cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared investigation of water in comet P/Halley

Gaseous, neutral water was detected in the coma of comet P/Halley during infrared (IR) observations from the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). High resolution spectra revealed intense, solar-pumped IR fluorescent emission in the (001–000) band of H2O near λ ~ 2.65 µm. Three lines of the (011–010) “hot” band were also observed. In this paper, we summarize the results of our KAO H2O investigation. Besides detecting H2O and measuring its absolute production rate, we measured its spatial distribution, temporal variability, outflow velocity, and have determined the H2O ortho/para ratio. The measured line intensities imply that water in the coma is rotationally relaxed, as predicted by recent nonthermal equilibrium models. However, significant differences in excitation are detected between a fluorescence equilibrium model and the observed spectra, and these differences may yield important information on the coma kinetic temperature. We find that the aperture-averaged excitation temperatures for the low-lying rotational transitions are ~ 40 K, indicating that the coma kinetic temperature is extremely cold. Excitation differences are also detected between the pre- and post-perihelion data, and between nucleus-centered and offset exposures. Swings effects may explain some of the differences. We have detected significant short-term temporal variations in the H2O line intensities, and find a strong pre- to post-perihelion asymmetry (a factor of ~ 7) in the water production rate at a heliocentric distance of ~ 1 AU. Finally, we comment on possible future directions for high resolution IR spectroscopy of comets.
Feedback-Controlled Forcefully Attached Flow on a Stalled Airfoil

pressure coefficient to keep the flow attached. Sincea dimensionless pressure coefficient is required for this purpose, two similar sensors were installed in the pitot-static tube that monitored the freestream velocity. The impact of the time delay on the stability of the controller was briefly discussed and accounted for. The robustness of the controller was demonstrated under varying freestream velocities.
Strengths only or strengths and relative weaknesses? A preliminary study.

Does working on developing character strengths and relative character weak- nesses cause lower life satisfaction than working on developing character strengths only? The present study provides a preliminary answer. After 76 college students completed the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (C. Peterson & M. E. P. Seligman, 2004), the authors randomly assigned them to work on 2 character strengths or on 1 character strength and 1 relative weakness. Combined, these groups showed significant gains on the Satisfac- tion With Life Scale (E. Diener, R. A. Emmons, R. J. Larsen, & S. Griffin, 1985), compared with a 32-student no-treatment group. However, there was no significant difference in gain scores between the 2-strengths group and the 1-character-strength-and-1-relative-character- weakness group. The authors discuss how focusing on relative character weaknesses (along with strengths) does not diminish—and may assist in increasing—life satisfaction.
Aggregate Silk Gland Secretions of Araneoid Spiders

Aggregate silk glands (Ag) of araneoid spiders are unusual because their products are not dry fibers but aqueous secretions, best known for acting as glues that aid in prey capture. We review what is currently known regarding the composition and occurrence of these secretions among builders of orb webs (primarily Nephilidae, Araneidae), cobwebs (Theridiidae), and sheet webs (Linyphiidae) and how the use of these secretions differs among these three lifestyles. For cobweb builders, the separation of the two pairs of Ag into morphologically, compositionally, and functionally distinct “typical” and “atypical” Ag types adds further complexity to an understanding of their secretions. Possible roles played by small molecule components of Ag secretions and aspects of their synthesis are considered. In orb webs and cobwebs, aggregate secretions produce the sticky droplets on the web’s sticky spiral and gumfoot lines, respectively. The droplets, at least in orb webs, are not homogeneous, and we discuss current ideas on organization and function within the droplets. We also review recent work on the physical behavior of sticky droplets in orb webs and cobwebs. This includes the recognition that adhesive force generated in orb webs is attributable to more than just the glycoprotein glue’s adhesion to a surface. Limits imposed by natural selection on the stickiness of the glue are also discussed.
Temporal Modeling of Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF) in Coastal Vegetation

The bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) is a theoretical concept that describes the relationship between a target's irradiance geometry and the viewing angle of the sensor relative to the target. The BRDF can significantly affect the radiometric quality of remotely sensed data, particularly in off-nadir views. This research used a NASA Sandmeier Field Goniometer (SFG) to collect hourly canopy spectral reflectance at 76 hemispherical angles at two study sites within the North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve during late winter (March 2000—low live biomass and high dead biomass) and late summer (October 2000—high live biomass and low dead biomass). The objective of this research was to compare and quantify the temporal differences of high spectral and angular resolution BRDF diurnal data for smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) communities. These data were collected to model and quantify BRDF canopy patterns as they relate to in situ biophysical measurements and phe...
Synchronization and portfolio performance of threatened salmon

Interpopulation variation in dynamics can buffer species against environmental change. We compared population synchrony in a group of threatened Chinook salmon in the highly impacted Snake River basin (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) to that in the sockeye salmon stock complex of less impact Bristol Bay (Alaska). Over the last 40 years, >90% of populations in the Snake River basin became more synchronized with one another. However, over that period, sockeye populations from Alaska did not exhibit systemic changes in synchrony. Coincident with increasing Snake River population synchrony, there was an increase in hatchery propagation and the number of large dams, potentially homogenizing habitats and populations. A simulation using economic portfolio theory revealed that synchronization of Snake River salmon decreased risk-adjusted portfolio performance (the ratio of portfolio productivity to variance) and decreased benefits of population richness. Improving portfolio performance for exploited species, especially given future environmental change, requires protecting a diverse range of populations and the varied habitats upon which they depend.
Erythema Multiforme and Drug Reactions

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated mucocutaneous condition that characteristically presents with acrally distributed targetoid lesions. The disease is often self-limited, and treatment is frequently unnecessary. Although many factors have been associated with EM, the study of EM remains difficult due to various inconsistencies in terminology. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes the vast majority of EM cases, but drugs and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are also described in the literature. EM-like drug reactions are likely of different pathogenesis than herpes-associated EM. Drug reactions are frequently implicated in more serious disease, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can show papules and plaques that are targetoid lesions of EM. Thus, making the clinical distinction between EM and its more severe counterparts is crucial.
Effects of response and stability on scheduling in distributed computing systems

An examination is made of the effects of response and stability on scheduling algorithms for general-purpose distributed computing systems. Response characterizes the time required, following a perturbation in the system state, to reach a new equilibrium state. Stability is a measure of the ability of a mechanism to detect when the effects of further actions will not improve the system state as defined by a user-defined objective. These results have implications for distributed computations in general. Analysis is based on formal communicating finite automata models of two distinct approaches to the scheduling problem, each using the objective of global optimal load balancing. The results indicate that absolute stability is not always necessary in dynamic systems for the same reasons that relatively small amounts of instability are tolerated in the design of analog control systems. It is shown that response is a very important first-order metric of dynamic scheduling behavior, and that response and stability are related. >
Movement reproduction and obstacle avoidance with dynamic movement primitives and potential fields

Robots in a human environment need to be compliant. This compliance requires that a preplanned movement can be adapted to an obstacle that may be moving or appearing unexpectedly. Here, we present a general framework for movement generation and mid-flight adaptation to obstacles. For robust motion generation, Ijspeert et al developed the framework of dynamic movement primitives which represent a demonstrated movement with a set of differential equations. These equations allow adding a perturbing force without sacrificing stability of the desired movement. We extend this framework such that arbitrary movements in end-effector space can be represented - which was not possible before. Furthermore, we include obstacle avoidance by adding to the equations of motion a repellent force - a gradient of a potential field centered around the obstacle. In addition, this article compares different potential fields and shows how to avoid obstacle-link collisions within this framework. We demonstrate the abilities of our approach in simulations and with an anthropomorphic robot arm.
Fine structure of the malaria parasite Plasmodium lophurae developing extracellularly in vitro.

SYNOPSIS Duck malaria parasites (Plasmodium lophurae), synchronized at the uninucleate trophozoite stage, were freed from their host erythrocytes by immune lysis and cultured extracellularly in duck erythrocyte extract medium. At 0 time, 1, 2, and 3 days, samples were taken for light and electron microscopy and for measurement of incorporation of [14C]-methionine or [14C]-proline. For 2 days the parasites developed fairly normally, progressing from large trophozoites-early schizonts at 1 day to segmenters-forming merozoites at 2 days. However, the 3-day samples showed signs of deterioration: incorporation of amino acids dropped; the percentage degenerate cells rose; the progression of developmental stages slowed. At the fine structure level 2 abnormalities were observed which may indicate the limits of extracellular cultivation in vitro. Through 2 days of culture all parasites were surrounded by 2 membranes. The 3-day samples contained some organisms with only one membrane, which may have arisen from merozoites produced extracellularly. The 2nd alteration was in the food vacuoles, which were progressively fewer, smaller, and less dense in the cultured samples and may indicate an abnormality in the extracellular parasite's feeding mechanism.
Prolonged decrease of serum prolactin in rat by an ester prodrug of apomorphine

Abstract (1) An O , O ′-diester of apomorphine mimicked the prolactin-lowering action of apomorphine in the estrogen-primed male rat. (2) Its effects were somewhat slower in onset, but much longer-lasting than those of apomorphine. (3) These effects closely parallel previously observed long-lasting behavioral effects in rodents following the administration of apomorphine esters. (4) We believe these effects are mediated by central dopaminergic actions of apomorphine slowly liberated from these ester “prodrugs” by esterase hydrolysis.
High-bandwidth network memory system through virtual pipelines

As network bandwidth increases, designing an effective memory system for network processors becomes a significant challenge. The size of the routing tables, the complexity of the packet classification rules, and the amount of packet buffering required all continue to grow at a staggering rate. Simply relying on large, fast SRAMs alone is not likely to be scalable or cost-effective. Instead, trends point to the use of low-cost commodity DRAM devices as a means to deliver the worst-case memory performance that network data-plane algorithms demand. While DRAMs can deliver a great deal of throughput, the problem is that memory banking significantly complicates the worst-case analysis, and specialized algorithms are needed to ensure that specific types of access patterns are conflict-free. We introduce virtually pipelined memory, an architectural technique that efficiently supports high bandwidth, uniform latency memory accesses, and high-confidence throughput even under adversarial conditions. Virtual pipelining provides a simple-to-analyze programming model of a deep pipeline (deterministic latencies) with a completely different physical implementation (a memory system with banks and probabilistic mapping). This allows designers to effectively decouple the analysis of their algorithms and data structures from the analysis of the memory buses and banks. Unlike specialized hardware customized for a specific data-plane algorithm, our system makes no assumption about the memory access patterns. We present a mathematical argument for our system's ability to provably provide bandwidth with high confidence and demonstrate its functionality and area overhead through a synthesizable design. We further show that, even though our scheme is general purpose to support new applications such as packet reassembly, it outperforms the state-of-the-art in specialized packet buffering architectures.
Further evidence that a single dose of an opiate can increase dopamine receptor sensitivity in mice

Abstract Previous findings in our laboratory indicated that a single administration of morphine or levorphanol to mice could induce the development of supersensitive dopamine receptors. To further study this phenomenon, the ability of haloperidol to inhibit dopamine agonist-induced climbing was determined in mice 3 h following morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) or levorphanol (2.0 mg/kg i.p.) pretreatment. The dose of haloperidol required to inhibit climbing behavior induced by 2.4 mg/kg (i.p.) of apomorphine or (−)N-n-propylnorapomorphine was increased significantly in the opiate-pretreated mice. Morphine pretreatment did not significantly affect the apparent pA2 of apomorphine-haloperidol for climbing behavior suggesting that the affinity of the dopamine receptor was not altered. This observation was supported by a lack of difference in the Kd of haloperidol binding sites between saline- and morphine-pretreated mice. There was, however, a significant increase in the Bmax in the morphine-pretreated animals. This increase was blocked when 5 mEq/kg of lithium (i.p.) or 5 mg/kg naloxone (i.p., administered twice) was administered concurrently with the morphine. Concurrent lithium or naloxone administration also attenuated the morphine-induced increase in dose of haloperidol required to inhibit dopamine agonist-induced climbing behavior. These results suggest that a single administration of an opiate can cause the development of dopamine receptor supersensitivity which is due to an increase in dopamine receptor density.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal modeling and noise reduction using wavelet neural networks

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal has been widely used in cardiac pathology to detect heart disease. In this paper, wavelet neural network (WNN) is studied for ECG signal modeling and noise reduction. WNN combines the multi-resolution nature of wavelets and the adaptive learning ability of artificial neural networks, and is trained by a hybrid algorithm that includes the Adaptive Diversity Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (ADLPSO) and the gradient descent optimization. Computer simulation results demonstrate this proposed approach can successfully model the ECG signal and remove high-frequency noise.
Energy Delay Tradeoff in Cloud Offloading for Multi-Core Mobile Devices

Cloud offloading is considered a promising approach for both energy conservation and storage/computation enhancement for resource-limited mobile devices. In this paper, we present a Lyapunov optimization-based scheme for cloud offloading scheduling, as well as download scheduling for cloud execution output, for multiple applications running in a mobile device with a multi-core CPU. We derive an online algorithm and prove performance bounds for the proposed algorithm with respect to average power consumption and average queue length, which is indicative of delay, and reveal the fundamental tradeoff between the two optimization goals. The performance of the proposed online scheduling scheme is validated with trace-driven simulations.
Solid-Solid-Fluid Systems

In this chapter the heat transfer in solid-solid-fluid systems with thermal nonequilibrium between the phase pairs will be examined. In the simplest of these systems, one of the solid phases has a simple geometry and bounds (in part) the other solid phase and the fluid phase. The second solid phase can be dispersed (as elements) into the fluid, and when there is no phase change this will be the particles-fluid flow around solid surfaces. These particles-fluid flows are divided into two classes. One is the particulate flows, where the fluid velocity is high enough such that there is a net (in the cross-section of the tube or channel) flow of particles. The second class is the fluidized beds, where the fluid velocity is low enough such that ideally there is no net (in the cross-section of the bed) flow of particles (i.e., particles recirculate in the bed). Chart 7.1 is based on this classification and gives further divisions in each class of the particles-fluid flow systems. Figures 7.1(a) and (b) render these two systems and shows that in practice there are also surfaces submerged in these flows. Figure 7.1(a) is for an internal particulate flow and heat transfer, where the net flow of particles and fluid is upward against the gravity vector.
Assessing Academic Advising: A Developmental Approach

This article describes one program's efforts at assessing academic advising as a part of the implicit curriculum. Following an initial survey undertaken by faculty members, student researchers were engaged to qualitatively study academic advising. Research, data, and statistics were evaluated to determine advising strengths and challenges for social work majors enrolled in a small public institution. Although most interviewees reported having good advising experiences, they suggested additional advisor contact, more handouts, expanded office hours, and monthly group meetings as possible improvements. University-sponsored training sessions for advisors were also recommended. Ways in which this assessment model can be replicated and recommendations for future efforts are offered.
Experimental study of regular and chaotic transients in a non-smooth system

Abstract This paper focuses on thoroughly exploring the finite-time transient behaviors occurring in a periodically driven non-smooth dynamical system. Prior to settling down into a long-term behavior, such as a periodic forced oscillation, or a chaotic attractor, responses may exhibit a variety of transient behaviors involving regular dynamics, co-existing attractors, and super-persistent chaotic transients. A simple and fundamental impacting mechanical system is used to demonstrate generic transient behavior in an experimental setting for a single degree of freedom non-smooth mechanical oscillator. Specifically, we consider a horizontally driven rigid-arm pendulum system that impacts an inclined rigid barrier. The forcing frequency of the horizontal oscillations is used as a bifurcation parameter. An important feature of this study is the systematic generation of generic experimental initial conditions, allowing a more thorough investigation of basins of attraction when multiple attractors are present. This approach also yields a perspective on some sensitive features associated with grazing bifurcations. In particular, super-persistent chaotic transients lasting much longer than the conventional settling time (associated with linear viscous damping) are characterized and distinguished from regular dynamics for the first time in an experimental mechanical system.
FrequencyDomain Analysis of Linear Control Systems

This chapter shows the frequency responses of the linearized lung mechanics model in underdamped and overdamped conditions. The complex function predicts how the lung mechanics model will respond to sinusoidal inputs of unit amplitude and all possible frequency values. The chapter illustrates one method of graphically representing the frequency response of the lung mechanics model. It demonstrates the utility of employing MATLAB to examine the frequency response of a known system. It determines the frequency response of the circulatory control model. The chapter shows SIMULINK implementation of this model. The algorithm embedded in Spectrum Analyzer is based on the following principle that is valid for all linear systems: The frequency response of the system under study can be derived by dividing the cross‐spectrum of the input and output by the spectrum of the input. The Spectrum Analyzer value allows the block to assign a timescale to the input and output data.
Optimization of CMOS-Compatible Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguides for Nonlinear Applications

We demonstrate the design and optimization of three CMOS-compatible hybrid plasmonic waveguide structures for nonlinear interactions. Our proposed hybrid waveguide structure provides the largest nonlinear phase shift compared to other designs.
Parametric Evaluation of Deployable Serrated Flaps On a Representative UCAV Configuration

A parametric investigation of the Deployable Serrated Flap (DSF) was tested for air vehicle flow control on a representative 4% Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV). Single, Tandem, and Tandem In Opposition Deployable Serrated Flaps were tested to establish the effect on air vehicle performance. The chordwise and spanwise location, flap length, flap height, flap deflection angle, serration effect, tandem flap spacing, and tooth alignment were varied to maximize lift-over-drag ratio and maximum lift coefficient at a local angle of attack. A six-component internal balance measured the aerodynamic forces and moments at a tunnel dynamic pressure of 43.3 psf. The results showed that the Tandem DSF and Tandem DSF In Opposition were most effective in increasing maximum local lift coefficient and lift-over-drag ratio, respectively. Increasing the flap height was found to greatly increase both lift coefficient and lift-over-drag. Tooth alignment had minor effects on performance. The effect of serrations was shown to increase lift coefficient but decrease lift-over-drag ratio. Locating the flaps at 0.21 y/b and for a length of 0.25 l/b were shown to offer the most aerodynamic improvement. The smallest deflected flap was seen to offer the greatest improvement in lift coefficient and lift-over-drag ratio. The largest deflected flap acted like an aerodynamic spoiler.
Quantitation of Differential Sensitivity of Human-Tumor Stem Cells to Anticancer Drugs

With a direct in vitro tumor-colony assay developed to measure sensitity of human-tumor stem cells to anticancer drugs, we performed 32 retrospective or prospective clinical studies in nine patients with myeloma and nine with ovarian cancer treated with standard agents that were tested in vitro. The results were clearly correlated (P is less than 0.00001). Unique patterns of sensitivity and resistance to the six drugs tested were observed for individual patients. In eight cases of myeloma and three of obarian carcinoma in vitro sensitivity corresponded with in vivo sensitivity whereas in one case of myeloma it did not. In vitro resistance correlated with clinical resistance in all five comparisons in myeloma and all 15 in ovarian cancer. We conclude that this assay shows sufficient promise to warrant larger-scale testing to determine its efficacy for selection of new agents and individualized cancer chemotherapy regimens.
Discussion of Multicyclic Hubbert Modeling as a Method for Forecasting Future Petroleum Production

Multicyclic Hubbert analysis of resource production, especially as it relates to forecasting future petroleum production, has received significant traction in scientific and public circles. Although in some cases this technique can be a valuable tool for understanding resource production, its usefulness as a predictor has at times been overstated. The effects of modeling parameters, such as the number of Hubbert cycles applied, can significantly limit the validity of the results obtained. Examples of multicyclic Hubbert analyses show that while this approach can be useful in certain circumstances, there are a number of implicit assumptions underlying the method that need to be understood when assessing the validity of forecasts derived from this approach.
Source anonymity in WSNs against global adversary based on low rate fake injections

Many of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) applications such as tracking and monitoring endangered species, and/or military applications in areas of interest require anonymity of the origin known as Source Location Privacy (SLP). The aim is to prevent unauthorized observers from tracing the source of a real event by analyzing the traffic on the network. Three different techniques: Dummy Uniform Distribution (DUD), Dummy Adaptive Distribution (DAD) and Controlled Dummy Adaptive Distribution (CAD)) are introduced to overcome the anonymity problem against a global adversary (which has the capability of analyzing and monitoring the entire network). Most of the current techniques try to prevent the adversary from perceiving the location and time of the real event whereas our proposed techniques confuse the adversary about the existence of the real event by introducing low rate fake messages which subsequently lead to location and time privacy. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed techniques improve delivery ratio and reduce the delay and overhead of a real event's packets while keeping a high level of anonymity.
Research on Financial Management of China's Charitable Organizations

The article summarized the classification,sources of donation and financial management of China's charitable organizations. In order to strengthen the financial management,the article brought up a set of suggestions and recommendations,which were to unify and regulate the accounting standards in charities,to draw up management systems specifically designed for charitable organizations,to refine laws and regulations related to charities,to strengthen the financial supervision ability of charitable organizations and to improve the overall quality of financial staff. In that case,the standards and regulation of China's charitable organizations could be further improved.
Memory effects of domain structures during displacive phase transitions; a high-temperature TEM study of quartz and anorthite

Memory effects ass~iated with the Dauphine twins in a quartz and the c-antiphase domains (c-APDs) in PI anorthite have been investigated by in situ hot-stage transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In a set of kinetic experiments, specimens were cycled about their transition temperatures, and changes in the Dauphine twin and c-APD positions were analyzed as a function of maximum annealing temperature and annealing time. The results indicate that Dauphine twins are strongly pinned by extended defects, such as Brazil twin and grain boundaries, dislocations, and surfaces. However, the memory displayed by Dauphine twin boundaries pinned by point defects degrades with higher annealing temperatures and longer annealing times. An Arrhenius analysis of this behavior yielded an average activation energy for point-defect diffusion of 68.6 kllmol. In contrast to the Dauphine twins of quartz, the c-APDs of anorthite did not appear to interact strongly with extended defects, and they exhibited a nearly perfect memory for all annealing times and temperatures tested. This extremely high fidelity is interpreted as evidence that the positions of c-APDs are fixed by localized AI-Si disorder, which remains unchanged when anorthite is heat treated at < 1000 DC.
SPACR in the IPM: Glycoprotein in Human, Proteoglycan in Mouse

In this study, we compared the predicted primary structure and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of the human and mouse IPM protein SPACR. Like SPACR in the human IPM, the mouse homologue contains a large central mucin-like domain flanked by consensus sites for N-linked oligosaccharide attachment; both contain one EGF-like domain and at least one HA-binding motif. Unlike human SPACR, which contains no conventional consensus sites for GAG attachment, SPACR in the mouse contains three. Biochemical studies of human and mouse SPACR protein indicate that this novel IPM molecule is a glycoprotein in human and a proteoglycan in the mouse. The presence of consensus sites for GAG attachment in the deduced sequence of SPACR in the mouse and the absence of these sites in human SPACR provide molecular verification of our biochemical results.
Positioning the Bariatric Patient in the OR

Positioning the bariatric patient to prepare to undergo surgical intervention is an important step in preventing complications in the perioperative period. An interprofessional unit is required with the combined efforts of the physician, the surgical nursing staff, and the anesthesia staff to prepare for an uneventful procedure [1, 2]. Patient immobility is a risk factor for complications and more so in the bariatric patient. Comfort and safety with prevention of injuries are the basis for some of the positioning tactics which will be discussed. Maintaining airway and circulation and exposure of operative site also need to be taken into account when positioning the bariatric patient for continued care throughout the case.
Clinically localized prostate cancer in 2017: A review of comparative effectiveness

Introducing the topic of comparative effectiveness for prostate cancer treatments with a reminder of the disease's heterogeneity risks tautology. However, the profound variation both in this cancer's biology and its clinical course is increasingly widely recognized, while management alternatives for clinically localized prostate cancer have exploded. Available options now include active surveillance, multiple surgical approaches to prostatectomy, various forms of external-beam and interstitial radiation, and a growing list of energy ablative technologies. Each treatment option has its own efficacy rate as well as its own set of complications, side effects and financial costs. Difficulties comparing these options, together with the high prevalence of the disease, led the Institute of Medicine to include localized prostate cancer among the top 25 priority conditions for future comparative effectiveness research. The sheer volume of possible treatment options, with their individual risks and benefits, can be confusing for patients and clinicians to research, understand and explain. To help clinicians navigate these treatment options, we have assembled this Urologic Oncology Seminar on the comparative effectiveness of treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. The articles focus on high quality evidence-based medicine and most have included useful tables summarizing seminal trials and available resources.
Ethical issues in cesarean delivery

Cesarean delivery is the most common and important surgical intervention in obstetric practice. Ethics provides essential guidance to obstetricians for offering, recommending, recommending against, and performing cesarean delivery. This chapter provides an ethical framework based on the professional responsibility model of obstetric ethics. This framework is then used to address two especially ethically challenging clinical topics in cesarean delivery: patient-choice cesarean delivery and trial of labor after cesarean delivery. This chapter emphasizes a preventive ethics approach, designed to prevent ethical conflict in clinical practice. To achieve this goal, a preventive ethics approach uses the informed consent process to offer cesarean delivery as a medically reasonable alternative to vaginal delivery, to recommend cesarean delivery, and to recommend against cesarean delivery. The limited role of shared decision making is also described. The professional responsibility model of obstetric ethics guides this multi-faceted preventive ethics approach.
Syringe-injectable mesh electronics integrate seamlessly with minimal chronic immune response in the brain

Implantation of electrical probes into the brain has been central to both neuroscience research and biomedical applications, although conventional probes induce gliosis in surrounding tissue. We recently reported ultraflexible open mesh electronics implanted into rodent brains by syringe injection that exhibit promising chronic tissue response and recording stability. Here we report time-dependent histology studies of the mesh electronics/brain-tissue interface obtained from sections perpendicular and parallel to probe long axis, as well as studies of conventional flexible thin-film probes. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of the perpendicular and parallel brain slices containing mesh electronics showed that the distribution of astrocytes, microglia, and neurons became uniform from 2-12 wk, whereas flexible thin-film probes yield a marked accumulation of astrocytes and microglia and decrease of neurons for the same period. Quantitative analyses of 4- and 12-wk data showed that the signals for neurons, axons, astrocytes, and microglia are nearly the same from the mesh electronics surface to the baseline far from the probes, in contrast to flexible polymer probes, which show decreases in neuron and increases in astrocyte and microglia signals. Notably, images of sagittal brain slices containing nearly the entire mesh electronics probe showed that the tissue interface was uniform and neurons and neurofilaments penetrated through the mesh by 3 mo postimplantation. The minimal immune response and seamless interface with brain tissue postimplantation achieved by ultraflexible open mesh electronics probes provide substantial advantages and could enable a wide range of opportunities for in vivo chronic recording and modulation of brain activity in the future.
Examining the Effects of Educational Technology Programs: Challenges and Strategies

This article explores some of the factors that complicate research on the effects of educational technologies and suggests strategies that researchers can employ to acquire more accurate estimates of the effects that digital technologies have on teaching, learning, and school quality. The factors explored here include: clearly defining goals of technology programs, placing outcomes in the context of implementation, measuring technology use, aligning outcome measures with goals and use, and employing statistical methods that account for the multilevel factors that influence technology use and adjust for intraclass correlations.
An Evaporative Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition Coater for Nanoglue Bonding

The authors present an evaporative initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) coater and use it to establish a submicron bonding process for millimeter-scale foils with potentially rough surface features. The coater uses a simple benchtop design suited to research labs, with pre-heated metal pins instead of hot filaments, and direct evaporation of reactants within the chamber. Coatings of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (pGMA) with thickness 100–800 nm are achieved at rates of 10–40 nm min−1 on substrates common in high energy laser compression experiments. Coating uniformities of 10–30 nm mm−1 are demonstrated in a ≈60 × 10 mm zone under the heated pins. As an aside, the authors further show the ability to coat intentionally non-uniform layers in a monomer vapor diffusion gradient. Coatings are formed on both plastics and solids ranging from smooth, non-burred silicon or lithium fluoride to rough and burred metals (aluminum and copper). These coated substrates are then chemically bonded under mild heat and pressure. Detailed surface, thickness, and cross-sectional characterization is performed to confirm a submicron bond gap and to troubleshoot the common clearance issues from burrs, roughness, and surface curvature. Peeling and dropping bond strength tests confirm the bonds are robust, when coated and assembled under conditions to mitigate clearance issues.
Gamification Strategies in a Hybrid Exemplary College Course.

Using technology in teaching and learning finds a wide adoption in recent years. 63.3% of chief academic leaders surveyed by the Babson Survey Research Group confirm that online education is critical to their long-term strategy. Modern engagement pedagogies, such as digital gamification, hold a promise of shaping student experience. While course builders and instructors investigate new technologies and teaching methods questions arise about the instructional quality of academic courses with online content or with gamification elements. In addition, students are not the digital natives many hoped them to be. 83% of millennials report sleeping with their smartphones, but 58% have poor skills in solving problems with technology. This paper reports on a gamefully designed course, delivered in a hybrid modality, which was selected through a peer review process as an exemplary course in consideration of instructional design. The course was evaluated according to the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program rubric. Gamification was introduced in three phases: player onboarding phase, player scaffolding phase, and player endgame. Various technologies involved in the course included: MyGame gamification mobile app, Blackboard Learn, Cengage Skills Assessment Manager, Kahoot, Amazon Alexa, Google Traveler, Twitter, and others. The course focused on gamification according to the short and long game theory to engage students during lectures (short game) and throughout the semester (long game).
Transport and Retention of Concentrated Oil-in-Water Emulsions in Porous Media.

Oil-in-water emulsions are routinely used in subsurface remediation. In these applications, high oil loadings present a challenge to remedial design as mechanistic insights into transport and retention of concentrated emulsions is limited. Column experiments were designed to examine emulsion transport and retention over a range of input concentrations (1.3–23% wt). Droplet breakthrough and retention data from low concentration experiments were successfully described by existing particle transport models. These models, however, failed to capture droplet transport in more concentrated systems. At high oil fraction, breakthrough curves exhibited an early fall at the end of the emulsion pulse and extending tailing. Irrespective of input concentration, all retention profiles displayed hyper-exponential behavior. Here, we extended existing model formulations to include the additional mixing processes occurring when at high oil concentrations—with focus on the influence of deposited mass and viscous instabilitie...
Digital Implementation of Light-Load Efficiency Improvement for High-Frequency LLC Converters With Simplified Optimal Trajectory Control

The light-load efficiency has drawn more and more attention for the LLC resonant converters in information technology industry. Burst mode is an effective and popular method to improve the light-load efficiency. The conventional burst-mode control has limited efficiency improvement on LLC converter due to the dynamics of the resonant tank. The simplified optimal trajectory control (SOTC) for burst mode can solve this issue by using optimal switching pattern for burst-on time. High-frequency LLC converters are emerging in recent years, thanks to the high power density and integrated magnetics. In this paper, the digital implementation of SOTC for burst mode and its limitation in high-frequency LLC converter are investigated. SOTC for adaptive burst mode is proposed and implemented by low-cost microcontrollers (MCUs) for high-frequency LLC converters. Furthermore, the digital implementation of SOTC for fast transient response between burst mode and normal operation of high-frequency LLC converter is proposed. The experimental results are demonstrated on a 500-kHz 1-kW 400 V/12 V LLC converter with a 60-MHz MCU, and the proposed control can achieve burst-mode operation from no load up to 26% load, 92.5% efficiency at 10% load, 91.8% efficiency at 2.4% load, and fast transient response between burst mode and normal operation.
Convergence: Fourier series vs. wavelet expansions

Wavelet bases were introduced in the 1980’s as new orthonormal bases of various spaces. Much has been studied on the theory of wavelets, and many applications have been made. Several interesting facts about wavelets can be found by examining convergence properties for wavelet expansions, and comparing them with similar properties for Fourier series.
Abstract LB-383: Towards automation of germline variant curation in cancer genetics

Cancer care professionals are now increasingly asked to interpret multiplexed gene sequencing of patients at hereditary risk for cancer. Assessments for variant classification now require orthogonal data searches, requiring aggregation of multiple lines of evidence from diverse resources. The burden of evidence required for each variant to meet thresholds for pathogenicity or actionability now poses a growing challenge for those seeking to counsel patients and families following germline genetic testing. A computational tool that automates, provides uniformity and significantly accelerates this interpretive process is required. The automated tool described here, Pathogenicity of Mutation Analyzer (PathoMAN) automates germline genomic variant curation from clinical sequencing based on ACMG guidelines. PathoMAN aggregates multiple tracks of genomic, protein and disease specific information from public sources. When compared against expert curation aggregated from three groups - (i) Prostate Cancer Study; (ii) Breast Cancer Study and (iii) ClinVar. PathoMAN achieves high concordance (83.1% pathogenic, 75.5% benign) and negligible discordance (0.04% pathogenic, 0.9% benign) when contrasted against expert curation. Loss of resolution (8.6% pathogenic, 23.64% benign) and gain of resolution (6.6% pathogenic, 1.6% benign) are observed. We highlight the advantages and weaknesses related to the use of programmable automation of variant classification. PathoMAN provides a substantial advance in rapid classification of genetic variants by generation of robust models using a knowledge-base of diverse genetic data. It is an easily accessible, web-based resource that allows rapid pathogenicity assessment of a large number of variants. We also propose a new nosology for the five ACMG classes to facilitate more accurate reporting to ClinVar. The proposed refinements will better structure ClinVar to allow automation in cancer susceptibility reporting. Such bioinformatics tools are an essential prerequisite to reduce the manual workload of domain level experts. Citation Format: Vignesh Ravichandran, Zarina Shameer, Kenneth Offit, Vijai Joseph. Towards automation of germline variant curation in cancer genetics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-383.
Modular Architecture of the STING C-Terminal Tail Allows Interferon and NF-κB Signaling Adaptation.

Summary Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a key regulator of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory responses during infection, cellular stress, and cancer. Here, we reveal a mechanism for how STING balances activation of IRF3- and NF-κB-dependent transcription and discover that acquisition of discrete signaling modules in the vertebrate STING C-terminal tail (CTT) shapes downstream immunity. As a defining example, we identify a motif appended to the CTT of zebrafish STING that inverts the typical vertebrate signaling response and results in dramatic NF-κB activation and weak IRF3-interferon signaling. We determine a co-crystal structure that explains how this CTT sequence recruits TRAF6 as a new binding partner and demonstrate that the minimal motif is sufficient to reprogram human STING and immune activation in macrophage cells. Together, our results define the STING CTT as a linear signaling hub that can acquire modular motifs to readily adapt downstream immunity.
Early postoperative compilations of bone filling in curettage defects

Curettage is widely used in orthopedic oncology; the defect created frequently requires filling for mechanical and functional stability for the bones and adjacent joint. Allograft, bone graft substitute, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are the most common substances used each with their benefits and drawbacks. The aim of the study is to show that good functional result can be achieved with curettage and bone filler, regardless of type. A series of 267 cases were reviewed between 1994 and 2015 who received curettage treatment and placement of a bone filler. Endpoints included fracture, infection, cellulitis, pulmonary embolism, and paresthesia. Complication rates at our single institution were compared against literature values for three study cohorts: allograft, bone graft substitute, and PMMA bone fillers. Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, and Z-score for two populations were used to compare our subset against literature values and between different bone filling types. Our cases included 18 autografts, 74 allografts, 121 bone graft substitute, and 54 PMMA of which the bulk of complications occurred. Our overall complication rate was 3.37%. Allograft has a complication rate of 1.35%, bone graft substitute of 4.13%, and PMMA of 5.56%. Other techniques did not yield any complications. Combination filling techniques PMMA + allograft and PMMA + bone graft substitute had sample sizes too small for statistical comparison. Statistical comparison yielded no significant difference between complications in any of the filling groups (P = 0.411). Some has even argued that bone defects following curettage do not require bone filling for good outcome. However, many structural or biologic benefits that aid in earlier return to functionality can be conferred by filling large bone defects. There was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between allograft, bone graft substitute, and PMMA when compared at our institution and with literature values. Nevertheless, one complication with a large defect filled with allograft, requiring a subsequent reconstruction using vascularized fibular graft. Taking everything into account, we see bone graft substitute as a suitable alternative to other bone filling modalities.