cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wave Power for U.S. Coast Guard First District Lighthouses

Lighthouses and other navigational aids are situated near tumultuous seas and thus may be good candidates for early applications of wave energy conversion technologies. The U.S. Coast Guard First District is converting lighthouses’ electrical systems to solar power to divest itself of electrical submarine cables and overhead costs associated with cable maintenance. However, in some lighthouses solar conversion is impractical or may compromise historic preservation. Unless alternative energy sources become available for these locations, they will continue to use submarine cables to run on shore power. Lighthouse sites for which shoreline and wave characteristics are suitable would be good candidates for a wave energy demonstration project. This paper describes gravity wave physics and the characteristics of mechanical radiation (growth, propagation, diffraction, and shoaling). A simple expression for energy content of a wave train with a two-parameter Bretschneider spectrum is applied to spectral wave density data collected from 15 buoys to evaluate wave energy resource potential at 31 candidate lighthouse sites in New England. Annual average wave power per meter of wavecrest varied from 3.9 to 21.7 kW/m at the buoys, and from 3.9 to 9.2 kW/m (with an average of 5.0 kW/m) at the lighthouses (buoys with maximum wave power are far out to sea, but still influence the correlation). The performance characteristics of two types of wave energy conversion technologies are used to calculate annual energy delivery by way of example. The paper concludes with a discussion of economics and environmental and permitting issues. It identifies Seguin Island light off a point in Maine and Nauset Beach, Chatham, Nantucket, and Sankaty Head lights (on Nantucket Island and along the outer shore of Cape Cod) as the best sites to begin more detailed evaluations, based on a comparison of wave power and utility rates. Subsequent studies would include demand profile for lighthouses, supply profiles, and resulting storage requirements.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Evidence of Placental Hypoxia in Maternal Sleep Disordered Breathing

ABSTRACT Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) represents a spectrum of disorders, including habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep disordered breathing is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia, airflow limitation, and recurrent arousals, which may lead to tissue hypoperfusion, hypoxia, and inflammation. In this study, we aimed to examine whether SDB during pregnancy was associated with histopathologic evidence of chronic placental hypoxia and/or uteroplacental underperfusion. The placentas of women with OSA (n = 23) and habitual snoring (n = 78) as well as nonsnorer controls (n = 47) were assessed for histopathologic and immunohistochemical markers of chronic hypoxia and uteroplacental underperfusion. Fetal normoblastemia was significantly more prevalent in SDB placentas than in those of nonsnorer controls (34.6% and 56.5% in snorers and OSA, respectively, versus 6.4% in controls). Expression of the tissue hypoxia marker carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) was more common in OSA plac...
ECG biometric authentication using a dynamical model

This paper concerns the authentication of individuals through analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Because the human heart differs physiologically from one person to the next, ECG signals represent a rich source of information that offers strong potential for authentication or identification. We describe a novel approach to ECG-based biometrics in which a dynamical-systems model is employed, resulting in improved registration of pulses as compared to previous techniques. Parameters at the fiducial points are detected using a sum-of-Gaussians representation, resulting in an 18-component feature vector that can be used for classification. Using a publicly available dataset of ECG signals from 47 participants, a classifier was formulated using quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). The observed mean authentication accuracies were 90% and 97% using 100 beats and 300 beats, respectively. Although tested with standard ECG signals only, we believe that the approach can be extended to other sensor types, such as fingertip-ECG devices.
Evaluation of the foot and ankle outcome score in patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle

The foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) has been evaluated for many conditions of the foot and ankle. We evaluated its construct validity in 136 patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle, its content validity in 37 patients and its responsiveness in 39. Data were collected prospectively from the registry of patients at our institution. All FAOS subscales were rated relevant by patients. The Pain, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life subscales showed good correlation with the Physical Component score of the Short-Form-12v2. All subscales except Symptoms were responsive to change after surgery. We concluded that the FAOS is a weak instrument for evaluating osteoarthritis of the ankle. However, some of the FAOS subscales have relative strengths that allow for its limited use while we continue to seek other satisfactory outcome instruments. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:662–7.
Somatic Mutations and Aging

Somatic mutations have been a major focus of aging research for many years. Initial support for the view that aging in mammals was due to the accumulation of somatic mutations was the effect of radiation on life span (Prasad, 1974). This mutagenic effect of radiation has been established in several systems, including mammalian cells (Awa, 1975). A single dose of radiation in a young animal did not produce effects associated with aging such as graying until long after the administration of the radiation. That it did not led to the idea that aging had been accelerated by radiation (Finch, S. C., and Beebe, 1975).
Home blood pressure monitoring and self-titration of antihypertensive medications: Proposed patient selection criteria.

Background and purpose Recent studies have demonstrated that home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), coupled with self-titration of medications is a viable intervention to control hypertension. There are currently no established criteria to evaluate patients for inclusion in such a program. The purpose of this discussion is to propose criteria for determining if a patient is appropriate to participate in a program of HBPM and self-titration. Methods Inclusion criteria for two self-titration trials were examined, and additional factors in clinical practice were identified and discussed. Additional selection criteria were proposed to support the decision to enroll a patient in an antihypertensive self-titration program. Conclusions Inclusion criteria from self-titration trials provide a reasonable starting point for choosing appropriate patients in clinical practice, but additional research is necessary. Adaptation of these criteria and consideration of the identified factors can be used to develop decision support instruments. Such instruments should be evaluated for effectiveness and reliability prior to use in clinical practice. Implications for practice HBPM combined with self-titration is an effective patient-centered approach for hypertension management. Decision support instruments to determine appropriate patients are necessary for safe and effective use in clinical practice.
Cloning and characterization of genes responsible for m-fluoro-D,L-phenylalanine resistance in Brevibacterium lactofermentum.

Two kinds of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-hepturosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase genes were cloned from an L-Phe-producing mutant of Brevibacterium lactofermentum, AJ11957, which was resistant to m-fluoro-D, L-phenylalanine (mFP) and p-fluoro-D, L-phenylalanine (pFP) and which had DAHP synthase free from feedback inhibition. Both genes were cloned using a vector plasmid, pAJ1844, and the resulting recombinant plasmids were named pARl and pAR2. They had different structures on the restriction maps. Both plasmids, pARl and pAR2, conferred mFP and pFP resistance and L-Phe and L-Tyr productivity on a wild-type strain of B. lactofermentum, AJ 12036. The degrees of L-Phe-analogue resistance and aromatic amino acid productivity of the pARl-transformant were larger than those of the pAR2-transformant. The introduction of pARl to AJ12036 resulted in the alteration of DAHP synthase activity from a feedback-sensitive mechanism to a feedback-insensitive one accompanied by an elevated level of specific activity. A DAHP synthase deficient mutant of Escherichia coli was complemented by pAR2, but not by pARl. Characteristics of the two kinds of DAHP synthase genes are discussed.
Sociological Research in a Time of Crisis

T IS generally believed that August 6, 1945, marked a new era in the history of mankind. Albert Einstein has declared, however, that the release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity to solve an old one. The present crisis serves only to emphasize the need to close the gap between our social "imbecility" and our technological "genius." The peoples of the world are confronted with the inescapable need for a basic ideological re-orientation. This need derives from the fact that the ethnocentric attitudes characteristic of culture are in irreconcilable conflict with the technological conditions under which we live.' How can this conflict be resolved and the necessary re-orientation achieved? In some areas man has already learned to seek the solutions of problems through the use of science. Part of the explanation of his present difficulty lies in his reluctance to use this same approach to solve his social problems. The present world crisis represents a social problem and its solution is to be found through the use of social science. In this task sociology has an especially important role because of the data with which it presumably deals. As sociologists we must ask ourselves the question: Can sociology meet this challenge? The answer involves a frank evaluation of the theoretical and methodological adequacy of sociology as a scientific discipline. Let us examine three factors which may prevent our being equal to the task.
Detection of long-range concerted motions in protein by a distance covariance.

We asses the ability of a distance correlation coefficient (DiCC), calculated from distance covariance, for detecting long-range concerted motion in proteins. We establish a set of criteria for ideal correlation coefficient values based on the coefficient of determination in multidimension, R2. We compare in detail DiCC and conventional correlation coefficients against these criteria. We demonstrate that, in contrast to conventional correlation coefficients, which capture long-distance correlation adequately only with certain restrictions in multidimension, DiCC reflects appropriate correlation in both one-dimension and multidimensions. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of DiCC for assessing long-distance correlated fluctuation in protein dynamics.
Studies on Pterostichus (Carabidae : Coleoptera)

This group may be distinguished from the other members of the subgenus by the feebly explanate hind angles of the pronotum, the basal margin just within the hind angles evidently margined, the outer stria of the basal impressions of the pronotum feeble, elytral humeri dentate,[1][1] elytral striae deep, elytral intervals convex, habitat in damp woods in or under old logs.[2][1] [1]: #fn-1
Find an Expert: Designing Expert Selection Interfaces for Formal Help-Giving

A critical aspect of formal help-giving tasks in the enterprise is finding the right expert. We built and evaluated a tool, Find an Expert, to examine what the most important expert selection criteria are for help-seekers and how to represent them in expert selection interfaces for formal help-giving tasks. We observed users' expert selection decisions and found that the diversity of topic expertise and the amount of related experience were significantly important in helping users decide which expert to contact. Through self-reported data from users, we found that in addition to expertise and experience, expert accessibility indicators, like online availability and language proficiency, were considered important criteria for selecting experts. Finally, publicly-displayed crowdsourced ratings of experts, while deemed useful indicators of expert quality by help-seekers, raised concerns for experts. We conclude with suggestions regarding the design of expert selection interfaces for formal help-giving tasks.
“New Wars” and classic Imperialism: the siege on Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank

Proponents of the New Wars thesis contend that warfare is evolving into a new era, one that has by necessity placed warfare among civilians. Much of this era-based analysis is designed to condition...
Einsteins Auffassung von der Wirklichkeit

Eine Arbeit, die sich mit den philosophischen Ansichten eines lebenden Forschers befast, bedarf der Rechtfertigung unbeschadet des Wunsches, sein Werk zu ehren. Denn diese Ehre wurde man besser erweisen durch das Aufspuren und die Veroffentlichung einer bedeutsamen eigenen Forschung in der Linie, die durch den Forscher selbst bezeichnet ist. Eine solche Uberlegung wiegt schwer in Hinsicht auf Einstein, einen Mann, der gegen Schriften uber seine Person besonders feinfuhlig ist.
Chiral Dark Sector

We present a simple and natural dark sector model in which dark matter particles arise as composite states of hidden strong dynamics and their stability is ensured by accidental symmetries. The model has only a few free parameters. In particular, the gauge symmetry of the model forbids the masses of dark quarks, and the confinement scale of the dynamics provides the unique mass scale of the model. The gauge group contains an Abelian symmetry U(1)_{D}, which couples the dark and standard model sectors through kinetic mixing. This model, despite its simple structure, has rich and distinctive phenomenology. In the case where the dark pion becomes massive due to U(1)_{D} quantum corrections, direct and indirect detection experiments can probe thermal relic dark matter which is generically a mixture of the dark pion and the dark baryon, and the Large Hadron Collider can discover the U(1)_{D} gauge boson. Alternatively, if the dark pion stays light due to a specific U(1)_{D} charge assignment of the dark quarks, then the dark pion constitutes dark radiation. The signal of this radiation is highly correlated with that of dark baryons in dark matter direct detection.
Providers’ perceptions of the online community marketplace for lodging accommodations:

With the increase in intermediaries in the online marketplace for lodging accommodations, such as Airbnb, Vacation Rental by Owner, Home Away, and Flip Key, opportunities for consumers to book lodg...
Link-to-System Mapping for ns-3 Wi-Fi OFDM Error Models

The ns-3 simulator contains detailed models of the Wi-Fi MAC layer, including beaconing, rate control, collision avoidance, block acknowledgments, and many other features. However, it relies on abstraction at the physical layer to scale well; Wi-Fi frames are evaluated by specialized interference trackers and analytical error models to arrive at frame reception decisions on a frame-by-frame basis, rather than symbol-by-symbol. Analytical models can provide fairly tight bounds for simple scenarios (additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels with single antennas and limited interference), but the industry relies on detailed link-level simulations to understand more complicated scenarios. This paper reports on an extensive campaign to conduct link simulations of Wi-Fi OFDM performance over AWGN and fading channels, using a commercial link simulator with Wi-Fi support, with results validated against published references. Next, we describe a specific implementation of a technique generally known as link-to-system-mapping, to allow a vector of per-subcarrier signal-to-noise ratios to be distilled into a single "effective SNR" value that can be used to determine performance using link simulation results of the AWGN channel. Finally, we report on the support of our link simulation results in a new ns-3 ErrorRateModel based on tables compiled from link simulation results. Our broader contributions are the link simulation programs themselves which allow others to reproduce and extend the basic tables that we provide, and flexibility in the ns-3 implementation to allow additional tables to be added over time.
Prescribing scalar curvature on Sn and related problems, part II: Existence and compactness

This is a sequel to [30], which studies the prescribing scalar curvature problem on Sn. First we present some existence and compactness results for n = 4. The existence result extends that of Bahri and Coron [4], Benayed, Chen, Chtioui, and Hammami [6], and Zhang [39]. The compactness results are new and optimal. In addition, we give a counting formula of all solutions. This counting formula, together with the compactness results, completely describes when and where blowups occur. It follows from our results that solutions to the problem may have multiple blowup points. This phenomena is new and very different from the lower-dimensional cases n = 2, 3. Next we study the problem for n ≥ 3. Some existence and compactness results have been given in [30] when the order of flatness at critical points of the prescribed scalar curvature functions K(x) is β ϵ (n − 2, n). The key point there is that for the class of K mentioned above we have completed L∞ apriori estimates for solutions of the prescribing scalar curvature problem. Here we demonstrate that when the order of flatness at critical points of K(x) is β = n − 2, the L∞ estimates for solutions fail in general. In fact, two or more blowup points occur. On the other hand, we provide some existence and compactness results when the order of flatness at critical points of K(x) is β ϵ [n − 2,n). With this result, we can easily deduce that C∞ scalar curvature functions are dense in C1,α (0 < α < 1) norm among positive functions, although this is generally not true in the C2 norm. We also give a simpler proof to a Sobolev-Aubin-type inequality established in [16]. Some of the results in this paper as well as that of [30] have been announced in [29]. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ACM SIGSPATIAL 2016 conference report: the 24th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL 2016): San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA October 31--November 36, 2016

This is the conference report on the 24th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL 2016), held in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA, October 31 through November 3, 2016. The conference started as a series of symposia and workshops back in 1993 with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary discussions among researchers, developers, users, and practitioners and fostering research in all aspects of geographic information systems, especially in relation to novel systems based on geospatial data and knowledge. It provides a forum for original research contributions covering all conceptual, design, and implementation aspects of geospatial data ranging from applications, user interfaces and visualization, to data storage, query processing, indexing and data mining. The conference is the premier annual event of the ACM Special Interest Group on Spatial Information (ACM SIGSPATIAL).
Silent cerebral infarct definitions and full-scale IQ loss in children with sickle cell anemia.

Objective To evaluate whether application of the adult definition of silent cerebral infarct (SCI) (T2-weighted hyperintensity ≥5 mm with corresponding T1-weighted hypointensity on MRI) is associated with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) loss in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), and if so, whether this loss is greater than that of the reference pediatric definition of SCI (T2-weighted hyperintensity ≥3 mm in children on MRI; change in FSIQ −5.2 points; p = 0.017; 95% confidence interval [CI] −9.48 to −0.93). Methods Among children with SCA screened for SCI in the Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion trial, ages 5–14 years, a total of 150 participants (107 with SCIs and 43 without SCIs) were administered the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. A multivariable linear regression was used to model FSIQ in this population, with varying definitions of SCI independently substituted for the SCI covariate. Results The adult definition of SCI applied to 27% of the pediatric participants with SCIs and was not associated with a statistically significant change in FSIQ (unstandardized coefficient −3.9 points; p = 0.114; 95% CI −8.75 to 0.95), with predicted mean FSIQ of 92.1 and 96.0, respectively, for those with and without the adult definition of SCI. Conclusions The adult definition of SCI may be too restrictive and was not associated with significant FSIQ decline in children with SCA. Based on these findings, we find no utility in applying the adult definition of SCI to children with SCA and recommend maintaining the current pediatric definition of SCI in this population.
Using Sequential Photography to Estimate Ice Velocity at the Terminus of Columbia Glacier, Alaska

The terminus of Columbia Glacier, Alaska, was observed with a single automatic 35 mm camera to determine velocity with a time resolution in the order of a day. The photographic coordinates of the image of a target were then transformed linearly into the direction numbers of the line of sight from the camera to the target. The camera orientation was determined from the film-plane locations of known landmark points by using an adaption of vertical photogrammetry techniques. The line of sight, when intersected with some mathematically-defined glacier surface, defines the true space coordinates of a target, The time sequence of a target’s position was smoothed, first in horizontal x, y space to a straight line, then in y (the principal direction of ice flow) and time with a smoothing cubic spline, and then the x-component was computed from the y-component by considering the inclination of the straight line. This allows daily velocities (about 8 m/day) to be measured at a distance of 5 km, using a 105 mm lens. Errors in daily displacements were estimated to be 1 m. The terminus configuration was also measured using the same photo set.
Kinetic Studies of Alkoxyl Radicals

A large number of relative reactivities for alkoxyl radicals was reported in the sixties and early seventies.1–3 However, absolute rates proved very difficult to obtain. This resulted largely from the fact that alkoxyl radicals are invisible to ESR techniques, which at the time were one of the main sources of kinetic data for free radicals. Further, at ambient temperatures alkoxyl radicals are normally too short-lived for conventional ESR methods.
Violence Victimization and Parenting among Black South African Mothers

Black South African women and girls face high rates of violence victimization, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in childhood and intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood. U.S.-based research suggests that violence victimization predicts parenting difficulties, but this relation has not been examined in a South African context. Among a sample of 99 Black South African female caregivers, we examined rates of child abuse, IPV, and cumulative trauma, and we explored the associations between caregivers’ victimization history and current parenting quality (i.e., parent-child relationship quality & parental involvement with child). Caregivers completed self-report questionnaires using ACASI software. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that caregivers reporting childhood physical or sexual abuse were less involved with their children. Caregivers with a history of emotional abuse reported significantly worse parent-child relationship quality. Cumulative trauma was associated with worse parental involvement and parent-child relationship quality. Results reveal relatively high rates of interpersonal violence victimization among this convenience sample of Black South African women, as well as unique relations between forms of victimization and specific parenting practices. The findings highlight the importance of behavioral parent training interventions with a focus on specific assessment of parents’ victimization experiences.
Beyond The Force: Using Quadcopters to Appropriate Objects and the Environment for Haptics in Virtual Reality

Quadcopters have been used as hovering encountered-type haptic devices in virtual reality. We suggest that quadcopters can facilitate rich haptic interactions beyond force feedback by appropriating physical objects and the environment. We present HoverHaptics, an autonomous safe-to-touch quadcopter and its integration with a virtual shopping experience. HoverHaptics highlights three affordances of quadcopters that enable these rich haptic interactions: (1) dynamic positioning of passive haptics, (2) texture mapping, and (3) animating passive props. We identify inherent challenges of hovering encountered-type haptic devices, such as their limited speed, inadequate control accuracy, and safety concerns. We then detail our approach for tackling these challenges, including the use of display techniques, visuo-haptic illusions, and collision avoidance. We conclude by describing a preliminary study (n = 9) to better understand the subjective user experience when interacting with a quadcopter in virtual reality using these techniques.
Abstract OT1-13-02: Molecular testing for minority patients with or at high risk for cancer

PURPOSE: Meharry Medical College is a participant in eMERGE (Electronic Medical Records and Genomics); a multicenter network sponsored by NHGRI/NIMHD with the primary goal to develop, disseminate, and apply approaches to research that combine biorepositories with electronic medical records (EMR) for genomic discovery and medicine implementation research. The consortium also focuses on ethical issues involving privacy, confidentiality, and interaction with the broader community. Individual institutions created protocols around research questions individualized to their populations. METHODS: We enrolled 500 African Americans with or at high-risk for the four most common cancers (prostate, colorectal, breast, lung) to examine possible genetic and proteomic differences to account for health disparities in this population. We will perform DNA, RNA, and proteomics analyses pertinent to these cancers and obtain corresponding clinical history from the EMR with planned long-term follow up. RESULTS: 500 subjects (211 female) were enrolled over 11 months from Nashville General Hospital including the following cancer/at-risk participants (Breast 59/37; Colorectal 17/128; prostate 31/136; lung 16/76). Most individuals stated that they participated for potential benefit to themselves, family members, or humankind and only 11 percent of potential participants declined. Little concern has been voiced for providing samples for genetic analysis. A genetic counselor will meet with the participants that are found to have pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations while study investigators will share results with those that are not found to have mutations. Participants will be queried regarding understanding of the genetic testing results and followed for one year to evaluate if they underwent recommended testing and to follow for cancer outcomes. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of diverse groups in genomic research is critical to identify possible reasons for health disparities and to study the understanding of genetic testing and ethical issues surrounding this topic. In this study, African-Americans are participating willingly in clinical research to examine possible genetic and/or social bases for cancer disparities. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: NIMHD (U54MD007593) to the Meharry Translational Research Center (MeTRC); National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). Citation Format: Singh R, Bayan MA, Kadari S, Nganteh MN, Jacksonm M, Woodson LM, Shamsuddin AS, Lemus BY, Pratap S, Murray JJ, Adunyah SE, Lammers PE. Molecular testing for minority patients with or at high risk for cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-13-02.
Single Cells Exhibit Differing Behavioral Phases during Early Stages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Swarming

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is among the many bacteria that swarm, where groups of cells coordinate to move over surfaces. It has been challenging to determine the behavior of single cells within these high-cell-density swarms. To track individual cells within P. aeruginosa swarms, we imaged a fluorescently labeled subset of the larger population. Single cells at the advancing swarm edge varied in their motility dynamics as a function of time. From these data, we delineated four phases of early swarming prior to the formation of the tendril fractals characteristic of P. aeruginosa swarming by collectively considering both micro- and macroscale data. We determined that the period of greatest single-cell motility does not coincide with the period of greatest collective swarm expansion. We also noted that flagellar, rhamnolipid, and type IV pilus motility mutants exhibit substantially less single-cell motility than the wild type.IMPORTANCE Numerous bacteria exhibit coordinated swarming motion over surfaces. It is often challenging to assess the behavior of single cells within swarming communities due to the limitations of identifying, tracking, and analyzing the traits of swarming cells over time. Here, we show that the behavior of Pseudomonas aeruginosa swarming cells can vary substantially in the earliest phases of swarming. This is important to establish that dynamic behaviors should not be assumed to be constant over long periods when predicting and simulating the actions of swarming bacteria.
Informant-based hearing difficulties and the risk for mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Background hearing loss has been associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Studies have not assessed whether hearing difficulties (HD) that interfere with daily activities as reported by partners can be a marker for increased risk for cognitive decline and impairment. Objective to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between informant-based HD, which interfere with daily activities and the risk for MCI and dementia. Methods the study included 4812 participants without dementia, enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (mean age (SD) 73.7 (9.6) years) with cognitive evaluation and informant-based report on participant's HD that interfere significantly with daily activities at baseline and for every 15 months. Cox proportional hazards models (utilising time-dependent HD status and age as the time scale) were used to examine HD and the risk for MCI or dementia, and mixed-effects models (allowing for random subject-specific intercepts and slopes) were used to examine the relationship between HD and cognitive decline. Results about, 981 participants had HD and 612 (12.7%) had prevalent MCI at baseline; 759 participants developed incident MCI and 273 developed incident dementia. In cognitively unimpaired participants at baseline, those with HD had higher risk for MCI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.10, 1.51), P = 0.002; adjusting for sex, years of education). In participants without dementia, those with HD had higher risk for dementia (HR: 1.39, 95% CI, (1.08-1.79), P = 0.011; adjusting sex and education). In individuals with MCI, HD was associated with modestly greater cognitive decline. Conclusions informant-based HD was associated with increased risk for MCI and dementia.
Coalescence: A Unification of Bundling Operations in Syntax

This article revisits the status of two proposed bundling operations that affect heads: Feature Scattering (Giorgi and Pianesi 1997), which accounts for variation in the distribution of features across functional heads, and M-Merger (Matushansky 2006), which accounts for head adjunction in head movement. While these mechanisms have been situated in the presyntactic lexicon and a postsyntactic module, respectively, I argue that they can receive a unified analysis in terms of one syntactic operation called Coalescence, which bundles structurally adjacent heads in particular configurations. This eliminates redundancies in the architecture of the grammar while maintaining prior empirical coverage, and sheds new light on long-puzzling properties of head movement. The proposal is illustrated in the analysis of several patterns of head bundling in the inflectional and clausal domains.
Validity Studies Commentary

ABSTRACTAs noted in the introduction, we undertook this effort for two reasons, first to encourage assessment developers to undertake relatively comprehensive validity evaluations, and second, to p...
HGBEnviroScreen: Enabling Community Action through Data Integration in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Region.

The Houston–Galveston–Brazoria (HGB) region faces numerous environmental and public health challenges from both natural disasters and industrial activity, but the historically disadvantaged communities most often impacted by such risks have limited ability to access and utilize big data for advocacy efforts. We developed HGBEnviroScreen to identify and prioritize regions of heightened vulnerability, in part to assist communities in understanding risk factors and developing environmental justice action plans. While similar in objectives to existing environmental justice tools, HGBEnviroScreen is unique in its ability to integrate and visualize national and local data to address regional concerns. For the 1090 census tracts in the HGB region, we accrued data into five domains: (i) social vulnerability, (ii) baseline health, (iii) environmental exposures and risks, (iv) environmental sources, and (v) flooding. We then integrated and visualized these data using the Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi). We found that the highest vulnerability census tracts have multifactorial risk factors, with common drivers being flooding, social vulnerability, and proximity to environmental sources. Thus, HGBEnviroScreen is not only helping identify communities of greatest overall vulnerability but is also providing insights into which domains would most benefit from improved planning, policy, and action in order to reduce future vulnerability.
Research on Voltage Unbalance Equilibrium Cooperative Control Method for Distributed Power Generation

The unbalanced grid voltage will cause the interface device inverters to fail to work effectively. In this paper, a notch filter which can eliminate fixed frequency is introduced on the basis of modeling and analysis of distributed generation interface device, and it is combined with voltage compensation controller. Finally, a model is built in Matlab/simulink to verify the simulation results. The results show that the unbalanced balanced cooperative control method proposed in this paper can effectively play a balanced control role in the system. Finally, the model is built in Matlab/simulink for simulation verification. The results show that the unbalance equilibrium cooperative control method proposed in this paper can effectively control the system.
Gamifying fake news: Engaging youth in the participatory design of news literacy games:

This article discusses the potential of participatory game design to encourage and capture youth reflection, discussion, and participation around news literacy topics. Based on data obtained during...
Automated Muscle Measurement on Chest CT Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults From the National Lung Screening Trial.

BACKGROUND Muscle metrics derived from computed tomography (CT) are associated with adverse health events in older persons, but obtaining these metrics using current methods is not practical for large datasets. We developed a fully automated method for muscle measurement on CT images. This study aimed to determine the relationship between muscle measurements on CT with survival in a large multicenter trial of older adults. METHOD The relationship between baseline paraspinous skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) and survival over 6 years was determined in 6,803 men and 4,558 women (baseline age: 60-69 years) in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The automated machine learning pipeline selected appropriate CT series, chose a single image at T12, and segmented left paraspinous muscle, recording cross-sectional area and density. Associations between SMA and SMD with all-cause mortality were determined using sex-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, race, height, weight, pack-years of smoking, and presence of diabetes, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at enrollment. RESULTS After a mean 6.44 ± 1.06 years of follow-up, 635 (9.33%) men and 265 (5.81%) women died. In men, higher SMA and SMD were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, in fully adjusted models. A one-unit standard deviation increase was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79, 0.91; p < .001) for SMA and HR = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.98; p = .012) for SMD. In women, the associations did not reach significance. CONCLUSION Higher paraspinous SMA and SMD, automatically derived from CT exams, were associated with better survival in a large multicenter cohort of community-dwelling older men.
Multimodal spectroscopic investigation of the conformation and local environment of biomolecules at an electrified interface

The complex and dynamic interfacial regions between biological samples and electronic components pose many challenges for characterization, including their evolution over multiple temporal and spatial scales. Spectroscopic probes of buried interfaces employing mid-infrared plasmon resonances and time-resolved fluorescence detection in the visible range are used to study the properties of polypeptides adsorbed at the surface of a working electrode. Information from these complementary spectroscopic probes reveals the interplay of solvation, electric fields, and ion concentration on their resulting macromolecular conformations.
An Intelligent Framework for Prediction of a UAV’s Flight Time

The success of an unmanned aerial vehicle’s (UAVs) or drone’s mission is contingent upon planning, command, control, tasking, and communications. Drone-mounted payloads impact UAV flight time. Depending upon the payload, flight times may vary. As such, it is important to know beforehand the expected flight time of a drone, in order to ensure a successful flight. Currently, there are no methods or algorithms for calculating or predicting a drone’s flight time that takes into account varying payloads. Manufacturers’ technical manuals usually provide only the best-case predictions of UAV flight time; these assume no additional mounted items (e.g., onboard wireless sensor modules, cameras, etc.). In this paper, we describe an empirical study of UAV flight events, and propose regression and deep learning (DL)-based methods to predict accurately the flight time of UAVs. Our methods take onto account both the payload weight and energy dissipation from the onboard battery. The payloads used in our study include gimbal-mounted RGB/thermal cameras, as well as onboard computers. It is expected that this work will provide important guidance to researchers and planners of UAVs.
Living the Epoché: A Phenomenological Realism of Religious Experience

Presenting a phenomenological realism of religious experience, this chapter elucidates the function of the epoche in the phenomenology of religion. Some interpretations of the epoche preclude any commitments to realism. For instance, Husserl’s epoche is typically understood as a methodological device for “bracketing” any assertions about the real world. Drawing on the works of Emmanuel Levinas and the Dutch phenomenologist of religion Gerardus van der Leeuw, I outline a different interpretation of the epoche, one that affirms the reality of religious experience in terms of hospitable restraint that makes contact with the irreducible hiddenness or alterity of others. The epoche thus involves a tactful touch that leaves the other intact. Following Heidegger’s existential turn in phenomenology, van der Leeuw and Levinas seek to live the epoche so that it is not a mere methodological device but a prereflective and religious mode of being fundamental to all human endeavor. The dynamic of touching that makes contact while leaving the other intact also resonates with the speculative realism of thinkers like Jean-Luc Nancy and Graham Harman. In a phenomenological realism, the epoche can assist efforts to clarify the historical and material conditions that make up religious experience while also affirming the real existence of religious experience through hospitality to irreducible alterity.
Parasocial Relationships With President Trump as a Predictor of COVID-19 Information Seeking

As the number of COVID-19 cases climbed in the United States, President Trump came under fire for dismissing its severity despite evidence to the contrary. Those most impressionable by the President’s claims might be those who have established a parasocial relationship with him. Results of this survey study indicate that each of the three parasocial variables assessed (i.e., friends, understanding, and brand), were negatively related to information seeking for COVID-19. Moreover, initial evidence was found that identification with the Trump brand was an indirect influence of information seeking. Consistent with the supported model, women and Democrats reported higher information seeking for COVID-19 than men and other political groups.
White Matter Acute Infarct Volume After Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke is Associated with Long Term Outcomes.

Abstract Objectives Despite the proven efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion stroke, over half treated remain functionally disabled or die. Infarct topography may have implications for prognostication, patient selection, and the development of tissue-specific neuroprotective agents. We sought to quantify white matter injury in anterior circulation acute infarcts post-EVT to understand its significance and identify its determinants. Materials and Methods Demographics, history, presentations, and outcomes for consecutive patients treated with EVT were recorded in a prospectively maintained database at a single center. Acute infarct masks were coregistered to standard space. Standard atlases of white matter, cortex, and basal ganglia were used to determine region-specific infarct volumes. Results 167 individuals were identified with median age 69 years and 53% women. 85% achieved adequate reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) after EVT; 43% achieved 90-day functional independence (mRS 0-2). Median infarct volumes were 45cc (IQR 18-122) for total, 17cc (6-49) for white matter, 21cc (4-53) for cortex, and 5cc (1-8) for basal ganglia. The odds of 90-day mRS 0-2 were reduced in patients with larger white matter infarct volume (cc, OR=0.89, 95%CI=0.81-0.96), independent of cortex infarct volume, basal ganglia infarct volume, age, NIHSS, and TICI 2b-3 reperfusion. Reperfusion-to-MRI time was associated with white matter infarct volume (hr, β=0.119, p=0.017), but not cortical or basal ganglia infarct volume. Conclusions These data quantitatively describe region-specific infarct volumes after EVT and suggest the clinical relevance of white matter infarct volume as a predictor of long-term outcomes. Further study is warranted to examine delayed white matter infarction and the significance of specific white matter tracts.
Reconfigurable Leaky Wave Antenna Based On Embedded Liquid Crystal

A liquid crystal (LC)-based leaky wave antenna (LWA) capable of wide beam steering is proposed and numerically studied. The wide-angle beam-scanning (56°) is obtained at 13.6 GHz by biasing the LC with a simple uniform bias mechanism. The unique advantages of this LWA are high realized gain, low side lobes, simple mechanism for beam steering, frequency-fixed reconfiguration, non-complex design with much reduced bias lines and control circuits, low cost, low profile, compactness, and mature of LC technology.
Geomechanical and flow implications with continued bioconversion of coal to methane: Experiments and modeling

Abstract Microbial conversion of coal to methane is a promising technology during transition of coal-based energy from conventional coal mining to natural gas recovery from coal. Significant research advances have been made towards engineering ideal microbial communities and nutrients for bio-stimulation of coal. However, actual field applications require geomechanical and flow behavior characterization of coal during the bioconversion process as well as gas production over the life of the created “biogenic gas reservoirs”. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation to estimate gas/methane production using bioconversion of coal and analyses of variations in bulk modulus, strain and permeability. Bulk modulus of coal demonstrated time-dependent behavior with continued bioconversion of solid coal. The phenomenon was modeled using mass balancing in a closed environment and the logistic equation based biogenic gas production with time. The modeled gas production and changes in modulus of coal showed excellent agreement with the corresponding experimental results. Next, numerical simulation of biogenic conversion of coal in a constant stress in-situ condition, replicating the Huff ‘n Puff method under field conditions, was carried out. The results showed that bioconversion can lead to decrease in effective stress, increase in permeability and decrease in the modulus of coal with time. Repeated recharge of coal with nutrients and recovering the produced gas, that is, sequential cycles of Huff n’ Puff, showed further increase in permeability and decrease in coal strength, potentially leading to coal failure in-situ, further increasing the permeability, thus enhancing the prospect of field application of the technology.
Three Mistakes in Open Borders Debates

What might justify laws that restrict the free movement of people across international borders? In this contribution to NOMOS LVII: Immigration, Emigration, and Migration (NYU Press 2017), I hope to correct three common mistakes made by those who try to answer this question. First, I argue that debates about open borders often conflate three quite distinct questions—about whether border restrictions are ever permissible, about when they are permissible, and about who gets to decide which are permissible. Keeping these questions separate, as well as understanding the analytic relationship among them, is crucial to making progress on philosophical issues related to international migration. Second, I want to draw attention to a historical mistake that often lurks in the background of open borders debates. Early American immigration jurisprudence often features prominently in discussions by both legal scholars and political philosophers. This is because the canonical cases from the period of Chinese exclusion are widely seen as the moment when the U.S. Supreme Court definitely rejected open borders claims and laid out the legal justification for state-imposed restrictions on migration. As I will show, however, this view is mistaken. These canonical cases were not about open borders arguments, and as a result they have little or nothing to say about what might justify restrictions on migration. Third, and perhaps most ambitiously, I want to suggest that it will be very difficult to make a persuasive argument in favor of border restrictions without simultaneously tackling the question of what principles of equality require for those who are admitted into a state’s territory. These twin questions are typically segregated in philosophical work on immigration, but I believe they are tied together in ways that are too often overlooked.