cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contextual Priming: Race, Church Polling Places, and Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Initiative Results

We will examine whether voting in a church polling place heightens any voter support for same sex marriage/civil union bans. Political contexts often may “socially prime” or provide political clues to voters (Bargh 2006; Blumenthal 2011; Pryor 2011; Wheeler 2007). African Americans, due to their high religiosity and strong attachments to churches, are frequently susceptible to church-based political cues (McDaniels 2008). In turn, the religious objections many black churches have to homosexuality might only reinforce any black voter opposition to same sex marriage (Shaw and McDaniel 2007). However, a countervailing contextual cue is whether a precinct is located in a neighborhood with higher percentages of same sex households. We examine the 2004 general election results of Atlanta, Georgia when Georgia’s Constitutional Amendment 1, which banned same-sex marriage, was on the ballot. We will examine if there is any significant differences in the results from church polling places versus non-church polling places; and will take into account denominational differences (especially black and non-black churches) as well as each precinct’s census tract percentages of African Americans and same sex households.
Rigid body attitude estimation based on the Lagrange-d'Alembert principle

Estimation of rigid body attitude and angular velocity without any knowledge of the attitude dynamics model is treated using the Lagrange-d'Alembert principle from variational mechanics. It is shown that Wahba's cost function for attitude determination from two or more non-collinear vector measurements can be generalized and represented as a Morse function of the attitude estimation error on the Lie group of rigid body rotations. With body-fixed sensor measurements of direction vectors and angular velocity, a Lagrangian is obtained as the difference between a kinetic energy-like term that is quadratic in the angular velocity estimation error and an artificial potential obtained from Wahba's function. An additional dissipation term that depends on the angular velocity estimation error is introduced, and the Lagrange-d'Alembert principle is applied to the Lagrangian with this dissipation. A Lyapunov analysis shows that the state estimation scheme so obtained provides stable asymptotic convergence of state estimates to actual states in the absence of measurement noise, with an almost global domain of attraction. These estimation schemes are discretized for computer implementation using discrete variational mechanics. A first order Lie group variational integrator is obtained as a discrete-time implementation. In the presence of bounded measurement noise, numerical simulations show that the estimated states converge to a bounded neighborhood of the actual states.
Modification of thyroid activity in absence of the anterior pituitary gland.

SummaryMaintenance of hypophysecto-mized rats on a diet deficient in iodine resulted in 1) an apparent increase in the efficiency of iodine extraction from the blood by the thyroid gland; 2) no reduction in thyroid gland iodine content and, 3) a slight and questionably significant increase in thyroid acinar cell height accompanied by other morphological manifestations of increased activity. It is suggested that hypophyseal thyrotropin is not the only factor capable of stimulating the thyroid gland.
Femtosecond XUV transparency in light-coupled He doubly excited states.

Electromagnetically induced transparency-like behavior in extreme ultraviolet is studied theoretically, including the effect of laser dressing of He 2s2p(^1P^o) and 2p^2(^1S^e) auto ionizing states by an intense 800 nm field. The method allows for a rigorous treatment of optical field ionization of these coupled auto ionizing states into the N=2 continuum in addition to N=1. Our calculated transient absorption spectra show reasonably encouraging agreement with experiment.
Roads and Wheels, Roulettes and Pedals

We revisit the idea of road-wheel pairs, first introduced 50 years ago by Gerson Robison and later popularized by Stan Wagon and his square-wheeled tricycle. We show how to generate such pairs geom...
Novel Low-Complexity Receivers for Constant Envelope OFDM

Constant Envelope OFDM provides a solution to the issue of high peak-to-average power ratio in OFDM by using angle modulation to transform the OFDM signal to a constant envelope signal. The modulation index of Constant Envelope OFDM controls this transformation. In this paper, we develop novel receiver structures for Constant Envelope OFDM based on the Taylor series expansion, alleviating the need for angle demodulation at the receiver. This results in immunity from phase cycle slips due to phase wrapping and the threshold effect which would otherwise cause performance degradation. These receivers allow for a simpler implementation without the need to compute the arctangent at the receiver. We show that these novel receivers perform well when compared to the conventional arctangent based receiver for small and moderate modulation indices (2 πh ≤ 0.7) for the cases of additive white Gaussian noise and multipath fading. For frequency selective fading, we show that the application of a frequency domain equalizer results in good performance when these novel receivers are employed. Finally, we study the performance of these new receivers when error correction coding is employed and show that they not only provide excellent performance but also significantly outperform the conventional arctangent based receiver for coded Constant Envelope OFDM performance.
Stereoacuity, fusional amplitudes, and AC/A ratio in accommodative esotropia.

(1976). Stereoacuity, Fusional Amplitudes, and AC/A Ratio in Accommodative Esotropia. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 60-64.
Outcome of very very low birth weight infants.

This review of the literature and selected unpublished data documents normal early outcome in 50 to 81 per cent of tiny infants. Educational outcome described by a few studies is less encouraging, with only 32 to 36 per cent considered normal. Each study investigated the contribution of different perinatal, environmental, or social variables, therefore it is difficult to determine which has most impact on neu-rodevelopmental outcome.
Old Cities and New Towns For Tomorrow's Infrastructure

Publisher Summary This “age of infrastructure” has yielded a rich legacy, supporting a century of unprecedented economic advance, but today we risk squandering this legacy through neglect and mismanagement. In cities around the word, water supplies have grown less reliable, wastes mount in prodigious volume, traffic approaches gridlock, and the air grows unbreathable. Not In My Back Yard! (NIMBY) has become an almost universal symbol of public response to infrastructure facilities planning and governments at all levels find themselves hard-pressed to allocate adequate resources to maintain their current public capital, much less build for the future. We are on the verge of a quiet infrastructure crisis of global proportions. It is quiet because we fail to recognize, as professionals and public, either infrastructure's essential importance or the opportunities for enhanced services that new technologies offer. It is a crisis of lost confidence in technological advances as well as outright neglect in a society rapidly losing sight of the public well-being that springs from public works. It is global because all the world's nations share common needs for new public world's infrastructure technology.
Chapter 1 – The Pleasures and Pains of Brain Regulatory Systems for Eating

Publisher Summary There are complex neuropeptide-based neural networks that are able to gauge the energy status of the organism and to adjust foraging and eating behavior accordingly. This network is constructed of hypothalamic neuropeptides, such as hypocretin/orexin, neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and melanin-concentrating hormone; regulatory circuits that are controlled by peripheral signals of lipid status, such as leptin; gastrointestinal hunger hormones, such as ghrelin; as well as more direct metabolic effects on the hypothalamus that are not as well understood. Often missing from the discussion of energy balance dynamics are the evolved psychological processes that mediate achieved/achieving homeostasis—the nature of the feelings of hunger in the brain, and the large variety of ways the pleasures and displeasures of taste can promote or hinder appetite. This is in addition to the many ways feeding behavior can be disrupted which have no relevance for the normal mechanisms of energy balance regulation. For instance, hunger makes sweetness taste more pleasant, and satiety makes the same sensation feel less pleasant. This chapter briefly focuses on the latter factors, since they need to be considered more closely as investigators search for medicinal agents that may help humans better regulate their weight. It should be noted that considerable progress is being made in understanding how the brain codes taste qualities in both animals and humans, but little of that work has yet been related to our understanding of appetite control agents.
The Sound of Silence

Horace Pippin, apparently, used light very differently from most artists. While others usually start with a white canvas and then gradually fill it with color and shade, Pippin started by coating his canvas with black paint and then added lighter colors on top. This gave his paintings a heavily layered texture, providing a sense (intended or otherwise) that there was something lying beneath the surface image. For an artist who, among other things, wanted to reveal the hypocrisies underlying American propaganda in the World Wars (fighting against intolerance abroad, condoning lynching at home), this approach may have seemed most fitting.
Patient Portals as a Tool for Health Care Engagement: A Mixed-Method Study of Older Adults With Varying Levels of Health Literacy and Prior Patient Portal Use

Background: Growing evidence that patient engagement improves health outcomes and reduces health care costs has fueled health providers’ focus on patient portals as the primary access point for personal health information and patient-provider communication. Whereas much attention has been given to identifying characteristics of older adults who do and do not adopt patient portals and necessary adaptions to portal design, little is known about their attitudes and perceptions regarding patient portal use as a tool for engagement in their health care within the context of health literacy, experience navigating Web-based health information, and previous patient portal use. Objective: The specific aims of this study were to explore attitudes toward portal adoption and its perceived usefulness as a tool for health care engagement among adults (65 years and older) who have varying levels of health literacy and degrees of prior patient portal use. Methods: A phone survey of 100 community dwelling adults gathered sociodemographic, health, and technology related information. Older adults were purposefully selected for 4 follow-up focus groups based on survey responses to health literacy and previous patient portal use. A mixed-method approach was used to integrate phone survey data with thematic analysis of 4 focus groups. Due to variability in attitudes between focus group participants, an individual case analysis was performed and thematic patterns were used as the basis for subgroup formation. Results: Differences in health literacy, comfort navigating health information on the Web, and previous portal experience explained some but not all differences related to the 7 themes that emerged in the focus groups analysis. Individual cases who shared attitudes were arranged into 5 subgroups from least to most able and willing to engage in health care via a patient portal. The subgroups’ overall portal adoption attitudes were: (1) Don’t want to feel pushed into anything, (2) Will only adopt if required, (3) Somebody needs to help me, (4) See general convenience of the portal for simple tasks and medical history, but prefer human contact for questions, and (5) Appreciates current features and excited about new possibilities . Conclusions: Most of the older adults are interested in using a patient portal regardless of health literacy level, previous patient portal adoption, or experience navigating health information on the Web. Research targeting informal caregivers of older adults who are unable or unwilling to engage with information technology in health care on their own is warranted. Health care organizations should consider tailored strategies to meet the needs of older adults (and their informal caregivers) and explore alternative workflows that integrate patient portal information into phone conversations and face-to-face contact with health care providers. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(3):e99]
De actores armadas a sujetos de paz: Mujeres y reconciliación en el conflicto colombiano

Resumen: “La guerra no es una razon de ser, es unpaso en la busqueda de paz”. Esta frase resume una delas premisas mas constantes en el proceso del conflictocolombiano donde el 80 por ciento de las excombatientesdesmovilizadas trabaja o ha trabajado con proyectos depaz desde el momento de su reinsercion en la sociedad.Este ensayo explora la experiencia de las mujeres excombatientesen su transformacion de actores de guerraa sujetos de paz a partir de los procesos de rescate y validacionde la memoria. Se analizan narrativas y testimoniosde mujeres excombatientes o vinculadas al conflictoen su paso hacia protagonistas de los procesos de paz,ya sea como lider, activista de organizaciones de paz oparticipantes directas en los procesos de reconciliacion.El objetivo es explorar la transformacion generica queha experimentado la sociedad a partir del rol que hanjugado las mujeres en los procesos del conflicto armado,reinsercion y reconciliacion. Los testimonios que seanalizan son el de Vera Grave y su trabajo en el observatoriopara la paz; testimonios de excombatientes contenidosen el documental “Reveladas”, de Juliana Ladronde Guevara, y narrativas del manuscrito, “Mujeres nocontadas”, del Colectivo de excombatientes. Tambien seincluyen entrevistas con activistas de organizaciones depaz y con algunas mujeres que han participado en losprocesos de paz.Palabras clave: mujeres excombatientes, conflictocolombiano, procesos de paz, reinsercion, reconciliacion,recuperacion de la memoriaFrom Armed Actors to Subjects of Peace: Womenand Reconciliation in the Colombian ConflictAbstract: “War is not a reason for being, it is a stepin the quest for peace.” This sentence condenses one ofthe most consistent premises in the process of the Colombianconflict where 80 percent of former women combatantsworks or has worked with projects of peace from themoment of his return to society. This essay explores theexperience of ex-combatants women in their transformationfrom actors of war to subjects of peace and their processof validation and recuperation of memory. I analyzenarratives and testimonies of women who participated inthe Colombian conflict and their transformation in peaceagents either as leaders, peace activists or direct participantsin the process of reconciliation. The objective is toexplore the generic transformation of society through therole played by women who underwent the processes ofconflict, reintegration and reconciliation. The testimonialsanalyzed are Vera Grave’s and her work at the observatoryfor peace; testimonies of ex-combatants includedin the documentary “Revealed” by Juliana Ladron deGuevara, and narratives from the manuscript, “Mujeresno contadas”. I explore also interviews with peace activist’sleaders and former guerrilla combatants.Key words: ex-combatant women, Colombian conflict,peace process, reinsertion, reconciliation, recuperationof memory.
The Nazi Physicians as Leaders in Eugenics and “Euthanasia”: Lessons for Today

This article, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Doctors' Trial at Nuremberg, reflects on the Nazi eugenics and "euthanasia" programs and their relevance for today. The Nazi doctors used eugenic ideals to justify sterilizations, child and adult "euthanasia," and, ultimately, genocide. Contemporary euthanasia has experienced a progression from voluntary to nonvoluntary and from passive to active killing. Modern eugenics has included both positive and negative selective activities. The 70th anniversary of the Doctors' Trial at Nuremberg provides an important opportunity to reflect on the implications of the Nazi eugenics and "euthanasia" programs for contemporary health law, bioethics, and human rights. In this article, we will examine the role that health practitioners played in the promotion and implementation of State-sponsored eugenics and "euthanasia" in Nazi Germany, followed by an exploration of contemporary parallels and debates in modern bioethics. 1.
Properties of Nonequilibrium Superconductors: A Kinetic Equation Approach

Within the frame work of the BCS theory of superconductivity (Bardeen et al. 1957), a superconductor is a system of three components: The quasiparticles, the phonons, and the paired electrons. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the nonequilibrium properties of superconductors using the kinetic-equation approach. The quasiparticles and phonons will be described by coupled kinetic equations which govern the quasiparticle and phonon distribution functions. The paired electrons are characterized by the energy gap which will be described by a modified gap equation relating the energy gap to the energy spectrum of the quasiparticles. We will use the Golden-Rule approximation in our derivation of the kinetic equations. This approach is simple and brings out clearly the physics involved in the various collision processes. Furthermore, it has been shown that, for all practical purposes, it is equivalent to the more rigorous Green’s function approach (Eliashberg, 1970; Entin-Wohlman and Orbach, 1978).
Metabolism of DPA-714, a new peripheral benzodiazepine receptor PET ligand

1938 Objectives The translocator protein, formerly known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expressed by microglial cells is highly upregulated during neuroinflammatory processes. During the development of [18F]-N, N-Diethyl-2-(2-[4-(2-Fluoroethoxy)-Phenyl]-5,7-Dimethyl-Pyrazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidin-3-yl)-Acetamide ([18F]-DPA-714) as a new probe for PET studies, high amounts of radiometabolites were detected in the plasma of baboons. Therefore in order to understand the metabolic pathways of the ligand, the oxidative metabolism of DPA-714 was investigated in different species. Methods The in vitro metabolism of DPA-714 was carried out using rat, baboon and human liver microsomes as well as human recombinant CYPs. Microsomal incubations were analyzed by LC/MS and the structure of the metabolites were characterized by LC/MS-MS. Results Seven metabolites were produced by rat liver microsomes by the following metabolic pathways: N-dealkylation (m/z=371), methyl and/or phenyl hydroxylations (m/z=415) or multiple oxidation reactions (m/z=335,337,387,369). In rats, N-dealkylation was mainly catalysed by P4503A, whereas phenyl hydroxylation by CYP4501A. In baboon, the main metabolites were identified as hydroxylated, N-dealkylated and O-dealkylated products resulting in the loss of the fluorine atom (m/z=353). The same metabolites were produced by human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP3A4. Conclusions The major routes of metabolism were identified as methyl and/or phenyl hydroxylations, N-dealkylation and O-dealkylation. Species differences were observed in the oxidative metabolism of DPA-714. Studies are in progress to identifie the in vivo metabolites of the tracer in baboon prior to human studies.
Concordance between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) genotype and phenotype and rasburicase use in patients with hematologic malignancies

Phenotypic rather than genotypic tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. However, with increasing use of genomic arrays and whole exome or genome sequencing, G6PD genetic data are increasingly available. We examined the utility of G6PD genetic data in patients with hematologic malignancies and the association of G6PD genotype and phenotype with rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia. We analyzed G6PD activity for 990 patients. Genotype data were available from the Affymetrix DMET array (n = 379), whole exome sequencing (n = 374), and/or the Illumina exome array (n = 634) for 645 patients. Medical records of 341 patients with methemoglobin measures were assessed for the administration of rasburicase. We observed 5 non-synonymous SNPs, 4 of which were known to be associated with deficient G6PD activity (WHO Class I–III). Genotyping 367 males resulted in a positive predictive value of 81.8% (47.8–96.8%), and two males with a Class I-III allele having normal activity both received a red blood cell transfusion prior to the activity assay. However, genotyping males had only 39.1% (20.5–61.2%) sensitivity. Two of the 12 heterozygous females had deficient G6PD activity. Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia occurred in 6 patients, 5 of whom had at least one Class I–III allele, despite 2 of these having normal G6PD activity. We conclude that although an apparent nondeficient genotype does not necessarily imply a normal phenotype, a deficient genotype result indicates a deficient phenotype in those without transfusions, and may be a useful adjuct to phenotype to prevent adverse drug reactions.
A Model of the Institutionalization of Corruption During the Rebuilding Process

This article offers a model describing the process by which corruption becomes institutionalized in post-conflict nations. The process model integrates multiple theoretical perspectives to propose ...
Bloodstream infection caused by enteric organisms during the first 6 months after intestinal transplant.

Background Data on bloodstream infection (BSI) due to enteric organisms are scarce. Methods This retrospective study (1/2009-5/2017) was aimed to evaluate the incidence of BSI episodes due to enteric organisms during the first 6 months after intestinal transplant (ITx). Differences between the first (2009-2012) and second period (2013-2017) were evaluated as they differed from each other in the perioperative fungal prophylaxis and immunosuppressive regimen. Results Fifty-five adult patients were analyzed. Twenty-eight (51%) patients developed a total of 51 episodes of BSI. Mean time from transplant to BSI was 85.5 ± 58.8 days. The most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (33%), Enterococcus spp (31%), and Candida spp (18%). Twenty-three (45%) were multidrug resistant. The most common sources were gut translocation (35%), central line infection (20%), and intra-abdominal abscess (14%). Biopsy-proven rejection was associated with 16 (31%) of the BSI episodes. Patients during the first period were more likely to develop BSI (79% vs 41%, P = 0.03). There were more episodes of rejection associated with BSI in the first period (45% vs 14%, P = 0.03). The rate of reoperation into the abdominal cavity within 2 weeks after ITx was higher and the transplant hospital stay was longer among those who developed BSI (P = 0.04 for both). Conclusions Half of our patients developed BSI (typically during the first 3 months). Gut translocation was the most common source of BSI. Patients with rejection and/or enteritis should be monitored closely for BSI.
Personal reflections on mentorship as a pathway toward sustaining a joyful dermatologic practice: Part II: Our colleagues, our students, and our patients.

Abstract Mentorship has always been an important part of dermatology. Clinical dermatologic practice is increasingly busy, and it is paramount that we seek out occasions for joy that will imbue our work with meaning. I have had the privilege of experiencing wonderful mentorship along my dermatologic pathway, and I hope that the personal stories contained herein galvanize readers to search for opportunities for mentorship as a means of creating and sustaining a joyful dermatologic practice.
The Spiritual and Ethical Implications of Medication-Assisted Recovery in Pregnancy: Preserving the Dignity and Worth of Mother and Baby

Reducing harm, supporting autonomy, and affirming dignity are foundational values in social work practice. Attempts to balance personal beliefs, faith, and ethical responsibilities with client-centered therapies can elicit internal conflicts for practitioners. These challenges are even more evident when working with opioid dependent pregnant women in medication-assisted recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is evidence-based and a recommended first-line approach for treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy; however, neonates exposed to opiates, either street drugs or MAT, may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Disagreement among treatment providers, insufficient resources for pregnant clients, and incomplete service delivery compound the stigma surrounding pregnant women living with opioid misuse. This article explores current evidence and best practices for pregnant women with opioid use disorder, the spiritual and ethical dilemmas of social workers supporting a harm reduction approach, and recommendations for individual and community-based interventions that support the dignity and worth of both mother and baby.
Characterization of Mode I and Mode II traction–separation laws for cohesive separation of uncured thermoset tows

As part of an effort to predict wrinkling of carbon-fiber tows during automated fiber placement, the cohesive zone traction–separation relations for two carbon fiber epoxy prepreg tows are quantified for Mode I and Mode II loading using a rigid double cantilever beam (RDCB) specimen. An explicit expression for normal traction versus normal separation ($$\upsigma \hbox { vs }\updelta _\mathrm{n}$$) and tangential traction versus tangential separation $$(\tau \hbox { vs }\updelta _\mathrm{t})$$ are derived using static equilibrium equations for an RDCB considering a compressive zone ahead of the process zone. The traction–separation relationships are in term of quantities that can be measured using a full field measurement technique (StereoDIC). The baseline traction–separation relationships in this work are obtained using conditions representative of those experienced by an uncured tow undergoing automated fiber placement (AFP) onto a substrate of a similar material with layup temperature $$\hbox {T} = 40\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$, pressure p = 1 MPa and contact time t = 1 s. The RDCB specimen is loaded in displacement control at a constant load line displacement rate of 0.3 mm/min. Speckle images for StereoDIC are captured using stereo vision systems equipped for capturing images of the RDCB specimen with a field of view of $$100\hbox { mm }\times 75\hbox { mm}$$. Analysis of the data obtained for Mode I and Mode II loading shows that the Mode I energy release rate $${\varvec{\mathscr {{G}}}}_\mathrm{I }= 120\hbox { J}/\hbox {m}^{2}$$ and Mode II energy release rate $${\varvec{\mathscr {{G}}}}_\mathrm{{II}} = 255\hbox { J}/\hbox {m}^{2}$$, with the maximum normal traction $${\varvec{\upsigma }}_\mathrm{\mathrm{max}} = 0.50\hbox { MPa}$$ and the maximum shear traction $${\varvec{\tau }}_\mathrm{\mathrm{max}} = 0.35\hbox { MPa}$$.
Congenital generalized fibromatosis. Case report and literature review.

A typical case of congenital generalized fibromatosis (CGF) is presented and the literature on this entity is reviewed. CGF is a rare condition which is probably heritable. It is manifested in infancy. Because of the unusual biological behavior of the fibromata, two clinical courses occur-death, if vital viscera are involved, or regression of the lesions and survival without significant disability. Including the present example, 63 cases have been reported.
Temporal trends in fish mercury concentrations in an Adirondack Lake managed with a continual predator removal program

Mercury is a neurotoxic pollutant and contamination in remote ecosystems due to atmospheric mercury deposition coupled with watershed characteristics that influence mercury bioavailability. Biological interactions that affect mercury bioaccumulation are especially relevant as fish assemblages change in response to species introductions and lake management practices. We studied the influence of shifting food web dynamics on mercury in fisheries of Little Moose Lake in the southwestern Adirondack Mountains of New York, USA. Annual removal of non-native Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) has been used as a management strategy since 2000 to restore the native fish assemblage and food web in favor of Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Changes in total mercury, stable carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) isotopes, and growth were evaluated for Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass. Growth rates increased for both predators and trophic position increased for Lake Trout post-removal. Mercury concentrations in Lake Trout increased over the 16-year study period influenced by a diet shift from invertebrates to higher trophic level prey fish, regardless of increased growth. Smallmouth Bass mercury concentrations decreased with compensatory growth from a reduced population size. These contrasting trends indicate that changes in mercury deposition were not the primary driver for mercury bioaccumulation responses in Little Moose Lake. Stable isotope values changed for both predators and for several lower trophic level organisms, likely reflecting changes in nutrient cycling and/or inputs. Our findings emphasize the potential role of fisheries management on whole-lake and predatory fish responses to mercury contamination in temperate lakes.
Person-centered cognition: The presence of people in a visual scene promotes relational reasoning

Abstract How do people make sense of the world they encounter? In the current research, we suggest that a primary way people understand the external world is by engaging in “person-centric cognition:” they mentally organize the world in terms of how its various objects and elements relate to people. As a result, we propose that the mere presence of other people in a visual scene fundamentally shapes how observers make sense of that scene, leading observers to increase their focus on abstract relations between objects and people as opposed to just the concrete features of objects themselves. Across four studies using a picture mapping task, we found that people were more likely to process visual scenes in terms of underlying relational structure when the scenes involved another person as opposed to only non-human objects. In a fifth study, we demonstrate that other people are unique in their primacy such that observers are more likely to construe other animate entities (i.e., animals) in terms of their relationship to humans than they are to construe humans in terms of their relationship to animals. Overall, we propose that these findings reflect a tendency for person-centric construals in making sense of the external world, wherein the unique and distinctive features of various objects are construed in terms of their relationship with people.
Spray Interface Drag Modeling Based on the Power-Law Droplet Velocity Using the Moment Theory

Interphase momentum exchange of a polydispersed two-phase flow is numerically studied by using a model based on interfacial drag effects of a bulk liquid, ligaments, and droplets entrained in the air flow. A power-law relation is proposed between the droplet velocity and its diameter. The dispersed phase is modeled using the methodology of spray moments of the drop size distribution. All the equations are solved in a Eulerian framework using the finite volume approach, and the phases are coupled with the source terms. The proposed dependence accurately simulates the droplet behavior because droplets with larger diameters experience a higher drag and generally have higher velocities than smaller droplets. The model shows reasonable agreement with experimental and numerical data on the spray tip penetration and Sauter mean radius.
Feeding the People: The Politics of the Potato

The humble potato is anything but in scholarship; there has been a great deal of print devoted to this unassuming but compelling New World food. Rebecca Earle’s intriguing contribution to this fiel...
Light-sheet photonic force optical coherence elastography for high-throughput quantitative 3D micromechanical imaging

Abstract Microscale mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic cell-ECM interactions play an important role in physiological processes and disease. However, it remains a challenge for current mechanical characterization methods to combine quantitative 3D imaging of ECM mechanics with cellular-scale resolution and dynamic monitoring of cell-mediated changes to pericellular viscoelasticity. Here, we present light-sheet photonic force optical coherence elastography (LS-pfOCE) to address these challenges by leveraging a light-sheet for parallelized, non-invasive, and localized mechanical loading. We demonstrate the capabilities of LS-pfOCE by imaging the micromechanical heterogeneity of fibrous 3D collagen matrices and perform a live-cell study to image micromechanical heterogeneity induced by NIH-3T3 cells seeded in 3D fibrin constructs. We also show that LS-pfOCE is able to quantify temporal variations in pericellular viscoelasticity in response to altered cellular activity. By providing access to the spatiotemporal variations in the micromechanical properties of 3D complex biopolymer constructs and engineered cellular systems, LS-pfOCE has the potential to drive new discoveries in the rapidly growing field of mechanobiology.
The dynamic theory of reasoned action: evidence for a reverse causal process in the context of WHO handwashing guidelines.

OBJECTIVE This study provided a first empirical test of the Reverse Dynamic Theory of Reasoned Action (RDTRA) developed by Boster et al. DESIGN In a longitudinal experiment, 169 participants were exposed to a WHO handwashing-guidelines behavioural induction, followed by an immediate posttest and a follow-up one week later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The study measured attitudes and norms about WHO handwashing guidelines, as well as self-reported handwashing behaviour. RESULTS The experimental induction produced variance in self-reported handwashing behaviour, allowing a test of the RDTRA using path analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM). Results were consistent with the RDTRA, with a positive effect of behaviour on both the attitude and norm coupled with excellent model fit. Results were inconsistent with behaviour as an outcome of attitudes and norms in this context. CONCLUSION For health behaviours, such as the WHO handwashing technique, initial behavioural adoption may promote subsequent shaping of attitudes and perceived norms. Boundary conditions for this effect may include the degree of spontaneity and consent involved in behaviour adoption.
Exploring Knowledge, Prevention Methods, and Prevention Barriers of COVID-19 Among Somali, Karen, and Latinx Community Members in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

BACKGROUND As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, understanding the virus and necessary measures to prevent infection have evolved. While effective preventative measures for COVID-19 have been identified, there are also identifiable barriers to implementation. OBJECTIVE Explore the access to information, knowledge, and prevention methods and barriers of COVID-19 among Somali, Karen, and Latinx immigrant community members in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA through analysis of in-depth interviews. METHODS Data were collected through 32 interviews via phone, video conference on a computer, or in-person with Somali, Karen, and Latinx adults to understand the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in each group's native language. All participants were over the age of 18, and identified as Somali, Karen, and Latinx refugee or immigrant. Interview protocol contained 9 main questions including probes. Data were analyzed through use of the qualitative analysis software, Atlas.ti using phenomenology. RESULTS A total of 32 adults were interviewed (Somali = 12, Karen = 10, and Latinx = 10). One-third were in person and the remainder were remote. The average age recorded was 37 years (range 20-66 years), 43.8% males and 56.3% females. Somali, Karen, and Latinx respondents consistently had accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and were attentive to finding trustworthy information. Information was available in Somali, Karen, and Latinx written language, although Karen elders who are not literate would benefit more from video messaging. Knowledge of preventive measures was consistent; however, barriers included access, working in front-line positions, and living in high density housing. CONCLUSION Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on Somali, Karen, and Latinx community members in Minneapolis, MN is advantageous in removing identified barriers and disparities in health. The results of this study highlight the need for increased efforts to address barriers in the prevention of COVID-19, as well as future pandemics for immigrant and refugee populations.
The Going-Private Freeze-Out: A Unique Danger for Investors in Delaware Non-Corporate Business Associations

This Article is the first to empirically examine provisions that limit or eliminate the fiduciary duties of managers (in the case of LLCs) and general partners (in the case of LPs) in the operating agreements of publicly traded non-corporate business associations, and link those findings to a problem faced by investors in such entities, the going-private freeze-out. In a going-private freeze-out, public stockownership is eliminated and the company becomes closely held. This Article is especially timely given the exponential growth of LPs and LLCs over the past fifteen years. In 2011, in Delaware, the state of formation for most publicly traded companies, seventy-five percent of newly formed companies were either LPs or LLCs (up from twenty percent in 1997). This Article begins with an explanation of corporate going-private freeze-outs, and the dissatisfaction that may arise among cashed-out shareholders seeking a fair price. In the corporate context such shareholders are protected by the fiduciary doctrine of entire fairness. The cashed-out shareholders can bring a lawsuit to force a fair price. In contrast, for non-corporate entities, the protection of entire fairness may fail. In Delaware, LPs and LLCs can draft provisions in their operating agreements that eliminate fiduciary duties, including the applicability of entire fairness to going-private freeze-outs. The Author discusses cases where challenges to going-private freeze-outs based on entire fairness were foreclosed by provisions in the applicable operating agreement. Most prominent among these cases are In re Atlas Energy Resources, LLC, and Lonergan v. EPE Holdings, LLC. This Article, The Going-Private Freeze-Out, culminates with an empirical analysis, that is to say, a count of how many publicly traded non-corporate business associations contain provisions like those in Atlas Energy and Lonergan–specifically special approval provisions and fiduciary elimination provisions. The Author concludes that almost ninety percent of publicly traded non-corporate business associations subject their investors to a unique susceptibility (beyond that experienced by investors in publicly traded corporations) to going-private freeze-outs.
Mechanical Properties Testing of Diamond and Diamond-Like Films by Ultra-Low Load Indentation

Potential applications of diamond-Like and diamond films are currently driving a concerted effort in the research and development community to further develop the deposition techniques by which the films are grown. Deposition parameters such as temperature, pressure, feed stock composition and flow rate can reasonably be expected to alter the properties of the resultant films.
Nonparametric Statistics: Advanced Computational Methods

Statistical methods are useful in obtaining information about the unknown state of nature or the ‘parameter’ as it is usually referred to in the literature. A statistician collects suitable data whose distribution depends on the unknown parameter. A statistical inference procedure is then devised to produce information about the unknown parameter or a function of that parameter. The classical methods of inference assume that the probability distributions that govern the data depend only on a few unknown quantities (or parameters). Such procedures are called parametric procedures. When one is not able to make such strong assumptions about the probability models that govern the data, and/or when one can be more sure of the rankings among the data than the exact values, one uses robust inference procedures known as nonparametric methods. Tests and estimates based on the simpler nonparametric methods can be obtained from easy computations based on the data. Procedures that have validity under more general models will require more heavy computations. When there is some uncertainty about the probability models and/or when expert information concerning the problem at hand is available, one should use Bayesian methods. These methods can also tend to be computationally intensive. We describe briefly the main ingredients of some new Bayesian and computational methods in nonparametric inference. These include bootstrapping and Gibbs sampling.
Lycurgan Athens and the Making of Classical Tragedy

Through a series of interdisciplinary studies this book argues that the Athenians themselves invented the notion of 'classical' tragedy just a few generations after the city's defeat in the Peloponnesian War. In the third quarter of the fourth century BC, and specifically during the 'Lycurgan Era' (338–322 BC), a number of measures were taken in Athens to affirm to the Greek world that the achievement of tragedy was owed to the unique character of the city. By means of rhetoric, architecture, inscriptions, statues, archives and even legislation, the 'classical' tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides) and their plays came to be presented as both the products and vital embodiments of an idealised Athenian past. This study marks the first account of Athens' invention of its own theatrical heritage and sheds new light upon the interaction between the city's literary and political history.
Spectroscopy with Photon-Counting Reticons

Since 1978 we have been using photon-counting Reticons for spectroscopy at Mt. Hopkins. With these detectors we have accumulated approximately 50,000 exposures, resulting in nearly 10,000 reduced astronomical spectra. This paper describes the performance of the detectors, discusses some of the procedures we use for remote observing, outlines the magnitude of the data-handling problem, and gives a few examples of recent results.
Slices of a Brownian Sheet: New Results and Open Problems

We can view a Brownian sheet as a sequence of interacting Brownian motions or slices. Here we present a number of results about the slices of the sheet. A common feature of our results is that they exhibit phase transition. In addition, a number of open problems are presented.
God, the meaning of life, and a new argument for atheism

We raise various puzzles about the relationship between God (if God exists) and the meaning of life (if life has meaning). These difficulties suggest that, even if we assume that God exists, and even if (as we argue) God’s existence would entail that our lives have meaning, God is not and could not be the source of the meaning of life. We conclude by discussing implications of our arguments: (i) these claims can be used in a novel argument for atheism; (ii) these claims undermine an extant argument for God’s existence; and (iii) they suggest that atheism is consistent with our lives having meaning.
Automatic language acquisition by an autonomous robot

There is no such thing as a disembodied mind. We posit that cognitive development can only occur through interaction with the physical world. To this end, we are developing a robotic platform for the purpose of studying cognition. We suggest that the central component of cognition is a memory which is primarily associative, one where learning occurs as the correlation of events from diverse inputs. We also posit that human-like cognition requires a well-integrated sensory-motor system, to provide these diverse inputs. As implemented in our robot, this system includes binaural hearing, stereo vision, tactile sense, and basic proprioceptive control. On top of these abilities, we are implementing and studying various models of processing, learning and decision making. Our goal is to produce a robot that will learn to carry out simple tasks in response to natural language requests. The robot's understanding of language will be learned concurrently with its other cognitive abilities. We have already developed a robust system and conducted a number or experiments on the way to this goal, some details of which appear in this paper. This is a first progress report of what we believe will be a long term project with significant implications.
A Simplified Formulation of the Flux Reconstruction Method

The flux reconstruction (FR) methodology has proved to be an attractive approach to obtaining high-order solutions to hyperbolic partial differential equations. However, the utilization of somewhat arbitrarily defined correction polynomials in the application of these schemes, while adding some flexibility, detracts from their ease of implementation and computational efficiency. This paper describes a simplified formuation of the flux reconstruction method that replaces the application of correction polynomials with a single Lagrange interpolation operation. A proof of the algebraic equivalence of this scheme to the FR formulation of the nodal discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method provided that the interior solution points are placed at the zeros of a corresponding Legendre polynomial is presented. Next, a proof of linear stability for this formulation is given. Subsequently, von Neumann analysis is carried out on the new formulation to identify a range of linearly stable schemes achieved by variations of the interior solution point locations. This analysis leads to the discovery of linearly stable schemes with greater formal order of accuracy than the DG method.
Surgical Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

The diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is made when all four pulmonary veins drain anomalously to the right atrium or to a tributary of the systemic veins. It constitutes between 1% and 1.5% of all children with congenital heart disease and can be categorized by the site of drainage into the systemic circulation (supracardiac, 45%; infracardiac, 25%; cardiac, 25%; mixed, 5%). The clinical presentation is different if the pulmonary venous drainage is unobstructed (heart failure, mild cyanosis) or obstructed (respiratory failure, severe heart failure). Surgical management depends on the anatomic type. Obstructed TAPVC requires urgent surgical intervention, whereas unobstructed TAPVC can be dealt with electively; although this is usually operated on once the diagnosis is made. Postoperative pulmonary artery hypertension can be problematic. Recent surgical results with isolated TAPVC have improved, with operative mortality consistently at less than 10%. A particularly challenging group of patients are those with single ventricle physiology and TAPVC with high operative mortality and poor long-term survival.