cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Familial risk for distress and fear disorders and emotional reactivity in adolescence: an event-related potential investigation.

BACKGROUND: The late positive potential (LPP) is an event-related potential component that is sensitive to the motivational salience of stimuli. Children with a parental history of depression, an indicator of risk, have been found to exhibit an attenuated LPP to emotional stimuli. Research on depressive and anxiety disorders has organized these conditions into two empirical classes: distress and fear disorders. The present study examined whether parental history of distress and fear disorders was associated with the LPP to emotional stimuli in a large sample of adolescent girls. METHOD: The sample of 550 girls (ages 13.5-15.5 years) with no lifetime history of depression completed an emotional picture-viewing task and the LPP was measured in response to neutral, pleasant and unpleasant pictures. Parental lifetime history of psychopathology was determined via a semi-structured diagnostic interview with a biological parent, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to model distress and fear dimensions. RESULTS: Parental distress risk was associated with an attenuated LPP to all stimuli. In contrast, parental fear risk was associated with an enhanced LPP to unpleasant pictures but was unrelated to the LPP to neutral and pleasant pictures. Furthermore, these results were independent of the adolescent girls' current depression and anxiety symptoms and pubertal status. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that familial risk for distress and fear disorders may have unique profiles in terms of electrocortical measures of emotional information processing. This study is also one of the first to investigate emotional/motivational processes underlying the distress and fear disorder dimensions. Language: en
From Apes and Thick Micks to the Fighting Irish: Cultural Misappropriation at the University of Notre Dame

Despite the continuing controversy surrounding the use of Native American mascots, little attention is paid to the Fighting Irish mascot at the University of Notre Dame. Although historically founded by a sect of French Catholic priests, the institution has formally used the Fighting Irish moniker for 87 years. Ironically, the team name came just six years after the Irish finally gained independence from Great Britain after hundreds of years of oppression. This paper, using comparative historical analysis, analyzes the history of the Irish in America as well as the University of Notre Dame to better understand whether the Fighting Irish symbolism is a form of cultural imperialism in use at one of America’s premier educational institutions. Drawing on the work of Edward Said on cultural imperialism, the University of Notre Dame licensing and mascot program promotes a dialogue that “others” a national group that has historically faced injustice and mockery.
Mesenteric Lymphatic Cyst : a case report

ABSTRACT: Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas are relatively rare congenital malformations, predominantly found in the pediatric age group. This report describes a case of a large mesenteric lymphatic cyst in a 3-year old child. The differential diagnosis and modalities of treatment are also discussed.
Differences in utero in activities of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in adrenals of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. We sought to determine if catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) differed from those of normotensive Wistar—Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague—Dawley (SD) control rats before birth. 2. By immunocytochemical and biochemical methods we compared strains for the time of appearance and maturation of the enzymes tyrosine hydroylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine- N -methyltransferase (PNMT) in sympathetic ganglia and adrenals. 3. The time of appearance of enzymes was identical in all three strains: TH and DBH first appeared in sympathetic ganglia on embryonic day 11 (E11) and in adrenal medulla on E16. PNMT, restricted to adrenal medulla, appeared later on E18. 4. The activity of adrenal TH prenatally on E18 and E21 and at day of birth (P1) in SHR was approximately two fold that in WKY or SD rats. In contrast PNMT was lower in SHR but only on E18. 5. Thus, although the timing of the first expression of adrenergic phenotypes is similar in SHR and normotensive controls, the differences in TH activity in adrenals suggest an enhanced biosynthetic capacity for catecholamines in this strain before birth. 6. We conclude that SHR differ from normotensive rats from the first expression of some of the genes controlling catecholamine biosynthesis.
Storywise Plastic Design for Multistory Steel Frames

A rational method is developed for the plastic analysis and design of both braced and unbraced multistory steel frames. The method is applicable to the design of rectangular multistory planar steel frames with coplanar loading. A minimum section property configuration is determined to resist the factored gravity load condition alone. A story-by-story optimization procedure is then utilized to determine a favorable force distribution in the frame in order to minimize the additional steel that may be required to resist the factored combination wind plus gravity load condition. For both braced and unbraced frames the method proportions beams, columns, and braces in accordance with the 1970 AISC Manual of Steel Construction Specifications. For braced frames, the method also examines the question of where bracing members should be located, given that there is some flexibility in this regard. An iterative design procedure is used to account for the P-Δ effects. The method described is part of a larger system which also includes a consideration of elastic stress and elastic lateral deflection constraints.
Human rights protections and HIV prevalence among MSM who sell sex: Cross-country comparisons from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laws and policies can affect the HIV risk of key populations through a number of direct and indirect pathways. We investigated the association between HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex and language in the penal code protecting sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM), and sex workers. HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex was assessed through meta-analysis of published literature and country surveillance reports. Meta-regression was used to determine the association between HIV prevalence and protective laws for sexual minorities and sex workers. Sixty-six reports representing 28 countries and 31,924 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Controlling for multiple study- and country-level variables, legal protection for sexual minorities was associated with a 10.9% (95% CI: 3.8-18.0%) and sex workers associated with a 7.0% (95% CI: 1.3-12.8%) decrease in country-level HIV prevalence among men who engage in transactional sex. Laws that seek to actively protect sex workers and MSM may be necessary to decrease HIV risk for this key population.
Studies on phenylketonuria. IV. Serum proteins in phenylketonuria.

Summary1. The greatly increased blood levels of phenylalanine that occur in phenylketonuria do not cause a significant quantitative alteration from normal of the serum protein pattern. 2. Occasional serums of children with phenylketonuria contain abnormal β-globulins. These abnormalities disappear when they are fed phenylalanine-low diets and the blood phenylalanine is lowered to the normal range. There appears to be no correlation between the presence of the abnormal β-globulins and the degree of mental impairment. 3. It is suggested that the abnormal globulins are manifestations of slight liver dysfunction.
Molecular features of product release for the PKA catalytic cycle.

Although ADP release is the rate limiting step in product turnover by protein kinase A, the steps and motions involved in this process are not well resolved. Here we report the apo and ADP bound structures of the myristylated catalytic subunit of PKA at 2.9 and 3.5 A resolution, respectively. The ADP bound structure adopts a conformation that does not conform to the previously characterized open, closed, or intermediate states. In the ADP bound structure, the C-terminal tail and Gly-rich loop are more closed than in the open state adopted in the apo structure but are also much more open than the intermediate or closed conformations. Furthermore, ADP binds at the active site with only one magnesium ion, termed Mg2 from previous structures. These structures thus support a model where ADP release proceeds through release of the substrate and Mg1 followed by lifting of the Gly-rich loop and disengagement of the C-terminal tail. Coupling of these two structural elements with the release of the first metal ion fills in a key step in the catalytic cycle that has been missing and supports an ensemble of correlated conformational states that mediate the full catalytic cycle for a protein kinase.
Comment on "Problems with Mannheim's conformal gravity program"

Recently in Phys. Rev. D 88, 027504 (2013), Yoon has suggested that there may be problems for the nonrelativistic limit of the conformal gravity theory. Here we show that Yoon's results only hold because of the assumption that gravitational sources can be treated the same way that they are treated in standard Newton-Einstein gravity. Since such an assumption violates the theory's underlying conformal invariance, Yoon's conclusions are invalidated.
Ovipositional Preference of the Corn Earworm and the Development of Trichomes on Two Exotic Corn Selections

Two exotic corn, Zea mays L., collections, Antigua 2D-118 (Ant) and Cacahuacintle Crosses (Cac.C), were tested in the greenhouse for ovipositional preference by the moth of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and were monitored in the greenhouse and field for number of trichomes per unit area of leaves. In the greenhouse, corn earworm moths preferred to oviposit on the adaxial surface of young leaves on the middle portion of the leaves. Ant was less preferred for oviposition than Cac.C. For either selection, trichomes did not appear on the 1st 2 leaves that emerged but increased steadily in number on leaves that emerged later until density was maximum on leaves 8–10. Ant plants matured 7–10 days later and had lower maximum density of trichomes (110/cm2) than Cac.C (160/cm2). A decline in trichome density after emergence of leaf 10 was steeper and more sustained for Cac.C than for Ant. Because isogenic lines of corn differing only for pubescence were not available, tests did not prove that ovipositional preference was due exclusively to trichome density of Cac. C and not in part to other traits of plants and trichomes. Trichomes of Ant are more pliable and less erect than those of Cac.C. Also, many small spines give Cac.C leaves a rough, harsh surface. The apparent association between leaf trichomes and oviposition suggests that delayed maturity and trichome development for Ant and the lack or limited number of trichomes on the 1st emerging leaves of both selections might be evolutionary responses that protect seedlings from insect attack.
Occurrence of Chlamydospores in Phytophthora Capsici

(1985). Occurrence of Chlamydospores in Phytophthora Capsici. Mycologia: Vol. 77, No. 5, pp. 832-835.
The evaluation of several functional fighter agility metrics using optimal trajectory analysis techniques

This paper examines several functional fighter agility metrics using optimal and non-optimal maneuvers for a generic F-18 type aircraft to investigate the sensitivity of these metrics to the control strategy used to test them. The maneuvers tested are 180 degree heading changes. The metrics tested are the Combat Cycle Time, the Dynamic Speed Turn agility plots, and the Relative Energy State metric. Significant improvements in the measured agility metrics are possible if an optimal control strategy is used to test them. For example, reductions in Combat Cycle Time of 60% with subsequent reductions in total velocity bleed rate of 80% are possible if an optimal maneuver is flown instead of a typical flight test maneuver. The specific agility improvements are vehicle airframe and control system dependent. However, the techniques used in this study are applicable to any aircraft and could provide insight into flight control system design, and into designing tactics for maximizing performance during air combat engagements.
City Adoption of Federal Performance Measurement Requirements: Perspectives from Community Development Block Grant Program Administrators

Performance measurement and management have become pervasive across levels of government and areas of programmatic emphasis. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement program, facing cuts and reorganization under the second Bush administration, adopted enhanced performance measurement as a tool to increase program-wide accountability. Entitlement cities vary in terms of organizational characteristics, including local goals, that affect their perception of, adoption of, and ultimately the success of HUD's federal performance measurement requirements. Goal incongruence is thought to shape city satisfaction with new federal performance measurement and reporting requirements. This article utilizes data from an original survey of CDBG program administrators and U.S. Census data to determine which factors affect city adoption of HUD performance measurement requirements. Results indicate varied satisfaction and effectiveness among local grant a...
Analysis on the carrier status of Streptococcus suis in healthy pigs in Jiangxi Province

Objective To investigate the infection situation of Streptococcus suis in apparent healthy pigs in Jiangxi Province and to provide the scientific basis for effectively prevent and control of Streptococcus suis infection. Methods Jingdezhen municipality and Chongren county was selected surveillance sites. The nasal swabs and tonsils from apparent healthy pigs were collected to isolate Streptococcus suis. Results A total of 301 nasal swabs and tonsils of apparent health pigs were collected, and two stains of Streptococcus suis type 2 without virulence gene mrp, sly, and ef were isolated. Conclusion The carrier rate of Streptococcus suis in apparent health pigs of Jiangxi Province in this survey was 0.66%.
Interaction of calcium with porcine adrenal chromogranin A (secretory protein-I) and chromogranin B (secretogranin I)

Secretory granules of endocrine cells contain one or more of the acidic secretory proteins chromogranin A (secretory protein-I), chromogranin B (secretogranin I), and secretogranin II (chromogranin C). It has been proposed that these proteins play a role in the packaging of secretory products. In the present study, lysates of purified porcine adrenal chromaffin granules containing chromogranins A and B and a putative chromogranin B fragment bound calcium and formed aggregates in the presence of 10-20 mM calcium at pH 5-6 and at 100 mM or less KCl, NaCl, or norepinephrine. The precipitates contained virtually all of the chromogranin B and the chromogranin B fragment and about one-third of the chromogranin A. The aggregates did not form or were dissociated at the pH and salt concentration of the extracellular fluid. Calcium precipitated purified chromogranin A and chromogranin B from pure solution to the same extent as from the granule lysates. Parathormone, added to the lysates, was incorporated in the precipitates, whereas the acidic secretory protein ovalbumin and norepinephrine were not. These findings suggest that secretory protein-I and secretogranin can exist in situ as aggregates that may include selected secretory products.
Kinetic Compensation between Ester-Bond Cleavage, Folding and Release from the Ribosome in Protein Biogenesis

In the healthy cell, bioactive proteins fold without aggregating. However, the mechanism of protein folding and release from the ribosome after completion of protein biosynthesis is still largely unknown. In this work, we focused on two bacterial single-domain monomeric model proteins: the alpha-helical globin ApoHmpH and the beta sheet cold shock protein A (CspA). We studied the kinetics of hydrolysis of the ester bond between the nascent polypeptides and the 3' end of the tRNA. In addition, we characterized the escape and folding of the model proteins from the ribosome. Time-resolved fluorescence depolarization in the frequency domain led to insights into the compaction of ribosome-bound and -released nascent proteins. Chain release was triggered by the antibiotic puromycin at concentrations yielding rates of ester bond cleavage similar to those of the naturally occurring release factors. Surprisingly, we found that departure of apoHmpH from the ribosome is rate-limited by the bond cleavage step and that escape from the ribosomal tunnel and completion of folding occur quickly afterwards. On the other hand, for the smaller beta-sheet protein CspA ester-bond cleavage is faster, and escape from the tunnel and folding occur more slowly. Yet, the overall rate of native protein production is comparable to that of apoHmpH. Overall, the ribosomal context promotes “temporally efficient” folding upon nascent protein release. We propose that the rapid combined rate of ribosome release and folding is tuned to prevent undesirable diffusion- and concentration-dependent aggregation in the cellular environment, at physiologically relevant concentrations.
Bleeding Associated with Thrombocytopenia

Platelets are important in the initial formation of the hemostatic plug. Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, can be caused by multiple abnormalities, ultimately resulting in mucosal and skin bleeding. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT), and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are three disorders that result from predominantly antibody-mediated platelet destruction and thrombocytopenia. ITP is an acquired autoimmune disorder with multifactorial etiology, including generation of antiplatelet autoantibodies. Treatment in children most often involves observation, but the severity in adults more often requires immunosuppression. HIT is a rare but potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by immune reaction and antibody formation upon heparin exposure. Treatment involves removal of heparin and initiation of direct thrombin or factor Xa inhibitors. TTP is a severe disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, anemia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia secondary to a decrease or absence in the von Willebrand factor protease ADAMTS13. Early recognition and treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange is critical in preventing the morbidity and mortality of the disorder. Platelet refractoriness is the failure to achieve the expected response to a platelet transfusion secondary to both non-immune and immune etiologies. Treatment involves transfusion of compatible platelets and treatment of an underlying triggering condition. The platelet function disorders are a group of hereditary or acquired disorders in which platelet function is defective. Treatment involves supportive therapy and platelet transfusion for significant bleeding.
Crossover from three-dimensional to two-dimensional vortex fluctuations in the irreversibility line of the Y1-xPrxBa2Cu3O7- delta (0 <~ x <~ 0.55) system.

It is shown that the temperature dependence of the irreversibility line B(T*) of the ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Pr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.97}$ (0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.55) system, inferred from magnetoresistance measurements, can be described by a Lindemann-type model of a vortex-solid\char21{}vortex-fluid phase transition triggered by vortex fluctuations. In this model, the previously observed transition in B(T*) from a power-law temperature dependence near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ to a more rapid dependence below T*/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.6 can be accounted for in terms of a crossover from three-dimensional (3D) to two-dimensional (2D) vortex fluctuations. For different x values, a lower limit for the anisotropy ratio \ensuremath{\gamma} and an upper limit for the crossover magnetic induction ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathrm{cr}}$ above which 2D vortex fluctuations dominate were determined. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Sprechen Sie vor der Behandlung über potenzielle Nebenwirkungen

Antiostrogene und Aromatasehemmer sind im allgemeinen gut vertraglich. Trotzdem sollten mogliche Nebenwirkungen im Vorfeld mit der Brustkrebspatientin besprochen werden, um den Begleiterscheinungen entweder rechzeitig vorzubeugen oder im Bedarfsfall sofort therapeutisch eingreifen zu konnen.
Social deference and hunger as mechanisms for starvation avoidance in cognitive radio societies

Wireless communication is an increasingly ubiquitous and important resource substrate of the digital ecosystem. In the face of the rapid growth in the population of Internet of Things (IoT), however, uncoordinated access to limited resources of radio spectrum is likely to lead to mass starvation. Here we put forward a new bio-social paradigm for cognitive radio, extending previous models in which the secondary users of spectrum alternate stochastically between foraging and consuming behaviors. In this paper, we ask and resolve two questions: (1) What costs and benefits does social deference to the group yield for each of the individuals therein? and (2) Can a notion of individual “hunger” form the basis of a distributed social deference scheme that is free of group coordination costs? Through a series of simulation experiments grounded in a well-specified formal model, we show that social deference improves both the fairness and the reliability of spectrum resource allocation, and moreover, that the concept of individual “hunger” can be used to implement social deference with minimal group coordination overhead. The results have consequences both in suggesting potential improvements for distributed spectrum access, and in understanding the evolutionary pressures on the behaviors of individual devices within emerging digital IoT societies.
Coordinated Multi-cell MIMO Systems with Cellular Block Diagonalization

A clustered base transceiver station (BTS) coordination strategy is proposed to realize the gains of multiuser MIMO communication in interference-limited cellular systems. In the proposed coordination strategy, users are divided into two groups: a full intra-cluster coordination group to enhance the sum rate gain and a limited inter-cluster coordination group to reduce interference for the cluster edge users. Multi-cell block diagonalization is used to coordinate the transmissions across multiple BTSs in the same cluster. Because of the per-BTS power constraints, three combined precoder and power allocation algorithms are considered in this paper with different performance complexity tradeoffs. Simulations show that the proposed coordination strategy improves the sum rate over conventional systems and reduces the impact of interference for the cluster-edge users.
Lymphocyte Isolation, Th17 Cell Differentiation, Activation, and Staining

In vitro Th17 (α, β T helper cell which produce IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22) differentiation has been routinely used for functional T cells studies. Here we describe a method for Th17 cell differentiation.
Protein Interactions at Endothelial Junctions and Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Endothelial Permeability

The monolayer of endothelial cells lining the vessel wall forms a semipermeable barrier (in all tissue except the relatively impermeable blood–brain and inner retinal barriers) that regulates tissue–fluid homeostasis, transport of nutrients, and migration of blood cells across the barrier. Permeability of the endothelial barrier is primarily regulated by a protein complex called adherens junctions. Adherens junctions are not static structures; they are continuously remodeled in response to mechanical and chemical cues in both physiological and pathological settings. Here, we discuss recent insights into the post-translational modifications of junctional proteins and signaling pathways regulating plasticity of adherens junctions and endothelial permeability. We also discuss in the context of what is already known and newly defined signaling pathways that mediate endothelial barrier leakiness (hyperpermeability) that are important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and lung diseases and vascular inflammation.
Toward Developing Clinical Competence: Improving Health Care of Gender Diverse People.

The article discusses what the author refers to as the importance of having physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other medical personnel develop clinical competence and skills that can help improve the provision of health care to transgender, transsexual, gender nonbinary, and other groups of gender diverse patients. Gender dysphoria, mental illness, and the fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" treatise are assessed, along with U.S. medical education.
The decay π0 → ννγ

Abstract We discuss the electromagnetic decays of the neutral pion and compute the rate for the rare weak process π 0 → ν ν γ . In the standard Weinberg-Salam SU(2) L × U(1) model this weak decay mode is found to be highly suppressed: Γ(π 0 → ν ν γ/Γ(π 0 → γγ)≅2×10 −18 . Rates for the corresponding decays of the η and η′ are estimated. We also comment on the stellar cooling reactions γγ → ν ν and γγ → ν ν γ .
Modeling the effects of microalga biochemical content on the kinetics and biocrude yields from hydrothermal liquefaction.

Abstract A kinetic model for the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae was developed and its performance in predicting biocrude yields was tested. Kinetic interactions between algal proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids were also included for the first time. These interactions provided a better fit of the data used to determine model parameters, but the kinetics model lacking interactions provided a better prediction of published biocrude yields. This model predicted 70 published biocrude yields to within ±5 wt% given the biochemical composition of the alga and the HTL temperature and time as model inputs. Forty-two other published biocrude yields were predicted to within ±10 wt%. The model accurately predicts that feedstocks richer in proteins or lipids give higher biocrude yields than those abundant in carbohydrates. This updated model better predicts the combined influences of HTL reaction conditions and algae biochemical composition on HTL biocrude yields than any other model currently available.
Tensile behavior and modeling of short fiber-reinforced polymer composites including temperature and strain rate effects:

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and strain rate on tensile behavior of polybutylene terephthalate and polyamide-6 reinforced with short glass fibers. T...
An instant responsive polymer driven by anisotropy of crystal phases

We report a new type of responsive polymer film which is composed of pure poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and is prepared using a simple solution-casting method. This responsive PVDF film possesses an anisotropic spatial distribution of the α phase and β phase, resulting in a fast response rate, high sensitivity, and robust responsiveness to organic vapors. Experimental and computational studies illustrate that α-phase PVDF exhibits a much stronger swelling ability in acetone vapor than β-phase PVDF. Anisotropic swelling induces internal stresses, offering a driving force for macroscopic shape transformation. This newly unveiled mechanism endows the material with new functionalities for fabricating devices such as a magnetically controlled soft tumbler and a chemi-mechanical sensor. Furthermore, crystal phase anisotropy in the PVDF film can be easily programmed into origami patterns by direct laser writing (DLW) for driving reversible three-dimensional (3D) shape transformation of the film.
Trends in Managing the Corporate Infrastructure of Transnational Corporations

The purpose of this paper is to share findings from recent research on a major change that is occurring in the management of the modern enterprise with a focus on the implications for transnational corporations. The results presented in this paper are based, in part, on a much larger piece of research conducted by a leading professional association on the subject of Enabling Work in a Networked World.
Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities for Student Services at One Baccalaureate Degree–Granting Community College

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore organizational changes within the area of student services at one baccalaureate degree–granting community college. Method: Data were collected ...
Acting Together: Joint Pedestrian Road Crossing in an Immersive Virtual Environment

We investigated how two people jointly coordinate their decisions and actions in a co-occupied, large-screen virtual environment. The task for participants was to physically cross a virtual road with continuous traffic without getting hit by a car. Participants performed this task either alone or with another person (see Figure 1). Two separate streams of non-stereo images were generated based on the dynamic locations of the two viewers’ eye-points. Stereo shutter glasses were programmed to display a single image stream to each viewer so that they saw perspectively correct non-stereo images for their eyepoint. We found that participant pairs often crossed the same gap together and closely synchronized their movements when crossing. Pairs also chose larger gaps than individuals, presumably to accommodate the extra time needed to cross through gaps together. These results demonstrate how two people interact and coordinate their behaviors in performing whole-body, joint motions in a co-occupied virtual environment. This study also provides a foundation for future studies examining joint actions in shared VEs where participants are represented by graphic avatars.
Temporal-spatial reach parameters derived from inertial sensors correlate to neurodevelopment in toddlers born preterm.

Abstract Temporal-spatial reach parameters are revealing of upper-limb function in children with motor impairments, but have not been quantified in a toddler population. This work quantitatively characterizes temporal-spatial reach in typically-developing (TD) and very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm toddlers, who are at increased risk of motor impairment. 47 children born VLBW (
A Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Gas Sensor to Sense Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Air

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. Curing this disease has not gained much success so far. Exhaled breath gas analysis offers an inexpensive, noninvasive, and immediate method for detecting a large number of diseases, including AD. In this paper, a new method is proposed to detect butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in the air, which is one of the chemicals found in the breath print of AD patients. A three-layer sensor was formed through deposition of a thin layer of graphene onto a glassy carbon substrate. Selective binding of the analyte was facilitated by electrochemically initiated polymerization of a solution containing the desired target molecule. Subsequent polymerization and removal of the analyte yielded a layer of polypyrrole, a conductive polymer, on top of the sensor containing molecularly imprinted cavities selective for the target molecule. Two sets of sensors have been developed. First, the graphene sensor has been fabricated with a layer of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and tested over 5–100 part per million (ppm). For the second batch, Prussian blue was added to graphene before polymerization, mainly for enhancing the electrochemical properties. The sensor was tested over 0.02-1 parts per billion (ppb) level of concentration while the sensor resistance has been monitored.
Liability Issues for Social Workers in the Clinical Context: An Overview

Social workers are increasingly confronted with the possibility of legal liability in connection with their clinical practice and their supervisory and administrative responsibilities. This chapter provides an overview of situations in which a social worker may be confronted with the potential for legal liability and presents a menu of strategies that can be utilized to both manage legal risk and ensure the quality of service provision to clients. The chapter builds on the previous three chapters that addressed the social worker-client relationship, issues related to confidentiality and disclosure, and licensing.
Using a column subset selection method for endmember extraction in hyperspectral unmixing

This paper explores the use of SVD-based column subset selection (SVDSS) algorithms for endmember extraction in hyperspectral unmixing. We are using a version of the column subset selection problem that selects the subset of columns that better predicts the remaining columns in the matrix. It has been shown that this problem is related to the problem of selecting a maximum volume sub-matrix of a matrix. This is related to the problem of finding the spectral signatures from the image that provide the simplex of maximum volume that can be inscribed within the hyperspectral data set, which is the base of some endmember extraction algorithms like N-FINDR. In this paper, we present a numerical comparison between SVDSS and several endmember extraction algorithms such as N-FINDR, PPI and VCA. Simulated and real hyperspectral imagery from the HYDICE Urban Scene are used in numerical experiments to determine which algorithm extracts the endmembers with the highest simplex volume. Results show that SVDSS outperforms other approaches for endmember extraction.
Optimization of nonlinear wave energy converters

Abstract This paper presents an optimization approach for the nonlinear control of wave energy converters (WECs). The proposed optimization method also presents the option of optimizing the system nonlinearities, such as those due to the buoy shape, such that the harvested energy is maximized. For the sake of control design, the control force and the system optimizable nonlinear force, each is expressed as a truncated power series function of the system states. The power series coefficients in both the control and system forces are optimized. A hidden genes genetic algorithm is used for optimization. The optimized system's nonlinear force is assumed to drive the design of the WEC. The numerical test cases presented in this paper show that it is possible to attain multiple fold higher harvested energy when using nonlinear control optimization. The advantage of being able to optimize the WEC design simultaneously with the control is the potential of harvesting this multiple fold higher energy without causing large WEC motion and with less dependence on reactive power. While this paper focuses on the optimization part of the problem, the implementation of the obtained control in realtime is discussed at the end of the paper.
ASSET INEQUALITY, ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY AND RELATIONAL EXPLOITATION

In response to Roemer's reformulation of the Marxian concept of exploitation in terms of comparative wealth distributions (1982, 1996), Vrousalis (2013) treats economic exploitation as an explicitly relational phenomenon in which one party takes advantage of the other's economic vulnerability in order to extract a net benefit. This paper offers a critical assessment of Vrousalis's account, prompting a revised formulation that is analysed in the context of a matching and bargaining model. This analysis yields precise representations of Vrousalis's conditions of economic vulnerability and economic exploitation and facilitates comparison to the alternative conceptions of Marx and Roemer.
Simulation of Aerosol Dynamics

Publisher Summary The term “aerosol” is generally applied to a dilute suspension of particles in a host gas. Atmospheric-suspended particulate matter and water clouds are the most obvious examples of such disperse systems. Particle sizes can range from those associated with molecular clusters to some indefinite upper limit, which depends on the particular system. Aerosol particles in nature and many technical applications are very complex in terms of their morphology, internal structure, and chemical composition. Unlike colloidal dispersions in liquids that can be stabilized, there are no known stable aerosols, and the process of coagulation of aerosol particles is always present. In addition, aerosol particles are subject to molecular condensation and evaporation at rates much larger than those in the corresponding liquid-phase dispersions. In the simulation of aerosol dynamics, the Knudsen number plays an essential role. The formation and growth of condensation aerosols are a complex process, even in the uniform system. In the real world of shocks, flames, and jets, the theoretical basis for studying aerosol dynamics is lacking.
Plasma and Discharge Physics for Materials Processing

Low pressure , low temperature plasma sources are used in a wide variety of material processing applications to etch and deposit thin films, implant large area substrates, micro-machine sensors, and fabricate nanoscale particles. Plasma processing is absolutely critical to the semiconductor industry for microelectronics fabrication, but of major or growing importance in aerospace, automotive and ceramics industries [1]. In this review article, we discuss the discharge physics behind the various plasma sources used for these material science applications. Primary emphasis is given to plasma etch reactors for semiconductor processing, and the need for reactor technology capable of anisotropically etching sub-half-micron structural features in thin film substrates. In addition, we will also discuss how this same plasma processing technology is finding use in novel applications such as implantation of large area structural elements [2], fabrication of ultra-pure, ultra-fine particles [3,4] and micro-machining of mechanical elements [5].
A Novel Passive Pressure-relief Valve for Blood Pressure Monitor

In the process of blood pressure measurement, the pressure of the cuff wrapped around human arms is slowly decreasing for blood pressure analysis. Therefore, a relief valve which renders constant pressure relief rate would improve precision of measurement. Here we demonstrate a novel pressure relief valve for blood pressure monitor. Based on the Bernoulli equation and ideal gas assumption, the relationship of the pressure relief rate and the pressure value is quadratic, leading to a reduction in variation of pressure relief rate. In contrast to the other valve designs, the functionality of this valve is passive and free from any moving parts. Besides, the fabrication of the devices incorporates MEMS technique for bulk fabrication, so the manufacturing cost can be substantially reduced. Thus the device was considered reliable and promising to be commercialized.
Streaming~Kernel~PCA~with~˜O(√n)~Random~Features

We study the statistical and computational aspects of kernel principal component analysis using random Fourier features and show that under mild assumptions, O( √ n logn) features suffices to achieve O(1/ϵ2) sample complexity. Furthermore, we give a memory efficient streaming algorithm based on classical Oja's algorithm that achieves this rate
The sharp Remez-type inequality for even trigonometric polynomials on the period

We prove that $$\displaystyle \max _{t \in [-\pi ,\pi ]}{|Q(t)|} \leq T_{2n}(\sec {}(s/4)) = \frac 12 ((\sec {}(s/4) + \tan {}(s/4))^{2n} + (\sec {}(s/4) - \tan {}(s/4))^{2n})$$ for every even trigonometric polynomial Q of degree at most n with complex coefficients satisfying $$\displaystyle m(\{t \in [-\pi ,\pi ]: |Q(t)| \leq 1\}) \geq 2\pi -s\,, \qquad s \in (0,2\pi )\,, $$ where m(A) denotes the Lebesgue measure of a measurable set \(A \subset {\mathbb {R}}\) and T2n is the Chebyshev polynomial of degree 2n on [−1, 1] defined by \(T_{2n}(\cos t) = \cos {}(2nt)\) for \(t \in {\mathbb {R}}\). This inequality is sharp. We also prove that $$\displaystyle\max _{t \in [-\pi ,\pi ]}{|Q(t)|} \leq T_{2n}(\sec {}(s/2)) = \frac 12 ((\sec {}(s/2) + \tan {}(s/2))^{2n} + (\sec {}(s/2) - \tan {}(s/2))^{2n})$$ for every trigonometric polynomial Q of degree at most n with complex coefficients satisfying $$\displaystyle m(\{t \in [-\pi ,\pi ]: |Q(t)| \leq 1\}) \geq 2\pi -s\,, \qquad s \in (0,\pi )\,. $$
Retrosigmoid Craniectomy for Vestibular Schwannoma with Hearing Preservation.

Objectives To describe a retrosigmoid craniectomy, hearing-preservation approach for resection of vestibular schwannoma. Design/Setting/Participants A video of a single patient undergoing the above approach at a tertiary care skull base surgery program. Results This video demonstrates a retrosigmoid craniectomy approach for resection of an enlarging intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma in a patient with normal hearing. The video highlights the pertinent surgical anatomy and outlines in a step-by-step fashion the surgical steps. The patient obtained a gross total resection with preservation of hearing. Conclusion A retrosigmoid craniectomy approach for vestibular schwannoma offers a potentially hearing preservation approach for selected tumors. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/VM663XztRZw .
Preventing Dogma from Driving Practice.

Clinicians generally know that many practices persist in medicine without clear evidence to support them. One such example is the approach to endotracheal intubation of critically ill patients in t...
Performance Evaluation of Multi-Path TCP for Data Center and Cloud Workloads

Today's cloud data centers host a wide range of applications including data analytics, batch processing, and interactive processing. These applications require high throughput, low latency, and high reliability from the network. Satisfying these requirements in the face of dynamically varying network conditions remains a challenging problem. Multi-Path TCP (MPTCP) is a recently proposed IETF extension to TCP that divides a conventional TCP flow into multiple subflows so as to utilize multiple paths over the network. Despite the theoretical and practical benefits of MPTCP, its effectiveness for cloud applications and environments remains unclear as there has been little work to quantify the benefits of MPTCP for real cloud applications. We present a broad empirical study of the effectiveness and feasibility of MPTCP for data center and cloud applications, under different network conditions. Our results show that while MPTCP provides useful bandwidth aggregation, congestion avoidance, and improved resiliency for some cloud applications, these benefits do not apply uniformly across applications, especially in cloud settings.
Tuning Covariance Localization Using Machine Learning

Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) has proven successful in assimilating observations of large-scale dynamical systems, such as the atmosphere, into computer simulations for better predictability. Due to the fact that a limited-size ensemble of model states is used, sampling errors accumulate, and manifest themselves as long-range spurious correlations, leading to filter divergence. This effect is alleviated in practice by applying covariance localization. This work investigates the possibility of using machine learning algorithms to automatically tune the parameters of the covariance localization step of ensemble filters. Numerical experiments carried out with the Lorenz-96 model reveal the potential of the proposed machine learning approaches.
Detailed mapping of shallow landslides in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas and potential triggering by Oklahoma earthquakes

Abstract Landslides have long been considered one of the main erosive drivers that sculpt hillslopes over time. Tectonic forces raise slopes that can be sculpted by climate and the degree to which they can be sculpted depends upon the underlying lithology and hillslope geomorphology. Landslides destroy life and property and contribute to the evolution of mountain landscapes by generating and transporting hillslope sediments. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of soil-mantled hillslopes in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, USA, by mapping shallow landslides, evaluating the frequency and magnitude of the landslides, and quantifying the surface geometries. We mapped 185 shallow landslides in a 150 km2 area. The approximate ages of landslides and the frequencies and magnitudes (area, volume and runout) were estimated using historical aerial photographs. The landslide database was then used to compute rate of landslide occurrence and sediment yield. In addition, landslide surface geometries, including slope, curvature and surface roughness, were determined from 10 m NED and 2 m LiDAR elevation data. The hillslope susceptibility studies, derived from elevation data, were augmented by our review of common historical accounts that link landslides in the study region to the 1952 M 5.4 El Reno, Oklahoma earthquake ~300 km away. In light of that case study, we determined the frequency of historical earthquakes that impart >2 kPa dynamic stresses for the study area since 1900 and find an increased potential for dynamic stress perturbation of landslide activity since ~2010. All these characteristics were then evaluated to understand the dynamics of hillslopes and hillslope susceptibility to shallow landslides. Frequency assessment of mapped landslides suggested that frequency of landslides increased significantly during 2005–2016 compared to 1995–2005. On average ~10 shallow landslides occurred every year during 2005–2016. These landslides alone contributed ~1.5 × 105 m3/yr (sediment yield rate: ~0.10 cm/yr) of sediments. Surface roughness values were relatively higher in landslide areas compared to that of surrounding non-landslide areas. The surface roughness index mapped ~84% of observed landslides, and suggests that the index could be used to map hillslope susceptibility to landslides for future planned studies.
Modified simple prostatectomy: an approach to address large volume BPH and associated prostate cancers

Simple prostatectomy is an option for management of patients with enlarged prostates and obstructive symptoms. However, the guidelines still do not state a gold-standard treatment for men with BPH and some of these patients with BPH are also known to harbor prostate cancer. This issue can be a challenge because, in the traditional simple prostatectomy, the prostate capsule is often left in place, and that is usually the area of the prostate cancers. With the robotic approach, our goal is to analyze the outcomes of modified simple prostatectomy (MSP) by the elimination of the entire prostate tissue. Thirty-four patients underwent MSP for BPH diagnosis. We evaluated the pre- and postoperative clinical characteristics as well as pathological data. MSP was performed using the DaVinci Xi robot; the entire prostate was removed. We performed a full nerve sparing bilaterally with an intrafascial plane dissection, minimal apical dissection, seminal vesicles sparing, and full vesicourethral anastomosis. The pre- and postoperative AUA scores were compared on paired T test. The mean operative time and blood loss were 126 min and 160.5 ml, respectively. The final pathology report described 17 patients (50%) with BPH and 17 (50%) with BPH and prostate adenocarcinoma. After surgery, 97% had an AUA score improvement. Regarding the patients with a prostate cancer diagnosis, 97% had PSA lower than 0.01 ng/ml. Modified simple prostatectomy is an acceptable treatment option for men with BPH. The procedure allows for significant symptom relief and removal of chronic catheters. Our modified approach was able to eliminate the entire prostate, which was significant because 50% of these patients had prostate cancer on the final pathology.
Characterization of substance use among underrepresented sexual and gender minority participants in The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study.

Background: Profiles of substance use among less commonly described subgroups of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (e.g., queer, genderqueer) remain largely unknown. Objective(s): To identify...