cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dreams and Guilt

When, in the fifth book of Paradise Lost, Eve reveals her unsettling dream, in which she saw herself eating the forbidden fruit at the prompting of a mysterious stranger, Adam dismisses it as an experience of no importance. Since her will was not involved, he believes, she incurred no guilt. His argument that the dream is without significance persuades her but not us, who have beheld Satan, during the couple's sleep, causing the dream in Eve in order to taint her faculties and perhaps to probe her weaknesses: Squat like a Toad, close at the ear of Eve; Assaying by his Devilish art to reach The Organs of her Fancy, and with them forge Illusions as he list, Phantasms and Dreams. (IV, 800–03)
Signal Processing using Optical Frequency Combs

We will review the utilization of optical frequency combs for wideband signal processing and the impact this will have on microwave systems. We discuss the sub-system performance metrics and relate them to required comb characteristics.
Auditory fatigue models for prediction of gradually developed noise induced hearing loss

Existing noise metrics and modeling for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) have limitations on prediction of gradually developing NIHL (GDHL) caused by high-level occupational noise. In this study, two auditory fatigue models have been proposed for prediction of GDHL in human. The generalized mammalian auditory model incorporating dual resonant nonlinear (DRNL) filter is used to obtain the velocity distribution on basilar membrane (BM). The velocities of BM as the input loads quantitatively reflect the mechanical fatigue failure of organ of Corti. In addition, experimental human hearing loss data are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed auditory fatigue models. The regression analysis results show that both auditory fatigue models demonstrate high correlations with human hearing loss data.
Legitimacy Work: Invisible Work in Philanthropic Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding, the practice of funding a project by soliciting donations via the internet, allows organizations and individuals alike to raise funds for a variety of causes. In this paper, we present the results of a study of philanthropic crowdfunding, aimed at understanding some of the practices and needs associated with raising money for charitable causes. Our analysis highlights the diversity of stakeholders and roles in philanthropic crowdfunding and the immense amount of work associated with legitimizing many of these roles, including the fundraiser, organization, platform, and project. We introduce the construct of legitimacy work and discuss ways in which current crowdfunding systems both support and thwart this work.
Control strategy of high power converters with synchronous generator characteristics for PMSG-based wind power application

A virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control for high power permanent magnetic synchronous generators (PMSG) in wind power generation is investigated in this paper. A power factor correction (PFC) rectifier for each phase of the PMSG is designed to transform variable voltage and frequency of wind power into constant voltage DC power. The PFC boost inductor is replaced by a PMSG armature inductance to reduce the size and cost of the overall system. A three-phase inverter is used as a power interface to feed the generated wind power to the grid or load. By designing an excitation controller and a prime motor controller, the PMSG-based wind power interface can mimic a self-stabilization characteristic of synchronous generator which has rotor inertia, thus helping to improve the stability of wind power generation. Experimental results of the VSG inertia performance are illustrated, and the simulation results of traditional PQ and proposed VSG control are given and compared to validate the proposed converter topology and control algorithm.
Effect of the distribution of faults and operating conditions on AFDD performance evaluations

Abstract Automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) tools are used to identify degradation faults that reduce the performance and life of air-conditioning equipment. A recent methodology has been developed to evaluate the performance of AFDD tools. The methodology involves feeding a library of input data to an AFDD protocol and categorizing the results. The current paper describes a study that has been conducted to assess the effect of using various input data sets in the evaluations. These input data sets include different distributions of fault type, fault intensity, and operating temperatures. Case study evaluations of three AFDD protocols in current widespread use are used to demonstrate the effects. The paper shows that evaluation results are sensitive to input data sets, and argues that data sets used in previously published studies should be improved to give higher fidelity evaluations. It concludes that for AFDD performance evaluation to be meaningful, the fault and operating conditions need to be controlled so that they connect to the anticipated deployment conditions. A related conclusion is that it is necessary to use simulation data, rather than laboratory measurement data, to conduct performance evaluation of AFDD.
Design and analysis of radar waveforms achieving transmit and receive orthogonality

This paper presents the design and analysis of orthogonal, Doppler-tolerant waveforms for waveform agile radar (e.g. multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar) applications. Previous work has given little consideration to the design of radar waveforms that remain orthogonal when they are received. Our research is focused on: 1) developing sets of waveforms that are orthogonal on both transmit and receive, and 2) ensuring that these waveforms are Doppler tolerant when properly processed. Our proposed solution achieves the above-mentioned goals by incorporating direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) coding techniques on linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals. We call this spread spectrum coded LFM (SSCL) signaling. Our transmitted LFM waveforms are rendered orthogonal with a unique spread spectrum (SS) code. At the receiver, the echo signal will be decoded using its spreading code. In this manner, transmitted orthogonal waveforms can be match filtered only with the intended received signals. From analytical expressions of the waveforms we have designed and from simulation results, we found that: 1) cross-ambiguity function (CAF) of two LFM SS coded (orthogonal) waveforms is small for all delays and Dopplers (i.e. transmit and receive signals satisfy near orthogonality constraint); 2) the length of the SS code determines the amount of interference suppression (i.e., complete orthogonal or near orthogonal of the received signal); 3) we can process the same received signal in two different ways; one method can provide LFM signal resolution and the other method can provide ultrahigh resolution; 4) biorthogonal codes can be used to reduce bandwidth when code length is large. Our proposed waveforms inherit multiple attributes (e.g. chirp diversity, code diversity, frequency diversity) of diverse waveforms.
Stationary Point Optimality Conditions with Differentiability

In this chapter we will be concerned with developing optimality conditions for a nonlinear programming problem. We will consider different problems of varying difficulties and develop necessary conditions that a point must satisfy in order to qualify for an optimal solution. Under certain convexity assumptions we also show that these conditions are sufficient for optimality. Unlike the saddle conditions of Chapter 7, the optimality criteria of this chapter use the gradients of the objective function and constraint functions.
A Speleothem Record of Great Basin Paleoclimate: The Leviathan Chronology, Nevada

Speleothem studies from vadose-zone caves in the Great Basin have provided insight into the timing and controls of climatic change over the last 175,000 years. These studies integrate stable oxygen, carbon, and trace-element data to infer past temperature and wetness in the Great Basin, yielding new insights into the controls and timing on climate change on timescales ranging from centuries to orbital scales. This manuscript summarizes some of these records, with a focus on a long orbital-scale, oxygen-isotope reconstruction from Nevada called the Leviathan chronology, newly extended to 208,000 yr B2K (before year 2000). This speleothem-paleoclimate reconstruction is comprised of samples collected from Leviathan, Pinnacle, and Lehman Caves, Nevada, and shows orbital-scale variations in stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) that closely follow the variations in Milankovitch-controlled summer insolation in the northern hemisphere. The data show that glacial-interglacial terminations arrive “on-time” as expected from Milankovitch variations, and that their duration was set by insolation. The strong match between Great Basin δ18O values and insolation is also evident in minimum (cold) δ18O values during marine isotope stages (MIS) 5d and 7, when insolation was low despite minimal ice volume. Holocene climate variation followed the orbital insolation trend, and agrees with Antevs’ formulation of a distinct altithermal interval in the Great Basin. Surprisingly, the timing of δ18O variations in the Leviathan chronology is markedly different to those originally published from Devils Hole, Nevada, suggesting that the phreatic origin of Devils Hole calcite may impart a nonclimatic forcing on calcite δ18O values. This observation is confirmed by new Devils Hole cores that generally support the discoveries enabled by the Leviathan chronology, but which show a delayed and dampened δ18O signal arising from dispersion in the regional carbonate aquifer.
The effects of different exercise regimes on body water compartments in younger and older adults

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze existing data and compare the effects of an 8-week intervention of either aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or a combination of both on changes in total body water (TBW), intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water volumes and body composition between groups and compared with a non-exercise control group in younger and older adults. Methods: 69 preor stage-1 hypertensive, overweight or obese, and sedentary adults (age 58 ± 7 y) were randomized to one of three training programs: aerobic (AT), resistance (RT), or a combination of aerobic and resistance (COMB), or a non-exercise control group (CON) for a total of 8 weeks. Body composition and body water compartments were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA, InBody720) and a three-day diet diary was recorded at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed on changes between groups, all exercise (INT) vs. control (CON), between sexes, and between younger ( 0.05 for all). INT increased TBW more than CON, but the difference was not significant (0.1 ± 1.3 l and -0.3 ± 1.2 l, P = 0.11, for INT and CON, respectively). COMB had the greatest change in TBW compared with CON (P = 0.05) and had a significantly greater increase in ECW compared with CON (P = 0.03). There was a negative association between age and LBM, TBW, ICW, and ECW volumes (Effect size (ES) > 1.0 for all). TBW, ICW, ECW, and LBM differed between groups in younger adults (P ≤ 0.05 for all), but did not differ between groups in older adults (P > 0.05 for all).
Pegmatites and Alaskites: Of North Carolina

(1985). Pegmatites and Alaskites: Of North Carolina. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 64-67.
Head and Neck Radiation Dose and Radiation Safety for Interventional Physicians

Abstract Objectives The first aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of radiation dose to tissues of the head and neck of physicians performing x-ray-guided interventional procedures. The second aim was to assess protection of tissues of the head offered by select wearable radiation safety devices. Background Radiation dose to tissues of the head and neck is of significant interest to practicing interventional physicians. However, methods to estimate radiation dose are not generally available, and furthermore, some of the available research relating to protection of these tissues is misleading. Methods Using a single representative geometry, scatter radiation dose to a humanoid phantom was measured using radiochromic film and normalized by the radiation dose to the left collar of the radioprotective thorax apron. Radiation protection offered by leaded glasses and by a radioabsorbent surgical cap was measured. Results In the test geometry, average radiation doses to the unprotected brain, carotid arteries, and ocular lenses were 8.4%, 17%, and 50% of the dose measured at the left collar, respectively. Two representative types of leaded glasses reduced dose to the ocular lens on the side of the physician from which the scatter originates by 27% to 62% but offered no protection to the contralateral eye. The radioabsorbent surgical cap reduced brain dose by only 3.3%. Conclusions A method by which interventional physicians can estimate dose to head and neck tissues on the basis of their personal dosimeter readings is described. Radiation protection of the ocular lenses by leaded glasses may be incomplete, and protection of the brain by a radioabsorbent surgical cap was minimal.
A New Fast Adaptive On-Time Control for Transient Response Improvement in Constant On-Time Control

These days, constant on-time current mode (COTCM) control scheme is widely used in the voltage regulator (VR) controllers because it has a higher light-load efficiency and a higher BW design capability while maintaining a simpler compensation requirement. One issue plaguing the COTCM control is its slow transient response which is caused by its fixed T ON operation. During the heavy-load step-up transient, the duty cycle becomes saturated and the inductor current increment becomes limited by T ON and the minimum off time ( T OFF $\_$ MIN) ratio, which can create a large undershoot at load step up. On the other hand, in the load step-down case, if the load step down occurs at the beginning of T ON, a large overshoot can be created at the output. To solve this issue, this paper presents a method designed to increase the T ON at load step up and then very quickly, decrease at load step down in order to reduce the undershoot and overshoot at output or otherwise save the output capacitor. In this proposed method, the increase or decrease of T ON is proportional to the output change which eliminates the chance of any overcorrection or ring-back problem unlike the methods presented in prior forums. This feature enables the control to work seamlessly in a high-frequency load repetitive case in VR applications. Since this T ON change occurs only in the transient period when duty cycle is saturated, it does not affect the small-signal property of the COT control. Moreover, the proposed methods are very much compatible with the state-of-the-art single and multiphase COT control structures. Simulation and test results in both single and multiphase operations are also presented in the paper to verify the proposed concept.
Phase I study of ridaforolimus with cetuximab for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancer.

8075 Background: mTOR inhibition may overcome PI3K/AKT pathway mediated resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. We performed a phase I study to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of ridaforolimus,...
Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a benign enlargement of, most commonly, the third common digital branch of the medial plantar nerve. Patients commonly present with plantar tenderness in the webspace. This chapter outlines key physical exam maneuvers along with operative and nonoperative treatment strategies.
Relationship between receptors, calcium channels, and responses in exocrine gland cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the manner in which exocrine gland cells can be used to study the relationship between surface membrane receptors and calcium mobilization mechanisms. In the exocrine glands, two basic functions are under the control of calcium (Ca): the secretion of prepackaged macromolecules (enzymes) by exocytosis and the regulation of transepithelial water movement (or water secretion). This latter role for Ca implies that Ca must, in some manner, be involved in the control by receptors of transmembrane movements of the osmotically important ions. In recent years, a number of reports have appeared demonstrating a role for Ca in the opening of monovalent ion pathways in a variety of exocrine gland cells. These permeability changes also serve as convenient markers for quantitating the degree of cellular activation by neurotransmitters and hormones. This chapter illustrates how such measurements, together with biochemical studies, can provide insights into the basic mechanisms of Ca regulation through receptors in exocrine gland cells.
G68 Case series: RIB fractures in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta

Aims Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is an inherited disorder of type 1 collagen that results in a predisposition to fractures. Although non accidental injury (NAI) is far more common (incidence 24/1000 vs. 1/10–20,000), an inherent predisposition to bone fragility must be excluded in an infant presenting with an unexplained fracture. In 2013 a case series of fractures in 68 Children with OI reported that 15 (22%) of patients sustained rib fractures – 13 occurred in the perinatal period; 2 after 12 months. None sustained rib fractures during the first year of life and the authors concluded that rib fractures in infants remains highly associated with physical abuse and does not support OI as an underlying cause. Our case series aims to demonstrate that rib fractures can occur in infancy in OI. Methods Retrospective analysis of all 150 patients with OI at a tertiary centre to identify rib fractures sustained in the first year of life, excluding those with rib fractures at birth. All X-rays were reviewed by a paediatric radiologist with expertise in NAI and OI. Results 4 patients with OI were identified as sustaining rib fractures, none with a significant history of trauma. One child was initially misdiagnosed as NAI after presenting aged 6 weeks with an unexplained femoral shaft fracture. He had a normal skeletal survey and no other clinical features to suggest OI. 3 weeks later, while still in hospital, he sustained posterior rib fractures and was later found to have a mutation in COL1A1. A second child with genetically confirmed type V OI, presented at 9 months with a femoral shaft fracture and was found to have dysplastic ribs with healing posterior fractures and shortened dysplastic long bones. The other 2 patients who were suspected antenatally as having OI, were born with multiple fractures and phenotypic features, but did not sustain rib fractures until 6 months and 11 months respectively Conclusion Contrary to previous opinion, rib fractures can occur in OI within the 1st year of life and this should be considered in infants presenting with this injury, especially if they have other features suggestive of the condition.
A tripartite model for recruiting African-Americans into fatherhood intervention research.

Many studies have examined factors influencing African-American (AA) participation in research studies. But none inform the recruitment of AA men into fatherhood intervention research. Our purpose is to describe the recruitment and enrollment framework of the Dedicated African American Dad (DAAD) Study, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test a fatherhood intervention against a financial literacy comparison condition. AA nonresident (AANR) fathers are fathers who do not reside with their child on a full-time basis. Fathers attended 10 group-based sessions; and father and mother informants completed research interviews at baseline, postintervention, and 12 weeks postintervention. The DAAD Study tripartite model is a system of strategies that address three factors that individually and cooperatively affect recruitment of AANR fathers into research: community partnerships; study infrastructure; and recruitment personnel. The intersection of these three components forms a recruitment nexus that can be used to guide community-based research. The DAAD study serves as an exemplar of recruitment challenges, strategies, and lessons learned.
WaaS (Wireless-as-a-Sensor): Conception, design and implementation on mobile platforms

Abstract With the tremendous growth of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies, both the number and the type of items that are sensible to computing systems increases exponentially [1]. As a result, wireless transceivers in mobile devices, such as Bluetooth or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, now have the potential to become contextual sensors by constantly interacting with nearby IoT wireless information beacons. In this work, we redefine these wireless transceivers as a new type of sensor, i.e., Wireless-as-a-Sensor (WaaS). However, current implementations of wireless transceivers are optimized as data transmitters for communication purposes, not for sensing, therefore directly implementing WaaS on a typical mobile device causes problems, such as an unacceptable reduction of battery life. To address this problem, we provide a novel smartphone-based architecture which utilizes an energy efficient sensor fusion core to execute always-on WaaS-related tasks. Based on this architecture, we further present a duty cycle determination algorithm that minimizes the power consumption while guaranteeing an application’s Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. Both the architecture and the algorithm are implemented and evaluated on a Moto X testbed with Bluetooth and RFID sensors, respectively, as two case studies. A Bluetooth-Low-Energy indoor location service is also implemented to verify and evaluate the architecture in real applications. Data measured on the Moto X testbed depicts that using the WaaS architecture prolongs the battery life 5 times than that on smartphone architecture.
Combining Sites of Anti-2,4-Dinitrophenyl Antibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the combining sites of anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) antibodies. The anti-DNP antibodies formed against dinitrophenylated antigens constitute a highly diversified set of immunoglobulins, composed of various heavy and light chains, diverse allotypes, and combining sites that differ widely in affinities for DNP and for various cross-reacting substances, such as 2,6-DNP, 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP), and 2- and 4-mononitrophenyl ligands. The anti-TNP antibodies formed against 2,4,6-trinitrophenylated antigens are similarly a highly diversified set of immunoglobulins. Though cross-reactions between DNP and TNP ligands are pronounced, certain characteristics distinguish clearly between populations of anti-DNP molecules and populations of anti-TNP molecules. When the combining sites are saturated by either homologous or by cross-reacting ligands, 70–80% of the tryptophan fluorescence of anti-DNP molecules (rabbit IgG) is quenched. The chapter discusses the results of some studies of the combining sites of two myeloma proteins with considerable affinity for DNP ligands. Because of the homogeneity of the combining sites, the sites of these proteins can be analyzed more thoroughly than those of conventional anti-DNP molecules.
Defense against Stack-Based Attacks Using Speculative Stack Layout Transformation

This paper describes a novel technique to defend binaries against intra-frame stack-based attacks, including overflows into local variables, when source code is unavailable. The technique infers a specification of a function’s stack layout, i.e., variable locations and boundaries, and then seeks to apply a combination of transformations, including variable reordering, random-sized padding between variables, and placement of canaries. To overcome the imprecision of static binary analysis, yet be as aggressive as possible in the transformations applied to the stack layout, the technique is speculative. A stack frame is aggressively transformed based on static analysis, and the validity of inferred stack layout is assessed through regression testing. If a transformation changes a program’s semantics because of imprecision in the inference of the stack layout, a less aggressive layout is inferred until the transformed program passes the supplied regression tests. We present an overview of the technique and preliminary results of its feasibility and security effectiveness.
A comparison of peritoneal fluid parameters of infertile patients and the subsequent occurrence of pregnancy

The effects of peritoneal fluid or its cellular components on human oocyte fertilization and cleavage cannot be studied directly. This report explores the association of laparoscopically obtained peritoneal fluid volume, macrophage count, and concentration of 124 infertility patients and their first occurrence of pregnancy during a 2-year follow-up period. Endometriosis patients who achieved pregnancy had a significantly lower mean fluid volume than those remaining nonpregnant. In patients with endometriosis, a fluid volume significantly less than the mean for all endometriosis patients carries a significantly greater chance of pregnancy. The time required for the occurrence of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis appears influenced by peritoneal fluid volume. Peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis, via an as yet unknown mechanism or substance, appears to be associated with reduced fertility.
Three-dimensional light structure of an upland Quercus stand post-tornado disturbance

Light is the most common limiting factor in forest plant communities, influencing species composition, stand structure, and stand productivity in closed canopy stands. Stand vertical light structure is relatively simple under a closed canopy because most light is captured by overstory trees. However, wind disturbance events create canopy openings from local to landscape scales that increase understory light intensity and vertical light structural complexity. We studied the effects of an EF-1 tornado on horizontal and vertical (i.e. three-dimensional) light structure within a Quercus stand to determine how light structure changed with increasing disturbance severity. We used a two-tiered method to collect photosynthetic photon flux density at 4.67 m and 1.37 m above the forest floor to construct three-dimensional light structure across a canopy disturbance severity gradient to see if light intensity varied with increasing tornado damage. Results indicate that increased canopy disturbance closer to the tornado track increased light penetration and light structure heterogeneity at lower forest strata. Increased light intensity correlated with increased sapling density that was more randomly distributed across the plot and had shifted light capture higher in the stand structure. Light penetration through the overstory was most strongly correlated with decreased stem density in the two most important tree species (based on relative dominance and relative density) in the stand, Quercus alba L. (r = − 0.31) and Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch (r = − 0.27, p < 0.01), and indicated that understory light penetration was most affected by these two species. As managers are increasingly interested in patterning silvicultural entries on natural disturbances, they must understand residual stand and light structures that occur after natural disturbance events. By providing spatial light data that quantifies light structure post-disturbance, managers can use these results to improve planning required for long-term management. The study also provides comparisons with anthropogenic disturbances to the midstory that may offer useful comparisons to natural analogs for future silvicultural consideration.
The Status and Impact of Clinical Tumor Genome Sequencing.

Since the discovery that DNA alterations initiate tumorigenesis, scientists and clinicians have been exploring ways to counter these changes with targeted therapeutics. The sequencing of tumor DNA ...
Detection of Tumor Growth from Differential Acoustic Measurements

To maximize the probability of tumor detection in the breast using ultrasound, frequencies in the range of 0.25MHz-1MHz may be better than the 1MHz-10MHz range used in current imaging technology.
Development of a Virtual Floor Maze Test - Effects of Distal Visual Cues and Correlations With Executive Function in Healthy Adults

Virtual reality (VR) is a useful tool to assess and improve spatial navigation, a complex skill and relevant marker for progression of dementia. A fully-immersive VR system that allows the user to physically navigate in the space can provide an ecologically valid environment for early detection and remediation of cognitive and navigational deficits. The aim of this study was to develop a virtual version of the floor maze test (VR-FMT), a navigational test that requires navigating through an unfamiliar two-dimensional floor maze. With the VR-FMT, mazes of desired complexity and walls of preferred height can be built to challenge navigational ability and mask visual clues. Fifty-five healthy adults completed the FMT in three different conditions: real environment (RE), virtual environment with no walls (VE-NW), and virtual environment with walls (VE-W). In addition, they completed two neuropsychological tests, the Trail Making Test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Results showed that the time to complete the maze in the VE was significantly higher than in the RE. The introduction of walls increased the number of errors, the completion time, and the length of the path. Only time to exit in the VE-W correlated with results of the cognitive tests. Participants were further subdivided on the basis of their time to exit the maze in the RE, VE-NW, and VE-W (low navigational time - LNT, and high navigational time - HNT). Only when analyzing the time to exit the maze in the VE-W, the LNT group outperformed the HNT group in all cognitive tests.
Valet Parking for Protein Ion Charge State Concentration: Ion/Molecule Reactions in Linear Ion Traps.

There are several analytical applications in which it is desirable to concentrate analyte ions generated over a range of charge states into a single charge state. This has been demonstrated in the ...
Sex Differences in Sleep Disorders

Sex and gender differences in sleep and circadian rhythms are observed across the lifespan and impact evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. Insomnia is more common in women than men, and has links to sex-specific reproductive hormones in males and females. Although behavioral treatments for insomnia work equally well regardless of gender, certain pharmacologic treatments require different dosing based on sex. There are gender disparities in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. For example, narcolepsy has a nearly equal prevalence between men and women, but women experience symptoms for nearly 2 years longer than men before diagnosis. Obstructive sleep apnea affects more men than women, but the majority of women with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. Variation in presenting symptoms between men and women and differences in how sleep apnea testing detects disease features that differ by sex contribute to this disparity. Sex differences in restless legs syndrome emerge after childbirth in women, likely related to higher rates of iron deficiency in parous women. Data on sex differences in parasomnias are inconsistent and likely are related more to differences in treatment-seeking and disease recognition than substantial sex differences in the disorders per se. Circadian cycle lengths tend to be longer in men than in women, and women demonstrate earlier peaks in alertness during the day and sleepiness at night, as well as a larger amplitude of circadian variation in sleepiness and performance, resulting in more nighttime impairment in women. Sex and gender differences are present both in healthy sleep and circadian rhythms and in the presentation of sleep disorders, underscoring the need to account for sex and gender in sleep medicine and sleep research.
Breaking the silence in the primary care office: patients' attitudes toward discussing abortion during contraceptive counseling.

Author(s): Dianat, Shokoufeh; Silverstein, Ilana A; Holt, Kelsey; Steinauer, Jody; Dehlendorf, Christine | Abstract: ObjectivesAbortions are common health experiences in the United States, yet they are siloed from mainstream health care. To provide guidance on how clinicians could break down these silos, normalize conversations about abortion, and potentially improve patient experience and contraceptive decision-making, we sought to understand patient attitudes regarding discussing abortion during contraceptive counseling.Study designIn 2018, we completed in-depth semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women recruited from primary care clinics of two politically disparate regions within California. We elicited acceptability, preferences, and implications of clinicians mentioning abortion during contraceptive counseling. Using directed content analysis, we coded transcripts for inductive and deductive themes.ResultsWe achieved thematic saturation after 49 interviews. Interviewees were diverse in reproductive history, race/ethnicity, religiosity, and abortion attitudes. Participants with diverse attitudes about abortion reported that having abortion mentioned during contraceptive counseling was generally viewed as acceptable, and even helpful, when delivered in a non-directive manner focused on information provision. For some patients, mentioning abortion may reduce abortion stigma and help contraceptive decision-making. Careful attention to a non-judgmental communication style is critical to safeguard against potential contraceptive coercion.ConclusionsDiscussing abortion during contraceptive counseling was acceptable among this diverse population, and our findings suggest ways to best structure such counseling. Coupled with research on clinician perspectives, our findings can inform development of patient-centered contraceptive counseling approaches that integrate abortion in an attempt to facilitate patient care and reduce stigma.ImplicationsMentioning abortion during contraceptive counseling can be acceptable, and even helpful, to patients when delivered in a non-directive manner focused on information provision, even among patients who believed abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. For some patients, mentioning abortion may reduce abortion stigma and help contraceptive decision-making.
Inverse design of metasurfaces with non-local interactions

Conventional metasurfaces have demonstrated efficient wavefront manipulation by using thick and high-aspect-ratio nanostructures in order to eliminate interactions between adjacent phase-shifter elements. Thinner-than-wavelength dielectric metasurfaces are highly desirable because they can facilitate fabrication and integration with both electronics and mechanically tunable platforms. Unfortunately, because their constitutive phase-shifter elements exhibit strong electromagnetic coupling between neighbors, the design requires a global optimization methodology that considers the non-local interactions. Here, we propose a global evolutionary optimization approach to inverse design non-local metasurfaces. The optimal designs are experimentally validated, demonstrating the highest efficiencies for the thinnest transmissive metalenses reported to-date for visible light. In a departure from conventional design methods based on the search of a library of pre-determined and independent meta-atoms, we take full advantage of the strong interactions among nanoresonators to improve the focusing efficiency of metalenses and demonstrate that efficiency improvements can be obtained by lowering the metasurface filling factors.
School-Based Autism Rates by State: An Analysis of Demographics, Political Leanings, and Differential Identification

We reviewed federal special education data to determine school-identified prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disability categories by U.S. state. We also examined whether state-level policies, demographic factors, and rates of other eligibility categories are predictive of these state ASD rates. Results indicate that overall, 1 of 81 school-aged children are served under an ASD special education eligibility. State-level demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status and political leanings were highly predictive of rates of ASD. States with higher rates of ASD had lower rates of intellectual and learning disabilities, but higher rates of Other Health Impairment (OHI).
Characterization of High Temperature Superconductors with Raman Spectroscopy

Among vibrational spectroscopies, Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical investigation technique for studying phonons in solids with relatively simple instrumentation. Raman scattering can provide various types of information, for instance, concerning the behavior of the oxygen atoms or information about the electronic band structure. As soon as high temperature superconductivity in La1-xBaxCuO4 was discovered by Bednorz and Muller,1 Raman spectra have been studied to determine the structure, composition, and phases of these perovskite-like superconducting copper oxides.
Challenges for the University: Recovering Authentic Liberal Culture During Ascendant and Populist Neoliberalism

This chapter reflects on the transformation of higher education institutions in the USA over the past decades in the context of the ascendance of neoliberal governance and management. It provides analytical as well as practical perspectives on how to comprehend, engage with, and ameliorate the current crisis of higher education. We first establish the social functions of higher education in modern liberal public life. We posit the ideological traits of neoliberalism as a new governance and management that bends and reshapes the higher education system. It reconfigures the curriculum, educational content, and the social/cultural life of the universities in three basic ways: from non-market to all-market forms, from exchange processes to competitive processes, and view of the market from a ‘natural’ to an ‘ideal’ (indeed, imperative and essential) form. These transformations ripple through administrative/economic dispositions that alter the work processes and work conditions at universities. These changes affect all aspects of universities: the governing bodies, the faculty or academy, students, and entities external to the university. Finally, we discuss ameliorative paths for recovering and restoring the public functions of the higher education system for social progress.
Standardization in Performing and Interpreting Electrocardiograms

Excellence in recording and interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG) is a necessity for optimal electrocardiography. This includes data to properly interpret the ECG, including data on age, gender, cardiovascular diagnosis, medications, abnormal laboratory findings (eg, data on electrolytes), and the indications for the electrocardiogram. The ECG needs to be performed by a qualified technician and interpreted by an experienced physician.
Long-term Exercise After Pulmonary Rehabilitation (LEAP): a pilot randomised controlled trial of Tai Chi in COPD.

Mind–body modalities are promising strategies to maintain the benefits gained after completion of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation in persons with COPD. In this pilot randomised controlled study we examined Tai Chi in persons with COPD after completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Participants were randomised 2:2:1 to Tai Chi (TC), usual care (UC) or group walking (GW) for 24 weeks. We assessed feasibility; primary outcome was exercise capacity measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life measured by Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), dyspnoea, mood, stress, social support, self-efficacy, physical activity and exercise engagement. Effect size estimates and estimates from generalised estimating equations were calculated. Ninety-one persons (36 TC, 37 UC, 18 GW) were enrolled, with mean age 69±6 years, 59% male, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted (FEV1 % pred) 48±19%. There was no difference in adherence and adverse events between groups. There was a small between-group effect size (ES=0.25) in change in 6MWT distance favouring TC compared to UC; 24-week comparison was nonsignificant (p=0.10). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. In exploratory analyses, there was a greater percentage of participants in TC who improved 6MWT distance at 24 weeks, compared to UC, 64% versus 39%, p=0.05. There were higher percentages of participants in TC who improved CRQ Fatigue (59% versus 31%, p=0.02) and CRQ Mastery (47% versus 20%, p=0.01) domain scores, compared to UC. For GW, there were no differences compared with TC. Tai Chi may be a feasible option to maintain the benefits gained after completing conventional pulmonary rehabilitation.
Large scale regulatory T cells screening.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) play an essential role in establishing and maintaining immune tolerance. Indeed, Foxp3 deficiency, non-functional or hypomorphic mutations in Foxp3 gene, induce severe systemic autoimmunity and lymphoproliferative disorders observed in Scurfy mice and in immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) patients [1, 2].
The Dark Side of Patents: Strategic Patenting, Product Market Entry and Competitor Innovation

This paper analyses how strategic patenting effects market concentration, entry, and competitor productivity and patenting. We introduce a new market-based classification of patent as strategic patenting and start by showing that this novel measure offers improvements over those in the extant literature. We find that when firms strategically patent, overall market concentration increases and entry is deterred. Further, competitor firms experience a decline in total factor productivity following a publication of a focal firm's strategic patent. These effects are more pronounced in capital-intensive firms and technological proximate peer groups. Overall these findings demonstrate the tensions inherent in designing patent policies that promote focal firm innovation, while preventing the stifling of competitor innovation.
Electric Vehicle Charging via Machine-Learning Pattern Recognition

AbstractThis paper presents machine learning valley-filling (MLVF) to enhance plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging at the local power level while minimizing the effects of uncontrolled PEV charg...
Low-Speed Flutter and Its Physical Interpretation

The phenomenon of low-speed flutter of an oscillating airfoil is investigated. The problem resolves itself into the study of two phenomena: tha t of zero air-speed classic flutter and tha t of an oscillating airfoil with no vortex shed. I t is seen tha t both cases involve oscillation of the airfoil about a nodal line located three-quarters of the chord aft of the leading edge. The study is based on the fundamental theory developed by Theodorsen. The relationship between the parameters required for zerospeed flutter for the general case is developed, and the physical interpretation of this phenomenon is discussed. For the latter case, the solution of the equations of motion, based on noncirculatory flow, and the equations resulting from the Kut ta condition result in a relationship between the inertia and elastic parameters for which the airfoil will flutter (i.e., maintain oscillations a t constant amplitude) for all air speeds. The physical interpretation and the mechanism of this phenomenon are discussed. Practical implications, such as the importance of nodal-line location and the effect of the physical parameters of the airfoil on nodal line location, are discussed. The possibility of a new approach to the flutter problem is suggested—that of employing the ground vibration modes of the airplane to study the existence of a low flutter speed and as a design guide to raise the flutter speed. , Conclusions are also drawn regarding the influence of aspect ratio and the relative importance of theoretical aerodynamic coefficients against values of these quantities measured in the wind tunnel.
Patient Engagement and Empowerment

Years ago, my professor told me that, as a practicing physician, I would occasionally see chronic disease patients for a few minutes and think that what I did during their visit would make all the difference. In fact, he said, it was what those patients did between the visits that would make that difference. Patients at home have historically been largely disconnected from what we think of as the healthcare system. Today, we have an increasingly rich set of technologies and tools to empower patients to be more involved in maintaining their wellness, preventing disease and managing disease more effectively, should they develop it. These tools can also connect patients to their providers, to interested family members and friends and to others with similar conditions or health issues.
VII Interaction of Very Intense Light with Free Electrons

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interaction of very intense light with free electrons. Thomson showed electron would oscillate in the presence of the electromagnetic wave, it would act as a source of dipole radiation itself, with the consequence that a definite fraction of the incident radiant energy flux would be removed from the electromagnetic wave and scattered into other directions. There is always an interest in the interaction of charged particles with electromagnetic waves. The chapter describes the experimental and theoretical aspects of the free electron–photon interaction that are non-trivially intensity dependent.
Performance Evaluation of a Privacy-Enhancing Framework for Personalized Websites

Reconciling personalization with privacy has been a continuing interest in the user modeling community. In prior work, we proposed a dynamic privacy-enhancing user modeling framework based on a software product line architecture (PLA). Our system dynamically selects personalization methods during runtime that respect users' current privacy preferences as well as the prevailing privacy laws and regulations. One major concern about our approach is its performance since dynamic architectural reconfiguration during runtime is usually resource-intensive. In this paper, we describe four implementations of our system that vary two factors, and an in-depth performance evaluation thereof under realistic workload conditions. Our study shows that a customized version performs better than the original PLA implementation, that a multi-level caching mechanism improves both versions, and that the customized version with caching performs best. The average handling time per user session is less than 0.2 seconds for all versions except the original PLA implementation. Overall, our results demonstrate that with a reasonable number of networked hosts in a cloud computing environment, an internationally operating website can use our dynamic PLA-based user modeling approach to personalize their user services, and at the same time respect the individual privacy desires of their users as well as the privacy norms that may apply.
A giant placenta: A case report

Abstract This is a case report of an unusually large placenta, weight 1,984 grams, associated with infant anomalies in a woman with a past history of syphilis who, at the time of delivery, was cured of this infection.
Hiding a Mortgage Too Well

This article considers the California case Garcia v. Roberts, showing that a sale and leaseback can actually be a mortgage, with the twist that if title to the property goes directly to the lender from a third party seller, rather than from the borrower, the mortgage is one of purchase money rather than refinance.
Prediction of intrauterine fetal weight using real-time ultrasound.

Abstract Thirty-two infants were prospectively studied in utero by means of real-time ultrasound. Cranial and abdominal parameters were measured and used to calculate fetal weight by five different methods. The best correlation of actual versus predicted weights was found with the use of the logarithmic equation of Warsof with the measurements for biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference with a standard deviation of ±150 gm.