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Poly(ethylene oxide) has been intercalated inside the interlayer galleries of montmorillonite clay and the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite have been investigated. Interlayer spacing and clay gallery width increase with increasing MMT concentration confirming intercalation of PEO into MMT as observed from XRD results. The fraction of free anions as calculated from FTIR, increases with increasing clay content and remains constant beyond 7.5 wt. % of clay content. Ionic conductivity of the order of 10−4 Scm−1 has been obtained in the case of MMT based electrolytes. The initial increase of conductivity with increasing MMT content can be attributed to the increase fraction of free ions which eventually increases ionic conductivity. After 7.5 wt. % of MMT loading ionic conductivity decreases due to the high viscosity of MMT. Interfacial stability results show that passivation takes place very slowly in MMT based electrolytes. Dielectric properties show that at high frequency relaxation takes place due to the segmental motion of polymer chains and it proves the hopping of ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pumpkin leaf curl disease is an emerging disease of pumpkin in Assam, India. Symptomatic pumpkin leaf samples from different locations were immunologically tested using Begomovirus specific antibody. PCR with the ELISA-positive samples, using Geminivirus universal primers amplified 1.4 kb virus-specific frag- ments. Sequence of these amplicons showed around 95% identity with squash leaf curl China virus-[Pumpkin: Varanasi] (SLCCV-Pumpkin: Varanasi EU573715). To investigate the possible functions of the viral proteins present in the fragment, the full-length C2 and C3 genes were conceptually translated and were subjected to in silico proteomic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis of both the proteins divulged the relationship of our isolate with related viruses and isolates. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of the proteins revealed the presence of the known viral conserved motifs, viz., zinc-finger (ZNF) motif [36CXCX(7)CX(6)H53], the arginine-rich nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif (28RRRR31) as well as the minimal activation domain in C2 protein. In the C3 protein, the 91LKYLD95 and the replication enhancer motif (30YFK32) were found to be conserved. Finally, 3-D models of the two proteins were predicted via ab initio approach and subsequently, the models were validated. To our knowledge, this study is a pioneering attempt to construct the ab initio 3-D models of two begomoviral proteins taking a SLCCV isolate as a model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaoping Wang,1,2 Yi Lyu,3 Shujuan Cheng,1 Jinghua Liu,1 Bijan J Borah2,4 1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; 3Department of Anesthesiology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USACorrespondence: Bijan J BorahDepartment of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USAEmail borah.bijan@mayo.eduJinghua LiuDepartment of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 10 64456998Email liujinghua@vip.sina.comPurpose: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are two revascularization strategies for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular dysfunction. However, the comparisons of effectiveness between the two strategies are insufficient. This study is aimed to compare the effectiveness between PCI and CABG among patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction.Patients and Methods: A total of 1487 CAD patients with moderate reduced ejection fraction (36%≤EF≤ 40%), who underwent either PCI or CABG, were enrolled in a real-world cohort study (No. ChiCTR2100044378). Clinical outcomes included short- and long-term all-cause mortality, rates of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and repeat revascularization. Propensity score matching was used to balance the two cohorts.Results: PCI was associated with lower 30-day mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.35 [0.15– 0.83]; P=0.02). At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, PCI and CABG had similar all-cause death (HR [95% CI], 0.82 [0.56– 1.20]; P=0.30) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization (HR [95% CI], 0.93 [0.54– 1.60]; P=0.79), but PCI had higher risk of repeat revascularization (HR [95% CI], 8.62 [3.67– 20.23]; P< 0.001). Improvement in EF measured at 3 months later after revascularization was also similar between PCI and CABG (P for interaction=0.87).Conclusion: CAD patients with moderate reduced EF who had PCI had lower short-term mortality rate but higher risk of repeat revascularization during follow-up than patients who had CABG. PCI showed comparable long-term survival, HF hospitalization risk, and EF improvement.Keywords: bypass, ejection fraction, heart failure, revascularization, stents

Summary: Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious disease of cloven‐hoofed animals that causes substantial and perpetual economic loss. Apart from the contagious nature of the disease, the FMD virus can establish in a “carrier state” among all cloven‐hoofed animals. The Mithun (Bos frontalis), popularly called the “Cattle of Mountain,” is found in the geographically isolated, hilly region of north‐east India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Despite the geographical inaccessibility, infection by FMD virus has emerged as the single most devastating disease among Mithun after the eradication of rinderpest from this region. Samples from outbreaks of FMD in Mithun were analysed by sandwich ELISA, multiplex RT‐PCR (MRT‐PCR) and liquid‐phase blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and isolated in the BHK‐21 cell line. The results indicate the presence of FMDV serotype “O.” The sequencing and molecular phylogenies have revealed close relationships in the lineage of type “O” isolates from Bangladesh. The findings will provide useful information for further research and development of a sustainable programme for the progressive control of FMD in the Mithun population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report patterns and patient characteristics associated with initiation of and persistence with medical therapies for uterine fibroid-related heavy menstrual bleeding.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: US commercial insurance claims database.Population: 41 561 women aged 18-54 years with uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding who initiated medical therapies from January 2000 through December 2013.Method: Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess patient characteristics associated with initiation and persistence. Cox proportional hazards regression was used on propensity score-matched cohorts to examine change from index medication.Main Outcomes Measures: Initiation of and persistence with four first-line medical therapies: short- and long-acting reversible contraceptive steroids, leuprolide acetate, and tranexamic acid.Results: Most women (79.4%) took short-acting reversible contraceptive steroids as first-line therapy (index medication), whereas 9.5%, 8.5%, and 2.7% used long-acting reversible contraceptive steroids, leuprolide acetate, and tranexamic acid, respectively. During follow-up, 16 594 women (39.9%) switched to nonindex medication (18.4%) or procedural treatment (81.6%). In comparison with women taking short-acting steroids, those receiving long-acting steroids were less likely to switch [hazard ratio (HR) 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.91], whereas women taking leuprolide acetate (HR 2.44, 95% CI 2.27-2.62) or tranexamic acid (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26-1.65) were more likely to switch. Older age, emergency department visits, anaemia, and inflammatory disease diagnoses at baseline were associated with increased probability of discontinuing the index medication or switching to another therapy.Conclusions: Women with uterine fibroid-related heavy menstrual bleeding were more likely to persist with their initial therapy of long-acting reversible contraceptive steroid compared with other medical options.Tweetable Abstract: 80% women with fibroid-related heavy menstrual bleeding use SARC, but LARC users are more persistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As neuroscience research advances, researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders will face a host of ethical challenges. The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues (Bioethics Commission) has published two reports that provide recommendations on how to advance research endeavors ethically. The commission addressed, among other issues, how to prioritize different types of neuroscience research and how to include research participants who have impaired consent capacity. The Bioethics Commission’s recommendations provide a foundation for ethical guidelines as neuroscience research advances and progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmas in space, cosmic and astrophysical environments are long known to consist of numerous massive ionic components contributing to various wave instability fluctuation phenomena. Indeed, the ion-inertial effects need to be incorporated into realistic analyses, rather than treating the gravitating ionic species traditionally as a Boltzmann distributed fluid. Herein, we present an atypical theoretical model setup to study gravito-electrostatic mode-fluctuations in self-gravitating inhomogeneous interstellar dust molecular clouds (DMCs) on the astrophysical fluid scales of space and time. The main goal is focused on investigating the influence of self-consistent dynamic ion-inertial effects on the stability. Methodological application of standard multiple scaling techniques reduces the basic plasma structure equations into a unique pair of decoupled Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equations for the weak fluctuations. In contrast, the fully nonlinear counterparts are shown to evolve as a new gravito-electrostatically coupled pair of the Sagdeev energy-integral equations. In both the perturbation regimes, excitation of two distinct eigenmode classes - electrostatic compressive solitons and self-gravitational rarefactive solitons with unusual and unique parametric features - is demonstrated and portrayed. The graphical shape analysis reflects new plasma conditions for such eigenspectral patterns to coevolve in realistic interstellar parameter windows hitherto remaining unexplored. It is seen that the inertial ions play a destabilizing influential role leading to enhanced fluctuations toward establishing a reorganized gravito-electrostatic equilibrium structure. Finally, we discuss the consistency of our results in the framework of existing inertialess ion theories, experimental findings and multiple space satellite-based observations, together with new implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of this paper is to study holographic dark energy in higher derivative gravity assuming the model parameter $$c^{2}$$ as a slowly time varying function. Since dark energy emerges as combined effect of linear as well as non-linear terms of curvature, therefore it is important to see holographic dark energy at higher derivative gravity, where action contains both linear as well as non-linear terms of Ricci curvature $$R$$ . We consider non-interacting scenario of the holographic dark energy with dark matter in spatially flat universe and obtain evolution of the equation of state parameter. Also, we determine deceleration parameter as well as the evolution of dark energy density to explain expansion of the universe. Further, we investigate validity of generalized second law of thermodynamics in this scenario. Finally, we find out a cosmological application of our work by evaluating a relation for the equation of state of holographic dark energy for low red-shifts containing $$c^{2}$$ correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growth of networked computers and associated applications, intrusion detection has become essential to keeping networks secure. A number of intrusion detection methods have been developed for protecting computers and networks using conventional statistical methods as well as data mining methods. Data mining methods for misuse and anomaly-based intrusion detection, usually encompass supervised, unsupervised and outlier methods. It is necessary that the capabilities of intrusion detection methods be updated with the creation of new attacks. This paper proposes a multi-level hybrid intrusion detection method that uses a combination of supervised, unsupervised and outlier-based methods for improving the efficiency of detection of new and old attacks. The method is evaluated with a captured real-time flow and packet dataset called the Tezpur University intrusion detection system (TUIDS) dataset, a distributed denial of service dataset, and the benchmark intrusion dataset called the knowledge discovery and data mining Cup 1999 dataset and the new version of KDD (NSL-KDD) dataset. Experimental results are compared with existing multi-level intrusion detection methods and other classifiers. The performance of our method is very good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical evolutionary model for new nonlinear self-gravitational fluctuations associated with the solar plasma system is developed. The lowest-order inertial correction of the plasma thermal electrons is considered. We try to present our calculation scheme leading to the fluctuation patterns evolving as a new class of nonlinear coherent structures. It is demonstrated that they are mainly monotonous shock-like eigenmodes governed by a unique type of driven Korteweg-de Vries Burger ( d -KdVB) equation obtained by multiscale analysis over the gravito-electrostatic equilibrium structure equations. The self-consistent new and unique nonlinear driving source here appears due to the inclusion of weak electron inertia. The d -KdVB system is studied analytically, graphically and numerically in detail to show the detailed features of the eigenmodes. Our conclusions are in good qualitative agreement with multispace satellite and imaging detections made by others. Main results significant to diverse solar, stellar and other astrophysical contexts along with future directions are summarily highlighted. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The detection of outliers has gained considerable interest in data mining with the realization that outliers can be the key discovery to be made from very large databases. Outliers arise due to various reasons such as mechanical faults, changes in system behavior, fraudulent behavior, human error and instrument error. Indeed, for many applications the discovery of outliers leads to more interesting and useful results than the discovery of inliers. Detection of outliers can lead to identification of system faults so that administrators can take preventive measures before they escalate. It is possible that anomaly detection may enable detection of new attacks. Outlier detection is an important anomaly detection approach. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of well-known distance-based, density-based and other techniques for outlier detection and compare them. We provide definitions of outliers and discuss their detection based on supervised and unsupervised learning in the context of network anomaly detection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Contents An attempt was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) with or without Norprolac (antiprolactin) treatment during non-breeding season (winter months) in yaks (n = 25). During non-breeding season, plasma prolactin profile has been reported high due to cold and nutritional stress. The Norprolac dose of i.m. administration was standardized for prolactin suppression. Three different doses viz. 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg were attempted and the dose of 7.5 mg Norprolac i.m. per animal was found to be suitable for suppression of prolactin levels up to 30 h. Ovsynch treatment with Norprolac induced more number of oestrous symptoms per animal (4.8 vs 2.1), higher LH peak concentration (24.01 vs 16.16 ng/ml), longer duration of LH surge (6.8 vs 5.2 h) and higher conception rate (70 vs 30%) in Ovsynch plus Norprolac treated animals compared with animals treated with Ovsynch alone. Therefore, this study clearly indicates the opportunity for practical application of the Ovsynch plus Norprolac protocol for TAI in yaks during non-breeding seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents An attempt was made to determine plasma concentrations of, 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM), cortisol and progesterone during periparturient period in yak. Plasma PGFM level showed an increasing trend beginning day 5 prior to parturition (0.48 ± 0.14 ng/ml) and increased steeply thereafter to reach a peak level (17.16 ± 1.31 ng/ml) on the day of parturition. The levels, then, declined sharply on day 1 postpartum to reach 1.20 ± 0.40 ng/ml and thereafter declined gradually over the days to reach 0.28 ± 0.09 ng/ml on day 20 postpartum and this level was maintained with fluctuation within narrow limits thereafter till conclusion of the blood sampling on day 90 post-calving. The plasma progesterone concentration on days 7 and 6 before parturition was high (2.10 ± 0.10 and 2.12 ± 0.10 ng/ml, respectively). The level then decreased gradually and abrupt fall was observed 1–2 days before parturition and became basal on day of parturition (0.24 ± 0.04 ng/ml). This basal level was maintained till the end of the blood sampling on day 90 postpartum. Plasma cortisol level showed an increasing trend beginning day 2 prior to parturition (2.36 ± 0.65 ng/ml) and increased steeply thereafter to reach a peak level (26.65 ± 5.28 ng/ml) on the day of parturition. The levels, then, declined gradually over the days and touched 2.36 ± 0.25 ng/ml on day 3 postpartum and this level was maintained with fluctuation within narrow limits thereafter till day 7 post-calving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustering is one of the important data mining problems. Many algorithms are available to cluster numeric data. However, a limited number of algorithms are proposed to cluster categorical datasets for which distance measures are not naturally defined. Moreover, categorical datasets are generally high dimensional. In high dimensional data many of the dimensions are often irrelevant or correlated, and different clusters exist in different subsets of dimensions. In this work we propose a subspace clustering algorithm named CatSub to extract a set of disjoint clusters and outliers in large high dimensional categorical datasets. We define a similarity measure and a strategy to find subsets of relevant dimensions along with the clusters embedded in them. The algorithm is scalable to larger datasets as it requires only a single pass through the data objects that need not be stored in main memory. The algorithm is experimentally validated on several real world datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ability to track dynamic changes in myocardial blood flow (MBF) and wall motion with serial gated perfusion imaging may be a limiting factor in assessing new therapies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gated Tc-99 m sestamibi (MIBI) SPECT imaging can track small changes in MBF in a model of progressive ischemia.Methods: Eight pigs (20 kg) underwent lateral thoracotomy for placement of an ameroid constrictor on the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) and indwelling femoral and left atrial catheters for serial microsphere determinations of absolute MBF. Animals underwent concurrent left atrial microsphere and Tc-99 m sestamibi (0.3 mCi/Kg IV) injections at weekly intervals over 6 weeks per animal. Gated SPECT imaging was acquired for each injection using high resolution collimation and standard processing. The animals were sacrificed on day 42. Mean signal intensity (SI) from regions of interest (ROI) corresponding to control and ischemic MBF by microspheres was measured for three SPECT short-axis images. Mean contrast ratio (MCR) was calculated from the ratio of ischemic to control SI per slice. Regional wall motion (RWM) from gated images was scored 1-5 using a 16 segment model and a score index (RWMI) was calculated.Results: MBF decreased progressively (27% below resting values [P < 0.0001]) but with a clear and significant partial recovery by day 42 (13% improvement from peak ischemia, [P < 0.01]). SPECT perfusion and gated RWM closely paralleled the dynamic pattern of MBF caused by the ameroid constrictor. SPECT MCR decreased 21% from baseline scans in the LCX territory (P < 0.0001) and improved 11% from peak ischemia (P < 0.01) while the gated RWMI (1.0 at baseline) peaked at 1.36 and improved to 1.13 by day 42.Conclusion: Gated SPECT-a technique readily available-tracks dynamic changes in MBF closely with both perfusion and RWM. For trials of new therapies for the alleviation of chronic ischemia, these findings have direct implications for measuring efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus mycoides strain RIJ B-017, a growth-associated poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) producer was grown on sucrose-containing media. PHB accumulated in cells up to 72% of dry cell mass. The overall maximum value of PHB yield ( Y p/s) and productivities ( Q p and q p) 250 mgp/gs, 120 mgp L−1 h−1 and 30 mgp gx −1 h−1, respectively, were obtained at 15 g/L sucrose. Differential scanning calorimeter heating curve showed two peaks, one at 95.9 °C and another at 165.4°C with a shoulder around 154.6 °C. The viscosity-average molar mass in chloroform at 27°C was 505 kDa. The carbon content of PHB was 55.4% of the mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]