bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband linearly/circularly polarized microstrip filtering antennas
Authors: Li Jian‐Feng , Wu Duo‐Long , Wu Yan‐Jie , Mao Chun‐Xu
Published: January 2019

Two linearly and circularly polarized filtering antennas with low profile, broad bandwidth, and improved gain are proposed. Without increasing the antenna profile, a vertically coupled resonant structure, which can broaden the bandwidth and provide the filtering response, is employed. To prove the concept, a broadband linearly polarized (LP) filtering antenna is designed by integrating the hairpin resonator on the feed, U‐slot resonator in the ground and the patch resonator. Then, we design a broadband circularly polarized (CP) filtering antenna, which utilizes a single‐feed dual‐coupled structure for two coupling routes with 90° phase difference to excite two orthogonal resonant modes without power divider and phase delay line. Both antennas exhibit third‐order filtering characteristics with improved bandwidths and flat in‐band gain. The equivalent circuits of both antennas are discussed. The LP and CP antennas achieve an impedance band of 28% and 29.6%, respectively. The CP antenna shows a 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 17.6%. Both antennas also exhibit the high gain of 9.5 dBic with less than 0.6 dB variation within the band.
Mixed‐coupling multi‐function quint‐wideband asymmetric stepped impedance resonator filter
Authors: Al‐Yasir Yasir I. A. , Tu Yuxiang , Ojaroudi Parchin Naser , Elfergani I. T. E. , Abd‐Alhameed Raed A. , Rodriguez Jonathan , Noras James M.
Published: January 2019

A new mixed‐coupled quint‐wideband ASIR bandpass filter with low insertion loss and compact size is proposed: spiral and open‐loop coupled structures realize fundamental mode coupling and enhance another four spurious modes with optimum insertion loss. The fundamental frequency and four spurious frequencies are located at 1.275 GHz with fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 38.4%, 3.225 GHz with FBW of 38.4%, 5.875 GHz with FBW of 12.1%, 7.515 GHz with FBW of 13.7%, 9.74 GHz with FBW of 4.3%. The filter is suitable for multiple applications including GPS, Wi‐Fi and IEEE 802.11a, and partially for IEEE 802.16. The quint‐wideband filter has a performance superior to its currently proposed quint‐wideband counterparts.
Compact tunable cavity filter with high selectivity using double‐layer suspended stripline resonator
Authors: Song Lei , Wu Bian , Xia Lei , Guo Yongxin , Chen Jianzhong , Su Tao
Published: January 2019

A compact tunable cavity filter based on double‐layer suspended stripline resonator (DSSLR) is proposed. The DSSLR consists of a thin substrate suspended in an air‐filled cavity, a stepped impedance resonator loaded with interdigital capacitor on the top layer of the substrate, and a parallel‐plate capacitor series with a varactor at the bottom layer. The multiple capacitors not only achieve compact size by large capacitive loading, but also broaden the tuning range with a small capacitance variation of varactor. The internal coupling of two DSLLRs increases with the height of the inductive stub while decreases with the distance between two resonators. A fifth‐order wideband tunable cavity filter using a common bias voltage is designed, fabricated, and measured, which has a tunable frequency range of 67 MHz, constant bandwidth of 64 ± 7 MHz, low return loss of 15 dB, and high suppression of more than 40 dB.
3D stability of unsaturated soil slopes with tension cracks under steady infiltrations
Authors: Wang Long , Hu Wei , Sun De'an , Li Lin
Published: January 2019

Most classical approaches for evaluating the stability of soil slopes with cracks are performed under two‐dimensional (2D) condition. Three‐dimensional (3D) effect and suction‐induced effect of unsaturated soils are generally neglected in assessing the slope stability. This paper develops a 3D limit analysis method to evaluate the stability of an unsaturated soil slope with tension cracks under steady infiltrations. The boundary‐value problem is formulated based on the 3D rotational failure mechanism by taking the effects of suction, effective unit weight, and tension crack into account. A simplified method is proposed to calculate the work rate of unsaturated soil weight. A layer‐wise summation method is developed based on the divergence theorem to calculate the internal energy dissipation rate. Detailed discussions are conducted to investigate the effects of suction and Poisson's ratio on the stability of unsaturated soil slopes. Examples are given to illustrate the 3D effect, the suction‐induced effect as well as the effects of infiltration and water in cracks on the slope stability.
Persistently low peace of mind in parents of cancer patients: A five‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Weng Shicheng , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: January 2019

Background

Pediatric cancer affects the well‐being of the entire family. Previously, our group found that 76% of parents experience low peace of mind after diagnosis. Herein, we present a five‐year follow‐up study of these same parents, aiming to determine whether low peace of mind persisted, and what baseline variables associate with persistently low peace of mind.

Procedure

Cross‐sectional survey of parents of children with cancer between April 2004 and September 2005 within one year of diagnosis, and a follow‐up questionnaire administered at least five years later.

Results

Sixty‐six percent of parents whose children were living and who were able to be contacted completed follow‐up questionnaires (91/138). Of these parents, 77% (70/91) were parents of disease‐free survivors and 23% (21/91) had recurrent disease. The majority of parents (66%, 53/88) had low peace of mind five years after diagnosis, regardless of relapse status or prognosis. Additionally, 28% of parents of disease‐free survivors reported being very/extremely worried about relapse (18/66), late toxicities (19/66), and late effects (19/66). Each worry was associated with low peace of mind (OR between 9.66 and 20.09 for each worry). In bivariable logistic regression, low peace of mind at five years was negatively associated with trusting the physician completely at baseline, with and without adjustment for relapse status (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.87, P = 0.032, adjusted for relapse).

Conclusion

Most long‐term studies and interventions have focused on parental bereavement. Our findings show that most parents are changed by pediatric cancer, even when children survive and the future is bright.
Impact of Macrolide Antibiotics on Hospital Readmissions and Other Clinically Important Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Kiser Tyree H. , Reynolds Paul M. , Moss Marc , Burnham Ellen L. , Ho P. Michael , Vandivier Richard William ,   Colorado Pulmonary Outcomes Research Group (CPOR)
Published: January 2019

Study Objective

To assess whether a macrolide‐based antibiotic treatment strategy reduces in‐hospital mortality, decreases hospital readmissions, or improves other clinically important outcomes compared with a non‐macrolide antibiotic treatment strategy in critically ill patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Design

Propensity score–matched pharmacoepidemiologic cohort study.

Data Source

Premier's Perspective Hospital Database.

Patients

A total of 28,700 adults aged 40 years or older who were admitted to one of 566 United States intensive care units and had the primary diagnosis of AECOPD between January 2010 and December 2014 and received antibiotic treatment within 2 days of hospital admission were included. Patients were divided into macrolide (11,602 patients [40%]) or non‐macrolide (17,098 patients [60%]) antibiotic treatment groups. Propensity score analysis successfully matched 8660 patients in each treatment group.

Measurements and Main Results

In the matched cohort, the macrolide treatment group was not associated with decreased hospital mortality after day 2 (3.0% vs 3.3%, p=0.28), intensive care unit length of stay (2 days vs 2 days, p=0.12), hospital length of stay (6 days vs 6 days, p=0.86), or length of assisted ventilation (3 days vs 3 days, p=0.71), compared with the non‐macrolide treatment group. However, a macrolide‐based antibiotic regimen was associated with an overall reduction in 30‐day hospital readmissions (7.3% vs 8.8%, p<0.01), increased time to next all‐cause (159 vs 130 days, p<0.01) or AECOPD (200 vs 175 days, p=0.03) readmission, and decreased hospital costs ($32,730 vs $34,021, p<0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that inclusion of a macrolide antibiotic in the treatment regimen may have both acute and sustained benefits in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with an AECOPD, including reductions in hospital readmissions and improvements in time to next readmission.
Degradation in photovoltaic encapsulant transmittance: Results of the first PVQAT TG5 artificial weathering study
Authors: Miller David C. , Bokria Jayesh G. , Burns David M. , Fowler Sean , Gu Xiaohong , Hacke Peter L. , Honeker Christian C. , Kempe Michael D. , Köhl Michael , Phillips Nancy H. , Scott Kurt P. , Singh Ashish , Suga Shigeo , Watanabe Shin , Zielnik Allen F.
Published: January 2019

Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation is frequently identified as a cause of decreased performance through the service life of photovoltaic modules. However, the present module safety and qualification standards apply short UV doses, only capable of examining design robustness and “infant mortality” failures. Furthermore, essential information remains unknown that might be used to screen encapsulants through product lifetime. We conducted an interlaboratory study to provide the understanding that will be used toward developing a higher‐fidelity, more‐rigorous UV weathering test. Five representative known formulations of poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) were studied, in addition to one thermoplastic polyurethane material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens were examined at seven institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including xenon, UVA‐340, and metal‐halide light sources). Specimens were artificially weathered for 180 cumulative days at steady‐state accelerated test conditions, predesignated relative to the default irradiance of 1.0 W·m−2·nm−1 at 340 nm, chamber temperature of 60°C, and chamber relative humidity of 30%. The solar‐weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut‐off wavelength—each determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance—are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (type lamp and filters), temperature, and humidity used in accelerated UV aging tests. The relative efficacy of xenon‐arc and UVA‐340 fluorescent sources and the typical range of activation energy for degradation is quantified from the experiments.
Analysis of nonradiative recombination in quantum dot solar cells and materials
Authors: Zhu Lin , Lee Kan‐Hua , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Araki Kenji , Kojima Nobuaki
Published: January 2019

Quantum dot (QD) solar cells have drawn much attention in research because of their tunable band gap and potential to realize many novel concepts, such as intermediate transitions. However, high nonradiative recombination rates in the QD layer stand in the way of realizing high‐efficiency QD solar cells. In this paper, the efficiency potential of QD solar cells is discussed based on external radiative efficiency (ERE), open‐circuit voltage loss, fill factor loss, and nonradiative recombination loss via current‐voltage characteristics in a detailed balance model. The intrinsic loss of QD solar cells substantially increases with increasing binding energy and volume density of the QDs. The ERE of QD solar cells decreases with increasing binding energy and volume density of the QDs due to nonradiative recombination.
A Dyson Equation for Non‐Equilibrium Green's Functions in the Partition‐Free Setting
Authors: Cornean Horia D. , Moldoveanu Valeriu , Pillet Claude A.
Published: January 2019

Here a small interacting sample, coupled to several non‐interacting leads is considered. Initially, the system is at thermal equilibrium. At some instant t0 the system is set into the so‐called partition‐free transport scenario by turning on a bias on the leads. Using the theory of Volterra operators we rigorously formulate a Dyson equation for the retarded Green's function and we establish a closed formula for the associated proper interaction self‐energy.
Inelastic Spin‐Wave Scattering by Bloch Domain Wall Flexure Oscillations
Authors: Dadoenkova Nataliya N. , Dadoenkova Yuliya S. , Lyubchanskii Igor L. , Krawczyk Maciej , Guslienko Konstantin Y.
Published: January 2019

The calculations of the inelastic spin wave scattering by flexure vibrations of the Bloch domain wall (Winter's magnons) in thin magnetic films are presented. The approach is based on the interaction of the propagating spin waves with the dynamical emergent electromagnetic field generated by the moving inhomogeneous magnetization texture (domain wall). The probability of the spin wave scattering for the Winter's magnon emission and absorption processes essentially rises with the spin wave scattering angle increase up to 90°. The angular dependence of the scattering probability is essentially stronger for the magnon absorption processes that allow distinguishing these elementary emission/absorption processes experimentally.
Nickel Interaction with Vacancy‐Type Radiation Defects in Silicon
Authors: Yarykin Nikolai , Lastovskii Stanislau , Weber Jörg
Published: January 2019

The deep‐level spectrum of silicon irradiated with high‐energy electrons is modified by room‐temperature nickel in‐diffusion. Two types of Si samples are compared: The oxygen‐lean floating‐zone (FZ) and the oxygen‐rich Czochralski‐grown (Cz) crystals where the dominant vacancy‐type radiation defects are the vacancy–phosphorus (VP) and the vacancy–oxygen (VO) pairs, respectively. Both types of Ni‐diffused samples exhibit similar deep‐level spectra: The DLTS signatures of the VP and VO centers are totally converted into a novel peak at ≈180 K. Detailed Laplace‐DLTS studies show that the complexes formed in the FZ‐ and Cz‐Si are however different: The electron emission rates from the nickel‐related centers exhibit unequal activation energies (0.35 eV for NiVP in FZ‐Si and 0.37 eV for NiVO in Cz‐Si) and demonstrate quantitatively differing responses to the electric field. The origin for the similarity of the NiVP and NiVO complexes is discussed.
Assessment of individual bioequivalence using sufficient bootstrap procedure
Authors: Beyaztas Ufuk
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a sufficient bootstrap method, which uses only the unique observations in the resamples, to assess the individual bioequivalence under 2 × 4 randomized crossover design. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is illustrated by extensive Monte Carlo simulations as well as a real‐experimental data set, and the results are compared with those obtained by the traditional bootstrap technique. Our records reveal that the proposed method is a good competitor or even better than the classical percentile bootstrap confidence limits.
Advance in Close‐Edged Graphene Nanoribbon: Property Investigation and Structure Fabrication
Authors: He Maoshuai , Dong Jichen , Wang Haomin , Xue Han , Wu Qianru , Xin Benwu , Gao Wenke , He Xiaolong , Yu Jin , Sun Haidong , Ding Feng , Zhang Jin
Published: January 2019

The absence of dangling bonds in close‐edged graphene nanoribbons (CEGNRs) confers upon them a series of fascinating properties, especially when compared with cylindrical carbon nanotubes and open‐edged GNRs. Here, the configuration of CEGNRs is described, followed by the structure‐related properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. Based on the unique structures and extraordinary properties, their potential applications in a variety of fields, such as field‐effect transistors, energy suppliers, nanoactuators, and fibers, are discussed. Remarkably, the strategies applied for generating CEGNRs, mainly from the collapse of carbon nanotubes and graphene tubes, are depicted in detail. Finally, the prospects in the research area of CEGNRs are proposed.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of γ‐Graphyne with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Yang Chaofan , Li Yong , Chen Yang , Li Qiaodan , Wu Lulu , Cui Xiaoli
Published: January 2019

γ‐Graphyne is a new nanostructured carbon material with large theoretical Li+ storage due to its unique large conjugate rings, which makes it a potential anode for high‐capacity lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, γ‐graphyne‐based high‐capacity LIBs are demonstrated experimentally. γ‐Graphyne is synthesized through mechanochemical and calcination processes by using CaC2 and C6Br6. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C NMR and Raman spectra are conducted to confirm its morphology and chemical structure. The sample presents 2D mesoporous structure and is exactly composed of sp and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms as the γ‐graphyne structure. The electrode shows high Li+ storage (1104.5 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and rate capability (435.1 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). The capacity retention can be up to 948.6 (200 mA g−1 for 350 cycles) and 730.4 mAh g−1 (1 A g−1 for 600 cycles), respectively. These excellent electrochemical performances are ascribed to the mesoporous architecture, large conjugate rings, enlarged interplanar distance, and high structural integrity for fast Li+ diffusion and improved cycling stability in γ‐graphyne. This work provides an environmentally benign and cost‐effective mechanochemical method to synthesize γ‐graphyne and demonstrates its superior Li+ storage experimentally.
Nano‐Optical Tweezing of Single Proteins in Plasmonic Nanopores
Authors: Verschueren Daniel , Shi Xin , Dekker Cees
Published: January 2019

Single‐molecule sensing technologies aim to detect and characterize single biomolecules, but generally need labeling while the measurement times and throughput are severely restricted by a lack of positional control over the molecule. Here, a plasmonic nanopore biosensor is reported where single molecules can be electrophoretically delivered into a nanopore sensor with a plasmonic nanoantenna that is used to optically trap single molecules for extended measurement times. Using the light transmission through the antenna as read‐out, optical trapping of 20 nm diameter polystyrene nanoparticles and individual beta‐amylase proteins, a 200 kDa enzyme, in the plasmonic nanoantenna are demonstrated. Application of an electrical bias voltage allows the increase of the event rate over an order of magnitude as well as shorten the residence time of the proteins in the plasmonic nanopore as they can controllably be drawn out of the trap by electrical forces. Trapping is found to be assisted by protein–surface interactions and trapped proteins can denature on the nanopore surface. The integration of two single‐molecule sensors, a plasmonic nanoantenna and solid‐state nanopore, creates independent control handles at the single‐molecule level—the optical trapping force and electrophoretic force—which provides augmented control over single molecules.
Efficient inference of generalized spatial fusion models with flexible specification
Authors: Wang Craig , Furrer Reinhard
Published: January 2019

In spatial statistics, data are often collected at different spatial resolutions. Often, it is of interest to (a) carry out multivariate analysis when variables are sampled at different locations, (b) model data collected at misaligned areas, or (c) unravel common latent factors by jointly modelling point and areal data. In this paper, we establish a linkage between the generalized spatial fusion model framework and the various change‐of‐support problems, and we outline how the framework can be adapted in these situations. Moreover, we propose an efficient fusion model implementation by exploiting advantages of nearest neighbour Gaussian process and the Stan modelling language. Our simulation shows that the computational efficiency is several times higher in the new implementation compared with original implementation. We illustrate the performance gain in practice using a case study, which models daily precipitation in Switzerland based on rain gauge and radar data.
Functional Organic Semiconductors Based on Bay‐Annulated Indigo (BAI)
Authors: Kolaczkowski Matthew A. , Liu Yi
Published: January 2019

The advancement of organic electronics has been continually pushed by the need for stable and high performance acceptor materials. By utilizing inexpensive and stable indigo dye as a starting material, Bay‐Annulated Indigo (BAI) provides a new motif for the development of semiconducting materials. Modular and straightforward synthesis makes BAI an outstanding platform for molecular design, while excellent stability, strong absorption, and high ambipolar mobility render BAI‐based materials excellent candidates for organic electronics. BAI‐based polymers and small molecules have taken advantage of these properties to show promising results in a variety of applications.
Local Structure Study of Lanthanide Elements by X‐Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: January 2019

This paper describes a systematic study of the spectra and local structures of lanthanide (Ln) L‐edge XANES. We found that Ln L1 and L3‐edge XANES spectra exhibit characteristic features correlated to their local symmetry through experimental and theoretical simulations. We also propose a simple local structure index criterion for a combination of XANES study and theoretical simulation. Possible solutions of intrinsic problems such as low resolution of characteristic features in the Ln L‐edge XANES and site distributions are also discussed.
Long‐term neuroimaging and neurological outcome of fetal spina bifida aperta after postnatal surgical repair
Authors: Sileo F. G. , Pateisky P. , Curado J. , Evans K. , Hettige S. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Parents faced with the choice between postnatal management and prenatal surgery for spina bifida need to have up‐to‐date information on the expected outcomes. The aim of this study was to report the long‐term physical and neurological outcomes of infants with prenatally diagnosed isolated spina bifida that underwent postnatal surgical repair and were managed by a multidisciplinary team from a large tertiary center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all cases of fetal spina bifida managed in a tertiary unit between October 1999 and January 2018. All cases of fetal spina bifida from the local health region were routinely referred to the tertiary unit for further perinatal management. Details on surgical procedures and neonatal neurological outcomes were obtained from institutional case records. Ambulatory status, bladder and bowel continence and neurodevelopment were assessed at a minimum of 3 years.

Results

During the study period, 241 pregnancies with isolated spina bifida were seen in the unit. Of these, 84 (34.9%) women opted to continue with the pregnancy after multidisciplinary counseling by clinicians. Sixty‐seven infants underwent postnatal repair of spina bifida aperta and were included in the analysis. After birth, hindbrain herniation was observed in 91.5% of infants with only seven requiring surgical decompression. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was needed in 64.2% of infants, while normal cognitive development or mild impairment was demonstrated in 85.4% of cases with data for this outcome available, at a mean age of 8 years. Cumulatively, 40% of infants were walking independently or using minor support, and normal or mild impairment of bladder and bowel function was reported in 45.5% and 44.4% of infants, respectively.

Conclusions

Neurodevelopmental and neurological outcomes between prenatal and postnatal repair are similar. As with fetal surgery, conventional postnatal surgery is associated with the reversal of hindbrain herniation. Similarly, postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement appears to be required mainly in fetuses without evidence of significant fetal ventriculomegaly. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
First detection of Ehrlichia minasensis in Hyalomma marginatum ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France
Authors: Cicculli Vincent , Masse Shirley , Capai Lisandru , de Lamballerie Xavier , Charrel Remi , Falchi Alessandra
Published: January 2019

Ehrlichiosis are severe, feverish tick‐borne illnesses caused by specific species within the genus Ehrlichia (Anaplasmataceae family). Recent data suggest that ruminants in Corsica area reservoir for several Anaplasmataceae species. The purpose of our study was to determine whether Ehrlichia species could be detected in ticks collected in Corsican ruminants by using molecular methods. Ticks were collected in northern Corsica: (i) in May 2016 from sheep bred in one farm located in a 5000‐inhabitants village and (ii) from cattle in June and July 2016 in a slaughterhouse. There sheep and cattle whole skin was inspected and ticks were collected manually. A total of 647 ticks was collected in northern Corsica during this study: 556 (86%) belonged to the Rhipicephalus bursa species and 91 (14%) to Hyalomma marginatum. The 91 H. marginatum ticks were organized in 27 pools, of which one (3.7%) was found positive for the presence of E. minasensis; this pool consisted of six ticks collected from a cow bred and raised northwestern Corsica. Ehrlichial DNA was not detected in R. bursa ticks. The 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequences of Ehrlichia detected in the H. marginatum pool showed 100% (303/303 bp) and 99.8% (555/556) of nucleotide identity with E. minasensis, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the highest closeness with E. minasensis UFMG‐EV genotype than to any other E. canis strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. minasensis outside of Brazil, Ethiopia and Canada. This identification of E. minasensis in H. marginatum merits to be further investigated and pleads for translational studies addressing the potential impact of vector‐borne diseases of human and veterinary impact through large‐scale research and surveillance programmes in Corsica.
Is West Virginia A Religious Void? An Investigation
Authors: Hudnall Erin B. , Corcoran Katie E. , Scheitle Christopher P.
Published: January 2019

A recent map depicting levels of religious adherence across the United States appeared to show that West Virginia has a very low level of religious adherence, similar to some areas of the West coast and New England. Using individual-level survey data we investigate if this is an accurate portrayal of religion in the state. We find that West Virginia is more similar to states presented as highly religious in the map, such as Texas and Alabama, when looking at measures of individual belief, behavior, and belonging. Further examination of the affiliations of West Virginia residents suggest that a high rate of belonging to independent or unaffiliated congregations is likely responsible for the undercounting of religious adherence in the state. We conclude by considering the challenges of measuring religion in poor, rural communities, especially when the culture and history of those communities has not favored strong organizational ties.
The Clinical Reasoning Mapping Exercise (CResME): a new tool for exploring clinical reasoning
Authors: Torre Dario M. , Hernandez Caridad A. , Castiglioni Analia , Durning Steven J. , Daley Barbara J. , Hemmer Paul A. , LaRochelle Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Introduction National organizations have identified a need for the creation of novel approaches to teach clinical reasoning throughout medical education. The aim of this project was to develop, implement and evaluate a novel clinical reasoning mapping exercise (CResME).

Methods Participants included a convenience sample of first and second year medical students at two US medical schools: University of Central Florida (UCF) and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS). The authors describe the creation and implementation of the CResME. The CResME uses clinical information for multiple disease entities as nodes in different domains (history, physical exam, imaging, laboratory results, etc.), requiring learners to connect these nodes of information in an accurate and meaningful way to develop diagnostic and/or management plans in the process.

Results The majority of medical students at both institutions felt that the CResME promoted their understanding of the differential diagnosis and was a valuable tool to compare and contrast elements of a differential diagnosis. Students at both institutions recommended using the CResME for future sessions.

Discussion The CResME is a promising tool to foster students’ clinical reasoning early in medical school. Research is needed on the implementation of the CResME as an instructional and assessment strategy for clinical reasoning throughout medical school training.
Streaming feature selection algorithms for big data: A survey
Authors: AlNuaimi Noura , Masud Mohammad Mehedy , Serhani Mohamed Adel , Zaki Nazar
Published: January 2019

Organizations in many domains generate a considerable amount of heterogeneous data every day. Such data can be processed to enhance these organizations’ decisions in real time. However, storing and processing large and varied datasets (known as big data) is challenging to do in real time. In machine learning, streaming feature selection has always been considered a superior technique for selecting the relevant subset features from highly dimensional data and thus reducing learning complexity. In the relevant literature, streaming feature selection refers to the features that arrive consecutively over time; despite a lack of exact figure on the number of features, numbers of instances are well-established. Many scholars in the field have proposed streaming-feature-selection algorithms in attempts to find the proper solution to this problem. This paper presents an exhaustive and methodological introduction of these techniques. This study provides a review of the traditional feature-selection algorithms and then scrutinizes the current algorithms that use streaming feature selection to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The survey also sheds light on the ongoing challenges in big-data research.
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the historical roots of psychopathology: A viewpoint
Authors: Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Telles-Correia Diogo , Cuthbert Bruce N.
Published: January 2019

In this article we aim at conceptual reconstruction of the historical background behind RDoC project. It incorporates some elements that have not heretofore been included in frameworks for psychopathology research. At the same time, however, RDoC – like any approach to mental illness – must grapple with longstanding challenges in addressing issues about the roles and relationships of mind, brain, and patients’ reports in considering the nature of disorder. In this respect, the historical roots of psychopathology remain as relevant as ever.
Sagishi: an undercover software agent for infiltrating IoT botnets
Authors: Oliveri Andrea , Lauria Filippo
Published: January 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are continuously proliferating. In fact, by 2030, up to 125 billion devices will be connected to the Internet. 1 Directly related to the proliferation of IoT devices is the proliferation of IoT malware and, in particular, IoT botnets. Mapping and classifying bots forming part of IoT botnets and how these propagate over the Internet is a challenging task. Fooresec aimed to address this issue by footprinting, reporting and remotely securing IoT devices that had been previously turned into bots. 2 Its activities were based on honeypots that were able to ‘sense’ the Internet solely in order to map and classify IoT bots according to their behaviours.
Solving the security challenges of IoT with public key cryptography
Authors: Hodgson Roderick
Published: January 2019

With the Internet of Things (IoT) predicted to connect 20 billion devices by 2020, there is a strong case to be made for the adoption of identity-based public key cryptography to provide end-to-end security of data across IoT-enabled industries.
Cognitive and behavioural environmental concern among university students in a Canadian city: Implications for institutional interventions
Authors: Jurdi-Hage Rozzet , Hage H. Sam , Chow Henry P.H.
Published: January 2019

Informed by Stern and colleagues’ value-belief-norm theory and their earlier empirical work, we examined levels and predictors of cognitive and behavioural environmental concern (EC) of university students in a Canadian postsecondary context. Data for this study were obtained through completion of self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 421 undergraduate students attending a public university in Saskatchewan, a province heavily focused on expanding resource extraction. The study used a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional methodology. Statistical analysis was performed in three parts: (a) univariate description of students’ cognitive and behavioural EC indicators; (b) bivariate associations to assess the nature and direction of the relationships between EC measures; and (c) multivariate analyses to test the causal structure of the theoretical model. Results showed no widespread acceptance of the ‘New Ecological Paradigm’. Students were slightly more prone to place responsibility for environmental protection at the door of government and industry than themselves. Respondents practised a range of environmentally supportive behaviours (ESB) with varying intensities. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses provided support for several of the theory’s propositions in predicting generalised and specific environmental beliefs and ESB. Findings highlighted the complex relationships between personal background, academic and cognitive variables and ESB. That formal instruction on the environment influenced cognitive and behavioural EC, both directly and indirectly, suggests it is essential universities have formal curricula that expose students to the types of environmental knowledge, awareness, and critical thinking skills to promote environmental literacy and address unsustainable lifestyles and attitudes. Institutional interventions, including universities’ role as ‘effective change agents’, are discussed.
Supra-optimality may emanate from suboptimality, and hence optimality is no benchmark in multisensory integration
Authors: Noel Jean-Paul
Published: January 2019

Within a multisensory context, “optimality” has been used as a benchmark evidencing interdependent sensory channels. However, “optimality” does not truly bifurcate a spectrum from suboptimal to supra-optimal – where optimal and supra-optimal, but not suboptimal, indicate integration – as supra-optimality may result from the suboptimal integration of a present unisensory stimuli and an absent one (audio = audio + absence of vision).
The world is complex, not just noisy
Authors: Brette Romain
Published: January 2019

To deny that human perception is optimal is not to claim that it is suboptimal. Rahnev & Denison (R&D) point out that optimality is often ill defined. The fundamental issue is framing perception as a statistical inference problem. Outside of the lab, the real perceptual challenge is to determine the lawful structure of the world, not variables of a predetermined statistical model.
Excess of individual variability of priors prevents successful development of general models
Authors: Bachmann Talis
Published: January 2019

Perceptual judgments are influenced by a multitude of factors in addition to the perceptual input. Particularly, the widely varying individual neurobiological endophenotypes and individual differences in the propensity for expectation-based illusory percepts make it unlikely that optimality is possible to define and defend by the type of abstract modeling approach criticized by Rahnev & Denison (R&D).
Credo for optimality
Authors: Stocker Alan A.
Published: January 2019

Optimal or suboptimal, Rahnev & Denison (R&D) rightly argue that this ill-defined distinction is not useful when comparing models of perceptual decision making. However, what they miss is how valuable the focus on optimality has been in deriving these models in the first place. Rather than prematurely abandon the optimality assumption, we should refine this successful normative hypothesis with additional constraints that capture specific limitations of (sensory) information processing in the brain.
Observer models of perceptual development
Authors: Nardini Marko , Dekker Tessa M.
Published: January 2019

We agree with Rahnev & Denison (R&D) that to understand perception at a process level, we must investigate why performance sometimes deviates from idealised decision models. Recent research reveals that such deviations from optimality are pervasive during perceptual development. We argue that a full understanding of perception requires a model of how perceptual systems become increasingly optimised during development.
Discarding optimality: Throwing out the baby with the bathwater?
Authors: Simen Patrick , Balcı Fuat
Published: January 2019

Rahnev & Denison (R&D) argue against normative theories and in favor of a more descriptive “standard observer model” of perceptual decision making. We agree with the authors in many respects, but we argue that optimality (specifically, reward-rate maximization) has proved demonstrably useful as a hypothesis, contrary to the authors’ claims.
Descending Marr's levels: Standard observers are no panacea
Authors: Zednik Carlos , Jäkel Frank
Published: January 2019

According to Marr, explanations of perceptual behavior should address multiple levels of analysis. Rahnev & Denison (R&D) are perhaps overly dismissive of optimality considerations at the computational level. Also, an exclusive reliance on standard observer models may cause neglect of many other plausible hypotheses at the algorithmic level. Therefore, as far as explanation goes, standard observer modeling is no panacea.
Optimality is both elusive and necessary
Authors: Meyer Joachim
Published: January 2019

Optimality of any decision, including perceptual decisions, depends on the criteria used to evaluate outcomes and on the assumptions about available alternatives and information. In research settings, these are often difficult to define, and therefore, claims about optimality are equivocal. However, optimality is important in applied settings when evaluating, for example, the detection of abnormalities in medical images.
The standard Bayesian model is normatively invalid for biological brains
Authors: Moran Rani , Tsetsos Konstantinos
Published: January 2019

We show that the benchmark Bayesian framework that Rahnev & Denison (R&D) used to assess optimality is actually suboptimal under realistic assumptions about how noise corrupts decision making in biological brains. This model is therefore invalid qua normative standard. We advise against generally forsaking optimality and argue that a biologically constrained definition of optimality could serve as an important driver for scientific progress.
Although optimal models are useful, optimality claims are not that common
Authors: Chambers Claire , Kording Konrad Paul
Published: January 2019

Rahnev & Denison (R&D) argue that human behavior is often described as “optimal,” despite many previous findings of suboptimality. We address how the literature handles these concepts and discuss our own findings on suboptimality. Although we agree that the field should embrace the “systematic weirdness of human behavior” (sect. 6, para. 1), this does not detract from the value of the Bayesian approach.
Suboptimality in perceptual decision making and beyond
Authors: Barth Hilary C. , Cordes Sara , Patalano Andrea L.
Published: January 2019

We concur with the authors’ overall approach and suggest that their analysis should be taken even further. First, the same points apply to areas beyond perceptual decision making. Second, the same points apply beyond issues of optimality versus suboptimality.
How did that individual make that perceptual decision?
Authors: Booth David A.
Published: January 2019

Suboptimality of decision making needs no explanation. High-level accounts of suboptimality in diverse tasks cannot add up to a mechanistic theory of perceptual decision making. Mental processes operate on the contents of information brought by the experimenter and the participant to the task, not on the amount of information in the stimuli without regard to physical and social context.
Self-sacrifice as a social signal
Authors: Dessalles Jean-Louis
Published: January 2019

Self-sacrifice can be modeled as a costly social signal carried to the ultimate extreme. Such signaling may be evolutionarily stable if social status is, in part, inherited.
Motivational (con)fusion: Identity fusion does not quell personal self-interest
Authors: Gaertner Lowell , Heger Amy , Sedikides Constantine
Published: January 2019

We question whether altruistic motivation links identity fusion and extreme self-sacrifice. We review two lines of research suggesting that the underlying motivation is plausibly egoistic.
Self-sacrifice for a cause: The role of ideas and beliefs in motivating human conflict
Authors: Ginges Jeremy , Shackleford Crystal
Published: January 2019

The role of ideas and beliefs is generally underplayed in Whitehouse's account. However, just as people may feel that their identity is fused with a collective, they may also feel that their identity is fused with an idea (god, history, justice), which can motivate the same type of behaviors that Whitehouse seeks to explain.
Identity fusion and fitness interdependence
Authors: Cronk Lee , Aktipis Athena
Published: January 2019

Fitness interdependence is the degree to which two or more organisms influence each other's success in replicating their genes. Identity fusion may be a proximate mechanism that aligns behavior with fitness interdependence. Although identity fusion may usually lead to behaviors that are fitness enhancing, in evolutionarily novel environments, it may be hijacked in ways that are highly detrimental to fitness.
The motivation to sacrifice for a cause reflects a basic cognitive bias
Authors: Olivola Christopher Y.
Published: January 2019

Many extreme forms of self-sacrifice occur without identity fusion or out-group threats. For example, people willingly participate in extreme charity fundraisers – exerting effort, enduring pain, and risking bodily injury – to advance desired causes. Therefore, it seems plausible that the motivation to engage in extreme self-sacrifice reflects a basic cognitive bias, rather than an evolutionary-cultural adaption specifically designed for intergroup conflict.
A potential explanation for self-radicalisation
Authors: Lane Justin E. , Shults F. LeRon , Wildman Wesley J.
Published: January 2019

We believe that Whitehouse's model could be extended in a way that can help us make sense of self-radicalised individuals who are not active in cliques. We believe that conceptual ties may be important to this process and present a brief analysis of a database collected by the national consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), to suggest future research to complement Whitehouse's proposal.
The fire burns within: Individual motivations for self-sacrifice
Authors: Rahal Rima-Maria
Published: January 2019

Extreme self-sacrifice in intergroup conflict may be driven not only by situational factors generating “fusion,” but also by interindividual differences. Social value orientation is discussed as a potential contributor to self-harming behavior outside of intergroup conflicts and to the general propensity to participate in intergroup conflict. Social value orientation may therefore also be a person-specific determinant of extreme self-sacrifice in intergroup conflict.
Information Technology in Navigation: Problems in Legal Implementation and Liability
Authors: Tsimplis Michael , Papadas Spiros
Published: January 2019

E-navigation poses significant challenges for shipping. The analysis of the legal norms in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and court decisions supports the use of information technology on the bridge for the purpose of improving navigational safety. However, the current regulatory and standardisation requirements hamper the introduction of new information streams in navigational systems and remove the incentives for investment in navigation technology. The liability arising from navigational failures will remain on the employer of the crew irrespective of how the additional navigational information is provided to the navigational systems. The shipowner's liability may depend on the way information streams are provided to the ship only within the context of the Civil Liability Convention (CLC) 1992 and other similar pollution conventions where the characterisation of the navigational system as a navigational aid or an aid to navigation may decide the issue of liability. Research on the legal background of these terms underlines the need for a clear distinction between the two terms to be made. An interpretation is proposed which ensures that the CLC liability exception operates in accordance with the underlying legal requirements.
Pflegefachmänner gesucht
Authors: Tinguely Luzia
Published: January 2019

Zusammenfassung. In den pflegerischen Berufen gibt es unterschiedliche geschlechtsspezifische Entwicklungen. Die Autorin blickt auf die Situation in der Schweiz und berichtet von einem Projekt zur Gewinnung von Männern im frauendominierten Pflegeberuf.
The Xe‐SiO2 System at Moderate Pressure and High Temperature
Authors: Crépisson C. , Sanloup C. , Blanchard M. , Hudspeth J. , Glazyrin K. , Capitani F.
Published: January 2019

Xenon (Xe), the heaviest of the stable noble gases, is missing by a factor of 20 relatively to other noble gases, when comparing the Earth's and Mars's atmospheres with chondrites. In this work, the possibility of Xe retention in quartz, a major mineral of the continental crust, is tested. The Xe‐SiO2 system is investigated from 0.7 to 2.7 GPa and up to 1900 K, by in situ X‐ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Experimental data are complemented by ab initio calculations to retrieve Xe incorporation mechanisms. An excess of quartz unit cell volume up to 4.2% is observed, consistent with a Xe for Si substitution in the quartz structure. Xe has a linear oxygen environment composed of two O atoms located at 1.98–2.00 Å from the Xe atom. Moreover, a new phase is evidenced above Xe melting curve at 0.8–1.0 GPa. The new (Xe,Si)O2 phase is orthorhombic and corresponds to an elongation of the quartz unit cell. In this phase, Xe substitutes for Si with a nearly planar oxygen environment composed of four O atoms located at 2.06–2.09 Å from the Xe atom. Xe incorporation in SiO2 proves to be significant, as previously shown for olivine. Xe incorporation is therefore expected to occur in the whole range of lithospheric silicate minerals. These findings emphasize the need to consider Xe incorporation in crust and upper mantle minerals as a process to store and fractionate xenon, in the framework of the “missing xenon” issue.