Graphene coating on copper (Cu) is shown to increase the resistance of the metal to electrochemical degradation by one and half orders of magnitude. Detailed electrochemical characterization in ...aggressive chloride environment shows the impedance of Cu increasing dramatically and the anodic and cathodic current densities of the coated Cu becoming nearly 1–2 orders of magnitude smaller when coated with graphene. The observations are counterintuitive as graphite in contact with metals increases metallic corrosion. The results can bring paradigm changes in the development of anti-corrosion coatings using conformal, ultrathin graphene films.
With the advent of phasor measurement units (PMUs), high resolution synchronized phasor measurements enables real time system monitoring and control. PMUs transmit data to local controllers in ...substations and phasor data concentrators for system wide monitoring and control application in the control center. They provide real-time phasor data for critical power system applications such as remedial action schemes, oscillation detection, and state estimation. The quality of phasor data from PMUs is critical for smart grid applications. Several methods are developed to detect anomalies in time series data, tailored for PMU data analysis. Nevertheless, applying stand alone methods (with fixed parameters) takes great tuning effort, and does not always achieve high accuracy. In this paper, we adopt an unsupervised ensemble learning approach to develop fast, scalable bad data/event detection for PMU data. The ensemble method invokes a set of base detectors to generate anomaly scores of the PMU data, and makes decisions by aggregating the scores from each detector. We develop two algorithms: 1) a learning algorithm that trains the ensemble model and 2) an online algorithm that infers the anomaly scores with the ensemble model over PMU data streams. The proposed method provides flag for data anomalies and triggers further analysis to differentiate between events and bad data. Using both simulated and real-world PMU data, we show that our ensemble model can be efficiently trained, can achieve high accuracy in detecting diversified errors/events, and outperforms its counterparts that use single standalone detection method.
Nuclei in the A ∼ 110 mass region exhibit interesting structural features. One of these relates to the process by which specific configurations, built on the excitation of one or more protons across ...the Z = 50 shell-gap, manifest as collective rotational bands at intermediate spins and gradually lose their collectivity with increase in spin and terminate in a non-collective state at the maximum spin which the configuration can support. These bands are called terminating bands that co-exist with spherical states. Some of these bands are said to terminate smoothly underlining the continuous character of the process by which the band evolves from significant collectivity at low spin to a pure particle-hole non-collective state at the highest spin. The neutron-deficient A ∼ 110 mass region provides the best examples of smoothly terminating bands. The present experimental and theoretical status of such bands in several nuclei with 48 ≤ Z ≤ 52 spanning the 106 ≤ A ≤ 119 mass region have been reviewed in this article. The other noteworthy feature of nuclei in the A ∼ 110 mass region is the observation of regular rotation-like sequences of strongly enhanced magnetic dipole transitions in near-spherical nuclei. These bands, unlike the well-studied rotational sequences in deformed nuclei, arise from a spontaneous symmetry breaking by the anisotropic currents of a few high-j excited particles and holes. This mode of excitation is called magnetic rotation and was first reported in the Pb region. Evidence in favor of the existence of such structures, also called shears bands, are reported in the literature for a large number of Cd, In, Sn and Sb isotope with A ∼ 110. The present article provides a general overview of these reported structures across this mass region. The review also discusses antimagnetic rotation bands and a few cases of octupole correlations in the A = 110 mass region.
Objective To examine the relationship between birth weight, gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA), and 3 of the most common autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subtypes. Study design In this ...population-based case-control study conducted in Finland, 4713 cases born between 1987 and 2005 with International Classification of Diseases -diagnoses of childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), were ascertained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Four controls, individually matched on sex, date of birth, and place of birth, were selected from the Finnish Medical Birth Register for each case. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess whether birth weight and gestational age information predicted ASD after controlling for maternal age, parity, smoking during pregnancy, and psychiatric history, as well as for infant's major congenital anomalies. Results Very low (<1500 g) and moderately low (<2500 g) birth weight, very low gestational age (less than 32 weeks), and SGA increased risk of childhood autism (adjusted OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.4-6.5; 1.57, 1.1-2.3; 2.51, 1.3-5.0; and 1.72, 1.1-2.6, respectively). Very low and moderately low birth weight, very low gestational age, and SGA were also associated with increase in PDD risk (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.9-6.3; 1.81, 1.4-2.4; 2.46, 1.4-2.3; and 2.24, 1.7-3.0, respectively). No associations were found between the perinatal characteristics and Asperger syndrome. The increased risks persisted after controlling for selected potential confounders. Conclusions The finding that low birth weight, prematurity, and SGA were related to childhood autism and PDD but not to Asperger syndrome suggests that prenatal factors related to these exposures may differ for these ASD subtypes, which may have preventive implications.
A
bstract
Low scale leptogenesis scenarios are difficult to verify due to our inability to relate the parameters involved in the early universe processes with the low energy or collider observables. ...Here we show that one can in principle relate the parameters giving rise to the transient
CP
violating phase involved in leptogenesis with those that can be deduced from the observation of electric dipole moment (EDM) of the electron. We work out the details of this in the context of the left right symmetric supersymmetric model (LRSUSY) which provides a strong connection between such parameters. In particular, we show that baryon asymmetry requirements imply the scale
M
B−L
of U(1)
B−L
symmetry breaking to be larger than 10
4
.
5
GeV. Moreover the scale
M
R
of SU(2)
R
symmetry breaking is tightly constrained to lie in a narrow band significantly below
M
B
−
L
2
/
M
EW
. These are the most stringent constraints on the parameter space of LRSUSY model being considered.
BACKGROUND:With the decrease in the number of cerebral aneurysms treated surgically and the increase of complexity of those treated surgically, there is a need for simulation-based tools to teach ...future neurosurgeons the operative techniques of aneurysm clipping.
OBJECTIVE:To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a new haptic-based virtual reality simulator in the training of neurosurgical residents.
METHODS:A real-time sensory haptic feedback virtual reality aneurysm clipping simulator was developed using the ImmersiveTouch platform. A prototype middle cerebral artery aneurysm simulation was created from a computed tomographic angiogram. Aneurysm and vessel volume deformation and haptic feedback are provided in a 3-dimensional immersive virtual reality environment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was also simulated. Seventeen neurosurgery residents from 3 residency programs tested the simulator and provided feedback on its usefulness and resemblance to real aneurysm clipping surgery.
RESULTS:Residents thought that the simulation would be useful in preparing for real-life surgery. About two-thirds of the residents thought that the 3-dimensional immersive anatomic details provided a close resemblance to real operative anatomy and accurate guidance for deciding surgical approaches. They thought the simulation was useful for preoperative surgical rehearsal and neurosurgical training. A third of the residents thought that the technology in its current form provided realistic haptic feedback for aneurysm surgery.
CONCLUSION:Neurosurgical residents thought that the novel immersive VR simulator is helpful in their training, especially because they do not get a chance to perform aneurysm clippings until late in their residency programs.
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been used to redirect the specificity of autologous T cells against leukemia and lymphoma with promising clinical results. Extending this approach to allogeneic ...T cells is problematic as they carry a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Natural killer (NK) cells are highly cytotoxic effectors, killing their targets in a non-antigen-specific manner without causing GVHD. Cord blood (CB) offers an attractive, allogeneic, off-the-self source of NK cells for immunotherapy. We transduced CB-derived NK cells with a retroviral vector incorporating the genes for CAR-CD19, IL-15 and inducible caspase-9-based suicide gene (iC9), and demonstrated efficient killing of CD19-expressing cell lines and primary leukemia cells in vitro, with marked prolongation of survival in a xenograft Raji lymphoma murine model. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) production by the transduced CB-NK cells critically improved their function. Moreover, iC9/CAR.19/IL-15 CB-NK cells were readily eliminated upon pharmacologic activation of the iC9 suicide gene. In conclusion, we have developed a novel approach to immunotherapy using engineered CB-derived NK cells, which are easy to produce, exhibit striking efficacy and incorporate safety measures to limit toxicity. This approach should greatly improve the logistics of delivering this therapy to large numbers of patients, a major limitation to current CAR-T-cell therapies.
Experiencing stress in our everyday life is only human. Be it altercations with peers, upcoming deadlines or unnerving life events which can't be controlled.There's good stress that motivates us, and ...there's stress that's unhealthy; it controls our thoughts and feelings, leading to insomnia, heart diseases and even mental health issues. So how do we stop sweating over small things and start living blissfully?Through mind engineering, we can!Stress Management through Mind Engineering takes the readers through the process of mind engineering to help them create a stressless mind. A mind that can bear the force of the external environment by tapping the power within. Read this book to not only win over stress but also eliminate the risk of burnouts, understand the cause of high stress, reflect on one's actions and behaviour and ultimately live a happier, healthier life.
Lack of uniformity and generation of defects including grain boundaries and wrinkles in graphene coatings synthesized using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) adversely affect the durability of these ...coatings. In order to control the defect density and to improve the durability of corrosion resistance of the resultant graphene coating, a fundamental understanding of the influence of the CVD parameters on the defect density is of utmost importance. In this study, the influences of hydrogen flow during graphene growth and the cooling rate on the defect density and barrier properties of a graphene coating have been investigated. A thorough microscopic and spectroscopic investigation revealed that (i) slow cooling hindered the formation of graphene coating irrespective of the presence or absence of hydrogen flow, and (ii) under rapid cooling condition, absence of hydrogen flow restricted wrinkle formation on the resultant coating. Diminished wrinkle formation in absence of hydrogen flow significantly improved the durability of the resultant coating. Based on an in-depth electrochemical impedance spectroscopic investigation, a mechanism has been proposed, which was further corroborated with the post-corrosion analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study provides a new direction to achieve graphene coatings with minimal defect density and excellent barrier properties.
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Immune checkpoint therapy has resulted in remarkable improvements in the outcome for certain cancers. To broaden the clinical impact of checkpoint targeting, we devised a strategy that couples ...targeting of the cytokine-inducible Src homology 2–containing (CIS) protein, a key negative regulator of interleukin 15 (IL-15) signaling, with fourth-generation “armored” chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering of cord blood–derived natural killer (NK) cells. This combined strategy boosted NK cell effector function through enhancing the Akt/mTORC1 axis and c-MYC signaling, resulting in increased aerobic glycolysis. When tested in a lymphoma mouse model, this combined approach improved NK cell antitumor activity more than either alteration alone, eradicating lymphoma xenografts without signs of any measurable toxicity. We conclude that targeting a cytokine checkpoint further enhances the antitumor activity of IL-15–secreting armored CAR-NK cells by promoting their metabolic fitness and antitumor activity. This combined approach represents a promising milestone in the development of the next generation of NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
•CRISPR-Cas9 CISH deletion enhances the metabolic fitness and antitumor activity of armored IL-15–secreting CB-derived CAR-NK cells.
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