cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing variation in the social behavior of stumptail macaques using thermal criteria.

This paper reports a method for comparing the environments of nonhuman primates based on biophysical, thermal criteria. The method is applied to an analysis of behaviors exhibited by group-living stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides), documented by a group-scan observation technique, to test the hypothesis that the expression of social behavior is dependent on thermal conditions. Thermal conditions are identified by considering sky cover and the relative cooling power of the environment. The results show that the rates of occurrence of affiliative, play, and solitary behaviors are altered significantly at a relative cooling power at or above 550 kcal/m2/hr under cloudy conditions and at or above 600 kcal/m2/hr under sunny conditions. In addition, the rates of occurrence of play, sexual, aggressive, and submissive behavioral states are also significantly different under cloudy, rather than sunny, conditions over particular ranges of cooling. It is possible to conclude that thermal criteria affect the expression of social behaviors by stumptail macaques. This is consistent with studies of huddling behavior exhibited by stumptail macaques and rhesus macaques (M. mulatta), and suggests that (1) certain changes in the expression of social behaviors may be thermoregulatory in at least some nonhuman primate species and (2) thermal criteria are likely to be useful tools when conducting comparative analyses of behavioral data collected on animals in outdoor environments.
Using Reporter Gene Assays to Identify cis Regulatory Differences Between Humans and Chimpanzees

Most phenotypic differences between human and chimpanzee are likely to result from differences in gene regulation, rather than changes to protein-coding regions. To date, however, only a handful of human–chimpanzee nucleotide differences leading to changes in gene regulation have been identified. To hone in on differences in regulatory elements between human and chimpanzee, we focused on 10 genes that were previously found to be differentially expressed between the two species. We then designed reporter gene assays for the putative human and chimpanzee promoters of the 10 genes. Of seven promoters that we found to be active in human liver cell lines, human and chimpanzee promoters had significantly different activity in four cases, three of which recapitulated the gene expression difference seen in the microarray experiment. For these three genes, we were therefore able to demonstrate that a change in cis influences expression differences between humans and chimpanzees. Moreover, using site-directed mutagenesis on one construct, the promoter for the DDA3 gene, we were able to identify three nucleotides that together lead to a cis regulatory difference between the species. High-throughput application of this approach can provide a map of regulatory element differences between humans and our close evolutionary relatives.
Linear process algebra

A linear process is a system of events and states related by an inner product, on which are defined the behaviorally motivated operations of tensor product or orthocurrence, sum or concurrence, sequence, and choice. Linear process algebra or LPA is the theory of this framework. LPA resembles Girard's linear logic with the differences attributable to its focus on behavior instead of proof. As with MLL the multiplicative part can be construed via the Curry-Howard isomorphism as an enrichment of Boolean algebra. The additives cater for independent concurrency or parallel play. The traditional sequential operations of sequence and choice exploit process-specific state information catering for notions of transition and cancellation.
Separation of phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine, and other phospholipids by thin-layer chromatography *

SUMMARY Thin-layer chromatography of phospholipids and cerebrosides was performed on Silica Gel G plates using a mixture of chloroform-methanol-acetic acid-water as development solvent. Two types of chromatoplates were used: “neutral” plates, prepared from Silica Gel G slurry made in water, and “basic” plates, prepared from Silica Gel G slurry made in 0.01 M sodium acetate or sodium carbonate solutions. Only chromatograms run on “basic” plates showed good and reproducible separations of phosphatidyl serine from other phospholipids, independent of the amount of phosphatidyl serine present in the sample. However, “neutral” plates gave better separation of cerebrosides from phospholipids. A practical method of applying these systems for separation of phospholipids extracted from rat liver and human serum is presented.
Commentary: Competence to Stand Trial in Juveniles and the Judgment Model

In their study of 927 youths, Kivisto and colleagues found that future orientation, as well as age and intellectual ability, are associated with capacities indicating competence to stand trial. They conclude that the relationship between the capacity to make reasoned decisions and age is partially explained by variable development in future orientation. In particular, the findings of Kivisto and colleagues raise the possibility of applying a standard for competence for juveniles that is based on judgment or future orientation and is higher than the rationality standard for adult criminal defendants. These findings are placed in context by comparing adult and juvenile competencies and by illustrating the remarkable diversity among courts in their approaches to juvenile competence to stand trial. It is doubtful that the juvenile justice system would uniformly adopt a mechanism for finding incompetence based on developmental immaturity or underdeveloped capacity for future orientation.
Assessing the Influence of Automated Data Analytics on Cost and Schedule Performance

Abstract This article assesses the combined influence of information integration and automated data analytics on project performance. To this end, retrospective data on 78 completed projects, with a total installed value of $8 billion, was collected. The data collection effort characterized, for each project, the level of internal and external information integration. Information integration was assessed as the seamlessly interoperable sharing of data produced from a work function with other functions/stakeholders so that no manual data transfer was required. Also, the level of automated data analytics, understood as the full automation of the data analysis function after input data are entered, was also characterized on a project basis. Then, non-parametric statistical techniques were used to assess the impact of such functions on cost and schedule performance. The statistical analysis was also stratified by project type, e.g. greenfield and brownfield, additions, and modifications or shutdowns. Overall, projects with a sophisticated degree of information integration and automated data analytics can control their projects with more reliable information and in a proactive manner so that informed decisions can be timely made on behalf of the project and the organization.
Further Understanding Factors that Explain Freshman Business Students’ Academic Integrity Intention and Behavior: Plagiarism and Sharing Homework

Academic integrity (AI) violations on college campuses continue to be a significant concern that draws public attention. Even though AI has been the subject of numerous studies offering explanations and recommendations, academic dishonesty persists. Consequently, this has rekindled interest in understanding AI behavior and its influencers. This paper focuses on the AI violations of plagiarism and sharing homework for freshman business students, examining the factors that influence a student’s intention to plagiarize or share homework with others. Using a sample of more than 1300 freshman business students over 2 years, we modeled intent to plagiarize and intent to share homework using factors in the Theory of Planned Behavior in addition to past violation behavior and moral obligation (feelings of guilt). Based on the results of this study, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and in addition past behavior and moral obligation, were found to significantly influence an individual’s intention to violate academic integrity (for plagiarism and sharing homework when asked not to do so), explaining 33 and 35 % of the variance in intention to commit an AI violation for sharing homework and plagiarism, respectively. These results contribute to a better understanding of individuals’ motivations for plagiarizing and sharing homework, which is a necessary step toward reducing academic integrity violations.
Biofuels for Green Aviation

There is a global interest in biofuels utilizing reliable alternative, renewable, and sustainable resources for a long-term solution to the use of fossil fuels. The world's future sources of readily available fuels and energy are being depleted and cannot be renewed. Biomass is a fully renewable resource that can be used for biofuels, food and feed, power, chemicals, materials, and other green applications that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through conservation and recovery while introducing new methods to provide food, clean water, and sustainable use of semi-arid lands. While food and feed are also major issues in our biomass objective, the goal of this chapter is to introduce and develop reliable and efficient methods of generating biofuels that can supplement fossil fuel dependence while increasing our conservation of the world's natural resources. Biofuels can potentially be a viable option for sustaining long-term energy needs if they are managed effectively and realistic life cycle costs are factored into the process. We provide an introduction, a background on the various types of biofuels, how biomass is processed, potential applications for biofuels in the green aviation industry, and introduce a fairly new concept called eXtreme Green and how this concept can be applied to the green aviation industry in the future. Keywords: alternative; arable land; aviation; biofuel; biomass; conservation; crops; economics; emissions; eXtreme Green; food/feed; halophytes; jet engines; market pressures; renewable; semi-arid land; sustainable; water
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with liver involvement.

Background We examined outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) combined with liver resection. Methods All patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed: patients who underwent synchronous liver resection (group 1) were compared with those who did not (group 2) in terms of perioperative and long-term results. Results Group 1 included 103 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 28), appendiceal cancer (n = 34), and other malignancies. Compared with group 2 (n = 166), group 1 had higher number of organs resected, increased intraoperative blood loss, and longer hospital stay (all P ≤ 0.004) but similar major morbidity (24.3% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.22) and perioperative mortality rates. Two patients from group 1 developed liver resection-related complications. A comparison between patients who underwent parenchymal liver resection (n = 42) and matched pairs from group 2 with similar extent of cytoreduction did not yield significant differences in morbidity/mortality. CRC patients from group 1 had poorer median overall survival (45.1 vs. 73.5 months from stage IV diagnosis, P = 0.009). Conclusions Liver involvement denotes high peritoneal carcinomatosis burden, which often requires resection of multiple organs in order to achieve optimal cytoreduction. However, liver resection-related morbidity is low and overall morbidity/mortality rates are comparable to other extensive CRS/HIPEC procedures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:432–437. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Brief Sur-Reply to Professors Graetz and Warren

Professors Ruth Mason and Michael Knoll defend their interpretation of the tax-discrimination jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union, arguing that the nature of their project has been misunderstood by Professors Michael Graetz and Alvin Warren. In Mason and Knoll’s view, competitive neutrality remains the principle most plausibly guiding Court of Justice rulings on tax discrimination, and thereby illuminates the clearest way out of the doctrinal confusion in this field of law.
Aspirations & Obligations: Towards a Theory of Psychological Ownership in Entrepreneurship

Psychological ownership is a powerful mental state through which social artifacts such as ideas, inventions, opportunities, and even firms become a part of an entrepreneur’s identity. The experience of owning a venture, however, is not the same for all individuals. While some entrepreneurs feel a passion for their business and see the venture as the means by which they can make a difference in the world, other entrepreneurs feel compelled to start a venture. These fundamental motivational differences between passion and compulsion, in turn, strongly determine the extent to which these entrepreneurs are willing to engage in risk-oriented, creative, transformative actions versus those who seek to maintain the status quo. Linking Self-Discrepancy Theory with prior work on psychological ownership, we investigate how entrepreneurs may possess feelings of ideal or ought psychological ownership. In this study, we develop theory to explain how these different profiles of psychological ownership, along with differ...
Osteoporosis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment in older adults

Prevention of osteoporosis is a major health concern. Bone loss occurs throughout life in both women and men due to calcium deficiency, hormonal deficiency, and changes in bone formation. The diagnosis of osteoporosis can now be made prior to fragility fracture, allowing for prevention as well as treatment. Criteria for diagnosis of osteoporosis are reviewed, and a plan for the evaluation of secondary causes of osteoporosis is discussed. Also reviewed are prevention and treatment options such as exercise, calcium supplementation, hormone replacement, and new and investigational drugs.
Potential of Nano-Formulated Zinc Oxide for Control of Citrus Canker on Grapefruit Trees

Antimicrobial activity of experimental formulations of two structurally different nano-zinc oxide materials, plate-like Zinkicide SG4 and particulate Zinkicide SG6, was evaluated against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, the cause of citrus canker. In vitro assay demonstrated Zinkicide SG4 had a twofold lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli and X. alfalfae subsp. citrumelonis (62.5 to 250 µg/ml) compared with copper sulfate (250 µg/ml), copper hydroxide (250 to 500 µg/ml), or cuprous oxide/zinc oxide (125 to 250 µg/ml). Zinkicide SG6 had a sevenfold to eightfold lower MIC against Escherichia coli and X. alfalfae subsp. citrumelonis (31 to 250 μg/ml). Leaves of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and fruit of 'Ruby Red' grapefruit (C. paradisi) were evaluated for citrus canker disease control. A greenhouse assay with foliage demonstrated that spray treatment with Zinkicide reduced citrus canker lesion development after injection-infiltration of X. citri subsp. citri into the leaf intercellular space. In field trials conducted in Southeast Florida in 2014 and 2015, Zinkicide SG4 and SG6 reduction of grapefruit canker incidence exceeded that of cuprous oxide and cuprous oxide/zinc oxide bactericides. Zinkicide formulations were also effective against the fungal diseases, citrus scab (Elsinoe fawcetti) and melanose (Diaporthe citri), on grapefruit. No sign of phytotoxicity to the fruit rind was observed during either season. Antimicrobial activity of Zinkicide for protection of leaves and fruit against X. citri subsp. citri was comparable or exceeded that for commercial copper and zinc oxide formulations which may be attributed to translaminar movement of Zinkicide.
Brain strain uncertainty due to shape variation in and simplification of head angular velocity profiles

Head angular velocity, instead of acceleration, is more predictive of brain strains. Surprisingly, no study exists that investigates how shape variation in angular velocity profiles affects brain strains, beyond characteristics such as peak magnitude and impulse duration. In this study, we evaluated brain strain uncertainty due to variation in angular velocity profiles and further compared with that resulting from simplifying the profiles into idealized shapes. To do so, we used reconstructed head impacts from American National Football League for shape extraction and simulated head uniaxial coronal rotations from onset to full stop. The velocity profiles were scaled to maintain an identical peak velocity magnitude and duration in order to isolate the shape for investigation. Element-wise peak maximum principal strains from 44 selected impacts were obtained. We found that the shape of angular velocity profile could significantly affect brain strain magnitude (e.g., percentage difference of 4.29–17.89 % in the whole brain relative to the group average, with cumulative strain damage measure (CSDM) uncertainty range of 23.9 %) but not pattern (correlation coefficient of 0.94–0.99). Strain differences resulting from simplifying angular velocity profiles into idealized shapes were largely within the range due to shape variation, in both percentage difference and CSDM (signed difference of 3.91 % on average, with a typical range of 0–6 %). These findings provide important insight into the uncertainty or confidence in the performance of kinematics-based injury metrics. More importantly, they suggest the feasibility to simplify head angular velocity profiles into idealized shapes, at least within the confinements of the profiles evaluated, to enable real-time strain estimation via pre-computation in the future.
Efficient Multiline Anchor Systems for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

A mooring and anchoring concept for floating offshore wind turbines is introduced in which each anchor moors multiple floating platforms. Several possible geometries are identified and it is shown that the number of anchors for a wind farm can be reduced by factors of at least 3. Dynamic simulation of turbine dynamics for one of the candidate geometries and for two directions of wind and wave loading allows estimation of multiline anchor forces the preview the types of loads that a multiline anchor will need to resist. Preliminary findings indicate that the peak demand on the anchor may be reduced by as much as 30% but that anchors used in such a system will need to be able to resist multi-directional loading.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
IdeaHound: Improving Large-scale Collaborative Ideation with Crowd-Powered Real-time Semantic Modeling

Prior work on creativity support tools demonstrates how a computational semantic model of a solution space can enable interventions that substantially improve the number, quality and diversity of ideas. However, automated semantic modeling often falls short when people contribute short text snippets or sketches. Innovation platforms can employ humans to provide semantic judgments to construct a semantic model, but this relies on external workers completing a large number of tedious micro tasks. This requirement threatens both accuracy (external workers may lack expertise and context to make accurate semantic judgments) and scalability (external workers are costly). In this paper, we introduce IdeaHound, an ideation system that seamlessly integrates the task of defining semantic relationships among ideas into the primary task of idea generation. The system combines implicit human actions with machine learning to create a computational semantic model of the emerging solution space. The integrated nature of these judgments allows IDEAHOUND to leverage the expertise and efforts of participants who are already motivated to contribute to idea generation, overcoming the issues of scalability inherent to existing approaches. Our results show that participants were equally willing to use (and just as productive using) IDEAHOUND compared to a conventional platform that did not require organizing ideas. Our integrated crowdsourcing approach also creates a more accurate semantic model than an existing crowdsourced approach (performed by external crowds). We demonstrate how this model enables helpful creative interventions: providing diverse inspirational examples, providing similar ideas for a given idea and providing a visual overview of the solution space.
Cryptococcemia in an HIV-negative patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Background : Cryptococcal infections have been mostly associated with immunocompromised individuals, 80–90% of whom have been HIV-positive patients. Increasingly, cryptococcal infections are being reported in cirrhotic patients who are HIV-negative. The underlying immunologic defects in cirrhotic patients seem to play an important role in predisposing them to cryptococcosis and affecting their morbidity and mortality. Case presentation : We present a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative patient with underlying cirrhosis, who had rapid worsening of his hyponatremia with renal failure and was unable to recover, despite aggressive measures. Conclusion : Cryptococcus is a more common culprit of infections seen in cirrhotic patients than what it was previously known, and a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose these patients. Identification of poor prognostic factors, early diagnosis and intervention is crucial in the management of these patients. Keywords: cirrhosis; disseminated cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus; fungal infections; decompensated liver cirrhosis; cryptococcemia; HIV-negative (Published: 15 December 2016) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2016, 6 : 33383 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v6.33383
Development and calibration of a reactive transport model for carbonate reservoir porosity and permeability changes based on CO2 core-flood experiments

Abstract Beneficial pore space and permeability enhancements are likely to occur as CO2-charged fluids partially dissolve carbonate minerals in carbonate reservoir formations used for geologic CO2 storage. The ability to forecast the extent and impact of changes in porosity and permeability will aid geologic CO2 storage operations and lower uncertainty in estimates of long-term storage capacity. Our work is directed toward developing calibrated reactive transport models that more accurately capture the chemical impacts of CO2-fluid-rock interactions and their effects on porosity and permeability by matching pressure, fluid chemistry, and dissolution features that developed as a result of reaction with CO2-acidified brines at representative reservoir conditions. We present new results from experiments conducted on seven core samples from the Arbuckle Dolostone (near Wellington, Kansas, USA, recovered as part of the South-Central Kansas CO2 Demonstration). Cores were obtained from both target reservoir and lower-permeability baffle zones, and together these samples span over 3–4 orders of magnitude of permeability according to downhole measurements. Core samples were nondestructively imaged by X-ray computed tomography and the resulting characterization data were mapped onto a continuum domain to further develop a reactive transport model for a range of mineral and physical heterogeneity. We combine these new results with those from previous experimental studies (Smith et al., 2013; Hao et al., 2013) to more fully constrain the governing equations used in reactive transport models to better estimate the transition of enhanced oil recovery operations to long-term geology CO2 storage. Calcite and dolomite kinetic rate constants (mol m−2 s−1) derived by fitting the results from core-flood experiments range from kcalcite,25C = 10−6.8 to 10−4.6, and kdolomite,25C = 10−7.5 to 10−5.3. The power law-based porosity-permeability relationship is sensitive to the overall pore space heterogeneity of each core. Stable dissolution fronts observed in the more homogeneous dolostones could be accurately simulated using an exponential value of n = 3. Unstable dissolution fronts consisting of preferential flowpaths could be simulated using an exponential value of n = 3 for heterogeneous dolostones, and larger values (n = 6–8) for heterogeneous limestones.
Nuances of Percutaneous Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screw Fixation

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have grown in popularity in recent years due to the theoretical advantages of smaller incisions, reduced muscle stripping, and a quicker postsurgical recovery [1]. The emergence of new technologies for minimally invasive placement of percutaneous subfascial pedicle screws and rods has allowed surgeons to achieve secure spinal fixation through a limited surgical approach [2–4]. The placement of percutaneous pedicle screws relies on imaging modalities, most commonly the C-arm image intensifier, to visualize the anatomic landmarks necessary for pedicle targeting [1]. The current chapter will focus on the nuances of performing percutaneous pedicle fixation in the thoracolumbar spine using C-arm fluoroscopy.
MetILs3: A Strategy for High Density Energy Storage Using Redox‐Active Ionic Liquids

A systematic approach is presented for increasing the concentration of redox-active species in electrolytes for nonaqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs). Starting with an ionic liquid consisting of a metal coordination cation (MetIL), ferrocene-containing ligands and iodide anions are substituted incrementally into the structure. While chemical structures can be drawn for molecules with 10 m redox-active electrons (RAE), practical limitations such as melting point and phase stability constrain the structures to 4.2 m RAE, a 2.3× improvement over the original MetIL. Dubbed “MetILs3,” these ionic liquids possess redox activity in the cation core, ligands, and anions. Throughout all compositions, infrared spectroscopy shows the ethanolamine-based ligands primarily coordinate to the Fe2+ core via hydroxyl groups. Calorimetry conveys a profound change in thermophysical properties, not only in melting temperature but also in suppression of a cold crystallization only observed in the original MetIL. Square wave voltammetry reveals redox processes characteristic of each molecular location. Testing a laboratory-scale RFB demonstrates Coulombic efficiencies >95% and increased voltage efficiencies due to more facile redox kinetics, effectively increasing capacity 4×. Application of this strategy to other chemistries, optimizing melting point and conductivity, can yield >10 m RAE, making nonaqueous RFB a viable technology for grid scale storage.
Quantifying electrical energy savings in offices through installing daylight responsive control systems in hot climates

Abstract Lighting is considered as one of the most important issues in reducing energy consumption of a building. It is estimated that electrical lighting consumes 25–40% of the total electrical energy in a typical commercial building in the United States. Over the last three decades, there has been a growing concern about reducing energy consumption associated with artificial lightings. Daylighting could be considered as a cost-effective alternative to artificial lighting which not only reduces the demands for electrical energy, but also provides occupants with a pleasant, attractive, and a healthy indoor environment. Through installing sensors and controllers, daylighting is able to reduce and even eliminates the use of artificial lighting needed to deliver sufficient illuminance levels in an office. Present study is a simulation based research that investigates the impacts of various types of daylighting controllers on enhancing total and lighting electrical energy consumption of office buildings located in hot climates. Effects of Dimming (5%, 10%, and 20% light), On/Off, and Stepped control systems are evaluated in this study. E-Quest is used as the energy simulation tool to calculate and compare electrical and lighting energy consumption. In order to assess the effects of daylight control systems in humid and arid hot climates, Miami, Phoenix, and Houston, located in ASHRAE 90.1 climate zones of 1A, 2B, and 2A respectively, have been chosen as three locations for the prototype building. The prototype building is a four-story open office building measuring 18 m wide × 36 m long × 15 m high oriented along east-west axis. The window to wall ratio of 20, 40, 60 and 90% in all directions are assessed. Windows consist of horizontal shading in all facades as well as blinds in those of East and West. Results of this study demonstrate that in all studied cities installing daylighting controllers in office buildings significantly reduces electrical energy consumption of the building particularly that of lighting.
Effects of an Inquiry-Focused, Content-Intensive Program on Pre-Kindergarten-9th Grade Teachers’ Content Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Goals

This study describes the effects of an inquiry-focused, contentintensive professional development program on Pre-kindergarten-9th grade teachers’ science and mathematics knowledge, use of classroom based inquiry, improvement in their science teaching self-efficacy and other motivation constructs. This two-and-a-half-year program was designed to meet the needs of teachers in a local urban school district. The professional development in the form of a graduate program intentionally sought to emphasize science and mathematics content knowledge and inquiry teaching. Twenty experimental teacher-participants were involved in the program with twelve additional teachers as a control group. Data collection instruments used for this study included content testing, student test-scores, self-efficacy belief surveys, and behavioral scales. The results of the study indicated greater growth for program participants in the areas of science and mathematics content knowledge. The participants also showed greater increases in science teaching self-efficacy as compared to the teachers in the control group.
Measuring Perceptual Consciousness

Conscious perception is typically assessed with either objective or subjective measures (Seth et al., 2008). Measures are considered objective if conscious perception is estimated from performance in a discrimination task; inability to discriminate between stimuli is taken as evidence that participants had no conscious perception (Hannula et al., 2005). Measures are considered subjective if participants report their visual experience on each trial (Sergent and Dehaene, 2004; Del Cul et al., 2007). One type of subjective measures consists of metacognitive judgments; the relationship between metacognition and perceptual awareness is a matter of debate (Fleming and Lau, 2014; Jachs et al., 2015) and I will not discuss these measures further. Likewise, I will not discuss post-decision wagering approaches as they are affected by the participants' risk aversion (Schurger and Sher, 2008). Proponents of subjective measures stress that objective measures (discrimination) provide only task performance and are not suitable for capturing visual experience (Lau, 2008). The major objection against subjective measures is contamination by response bias. Because it has been argued that participants can perform discrimination in the absence of perceptual awareness, many researchers currently favor subjective measures. In this paper, I show that objective measures (discrimination) and subjective measures (detection) are similar and both measure task performance. I further propose that task performance can be used as a valid measure of conscious perception.
Hybrid method combining generalized T matrix of single objects and Foldy-Lax equations in NMM3D microwave scattering in vegetation

In this paper, we develop a hybrid method for Numerical Maxwell Model of 3D (NMM3D) full wave simulations of vegetation/trees. The hybrid method includes three steps: (1) calculating the generalized T matrix of every single object, (2) wave transformations and (3) solving Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equations (FL). We utilize the commercial software HFSS to extract the T matrix of a single object. HFSS enables us to perform full wave simulations of single objects with complicated structures. To validate the T matrix extraction method, a sphere is used since it has analytical solutions for the T matrix. For wave transformations, we develop the robust numerical method, which is verified by the analytical solutions of spherical wave transformations. In solving FL, the wave interactions of the singles objects are taken into account. The results of the hybrid method agree with those of the HFSS brute force method. In comparison, the hybrid method is much more efficient than HFSS for vegetation scattering and applicable to large problems such as full wave simulations of a tree.
Physical Models in Decision Making for Design

There are many places in the world with row upon row of multistory buildings of identical design. The structures have little space between them, and few if any trees relieve the sameness of these dense residential developments. There are other places where the house is nestled among trees, virtually hidden from view. Whether the house is big or small is not as evident as the verdant setting.
Adding industry and occupation questions to the behavioral risk factor surveillance system: new opportunities in public health surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: Industry and occupation variables are overlooked in many public health surveillance efforts, yet they are useful for describing the burden and distribution of various public health diseases, behaviors, and conditions. This study is the first ever analysis of the Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to describe chronic conditions and risk behaviors by occupation. It is intended to provide a new perspective on this existing data source and demonstrate the value of occupation as a core demographic variable for public health research, policy, and practice. METHODS: Two standardized employment questions were included in the 2012 Colorado BRFSS survey and administered to eligible survey respondents who were employed, self-employed, or out of work for less than one year. Occupation data were coded using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System. We analyzed health behaviors and conditions by major occupation groups. We calculated prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic conditions, health statuses, and risk behaviors (e.g., smoking and seatbelt use) varied significantly by occupation. For example, compared with all workers (93.6%, 95% CI 92.7, 94.5), significantly fewer workers in farming, forestry, fishing and construction, extraction jobs (87.0%, 95% CI 82.0, 92.0) reported always or nearly always wearing a seatbelt while driving. Additionally, significantly more office and administrative support workers (27.5%, 95% CI 22.5, 32.4) compared with all workers (20.6%, 95% CI 19.3, 22.0) were obese. Further observation and research is needed to understand the effects of occupation on health outcomes and behaviors. CONCLUSION: There are no other Colorado state-level datasets that link health behaviors and chronic conditions with occupation. This study shows that the prevalence of chronic conditions and risk behaviors varies substantially by occupation. Other states conducting the BRFSS may choose to adopt the NIOSH industry and occupation module and add other questions to further investigate health issues by occupation. Language: en
Autonomic responsivity during visual search of hyperactive and reading-disabled children

Heart rate and skin conductance measures, recorded during a visual search task, were compared for hyperactive, reading-disabled, hyperactive reading-disabled, and control elementary school boys. As shown in past work, basal autonomic levels did not statistically differentiate groups. In all groups, heart rate levels increased with task complexity, but more so on reward than on nonreward trials. In the intertriai interval, heart rate decelerated consistently when subjects were anticipating stimuli associated with reward, but when reward was uncertain, heart rate accelerated slightly or stayed the same. Control subjects exhibited anticipatory heart rate deceleration more consistently than did clinical subjects, especially the solely hyperactive ones. Skin conductance levels first decreased, then rose as task complexity increased, but the groups did not differ on this measure. A conditioning model is outlined to explain directional changes in heart rate.
Interaction Strategies for Effective Augmented Reality Geo-Visualization: Insights from Spatial Cognition

Standalone augmented reality (AR) systems have great potential for interactive three-dimensional (3D) geo-visualization. Emerging head-worn AR technologies can display rich graphical imagery of lar...
NEW CONDITIONS FOR OUTPUT FEEDBACK DECOUPLING

New necessary and sufficient conditions for decoupling of multivariable systems by constant precompensation and output feedback are derived in both the frequency and time domains. The conditions, given in terms of the open loop parameters of the system, are simple and do not require prior knowledge of a state feedback decoupling compensator. Together with these conditions a complete characterization of the decoupling compensators is given.
Therapeutic Potential of Newer Drugs for Treating Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a potentially serious medical condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death. It is more commonly seen in patients who are older, have CKD, have diabetes, or are receiving renin-angiotensin aldosterone-system inhibitors (RAASis). The problem is frequent in clinical
Unplanned 30-day readmissions after endovascular aneurysm repair: An analysis using the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Abstract Background Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred method for addressing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with proven reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality. There are, however limited data examining the readmissions after EVAR that are associated with increased patient morbidity and cost. As EVAR use continues its dominance in the management of AAAs, it becomes imperative to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with unplanned hospital readmissions. Methods The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for all 30-day readmissions after an index EVAR procedure from 2012 to 2014. Preoperative patient demographics, hospital characteristics, readmission diagnosis, and costs were compared between those who were and were not readmitted within 30 days of the index operation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions within 30 days. Results We identified 120,646 patients who underwent an EVAR from 2012 to 2014 in the United States. The overall unplanned readmission rate during this period was 11.6% (n = 14,073) within 30 days of the index EVAR procedure. The readmission rate was the highest in 2012, with a rate of 12.3% (P = .02). Multivariate regression analysis showed that EVAR readmissions were significantly higher in patients who were of younger age (18 to 49 years) compared with other age groups (odds ratio [OR], 1.9-2.17; P Conclusions The trend in 30-day readmission rates after EVAR has decreased slightly since 2012, but overall rates are at 11.6%, which is not insubstantial. Patient factors strongly associated with hospital readmission were younger age and patient comorbidities, including congestive heart failure, concurrent cancer diagnosis, renal failure, and diabetes.
Taste- and flavor-guided behaviors following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in rodent models

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is one of the most efficacious treatments for obesity, but the behavioral and physiological mechanisms through which it enacts its effects are not completely understood. The weight loss that follows RYGB surgery is due to some extent to decreased caloric intake. The perception of flavor and the sense of taste undoubtedly contribute to ingestion, and changes in taste sensation and flavor perception may, even in part, propel the altered feeding seen after RYGB surgery. Measuring observable behavior in non-human animal models of RYGB surgery is an objective way by which to evaluate underlying mechanism, including the influence of flavor and taste to intake changes after RYGB surgery, as well as the interaction of flavor and taste with post-oral consequences and learning phenomena. Collectively, the data in rodent models support the conclusion that neither palatability nor motivational potency are reduced following RYGB surgery. Indeed, rats still typically show preference for sweet and fatty solids and liquids, and positive flavor-guided hedonic responses for these substances remain stable in some tests. However, preference for these foods and fluids is reduced, and flavor-guided behaviors after long-term tests are reorganized. These patterns suggest that, while rats are still motivated to consume sweet and fatty consumables and find them palatable, they learn to limit their intake of them to avoid undesirable post-oral consequences. Examination of these interactions and elucidating their physiologic correlates may maximize the efficacy of RYGB surgery and/or promote the development of alternative or supplemental treatments.
The Prevalence of Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Community-Based Sample

Most pediatric prevalence studies of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been based upon data from tertiary care centers, a process known for systematic biases such as excluding youth of lower socioeconomic status and those less likely to have access to health care. In addition, most pediatric ME/CFS epidemiologic studies have not included a thorough medical and psychiatric examination. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS from an ethnically and sociodemographically diverse community-based random sample. A sample of 10,119 youth aged 5–17 from 5622 households in the Chicagoland area were screened. Following evaluations, a team of physicians made final diagnoses. Youth were given a diagnosis of ME/CFS if they met criteria for three selected case definitions. A probabilistic, multi-stage formula was used for final prevalence calculations. The prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS was 0.75%, with a higher percentage being African American and Latinx than Caucasian. Of the youth diagnosed with ME/CFS, less than 5% had been previously diagnosed with the illness. Many youth with the illness have not been previously diagnosed with ME/CFS. These findings point to the need for better ways to identify and diagnose youth with this illness.
Higher-order Hermite-Gauss modes as a robust flat beam in interferometric gravitational wave detectors

Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss (LG) modes have previously been investigated as a candidate for reducing test-mass thermal noise in ground-based gravitational-wave detectors like Advanced LIGO. It has been shown however that LG modes' fragility against mirror surface figure imperfections limits their compatibility with the current state-of-the-art test masses. In this paper we explore the alternative of using higher-order Hermite-Gauss (HG) modes for thermal noise reduction, and show that with the deliberate addition of astigmatism they are orders of magnitude more robust against mirror surface distortions than LG modes of equivalent order. We present simulations of Advanced LIGO-like arm cavities with realistic mirror figures which can support ${\mathrm{HG}}_{33}$ modes with average arm losses and contrast defects in a Fabry-Perot Michelson interferometer configuration which are well below the typical measured values in Advanced LIGO. This demonstrates that the mirror surface flatness errors will not be a limiting factor for the use of these modes in future gravitational-wave detectors.
Olfactory cleft mucus proteome in chronic rhinosinusitis: a case-control pilot study.

Background Mechanisms of smell loss in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are still unclear and likely multifactorial. Little attention has been given to olfactory cleft (OC) mucus proteins involved in odorant binding and metabolizing enzymes and their potential role in smell loss. Methods Mucus from the OC was sampled from patients with CRS (n = 20) and controls (n = 10). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were performed, followed by data processing so that protein groups could be identified, quantified, and compared. Hierarchical clustering and bioinformatic analysis were performed on significantly different proteins to explore for enrichment in known biologic pathways. Results A total of 2514 proteins were found in OC mucus from all 30 subjects. Significant differences in protein abundance were found between CRS and controls, including both CRSsNP (n = 351 proteins; log2 fold change range: -3.88 to 6.71) and CRSwNP (n = 298 proteins; log2 fold change range: -4.00 to -6.13). Significant differences were found between patients with normosmia and those with dysosmia (n = 183; log2 fold change range: -3.62 to -2.16) and across groups of interest for a number of odorant binding proteins and metabolizing enzymes. Conclusion OC mucous in CRS displays a rich and abundant array of proteins, many of which have been implicated in odorant transport and metabolization in animal studies. Significant differences in the olfactory mucus proteome were seen between CRS subtypes and controls, as well as between those with normal and abnormal olfaction. Further study should confirm these findings and explore the role individual proteins play in odorant transport and metabolization. ©2020 ARSAAOA, LLC.
Pistol Packing Teachers: What Do Students Think?

The Federal Commission on School Safety has proposed a number of school security measures, including that trained teachers be allowed to carry concealed weapons at school. Prior to implementing suc...
Preliminary analysis of low-level alcohol use and suicidality with children in the adolescent brain and cognitive development (ABCD) baseline cohort.

Abstract Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in the baseline cohort of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to determine if lifetime low-level alcohol use was associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime suicidality (N=10,773, ages 9-10). Among the lifetime suicide ideation and attempt groups, 37.7% and 36.2% reported lifetime low-level alcohol use, respectively; versus 22.2% in the non-suicidality group. Children reporting lifetime alcohol use (i.e., ≥ a sip) showed a nearly two-fold increase in their odds of lifetime suicidality compared to those with no previous alcohol use. Future prospective research with this cohort will continue to probe alcohol-suicidality associations.