in Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Phototransistors Based on a Nonequilibrium Mechanism

Achieving high gain in a photodetector is critical to detect weak light fields because of the need to amplify the signal. Here, we report the observation of a gain exceeding 109 for a phototransistor composed of an array of aligned semiconducting carbon nanotubes functionalized with a nanoscale layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT). In contrast to the expectation based on simple band alignments, the phototransistor operates by transferring holes between the P3HT and the CNT, trapping negative charge near the nanotubes. This mechanism leads to an integrating detector that is shown to detect as little as 490 aW and to resolve as few as 8-13 photons/nanotube at room temperature. A detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of the mechanism shows that the phototransistor is most sensitive when prepared in a nonequilibrium state.
The development of conjugated polymers as the cornerstone of organic electronics

Abstract The expansion of the field of organic electronics has hinged upon structural and fundamental developments in the field of conjugated polymers. Conjugated polymers allow for the manufacture of low-cost, light-weight, flexible organic electronic devices, with notable applications in organic photovoltaics (OPV), organic field effect transistors (OFET), and organic light emitting diodes (OLED). This extraordinary breadth of applications is due to the remarkable diversity of structure, an extensive understanding of structure-function relationships, and the relative ease of structural tuning. Important advancements and the development of such applications is largely due to the evolution of polymer structure, enabled by a broad range of synthetic methods for the tailoring of structures and the development of improved polymerization conditions to limit defects. This perspective provides background from the early days of concerted and focused conjugated polymer research (1970s-1990) to the present, and describes how the tailoring of conjugated polymer structure has now become closely tied to application. A significant focus is also directed to how polymerization methods have evolved from the aggressive, unselective conditions used for oxidative polymerizations to finely tuned transition-metal catalyzed polymerizations that can provide incredibly high structural-fidelity and can proceed through C–H activation. Areas for future work and emerging areas are also discussed, such as high-performing polymers without added structural and synthetic complexity, identifying polymer structures with improved environmental stability, flexible and transient or bioresorbable conjugated polymers, mixed-ion conductors, and photocatalytic and select biological applications.
Second order effect of twist deformations in the D1D5 CFT

Thermalization in the D1D5 CFT should occur via interactions caused by the twist operator, which deforms the theory off its free orbifold point. Earlier studies investigating this deformation at first order did not show any definite evidence of thermalization. In this paper we study the deformation to second order, where we do expect to see the effects that should give thermalization. We compute the effect of two twist operators on an initial vacuum state, which generates a squeezed state analogous to the case for a single twist. We obtain expressions for the Bogoliubov coefficients in this 2-twist case.
Clean up by aisle 2: roles for IL-2 receptors in host defense and tolerance

Although IL-2 was first recognized as growth factor for T cells, it is now also appreciated to be a key regulator of T cells through its effects on regulatory T cells (Treg). The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) subunits' different (i) ligand affinities, (ii) dimerization or trimerization relationships with other cytokine subunits, (iii) expression across multiple cell types, and (iv) downstream signaling effects, largely dictate cellular tolerance and antimicrobial processes. Defects in IL-2Rγ result in profound and almost universally fatal immune deficiency, unless treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Defects in IL-2Rα and IL-2Rβ result in more limited infection susceptibility, particularly to herpesviruses. However, the most prominent clinical symptomatology for IL-2Rα and IL-2Rβ defects include multi-organ autoimmunity and inflammation, consistent with the critical role of IL-2 in establishing and maintaining immune tolerance. Here, we review how we have arrived at our current understanding of the complex roles of IL-2/2R in host defense and tolerance focusing on the insights gained from human clinical immunology.
Catalytic σ-Bond Metathesis

This account summarizes information on recently reported applications of organo-rare-earth metal complexes in various catalytic transformations of small molecules. The σ-bond metathesis at d0rare-earth metal centers plays a pivotal role in carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond forming processes. Relevant mechanistic details are discussed and the focus of the review lies in practical applications of organo-rare-earth metal complexes.
Easy Group Theory

Professor G. A. Miller, of the University of Illinois, has contributed to the Scientific Monthly a popular exposition of the 'Theory of Groups' in an article entitled Easy Group Theory. The fact that the University of Paris recently founded a Chair of "Theory of Groups and Calculus of Variations" has given occasion to the writer to draw the attention of scientific men to the 'essence of a mathematical group and the role which the group concept is assuming in modern mathematical developments.'
Do not resuscitate orders: a call for reform.

A physician recommends the implementation of institutional do-not-resuscitate policies for end-of-life care. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Covert communications despite traffic data retention transcript of discussion)

Frank Stajano: You’re making a hierarchy where the adversaries can do less and less to snoop on everything. You can have another classification where they can still do everything, but just more and more localised.
Privacy Preserving Social Mobile Applications

Mobile users can obtain a wide range of services by maintaining associations, and sharing location and social context, with service providers. But multiple associations are cumbersome to maintain, and sharing private information with untrusted providers is risky. Using a trusted broker to mediate interactions by managing interfaces, user identities, context, social network links, policies, and enabling cross-domain associations, results in more privacy and reduced management burden for users, as we show in this paper. We also describe the prototype implementations of two practically useful applications that require awareness of participants’ location and social context: (i) targeted advertising, and (ii) social network-assisted online purchases.
Astronomy Research via the Internet

Small developing countries may not have a dark site with good seeing for an astronomical observatory or be able to afford the financial commitment to set up and support such a facility. Much of astronomical research today is however done with remote observations, such as from telescopes in space, or obtained by service observing at large facilities on the ground. Cutting-edge astronomical research can now be done with low-cost computers, with a good Internet connection to get on-line access to astronomical observations, journals and most recent preprints. E-mail allows fast easy collaboration between research scientists around the world. An international program with some short-term collaborative visits, could mine data and publish results from available astronomical observations for a fraction of the investment and cost of running even a small local observatory. Students who have been trained in the use of computers and software by such a program would also be more employable in the current job market. The Internet can reach you wherever you like to be and give you direct access to whatever you need for astronomical research.
Ancient Forests and the Supreme Court: Issuing a Blank Check for Appropriation Riders

This article discusses the background and significance of Robertson v. Seattle Audubon Society, a decision that upheld an appropriation rider, popularly known as the Northwest Timber Compromise, under which Congress authorized certain timber sales in old-growth forests despite lower court decisions enjoining the sales for violations of environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Forest Management Act. The article claims that the decision--Justice Thomas' first environmental opinion for the Court--reflects the Court's willingness to defer to congressional control over pending litigation and its unwillingness to make Congress legislate according to its own rules. But the article claims that the decision will have little legacy beyond the sixteen timber sales it freed from judicial injunction. And indeed the year after the decision, the Clinton Administration approved the Northwest Forest Plan, which curtailed industrial logging like the sixteen clearcut sales involved in the case.
The experience of critical self-reflection by life coaches: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACTLife coaches benefitted from learning opportunities that increase their coaching effectiveness. Utilising critical self-reflection activities, life coaches created a continuing professional...
Multi-Robot Foremost Coverage of Time-Varying Graphs

In this paper we demonstrate the application of time-varying graphs (TVGs) for modeling and analyzing multi-robot foremost coverage in dynamic environments. In particular, we consider the multi-robot, multi-depot Dynamic Map Visitation Problem (DMVP), in which a team of robots must visit a collection of critical locations as quickly as possible, in an environment that may change rapidly and unpredictably during navigation. We analyze DMVP in the context of the \(\mathcal {R} \supset \mathcal {B} \supset \mathcal {P}\) TVG hierarchy. We present exact offline algorithms for \(k\) robots on edge-recurrent TVGs (\(\mathcal {R}\)) over a range of topologies motivated by border coverage: an \(O(Tn)\) algorithm on a path and an \(O(T\frac{n^2}{k})\) algorithm on a cycle (where \(T\) is a time bound that is linear in the input size), as well as polynomial and fixed parameter tractable solutions for more general notions of border coverage. We also present algorithms for the case of two robots on a tree (and outline generalizations to \(k\) robots), including an \(O(n^5)\) exact algorithm for the case of edge-periodic TVGs (\(\mathcal {P}\)) with period 2, and a tight poly-time approximation for time-bounded edge-recurrent TVGs (\(\mathcal {B}\)). Finally, we present a linear-time \(\frac{12 \varDelta }{5}\)-approximation for two robots on general graphs in \(\mathcal {B}\) with edge-recurrence bound \(\varDelta \).
Identification of Potential Operator Burden Through Systematic Assessment of Actual Plant Transients

Abstract Recent events in U.S. operating nuclear power stations have raised questions as to whether control room operators might be unnecessarily burdened in their response to unusual events. To respond to these questions a team of plant control room operators, system design experts, and a human reliability analyst were assembled by the plant owners to investigate the issue of operator burden. The approach taken focused upon the review of all significant transients which had occurred in one plant type since 1980. The system design organization had previously analyzed each of these events as part of their Transient Assessment Program (TAP). These TAP reports represent a significant data set related to actual transient conditions and operator responses. The reports constituted the primary data base upon which the study was based. The thrust of the effort was the utilization of a multi-disciplinary team to become familiar with the transients and specifically with the operator and equipment responses. This information was then used to indicate generic areas where operator overburden might have occurred. Next information was elicited from the operations staff at each participating facility. In this way plant specific information was obtained which attempted to identify when and in which stations each of the previously identified generic overburdened conditions might apply. The study first required the development of a clear and concise definition of what operator burden was, and the development of generic examples of when it was likely to be observed in actuality. The definition chosen relates the extent of burden to the probability of operator error using an information processing paradigm of operator decision making. The developed definition was then applied to the review of 6 significant transients. This application allowed for the development of 5 generic qualitative categories of operator burden. In a parallel effort, the systems design team members developed detailed scenarios of each transient in a format designed to highlight the key operator decision points. The developed scenarios included a combined presentation of an operator action event tree (von Herrmann, 1983), and an operator concern event timeline. For each of the key decision points identified, a set of questions was developed and correlated to actual plant conditions at that point. These decision point packages were then circulated for response to participating operators and the responses led to a qualitative evaluation of the level of operator burden associated with specific aspects of transient integration.
Using Predicated Execution to Improve the Performance of a Dynamically Scheduled Machine with Speculative Execution

Conditional branches incur a severe performance penalty in wide-issue, deeply pipelined processors. Speculative execution(1, 2) and predicated execution(3---9) are two mechanisms that have been proposed for reducing this penalty. Speculative execution can completely eliminate the penalty associated with a particular branch, but requires accurate branch prediction to be effective. Predicated execution does not require accurate branch prediction to eliminate the branch penalty, but is not applicable to all branches and can increase the latencies within the program. This paper examines the performance benefit of using both mechanisms to reduce the branch execution penalty. Predicated execution is used to handle the hard-to-predict branches and speculative execution is used to handle the remaining branches. The hard-to-predict branches within the program are determined by profiling. We show that this approach can significantly reduce the branch execution penalty suffered by wide-issue processors.
Efficient Sparse Clustering of High-Dimensional Non-spherical Gaussian Mixtures

We consider the problem of clustering data points in high dimensions, i.e., when the number of data points may be much smaller than the number of dimensions. Specifically, we consider a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) with two non-spherical Gaussian components, where the clusters are distinguished by only a few relevant dimensions. The method we propose is a combination of a recent approach for learning parameters of a Gaussian mixture model and sparse linear discriminant analysis (LDA). In addition to cluster assignments, the method returns an estimate of the set of features relevant for clustering. Our results indicate that the sample complexity of clustering depends on the sparsity of the relevant feature set, while only scaling logarithmically with the ambient dimension. Further, we require much milder assumptions than existing work on clustering in high dimensions. In particular, we do not require spherical clusters nor necessitate mean separation along relevant dimensions.
First , Do No Harm: Designing Tax Incentives for Health Insurance

A bipartisan consensus favors public policy initiatives to expand health insurance coverage. This paper summarizes new Current Population Survey (CPS) data on health insurance coverage for the non-...