cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subsistence Consumption of Coral Reef Fish Suggests Non‐Sustainable Extraction

Coral reef communities are threatened by a variety of disturbances (Hughes 1994) including cascading effects of overfishing (Hughes 1994; Roberts 1995). In the Caribbean, high human population densities and poor economies have combined to create great demand on marine resources (Olsen et al. 1984), especially the fishes of coral reef communities that are generally more accessible to artisanal fishers. By their nature and location island societies have historically had high per capita fish consumption; they feed themselves from nearshore fish stocks. Demand for marine protein in the Caribbean, of which fish constitute the largest share, is generally far higher than either fish landings or estimated potential yield (Olsen et al. 1984), and coral reef fishes may be dramatically overexploited (Hughes 1994). Estimates of per capita consumption, total landings, and maximum sustained harvest levels do not easily equate to the simplest of terms. They do not yield insight into the big picture concerning a fishery; they provide little insight into what frequency of consumption or number of locally caught fish by individuals might result in overharvest. The goal of my study was to put consumption of fish into terms that anyone could readily understand; accordingly the objective was to establish an arbitrary benchmark level of consumption of local reef fish by my family, continue at that level for our approximately 3-month period of residence in the Virgin Islands, and extrapolate to an annual per capita harvest of fish necessary to satisfy that level of consumption. The family in this study consisted of two adults and two 8-year-old children; the arbitrary consumption rate was one evening meal consisting largely of fish and rice every other day. The study lasted for roughly 3 months while we were resident at the Virgin Islands Ecological Research Station (VIERS) at Lameshur Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands for a total of 336 person-days. Consumption frequency did not vary during the study; quantity of fish varied depending upon percent yield of the species caught and my judgement of when we "had enough for dinner."
Detecting malicious nodes in RSS-based localization

Measurements of received signal strength (RSS) on wireless links provide position information in various localization systems, including multilateration-based and fingerprint-based positioning systems, and device-free localization systems. Existing localization schemes assume a fixed or known transmit power. Therefore, any variation in transmit power can result in error in location estimate. In this paper, we present a generic framework for detecting power attacks and identifying the source of such transmit power variation. Our results show that we can achieve close to zero missed detections and false alarms with RSS measurements of only 50 transmissions. We also present an analysis of trade-off between accuracy and latency of detection for our method.
Effect of azimuthal flow fluctuations on flow and flame dynamics of axisymmetric swirling flames

Recent studies have clearly shown the important role of swirl fluctuations (or, more precisely, fluctuations in axial vorticity) in the response of premixed flames to flow oscillations. An important implication of this mechanism is that the axial location of the swirler plays a key role in the phase between the acoustic flow excitation source and the resulting axial vorticity fluctuation at the flame. Similar to the previously well recognized role of azimuthal vorticity fluctuations, these swirl fluctuations are vortical and convect at the mean flow velocity, unlike the acoustic flow fluctuations. However, there is a fundamental difference between axial and azimuthal vorticity disturbances in terms of the flow oscillations they induce on the flame. Specifically, azimuthal vorticity disturbances excite radial and axial flow disturbances, while axial vorticity oscillations, in general induce both radial and azimuthal flow fluctuations, but in the axisymmetric case, they only directly excite azimuthal flow fluctuations. The axial vorticity fluctuations do, however, indirectly excite axial and radial velocity fluctuations when the axial vortex tube is tilted off-axis, such as at locations of area expansion. This difference is significant because axisymmetric flames are disturbed only by the velocity component normal to it, which stem from axial and radial velocity components only. This implies that axisymmetric mean flames are not directly affected by azimuthal flow fluctuations, since they are tangential to it. Thus, it is the extent to which the axial vorticity is tilted and rotated that controls the strength of the flow oscillations normal to the flame and, in turn, lead to heat release oscillations. This coupling process is not easily amenable to analytical calculations and, as such, we report here a computational study of the role of these different flow fluctuations on the flame response in an axisymmetric framework. The results indicate that the swirl fluctuations can act as significant source of flame heat release disturbances, due to azimuthal and radial vortex tubes tilting in mixing passage boundary layers and at the expansion into the combustor.
SEROLOGICAL REACTIONS WITH A VIRUS CAUSING RABBIT PAPILLOMAS WHICH BECOME CANCEROUS : II. TESTS OF THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS CARRYING VARIOUS EPITHELIAL TUMORS.

The serum of a rabbit with large cancers resulting from the transplantation of a squamous cell carcinoma that had arisen from a virusinduced papilloma, possessed the power to neutralize the virus, and so too in less degree did that of an animal of the same transplantation series in which a small nodule had developed. The sera of rabbits carrying tar papillomas or the Brown-Pearce carcinoma proved wholly devoid of effect on the virus. The implantation of Brown-Pearce tumor material mixed with virus did not lead to an enduring establishment of the latter in the resulting growths, nor to any immediate changes in their morphological character. The significance of the facts is discussed.
Duration of a Countdown when Considered as an Interrupted Service Process

A countdown and other kinds of service processes could be interrupted by several kinds of problems, and, following each interruption, it could continue according to one of several policies, seven such policies are considered in this paper. The problem addressed is that of accounting for the randomly occurring problems and the time required to deal with them when estimating the distribution of interrupted countdown durations. The countdown is considered as an interrupted service process, and expressions are derived from which the moments of the interrupted countdown duration distribution can be obtained. The first two moments are derived explicitly. Although the results are derived in a countdown context, they appear applicable to other kinds of service processes that are subject to randomly occurring interruptions.
Using Corinth's Rhetoric to Understand Aristotle's Rhetoric

In Book I of Rhetoric, Aristotle outlines the functions of deliberative rhetoric and assigns specific requirements to deliberative rhetors, who “will need to know” (I.4.1359b24) the five “main matters about which all men deliberate and on which political speakers make speeches” (59b19–20). The five matters he insists deliberative rhetors maintain knowledge about are “ways and means, war and peace, national defence, imports and exports, and legislation” (59b21–22). In Aristotle, Rhetoric I: A Commentary, William Grimaldi contends that Aristotle makes these demands because he considers the five matters to be essential heuristic tools for invention ( 94);
Gliomatosis cerebri in children shares molecular characteristics with other pediatric gliomas.

Gliomatosis cerebri (GC), a rare and deadly CNS neoplasm characterized by involvement of at least three cerebral lobes, predominantly affects adults. While a few small series have reported its occurrence in children, little is known about the molecular characteristics of pediatric GC. We reviewed clinical, radiological, and histological features of pediatric patients with primary GC treated at our institution over 15 years. Targeted sequencing of mutational hotspots in H3F3A, IDH1/2, and BRAF, and genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and copy number abnormalities was performed in available tumors. Thirty-two patients [23 (72 %) with type 1 and 9 (28 %) with type 2 GC] were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 10.2 years (range 1.5–19.1). A median of 4 cerebral lobes (range 3–8) was affected at diagnosis. In addition, symmetrical bithalamic involvement was observed in 9 (28 %) patients. Twenty-two patients (69 %) had an anaplastic astrocytoma. Despite aggressive therapy, only two patients younger than 3 years at diagnosis are long-term survivors. Clustering analysis of methylation array data from 18 cases classified tumors as IDH (n = 3, 17 %), G34 (n = 4, 22 %), mesenchymal (n = 3, 17 %), and RTK I ‘PDGFRA’ (n = 8, 44 %). No tumors were classified as K27 subgroup. PDGFRA was the most commonly amplified oncogene in 4 of 22 tumors (18 %). H3F3A p.G34 occurred in all cases classified as G34. Two of 3 cases in the IDH subgroup had IDH1 p.R132H. No H3F3A p.K27 M, IDH2 p.R172, or BRAF p.V600E mutations were observed. There was a trend towards improved survival in the IDH subgroup (P = 0.056). Patients with bithalamic involvement had worse outcomes (P = 0.019). Despite some overlap, the molecular features of pediatric GC are distinct from its adult counterpart. Like in adults, the similarity of genetic and epigenetic characteristics with other infiltrative high-grade gliomas suggests that pediatric GC does not represent a distinct molecular entity.
Law School Libraries and the U.S. News & World Report Rankings: An Empirical Defense of Library Investments in the Era of the Rankings Regime

Using both simple correlation and multiple regression analyses, this paper explores how measures of academic law library quality, like materials expenditures and number of librarians employed, have significant positive effects on law school rankings outcomes – an important point to make in this era of law schools’ collective obsession with the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Silence of the GUCY2C tumor suppressor

Population-based data linking obesity to colorectal cancer are strong, with reports of over 50% increased risk of colorectal cancer in obese persons. However, much less is known about how obesity promotes the development of colorectal cancer, especially at the molecular level. The complex dietary and metabolic factors associated with obesity make it difficult to pinpoint an exact mechanism. Many hypotheses have been suggested, including the idea that an enhanced proinflammatory and oxidative environment promotes tumorigenesis. Here, Lin et al. investigate the effects of obesity on the guanylin and guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) tumor-suppressing pathway. GUCY2C is an intestinal cell surface receptor that regulates epithelial repair. Loss of its ligand, the paracrine hormone guanylin, shuts off GUCY2C and contributes to tumor progression. To link obesity with this tumor-suppressing pathway, investigators showed that guanylin mRNA expression in human colonic tissue samples was 80% lower in patients with morbid obesity compared with lean patients. In mice, both high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets suppressed guanylin mRNA expression and GUCY2C signaling. The investigators then used a combination of obesity-prone and obesity-resistant mouse models with varying diets to show that it is excess calorie intake, and not obesity per se, that silences the guanylin-GUCY2C signaling axis. More specifically, it was endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by excess calorie intake that resulted in the silencing of this pathway. Last, tumorigenesis induced by overfeeding mice was offset by the transgenic expression of guanylin. Together, these studies offer insight to a potential therapeutic target—guanylin or its associated receptor, GUCY2C—for reducing colorectal cancer risk in obese individuals, whether it be through caloric restriction or by pharmacological treatment. J. E. Lin et al ., Obesity-induced colorectal cancer is driven by caloric silencing of the guanylin–GUCY2C paracrine signaling axis. Cancer Res. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-1467-T (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/76/2/339.abstract
Immunological Studies on the Psittacosis-lymphogranuloma Group of Viral Agents

Investigations in recent years by a number of workers have revealed a group of viral agents morphologically similar to the viruses of psittacosis and lymphogranuloma venereum. These agents form elementary bodies and appear to undergo a definite life cycle.' Included in the group are the viruses of psittacosis, ornithosis, human pneumonitis (strain S-F2), meningopneumonitis, lymphogranuloma venereum, feline pneumonitis (Baker),3'4 mouse pneumonitis, trachoma and inclusion blenorrhea. These agents are markedly alike in that they possess similar developmental forms, tinctorial characteristics'J, and closely related antigenic components as revealed by the complement fixation test.2,'-12 Interest in the psittacosislymphogranuloma group has been stimulated through recognition of the frequency of infections in human beings with several of these agents.2,7,13"4,15" The need for laboratory procedures which might facilitate the identifica-
Development of Coupled Floweld - Radiation Solution Methods in Ablative Environments

A seven-species hypersonic flow solver that independently tracks vibrational energies of diatomic species has been coupled with SPRADIAN for the purposes of developing a spectrally accurate coupled radiation / flowfield solution. Results are presented for the FIRE-II and RAM-C geometries, and compared to experiment results where available. Shortfalls of the method are identified, along with avenues of further research. It is desired to eventually develop the capability to use a complete air chemistry set with ablation byproducts for a total assessment of the radiation environment around an arbitrary shape.
Identification and Structural Characterization of Three New Metabolites of Bupropion in Humans.

Bupropion is a widely used antidepressant and the recommended CYP2B6 probe drug. However, current understanding of bupropion elimination pathways is limited. Bupropion has three active circulating metabolites, OH-bupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion, but together with bupropion these metabolites and their conjugates in urine represent only 23% of the dose, and the majority of the elimination pathways of bupropion result in uncharacterized metabolites. The aim of this study was to determine the structures of the uncharacterized bupropion metabolites using human clinical samples and in vitro incubations. Three new metabolites, 4′-OH-bupropion, erythro-4′-OH-hydrobupropion, and threo-4′-OH-hydrobupropion, were detected in human liver microsome incubations and were isolated from human urine. The structures of the metabolites were confirmed via comparison of UV absorbance, NMR spectra, and mass spectral data to those of the synthesized standards. In total, these metabolites represented 24%...
Neuropsychology of the Prefrontal Cortex

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the neuropsychology of the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex occupies approximately one-third of the entire cerebral cortex in humans. This proportion is much greater than that seen in other species. In fact, when proportionality is taken into account, the prefrontal cortex occupies over 200% more cortical space in humans compared to monkeys. The magnitude of this evolutionary development is dramatic and without precedence elsewhere in the brain. This dramatic growth of the prefrontal cortex in humans reinforces its importance in evolutionary survival of humans. The prefrontal cortex is most prominent in humans, matures late in development, has a similar morphology when compared to other cortical regions, extensive connectivity, and has some idiosyncratic features related to the functional properties of its neurons. It is also involved in many neurological disorders. Given these characteristics, it is inferred that the prefrontal cortex plays some integrative role in cognitive functioning. One way to discover its role in cognitive functioning is to examine the effects of frontal lobe lesions or dysfunction on higher cognitive processes in humans. The chapter presents these findings.
Candida albicans Pathogenesis: Fitting Within the “Host-Microbe Damage Response Framework”

Historically, the nature and extent of host damage by a microbe were considered highly dependent on virulence attributes of the microbe. However, it has become clear that disease is a complex outcome which can arise because of pathogen-mediated damage, host-mediated damage, or both, with active participation from the host microbiota. This awareness led to the formulation of the damage response framework (DRF), a revolutionary concept that defined microbial virulence as a function of host immunity. The DRF outlines six classifications of host damage outcomes based on the microbe and the strength of the immune response. In this review, we revisit this concept from the perspective of Candida albicans, a microbial pathogen uniquely adapted to its human host. This fungus commonly colonizes various anatomical sites without causing notable damage. However, depending on environmental conditions, a diverse array of diseases may occur, ranging from mucosal to invasive systemic infections resulting in microbe-mediated and/or host-mediated damage. Remarkably, C. albicans infections can fit into all six DRF classifications, depending on the anatomical site and associated host immune response. Here, we highlight some of these diverse and site-specific diseases and how they fit the DRF classifications, and we describe the animal models available to uncover pathogenic mechanisms and related host immune responses.
Conducting Qualitative Data Analysis:Managing Dynamic Tensions Within, Part One

In the third of a series of “how-to” essays on conducting qualitative data analysis, Ron Chenail examines the dynamic tensions within the process of qualitative data analysis that qualitative researchers must manage in order to produce credible and creative results. These tensions include (a) the qualities of the data and the qualitative data analysis of these qualities, (b) errors of deficiency and exuberance, (c) tacit and public knowledge, (d) separation and connection, and (e) verticality and horizontality.
Functional Comparison of Freshly Isolated and Ex-Vivo Expanded CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Suppressing Murine Acute GvHD

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation resulting from donor T cell reactivity against host tissue antigens. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are known to be important in maintaining self tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. Using murine models of acute GVHD in which allogeneic bone marrow cells are transplanted into lethally irradiated hosts, we and others have shown that donor Treg are able to suppress GVHD induced by donor allogeneic T cells and dramatically improve survival. Treg are rare and suppression of GVHD requires adequate numbers of Treg in relation to the number of conventional T cells (Tcon). To overcome this problem, expansion of Treg has been performed, however there has not been a head to head comparison of the function of expanded vs fresh Treg. Highly purified CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells (>98% purity) were expanded using anti-CD3/anti-CD28 dynabeads and 1000 U/ml IL-2. Under these conditions, after five days Treg expanded up to 13 fold while maintaining high Foxp3 expression levels (85–90%). Longer expansion periods result in more T cell expansion but an overgrowth of Foxp3 negative T cells. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay, the ex-vivo expanded Treg efficiently suppressed the proliferation of alloreactive T cells. The expanded Treg were evaluated in an in vivo acute GVHD mouse model in direct comparison with freshly isolated Treg using a novel bioluminescent imaging assay that allowed for assessment of Tcon proliferation in addition to traditional metrics of GVHD severity including weight gain, survival and GVHD score. Initial experiments show that, similar to freshly isolated Treg, the ex-vivo expanded Treg suppress GVHD symptoms and improve survival, although a greater number of expanded Treg were required comparable to freshly isolated Treg. The mean GVHD score for the Tcon alone group was 5.8±1.02. Fresh Treg added at 1:1 ratio decreased the GVHD score to 0.75±0.25 (p=0.0036). Ex-vivo expanded Treg demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in GVHD score, although four times more expanded Treg were needed to obtain a similar reduction in GVHD score (0.50±0.5, p=0.0036). This observed difference in potency was not due to the ex-vivo expanded Treg being short-lived when infused in mice. Bioluminescence imaging of luciferase positive (luc+) cultured Treg showed the same in vivo persistence as freshly isolated Treg. The ability to expand ex-vivo generated Treg is greater than the difference in potency, making ex-vivo expanded Treg potentially a viable option for treatment of GVHD, however, increased ratios of Treg:Tcon are likely to be required.
Microscopic nucleation and propagation rates of an alanine-based α-helix

An infrared temperature-jump (T-jump) study by Huang et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2002, 99, 2788-2793) showed that the conformational relaxation kinetics of an alanine-based α-helical peptide depend not only on the final temperature (Tf) but also on the initial temperature (Ti) when Tf is fixed. Their finding indicates that the folding free energy landscape of this peptide is non-two-state like, allowing for the population of conformational ensembles with different helical lengths and relaxation times in the temperature range of the experiment. Because α-helix folding involves two fundamental events, nucleation and propagation, the results of Huang et al. thus present a unique opportunity to determine their rate constants - a long-sought goal in the study of the helix-coil transition dynamics. Herein, we capitalize on this notion and develop a coarse-grained kinetic model to globally fit the thermal unfolding curve and T-jump kinetic traces of this peptide. Using this strategy, we are able to explicitly determine the microscopic rate constants of the kinetic steps encountered in the nucleation and propagation processes. Our results reveal that the time taken to form one α-helical turn (i.e., an α-helical segment with one helical hydrogen bond) is about 315 ns, whereas the time taken to elongate this nucleus by one residue (or backbone unit) is 5.9 ns, depending on the position of the residue.
Medium Access and Routing

A wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of a large number of sensor nodes (SNs) that collect data at BS or sink node in a multi-hop fashion. The SNs use a single channel and could have collision present under many different scenarios as the hidden terminal problem was discussed in earlier chapter.
Shell features associated with the sand-burying habit in gastropods

Author(s): Vermeij, GJ | Abstract: The relationship between shell form and mode of life in gastropods is important to the interpretation of fossils, but has been little explored owing, in part, to the great diversity of gastropod shells. Infaunal gastropods that actively bury in sand must conform to the demands of moving efficiently and noiselessly through a dense granular medium, but which shell characters reflect these demands and how infaunal gastropods differ from surface-dwelling (epifaunal) species remain incompletely answered questions. Here, I survey infaunal and epifaunal Indo-West Pacific members of four families (Cerithiidae, Mitridae, Costellariidae and Conidae) and consider more broadly the distribution of shell traits that confer streamlining and other potential benefits to infaunal species. Sand-burying cerithiids, mitrids and costellariids (but not conids) have on average slenderer shells than their epifaunal counterparts. The only shell features unique to sand-burying gastropods are terraced axial ribs, spiral cords or sutures, in each of which the trailing edge is steeper than the leading edge in the direction of movement; but not all infaunal gastropods have such features. An angular profile, wide umbilicus, high-relief shell sculpture and limpet-like shell is exclusive to surface-dwelling species. Specializations to the infaunal habit are more common and better expressed in the Indo-West Pacific than in tropical America.
Postoperative Anticholinergic Poisoning: Concealed Complications of a Commonly Used Medication.

Abstract Background Scopolamine is a potent anticholinergic compound used commonly for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Scopolamine can cause atypical anticholinergic syndromes due to its prominent central antimuscarinic effects. Case Report A 47-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) 20 h after hospital discharge for a right-knee meniscectomy, with altered mental status (AMS) and dystonic extremity movements that began 12 h after her procedure. Her vital signs were normal and physical examination revealed mydriasis, visual hallucinations, hyperreflexia, and dystonic movements. Laboratory data, lumbar puncture, and computed tomography were unrevealing. The sustained AMS prompted a re-evaluation that revealed urinary overflow with 500 mL of retained urine discovered on ultrasound and a scopolamine patch hidden behind her ear. Her mental status improved shortly after patch removal and physostigmine, with complete resolution after 24 h with discharge diagnosis of scopolamine-induced anticholinergic toxicity. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although therapeutically dosed scopolamine transdermal patches rarely cause complications, incomplete toxidromes can be insidiously common in polypharmacy settings. Providers should thoroughly evaluate the skin of intoxicated patients for additional adherent medications that may result in a delay in ED diagnosis and curative therapies. Our case, as well as rare case reports of therapeutic scopolamine-induced anticholinergic toxicity, demonstrates that peripheral anticholinergic effects, such as tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and hyperpyrexia are often not present, and incremental doses of physostigmine may be required to reverse scopolamine's long duration of action. This further complicates identification of the anticholinergic toxidrome and diagnosis.
Histologic Status of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ After Diagnostic Biopsy in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Patients.

BACKGROUND The histologic status of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCC-IS) after diagnostic biopsy has not been well described or compared between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Expression of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of aggressive SCC has not been compared between SCC-IS that clears or becomes invasive after biopsy. OBJECTIVE To determine the histologic status of SCC-IS after diagnostic biopsy in these populations. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 129 patients with SCC-IS treated with excision and 55 patients treated with Mohs surgery. Histologic features of SCC in excised tissue after biopsy were recorded. Known SCC markers were evaluated using IHC. RESULTS Invasive SCC was found in 3% to 16% of residual SCC-IS depending on surgical treatment modality. The history of skin cancer increased the odds of having invasive SCC in SCC-IS excisions (odds ratio 7.1, p < .05). Forty-seven percent of SCC-IS in immunosuppressed patients cleared after diagnostic biopsy compared with 70% in immunocompetent patients (p < .05). Inflammatory infiltrate and molecular markers of aggressive SCCs (Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-9, MMP-7, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-RI, TGFβ-RII, and Sox-2) were not predictive of residual or invasive SCC at the time of treatment. CONCLUSION Up to 16% of SCC-IS showed invasive SCC at the time of surgical treatment. Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to have residual disease after biopsy. IHC markers of invasive SCC may not predict invasion.
Central Nervous System Involvement in Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a difficult condition to treat, both as a primary and a secondary disease. Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in PTCL is very rare, making up only 2% of all PCNSLs. The incidence of CNS relapse is generally 2–6% in all cases of PTCL, but the risk may vary by histologic subtype, and extranodal involvement > 1 has been consistently found to be a risk factor for CNS relapse. Currently, there is no consensus about indications for CNS prophylactic treatment. A high-dose systemic methotrexate-based regimen is the most commonly used treatment, with or without consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for both primary and secondary CNS involvement. This approach, however, is generally toxic for older patients. New therapeutic approaches against PTCL are therefore needed.
Differences in Working-Memory Capacity Modulate Top-down Control of Social Attention

Gaze following, or our ability to attend to where others are looking can be top-down controlled by context information about the social relevance of the gaze signal. In particular, it has been shown that gaze signals are followed more strongly when the gazer is believed to have a mind with the ability to show intentional behavior (i.e., human) compared to being pre-programmed (i.e., robot). Perceiving human traits in nonhuman agents (i.e., anthropomorphism) occurs naturally in human-robot interaction, where it has positive effects on performance. It can also attenuate performance, if the robot is designed in a way that makes it hard to categorize as human or nonhuman (e.g., humanoid appearance), and inflicts additional working memory load due to categorical ambiguity. Here, we examine if gaze signals of ambiguous humanoid agents are followed differently than those of unambiguous human or robot agents, and to what extent gaze following is affected by individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC). We assume participants with high versus low WMC to be more capable of suppressing reflexive gaze following behaviors to the cued location in a counterpredictive paradigm (where targets appear with high likelihoods at uncued locations), particularly when being cued by humanoid gazers (top-down control, which requires cognitive resources). While the analysis showed no effect of categorical ambiguity on top-down control abilities overall, it revealed that participants with low WMC had weaker top-down control than participants with high WMC for the most ambiguous humanoid agent. The results are discussed with regard to the design of social agents and human-robot interaction.
Ureteroscopy: The Initial Experience

A prospective study of our first 81 cases of ureteroscopy using extended length rigid endoscopes was performed. Of 55 stone manipulations attempted in 51 patients by 6 endoscopists 38 (69 per cent) were successful. Analyzed sequentially, removal was successful in 12 of 23 attempts (52 per cent) among the initial 40 patients and in 26 of 32 (81 per cent) among the subsequent 41 patients. Of 11 calculi larger than 1 cm. and of 23 positioned above the iliac vessels 7 (64 per cent) and 11 (48 per cent), respectively, were removed successfully. Disimpaction by ureteroscopic manipulation combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was successful in 4 cases of upper ureteral calculi not treatable by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy alone. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the ureteroscope in addition to treatment of ureteral calculi have included the delineation of ureteral filling defects (9 patients), fulguration of known low grade tumors (4) and dilation of ureteral strictures (5). In 10 patients information was obtained endoscopically that was not possible by standard diagnostic techniques. The direct visual approach to the ureter has distinct advantages over blind ureteral instrumentation.
NOAA fishery observers and Vietnamese American fishers in the Southeastern US

Abstract The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Observer Program places scientist-observers onto commercial fishing vessels to collect data regarding catch and report violations of relevant regulations. This study examines the experience of Vietnamese American fishers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with this federal observer program. It concludes that current observer training inadequately addresses potential language and cultural barriers between fishers and observers, undermining the potential of the observer policy. Based on these findings, it is recommended that observer training be expanded to include cultural sensitivity training and foreign language resources.
Mechanistic ecotoxicology and environmental toxicology.

Ecotoxicology is a multidisciplinary research area in which biologists, chemists, geologists, statisticians, and computer modelers study the toxic effects of environmental agents on biological popu...
Modeling and analysis of composite laminates in the presence of uncertainties

Abstract The basic or primitive parameters of composite laminates, such as the constituent materials properties, the thickness of each ply, the ply orientations and the applied loads, exhibit variabilities, hence, the response of the laminated composites also exhibits some degree of variability. Thus, the accuracy and reliability of the laminates cannot be assured if the variabilities present in the basic parameters are ignored. In the past decades, the probabilistic approach has been used widely to simulate the uncertainties in the macromechanics of composite laminates. However, the exact probability distributions of the primitive parameters are not known in most of the applications. This work, for the first time, models the uncertainties in the macromechanics of composite laminates using the interval analysis and the universal grey system theory by representing the primitive parameters as intervals. Also, for comparison, a probabilistic approach is presented with plus/minus three standard deviations about the mean of the response. Due to the so-called dependency problem, the interval analysis predicts wider and inaccurate ranges. Thus, a truncation-based interval analysis procedure with a suitable truncation parameter is used to overcome the limitation associated with the original interval analysis. Specifically, in this work, the uncertainties in the in-plane and flexural engineering constants and laminae stresses are studied. The environmental effects on the laminae stresses are also investigated. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the three interval-based uncertainty methods for the behavior of composite laminates by considering different stacking sequences of graphite/epoxy and glass/epoxy laminates.
Quantifying the impact of partial measurement invariance in diagnostic research: An application to addiction research.

Abstract Establishing measurement invariance, or that an instrument measures the same construct(s) in the same way across subgroups of respondents, is crucial in efforts to validate social and behavioral instruments. Although substantial previous research has focused on detecting the presence of noninvariance, less attention has been devoted to its practical significance and even less has been paid to its possible impact on diagnostic accuracy. In this article, we draw additional attention to the importance of measurement invariance and advance diagnostic research by introducing a novel approach for quantifying the impact of noninvariance with binary items (e.g., the presence or absence of symptoms). We illustrate this approach by testing measurement invariance and evaluating diagnostic accuracy across age groups using DSM alcohol use disorder items from a public national data set. By providing researchers with an easy-to-implement R program for examining diagnostic accuracy with binary items, this article sets the stage for future evaluations of the practical significance of partial invariance. Future work can extend our framework to include ordinal and categorical indicators, other measurement models in item response theory, settings with three or more groups, and via comparison to an external, “gold-standard” validator.
Comparative effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A randomized controlled trial.

Although exercise has well-documented health benefits on cardiovascular disease (CVD), the benefit of combination exercise on CVD risk factors in individuals with elevated risk has not been fully elucidated. We compared the effects of aerobic, resistance, and a combination of both aerobic and resistance training on CVD risk factors including peripheral and central BP, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength, body composition, blood glucose and lipids. Sixty-nine adults (58±7 years) with an elevated blood pressure or hypertension, overweight/obesity, and sedentary lifestyle were randomized to one of the three 8-week exercise programs or a non-exercise control group. Participants in all three exercise groups had an equal total exercise time, 3 days/week (aerobic: 60 minutes/session vs. resistance: 60 minutes/session vs. combination: aerobic 30 minutes/session plus resistance 30 minutes/session). Combined training provided significant reductions in peripheral (-4 mmHg) and central diastolic BP (-4 mmHg), increase in CRF (4.9 ml/kg/min), increase in upper (4 kg) and lower (11 kg) body strength, and increase in lean body mass (0.8 kg) (p 0.05). Furthermore, a composite score of CVD risk factors indicated a greater reduction with combination training compared to the control group. In conclusion, among individuals at an increased risk for CVD, as little as 8-weeks of combined training may provide more comprehensive CVD benefits compared to time-matched aerobic or resistance training alone.
Inframammary Fold Reconstruction in the Previously Reconstructed Breast: A Comprehensive Review

The inframammary fold presents a reconstructive challenge once disrupted during total mastectomy or inadequately restored during breast reconstruction. Various methods of recreating the inframammary fold have been proposed, but reports are generally based on small sample sizes and lack long-term analyses and patient-reported outcomes. The authors herein review the literature on inframammary fold anatomy and reconstructive techniques, highlighting the need for more critical analysis of methodology to develop more predictable and durable outcomes.
The prognostic value of ATN Alzheimer biomarker profiles in cognitively normal individuals

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by a long preclinical stage, in which the presence of progressively increasing AD pathology is not yet accompanied by clinical symptoms. In this preclinical stage, biomarkers of amyloid pathology and neurodegeneration have prognostic value with regard to cognitive outcome.1,2 The newly proposed ATN classification framework aims to further refine the pathophysiology and staging of AD, by differentiating between several neurodegeneration markers (T and N). In the ATN classification, A stands for β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology (CSF or PET), T for tau pathology (CSF phosphorylated tau [p-tau] or tau PET), and N for other nonspecific biomarkers of neurodegeneration, such as hippocampal volume, CSF total tau (t-tau), and FDG-PET. The framework includes 8 possible subgroups, ranging from a group in which all biomarkers are negative (A−T−N−) to one in which all are positive (A+T+N+). This framework provides a mechanism to operationalize the recent National Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Association research criteria for AD, which state that both Aβ and tau pathology are required for classification as AD, regardless of the presence of clinical symptoms.3 The frequencies of ATN biomarker groups change with age among cognitively normal individuals, from age 50 onwards, such that the A−T−N− prevalence declines while A+T+N+ prevalence increases with age4; in this cross-sectional study, greater positivity in these ATN biomarker profiles was associated with lower cognitive performance, although the prognostic import of these biomarkers was not evident.
Method for Modeling the Small Intestine and Resident Microbiome Through in Vitro Fermentation (P20-001-19)

The human small intestine is a complex and dynamic organ tasked with enzymatic digestion and absorption of nutrients. Design of a small intestine model can provide detailed systematic knowledge of these processes; model design challenges include differential pH and oxygen availability along the length of the small intestine, food-dependent host secretion of digestive compounds, complex nutrient absorption processes, and microbiome interactions with both food and host. Numerous in vitro models have been developed to simulate the small intestine, but physiological relevance is limited. Here, we present an in vitro fermentation model of the small intestine to include microbiota and enhance physiological relevance. A stepwise biofidelic model design approach was implemented with initial stages consisting of simulating ileum conditions, including pH and residence time, utilizing an automated bioreactor system for real-time monitoring and control of fermentation parameters, with incorporation of digestive enzymes and bile acids for breakdown of food inputs. Nutrient absorption, simulated using hollow-fiber columns to emulate passive diffusion, was initially optimized using small molecules to mimic dietary digestion byproducts; validation with food components, such as starch or whey powder, is planned. A mock microbial community, with organisms selected to represent major phyla and functions of the small intestine microbiota, was designed, implemented, and characterized in fermentations representing “fed-state” ileum conditions. Design and validation of the model with mock food components will be presented, along with steps taken to integrate in situ nutrient absorption and mock microbial community. Initial characterization of the microbial community indicates synergistic growth dynamics and nutrient utilization under “fed-state” conditions. These efforts will be the foundation for our long-term goal of simulating the small intestine to complement our large intestine fermentation model, jA²COB, creating a complete in vitro fermentation model of the lower GI tract. Insight gleaned from this model, alone or in concert with in vivo studies, can inform nutritional strategies to restore and maintain host gut homeostasis. Funded by U.S. Army NSRDEC core applied research funds.
Thoughts about Century Drought in USA——How does Agricultural Production Cope with Climate Changes

Since early summer of 2012,the continuous drought has caused the yields of crops in America declining dramatically,and the price of agricultural products have been roaring sustainably.Thus,the American economy and society are affected greatly.At the same time,USA drought sounds the alarm to China,where natural disasters outbreak frequently.By analyzing the characteristics,causes and impacts of the USA century drought,and the main problems faced by Chinese agricultural production in the context of climate changes,such as frequent occurrence of natural disasters,increase of agricultural inputs,etc.the authors put forward suggestions as: to establish and perfect weather monitoring and warning system;to strengthen agricultural infrastructure construction mainly water conservancy;to increase investment in studying and promoting agricultural disaster-alleviation technology etc.
Broadband continuous single-mode tuning of a short-cavity quantum-cascade VECSEL

Changing the length of a laser cavity is a simple technique for continuously tuning the wavelength of a laser but is rarely used for broad fractional tuning, with a notable exception of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)1,2. This is because, to avoid mode hopping, the cavity must be kept optically short to ensure a large free spectral range compared to the gain bandwidth of the amplifying material. Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers are ideal candidates for such a short cavity scheme as they demonstrate exceptional gain bandwidths (up to octave spanning)3 and can be integrated with broadband amplifying metasurfaces4. We present such a quantum-cascade metasurface-based vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) that exhibits over 20% continuous fractional tuning of a single laser mode. Such tuning is possible because the metasurface has subwavelength thickness, which allows lasing on low-order Fabry–Perot cavity modes. Good beam quality and high output power are simultaneously obtained. Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers with over 20% continuous fractional tuning of a single laser mode are now possible thanks to metasurfaces.
Re-examining the Utility of the Individualised Classroom Environment Questionnaire (ICEQ) Using the Rasch Model

Attempts have been made to develop tools to assess classroom environment since the late 1960s. These have generated a huge interest and growth in research studies that examined how school classroom environment impact on student learning and achievement in, and attitudes towards, a particular subject. The assessment of classroom learning environments saw the development of several tools that can be used for this purpose. One of them, particularly used by educational researchers in Australia, is Barry Fraser’s Individualised Classroom Environment Questionnaire (ICEQ). For years, the ICEQ has been deployed and rigorously validated by its author using statistical methods within the classical test theory (CTT). However, a number of published works have highlighted the shortcomings of the CTT in establishing the reliability and validity of survey instruments as measuring tools in social science and education research. Within the context of the physics classroom in South Australian schools, this chapter reports on the evaluation of the short version of the ICEQ using the Rasch model. Fraser’s findings were confirmed indicating that the ICEQ scales exhibited adequate scale independence, although one misfitting item was removed from the preferred classroom ICEQ. This chapter concludes with relevant implications for classroom environment research and teaching practice.
National Dissonance: The Copa del Rey Soccer Final as a Site of Political Performance

Founded in 1903, the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) is Spain’s oldest national soccer/football competition. Since then, it has been held under a variety of political systems, each of which has altered t...
Canonical Equation K28 for Normalized Spectral Functions of Random Symmetric Matrices with Identically Distributed Independent Blocks. Block Matrix Density. SS-Laws

The first asymptotics of normalized spectral functions of random matrices were obtained for the matrices with independent entries. As we have seen in the previous chapter, it is possible to find the general form of possible limit normalized spectral functions of random symmetric matrices with asymptotically independent random blocks. But this general view of n.s.f. expressed through the solution of the corresponding canonical equation has a complicated form. Therefore, it is interesting to analyze this canonical equation for a special case, for example, where all blocks of a random matrix are identically distributed. We show that, in this case, it is possible to find the limit density of n.s.f. (we call it Block Matrix Density)