A combined microfluidic-microstencil method for patterning biomolecules and cells

Despite the myriad of soft lithography based micropatterning methods available to researchers, it is still challenging to define small features (10–100 μm) that are spaced far apart (1–10 mm). In this report, we describe a combined microfluidic-microstencil patterning method that can produce multifunctional substrates of small features, O(10 μm), with a large pitch, O(1 mm). In that, we fabricate microstencils using an UV curable polyurethane (Norland Optical Adhesive 81) with dense arrays of 10–100 μm holes. Overlaying arrays of microfluidic channels over these microstencils allow for the control of the spacing between features and the ability to pattern multiple substrates. We show that this method is capable of patterning soluble proteins, fibrillar insoluble collagen, liposomes, cells, and nanoparticles. We demonstrate the utility of the method by measuring platelet adhesion under flow to three adhesive proteins (insoluble fibrillar collagen, laminin, and reconstituted acid solubilized collagen fibers) in a single assay.     

The Inventor game: game-theoretical analysis of knowledge-sharing between inventors and employers

Knowledge-sharing has often been analysed by one-shot game models, where the balance between costs and the value of knowledge exchanges for different exchange partners has been calculated. This paper reviews this literature and discusses five of its assumptions: (1) the assumption of homogeneity of knowledge, (2) the assumption of one-shot solutions, (3) the assumption of knowledge as value, (4) the assumption of knowledge as the only instrument for an actor to influence the payouts, and (5) the assumption of deterministic profits from negotiation results. We propose a more realistic game-theoretical model for analysing knowledge-sharing, based on alternative assumptions, that is, heterogeneity of knowledge, multi-stage negotiations, knowledge value realized via production functions, the need for side payments, and the working of nature and discount factors. Our model may help in establishing new firms on the basis of existing knowledge owned by companies and their employees.     

Societal and ethical issues of digitization

In this paper we discuss the social and ethical issues that arise as a result of digitization based on six dominant technologies: Internet of Things, robotics, biometrics, persuasive technology, virtual & augmented reality, and digital platforms. We highlight the many developments in the digitizing society that appear to be at odds with six recurring themes revealing from our analysis of the scientific literature on the dominant technologies: privacy, autonomy, security, human dignity, justice, and balance of power. This study shows that the new wave of digitization is putting pressure on these public values. In order to effectively shape the digital society in a socially and ethically responsible way, stakeholders need to have a clear understanding of what such issues might be. Supervision has been developed the most in the areas of privacy and data protection. For other ethical issues concerning digitization such as discrimination, autonomy, human dignity and unequal balance of power, the supervision is not as well organized.     

Parent-child interaction therapy: application to maltreating parent-child dyads

OBJECTIVE: Parent-Child Interaction Training (PCIT), which uses a social learning framework, is a dyadic intervention that is designed to alter specific patterns of interaction found in parent-child relationships. Previous research suggests that maladaptive and high-risk characteristics found in maltreating parent-child dyads may be responsive to PCIT. The primary focus of this study is to examine the effectiveness of PCIT with maltreating parent-child dyads. METHODOLOGY: This study describes the effectiveness of PCIT with 136 biological parent-child dyads in which 66.9% (N=91) of the children had been maltreated. Of the 91 maltreated children, 64.8% (N=59) of the parents had maltreated their children, and were thus considered to be at high risk of repeating the abuse. RESULTS: Primary outcomes of this study show the following: (1) a decrease in child behavior problems, (2) a decrease in parental stress, and (3) a decrease in abuse risk from pre- to post-treatment for dyads with and without a history of maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results add to the body of research supporting PCIT as a promising intervention and as a means to aid both children and parents in high-risk families for maltreatment.     

Mitigating invalid and mischievous survey responses: A registered report examining risk disparities between heterosexual and lesbian,gay, bisexual,or questioning youth

In a Registered Report, the authors propose a new survey-bias-mitigation method—incorporating inverse probability weighting via boosted regression—to better understand lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning (LGBQ)-heterosexual youth risk disparities. This method is tested using the 2019 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-collected Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) national data, which contain 12,847 observations (ages 12–18 [M = 16, SD = 1.25]; 49.1% male [8.7% LGBQ] and 50.9% female [22.4% LGBQ]; nationally representative regarding race and ethnicity). Looking across 44 outcomes, the authors found that the YRBS contains responses that are potentially biased against LGBQ youth in systematic ways, inflating perceived risk for this group in some outcomes. This potential bias is more pronounced among reported males than among reported females, and it is more pronounced for low-incidence outcomes. For example, the steroid-use disparity estimate among reported males reduced by 67%, while the reduction in bullying victimization was small and not statistically significant. The authors discuss robustness of results, the new method, and data policy implications.