cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of wax and nitrate salts for thermal storage for a 500 W fresnel mirror solar concentrator

The demand and supply gap of global energy needs is increasing exponentially. This situation is further worsening as the conventional fossil fuel resources are decreasing. Solar thermal is one of the alternatives that can be used to fulfil the power requirements of the world without effecting the environment. Solar is one of the widely available renewable energy resources around the globe. One of the key challenges in harvesting this resource is that it is intermittent, thus its availability is limited. Several techniques are used to overcome this challenge, the method being used now is hybrid technology of conventional and solar; where solar is being used in peak hours. Another technique is to store the excess energy present during day and utilize it during night by using phase change material. This paper presents a comparative study between two phase change materials; nitrate salts and wax for energy storage of a 500 Watt Fresnel Mirror Solar Concentrator. A comparison between their thermal storage capacities, their charge and discharge time is made using CFD tool like COMSOL.
Pragmatics And Pluralism In Explaining Human Action

I am in agreement with Field and Hineline's excellent essay (2008) concerning the limitations of cause-effect explanation and the derivative problems with person-centered accounts of human action. However, their account is simultaneously limited by its constrained view of the aims of psychological theory. If we take a more pragmatic stance toward the function of theory, we also find theoretical explanations may be used effectively both to sustain and to transform society. They may also be employed in the service of social justice and to enrich the potentials for research and practice. To illustrate the enrichment function, I sketch out a form of confluence theory. In all these endeavors, one finds means of accounting for cross-time trajectories.
Acute and Long-Term Surgical Management of the Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Many injured patients require post-acute care and rehabilitative services as part of their recovery from trauma. These patients often have ongoing medical care needs that continue past the immediate period of stabilization and treatment. Since prolonged hospitalization and immobilization contribute to functional decline, early progression to the rehabilitation phase is key. Therefore, it is important to better understand the common procedures, including complications and sequela, experienced by recovering trauma patients.
Eigenvalue Ranking for Large Scale Systems

Abstract Large scale systems have a large number of eigenvalues. Amongst these eigenvalues, only a few of them have noticeable effects on system dynamical behavior. In this paper, a method to identify the importance of each eigenvalue is proposed. Hence an eigenvalue ranking index is used and an expression for its computation is derived. Finally two algorithms to estimate the changes in the ranking indices while system is perturbed are also derived.
Poisson-Lie T-Duality in Double Field Theory

Abstract We present a formulation of Double Field Theory with a Drinfeld double as extended spacetime. It makes Poisson-Lie T-duality (including abelian and non-abelian T-duality as special cases) manifest. This extends the scope of possible applications of the theory, which so far captured abelian T-duality only, considerably. The full massless bosonic subsector (NS/NS and R/R) of type II string theories is covered.
Using Relational-cultural Theory to Negotiate Relational Rebuilding in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACTIn this article, the authors describe the application of relational-cultural theory (RCT) for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). RCT’s philosophical foundation and core processes work effectively within the context of the counseling session. Through the RCT lens, the authors examine how the theory’s approaches can be utilized for relational rebuilding. Finally, RCT strategies are included for working with women who have experienced shame and relational disconnections as the result of IPV.
Chemical Changes in Layered Ferroelectric Semiconductors Induced by Helium Ion Beam

Multi-material systems interfaced with 2D materials, or entirely new 3D heterostructures can lead to the next generation multi-functional device architectures. Physical and chemical control at the nanoscale is also necessary tailor these materials as functional structures approach physical limit. 2D transition metal thiophosphates (TPS), with a general formulae Cu1−xIn1+x/3P2S6, have shown ferroelectric polarization behavior with a T c above the room temperature, making them attractive candidates for designing both: chemical and physical properties. Our previous studies have demonstrated that ferroic order persists on the surface, and that spinoidal decomposition of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases occurs in non-stoichiometric Cu/In ratio formulations. Here, we discuss the chemical changes induced by helium ion irradiation. We explore the TPS compound library with varying Cu/In ratio, using Helium Ion Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Time of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). We correlate physical nano- and micro- structures to the helium ion dose, as well as chemical signatures of copper, oxygen and sulfur. Our ToF-SIMS results show that He ion irradiation leads to oxygen penetration into the irradiated areas, and diffuses along the Cu-rich domains to the extent of the stopping distance of the helium ions.
Theoretical design and analysis of wideband active hard electromagnetic surfaces using non-Foster circuit loaded anisotropic metasurfaces

The electromagnetic (EM) hard surface which can both support transverse electric and transverse magnetic surface wave modes has the important ability to reduce the EM blockage of metallic obstacles. We propose a method to design an electrically thin hard surface with wide bandwidth by loading with non-Foster elements. The wideband hard surface composed of an anisotropic impedance coating can be considered as a kind of active metasurface. We develop a method to determine the values of the loading non-Foster circuit which can minimize the dispersion of the unit cells. For this method, we derive accurate values for the loading non-Foster elements through theoretical analysis. We also determine the fundamental limitations on the bandwidth due to stability requirements. To verify our theoretical design, we simulate the transmission performance between the two ports on opposite sides of a metallic rhombus-shaped obstacle coated with the non-Foster based metasurface. The simulated results show that the blockage has been largely reduced over a broad bandwidth from 0.2 GHz to 1.5 GHz. Finally, we provide a discussion on how the resistive part of the non-Foster circuit can affect the performance of the wideband hard surface coating.
Enabling Renewable Energy on both Sides of the Meter: a Focus on State-Level Approaches in New York and Texas

This paper focuses on the impact of state renewable energy policies in the decentralized, patchwork energy policy framework of the present-day USA. Approaches in two states in particular, New York and Texas, are assessed qualitatively and quantitatively to gain further insights. Previous research has highlighted the importance of state-level policy making in the within the USA and—by extension—on the international stage. Studies have also shown that policy factors in the form of RPS programs, siting, and permitting, and other incentives can drive renewable energy capacity growth and consumer markets. The paper finds that—through 2016—varying degrees of success in developing wind and solar markets have been achieved, including dramatic growth of large scale wind in Texas and more modest utility scale wind coupled with strong distributed PV growth in New York. Analysis and discussion also provides potential insights for state policymakers on the efficacy of various incentive structures, infrastructure and siting regimes, and other instruments in producing desired outcomes.
Effects of amphetamine exposure during adolescence on behavior and prelimbic cortex neuron activity in adulthood

Abstract Repeated exposure to psychostimulants during adolescence produces long-lasting changes in behavior that may be mediated by disrupted development of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Here, we tested this hypothesis by assessing the effects of amphetamine (AMPH) and dopamine receptor-selective drugs on behavior and neuron activity in the prelimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC). Adolescent male, Sprague-Dawley rats were given saline or 3 mg/kg AMPH between postnatal day (P) 27 and P45. In Experiment 1, locomotor behavior was assessed during adulthood following challenges with a dopamine D1 (SKF 82958) or D2 (quinpirole) receptor-selective agonist. In Experiment 2, pre-exposed rats were challenged during adulthood with AMPH and a D1 (SKF 83566) or D2 (eticlopride) receptor-selective antagonist. In Experiment 3, the activity of putative pyramidal cells in the prelimbic cortex was recorded as rats behaved in an open-field arena before and after challenge injections with AMPH and one of the antagonists. We found that compared to controls, adolescent pre-exposed rats were more sensitive to the stimulant effects of AMPH and the dopamine receptor agonists, as well as to the ability of the antagonists to reverse AMPH-induced stereotypy. Prelimbic neurons from AMPH pre-exposed rats were also more likely to respond to an AMPH challenge in adulthood, primarily by reducing their activity, and the antagonists reversed these effects. Our results suggest that exposure to AMPH during adolescence leads to enduring adaptations in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system that likely mediate heightened response to the drug during adulthood.
Status of Reliability-Based Design in North America: Impact for Engineered Wood Construction

Safety and serviceability requirements for structural design in North America and the role of probability and statistics in addressing uncertainty are described in a historical context. Load criteria and performance requirements for limit states design are developed using reliability analysis techniques. The reliability analysis integrates statistical data on loads and strengths to yield criteria that have a conventional appearance and are consistent with prescribed measures of reliability. The ongoing development of load and resistance factor design (LRFD) criteria for engineered wood construction requires special attention to certain characteristics of wood products, such as their inherent large strength variability and the effect of duration of load on the design strength.
The Soul in Trama: Poetry of War in the Classroom

Reflecting on a dark side of human experience, this article explains how one teacher used poetry to invite students into a deeper reflection on life, death, and justice. With startling and painful examples from modern poetry, the author helps us to appreciate anew the tremendous power of the word.
Domestic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a Houston, Texas, environmental justice neighborhood

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of >100 chemicals that naturally occur in coal tar, crude oil, and gasoline and can be manufactured as part of dyes, plastics, and pesti...
Flexible ureterorenoscopy to treat upper urinary tract stones in children.

Development of surgical expertise and technology has affected the way renal tract stones are treated. Our hypothesis was that flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for upper tract stones in children produces good results. Our outcomes were reviewed. A retrospective case note review was performed for children with upper tract calculi who were treated by FURS. There were 56 stone episodes in 36 patients. Median age was 10.6 years. Stones were 3–23 mm (median 8 mm); 64.3% had multiple calculi. Median follow-up was for 17.1 months. After the first FURS there was stone clearance in 42/56 (75%). Although there were no immediate complications, two required re-admission; one with stent symptoms, the other with urinary infection. A second FURS was performed in 11, bringing the cumulative clearance to 89%, although this was often done as “another look” before stent removal. There was no statistically significant difference in stone clearance after first FURS for those with single stones (81.0%) compared to those with multiple stones (72.2%). Clearance rates of more than 70% after first FURS were achieved with stones of up to 17 mm. Unexpected disease was found and treated during FURS in 9 (16.1%) children. FURS is safe in children and good clearance rates are achieved. Multiple stones at different sites may be treated during the same treatment. In addition, FURS allows diagnosis and treatment of unexpected problems.
Pathogenesis of ANCA-Associated Pulmonary Vasculitis

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are autoantibodies specific for antigens located in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and lysosomes of monocytes. ANCAs are associated with a spectrum of necrotizing vasculitis that includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Pulmonary vasculitis and related extravascular inflammation and fibrosis are frequent components of ANCA vasculitis. In this review, we detail the factors that have been associated with the origin of the ANCA autoimmune response and summarize the most relevant clinical observations, in vitro evidence, and animal studies strongly indicating the pathogenic potential of ANCA. In addition, we describe the putative sequence of pathogenic mechanisms driven by ANCA-induced activation of neutrophils that result in small vessel necrotizing vasculitis and extravascular granulomatous necrotizing inflammation.
3D-printed, externally-implanted, bioresorbable airway splints for severe tracheobronchomalacia.

Objectives/hypothesis To report the clinical safety and efficacy of three-dimensional (3D)-printed, patient-specific, bioresorbable airway splints in a cohort of critically ill children with severe tracheobronchomalacia. Study design Case series. Methods From 2012 to 2018, 15 subjects received 29 splints on their trachea, right and/or left mainstem bronchi. The median age at implantation was 8 months (range, 3-25 months). Nine children were female. Five subjects had a history of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and 11 required continuous sedation, six of whom required paralytics to maintain adequate ventilation. Thirteen were chronically hospitalized, unable to be discharged, and seven were hospitalized their entire lives. At the time of splint implantation, one subject required ECMO, one required positive airway pressure, and 13 subjects were tracheostomy and ventilator dependent, requiring a median positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 14 cm H2 O (range, 6-20 cm H2 0). Outcomes collected included level of respiratory support, disposition, and splint-related complications. Results At the time of discharge from our institution, at a median of 28 days postimplantation (range, 10-56 days), the subject on ECMO was weaned from extracorporeal support, and the subjects who were ventilated via tracheostomy had a median change in PEEP (discharge-baseline) of -2.5 cm H2 O (range, -15 to 2 cm H2 O, P = .022). At median follow-up of 8.5 months (range, 0.3-77 months), all but one of the 12 surviving subjects lives at home. Of the 11 survivors who were tracheostomy dependent preoperatively, one is decannulated, one uses a speaking valve, six use a ventilator exclusively at night, and three remain ventilator dependent. Conclusions This case series demonstrates the initial clinical efficacy of the 3D-printed bioresorbable airway splint device in a cohort of critically ill children with severe tracheobronchomalacia. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1763-1771, 2019.
Gestalt Principles in Destination Logos and Their Influence on People's Recognition and Intention to Visit a Country

This study sought to determine the influence of gestalt principles exhibited in destination logos on audience’s the extent to which they recognize the country based on its tourism icon and intention to visit a country. A total of 154 logos were collected from the websites of 116 countries, and were rated based on the degree to which six gestalt principles (similarity, proximity, continuity, figure-ground, closure, assimilation) were present in each. Based on the scores, the logos were classified as having high, medium and low gestalt attributes. Two representative logos for each level were selected. An online survey of undergraduate students was conducted to determine the influence of these gestalt traits on recognition and people’s intention to visit the country being promoted. The results reveal that high- and mediumgestalt logos elicited greater recognition to visit compared to their low-gestalt counterparts. High-gestalt logos also produced stronger intention to visit than the symbols with mediumand low-gestalt attributes.
Symbolic Exact Inference for Discrete Probabilistic Programs

The computational burden of probabilistic inference remains a hurdle for applying probabilistic programming languages to practical problems of interest. In this work, we provide a semantic and algorithmic foundation for efficient exact inference on discrete-valued finite-domain imperative probabilistic programs. We leverage and generalize efficient inference procedures for Bayesian networks, which exploit the structure of the network to decompose the inference task, thereby avoiding full path enumeration. To do this, we first compile probabilistic programs to a symbolic representation. Then we adapt techniques from the probabilistic logic programming and artificial intelligence communities in order to perform inference on the symbolic representation. We formalize our approach, prove it sound, and experimentally validate it against existing exact and approximate inference techniques. We show that our inference approach is competitive with inference procedures specialized for Bayesian networks, thereby expanding the class of probabilistic programs that can be practically analyzed.
Shaping the Aperture of the Absolute Collimator in DIII-D Neutral Beamline

AbstractThe absolute collimator currently in service at the DIII-D NB injection system has experienced localized melting and damage. As part of the DIII-D 210-deg beamline co-counter conversion, a ...
The Stream algorithm: computationally efficient ridge-regression via Bayesian model averaging, and applications to pharmacogenomic prediction of cancer cell line sensitivity.

Computational efficiency is important for learning algorithms operating in the “large p, small n” setting. In computational biology, the analysis of data sets containing tens of thousands of features (“large p”), but only a few hundred samples (“small n”), is nowadays routine, and regularized regression approaches such as ridge-regression, lasso, and elastic-net are popular choices. In this paper we propose a novel and highly efficient Bayesian inference method for fitting ridge-regression. Our method is fully analytical, and bypasses the need for expensive tuning parameter optimization, via cross-validation, by employing Bayesian model averaging over the grid of tuning parameters. Additional computational efficiency is achieved by adopting the singular value decomposition re-parametrization of the ridge-regression model, replacing computationally expensive inversions of large p × p matrices by efficient inversions of small and diagonal n × n matrices. We show in simulation studies and in the analysis of two large cancer cell line data panels that our algorithm achieves slightly better predictive performance than cross-validated ridge-regression while requiring only a fraction of the computation time. Furthermore, in comparisons based on the cell line data sets, our algorithm systematically out-performs the lasso in both predictive performance and computation time, and shows equivalent predictive performance, but considerably smaller computation time, than the elastic-net.
Baseline requirements for detecting biosignatures with the HabEx and LUVOIR mission concepts

A milestone in understanding life in the universe is the detection of biosignature gases in the atmospheres of habitable exoplanets. Future mission concepts under study by the 2020 decadal survey, e.g., HabEx and LUVOIR, have the potential of achieving this goal. We investigate the baseline requirements for detecting four molecular species, H2O, O2, CH4, and CO2. These molecules are highly relevant to habitability and life activity on Earth and other planets. Through numerical simulations, we find the minimum requirement for spectral resolution (R) and starlight suppression level (C) for a given exposure time. We consider scenarios in which different molecules are detected. For example, R = 6400 (400) and C = 5 × 10−10 (2 × 10−9 ) are required for HabEx (LUVOIR) to detect O2 and H2O for an exposure time of 400 hours for an Earth analog around a solar-type star at a distance of 5 pc. The full results are given in Table 2. The impact of exo-zodiacal contamination and thermal background is also discussed
Voicing cues in English final stops

Abstract The relation between the acoustic characteristics of final stop syllables and the perception of the voicing distinction was investigated. Stimuli which had been truncated at various points before the end of a vowel-consonant syllable were presented to subjects for identification. The results indicated that the formant transitions, closure, burst, and vowel duration are important in determining whether a stimulus is heard as voiced or voiceless. In addition, there are differences in the formant frequencies of the preceding vowel present within the first 50 ms of the syllable which appear to affect the pattern of voiced-voiceless judgments. On the basis of the results, two classes of voicing cues for final stops were proposed: offset cues, which occur in the vicinity of closure, and vowel cues. It was suggested that offset cues in final stops may be similar to onset cues to voicing in initial stops, and that the amount of low frequency energy in the vicinity of onset or offset may serve as a common basis for the perception of the voicing distinction in initial and final position.
Capuchin monkeys (sometimes) go when they know: Confidence movements in Sapajus apella.

Abstract To test for evidence of metacognition in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella), we analyzed confidence movements using a paradigm adapted from research with chimpanzees. Capuchin monkeys provide an interesting model species for the comparative assessment of metacognition as they show limited evidence of such cognitive-monitoring processes in a variety of metacognition paradigms. Here, monkeys were presented with a computerized delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS) memory test in one location but were rewarded for correct responses in a separate location. Movements could be made from one location to the other at any time, but movements between a response and reward feedback may reflect confidence in the accuracy of the response. Critically, DMTS tests included occasional “no sample” trials where monkeys' performance was at chance when the trial started without a sample and a 1-s interval to the response options. We predicted that monkeys would (1) perform less accurately (and less confidently) at longer retention intervals, (2) move to the dispenser early more often on trials completed correctly than incorrectly, and (3) show a relation between faster response latency and early movements. Analyses of response times and “go” or “no go” confidence movements before feedback to the reward location suggested that the monkeys were capable of monitoring confidence in their responses. However, their confidence movements were less precise and less flexible than chimpanzees. Overall, this paradigm can reveal potential metacognitive abilities in nonhuman animals that otherwise demonstrate these abilities inconsistently.
Analysis of survey results of iodine deficiency disorders in 2009 in Jiangsu province

Objective To evaluate the control effect of the policy sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders on the disease status after 15 years salt iodization, and to provide a scientific basis for the relevant policy adjustments. Methods Probability sampling method (PPS) was used to select 30 counties in Jiangsu province(except those iodine excess areas), of each county 40 children aged 8 - 10 were selected as the investigation objects, their thyroids were examined by palpation and B ultrasound, urinary iodine(UI), household salt iodine, and intelligence quotient(IQ) were also investigated. A questionnaire-based health education survey of children and women was also conducted. Results A total of 1200 salt samples were detected and the coverage and qualified rates of iodized salt were 97.5%(1170/1200) and 94.5%(1134/1200), respectively. Five hundred and ninety eight urinary samples of children aged 8 to 10 were detected. The median urinary iodine was 325.3 μg/L. Of 1200 children aged 8 to 10 examined, goiter was 1.70% (20/1200) by palpation and 1.00% (12/1200) by B ultrasound. Average IQ of those 598 children was 112.4 ± 13.2, and the proportion of mental retardation was 0.5% (3/598). The health education awareness were 95.9%(1830/1908) and 96.4%(431/447) for 636 students and 149 family women, respectively. Conclusions The control effect of iodine deficiency disorders is significant in Jiangsu province. Salt iodine concentration should be adapted to people's iodine nutritional status. Iodine nutrition needs of special population such as pregnant, lactation women and infants should be taking into account, and should also be combined with salt iodization status surveillance at county level. Key words: Iodine; Deficiency diseases; Salts
Clinicians With High Socially At-Risk Caseloads Received Reduced Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Scores.

To understand how clinicians with high caseloads of socially at-risk patients fare under Medicare’s new outpatient Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), we examined the first (2019) round of...
Evolutionary Analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Reveals Genomic Divergence with Implications for Universal Vaccine Efficacy

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is one of the pressing contemporary public health challenges. Investigations into the genomic structure of SARS-CoV-2 may inform ongoing vaccine development efforts and/or provide insights into vaccine efficacy to fight against COVID-19. Evolutionary analysis of 540 genomes spanning 20 different countries/territories was conducted and revealed an increase in the genomic divergence across successive generations. The ancestor of the phylogeny was found to be the isolate from the 2019/2020 Wuhan outbreak. Its transmission was outlined across 20 countries/territories as per genomic similarity. Our results demonstrate faster evolving variations in the genomic structure of SARS-CoV-2 when compared to the isolates from early stages of the pandemic. Genomic alterations were predominantly located and mapped onto the reported vaccine candidates of structural genes, which are the main targets for vaccine candidates. S protein showed 34, N protein 25, E protein 2, and M protein 3 amino acid variations in 246 genomes among 540. Among identified mutations, 23 in S protein, 1 in E, 2 from M, and 7 from N protein were mapped with the reported vaccine candidates explaining the possible implications on universal vaccines. Hence, potential target regions for vaccines would be ideally chosen from the structural regions of the genome that lack high variation. The increasing variations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 together with our observations in structural genes have important implications for the efficacy of a successful universal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
Ovarian stiffness increases with age in the mammalian ovary and depends on collagen and hyaluronan matrices

Fibrosis is a hallmark of aging tissues which often leads to altered architecture and function. The ovary is the first organ to show overt signs of aging, including increased fibrosis in the ovarian stroma. How this fibrosis affects ovarian biomechanics and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using instrumental indentation, we demonstrated a quantitative increase in ovarian stiffness, as evidenced by an increase in Young's modulus, when comparing ovaries from reproductively young (6-12 weeks) and old (14-17 months) mice. This ovarian stiffness was dependent on collagen because ex vivo enzyme-mediated collagen depletion in ovaries from reproductively old mice restored their collagen content and biomechanical properties to those of young controls. In addition to collagen, we also investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) in regulating ovarian stiffness. HA is an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that maintains tissue homeostasis, and its loss can change the biomechanical properties of tissues. The total HA content in the ovarian stroma decreased with age, and this was associated with increased hyaluronidase (Hyal1) and decreased hyaluronan synthase (Has3) expression. These gene expression differences were not accompanied by changes in ovarian HA molecular mass distribution. Furthermore, ovaries from mice deficient in HAS3 were stiffer compared to age-matched WT mice. Our results demonstrate that the ovary becomes stiffer with age and that both collagen and HA matrices are contributing mechanisms regulating ovarian biomechanics. Importantly, the age-associated increase in collagen and decrease in HA are conserved in the human ovary and may impact follicle development and oocyte quality.
National Institutes of Mental Health Data Archive: Privacy, Consent, and Diversity Considerations and Options for Improvement.

Data sharing is essential to further advance the field of neuropsychiatry. However, it raises significant ethical issues in the domains of privacy, consent, and diversity. We begin by considering t...
Changes in Female Rape Myth Acceptance Among College Students: A 20-Year Perspective

In this study, we compared changes in female rape myth acceptance (RMA) between 1998 and 2018 in two separate samples of college students from the same university in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The primary measure was the Attitudes Toward Rape Victims Scale (ARVS). First, we examined the factor structure of the ARVS with confirmatory factor analysis, finding good fit for a four-factor model comprising Assigning Blame or Responsibility to the Victim (Blame/Responsibility), Considering the Victim as Deserving of Sexual Violence (Deserving), Undermining the Victim’s Credibility (Undermine Credibility), and Trivializing the Experience or Denigrating the Victim (Trivialization/Denigration). Second, we used profile analysis, a type of multivariate repeated-measures ANOVA, to examine the main and interactive effects of Survey Year, Gender, and ARVS Subscale and Item within each subscale. At the subscale level, we found large main effects for Survey Year, Gender, and Subscale, with lower scores for the 2018 sample, women, and Deserving and Trivialization/Denigration, relative to Undermine Credibility and Blame/Responsibility. We also found interactions between Survey Year and Subscale and Gender and Subscale, indicating non-parallel profiles for the 1998 versus 2018 samples and women versus men. We found similar patterns at the item level within each subscale. These results indicate a substantial decline of female RMA in college students over a 20-year period, replicate the well-established gender difference in female RMA, and demonstrate that RMA varies by item content.
Early Palliative Care for Oncology Patients: How APRNs Can Take the Lead

Background Patients with cancer need expert and multidisciplinary care throughout the trajectory of their illness. Palliative care should be instituted early in the course of their disease. Early palliative care enables patients and their families to control physical, psychological, social, and spiritual symptoms of the disease. In our current health-care system, early palliative care is not being integrated due to a lack of education of providers and nurses, an infrastructure that does not support palliative medicine, and poor communication skills among practitioners. Methods and results The Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) completed by nurse practitioners at a large Midwest cancer center found that those nurse practitioners had a poor understanding of the basic precepts of palliative care. This is consistent with the current literature. Conclusion Advanced practice nurses should be educated on the principles of palliative care, as they are perfectly situated to advance the integration of early palliative care in the oncology setting.
Neuroergonomics: The Brain at Work

Neuroergnomics can be defined as the study of brain and behavior at work. It combines two disciplines -- neuroscience, the study of brain function, and human factors, the study of how to match technology with the capabilities and limitations of people so they can work effectively and safely. The goal of merging these two fields is to use the startling discoveries of human brain and physiological functioning both to inform the design of technologies in the workplace and home, and to provide new training methods that enhance performance, expand capabilites, and optimize the fit between people and technology. Research in the area of neuroergonomics has blossomed in recent years with the emergence of noninvasive techniques for monitoring human brain function that can be used to study various aspects of human behavior in relation to technology and work, including mental workload, visual attention, working memory, motor control, human-automation interaction, and adaptive automation. The proposed volume will provide the first systematic overview of this emerging area, describing the theoretical background, basic research, major methods, as well as the new and future areas of application. This collection will benefit a number of readers: the experienced researcher investigating related questions in human facotrs and cognitive neuroscience, the student wishing to get a rapid but systematic overview of the field, and the designer interested in novel approaches and new ideas for application. Researchers in human factors and ergonomics, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, medicine, industrial engineering, and computer science will find this volume useful.
Phased array performance characteristics and compliance with SATCOM military standards

The initiative to reduce military platform signature has encouraged the consideration of phased arrays as viable alternatives to traditional reflector-based communication antennas. Phased arrays enhance a military platform's mission effectiveness not only by providing reduced radar cross section (RCS) relative to reflector-based implementations, but also by adding increased flexibility via simultaneous multi-beam operation, increased mean time between failure (MTBF), and increased operational availability resulting from graceful degradation. This paper discusses phased array antenna principles with respect to military communication system applications. Specifically, consideration of phased array antenna performance parameters as they relate to existing governing standards for satellite communications is explored. These standards implicitly assume a scan invariant reflector-based implementation. Examples of scan dependent phased array antenna performance parameters include antenna gain, sidelobes, cross-polarization isolation and instantaneous bandwidth. Performance versus implementation complexity with respect to these parameters is discussed
Analysis of motion blur with a flutter shutter camera for non-linear motion

Motion blurs confound many computer vision problems. The fluttered shutter (FS) camera [1] tackles the motion deblurring problem by emulating invertible broadband blur kernels. However, existing FS methods assume known constant velocity motions, e.g., via user specifications. In this paper, we extend the FS technique to general 1D motions and develop an automatic motion-from-blur framework by analyzing the image statistics under the FS. We first introduce a fluttered-shutter point-spread-function (FS-PSF) to uniformly model the blur kernel under general motions. We show that many commonly used motions have closed-form FS-PSFs. To recover the FS-PSF from the blurred image, we present a new method by analyzing image power spectrum statistics. We show that the Modulation Transfer Function of the 1D FS-PSF is statistically correlated to the blurred image power spectrum along the motion direction. We then recover the FS-PSF by finding the motion parameters that maximize the correlation. We demonstrate our techniques on a variety of motions including constant velocity, constant acceleration, and harmonic rotation. Experimental results show that our method can automatically and accurately recover the motion from the blurs captured under the fluttered shutter.
Injection of cold saline for diagnosis of intramural ventricular arrhythmias.

Background The failure to identify a successful target site for catheter ablation despite extensive endocardial and epicardial mapping is a common feature for an intramural site of origin of a ventricular arrhythmia. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess whether transient suppression of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) by injection of cold saline into the distal coronary venous system can identify an intramural focus. Methods Cold saline (room temperature) was injected through an irrigated-tip catheter into the distal coronary venous system in a consecutive series of 26 patients with frequent PVCs referred for catheter ablation. Results PVCs were temporarily suppressed in 11 of 26 patients during injection of cold saline. Extensive mapping suggested the presence of an intramural site of origin in 9 of 11 patients with PVC suppression by cold saline but in only 1 of 15 patients in whom PVCs were not suppressed. The suppression of PVCs by cold saline was associated with the presence of an intramural PVC focus with an accuracy of 88% (sensitivity 90%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 82%, negative predictive value 93%, P = .0002). Conclusion Temporary suppression of PVCs by cold saline infused into the distal coronary venous system and the perforator veins strongly suggests the presence of an intramural septal focus of the PVCs.
Optical references for telecom wavelengths and measurement of their absolute frequency

Our group is developing a femtosecond laser based frequency comb that is to be linked with the Sr/sup +/ single ion frequency standard and other frequencies of interest. The comb is of a design similar to systems reported by previous workers. A mode-locked Ti:sapphire ring laser produces 30-50 fs pulses at a repetition rate of approximately 700 MHz. The output is focused into a 15-cm-long piece of microstructure fibre (OFS Fitel) where the 40-nm bandwidth of the laser is broadened into a comb of optical frequencies extending over an octave.
Core Perylene Diimide Designs via Direct Bay- and ortho-(Poly)trifluoromethylation: Synthesis, Isolation, X-Ray Structures, Optical and Electronic Properties

We developed an efficient solvent- and catalyst-free direct polytrifluoromethylation of solid perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride that produced a new family of (poly)perfluoroalkyl bay- and ortho-substituted PDIs with two different imide substituents. Direct hydrogen substitution with CN group led to the synthesis of a cyanated perfluoroalkyl PDI derivative for the first time. Absorption, steady-state and time-resolved emission, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical, and gas-phase electron affinity data allowed for systematic studies of substitution effects at bay, ortho, and imide positions in the new PDIs. Solid-state packing showed remarkable variations in the intermolecular interactions that are important for charge transport and photophysical properties. Moreover, analysis of the electrochemical data for 143 electron poor PDIs, including newly reported compounds, revealed some general trends and peculiar effects from substituting electron-withdrawing groups at all three positions.
Role of Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis in Agonist-induced Down-regulation of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor

Previous studies have demonstrated that non-visual arrestins function as adaptors in clathrin-mediated endocytosis to promote agonist-induced internalization of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR). Here, we characterized the effects of arrestins and other modulators of clathrin-mediated endocytosis on down-regulation of the beta2AR. In COS-1 and HeLa cells, non-visual arrestins promote agonist-induced internalization and down-regulation of the beta2AR, whereas dynamin-K44A, a dominant-negative mutant of dynamin that inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis, attenuates beta2AR internalization and down-regulation. In HEK293 cells, dynamin-K44A profoundly inhibits agonist-induced internalization and down-regulation of the beta2AR, suggesting that receptor internalization is critical for down-regulation in these cells. Moreover, a dominant-negative mutant of beta-arrestin, beta-arrestin-(319-418), also inhibits both agonist-induced receptor internalization and down-regulation. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis reveals that the beta2AR is trafficked to lysosomes in HEK293 cells, where presumably degradation of the receptor occurs. These studies demonstrate that down-regulation of the beta2AR is in part due to trafficking of the beta2AR via the clathrin-coated pit endosomal pathway to lysosomes.
Determination of deep levels in semiconductors from C-V measurements

A method is presented that allows deep level density and energy of impurities in semiconductors to be routinely determined from simple C-V measurements of Schottky barriers. The method is particularly useful for material having levels with very long time constants that are not accessible by noise spectra measurements. The technique is illustrated by measurements of epitaxial n-GaAs which show a donor level at 0.83 eV below the conduction band.
A central limit theorem for “critical” first-passage percolation in two dimensions

Consider (independent) first-passage percolation on the edges of ℤ 2 . Denote the passage time of the edge e in ℤ 2 by t(e), and assume that P{t(e) = 0} = 1/2, P{0<t(e)<C 0 } = 0 for some constant C 0 >0 and that E[t δ (e)] 4. Denote by b 0,n the passage time from 0 to the halfplane {(x,y): x ≧ n}, and by T( 0 ,nu) the passage time from 0 to the nearest lattice point to nu, for u a unit vector. We prove that there exist constants 0<C 1 , C 2 <∞ and γ n such that C 1 ( log n) 1/2 ≦γ n ≦ C 2 ( log n) 1/2 and such that γ n −1 [b 0,n −Eb 0,n ] and (√ 2γ n ) −1 [T( 0 ,nu) − ET( 0 ,nu)] converge in distribution to a standard normal variable (as n →∞, u fixed). A similar result holds for the site version of first-passage percolation on ℤ 2 , when the common distribution of the passage times {t(v)} of the vertices satisfies P{t(v) = 0} = 1−P{t(v) ≧ C 0 } = p c (ℤ 2 , site ) := critical probability of site percolation on ℤ 2 , and E[t δ (u)] 4.
Upper and lower bounds of the misadjustment in the LMS algorithm

The misadjustment is a dimensionless measure of the difference between the optimal Weiner performance and the actual performance of the LMS (least-mean-squares) algorithm. This difference is attributed to the gradient noise in the adaptive process. Present estimates relate the misadjustment to the convergence gain and the trace of the autocorrelation matrix. The authors establish tighter lower bounds on the estimate of this misadjustment. An upper bound on the misadjustment as a function of the convergence gain is found. >
Towards an architecture for mobile healthcare

The growing costs of healthcare necessitate innovate means of healthcare delivery. We propose the concept of the tetherless patient, an augmentation of current healthcare delivery for a large and potentially growing class of conditions and diseases that allows continuous monitoring of patients beyond the confines of traditional points of care. To address the multifaceted challenges of supporting this paradigm, this paper focuses on a context-aware, mobile architecture that considers the entire path from sensor to clinician. It presents a formal mathematical model of the architecture, discusses our experience implementing it on a set of Android smartphones, and demonstrates feasibility in supporting context-aware applications.
Maximum-likelihood estimation of low-rank signals for multiepoch MEG/EEG analysis

A maximum-likelihood-based algorithm is presented for reducing the effects of spatially colored noise in evoked response magneto- and electro-encephalography data. The repeated component of the data, or signal of interest, is modeled as the mean, while the noise is modeled as the Kronecker product of a spatial and a temporal covariance matrix. The temporal covariance matrix is assumed known or estimated prior to the application of the algorithm. The spatial covariance structure is estimated as part of the maximum-likelihood procedure. The mean matrix representing the signal of interest is assumed to be low-rank due to the temporal and spatial structure of the data. The maximum-likelihood estimates of the components of the low-rank signal structure are derived in order to estimate the signal component. The relationship between this approach and principal component analysis (PCA) is explored. In contrast to prestimulus-based whitening followed by PCA, the maximum-likelihood approach does not require signal-free data for noise whitening. Consequently, the maximum-likelihood approach is much more effective with nonstationary noise and produces better quality whitening for a given data record length. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated using simulated and real MEG data.
Origins of Unsustainable Luxury: Becoming Slaves to Objects

(2009). Origins of Unsustainable Luxury: Becoming Slaves to Objects. Design Philosophy Papers: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 107-122.
Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in leptin-induced fatty acid oxidation in muscle

Leptin regulates energy homoeostasis through central and peripheral mechanisms. Initial steps in leptin action include signalling through a cytokine-like receptor which activates the JAK/STAT pathway. We investigated whether the metabolic effects of leptin in muscle could be mediated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMP kinase). Through studies involving leptin injection intrahypothalamically or intravenously, as well as incubation of soleus muscle or cultured muscle cells with leptin, we determined that leptin stimulates fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle by activating AMP kinase. Leptin exerts this effect directly at the level of muscle and also through the hypothalamic sympathetic nervous system, specifically engaging α-adrenergic receptors in muscle. This represents a novel and important pathway mediating leptin9s metabolic actions.
Alternatives to sural nerve grafts in the upper extremity.

Background The sural nerve is the most common nerve graft donor despite requiring a second operative limb and causing numbness of the lateral foot. The purposes of this study were to review our experience using nerve autografts in upper extremity nerve reconstruction and develop recommendations for donor selection.