cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Importance of Asymmetries in Grasp Quality Metrics for Tendon Driven Hands

Grasp quality measures are important for understanding how to plan for and maintain appropriate and secure grasps for pick and place operations and tool use. Most grasp quality measures assume certain symmetries about the mechanism or the task. For example, contact points may be considered to be independent and identical, or an ellipsoidal measure such as the force manipulability ellipsoid may be used. However, many tasks have strong asymmetries, where wrenches in certain directions dominate. Tendon driven hand designs may also have strong asymmetries, leading to differing abilities to apply contact forces in different directions. This paper begins to explore empirically the validity of some of the symmetry assumptions employed by common grasp quality metrics. We examine the human hand and the shadow robot hand, and find that force abilities vary with finger choice and with location of the contact on the finger for both hands. However, while the human hand shows dramatic changes for different poses due to its asymmetric design, the shadow hand, with a symmetric design shows much smaller changes and resembles the assumption of identical and independent contact points reasonably well. Thus, we suggest that the underlying design of the hand is a very important factor to consider for grasp quality metrics and for grasp planning and control. The specific grasp quality metric we study in this paper also brings together a variety of previous research. We outline a linear programming approach for computing a grasp quality metric that includes tendon force constraints and contact constraints and can handle any task described as a polytope in wrench space
Spiral: Joint Runtime and Energy Optimization of Linear Transforms

There is much interest into joint runtime and energy optimization of implementations of signal processing algorithms. Applications in domains such as embedded computing, sensor networks, and mobile communications often require processing of signals under simultaneous runtime, energy and/or power constraints. Hence, in addition to runtime, power and energy are first-order design considerations for both hardware and software developers in those domains. This paper studies the automatic generation of software implementations of digital signal processing (DSP) transforms that are optimized with respect to both runtime and energy. We explore the impact of algorithm selection (a software technique) and voltage-frequency scaling (a hardware technique) on the runtime and energy of computing fast linear transforms. We use SPIRAL, a code generation system, to enumerate automatically many alternative algorithms for the discrete Fourier transform. We measure the runtime and energy of these algorithms at different voltage-frequency settings of an Intel Pentium M microprocessor. We report experimental results supporting that algorithm selection and voltage-frequency scaling do achieve the following: (1) have large impact on the runtime and energy of computing the discrete Fourier transform on a microprocessor; and (2) enable the optimization of important joint runtime-energy objectives.
Physical attractiveness and health in Western societies: a review.

Evidence from developed Western societies is reviewed for the claims that (a) physical attractiveness judgments are substantially based on body size and shape, symmetry, sex-typical hormonal markers, and other specific cues and (b) physical attractiveness and these cues substantially predict health. Among the cues that the authors review, only female waist-to-hip ratio and weight appear to predict both attrac- tiveness and health in the claimed manner. Other posited cues—symmetry and sex-typical hormonal markers among them—failed to predict either attractiveness or health (or both) in either sex. The authors find that there is some indication that attractiveness has an overall relationship with health among women, but little indication that male attractiveness relates to male health. The theory that human physical attractiveness judgments are in part driven by correlates of health has become widely accepted by evolutionary researchers and is influential in other circles as well. Early in the 20th century, Westermark (1921) and Ellis (1926) were among the theory's defenders, and its current form began with Symons (1979), who argued at length that sexual attractive- ness is based in part on reproductive value and its correlates, including health and female age (see also Buss, 1994; Symons, 1995). The revived theory initially generated little empirical re- search. Since the early 1990s, however, research into the health correlates of attractiveness has exploded, centered on a small number of subtle predictors of attractiveness—primarily waist-to- hip ratio (WHR), symmetry, and sex-specific hormonal markers. One often sees attractiveness-health links in the context of "good genes" sexual selection theory (Grammer, Fink, Moller, & Thornhill, 2003; Miller & Todd, 1998), which begins with the notions that people vary in their health in ways that are partly heritable, that health is central to genetic propagation, and there- fore that preferentially mating with people with genes that lead to health should enhance one's fitness. Good-genes theory posits that human judgments of physical attractiveness, particularly in mating contexts, have evolved to respond in part to heritable cues asso- ciated with health. But attractiveness-health links might derive from more than just heritable genetic quality. Most obviously, good-gene theorists typically include age-based cues in their pre- dictor sets, in particular for women, and such cues relate to health independently of normal variations in genetic quality. Other ben- efits may exist as well—for example, a healthier mate could be expected to provide more future resources and protection than a less healthy one.
Long-Term Studies of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, Infected with the Microsporidia Vairimorpha invictae and Thelohania solenopsae in Argentina

A study was conducted on populations of the red imported Þre ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), infected with the microsporidia Vairimorpha invictae Jouvenaz and Ellis (Microsporidia: Burenellidae) and Thelohania solenopsae Knell, Allen, and Hazard (Micros- poridia: Thelohaniidae). Fire ant populations and microsporidia prevalence were monitored three to Þve times per year for 3Ð 4 yr in eight Þeld plots in northern Argentina. The mean population index per plot showed an overall reduction of 69%. The percentage of infection with V. invictae and T. solenopsae showed suctuations that ranged from 29.2 to 1.4% and 13.6 to 2.6%, respectively. The highest infection rates were observed at the beginning of the study. A total of 394 colonies were sampled during the study: 325 (82.5%) were healthy and 69 (17.5%) were infected with microsporidia. The proportion of infected colonies with brood was 81% (56/69), similar to the proportion of healthy colonies with brood (78%; 255/325). The proportion of infected and healthy colonies in the population index categories was signiÞcantly different. Of the infected colonies with brood, 49.3% were medium and 1.4% were large in size. In contrast, healthy colonies were generally larger, with 29.7 and 10.4% being medium and large, respectively. The general environmental conditions in the area of the plots were appropriate for Þre ant population growth; consequently, they do not explain the overall reduction in the populations. These results, combined with additional evidence reported previously, suggest that infection with V. invictae and T. solenopsae has a deleterious effect on native populations of S. invicta.
The comparison in daily intake of nutrients, dietary habits and body composition of female college students by body mass index

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the body composition, dietary habits, daily intake of nutrients and clinical blood indices in female college students by body mass index of normal weight, overweight and obese. The subjects of this research were 141 respondents of a survey carried out on students, and subjects were given 60 minutes to answer questionnaires, by recording their own answers. The average heights and weights of subjects by BMI were 162.17 cm, 52.73 kg in normal weight group, 162.35 cm, 62.22 kg in overweight group and 161.72 cm, 69.82 kg in obesity group, respectively. As for the survey daily of meals, starving breakfast and kind of snacks of subjects were significantly different among the groups by BMI. In animal protein food intakes, meat intake was the highest 'every day' food consumed by subjects, and there was a significant difference in distribution of BMI among subjects. Fruits, and greenish and yellow vegetables intakes were the highest 'every day' foods indicated by the normal weight group. Consumption of carbonated beverages and juices showed a significant difference among groups by BMI. The average of total-cholesterol was the overweight group was the higher value. There was a significant difference in diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure among the groups by BMI. Average daily calories intake levels were insufficient and the intake ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat was the normal weight group 68:17:15, the overweight group 64:18:18 and the obese group 73:14:13. Results of the daily vitamin intake analyses displayed riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and folic acid levels lower than the RI levels. Fe intake was the normal weight group 81%, overweight group 76%, obese group 59% of the RI level. Therefore, it is necessary for college students to establish regular meals, good quality snacks and consuming more vitamin and mineral nutritions for optimal health conditions.
Capacity of Sparse Multipath Channels in the Ultra-Wideband Regime

This paper studies the ergodic capacity of time-and frequency-selective multipath fading channels in the ultrawide-band (UWB) regime when training signals are used for channel estimation at the receiver. Motivated by recent measurement results on UWB channels, we propose a model for sparse multipath channels. A key implication of sparsity is that the independent degrees of freedom in the channel scale sublinearly with the signal space dimension (product of signaling duration and bandwidth). Sparsity is captured by the number of resolvable paths in delay and Doppler. Our analysis is based on a training and communication scheme that employs signaling over orthogonal short-time Fourier (STF) basis functions. STF signaling naturally relates sparsity in delay-Doppler to coherence in time and frequency. We study the impact of multipath sparsity on two fundamental metrics of spectral efficiency in the wideband/low-SNR limit introduced by Verdu: first- and second-order optimality conditions. Recent results by Zheng et al. have underscored the large gap in spectral efficiency between coherent and noncoherent extremes and the importance of channel learning in bridging the gap. Building on these results, our results lead to the following implications of multipath sparsity: (1) the coherence requirements are shared in both time and frequency, thereby significantly relaxing the required scaling in coherence time with SNR; (2) sparse multipath channels are asymptotically coherent - for a given but large bandwidth, the channel can be learned perfectly and the coherence requirements for first- and second-order optimality met through sufficiently large signaling duration; and (3) the requirement of peaky signals in attaining capacity is eliminated or relaxed in sparse environments.
A Critical Look at the Performance Enhancement of Small Antennas using Metamaterials

Currently, there is a great deal of interest in enhancing the performance of small antennas using metamaterials. Of course, the interest itself is not new, since the search has always been actively pursued for ways to increase the directivity, reduce the sidelobe and backlobe levels, improve the bandwidth, etc., of small antennas whose dimensions are limited by the available real estate. What is novel on the scene, then, is the advent of metamaterials, which have been touted as the magic bullet that would lead in to the holy grail of small antenna design, namely, a size that is small comparable to the wavelength, but one that has a high directivity (and even gain), wide impedance and pattern bandwidths, etc., but with little or no limitations that compromise the performance of the antenna. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we compile the various definitions of metamaterials that have appeared in the literature with a view to examining them critically and then coming up with one that not only appears to have a consensus, but also one that makes practical sense. We separate the metamaterials that are artificial dielectrics - typically periodic in nature into two principal categories: (i) those with unit cell sizes that are small comparable to the wavelength (aplambda/10) and display SNG or DNG characteristics; (ii) the periodic structures whose unit cell dimensions are on the order of lambda - typically in the range of lambda/2 - and which are also referred to as EBG materials and frequency selective screens (FSSs). Some examples are shown. The paper then presents examples of both antenna/metamaterial and antenna/EBG composites, used as substrates, superstrates as well as shell type of covers enclosing small antennas. Following this, the paper examines some theoretical limits on the directivity, gain-bandwidth product, etc., to see if the use of SNG or DNG metamaterials enables us to breach these limits. Finally, the paper also poses the question whether the use of DNG offers any advantage over the conventional use of EBG substrates and superstrates, and attempts to answer it via some examples
Albedo parametrization and reversibility of sea ice decay

The Arctic's sea ice cover has been receding rapidly in recent years, and global climate models typically predict a further decline over the next century. It is an open question whether a possible loss of Arctic sea ice is reversible. We study the stability of Arctic model sea ice in a conceptual, two-dimensional energy-based regular net- work model of the ice-ocean layer that considers ARM's longwave radiative budget data and SHEBA albedo mea- surements. Seasonal ice cover, perennial ice and perennial open water are asymptotic states accessible by the model. We show that the shape of albedo parameterization near the melting temperature differentiates between reversible contin- uous sea ice decrease under atmospheric forcing and hystere- sis behavior. Fixed points induced solely by the surface en- ergy budget are essential for understanding the interaction of surface energy with the radiative forcing and the under- lying body of ice/water, particularly close to a bifurcation point. Future studies will explore ice edge stability and re- versibility in this lattice model, generalized to a latitudinal transect with spatiotemporal lateral atmospheric heat trans- fer and high spatial resolution.
The Publishing Patterns Of Mid-Career Economics Doctoral Graduates

We present publication data for seasoned graduates of 120 economics Ph.D. programs. The data show that while publishing output is highly concentrated among the graduates of top programs, the inclusion of a wider pool of academic journals provides an opportunity to visualize the publishing potential of second and third tier programs. This paper’s distinctive methodology concurs with the rich history of literature that determines the top tier of academic programs. However, expanding the list to the full EconLit database allows a glimpse at the publishing trends of the lesser ranked programs. This provides an opportunity for small regional and liberal arts colleges and universities to evaluate graduate programs according to their distinct needs. In addition, inclusion of field designations (such as international, labor, monetary, etc) as grouped by the American Economic Association classification allows insight into the potential for specialization among programs.
The Language of Heaven: Prolegomenon to the Study of Smithian Translation

This essay, from a symposium in honor of Richard Bushman's 80th birthday, considers several possible approaches toward understanding the meanings of Mormon founder Joseph Smith's sacred translation efforts.
Transcriptome Analysis of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes That Are Susceptible, Resistant, and Hypersensitive to Reniform Nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis)

Reniform nematode is a semi-endoparasitic nematode species causing significant yield loss in numerous crops, including cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). An RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted to measure transcript abundance in reniform nematode susceptible (DP90 & SG747), resistant (BARBREN-713), and hypersensitive (LONREN-1) genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with and without reniform nematode infestation. Over 90 million trimmed high quality reads were assembled into 84,711 and 80, 353 transcripts using the G. arboreum and the G. raimondii genomes as references. Many transcripts were significantly differentially expressed between the three different genotypes both prior to and during nematode pathogenesis, including transcripts corresponding to the gene ontology categories of cell wall, hormone metabolism and signaling, redox reactions, secondary metabolism, transcriptional regulation, stress responses, and signaling. Further analysis revealed that a number of these differentially expressed transcripts mapped to the G. raimondii and/or the G. arboreum genomes within 1 megabase of quantitative trait loci that had previously been linked to reniform nematode resistance. Several resistance genes encoding proteins known to be strongly linked to pathogen perception and resistance, including LRR-like and NBS-LRR domain-containing proteins, were among the differentially expressed transcripts mapping near these quantitative trait loci. Further investigation is required to confirm a role for these transcripts in reniform nematode susceptibility, hypersensitivity, and/or resistance. This study presents the first systemic investigation of reniform nematode resistance-associated genes using different genotypes of cotton. The candidate reniform nematode resistance-associated genes identified in this study can serve as the basis for further functional analysis and aid in further development of reniform a nematode resistant cotton germplasm.
Predicting Prosthetic Prescription after Major Lower-Limb Amputation

We describe prosthetic limb prescription in the first year following lower-limb amputation and examine the relationship between amputation level, geographic region, and prosthetic prescription. We analyzed 2005 to 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inpatient and Medical Encounters SAS data sets, Vital Status death data, and National Prosthetic Patient Database data for 9,994 Veterans who underwent lower-limb amputation at a VA hospital. Descriptive statistics and bivariates were examined. Cox proportional hazard models identified factors associated with prosthetic prescription. Analyses showed that amputation level was associated with prosthetic prescription. The hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.41 for ankle amputation and 0.46 for transfemoral amputation compared with transtibial amputation. HRs for geographic region were Northeast = 1.49, Upper Midwest = 1.26, and West = 1.39 compared with the South (p < 0.001). African American race, longer length of hospital stay, older age, congestive heart failure, paralysis, other neurological disease, renal failure, and admission from a nursing facility were negatively associated with prosthetic prescription. Being married was positively associated. After adjusting for patient characteristics, people with ankle amputation were most likely to be prescribed a prosthesis and people with transfemoral amputation were least likely. Geographic variation in prosthetic prescription exists in the VA and further research is needed to explain why.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Active Control of 3-D Flows

The effect of active flow control, via arrays of synthetic jet actuators, on the flow field around a finite wing was investigated experimentally and numerically. To fully and properly implement flow control, a fundamental understanding of the interaction of the synthetic jets with the three-dimensional cross flow must first be possessed. The experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel on a finite wing having a cross-sectional profile of NACA 4421 at a wide range of angles of attack, Reynolds numbers, and several arrangements of synthetic jets. The majority of the current work has been focused on the interaction of the jets with the crossflow at low angles of attack (where separation is not present). Two dimensional and stereoscopic PIV data were collected in conjunction with dynamic surface pressure. For the numerical investigation, a finite-span synthetic jet surface mounted on a NACA 4421 airfoil was analyzed using an in house flow solver (PHASTA). Using an adaptive meshing technique on an unstructured grid and Streamline Upwind Petrov-Galerkin stabilized finite element formulation, the behavior of the synthetic jets in a cross flow was simulated in three dimensions. Using these data, the complex 3-D interactions were analyzed to form a cohesive understanding of the parameters that may impact the effectiveness of flow control on 3-D configurations.
Fundamental impedance characteristics and control strategy for TCSC with dual-TCR branches

In order to satisfy the controllability and security requirement for power systems,the TCSC(Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor) is installed on the UHV(Ultra High Voltage) line.The UHV and high current become the challenge to TCSC,i.e.with the substantial increase of the rated current of the TCSC,the current flowing through the thyristor branch should also be improved,which may exceed the current limit of thyristor.A TCSC scheme with an extra TCR branch in parallel is proposed,which can shunt the large current.The dual TCRs will inevitably increase the control complexity.Firstly the manufacturing error and measurement error of valve-controlled reactor will make the current between the two TCR branches not equal,which will damage the thyristor in severe conditions,therefore current-balancing control is needed.Secondly,the impedance table is the basis for TCSC control.Considering current-balancing characteristics of dual TCRs,the analytical algorithm of impedance table of TCSC with both TCRs is complicated.On the basis of studying of impedance characteristics of dual TCRs,a simple method is proposed to describe the impedance table.
Urologic Neoplasms: Prostate, Bladder, and Renal Cell Carcinoma

This chapter illustrates clinical case examples demonstrating clinical utility and diagnostic performance of FDG PET-CT scans in prostate, bladder, and renal cell carcinoma.
Reproductive Options for Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women

Publisher Summary Women most often conceive and deliver their children while in their twenties. Typically, fertility rates decline during the fourth decade of life, reaching a nadir by the time women enter their early forties. However, there has been a substantial increase in the number of perimenopausal and menopausal women interested in fertility care. This rise followed the publication of successful pregnancies in frankly menopausal women undergoing oocyte donation, which focused international attention on the reproductive problems of women in their 40s and 50s. Despite the rising enthusiasm for fertility care, success rates in older women using their own oocytes have not significantly improved and remain very low compared with pregnancy rates observed in younger patients. Poor outcomes are a result of natural ovarian senescence, which directly contributes to reduced fertility and pregnancy wastage in this population. Consequently, a woman's age is the most important factor affecting the chances of a live birth when her own eggs are used. Unless the aging oocyte is replaced, most efforts at assisted reproduction are destined to fail once perimenopausal signs and symptoms are present. In this scenario, reproductive options include natural fertility in the perimenopause, development of oocyte and embryo donation and its application in older women, childbearing by the perimenopausal and menopausal woman screening, preparation of potential recipients, and obstetric management and delivery considerations.
Silver nitrate irrigation to control bladder hemorrhage in children receiving cancer therapy.

AbstractSilver nitrate irrigations after cystoscopic evacuation of clots stopped intractable hemorrhage from the bladder in 8 of 9 children who had received cyclophosphamide and/or pelvic irradiation for various malignant diseases. This method of management produces fewer adverse side effects yet : appears to be as effective as the more drastic measures of control, such as cystectomy or colocystoplasty.
The Key Elements

MARKETING PLANS ARE NOT ALL THAT COMPLICATED. You create one for a specific purpose: to set the course for a business and to ensure that everyone is on the same page. It is a working document; you aren’t trying to create a literary masterpiece that will take its place beside War and Peace. As marketer Greg Wozniak remarked, “It is almost scary how basic it is.”
Papillomaviruses in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the epidemiological data suggesting a causal relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), along with a review of the transforming interaction between host cellular proteins and HPV viral proteins. Although much circumstantial evidence currently exists, the literature still lacks unequivocal evidence linking HPV with HNSCC. When all anatomic sites are considered, the prevalence of HPV in HNSCC does not appear to be higher than the prevalence of HPV in clinically normal mucosa. Although HPVs have demonstrated the ability to induce oncogenic transformation of cells in vitro, the causal relationship between HPV and HNSCC remains controversial. However, it is difficult to ignore the highly preferential association of HPV with tonsillar carcinoma, as well as the finding of high-risk HPV type 16 in these tumors. Epidemiological findings also lend further support to a causal relationship between HPV and HNSCC, particularly for oropharyngeal tumors. An etiological association between HPV and oral cancer implies that preventive interventions can be designed.
Lower-cost depth-of-interaction PET detector designs using dichotomous-3D decoding

A “Dichotomous-3D” DOI PET detector design approach is proposed. The approach can potentially reduce the production cost of incorporating Depth-of-Interaction (DOI) in PET systems because the photo-sensors usage and electronic complexity would be even less than that of the current non-DOI PET detectors. The “Dichotomous-3D” approach can be implemented in two ways: (a) the Dichotomous-Offset-Quadrant-Sharing design (DO-QS) which is deterministic and has good timing resolution for time-of-flight (TOF) PET, and (b) the Dichotomous-Orthogonal-Symmetric light-channel DOI design which would reduce the SiPM and electronics usage even more but the time resolution may be degraded for TOF; however, it can be used for building a low-cost high-sensitivity BGO PET with a long axial-field-of-view. Preliminary Monte Carlo simulations for both designs have been performed to gauge the feasibility. The Monte Carlo simulation results show that both proposed designs are feasible with a DOI resolution of 4 to 5 mm depending on the crystal materials and geometry. The DO-QS DOI detector design can also unambiguously decode nine 1×1 mm2 crystal pixels using the much larger standard 3×3 mm2 SiPM for building ultrahigh-resolution brain PET and animal PET with nine crystals coupling to one SiPM, thereby reducing the SiPM usage and supporting electronics by 9 times.
Clustering Ontology-enriched Graph Representation for Biomedical Documents based on Scale-Free Network Theory

In this paper we introduce a novel document clustering approach that solves some major problems of traditional document clustering approaches. Instead of depending on traditional vector space model, this approach represents documents as graphs using domain knowledge in ontology because graphs can represent the semantic relationships among the concepts in documents. Based on scale-free network theory, our approach generates a model for each document cluster from the ontology-enriched graph representation by identifying ? high density subgraphs capturing the core semantic relationship information about each document cluster. Using these ? high density subgraphs, each document is assigned to a proper document cluster. Our extensive experimental results on MEDLINE articles show that our approach outperforms two leading document clustering algorithms, BiSecting K-means and CLUTO's vcluster. Moreover, our approach provides a meaningful explanation for document clustering through generated models. This explanation helps users to understand clustering results and documents as a whole.
Breathy voice during nasality: A cross-linguistic study

Abstract In some languages, there is a diachronic correspondence between nasal and breathy sounds, whose origin is often attributed to the acoustic similarities between nasal and breathy vowels. In this study, we test whether nasal consonants and vowels are also produced with breathier voice quality than their oral counterparts in three Yi (Loloish) languages: Bo, Luchun Hani, and Southern Yi. We analyzed oral vs. nasal vowels and consonants using electroglottographic and acoustic measures of phonation. Results indicate that nasal consonants are often breathier than laterals, as are vowels following nasals when compared to vowels following oral consonants. These findings support the assumption that at least some of these nasal-breathy sound changes involve a stage in which the two articulations co-occur. We claim that the production of breathy voice quality during nasals can arise through listener misperception or phonetic enhancement. These findings also contribute to the understanding of nasality as an abstract feature that involves multiple articulations.
Data-driven system identification of the social network dynamics in online postings of an extremist group

Terrorism research has begun to focus on the issue of radicalization, or the acceptance of ideological belief systems that lead toward violence. There has been particular attention paid to the role of the Internet in the exposure to and promotion of radical ideas. There is, however, minimal work that attempts to model the ways that messages are spread or how individual participation in radical on-line communities operates. In this paper, we present a stochastic linear system to represent the evolution of contribution to a sample of 126 threads in an on-line forum where individuals discuss radical belief systems. To estimate or predict the time-varying contributions of agents for given onlineforum data, each agent’s contribution has been modeled as a state variable. We then use the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to identify the model parameters including the adjacency matrix of the graph constructed among participating agents along with measurement and system uncertainty levels in online-postings. Our approach reveals the identified dynamical influences among agents in the time-varying shaping of the contribution in a datadriven fashion. We use the real-world data from online-postings to demonstrate the usefulness of our approach, and its application toward on-line radicalization.
Phon-Tech Corporation, 1996

In January 1996, Phon-Tech's chief financial officer (CFO) must fashion a recommendation regarding the use of segment hurdle rates within the company, which was recently the target of an active investor who charged that one segment was not paying its way. This case recounts the debate within the company over the use of a single hurdle rate versus a risk-adjusted hurdle rate system to evaluate performance of segments of the company. The tasks for the student are to estimate the weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) for the two business segments and resolve the debate. The case was prepared to serve as part of an introduction to estimating investors' required rates of return (ROR). It would best follow one or two class sessions introducing techniques for estimating WACC. Although the numerical calculations required are light, some of the subtleties about the use of risk-adjusted hurdle rates will require time for the novice to absorb. The case can be used to pursue a variety of teaching objectives, including (1) extending risk return (i.e., mean variance) analysis to corporate finance; (2) surveying classic arguments for and against the use of risk-adjusted hurdle rate systems; (3) assessing the assumptions and limitations of risk-adjusted hurdle rates; (4) exercising the estimation of segment WACCs; and (5) considering possible organizational barriers to the implementation of risk-adjusted hurdle rates.
Pedogenic Changes and Mineral Weathering in Three Soils from the Indus River Plain of Pakistan

Abstract Three soil series were investigated in East and Northwest Pakistan to determine mineral weathering and degree of profile development. Micromorphic evidence suggests that these soils are generally weakly differentiated and weathered in spite of their previous field classification as Udic Haplustalfs (Peshawar and Gujranwala) and Ustalfic Haplargids (Lyallpur). Thin-section observations failed to support clay translocation in Peshawar and Lyallpur series but the Bt2 and Bt3 horizons of the Gujranwala did exhibit illuvial void ferriargillans. In all three soils the s-matrix was porphyroskelic; the plasmic fabric ranged from silasepic to argillasepic in carbonate-poor zones to crystic in carbonate-rich horizons. Translocation of plasma was primarily by redistribution of carbonates and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides as evidenced by sesquioxide nodules and concretions, ferrans, calcans and carbonate nodules and concretions. Most nodules contain mica and other skeletal grains indicative of in situ formation. The Bt2, Bt3, and Bt4 horizons of the Gujranwala soil had larger and more abundant sesquioxide nodules suggesting more strongly reducing conditions in the horizons either due to irrigation or more pluvial paleoclimates. All soils have mixed mineralogy. Sand and silt fractions contain significant amounts of mica, quartz, and feldspars with smaller amounts of kaolinite and chlorite. The mica grains are smaller and less numerous in the Peshawar soil than in the Gujranwala and Lyallpur soils. Most grains, except some biotite, showed little or no weathering. In the light of the microfabric observations and other laboratory data new classification of these three soils has been suggested.
Go-realtime: a lightweight framework for multiprocessor real-time system in user space

We present the design of Go-RealTime, a lightweight framework for real-time parallel programming based on Go language. Go-RealTime is implemented in user space with portability and efficiency as important design goals. It takes the advantage of Go language's ease of programming and natural model of concurrency. Goroutines are adapted to provide scheduling for real-time tasks, with resource reservation enabled by exposing Linux APIs to Go. We demonstrate nearly full utilization on 32 processors scheduling periodic heavy tasks using Least Laxity First (LLF) algorithm. With its abstraction and system support, Go-RealTime greatly simplifies the set up of sequential and parallel real-time programs on multiprocessor systems.
Floral resource pulse decreases bumble bee foraging trip duration in central Wisconsin agroecosystem

1. Resource pulses, narrow periods of high resource availability, can elicit strong behavioural responses across diverse taxa. Mass-flowering agricultural crops are an example of a resource pulse that insect pollinators exploit. However, the underlying mechanism behind changes in pollinator behaviour associated with mass-flowering crops is still relatively unexplored. 2. The present study quantified the behavioural response of bumble bees, an important wild pollinator, to commercial cranberry bloom, an important mass-flowering crop in Wisconsin, U.S.A. Over a 2-year period, foraging trip duration was measured using radio frequency identification at 14 farms situated across landscape contexts, ranging from high to low natural area (woodland amount). Using transect surveys, floral resource abundance at a landscape scale was estimated. 3. It was found that bumble bees were highly sensitive to temporal changes in landscape-level resource abundance associated with the onset of cranberry bloom, during which they decreased foraging trip duration by 22% and increased the number of foraging trips during bloom by 24% on average relative to the period before and after bloom. This phenomenon was consistent across colonies, individual bees, and landscape contexts, despite a higher abundance of flowers in low woodland landscapes. Bumble bee colonies growing in low- and high-woodland landscapes exhibited a similar performance. 4. As mass-flowering crops are probably a factor influencing bumble bee foraging behaviour in agricultural regions, investigations should continue into how variable resource landscapes, particularly those offering resource pulses, affect wild pollinators and the pollination services they provide.
Performance Prediction for Surgical Outcomes in Partial Nephrectomy Using Nephrometry Scores: A Comparison of Arterial Based Complexity (ABC), RENAL, and PADUA Systems.

Abstract Background Several standardized scoring systems are used to quantify renal tumor complexity on the basis of anatomic features to predict perioperative and postoperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN). Objective To compare the predictive accuracy and utility of the Arterial Based Complexity (ABC), RENAL, and PADUA scores. Design, setting, and participants Between January 2013 and March 2016, 304 patients at our institution underwent PN plus complete triphasic contrast computed tomography (CT) scans. Two urologists independently scored CT images to retrospectively evaluate each patient using the ABC, RENAL, and PADUA nephrometry scoring systems. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Interobserver variability was reported for each of the three nephrometry scores; κ = 1 represented perfect agreement between the two urologists and κ = 0 represented as much agreement as expected by chance. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate associations of the nephrometry scores with estimated blood loss (EBL), ischemia time, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 18 mo. Coefficients of determination ( R 2 ) were compared to determine which nephrometry score accounted for the most variation in outcome. Results and limitations The κ value was 0.52 for ABC, 0.53 for RENAL, and 0.63 for PADUA (all p ≤ 0.001). On univariate analysis, there were no significant associations between nephrometry scores and postoperative eGFR; all three scores were highly associated with ischemia time ( p p ≤ 0.001). R 2 was not significantly different among the three scoring systems. On multivariable analysis, all three nephrometry scores were significantly associated with ischemia time ( p p ≤ 0.01); only the RENAL score was associated with postoperative eGFR ( p = 0.044), so its performance on this metric could not be compared to that of ABC or PADUA. Conclusions The ABC, RENAL, and PADUA systems have similar performance for predicting EBL and ischemia time outcomes in PN, and are thus equally useful for assessing PN complexity. Further education and training are needed to reduce interobserver variability. Patient summary A new score system called Arterial Based Complexity (ABC) can be used to evaluate the complexity of a renal tumor and predict how difficult the tumor resection (partial nephrectomy) may be. This system performs well compared to other established systems and seems easy to learn and use.
Open data kit: technologies for mobile data collection and deployment experiences in developing regions

Gathering information accurately and quickly is essential for enabling organizations working in low-resource settings to have timely and sustainable impact. Due to insufficient infrastructure, many organizations currently use paper to collect data in the field, only to have data entry clerks digitize the data later. This often introduces latency and potential sources of error. However, the growing development of cellular infrastructure combined with the rapid decline in the cost of smart phones presents an opportunity to shift the primary collection medium from paper to mobile devices. This dissertation presents our contribution to data collection in developing regions, Open Data Kit (ODK), an extensible, open-source suite of tools designed to facilitate tasks at every level of data collection campaigns. ODK currently provides three tools to this end: Collect, Aggregate, and Build. Collect is a mobile client providing simple interfaces for collecting data. Aggregate is an easy to deploy data storage system hosted in the "cloud" or on local servers. Build is a web-based drag-and-drop form designer created to simplify the process of creating complex digital forms. By providing the ability to both capture and present richer data (e.g. images, video, and location), ODK tools have provided organizations new ways to collect and analyze information. We present the system architecture and through example real-world deployments, highlight specific design decisions that have enabled new directions in data collection and workforce management. Finally, we discuss lessons learned in building the system and present promising future directions in the space.
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 with Thrombophilia in Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the AGXT gene, resulting in deficiency of the alanineglyoxylate:aminotransferase enzyme. It is characterized by accumulation of oxalate in the kidneys and other organs. Case Presentation: A Syrian woman with a history of nephrolithiasis and heterozygosity for factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutations presented with postpartum renal failure. She required initiation of renal replacement therapy at 14 weeks postpartum. Kidney biopsy showed severe acute and chronic crystalline deposition consistent with oxalate nephropathy. Genetic testing revealed a Gly170Arg mutation in the AGXT gene, confirming the diagnosis of PH1. Conclusions: The diagnosis of PH should be considered in patients with severe, recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Early treatment with pyridoxine reduces urinary oxalate excretion and can delay progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). After ESRD, intensive dialysis is needed to prevent systemic oxalate accumulation and deposition. Combined liver and kidney transplantation is curative. In our patient, we anticipate that liver transplantation will cure both the hyperoxaluria and the hypercoagulable state.
Self-Interference in LTE-Advanced and 5G NR Transceivers

The upgrade from 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) towards LTE-Advanced introduced Carrier-Aggregation (CA), necessitating multiple receivers (RX) and transmitters (TX) operating concurrently on a single transceiver die, causing potential interference among them. The introduction of 5G New Radio (5G NR) will require Dual Connectivity (DC) with LTE in the first phase and thus also require a multitude of parallel-operating high-performance receive and transmit chains in a multi-mode LTE-A/5G NR transceiver, driving the need for analog and digital techniques for self-interference mitigation due to coupling between different parts of the transceiver. This paper catalogs the various cross-talk effects and presents digital as well as mixed-signal interference mitigation techniques in condensed form.
The Florida Institute for Child Welfare at Florida State University.

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the role of The Florida Institute for Child Welfare (Institute) in the overall goals of child welfare in the state of Florida. The complexity of child welfare require...
Global proteomic profiling of primary macrophages during M. tuberculosis infection identifies TAX1BP1 as a mediator of autophagy targeting

Abstract Macrophages are highly plastic cells that adopt diverse functional capabilities and play critical roles in immunity, cancer, and tissue homeostasis, but how these different cell fates and activities are triggered in response to their environmental cues is not well understood. We used new proteomic tools to identify protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) that control antibacterial responses of macrophages. Here, we report an unbiased and global analysis of the changes in host protein abundance, phosphorylation, and ubiquitylation, during the first 24-hours of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection of primary macrophages. We discovered 1379 proteins with changes in their phosphorylation state and 591 proteins with changes in their ubiquitylation in response to Mtb infection. We identified pathways regulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation that weren’t reflected by changes in protein abundance, indicating that the activity of these pathways was regulated. These include pathways known to be regulated by ubiquitylation and phosphorylation (e.g. autophagy) as well as pathways that were not known to be regulated during Mtb infection (e.g. nucleocytoplasmic transport and mRNA metabolism). We identified an enrichment in phosphorylation of autophagy receptors (TAX1BP1, p62, optineurin, BNIP3L), several of which were not previously implicated in the host response to Mtb infection. We found that p62 deficiency blocks ubiquitylation and TAX1BP1 deficiency enhances ubiquitylation, suggesting p62 ubiquitylation acts as an amplification loop by promoting downstream adaptor recruitment and serves as a platform for recruitment of ubiquitin. Our results show that TAX1BP1 mediates clearance of ubiquitylated Mtb and targets the bacteria to LC3-positive phagophores. Taken together, our proteomic profiling is likely a valuable resource for initiating mechanistic studies of macrophage biology.
Linking Nanoscale Chemical Changes to Bulk Material Properties in IEPM Polymer Composites Subject to Impact Dynamics

A synthesizable interfacial epoxy–polyurea-hybridized matrix (IEPM), composed of chemical bonded nanostructures across an interface width ranging between 2 and 50 μm, is a candidate for dialing-in ...
Health information literacy awareness and capacity building: Present and future:

Health literacy is increasingly important in today’s complex information ecosystem, both nationally and globally. Across the world, whether people live in “information rich” or “information poor” s...
Care Navigators and Peers for Mental Health: What is the State of Practice?

Many people with serious mental illnesses continue to experience premature mortality and complex physical health problems. Navigation and guided care methods have been expanded to reach many different populations – all of whom face varying barriers to health care and social services. A navigator guides consumer/patients around health system obstacles with ultimate goals of achieving access to care. Navigator and peer programs have had the most positive effect in helping mental health consumer/patients link to primary care. The voices of consumer/patients, peers, and other navigators are integral to the science and art of navigation for mental health. Effective navigation models, trained navigator and peer professionals have enormous potential to help consumer/patients achieve optimal physical and mental health outcomes.
Age of Sail

Set on the open ocean in 1900, "Age of Sail" is the story of William Avery (voiced by Ian McShane), an old sailor adrift and alone in the North Atlantic. When Avery reluctantly rescues Lara, who has mysteriously fallen overboard, he finds redemption and hope in his darkest hours.