bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomo-Seq Identifies SOX9 as a Key Regulator of Cardiac Fibrosis During Ischemic Injury
Authors: Lacraz Grégory P.A. , Junker Jan Philipp , Gladka Monika M. , Molenaar Bas , Scholman Koen T. , Vigil-Garcia Marta , Versteeg Danielle , de Ruiter Hesther , Vermunt Marit W. , Creyghton Menno P. , Huibers Manon M.H. , de Jonge Nicolaas , van Oudenaarden Alexander , van Rooij Eva
Published: July 2017

Background:

Cardiac ischemic injury induces a pathological remodeling response, which can ultimately lead to heart failure. Detailed mechanistic insights into molecular signaling pathways relevant for different aspects of cardiac remodeling will support the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Methods:

Although genome-wide transcriptome analysis on diseased tissues has greatly advanced our understanding of the regulatory networks that drive pathological changes in the heart, this approach has been disadvantaged by the fact that the signals are derived from tissue homogenates. Here we used tomo-seq to obtain a genome-wide gene expression signature with high spatial resolution spanning from the infarcted area to the remote to identify new regulators of cardiac remodeling. Cardiac tissue samples from patients suffering from ischemic heart disease were used to validate our findings.

Results:

Tracing transcriptional differences with a high spatial resolution across the infarcted heart enabled us to identify gene clusters that share a comparable expression profile. The spatial distribution patterns indicated a separation of expressional changes for genes involved in specific aspects of cardiac remodeling, such as fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and calcium handling (
Col1a2
,
Nppa
, and
Serca2
). Subsequent correlation analysis allowed for the identification of novel factors that share a comparable transcriptional regulation pattern across the infarcted tissue. The strong correlation between the expression levels of these known marker genes and the expression of the coregulated genes could be confirmed in human ischemic cardiac tissue samples. Follow-up analysis identified SOX9 as common transcriptional regulator of a large portion of the fibrosis-related genes that become activated under conditions of ischemic injury. Lineage-tracing experiments indicated that the majority of COL1-positive fibroblasts stem from a pool of SOX9-expressing cells, and in vivo loss of
Sox9
blunted the cardiac fibrotic response on ischemic injury. The colocalization between SOX9 and COL1 could also be confirmed in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions:

Based on the exact local expression cues, tomo-seq can serve to reveal novel genes and key transcription factors involved in specific aspects of cardiac remodeling. Using tomo-seq, we were able to unveil the unknown relevance of SOX9 as a key regulator of cardiac fibrosis, pointing to SOX9 as a potential therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.
Mfsd2a (Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a) Attenuates Intracerebral Hemorrhage–Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption by Inhibiting Vesicular Transcytosis
Authors: Yang Yuan‐Rui , Xiong Xiao‐Yi , Liu Juan , Wu Li‐Rong , Zhong Qi , Zhou Kai , Meng Zhao‐You , Liu Liang , Wang Fa‐Xiang , Gong Qiu‐Wen , Liao Mao‐Fan , Duan Chun‐Mei , Li Jie , Yang Mei‐Hua , Zhang Qin , Gong Chang‐Xiong , Yang Qing‐Wu
Published: July 2017

Background

Blood–brain barrier (
BBB
) disruption aggravates brain injury induced by intracerebral hemorrhage (
ICH
); however, the mechanisms of
BBB
damage caused by
ICH
remain elusive. Mfsd2a (major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2a) has been known to play an essential role in
BBB
formation and function. In this study, we investigated the role and underlying mechanisms of Mfsd2a in
BBB
permeability regulation after
ICH
.

Methods and Results

Using
ICH
models, we found that Mfsd2a protein expression in perihematomal brain tissues was significantly decreased after
ICH
. Knockdown and knockout of Mfsd2a in mice markedly increased
BBB
permeability, neurological deficit score, and brain water contents after
ICH
, and these were rescued by overexpressing Mfsd2a in perihematomas. Moreover, we found that Mfsd2a regulation of
BBB
permeability after
ICH
correlated with changes in vesicle number. Expression profiling of tight junction proteins showed no differences in Mfsd2a knockdown, Mfsd2a knockout, and Mfsd2a overexpression mice. However, using electron microscopy following
ICH
, we observed a significant increase in pinocytotic vesicle number in Mfsd2a knockout mice and decreased the number of pinocytotic vesicles in mouse brains with Mfsd2a overexpression. Finally, using multiple reaction monitoring, we screened out 3 vesicle trafficking–related proteins (Srgap2, Stx7, and Sec22b) from 31 vesicle trafficking‐related proteins that were markedly upregulated in Mfsd2a knockout mice compared with controls after
ICH
.

Conclusions

In summary, our results suggest that Mfsd2a may protect against
BBB
injury by inhibiting vesicular transcytosis following
ICH
.
Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules With Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS) Cytology Using Ultrasonography Patterns Defined by the 2015 ATA Guidelines
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Han Kyunghwa , Kim Eun-Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Park Vivian Y. , Kwak Jin Young
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of ultrasonography (US) patterns based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for malignancy in atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) nodules.

Methods:

From January 2014 to August 2015, 133 thyroid nodules that were initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on fine needle aspiration (FNA) were included in this study. Each nodule was assigned a category with US patterns defined by the ATA guidelines. Clinical characteristics and US patterns were compared between the benign and malignant nodules, and malignancy rates were calculated according to the ATA guidelines.

Results:

The malignancy rate in the very low suspicion group was 0.0% in AUS/FLUS nodules. When applying the ATA guidelines, significant differences existed for US patterns between the benign and malignant nodules in the AUS group ( P = .032) but not the FLUS group ( P = .168).

Conclusions:

Ultrasonography patterns by the 2015 ATA guidelines can provide risk stratification for nodules with AUS cytology but not for ones with FLUS cytology. For nodules with AUS/FLUS cytology with the very low suspicion pattern of the ATA guidelines, follow-up US might be recommended instead of repeat FNA.
Dual-Domain Calibration Transfer Using Orthogonal Projection
Authors: Poerio Dominic V. , Brown Steven D.
Published: July 2017

We report the use of dual-domain regression models, which were built utilizing a wavelet prism decomposition and paired with transfer by orthogonal projection, for the calibration transfer of near-infrared (NIR) spectra. The new method is based on obtaining specific frequency components for a spectrum via wavelet analysis, projecting the frequency components of the primary instrument onto the subspace orthogonal to the mean instrumental difference between spectra from the primary and the secondary instrument, and weighting each frequency component model according to the cross-validation error of the frequency components of the projected primary instrument’s spectra to generate a stacked ensemble model robust to contributions to the spectra from instrumental variations. The method, which does not require property values from the secondary data set, is tested on three NIR data sets, and is compared with orthogonal projection in the wavelength domain, orthogonal signal correction, and with model updating approaches. For the data sets we examined, we show that the prediction performance of the new method is competitive with orthogonal projections in the wavelength domain, as well as orthogonal signal correction and model updating approaches, both of which require property values for spectra from the secondary instrument. Examination of the spectral data reconstructed from the projected frequency components indicates that aspects of the data that may be attributable to instrumental or physical phenomena (i.e., instrumental baseline shifts or discretized intensity changes which may be attributed to scatter) are suppressed, but those associated with the chemical phenomena are retained. The benefits of orthogonal projection on each individual frequency component are further corroborated by the fact that the models based on frequency component projection generalize better to unseen instruments compared with the other methods.
What is the current level of mental health service delivery and expenditure on infants, children, adolescents, and young people in Australia?
Authors: Segal Leonie , Guy Sophie , Furber Gareth
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

The study aim was to estimate the current level of ambulatory mental health service delivery to young people aged 0–24 years in Australia and associated government expenditure. Recognising the importance of the early years for the development of mental illness and socioeconomic outcomes, we were particularly interested in service access by infants and young children.

Methods:

We extracted information from government administrative datasets on the number of people who received mental health services, number of services and expenditure through the health sector for 2014–2015. Results are primarily reported by age groups 0–4, 5–11, 12–17 and 18–24 years.

Results:

Less than 1% of 0- to 4-year-olds received a mental health service in any one service setting, whereas nearly 11% of 18- to 24-year-olds received a mental health service through the Medicare Benefits Schedule Better Access programme alone. Many more services were delivered to 12- to 24-year-olds (>4 million) than to 0- to 11-year-olds (552,000). Medicare Benefits Schedule Better Access delivers services to more children and youth than do state/territory community mental health services, although the latter provide more services per client. In 2013–2014, Australian Government expenditure on ambulatory mental health services for 0- to 24-year-olds was AUD428 million, similar to the AUD491 million spent by state/territory governments.

Conclusion:

The study provides a benchmark for data-driven service planning to ensure that the mental health needs of infants, children and young people are met. Our results indicate that the youngest age group are underserviced relative to need, even noting infants and children may receive services for behavioural/mental health issues from providers not captured in our study (such as paediatricians). The developmental origins of mental illness underlies the urgency of adequate provision by governments of perinatal, infant and child mental health services to avoid loss of life potential and reduce the pressures on the justice, child protection and welfare systems.
Nordic Security Today: Sweden
Authors: DÖRfer Ingemar
Published: July 2017

During the 1970s there was a broad domestic political consensus to keep Swedish defense spending at 3.5% of the GNP. Since the defense establishment had been built up during the 1950s and 1960s, when 5% of the GNP was devoted to defense, it was impossible to maintain the same force structure. While the Air Force and the Navy modernized their services, cutting their size in half, the Army kept its force of almost 30 field brigades. The need to place all conscripts in the wartime organization kept the numbers up, but the Army had to compromise on training and weaponry. In the choice between an introvert army oriented strategy and an extrovert navy and air force strategy the Army at first prevailed for political and ideological reasons. Towards the end of the decade this trend was reversed. Sweden decided to develop a new combat aircraft, to modernize the Navy's submarine hunting capability and to improve the mobility and alertness of its field forces. Behind this reversal of policy was the end of detente in Europe and the increased interest and capabilities of the superpowers in Northern Europe. Swedish arms control policy, complementing the defense effort, also moved towards a more European security oriented posture.
Identifying Ability Requirements by Decision Flow Diagrams
Authors: Mallamad Sharyn M. , Levine Jerrold M. , Fleishman Edwin A.
Published: July 2017

The development and evaluation of a new method for the identification of ability requirements of jobs is described. The method developed is based on current knowledge about human abilities and utilizes flow diagrams as a decision aid. An analyst systematically proceeds through a series of binary decisions as to whether or not each of 40 abilities is required for performing a job or task. Three studies evaluated the reliability of the technique for different samples of analysts and types of job descriptions. A comparison was made with an alternate approach using rating scales to assess abilities in the same tasks and jobs. The decision flow diagrams proved to be reliable and superior to the rating scale approach for identifying abilities. The diagrams seem best employed in conjunction with the rating scales, the former to identify required abilities and the latter to quantify the degree of involvement of each of the identified abilities. The diagrams and rating scales appear to provide a feasible technique to help establish personnel requirements for jobs.
Time and Error Measures of Human Performance: A Note on Bradley's Optimal-Pessimal Paradox
Authors: Childs Jerry M.
Published: July 2017

Human performance data and theory are introduced relative to Bradley's (1975) optimalpessimal paradox. An attempt is made to demonstrate that the paradox, although theoretically sound, is grounded upon assumptions that are empirically untenable. Alternatives to Bradley's recommendations when optimal-pessimal conditions obtain are presented.
Modeling of Isometric Strength and Lifting Capacity
Authors: Mital Anil , Ayoub M. M.
Published: July 2017

Two categories of prediction models have been developed. Category one models predict isometric shoulder strength, leg strength, arm strength, back strength, and composite strength of male and female industrial workers based upon operator characteristics (age, sex, and anthropometric variables). Category two models predict lifting capacity of male and female industrial workers by utilizing their individual and anthropometric characteristics. The lifting capacity models can be used to predict the amount of weight an individual can lift for different height ranges at various frequencies of lift. A high multiple partial correlation coefficient (r≥. 0.95) was obtained when lifting capacity models were used to predict the amount of weight an individual can handle by using his predicted isometric strengths (from category one models) and personal characteristics (age, sex, and anthropometric variables).
Sleep Envelopes and Sleeper Berth Requirements
Authors: Sanders Mark S.
Published: July 2017

The maximum length, width, and height of 239 truck and bus drivers assuming three sleep postures were measured. The Federal government sets minimum dimensions for sleeper berths in trucks. A sleeper berth of minimum width (0.61 m) would be too narrow for over 40% of the drivers as measured in this study. A minimum width of 0.84 m is recommended to accommodate 90% of the driver population.
Response Time Effects of Alerting Tone and Semantic Context for Synthesized Voice Cockpit Warnings
Authors: Simpson Carol A. , Williams Douglas H.
Published: July 2017

Some handbooks and human factors design guides have recommended that a voice warning should be preceded by a tone to attract attention to the warning. As far as can be determined from a search of the literature, no experimental evidence supporting this exists. A fixed-base simulator flown by airline pilots was used to test the hypothesis that the total "system-time" to respond to a synthesized voice cockpit warning would be longer when the message was preceded by a tone because the voice itself was expected to perform both the alerting and the information transfer functions. The simulation included realistic ATC radio voice communications, synthesized engine noise, cockpit conversation, and realistic flight routes. The effect of a tone before a voice warning was to lengthen response time; that is, responses were slower with an alerting tone. Lengthening the voice warning with another word, however, did not increase response time.
Influence of Noise Characteristics on Behavioral Aftereffects 1
Authors: Percival Lynn , Loeb Michel
Published: July 2017

Two experiments were performed which were designed to replicate and extend the findings of Glass and Singer and others on the aftereffects of noise on performance. In the first, subjects were exposed to 24 min of 95 dBA fixed schedule (FS) or random schedule (RS) intermittent conglomerate noise or to 46 dBA background control (C) noise. After exposure. persistence on insoluble puzzles was least in the RS noise condition and greatest in the C noise condition. In the second experiment. subjects were exposed to 95-dBA intermittent white noise. Recorded nonnal aircraft flyovers, recorded combinations of aircraft noise peaks (AC), and Glass and Singer (GS) conglomerate noise or to 48-dBA background control noise. Following exposure, the GS and AC groups persisted less on the puzzles than the other three groups. In neither experiment was there an effect of noise on routine tasks performed during exposure or on a proofreading task following exposure. Also, there were no significant correlations between subjective ratings of the noise and the performance aftereffects. The significance of these findings is considered ill terms of existing theories.
Human Error in ATC System Operations
Authors: Danaher James W.
Published: July 2017

Air traffic control (ATC) system errors rarely occur in today's system. ATC-related aircraft accidents are even rarer events. Nevertheless, more than 90% of all the system errors that do occur stem from human mistakes in attention, judgment, and communications by controllers and their supervisors. Current levels of air traffic are already pressing the capacity of today's system. Future traffic is predicted to increase significantly, but economic and other factors place severe limits on the number of airports and runways that can be built. Resultant traffic congestion and controller work load, despite automation efforts; could increase the error rate and degrade the system's tolerance for errors. Several ATC-related aircraft accidents are summarized to illustrate the controller's changing role and the manner in which the controller interacts with pilots, other controllers, and the work environment. These cases also cite exemplary performance, as well as mistakes, by pilots and controllers, and the circumstances that fostered them, to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the human element in the present system. Implications for future ATC system design are discussed.
Controller Evaluation of a Touch Input Air Traffic Data System: An II "Indelicate" Experiment
Authors: Stammers R. B. , Bird J. M.
Published: July 2017

An evaluation of a system for data transfer and display for airport air traffic control (ATC) by practicing controllers is described. The system is computer based, handling the data normally used in airport ATC at Heathrow. The system displays the controller's data on a single screen. Data transfer and modification are enabled via a touch-sensitive surface on the display. Sinaiko's term "indelicate experiment" is used since the evaluation fell into middle ground of system design, between "expert knowledge" and "controlled and lengthy experimentation." The major objective was to judge the opinions and attitudes of controllers. The study used a simulation of normal operations. Fifteen controllers-five groups of three-participated in 5-h-long exercises over 3 days. The main source of information was a questionnaire completed after the exercises. There was also a limited use of video tape. The results and implications of the study are discussed.
Perception of Horizontal Aircraft Separation on a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information
Authors: Palmer Everett A. , Jago Sharon J. , Baty Daniel L. , O'Connor Sharon L.
Published: July 2017

Perception of aircraft separation on a cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI) may be influenced by many different display elements such as: information content of aircraft predictors and history, number and type of display background elements, map orientation, map scale, and update rate. The experimental task required subjects to judge whether an intruder aircraft would ultimately pass in front of or in back of their own aircraft. The results of nine experiments are described. Displayed history did not improve performance, although it was desired by pilots when there was no other explicit display of aircraft turn rate. Pilots made fewer errors when they had predictive information, especially with the predictor curved proportional to turn rate. Varying the rate of updating information on the display from 0.1 to 4 s did not affect performance. There was no difference in performance when display viewing time was varied from 1 to 16 s.
Air Traffic Control Using a Microwave Landing System
Authors: Gershzohn Gary
Published: July 2017

Two experiments investigated the performance of air traffic controllers using a simulated Microwave Landing System to control the landing of short takeoff and landing aircraft. In Experiment 1, the task involved the separation of simulated aircraft targets by use of airspeed control. The goal was to ensure that the targets crossed the Missed Approach Point with a specified time interval between them. Experiment 2 employed the same experimental format and task, but the work load was increased by the addition of more targets. Controllers used speed control, radar vectoring, and holding patterns to separate targets. In both experiments, performance was evaluated under no-wind and wind conditions. Significant effects were found due to the configuration of the Microwave Landing System courses and as a result of wind conditions. Performance was generally inaccurate and exhibited high variability. Implications for future development of the Microwave Landing System in the air traffic control system are discussed.
Bilingual Air Traffic Control in Canada
Authors: Stager Paul , Proulx Peter , Walsh Bryan , Fudakowski Tom
Published: July 2017

Simulation exercises with bilingual controllers from Montreal Center were conducted in order to develop procedures for the safe implementation of bilingual communications for aircraft operating under instrument flight rules in the Province of Quebec. Representative pilots from professional and general aviation associations flew aircraft simulators linked to the Air Traffic Control simulator in order to evaluate the proposed bilingual system and to generate data on the party-line aspect of the listening watch in air-ground communications. The effects of language, type of sector, traffic characteristics, and exceptional conditions on communication characteristics and controller performance were observed in four different studies. In addition, data on controllers' communications in actual operations and on reported incidents involving the listening watch were obtained. Information from both the simulations and the real-world operations were then analyzed to determine the implications for control procedures and to assess the general impact of bilingual control on system safety.
Visual Detection of Driving While Intoxicated
Authors: Harris Douglas H.
Published: July 2017

Visual cues were identified and procedures were developed to enhance on-the-road detection of driving while intoxicated (DWI) by police patrol officers. Related research was reviewed; police officers with demonstrated effectiveness in DWI detection were interviewed; DWI arrest reports were analyzed; and a study was conducted to determine the frequency of occurrence and relative discriminability of visual cues. Based on the results, a DWI detection guide was developed and verified in a field study involving a sample of 10 law enforcement agencies located throughout the United States. Use of the guide was accompanied by a statistically significant 12% overall increase in DWI arrest rate.
Lighting for the Elderly: A Psychobiological Approach to Lighting
Authors: Hughes Philip C. , Neer Robert M.
Published: July 2017

The present paper reviews the role of illumination in shaping the indoor environment of the elderly person. The approach is that lighting has a twofold impact on the individual. One is as a source of information about the environment, i.e., visual, and the other is photobiological through the skin or photoreceptor.

The visually lighted environment is reviewed, discussing first the physiological changes that occur during the aging process, then the effect of aging on visual performance, and finally the importance of qualitative factors in assessing the adequacy of an illuminated environment for the elderly. Special attention is given to application problems in lighting for the elderly, i.e., excessive brightness differences, discomfort glare, veiling reflections, and the importance of color and the spectral power distribution of the light source. The advantages of a full-spectrum light source which simulates natural sunlight for indoor illumination is discussed in light of recent research.

The biologically lighted environment is reviewed in terms of the potential role that indoor illumination can play in regulating important biochemical processes in the elderly population, i.e., neuroendocrine control, vitamin D3 synthesis, immunologic mechanisms, and cardiovascular regulation.
Signal, Noise, Performance, and Age
Authors: Welford Alan T.
Published: July 2017

Ten years ago, it seemed reasonable to summarize two decades of research on the age changes in central mechanisms affecting performance under four main headings: slowing of perception and action, increased disruption of short-term memory by any shift of attention, difficulty in searching material in long-term memory, and difficulty in coping with certain kinds of complexity. Theories under these four headings are reexamined in light of recent findings which imply that older people have a reduced signal-to-noise ratio in the brain but at the same time a spontaneous tendency to adopt strategies which optimize performance. This approach accounts directly for longer times taken in discrimination and some choice reaction tasks, and indirectly for at least some of the greater tendency of older people to monitor their responses. A model is proposed which applies the same approach to memory. In terms of this model, poor performances in both short- and long-term memory are due to failure to transfer items from primary to secondary memory and to the weakness of traces established in long-term memory. The model raises some as yet unanswered questions about the precise manner in which complex relationships between signals and responses are handled.
Drivers' Steering Behavior When Meeting Another Car: The Case of Perceptual Tropism Revisited
Authors: Summala Heikki , Leino Matti , Vierimaa Jukka
Published: July 2017

It was reported in a recent paper that, when meeting another car, drivers start turning the steering wheel left 2 s before the meeting, indicating, according to the authors explanation, approaching behavior due to the perceptual significance of the oncoming car. The current study was conducted to test an alternative correction-maneuver explanation. The lateral position of passing cars was recorded at several measurement points on two-lane roads, and the mean value was plotted as a function of the time from the meeting instant. The previous data on the steering-wheel angle and the current position data were compared, first on narrow and wide roads and second in car-following and open-road driving condition. Each case involving a more pronounced steering-wheel shift to the left was found to be accompanied by a more pronounced, or sharper, lateral displacement to the right, supporting the correction-maneuver explanation.
Effect of Training Device on Retention and Transfer of a Procedural Task
Authors: Johnson Steven L.
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the effectiveness of three different training devices with respect to initial training, retention, and transfer of training. The training devices evaluated during the study were designed to require varying degrees of visual imagery utilization through reductions in the stimuli that provide visual cueing and feedback. The particular task used was representative of the many sequential procedures performed which range from operating master control panels in industrial plants to conducting normal and emergency procedures in air vehicles. The results of the study indicate that: (1) training devices do not need to be of high fidelity to be effective in training procedural tasks and (2) the use of a training strategy that requires the trainees to provide their own cueing and feedback from memory is effective in increasing the retention of procedure-following skills. These results have important implications for both the dollar cost and logistics of initial and refresher training, as well as for the retention efficiency of an important aspect of the human's present job description.
Annoyance of Noise from Power Lines
Authors: Lerner Neil D. , Lehrman Dorothy J.
Published: July 2017

Sample recordings of corona noise from extra-high voltage transmission lines, corona noise recordings with spectral modifications, samples of other environmental sounds, and artificial reference sounds were presented to 19 participants while they viewed television in a simulated living room. Each sound was rated for both annoyance and the extra concentration required for television viewing. Despite relatively low sound levels, corona noise was rated more annoying than ambient noise conditions near the lines. Higher frequency portions (above 500 Hz) of the corona noise spectrum contributed most to annoyance, although lower frequencies also contributed. Noise measurement scales that give more emphasis to higher frequencies (A- and D-weighted sound levels) appeared more accurate predictors of annoyance ratings than was unweighted sound pressure level. The results closely paralleled data derived from experiments employing nonverbal measures of noise aversiveness.
Limitations on the Practical Applicability of d′ and β Measures
Authors: Long Gerald M. , Waag Wayne L.
Published: July 2017

This article summarizes several of the limitations that have occasionally been raised against the use of the conceptual model and performance measures of Signal Detection Theory (SDT) in various research situations. The statistical assumptions underlying the meaningful computation of d′ and β as independent estimates of sensitivity and criterion are emphasized, and the overall applicability of the general SDT model itself is questioned under certain research conditions in which it is typically employed. The results from three separate experiments (vigilance, visual search, and auditory detection) are presented to illustrate the potential consequences of the misapplication of SDT. These results are discussed as relevant examples of current research which faces serious difficulties in applying SDT measures to an observer's performance without a critical consideration of underyling tenets or theory.
Flight Display Dynamics Revisited
Authors: Roscoe Stanley N. , Corl Louis , Jensen Richard S.
Published: July 2017

Good old ideas for pictorial flight displays that were once impractical warrant reconsideration in light of current microcomputing and display technology. Among the ideas are the contact analog, highway in the sky, and flight path predictor concepts. Basic pictorial display principles established in the 1950s and 1960s have been supported by additional experimental findings in the 1970s. These include pictorial realism, magnification, integration, compatible motion, frequency separation, pursuit presentation, quickening, and predicting. An extended analysis of dynamic display variables provides a broadened conceptual foundation for future multifactor experimental optimization of forward-looking pictorial flight displays.
Response Times to Left and Right Directional Signs
Authors: Whitaker Leslie A. , Stacey Scott
Published: July 2017

In two experiments, choice response times to word and arrow signs were measured. Subjects were asked to respond to visual stimuli which presented right or left directional instructions. Both left- and right-handed subjects were tested. In each experiment, a different response mode (vocal and ballistic lateral movement) was used; they produced similar results. Choice response times were faster for arrow directions than for words. Permissive stimuli (DO produced faster responses than did prohibitive (DO NOT). Response times to left stimuli did not differ from latencies to right stimuli. Subject's hand preference did not influence choice response times or accuracy of responses. Some conclusions about designing traffic signs to facilitate left-right directional decisions are drawn.
Qualification of Inspectors for Subjective Testing by Constellation Graph
Authors: Ohta Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

It is important in sensory tests to check the qualifications of the inspectors as judges of the quality of products. This paper is concerned with this problem when products are divided into several grades by subjective tests. A constellation graphical method for qualifying the inspectors is proposed and illustrated.
Effects of Visual Display Units on the Eyes: A Bibliography (1972-1980)
Authors: Matula Richard A.
Published: July 2017

Visual display units (VDUs) have been reported to cause such eye difficulties as eyestrain, visual discomfort, and visual fatigue. In addition, there are effects on visual accommodation as well as effects arising from contrast and glare sensitivity. This bibliography brings together in one place the widely dispersed literature on the effects of VDUs on the eyes.
The Interaction Between the Edge Effect and Target Conspicuity in Visual Search
Authors: Monk Timothy H.
Published: July 2017

The term "edge effect" in visual search is used to describe the finding that targets appearing in the outer half of a display have longer search times than those appearing in the inner half. The interaction between the edge effect and target conspicuity was explored using two experiments. Under conditions of target uncertainty, it was shown that the magnitude of the edge effect was unaffected by target conspicuity. In addition, two manipulations of the edge effect indicated that as the edge effect decreased, the difference between the search times of inconspicuous and conspicuous targets increased. The results are explained in terms of a model based upon the size of the "mesh" of fixations used to cover the display. Two computer simulations confirmed that the size of this mesh and the magnitude of the edge effect are inextricably related.
Effects of Heat, Social Facilitation, Sex Differences, and Task Difficulty on Reaction Time
Authors: Bell Paul A. , Loomis Ross J. , Cervone John C.
Published: July 2017

Paid volunteers (64 males, 64 females) performed either an easy or a complex reaction time task, either alone or in pairs (coaction), while exposed to ambient temperatures of either 22°C or 37°C. Reaction time was faster for males than for females, faster for the easy than for the complex task, and faster for coacting than for individually acting subjects. Heat increased reaction time, though its effect was statistically weak. All of these factors were essentially additive, with task difficulty having the strongest effect. Regression analysis suggested that arousal, as measured by systolic blood pressure, could account for the effects of coaction, sex differences, and heat.
Pilot Judgment: Training and Evaluation
Authors: Jensen Richard S.
Published: July 2017

An analysis of accident statistics reveals that over 50% of pilot-caused civil aviation accident fatalities are the result of faulty pilot judgment. Although the FAA requires examiners to evaluate pilot judgment, it provides no definition or criteria against which such an evaluation can be made. In spite of the statistics implicating pilot judgment in many aviation fatalities, attempts to teach it are almost nonexistent. It is but a slight overstatement to say that good pilot judgment is learned by the lucky and the cautious over many years of varied flying experiences. This paper examines some of the decision-research literature in an attempt to provide an operational definition of pilot judgment and to suggest ways that pilot judgment may be taught and evaluated in civil aviation.
Occupational Stress: Review and Reappraisal
Authors: Sharit Joseph , Salvendy Gavriel
Published: July 2017

This article presents an overview of the topic of occupational stress. Although its framework is somewhat conceptual, the article is intended to alert researchers to the practical considerations relevant to this topic. The authors attempt to arrive at a workable definition of stress, and then proceed to review the literature in this area, focusing on the measurement, sources, and management of stress, as well as the relationship between stress and coronary heart disease. Concepts related to stress (mental load, fatigue, and arousal) are defined and differentiated. Throughout, the effects of individual attributes are emphasized, as are the implications of investigating stress in the laboratory as opposed to the work environment.
Apparent Displacement of Moving and Stationary Strobe Flashes
Authors: Walker James T. , Irion Arthur L.
Published: July 2017

If an observer fixates a stationary object near the flight path of an airplane carrying a strobe flash, then the flash appears to trail behind the image of the airplane. In parallactic motion a strobe flash on a stationary tower appears to lag behind the apparently moving image of the tower. Considering the relationship between the latency and intensity of visual stimuli, those displacements seem paradoxical. If the latency of a bright flash is shorter than the latency of other image elements, then a flash should appear to precede the other elements of a moving image. However, the visual persistence of a stimulus is inversely related to its duration. Thus, the apparent displacement of a flash is due to its longer persistence in relation to the continuously lighted portions of a moving image. Under some conditions, the apparent displacement of a strobe flash may have important practical consequences.
Hydraulic Transducer for Assessing Grip Strength; RESEARCH NOTE
Authors: Patterson Patrick E. , Gabbard Carl
Published: July 2017

An instrument for assessing grip strength and endurance is described. The instrument provides an alternative type of measurement, as compared with conventional dynamometers (e.g., lever action dynamometers). It may be particularly useful for assessing the capabilities of handicapped workers.
Shipboard Fire-Fighting Performance of Females and Males
Authors: Phillips Mark D. , Pepper Ross L.
Published: July 2017

A study of fire-fighting performance was conducted as part of an ongoing effort to identify potential gender-based human engineering problems resulting from the recent introduction of women to shipboard assignments in the Navy. Results of experimental simulations of fire fighting with a CO2 extinguisher and starting a P-250 pump were consistent with earlier questionnaire data, which indicated that females experienced difficulties with tasks requiring upper torso strength and grip strength. In the experiment, females registered significantly lower force values on the P-250 starter cord than did males, with lighter females exerting less force than heavier females. Females also exhibited a different pulling strategy than males did. Weight had no impact on the performance of males. The results revealed that 85% of the females and 5% of the males sampled would be incapable of starting the P-250 pump.
Modeling the Human Operator in Computer-Based Data Entry
Authors: Williges Robert C. , Williges Beverly H.
Published: July 2017

Meaningful human factors applications to the design of human-computer tasks require a quantitative data base that describes operator behavior as a function of various independent variables. Three classes of metrics (operator satisfaction ratings, work-sampling procedures, and embedded performance measurement) are described as important measures in evaluating a human-computer interface used to enter and update personnel records. Polynomial regression procedures were used to generate functional relationships between each of these metrics and four independent variables representing system delay, display rate, keyboard echo rate, and keyboard buffer length. Each of the 22 separate dependent variables showed different functional relationships among the four systems variables, but overall system delay and keyboard echo rate were the major determiners of operator behavior. Additionally, the three classes of metrics were combined into three underlying interface dimensions relating to operator production, waiting, and planning activities.
Screening Designs Used to Estimate the Relative Effects of Display Factors on Dial Reading
Authors: Whitehurst Hugh O.
Published: July 2017

Two experiments were conducted to determine if screening designs could be used to obtain reliable estimates of the relative strength of effect of several independent variables. Specifically, the effects of eight independent variables on the speed and accuracy of reading moving-pointer, fixed-scale dials were tested. Additional objectives were to determine if the black-white relationship of the scale markers and dial background affects dial-reading performance or subject preference. The percentage of the variance accounted for by each main effect was very similar across screening designs. The progression of the numbers on the scale had by far the strongest effect. Interpolation and scale unit length also had relatively strong effects, while scale orientation, marker width, pointer design, clutter, and scale number location had weak to trivial effects. Black-on-white and white-on-black dials were read at about the same speed, but more errors were made while subjects read the black-on-white, even though they preferred the black-on-white dials.
Using Realistic Sensor, Target, and Scene Characteristics to Develop a Target Acquisition Model
Authors: Silbernagel Brian L.
Published: July 2017

This paper provides a model of target acquisition that will aid in the design of electro-optical detection devices. Twelve subjects, highly skilled in target detection, located targets in 32 terrain scenes taken from a realistic terrain board. Independent variables included display resolution, field of view, target contrast, target range, number of targets, and scene complexity. All experimental variables had a significant effect on target detection performance. A regression equation is presented, which can be used to predict detection time given the various sensor, target, and scene characteristics.
Prediction of Success at Typing
Authors: Cleaver Thomas G. , O'Connor Carol
Published: July 2017

A two-phase study was conducted to determine predictors of success at typing. In the first phase, beginning typing students were given a battery of tests to measure digital dexterity. The test results were correlated with typing speed attained after a one-semester course. Very little correlation between gross typing speed and digital dexterity was found.

In the second phase of the study, beginning typing students were given computer-administered tests to measure reaction time, the ability to use the fingers independently, and the speed with which three random characters could be typed on a keyboard. The test results were correlated with typing speed after the completion of a one-semester course. Reaction time and the ability to use the fingers independently showed moderate correlation coefficients; however, the ability to type three random characters was well correlated with typing speed. This last type of test may be useful in screening typist trainees.
Presentation Effects and Eye-Motion Behaviors in Dynamic Visual Inspection
Authors: Wentworth Ronald N. , Buck James R.
Published: July 2017

Dynamic visual inspection (DVI) occurs when objects on a moving conveyor are being individually examined for compliance with specifications. This study investigated the effect of the conveyor velocity and object interspacing on DVI performance and eye-motion behavior during this task. Nine combinations of these object presentation factors were examined where three pairs of these combinations each had a constant throughput rate (or exposure time). Horizontal eye-motion measurements were made through electrooculography recordings, and these measurements were analyzed to separately distinguish the visual acquisition time from the visual tracking time. Both of these time values tended to vary predictably with the available exposure time and consistently between people as a visual behavior strategy. Inspection errors were found to be highly correlated with the visual behavior.
The Ergonomics of Toilet Seats
Authors: Mcclelland Ian L. , Ward Joan S.
Published: July 2017

This study examines the appropriate position for and configuration of a toilet seat for the population of the United Kingdom. The study is based on the assumption that only a seated posture would be acceptable. Subjects underwent sitting trials using five different toilet seats, and data obtained include physical and subjective measures of subjects' responses. It is recommended that the height of a toilet seat should be 0.4 m. Seat angle is not a critical factor in subject preference.
An Investigation of Preferred Shapes for Warning Labels
Authors: Riley Michael W. , Cochran David J. , Ballard John L.
Published: July 2017

An examination was made of 19 different geometric shapes of warning labels, using the method of paired comparisons. Sixty-six college students viewed slides of all pairs of the shapes and each time selected the shape that was the preferred indicator of warning. An ordinal scaling method was used to evaluate the differences among the shapes. Results show that the triangle on its vertex was the preferred warning indicator among the shapes tested.
Capacity Demands in Short-Term Memory for Synthetic and .Natural Speech
Authors: Luce Paul A. , Feustel Timothy C. , Pisoni David B.
Published: July 2017

Three experiments were performed that compared recall for synthetic and natural lists of monosyllabic words. In the first experiment, presentation intervals of 1, 2, and 5 s per word were used. Although free recall was consistently poorer overall for the synthetic lists at all presentation rates, the decrement for synthetic stimuli did not increase differentially with faster rates. In a second experiment, zero, three, and six digits were presented visually for retention prior to free recall of each spoken word list in a preload paradigm. Fewer subjects were able to correctly recall all of the digits for the six-digit list than the three-digit list when the following word lists were synthetic. The third experiment required ordered recall of lists of natural and synthetic words. Differences in ordered recall between the synthetic and natural word lists were substantially larger for the primacy portion of the serial position curve than the recency portion. These results indicate that difficulties observed in the perception and comprehension of synthetic speech are due, in part, to increased processing demands in short-term memory.