cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The BOP consumer's ethical evaluation of target marketing

This paper investigates the ethical evaluation of targeted marketing of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) to BOP consumers, from BOP consumers' viewpoint. The goal was to discover whether these consumers perceive themselves as vulnerable, whether they believe that marketers are acting ethically or unethically in targeting their segment and whether they are willing to take action based on their ethical assessments of the company's marketing practices. BOP consumers surveyed do not view themselves as vulnerable consumers. Respondents also did not believe that companies marketing FMCGs were unethically targeting their segment. BOP consumers did not see a difference between marketing basic or discretionary products to their segment; they wanted access to all types of goods. These consumers want access to the same products that other consumers with more resources have, and make no distinction between basic and discretionary FMCGs. FMCGs were viewed as necessities that make life easier. Marketers of FMCGs shou...
Adaptive M-QAM modulation for MIMO systems

Adaptive modulation substantially increases the throughput of a wireless network by adjusting the modulation index to the channel conditions. In this paper, we propose algorithms for implementing adaptive M-QAM modulation for both OL- and CL-MIMO systems. The goal is to maximize the throughput subject to a target BER constraint. For OL-MIMO, the algorithm proposed finds the number of transmit antennas and the modulation index to be used for all streams. For CL-MIMO, the authors propose a new rate maximization scheme that, on the average, has 23% throughput improvement over OL-MIMO. The authors modify the water-filling and MMSE solutions to accommodate adaptive modulation and BER constraints. Flat Rayleigh-fading channel model is used in the simulations and assumes a perfect channel estimation.
Determination of depths to centroids of three-dimensional sources of potential-field anomalies with examples from environmental and geologic applications

Abstract A method is developed for determining the depth to the centroid (the geometric center) of `semi-compact' sources. The method, called the anomaly attenuation rate (AAR) method, involves computing radial averages of AARs with increasing distances from a range of assumed source centers. For well-isolated magnetic anomalies from `semi-compact' sources, the theoretical AARs range from ∼2 (close to the sources) to ∼3 (in the far-field region); the corresponding theoretical range of AARs for gravity anomalies is ∼1 to ∼2. When the estimated source centroid is incorrect, the AARs either exceed or fall short of the theoretical values. The levelling-off of the far-field AARs near their theoretical maximum values indicates the upper (deeper) bound of the centroid location. Similarly, near-field AARs lower than the theoretical minimum indicate the lower (shallower) bound of the centroid location. It is not always possible to determine usable upper and lower bounds of the centroids because the method depends on characteristics of sources/anomalies and the noise level of the data. For the environmental magnetic examples considered in this study, the determined deeper bounds were within 4% of the true centroid-to-observation distance. For the case of the gravity anomaly from the Bloomfield Pluton, Missouri, USA, determination of only the shallower bound of the centroid location (∼7 km) was possible. This estimate agrees closely with the centroid of a previously determined three-dimensional model of the Bloomfield Pluton. For satellite magnetic anomalies, the method is appropriate only for high-amplitude, near-circular anomalies due to the inherent low signal-to-noise ratio of satellite magnetic anomalies. Model studies indicate that the AAR method is able to place depths within ±20–30 km of actual center locations from a 400-km observation altitude. Thus, the method may be able to discriminate between upper crustal, lower crustal, and mantle magnetic sources. The results from the prominent Kentucky anomaly are relatively well-resolved (centroid depth ∼30 km below the Earth's surface). For the Kiruna Magsat anomaly, the deleterious effects from neighboring anomalies make a determination difficult (possible depth could be between 20 and 30 km). The centroid depths are deeper for the Kursk anomaly (∼40–50 km). These depths may indicate that magnetic anomalies from the near-surface Kursk iron formations (a known contributor) and deep crustal magnetic sources could combine to form the Kursk Magsat anomaly.
Rapid diagnosis and quantification of acute kidney injury using fluorescent ratio-metric determination of glomerular filtration rate in the rat

The rapid diagnosis and quantification of acute kidney injury (AKI) severity remain high clinical priorities. By combining intravital fluorescent ratiometric two-photon kidney imaging and the two-c...
An Interdepartmental Self-Management Lab: A Self-Help Approach to Student Development

The authors describe a self-help information and referral center for students that provides pamphlets, files, books, audiocassettes, videotapes, and computer programs on more than 100 topics related to health, personal growth, and academic skills. The center is located in a university library and is jointly sponsored by three departments.
Novel Composite Coatings With 3D Coating Architectures for Tribological Applications Fabricated Using Semiconductor Patterning Processes

Composite coatings consisting of hard compounds and soft solid lubricant phases have been actively investigated as tribological coatings for reducing friction while improving wear resistance. In most cases structural modifications in these coatings have been achieved by either natural phase separation or sequential layer deposition. In this study, we explore the concept of creating a three-dimensional structure in a tribological composite coating by using well-established semiconductor patterning methods. Using photolithography, we have patterned the substrate surface with a regular array of micron-size islands. The substrate was then coated with various metal and carbide coatings, including Cr and TiC, using sputter deposition. The substrates were sonicated in a solvent to remove the photoresist islands leaving an array of holes. MoS2 was then deposited onto the substrates. A pin-on-disk friction and wear test was conducted on a TiC/MoS2 sample to examine the effects of these islands on wear morphology. The results showed that the MoS2-filled holes can act as lubricant reservoirs, and the areas of the sample coated with TiC/MoS2 provided better wear protection than areas coated with only MoS2.
Complementary control of sensory adaptation by two types of cortical interneurons

Reliably detecting unexpected sounds is important for environmental awareness and survival. By selectively reducing responses to frequently, but not rarely, occurring sounds, auditory cortical neurons are thought to enhance the brain's ability to detect unexpected events through stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA). The majority of neurons in the primary auditory cortex exhibit SSA, yet little is known about the underlying cortical circuits. We found that two types of cortical interneurons differentially amplify SSA in putative excitatory neurons. Parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVs) amplify SSA by providing non-specific inhibition: optogenetic suppression of PVs led to an equal increase in responses to frequent and rare tones. In contrast, somatostatin-positive interneurons (SOMs) selectively reduce excitatory responses to frequent tones: suppression of SOMs led to an increase in responses to frequent, but not to rare tones. A mutually coupled excitatory-inhibitory network model accounts for distinct mechanisms by which cortical inhibitory neurons enhance the brain's sensitivity to unexpected sounds.
Observations of Mountain Wave–Induced Precipitation Shadows over Northeast Pennsylvania

Abstract WSR-88D depictions of two mountain wave–induced precipitation shadows observed near the Wyoming Valley of northeast Pennsylvania are presented. These mountain waves developed in similar synoptic environments that featured a strong south to southeast low-level jet, a stable layer situated near mountaintop level, and cross-barrier flow that decreased with height. One event was associated with a well-defined, singular precipitation shadow, while the second event displayed multiple precipitation shadows. Subtle differences in the vertical distribution of temperature and wind shear between the two cases appeared to be instrumental in defining what type of structure the mountain wave and their associated precipitation shadows displayed. This is supported by calculations of Froude number, Brunt–Vaisala frequency, Scorer parameter, and horizontal wavelength for the two events. These mountain waves appear to have a significant effect on the local precipitation distribution in and near the heavily populate...
Active Learning In Humanities Courses: Helping Students To Think Critically

Universities are expected to help students develop critical thinking skills, yet university classes feature professors who lecture, and students who quietly take notes. Active learning can help students practice critical thinking skills necessary for life in the 21 st century.
Risk factors for thirty-day morbidity and mortality following knee arthroscopy: a review of 12,271 patients from the national surgical quality improvement program database

Background: Knee arthroscopy is among the most common orthopaedic surgical procedures. However, the incidence and risk factors for postsurgical morbidity and mortality remain poorly defined. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program prospectively collects thirty-day morbidity and mortality data from more than 258 hospitals around the United States. We used Current Procedural Terminology codes to retrospectively query the database and identified 12,271 cases of elective knee arthroscopy performed from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010. Postoperative complications were divided into categories of minor morbidity, major morbidity or mortality, or any complication. The potential risk factors for complications were analyzed with use of univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The overall incidence of any complication was 1.6% (199 patients). The major morbidity was 0.76% (ninety-three patients), which included one patient death (0.008%), and the minor morbidity was 0.86% (106 patients). The most frequent major complication was a return to the operating room. The most common minor complication was deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. The risk factors identified in the univariate analysis for any complication included black race, prior operation within thirty days, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and operative time of >1.5 hours as compared with ≤1.5 hours (p 1.5 hours (odds ratio, 1.84 [95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 2.78]), and age of forty to sixty-five years (odds ratio, 1.46 [95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 2.11]). Conclusions: The incidence of complication following elective knee arthroscopy is low. The data presented here should be useful for providing prognostic information to patients during informed consent. Surgeons should be encouraged to minimize operative time whenever possible, and may wish to delay elective arthroscopy in patients who have had other recent surgical procedures. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Integrating Fossils, Natural Selection & Molecular Genetics: A Structured Inquiry-Based Evolution Lab

This structured set of lab activities allows students to explore the evolution of pelvic spine reduction in stickleback fish. The exercise draws upon the field of evolutionary and developmental biology (evo-devo) and information presented in the HHMI Holiday Lecture entitled “Fossils, Genes, and Embryos.” Students analyze fossil data from a rich stickleback deposit in Nevada, documenting the evolution of pelvic spine reduction in a preserved population, and then use Hardy-Weinberg analysis to explore the role of natural selection in this type of evolutionary event. Finally, students use molecular genetics and polymerase chain reaction to uncover the evolutionary role of gene switches in pelvic spine reduction. Collectively, the lab activities explore a specific evolutionary event from the combined perspectives of fossil evidence, natural selection, and molecular genetics. The lab also serves as a good introduction to the concepts of gene switches and evo-devo.
The Variability of the Net Radiation Ratio

Prediction equations for estimating evaporation from bodies of water, often require values of net radiation. Solar radiation data are usually more accurate and more readily available than measurements of net radiation. Measured solar radiation and the mean ratio of net radiation to solar radiation have been used to estimate the net radiation levels required to predict evaporation rates. However, although the average net radiation ratio is relatively stable from year to year the effect of daily variation in the net radiation ratio on evaporation estimates has not been investigated. An empirical energy balance and measurements of pan evaporation and meteorological factors are used to examine the effect of the average daily variation on evaporation rates computed with the mean net radiation ratio. The results indicate that the average daily variation from the mean net radiation ratio may produce an error of approximately 13 per cent in an estimate of daily evaporation when the mean net radiation ratio is used. However, daily variability in the net radiation ratio has little influence on the regeneration of a large number of evaporation estimates. Estimated values of the net radiation ratio and its variability are compared with observed values from polar climates.
Modulation of angiogenesis in vitro.

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in a number of physiological and pathological settings, including wound healing, diabetic retinopathy, and tumor growth [1]. Until recently however, angiogenesis could only be studied in animal models, with the attendant drawbacks of not being able to precisely define the molecular components of this process in vivo. In an attempt to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of angiogenesis, we set out to develop novel experimental systems, in which essential components of the neovascularization process can be recapitulated and subsequently modulated and analyzed under well-defined in vitro conditions. In order to approximate as closely as possible the in vivo situation, we have designed three-dimensional culture systems allowing the re-establishment of the normal interactions between microvascular endothelial cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix.
Isospin Splitting of Isovector High-Spin "Stretched" Particle-Hole Excitations in Non-Self-Conjugate Nuclei

A simple Lane model is used to parametrize the energy systematics of the isospin splitting of high-spin magnetic states in non-self-conjugate nuclei. A strength parameter ${V}_{1}=106\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10$ MeV is found.
Space based measurements for atmospheric carbon dioxide: a new tool for monitoring our environment

Precise, global measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by the NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and other satellites provide new tools to monitor and manage the processes that control their atmospheric concentrations.
Assessment of the Omega Based Models in the Prediction of Incompressible Turbulent Flows over Flat Rough Surfaces

Prediction of the effect of surface-roughness on turbulent flows is important in many engineering applications. The present numerical study is aimed at assessing the adequacy of omega based turbulence models currently available, namely, the � k - and the Stress-ω models in predicting the turbulent boundary layer flow over flat rough surfaces. The focus is mainly on the ability of these models to predict the mean velocity and Reynolds stresses. Incompressible turbulent flow over a flat plate with different types of roughness is simulated and the results obtained are compared with experimental results available in the literature. Both the models were able to predict the mean stream-wise velocity profile in the logarithmic region very well. The Stress- ω model was found to predict all Reynolds stress components reasonably well when compared with the experimental results. The ω k model was found to predict the Reynolds shear stresses reasonably well but fails to predict the normal Reynolds stress components accurately.
Analysis Model of Real-time Topology and Communication of VSAT Network

Aiming at star VSAT networks with the communication scheme of TDM/TDMA/DAMA,the application and realization of the analysis of real-time topology and communication for this kind of VSAT networks are discussed,with a method called packet-based double thread layered and classified method for parameters extraction is proposed.In the end,the general analysis model of real-time topology and communication of this kind of VSAT networks is given based on UML object-oriented modeling method.
On democratic justification: Comment on Alessandro Ferrara’s Democratic Horizon

This comment on Alessandro Ferrara’s Democratic Horizon raises questions about his development of ‘conjectural reasoning’ and the democratic virtue of openness as responses to what he calls ‘hyperpluralism’. In order to probe these questions, the article offers an alternative reading of these ideas.
Probiotics and Iletis

Probiotics have gained tremendous popularity amongst individuals searching for alternative and "natural" means to promote intestinal health. It has been suggested that the probiotic formulation VSL#3 promotes several aspects of intestinal health including attenuation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although a definitive mechanism of action has not been clearly identified, it is generally accepted that probiotics suppress development of chronic inflammation by inhibiting activation of various inflammatory signaling pathways. This concept however needs to be revisited in light of a recent publication by Pagnini et al. showing that VSL#3 prevents development of ileitis through activation of NF-kB and production of the prototypical inflammatory cytokine TNFa.
Neuropharmacologic Approaches to Restore the Brain’s Microenvironment

Maintaining the central nervous system microenvironment after injury, infection, inflammatory and degenerative diseases is contingent upon adequate control of glial homeostatic functions. Disease is caused by microbial, environmental and endogenous factors that compromise ongoing nervous system functions. The final result is neuronal injury, dropout and nerve connection loss, and these underlie the pathobiology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. However, what promotes disease are homeostatic changes in the brain's microenvironment affected by innate glial immune pro-inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. These events disturb the brain's metabolic activities and communication abilities. How the process affects the brain's regulatory functions that can be harnessed for therapeutic gain is the subject at hand. Specific examples are provided that serve to modulate inflammation and improve disease outcomes specifically for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
A 42mW 26–28 GHz phased-array receive channel with 12 dB gain, 4 dB NF and 0 dBm IIP3 in 45nm CMOS SOI

This paper presents a low-power 26–28 GHz phased-array receive channel in 45nm CMOS SOI. The design alternates cascode amplifiers with switched-LC phase-shifter cells to result in 5-bit phase control with gain and rms phase error < 0.6 dB and 4°, respectively, over 32 phase states. The measured gain, noise figure (NF) and IIP3 are 12.2 dB, 4 dB and 0 dBm, respectively, and are achieved at a DC power of 42 mW. A gain control of 6-dB is also available without affecting the system NF. To our knowledge, this represents state-of-the-art in mm-wave phased-arrays with the best published linearity at low NF. Application areas include 5G base-stations and hand-held units.
Plasma exosome microRNAs are indicative of breast cancer

microRNAs are promising candidate breast cancer biomarkers due to their cancer-specific expression profiles. However, efforts to develop circulating breast cancer biomarkers are challenged by the heterogeneity of microRNAs in the blood. To overcome this challenge, we aimed to develop a molecular profile of microRNAs specifically secreted from breast cancer cells. Our first step towards this direction relates to capturing and analyzing the contents of exosomes, which are small secretory vesicles that selectively encapsulate microRNAs indicative of their cell of origin. To our knowledge, circulating exosome microRNAs have not been well-evaluated as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis or monitoring. Exosomes were collected from the conditioned media of human breast cancer cell lines, mouse plasma of patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models (PDX), and human plasma samples. Exosomes were verified by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot. Cellular and exosome microRNAs from breast cancer cell lines were profiled by next-generation small RNA sequencing. Plasma exosome microRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR analysis. Small RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis showed that several microRNAs are selectively encapsulated or highly enriched in breast cancer exosomes. Importantly, the selectively enriched exosome microRNA, human miR-1246, was detected at significantly higher levels in exosomes isolated from PDX mouse plasma, indicating that tumor exosome microRNAs are released into the circulation and can serve as plasma biomarkers for breast cancer. This observation was extended to human plasma samples where miR-1246 and miR-21 were detected at significantly higher levels in the plasma exosomes of 16 patients with breast cancer as compared to the plasma exosomes of healthy control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the combination of plasma exosome miR-1246 and miR-21 is a better indicator of breast cancer than their individual levels. Our results demonstrate that certain microRNA species, such as miR-21 and miR-1246, are selectively enriched in human breast cancer exosomes and significantly elevated in the plasma of patients with breast cancer. These findings indicate a potential new strategy to selectively analyze plasma breast cancer microRNAs indicative of the presence of breast cancer.
Innovative fault isolation analysis technique to identify failure mechanism on recovering device failure

Failure analysis (FA) plays an important role in the semiconductor industry as the process technology and new packaging is continuously improved. Missed out failure mechanisms and device recovery is a growing challenge in the FA field. In this paper, a new FA method is presented. A precise backside Fault Isolation was utilized in combination with Cross-section and Focused Ion Beam to uncover the Failure mechanism. The application of this method will be discussed on two case studies with different failure mechanisms.
Source-to-detector distance and beam center do not affect radiographic measurements of acetabular morphology.

Multiple radiographic acquisition techniques have been evaluated for their effect on measurements of acetabular morphology. This cadaveric study examined the effect of two acquisition parameters not previously evaluated: beam center position and source-to-detector distance. This study also evaluated the effect of reader differences on measurements. Following calibration of measurements between two readers using five clinical radiographs (training), radiographs were obtained from two cadavers using four different source-to-detector distances and three different radiographic centers for a total of 12 radiographic techniques (experimental). Two physician readers acquired four types of measurements from each cadaver radiograph: lateral center edge angle, peak-to-edge distance, Sharp’s angle, and the Tonnis angle. All measurements were evaluated for intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), kappa statistics for hip dysplasia, and factors that resulted in measurement differences using a mixed statistical model. After training of the two physician readers, there was strong agreement in their hip morphology measurements (ICC 0.84–0.93), agreement in the presence of hip dysplasia (κ = 0.58–1.0), and no measurement difference between physician readers (p = 0.12–1.0). Experimental cadaver measurements showed moderate-to-strong agreement of the readers (ICC 0.74–0.93) and complete agreement on dysplasia (κ = 1). After accounting for reader and radiographic technique, there was no difference in hip morphology measurements (p = 0.83–0.99). In this cadaveric study, measurements of hip morphology were not affected by varying source-to-detector distance or beam center. We conclude that these acquisition parameters are not likely to affect the diagnosis of hip dysplasia in a clinical setting.
Most Readmissions Following Ankle Fracture Surgery Are Unrelated to Surgical Site Issues: An Analysis of 5056 Cases

Background:Ankle fracture surgeries are generally safe and effective procedures; however, as quality-based reimbursement models are increasingly affected by postoperative readmission, we aimed to d...
Immunomodulation-accelerated neuronal regeneration following selective rod photoreceptor cell ablation in the zebrafish retina

Muller glia (MG) function as inducible retinal stem cells in zebrafish, completely repairing the eye after damage. The innate immune system has recently been shown to promote tissue regeneration in which classic wound-healing responses predominate. However, regulatory roles for leukocytes during cellular regeneration—i.e., selective cell-loss paradigms akin to degenerative disease—are less well defined. To investigate possible roles innate immune cells play during retinal cell regeneration, we used intravital microscopy to visualize neutrophil, macrophage, and retinal microglia responses to induced rod photoreceptor apoptosis. Neutrophils displayed no reactivity to rod cell loss. Peripheral macrophage cells responded to rod cell loss, as evidenced by morphological transitions and increased migration, but did not enter the retina. Retinal microglia displayed multiple hallmarks of immune cell activation: increased migration, translocation to the photoreceptor cell layer, proliferation, and phagocytosis of dying cells. To test function during rod cell regeneration, we coablated microglia and rod cells or applied immune suppression and quantified the kinetics of (i) rod cell clearance, (ii) MG/progenitor cell proliferation, and (iii) rod cell replacement. Coablation and immune suppressants applied before cell loss caused delays in MG/progenitor proliferation rates and slowed the rate of rod cell replacement. Conversely, immune suppressants applied after cell loss had been initiated led to accelerated photoreceptor regeneration kinetics, possibly by promoting rapid resolution of an acute immune response. Our findings suggest that microglia control MG responsiveness to photoreceptor loss and support the development of immune-targeted therapeutic strategies for reversing cell loss associated with degenerative retinal conditions.
Does Traumatic Brain Injury Attenuate the Exposure Therapy Process

Research indicates that exposure therapy is efficacious for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as is shown by reduced PTSD treatment outcome scores. What is unknown, however, is whether the process of fear extinction is attenuated in veterans with TBI history. Increased PTSD symptomatology and possible cognitive deficits associated with TBI sequelae may indicate additional or longer exposure sessions to achieve habituation and extinction comparable to individuals without TBI history. As such, a more extensive course of treatment may be necessary to achieve comparable PTSD treatment outcome scores for individuals with TBI history. Using a sample of veterans with combat-related PTSD, some of whom were comorbid for TBI, this study compared process variables considered relevant to successful treatment outcome in exposure therapy. Individuals with and without TBI demonstrated similar rates of fear activation, length and number of exposure sessions, within-session habituation, between-session habituation, and extinction rate; results remained consistent when controlling for differential PTSD symptomatology. Furthermore, results indicated that self-perception of executive dysfunction did not impact the exposure process. Results suggest that individuals with PTSD and TBI history engage successfully and no differently in the exposure therapy process as compared to individuals with PTSD alone. Findings further support exposure therapy as a first-line treatment for combat-related PTSD regardless of TBI history.
Characterizing the Effects of Multiple Analogues and Extraneous Information in Design-by-Analogy

This study examines how the quantity of ideas and analogue transfer in design-by-analogy (DbA) are affected by multiple analogues and extraneous information, or noise, using a between-subjects, factorial experiment. To evaluate the effects of multiple analogues and noise on ideation, the study uses two metrics in conjunction with one another; namely, number of ideas (most typical in engineering design) and recognition of high-level principle (more common in psychology). The quantity analysis included three components: number of ideas generated, number of ideas that use example products (analogues and noise stimuli), and number of ideas that use analogues. The results indicate two important findings: (1) providing multiple analogues during ideation had a positive impact on ideation quantity and analogue transfer. Specifically, the number of analogue-based ideas increased with increasing number of analogues but eventually reached a "saturation point"; (2) Introducing extraneous information (noise) diminished the successful mapping of analogues to design solutions. The presence of extraneous information did not significantly affect student designers' ability to identify high-level principles in analogues. The study demonstrated that some extraneous information was perceived as surface similar analogues. Any design analogue retrieval method or automated tool will produce extraneous information, and more work is needed to understand and minimize its impact.
A step towards generating human-like walking gait via trajectory optimization through contact for a bipedal robot with one-sided springs on toes

Trajectory optimization with direct collocation are widely used in various bipedal walking studies, from dynamic simulation in biomechanics to efficient bipedal walking motion generation with multiple contact domains. Although the latter has gained popularity, most of the approaches in this field in general rely on pre-determined contact sequence (domains). This motivates us to use trajectory optimization through contact for generating an efficient and human-like walking gait, because this approach can automatically generate the contact sequence by solving a nonlinear program (NLP) with complementary constraints. However, in this approach the initial guess affects the result significantly, and the direct collocation with Euler method may not be accurate enough for the system dynamics. Therefore, we propose a modified framework and constraints to improve the generated results. We used a zero moment point (ZMP)-based flat-feet walking gait as an initial guess. We also show how to add virtual components like springs at ankle joints to alter the behavior of the resultant walking gait. In addition, considering the one-sided springs at the passive toe joints of the bipedal robot AMBER 3, additional complementary constraints are introduced for a better match of the full dynamics. The results of our modified approach with different constraint conditions are presented and discussed.
Immune Response: Glioma-Associated Immunosuppression

Gliomas such as glioblastoma have a complex relationship with the immune system. Glioblastomas have a harshly immunosuppressive microenvironment due in large part to the expression of multiple factors by tumor cells that inhibit T-cell responses. In addition, glioblastomas are heavily infiltrated with monocytic cells. These cells appear to have become immunosuppressive under the influence of the tumor and share characteristics with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. To a lesser degree, gliomas have T-cell infiltrates. Similarly, these largely appear to have adopted the immunosuppressive phenotype of regulatory T cells. Glioblastoma patients also have marked systemic immunosuppression characterized by globally reduced T-cell counts and impaired T-cell function coupled with increased circulating immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The relationships between these various immunosuppressive cell populations, their impact on T cells, and their implications for immunotherapies are reviewed in this chapter.
Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues—An Untapped Biospecimen for Biomonitoring DNA Adducts by Mass Spectrometry

The measurement of DNA adducts provides important information about human exposure to genotoxic chemicals and can be employed to elucidate mechanisms of DNA damage and repair. DNA adducts can serve as biomarkers for interspecies comparisons of the biologically effective dose of procarcinogens and permit extrapolation of genotoxicity data from animal studies for human risk assessment. One major challenge in DNA adduct biomarker research is the paucity of fresh frozen biopsy samples available for study. However, archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues with clinical diagnosis of disease are often available. We have established robust methods to recover DNA free of crosslinks from FFPE tissues under mild conditions which permit quantitative measurements of DNA adducts by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The technology is versatile and can be employed to screen for DNA adducts formed with a wide range of environmental and dietary carcinogens, some of which were retrieved from section-cuts of FFPE blocks stored at ambient temperature for up to nine years. The ability to retrospectively analyze FFPE tissues for DNA adducts for which there is clinical diagnosis of disease opens a previously untapped source of biospecimens for molecular epidemiology studies that seek to assess the causal role of environmental chemicals in cancer etiology.
Socialization for Primary, Intimate, and Work Relationships in the Adult Life Course

This chapter initially addresses conceptual and methodological approaches to socialization, followed by consideration of how individuals are socialized for adult primary relationships and intimacy, for parenting, for work, and for balancing work and family. Socialization processes are highlighted that promote the development of gender and sexual identities and intimate relationships, particularly in adolescence, a key period for relationship socialization. Socialization in stable relationship contexts, as well as that which occurs in the face of relationship dissolution, is addressed. In view of historical change in the workplace, socialization to work is examined in multiple settings: in families, in post-secondary educational settings, and in early occupational careers. The decline of job opportunities for young people has undermined anticipatory socialization processes in the work domain. Socialization for adult roles in general has become increasingly prolonged, individualized, and diverse as a result of the lengthened transition to adulthood and broad social and cultural change.
Understanding a Vicious Cycle: The Relationship Between Student Discipline and Student Academic Outcomes:

While numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between exclusionary discipline and negative student outcomes, this relationship is likely confounded by other factors related to the underlyi...
RANDOM MATRICES: SHARP CONCENTRATION OF EIGENVALUES

Let be a Wigner matrix whose entries have vanishing third moment, normalized so that the spectrum is concentrated in the interval [-2, 2]. We prove a concentration bound for NI = NI(Wn), the number of eigenvalues of Wn in an interval I. Our result shows that NI decays exponentially with standard deviation at most O(logO(1) n). This is best possible up to the constant exponent in the logarithmic term. As a corollary, the bulk eigenvalues are localized to an interval of width O(logO(1) n/n); again, this is optimal up to the exponent. These results strengthen recent results of Erdős, Yau and Yin (under the extra assumption of vanishing third moment). Our proof is relatively simple and relies on the Lindeberg replacement argument.
A Communication and Instruction Approach to Embodied Cultural and Social Capital at a Public, 4-Year University.

ABSTRACTIn this study, we explore how students identify and navigate the social structure of higher education and how, in doing so, they communicatively (re)produce socializing norms. To this end, ...
A New Digital Current Control Algorithm for Boost Converter

In this paper, a new digital current control algorithm is proposed to improve the dynamic and steady state performance of a boost converter. Without the utilization of zero-average model, the inductor current trajectory is analyzed based on the actual switching model of boost converter. By sampling the inductor current, input voltage, and output voltage at the beginning of each switching cycle, the turn-on time and the inductor current trajectory in this switching cycle can be calculated. With the proposed control algorithm, the inductor current response time is improved within a few switching cycles. The well-known subharmonic phenomenon, chaos phenomenon, and non-minimum phase phenomenon of boost converter are also eliminated.
Using Tactile and Multimodal Notifications on Smart Watches in Clinical Settings

Recent research has explored the use of wearable/hand-free devices, such as smartwatches, in clinical settings. Smart watch, in particular, can display information in different modalities, includin...
Cybersmart: Protect the Patient, Protect the Data

Abstract The theme for recent national cybersecurity campaigns emphasized personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Personal and professional cyber lines blur as individuals become linked through the integration of the Internet of Things. The responsibility of health care providers to “protect the patient, protect the data” has become a 24/7 obligation. Interprofessional staff add to the challenge. Leadership teams should advance cybersecurity plans to meet the needs of areas such as radiology and support interprofessional education and training for the “connected nurse.”
Radiosurgery of Acoustic Schwannomas

Acoustic schwannomas are benign tumors of the 8 cranial nerve sheath that can affect function of the fifth, seventh, and eighth cranial nerves as well as compress the brainstem. Careful detailed assessment with long observations times is needed with these slow-growing tumors to detect recurrence/progression or complications whenever observation, surgery, or radiation treatment is used for management. Management choices for these tumors have evolved and been refined considerably since the introduction of radiosurgery. This chapter reviews the use of radiosurgery in the management of acoustic schwannomas and covers background information necessary for understanding the optimal management of patients with these tumors.
Improved design of noise transfer functions with monotonic passband response for Delta-Sigma modulators

A method for the design of a noise transfer function (NTF) is presented in which the stopband of a continuous-time high-pass filter with monotonic passband characteristics is minimised by optimally placing an arbitrary number of imaginary-axis zeros. Towards this end, the Papoulis, Halpern, and least-squares monotonic polynomials have been used in the high-pass filter design. The NTF is derived by applying the bilinear transformation on a continuous-time high-pass filter that minimises the in-band energy and satisfies all the realisability constraints of a Delta-Sigma modulator (DSM). By way of examples, it is shown that the signal-to-quantisation noise ratio achieved by the NTF designed by the proposed method is higher than that obtained by the NTF designed using a recently published method. The signal-to-noise ratio of the NTF designed with the proposed method is higher for a wide range of signal amplitude.
Outcomes for Patients with Residual Stage II/III Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (AFT-01)

Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy has a demonstrated survival advantage; however, outcomes for non-pCR by receptor status are less understood. We sought to evaluate survival and distant recurrence by receptor status for patients with residual stage II/III breast cancer. A stage-stratified random sample of 11,366 patients with stage II–III breast cancer in 2006–2007 was selected from 1217 facilities in the National Cancer Database for a Commission on Cancer Special Study. We identified patients with residual pathologic stage II/III cancer who received standard of care therapy based on receptor status. Distant recurrence and 5-year survival were abstracted and Kaplan–Meier curves were generated by receptor status. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for death and distant recurrence. A total of 734 patients had residual disease; 58%, 28%, and 14% were ER or PR+/Her2neu−, ER and PR−/Her2neu−, and Her2neu+ (any ER/PR), respectively. ER and PR−/Her2neu− cancers had the poorest 5-year overall (52% vs. 82% for Her2neu+ and ER or PR+/Her2neu−, p < 0.0001) and distant recurrence-free survival (57% vs. 72% Her2neu+ and 77% ER or PR+/Her2neu, p < 0.0001). Cox regression models demonstrated a higher likelihood of distant recurrence and death for patients with ER and PR−/Her2neu− disease (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.56–3.24 and HR 3.19, 95% CI 2.20–4.64 respectively) compared with ER or PR+/Her2neu−. Patients with residual ER and PR−/Her2neu− cancer have a significant risk of distant recurrence and mortality compared with other breast cancer types, supporting the consideration for additional adjuvant therapy and novel clinical trials in this cohort. Trial registry number ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02171078
Reduction of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection Through Focus on the Mesosystem: Standardization, Data, and Accountability.

Introduction Efforts to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates require strong microsystems for success. However, variation in practices across units leads to challenges in ensuring accountability. We redesigned the organization's mesosystem to provide oversight and alignment of microsystem efforts and ensure accountability in the context of the macrosystem. We implemented an A3 framework to achieve reductions in CLABSI through adherence to known evidence-based bundles. Methods We conducted this CLABSI reduction improvement initiative at a 395-bed freestanding, academic, university-affiliated children's hospital. A mesosystem-focused A3 emphasized bundle adherence through 3 key drivers (1) practice standardization, (2) data transparency, and (3) accountability. We evaluated the impact of this intervention on CLABSI rates during the pre-intervention (01/15-09/17) and post-intervention (07/18-06/19) periods using a Poisson model controlling for baseline trends. Results Our quarterly CLABSI rates during the pre-intervention period ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line-days. With the mesosystem in place, CLABSI rates ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 per 1,000 central line days during the post-intervention period. Adjusting for secular trends, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the post versus pre-intervention CLABSI rate of 71%. Conclusion Our hospital-wide CLABSI rate declined for the first time in many years after the redesign of the mesosystem and a focus on practice standardization, data transparency, and accountability. Our approach highlights the importance of alignment across unit-level microsystems to ensure high-fidelity implementation of practice standards throughout the healthcare-delivery system.
Chapter 170 – Molting

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses molting that is the process of producing a new cuticle and the subsequent shedding of the old cuticle. The cuticle is the outer covering of the insect and is its exoskeleton to which the muscles are attached. The outermost layer is called the epicuticle; under this is the exocuticle followed by the endocuticle. In some systems, the exo- and endocuticle are classed together as the procuticle. In some insects, only the epi- and exocuticle are deposited before ecdysis, with the endocuticle following ecdysis, whereas in others, some endocuticle may be deposited before ecdysis. The epicuticle is composed of only protein, whereas the exo- and endocuticle contain both chitin and protein in varying proportions depending on the type of cuticle, that is, whether rigid or flexible. Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine and can be cross-linked to the protein components of the cuticle in a process called sclerotization. After sclerotization the insect is able to move, feed, fly, etc. The rigid parts of the cuticle are then set and cannot be expanded, whereas flexible cuticle may expand either by a simple unfolding of the new epicuticle or in response to hormonal signals. When the epicuticle has completely unfolded, further expansion is impossible and the larva must molt in order to grow further. Molting is also necessary at the end of larval life for metamorphosis.
Assessing the Demand for Teleophthalmology in Florida Emergency Departments

Background: Teleophthalmology programs are expanding, but have not been adapted into many emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. Introduction: Determining the potential demand for teleop...
Decentralized but Globally Coordinated Biodiversity Data.

Centralized biodiversity data aggregation is too often failing societal needs due to pervasive and systemic data quality deficiencies. We argue for a novel approach that embodies the spirit of the Web (“small pieces loosely joined”) through the decentralized coordination of data across scientific languages and communities. The upfront cost of decentralization can be offset by the long-term benefit of achieving sustained expert engagement, higher-quality data products, and ultimately more societal impact for biodiversity data. Our decentralized approach encourages the emergence and evolution of multiple self-identifying communities of practice that are regionally, taxonomically, or institutionally localized. Each community is empowered to control the social and informational design and versioning of their local data infrastructures and signals. With no single aggregator to exert centralized control over biodiversity data, decentralization generates loosely connected networks of mid-level aggregators. Global coordination is nevertheless feasible through automatable data sharing agreements that enable efficient propagation and translation of biodiversity data across communities. The decentralized model also poses novel integration challenges, among which the explicit and continuous articulation of conflicting systematic classifications and phylogenies remain the most challenging. We discuss the development of available solutions, challenges, and outline next steps: the global effort of coordination should focus on developing shared languages for data signal translation, as opposed to homogenizing the data signal itself.
Metatheme Analysis: A Qualitative Method for Cross-Cultural Research:

In recent years, there has been a florescence of cross-cultural research using ethnographic and qualitative data. This cutting-edge work confronts a range of significant methodological challenges, ...