cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal control approaches to switching power converters

Minimization of a specified cost function is a standard approach to optimal control that unifies large-signal and small-signal performance. Here, quadratic output-error cost functions are considered for power converters. The conventional form of quadratic function is intractable for many converters. Several cost functions which approximate it, but are easier to apply, are introduced. Examples include a cycle-by-cycle quadratic function, a cost function based on the stored energy in a converter, and fast-switching approximations to quadratic functions. These functions are studied for dynamic performance and stability. Results are shown to provide good performance, with little distinction between large and small disturbances. >
Spectral Broadening in Nanocrystalline TiO2 Solar Cells Based on Poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) and Polythiophene Sensitizers

The spectral broadening concept is demonstrated through use of a dual conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) system to enhance the performance of polymer-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells. The individual polymer-sensitized cells show relatively similar power conversion efficiencies (η), whereas the coadsorbed, dual polymer cells more than doubled the η value.
Effects of cysteamine on pituitary, MTTW15 tumor, and serum prolactin levels measured by rat lymphoma cell bioassay and radioimmunoassay.

Cysteamine (CSH), a sulfhydryl compound, reduces both serum and anterior pituitary (AP) PRL measured by RIA. We have used the Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay (BIO) for PRL to evaluate possible CSH-related changes in PRL levels in sera and tissues of male and MtTW15 mammosomatotropic tumor-bearing female rats. Experimental animals received a single sc injection of CSH (300 mg/kg), and samples were collected 0.5–24 h later. Since CSH and serum from CSH rats were toxic in BIO, samples were dialyzed before assay. All samples were evaluated for PRL and GH by RIA as well. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in BIO serum PRL was evident in male rats 0.5 h after CSH; levels remained low for 24 h. Serum PRL by RIA was significantly depressed at 4 h but not at 0.5 h or 24 h. PRL in AP extracts was decreased (60–90±) at all times by BIO and RIA. Significant decreases of BIO- and RIA-detectable PRL were recorded in serum and tissues (AP and tumors) at 4 h in tumor rats. Sequentially bled (0.5–4 h) CSH-treated tumor-bearing ...
The Role of Vitamin D and Calcium in Type 2 Diabetes. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Altered vitamin D and calcium homeostasis may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Evidence Acquisition and Analyses: MEDLINE review was conducted through January 2007 for observational studies and clinical trials in adults with outcomes related to glucose homeostasis. When data were available to combine, meta-analyses were performed, and summary odds ratios (OR) are presented. Evidence Synthesis: Observational studies show a relatively consistent association between low vitamin D status, calcium or dairy intake, and prevalent type 2 DM or metabolic syndrome [OR (95% confidence interval): type 2 DM prevalence, 0.36 (0.16–0.80) among nonblacks for highest vs. lowest 25-hydroxyvitamin D; metabolic syndrome prevalence, 0.71 (0.57–0.89) for highest vs. lowest dairy intake]. There are also inverse associations with incident type 2 DM or metabolic syndrome [OR (95% confidence interval): type 2 DM incidence, 0.82 (0.72–0.93) for highest vs. lowest combined vitamin D an...
Social Worlds of Stripping: The Processual Orders of Exotic Dance

Is stripping exploitation? This ideological question often plagues exotic dance research, with diverse and often contradictory findings across the literature. Existent research highlights both potentially positive and negative experiences among women involved in exotic dance. In this article, we focus on the social organization of strip clubs and how this organization contextualizes the experiences and commitments of dancers. We present ethnographic data collected by the first author, including extensive field observations of 49 strip clubs, formal interviews from 50 dancers and ex-dancers at various career stages, and informal interviews with dozens of other dancers. We present a typology of strip clubs—hustle clubs, social clubs, and show clubs—and describe the processual orders. We also explain how the processual orders of these different types of clubs relate to dancers' workplace experiences. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for sociological and public understandings of sex ...
Partial a Holistic Face Recognition on FRGC-II data using Support Vector Machine

In this paper we investigate how to perform face recognition on the hardest experiment (Exp4) in Face Recognition Grand Challenge(FRGC) phase-II data which deals with subjects captured under uncontrolled conditions such as harsh overhead illumination, some pose variations and facial expressions in both indoor and outdoor environments. Other variations include the presence and absence of eye-glasses. The database consists of a generic dataset of 12,776 images for training a generic face subspace, a target set of 16,028 images and a query set of 8,014 images are given for matching. We propose to use our novel face recognition algorithm using Kernel Correlation Feature Analysis for dimensionality reduction (222 features) coupled with Support Vector Machine discriminative training in the Target KCFA feature set for providing a similarity distance measure of the probe to each target subject. We show that this algorithm configuration yields the best verification rate at 0.1% FAR (87.5%) compared to PCA+SVM, GSLDA+SVM, SVM+SVM, KDA+SVM. Thus we explore with our proposed algorithm which facial regions provide the best discrimination ability, we analyze performing partial face recognition using the eye-region, nose region and mouth region. We empirically find that the eye-region is the most discriminative feature of the faces in FRGC data and yields a verification rate closest to the holistic face recognition of 83.5% @ 0.1% FAR compared to 87.5%. We use Support Vector Machines for fusing these two to boost the performance to ~90@0.1 % FAR on the first large-scale face database such as the FRGC dataset.
Chromatographic study of alkanes in silicalite: Transport properties

Micropore diffusion coefficients for infinitely-dilute methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, and isobutane in silicalite were measured via concentration-pulse chromatography. Two different samples of large laboratory-synthesized crystals were investigated. Analysis of van Deemter plots clearly indicated the presence of a significant micropore mass-transfer resistance for isobutane. Diffusion coefficients evaluated from these plots were consistent with results measured by the membrane technique. The linear alkane data differed completely in that the micropore masstransfer resistance for these adsorbates was very small, implying that the true diffusion coefficients were too large to be measured with this system. Thus, effective diffusion coefficients evaluated from these data represent a lower limit of the true values. Comparison of this limit with nuclear magnetic resonance data was favorable, since the latter are significantly larger in magnitude. Inconsistency was observed with diffusion coefficients obtained from other macroscopic techniques including the membrane method, zero-length and tracer-pulse chromatography, and some frequency response experiments.
Effect of intraamniotic administration of vitamin A on rat fetuses.

The present study examines the effect of intraamniotic (i/a) administration of vitamin A to rat fetuses. Vitamin A aquasol in concentrations of 50 I.U., 100 I.U., and 300 I.U., was mixed in 5 microliter of saline. On day 13 of gestation, each of the tree experimental subgroups were injected i/a with varying doses of vitamin A. The four control subgroups consisted of: (1) i/a injection of 5 microliter of saline only, (2) amniotic puncture only, (3) laparotomy or (4) i/a injection of sorethytan oleate. The fetuses were recovered on day 18 of gestation, and were weighed and examined for gross malformations. The viable fetuses from the experimental groups showed various malformations such as cleft palate, micrognathia and limb defects. The percentage of resorbed fetuses was significantly high. The control fetuses showed a moderate number of resorptions; however the percentage of malformations was small. The results show that the i/a method can be used effectively to study the direct teratogenic effect of vitamin A on the fetuses.
Investigation of a copper etching technique to fabricate metallic gas diffusion media

A new fabrication technique based on etching is employed to convert a copper foil into a porous structure with an array of micron size pores. The motivation stems from the need to develop a more efficient and controllable gas diffusion medium for fuel cell applications. The influence of mask shape, mask width and etching time was investigated experimentally. A correlation to predict trench width with etching time was derived; normalizing by mask width allows one to collapse the data. The etching rates to obtain micro-scale features, which are of the order of 1–2 µ mm in –1 , are mainly dominated by the mask width due to mass-transport resistance. It is possible to control the pore dimensions, porosity and pore size distributions with this technique. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
The device model of interaction

Any interactive system can be described in terms of the devices it involves, and their interconnections. Similarly, each device can be described in terms of simpler devices and their interconnections. Such descriptions are strictly modular, and well structured.This observation allows any system to be described, at all levels, by the same language. Such descriptions have intuitive appeal for hardware as well as software components, and for process control applications as well as human-machine interaction. The Device model of interaction, as described here, can ease the job of designing user- friendly interactive systems, and can be adapted for automatic compilation.As an example, the design of an actual system component is discussed. The design is presented, at several levels, in a Pascal-like notation. It represents a module created to provide a human-machine interface via a graphic tablet, keyboard and video monitor.
Hysteresis and baseline shift in permanent magnet stabilized MR/SAL heads

Hysteresis and baseline shift in shielded permanent magnet stabilized MR/SAL playback heads are studied via a 3D micromagnetic simulation. The hysteretic behavior is examined by calculation of playback voltages and uniform field transfer curves. The overlap region between the MR/SAL layers and the permanent magnet is seen to have a strong effect on the stability of the device. The amount of hysteresis is studied versus the width of the overlap region and the off-track position of the head.
Large Scale Processes Contributing Energy to Clear Air Turbulence

The significance of the Richardson number for existing turbulence is examined and is shown to be more appropriately a comparative measure of the importance of terms in the energy budget rather than a criterion for the growth or decay of turbulence. Data from the literature is examined to show that there must be a continued input of energy from large scale processes to account for the persistence of some observed CAT patches. The types of large scale motion necessary to accomplish this are: downward vertical motion, extension along an axis normal to the shear vector (i.e. vertical shear of the horizontal wind), and compression along an axis parallel to the shear vector.
Performance evaluation of enabling logistic regression for big data with R

The software package R is a free, powerful, open source software package with extensive statistical computing and graphics capabilities. Due to its high-level expressiveness and multitude of domain-specific packages, R has become a popular tool for data analysis in many scientific fields. While there are a number of packages enabling running R in parallel using message passing interface across multiple nodes, only few packages extend R to the new system and computing paradigm for data intensive computing, such as Hadoop and Spark. In this paper, we focus on three approaches RHadoop, RHIPE and SparkR that can scale R to distributed computing systems for solving Big Data problems. We presented an algorithm for enabling logistic regression over large set of data under MapReduce programming model. We implemented the algorithm with three packages in R to exploit the benefit of Hadoop and Spark cluster. Our implementations significantly improved the scale of the data that can be analyzed with R. We conducted a study on performance and scalability up to 1TB data with those implementations and three other common solutions for logistic regression problem. The results showed SparkR consistently outperformed other approaches and also demonstrated the advantages and limitations of each package.
National Report Card on Higher Education in the USA

The policy instrument described in this analysis is a biennial series of reports, Measuring Up, prepared by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, a non-profit, non-partisan organization located in San Jose, California. These reports focus on the fifty states within the U.S., and employ quantitative performance indicators to compare the states on six educational categories: preparation, participation, completion, affordability, benefits, and learning. Each state receives a letter grade (A through F) indicating its performance relative to top-performing states on each category, and as such the report represents a classic benchmarking exercise. The reports have garnered significant coverage in the media, and are used by state policymakers to examine the underlying policy issues that determine the grades. While the National Center does not advance explicit policy recommendations, the purpose of the Report Cards is to generate a conversation and further research within each state. Several states have extended the basic framework to the county-level, revealing how well (or how poorly) citizens of the state are served by their higher education systems.
Physician attitudes about prehospital 12-lead ECGs in chest pain patients.

Introduction:The prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has become a standard of care. For the prehospital 12-lead ECG to be useful clinically, however, cardiologists and emergency physicians (EP) must view the test as useful. This study measured physician attitudes about the prehospital 12-lead ECG.Hypothesis:This study tested the hypothesis that physicians had “no opinion” regarding the prehospital 12-lead ECG.Methods:An anonymous survey was conducted to measure EP and cardiologist attitudes toward prehospital 12-lead ECGs. Hypothesis tests against “no opinion” (VAS = 50 mm) were made with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and intergroup comparisons were made with the Student-t-test.Results:Seventy-one of 87 (81.6%) surveys were returned. Twenty-five (67.6%) cardiologists responded and 45 (90%) EPs responded. Both groups of physicians viewed prehospital 12-lead ECGs as beneficial (mean = 69 mm; 95% CI = 65–74mm). All physicians perceived that ECGs positively influence preparation of staff (mean = 63 mm; 95% CI = 60–72mm) and that ECGs transmitted to hospitals would be beneficial (mean = 66 mm; 95% CI = 60–72mm). Cardiologists had more favorable opinions than did EPs. The ability of paramedics to interpret ECGs was not seen as important (mean = 50 mm; 95% CI = 43–56mm). The justifiable increase in field time was perceived to be 3.2 minutes (95% CI = 2.7–3.8 minutes), with 23 (32.8%) preferring that it be done on scene, 46 (65.7%) during transport, and one (1.4%) not at all.Conclusions:Prehospital 12-lead ECGs generally are perceived as worthwhile by cardiologists and EPs. Cardiologists have a higher opinion of the value and utility of field ECGs. Since the reduction in mortality from the 12-lead ECG is small, it is likely that positive physician attitudes are attributable to other factors.
Predicting aquatic vertebrate assemblages from environmental variables at three multistate geographic extents of the western USA

Abstract Variables for predicting assemblage differences change as the geographic extent of studies change, hindering development of useful predictive models where study data are limited, or where the chief predictive variables available are fish zones, river size, physiographic regions, ecoregions, hydrologic units, and river basins. In addition, some studies have shown that site-scale predictor metrics have accounted for more of the variation in fish assemblage response metrics than catchment-scale metrics and other studies have shown the reverse. We used cluster analysis on a 780-site database to determine 12–15 aquatic vertebrate clusters at three geographic extents (all 12 conterminous western U.S. states, all western mountain ecoregions, Pacific Northwest mountain ecoregions). Next, we determined predictor variables for those assemblage clusters through use of stepwise discriminant function analysis. Site longitude, site latitude, and catchment dam count were the most significant predictors at the three geographic extents. Site-scale variables represented most of the significant predictors for all three geographic extents, but explained only slightly more aquatic vertebrate assemblage variance than catchment or pure spatial variables. Catchment- and site-scale classification variables accounted for less than half the mean within-cluster similarity demonstrated by the aquatic vertebrate assemblage clusters. We conclude that (a) the large geographic extent of the analysis did not result in catchment-scale predictor variables being more important than site-scale predictors, (b) both catchment- and site-scale variables are important predictors, and (c) existing river basin and ecoregion classifications are useful but insufficient predictors of aquatic vertebrate assemblages.
The Art of Youth Rebellion.

AbstractIn this essay, the author examines the art of rebellion in the context of the 2014 Venezuelan student uprising. Utilizing the lens of Latin American decolonial thought and examining the processes of developing popular power among youth, the author looks into the various ways that youth produce art to communicate and enforce the ideas and values that circumscribe their collective identities. It is necessary, the author argues, for educators to consider the historical, economic and political forces that shape youth's cultural production and to engage decolonial thought in art pedagogy.
Estrone Degradation: Does Organic Matter (Quality), Matter?

Understanding the parameters that drive E1 degradation is necessary to improve existing wastewater treatment systems and evaluate potential treatment options. Organic matter quality could be an important parameter. Microbial communities grown from activated sludge seeds using different dissolved organic matter sources were tested for E1 degradation rates. Synthetic wastewater was aged, filter-sterilized, and used as a carbon and energy source to determine if recalcitrant organic carbon enhances E1 degradation. Higher E1 degradation was observed by biomass grown on 8 d old synthetic wastewater compared to biomass grown on fresh synthetic wastewater (P = 0.033) despite much lower concentrations of bacteria. Minimal or no E1 degradation was observed in biomass grown on 2 d old synthetic wastewater. Organic carbon analyses suggest that products of cell lysis or microbial products released under starvation stress stimulate E1 degradation. Additional water sources were also tested: lake water, river water, and ...
Scragg (ed.), Edgar, King of the English, 959-975 (Boydell & Brewer, 2014)

This document provides a succinct review of the thirteen articles contained in the new paperback reprint of Edgar, King of the English 959-975: New Interpretations , edited by Donald Scragg.
Comparing projected impacts of cigarette floor price and excise tax policies on socioeconomic disparities in smoking.

Background About half of all US states have cigarette minimum price laws (MPLs) that require a per cent mark-up on prices, but research suggests they may not be very effective in raising prices. An alternative type of MPL sets a floor price below which packs cannot be sold, and may be more promising. This new type of MPL policy has only been implemented in 1 city, therefore its benefits relative to excise taxes is difficult to assess. Methods We constructed a set of possible state floor price MPL options, and matched them to possible state excise tax hikes designed to produce similar average price increases. Using self-reported price and cigarette consumption data from 23 521 participants in the 2010–2011 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey, we projected changes in pack prices and cigarette consumption following implementation of each paired MPL and tax option, for lower and higher income groups. Results We project that state MPLs set at the average reported pack price would raise prices by $0.33 and reduce cigarette consumption by about 4%; a tax with a similar average price effect would reduce consumption by 2.3%. MPLs and taxes that raise average prices by more than $2.00 would reduce consumption by 15.9% and 13.5%, respectively. In all models, we project that MPLs will reduce income-based smoking disparities more than their comparable excise taxes. Conclusions Floor price cigarette MPLs set at or above what consumers currently report paying could reduce both tobacco use and socioeconomic disparities in smoking.
A Framework for the Control of Time-Delayed Telerobotic Systems⋆

Abstract The control of space and underwater telerobots involves communication time-delays that disturb a teleoperator's performance. Such delays are potentially destabilizing in a closed loop system. In fact, these delays are often variable and unknown a priori. This complicates remote teleoperation since a human operator's intuition is seriously degraded for tasks involving delays of even a fraction of a second. Typically these systems involve round trip delays of several seconds. The prospect of controlling systems via a computer network such as the internet [10] also presents similiar delay problems. Teleoperators, therefore, must ideally depend on predicted information in order to efficiently perform their tasks. In this paper an event-based, semi-autonomous approach using an estimated state for the delayed system is proposed. A time-forward observer based on Watanabe and Ito's [11] is used to predict the robot's future position and velocity. Experimental results from the time-delayed control of a PUMA 560 are also discussed.
A cascade architecture of fuzzy controllers for nonlinear inverted pendulum

In this paper, a cascade architecture of fuzzy controllers for nonlinear inverted pendulum pulley system is proposed to solve both angle and position regulation problem. In this architecture, the pendulum angle and the pulley position can be decoupled from the control force, and the angle and position controllers connected in series are designed independently. The fuzzy rule number and variable classification for the cascade fuzzy controller are substantial reduction. Simulation results show that even if the initial condition is far from the equilibrium point, the angle and position can be converged to their target points simultaneously and show the efficiency of the proposed architecture.
Presenting a 360-degree View of Challenges in the U.S. Food System, from Farm to Fork

First paragraph: F rom Farm to Fork is a compilation of various essays organized around three overarching topics: an overview of the food system with all its complications, views from within the food system, and the federal and local policies needed to move the U.S. to a more sustainable food system in the future. The thoughtful organization of the chapters around these three areas contributes to the book’s readability and digestibility....
Data Science for All: A University-Wide Course in Data Literacy

Infusing data literacy into a curriculum is an unrealized opportunity for higher education to truly make an impact on the current generation as they prepare to move into the workforce. This chapter describes the design and structure of a new, unique undergraduate elective course introduced into the curriculum of a large, public University in the Northeastern United States. The design of the course is designed to inspire an “evidence-based” mindset, encouraging students to identify and use data relevant to them in their field of study and the larger world around them. The chapter includes the course goals mapped to specific learning objectives, examples of exercises and assignments, a reading list, and a course syllabus. Instructors and institutions interested in bringing data science concepts to a broad audience can use this course as a foundation to build their own curriculum in this area.
VERIFICATION OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION RATES TO FLUE-CURED TOBACCO

With rising input costs, flue-cured tobacco producers must consider modern fertility programs that focus on reduced application rates of alternative nutrient sources. To demonstrate the usability o...
Impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping on public cord blood donations: can we help future patients and benefit infant donors?

BACKGROUND Cord blood (CB) is a widely accepted stem cell source and its clinical utilization depends, to a great extent, on its cell content. Birth-to-clamping (BTC) time of umbilical cord determines placental transfusion to the newborn, and the remaining blood that can be collected and banked. The 2017 Committee Opinion of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a delay of "at least 30-60 seconds" before clamping the cord for all newborns to ensure adequate iron stores. The impact of delayed cord clamping (DCC) on public CB banking can be substantial. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cord blood units (CBUs) collected from 1210 mothers at one hospital were evaluated for total nucleated cells (TNCs) and weight/volume based on time to clamping. Bank staff recorded BTC time in seconds as reported by obstetricians; collections were performed ex utero. Immediate clamping was defined as BTC of less than 30 seconds, whereas DCC was defined as BTC of 30 seconds or more. RESULTS Cord clamping was immediate in 903 (75%) and delayed in 307 (25%) deliveries. Successful recovery (% clinical CBUs) decreased 10-fold with DCC of more than 60 seconds (22% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). CBUs collected after DCC of more than 60 seconds had significantly lower TNC counts than those after DCC of less than 60 seconds (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 38% to 46% of CBUs after DCC of more than 60 seconds had volume of less than 40 mL. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that DCC of 30 to 60 seconds has a small negative impact on collection of high-TNC-count CBUs. However, increasing BTC to more than 60 seconds decreases significantly both TNC content and volume, reducing drastically the chances of obtaining clinically useful CBUs.
Noninfectious Manifestations and Complications of Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a primary immunodeficiency characterized by a deficient neutrophil oxidative burst and the inadequate killing of microbes, is well known to cause a significantly increased risk of invasive infection. However, infectious complications are not the sole manifestations of CGD; substantial additional morbidity is driven by noninfectious complications also. These complications can include, for example, a wide range of inflammatory diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, lung, skin, and genitourinary tract and overt autoimmune disease. These diseases can occur at any age and are especially problematic in adolescents and adults with CGD. Many of these noninfectious complications present a highly challenging therapeutic conundrum, wherein immunosuppression must be balanced against an already markedly increased risk of invasive fungal and bacterial infections. In this review, the myriad noninfectious complications of CGD are discussed, as are important gaps in our understanding of these processes, which warrant further investigation.
VISCOUS FLOW AND CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BEDS

Transient and time-average wall-to-bed heat transfer coefficients are computed in rough agreement with data using empirical effective thermal conductivities, as the inviscid model gives an approximately correct residence time for particles contacting a wall. However, analogous to classical fluid dynamics, inviscid models do not predict the forces acting on the tubes or obstacles immersed in fluidized beds. The multi-fluid model is used to establish the basic dimensionless groups that govern such flows. The dimensionless groups, called scale factors, may be useful in design and scale-up and for the correlation of experimental data. For two-phase flow with incompressible solid grains, the solids continuity equation provides no additional scaling factors. The gas continuity equation alone has a troublesome porosity variation with time. For large times of practical interest in scaling, the influence of the initial conditions will disappear, except for the inventory of particles in a batch system. Other geometrical factors and flow ratios will result from the use of complex geometries with several inlet flows. The presence of so many scale factors that must be the same for complete similarity makes the traditional scale-up of fluidized beds quite difficult. An alternate approach is to simply numerically solve the equations of change.
Myocardial Blood Flow: Visualization with Ultrasonic Contrast Agents

Ischemic heart disease is one of the most common health problems in the contemporary American society. Arteriosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arterial tree and the associated myocardial ischemia can impair myocardial contractility and ventricular performance. This in turn may reduce arterial pressure and hence coronary perfusion pressure leading to further ischemia and potential enlargement of the necrotic region. This vicious cycle may result in death. Ischemic heart disease accounts for more than 675,000 deaths per year in the U.S.A. Techniques that assess regional myocardial perfusion and detect acute myocardial infarction promise to be useful in the detection and evaluation of coronary artery disease. Besides they would be useful in the assessment of therapies aimed at limiting the degree of ischemia and the extent of tissue necrosis. Several diagnostic methods are being developed for myocardial perfusion imaging; positron scanning [1] and radioactive thallium 201 scanning [2] being the two most promising methods. In this paper we present experimental evidence that indicates that ultrasound backscattering from myocardial tissue with suitable contrast agents in the blood may be helpful in the visualization of the regional blood flow in the heart tissue.
Zen philosophy of spiritual development: Insights about human development and spiritual diversity for social work education

This article explores Zen Buddhist philosophy of spiritual development by examining one of the most common representations within the Zen Buddhist religious tradition, the Ten Ox Herding Pictures, ...
Crowdsourcing Incident Information for Emergency Response using Open Data Sources in Smart Cities

Emergency events affect human security and safety as well as the integrity of the local infrastructure. Emergency response officials are required to make decisions using limited information and tim...
Emerging data encryption methods applicable to Energy Internet

Abstract Information exchange through the communication network is an indispensable part of the Energy Internet. Any intentional or unintentional disclosure of stored and transmitted confidential data may endanger the privacy of entities or the entire system. Cyber-security's activities can help system and its agents to protect their privacy against adversaries and promote the level of competition in a market. In this chapter, some major cryptography methods and their advantages, disadvantages,and possible applications to the Energy Internet are investigated.
The Circular Electron Positron Collider

XinChou Lou describes the plans for the Circular Electron Positron Collider, a large accelerator complex that would be built in China.
Intergenerational continuity in parenting: a review and theoretical integration

AbstractObjective: This review evaluates literature on how parenting behaviors are passed from one generation to the next in families by providing a new definitional framework to organize existing ...
Diabetes in Pregnancy

A review of present practices in the assessment and treatment of diabetes during pregnancy is presented, including preconception counseling, insulin therapy, nutrition and exercise therapy of patients with pre-existing diabetes, care of patients with gestational diabetes, and post-partum care for infants and mothers of both conditions.
The Expanding Interactionist Community: On the Remarkable Breadth and Depth of Symbolic Interactionism

Dear Colleagues, I was delighted to learn about your third Interactionist Talks meeting. Reviewing your program gave me a sense of the diverse array of interesting interactionist scholarship taking place in Italy. I regret that I was unable to attend, but offer the following reflections about the growth and health of Symbolic Interactionism. My wish is that we continue to build bridges between our respective corners of the world and expand our vibrant and growing scholarly community.
Microfluidic opportunities in printed electrolyte-gated transistor biosensors

Printed electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) are an emerging biosensor platform that leverage the facile fabrication engendered by printed electronics with the low voltage operation enabled by ion gel dielectrics. The resulting label-free, nonoptical sensors have high gain and provide sensing operations that can be challenging for conventional chemical field effect transistor architectures. After providing an overview of EGT device fabrication and operation, we highlight opportunities for microfluidic enhancement of EGT sensor performance via multiplexing, sample preconcentration, and improved transport to the sensor surface.
Predicting Host Phenotype Based on Gut Microbiome Using a Convolutional Neural Network Approach

Accurate prediction of the host phenotypes from a microbial sample and identification of the associated microbial markers are important in understanding the impact of the microbiome on the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases within the host. A deep learning tool, PopPhy-CNN, has been developed for the task of predicting host phenotypes using a convolutional neural network (CNN). By representing samples as annotated taxonomic trees and further representing these trees as matrices, PopPhy-CNN utilizes the CNN's innate ability to explore locally similar microbes on the taxonomic tree. Furthermore, PopPhy-CNN can be used to evaluate the importance of each taxon in the prediction of host status. Here, we describe the underlying methodology, architecture, and core utility of PopPhy-CNN. We also demonstrate the use of PopPhy-CNN on a microbial dataset.
Choreographing increased understanding and positive attitudes towards coding by integrating dance

Increasing the inclusion of underrepresented individuals in coding is an intractable problem, with a variety of initiatives trying to improve the situation. Many of these initiatives involve STEAM education, which combines the arts with traditional STEM disciplines. Evidence is emerging that this approach is making headway on this complex problem. We present one such initiative, iLumiDance Coding, which attempts to pique the interest and increase confidence of students in coding, by combining it with a fun and physical activity: dance. The connections between dance and coding, while not immediately obvious, are authentic, and we hypothesize that this approach will increase student comfort level with coding. We used student surveys of attitudes toward coding and a variety of statistical approaches to analyze our initiative. Each analysis showed a positive effect on student comfort level with coding. These results are useful for both educators and researchers since they contribute to a deeper understanding of how to increase interest in coding, which we hope will lead to an increase in representation.
Simulation Design, Findings, and Call to Action for Managing Difficult Patient Encounters.

Objective. To implement and evaluate a laboratory simulation for teaching difficult patient encounter skills to pharmacy students to improve their self-assessed communication abilities and skills in the affective domain. Methods. Twelve simulation scenarios that represented difficult patient encounters in a variety of practice settings were developed. All students completed a self-assessment of their ability to communicate during difficult patient encounters before and after the simulations, and wrote a guided reflection afterward. The impact of the simulation was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methodology. Three student cohorts were analyzed to determine whether significant change occurred in students’ self-perceived communication abilities. Thematic analysis of the qualitative reflection responses was performed. Results. Over three years, three student cohorts of third-year professional students participated in the simulations (n=236). Students self-rated their ability to communicate on a 0-100 scale. Mean self-rating of ability prior to the simulation was 57.7 (SD=15.9) and after was 79.2 (SD=15.2). This mean difference of 21.5 points equates to an approximate 20% increase in self-rated ability. Variability in self-ratings between the cohorts was not significant. Qualitative analysis revealed that the simulation identified for student areas needing further development which in turn promoted self-awareness. Students expressed that learning in the safe, formative environment provided by the simulation contributed to their professional growth and was relevant to their future practice of pharmacy. Conclusion. This simulation fills a gap in skills-based education, addresses the affective domain of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards, transfers easily to schools and colleges of pharmacy. This supports a call to action for pharmacy educators to provide purposeful opportunities for students to practice communicating with patients during difficult encounters.
The Rise and Fall of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in a Community Hospital: Is It Possible to Turn the Tide of History?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for treatment of acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) drains are alternatives to cholecystectomy in critically ill patients in whom surgery carries an unacceptably high risk. Recently, several studies demonstrated a significant increase in complications in patients undergoing PC in comparison to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PC drainage or cholecystectomy from 2014 through 2019 at our institution. We determined the rate of PC use and performed a linear regression analysis to evaluate PC utilization over time. After creating institutional guidelines and reeducating physicians on appropriate use of PC drainage in 2019, we compared PC utilization to prior years. A total of 146 PCs and 3163 cholecystectomies were performed over the study period. Of the cholecystectomies, 754 (23.8%) were performed in hospitalized patients under urgent or emergent conditions. Of the patients with acute cholecystitis, 16.2% were treated with PC. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between year and rate of PC procedures (p<0.001). The rate of PC rose from 13.8 to 22.5% between 2014 and 2018 and dropped to 10.9% (p=0.006) in 2019 after the reeducation program. With a rising rate of PC utilization and in light of recent studies suggesting increased complications and healthcare costs for patients undergoing this procedure, care needs to be taken to ensure that only appropriate patients are referred for PC. Publication of institutional guidelines, resident and attending surgeon reeducation, and case review can reduce placement of unnecessary PCs.
Complications of Liver Disease

Complications of liver disease include pruritus, fatigue, and altered sleep pattern. Pruritus and fatigue can predate the diagnosis of liver disease, especially primary biliary cholangitis; accordingly, liver disease should be considered in patients with these symptoms.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of functionalized 5-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-arylpentanamides as selective dopamine D3 receptor ligands

Substance use disorder remains a major, unmet medical need. Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused recreational drugs and in 2018, there were over 5.5 million cocaine users. There are no approved therapies for the treatment of cocaine use disorder, but the D3 dopamine receptor has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Our initial lead compound (6) is a potent D3 ligand with a high level of selectivity for D3 over D2, but its solubility is low. We have identified a new series of functionalized 5-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-arylpentanamides (7) that are potent D3 binders that have moderate to high selectivity for D3 over D2. Exemplary members of this series were also significantly more soluble than our initial lead compound (6).
Theories of Personality: Contemporary Approaches to the Science of Personality

SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATION TO THE STUDY OF PERSONALITY. What is Personality? Basic Constructs and Challenges of Contemporary Personality Theory. History of Personality from the Ancients to the Mid--Twentieth Century. SECTION TWO: MODERN PERSONALITY THEORY. Freud and His Followers: The Birth, Evolution, and Controversy of Twentieth--Century Psychoanalytic Psychology. SECTION THREE: PERSONALITY AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE. Component Models of Personality. SECTION FOUR: CONTEMPORARY MODELS OF PERSONALITY. Psychobiological Models of Personality. Contemporary Psychodynamic Models of Personality. Behavioral Models of Personality. Cognitive and Cognitive Behavioral Models of Personality. Interpersonal and Factorial Models of Personality. Relational Models of Personality. Integrative Models of Personality. SECTION FIVE: SPECIAL TOPICS. Applications, Research, and Future Directions. References. Author Index. Subject Index.
Primary grain fabric

Dimensional grain fabrics produced during deposition are of interest mainly as a guide to paleocurrent direction and the transport mechanism. Such primary fabrics are manifest by elongate grains which show a preferred orientation. Some fabrics indicate the direction of movement (flow) and others only the line of movement. The methods of data presentation and analysis are the same as for directional sedimentary structures (Chapter 2).
IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal‐Area Network

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth Interference between Bluetooth and 802.11 IEEE 802.15.3A Ultra Wideband Wireless Personal‐Area Networks IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee Questions Problems
Inference with bivariate truncated data.

Inthis paper we build on previous work for estimation of the bivariatedistribution of the time variables T1 and T2when they are observable only on the condition that one of thetime variables, say T1, is greater than (left-truncation)or less than (right truncation) some observed time variable C1.In this paper, we introduce several results based on the InfluenceCurve (which we derive in this paper) of the NPMLE of the distributionF of (T1,T2) developed by van derLaan (van der Laan, 1996). Specifically we will: prove that theNPMLE is asymptotically equivalent to an estimator developedby Gurler (Gurler, 1997), derive the asymptotic distributionof the NPMLE based on its Influence Curve, present tests to determinethe amount of dependence between T1 and T2,present the results of simulation studies that compare the NPMLEand Gurler's estimator and evaluate the performance of boththe above mentioned tests and confidence intervals of Fbased on the asymptotic distribution of the NPMLE, and finallywe will apply the methods in a data analysis in which we alsopoint out practical issues that arise in the implementation ofthe estimator.
Rationale, Development, and Clinical Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Amiodarone Clinic

Objectives. To review the rationale and development of a multidisciplinary amiodarone clinic, and document the clinical outcomes resulting from its implementation. Methods. A clinic was established to provide an ambulatory setting in which patients receiving amiodarone could be followed according to published guidelines by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular health care specialists. Patients receiving amiodarone were referred to the clinic by their primary physicians. A data base containing each patient's medical history, current drug therapy, and baseline laboratory values was developed during the initial visit. Liver function tests, thyroid function tests, and chest radiographs were performed every 6 months, and pulmonary function tests were scheduled on an annual basis. Dosage adjustments were performed in select patients. Results. Since November 1996, 60 patients have been referred to the amiodarone clinic. Mean length of follow-up before and after referral was 16.3 ± 25.5 and 9.2 ± 5.5 months, respectively. Laboratory tests were performed according to accepted guidelines in 14 (23%) patients before referral compared with 54 (90%) patients after enrollment (p<0.001). Previously unrecognized adverse events were detected in 21 (35%) patients, including pulmonary fibrosis, QT prolongation, liver enzyme elevation, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and asthma exacerbation. Amiodarone was discontinued in six patients, four of whom had suspected pulmonary toxicity. The dose of amiodarone was adjusted in 29 (48.4%) patients. Conclusion. Many patients receiving amiodarone are not being followed according to published recommendations. Implementation of a specialized, multidisciplinary amiodarone clinic improves outcomes by monitoring for early detection of drug-related toxicities and by facilitating proper dosage modifications.
TREM2 differential expression is associated with BAL cells that express high levels of ARG1 (VET2P.1044)

Lung immunopathology is the major cause of influenza induced morbidity and mortality. DAP12 (DNAX-Activating Protein of 12kDa) is a membrane adaptor protein associated with varied surface receptors, and it is known to regulate influenza induced lung immunopathology. DAP12 associated receptor expression and their association with phenotype of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) cells during swine influenza virus (SIV) infection in pigs is unknown. Since pig is a suitable large animal model for influenza research, our aim was to understand the effects of zoonotic SIV H1N1 infection on expression of DAP12 associated MDL-1, TREM-1 and TREM-2 receptors in pig BAL cells through qRT-PCR profiling. Results indicated that DAP12, MDL-1 and TREM-1 were constitutively expressed, but TREM-2 was upregulated. Stimulation of uninfected pig BAL cells in vitro using the cytokines IFNgamma and IL4 revealed that upregulation of TREM-2 was associated with enhanced expression of ARG1, but not with high levels of expression of TNFalpha and iNOS. ARG1 is a phenotype of alternatively activated alveolar macrophages that are known to protect lung tissue; hence TREM2 upregulation in pig BAL cells with similar phenotype suggests the possible beneficial role of these molecules in preventing the lung immunopathology. In conclusion, DAP12 and associated receptors are differentially expressed in pig BAL cells and TREM2 appears to have a beneficial role in regulating the lung immunopathology in SIV infection.