A Method to Allow Software Detection of Multiple Different Chassis Types That Use a Common PCA

Many computer system designs today implement a common printed circuit board assembly that is used in more than one mechanical chassis. This invention describes a design method that allows software to identify in which chassis the PCA has been installed. The system software is able to determine the chassis type be detecting a set of mounting screw connections that are unique for each particular chassis

Pattern of BOLD signal in auditory cortex relates acoustic response to perceptual streaming

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Segregating auditory scenes into distinct objects or streams is one of our brain's greatest perceptual challenges. Streaming has classically been studied with bistable sound stimuli, perceived alternately as a single group or two separate groups. Throughout the last decade different methodologies have yielded inconsistent evidence about the role of auditory cortex in the maintenance of streams. In particular, studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have been unable to show persistent activity within auditory cortex (AC) that distinguishes between perceptual states.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We use bistable stimuli, an explicit perceptual categorization task, and a focused region of interest (ROI) analysis to demonstrate an effect of perceptual state within AC. We find that AC has more activity when listeners perceive the split percept rather than the grouped percept. In addition, within this ROI the pattern of acoustic response across voxels is significantly correlated with the pattern of perceptual modulation. In a whole-brain exploratory test, we corroborate previous work showing an effect of perceptual state in the intraparietal sulcus.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results show that the maintenance of auditory streams is reflected in AC activity, directly relating sound responses to perception, and that perceptual state is further represented in multiple, higher level cortical regions.</p

Modelling and analysis of post-occupancy behaviour in residential buildings to inform BASIX sustainability assessments in NSW

Sustainability assessment tools aim to promote high sustainability outcomes in residential buildings, ensuring less consumption of water, energy and less emission of greenhouse gases. However, existing literature often presents variations between the estimated outcomes from the assessment tools and actual outcomes after building occupation. Research suggests that actual energy consumption could be significantly influenced by resident behaviour in addition to the dwelling conditions and the energy efficiency of appliances. This qualitative study explores the nature of resident behaviour in achieving thermal comfort and how these influence the actual energy performance of BASIX-affected dwellings in NSW. A preliminary evidence-based behaviour model is developed to support the behavioural analysis. The model positions the heating and cooling effects of the dwellings' design, the behaviour of residents in space heating and cooling, hot water consumption, etc. as well as multiple influential attributes such as resident's perceptions, preferences, attitudes and knowledge towards energy efficiency in relationship to energy efficiency outcomes. The model not only identifies the key drivers that trigger energy consumption behaviour, but also investigates the potential inter-relationships among all the key influential attributes. The findings of this research will inform the BASIX assessment tool, sustainability policy, building designs and government educational programs on sustainability

The effects of forest management on water quality

Water quality is generally high in watercourses draining forested areas. However, forest management can lead to detrimental effects on water quality and the aquatic environment. Key concerns include diffuse pollution, carbon transport and harmful effects on freshwater ecology.Here, we undertake a review of the effects of a range of forestry activities including cultivation and site preparation, fertilisation and harvesting on water quality.We attempt to summarise the literature across a wide geographical area focusing on empirical studies. Studies report a wide range of water quality impacts after forest operations including sediment delivery, nutrient losses, carbon transport, metal and base cation releases, and changes to acidity and temperature. Spatial and temporal resolution is an important consideration. Changes in water quality at the local scale are often not seen at the catchment level and the effects of operations may be manifest many years after the work was carried out, highlighting the importance of monitoring at an appropriate spatial and temporal scale. The development of best management practices (BMPs) such as the use of buffers, low impact techniques and phased felling have led to significant changes in operational activity, reducing and, in some cases, preventing impacts on water quality. We highlight some of the most effective techniques that can protect water quality from cultivation, drainage, fertiliser and harvesting operations.We also take a forward look to technological, methodological and climatic developments that may alter forest management effects on water quality

Comparing the Support-Efficacy Model among Centenarians Living in Private Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes

We investigated the influence of social relations on health outcomes in very late life by examining the support-efficacy convoy model among older adults who resided in three different residential environments (centenarians in private homes, n = 126; centenarians in assisted living facilities, n = 55; centenarians in nursing homes, n = 105). For each group, path analytic models were employed to test our hypotheses; analyses controlled for sex, mental status, education, perceived economic sufficiency, and activities of daily living. The hypothesized relationships among the models' variables were unique to each of the three groups; three different models fit the data depending upon residential environment. The direct and indirect effects of social relations assessments were positive for the mental and physical health of very old adults, suggesting that participants welcomed the support. However, residential status moderated the associations between the assessments of social relations, self-efficacy, and both outcomes, physical and mental health

Wellness and Multiple Sclerosis: The National MS Society Establishes a Wellness Research Working Group and Research Priorities

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have identified “wellness” and associated behaviors as a high priority based on “social media listening” undertaken by the National MS Society (i.e. the Society). Objective: The Society recently convened a group that consisted of researchers with experience in MS and wellness-related research, Society staff members, and an individual with MS for developing recommendations regarding a wellness research agenda. Method: The members of the group engaged in focal reviews and discussions involving the state of science within three approaches for promoting wellness in MS, namely diet, exercise, and emotional wellness. Results: That process informed a group-mediated activity for developing and prioritizing research goals for wellness in MS. This served as a background for articulating the mission and objectives of the Society’s Wellness Research Working Group. Conclusion: The primary mission of the Wellness Research Working Group is the provision of scientific evidence supporting the application of lifestyle, behavioral, and psychosocial approaches for promoting optimal health of mind, body, and spirit (i.e. wellness) in people with MS as well as managing the disease and its consequences

The Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Comorbid Back Pain in Shoulder Instability: A Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability Cohort Study.

Background:Understanding predictors of pain is critical, as recent literature shows that comorbid back pain is an independent risk factor for worse functional and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as well as increased opioid dependence after total joint arthroplasty. Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether comorbid back pain would be predictive of pain or self-reported instability symptoms at the time of stabilization surgery. We hypothesized that comorbid back pain will correlate with increased pain at the time of surgery as well as with worse scores on shoulder-related PRO measures. Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods:As part of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability cohort, patients consented to participate in pre- and intraoperative data collection. Demographic characteristics, injury history, preoperative PRO scores, and radiologic and intraoperative findings were recorded for patients undergoing surgical shoulder stabilization. Patients were also asked, whether they had any back pain. Results:The study cohort consisted of 1001 patients (81% male; mean age, 24.1 years). Patients with comorbid back pain (158 patients; 15.8%) were significantly older (28.1 vs 23.4 years; P &lt; .001) and were more likely to be female (25.3% vs 17.4%; P = .02) but did not differ in terms of either preoperative imaging or intraoperative findings. Patients with self-reported back pain had significantly worse preoperative pain and shoulder-related PRO scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index) (P &lt; .001), more frequent depression (22.2% vs 8.3%; P &lt; .001), poorer mental health status (worse scores for the RAND 36-Item Health Survey Mental Component Score, Iowa Quick Screen, and Personality Assessment Screener) (P &lt; .01), and worse preoperative expectations (P &lt; .01). Conclusion:Despite having similar physical findings, patients with comorbid back pain had more severe preoperative pain and self-reported symptoms of instability as well as more frequent depression and lower mental health scores. The combination of disproportionate shoulder pain, comorbid back pain and mental health conditions, and inferior preoperative expectations may affect not only the patient's preoperative state but also postoperative pain control and/or postoperative outcomes