cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of modality on subjective frequency estimates and processing of spoken and printed words

Previous research (Garber & Pisoni, 1991; Pisoni & Garber, 1990) has demonstrated that subjective familiarity judgments for words are not differentially affected by the modality (visual or auditory) in which the words are presented, suggesting that participants base their judgments on fairly abstract, modality-independent representations in memory. However, in a recent large-scale study in Japanese (Amano, Kondo, & Kakehi, 1995), marked modality effects on familiarity ratings were observed. The present research further examined possible modality differences in subjective ratings and their implications for word recognition. Specially selected words were presented to participants for frequency judgments. In particular, participants were asked how frequently they read, wrote, heard, or said a given spoken or printed word. These ratings were then regressed against processing times in auditory and visual lexical decision and naming tasks. Our results suggest modality dependence for some lexical representations.
Risk perception and ethnicity

A Simplified Conjoint Expected Risk (SCER: Holtgrave and Weber, 1993) model-based approach was used to explore differences in the perceived risk of a variety of financial and health activities among Caucasians, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Taiwanese-Americans. The SCER model postulates that the perceived risk of an activity is a function of five dimensions: the subjective probability of harm, benefit, and status quo, and the subjective expected harm and benefit. This model offers a framework in which to apply qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to identify and to assess the generality of ethnic group differences in the relative weight attached to probability and expected outcome information, the subjective valuation of probabilities and expected outcomes, and the perceived harms and benefits. Results demonstrated that the primary and most generalised locus of ethnic group perceived risk differences is the relative importance attached to probability and expected outcome information. As predicted, these differences tended to mirror ethnic group differences in orientation toward uncertainty. By decomposing differences in terms of the elements of the SCER model, these results demonstrate that risk communication and policy efforts in ethnically diverse countries should recognise the role of the relative weight attached to the likelihood and magnitude of harm and benefit in risk perception. Clarifying the bases for differences in perceived risk among ethnic groups may provide a better understanding of conflict over environmental or other issues and aid in the development of effective strategies for communicating about risk and negotiating solutions to important policy problems.
Bayesian reasoning for software testing

Despite significant advances in software testing research, the ability to produce reliable software products for a variety of critical applications remains an open problem. The key challenge has been the fact that each program or software product is unique, and existing methods are predominantly not capable of adapting to the observations made during program analysis. This paper makes the following claim: Bayesian reasoning methods provide an ideal research paradigm for achieving reliable and efficient software testing and program analysis. A brief overview of some popular Bayesian reasoning methods is provided, along with a justification of why they are applicable to software testing. Furthermore, some practical challenges to the widespread use of Bayesian methods are discussed, along with possible solutions to these challenges.
The Effect of Antisite Disorder and Particle Size on Li Intercalation Kinetics in Monoclinic LiMnBO3

In materials containing 1D lithium diffusion channels, cation disorder can strongly affect lithium intercalation processes. This work presents a model to explain the unusual transport properties of monoclinic LiMnBO3, a material determined by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction to contain a wide particle size distribution and Mn/Li antisite disorder. First-principles calculations indicate that Mn occupying Li sites obstruct the 1D lithium diffusion channel along the [001] direction. While channel blockage by the antisites significantly lowers Li mobility in large particles, Li kinetics in small particles and particle surfaces are found to be less sensitive to the presence of antisite disorder. Thus, in an electrode containing a large particle size distribution, smaller particles have higher Li mobility, and the measured Li diffusivity as determined by potentiostatic intermittent titration test varies as a function of particle size. The Li capacity in monoclinic LiMnBO3 is kinetically controlled by the fraction of large particles with antisite disorder, but is not intrinsically limited. These results strongly suggest that particle nanosizing will significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of LiMnBO3.
Mixed Rossby–Gravity Waves and Western Pacific Tropical Cyclogenesis. Part I: Synoptic Evolution

Abstract A large-amplitude mixed Rossby–gravity wave packet is identified in the western Pacific using 6–10-day bandpass-filtered winds. Individual disturbances of 2300–3000-km wavelength propagated westward as the packet moved slowly eastward. The packet first appeared, and subsequently amplified, within a region of active convection associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which was isolated by low-pass-filtered outgoing longwave radiation. The packet lasted about 5 weeks, then rapidly dispersed as the active MJO moved away from it to the east. West of 150°E, individual disturbances within the packet turned northwestward away from the equator, indicating an apparent transition from mixed Rossby–gravity waves to off-equatorial tropical depression (TD)-type disturbances. Cyclones filled with cloud and anticyclones cleared during the transition. Nevertheless, convective structure consistent with mixed Rossby–gravity waves remained outside the circulation centers, and three tropical cyclones for...
Assessing Interrater Agreement via the Average Deviation Index Given a Variety of Theoretical and Methodological Problems

Currently, guidelines do not exist for applying interrater agreement indices to the vast majority of methodological and theoretical problems that organizational and applied psychology researchers encounter. For a variety of methodological problems, we present critical values for interpreting the practical significance of observed average deviation (AD) values relative to either single items or scales. For a variety of theoretical problems, we present null ranges for AD values, relative to either single items or scales, to be used for determining whether an observed distribution of responses within a group is consistent with a theoretically specified distribution of responses. Our discussion focuses on important ways to extend the usage of interrater agreement indices beyond problems relating to the aggregation of individual level data.
Discuss the Necessity of the Transformation of Transportation Industry to Modern Logistics

The problem about the transformation of transportation industry to modern logistics,has been researched a lot in China,and the government also issued a series of policies for its guidance,some domestic transport enterprise is already on the way of practice,On the doctrine of the theoretical investigation,The study of theories provide more basis for the research..But there're still some defects on the transformation and how to comply with the transformation of Chinese enterprises.This paper tries to research the transportation and logistics industry from the three respects of the associability,the necessity of the transformation,and the advantage or disadvantage of industrial transformation.The aim is to add something more comprehensive study to the study of forefather.To provide some positive approach for our country transformation of the transportation industry to modern logistics.
RESEARCH OF SEAL EQUIPMENT OF THE ROTARY CONTROL HEAD

As the key part of the rotary control head's bearing assembly , the capability of the rotary dynamic seal equipment effects on the using life of the rotary control head. According to the existing problems of the rotary control head, the design of the new rotary control head on the basis of status analysis was described. This new equipment can be used in different pressure and self -correct seal pressure along with the pressure in the bottom of the well. The using life of the seal equipment was increased and its security was improved.
Approach and Measure for Self-improvement of Laboratory in Institutions for Disease Control and Prevention

The effective operation of laboratory management system in institutions for disease control and prevention depends on establishment of self-improvement system,which can help the laboratory find problems and solve problems by itself,and realize the continuous improvement of management system.The main ways of detection for operation effectiveness and conformity of management system include internal audit,management review and quality control.The document standardized management is the base of establishment and operation of laboratory management system,and it plays an important role in guarantee of effectiveness and conformity of management system.Strengthening the system management of laboratory can provide the basis for promoting the level of laboratory management.
The study on the changes of transient outward potassium current and transmural dispersion of repolarization and computer simulation during the early acute myocardial ischemia in canine

Objective To explore the role of acute ischemia on transient outward potassium current(Ito),transmural dispersion of repolarization(TDR) and ventricular arrhythmia in canine left ventricular wedge and computer simulation.Methods Observing the role of acute non-flow cardiac ischemia on Ito,action potential duration(APD) of Epi,Mid and Endo-myocardial cells,TDR and arrhythmia in arterially perfused canine left ventricular wedge preparation by using floating glass microelectrode,and recording electrocardiogram at same time,and conducting computer simulation using the Luo-Rady dynamic model.Results After 5-10 minutes acute ischemia,in canine left ventricular wedge preparation,APD of three layer cells shortened and Ito increased simultaneously,especially in Epi;TDR increased;Delayed afterdepolarization(DAD),R on T premature beat and ventricular tachycardia were induced.The computer simulation showed the similar action potential and ECG changes as in clinic.Conclusion The phase 2 reentry can be initiated by the increases of Ito and TDR during acute cardiac ischemia in arterially perfused canine left ventricular wedge preparation,and can be demonstrated with computer simulation.
Improving Tungsten gap-fill for advanced contact metallization

The requirement for Tungsten (W) seamless gap-fill becomes more critical and more challenging as the semiconductor industry moves to 10nm and beyond. Few reports can be found discussing the progress in tackling the challenge of reducing or eliminating the seam typical in W fill processes. This work introduces a breakthrough W chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for gap-fill improvement and seam suppression. In this novel process, W material can be selectively deposited inside the structure than on the field, thus seam suppressed or even bottom-up fill can be achieved. Electrical results of line resistance reduction are presented. This selective process provides a state-of-the art approach to extend W fill technology for future scaling of advanced Logic and Memory technologies.
Computational Approaches to Estimating Negative Binomial Parameters from Count Data

A FORTRAN program is presented that estimates parameters of the negative binomial distribution from count data using different methods of estimation. The program also computes negative binomial pro...
COLD AIR DRAINAGE AND LENGTH OF GROWING SEASON IN THE HOPI MESAS AREA

Growing season on the Hopi Reservation has been referred to in the literature since 1916 as between 130 and 145 days long. These figures were taken from canyon areas subject to the effects of cold air drainage. Recent work elsewhere on the reservation indicates a growing season closer to 155 to 170 days in length. On the mesa tops around which cold air subsides into topographically low areas, the growing season may approach 190 days. The implications of these revisions may be significant toward understanding the strategy of Hopi agriculture and its continuing success.
Assessment of advanced solvent-based post-combustion CO2 capture processes using a bi-objective optimization technique

Abstract The optimized performance of two advanced CO2 capture processes is compared to that of a monoethanolamine (MEA) baseline for a gas-powered CO2 capture retrofit of an existing coal-fired facility. The advanced temperature-swing processes utilize piperazine and mixed-salt solvents. The mixed-salt treatment involves the use of ammonia for CO2 absorption and potassium carbonate primarily to control ammonia slip. The processes are represented in terms of energy duty requirements within a modular heat integration code developed for CO2 capture modeling and optimization. The model includes a baseload coal plant, a gas-fired subsystem containing gas turbines and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and a CO2 capture facility. A formal bi-objective optimization procedure is applied to determine the design (e.g., detailed HRSG components and pressure levels, gas turbine capacity, CO2 capture capacity) and time-varying operations of the facility to simultaneously maximize net present value (NPV) and minimize total capital requirement (TCR), while meeting a maximum CO2 emission intensity constraint. For a realistic scenario constructed using historical data, optimization results indicate that both advanced processes outperform MEA in both objectives, and the mixed-salt process in turn outperforms the piperazine process. Specifically, for the scenario considered, the base case mixed-salt process achieves 16% greater NPV and 14% lower TCR than the MEA process, and 10% greater NPV and 5% lower TCR than the piperazine process. A five-case sensitivity study of the mixed-salt process indicates that it is competitive with the piperazine process and consistently outperforms the MEA process.
Religion-Related Research in the Journal of Macromarketing, 1981-2014:

This study provides a review of religion-related research published in the Journal of Macromarketing (JMK) from 1981 to 2014. A systematic review of the journal identifies 19 key articles at the in...
Evaluating impacts using a BACI design, ratios, and a Bayesian approach with a focus on restoration.

Before-after-control-impact (BACI) designs are an effective method to evaluate natural and human-induced perturbations on ecological variables when treatment sites cannot be randomly chosen. While effect sizes of interest can be tested with frequentist methods, using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling methods, probabilities of effect sizes, such as a ≥20 % increase in density after restoration, can be directly estimated. Although BACI and Bayesian methods are used widely for assessing natural and human-induced impacts for field experiments, the application of hierarchal Bayesian modeling with MCMC sampling to BACI designs is less common. Here, we combine these approaches and extend the typical presentation of results with an easy to interpret ratio, which provides an answer to the main study question—“How much impact did a management action or natural perturbation have?” As an example of this approach, we evaluate the impact of a restoration project, which implemented beaver dam analogs, on survival and density of juvenile steelhead. Results indicated the probabilities of a ≥30 % increase were high for survival and density after the dams were installed, 0.88 and 0.99, respectively, while probabilities for a higher increase of ≥50 % were variable, 0.17 and 0.82, respectively. This approach demonstrates a useful extension of Bayesian methods that can easily be generalized to other study designs from simple (e.g., single factor ANOVA, paired t test) to more complicated block designs (e.g., crossover, split-plot). This approach is valuable for estimating the probabilities of restoration impacts or other management actions.
Disentangling intensity from breadth of science interest: What predicts learning behaviors?

Overall interest in science has been argued to drive learner participation and engagement. However, there are other important aspects of interest such as breadth of interest within a science domain (e.g., biology, earth science). We demonstrate that intensity of science interest is separable from topic breadth using surveys from a sample of 600 middle school students. We also show that these two dimensions contribute differently to learning-relevant behavioral tendencies. Specially, regression analyses show: (1) that intensity of interest predicts both self-reported science classroom engagement and preferences to participate in optional science learning; and (2) that breadth of interest predicts science choice preference, but not science classroom engagement. These findings have implications for the conceptualization of interest, the measurement of interest, and practical applications for educators.
Large-scale subduction of continental crust implied by India-Asia mass-balance calculation

Continental crust is buoyant compared with its oceanic counterpart and resists subduction into the mantle. When two continents collide, the mass balance for the continental crust is therefore assumed to be maintained. Here we use estimates of pre-collisional crustal thickness and convergence history derived from plate kinematic models to calculate the crustal mass balance in the India–Asia collisional system. Using the current best estimates for the timing of the diachronous onset of collision between India and Eurasia, we find that about 50% of the pre-collisional continental crustal mass cannot be accounted for in the crustal reservoir preserved at Earth’s surface today—represented by the mass preserved in the thickened crust that makes up the Himalaya, Tibet and much of adjacent Asia, as well as southeast Asian tectonic escape and exported eroded sediments. This implies large-scale subduction of continental crust during the collision, with a mass equivalent to about 15% of the total oceanic crustal subduction flux since 56 million years ago. We suggest that similar contamination of the mantle by direct input of radiogenic continental crustal materials during past continent–continent collisions is reflected in some ocean crust and ocean island basalt geochemistry. The subduction of continental crust may therefore contribute significantly to the evolution of mantle geochemistry. Buoyant continental crust is thought to resist subduction. Calculation of the crustal mass balance during the collision between India and Eurasia indicates that about 50% of pre-collisional continental crust has been subducted into the mantle.
Healthcare Claims Data: An Underutilized Tool for Pediatric Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Background. Healthcare claims are underutilized to identify factors associated with high outpatient antibiotic use. Methods. We evaluated ambulatory encounter claims of Medicaid-insured children in 34 Ohio counties in 2014. Rates of total antibiotic and azithromycin prescriptions dispensed were determined by county of patient residence. Standardized treatment rates by county were estimated for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract encounters (acute otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis, presumed viral infection) after adjusting for patient age and encounter provider type. Uncomplicated encounters included healthy children at initial presentation of illness. Adjusted odds of treatment were calculated for patient age, provider type, and county characteristics (rural vs metropolitan; poverty rate). Results. Retail pharmacies dispensed 255291 antibiotics to this cohort in 2014. More than 25% were to children <3 years. County rates of total antibiotic and azithromycin prescriptions dispensed were 530.4-1548.3 and 57.3-378.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Of 246866 uncomplicated upper respiratory tract encounters, antibiotics were dispensed (within 3 days) in 46.1%. Presumed viral infection accounted for 18.5% of antibiotics. Standardized treatment rates by county ranged widely from 35.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.3%-38.5%) to 63.2% (95% CI, 61.5%-64.9%). Compared to encounters with pediatricians, adjusted odds ratio of treatment was 2.02 (95% CI, 1.96-2.07) for family physicians and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.68-1.79) for nurse practitioners. Residence in rural or high-poverty counties increased odds of treatment. Conclusions. Healthcare claims were useful to identify populations and providers with high antibiotic use. Claims data could be considered to track and report antibiotic prescribing frequency, especially where electronic medical records are not available.
The impact of antidepressants on seizure frequency and depressive and anxiety disorders of patients with epilepsy: Is it worth investigating?

Abstract Purpose Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with epilepsy (PWE) remain under-recognized and under-treated, despite being the most common psychiatric co-morbidities. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered first-line treatment for primary depression and anxiety disorders. We performed this study to investigate if SSRIs and SNRIs could affect the seizure frequency of PWE and to assess whether such effect is independent of the response of the mood and anxiety disorders to these drugs. Methods This was a retrospective study of 100 consecutive PWE who were started on an SSRI or SNRI for the treatment of a depressive and/or anxiety disorder. Every patient underwent a psychiatric evaluation by one of the investigators using a semi-structured interview who also managed the pharmacologic treatment in all the patients. Patients were excluded if they had a diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or if they had undergone epilepsy surgery or the implant of the vagal nerve stimulator six months before and after the start of the antidepressant therapy. The final analysis was conducted in 84 patients. For each type of seizure, an average and maximal monthly seizure frequency during the six months preceding and following the start of psychotropic drugs was extracted from the medical records. We identified the number of patients whose seizure frequency during treatment with antidepressants: (i) shifted from a Results None of the patients with a baseline seizure frequency 50% reduction in seizure frequency after the start of treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs. A therapeutic response to SSRIs and SNRIs was found in 73% of patients. The change in seizure frequency was independent of the improvement in psychiatric symptomatology. Conclusion In this retrospective observational study, SSRIs or SNRIs did not appear to worsen seizure frequency. Also, in patients with frequent seizures, SSRIs and SNRIs may be associated with a possible decrease in seizure frequency. Furthermore, these drugs appear to yield good therapeutic response of psychiatric symptoms independently of seizure frequency. It is pivotal to replicate these data in prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
Multifunctional Telodendrimer Nanocarriers Restore Synergy of Bortezomib and Doxorubicin in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

We have developed multifunctional nanoparticles for codelivery of bortezomib and doxorubicin to synchronize their pharmacokinetic profiles and synergize their activities in solid tumor treatment, a need still unmet in the clinic. Micellar nanoparticles were formed by a spatially segregated, linear-dendritic telodendrimer containing three segments: a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG), a bortezomib-conjugating intermediate, and a dendritic doxorubicin-affinitive interior. Bortezomib-conjugated telodendrimers, together with doxorubicin, self-assembled into monodispersed micelles [NP(BTZ-DOX)] with small particle sizes (20-30 nm) for dual drug delivery. NP(BTZ-DOX) displayed excellent drug-loading capacity and stability, which minimized premature drug leakage and synchronized drug release profiles. Bortezomib release was accelerated significantly by acidic pH, facilitating drug availability in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Synergistic anticancer effects of combined bortezomib and doxorubicin were observed in vitro against both multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer cells. NP(BTZ-DOX) prolonged payload circulation and targeted tumors in vivo efficiently with superior signal ratios of tumor to normal organs. In vitro and in vivo proteasome inhibition analysis and biodistribution studies revealed decreased toxicity and efficient intratumoral bortezomib and doxorubicin delivery by nanoformulation. NP(BTZ-DOX) exhibited significantly improved ovarian cancer treatment in SKOV-3 xenograft mouse models in comparison with free drugs and their combinations, including bortezomib and Doxil. In summary, tumor-targeted and synchronized delivery system elicits enhanced anticancer effects and merits further development in the clinical setting. Cancer Res; 77(12); 3293-305. ©2017 AACR.
Investigation of polybenzoxazine gelation using laser light scattering

The mechanism of phase growth and gelation due to polymerization of benzoxazine into polybenzoxazine (PBZ) in dimethylsulfoxide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was monitored using laser light scattering. The radius of gyration (Rg) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) increased gradually with time, confirming nucleation and growth as the mechanism of polymerization-induced phase separation of PBZ in both the solvents. The experimental data inferred from laser light scattering and scanning electron microscopy established that the PBZ gel networks were formed by spherical building blocks in dimethylsulfoxide and by cylindrical strands in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. In the latter case, the cylindrical strands originated from joining of several spheres. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45709.
Cross-Level Detection Framework for Attacks on Cyber-Physical Systems

Anomaly detection is critical in thwarting malicious attacks on Cyber-Physical Systems. This work presents a novel inference engine that integrates two heterogeneous anomaly detectors, working at different levels of the system architecture, in order to produce a cross-level detector more effective than either one separately. The macro- or process-level detector uses a bank of observers of the physical plant that estimate the state of the process suspected to be under attack, specifically for its sensor to be compromised, from data gathered by available networked sensors. The estimates are then combined using a consensus algorithm to determine if the suspect sensor is reporting false readings. The micro-level detector uses time-sampled side-channel power measurements of an integrated circuit on the suspect sensor. By comparing power measurements against those from a known good state, differences indicate the code running inside has been altered. The cross-level detector performs a two-dimensional Neyman-Pearson hypothesis test that declares the presence of an attack on the sensor node. The cross-level detector is shown to be more accurate and less latent than its constituent parts. Detection was tested against a range of False Data Injection attacks on a hardware prototype and the detector performance was measured experimentally. The cross-level detector on average achieved a 93% rate of correct detection, compared with 72 and 85% for the macro- and micro-level detectors, respectively; and a 50% reduction in latency compared to the macro-level detector.
Deaf Qualitative Health Research: Leveraging Technology to Conduct Linguistically- and Sociopolitically-Appropriate Methods of Inquiry

One of the most understudied health disparity populations in the United States is the Deaf community-a sociolinguistic minority group of at least 500,000 individuals who communicate using American Sign Language. Research within this population is lacking, in part, due to researchers' use of methodologies that are inaccessible to Deaf sign language users. Traditional qualitative methods were developed to collect and analyze participants' spoken language. There is, therefore, a paradigm shift that must occur to move from an auditory data schema to one that prioritizes the collection and analysis of visual data. To effectively navigate this shift when working with Deaf sign language users, there are unique linguistic and sociopolitical considerations that should be taken into account. The current article explores these considerations and outlines an emerging method of conducting qualitative analysis that, we argue, has the potential to enhance qualitative researchers' work regardless of the population of focus.
THE INFLUENCE OF FIDDLER CRAB BURROWS AND BURROWING ON METABOLIC PROCESSES IN SALT MARSH SEDIMENTS

Abstract Effects of burrows and burrowing by fiddler crabs on production and decomposition of organic carbon in a salt marsh on Sapelo Island, G A, were measured. Field experiments determined rate of excavation of organic carbon from belowground; efflux of carbon dioxide from burrows; effect of burrows on growth of Spartina alterniflora; density of roots near burrows; and salinity, pH, phosphate concentration, and ammonium concentration in burrow water. Fiddler crabs transported 26 g organic C m-2 from belowground in July 1979. Annual excavation was estimated at 157 g C m-2, or 20% of the belowground production of S. alterniflora. Mean burrow respiration was 2.1 mg CO2 h-1, accounting for 20% to 90% of salt marsh sediment respiration, depending on marsh wetness. Burrows increased S. alterniflora standing stocks by 23% in high marsh. Chemistry of burrow water was much different from interstitial water. Salinity of burrow water was 20–23°/∞ while that of interstitial water was 37–45°/∞. Burrows also contained high levels of ammonium. The combined effects of added nutrients, lower salinity, greater oxygen, lower sulfide, and greater flow of water through sediments as a result of fiddler crab burrowing are suggested as reasons for the increased standing stock of short S. alterniflora.
Assessment of fresh water wind resources on Lake Erie

Wind farms are better been built at locations with higher wind resource potentials. As the appropriate locations become fewer and fewer to build onshore wind farms, significant attention has been d...
Ecology and the Principles of Life; It Isn’t Just About You, You Know!

The renowned geneticist, Theodosius Dobzhansky, noted that “Nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution.” By analogy, I would extend the inexplorable and inexplicable progression of all life over eons of time, influenced and shaped by changing environments and changing biotic interaction, to Michael Begon who stated, “Very little in evolution makes sense, except in the light of ecology.” Whether we observe the ecology of an urban-influenced system or the defining of paleo-ecologies to look back on life’s earliest interrelationships, it is ecology, the study of interactions between the biotic and abiotic, which defines the living conditions on Earth. We cannot take for granted the fact that we all share this one space. Ernst Haeckel understood this concept when he coined the term “ecology” in 1866. Now in common use some 46 years after the first Earth Day celebration, this term derived from the Greek Oikos translates as home, and is part of our everyday language (Ehrlich and Ehrlich 1975).
Diet, Physical Activity and Weight-Related Behaviors, Changes and Risks with Newly-Arrived (< 1 Year) Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents (Ages 12–17)

Adolescent immigrants and refugees are at elevated risk for obesity, however, gaps remain regarding specific diet and lifestyle changes. This study examined: (1) weight status, behaviors and perceptions, (2) diet patterns and changes, (3) sociodemographic and dietary factors associated with BMI. Cross sectional survey, anthropometric measures were conducted at a school for newcomer youth in North Carolina. Data analysis included descriptive, frequency, bivariate and linear regression. Participants (n = 68, 55% female, < 1 year US) included immigrants and refugees ages 12–17. Thirty-one percent were overweight or obese. Forty-seven percent had attempted to lose weight. Positive weight perceptions were associated with normal BMI (p = 0.010). Fruit, milk, fruit juice, soda, and meat consumption increased post-arrival (p = 0.037, p = 0.010, p = 0.003, p = 0.044, p = 0.014, respectively). Dietary change was positively associated with BMI (p = 0.002). Adverse diet and lifestyle changes occur rapidly, are associated with obesity, and weight control behaviors and concerns warrant early intervention.
Alveolar early progenitors in the aged human lung have increased expression of ACE2 accompanied with genes involved in beta-amyloid clearance: Indication of SARS-CoV-2 also using soluble ACE2 in aged-lungs to enter ACE2-negative cells

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is the current pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that uses ACE2 protein on the cell surface. By analyzing publicly available datasets, I uncovered that alveolar early progenitors (AEP), a subset of the type-2 pneumocytes, showed increased ACE2 expression in the older lungs. AEPs co-express TMPRSS2, CTSL. Aged AEP-gene expression signature suggested an active response to beta-amyloid-induced ACE2 shedding, to limit the intercellular beta-amyloid accumulation in otherwise healthy human lungs. Susceptibility of AEP to SARS-CoV2 and ACE2 secretory capacity of these cells makes aged human lung sensitive for rapid-infection, by a possible in-solution ACE2 binding and entry into ACE2-negative cells, thereby increasing the target cell diversity and numbers. Single-cell analysis of COVID19 patients with moderate and severe infections, clearly showed that severe infections showed SARS-CoV-2 transcript in ACE2-negative TMPRSS-negative but CTSL-positive cell types in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, validating in-solution ACE2-binding enabling infection.
Macrosystems EDDIE teaching modules significantly increase ecology students' proficiency and confidence working with ecosystem models and use of systems thinking

Simulation models are increasingly used by ecologists to study complex, ecosystem-scale phenomena, but integrating ecosystem simulation modeling into ecology undergraduate and graduate curricula remains rare. Engaging ecology students with ecosystem simulation models may enable students to conduct hypothesis-driven scientific inquiry while also promoting their use of systems thinking, but it remains unknown how using hands-on modeling activities in the classroom affects student learning. Here, we developed short (3-hr) teaching modules as part of the Macrosystems EDDIE (Environmental Data-Driven Inquiry & Exploration) program that engage students with hands-on ecosystem modeling in the R statistical environment. We embedded the modules into in-person ecology courses at 17 colleges and universities and assessed student perceptions of their proficiency and confidence before and after working with models. Across all 277 undergraduate and graduate students who participated in our study, completing one Macrosystems EDDIE teaching module significantly increased students' self-reported proficiency, confidence, and likely future use of simulation models, as well as their perceived knowledge of ecosystem simulation models. Further, students were significantly more likely to describe that an important benefit of ecosystem models was their "ease of use" after completing a module. Interestingly, students were significantly more likely to provide evidence of systems thinking in their assessment responses about the benefits of ecosystem models after completing a module, suggesting that these hands-on ecosystem modeling activities may increase students' awareness of how individual components interact to affect system-level dynamics. Overall, Macrosystems EDDIE modules help students gain confidence in their ability to use ecosystem models and provide a useful method for ecology educators to introduce undergraduate and graduate students to ecosystem simulation modeling using in-person, hybrid, or virtual modes of instruction.
A non-compensatory analysis of quality of life in breast cancer survivors using multivariate hidden Markov modeling

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional concept comprising multiple domains such as physical, emotional, and social well-being. Many analyses use a sum score to represent the construct. However, this approach implies that gain in one domain can compensate for a deficit in another, and thus such analyses may not capture HRQoL profiles. Additionally, within-individual change over time, such as improvement in one domain but deterioration in another, may not be detected. The objectives of this research are to demonstrate the utility of a non-compensatory approach by (1) evaluating this approach applied to HRQoL data, and (2) comparing the approach to a compensatory method. Data from a sample of 653 breast cancer survivors (BCS) provided five measurement time points over 18 months. We analyzed the scores from five domains on the FACT-B questionnaire (physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being and breast cancer-related concerns) using the multivariate hidden Markov model (MHMM), a non-compensatory approach that identifies different HRQoL states and associated BCS subgroups and their trajectories. The MHMM delineated six states. States 1 and 2 had low well-being scores across all domains, with state 2 slightly better than state 1. States 3 and 4 had similar overall HRQoL scores, but different profiles with compensation occurring across the domains of both physical and social well-being. States 5 and 6 had almost identical overall scores with compensation occurring between the domains of both social and emotional well-being. Over time, states 3–6 mostly “communicated” with each other (with moderate probabilities of transitioning between states). Compensation across domains could mask subtle changes occurring in BCS. We found that a trend analysis using both compensatory and non-compensatory approaches showed improvement in the HRQoL in BCS over time. The non-compensatory analysis of FACT-B shows differential profiles and trajectories in the HRQoL of BCS not captured by the sum score or one-domain-at-a-time approach.
Serving the Co-Morbid Mental Health and Substance Use Needs of People with HIV

People with HIV (PWH) who have mental health disorders (MHD) and substance use disorders (SUD) have lower HIV medication adherence, higher unsuppressed viral loads, and higher mortality rates than those who do not. Individuals who have triple diagnoses (HIV, MHD and SUD) are at an exponential risk for these adverse outcomes. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to accessing and linking PWH with MHD and SUD services. Qualitative interviews with 90 participants were conducted to explore their experiences seeking treatment for MHD and SUD. Results of a thematic analysis found two important barriers to treatment access and utilization: unstable motivation to change and negative experiences with providers. Conversely, an internal drive to heal and rapport with providers facilitated positive treatment experiences. Findings of the study also indicate a need for an integrated treatment model where MHD, SUD, and HIV treatment are available at the same location.
Remarks on nuclear matter: How an ω 0 condensate can spike the speed of sound, and a model of Z ( 3 ) baryons

I make two comments about nuclear matter. First, I consider the effects of a coupling between the $O(4)$ chiral field, $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\phi}}$, and the ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ meson, $\ensuremath{\sim}+{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\phi}}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}$; for any net baryon density, a condensate for ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ is unavoidably generated. I assume that with increasing density, a decrease of the chiral condensate and the effective ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ mass gives a stiff equation of state (EOS). In order to match that onto a soft EOS for quarkyonic matter, I consider an $O(N)$ field at large $N$, where at nonzero temperature quantum fluctuations disorder, any putative pion ``condensates'' into a quantum pion liquid ($\mathrm{Q}\ensuremath{\pi}\mathrm{L}$) [R. D. Pisarski et al., Phys. Rev. D 102, 016015 (2020)]. In this paper, I show that the $\mathrm{Q}\ensuremath{\pi}\mathrm{L}$ persists at zero temperature. If valid qualitatively at $N=4$, the ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ mass goes up sharply and suppresses the ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ condensate. This could generate a spike in the speed of sound at high density, which is of relevance to neutron stars. Second, I propose a toy model of a $Z(3)$ gauge theory with three flavors of fermions, where $Z(3)$ vortices confine fermions into baryons. In $1+1$ dimensions, this model can be studied numerically with present techniques, using either classical or quantum computers.
Rapid Thickness Identification Methodology For Two-Dimensional MoS 2 and In 2 Se 3 Nanosheets Using Optical Microscopy

Problem StatementCurrently, identification methods for the thickness measurement of nanomaterials demand expensive and nonstandard equipment, impairing its continued study, practical applications, and industrial commercialization.The development of a novel and accurate thickness identification methodology is imperative for the continued study and potential commercialization of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Through experimentation, an effective and straightforward methodology has been produced for the thickness identification of MoS 2 and In 2 Se 3 nanosheets on 300nm Si/SiO 2 under optical microscopy from approximately single to decuple layer numbers. The optical contrast difference values of the atomically-thin nanostructures were collected throughout and arranged into a standard reference index which was correlated to height number in nanometers. Using this method, the thickness of a substance could be simply and accurately determined without the use of complex instrumentation, experimental setup, and calculation, therefore, saving time and financial costs.
Increasing multiorgan heart transplantation with hepatitis C virus donors in the current-era.

The trends and outcomes of multiorgan heart-transplantation (HT) using hepatitis C virus (HCV) donors in the contemporary era are sparsely known. Using UNOS registry, 1322 adult multiorgan-HTs (n = 986 heart-kidney, n = 155 heart-lung, n = 181 heart-liver) between August-2015 and August-2020 were identified, of which 109 were performed using HCV-donors (n = 77 HCV nucleic-acid-amplification testing [NAT] positive irrespective of antibody status [HCV-viremic]; and n = 32 HCV Ab+/NAT-[HCV antibody + nonviremic]). The percentage of HCV-donors used for multiorgan-HT increased from 0% in 2015 to 14% in 2020 (p < 0.001), but there was wide variation across UNOS regions and center volumes. Recipients of multiorgan heart-kidney transplants from HCV-donors (n = 90) and HCV-naive (HCV Ab-/NAT-) donors (n = 896) had similar 1-year survival using unadjusted and adjusted Cox-proportional hazards-regression models including in propensity-score matched cohorts. Post-HT rates of cardiac-allograft-vasculopathy (5.4% vs 5.8%) and chronic-dialysis (7.3% vs 4.9%) at 1-year were also similar. Use of HCV-donors (HCV-viremic, HCV Ab+ nonviremic) for multiorgan-HT has increased significantly. Encouraging 1-year outcomes in heart-kidney recipients from HCV-donors should support further expansion of heart-kidney transplantation using HCV-donors.
Using qualitative approaches in the era of big data: a confessional tale of a behavioral researcher

As I was pursuing my PhD, I developed an interest in qualitative approach to research. Thanks to Bala Ramesh, Dan Robey, and Lars Mathiassen who exposed me to exemplary articles during the program,...
Examining associations between impulsivity, opioid use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder: The additive relation between disorders.

Impulsivity is a key feature of opioid use disorder (OUD) and other psychiatric conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between disorders and impulsivity may be additive, such that individuals with multiple disorders exhibit greater impulsivity than those with a single disorder. However, the association between impulsivity, OUD, and PTSD is unclear. Accordingly, this study compared individuals with concurrent OUD and PTSD (OUD + PTSD; n = 55), OUD without PTSD (OUD-PTSD; n = 34), PTSD without OUD (n = 32), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 55) on the Short Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P), and the 27-item Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ). With respect to the SUPPS-P, the OUD + PTSD, OUD-PTSD, and PTSD without OUD groups reported more impulsivity on the negative urgency, positive urgency, and lack of premeditation subscales compared to HCs (ps < .001). The OUD + PTSD group also reported greater negative urgency compared to the OUD-PTSD group (p = .001) and HCs (p < .001), but not the PTSD without OUD group (p = .07). Furthermore, participants with OUD + PTSD exhibited greater discounting of delayed rewards on the MCQ than those in the PTSD without OUD group and HCs (p's < .001). However, no significant differences were observed between the two OUD groups (p = .86). These results support impulsivity as a mechanism underlying both OUD and PTSD. Future research should examine whether interventions targeting impulsivity, emotion regulation, and delay discounting are associated with meaningful improvements in functioning among individuals with OUD and PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Alignment tolerance analysis for divided-pulse nonlinear compression

We present an analytic model that describes the output pulse after Kerr-based spectral broadening with divided-pulse nonlinear compression that includes errors in unequal pulse division, birefringent plate retardance, and thermal drift. The model shows that alignment tolerances become impractically tight at high levels of nonlinearity and that the angle of incidence on the birefringent plates can be utilized as a compensator to loosen those tolerances. We present experimental verification of the model, which is expected to be a fast and flexible tool to design future divided-pulse nonlinear compression systems.
Aquatic Ecosystems and Thermal Power Plants

The factors which affect biological responses to temperature changes in aquatic ecosystems are discussed in terms of their influence on siting, design and operation of thermal power plants. Recommended are: (1) the development of a basis for classifying aquatic organisms according to their relative importance in maintaining the balance of specific ecosystems; (2) the biological zoning of receiving waters, with time-dependent temperature criteria based on the annual reproduction cycles of ecologically important species; (4) the development of criteria which incorporate the effects of temperature rise, duration of exposure, rate of change, and frequency of violation; (4) the field investigation of planktonic entrainment in cooling water intakes to evaluate the effects of temperature, turbulence and recirculation; (5) a flexible approach to the design of cooling water systems so as to facilitate subsequent modifications and additions; and (6) the incorporation into plant operational procedures of careful control of rates of load change.