cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of forward-only and bi-directional fixed-lag adaptive SISOs

Several structures for fixed-lag (FL) soft-in/soft-out (SISO) algorithms in the case of a perfectly known channel are well-known. These forward-only and bi-directional fixed-lag SISOs have been described with the bi-directional version shown to be preferred. Adaptive iterative detection using adaptive SISOs (A-SISOs) have also been demonstrated to provide significant performance gains for time-varying channels. However, these impressive results have been obtained with fixed-interval, bi-directional A-SISOs and training signals at both ends of the data packet. We combine these results to develop and compare various adaptive, fixed-lag SISOs. Among several reasonable options considered, the preferred A-SISO algorithm is found to be bi-directional with forward-only channel estimation.
Differential and integral equation solvers based on generalized moments and partitions of unity

Methods to solve the both differential and integral equations have relied on the following procedure: develop the appropriate function spaces, and then use these spaces to create the appropriate weak form of the equation. Typically, these function spaces have relied on polynomials and are tightly coupled to the underlying description of the geometry. In the finite element community, there has been a concerted effort to develop methods that extend this reach, i.e., develop methods that rely on a distribution of points as opposed to meshes and the use of non-polynomial basis functions within the framework of partitions of unity. The challenges to applying these concepts directly to the analysis of vector electromagnetics problems has been overcome only recently, for both differential and integral equation based solvers. This paper will briefly describe the relevant theorems that make this possible and illustrate the applicability of these solvers with some relevant examples.
A Critical Review of Microscale Mechanical Testing Methods Used in the Design of Microelectromechanical Systems

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are evolving at a rapid rate with increasing activity in the design, fabrication, and commercialization of a wide variety of microscale systems and devices. The importance of accurate mechanical property measurement for successful design was realized early on in the development of this field. Consequently, there exist many different techniques to measure quantities such as the Young's modulus (E), yield strength (σ Y ), fracture strength (σ F ), residual stress (σ F ), and residual stress gradient (∇σ R ) of microscale structures and materials. We review and critically compare several of the important techniques including the microtension test, axisymmetric plate bend test, microbeam bend test, M-test, wafer curvature measurements, dynamic (resonant) tests, fabrication of passive strain sensors, and Raman spectroscopy. We discuss the characteristics of typical test structures, and the common sources of structure-related errors in measurement. A rational approach for the selection of test techniques for the design of microsystems is suggested.
The importance of membrane sulfhydryl groups to calcium homeostasis in the lens

This study focused on whether changes in lens levels of glutathione and calcium, early events associated with cataract formation, were related or that one might cause the other. The first part of the investigation was concerned with the extent to which an increase in levels of intracellular calcium might alter GSH levels in lens fiber and epithelial cells. The results demonstrate that calcium accumulation, either at 19°c or 370C, did not diminish the concentration of GSH. More importantly, GSH levels did not decline in opaque regions of a calcium-loaded lens. The reciprocal part of the problem focused on whether a decline in lens thiol might lead to an increase in levels of calcium and subsequent opacification. In particular, it was shown that treatment of lenses with parachloromercuribenzene sulphonic acid (PCMBS), a nonpenetrating sulphhydryl probe, resulted in a 10-30% loss of membrane SH groups in the epithelium. Diminished numbers of SH groups was accompanied by chloride fluxes and an increase in mem...
The effect of level of spinal cord injury on shoulder joint kinetics during manual wheelchair propulsion

Objective. The effects of spinal cord injury level on shoulder kinetics during manual wheelchair propulsion were studied. Design. Single session data collection in a laboratory environment. Methods. Male subjects were divided into four groups: low level paraplegia (n=17), high level paraplegia (n=19), C7 tetraplegia (C7, n=16) and C6 tetraplegia (C6, n=17). Measurements were recorded using a six-camera VICON motion analysis system, a strain gauge instrumented wheel, and wheelchair ergometer. Shoulder joint forces and moments were calculated using the inverse dynamics approach. Results. Mean self-selected propulsion velocity was higher in the paraplegic (low paraplegia=90.7 m/min; high paraplegia=83.4 m/min) than tetraplegic (C7=66.5 m/min; C6=47.0 m/min) groups. After covarying for velocity, no significant differences in shoulder joint moments were identified. However, superior push force in subjects with tetraplegia (C7=21.4 N; C6=9.3 N) was significantly higher than in those with high paraplegia (7.3 N), after covarying velocity. Conclusions. The superior push force in the tetraplegic groups coupled with weakness of thoraco-humeral depressors increases susceptibility of the subacromial structures to compression. Relevance Increased vertical force at the shoulder joint, coupled with reduced shoulder depressor strength, may contribute to shoulder problems in subjects with tetraplegia. Wheelchair design modifications, combined with strength and endurance retention, should be considered to prevent shoulder pain development.
Analytic solution for the three-layer multiple beam interferometer

We present a simple analytic solution for the condition of constructive interference for light transmitted through an interferometer incorporating three ideally transparent layers of arbitrary thickness and refractive index. We also consider the effect of adding two metallic coatings to the outer surfaces of the interferometer and give empirical expressions for the associated phase changes for silver coatings on silica, sapphire, and mica substrates. A particular application to fringes of equal chromatic order can be utilized to obtain precise measurements of the thickness of extremely thin films sandwiched between two substrates.
Extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in muscle cell cultures: Quantitative and qualitative studies during myogenesis

When the synthesis of extracellular matrix components was examined in G8-1 murine skeletal muscle cells as a function of differentiation, non-collagen and to an even greater extent collagen synthesis was increased. Specifically, collagen types I, III, IV, laminin and fibronectin were identified by SDS-PAGE. Immunoprecipitation, with specific antibodies revealed that both the cell layer and medium of differentiated multinucleated myotubes contained increased levels of type IV collagen and laminin, decreased levels of type III collagen and fibronectin and equivalent levels of type I collagen compared to mononuclear myoblasts.
Social forces can impact the circadian clocks of cohabiting hamsters

A number of field and laboratory studies have shown that the social environment influences daily rhythms in numerous species. However, underlying mechanisms, including the circadian system's role, are not known. Obstacles to this research have been the inability to track and objectively analyse rhythms of individual animals housed together. Here, we employed temperature dataloggers to track individual body temperature rhythms of pairs of cohabiting male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in constant darkness and applied a continuous wavelet transform to determine the phase of rhythm onset before, during, and after cohabitation. Cohabitation altered the predicted trajectory of rhythm onsets in 34% of individuals, representing 58% of pairs, compared to 12% of hamsters single-housed as ‘virtual pair’ controls. Deviation from the predicted trajectory was by a change in circadian period (τ), which tended to be asymmetric—affecting one individual of the pair in nine of 11 affected pairs—with hints that dominance might play a role. These data implicate a change in the speed of the circadian clock as one mechanism whereby social factors can alter daily rhythms. Miniature dataloggers coupled with wavelet analyses should provide powerful tools for future studies investigating the principles and mechanisms mediating social influences on daily timing.
Novel surgical approaches to the orbit

Determining safe surgical access to the orbit can be difficult given the complex anatomy and delicacy of the orbital structures. When considering biopsy or removal of an orbital tumor or repair of orbital fractures, careful planning is required to determine the ideal approach. Traditionally, this has at times necessitated invasive procedures with large incisions and extensive bone removal. The purpose of this review was to present newly techniques and devices in orbital surgery that have been reported over the past decade, with aims to provide better exposure and/or minimally invasive approaches and to improve morbidity and/or mortality.
Stability of a frame-based oldest-cell-first maximal weight matching algorithm

Input-queued cell switches employing the oldest-cell-first (OCF) policy have been shown to yield low mean delay characteristics. Moreover, it has been proven that OCF is stable for admissible traffic conditions when executed with a scheduling speedup of 2. However, as link speeds increase, the computational complexity of these algorithms limits their applicability in high port-density switches and routers. To address the scalability issue, we describe a Frame-Based Maximal Weight Matching (FMWM) algorithm, employing OCF as queue weights, in which a new scheduling decision is issued once every several cell times. Between scheduling decisions, the configuration of the crossbar switch remains unchanged. We further extend the analysis to address the case of multiple classes of service, and prove that the algorithm is stable with an internal buffer transfer speedup of 2, thereby significantly relaxing the timing constraints imposed on the scheduling process.
Molecular Phylogenetics of Core Brassicales, Placement of Orphan Genera Emblingia, Forchhammeria, Tirania, and Character Evolution

Many genera previously placed in the traditionally circumscribed Capparaceae are either unrelated or, more commonly, isolated lineages in the order Brassicales. This study examines the relationships of three of these orphan genera, Emblingia, Forchhammeria, and Tirania, in the context of a focused analysis of the core Brassicales. In order to assess relationships of these genera, analyses were conducted across Brassicales using chloroplast rbcL, ndhF, and matK sequence information. Both maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses place all three genera in the well-supported core Brassicales (Brassicaceae, Capparaceae, Cleomaceae, Gyrostemonaceae, Pentadiplandraceae, Resedaceae, and Tovariaceae). The Asiatic Tirania and New World tropical Forchhammeria are closely related to two small families, the pan-temperate Resedaceae and the Australian Gyrostemonaceae. These analyses also indicate a novel placement of Emblingia as sister to all remaining members of core Brassicales. Although there is strong support for the relationships among most of these taxa, relationships of Pentadiplandraceae and Tovariaceae are weakly resolved. Thus, the core Brassicales is a biogeographically dispersed lineage that is comprised of many small and morphologically distinct clades plus the large crown group Brassicaceae s. lat. Patterns of morphological evolution appear complex, especially in floral merosity and carpel and locule number. Likewise, the evolution of breeding systems within this lineage involves recurrent shifts towards monoecy or dioecy, and possible reversals to bisexuality. Further sampling of Capparaceae tribe Stixeae is critical for any taxonomic recommendation of familial status for these orphan genera.
Decompressive craniectomy for intractable cerebral edema: experience of a single center.

Several case reports and small clinical series have reported benefits of decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with intractable cerebral edema and early clinical herniation. Specific indications and timing for this intervention remain unclear. We present our experience with this procedure in a subset of 18 patients with massive cerebral edema refractory to medical management, treated with decompressive craniectomy over a 3-year period (1997 to 2000). Computerized tomography (CT) scans were independently analyzed by a neuroradiologist blinded to clinical outcome. Eleven male and seven female patients, ages 20 to 69 years (mean +/- SEM, 46 +/- 14 years), underwent hemicraniectomy for the following diagnoses: 12 hemispheric infarcts, 3 traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages/contusions, 2 nontraumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhages (ICH), and 1 subdural empyema. This population included four patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Patients were followed for a mean of 10 months. Clinical factors including age, side of lesion, preoperative herniation signs, and early surgery ( 1) ( = 0.01). Favorable outcome (GOS > 3) occurred in six patients, three with spontaneous or traumatic focal hematomas. Of four patients with SAH, one died while the others were severely disabled (GOS 3). Seven of nine patients with malignant MCA infarctions unrelated to SAH had poor outcomes. The overall mortality was 4/18 (22%). Patients with refractory cerebral swelling secondary to focal hematomas may have better outcomes following decompressive craniectomy. Patients with preexisting SAH seem to have poor outcomes, possibly related to other neurologic comorbidities. Hemicraniectomy requires definition of proper timing. Preoperative CT findings, especially transtentorial and uncal herniation may be useful in defining when decompressive surgery should not be performed.
A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Blood–brain Barrier: In Trans Delivery of a Therapeutic Enzyme

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the systemic disease associated with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) has been an unequivocal success.1 Unfortunately, similar success has not been realized for the central nervous system (CNS) pathology associated with LSDs—in large part because the intravenously administered lysosomal enzymes are unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this issue of Molecular Therapy, Meng et al. report their achievement of supraphysiological levels of the lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP1) in the brains of young adult mice with the neurodegenerative LSD known as late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL; late infantile Batten disease).2 Remarkably, therapeutic levels of activity in the brain were achieved following an intravenous injection in young adult animals with an intact BBB. This was accomplished via coinjection of TPP1 and a carrier peptide capable of crossing the BBB.3 The enzyme and carrier peptide were not covalently linked, suggesting that this approach could be useful for a wide range of CNS disorders. Although both the safety and applicability of this approach to other systems must be determined, it could represent an important step forward for the delivery of large molecules across the BBB.
Effects of Irrigation on Aroma Content and Physiological Characteristics of Aromatic Rice at Grain Filling Stage

Effects of irrigation on aroma content in brown rice and physiological characteristics were studied in pots by using one conventional aromatic rice(Guixiangzhan) and one hybrid aromatic rice(Peizaruanxiang) for material.The results showed that shallow-water irrigation could improve the aroma content of brown rice in both varieties,proline content in flag leaves and grains of Guixiangzhan and in grains of Peizaruanxiang at middle grain filling stage,and SOD activity in grains of Peizaruanxiang at early and late grain filling stage significantly.
A comparison of salivary testosterone measurement using immunoassays and tandem mass spectrometry

Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are widely used to measure salivary testosterone. However, little is known about how accurately different EIAs assess testosterone, partially because estimates across various EIAs differ considerably. We compared testosterone concentrations across EIAs of three commonly used manufacturers (DRG International, Salimetrics, and IBL International) to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Relative to EIAs from Salimetrics and IBL International, EIAs supplied by DRG International provided the closest approximation to LC-MS/MS testosterone concentrations, followed closely by EIAs from Salimetrics, and then IBL. Additionally, EIAs tended to inflate estimates of lower testosterone concentrations in women. Examining our results and comparing them to existing data revealed that testosterone EIAs had decreased linear correspondence with LC-MS/MS in comparison to cortisol EIAs. Overall, this paper provides researchers with information to better measure testosterone in their research and more accurately compare testosterone measurements across different methods.
The Effects of Disgust on Moral Judgments Testing Moderators

There is evidence that inducing feelings of disgust increases the severity of moral judgments, but the size of this association has been questioned by a recent meta-analysis. Based on prior research and theory, we tested whether the effects of disgust on moral judgments might be moderated by sensitivity to bodily states (Studies 1 and 2) and the accessibility of mood (Study 2) in two large samples (total N = 1,412). We did not find that disgust directly increased the severity of moral judgments nor did we find evidence that these moderators influenced the effect of disgust. Thus, the current studies do not support large effects for induced disgust and for two presumed moderators of these effects.
Isogrid Vacuum Shell for Large Superconducting Solenoid

An aluminum isogrid outer shell of an annular vacuum vessel for a superconducting solenoid has been designed. The shell was about 4 m in diameter and 9 m long. Isogrid was used to reduce the effective or weight average thickness of the shell. The design requirement was a calculated collapse pressure of 2 atm. If solid aluminum plate were used, the shell would be 27 mm thick; using isogrid lowered the thickness to 10.5 mm. An isogrid shell 4.12 m OD by 2.34 m long was designed, fabricated, and tested as the outer shell of the vacuum vessel for a prototype of the solenoid.
Small Business Marketing Research: Methodological Alternatives to the Often Used Demand and Opinion Survey

Survey research presents a paradox for while it is among the most technically complex and expensive of research methods people seem to think otherwise. It perhaps is understandable that conducting a survey would first come to mind in that small business developers usually are unfamiliar with other marketing research methods while reference to “according to a survey conducted by …" is frequent in the mass media.
Analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Heterochromatin-Associated Short Interfering RNAs

An important aspect of RNAi-mediated heterochromatin assembly is the production of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in cis at the heterochromatic target. These populations of small RNAs (20-30 nt) can be detected via northern blot analysis with radiolabeled RNA probes corresponding to the siRNAs. Most heterochromatin-associated siRNAs originate from both strands of the pericentromeric dg and dh repeats. Thus, production of RNA probes by in vitro transcription utilizes a DNA template with sequences corresponding to either dg or dh repeats. Alternatively, radiolabeled DNA probes, which are somewhat easier to prepare, may be used. A control probe against a small RNA, such as a tRNA, may also be prepared for loading. More recently genome-scale analysis using next-generation sequencing platforms has enabled the detection of rare siRNAs at sites other than the major heterochromatin domains. This protocol describes procedures for the extraction of small RNAs from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and their detection by northern blot analysis.
Control of Parallel Inverter-Interfaced Distributed Energy Resources

Due to the rapid increase in global energy consumption and the diminishing of fossil fuels, the customer demand for new generation capacities and efficient energy production, delivery and utilization keeps rising. Utilizing distributed generation, renewable energy and energy storage can potentially solve such problems as energy shortage and global warming. A promising structure to interconnect these distributed energy resources is the microgrid paradigm. A microgrid comprises a variety of inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources such as fuel cells, photovoltaic arrays, microturbines, wind-turbine generators, energy storage devices (i.e., batteries, supercapacitors, etc.) and controllable loads, offering considerable control flexibility. These systems can be connected with the power grid. They can be also operated isolated from the main grid in case of disturbances or faults, which are controlled by the microgrid central controller. The key point is to control the parallel inverters so that they can work well to achieve high performances in the microgrid. This paper presents a new control method for power sharing among the parallel inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources. The proposed control method is tested in four typical scenarios: (1) three inverters switch from grid-connected mode to isolated mode; (1) three inverters switch from isolated mode to grid-connected mode; (3) three-inverter operation switched to two inverter operation in the isolated mode; and (4) two inverter operation switches to three inverter operation in the isolated mode. Simulation results suggest that this control method can make the parallel-connected inverters work well and will increase the microgrid stability.
Noninvasive Support: Does It Really Decrease Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

Noninvasive support of preterm infants with respiratory distress is an evidenced-based strategy to decrease the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the only noninvasive strategy with sufficient evidence to support its use in acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is unclear if one method for delivering CPAP is superior to another. Future research will focus on strategies (eg, sustained lung inflation, and administration of surfactant using a thin plastic catheter) that increase the likelihood of success with CPAP, especially in infants with a gestational age of less than 26 weeks.
A Liquid Optical Phase Shifter With an Embedded Electrowetting Actuator

We demonstrate an electrowetting-based liquid optical phase shifter. The phase shifter consists of two immiscible liquid layers with different refractive indices. Sandwiched between the two liquids is a rigid membrane that moves freely along the optical axis and is supported by a compliant surround. When applied with a pressure, the thicknesses of both liquid layers change, which induces a difference in optical path, resulting in a phase shift. A miniaturized electrowetting-based actuator is used to produce hydraulic pressure. A multi-layered SU8 bonded structure was fabricated. A phase shift of 171° was observed when the device was incorporated in the Mach–Zehnder interferometer and driven with 100 V. [2016-0201]
Investigation of propulsive characteristics due to traveling waves in continuous finite media

The present work generates steady-state traveling waves in fin-like continuous structures with the help of Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) piezoelectric actuators. To produce traveling waves, two MFCs simultaneously excite a clamped-free beam at a common frequency with a preset phase difference. Previous research has shown that optimal traveling waves are developed in structures when the common frequency lies halfway between two adjacent resonant frequencies and the phase difference between the two inputs is 90°. These traveling waves closely replicate the undulatory patterns that propel aquatic animals but at a low amplitude linear regime. The present work studies the generation of underwater traveling waves and investigates the range of propulsive forces generated through such mechanism. The ability of continuous structures to produce thrust using undulations is the first step towards mimicking the bio-kinematics and biomechanics of aquatic animals.
On MHD 3D upper convected Maxwell fluid flow with thermophoretic effect using nonlinear radiative heat flux

In this study, three-dimensional upper-convected Maxwell fluid flow over a stretching surface in the presence of viscous dissipation and Joule heating is considered to examine the effects of thermo...
Matrix quadrature filterbanks for image processing

An innovative approach is presented to establish bidimensional (2D) linear-phase matrix quadrature filterbanks (MQF) directly from their matrix identities. It is well-known that two-channel quadrature filterbanks (QMF) have been successfully applied to signal and image processing. Bidimensional QMF filterbanks directly deduced from tensor-products of 1D QMF filterbanks is easy, straightforward, and convenient. They possess both the finite impulse response (FIR) and the perfect reconstruction (PR) properties, which are necessary for filterbanks' alias-free as well as magnitude and phase distortion-free characteristics. However, some additional desirable features are missing. These features include directional features, magnitude preservation, energy preservation, and energy compaction. Direct consideration from matrices yields more freedoms for the design of the new ingenuous MQF. A new MQF is designed and is applied to image compression. The rate-distortion performance shows that the proposed matrix wavelet has promising potential applications in image processing.
Predicting Quadrupled Graft Length and Diameter Using Single-Strand Tendon Dimensions in All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose To determine whether single-strand semitendinosus autograft or allograft dimensions can reliably predict quadrupled graft diameter and length. Methods Intraoperative semitendinosus graft measurements were recorded for consecutive all-inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions from 2013 to 2016 and retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative single-strand tendon length and width and the corresponding quadrupled graft length and diameter were recorded. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the linear association between single-strand width and quadrupled diameter, as well as between single-strand length and quadrupled length. Linear regression models were used to predict quadrupled values. To test the accuracy of the predicted quadrupled values, dimensions from an additional series of 30 all-inside ACL reconstructions were reviewed. Results Seventy-three ACL reconstruction procedures were reviewed. We excluded 12 grafts because gracilis and semitendinosus constructs were used. Thus 61 semitendinosus quadrupled grafts (30 autografts and 31 allografts) were included. Single-strand width was associated with quadrupled diameter ( P = .012), and single-strand length was associated with quadrupled graft length ( P Conclusions Quadrupled hamstring graft length and diameter may be accurately predicted based on length and width of the semitendinosus tendon used for all-inside, single-bundle ACL reconstruction. The ability to predict quadrupled graft dimensions can guide the surgeon in intraoperative decision making and ensure the desired ACL graft dimensions are achieved, thereby minimizing the risk of ACL reconstruction failure. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Validation of a Salmonella loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in animal food

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as a promising alternative to PCR for pathogen detection in food testing and clinical diagnostics. This study aimed to validate a Salmonella LAMP method run on both turbidimetry (LAMP I) and fluorescence (LAMP II) platforms in representative animal food commodities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s culture-based Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) method was used as the reference method and a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was also performed. The method comparison study followed the FDA's microbiological methods validation guidelines, which align well with those from the AOAC International and ISO. Both LAMP assays were 100% specific among 300 strains (247 Salmonella of 185 serovars and 53 non-Salmonella) tested. The detection limits ranged from 1.3 to 28 cells for six Salmonella strains of various serovars. Six commodities consisting of four animal feed items (cattle feed, chicken feed, horse feed, and swine feed) and two pet food items (dry cat food and dry dog food) all yielded satisfactory results. Compared to the BAM method, the relative levels of detection (RLODs) for LAMP I ranged from 0.317 to 1 with a combined value of 0.610, while those for LAMP II ranged from 0.394 to 1.152 with a combined value of 0.783, which all fell within the acceptability limit (2.5) for an unpaired study. This also suggests that LAMP was more sensitive than the BAM method at detecting low-level Salmonella contamination in animal food and results were available 3 days sooner. The performance of LAMP on both platforms was comparable to that of qPCR but notably faster, particularly LAMP II. Given the importance of Salmonella in animal food safety, the LAMP assays validated in this study holds great promise as a rapid, reliable, and robust method for routine screening of Salmonella in these commodities.
Wellness Promotion Courses in University Settings: A Review of the Outcome Research

Background : Improving college student wellness continues to be a challenge due to concerns related to lifestyle, unhealthy behavior, and lack of accessible supports, often resulting in poor academic performance and high drop-out rates. As a result there has been an increase in wellness-promoting academic courses across colleges and universities with the goal of helping students to establish healthy lifestyle behaviors. Aim : This article critically reviews the existing literature related to college courses designed to promote student wellness. Methods : This scoping review examines research related to courses designed to improve wellness within the college student population between the years 2000-2017 using multiple electronic databases. Results : Review findings include a lack of rigorous research designs, lack of integration of evidence-based models of wellness, challenges associated with consensus conceptualizations of wellness, fidelity, and replicability of wellness-related courses. Conclusions : Wellness as an emerging paradigm continues to gain attention in the literature, particularly related to college students. However, there is a need for more rigorous study designs, examination of mechanisms of change, and consensus related to conceptualizations of wellness and component definitions to inform wellness-promotion efforts, and ultimately support health-enhancing change within the existing lifestyle culture on college campuses.
Key Instructional Components of Effective Peer Tutoring for Tutors, Tutees, and Peer Observers

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the key instructional components of effective peer tutoring for tutors, tutees, and peer observers. Learn units are the measures of teacher–child or parent–child interactions that meet certain criteria and include the key generic components to effective pedagogy. Firstly, the teacher must ensure that the student attends to the relevant antecedent instructional component, also known as the target or potential Sd, which stands for discriminative stimulus, before presenting instructions in written or spoken forms as the student's antecedent to responding. In addition, the rates of the presentations of learn units are a key variable, with faster rates being more effective generally than slower rates. Moreover, the more learning units the students receive, the better are their instructional outcomes. As students learn component skills and the initial learn unit, the teacher's learn unit progressively incorporates more and more responses for the student such that learn units are needed only at points in which unlearned components or composite skills are the target of instruction.
Disaggregated TIPS: The Case for Disaggregating Inflation-linked Bonds into Bonds Linked to Narrower CPI Components

Investors generally face inflation-linked obligations - a fact contributing to the popularity of TIPS and other inflation-linked bonds. With TIPS, one characterization of inflation, the Consumer Price Index, applies to all investors. Investors, however, face different flavors of inflation. To date, these heterogeneous needs have not been addressed by the inflation-linked marketplace. The paper describes the case for and mechanics of splitting TIPS into disaggregated TIPS matched to components of the Consumer Price Index. Disaggregated TIPS better address the risks of investors' specific real liabilities. An appendix highlights disaggregated TIPS applicability to pension schemes with post-retirement health benefit obligations.
Interval Mapping for Ordinal Traits

Many disease resistance traits in agricultural crops are measured in ordered categories. Thegeneralized linear model (GLM) methodology (McCullagh and Nelder 1999, Nelder and Wedderburn 1972, Wedderburn 1974) is an ideal tool to analyze these traits.Ordinal traits are usually controlled by the segregation of multiple QTL and environmental factors. The genetic architecture of such traits can be studied using linkage analysis. One can analyze the association of each marker with the disease phenotype. If the marker information is fully observable, i.e., marker genotypes can be observed, the standardGLM methodology can be directly applied to the association study by screening markers of the entire genome for their association with the disease trait. Many statistical software packages, e.g.,SAS (SAS Institute 2008b), have built-in functions or procedures to perform the standard GLM analysis. One can simply execute the built-in procedures many times, one for each marker, to scan the entire genome without developing a new computer program. In any genetic experiments, missing marker genotypes are unavoidable.
Fixation to Pelvis in Pediatric Spine Deformity—An Analysis of 30-Day Outcomes

Objective To assess the impact of fixation to pelvis on 30-day outcomes after posterior spinal fusions in pediatric spine deformities. Methods The 2012–2016 American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program pediatric database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes for patients undergoing posterior spinal fusions (22800, 22802, and 22804). Patients undergoing concurrent anterior fusion/combined fusion and anterior-only fusions were removed from the study. Patients undergoing additional fixation to pelvis were identified by code 22848. Results Of a total of 13,398 patients, 1092 (8.2%) patients underwent a fixation to the pelvis. After adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics, patients undergoing fixation to pelvis had a longer length of stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.48]), greater odds of any 30-day complication (OR 1.26; CI 1.03–1.55), pneumonia (OR 1.85; CI 1.26–2.70), renal insufficiency (OR 6.87; CI 2.02–23.40), acute renal failure (OR 14.23; CI 2.36–84.51), urinary tract infection (OR 1.99; CI 1.23–3.23), cardiac arrest (OR 2.98; CI 1.10–8.06), sepsis (OR 2.25; CI 1.35–3.74), bleeding (OR 1.51; CI 1.25–1.82), 30-day readmissions (OR 1.39; CI 1.07–1.81), and 30-day reoperations (OR 1.37; CI 1.06–1.76). Conclusions In contrast to adult spinal deformity literature, pediatric patients undergoing a fixation to pelvis are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse outcomes within 30 days of surgery. Providers should use these data for preoperative counseling and/or risk-stratification to improve quality-of-care in the acute postoperative period in these patients.
Occupational mobility for whom?: Education, cohorts, the life course and occupational gender composition, 1970–2010

Abstract Over the past 50 years, occupational segregation by gender has markedly declined in the United States. This paper uses data from the decennial censuses and the National Longitudinal Surveys from 1967 to 2013 to explore how trends over time in the occupational gender composition of women’s jobs vary according to educational attainment. The paper also examines the relative contributions of inter-generational and intra-generational occupational mobility to changes in occupational gender composition over time for high school educated women and women with a bachelor’s degree. The findings indicate that for women with a bachelor’s degree, declines in the likelihood of working in a female dominated occupation are primarily due to changes across cohorts. High school educated women experience smaller changes across cohorts but are more likely than women with a bachelor’s degree to move to gender integrated occupations over the course of their careers. Fixed effects models show that the changes over the life course reflect changes in the gender composition of individual women’s occupations rather than changes in the composition of the labor force. Both occupational mobility across and within broad groups of occupations contribute to changes in the occupational gender composition for high school educated women; for women with a bachelor’s degree, mobility across broad groups of occupations is most important.
Altered cortical development and psychiatric symptom risk in adolescents exposed to maternal stress in utero

Objective: Maternal exposure to stress during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for cognitive and behavioral sequelae in offspring. Animal research demonstrates exposure to stress during gestation has effects on brain structure. In humans, however, little is known about the enduring effects of in utero exposure to maternal stress on brain morphology. We examine whether maternal report of stressful events during pregnancy is associated with brain structure and behavior in adolescents. Method: We compare gray matter morphometry of typically-developing early adolescents (11-14 years of age, mean 12.7) based on presence/absence of maternal report of stressful event(s) during pregnancy: prenatal stress (PS; n=28), no prenatal stress (NS; n=55). The Drug Use Survey Index Revised (DUSI-R) assessed adolescent risk for problematic behaviors. Exclusionary criteria included pre-term birth, low birth weight, and maternal substance use during pregnancy. Groups were equivalent for demographic (age, sex, IQ, SES, race/ethnicity), and birth measures (weight, length). Results: Compared to NS peers, adolescents in the PS group exhibited increased gray matter volume in bilateral posterior parietal cortex (PPC): bilateral intraparietal sulcus, left superior parietal lobule and inferior parietal lobule. Additionally, the PS group displayed greater risk for psychiatric symptoms and family system dysfunction, as assessed via DUSI-R subscales. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the enduring neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to maternal stress while in utero, suggesting the dynamic alterations in brain structure that occur during the adolescent critical period may unmask the latent effects of gestational stress on brain morphology and increase subsequent risk for psychiatric symptomatology.
A seven-step plan for becoming a moderately rich and famous biochemist

Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were identified as essential nutrients in 1930. Their essentiality is largely due to their function as prostaglandin (PG) precursors. I spent most of my career in biochemistry determining how PG biosynthesis is regulated. PGs are lipid mediators formed in response to certain circulating hormones and cytokines. PGs act near their sites of synthesis to signal neighboring cells to coordinate their responses (e.g. when platelets interact with blood vessels). The committed step in PG synthesis is the conversion of a 20-carbon omega-6 fatty acid called arachidonic acid to prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 (PGH2). Depending on the tissue and the hormone or cytokine stimulus, this reaction is catalyzed by either cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1 or COX-2). Once formed, PGH2 is converted, again depending on the context, to one of several downstream PG subtypes that act via specific G protein–coupled receptors. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) block PG synthesis by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 is also inhibited by COX-2–selective inhibitors. Inhibition of COX-1 by low-dose aspirin prevents thrombosis. COX-2 inhibition reduces inflammation and pain. Investigating the mysteries of COXs anchored my scientific career. I attribute my successes to the great good fortune of having been surrounded by people who helped me make the most of my talents. I have written this reflection in a light-hearted fashion as a self-help essay, while highlighting the people and factors that most impacted me during my upbringing and then during my maturation and evolution as a biochemist.
A Conical Intersection Perspective on the Low Nonradiative Recombination Rate in Lead Halide Perovskites

The utility of optoelectronic materials can be greatly reduced by the presence of efficient pathways for nonradiative recombination (NRR). Lead halide perovskites have garnered much attention in recent years as materials for solar energy conversion, because they readily absorb visible light, are easy to synthesize, and have a low propensity for NRR. Here we report a theoretical study of the pathways for NRR in an archetypal lead halide perovskite: CsPbBr3. Specifically, we identified a set of conical intersection (CIs) in both a molecule-sized cluster model (Cs4PbBr6) and nanoparticle model (Cs12Pb4Br20) of the CsPbBr3 surface. The energies of the minimal energy CIs, corrected for both dynamical electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling, are well above the bulk band gap of CsPbBr3, suggesting that these intersections do not provide efficient pathways for NRR in this material. Analysis of the electronic structure at these intersections suggests that the ionic nature of the bonds in CsPbBr3 may play a role in the high energy of these CIs. The lowest-energy intersections all involve charge transfer over long distances, whether it be across a dissociated bond or between neighboring unit cells.
Identifying credible and diverse GCMs for regional climate change studies—case study: Northeastern United States

Climate data obtained from global climate models (GCMs) form the basis of most studies of regional climate change and its impacts. Using the northeastern U.S. as a test case, we develop a framework to systematically sub-select reliable models for use in climate change studies in the region. Model performance over the historical period is evaluated first for a wide variety of standard and process metrics including large-scale atmospheric circulation features that drive regional climate variability. The inclusion of process-based metrics allows identification of credible models in capturing key processes relevant for the climate of the northeastern U.S. Model performance is then used in conjunction with the assessment of redundancy in model projections, especially in summer precipitation, to eliminate models that have better performing counterparts. Finally, we retain some mixed-performing models to maintain the range of climate model uncertainty, required by the fact that model biases are not strongly related to their respective projections. This framework leads to the retention of 16 of 36 CMIP5 GCMs that (a) have a satisfactory historical performance for a variety of metrics and (b) provide diverse climate projections consistent with uncertainties in the multi-model ensemble (MME). Overall, the models show significant variations in their performance across metrics and seasons with none emerging as the best model in all metrics. The retained set reduces the number of models by more than one half, easing the computational burden of using the entire CMIP5 MME, while still maintaining a wide range of projections for risk assessment. The retention of some mixed-performing models to maintain ensemble uncertainty suggests a potential to narrow the ranges in temperature and precipitation. But any further refinement should be based on a more detailed analysis of models in capturing regional climate variability and extremes to avoid providing overconfident projections.
Chemical Engineering Design and Analysis: Glossary of Chemical Engineering

absorption the assimilation of a chemical (usually a gas or liquid) into a liquid or porous solid. adsorption the deposition of a chemical (usually a gas or liquid) onto the surface of a solid. Charcoal in an aquarium filter or in a tap water purifier adsorbs organic chemicals from water. azeotrope a mixture of two or more components such that the composition of the liquid is the same as the vapor. Not all mixtures form an azeotrope. Water and ethanol form an azeotrope at about 95% water. base units the units of the base dimensions, which are length, time, mass, temperature, amount, electric charge, and luminous intensity. In the inks SI system, the base units are meter, second, kilogram, kelvin (or Celsius), mole, ampere, and candela. batch reactor a vessel into which reactants are loaded, induced to react (by increasing the temperature, and/or increasing the pressure, and/or adding a catalyst), then discharged. A batch reactor is not at steady state, although its contents may approach equilibrium. A batch reactor is inherently noncontinuous but can be integrated into a continuous process if preceded by a hold-up tank and followed by a surge tank. A crock pot is a batch reactor. biochemical engineering the design and nalysis of processes based on biological reactions, for example to produce a drug or destroy a pollutant.
Short-term safety of tranexamic acid use in posterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery.

Abstract Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) can result in substantial blood loss, leading to blood transfusions and associated complications, such as infections, hypotension and organ damage. The antifibrinolytic tranexamic acid (TXA), an inhibitor of the activation of plasminogen, has been shown to be beneficial in multiple surgical procedures without any apparent increase in postoperative complications. However, there are only few studies reporting TXA utilization in cervical spine surgery and there is currently no literature detailing the short-term safety of its use in this setting. The purpose of our study is to determine the safety profile of TXA in posterior cervical decompression and fusion. From January 2015 to April 2018, 47 patients were identified to have undergone PCDF, 19 with the utilization of a TXA protocol at our institution. The incidence of adverse events was evaluated in the perioperative period and at 1 month follow-up. Of 39 patients, Nineteen (49%) received TXA as per our instructional protocol and 20 (51%) did not. Post-operative blood was significantly reduced (453 ml vs 701 ml; p = 0.03) in the group that received TXA. There was also a significant reduction in duration of surgery associated with TXA use (269 min vs 328 min; p = 0.05). There were no complications on the first 30 days after surgical intervention on the TXA group. TXA use during PCDF is a safe, effective method to reduce postoperative blood loss. Considering the limited number of patients in this study, these results should be validated on a larger group of patients.