LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Soft robot actuators using energy-efficient valves controlled by electropermanent magnets

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a novel type of valve that uses an electropermanent magnet [1]. This valve is then used to build actuators for a soft robot. The developed EPM valves require only a brief (5 ms) pulse of current to turn flow on or off for an indefinite period of time. EPMvalves are characterized and demonstrated to be well suited for the control of elastomer fluidic actuators. The valves drive the pressurization and depressurization of fluidic channels within soft actuators. Furthermore, the forward locomotion of a soft, multi-actuator rolling robot is driven by EPM valves. The small size and energy-efficiency of EPM valves may make them valuable in soft mobile robot applications.
Culture in business process management: a literature review

Purpose – Business process management (BPM) is a management approach that developed with a strong focus on the adoption of information technology (IT). However, there is a growing awareness that BPM requires a holistic organizational perspective especially since culture is often considered a key element in BPM practice. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of existing research on culture in BPM. Design/methodology/approach – This literature review builds on major sources of the BPM community including the BPM Journal, the BPM Conference and central journal/conference databases. Forward and backward searches additionally deepen the analysis. Based on the results, a model of culture’s role in BPM is developed. Findings – The results of the literature review provide evidence that culture is still a widely under-researched topic in BPM. Furthermore, a framework on culture’s role in BPM is developed and areas for future research are revealed. Research limitations/implications – The analysis focuses on the concepts of BPM and culture. Thus, results do not include findings regarding related concepts such as business process reengineering or change management. Practical implications – The framework provides an orientation for managerial practice. It helps identify dimensions of possible conflicts based on cultural aspects. It thus aims at raising awareness regarding potentially neglected cultural factors. Originality/value – Although culture has been recognized in both theory and practice as an important aspect of BPM, researchers have not systematically engaged with the specifics of the culture phenomenon in BPM. This literature review provides a frame of reference that serves as a basis for future research regarding culture’s role in BPM.
MMAC: a mobility-adaptive, collision-free MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks

Mobility in wireless sensor networks poses unique challenges to the medium access control (MAC) protocol design. Previous MAC protocols for sensor networks assume static sensor nodes and focus on energy-efficiency. In this paper, we present a mobility-adaptive, collision-free medium access control protocol (MMAC) for mobile sensor networks. MMAC caters for both weak mobility (e.g., topology changes, node joins, and node failures) and strong mobility (e.g., concurrent node joins and failures, and physical mobility of nodes). MMAC is a scheduling-based protocol and thus it guarantees collision avoidance. MMAC allows nodes the transmission rights at particular time-slots based on the traffic information and mobility pattern of the nodes. Simulation results indicate that the performance of MMAC is equivalent to that of TRAMA in static sensor network environments. In sensor networks with mobile nodes or high network dynamics, MMAC outperforms existing MAC protocols, like TRAM A and S-MAC, in terms of energy-efficiency, delay, and packet delivery.
Character Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Pattern recognition is one of the traditional uses of neural networks. When trained with gradient-based learning methods, these networks can learn the classification of input data by example. An introduction to classifiers and gradient-based learning is given. It is shown how several perceptrons can be combined and trained gradient-based. Furthermore, an overview of convolutional neural networks, as well as a real-world example, are discussed.
Older Adults' Experiences Using a Commercially Available Monitor to Self-Track Their Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND
Physical activity contributes to older adults' autonomy, mobility, and quality of life as they age, yet fewer than 1 in 5 engage in activities as recommended. Many older adults track their exercise using pencil and paper, or their memory. Commercially available physical activity monitors (PAM) have the potential to facilitate these tracking practices and, in turn, physical activity. An assessment of older adults' long-term experiences with PAM is needed to understand this potential.


OBJECTIVE
To assess short and long-term experiences of adults >70 years old using a PAM (Fitbit One) in terms of acceptance, ease-of-use, and usefulness: domains in the technology acceptance model.


METHODS
This prospective study included 95 community-dwelling older adults, all of whom received a PAM as part of randomized controlled trial piloting a fall-reducing physical activity promotion intervention. Ten-item surveys were administered 10 weeks and 8 months after the study started. Survey ratings are described and analyzed over time, and compared by sex, education, and age.


RESULTS
Participants were mostly women (71/95, 75%), 70 to 96 years old, and had some college education (68/95, 72%). Most participants (86/95, 91%) agreed or strongly agreed that the PAM was easy to use, useful, and acceptable both 10 weeks and 8 months after enrolling in the study. Ratings dropped between these time points in all survey domains: ease-of-use (median difference 0.66 points, P=.001); usefulness (median difference 0.16 points, P=.193); and acceptance (median difference 0.17 points, P=.032). Differences in ratings by sex or educational attainment were not statistically significant at either time point. Most participants 80+ years of age (28/37, 76%) agreed or strongly agreed with survey items at long-term follow-up, however their ratings were significantly lower than participants in younger age groups at both time points.


CONCLUSIONS
Study results indicate it is feasible for older adults (70-90+ years of age) to use PAMs when self-tracking their physical activity, and provide a basis for developing recommendations to integrate PAMs into promotional efforts.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02433249; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02433249 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6gED6eh0I).
Validation of biomarkers that complement CA19.9 in detecting early pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a significant cause of cancer mortality. Carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19.9), the only tumor marker available to detect and monitor PDAC, is not sufficiently sensitive and specific to consistently differentiate early cancer from benign disease. In this study, we aimed to validate recently discovered serum protein biomarkers for the early detection of PDAC and ultimately develop a biomarker panel that could discriminate PDAC from other benign disease better than the existing marker CA19.9.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective blinded evaluation of 400 serum samples collected from individuals recruited on a consecutive basis. The sample population consisted of 250 individuals with PDAC at various stages, 130 individuals with benign conditions and 20 healthy individuals. The serum levels of each biomarker were determined by ELISAs or automated immunoassay.


RESULTS
By randomly splitting matched samples into a training (n = 186) and validation (n = 214) set, we were able to develop and validate a biomarker panel consisting of CA19.9, CA125, and LAMC2 that significantly improved the performance of CA19.9 alone. Improved discrimination was observed in the validation set between all PDAC and benign conditions (AUCCA19.9 = 0.80 vs. AUCCA19.9+CA125+LAMC2 = 0.87; P < 0.005) as well as between early-stage PDAC and benign conditions (AUCCA19.9 = 0.69 vs. AUCCA19.9+CA125+LAMC2 = 0.76; P < 0.05) and between early-stage PDAC and chronic pancreatitis (CP; AUCCA19.9 = 0.59 vs. AUCCA19.9+CA125+LAMC2 = 0.74; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The data demonstrate that a serum protein biomarker panel consisting of CA125, CA19.9, and LAMC2 is able to significantly improve upon the performance of CA19.9 alone in detecting PDAC.
Can peer educators influence healthy eating in people with diabetes? Results of a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS
To assess whether the Expert Patient Programme (EPP), adapted for people with Type 2 diabetes, can be used to promote healthy eating to improve glycaemic control.


METHODS
Adults with Type 2 diabetes (n = 317) were randomized to receive either a diabetes-specific EPP (n = 162) or individual one-off appointments with a dietitian (control group) (n = 155). The diabetes-specific EPP followed the standard National Health Service programme although all participants in the group had diabetes only, rather than a mix of chronic conditions. Participants attended a group session for 2 h once per week for 6 weeks. In addition, a final seventh-week 2-h session was included that was specific to issues concerning diabetes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between the control and the intervention group in any of the clinical outcomes measured. There was no significant difference between the groups in any dietary outcome. There was a higher starch intake in the EPP group, although this did not reach statistical significance (effect size for starch adjusted for baseline values 8.8 g; 95% CI -1.3 to 18.9). There was some loss of participants between baseline measurement and randomization, although this did not appear to have had an important impact on baseline balance.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study of people with Type 2 diabetes, the EPP approach was not effective in changing measures of diabetes control or diet.
The quantum field theory of laser acceleration

Abstract We determine the scattering rate and the energy loss of electrons due to a laser photon beam. From the energy loss formula we determine the force accelerating an electron by the laser photon beam and the corresponding relativistic dynamical equation describing its motion. Numerically, we calculate the velocity of electron after an acceleration time Δt = 0.1 s.
Dynamic Charging of Electric Vehicles by Wireless Power Transfer

I N RECENT TIMES, wireless power charging of electric vehicles (EV) has gained huge attentions. Static wireless charging for EVs has seamlessly been achieved using the inductive power transfer (IPT) technology. More recently, dynamic (also termed in-motion) wireless charging with IPT technology has been successfully demonstrated for electric mass transportation means like electric trains, trams, buses, and utility vehicles. This special section looks forward to high-quality manuscripts highlighting the state-of-the-art on dynamic wireless charging of EVs. Papers are welcomed on analysis, design, prototype development, and testing of wireless systems for dynamic EV charging. Advanced researches on system-relevant issues such as coupling coil, coil misalignment compensation, power electronics converters, and LC-compensation circuitry for dynamic wireless charging systems are also welcome. Papers presenting quality work on wireless both IPT and non-IPT technology for dynamic wireless EV charging will be considered. Topics of interest of this Special Section include, but are not limited to:
Neural synchronization deficits linked to cortical hyper-excitability and auditory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome

BACKGROUND
Studies in the fmr1 KO mouse demonstrate hyper-excitability and increased high-frequency neuronal activity in sensory cortex. These abnormalities may contribute to prominent and distressing sensory hypersensitivities in patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS). The current study investigated functional properties of auditory cortex using a sensory entrainment task in FXS.


METHODS
EEG recordings were obtained from 17 adolescents and adults with FXS and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants heard an auditory chirp stimulus generated using a 1000-Hz tone that was amplitude modulated by a sinusoid linearly increasing in frequency from 0-100 Hz over 2 s.


RESULTS
Single trial time-frequency analyses revealed decreased gamma band phase-locking to the chirp stimulus in FXS, which was strongly coupled with broadband increases in gamma power. Abnormalities in gamma phase-locking and power were also associated with theta-gamma amplitude-amplitude coupling during the pre-stimulus period and with parent reports of heightened sensory sensitivities and social communication deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
This represents the first demonstration of neural entrainment alterations in FXS patients and suggests that fast-spiking interneurons regulating synchronous high-frequency neural activity have reduced functionality. This reduced ability to synchronize high-frequency neural activity was related to the total power of background gamma band activity. These observations extend findings from fmr1 KO models of FXS, characterize a core pathophysiological aspect of FXS, and may provide a translational biomarker strategy for evaluating promising therapeutics.
Oscillations, neutrino masses and scales of new physics

Abstract We show that all the available experimental information involving neutrinos can be accounted for within the framework of already existing models where neutrinos have zero mass at tree level, but obtain a small Dirac mass by radiative corrections.
NFC and its application to mobile payment: Overview and comparison

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a recently emerging technology for short range communications aimed to enhance existing near field technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). In this paper, NFC is introduced in terms of operation principles and compared with the existing short range communication technologies. The NFC-enabled mobile systems are technically discussed with respect to architecture and operating modes. Then, NFC as a mobile payment solution is analyzed in terms of security and compared with other existing mobile payment solutions by observing various metrics.
Fixed point theorems for generalized F-contractions in b-metric-like spaces

In this paper, we introduce some new F-contractions in b-metric-like spaces and investigate some fixed point theorems for such F-contractions. Presented theorems generalize related results in the literature. An example is also given to support our main result. c ©2016 All rights reserved.
DNA → RNA: What Do Students Think the Arrow Means?

The central dogma of molecular biology, a model that has remained intact for decades, describes the transfer of genetic information from DNA to protein though an RNA intermediate. While recent work has illustrated many exceptions to the central dogma, it is still a common model used to describe and study the relationship between genes and protein products. We investigated understanding of central dogma concepts and found that students are not primed to think about information when presented with the canonical figure of the central dogma. We also uncovered conceptual errors in student interpretation of the meaning of the transcription arrow in the central dogma representation; 36% of students (n = 128; all undergraduate levels) described transcription as a chemical conversion of DNA into RNA or suggested that RNA existed before the process of transcription began. Interviews confirm that students with weak conceptual understanding of information flow find inappropriate meaning in the canonical representation of central dogma. Therefore, we suggest that use of this representation during instruction can be counterproductive unless educators are explicit about the underlying meaning.
Design of a Blockchain-Based Lottery System for Smart Cities Applications

Among the smart cities applications, optimizing lottery games is one of the urgent needs to ensure their fairness and transparency. The emerging blockchain technology shows a glimpse of solutions to fairness and transparency issues faced by lottery industries. This paper presents the design of a blockchain-based lottery system for smart cities applications. We adopt the smart contracts of blockchain technology and the cryptograph blockchain model, Hawk [8], to design the blockchain-based lottery system, FairLotto, for future smart cities applications. Fairness, transparency, and privacy of the proposed blockchain-based lottery system are discussed and ensured.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center (R.M.S., D.W.B.), and the Women and Newborns Clinical Program of Intermountain Healthcare (D.W.B.) — both in Salt Lake City. Address reprint requests to Dr. Silver at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 N. 1900 East, Rm. 2B200 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, or at bob . silver@ hsc . utah . edu.
An Ant Colony Algorithm for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) requires the determination of an optimal set of routes for a set of vehicles to serve a set of customers. We deal here with the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) where there is a maximum weight or volume that each vehicle can load. We developed an Ant Colony algorithm (ACO) for the CVRP based on the metaheuristic technique introduced by Colorni, Dorigo and Maniezzo. We present preliminary results that show that ant algorithms are competitive with other metaheuristics for solving CVRP.
Tectonic style of the Appalachian allochthonous zone of southern Quebec: Seismic and gravimetric evidence

Abstract An integrated interpretation of seismic reflection and gravity results yields an image of the structural units (nappes, overthrust sheets and underthrust slabs) of the Cambrian-Ordovician metasedimentary and metavolcanic sequences of the Appalachian province of southern Quebec at depth and the relative position of the underlying Precambrian crystalline basement. The tectonics related to crystalline Precambrian basement may be correlated with four interpretations and combinations of these. A decollement of Paleozoic sedimentary and volcanic piles over a rigid crystalline basement is most probable considering the interpretation of gravity and especially seismic data. The tectonic style at depth is rather unresolved from surface geological information. The elaboration of a two-dimensional model is constrained by physical properties of rocks, maximum depth extents of individual bodies and seismic reflectors in addition to surface geology. Finally, a minimum of 1500 km of shortening and Iapetan closing is suggested.
The Effective Number of Parameters: An Analysis of Generalization and Regularization in Nonlinear Learning Systems

We present an analysis of how the generalization performance (expected test set error) relates to the expected training set error for nonlinear learning systems, such as multilayer perceptrons and radial basis functions. The principal result is the following relationship (computed to second order) between the expected test set and tlaining set errors: (1) Here, n is the size of the training sample e, u;f f is the effective noise variance in the response variable( s), ,x is a regularization or weight decay parameter, and Peff(,x) is the effective number of parameters in the nonlinear model. The expectations ( ) of training set and test set errors are taken over possible training sets e and training and test sets e' respectively. The effective number of parameters Peff(,x) usually differs from the true number of model parameters P for nonlinear or regularized models; this theoretical conclusion is supported by Monte Carlo experiments. In addition to the surprising result that Peff(,x) ;/; p, we propose an estimate of (1) called the generalized prediction error (GPE) which generalizes well established estimates of prediction risk such as Akaike's F P E and AI C, Mallows Cp, and Barron's PSE to the nonlinear setting.! lCPE and Peff(>") were previously introduced in Moody (1991). 847
Comparative analysis of the bronchodilator response measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS), spirometry and body plethysmography in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND
Asthma is common among young children. The assessment of respiratory resistance by the impulse oscillometry system (IOS), based on the superimposition of respiratory flow by short-time impulses, requires no patient active collaboration.


AIM
We evaluated the baseline repeatability and bronchodilator response of IOS indices in preschool children, their correlation with spirometry and whole body plethysmography, and differences between atopic and nonatopic children.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Thirty-three asthmatic children (3-6 yrs.) underwent IOS measurement (R5rs, R20rs and X5rs) by triplicate at the baseline, after placebo and after salbutamol inhalation. Spirometry (FEV1) and whole body plethysmography (sRaw) were made at the baseline and after salbutamol. Baseline within-test (coefficient of variation: CV%) and between-test repeatability (baseline-placebo) were addressed. Bronchodilator response was evaluated by the SD index (change in multiples of the between-test repeatability).


RESULTS
Baseline repeatability for R5rs was 4.1%. Its values decreased by 2SD after salbutamol inhalation, and correlated with FEV1 and sRaw at both, baseline (r=-0.51 and r=0.49) and post-salbutamol (r=-0.63 and r=0.54). A trend towards correlation between salbutamol-induced changes in R5rs and in sRaw (r=0.33) was observed. Atopic and non-atopic children showed no differences in lung function.


CONCLUSION
IOS was well accepted by young asthmatic children and provided reproducible and sensitive indices of lung function. Resistance values obtained by IOS at low frequency (R5rs) were reproducible and correlated with spirometry and plethysmographic values.
A double-blind placebo-controlled study of lamotrigine monotherapy in outpatients with bipolar I depression. Lamictal 602 Study Group.

BACKGROUND
More treatment options for bipolar depression are needed. Currently available antidepressants may increase the risk of mania and rapid cycling, and mood stabilizers appear to be less effective in treating depression than mania. Preliminary data suggest that lamotrigine, an established antiepileptic drug, may be effective for both the depression and mania associated with bipolar disorder. This is the first controlled multicenter study evaluating lamotrigine monotherapy in the treatment of bipolar I depression.


METHODS
Outpatients with bipolar I disorder experiencing a major depressive episode (DSM-IV, N = 195) received lamotrigine (50 or 200 mg/day) or placebo as monotherapy for 7 weeks. Psychiatric evaluations, including the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Mania Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions scale for Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) were completed at each weekly visit.


RESULTS
Lamotrigine 200 mg/day demonstrated significant antidepressant efficacy on the 17-item HAM-D, HAM-D Item 1, MADRS, CGI-S, and CGI-I compared with placebo. Improvements were seen as early as week 3. Lamotrigine 50 mg/day also demonstrated efficacy compared with placebo on several measures. The proportions of patients exhibiting a response on CGI-I were 51%, 41%, and 26% for lamotrigine 200 mg/day, lamotrigine 50 mg/day, and placebo groups, respectively. Adverse events and other safety results were similar across treatment groups, except for a higher rate of headache in the lamotrigine groups.


CONCLUSION
Lamotrigine monotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for bipolar depression.