cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Male Activity Level And Territory Quality Affect Female Association Time in The Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei?

Female mate preference is an important component of sexual selection because some male traits, such as physiology and proficiency in acquiring resources, are indicators of male quality. In lizards, the importance of female choice remains unclear as results reported from previous experiments are contradictory. Here, we investigated the influence of male activity level, its associated physiology, and territory quality on female preference, estimated as association time, for male brown anoles, Anolis sagrei. Male A. sagrei were first rated for endurance then used in mismatched-pair female association trials. Preference was scored as the time a female spent near a male relative to the amount of time she was in his half of the trial arena, and both male and female behaviors were recorded. Levels of blood glucose were measured in males before and after the endurance tests, and before and after the association trials. Levels of stored glycogen were measured in leg muscle and liver samples collected from males after an association trial. A path analysis indicates that final blood glucose levels affect male activity and that female preference is influenced by male activity. In a second experiment, females were given a choice between a male in a territory supplemented with plants and a size-matched male in a bare territory. Male activity levels were recorded when both males interacted with the female. In those cases, females spent more time with the more active of the two males, regardless of territory quality. Combined, these results suggest that female A. sagrei exhibit preference for male activity regardless of territory quality.
Innovation, Supply Chain Control, and the Welfare of Farmers: The Economics of Genetically Modified Seeds

Genetically modified seeds offer farmers dramatic new innovations that revolutionize how they grow crops. An ever more concentrated supply industry is marketing these innovations in novel ways, usi...
Diagnosis of Right Atrial Mass Lesions by Transesophageal and Transthoracic Echocardiography

The echocardiographic findings by transesophageal and transthoracic techniques were compared in 16 patients with right atrial mass lesions diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. In only 8 of the 16 patients were the masses imaged by transthoracic echocardiography. Masses in the main body of the right atrium (three of five), as well as those associated with indwelling catheters and pacer wires (three of four) were more likely to be imaged by transthoracic echocardiography than masses in the right atrial appendage (zero of three) or in the superior or inferior vena cava (one of three). Associated masses in other cardiac chambers were detected by transthoracic echocardiography in three of six patients. Other features such as size, mobility, and site of attachment of right atrial masses in general were better defined by transesophageal echocardiography. Thus, patients with suspected right atrial masses should be investigated with transesophageal echocardiography.
WirelessHART Fast Collect: A decentralized approach for intermittent field devices

The WirelessHART protocol was designed from scratch specifically for industrial applications, allowing secure, reliable, and real time communications in harsh environments. Its centralized management produces all the communication scheduling and routing, which in turns allows low power and low cost field devices, adequate for slow and static networks. This is typically the case of process control applications. However, the slow dynamics of this protocol avoids the usage of mobile or intermittent devices, such as robots and portable devices for plant coordination or inspection. This paper introduces a special field device that has a network coprocessor incorporated. The coprocessor is able to locally manage network events and, together with a modified field device that can act as an access point, it has the ability to cope with intermittent network events. The device development is described as well as a case study whose results are presented at the end.
An Experimental Circulatory Arrest Model in the Rat to Evaluate Calcium Antagonists in Cerebral Resuscitation

A circulatory arrest model in the rat was developed for use in cerebral and cardiac resuscitation studies. Whole-body ischemia was produced for 8 to 18 minutes by arresting the heart with a cold potassium chloride cardioplegic solution. Following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, minimal, standardized intensive care was provided. As the duration of ischemia was increased from 8 to 18 minutes, survival immediately following resuscitation decreased from 100% to 25%, and survival at 48 hours after ischemia decreased from 60% to 0%. Thirty per cent of the rats recovering from 11 minutes of ischemia suffered motor seizures. Survival and the incidence of motor seizures appear to be good measures of outcome following ischemic circulatory arrest. These measures can be used to test the possible anti-ischemic actions of calcium antagonists or other drugs.
Convexity and the Steiner tree problem

We investigate the role convexity plays in the efficient solution to the Steiner tree problem. In general terms, we show that a Steiner tree problem is always computationally easier to solve when the points to be connected lie on the boundary of a “convex” region. For the Steiner tree problem on graphs and the rectilinear Steiner tree problem, we give definitions of “convexity” for which this condition is sufficient to allow a polynomial algorithm for finding the optimal Steiner tree. For the classical Steiner tree problem, we show that for the standard definition of convexity, this condition is sufficient to allow a fully polynomial approximation scheme.
Recent Case Developments in Health Law

The False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. § 3729, a post-Civil War law inspired by cases of defense contracting fraud, was revitalized in 1986. Since then it has been used to sue both manufacturers and providers of pharmaceuticals. In some cases, these suits were meant to target offlabel marketing of pharmaceuticals. In 2009, the 11th Circuit rendered a decision in Hopper v. Solvay Pharmaceuticals that dramatically limits the ability of private plaintiff whistle-blowers to bring qui tam suits under the FCA for such marketing. In June 2010, the Supreme Court denied certiorari, making the Circuit court decision final. The Solvay decision creates a significant barrier to certain kinds of qui tam suits, requiring the plaintiff to demonstrate the intent to market off-label, including by showing specific prescriptions that were written as a result of efforts to do so.
Group distance magic labeling of Cartesian product of cycles

A group distance magic labeling of a graph G(V,E )w ith|V | = n is an injection from V to an abelian group Γ of order n such that the sum of labels of all neighbors of every vertex x ∈ V is equal to the same element µ ∈ Γ. We completely characterize all Cartesian products CkCm that admit a group distance magic labeling by Zkm.
Leveraging Abstraction to Establish Out-of-Nominal Safety Properties.

Digital systems in an out-of-nominal environment (e.g., one causing hardware bit flips) may not be expected to function correctly in all respects but may be required to fail safely. We present an approach for understanding and verifying a system’s out-of-nominal behavior as an abstraction of nominal behavior that preserves designated critical safety requirements. Because abstraction and refinement are already widely used for improved tractability in formal design and proof techniques, this additional way of viewing an abstraction can potentially verify a system’s out-of-nominal safety with little additional work. We illustrate the approach with a simple model of a turnstile controller with possible logic faults (formalized in the temporal logic of actions and NuSMV), noting how design choices can be guided by the desired out-of-nominal abstraction. Principles of robustness in complex systems (specifically, Boolean networks) are found to be compatible with the formal abstraction approach. This work indicates a direction for broader use of formal methods in safety-critical systems.
Viscoelastic Behavior of the Rat Uterine Cervix at Mid-Pregnancy

Preterm labor is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and accounts for 70% of the total cost of neonatal health care. Premature softening of the cervix has been identified as one of the primary causes of preterm labor. As the biochemistry of the cervix is distinct between the proximal and distal portions, the objective of this study was to determine the viscoelastic properties of these portions in mid-pregnancy (Day 15–16) relative to virgin Long-Evans rats. This will serve to establish baseline data for future studies that will aim to induce preterm labor in this model. The cervix was divided into distal and proximal portions that were tested independently. Each portion was tested in unconfined compression to 20% strain and held for 4 minutes followed by a recovery period of 30 minutes. The stress-relaxation response was modeled using the quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) theory developed by Professor Fung (1972). The parameters governing the viscous response, C, τ1 and τ2, were found to be significantly different between virgin and pregnant tissues in distal portions; however τ2 was the only viscous parameter found to be significantly different for the proximal portion (p<0.05). These results show an increased magnitude of the viscous response with more rapid relaxation for the pregnant cervix. Future studies will evaluate the cervix both postpartum and upon induction of preterm labor. Additionally, contractile and biochemical assays will be used to correlate these changes in passive behavior to active properties and tissue constituents.© 2010 ASME
Hyperspectral Excitation-Resolved Fluorescence Tomography With The SP3 Equations

The proposed image reconstruction method exploits the spectrally dependent optical properties of biological tissue for the purpose of three-dimensional fluorescent source reconstruction. Its light propagation model is based on the SPN equations with order N=3.
Toward Realizing the Structure-Property Link in Polycrystalline Thin Films

Many materials for engineering applications are used in polycrystalline form and contain grain boundaries with a range of structures and properties. However, most research on grain boundaries to date has focussed exclusively on symmetric coincidence site lattice interfaces. To go beyond descriptions for these simple interfaces and thence to an aggregate of grains and grain boundaries in a polycrystal will require a new approach. Here we discuss two models for properties of polycrystalline materials, including their advantages and drawbacks, and indicate the microstructural variables available to optimize properties.
TH-CD-201-09: High Spatial Resolution Absorbed Dose to Water Measurements Using Optical Calorimetry in Megavoltage External Beam Therapy

Purpose: To develop and implement a high spatial resolution calorimeter methodology to measure absorbed dose to water (ADW) using phase shifts (PSs) of light passing through a water phantom and to compare measurements with theoretical calculations. Methods: Radiation-induced temperature changes were measured using the PSs of a He-Ne laser beam passing through a (10×10×10) cm3 water phantom. PSs were measured using a Michelson interferometer and recording the time-dependent fringe patterns on a CCD camera. The phantom was positioned at the center of the radiation field. A Varian 21EX was used to deliver 500 MU from a 9 MeV beam using a (6×6) cm2 cone. A 127cm SSD was used and the PSs were measured at depths ranging from of 1.90cm to 2.10cm in steps of 0.05cm by taking profiles at the corresponding rows across the image. PSs were computed by taking the difference between pre- and post-irradiation image frames and then measuring the amplitude of the resulting image profiles. An amplitude-to-PS calibration curve was generated using a piezoelectric transducer to mechanically induce PSs between 0.05 and 1.50 radians in steps of 0.05 radians. The temperature dependence of the refractive index of water at 632.8nm was used to convert PSs to ADW. Measured results were compared with ADW values calculated using the linac output calibration and commissioning data. Results: Milli-radian resolution in PS measurement was achieved using the described methodology. Measured radiation-induced PSs ranged from 0.10 ± 0.01 to 0.12 ± 0.01 radians at the investigated depths. After converting PSs to ADW, measured and calculated ADW values agreed within the measurement uncertainty. Conclusion: This work shows that interferometer-based calorimetry measurements are capable of achieving sub-millimeter resolution measuring 2D temperature/dose distributions, which are particularly useful for characterizing beams from modalities such as SRS, proton therapy, or microbeams.
Music performance evaluation in teachers’ colleges in Jamaica

There is need to maintain quality in the offereings of courses at teachers' colleges in Jamaica, especially in the area of music performance, for which appreciation is largely subjective and low in inter-rater reliability. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of students in practical music examinations at teachers' colleges in Jamaica. Practical music examination grades of 226 students in the Primary and Early Childhood diploma programmes of five teachers' colleges were analysed. Comparisons were made between grades obtained in external and internal practical examinations; similarly, comparisons were made between grades assigned by Early Childhood programmes and those earned in Primary programmes. No statistically significant differences were found between the grades assigned by internal examiners and those assigned by external examiners. Overall, most students were successful in the course, and more grades assigned by internal examiners were maintained during external assessments than were downgraded or upgraded, with downgrades mainly occurring for students in Early Childhood teacher training programmes. Disparities between external examiners' grades and internal examiners' grades were largely limited to a few colleges. Finally, the study presents perspectives of internal practical examiners on the quality assurance procedure used in the practical music examinations.
The US DOE/OCDO A-USC materials technology R&D program

Abstract A 14-year US Department of Energy (DOE) and Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO) program to develop the materials technology to build and operate an advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) boiler and turbine with steam conditions up to 760°C (1400°F) and 35 MPa (5000 psi) has been completed. This chapter addresses the research completed by this unique cost-sharing US consortium of manufacturers and research organizations. The US DOE/OCDO A-USC Consortium has had many successes, including demonstration of welding and fabrication of nickel-based alloys for an A-USC plant, extensive successful fireside corrosion testing including in-plant operation of the world's first 760°C (1400°F) steam-cooled corrosion test loop, development of casting techniques for high-alloy age-hardenable alloys, new materials for rotor forgings, and code acceptance of Inconel 740H, which gives manufacturers, for the first time, an alloy with the requisite strength for a 760°C (1400°F) plant. The chapter discusses the materials selection, research completed, and a view toward the future for A-USC including a short discussion on advanced power cycles and the development of a US component test facility (ComTest).
Mining Cursor Motions to Find the Gender, Experience, and Feelings of Computer Users

Theory of "embodied cognition" suggests that a variety of mental activities are reflected in states of the body, such as postures, arm movements and facial expressions. The present study investigates the extent to which profiles of computer users -- their gender, feelings, and emotional experience -- can be assessed from movements of computer cursors. In one experiment, participants (N = 372) saw three film clips for two minutes each, rated their feelings afterward, and carried out simple perception tasks three times where our program traced participants' cursor trajectories every 20 milliseconds. We investigated the extent to which the extracted cursor trajectory features could reveal participants' profiles. Results indicated that a small number of trajectory variables were helpful to identify which film participants saw, how they felt while viewing the film, and their gender. We suggest that cursor motions provide rich information for dynamic user profile mining.
Characterization of chemical contaminants and their spectral properties from an atmospheric pressure ns-pulsed microdischarge in neon

Portable applications of microdischarges, such as the remediation of gaseous wastes or the destruction of volatile organic compounds, will mandate operation in the presence of contaminant species. This paper examines the temporal evolution of microdischarge optical and ultraviolet emissions during pulsed operation by experimental methods. By varying the pulse length of a microdischarge initiated in a 4-hole silicon microcavity array operating in a 655 Torr ambient primarily composed of Ne, we were able to measure the emission growth rates for different contaminant species native to the discharge environment as a function of pulse length. It was found that emission from hydrogen and oxygen impurities demonstrated similar rates of change, while emissions from molecular and atomic nitrogen, measured at 337.1 and 120 nm, respectively, exhibited the lowest rate of change. We conclude that it is likely that O2 undergoes the same resonant energy transfer process between rare gas excimers that has been shown for ...
Engineering of Long-Lived Collective DarkStates—Spectral Hole Burning

This chapter is based on the following research paper: S. Putz, A. Angerer, D.O. Krimer, R. Glattauer, W.J. Munro, S. Rotter, H.-J. Schmiedmayer, J. Majer, “Spectral hole burning and its application in microwave photonics”. Nat. Photonics, 11(1), 36–39 (2017) and uses parts of it.
Organizing for social change and policy reform: Lessons from the international planned parenthood federation

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) was formed by a network of volunteers from around the world concerned about maternal and infant mortality and the lack of family planning information and services available. The IPPF network is credited with having a global influence on population policies and the development of public support for the provision of family planning services. The success of the movement is due in large part to their organizing strategies. They initially organized around what we would now identify as a network as opposed to a bureaucratic approach. Over time the IPPF became a large international bureaucracy but the lessons of the early years hold important implications for grassroots organizations promoting policy and social change.
Design and outcomes of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute coronary heart disease cohort study.

Abstract Background The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) established Clinical Data Research Networks (CDRNs) to support pragmatic research. The objective was to electronically identify, recruit, and survey coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and describe their characteristics, health status, and willingness to participate in future research. Methods We developed a computable phenotype and assembled CHD patients 30 years or older and had visits or hospitalizations between 2009 and 2015. A sample of patients was surveyed between August 2014 and September 2015. Survey administration included the following methods: face-to-face, telephone, paper or web portal. Survey items covered broad domains including: health literacy and numeracy, and socio-demographics, physical and mental health, health behaviors, access to medical care, and willingness to participate in future research. Results Of 5517 approached patients, 2605 completed the survey. Participants were mostly white (∼88%), male (68%) and had a median age of 69 years (interquartile range [IQR] 61–76 years). Most respondents' health literacy and numeracy were adequate (83.2% and 84.3%, respectively). Only 4% of respondents reported that their overall health or physical health was excellent. The majority (∼58%) reported that their health was good or very good, while 40% reported that their general and physical health were fair or poor. The majority reported that their quality of life was good to excellent (81%). Limitations in physical health and function were common, including often/always having fatigue (25%), pain (38.7%), or sleep difficulty (19.7%). A patient sample (n = 1936) was provided with a trial summary which would randomize their aspirin dose; and 63% reported that they would consider participating. Conclusion Many patients with CHD had limitations in physical health. However, the majority reported a good or excellent quality of life.
An Ancient DNA Perspective on Horse Evolution

With the development of fast transportation and cavalry, the horse represents the domestic animal that most influenced human history. Yet, the evolutionary history of the horse was not limited to the last 5,500 years since it was first domesticated. It is rooted within a 55 million-year-long time span, where a large number of lineages radiated and became extinct. Together with zebras, hemiones, and donkeys, the horse belongs to the genus Equus, the only remaining equine lineage living in the planet. Even though the survival of exploitable ancient DNA molecules is at best limited to the last million years, the sequencing of short mitochondrial and nuclear DNA fragments, as well as of complete genome sequence from archaeological and paleontological material, has illuminated our understanding of the evolutionary history of the horse family. Such work has not only revisited the evolutionary tempo of Equus and the phylogenetic relationships within and outside the genus but also revealed how past climates and human activities have shaped the genetic makeup of the horse species.
Acute stress and subsequent health outcomes: A systematic review.

Abstract Objective To systematically review the relationship between acute posttraumatic stress symptoms ( Methods A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify longitudinal studies examining the link between acute posttraumatic stress and physical and mental health. Inclusion criteria required assessment of acute posttraumatic stress ( Results 1,051 articles were screened; 22 met inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies examined physical health outcomes and 12 examined non-PTSD mental health outcomes. Early psychological responses to trauma were associated with a variety of short- ( Conclusions Methodologically rigorous longitudinal studies support the utility of measuring acute psychological responses to traumatic events as they may be an important marker of preventable trauma-related morbidity and mortality that warrants long-term monitoring and/or early intervention.
Role of Dietary Calcium and Vitamin D in Alveolar Bone Health

Two alveolar bone disorders of major concern to the oral health researcher and practitioner are periodontal disease in dentulous persons and resorption of the residual ridges in the edentulous. Since the health of the skeletal system in general has been correlated with adequacy of dietary intake and efficient utilization of mineralizing nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, it follows that a similar relationship probably exists between the utilization of these nutrients and alveolar bone health. The postulates are that (1) deficiences or ratio imbalances in dietary calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D may condition adversely the resistance of the alveolar bone to resorption from pathological processes associated with local and/or systemic risk factors, and that (2) the density of alveolar bone can be correlated with the resorption of alveolar bone.
Why the HAQ-II can be an effective substitute for the HAQ

The HAQ-II is a psychometrically improved 10-item version of the standard HAQ functional questionnaire. It is simpler and faster to administer and score, thereby reducing patient burden. HAQ-II is better correlated with clinical measures than the HAQ and is sensitive to change. The HAQ-II is suitable for use in the clinic and research studies.
Immunoregulation, Tolerance, and Autoimmunity

Immunoregulation refers to control of both humoral and cellular limbs of the immune response by mechanisms such as antibody feedback inhibition, the immunoglobulin idiotype-antiidiotype network, helper and suppressor T cells and cytokines. Results of these immunoregulatory interactions may lead to either suppression or potentiation of one or the other limbs of the immune response.
Optical Studies of Excitation and Secretion in Vertebrate Nerve Terminals

Optical methods that employ potential sensitive molecular probes are shown to monitor rapid changes in membrane potential from populations of nerve terminals in the neurohypophyses of amphibia and mammals. Ca++ and Na+ contributions to the action potential are demonstrated and, in the mouse, variations in light scattering are detected following membrane potential changes known to trigger the release of peptide hormones. Calcium antagonists such as Cd++, Mn++, Co++, and Ni++ block an after-hyperpolarization in the frog that we attribute to the effect of a calcium mediated potassium conductance. Block of sodium and potassium currents with TTX and TEA reveals a pure calcium action potential which is eliminated by 0.5 mN Cd++. In the mouse, the magnitude of the light scattering signal depends upon the frequency of stimulation and the extracellular concentration of Ca++, as well as on the presence of secretagogues such as 4-aminopyridine. A part of this intrinsic optical signal that seems to be correlated with neuropeptide release is blocked by inorganic calcium antagonists, while a faster component related to the action potential itself remains. The weak wavelength dependence of the light scattering signal, contrasted with the strong wavelength dependence of the extrinsic absorption signal provided by linear potentiometric probes (e.g., merocyanines), may permit one to monitor simultaneoulsy, in a stained preparation, the voltage changes in the nerve terminals and the release of secretory products. The inherently fast responses of the two optical measurements may then improve our ability to resolve early events in the coupling of excitation to secretion. Supported in part by USPHS grant NS 16824.
Properties and Use of Digital-to-Analog (DAC) and Analog-to-Digital (ADC) Converters

Most laboratory instruments either produce or accept analog or continuous signals of some form. In order for a digital computer to be able to communicate with an analog instrument, digital-analog interconversions must be made. There are several different ways to construct devices to accomplish this. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can be constructed using a weighted resistor or ladder resistor network. The ladder resistor network is the more frequently used because it requires only two different values of precision resistors and is therefore cheaper to construct. However, the weighted resistor network is easier to conceptualize, and will be discussed first. Figure 5–1 shows the diagram of a typical four-bit DAC, constructed from a weighted resistor network. At any particular time, the value of the current at the inverting input of the operational amplifier is inversely proportional to the values of the resistors in the circuit and directly proportional to V R . The (inverted) output voltage, V out , depends on these parameters and on the value of R f . The exact relationship is shown in Eq. (5–1), where Lt denotes the logical state of the switch adjacent to the ith resistor. The quantity L is 1 for closed switches and 0 for open switches.
Nonlinear Electrostatic Behavior of Multiple Charged Particles in Electrostatically Inverted Systems

The nonlinear nature of electrostatic force among non-uniformly distributed like-charged particles holds the promise to find a non-touching stable equilibrium created by a balance between van der Waals attraction and forces of electrostatic repulsion and attraction. An assembly of three nonuniformly charged particles was taken as an experimental case and the forces are calculated considering an inverted system i.e. the system constitutes background medium of higher electrical permittivity than that of the particles. The orientation of the calculated forces provides with a certain region of stable equilibrium for forces in the assembly. The results have rudimentary implications for developing mesoscale devices like non-touching crystal lattices with optically tunable features.
The Effect of Postoperative Vasoplegia to the Survival of LVAD Recipients

Purpose Vasoplegia syndrome (VS) is characterized by decreased systemic vascular resistance, refractory hypotension, and metabolic acidosis. VS can develop during and after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, which significantly complicates postoperative management. However, because of the limited prior studies, the causes, risk factors, and the effect of VS on outcomes are not well known. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of VS in our cohort. Methods From January 2015 through February 2018, 134 patients with chronic end-stage heart failure underwent primary LVAD implantation in our single center. We defined vasoplegia as patients with normal cardiac index requiring >24-hour use of intravenous vasopressors within 48 hours following primary LVAD implantation to maintain a mean arterial pressure >70 mmHg, as previously reported. Patients were grouped as VS group and non-VS group. Pre- and intraoperative demographics, short- and long-term survival were analyzed between the groups. Correlation between VS and mortality, as well as independent risk factors for VS, were analyzed using Cox regression models. Results 134 patients were stratified into 2 groups: VS group (n=91) and non-VS group (n=43). Cox univariate analysis demonstrated VS was not an independent predictor for mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74, p=0.41, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.74). Cox multivariate analysis revealed preoperative elevated Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) was an independent predictor for VS occurrence (HR 1.001, p=0.003, 95% CI 1.000-1.002). Kaplan Meier curve showed no statistical difference in survival on LVAD between 2 groups. (p=0.20) Conclusion In our cohort, VS was not associated with higher mortality on LVAD support. Patients with preoperative elevated ALT may benefit from optimization prior to implantation to prevent VS. Additional researches are required to further explore VS mechanism and understand the effect on LVAD population outcomes.
Orthogonal Channelization of Backscattering Tags using Golay Complementary Sequences

In this paper, we show a novel technique for multi-channel transmission in networks of backscattering tags. Backscattering tags are generally passive and send data by simply switching the load connected to the antenna, thereby modulating the reflection coefficient. Unlike traditional transmitters, it may not be feasible to implement multiple access techniques in these devices. Furthermore, transmissions from multiple tags in a network may be totally uncoordinated. In this letter, we use Golay complementary sequences as the interrogating signals to create orthogonal channels based on signal propagation times. The backscattered signals from different tags can be combined so that they are orthogonal to each other if the reader-tag propagation times differ by at least one chip duration of the complementary sequence. The primary limitation of the proposed technique is that it will work only on frequency-flat channels. This technique is therefore suitable for low-to-medium data rate backscatter communication.
Trauma Exposure and Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Pregnant Women in Liberia

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global threat to women's health and may be elevated among those exposed to traumatic events in post-conflict settings, such as Liberia. The purpose of this study was to examine potential mediators between lifetime exposure to traumatic events (i.e., war-related trauma, community violence) with recent experiences of IPV among 183 young, pregnant women in Monrovia, Liberia. Hypothesized mediators included mental health (depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms), insecure attachment style (anxious and avoidant attachment), and attitudes indicative of norms of violence (attitudes justifying wife beating). We tested a parallel multiple mediation model using the PROCESS method with bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapping to test confidence intervals (CI). Results show that 45% of the sample had experienced any physical, sexual, or emotional IPV in their lifetime, and 32% in the 2 months prior to the interview. Exposure to traumatic events was positively associated with recent IPV severity (β = .40, p < .01). Taken together, depression, anxious attachment style, and justification of wife beating significantly mediated the relationship between exposure to traumatic events and experience of IPV (β = .15, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.31]). Only anxious attachment style (β = .07, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.16]) and justification of wife beating (β = .05, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.16]) were identified as individual mediators. This study reinforces pregnancy as an important window for both violence and mental health screening and intervention for young Liberian women. Furthermore, it adds to our theoretical understanding of mechanisms in which long-term exposure to traumatic events may lead to elevated rates of IPV in Liberia, and points to the need for trauma-informed counseling and multilevel gender transformative public health approaches to address violence against women.
Brainiac Beauty: Philosophers and Beauty—What Some Philosophers Have to Say About Beauty That Is Relevant to Empirical Aesthetics (Or Possibly Just Interesting)

The first great philosophical work on Beauty, in the Western Canon, is Plato’s Symposium wherein he charts the stages of loving beauty: stage one, we fall in love with one particular beautiful body; stage two we love all beautiful bodies; stage three, the human soul (psyche) is more beautiful than the human body; stage four, a love of social order; stage five, loving knowledge and wisdom; and final stage six, loving the divine Beauty itself. Aristotle defines all of the human virtues as being beautiful, and that the telos (the purpose) of the virtues is to manifest moral beauty. Kant and Schopenhauer emphasized disinterest, having no goal concerning the object of beauty other than to appreciate it. Iris Murdoch focused on the ability for natural and artistic beauty to help us unself and become better human beings. Unity-in-diversity is shown as the most common definition for beauty by philosophers. Beauty experiences have both subjective and objective aspects. The feeling of beauty happens inside us, but there is something real about the beauty stimulus. It is the dialectic, the relationship, between the inner and the outer that creates an experience of beauty.
A multivariate approach reveals diversity of ontogenetic niche shifts across taxonomic and functional groups

Shifts in the fundamental and realised niche of individuals during their ontogeny are ubiquitous in nature, but we know little about what aspects of the niche change and how these changes vary across species within communities. However, this knowledge is essential to predict the dynamics of populations and communities and how they respond to environmental change. Here I introduce a range of metrics to describe different aspects of shifts in the realised trophic niche of individuals based on stable isotopes. Applying this multi‐variate approach to 2,272 individuals from 13 taxonomic and functional distinct species (Amphibia, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Odonata) sampled in natural pond communities allowed me to: (1) describe and quantify the diversity of trophic niche shift patterns over ontogeny in multi‐dimensional space, and (2) identify what aspects of ontogenetic shifts vary across taxa, and functional groups. Results revealed that species can differ substantially in which aspects of the trophic niche change and how they change over ontogeny. Interestingly, patterns of ontogenetic niche shifts grouped in distinct taxonomic clusters in multi‐variate space, including two distinct groups of predators (Hemiptera versus Odonata). Given the differences in traits (especially feeding mode) across groups, this suggests that differences in ontogenetic niche shifts across species could at least partially be explained by variation in traits and functional roles of species. These results emphasise the importance of a multivariate approach to capture the large diversity of trophic niche shifts patterns possible in natural communities and suggest that differences in ontogenetic niche shifts follow general patterns.
Estimating dynamics of central hardwood forests using random forests

Abstract Estimation of forest population dynamics is critical for forest management decisions making. In this study, we developed an innovative climate-sensitive matrix model using random forests (RF) algorithm to estimate tree diameter growth, tree mortality, and stand recruitment and consequently predict population dynamics of the central hardwood forests under four climate scenarios (i.e. Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP]2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5). Based on post-sample validation, this RF matrix (RFMatrix) model was more accurate than the traditional climate-sensitive matrix model and Landis pro 7.0. According to the importance values of all predicted variables, the variability in tree diameter growth, tree mortality, and stand recruitment was mainly explained by local tree and stand-level factors, followed by climatic and anthropogenic factors, and soil factors were the least important for all the species. Additionally, our model predictedthat climate change could substantially reduce total stand basal area. The RFMatrix model and its prediction results could assist future forest population dynamics studies on the central hardwood region under changing climate.
Innate Immunomodulation in Food Animals: Evidence for Trained Immunity?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant problem in health care, animal health, and food safety. To limit AMR, there is a need for alternatives to antibiotics to enhance disease resistance and support judicious antibiotic usage in animals and humans. Immunomodulation is a promising strategy to enhance disease resistance without antibiotics in food animals. One rapidly evolving field of immunomodulation is innate memory in which innate immune cells undergo epigenetic changes of chromatin remodeling and metabolic reprogramming upon a priming event that results in either enhanced or suppressed responsiveness to secondary stimuli (training or tolerance, respectively). Exposure to live agents such as bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) or microbe-derived products such as LPS or yeast cell wall s-glucans can reprogram or "train" the innate immune system. Over the last decade, significant advancements increased our understanding of innate training in humans and rodent models, and strategies are being developed to specifically target or regulate innate memory. In veterinary species, the concept of enhancing the innate immune system is not new; however, there are few available studies which have purposefully investigated innate training as it has been defined in human literature. The development of targeted approaches to engage innate training in food animals, with the practical goal of enhancing the capacity to limit disease without the use of antibiotics, is an area which deserves attention. In this review, we provide an overview of innate immunomodulation and memory, and the mechanisms which regulate this long-term functional reprogramming in other animals (e.g., humans, rodents). We focus on studies describing innate training, or similar phenomenon (often referred to as heterologous or non-specific protection), in cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and fish species; and discuss the potential benefits and shortcomings of engaging innate training for enhancing disease resistance.
Someone else’s war: fighting for the British Empire in World War I: by John Connor, London, I.B. Taurus, 2019, xviii + 339 pp., US $40.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-7845-3270-3

For many former British dominions and colonies, the First World War was a pivotal watershed in forging national identity and fostering a greater purpose and expediency for political autonomy. Over ...
Return on Investment for Adult Basic Education: Existing Evidence and Future Directions:

Amidst diminishing federal investment in Adult Basic Education (ABE), there is growing interest in return on investment (ROI) as an economic rationale to support ABE funding. Against this backdrop,...
Organismic interaction: implications for physical education research.

(1966). Organismic Interaction: Implications for Physical Education Research. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 562-564.
Electrolyte and hemodynamic changes following percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation with the LARIAT device

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a well-known source of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and therefore plays an important role in homeostasis. The neurohormonal impact of epicardial exclusion of the LAA with the LARIAT procedure is unknown. In this proof-of-concept study, we postulated that LAA exclusion would impact homeostasis as evidenced by changes in electrolytes and blood pressure (BP). A total of 76 patients who underwent successful LAA exclusion were enrolled in this retrospective observational study utilizing a prospective registry. Electrolytes, BP, and heart rate (HR) were monitored before LARIAT and post-LARIAT (24 and 72 h and 6 months). There was a significant reduction of systolic BP (mmHg) at 24 h (113.3 ± 16.0; p < 0.0001) and 72 h (119.0 ± 18.4 mmHg; p < 0.0001) post-LARIAT when compared with pre-LARIAT BP (138.2 ± 21.3). The reduction in systolic BP persisted at 6-month follow-up (128.8 ± 17.3; p = 0.0005). There was significant reduction in serum sodium (mmol/L) at 24 h (135.4 ± 3.6; p < 0.0001) and 72 h (136.3 ± 3.7; p < 0.001) post-LARIAT when compared to pre-LARIAT (138.7 ± 3.2). The reduction in sodium was not persistent at 6-month follow-up (138.4 ± 3.3; p = 0.453). LAA exclusion results in an early and persistent decrease in systolic BP. Additionally, there is an early decline in serum sodium, which normalizes at long-term follow-up. The underlying mechanism leading to these changes is not entirely clear; however, it is likely related to neurohormonal changes post LAA exclusion.
Aging-Related Constraints and Adaptations in Social Information Processing

A central goal in the study of adult development is to understand how individuals adapt to changes in both their environments and themselves. This chapter focuses on social cognitive functioning in order to examine adaptive processes. It is proposed that aging has a multifaceted effect on social cognition, which is manifested in terms of constraints on social information processing associated with declining cognitive resources, specific adaptations to such constraints, and the development of powerful interpretive structures. Research is presented that demonstrates that aging is associated with less accurate, less specific, and more biased social representations than at earlier points in adulthood. Additional data is presented, however, that indicates that such effects do not just reflect constraints associated with cognitive resources, but also selective allocation of limited resources associated with changes in goals and/or extensive experience in the social domain.
THE CHANGING PERSPECTIVES OF HUMAN FACTOR APPLICATIONS TO AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN

Using the systems approach, the human factors engineer stands ready to assist the design engineer in providing the vehicle driver with an optimum workplace. A human factors checklist has been devised for the design engineer to alert him to the major areas where troubles for the human operator generally develop. This preliminary checklist has been applied to the design of a pickup truck cab to illustrate its use. The terms "average" and "percentile" are explained. Sources of human factors data are suggested where the design engineer may find specific information as to spatial requirements for U.S. adult men and women, automotive driver controls, deiver seating, environmental considerations within the vehicle, including conditions of heat, cold, and high humidity, ventilation, noise, vibration, and vision capability. When a particular component or control is the subject of a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, the pertinent standard is identified by number and title. Maintenance and maintainability considerations are emphasized, since all products must be repaired eventually. The Combination of good human factors engineering and vehicles that are easy to repair can greatly improve public acceptance of the automotive design engineer's product.
Respiratory problems in children with neurodisability

Abstract Respiratory problems are very common in children with neurodisability being the most common cause of higher morbidity and death. The factors that contribute to these difficulties include poor cough and pooling of oropharyngeal sections. Gastro-oesophageal reflux, muscle weakness and development of kyphoscoliosis lead to chronic ongoing morbidity leading to recurrent infections and development of bronchiectasis. Obstructive sleep problems may require mechanical support. Common paediatric conditions such as asthma may co-exist. To optimise care of these complex children, a multidisciplinary team should include respiratory physician.
Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy: The Case for a Paradigm Shift

The paper critiques the Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy and Strategy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The thrust of my argument is that the central purpose of Ethiopia's foreign and security policy has remained the same, in spite of the shift in orientation. A change in discourse has not brought about a change in essence. Human security should have been made to constitute the basis of the FANSPS. Besides, the Government should work aggressively to get a critical mass of women into leadership positions in the foreign affairs and security sector pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution No 1325.
Utility, library priorities, and cataloging policies

This paper seeks to provide a philosophical framework for choices made about library priorities and cataloging policy, the contexts in which they are made, and the consequences they have for users. The authors invoke the notion of utility as a philosophical backdrop for dealing with competing library choices and the fallout from those prioritizations. They then look at how general utilitarian principles can contextualize the layers of wants, needs, and resource allocations in the research library environment. Finally, they examine issues and recent developments at the Cornell University Library as a case study with which to illustrate some of these principles.