bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Named Entity Recognition with Word Embeddings and Wikipedia Categories for a Low-Resource Language
Authors: Das Arjun , Ganguly Debasis , Garain Utpal
Published: January 2017

In this article, we propose a word embedding--based named entity recognition (NER) approach. NER is commonly approached as a sequence labeling task with the application of methods such as conditional random field (CRF). However, for low-resource languages without the presence of sufficiently large training data, methods such as CRF do not perform well. In our work, we make use of the proximity of the vector embeddings of words to approach the NER problem. The hypothesis is that word vectors belonging to the same name category, such as a person’s name, occur in close vicinity in the abstract vector space of the embedded words. Assuming that this clustering hypothesis is true, we apply a standard classification approach on the vectors of words to learn a decision boundary between the NER classes. Our NER experiments are conducted on a morphologically rich and low-resource language, namely Bengali. Our approach significantly outperforms standard baseline CRF approaches that use cluster labels of word embeddings and gazetteers constructed from Wikipedia. Further, we propose an unsupervised approach (that uses an automatically created named entity (NE) gazetteer from Wikipedia in the absence of training data). For a low-resource language, the word vectors obtained from Wikipedia are not sufficient to train a classifier. As a result, we propose to make use of the distance measure between the vector embeddings of words to expand the set of Wikipedia training examples with additional NEs extracted from a monolingual corpus that yield significant improvement in the unsupervised NER performance. In fact, our expansion method performs better than the traditional CRF-based (supervised) approach (i.e., F-score of 65.4% vs. 64.2%). Finally, we compare our proposed approach to the official submission for the IJCNLP-2008 Bengali NER shared task and achieve an overall improvement of F-score 11.26% with respect to the best official system.
RCAD/BiP pathway is necessary for the proper synthesis of digestive enzymes and secretory function of the exocrine pancreas
Authors: Miller Camille , Cai Yafei , Patton Tadd , Graves Sarai Hacker , Li Honglin , Sabbatini Maria Eugenia
Published: January 2017

Alcoholism causes an imbalance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis in pancreatic acini. In those cells, the ER is involved in the synthesis and folding of pancreatic enzymes. Ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (Ufm1) is part of a novel ubiquitin-like modification system involved in maintaining ER homeostasis. Among the components of the Ufm1 system, Regulator of C53 and DDRGK1 (RCAD) has recently been identified as a Ufm1-specific E3 ligase that promotes ufmylation of DDRGK1, an RCAD-interacting protein. We determined the importance of RCAD in the proper synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes using mice with genetically deleted RCAD. The pancreas of RCAD-deficient mice was of normal size and histology. Using quantitative PCR and Western blotting, we found that amylase was upregulated in pancreas organs from RCAD-knockout (KO) mice. Constitutive amylase secretion was much higher in isolated pancreatic acini from RCAD KO mice, whereas CCK-stimulated amylase secretion was disturbed. RCAD deficiency caused a downregulation in expression of ER chaperone BiP, which affected ER homeostasis and activated both apoptosis and trypsin. We also found that both RCAD and DDRGK1 transcript levels were upregulated in pancreatic acini from alcohol-preferring rats. Elevated expression of RCAD and DDRGK1 was associated with increased ER stress and UPR activation. Because of the lack of BiP expression, caspase 3 and trypsin activation we enhanced in RCAD-deficient pancreatic acini upon treatment with ethanol and CCK. In conclusion, the RCAD/BiP pathway is required for proper synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes. In alcoholism, increased levels of components of the Ufm1 system could prevent the deleterious effects of alcohol in the pancreas by regulating BiP levels.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY RCAD/BiP pathway is required for the proper synthesis and secretion of amylase from pancreatic acini, as well as for the maintenance of the ER homeostasis. In alcoholism, the exocrine pancreas could increase the levels of components of the Ufm1 system to protect itself from alcohol's deleterious effects by regulating the expression of ER chaperone BiP.
PKCβ: Expanding role in hepatic adaptation of cholesterol homeostasis to dietary fat/cholesterol
Authors: Mehta Devina , Mehta Kamal D.
Published: January 2017

Cholesterol homeostasis relies on an intricate network of cellular processes whose deregulation in response to Western type high-fat/cholesterol diets can lead to several life-threatening pathologies. Significant advances have been made in resolving the molecular identity and regulatory function of transcription factors sensitive to fat, cholesterol, or bile acids, but whether body senses the presence of both fat and cholesterol simultaneously is not known. Assessing the impact of a high-fat/cholesterol load, rather than an individual component alone, on cholesterol homeostasis is more physiologically relevant because Western diets deliver both fat and cholesterol at the same time. Moreover, dietary fat and dietary cholesterol are reported to act synergistically to impair liver cholesterol homeostasis. A key insight into the role of protein kinase C-β (PKCβ) in hepatic adaptation to high-fat/cholesterol diets was gained recently through the use of knockout mice. The emerging evidence indicates that PKCβ is an important regulator of cholesterol homeostasis that ensures normal adaptation to high-fat/cholesterol intake. Consistent with this function, high-fat/cholesterol diets induce PKCβ expression and signaling in the intestine and liver, while systemic PKCβ deficiency promotes accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and bile. PKCβ disruption results in profound dysregulation of hepatic cholesterol and bile homeostasis and imparts sensitivity to cholesterol gallstone formation. The available results support involvement of a two-pronged mechanism by which intestine and liver PKCβ signaling converge on liver ERK1/2 to dictate diet-induced cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis. Collectively, PKCβ is an integrator of dietary fat/cholesterol signal and mediates changes to cholesterol homeostasis.
HIV infection model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice
Authors: Geraghty Patrick , Hadas Eran , Kim Boe-Hyun , Dabo Abdoulaye J. , Volsky David J. , Foronjy Robert
Published: January 2017

Cigarette smoke usage is prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, and, despite highly active antiretroviral therapy, these individuals develop an accelerated form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies investigating the mechanisms of COPD development in HIV have been limited by the lack of suitable mouse models. Here we describe a model of HIV-induced COPD in wild-type mice using EcoHIV, a chimeric HIV capable of establishing chronic infection in immunocompetent mice. A/J mice were infected with EcoHIV and subjected to whole body cigarette smoke exposure. EcoHIV was detected in alveolar macrophages of mice. Compared with uninfected mice, concomitant EcoHIV infection significantly reduced forced expiratory flow 50%/forced vital capacity and enhanced distal airspace enlargement following cigarette smoke exposure. Lung IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression was significantly enhanced in smoke-exposed EcoHIV-infected mice. These changes coincided with enhanced IκBα, ERK1/2, p38, and STAT3 phosphorylation and lung cell apoptosis. Thus, the EcoHIV smoke exposure mouse model reproduces several of the pathophysiological features of HIV-related COPD in humans, indicating that this murine model can be used to determine key parameters of HIV-related COPD and to test future therapies for this disorder.
Distinct Benefit of Overall Survival between Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Exon 19 Deletion and Exon 21 L858R Substitution
Authors: Koyama Nobuyuki , Watanabe Yasutaka , Iwai Yuki , Kawamura Rumi , Miwa Chihiro , Nagai Yoshiaki , Hagiwara Koichi , Koyama Shinichiro
Published: January 2017

Background: Exon 19 deletion (Del19) and exon 21 L858R substitution (L858R), which account for 90% of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations as common mutations, are associated with favorable outcomes with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) compared with other uncommon EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether there are differences in overall survival (OS) between patients with these common EGFR mutations remains controversial. Methods: The subjects studied were 74 NSCLC patients with common EGFR mutations treated with gefitinib or erlotinib. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, we retrospectively compared the clinicopahological characteristics of patients harboring Del19 with those harboring L858R. Results: Compared with patients harboring L858R, EGFR-TKIs provided a significant OS benefit in patients harboring Del19 (p = 0.024), as well as favorable therapeutic responses (p = 0.045) and progression-free survival (PFS) benefits (p = 0.031). In multivariate analyses, Del19 was independently associated with PFS (p = 0.029) and OS (p = 0.009), whereas no parameters other than pleural dissemination at the initial treatment were associated with EGFR mutation types. Conclusion: Del19 and L858R have distinct prognostic implications and may require individual therapeutic strategies.
New Territory for an Old Disease: 5-Alpha-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency in Bulgaria
Authors: Andonova Silvia , Robeva Ralitsa , Vazharova Radoslava , Ledig Susanne , Grozdanova Liliana , Stefanova Elisaveta , Bradinova Irena , Todorov Tihomir , Hadjidekov George , Sirakov Milko , Wieacker Peter , Kumanov Philip , Savov Alexey
Published: January 2017

Disorders/differences of sexual development (DSD) are a group of conditions, some of which can be clinically indistinguishable mainly due to their phenotypic variability. Defining the molecular basis of their wide spectrum is still in progress. The diagnosis of 5-alpha-reductase type 2 (5α-reductase-2) deficiency is difficult especially in newborns and pre-pubertal individuals, and as a result its frequency might be underestimated. In the present study, we describe the clinical characteristics and molecular defects in 3 nonrelated 5α-reductase-2 deficiency patients of Bulgarian descent. Sequencing analysis revealed the mutations p.Y188CfsX9 and p.G196S, and MLPA analysis showed a deletion of exon 1 in the SRD5A2 gene. The observed genetic substitutions were not detected in 76 additionally screened unrelated controls, but a heterozygous healthy carrier of the p.R171S mutation was found. This is the first study on the molecular basis of 5α-reductase-2 deficiency in Bulgaria. It suggests that the carrier frequency of mutations in the SRD5A2 gene might be noteworthy worldwide. There is no correlation between cultural aspects, location, and/or population size and the number of different mutations in SRD5A2 detected, and more efforts should be made to determine the prevalence of this condition in different geographic areas. Our study supports the importance of genetic testing in 46,XY DSD patients, especially in countries or regions where 5α-reductase-2 deficiency has not been reported so far.
Mortality after Renal Allograft Failure and Return to Dialysis
Authors: Brar Amarpali , Markell Mariana , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Timpo Edem , Jindal Rahul M. , Nee Robert , Sumrani Nabil , John Devon , Tedla Fasika , Salifu Moro O.
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The outcomes of patients who fail their kidney transplant and return to dialysis (RTD) has not been investigated in a nationally representative sample. We hypothesized that variations in management of transplant chronic kidney disease stage 5 leading to kidney allograft failure (KAF) and RTD, such as access, nutrition, timing of dialysis, and anemia management predict long-term survival. Methods: We used an incident cohort of patients from the United States Renal Data System who initiated hemodialysis between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2008, after KAF. We used Cox regression analysis for statistical associations, with mortality as the primary outcome. Results: We identified 5,077 RTD patients and followed them for a mean of 30.9 ± 22.6 months. Adjusting for all possible confounders at the time of RTD, the adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) for death was increased with lack of arteriovenous fistula at initiation of dialysis (AHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46, p = 0.03), albumin <3.5 g/dL (AHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.18-1.49, p = 0.0001), and being underweight (AHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.58, p = 0.006). Hemoglobin <10 g/dL (AHR 0.96, 95% CI 0.86-1.06, p = 0.46), type of insurance, and zip code-based median household income were not associated with higher mortality. Glomerular filtration rate <10 mL/min/1.73 m2 at time of dialysis initiation (AHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.93, p = 0.001) was associated with reduction in mortality. Conclusions: Excess mortality risk observed in patients starting dialysis after KAF is multifactorial, including nutritional issues and vascular access. Adequate preparation of patients with failing kidney transplants prior to resuming dialysis may improve outcomes.
Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Infectious Aneurysms in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate
Authors: Cheng-Ching Esteban , John Seby , Bain Mark , Toth Gabor , Masaryk Thomas , Hui Ferdinand , Hussain Muhammad Shazam
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Mycotic aneurysms are a serious complication of infective endocarditis with increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Patients undergoing open heart surgery for valve repair or replacement are exposed to anticoagulants, increasing the risk of aneurysm bleeding. These patients may require endovascular or surgical aneurysm treatment prior to heart surgery, but data on this approach are scarce. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients with infectious endocarditis and mycotic aneurysms treated endovascularly with Trufill n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2013 and December 2015. Results: Nine patients underwent endovascular treatment of mycotic aneurysms with n-BCA (mean age of 39 years). On imaging, 4 patients had intracerebral hemorrhage, 2 had multiple embolic infarcts, and the rest had no imaging findings. Twelve mycotic aneurysms were detected (3 patients with 2 aneurysms). Seven aneurysms were in the M4 middle cerebral artery segment, 4 in the posterior cerebral artery distribution, and 1 in the callosomarginal branch. n-BCA was diluted in ethiodized oil (1:1 to 1:2). Embolization was achieved in a single rapid injection with immediate microcatheter removal. Complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in all cases without complications. All patients underwent open heart surgery and endovascular embolization within a short interval, 2 with both procedures on the same day. There were no new hemorrhages after aneurysm embolization. Conclusions: Endovascular embolization of infectious intracranial aneurysms with liquid embolics can be performed successfully in critically ill patients requiring immediate open heart surgery and anticoagulation. Early embolization prior to and within a short interval from open heart surgery is feasible.
High-Order Sliding Mode Control of Greenhouse Temperature
Authors: Oubehar H. , Ed-Dahhak A. , Selmani A. , Outanoute M. , Lachhab A. , Guerbaoui M. , Archidi M.H. , Bouchikhi B.
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with the design and implementation of the high order sliding mode controller to control temperature greenhouse. The control objective aims to ensure a favorable microclimate for the culture development and to minimize the production cost. We propose performing regulation for the greenhouse internal temperature based on the second order sliding mode technique known as Super Twisting Algorithm (STA). This technique is able to ensure robustness with respect to bounded external disturbances. A successful feasibility study of the proposed controller is applied to maintien a desired temperature level under an experimental greenhouse. The obtained results show promising performances despite changes of the external meteorological conditions.
Prothrombin Loading of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell–Derived Exosomes Regulates Coagulation and Calcification
Authors: Kapustin Alexander N. , Schoppet Michael , Schurgers Leon J. , Reynolds Joanne L. , McNair Rosamund , Heiss Alexander , Jahnen-Dechent Willi , Hackeng Tilman M. , Schlieper Georg , Harrison Paul , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: January 2017

Objective—

The drug warfarin blocks carboxylation of vitamin K–dependent proteins and acts as an anticoagulant and an accelerant of vascular calcification. The calcification inhibitor MGP (matrix Gla [carboxyglutamic acid] protein), produced by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is a key target of warfarin action in promoting calcification; however, it remains unclear whether proteins in the coagulation cascade also play a role in calcification.

Approach and Results—

Vascular calcification is initiated by exosomes, and proteomic analysis revealed that VSMC exosomes are loaded with Gla-containing coagulation factors: IX and X, PT (prothrombin), and proteins C and S. Tracing of Alexa488-labeled PT showed that exosome loading occurs by direct binding to externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) on the exosomal surface and by endocytosis and recycling via late endosomes/multivesicular bodies. Notably, the PT Gla domain and a synthetic Gla domain peptide inhibited exosome-mediated VSMC calcification by preventing nucleation site formation on the exosomal surface. PT was deposited in the calcified vasculature, and there was a negative correlation between vascular calcification and the levels of circulating PT. In addition, we found that VSMC exosomes induced thrombogenesis in a tissue factor–dependent and PS-dependent manner.

Conclusions—

Gamma-carboxylated coagulation proteins are potent inhibitors of vascular calcification suggesting warfarin action on these factors also contributes to accelerated calcification in patients receiving this drug. VSMC exosomes link calcification and coagulation acting as novel activators of the extrinsic coagulation pathway and inducers of calcification in the absence of Gla-containing inhibitors.
Trends in Recruitment Rates for Acute Stroke Trials, 1990–2014
Authors: Feldman William B. , Kim Anthony S. , Chiong Winston
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Slow recruitment in acute stroke trials hampers the evaluation of new therapies and delays the adoption of effective therapies into clinical practice. This systematic review evaluates whether recruitment efficiency and rates have increased in acute stroke trials from 1990 to 2014.

Methods—

Acute stroke trials from 2010 to 2014 were identified by a search of PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Database of Research in Stroke, and the Stroke Trials Registry. These trials were compared to a previously published data set of trials conducted from 1990 to 2004.

Results—

The median recruitment efficiency of trials from 1990 to 2004 was 0.41 participants/site/month compared with 0.26 participants/site/month from 2010 to 2014 (
P
=0.14). The median recruitment rate of trials from 1990 to 2004 was 26.8 participants/month compared with 19.0 participants/month from 2010 to 2014 (
P
=0.13).

Conclusions—

For acute stroke trials, neither recruitment efficiency nor recruitment rates have increased over the past 25 years and, if anything, have declined.
Distribution and infraspecific morpho-ecological variability of Ambrosina bassii (Araceae) an endemic of western-central Mediterranean
Authors: BEN KHALIFA SAFA , GIBERNAU MARC , GAMMAR AMOR MOKHTAR , GHRABI-GAMMAR ZEINEB
Published: January 2017

The monospecific genus Ambrosina is represented by Ambrosina bassii, an endemic species of western-central Mediterranean mainly studied in Sicily and Corsica. The objectives of this study were to establish the distribution of this species and to determine its habitat and ecology in Tunisia. Moreover, the infraspecific diversity from recent and old collections throughout its range is characterized. The analyses of 8 leaf traits not considered by previous authors uncovered four of the five varieties reported in this species and complete their morphological description. The soil and climate conditions favorable to their development (bio-climate, rainfall, elevation, pH, texture, assets and total limestone content of the soil) are determined. Three varieties are widely distributed in all of the species’ range, but A. bassii var. angustifolia appears actually to be rare with a very restricted distribution in Algeria.
New species of Acraspisoides Hill & Winterton and Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg (Diptera: Therevidae: Agapophytinae), with the description of a new genus
Authors: WINTERTON SHAUN L.
Published: January 2017

The stiletto fly subfamily Agapophytinae is diverse and species rich in Australasia, with numerous undescribed species. A new species of Acraspisoides Hill & Winterton, A. monticola sp. nov., is described from females collected in montane localities in eastern Australia. Eight new species of Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg are also described, raising the total number of known species to 18. Five new species, B. affinis sp. nov., B. apluda sp. nov., B. bapsis sp. nov., B. webbi sp. nov. and B. zwicki sp. nov., all have a distinctive, forward-protruding head with antennae on a raised tubercle. Two other new species, B. argentea sp. nov. and B. jefferiesi sp. nov., are closely related to B. segnis (White), with very similar shaped male genitalia and body shape. An eighth species, B. lambkinae sp. nov., is closely related to B. clamosis Winterton & Skevington. Bonjeania and Acraspisoides are diagnosed and revised keys to species presented. An unusual new therevid, Vomerina humbug gen. et sp. nov., is also described and figured based on a series of males from New South Wales. This new genus likely represents the sister taxon to Bonjeania.
Aprostocetus (Ootetrastichus) infulatus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): description of the male, new distribution and first host records
Authors: ALBARRACIN ERICA LUFT , TRIAPITSYN SERGUEI V.
Published: January 2017

The large and cosmopolitan genus Aprostocetus Westwood (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) currently includes 697 valid species (Noyes 2003). In the Neotropical region there are 52 described species of Aprostocetus, three of which belong to the subgenus Ootetrastichus Perkins. Species of A. (Ootetrastichus) are external egg parasitoids (acting as egg predators) of Hemiptera (Cicadellidae and Delphacidae), Orthoptera (Gryllidae), Odonata, and Coleoptera (Dytiscidae) (Clausen 1940; Graham 1987; Noyes 2003).
Mannomicrus (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), a new genus of myrmecophilic diapriid, with a digital version of Masner and García's (2002) key to New World Diapriinae and an illustration of digital description and key markup using an ontology
Authors: YODER MATTHEW
Published: January 2017

Mannomicrus Yoder gen. nov. is described with the type species Hemilexis jessei Mann, 1914. The genus is only the second myrmecophilic member of the tribe Spilomicrini (Diapriidae: Diapriinae) known from the New World. The new genus is diagnosed versus potentially closely related genera and included in an updated on-line version of a recently published key to New World Diapriinae, which is introduced here. The digital key extends the utility of the original key with additional annotations, navigational functions, and additional images. Both the text of the key and an on-line version of the description can be "marked-up", with words contained there-in checked against an ontology of Hymenoptera morphology terms and linked where matches are found. The usage and means to produce the digital products are briefly reviewed. Both the key and a digital version of the description presented here mark the start of a new web site on diapriid systematics available at http://www.diapriid.org.
A revision of the genus Lepidobrya Womersley (Collembola: Entomobryidae) based on morphology and sequence data of the genotype
Authors: ZHANG FENG , GREENSLADE PENELOPE , STEVENS MARK I.
Published: January 2017

The genus Lepidobrya Womersley, previously placed in Willowsiini, is re-diagnosed based on a redescription of the type species L. mawsoni (Tillyard) and its DNA barcode. Specimens possess narrow, pointed scales on the dens, two inner teeth on unguis, a truncate unguiculus with an outer tooth, a bidentate mucro with a basal spine and ordinary tergal S-chaetae 2, 2|1, 2, 2, ?, 3, so belongs to the Entomobryinae. Its systematic position and relationships to other scaled Entomobryinae genera are discussed and comments are made on the distribution of the genus as well as on ecology.
A new species of Diastatotropis Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar
Authors: TRÝZNA MILOŠ , BAŇAŘ PETR
Published: January 2017

A new species, Diastatotropis perrinae Trýzna & Baňař sp. nov. (Anthribidae: Anthribinae: Cappadocini), from north Madagascar is described. Male genitalia are studied and illustrated and colour photographs are added. A comparison with the most similar known species, D. tigrinus Lacordaire, 1866, is provided.
The Differential Effect of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis with Anaclitic and Introjective Patients: The Menninger Psychotherapy Research Project Revisited
Authors: Blatt Sidney
Published: January 2017

Analyses of the data from the Menninger Psychotherapy Research Project (MPRP) have consistently indicated little difference in the therapeutic outcome between patients seen in psychoanalysis and those seen in psychotherapy. Reanalysis of the data from the MPRP, utilizing a distinction between two broad configurations of psychopathology (Blatt, 1974, 1990a; Blatt and Shichman, 1983), however, indicates that patients whose pathology focuses primarily on disruptions of interpersonal relatedness and who use primarily avoidant defenses (anaclitic patients), and patients whose pathology focuses primarily on issues of self-definition, autonomy, and self-worth and who use primarily counteractive defenses (introjective patients) differ in their responsiveness to psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Based on recently developed procedures for systematically evaluating the quality of object representation on the Rorschach, reanalysis of the Menninger data reveals that anaclitic patients have significantly greater positive change in psychotherapy, while introjective patients have significantly greater positive change in psychoanalysis. These statistically significant patient-by-treatment interactions are discussed in terms of their clinical implications as well as the importance of differentiating among types of patients in studies of therapeutic outcome and of therapeutic process.
(En)gendering religious studies
Authors: Warne Randi R.
Published: January 2017

The analytical category of gender has gained an increasing profile in the humanities and social sciences over the last 20 years. This article considers the extent to which gender-critical approaches to teaching and scholarship have had an impact on the academic study of religion. In so doing it also considers the politics of knowledge-making in the academy.
Uses of the androgyne in the history of religions
Authors: Wasserstrom Steven M.
Published: January 2017

The image of the androgyne was used by historians of religions Mircea Eliade, Henry Corbin and Gershom Scholem to refer symbolically to a totality beyond gender differences. The androgyne was identified as perfect man by Eliade, as angel by Corbin, as demon by Scholem (in his interpretation of Walter Benjamin) and as the godhead by their common ancestor Goethe. This article reflects on these uses of the androgyne as they underwrote normative assumptions about the history of religions. Attention is also paid to the uses of the androgyne in related fields, especially fiction and philosophy, in order to understand these expresssions of the androgyne in relation to the history of religions under discussion here.
Le projet d'édition de la bibliothèque copte de Nag Hammadi à l'Université Laval
Authors: Painchaud Louis
Published: January 2017

Cet article propose une description du projet d'édition de la bibliothèque copte de Nag Hammadi à l'Université Laval, de ses débuts, de ses objectifs et de ses méthodes de travail, un aperçu de la place qu'il occupe dans son champ et de l'influence qu'il y exerce. Il propose également quelques réflexions sur l'importance de cette découverte et des travaux qui lui sont consacrés pour la compréhension du christianisme primitif. Il pose enfin la question de l'avenir de ce champ de recherche au Québec et au Canada en raison du peu de place qui est consacré à l'apprentissage des langues anciennes dans les facultés de théologie et de sciences religieuses.
A Survey of Radiobiology for Engineers
Authors: Levedahl Blaine H.
Published: January 2017

The effect of radiation on biological systems is reviewed. Types of particle and electromagnetic radiation and the mechanisms of absorption and energy dissipation commonly found when radiation interacts with matter are discussed. The effects of radiation on living systems in general are examined. The target theory and the indirect theory of action of radiation are compared in terms of experimental evidence. The major emphasis of the survey is on the consideration of biological effects of radiation on simple systems of single tissue, and on a detailed consideration of radiation effects on the skin, the reproductive system, the circulatory system, and the digestive tract. A summary of permitted tolerance of humans to particulate and electromagnetic radiations is presented.
Optical System Design and the “Empty Field”
Authors: Kurke Martin I.
Published: January 2017

An experiment was performed to explore equipment design parameters for overcoming the accommodation disturbances in untextured visual fields which have been observed at high altitudes, and which have been reproduced under laboratory conditions. Under controlled field conditions, however, the phenomenon could not be elicited.
A Reaction Time Study of Four Control-Display Linkages
Authors: Chapanis Alphonse , Lindenbaum Lionel E.
Published: January 2017

Fifteen subjects were tested on each of four different wooden models of stoves containing various control-burner arrangements. The experiment measured reaction times and errors made by subjects who matched a control to a given burner as quickly as possible. Subjects were tested for 80 consecutive trials. The data show significant improvement in performance throughout the 80 trials. No significant improvement is evident in the second half of the trials, i.e., for trials 41 through 80. Analysis of the data for trials 41 through 80 shows one control-burner arrangement to be superior to all the others. Another arrangement is significantly worse than the best, but better than the remaining two.
Some Immediate Effects of Drowsiness and Sleep on Normal Human Performance
Authors: Simon Charles W.
Published: January 2017

Man spends the greater portion of his life in sub-optimum states of consciousness. The paper reviews the experimental literature describing normal human performance at different levels of drowsiness and sleep, as these states are defined by electroencephalographic patterns. Among the types of behavioral responses to stimuli discussed are reflexes, simple movements, detection (i.e. arousal to external stimuli and awareness of internal states), discrimination, learning, and recall. Non-behavioral electroencephalographic responses are also described. Suggestions are made for future research.
An Experimental Investigation of the Interaction between Problem Load and Level of Training
Authors: Behan Richard A. , Bughman Charles R. , Bumpus James N. , Gilbert Sally
Published: January 2017

An experiment was made to determine the relation between performance in a linear information processing system, level of training and the input load on the system. Level of training was determined by number of problem experiences. Load was defined as the number of task units to be processed. The task was to detect, display, transform, re-display and correlate data concerning the temporal position and direction of sequences displayed on a rectangular grid. Two noise dots were included with each display presentation.

Experimental variables were presented in a mixed factorial design. Experimental problems had a constant number of sequences to be processed after a short build-up period. The sequences in any one problem appeared at regular intervals and all bad the same time duration. Four experimental problems presented 2, 4, 8 or 12 sequences to the subjects.

Analysis of total error indicated that performance is a linear function of load, and that an interaction between total error and system position resulted in no significant reduction in error as a function of training.
COED—A Device for the Experimental Study of Man-Machine Systems
Authors: Johnson R. H. , Gordon D. A. , Bergum B. , Patterson W. E.
Published: January 2017

A description is given of an experimental facility for investigating man-machine system design problems. The facility is called the COED (Computer Operated Electronic Display). It combines a very large capacity cathode ray tube (Digitron) with a high-speed computer (IBM 704). The components, programming, and uses of the device are described.
A Description of the Astronaut's Task in Project Mercury
Authors: Voas Robert B.
Published: January 2017

The integration of the man in the Mercury system is discussed in terms of his contribution to system reliability and flexibility. Eight basic flight tasks are described. In addition, the contributions of the astronauts to the development of the Mercury vehicle are outlined. Also considered are the possible applications of Mercury human factors experience to future space flight programs.
Aircraft Ground Emergency Exit Design Considerations
Authors: Roebuck John A. , Levedahl B. H.
Published: January 2017

A review of the literature shows that emergency ground conditions for aircraft occur with sufficient frequency to require emergency escape devices. The nature of these emergencies allows for a reasonable possibility of escape if care is taken in selection and design of escape provisions. For normal low-wing aircraft, the inflatable escape slide provides for reliable support during descent. Extensive experimental data are given for design of overwing emergency exits and similar installations. These data show some significant relations to body dimensions and agility of the subject. Standard methods are necessary for comparing escape exit tests in the future, if optimum design of exits and devices for minimum weight and space requirements is to be achieved.
The Center of Gravity of the Human Body
Authors: Duggar Benjamin C.
Published: January 2017

This paper is an evaluative review of the literature concerning the locations of the centers of gravity of the human body and body segments. Data from several sources are compared and the methods and limitations discussed. It is shown that the selection of source and the manner of applying center of gravity data will depend on (1) the accuracy required, (2) anthropometric characteristics of the population under study, and (3) equipment and body positions anticipated.
On the Building of Bridges
Authors: Saul Ezra V.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents in the first person singular a description of some needs of human factors scientists and practitioners which have programmatic implications for individual and collective action by the membership of the Human Factors Society.
Image Quality and Target Recognition
Authors: Bennett Corwin A. , Winterstein Samuel H. , Kent Robert E.
Published: January 2017

The terminology and literature in the area of image quality and target recognition are reviewed. An experiment in which subjects recognized strategic and tactical targets in aerial photographs with controlled image degradations is described. Some findings are: Recognition performance is only moderate for representative conditions. There are wide differences among target types in the recognizability. Knowledge of a target's presence (briefing) greatly aids recognition. Better resolution means better performance. Enlarging the image such that a line of resolution subtends more than three minutes of arc hinders recognition. Grain size should be kept below 20 seconds of arc. It is suggested that the eventual application of the modulation transfer function approach to measurement of image quality and target characteristics will enable a quantitative subsuming of various quality-size relationships. More attention needs to be paid in recognition research to suitable task definition, target description, and subject selection.
Recognition of Lunar Craters
Authors: Wilde James , Siegel Jerome , Williams James
Published: January 2017

Recognition thresholds for lunar crater size were determined, analytically, for various look angles and magnifications, at an orbital altitude of 80 nautical miles. Elliptical image measurements for various sized craters were combined with some previous threshold recognition data for the ellipse (Casperson, 1950). Elliptical image measurements consisted of the visual angle of the major axis, and elliptical form (the ratio of minor axis to major axis). A computer program was generated from which the visual angle and form measurements of anticipated elliptical crater images were computed for various combinations of crater size, look angle, and magnification. Casperson's data was then re-worked to obtain the visual angle and form measurements associated with his recognition threshold data for the ellipse. By graphically combining the visual angle and form data from both computations, 50% and 75% threshold recognition curves were generated, relating crater size, magnification and look angle. Implications of these data are discussed.
Individual and Two-Man Team Target Finding Performance
Authors: Hornseth John P. , Davis James H.
Published: January 2017

Individuals and two-man teams were tested on three target finding tasks. Effective performance of a target-finding task requires the establishment of an efficient search strategy which minimizes the time taken to find the target. On two of the tasks team performance was no better than would be expected, from normal order statistics, of its more capable member. Team performance on the third task presented evidence of a shift in team search strategy away from independent (or redundant) searching toward a more effective division of labor.
A Model for a Series Processing System
Authors: Smith Wellington E.
Published: January 2017

Many processing systems, such as manufacturing assembly lines, can be described as a series of discrete operations performed on discrete units being processed. To evaluate the effectiveness of operators in such systems or to determine the best way to improve their performance, it is necessary to have a performance measure that relates to total system effectiveness. Current techniques measure operator performance in terms of time and errors, but they provide little predictive ability as to the effects of these parameters. To relate time and yield measures to a single criterion of system performance, a method has been developed for evaluating operator effectiveness in a series processing system that processes discrete items in large quantities. By recognizing and dealing with the fact that rejects at the end of series process are more expensive than at the beginning of the process, statements are developed for measuring performance in terms of its actual effect on the system. Concepts and methods are presented for measuring total system performance, performance of any segment of the system, total performance of any operator, and the effects of time and accuracy on operator performance.
The Utilization of Human Factors Information by Designers
Authors: Meister David , Farr Donald E.
Published: January 2017

Ten packaging designers were tested on three specially developed tests which required them to analyze various design situations and to construct a conceptual drawing of the equipment configuration according to design specifications. Five human factors specialists were also tested on several sub-test items. Designers appear to have little or no interest in human factors criteria or information and usually fail to consider human factors in their designs. Their analysis of design requirements is minimal and shallow. Human factors personnel reacted in a manner similar to designers in terms of overall design criteria.
Character Legibility and Digital Facsimile Resolution
Authors: Erdmann Robert L. , Neal Alan S.
Published: January 2017

Character legibility was measured as a function of facsimile device parameters (pitch and sampling distance, and scan orientation) and of source document parameters (character height and case). The results indicate (I) very slight average difference in legibility (less than 1%) due to scan direction; (2) a more substantial difference (about 9%) between upper and lower case; and (3) legibility directly proportional to pitch and sampling distances, and to character height. For individual characters in standard typescript or similar material, 97.5% legibility apparently requires resolution on the order of 110 × 110 elements to the inch (scanning aperture nine mils square). Two secondary comparisons established the fact that individual character legibility (a) remained virtually unchanged when continuous scanning (one-mil resolution) was substituted for the best (five-mil) sampling distance, and (b) varied less than 2% when extra test documents were generated to check the repeatability of the experiment.
Field Dependence and Target Identification
Authors: Thornton Carl L. , Barrett Gerald V. , Davis James A.
Published: January 2017

Target identification has usually been studied with respect to environmental parameters which affect the performance of the “human operator.” Rather than use this method, which treats individual differences as sources of error, the investigators studied individual differences and related them to Witkin's concept of perceptual style. Witkin and his associates were able to differentiate subjects on their ability to pull a visual item from an embedding context. Two experiments were conducted using the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) as a measure of perceptual style. Significant correlations between perceptual style and the ability to correctly identify targets in aerial photographs were found. Since a great deal of research has been conducted in the area of perceptual style, it is possible to utilize this research in connection with problems associated with target identification. Implications in the areas of experimental design, selection, and training were discussed.
The Effects of Stereoscopy on the Recognition of Patterns in Visual Noise
Authors: Giarretto Henry
Published: January 2017

This paper reports the results of a study to determine if “noisy” visual patterns containing binocular disparity cues could be recognized more accurately than similar patterns with no disparity cues. To obtain a quantitative measure of this visual task three-dimensional patterns were employed based on the metric figures technique developed by Fills and his colleagues. The test results indicated, as expected, that the ability to recognize visual patterns in noise degraded as the noise level was increased. However, discrimination ability measured with figures containing binocular disparity cues degraded at a significantly lower rate (p < .01) than with figures without disparity cues.
Transfer of Training and the Measurement of Training Effectiveness
Authors: Blaiwes Arthur S. , Puig Joseph A. , Regan James J.
Published: January 2017

Transfer of training research has been conducted on actual training systems to determine: (1) the effectiveness of present training; (2) whether the training can be improved; and, (3) how the training might be improved. The present paper includes some major methodological and analytical considerations in performing this research—the experimental and descriptive models to use in investigating and expressing transfer, cost effectiveness evaluations, and aspects of the training system to be included in the study. A number of conclusions are derived from the transfer research and some popular research themes are identified. Desirable features for an applied research program for military training purposes are presented. Problems arising from the use of the transfer of training model are traced to operational constraints placed on experimental manipulation and control, and to the inadequacy of performance measurement systems. Solutions to these problems are discussed. One solution provides alternate methods to the transfer of training model for evaluating the effectiveness of a training system. Another approach recommends the employment of laboratory simulations of training or operational situations for transfer research.
Incremental Transfer Effectiveness of a Ground-Based General Aviation Trainer
Authors: Povenmire H. Kingsley , Roscoe Stanley N.
Published: January 2017

Link trainers and similar synthetic flight-training devices have been used with varying effectiveness since before World War II. Currently available ground-based flight trainers differ widely in their degree and fidelity of simulation and in their associated costs. To provide a rational basis for trainer procurement, a method of assessing their cost effectiveness is needed.

An experiment was conducted to establish the incremental transfer effectiveness of a representative ground-based general aviation trainer to serve as a basis for the evaluation of its incremental cost effectiveness. Four groups of student pilots were given, respectively, 0, 3, 7, and 11 hours of instruction in the Link GAT-1 concurrently with flight instruction in the Piper Cherokee airplane. Average flight times for the four groups to reach the private pilot criterion reflected the postulated negatively decelerated nature of the incremental transfer effectiveness function.
Advanced Instructional Provisions and Automated Performance Measurement
Authors: Knoop Patricia A.
Published: January 2017

An advanced simulation research system is being developed to support experiments oriented toward quantifying the effect on transfer of training of alternative training and simulation techniques. Included in the system is sophisticated training research software which automates most of the functions traditionally performed by flight simulator instructors or operators. Also under development are techniques for automatically assessing pilot proficiency in the simulator and in the operational aircraft. Recent feasibility studies in performance measurement resulted in identification of necessary flight variables for assessing proficiency on two undergraduate pilot training maneuvers; established alternative approaches to developing measurement techniques on a broader scale; applied existing technology to develop an in-flight data acquisition system for the T-37 aircraft; and raised (or, more correctly, reraised) issues regarding standardization in instruction and rating procedures.