cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Nonlinear Cross-Shelf Momentum Flux during Wind-Driven Coastal Upwelling

Abstract A simple theory is proposed for steady, two-dimensional, wind-driven coastal upwelling that relates the dynamics and the structure of the cross-shelf circulation to the stratification, bathymetry, and wind stress. The new element is an estimate of the nonlinear cross-shelf momentum flux divergence due to the wind-driven cross-shelf circulation acting on the vertically sheared geostrophic alongshelf flow. The theory predicts that the magnitude of the cross-shelf momentum flux divergence relative to the wind stress depends on the Burger number S = αN/f, where α is the bottom slope, N is the buoyancy frequency, and f is the Coriolis parameter. For S ≪ 1 (weak stratification), the cross-shelf momentum flux divergence is small, the bottom stress balances the wind stress, and the onshore return flow is primarily in the bottom boundary layer. For S ≈ 1 or larger (strong stratification), the cross-shelf momentum flux divergence balances the wind stress, the bottom stress is small, and the onshore return ...
Revisiting the measurement of Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness.

Objective: The present work is a continuation of efforts to prevent abusive head injury during infancy particular to SBS by raising awareness and provides prevention professionals with a reliable and shorter, single-page version of the Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Assessment
Physical Therapy Use by Community-Based Older People

Background and Purpose. Little information is available on factors associated with physical therapy use. Identifying the characteristics of people who use physical therapy and some of the factors associated with its use is a useful first step in determining whether disparities exist in physical therapy use. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with physical therapy use by community-based older people. Subjects. The subjects were community-based people 65 years of age or older who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and had at least one physician encounter (N=38,312 person-years across 20,227 individuals). Methods. Logit and ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with physical therapy use. Results. Several measures of health and function were associated with physical therapy use. Several demographic, insurance, and geographic characteristics also were associated with physical therapy use. Income, education, having supplemental private insurance, participating in a managed care plan, and physical therapist supply were positively associated with physical therapy use. Age was negatively associated with physical therapy use. For people who saw a physical therapist, amount of physical therapy received was positively associated with income, having supplemental private insurance, living in a metropolitan area, physical therapist supply, and being African American. Amount of physical therapy received was negatively associated with being in a managed care plan. Discussion and Conclusions. Variation in physical therapy use, explained by factors other than need, suggests potential underuse or overuse of physical therapy by community-based older people.
Performance and reproduction of an exotic invader across temperate forest gradients.

Widespread colonization by invasive species often obscures their underlying niche requirements. A robust inference into habitat requirements demands direct measures of invasive species performance linked with associated environmental conditions. In the context of general ecological theory, we investigated the niche requirements of Microstegium vimineum, an invasive grass in the U.S. that overruns native vegetation in forest understories. We examined M. vimineum's performance and reproduction as a function of environmental drivers across forested and unforested habitats along a 100-km regional and climatic gradient in the southeastern U.S. from the southern Appalachian Mountains to the Georgia piedmont. We then measured M. vimineum performance and reproduction in response to direct environmental drivers (diffuse light, litter cover, soil moisture, herbaceous cover, soil pH, clay content and temperature) in paired invaded and uninvaded plots. Lastly, we experimentally investigated recruitment in the context of experimental and natural disturbances. We find that all habitats are not equally suitable for M. vimineum—even those within which it occurs—and that the environmental conditions associated with roadsides and waterways are most suitable for M. vimineum persistence and spread. Microstegium vimineum's soil moisture, light and leaf litter requirements may delineate the boundaries of suitable habitat for the exotic invader. Significant decreases in M. vimineum recruitment, performance and reproduction along these environmental gradients suggest its potential niche limitations. Nevertheless, we also find significant dispersal limits on M. vimineum populations not subject to conspicuous overland water flow. We discuss our findings in the context of spread, impact and management of invasive species.
Noncoplanar PCB 95 alters microsomal calcium transport by an immunophilin FKBP12-dependent mechanism

Ortho -substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been shown to alter microsomal Ca2+ transport by selective interaction with ryanodine receptors (RyRs) of muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and brain endoplasmic reticulum. The mechanism underlying the actions of PCBs on Ca2+ transport is further elucidated with skeletal SR enriched in Ry1R. Disruption of the association between immunophilin FKBP12 and Ry1R with FK 506 or rapamycin completely eliminates PCB 95-enhanced binding of [3H]ryanodine (IC50 ∼ 35 μm) to Ry1R and PCB 95-induced release of Ca2+ from actively loaded SR vesicles (IC50 ∼ 11 μm), demonstrating a FKBP12-dependent mechanism. FK 506 selectively eliminates PCB 95-induced Ca2+ release from SR because Ry1R maintains responsiveness to caffeine and Ca2+. PCB 95 and FK 506 are used to examine the relationship between ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels and ryanodine-insensitive Ca2+ leak pathways present in SR vesicles. Micromolar ryanodine completely blocks ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ efflux but neither eliminates the ryanodine-insensitive Ca2+ leak unmasked by thapsigargin nor enhances the loading capacity of SR vesicles. PCB 95 alone enhances thapsigargin evoked Ca2+release and therefore diminishes the loading capacity of SR vesicles. However, in the presence of micromolar ryanodine, PCB 95 dose-dependently eliminates the Ca2+ leak unmasked by thapsigargin and significantly enhances the loading capacity of SR vesicles. The actions of PCB 95 on SR-loading capacity are additive with those of FK 506. Structural specificity for these novel actions are further demonstrated with coplanar PCB 126, which is inactive toward Ry1R and lacks the ability to alter the Ca2+leak pathway. The results reveal that FKBP12 relates ryanodine-insensitive Ca2+ “leak” and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channel efflux pathways of SR by modulating distinct conformations Ry1R complexes. Noncoplanar PCBs, like PCB 95, alter SR Ca2+ buffering by an FKBP12-mediated mechanism. An immunophilin-based mechanism could account for the toxic actions attributed to certain noncoplanar PCB congeners.
Form follows function: how muscle shape is regulated by work.

What determines the shape, size, and force output of cardiac and skeletal muscle? Chicago architect Louis Sullivan (1856–1924), father of the skyscraper, observed that “form follows function.” This...
The third revolution in computers and education

We have an opportunity for the first time to build a legitimate scientific and engineering base for science education. Computers play a central role in this opportunity, but in order for us to realize these hopes, we must set our sights above the hubub of “getting computers into schools,” and on fundamental issues of how people learn, what and how we should teach. This article reviews the reasons for optimism and sets some near future goals in looking forward to the decades of scientific, technological and cultural change ahead.
Model theory and the cardinal numbers p and t.

Modern mathematical logic is a multifaceted subject, which concerns itself with the strengths and limitations of formal proofs and algorithms and the relationship between language and mathematical structure. Modern mathematical logic also addresses foundational issues that arise in mathematics. This commentary summarizes the groundbreaking results of Malliaris and Shelah (1), recently published in PNAS (2), relating two branches of logic: model theory and set theory.
Deconsolidation of Public-Safety Agencies Providing Police and Fire Services

In recent years, a growing number of communities have consolidated their police and fire agencies into a single “public-service” agency. Consolidation has appealed to communities seeking to achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but resistance has arisen from organized labor and firefighters. Some communities have even begun to abandon the model. Exploring the reasons for disbanding can help cities considering the public-safety model determine whether it is right for them. Such analysis can also help cities that have already adopted the model understand what may cause it to falter. In this work, we analyze six case studies of public-safety agencies, chosen for their diversity in geography, date of consolidation and deconsolidation, form of consolidation, and other community characteristics. We explore their reasons for consolidation and deconsolidation in the context of broader police organizational research, particularly that regarding organizational theory, change, and performance. We place our findings in the context of structural contingency and institutional theories of organization, finding both to explain many of the reasons these organizations consolidated but later deconsolidated. Language: en
Sparse Fourier Sampling in Millimeter-Wave Compressive Holography

We analyze the impact of sparse sampling on millimeter-wave (MMW) two-dimensional (2-D) holographic measurements for three-dimensional (3-D) object reconstruction. Simulations address 3-D object estimation efficacy. We present 3-D object reconstructions from experimental data.
Anisotropy In Hydrogenated Silicon Thin Films

We investigated spatial non-uniformity and optical anisotropy in hydrogenated silicon thin films using infrared spectroscopy and other techniques. The films ranged in morphology from amorphous to micro-crystalline, as determined by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Trace element analysis of the films was carried out using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). We used polarized attenuated total reflection (ATR) measurements together with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate anisotropy in the Si-H covalent bonding structure of the films, and also to detect oxide impurity phases present at certain sites in some samples. The FTIR-ATR measurements were performed using a germanium (Ge) contact microprobe with a 100-micron sampling area, as well as on films deposited on standard crystalline Si and Ge ATR substrates. The Ge contact ATR microprobe enabled relatively interference-free measurements of the IR spectra of a-Si:H and µc-Si:H films deposited on conductive substrates such as stainless steel and transparent conductive oxides, and is also sensitive to the spatial distribution of oxide precipitates in the films. This measurement is difficult or impossible using transmission or reflection IR spectroscopy.
Inverse scattering and quantum imaging

We analyze the inverse scattering problem that arises in two-photon quantum imaging with post detection selection.
A New Approach to Simulating the Trajectory of Solar Sail Spacecraft Using the Finite Element Method

Solar sail spacecraft, or sailcraft, are a type of spacecraft that can perform interplanetary missions with one distinct advantage over existing spacecraft: no propellant. Sailcraft thrust comes from momentum transferred to the sailcraft by light photons impinging on the surface of the sail. In 2010, a sailcraft named IKAROS, launched by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, completed a Venus flyby mission. IKAROS produced data that proved solar radiation pressure can be used as a source of thrust. A launch date is set in April 2016 for the Planetary Society's LightSail-1 to orbit Earth and demonstrate solar sails as a viable option for CubeSat propulsion. The extreme costs of performing flight tests makes having a strong technique for numerically simulating sailcraft trajectories crucial for efficient design. Presented herein is a new technique which utilizes an advanced version of the finite element method to accurately and precisely solve the sailcraft equations of motion. This approach provides simultaneous solutions for multiple variables with minimal error and allows for input of planetary perturbations and attitude adjustments. Data from trajectory simulations is compared to flight data from sailcraft and spacecraft missions and shows promising results.
Inexpensive solid-state peck key for the operant conditioning of small birds

Inexpensive piezo ceramic disks make ideal keypeck switches for use in the operant conditioning of passerine birds. The advantage of solid-state keys over conventional microswitches is that their sensitivity may be adjusted to detect extremely gentle pecks. The advantage of this piezoelectric system over optical detection is the lack of problems due to misalignment and contamination. Instructions are provided for constructing both the peck key and the accompanying interface circuitry.
Anatomical changes in the somatosensory system after large sensory loss predict strategies to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Among cases of spinal cord injury are injuries involving the dorsal column in the cervical spinal cord that interrupt the major cutaneous afferents from the hand to the cuneate nucleus (Cu) in the brainstem. Deprivation of touch and proprioceptive inputs consequently impair skilled hand use. Although dexterous hand use can be significantly restored in some patients after months of recovery, some patients never fully recover from the injury. Patients also may develop painful and nonpainful phantom sensations (Moore et al., 2000). Such differences in recovery are often attributed, in part, to differences in the level and extent of the injury. However, specific relationships between individual injuries and indicators of recovery require intensive study. Due to the similarities of the nervous system in humans and nonhuman primates, research in monkeys greatly advances the understanding of relationships between injury and plasticity in human brains that contribute to functional recoveries.
Review of Alaska Mental Health Statutes

This report identifies key statutory provisions that we recommend be amended, a description of our findings based on interviews with stakeholders, legislative history of the Alaska statutes, reviews of national best practices and, where applicable, information about emerging areas in national mental health law for Alaska to consider in creating new law. Our recommendations are based in large part on significant advances in law and medicine in the understanding and treatment of mental illness that have occurred in the years since Alaska last made significant and substantive reforms to its criminal and civil mental health statutes. It is important to note that proper implementation of many of the suggested reforms will require significant allocation of resources and development of infrastructure throughout the state and within local communities.
Study on Influencing Factors of Copper Fractionation in Soil by Land Use of Lake Sediments

This paper discussed the effects of texture,pH,C/N,organic and water to the copper fractionation in the soil,the contents of copper in different organs,grain yield and the biomass. The results showed that the concentration of the copper fractionation in the soil with the increase of the lake sediments application rate. The concentration of the exchangeable is decreased when texture is clay,pH is high,C/N is high,organic is high and water is low. The contents of copper in different organs is root stem and leafgrain,what is more,the contents increased with the increase of the amount of the lake sediments. When texture is loam,pH is 7.80,C/N is 25∶1,organic is high and water is high,the grain yield and the biomass of winter wheat are the highest.
Analysis of chemical cleaning effect of deviation for an infrastructure boiler

The corrosion rate of an infrastructure boiler's chemical cleaning exceeded stipulated standard because of fuel economizer not cleaning thoroughly.In this paper,the cleaning process、 implementation of the system、the reasons of problems and corrective measure were talked of.
Shipboard power systems

Electricity has been utilized in some small fashion onboard ships as early as the 1870s, and by the 1930s, it was in widespread use for various auxiliary machinery and even turbo-electric drives. Turbo-electric drives use electric generators to convert mechanical energy of a turbine into electric energy and electric motors to convert it back into mechanical energy to power the drive shafts. It allows for a decoupling of the prime mover from the propellers so that each can operate at optimum speeds without the need for large mechanical reduction gear sets. Although electric drives have long been in use, modern-day shipboard power systems bear little resemblance to their predecessors of even 30 years ago. Present-day shipboard systems employ power electronics for management of energy in propulsion and elsewhere. Fuel costs constitute a large portion of a ship's life-cycle costs and pressures to improve fuel economy in conjunction with environmental regulations in marine engineering have led to the use of power electronic based drives in ship propulsion and auxiliary equipment similarly as in other industrial applications. Many commercial ships are now built with power electronic drives, including passenger ships, tankers, icebreakers, cable laying ships, and floating offshore platforms.
Kawasaki Disease and CNS Involvement

A 4-year-old female hospitalized with encephalopathy developed classic signs of Kawasaki disease (KD) on the fifth day after admission, in a report from the Hopital Farhat-Hached, Sousse, Tunisia, and Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Chapter 13 – ACTP: a marriage with cognitive psychology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the Advanced Computer Tutoring Project (ACTP). Anderson worked on the Adaptive Control of Thought (ACT), a general theory of cognition with a particular emphasis on skill acquisition. As a recent version—ACT-star—had finally satisfied many of its author's initial ambitions, the group turned to the construction of intelligent tutoring systems both as a challenging application domain and as a proving ground for the validity of their theoretical claims. The group has started a special interdisciplinary project involving both psychologists and computer scientists at CMU—the Advanced Computer Tutoring Project (ACTP). From a psychological perspective, tutoring systems are viewed as experimental tools. With respect to the claim that ACTP's systems are good test beds for learning theories, their high directiveness is a mixed blessing. Their success in the context of model tracing are an indication that the underlying model indeed corresponds to what people do or ought to do. This high directiveness tends to elicit such a specific behavior that its emergence may say little about general processes. From a pedagogical perspective, this directiveness means that the model-driven paradigm for computer-based tutoring that emerges from these systems will be best suited for instruction to novices in well-structured domains.
The finite temperature QCD phase transition with domain wall fermions

Abstract Results from the Columbia lattice group study of the QCD finite temperature phase transition with dynamical domain wall fermions on 163 × 4 lattices are presented. These results include an investigation of the U(1) axial symmetry breaking above but close to the transition, the use of zero temperature calculations that set the scale at the transition and preliminary measurements close to the transition.
A retrospective propensity score-matched early thromboembolic event analysis of prothrombin complex concentrate vs fresh frozen plasma for warfarin reversal prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures

Background Reversal of therapeutic anticoagulation prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures is required in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage. Multifactor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) promises rapid efficacy but may increase the probability of thrombotic complications compared to fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Objective To compare the rate of thrombotic complications in patients treated with PCC or FFP to reverse therapeutic anticoagulation prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage at a level I trauma center. Methods Sixty-three consecutive patients on warfarin therapy presenting with intracranial hemorrhage who received anticoagulation reversal prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures were retrospectively identified between 2007 and 2016. They were divided into 2 cohorts based on reversal agent, either PCC (n = 28) or FFP (n = 35). The thrombotic complications rates within 72 h of reversal were compared using the χ2 test. A multivariate propensity score matching analysis was used to limit the threat to interval validity from selection bias arising from differences in demographics, laboratory values, history, and clinical status. Results Thrombotic complications were uncommon in this neurosurgical population, occurring in 1.59% (1/63) of treated patients. There was no significant difference in the thrombotic complication rate between groups, 3.57% (1/28; PCC group) vs 0% (0/35; FFP group). Propensity score matching analysis validated this finding after controlling for any selection bias. Conclusion In this limited sample, thrombotic complication rates were similar between use of PCC and FFP for anticoagulation reversal in the management of intracranial hemorrhage prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures.
Abstract TMP15: Circulating Antiangiogenic Profile Predicts Lower Degrees of Neovascularization After Indirect Revascularization With Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) in Patients With Intracranial Atherosclerosis (ICAS)

Objective: To evaluate the hypothesis that circulating pro and antiangiogenic profiles predict the degree of angiographic neovascularization in patients undergoing EDAS for the treatment of symptomatic ICAS. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of circulating angiogenic factors in patients with arterial stenosis greater than 70% due to ICAS. All patients received intensive medical management. Patients with persistent symptoms underwent in addition EDAS revascularization. Twenty-one angiogenic factors were analyzed in serum samples collected at baseline, before surgery, using multiplex ELISA. All samples were run in duplicate and accepted as valid if the intersample variability was less than 20%. Patients have angiographic follow up 6 months after EDAS and a Neovascularization Index (NI) based on Perren grades and ASITN collaterals were calculated. Angiogenic profiles (APs) were defined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Seven profiles were selected for each time-point (Eigenvalue greater than 1.0). A regression model was built for the outcome variable NI using as predictor variables age, smoking history diabetes, and the 7 APs. Forward stepwise modeling with minimum BIC stopping rule was used to select the best fitted model. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled. Mean age was 62.1 ± 12.3, 75% were females. The regression model demonstrated significant associations of age, diabetes and the AP 1-6 with the NI. Whole model P=0.023, Rsquare=0.93. The solution of the regression formula for the significant AP components revealed a strong negative association of the antiangiogenic factors endostatin and angiostatin (regression parameters -1.8 and -4.5, respectively, p=0.02). At 6 months follow up no patients had suffer strokes. Conclusion: In this prospective study of angiogenic factors in patients with ICAS undergoing EDAS revascularization, we have found that baseline levels of the antiangiogenic factors endostatin and angiostatin are significantly negatively associated to the degree of postoperative revascularization at 6 months. This finding supports the concept that neutralization of antiangiogenic factors may serve as a new pharmacological target to treat cerebral ischemia in patients with ICAS.
Economic feasibility and environmental impact of synthetic spider silk production from escherichia coli

Abstract Major ampullate spider silk represents a promising protein-based biomaterial with diverse commercial potential ranging from textiles to medical devices due to its excellent physical and thermal properties. Recent advancements in synthetic biology have facilitated the development of recombinant spider silk proteins from Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study specifically investigates the economic feasibility and environmental impact of synthetic spider silk manufacturing. Pilot scale data was used to validate an engineering process model that includes all of the required sub-processing steps for synthetic fiber manufacture: production, harvesting, purification, drying, and spinning. Modeling was constructed modularly to support assessment of alternative downstream processing technologies. The techno-economic analysis indicates a minimum sale price from pioneer and optimized E. coli plants of $761 kg−1 and $23 kg−1 with greenhouse gas emissions of 572 kg CO2-eq. kg−1 and 55 kg CO2-eq. kg−1, respectively. Elevated costs and emissions from the pioneer plant can be directly tied to the high material consumption and low protein yield. Decreased production costs associated with the optimized plant includes improved protein yield, process optimization, and an Nth plant assumption. Discussion focuses on the commercial potential of spider silk, the production performance requirements for commercialization, and the impact of alternative technologies on the system.
Managing a Student-Managed Fund: The University of San Francisco Experience

This article discusses the many aspects of organizing and operating a student-managed fund, including the many important educational aspects that allow business students to be more prepared for the real world. The discussion of fund management, trading, and performance is based upon the experiences of the University of San Francisco’s student-managed fund.
A non-radioactive in vitro CaMKII activity assay using HPLC-MS

Abstract Introduction Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multifunctional protein kinase that phosphorylates and regulates activity of many substrates in various tissues. Traditional CaMKII activity assays rely on incorporation of radioactivity onto a CaMKII substrate by utilizing γ-32P ATP, which has a short half-life and can pose health risks to the researchers. Methods An 8-minute HPLC-MS method was developed to measure a CaMKII-specific peptide substrate autocamtide-2 (AC-2) and its phosphorylated form, phosphoautocamtide-2 (PAC-2). Degradation of AC-2 and PAC-2 in solutions and how to stabilize them were studied. The method was validated according to FDA guidelines for bioassays, and applied to determine CaMKII activity in a C2C12 cell lysate and IC50 of KN-93, a known CaMKII inhibitor. Results Simple acidification with formic acid prevented AC-2 and PAC-2 from undergoing rapid degradation in the CaMKII assay mixture and in diluted water solutions. LLOQ of the HPLC-MS method was 0.26 μM and 0.12 μM for quantification of AC-2 and PAC-2, respectively. Precision was within 15% and accuracy was within 100 ± 15%. Using the developed method, IC50 of KN-93 was measured to be 399 ± 66 nM, which was compatible to reported values. Conclusions A validated HPLC-MS method provides precise and accurate determination of AC-2 and PAC-2. This method enabled enzyme activity assay and inhibitor IC50 determination for CaMKII without radioactive labelled reagents.
On the relative value of an assay versus that of a test: a history of troponin for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

I had recently commented publicly that “when troponin was a lousy assay it was a great test, but now that it's becoming a great assay, it's getting to be a lousy test.” And my penance for that utterance is to write this editorial. So, let's think about that statement… What constitutes a
Damage Analysis of Projectile Impacted Laminar Composites

The bending toughness, strength retention, resistance to damage and bending stiffness of glass fiber mat, laminar composites under high strain rate impact loading conditions was studied. One of the main disadvantages of laminar composite materials is their poor interlaminar shear strength. Recent work has demonstrated a method of Z-direction reinforcement of these composites using electrostatic flocking techniques improve delamination resistance and fracture toughness without degrading the composite’s tensile strength or other in-plane properties when loaded quasi-statically. The Z-direction reinforcement is accomplished by electrostatically flocking short fibers perpendicular to and between the composite ply layers. In this study, composite samples were prepared using the flocking method in two fabrication modes by the; so-called Z-Axis “wet” and ZAxis “dry” procedures. In this work, Z-direction reinforced composite panels (including a non reinforced control) that were previously projectile impact damaged, were tested using established mechanical testing procedures. Damage areas were quantified and compared using image processing techniques. Three point bending tests were also conducted on these projectile impact damaged panels to determine and compare their bending toughness, strength retention and modulus. The results show that Z-Axis reinforcement by the flocking technique improves the overall mechanical strength and stiffness properties of glass fiber mat laminar composites. For example, Z-Axis reinforced projectile damaged and not damaged glass fiber mat composite laminates are found to have flexural strengths 9% to 15% higher and a flexural modulus (stiffness) 22% to 26% higher than comparable (not Z-Axis flock reinforced) glass fiber mat samples.
Social Behaviour among Companion Dogs with an Emphasis on Play

Abstract Few studies on dog–dog interactions exist relative to those on dog–human interactions. Despite using many action patterns derived from fighting and hunting, conspecific social play can be distinguished by its self-restraint, use of play signals, self-handicapping, and role reversals. However, in play between adult dogs, older/larger and more dominant dogs rarely self-handicapped and typically adopted ‘winning’ roles more than 50% of the time; play in pairs of littermates was similarly asymmetrical. Most dog play is dyadic, but in both puppies and adults, third parties sometimes intervene to reap various advantages. Dyadic rank asymmetries have been documented through pair-wise competition over resources, but analysis in dog groups of the same formal dominance signals used by wolves (such as high posture by dominants and muzzle-licking by subordinates) produced more consistent results, including the presence of linear dominance hierarchies. However, at a dog daycare center, over two-thirds of the dog dyads failed to exhibit formal dominance signals, including dyads that showed high affiliation. Multiple studies of dogs interacting in dog-park-like settings reported the absence of biting, perhaps in part because dogs reconcile after conflicts, but maybe also because aggressive dogs are leashed or stay home. Both adult dogs and littermates exhibited clear affiliative partner preferences, but, aside from the play context, dog–dog friendship has hardly been studied.
Areas of uncertainty in the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in the rehabilitation of civil engineering structures

Abstract: In order to develop reliability- and performance-based design procedures for FRP based repair, design uncertainties present in the existing structure and introduced by the FRP must be quantified. This chapter identifies the various sources of uncertainty that are present in the design of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) based repair schemes and provides guidance in determining appropriate descriptions for these different types of uncertainty so as to facilitate the use of structural reliability methods.
9.23 Waters Divided: A History of Alluvial Fan Research and a View of Its Future

Flows exiting confined valleys tend to deposit sediment in fan-shaped landforms. Where deposition is wholly or largely by the tractive forces of flowing water, these landforms are called alluvial fans. They are the product of the progressive division of water and sediment downfan, from slopes that may exceed 0.10 to distal slopes that may be below 0.01. Channel depths also tend to decline, from values that approach one to several meters at steep fanheads, to a few decimeters at distal fan margins. The result is a radiating, depositional ramp where confined or unconfined flows transport sediment from source basins to bounding streams, subsiding basins, or stable platforms. Where streams or subsiding basins consume the sediment supply from the source basin, the fan may approach a steady form whose extent and distal slope are set by stream location or subsidence rate. Where boundary conditions do not remove sediment, the fan may prograde out to long distances and low slopes (<0.01). Theoretical and experimental work over the past several decades support the notion that alluvial fan long-profiles become steeper as sediment supply increases or transport capacity decreases, and increasingly concave upward as the rate of bed material deposition decreases downfan. Grainsize distributions of alluvial fans seem to span the range observed in alluvial rivers, with no processes that uniquely identify them, apart from the distributary pattern of deposition. Bed sand cover tends to increase downfan in arid-region fans, with an absence of systematic downfan fining of coarser grain sizes. Surficial mapping and geochronology have demonstrated that fan deposition varies greatly through time, arguably from climate variations that alter hillslope sediment supply. The combination of surficial mapping and hydraulic modeling with high-resolution topography can now produce detailed flood susceptibility maps. The effective use of these maps to protect lives and property, however, depends on answering many of the enduring questions about the mechanics of how water and sediment divide down alluvial fans.
Persistent tracking and monitoring of animatronics using IoT capabilities

Advances in robotic technology have prompted a proliferation of applications beyond traditional service environments. For example, museums are using more social robotic displays to engage their patrons. The result is that these social robots are being operated beyond the direct control and technical support of those trained in robotic technology. It is therefore beneficial to incorporate real time health monitoring of the robotic system to recognize the need for technical support. Through incorporation of technology often referred as the Internet of Things, technical support can monitor operations remotely to ascertain needed interventions. This paper describe the development and deployment of a 5 degree of freedom animatronic vulture in a distant museum exhibition. In addition to monitoring during exhibition, technology was utilized to monitor the fragile sculpture during shipment. The information was transmitted to the authors in the real time, yielding valuable conclusions about the remote well-being and operation of the sculpture.
Exploring the potential and design of zeolite nanosheets as pervaporation membranes for ethanol extraction

Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to demonstrate the potential of zeolite nanosheets as pervaporation membranes for ethanol extraction. Our results show that zeolite nanosheets can provide orders of magnitude higher fluxes compared to currently available membranes and achieve outstanding separation factors. The dominant role of membrane surfaces in determining the separation performance is also identified and explored at an atomic level. Developing nanosheet membranes with hydrophobic surfaces and/or with a minimal surface silanol density represents the keys to enable highly selective separation processes.
Consanguinity and its relevance for the incidence of megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS): systematic review.

Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is a rare congenital and generally fatal cause of functional intestinal obstruction in the newborn. The cause of this syndrome is unknown. Familial occurrence and reports of consanguinity in MMIHS implies that genetic factors may have an important role in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. The aim of the study was to determine the consequence of consanguinity for the incidence of MMIHS. A literature search was performed using the keywords “megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis” for studies published between 1976 and 2018. Retrieved articles, including additional studies from reference lists, were reviewed for consanguinity between parents and recurrence of MMIHS between siblings. Data were extracted for cases where familial MMIHS was present. A total of 450 patients with the diagnosis of MMIHS have been reported in the literature. There were 56 (12%) cases in which familial MMIHS was confirmed, 25 families with multiple siblings and 3 families with single affected infant. Of the 25 families with multiple siblings, 22 families had 2 siblings with confirmed MMIHS and 3 families had 3 children each with MMIHS. Consanguinity between parents was confirmed in 30 cases (18 siblings and 12 individual cases). Female-to-male ratio in the 30 patients was 4.4:1. The occurrence of MMIHS in the offspring of consanguineous parents and recurrence in siblings of healthy parents suggest that MMIHS is an autosomal recessive disorder. Pre-marital and pre-conception counselling of consanguineous populations is recommended to prevent harmful consequences.
Metropolitan Preoccupations: The spatial politics of squatting in Berlin Rethinking Life at the Margins: The assemblage of contexts, subjects and politics

We live in strange times. Neoliberalism and other economic and political conditions and practices have led to an overall increase of wealth throughout the world and particularly in urban centers, w...
The Critical Alliance of Worker, Immigrant, and Public Health Advocates.

The author discusses the importance of alliances between workers, immigrants and health advocates in the U.S. in addressing various risk factors facing immigrant workers.
Do Student Mindsets Differ by Socioeconomic Status and Explain Disparities in Academic Achievement in the United States

Students from higher–socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds show a persistent advantage in academic outcomes over lower-SES students. It is possible that students’ beliefs about academic ability, o...
Construction Safety Culture and Climate: Satisfying Necessity for an Industry Framework

AbstractMuch of the construction literature that examines safety culture and safety climate ignores the unique characteristics of construction workplaces. Therefore, existing safety culture and cli...
Green infrastructure space and traits (GIST) model: Integrating green infrastructure spatial placement and plant traits to maximize multifunctionality

Abstract Vegetated green infrastructure (GI) is used as a sustainable complement to traditional stormwater infrastructure in many cities and is reported to provide additional benefits such as heat island mediation, crime reduction, increased property values, improved air quality, improved human well-being, improved aesthetics, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. However, we hypothesize that the simultaneous provisioning of multiple benefits – multifunctionality – is not guaranteed yet may be achieved by planning two critical components of GI: the spatial placement of GI within a city and the traits of the plant species used to vegetate GI. We propose the Green Infrastructure Space and Traits (GIST) model, a new planning tool for evaluating and maximizing GI multifunctionality based on optimizing both site selection and plant traits in GI design to promote urban planning with higher sustainability and benefits to humans. GIST involves identifying priority areas for GI placement and using plant species with traits that maximize benefits and multifunctionality in priority areas. As a case study, we apply GIST to Philadelphia, USA, and identify new locations for GI and plant traits that would increase multifunctionally across the city. For the nine benefits we examined, GIST indicates high potential for multifunctionality for the Philadelphia GI system. An assessment of the GI planning in Philadelphia to date indicates that the actualization of this multifunctionality has not been fully realized and could be improved with strategic GI placement and plant species selection. Further, we identified a cluster of correlated benefits which may be a common pathway for multifunctionality across cities. Overall, our work supports the hypothesis that multifunctional GI is possible when proper planning tools that integrate spatial placement and plant traits are used.
A neural network trained for prediction mimics diverse features of biological neurons and perception

Recent work has shown that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained on image recognition tasks can serve as valuable models for predicting neural responses in primate visual cortex. However, these models typically require biologically-infeasible levels of labeled training data, so this similarity must at least arise via different paths. In addition, most popular CNNs are solely feedforward, lacking a notion of time and recurrence, whereas neurons in visual cortex produce complex time-varying responses, even to static inputs. Towards addressing these inconsistencies with biology, here we study the emergent properties of a recurrent generative network that is trained to predict future video frames in a self-supervised manner. Remarkably, the resulting model is able to capture a wide variety of seemingly disparate phenomena observed in visual cortex, ranging from single-unit response dynamics to complex perceptual motion illusions, even when subjected to highly impoverished stimuli. These results suggest potentially deep connections between recurrent predictive neural network models and computations in the brain, providing new leads that can enrich both fields.
CO2 adsorption by carbonaceous materials and nanomaterials

Abstract Policy changes in anthropogenic CO2 reduction are increasingly looking at the simultaneous development of attractive technologies that integrate its industrial utilization in valorizing the captured CO2 to fuel. Carbonaceous nanoadsorbents are attractive regenerative materials allowing for derivation from waste precursors, which makes them cost-effective and efficient for the given purpose. This chapter aims to review solid carbon-based nanoadsorbents for use in carbon dioxide capture traversing through their sources, chemistries, and mechanisms of adsorption and including structural developments aimed at carbon dioxide capture. As a conclusion, it is deemed that the future outlook will veer toward structures with industrial production and engineering feasibility, especially those that entail both precursors with waste valorization and integration with clean energy technologies such as solar for conversion of captured waste CO2 to fuel.
A system dynamics model for disease management in poultry production

The objective of this article was to provide the nonmodeler reader of Poultry Science, an overview of the system dynamics modeling method (SDM) through development of a broiler house disease management simulator (BHDMS). System dynamics modeling uses feedback theory and computer-aided simulation to help elucidate relationships between factors in complex systems, which may be circular or interrupted with long delays. Materials used to build the simulator include data from literature and industry indices. The methods used were the steps in SDM, namely: 1) Identify the problem and boundaries; 2) develop a dynamic hypothesis explaining cause of the problem; 3) build the causal loop diagram (CLD); 4) develop the stock and flow model; 5) conduct model simulations; and 6) model validation. Results presented here are the CLD and stock and flow model of the simulator, results of scenario simulations, and model validity tests. The simulator consists of the main model, the disease submodel, and the antimicrobial use submodel. The main model represents a cycle of production in the broiler house of a specified length of time, which repeats after a specified down time. The disease submodel shows population dynamics in the broiler house in terms of changes over time in number of susceptible, infected, recovered, and dead birds. Production parameters that could be modified in the model include delivery size, grow-out period, down time, and efficacy of antimicrobials. Disease mortality levels, above the set threshold, trigger antimicrobial use in the model. The model showed the effect of antimicrobial use intervention on the population dynamics, namely, on the proportion of the susceptible, infected, recovered, and dead birds in the population. Thus, the BHDMS was able to simulate the effect of the intervention on population dynamics and would facilitate evaluating management interventions such as antimicrobial use.
Egosystem and Ecosystem Goals: Implications for Concealable Stigma Disclosure

Motivational and dispositional antecedents of disclosure can affect a wide range of outcomes among individuals with concealable stigmas. We examine how experimentally manipulated egosystem and ecos...
'Spending all this time stressing and worrying and calculating': marginal food security and student life at a Diverse Urban University.

Objective: Food security status is a continuum ranging from high to very low food security. While marginal food security falls next to high food security on the spectrum, new quantitative research indicates marginal food security status is associated with negative health outcomes and poor academic performance among college students. Qualitative research focusing on college students experiencing marginal food security has not been conducted. The current study aims to qualitatively explore experiences of college students with marginal food security and to identify themes to better understand and provide context regarding how marginal food security impacts students. Design: Students were recruited for semi-structured interviews with questions designed to study the challenges associated with students’ food situations. All interviews were recorded and transcribed with themes identified via an inductive approach. Setting: A large public university on the US west coast. Participants: Thirty college students. Results: Key themes that emerged: purchasing cheap unhealthy foods, insufficient time to prepare and eat meals on a regular basis, stress and anxiety around the inability to eat healthy food and future health issues, self-perception of health when eating poorly along with physical symptoms and low academic motivation by not fully participating in their courses due to few healthy food options or missing meals. Conclusion: Marginal food security can potentially diminish students’ health and their capacity to learn and succeed in their coursework. The results emphasise that students experiencing marginal food security should not be grouped with students experiencing high food security.